Protect Your Neck

I'm currently working for a client quite a ways from home and have been living out of a hotel for the past 2 weeks. Due to the recession, of course, the luxury of staying at a 4-star hotel and having a room of my own is definitely out of reach. Thus, I've been sharing a room with two other girls. Spending day after day together while working more than we'd like to has made for all kinds of conversation. Being a bit younger than the others, I've been learning a lot!

The other day, one of the girls (aged 24) read aloud an IM her friend had sent her. "Do you use a special type of cream for your neck?" My other coworker (aged 27) quickly exclaimed the necessity of protecting that largely exposed part of our bodies. I've never even thought about using a real neck cream before. Do those even exist?

Apparently, they do--and for good reason. According to bestselling author Nora Ephron, "The neck is a dead giveaway. Our faces are lies and our necks are the truth." I've always hated my own neck. I believe I was born with the most indented necklines a child could ever have and they are only getting worse with age. I can't believe I've never thought about treating and preventing this! I did a quick search online and found that there are many choices. Here are my top picks:

1. LUSH Mirror Mirror Moisturizer ($21.95): I've heard nothing but great things about LUSH and this neck and decolletage cream seems to have won many over with its results. Aside from being very affordable, it seems to actually work! I love that it comes in a pump packaging and according to those who have tried it, the cream provides great moisture, scent, and can even be used as a face and eye cream due to its firming benefits. I'll be sure to check this one out the next time I'm at the mall.

2. L'Oreal Advanced RevitaLift for Face and Neck ($15.99): L'Oreal is one of the largest cosmetic companies in the world and I'm sure their R&D; department is as promising as any department store brand's (after all, they do own Lancome and Shu Uemura). I haven't tried any of L'Oreal's anti-aging products as I've been loyal to my Olay Regenerist cream, but this anti-wrinkle cream might make me do a switch-over.

3. bliss an ounce of prevention ($48): If you're looking to spend a bit more money, I'd go with this Bliss moisturizer. This is not specifically meant for the neck as the other two products, but it should be just as good. It's part of a line of anti-aging products developed by the spa line and is packed with top-quality ingredients.