What They Say: "Our Whipped Shea Butter is 100% shea, with no additives or fillers (just a light fragrance). It's double-whipped to the consistency of frosting making applying it not only easy but enjoyable (it feels incredible).

Well known to help with a whole host of skin problems, our Pure Shea Butter melts at skin temperature and soothes troubled skin anywhere. Use it on hands, elbows, lips, or anywhere else a little loving touch is needed.

Scent offerings change from day to day or week to week, depending upon what our freshest batches of product are. If your favorite isn't here now, try something new, or check back from time to time. You can always email us to ask about your faves. NEW!! Net weight 2.5 ounces.

Note: Our shea butter is imported from Africa and is the freshest that we can get our hands on. Due to seasonal and crop differences, the color can vary from white to a light creamy yellow. Be assured that whatever color shea you get, it's fresh, pure and ultra refined using natural clays. Yum."

Melissa Says: I tried this out in the Chocolate-Dipped Orange scent (which I highly recommend), and just couldn't get enough of it. Though the consistency was a little bit more thick than I anticipated from the description, it still spread nicely on my skin and made it SUPER soft. I would mostly suggest this for hands, elbows, feet...anywhere that could use the extra softening this luxurious blend provides. Though you can still use it on your arms and legs to create babysoft touchable skin (however it does take about 10 minutes or so to completely soak in because of its concentration).

Retail Price: $16.00 / 2.5 oz jar (at productbody.com)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Particularly dry areas of the body such as the heels, elbows and knees need extra special attention when moisturizing. The Mango Moisturizing Balm Stick targets those areas with easy application and a delicious blend of natural moisturizers. This solid balm contains soothing mango, avocado oil and shea butter to smooth rough, dry skin on all areas of the body. Its portable packaging makes it easy for travel and won't grease hands upon application."

Jen's Experience: I have problems with dry skin not just on my face, but on other parts of my body too. Most body moisturizers do a reasonably good job for general dryness, but on places like my elbows and on really dry patches, it is nice to use something with a little more punch, and this one definitely delivers that. It's a little on the greasy side, but it does the job and even makes exfoliating those areas a little easier. I LOVE that it's in a stick, so there's no getting it in my fingernails or making my hands extra greasy. I also really like the smell, which is fruity but not overwhelming at all. This isn't a product I would try to use on large areas of my body, but if you're looking for something to make a difference in a majorly dry area on your body, this is definitely a product I would recommend.

Retail Price: $13.99 (available in drugstores such as Walgreens, Duane Reade and Rite Aid)

Rating:

What They Say:

• Regulates moisture to banish dryness
• Smoothes away brittle surface cells
• Restores radiance to skin
• Encourages a firmer body
• Surrounds skin with the enticing aroma of ten botanical oils

Active Ingredients
PURE BOTANICAL OILS: (Apricot Kernel, Olive, Rice Bran, Grape, Black Currant, Sunflower Seed Oil, Bergamot, Cardamon, Clove) These 100% pure plant oils provide protection from dehydration, add softness and suppleness, provide radiance to dull skin and create an aromatic experience.

SHEA BUTTER: Protects from dehydration.

RED TEA: Flavinoid-rich antioxidant. Protects against free radical damage.

BETA-CAROTENE: A powerful antioxidant that converts into vitamin A; Helps smooth skin.

Melissa Says: This is meant to be a very rich moisturizer, and it is just that, without being greasy or slick. In fact, it might be a little bit more thick than you're anticipating. Aside from the fact that it will seal in moisture, another good reason to apply it after a bath or shower is that it will help the cream spread just a little easier that way.

You'll also notice a slight firming sensation after applying this product - not like an itchy or uncomfortable tightness, but like the skin is soaking up the moisture. One thing to take note of as well is the strong initial scent of the cream, which is mostly indicative of the clove in the ingredients. Personally I like the warm herbal scent, and it isn't incredibly intense after it's been on a while.

Your skin will be left comfortably hydrated and soft after using this intense moisturizer.

Retail Price: $49.50 (at select spas and retail locations; go to bioelements.com or call 800.533.3064 to find one near you)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Keri® Renewal™ Milk Body Lotion is a rich and creamy lotion that leaves skin looking healthy, luminous and feeling silky smooth. It is specially formulated with a unique blend of essential milk proteins and Vitamin E to give you deep moisturization and radiant looking skin."

