Affordable Anti-Aging: 10 Women, 10 Products
By Raiscara Avalon and Genevieve Cruz
In the past month or two, we've asked women from across the country for their beauty faves. You might have seen our story on women and their favorite mascaras or our more recent article on must-have lip-glosses. We hope you've enjoyed these features. We've loved reading all your comments as well. This go-around, we're asking the question...
Every woman wants to take care of her skin, and wants the very best products to keep her skin looking young. Every woman is also looking for that miracle anti-aging product-- the one that removes fine lines and wrinkles, tightens skin and fights other aging skin problems all without drying the skin or leaving it feeling like a grease slick. Serious bonus points for the product that does all of this and doesn't do serious damage to one's wallet. Read on to see which anti-aging products got picked and how it worked for these women. The skincare gods would be proud--nothing's over $65!
Estee Lauder Idealist
Submitted by: Kasey Smith (Crofton, MD)
What she said: "If I had to pick one product that I could never do without, this would be it. I LOVE it! It refinishes the skin and leaves it soft and smooth. It feels like liquid silk! Fine lines are gone and the tone of my skin is even. I have been using this product for about 7 years and nothing keeps me without it. When we moved to Crofton a few years ago and I wasn't sure if I would find a job right away, I actually made my husband promise that we would always find money for my skin care products! Thankfully, we never went hungry and I still have great skin. Try this product... I guarantee you will love it!"
Get Estee Lauder Idealist, $46.50 at Estee Lauder
Submitted by Cindy Pierce (Frisco, TX)
What she said:
"The best product for aging nails! As we get older, our nails split, peel, thicken and sometimes turn a dull yellowish color. For a couple of years, I kept a small sample jar of Nivea Soft in my car to soothe my hands every morning as I drove into work. I always received compliments about my nails during this time. At one point, I was unable to find the Nivea Soft samples, so I bought another product and soon noticed my nails began splitting and peeling. I discovered the "cure" is in the combination of jojoba oil and Vitamin E, the exact ingredients found in this cream and two important ingredients for nail health. I immediately ordered two large jars. Within two weeks of going back to Nivea Soft, my fingernails (and toenails) went back to looking beautiful and healthy. No need for polish!"
Get Nivea Soft, $6.79 from drugstore.com
Submitted by Lita World
(Monte Sereno, CA)What she said: I read so much about this product before I tried it. I kept seeing information in magazines and online about how wonderful it works. The product is easy enough to find as it is carried at Target. I am currently on my second bottle. I love this serum. It doesn't feel heavy or greasy. It simply amazes me with how it's smoothed my skin, evened out my skin tone and lessened the appearance of my rather large pours. Also, I have experienced zero skin irritation while using this product. I'm in my early 40s and feel like I will be using this product for a long, long time!"
Get Boots No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Beauty Serum, $22.99 at drugstore.com
Submitted by Sylvie Branch (Cleveland, OH)
What she said:
For years I have heard the phrase, "you look so tired" even when I thought I was looking pretty darn good. After one use of this concealer, my tired eyes magically disappeared. I simply warmed a small bit of the solid waxy balm between my fingertips. Then gently patted the creamy concealer under my eyes and on my cheeks to even out my complexion. It doesn't look mask like, chalky or shiny. Just another smooth, natural wrinkle-free beautiful face in Cleveland. This is all the face makeup I need now. I will never go back to anti-aging foundation and powder again--in an effort to cover up under eye circles, I often wound up looking years older with those products."Get TheBalm Time Balm Anti-Wrinkle Concealer, $18 from Apothica
Submitted by BB Lee
What she said: I was about to give up looking for an inexpensive anti-wrinkle skin product, then I discovered this. There are formulas available for women to purchase: the Day Lotion and the Night Creme. I purchased both. The day repair goes on smoothly under makeup. And I must say a little dab covers the face completely. One thing I didn't like was that the creme burned my eyes and made them tear if it got too close. Both products lasted me for about ten weeks, which was plenty of time to notice smoother and softer skin, a vast improvement over my dry skin's previous tired look. My skin also has a healthy glow even without makeup."
Get L'Oreal Advanced RevitaLift Advanced RevitaLift Deep-Set Wrinkle Repair SPF Day Lotion, $15.99 from drugstore.com
Submitted by Karen Crenshaw ( Murfreesboro, TN)
What she said:
Although I was able to achieve a lovely, smooth forehead through Botox, I still struggled with those fine lines appearing around my eyes and mouth. Two weeks after purchasing this, I have to say I'm thoroughly impressed. It has plumped and smoothed the wrinkles around my eyes, upper lip and even my neck. Easy to use, I apply the cream before applying make up in the mornings and again after I wash my face at night. I have never had any burning or irritation with this product and will continue to use daily. This $8.99 product has worked better for me than the $150 Prevage that I purchased from my doctor. This one gets five stars from me!"
