When I was thirteen, my mother took me to the Clinique counter for a very special birthday present - my first skin care regiment. I was ecstatic - I was now entering womanhood and shedding the skin of childhood behind...quite literally when I scrubbed my face a little too vigorously that night with my new exfoliator. Oh well, thank heavens for the new moisturizer that came along with it!

Ever since, I have learned to cherish and treasure my skin. Be it on the face, tummy, elbows, wherever, you can better believe I give it my best attention. You see, I come from a long line of women with positively flawless skin. And thougth the men in my family believe it's DNA, we women know better. True, the genes help, but why not let modern science and good nutrition lend a hand, too?

And so, my column will be devoted to skin care and all the products I am absolutely devoted to. In honor of my first foray into the magical world of cosmetics, here is one of my favorites from Clinique: the tried and true 3-Step Introductory Kit.

All are dermatolgist tested and come in various skin need sets: Dry Skin, Dry to Dry Combination, Custom fit for Combination Oily, or Custom fit for Oily Skins. When I was a teenager, I leaned towards the Combination Oily, but now that the hormones have regulated (my parents jumped for joy when they got rid of the teenage drama queen and got their daugher back) I tend to be Combination Dry. 

I highly suggest this skin care set for first timers.

If you don't know what type of skin you are, go to the Clinique counter and an attendant will be more than happy to provide a quick consulation. They are great with teenagers (and their distraught mothers). At $15.00, you can't go wrong with this all inclusive package of cleanser, exfoliate, and moisturizer. Not to mention, a freebie is usually thrown in for good measure.

Can't find a Clinique counter near you? No problem. That's why on-line shopping was invented. Just type www.clinique.com and you're on your way to loving your skin.

You'll be so happy, you'll be glowing!