questions

Tune in tomorrow or the next day, and I may have some lycra capris to show you (I know! And it’s not even Halloween!). In the meantime, I have some questions:
1. Has anyone tried Rowan Handknit DK Cotton? How is it? Are there any good substitutions, or is the Rowan stuff da bomb (and do people still say that? I have never said it, so I don’t know why I am now).
2. Seeking moisturizer suggestions. I am always in search of the perfect facial moisturizer. I prefer something with spf, since I have some age-related pigmentation issues. I have normal to dry skin, but I don’t really like creams, cuz they make my face feel gree-zeee, and that’s gross. Oh, I also don’t like really smelly stuff, and I don’t really feel like paying a fortune (no Creme de la Mer for me), because that just seems silly and a tad delusional. Any advice?

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63 Responses to questions

  1. Brenda says:

    Cetaphyl lotion. Come in a big pump bottle and super cheap. Makes your skin soft, and not greasy. Don’t know about the SPF though. My Mom just started using it, I tried hers and loved it.

  2. cari says:

    Neutragena oil-free has SPF and doesn’t feel greasy but works quite well…

  3. marielle says:

    Neutrogena Pore-Refining Cream with SPF15. Yes, it’s technically a cream, but not greasy, not stinky, not very spendy, and worked wonders on my (ahem) age-related spots 🙂

  4. Terry says:

    I’m so happy to finally have a “real” reason to comment! I was a random-moisturizer user for years until I finally went to a dermatologist for some post-chemo beauty advice (Hodgkin’s disease, blah blah blah). Anyhoo, she gave me a sample of this Aveeno “Positively Radiant” Daily Moisturizer with spf 15. I thought I was allergic to sunscreen but apparently it’s been “updated” and no longer produces the napalm-like facial burns of yore. Also, for whatever reason, it gives me a kind of a healthy glow. You should try it! It may not be da bomb but it’s quite good and that’s fo’ shizzle.

  5. Nathania says:

    Origins Have a Nice Day. SPF 15 and very light, non-greasy. Fragrance is very light, citrusy. Love it.

  6. J Strizzy says:

    Another Neutrogena vote: I use one without SPF, and it’s for combination skin, so you probably don’t want the same one, but none of their moisturizers that I’ve used have been greasy, and I don’t think any of them are scented. And most of them come in SPF versions.

  7. chris says:

    My personal fave for moist but not greasy is from Clinique — you know, the yellow stuff! Very basic, but it works. I’m not sure if they have an SPF version or not, but they should!

  8. Katherine says:

    Neutrogena Daily Face Moisturizer with SPF 15 (or 30, and can be from no tint to darker tint) for in the morning, and good old Clinique’s Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion.

  9. Karen says:

    Try DHC products http://www.dhccare.com/en/default.aspx
    They have a moisturizer with spf 25 called Dual Defense. If anything, get on the mailing list. Every catalog includes a free sample or two.

  10. Stasia says:

    I use homemade, all-natural stuff on my face, and haven’t yet found how to add SPF, so sorry I can’t be of help there… but I had to write and say I LOVE the doggie rain jacket! Great job!

  11. Rani says:

    I’ve recently started using Almay Milk Lotion with SPF. Love it! Not greasy at all and very soothing on my normal to dry skin.

  12. Katie says:

    My moisturizer recommendation – Eucerin. A friend’s dermotologist recommended it and it comes in various SPFs. I am prone to breakouts so have to be very careful – Eucerin has been great.

  13. Leslie says:

    Aveno is cheep and doesn’t smell and you can get it while you are picking up your food too!! It evened out my skin tone and it has a spf on top of all that good stuff. Olay is greasy, Clinique is expensive, and almost like aveno but smells. Hope this helps

  14. Leslie says:

    Aveno is cheep and doesn’t smell and you can get it while you are picking up your food too!! It evened out my skin tone and it has a spf on top of all that good stuff. Olay is greasy, Clinique is expensive, and almost like aveno but smells. Hope this helps

  15. alison says:

    Cari beat me to it: I use Neutragena oil-free moisturizer, but I just got up to check, and mine doesn’t have SPF. I’m sure they make an SPF version, though. It’s great stuff.

  16. Domestigirl says:

    I’m fond of the Do It Daily from BeneFit. All of their stuff works well on my skin (I particularly love the pineapple facial scrub) but the Do It Daily feels really nice on my skin. They also have a tinted one which looks almost like a foundation but works just like a moisturizer with 15 spf.
    You can get Benefit at Macy’s or Sephora, I think.

