Avon Anew Clinical Advanced Dermabrasion System ($28.00)

For a long time, Avon was not in my beauty realm, but I have to admit that in the past few years, they’ve really expanded and spiced up their line.  You hear about Avon reps, and you just don’t associate it with a product you’d have in your beauty closet [when you become a bit of a beauty snob, like myself].  This product has earned a spot in my shower caddy, which has very limited space (seriously, I have things stacked on top of each other!), because it is not only effective, it’s techy and makes so much sense.

It is truly a system, because there are two sizes of crystals (microfine is the smallest, and the other size is a little larger, grittier).  There are four levels of exfoliation, with the first level being purely microfine particles.  You stay on each level for two weeks (so eight weeks to complete the system), and then you stay off of it for about two weeks.  The amount you use is less than a quarter (they say “quarter size” but I found you can use less than that quite easily!), so you should have no problem getting plenty of use out of the tube.

You only use this 2-3 times per week (every other day, basically), as well, and I use it in the shower because I like to multi-task and save some time in the mornings.  Your skin will feel ridiculously smooth and soft after you use it, and I have to tell you that that is one superb feeling.  Because it has four different levels of abrasion, it gives you time to cycle through and really renew your skin.  It also means that I don’t have to worry about two or three products with different types or strengths in exfoliation!

Learn more at www.avon.com.

Biore Pore Unclogging Scrub ($6.99) is an anti-acne facial scrub that utilizes salicylic acid while exfoliating with microbeads to help slough away dead skin cells. This product is alcohol-free (alcohol is a huge no-no in skin products!), which is always a big plus when considering an exfoliant and regular skin product. It does have menthol in it, which gives the product its tingling sensation when used. I find I keep this in my shower caddy and reach for it occasionally. It does tickle my nose a bit, because of the menthol, but I know I’m a bit overly sensitive when it comes to that kind of thing. The microbeads are incredibly gentle, and I feel like this is a good abrasiveness level for an everyday or every other day scrub.

Get yours at drugstore.com or your local drugstore!

Biore Mandarin Blossom Nose Strips ($6.99 for 8) is a twist on their traditional deep cleansing nose strips, because they are now lightly scented with a citrusy scent of mandarin blossom (this is a limited edition offering). These strips bond with dirt and help remove build-up after wearing the strip for ten to fifteen minutes. It is recommended that these strips are used once a week to help remove weekly build-up from deep within the skin (which means those eight strips will last you two months, not bad for the price!). It is really important that you follow directions (cleanse thoroughly, dampen the nose, and wait!) to maximize the results. Just a helpful FYI based on experience, HA!  I find these work well enough to merit the weekly usage, and they are perfect for my weekly pamper-me-day.  The scent of mandarin blossom is really light and reminds me a bit of taking a jaunt the spa - not at all a heady or overwhelming scent at all.

Get yours at drugstore.com or at your local drugstore.

DHC recently launched a Salicyclic Acid Acne Treatment System that includes a Salicylic Acne Wash ($13.00), Salicylic Acne Toner ($14.00), Salicyclic Face Milk ($19.00), and Acne Spot Therapy ($12.00). The wash is a non-drying cleansing gel that foams to gently exfoliate, while calming skin with aloe vera and green tea. I find that it’s fairly gentle, despite being an active acne-fighting product, so my eyes handle it well if any gets in them on accident. The toner works well for those who are oilier, but I found myself skipping this part of the four-step routine when I was pressed for time (that’s probably a big oops, right?) because I felt like I didn’t need it. The Face Milk is a lightweight moisturizer that ist argeted to help reduce acne because of the salicyclic acid in it, but it ensures hydrated skin while doing so. Out of the system, I think one of my favorite products was the Spot Therapy, because I felt like it did help to minimize redness caused by new blemishes in a short amount of time. Many acne-fighting products tend to dry out skin, which is why I liked the DHC system, because they recognize that and make sure to infuse their products with hydrating ingredients to give skin the balance it needs while breaking down blemishes.