Get Alpha-Hydrox Eye & Upper Lip Cream, $8.99 from Ulta.com
Submitted by Andi ( Saint Louis, MO)
What she said: I'm 34 now and have made a hobby out of trying every new-and-improved product--everything from $200 dollar department store "serums" to mail-order miracles that only 2 am infomercials can offer. I have very fair skin--the red-headed kind of skin that seems to cringe at the very thought of sunlight and wrinkles like tissue paper seemingly overnight. Two weeks ago, I thought I would take a chance on this cream. After only 2 days (and nights) of using this, I've seen a huge difference! My skin seems healthier, firmer, and lines around my mouth and eyes have all but disappeared. Even the texture is better. My skin is prone to breakouts. It has even helped with that. Even my pores seem smaller and less noticeable. I used to scoff at the idea of that little pink bottle of Oil of Olay on my mother's dresser. I hate to admit it but, now I know my Mom was right all along."
Get Olay Regenerist Resculpting Cream, $24.29 from drugstore.com
Submitted by M. Fuchsloch (New York, NY)
What she said: 
A few months ago, I began to notice in photographs that the skin around my eyes was wrinkling as I smiled. Because moisturizers tend to clog my pores, I rarely use creams on my face. I'm also not a fan of using a lot of chemicals on my skin. After a lot of research, I discovered this night cream. Korres uses natural formulas to combat skin dilemmas based on Greek homeopathic remedies. The cream is made for maturing skin and works while you sleep. It's light, so it doesn't clog pores, and it's free of substances I prefer to avoid, such as parabens, sulfates and synthetic dyes. I am no longer concerned about smiling for the camera! It has made a dramatic difference in the condition of my skin."
A few months ago, I began to notice in photographs that the skin around my eyes was wrinkling as I smiled. Because moisturizers tend to clog my pores, I rarely use creams on my face. I'm also not a fan of using a lot of chemicals on my skin. After a lot of research, I discovered this night cream. Korres uses natural formulas to combat skin dilemmas based on Greek homeopathic remedies. The cream is made for maturing skin and works while you sleep. It's light, so it doesn't clog pores, and it's free of substances I prefer to avoid, such as parabens, sulfates and synthetic dyes. I am no longer concerned about smiling for the camera! It has made a dramatic difference in the condition of my skin."Get Korres Olive and Rye Night Cream, $38 from Amazon.com
Submitted by Raiscara Avalon (Freedom, ME)
What she said: "Why do I need anti-aging at 23? Being a smoker at the time, I had noticed a few frown lines here and there, yet they didn't worry me. I had no idea how much damage had been done to my face; that and the years of sun, not drinking enough water and the winter wait. After the first week of using this once a day with my regular face care regime, my skin felt smoother, tighter, and I had very few breakouts. Soon after that first week, I noticed a lessening in those frown lines between my eyebrows, and the small laugh lines I had around my mouth. I started getting carded to purchase anything for 18 and up. Never once did my face feel dry because of it, nor did it ever feel oily. It absorbs fast, usually before I can get my face moisturizer ready to be applied. While I haven't noticed any other dramatic improvements since starting, my skin has retained the same feel, and its been four years. It is indispensable."
Get Patricia Wexler MD MMPi Skin Regenerating Serum, $65 at Bath & Body Works
Submitted by Michelle Basile (St. Louis, MO)
What she said:
I've noticed an increase of crow's feet under my eyes in the corners.This is the best anti-aging cream; best for wrinkles and around the eye. Over a matter of a couple of weeks, you can really see the difference! This product makes your skin look smoother and wrinkle free. There are three skin types offered. They are referred to as, "levels." I use Level 6 and it worked pretty fast. For me, it was important to have a product that didn't feel greasy, was cost effective and lasted quite a while. My lines appeared as if they were tightened. My friends have even noticed.
Get Green Cream, from $35.95 at SkinCareRx.com
What's your favorite, affordable anti-aging product?
Comment below and share your go-to products with us!
Post this on your wall for all your beauty-queen friends to see!
Share
More in Skincare: Acne Solutions For Every Age | Make Your Eyes Look Younger | See All
Comments page 1 of 13
Highest Rank
solomeeo said 4-16-2010 @6:36AM
Clinique Dramatic Different moisturizer works great for me. I received it in a free gift promotion, which allowed me to try it without purchasing it. After using it for a week, I noticed my skin felt soft and smooth. When it was gone, I bought a full size bottle. Great for sensitive skin!
replyLowest Rank
jklrj said 4-16-2010 @8:13AM
My sister was considering laser resurfacing to get rid of her wrinkles and instead of going through that pain and expense, I urged her to reconsider and try Dermitage with me. I had heard great things about Dermitage and how it was much better than botox. I ordered two jars of Dermitage and sent one to her about 3 months ago. Recently we were together for her birthday and we both were impressed with the smooth look and softer texture of our skin. It was no accident if you go to their web site and read about the ingredients in Dermitage you'll see why it is in a class by itself when it comes to reducing the appearance of wrinkles. http://Dermitage.notlong.com
Neutral
EmmaJ said 4-16-2010 @10:32AM
It’s amazing because nothing else was working for my wrinkles until I found the Dead Sea Masque ( http://tiny.cc/DeadSeaMasque ), not topicals or even blue light treatment. People keep giving me compliments now and it feels great. I have only been using the product for two weeks and the difference in my skin tone is remarkable to say the least. I finally feel like I have healthy skin.....
