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Skincare: A Cheat Sheet

Steal our dos and don'ts for putting your best face forward

There's more than one way to get soft, bright and young-looking skin. It all starts by knowing the issues you're facing. We break down common skincare concerns and show you how to smooth them over.


Fine lines around the eyes.	Slice cucumbers and lie still with the cool veggie coins balanced on your face.	Dab a small amount of Philosophy Eye Hope around the eyes after cleansing in the morning and evening. The silky cream diminishes the appearance of fine lines, dark circles and puffiness, and even has light-diffusing properties to help brighten skin tone.
Embarrassing dark spots on your face.	Soak up sun without SPF protection in hopes of getting a glow that evens out skin tone.	Gently apply Garnier Skin Renew Clinical Dark Spot Correction Moisturizer to the face and neck daily (it's packed with rejuvenating vitamin C). Also, protect your skin with SPF, even in the winter.
Angry, dry skin aggravated by winter weather.	Slather on a thick moisturizer in the morning and hope for the best.	Hydrate your skin when you wake up and before you go to bed. Clean & Clear Morning Glow Moisturizer is a great all-over formula that both hydrates and brightens. For evening, The Body Shop Vitamin E Nourishing Night Cream replenishes antioxidants and leaves skin smooth while you sleep.
Wrinkles on the face and neck.	Wash your face repeatedly in hopes that clean skin equals wrinkle-free skin.	Use a protective moisturizer known for its plumping and firming properties. Washing your face too much can actually strip your skin of its natural oils that are needed for moisture. Instead, put down the washcloth and try Yes to Blueberries Deep Wrinkle Filler, which contains wild acacia that's clinically proven to tighten skin polymers and leave you with a smooth, youthful glow.
Acne caused by oily or combination skin.	Slather layers of makeup over trouble spots.	Start a daily regime that clears congested pores and calms inflammation. Dermalogica MediBac Clearing Adult Acne Kit comes with a number of secret weapons (wash, mattifier, and oil control lotion and gel) that are used in tandem to clarify skin.

Written by Kelly Aiglon

Kelly puts her best face forward as a freelance editor at DailyCandy.com and as a lifestyle reporter and copywriter. Still in love with the '80s, she can't stay away from electric-blue eyeliner and Bonne Bell Lip Smacker, although has yet to re-enter banana clip territory.