If you remember anything about my skincare routine, I hope you remembered how much I absolutely adored Renee Rouleau’s AHA/BHA Cleansing Gel, which I don’t leave home without–it is just THAT fantastic!  Obviously, Renee Rouleau’s doing something right, so I thought I’d try a few more products!  (And now, since I was impressed by these, I am eager to try more!)

CALMING CHAMOMILE CLEANSER ($30.50)
I know many of my readers have sensitive skin, and this particular cleanser is meant to work with it in a gentle manner while doing its job flawlessly.  It is a creamy, water-soluble cleansing lotion with chamomile, aloe vera, and vitamins A and E.  It helps to remove dirt, oil, and makeup and let pores breathe.  It’s so easy to use, all you do is apply a dab to your skin and rub in circular motions into the skin for thirty seconds, wet your fingers, rub for another thirty seconds, then rinse with warm water (not hot).  I recommend this for those who have

SKIN DRINK ($33.50)
Skin Drink is a serum that’s purpose is to intensively hydrate the skin instantaneously.  It is actually quite refreshing, no doubt because one of the key ingredients is aloe vera, and cool to the touch.  You really only need about two drops of this stuff to fully cover the skin, and I find that through regular, near-daily use, a bottle will last me two months or more.  It is a great way refresh and pump skin full of moisture before applying moisturizer or after using a facial mask.  It is an oil-free serum, so those of you who worry about leaving a greasy film behind, worry not.  This serum sinks into skin and leaves no evidence behind.

Clinic’estetica™, a state of the art aesthetic medical clinic that meets the needs of individuals seeking non-surgical permanent and semi-permanent solutions for cosmetic and reconstructive procedures, is proud to introduce ClearPluss™ Acne Clearing Treatment…an original and uniquely designed at-home acne clearing product line for face and body (chest and back). ClearPluss™ is based on the theory and testing that has shown that acne has a trigger; when that trigger is disengaged acne outbreaks will be curtailed and possibly stopped. Each product in the line is a step-by-step acne clearing treatment. ClearPluss™ creates an accumulative positive result for controlling all types of acne while working to keep skin healthy and unmarred. Breakouts, swelling, and scarring become a distant memory.

I spent just about three weeks testing out Clinic’estetica’s ClearPluss Acne Clearning Treatment.  As someone who has always had a touch of acne (thankfully nothing so bad as frightful as of yet), I was curious to see how this system would work for me.  It consists of a four-stem system; you begin with the Acne Clearning Cleanser, which aggressively prepares the skin to absorb the elements of ClearPluss while removing dead skin cells and dirt.  I personally enjoyed this cleanser, which is definitely an exfoliating cleanser.  I would say that those with more sensitive skin may not like how abrasive the particles in the cleanser are.  It took me a few cleansings to get used to it and like the feel of it really working. 

The second step is the Acne Clearning Treatment, which is a serum used daily to reduce or eliminate acne, blackheads, and overly oily skin.  It has a pleasing smell of peppermint and a little goes a long way.  Since this is the product that really is the cornerstone of the system to keep acne at bay, I blame the patches of dryness that occurred after two weeks on this one - for those with drier and/or sensitive skin, I’d opt to use this serum only once a day or every other day.  Especially since I am not plagued by severe acne, I think it would have been just as effective.

The third step is the Acne Clearning Tonic, which is to help skin control excessive sebum production.  It is meant to be used in-between to reduce acne persistance during the regimen.  I only used this a few times, because my skin does not really require a toner.

The last step is the Acne Clearning Moisture, which provides additional moisturization to dry, sensitive skin.  It helps reduce the inflammation resulting from acne, rosacea, etc.  It does not have any oil or fragrance, which is always a great thing in a facial moisturizer.

Results?  Yes, I saw results.  My skin looked and felt healthier, cleaner.  It is a meticulous routine, though, so if you are forgetful or often skip steps in your skincare regimen, this is probably not for you.  However, on the same note, all these products work together to achieve maximum results, so you do not have to worry about finding the right mix of non-matching products.  Most of my acne was reduced to just one or two small, manageable pimples along the chin area or forehead — noticeably less, and any small bouts that appeared were hardly visible (did not get any enormous, traffic-stopping zits!).

