Now, on the good stuff…

A Beauty Bug reader asks “I have a burning question, and I wonder if you can help before I spend like $17 on another trial/error. I have normal skin, but it gets pretty (really) dry, and I’m 38, so I want to start using something anti-aging. The moisturizers I have typically used are effective, but are heavy enough that they bug me, feeling heavy and slickish – enough so that I can’t apply face makeup afterward without feeling certifiably gooey. I also do not have all the money in the world. Do you know of anything you think would be a relatively sure bet for me?”

While The Beauty Bug is not a skin care professional, Her vanity is overflowing with products, so She’s had Her fair share of experience. Additionally, before perfecting her morning skin care routine The Beauty occasionally had the same problem; it’s the worst feeling when you use a thick moisturizer that doesn’t absorb well in the morning – your makeup doesn’t apply well appears shiny.

Here’s what she recommends: For your anti-aging morning product, try Mario Badescu’s Cellufirm Drops. While Mario’s formulas has been questioned and given mediocre reviews by some beauty bloggers, this is his stand out product. Even the skin care guru, The Cosmetic Cop agrees. She says that it “contains some very good water-binding agents and antioxidants in a lightweight lotion form. It is an option for skin that is slightly dry to normal to oily.” Lightweight is the key-word here – as soon as I apply it, it begins to absorb. Also, while this may be a little but more then you wanted to spend, the Cellufirm Drops can also act as a morning eye cream.

That takes care of the anti-aging part; now for the moisture.

The Beauty Bug recommends any Aveeno Positively Radiant Moisturizer that contains SPF. This is a highly touted affordable drug store brand, and just last year one of their moisturizers was named one of InStyle’s Best Beauty Buys. In fact, two of their products landed the list, the other being their Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser. The Beauty Bug currently uses a moisturizer from the Positively Smooth Collection, which she loves, and it absorbs just as well as the Cellufirm Drops. However, because it does not contain SPF, she will be switching to A Positively Radiant formula.

So, The Beauty Bug hopes that She helped to solve this readers morning skin care dilemma – she provided a $39 solution which will last you 6+ months.