Cleanser on Shine

I THOUGHT My Skin Was Clean -- But I Was So Wrong

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I'm so bummed. I've been using my cleanser for ages and I was convinced that it was getting my skin perfectly clean, but it totally wasn't. In retrospect, the near-constant breakouts should have been an indication that something was up, but I don't think I'm the only one who assumed that washing your face automatically gets rid of all the gunk.

Turns out, no, no it doesn't. It totally depends on what cleanser you use and your technique. If you're wondering whether your skin is "really clean" or just "fake clean," check out this quiz (it’s how I discovered my blunder in the first place). Then, check out these tips to keep your skin truly clean:

Found! The Best Skin Care Products at Ulta

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You're familiar with Ulta right? It's kind of a melding of Sephora and your drugstore's beauty aisle -- and a great place to kill a few hours without even trying. However, if you don't feel like wandering the aisles trying to discern the best of the best, let this little (OK, it's kind of big) list be your guide.

Below are the top skin care products available at Ulta, according to TotalBeauty.com readers, who are certainly no strangers to this -- or really any -- beauty store. Click on the products to see why our readers thought they were worth picking up.

No. 19: Too Faced Wrinkle Injection, $26.50, TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 9 (out of 10)

Protect Yourself from Swine Flu with these Anti-Bacterial Products

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I know this swine flu is scary, but really, it's not much different from a regular flu (other than the media coverage). I went to the doctor yesterday because of a migraine and she said I was the first person that day who didn't think I had swine flu* -- yikes!

Lets give the doctors a break and use some common sense and precautions, because we can keep ourselves safe. You know the drill, wash your hands (this soap is my current fave), stay away from sick people, maybe reschedule that trip to Cancun, etc. If you're looking for extra protection -- hey it couldn't hurt -- try one of our top five favorite anti-bacterial products:

10 Summer Beauty Buys Under $10!

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You don’t have to spend a fortune to feel luxurious.

Take these 10 beauty deals, for instance. They're all priced under $10 and are perfect for a summer cosmetic bag makeover.

Even better, your fresh new look (and the savings to your pocketbook) will surely switch your mindset to rich and glamorous.

Here are our favorite fab frugal finds for:

What Comes First, Eye Cream or Moisturizer?

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Just me or do you layer on skin care
products just kinda praying that you're
putting them on in the most effective order? Like should the antioxidant serum go before an acne treatment? Does eye cream (like these reader-approved ones) go on before moisturizer? Does it even freaken matter? We all have more important things to stress out about, so I'm sharing this step-by-step guide from a few trusted skin gurus. We can all sleep better tonight knowing that our wrinkles are being successfully attacked by...

Can't Swing The Spa? 10 Home Beauty Tools

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Just because you have less disposable income to spend at a spa, does not mean your valuable self-pampering and primping time should cease.

You can enjoy anywhere from a month to a year's worth of the same indulgences you'd get at the spa or dermatologist, for the price of just one or two of their professional services. All you have to do is bring the spa home.

1. Cellulite-fighting duo. Some things are better done in private—cellulite scrubbing falls into this category...

Does Cheapie Drugstore Wrinkle Cream Work Like Expensive Stuff? We Tested!

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You know what really sticks in my craw? When I find out Dove anti-aging eye cream works just as well as Lancome (which costs $20-$40 more). Don't believe it? This side-by-side comparison ought to convince you ... and if not, these before-and-after photos will.