ClearPluss™ Acne Clearing Treatment can be purchased at http://www.simplysvelte.com/.

Estee Lauder’s Take It Away Makeup Remover Towelettes ($17.50)

Fast, effective and incredibly convenient. Portable, pre-moistened towelettes quickly remove makeup and freshen skin without water. Advanced cleansing emulsion hydrates, softens skin. Ophthalmologist-tested. Do your skin a favor: never go to bed with makeup on. Clean skin is healthy skin.  Sweep over entire face. Firmly reseal package.

What makes it worth it: I am not one to fall prey to high-end brands with makeup removing sheets when I can purchase them for much less at my local drugstore.  However, Estee Lauder’s take on the makeup remover towelette has me reconsidering my position.  These feel luxe, soft, and delightfully gentle against my skin when I use them to remove my makeup.  Unlike my drugstore finds, Take It Away makes removal effortless and a feel-good remedy for my skin on lazy days or when I need a quick remover.  The scent that lingers behind is a subtle, clean aroma.  I also feel like my skin doesn’t need instant rehydrating after using these, which I do notice is an issue when I use drugstore versions.  I do like that they give you an actual package that is resealable, whereas many drugstore versions are tougher to reseal and may end up drying out the top one or two sheets (yes, you can a container or ones that are meant to reseal, but those often are $7-10!).

Why you might pass on it: Budget.  This is really the only reason to skip these, because they’re effective, luxurious, and effortless to use.  If you’re looking to skimp somewhere, opt for drugstore makeup remover wipes and pick up Estee Lauder’s DayWear Plus (what, I love it!  I must proclaim my new found love all the time!) instead.

Find this product at Estee Lauder locations, www.esteelauder.com, and www.nordstrom.com.

John Masters Organics Linden Blossom Face Creme Cleanser ($19.00)

Non-foaming, this is the gentlest cleanser available for the face. The softening properties of rose and linden blossom essential oils mixed with a light facial creme gently clean away dirt and make-up.

What makes it worth it: All John Masters Organics products must be 75-100% organic with no petroleum or non-carbon based products.  They use as much organic ingredients as they can manage in their products, which means this is a line and product that is perfect for those wanting to protect the environment and still get their dosage of beauty.  They also do not test on animals, use environmentally-friendly harvested ingredients, and no artificial colors/filters/fragrances can be used in their products.  This is to be used as an extremely mild face wash for sensitive skin, and it is also great for removing makeup.  For those who need extra moisturizing, it can be left on the face for an additional five minutes.  This is so gentle that it is safe for babies!  I like this product for its environmental stance, and I do like that it’s incredibly easy on the skin.

Why you might pass on it: I personally found the scent of this to be a bit too organic/natural for me.  I could use a stronger note of citrus or something to subdue the scent of the natural ingredients.  If you’re not into organic beauty, you might find the price point a bit too high for your liking.

Find this product at John Masters Organics boutiques and www.johnmasters.com.

Pacifica Candles’ Soy Candles ($13.95), Pillar Candles ($15.95), Soaps ($6.95), Perfumes ($19.95), Body Butters ($15.95)

Each Pacifica candle is made by hand, using century-old techniques to ensure the highest quality. We combine our exclusive Pacifica Wax Blends, in your choice of food-grade paraffin or vegetable-based soy, with the highest quality lead-free cotton wicks, essences, and essential oils in order to create the perfect candle. Our fragrance oils and candles are made in small batches, allowing us to test our products regularly to guarantee perfection. We believe that if a candle isn’t burning well, quality ingredients are being wasted. Regardless of the wax, whether it is soy or paraffin, there must be a perfect balance between the wick size and the fragrance to create a safe, healthy, and smokeless candle.