What Lisa Says: Sometimes a lotion is just a lotion - it does the job of hydrating the skin but is really nothing out of the ordinary when stacked together next to the bottles of lotion on the drugstore shelves. Sad to say, Keri Milk Body Lotion is right in there with the rest. For the price and oz. size, I expected a little more. Instead, I received a body lotion that is just "okay", takes quite a long time to sink into the skin and leaves a thick greasy feel. It has a fragrance I can only describe as "not worth $16.00". As far as being luminous and radiant goes, the only place I can think of that it comes from, is the sheen from the product as it tends to sit on top of the skin for quite a long time before it ever sinks in.

If you're looking for a drugstore body lotion there are far more brands that are just as good or better for a third of the price. Some of them even smell good too. I just can't justify putting my "beauty bucks" here.

Retail Price: $15.99/8.5 oz (available at leading food, drug and mass retailers and online at drugstore.com)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Keri® Renewal™ Skin Firming Lotion immediately starts moisturizing while it improves the appearance of skin's elasticity and firmness. The advanced formula combines Fibronectin, a specialized protein found in the body that helps the natural process of rebuilding skin, with a collagen-elastin complex to improve the appearance of skin's elasticity and firmness."

Jen's Experience: I was prepared to give this product a pretty good review when I sat down at my computer. I've tried some pretty expensive firming creams that did the trick (at least temporarily), and this one works just as well in my opinion. It lasts for hours -- thoughout the day, my workout, pretty much until I get back ito the shower. The biggest drawback for me with regular usage is that the smell is terrible; it smells like it belongs in a hospital rather than in a spa. I might have been okay with that, but I am really just shocked at the price tag on this. For maybe 20 usages, I would have expected something that smells delicious...or maybe just a bigger tube.

Retail Price: $15.99 (Drugstore.com)

Rating:

What They Say: "Moisturizing body lotion scented with the enchanting fragrance of the Hibiscus flower, leaves skin soft and velvety smooth. Contains Lemon Extract to improve skin's elasticity and Horse Chestnut to support healthy circulation and improve blood flow. Dermatologically tested."

Jen's Experience: It's a bit early to start thinking about Christmas presents, but I have to say, this one is making my early list of possible gifts. The scent is absolutely heavenly to me, like a floral perfume that just happens to make my body feel extra smooth and silky. It works well with my daily fragrance choices, although those who avoid floral fragrances may not appreciate the srrong floral scent. This is an excellent choice, however, for those in search of a luxurious fragrance with a fabulous scent for yourself or for a gift.

Retail Price: $32.00 (ShopAccaKappa.com)

Rating:

"Our natural bath salts smooth skin and lift your spirits. Natural sea salts soothe and help release tension. Vitamin and protein-rich almond oil nourishes skin and locks in moisture." ($14.50)

Jen's Experience: I have tried a lot of bath salts in the past, and some have had a nice moisturizing effect in the water, and some have had a pleasant scent when I pull out the cork. I have never tried any bath salts as dreamy as these. The scent I tried was Peace Train, a lightly perfumed scent that makes my water smell fabulous throughout my marathon baths, and leave my skin so soft I barely need to apply any moisturizer. I think they're a little pricey for the tiny container, sure, but seriously? If I go to the GAP store and these are on sale, I think I am going to have to buy a case. This is my favorite product in the whole line.

 

"Our lightweight, everyday formula is enriched with moisturizing ingredients that leave your skin soft and supple. Sunflower and hazel seed oil moisturize. Vitamins A, C and E keep skin nourished." ($12.50)

Jen's Experience: I am a little less impressed with the body lotion. The glass container is pretty on my bathroom counter, and the scent I tried, Moonwalk, is pleasant enough (although it has nothing on Peace Train), But the lotion was like Keri with a more potent scent. Perhaps on it's own this one would be more of a stand-out, but in the full line-up, this one falls a little flat.

 

"Give your hands a little extra TLC. Keep them healthy, hydrated and beautiful with our super emoillent cream. Cocoa seed butter softens and lubricates. Hazel seed oil and milk thistle moisturize and protect." ($10.50)

Jen's Experience: I loved the scent I tried in the handcream, NightFall. There was a time when I wasn't so much into musky scents. The scent in this handcream had some musky undertones, but wasn't so overpowering that it conflicted with the perfume I was wearing. The hand cream itself is more luxurious than the body lotion and really keeps my hands feeling moisturized without being too greasy. This is another product in the GAP Body line that I highly recommend.

