Another stop on the search for the perfect skin care routine

Like most women, I think I have tried just about everything there is to look younger, short of cosmetic surgery. I don’t have too much to complain about – some lines around my eyes, the occasional dark circle – but I definitely want to prevent looking any older than I have to. Good, consistent daily care is essential to getting and keeping the best looking complexion you can have, so to that end it has been my pleasure to try DHC’s reformulated line of co-enzyme Q10 anti-aging skin care products. The Q10 Essentials Set ($85) includes one of my already-favorite DHC products, the Deep Cleansing Oil (amazing for removing makeup), plus Q10 Facial Film Soap, Q10 Lotion and Q10 Cream.

The Deep Cleansing Oil is one of the best makeup removers, and it works well for any skin type. Just work a pump or two into dry skin and rinse off. It removes makeup, eyeliner, and mascara effortlessly, then lightly lathers and rinses clean away. Another cleanser in the set is a box of Q10 Facial Film Soap, incredibly thin sheets of soap that activate with water, completely dissolve into foamy lather, and quickly cleanse your face at the gym, while traveling, or just if you like that squeaky clean feeling after using the Deep Cleansing Oil. Even though my skin can hint at dryness, the Q10 Facial Film Soap work great for me.

After cleansing, I like to splash on Q10 Lotion. This toner gives an extra anti-aging boost, and if you apply a small amount with your hands instead of a cotton pad, you use less. I like to use just enough to leave my face damp, then I apply the last product of the set, Q10 Cream. A thin layer of this silky cream traps in the dewy layer of  Q10 Lotion for even more hydrating and anti-aging benefits. The Q10 Cream delivers just the right amount of hydration without being too heavy, just right for any skin type.

If you are looking for something new in anti-aging skincare, the Q10 Essentials Set is a great way to try the products at a discount, and you have a complete, morning and night routine in one set.

Afforable luxury: Alba Botanica’s new Rainforest Hair Care

We recently had the pleasure of trying Alba Botanica’s new Rainforest Hair Care, and now we fight with our teenage daughter over who gets to use the products! The smell is amazing, and the way it makes our hair look – super silky and shiny – makes us reconsider our recent drugstore-only hair care proclamation. Sure, these are more expensive at about $10 each for the Acai anti-oxidant shampoo and conditioner, but we think we will treat ourselves in this case

Age-Defying Daily Care from DHC

Everything you’ll need for an age-fighting, four-step skincare routine is available in DHC’s Q10 Essentials Set ($85, reg. individual 4-item total $117).

This skin-loving quartet works synergistically to help fight elasticity loss, and includes: A worldwide-bestselling makeup remover (Deep Cleansing Oil); convenient, just-add-water facial cleanser (Q10 Facial Film Soap); an age-defying toner (Q10 Lotion); and a rich, intensive moisturizer (Q10 Cream).

As we age, our skin’s natural levels of antioxidant co-enzyme Q10 diminish, leaving skin vulnerable to free radicals. And let’s face it, beautiful skin is healthy skin. Regular use of these products (recommended twice daily) helps promote the appearance of a smoother, more resilient-looking complexion.

Q10 Essentials Set