  17. Corinne says:

    I was searching the web {Google} for scarfs for my “Whats Hot” column for the school newspaper and I saw one of your scarfs I clicked on it and it brought me to your page I read some of the entries[I hope you don’t mind] and I cam upon one that happened I think here in Minnesota and I was wondering do you live in Minnesota? and if you do could you make me a scarf and send it to me? I don’t know how to mit and I was really looking for some nice ones. Thanks Corinne (age 15)

  18. Theresa says:

    One more vote in the moisturizer poll — I’ve had good luck with what I’ve bought from Origins. My skin is super oily, but Chicago winters are still pretty dry. Not sure if they have any with SPF, but I don’t think any of their products have any strange/bad smells. They’re a little pricey, but not completely over the top… and every time I’ve wanted to sample something new from them, they’ve been happy to give me a sample to take home and try, so you don’t have to buy at your own risk.
    They also have some great chocolate scented body lotion and soap right now as well…

  19. Alison says:

    It’s good ‘ole fashion Oil Of Olay for me (the non-oil kind)!

  20. Sara says:

    I live in the gloriously temperate and sometimes humid South, so I use something light for my sensitive, normal skin. Shockingly enough, a fill-in on vacation purchase has won my heart. It’s the Morning Burst Moisturizer from Clean and Clear. SPF 15 and all. And it’s five bucks or something.
    In the winter or when I visit in dry climates, I take that and use Cetaphil for face wash. My mom has drier skin than me from age and uses their moisturizer too and LOVES it even more than the expensive spa stuff she was using.

  21. molly says:

    My vote is for Cetaphil with SPF 15. I actually keep some right next to my computer. It’s great!

  22. Shirley says:

    Here’s my two cents on moisturizers. Banana Boat Faces Plus Sunblock, spf 23, hypoallergenic and oil free and formulated for Normal/Combination skin. I use it year around about $8-$10 widely available in most stores (seems I can’t use the D word for stores like Rite Aid on this blog). I’ve been switching to Aveeno products and they work great though I like a higher spf on their moisturizer. Oh and no overpowering odor and as far as I am concerned not greasy (and yes, I have a T-zone or combination skin type that’s a bit oilier than the rest of my face).

  23. Jenn says:

    Check out Paula’s Choice products at cosmeticscop.com
    I use the super antioxidant concentrate (feels slick but not greasy, and my skin glows the next day) and the essential non-greasy sunscreen (I have both the 15 and the 30). If I’m not leaving the house I skip the moisturizer with sunscreen and use the skin balancing moisture gel.
    I’m another Cetaphil facewash user. I use the big ol’ pump bottle Cetaphil moisturizer for my body.

  24. Nicole B. says:

    I vote for the Aveeno “Positively Radiant” Daily Moisturizer with spf 15. It has soy in it and really does help even pigmentation issues. A peasize drop of this is all you need. My face does not feel greasy at all.

  25. Cindy says:

    Aveeno, I have never been disappointed in any of their products.

  26. shobhana says:

    both nivea and neutrogena make good, inexpensive moisturizers.

  27. Donna says:

    Happy New Year, Mariko – thanks so much for asking about moisturizers; I love these recommendations, and I’ve been taking notes!

  28. claudia says:

    OK, I’m late. But Deedle’s raincoat is KILLING ME!

  29. Marnie says:

    When consumer reports rated sun block a couple years ago they rated Oil of Olay moisturizers very well for the sun protection. It’s definitely not waterproof, though. I use it daily and it’s not terribly thick, absorbs quickly and seems to do the trick (i.e. I’m ghostly white all the time, even living in LA)
    ~marnie

  30. knittykim says:

    moisturizer poll: Neutrogena, and they have sensitive, and 2 types that have SPF 15 (i think), as well as one with those fruit acid thing-ies. I use the sensitive one, and wash with the facial cleanser (liquid, clear, no fragrance, pump bottle)

  31. Haldeman says:

    Moisturizer:
    At the moment I’m taking Accutane and can pretty much promise that I have the driest and most sensitive skin in the world!!! (well, at least it feels like it). The only thing that’s been both soothing and non-greasy is Cetaphil moisturizer. I can’t speak highly enough about it.

  32. Amy says:

    I’m partial for Eucerin, also recommended by my dermotologist. I use the Extra Protective SPF 30, but they also have an SPF 15 with alpha-hydroxy, daily sun defense (15), and anti-wrinkle (15) versions. Great stuff!

