Dr. Hauschka

Dr. Hauschka

My introduction to the Dr. Hauschka product line was a couple of years ago on a photoshoot. I was assisting a makeup artist on a job for Harper's Bazaar. The feature of the editorial was on "The Real Housewives of New York." It was a riot seeing those ladies in action.

Anyway, the makeup artist I was assisting ( Christopher Ardoff ) asked me to prep the skin of one of the "housewives" while he touched up the lipstick on another. What he meant by prepping the skin was to have me clean the face with a bit of makeup remover and then apply moisturizer to the skin as a base for foundation. The moisturizer he had was the Dr. Hauschka Rose Day Cream. I remember loving the scent right away and the texture was rich and emollient. I finished applying the moisturizer and waited for further instruction. I noticed almost immediately that her skin looked dewy and fresh even before he applied the foundation. And after her makeup was finished, her skin looked amazingly even and hydrated.

I decided to purchase it for myself the next day. I used that moisturizer last winter and it was great for my dry and very sensitive skin, especially in the cold air with wind burn and inside heated buildings that are way too hot and dry. It protected my skin from typical causes for sensitive skin to freak out like not washing my face at night thoroughly, excess make up, and drinking too much caffeine and not enough water. Yes, even I do this, too.

Then I decided to try a bunch of the skin care line and here's what I found out:

1. The 2 cleansers work very well but you have to figure out the best ways to use them. I think because the ingredients are all natural they take a bit more manipulating than just an ordinary cleanser or makeup remover that you just wipe on the face and everything magically disappears. With the Dr. H's cleansers you use them in steps. First you take the cleansing milk and apply it all over the face. You can either tissue it off dry which is great for makeup removal ( but not Eye makeup) or gently wipe with a damp washcloth. The next cleanser is the Cleansing Cream ( for deep cleansing and gentle exfoliating) and that you use like a regular cleanser although when applying it try massaging it in to the skin in circular movements. Remove with a damp washcloth or even better a damp muslin cloth and then remove the rest by rinsing with water directly. Even though these cleansers don't foam up like soap, don't let that throw you; your skin will be very clean if you clean it the way I suggested.

2. There are 2 toners one for dry/sensitive and one for oily. Use whichever one suits your skin type the most. This is applied after cleansing just like any other toner. But with this after you spray it on the face, tap it in with your fingers a bit to let it absorb further in to the skin.

3. The next step is moisturizer. The Rose Day Cream as I mentioned before is very rich. It's actually great to use as a night cream if you find it a bit too heavy for the day time. But for dry skin I'd recommend it for both day and night. For day time there are a few options. There is a very thin moisturizer , The Moisturizing Day Cream, and there is a lighter version of The Rose Day Cream which is The Rose Day Cream Light. Just remember like the cleansers when applying these creams you want to work them in a bit more than a regular cream because of the essential oils and other natural ingredients which can sit on the surface of the skin if not rubbed in thoroughly.

4. An eye cream is important but you may prefer light or heavy hydration. That's all individual. The Eye Cream is great for daytime and works well with eye make up. A little goes a long way. Just apply a dot under each eye and tap in with the surface of your ring finger. The Eye Balm, which has a similar consistency to a lip balm, is great for those of us who want maximum hydration but it does not work well with makeup. Although they suggest not to use the balm at night, that is when I've found it the most beneficial because it took about 8 hours for my skin to absorb it fully without a greasy residue left under my eyes. I've used it during the day when I'm at home doing things around the house and it's very soothing but personally I found it quite shiny so I choose not to wear it outside.

This cosmetic company has many other products to try. They have sunscreen, body wash, lip balm, body oils, body powder and a line of makeup. For more mature skin, they have two Regenerating products: a serum to be used after cleansing and a day cream as a regular moisturizer.

To be honest I'm not as thrilled with a lot of their makeup as I am with their skin care. What I can recommend is their loose powder, mascara, lip liners, and lipsticks. There is a product in the skincare line which to me serves more as a part of the make up regimen. It is the Toned Day Cream. It moisturizes and gives the skin a glow but because it has a tint, it results in more of a sun-kissed look as well as a shimmery even tone. I would recommend using it under liquid foundation. My preference is to use it over the nose and cheeks to look as though I've spent the day in the sun.

This line is the easiest to find and use as your introduction to clean cosmetics. You can always find it at Wholefoods/Body but many of your local health food stores carry it or would order it for you. So far, I've turned almost all of my clients on to the Rose Day Cream. I use it a lot under make up because of the flawless, dewy hydrated look it gives. Not only does it look great in person, but it photographs wonderfully.