How do I find the best skin care products?

• Look for brands that are organically preserved using Rooibos, Green Tea, White Tea or Pomegranate Extract.
• Look for brands that avoid unnecessary chemicals and are toxin-free.
• If you are looking online at products, make sure that they have a glossary and know their ingredients.
• Use brands that are affiliated with organizations that are dedicated to organic, natural and full disclosure. For instance, the Organic Trade Association, Green Products Alliance and American Botanical Council.
• See if they have signed the Truth in Labelling Pledge with the Natural Ingredients Resource Center or the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics Pledge.
• Also stick with brands that use pure, unadulterated essential oils to scent their products.

You do not need to break the bank in order to have the right products for your skin type and skin tone.

Read the ingredient labels on your products, and don’t believe everything you read online or in the consumer press; if in doubt, ask your esthetician.

Don’t follow every new fad which comes out, or you will be putting combinations of ingredients on your face that may do more harm than good.

The best tip that I can give is to read labels and educate yourself by doing research on products that you plan to purchase.

• Read! Read! Read! Internet blogs are a great way to find information from women who don't know you and are willing to share their experience with the products they have used. They also aren't getting paid for their information.
• Friends mean well, but what works for them may not work for you.
• Dermatologists all seem to agree on Neutrogena and Aveeno as good brands for all skin types.
• Department store lines such as Clarins offer samples to try and train their beauty advisors on the functions of the skin as well as their products.