Every fall, after my summer tan fades, I am hit with the reality that I am, in fact, a very pale person. When this reality hits, I also realize that my skin isn't quite as clear as my tan lead me to believe. With than being said, this fall I developed a very bad addiction to expensive (and not so expensive!) skincare products. While some were duds, some were too expensive to ever want to rely on, others were so good I want to shout it from the roof tops - and if you're one of my friends or family members, you know that I often do this with products I absolutely love. So here are some of my favorite beauty/skincare products that will help scrub away any dull, dead skin, zap any pimple, and brighten any solemn face this winter brings you.

1. Philosophy Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash

This is my new favorite facial cleanser. It exfoliates, but is unlike any other exfoliating face wash I've ever used before. This is extremely gently, so you can use it daily, but helps to keep your skin bright and smooth, especially during the cold months where your skin tends to get dry and flaky. Link to buy here.

2. Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask

This exfoliator is a little on the pricey side, but you only should use it once or twice a week, max. It is a complete skin resurfacer, meaning that it exfoliates in two ways at the same time: once with gritty pieces (made with pumpkin?) and once with alpha hydroxy acid and aluminum oxide. Unlike other exfoliators, after scrubbing your face with this, you leave it on your skin for a few minutes to let the chemicals do their job to further exfoliate, revealing younger, brighter and more smooth and even skin underneath. Link to buy here.

3. Aztek Secret Indian Healing Clay Mask

This mask comes in powder form and can be mixed with either water or (for a mote intense, deep clean) raw apple cider vinegar. This mask is only about $5-10 for a big container at your local health food store or Whole Foods. Out of the many clarifying masks I've used, this one is top notch.

4. Nip and Fab Bee Sting Lift Mask

WARNING: Do not use if you are allergic to bee stings. This mask is a clear gel (that smells amazing) that you put on a clean face for 10 minutes (or leave on overnight). It instantly tightens the appearance of your skin and makes you have a brighter, firmer completion. This goes for about $10 a tube which goes quickly when you use it as frequently as I do, but it's worth it. Link to buy here.

5. Darphin Redness Relief Serum

My face is practically see-through in the winter because I'm so pale. This means that all redness shows, including redness from the tiniest of blemishes. I got a sample of this Darphin Redness Relief Serum and it works so well. I put it on before my moisturizer in the morning and it really works. This is expensive, but I may make the investment once my sample runs out. Link to buy here.

6. St. Tropez Classic Bronzing Mousse

Best for last is my absolute favorite: St. Tropez Classic Bronzing Mousse. This is like an at-home spray tan without the spray, mess, streaks and orange glow. The liquid in the bottle squirts out into a foam, but is in fact very liquid-y (to help you avoid streaks or over-applicated areas). It is green in color when you initially put it on to prevent an orange-tinted "tan" but rinses off after your first shower. To use, I put this all over my body (using the St. Tropez Applicator Mitt sold separately here). Then, I go to sleep and rinse off in the morning. The tan lasts about a week, so I tend to do this on Friday nights before bed so I can pretend I gt a natural glow over the weekend (LOL). This stuff keeps me out of the sun and tanning bed in the winter and also helps me from being completely see-through when my skin is at its most pale in the dead of winter. It's also a great way to hide any red zits on your face without having to wear too much makeup. Link to buy here (also can be found on Groupon at times.

I'm always looking for great new products that actually work! (and don't break the bank) so if you know of any that you love, please comment and share below!