Neutral
linda said 4-16-2010 @10:49AM
I got a bunch of samples in 1984 & somewhere along the line began trying to use it up & tried it as an eye make-up remover at night & have ever since! - it does the job of 2 products really well for me.
Neutral
Kimmie said 4-16-2010 @3:36PM
Clinique works the best for me. I have oily skin which makes it hard to find a great moisturizer. Their new "Youth Surge Night" creme for oily skin is like heaven. It makes my face incredibly soft and smooth. I love it so much, I use it during the daytime as well.
Highest Rank
AVON said 4-18-2010 @8:14PM
Get the best anti aging product from AVON. The ANEW line is the best on the market. Get it at the site below.
http://leslieashworth.avonrepresentative.com/
Highest Rank
I don't believe you said 4-19-2010 @12:39AM
I believe you have been paid to represent these products. How stupid do you think we are?
Neutral
Shar said 4-16-2010 @7:10AM
was avon product considered has anyone tried ANEW
replyNeutral
annie said 4-16-2010 @7:21AM
I tried Avon's Anew....I had to return it because it made my eyes water and burn...could have just been me being allergic to it.
Neutral
Jayne said 4-16-2010 @8:00AM
I used Avon's Retroactive for years along with Luminosity (sp?) and loved both, but eventually developed an allergy to both. I have not been able to find any products that worked as well as these. :(
Neutral
Bev said 4-16-2010 @8:21AM
Mary Kay has a much better creme, Time Wise Anti Aging Replenishing Serum+C. go to www.marykay.com/bhartnett1 - give it a try money back guarantee
Neutral
Amelia said 4-16-2010 @8:17AM
Yes, I'm 58 years old and I been used Anew Night and Day for 1 year , great product, my skin is smooth, and make my completion to look very fresh and healthy.
Neutral
Dottie said 4-16-2010 @8:34AM
I am72 and have been using Avon Anew and think it is great. It has made a big difference in my skin and wrinkles in my forehead.
Neutral
Becky said 4-16-2010 @8:49AM
I always used Anew products (after working in the cosmetic dept of a dept.store for 20 yrs) and was pleased with the results. as good or better in some cases as the dept store brands. but then one fateful day, I got the "newest" cream (therma-something)and BOOM, my face peeled, itched, everything, and I don't have sensitive skin, I have used EVERTYHING on my face. after spending $400 @ my dermatologist, I wrote to Avon and they said "sorry, maybe your dermatologist can find out what you were allergic to" really?! so that is why I don't use any of their products anymore.....
Highest Rank
Kim said 4-16-2010 @9:17AM
Until recently, I was a Avon Consultant for years and most of my customers that I sold Avon Anew to were in there 60s - 70s. It seemed to be popular with that age group. I thought if so many of my customers are using it then I would try it too. I'm 45 and have crows feet, wrinkles around my lips & my skin seems rutty to me. I attribute all of this to having a complete hysterectomy at the age of 32, since I looked like I was 15 all through my 20's & looked 20s when I was 30-32. At anyrate, I never saw any improvement in my skin or my customers for that matter while using Anew products. I threw mine in the trash.
Neutral
Sam said 4-16-2010 @9:14AM
I was an avid Oil of Olay user, and thought I was at a stand still. I tried the Anew along with the eye cream. I do not have normal skin, and it really dried out my skin. I thought I would try it again in the summer months when my skin is more oily than normal before I completely give up.
Neutral
Gail said 4-16-2010 @11:35AM
Yes I have used Avon And I love it make you face smooth. And to me helps the ageing look. Use it every day.
Neutral
Laura said 4-16-2010 @10:04AM
Hi-
Yes I use the Renew line from Avon! I have had very good luck with it. I am in my mid-forties and have good skin anyway but I am afraid of what will happen to my skin as I continue to age. I use the skin care line for 40's. I never thought I would spend $30 or $40 for face cream but I am a believer that many products are worth it! I use Avon's anti wrinkle cream and the Instant Facelift. They reduce pores and fine lines seem to disappear. I also like the eye cream/ lid gel. My eyes are very puffy in the morning. After applying this cream/ gel, the puffiness disappears. Thank you Avon!
Neutral
Caroline said 4-16-2010 @10:25AM
Yes, I am 44. I was really getting stress lines around my eyes. I do not have any crows feet any longer. The night cream is nice too. My daughter, whom I have not seen for a while noticed how great my skin looked. Then she ordered her own.
Neutral
Rosemarie said 4-16-2010 @10:55AM
Avon's Anew Face Lift cream has worked miracles for me. I have tried some of those mentioned and Avon products have worked better for me and is less expensive.