 

 

"Get the perfect glow with exfoliating natural sugars, sea salts and soy bean oil. Sea salts and sugar smooth away rough, dull skin. Soybean oil gives your skin a silky sheen."  ($11.50)

Jen's Experience: This body scrub from GAP Body is in close contention with the bath salt for my favorite product in the line. The scent I tried, Sugar Snap, is a bright, happy, little scent that helps me to wake up in the morning. I also love the texture of the scrub. The salt isn't overly abrasive, and mixed with the oils in the blend, it leaves my skin feeling incredibly soft and smelling great. This is yet another winner from GAP Body that is worth checking out.

 

DeLush Ratings:
Bath Salt
Body Lotion
Hand Cream
Body Scrub

What They Say: "Keri Nourishing Shea Butter Moisture Therapy is an intense, creamy body lotion containing 5% natural Shea Butter as well as Vitamin E that hydrates and conditions dry, thirsty skin."

Toya’s Take: I look for rich, creamy lotions and creams all year long because I have such dry skin. Even in the summer, when it’s hot and humid, the skin on my legs and arms can be incredibly dry, so I need a heavy-duty moisturizer. This is a great one. Just as the description says, it is intense and creamy. I love that it includes shea butter, as I have found that it works really well to keep my skin soft, smooth and hydrated all day long. It smoothes onto the skin quite easily, but start with just a bit at first, as it can be greasy – it’s better to start with less and have to add more than to put on too much and wind up with legs that look like an oil slick. I loved the scent and that it didn’t work against my perfume. My husband loved it, too! I definitely will purchase this product.

Retail Price: $8.18, 15 oz. (in drugstores and superstores and on sale now at drugstore.com)

DeLush Rating: , only because it can be greasy

What They Say: "This fragrance-free body moisturizer instantly drenches dry skin, leaving even the scaliest skin feeling soft."

Jen's Experience: I always like moisturizers that aren't too greasy, that do the job without making my legs feel like they're coated throughout the day. This one does a great job of moisturizing without the heaviness of a lot of body butters. Personally I like a light and lovely fragrance with my body moisturizers, but those who are craving an unscented moisturizer that won't conflict with your perfume, this may just be the moisturizer for you. But for the price? Although it's been a great light moisturizer for summer, I'm not so sure that it's worth it.

Retail Price: $35.00 (Sephora.com)

Rating:

What They Say: "A delicate, dermatologically tested cream with in-depth moisturizing properties, ideal for delicate dry skin. For a deep-down effect."

What Melissa Says: Cherry, huh? ...Yeah, I didn't quite get that. The smell isn't terrible but leaves a bit to be desired; it certainly will disappoint you if your heart is set on cherry.

That said, this is very light and soaks into the skin, leaving a soft, dry-touch feel. But it just doesn't give noticeable moisturization (hydration) at all. Skin is mostly just scented afterward. Maybe the smell would sway me toward wanting to reach for this if it were more pleasant. Otherwise, this is just...meh.

Retail Price: $7.95 (at drugstore.com)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "This chocolate mint cream is an indulgence for the body that restores your skin's balance and envelopes your skin in a rich moisturizing glow. On the skin's surface, cocoa butter moistures while peppermint, capsicum and arnica go to work to relieve sore muscles."

Jen's Experience: When I first got this cream, I liked the light texture of it, especially during these warmer summer months. The chocolate mint scent is very subtle, so much so that I didn't discern it for the first several uses. Which is good, since a chocolate mint seems like more of a heavy, cold-weather scent. So while it's working for me right now, it's pretty middle-of-the-road, especially for the price. I'm not usually one to let price affect my opinion of a product, but when I saw that the tiny little tub costs $50, I was completely shocked. It's not a bad product, by any means, but there are plenty of others that will work as well for less money,

Retail Price: $50.00/3 oz. (Vedababy.com)

Rating:

About the body moisturizer: “Neutrogena® Summer Glow Daily Moisturizer SPF 20 with Helioplex™ technology provides a healthy-looking glow and broad spectrum UV protection just by moisturizing.

This moisturizing formula softens skin with a light fresh scent, while advanced broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection stabilized with Helioplex™ technology provides daily UV defence. With each use, it enhances skin for a light, natural glow. Used daily, your maximum depth and intensity of color will be reached after about one week.”