What makes it worth it: This is not an organic line per se, but it definitely has the right feel and attitude about the environment, natural ingredients, and being a responsible member of its community.  Pacifica uses soy and food-grade paraffin in its candles, while they make sure to use natural essential oils rather than artificial fragrances.   They have excellent employment policies, are working towards becoming a carbon-neutral company, and take inspiration from culture around the globe.

• Soy Candles:  I tried Tibetan Mountain Temple (a spicy, woody scent of Patchouli, ginger, and orange) and Bourbon Island Vanilla (another spicy scent with lots of vanilla).  I enjoyed both scents, but my boyfriend adored the latter.  I felt like Tibetan Mountain Temple reminded me a lot of the holidays and the cinnamon-y goodness you find in so many holiday baked goods.
• Pillar Candles:  I tried Roman Frankincense (a blend of Frankincense, Myrrh, a touch of mandarin, and I’d swear some lime) and Vietnamese Ylang Ylang French (a lovely blend of ylang ylang, lavendar, and a touch of vanilla).  I’m totally reminded of Sprite or 7UP with Roman Frankincense, but I like the scent - pleasing, very masculine.  The Vietnames Ylang Ylang French pillar candle is a much subtler scent, entirely feminine and just lovely.
• Natural Soaps:  I tried Spanish Amber (deeply woody, amber scent) and Wild English Clary Sage (a great clean scent with clary sage notes).  Spanish Amber definitely takes me back to a few moments of my childhood; it’s a strong scent, distinctly masculine.  Wild English Clary Sage is also a bit masculine in its scent, but it’s such a clean scent that I know it’s a must-have for any family or couple who shares soap.
• Perfumes:  I tried Waikiki Pikake (a blend of jasmine and sandalwood) and Tuscan Blood Orange (sweet orange and mandarin scent with a touch of strawberry).  I found both of these scents to be pleasing, and they come in these petite containers.  They make great stocking stuffers!
• Body Butters:  I tried Sandalwood (rich Indian sandalwood that’s very woody with top notes of sweet orange) and French Lilac (a delightful spring scent of fresh lilacs and magnolias).  Sandalwood is a very rich, heady scent, which reminds me of seduction.  I felt like French Lilac makes a great spring scent, because it’s light and airy and utterly floral.

Why you might pass on it: You can’t.  They have a wide variety of products, scents, and the prices are perfect for this holiday season.  Everything feels a bit luxe and rich, and I really can’t wait to wrap these up and hand them out to my family and friends this year.

Find Pacifica products at www.pacificacandles.com and www.nordstrom.com.

Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Milk ($24.00)

Gentle, milky makeup dissolver removes even long-wearing facial makeup and sunscreens, then tissues off or rinses away with water. Residue-free formula leaves all skin types soft, comfortable. Massage over dry face with fingertips, avoiding eye area; rinse or tissue off. Residue-free formula leaves all skin types soft, comfortable. For all skin types; ideal for drier skins.  

What makes it worth it: It feels ultra gentle on skin, which makes it a viable option for those with sensitive skin prone to irritation with harsher cleansers and makeup removers.  Clinique’s line of skincare is absolutely a great bet for those with sensitive skin as well as those who just want to start treating their skin better.  It offers a full line of fully tested and effective products at a lower price point than most high-end beauty lines.  You get a fairly large bottle for the price you pay, and it would definitely last you over a month, if not over two.  It broke down some of my makeup, but I felt like it didn’t really get all of it.  (How do I test this?  I use the cleanser or makeup remover, and then I take a makeup removing wipe to see what was left behind!)

Why you might pass on it: I don’t feel that this product breaks down my makeup as well as it could; I guess I would prefer something with a richer lather with a thicker, creamy texture.  The texture of the Cleansing Milk is really that of milk.  It has a lot of liquidity and it runs thinly across your face.  It feels a bit messy because of how thin the product is.  To be honest, I’d much rather go with their Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm or one of their Foaming Creams instead. 

Find this product at Clinique counters, boutiques, as well as www.clinique.com and www.nordstrom.com.