  33. Anonymous says:

    I use Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturizer SPF 15. I cannot say enough good things about it. I have been using it for YEARS. I got lazy last summer and tried something else and broke out. I recently got my husband to start using it because he was getting raccoon eyes from being out in the sun with his sunglasses.

  34. Stephanie VW says:

    Neo Strata!!!
    I work in the pharmacy biz here in the Great White North and Neo Strata is oft prescribed by dermatologists for people with sun damage and other skin “issues. It can be purchased without a prescription, at least in Canada. They have a huge line of products that contain glycolic acid to help with the “aging process”. My husband uses their body cream on his psoriasis-prone spots and never has a problem. It is a bit pricey (around $24 for body cream; I’m not sure about the face stuff)- but definitely worth it. I know a lady who has used it every day for about 10 years and her skin is like buttah (but not as greasy as butter, of course). They would definitely have a product with spf.
    My second vote would be for the Aveeno products. I can’t get enough of their hand cream with menthol!

  35. Estelle says:

    My favorite moisturizer is, by far far far, the Clinique “Moisture Surge Extra Thirsty Skin Relief”, it’s the only cream I use until the end! It is a very sweet pink cream that is absolutely not greasy, I just love it!

  36. MJ says:

    Cetaphil moisturizer with SPF 15. I have dry skin and my face loves this stuff. I used to use Neutrogena but this is milder. And, you can find it at any store.
    Deedle looks hilarious in her raincoat! Are you going to make a hood too? With earflaps? LOL!!!

  37. kim says:

    I used to use the Neutrogena w/o sunscreen and loved it. However, when I tried their moisturizer w/ sunscreen it burned my skin and seemed oilier than the regular. I then switched to the Aveno Positively Radiant SPF 15 and absolutely love it. Not oily, no breakouts, no burning…. It is even great in the winter.

  38. Emma says:

    Rowan Handknit Cotton is lovely to work with and doesn’t pill like cheaper cottons.You want some bits to try – just send your address…
    You could knit me a scarf too ! ;0]

  39. Raquel says:

    I have what they consider problem skin and I really like the Orgins products. Natural smelling and they have SPF protection. Check them out they will even give you free samples if you ask. If you are looking to spend some money, try PCA Skin. They were recommended by my dermatologist and it really works wonders. It does cost quite a bit, but if you are looking for real results this is the place to go. http://www.physchoiceaz.com. The phaze 7 mosturizer is the one I have used, it has SPF 25!

  40. elizabeth says:

    Way back when I was in H.S. my dermatologist recommended Purpose cleansing bar & lotion and that’s what I’ve been using ever since. fyi – i have a classic t-zone oily in spots, dry in others. While my skin doesn’t get that dry in SF, this lotion stood up in the incredibly dry midwestern winters before I moved out here. It’s available at most drug stores, target, grocery, etc although since Purpose only makes about 3 products it can be hard to find in that sea of facial concoctions. If you don’t want to buy a whole bottle, let me know and I can send you a sample.

  41. mia says:

    I have been using Origins creme bars for cleansing every since I was on Accutine several years ago. That stuff made my skin hyper-sensitive to everything. I used to use the Origins Have a Nice Day moisturizer but I have since switched over to one I pick up at my local organic market. The one from Origins has an SPF 15 in it. And very few people even come close to guessing my age (normally they are about 10 years off) unless they went to school with since they are the same age.

  42. Rose says:

    I have to second Kiehl’s Ultra Facial! They have with and without SPF 15. I have been using it for at least 15 years and I have never broke out or felt greasy (I have extremely sensitive, normal/dry skin….). I have just recently tried their Lycopene Facial lotion and I love that (I use it alternately), but pricey… $35 for a tiny bottle.

  43. kathi says:

    happy new year! i have tried for years looking for a moisturizer that did not feel greasy icky on my face, i have oily acne prone skin with sun damage(my okaasan warned me…she is 70 now without a single age spot on her body). there are two products, both by clinique, that i now love very much. the first is for the discolorations and must be used daily for best results, it’s called advanced stop signs(it works!). it’s light and gel-like. the other is superdefense-triple action moisturizer w/spf 25. i have very oily skin so i am using the normal to oily configuration…it doesn’t feel greasy and i can even use it under my foundation(in the past with other products, i felt as if i were wearing a mask of oil). i also have found a face wash that keeps my adult acne at bay(without meds!), it is estee lauders’ sparkling clean purifying mud foam cleanser. i think some of these might work for you in the normal formulas and i believe both lines offer samples(it’s how i discovered the superdefense) oh, and drink lotsa water!