Alissa’s Opinion: Let me start by saying that last summer I tried every single drugstore brand of gradual tanning moisturizer. I have pale, sun-hating skin, so I am on a continual quest for the ultimate fake tan. I used Neutrogena’s formula for medium skin tones, and found that it gave me a good hint of color after two applications. The lotion absorbed quickly and didn’t leave any telltale streaks on my skin. My only complaint is the scent. It is horrible and strong, and I felt the need to apologize to my coworkers who had to smell me all day.

About the facial moisturizer: “This unique lotion not only softens and smoothes skin with ultra-light moisture, it gradually enhances the natural color of your skin so it looks healthier, more even toned and radiant. Defined with a naturally derived complex, it gradually builds just a touch of color. Your skin will look subtly warmer with a luminous glow. Broad-spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 15 sunscreens help prevent premature signs of aging caused by everyday exposure to sun's damaging rays. ”

Alissa's Opinion: This product left me wanting more. I used it for a week straight and didn’t see any sign of a glow. It worked well as a light moisturizer and I love that it has sun protection added, but it just didn’t do what it was supposed to! Oh, and it made my face smell horrible too.

DeLush Ratings:
Body Moisturizer
Facial Moisturizer

What They Say: "Created by Ms. Marjorie Moutari, the Kazam line of natural body care was a combination of 'travel and knowledge, experience and creative ideas for bath and body formulas to create a range of truly indulgent products to delight and soothe your body'. Only the finest ingredients nature has to offer goes into the making of our products, and specially selected for their skin nourishing qualities.

• RELAXING, NOURISHING, HYDRATING.
• RELIEVES DRYNESS TO WIND AND SUN DRIED SKIN.
• BOIS DE ROSE, YLANG, PALMAROSA, JASMINE, SANDALWOOD.
• ENCOURAGES SKIN RENEWAL AND TISSUE REGENERATION.
• A GREAT MOISTURIZER FOR MATURE SKIN

Ms. Moutari feels 'passionately about producing beautiful skin care without the use of harsh chemicals, parabensas, artificial preservatives and artificial fragrances.'”

What Lisa Says: Compared to other lotions I’ve tested, Kazam Hand and Body Lotion has to be near or at the top of my “Love it!” list. This product does everything it promises and a bit more. Whether applying just after the shower or mid-day this product sinks in almost immediately leaving an absolute trace of nothing on your skin – no waxiness, oiliness, nada! The only thing I was left with was visibly hydrated, soft, skin that lasted most of the day along with a lingering fragrance of ylang, sandalwood and jasmine. I did apply it twice daily but that’s all I needed. While the fragrance is lovely it is a bit stronger than most lotions but that’s part of the Kazam experience: nut butters, extracts and essential oils. Best of all, there was absolutely nothing on the label I couldn’t pronounce or wasn’t familiar with.

Retail Price: $10.00 (at Kazam Natural Body Care)

DeLush Rating:

Occasionally, I find a new product that redefines the concept of "Totally DeLush", the designation given to our highest rated products. With Tocca's Bath and Body products, I've found a whole line that is so fabulous it should have a category all it's own. Note that Stella, a blood orange scent, is also available in perfume. I will definitely be getting some of the fragrance to round out this line of products!

--Jen

Tocca Body Wash in Stella
"An ultra-luxurious foaming bath gel that contains natural cleansing agents from olive oil, calendula flower extracts and honey. In the shower or in the tub, Bagno Profumato gently washes and thoroughly hydrates all skin types. Also available in Cleopatra and Florence."

Jen's Experience: I can't wait to use this product every day in the shower. The absolutely delicious citrus scent wakes me up and brightens my morning. The cleanser has a great lather that makes my skin feel clean. The hydrating ingredients feel like they really moisturize my skin, but they wash away nicely. And did I mention the fantastic scent?

Retail Price: $19.00 (Tocca.com)

Tocca Rich Body Cream
"A sumptuously rich body cream combining the benefits of natural ingredients such as cocoa butter and shea butter with our signature fragrances. Absorbs easily and leaves the skin soft and supple with a dewy glow. Also available in Cleopatra and Florence."

