What They Say: (about the Cleansing Gel) "This exceptional cleanser contains Salicylic Acid to help rid the skin of acne and blackheads. Gently and thoroughly removes excess impurities and residue from the skin leaving it ultra-clean, fresh and balanced." (about the Blackhead Remover and Minimizer Gel) "A one minute treatment that gently helps to remove blackheads, shrink and tighten large pores and absorb excess oils. Apply this easy to use gel treatment to oily, pore-clogged areas around the nose, chin, forehead and hairline - wait 45 seconds, then gently massage away blackheads and other impurities. Amazingly simple, fast, effective and painless.
Perfect for women, men and teens!"

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: (about the cleanser) This cleanser provides very gentle exfoliation, enough to be used every day, and left my skin feeling fresh, clean and not at all tight and dry. It's a little fragrant for my taste, but it's not that bad. I wasn't completely convinced that it is superior to other gentle cleansers on the market, but it still worked well.(about the gel) Okay yes, I could feel the tingle with this stuff. But it was SO minor, really. Sometimes it doesn't want to massage completely off if you've not figured out the right thickness (too thin usually) to apply it. But then you can always rinse off the excess. I did notice a reduction in blackeads, which I've always been plagued with. They won't ALL disappear in the first few applications (don't do it more than the recommended number of times per week, because all of that rubbing on your nose could lead to inflammation and increased sebum production and could result in a blemish), but you should notice a difference by the second or third use. Continued use and keeping the skin clean should increase your progress at eliminating them. The only negative I noticed was that when I first began, I noticed an increase in oiliness on my nose during the day (this was the area I focused on when using the gel). I believe this was because of all of the "junk" that was being brought to the surface during the process.

The pore-tightening effects aren't extremely dramatic, but on the plus side it doesn't make my skin feel tight and uncomfortable as a result. It makes sense that as blackheads are pulled out of your pores, the pores are able to close a bit (you can't make them ever go away completely) and appear less noticeable.

What I really do like about this is that it doesn't hurt like those strips do, my skin doesn't feel dry and irritated afterward, and for the price I can use this many, many times before having to purchase any more.

Retail Price: the cleanser - $27.00; the gel $25.00 (available at joeynewyork.com or by catalog)

DeLush Ratings: Pure Pores Cleansing Gel with Vitamin C -
Pure Pores Blackhead Remover & Pore Minimizing Gel -

What They Say: "He will be into you! It is a proven fact that men are attracted to the aromas of cinnamon and vanilla. These lipsticks, lip glosses, lip palettes and lip balms contain a blend of vanilla and cinnamon fragrances that when applied to the lips, the irresistible aroma will get his attention! Contains maxi-lip and Dermaxyl- safe, clinically proven ingredients to firm and plump lips instantly."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: I typically enjoy cinnamon scents, so I was very interested to see how this would work in a balm. The formula itself is a bit more like a lip OIL than a balm, so keep that in mind or you could accidentally squeeze out an awful lot when you go to use it for the first time; it can come out really quickly. That aside, the formula is moisturizing for a few hours, but once it dries your lips don't feel super-hydrated. The cinnamon and/or the plumping ingredient tingle a bit, and after about 10 minutes here's the difference:

There is a little more fullness, but certainly not a glaringly obvious effect as with some plumpers out there. Which is fine if you're looking for something subtle and you just like that tingly feeling (some of you do!). But, it only lasts about an hour or so.

This CinnaMen formula also comes in a lipstick and lip gloss I see on Joey New York's website. I think I would have liked to have tried the gloss to get something a bit more substantial on the lips; perhaps results would have lasted a bit longer and there would have been more lingering moisture.

OH, and darn it - I slyly put this on and gave my husband a few pecks while wearing it and he never said a thing! Hmph. Maybe that's just him, though. You may have better luck. *wink*

Retail Price: $12.00 (joeynewyork.com)

DeLush Rating: