What They Say: (about the Foaming Cleanser) "This lightweight cleanser for all skin types deep-cleans pores, removes excess oils and clears surface impurities leaving the skin feeling completely refreshed. Perfect for removing makeup and preparing the skin for SkinCeuticals advanced antioxidant treatments. This mild, non-drying, fragrance-free cleanser contains gentle non-allergenic ingredients to prevent irritation."

Jamie's Thoughts: This cleanser is interesting. It goes on a dry face, which is something I have never experimented with. It is very gentle, quite light, and totally free of any scents, dyes, or perfumes. It didn't do much of a job removing my makeup, however, so if you are looking for a true 2-in-1, you won't find that here. One would think all the "science" behind the SkinCeuticals line would make this product a cut above the rest. Meh. I didn't see an enormous improvement in my skin tone, but I didn't hate it.

Overall, it left my face feeling clean and refreshed. I took off a smooch on the rating because something this expensive should really knock my socks off.

Retail Price: $26.00 (at skinstore.com or check skinceuticals.com for a list of retailers near you)

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What They Say: (about Serum 15 AOX) "Designed for all but the most sensitive skin types to help restore healthy looking skin, Serum 15 neutralizes free radicals, defends against environmental damage, and helps prevent premature signs of aging. Now formulated with AOX+ advanced antioxidant technology, this lightweight, fast-absorbing serum combines ferulic acid with 15% pure vitamin C to enhance antioxidant performance."

Jamie's Thoughts: Oh man, how do I say this? I guess I'll just come out with it.

I love this product, but it smells really strange. (sigh) There, I said it.

Let's get the bad new out of the way first, shall we? This serum smells very lightly of refried beans. Put another way, the serum smells JUST like the vitamin liquid that is added to the water bottle of domesticated rodents. (Don't laugh like that - I had a guinea pig in junior high. Sheesh.) I apologize if these descriptions border on crass, but I cannot find the words to accurately portray the smell! If you've read any of my other reviews, you'll remember that scents can be a deal-breaker for me.

Fortunately, this product is SO PHENOMENAL that I can actually overlook the fact that it smells like beans. I used it for two straight weeks - right after washing my face in the morning, I applied 6 drops worth to my face and followed it with my regular moisturizer. I even risked it on the eye area a couple times, even though it's not specifically designed for that, with no adverse reaction. BONUS! After consistent use, my pores looked smaller, my crow's feet were minimized considerably, and I was less blotchy in general.

In the end, the bean smell fades after a couple minutes. But great skin lasts forever. Or until you stop using this serum.

Retail Price: $85.00 (at skinstore.com or check skinceuticals.com for a list of retailers near you)

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What They Say: Optimal for combination or oily skin. Equalizing Toner helps balance, refresh, and restore the skin's protective PH mantle while removing residue. Hydroxy acids help exfoliate dead skin cells while botanical extracts such as witch hazel, rosemary, aloe and chamomile soften, soothe, and tone the skin. This fragrance-free and oil-free toner contains anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Toya's Take: The SkinCeuticals website talks a good game, but I don't think the toner lives up to its description. I used it for several weeks and it should have been perfect for my oily skin, according to the blurb, but it was decidedly lackluster.

First of all, I wasn't excited about having a toner that comes out of a spray bottle. The bottle makes it clear that the toner should not be sprayed onto the face. Okay, so why does it come in a spray bottle?? How does that make any sense? It takes at least five or six sprays to moisten one side of a cotton ball and, when swiped on the skin, it feels nice and light, with no oiliness, but that's it. It doesn't remove dirt, oil and residue well - it will take several cotton balls to make your skin feel really clean. I also didn't notice anything particularly soothing about it. It's really not much different than rubbing a cotton ball dipped in water onto your skin.

Being the rebel that I am, I sprayed it onto my face. I know ... the bottle says not to do that. Well, I defied the bottle! And, guess what? I actually like it better that way. Misted on, it's a nice, light, refreshing pick-me-up after your cleanser. So, be defiant! Or just skip it. Either way.

Retail Price: $24.00 (Available in spas or other authorized sites. See www.skinceuticals.com for details.)

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What They Say: "This lightweight pore-minimizing moisturizer for normal or oily skin hydrates, nourishes and helps reduce the appearance of pore size with an exclusive combination of natural extracts. High levels of pure vitamin E heal and protect while Brazilian sea algae deliver proteins, amino acids, and essential minerals to the skin. Daily Moisture contains burnet, cinnamon and ginger to help reduce pore size without leaving the skin feeling greasy."

Alissa's Opinion: Living with oily skin has taught me to generally avoid products that come in a jar (ie. thick creams). I can get a bad breakout just by looking at a spot of grease. That being said, this particular moisturizer, which is formulated for my skin type, does live up to its claims of being lightweight. After using it for a couple of weeks my face actually looked pretty clear! I really liked the smooth texture and quick absorption. Unfortunately I didn't notice any reduction in pore size, but my makeup went on smoothly after applying. The only thing it's missing is sun protection which should be essential for a daily moisturizer. I will continue to use this at night and on days I don't plan on getting much sun.

Retail Price: $50.00 (at dermstore.com or go to Skinceutical's website to find a retailer near you)

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