Clinique Comfort On Call Allergy Tested Relief Cream

A few weeks ago, my skin just up and decided to stage a mutiny. My upper body broke out in a rash. From my hairline all the way down to my torso, I was covered in itchy, sandpaper-like bumps (I now suspect eczema was the culprit). My lips didn't even escape unscathed; they were bumpy and inflated to almost twice their normal size. And on the worst day, my left eye was so swollen and droopy, I looked like a female Forest Whitaker.

As the days wore on, the bumps started to dry out and my skin became dessicated and extremely flaky. It was as if I was a snake, shedding an exoskeleton. The dryness of my face was unbearable. With every facial expression or movement of my mouth, it seemed like my skin would literally tear; it was so painful. Up until this point, I had only been using Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser - as it was all that my traumatized skin could handle. But it begged for more, so I dug through my skin care arsenal looking for a moisturizer substantial enough to quench my skin's thirst, but gentle enough not to send it into another tizzy. I hit the jackpot when I came across a sample of Clinique Comfort On Call Allergy Tested Relief Cream that the brand sent me a few months ago to review.

I can't say enough wonderful things about this cream. My skin is the true testament. After just a few days of using Comfort On Call Allergy Tested Relief Cream, I started to recognize the reflection in the mirror again. And now that the rash (and its remnants) are almost gone, I continue to apply the cream after cleansing in the AM and PM.

According to Clinique, I've got their "exclusive, patent-pending Enviro-Soothe™ Complex" to thank for soothing and saving my face. Clinique also promises that when "used over time, it strengthens skin's lipid barrier to support natural healing."

Comfort On Call Allergy Tested Relief Cream also works wonders on dry, cracked hands. I can't think of a better winter skin care pick than this one; it earns Holy Grail status. If you suffer from reactive, sensitive or dry skin, you'd be a smart gal to add it to your shopping list.

Clinique Comfort On Call Allergy Tested Relief Cream is available at clinique.com, Sephora, Bloomingdale's, and Nordstrom.

Recessionista's Fabuless Picks of the Week

I’m eczema prone in the wintertime, so I can’t be sudsing up with just any old body cleanser this time of year. Last month, while shopping at CVS for wrapping paper, I came across Johnson's Vanilla Oatmeal Body Wash, and quickly snatched it off the shelf. For centuries, oats have been used to soothe, protect and moisturize dry and irritated skin; so I figured if this body wash contains oatmeal and is gentle enough for infants, it couldn’t hurt. I’m glad that I took a chance because this bottle o’ bubbles is just what the dermatologist ordered. The creamy formula lathers up nice (sans sodium lauryl sulfate) thoroughly cleanses without stripping, the oatmeal relieves my itchy scratchies and the subtle vanilla scent is warm and comforting. And for less than $5, it’s this recessionista’s pick of the week. And it’s even more fabuless if you actually have a baby…you can share!

After you emerge from the shower/bath, do yourself a favor and don’t dry yourself completely. Pat your skin with a towel so that there’s still some moisture on the skin - then apply Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Oil all over your body. This preservative-free, lightweight formula contains an exclusive blend of key ingredients for scars, stretch marks, dry, damaged skin, uneven skin tone, aging skin, lines and wrinkles. The oil locks in moisture; your skin will look and feel soft, with a radiant sheen. The product sinks in on contact and the formula is non-greasy and non-staining, so you needn’t wait to get dressed. The scent is to die for (like a frothy black and white milkshake) and it’s only $10.99 for a 5.1 oz bottle!