  44. kathi says:

    ooops forgot to mention cost…the cost for the clinique stuff is about $75 for both and the face wash is around $20. these are hawaii prices so you may be able to find a better deal where you are living. and i was born without a sense of smell so can’t help you in that area…but this is the first time in years my skin has looked this good.

  45. Wendy says:

    Definitely Olay Complete Defense, SPF 30….not overly greasy and I use it under makeup, etc. Recommeded by my dermatologist. If you are serious about sun damage go for something more than SPF 15 if you can! I’ve tried everything and it is the only thing that doesn’t feel greasy and it is fairly inexpensive, like 10-15 bucks or so.
    On the Rowan Handknit Cotton, I’ve knit with it but find that at times the colors are a bit flat and almost look like they will fade. Just a thought. It knits up to a nice, sturdy fabric, though and shows detail well.

  46. Collette says:

    I love the Paula’s Choice products–she’s the cosmetics cop lady. She’s got different formulations of moisturizers both with and without sunscreen. I use without at night and with during the day. It’s very reasonably priced, no freaky hype (“We can EXTERMINATE your wrinkles FOREVER!!!”) and she lists all the ingredients and tells you how and why they’re used. Lots of great informative articles too. I love free learning with my purchase!
    http://www.cosmeticscop.com

  47. karen says:

    My mom (Asian, mid-40s) swears by Clinique’s skin products. My personal favorite facial moisterizer has to be Urban Decay’s. It had SPF 15, came in an oil free formula and was $16. However, I did some quick search on Sephora.com and I think it’s discontinued. :o(. That was the best moisturizer. It felt like you had nothing on, and was soooooo light.

  48. Kay says:

    I’ll let you deal with the moisturizer question, and echo Emma’s comments about the Rowan Handknit DK–it’s very good, and there is no non-mercerized DK-weight cotton as nice, that I’ve found, and I’m a huge cotton knitter (if mercerized cotton is an option for you, you must check out the Tahki Cotton Classic–truly the best US mercerized cotton, at least if you are looking for good color selection). Since I live in the US, and have a substantial reserve (some of which I got from dear Emma) of the Rowan cotton, send me your address (bigbonegalAThotmail.com) and I’ll ship ya a tasting.
    I think you missed your calling as a doggy couture rain gear designer. Deedle has got it going ON. xox Kay

  49. freecia says:

    This is why magazines are filled with skin care and cosmetic ads 😉 They all work fairly well but there’s a definite price difference. I find in the winter I like to use something a bit oilier like Dove’s new facial care line. It comes with and without sunblock and the sans sunblock one is a “sensitive” version. My bf is allergic to sunblock so unless I want him splotchy, I tend to wear the sans-sunblock when I know I’ll be seeing him.
    In the summer I like the lighter weight and more liquid shiseido. Shiseido has some excellent products for asian skin, including lightening products. I’m sure you’ve seen the fashion trend for pale faces in Japan… way too pale to be natural.
    I keep on wanting to try the Japanese Market’s Kanebo products which seem to be good sellers at most of the asian markets around here (lots of asians in the SF south bay) and fairly inexpensive compared to department store brands. Plus, all those Japanese ads of pretty bright faced cheeky girls get to me.
    If you don’t wear makeup (I don’t), a tinted moisturizer with titanium dioxide might be handy.

  50. jen. says:

    I have superdry skin but I just use the Olay Complete, SPF 15. It’s about $8 and lasts forever. Just slather it on, it’s not greasy at all.
    jen.

  51. Cynthia says:

    I love Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer. SPF 15 and soy complex. My skin is dry and “mature” and I definitely noticed a difference in the way it looked after a few days.

  52. rae says:

    Happy New Year!
    just read an article about moisterizers, and it quoted a dermatologist. the guy said there’s not much of a difference in moisterizers except price and personal preference. that said, i use shiseido and use the skin care in the summer and benefiance in the winter – just found the cheapest place to buy is FIJI duty free, go figure!

