THE SKIN TYPE QUIZ...

There's no point spending money on skin care products if you buy the wrong ones for you skin type, and collect an assortment of disused bottles as they don't appear to work for you. The key to developing a skin care regime that works for you is to know your skin type first.

To get a basic understanding of your skin type and what will suit it best, start by answering the questions here. Then add up your score and check the list at the end to discover which of the skin types you fit into.

It should be noted that this is a simple test and will not be accurate for everyone. Only a thorough and detailed skin analysis by a qualified beautician can give you the most accurate type. These questions will point you in the right direction in the meantime.

   1. How does your skin feel if you cleanse it with facial wash and water?

       A. Tight as though it is too small for your face.
       B. Smooth and comfortable.
       C. Dry and itchy in places.
       D. Fine - quite comfortable.
       E. Dry in some areas, and smooth in others.

   2. How does your skin feel if you cleanse it with cream cleanser?

       A. Relatively comfortable.
       B. Smooth and comfortable.
       C. Sometimes comfortable, and sometimes itchy.
       D. Fine - quite comfortable.
       E. Oily in some areas, and smooth in others.

   3. How does your skin usually look by midday?

       A. Flaky patches appearing.
       B. Fresh and clean.
       C. Flaky patches and some redness.
       D. Shiny.
       E. Shiny in the 'T-zone'.

   4. How often do you break out in spots?

       A. Hardly ever.
       B. Occasionally, perhaps before or during your period.
       C. Occasionally.
       D. Often.
       E. Often - in the 'T-zone'.

   5. How does your skin react when you use facial toner?

       A. It stings.
       B. No problems.
       C. Stings and itches.
       D. Feels fresher.
       E. Feels fresher in some areas but stings in others.

   6. How does your skin react to a rich night cream?

       A. It feels very comfortable.
       B. Comfortable.
       C. Sometimes feels comfortable, other times feels irritated.
       D. Makes my skin feel very oily.
       E. Oily in the 'T-zone', and comfortable on the cheeks.

Now add up you A's, B's, C's, D's and E's. Your skin type is the one which has the majority of answers.

   Mostly A's: Your skin is DRY.
   Mostly B's: Your skin is NORMAL.
   Mostly C's: Your skin is SENSITIVE.
   Mostly D's: Your skin is OILY.
   Mostly E's: Your skin is COMBINATION