  53. Shetha says:

    Kiehl’s ultra facial moisturizer + SPF 15… maybe the aveeno product is good too but I know they use petroleum products. That’s a matter of preference I suppose… I’m highly sensitive to fragrance so I have to be careful, too. That’s why I started making my own soaps and lotions 🙂

  54. Rebecca says:

    I was using some SPF15 facial moisturizer from Kiehls, but my face seemed a little oily. Then I tried their water-based and it was better. Then I got a rash (for no real reason) and got something really basic at Walgreens which I really like: Eucerin. Works great – has SPF, face feels smooth, not shiny or greazy, not stinky, and really well priced. 😉

  55. Kristin says:

    I use Neutrogena with SPF during the day and Kiss My Face night cream and am always kissably soft.

  56. k1rk says:

    I’ll tell you the same thing I tell everyone who is looking for a good, non-greezee facial moisturizer–get thee to a Keihl’s-ery. You want Keihl’s Ultra Facial moisturizer. It is simply the best. I too have a low greezee tolerance point. So, if I approve, it has to be good. It’s not the cheapest, but isn’t isn’t department-store-moisturizer-expensive either.
    They make an SPF 15 version of Ultra Moisturizer. But, be forwarned, it isn’t the same experience. I’m sorry, I don’t know where you live. I should know that. But, what you need to do is get to a store that carries Keihl’s and tell them that you are torn between the SPF15 and the regular. They’ll give you some samples to take home and try out.
    K1rk

  57. Gina says:

    I worked for Origins, so it’s nice to see that they’ve made the cut for a few of these ladies. One nice bonus: the products are naturally-based, so the scent you smell is not an added chemical fragrance. It’s all essential oils, so the scent is there but fades quickly enough.
    Aveeno is also one that I would suggest. Personally, if you are not given to loads of facial product, buy a non-sunscreen moisturize for night & day, but be sure to layer SPF of some sort (at least 15+) OVER your moisturizer.

  58. Cinnamon says:

    I have to say that I’ve tried almost all of the products mentioned here and none of them have made me happy. I have rosacea and oily nose, and chin while super-dry everything else. Then a friend started selling Mary Kay and gave me some samples and I am in heaven. My breakouts have ceased. I haven’t gotten a pimple in three weeks (I’m 32 and this hasn’t happened since I was 15!), my skin is soft and doesn’t shine or remind you of a lizard, and while they’re not supermarket cheap prices, they aren’t horrible either. I think it cost me $45 for cleanser, moisturizer, and foundation. The TimeWise line has made me very, very happy.
    Gotta say I’ve been reading you forever and never commented cause I suck. I love your site and all your projects. Thanks for doing what you do, I find it very inspiring.

  59. lucy says:

    I love my Eucerin, I think the version I use is the sensitive skin one, SPF 30, no fragrance, and it’s nice and light and not the least bit greasy.

  60. lydia says:

    Rowan, in general, is the bomb-diggity, but yes, their Handknit DK is one of the aforementioned. I don’t like working with cotton yarn very much, so I’m partial to their Wool-cotton, but the Handknit DK shows patterns fantastically and feels really nice when it’s knit up.

  61. K says:

    Totally seconding (thirding? fourthing?) the Aveeno Positively Radiant spf 15. I hate greasy and I hate scents, but mostly I hate how most SPF products TASTE when you get it too close to your lips. Aveeno wins in all regards. Plus it has magical light deflecting properties, it claims. 😉

  62. susan says:

    ‘da bomb’ is ok, but maybe if you added some izzle, you’d feel more current… i.e. da bizz-omb… it’s 2005 after all, new memories, new miracles!
    speaking of miracles, olay complete in spf 15 or 30… my mom made me start using it when i was a teenager and i love it! and apparently it has good skin protection because (i teach in china) my students often ask me ‘do you use olay?’ and i was recently told that i’m shockingly pale for an american by a complete stranger… that may not be what you’re going for, but olay is still great, and cheap…
    i love your blog!

  63. stinkerbell says:

    dont know if its listed but mario badescu’s pentavitamin moisture magnet is my BEST friend. You can call (or go to a nordys near you if they carry it) and get a good sized tester too! Which is a rule for me.
    As a swimmer I have had to track down those things that keep me from scaling. I have found the ones I pay a bit more for really are worth it. And having grown up in AZ I have NO qualms slatherinig it on. This one goes on and then sinks in.
    For one that I usually dilute with Kiehls ultra facial moisturizer, Bobbi Borwn special dry skin line cream is THICK and after about 2 minutes softening too.
    Neither is greasy. Both are in the mid price range, and well worth the prices that they charge.
    call me the moisturizer queen 🙂

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