Jen's Experience: As with the body wash, the scent is a major selling point for this product. But that's not the only reason this product is fantastic. When I use it right out of the shower, the moisturizer melts right into my skin. It doesn't leave my skin feeling greasy at all -- I can put my clothes on moments after I apply it -- yet it works throughout the day. The scent lasts throughout the day as well. And the beautiful glass jar just tops off the whole package. This is handsdown my favorite body moisturizer. I feel like I should save it for special occasions or something, but I just can't resist using it every day.

Retail Price: $45.00 (Tocca.com)

Tocca Soap
"A gentle, moisture-rich bar soap that uses key ingredients like Kukui Nut oil, blue-green algae extract and vitamin E to hydrate, firm and repair skin, leaving it soft and glowing. Available in Cleopatra, Stella and Florence."

Jen's Experience: The first thing I noticed about this soap is that the bar is gigantic! And unlike other specialty soaps I've tried, it really lasts a long time and doesn't fall apart. The scent, as with the other products, is still heavenly, although not as noticable as with the body wash. The hydrating effects are just as good as that of the body wash, though. Had I tried this product alone, I would probably be raving about it, but I think I prefer the body wash if given a choice between the two.

Retail Price: $12.00 (Tocca.com)

Ratings:
Body Wash
Body Cream
Soap

What They Say: "Our shea butter is top quality. It is naturally extracted from the wild crafted karite nuts and hand picked in West Africa. This butter then undergoes natural cleaning to take out impurities. Shea butter provides natural sun protection and skin healing properties. We add only all natural fragrances and pure essential oils to fragrance our butter.

The essential fatty acids present in shea nourish the skin. Shea butter is doctor recommened for eczema, psoriasis, post-surgery scars and rashes. It also works wonders on a babies' gentle skin, replacing petroleum and mineral oil, which can be toxic. Applied daily, shea butter can help reduce the onslaught of stretch marks in expecting women. Natural shea butter replaces many toxic skincare products found in households around the world.

Each jar comes wrapped with a geniune shea nut!"

"You'll love the aroma and soft texture of Kalahari Melon shea butter. Melons originally grew in the wild in Africa. Bush tribes of Southern Africa still use the wild melons as a valuable source of water in the dry desert region. We've added skin quenching melon seed oil to our organic shea butter and sprinkled it with all natural melon fragrance for a one of a kind, delectable experience."

Melissa Says: This shea butter is so very soft, it begins to emulsify almost the moment you dip some out with your fingers. It feels comforting and smooth going on, and soaks into the skin quicky without leaving a greasy feeling afterward that some shea butters do (some of those more intense ones are best for overnight treatments for this very reason). Instead, all you are left with is incredibly soft skin and no mess. You can even use it at your keyboard, smoothing onto hands and dry cuticles, and continue to go about your work. Some of their other scents to try include Frankincense and Myrrh, Cape Chamomile Lavender, Moroccan Mint Vanilla, and Madagascar Vanilla. While I loved the scent in the jar, one thing I noticed was that that scent dissipated quickly after I applied it, though it was still faint.

Retail Price: $10.95, 6 oz. (currently $10 on sale or 3 for $28 online at store.africansheabuttercompany.com with free shipping on orders of $60 or more) - OR try a mini jar (1 oz.) for $3.50. I've seen this jar size and there is plenty to last long enough for you to test out the formula or a new scent. Also, be patient with their website, though it's a Yahoo storefront for now, it looks like this month they're getting ready to unveil their new retail site.

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Henry’s Body Lotion is a luxurious, deeply penetrating formula that combines botanicals with the latest advancements in the moisture-retention technology. Plumps and strengthens skin for a smoother and healthier appearance. Also includes anti-aging benefits.

Main Active Ingredients:

Glycerin - A humectant that attracts moisture into the skin.

Olive Fruit Oil - Antioxidant that nourishes and heals by locking the water into the skin.

Shea Butter - A solid fatty oil that soothes and moisturizes the skin and protects against UV rays."

Lisa’s Experience: I really looked forward to testing this product, as my skin has been very dry this winter. I showered and use my favorite exfoliant, patted myself dry and smoothed Henry Beautiful’s Cucumber Gardenia Body Cream from neck to toe. I was not disappointed. It hydrated every bit as well as it smelled. I thought it an odd combination of fragrance, but the two worked very well together: the green cucumber smell predominant finally yielding to the gardenia after it had been on about 15 minutes. It's a great fragrance, though it does end up being sweet smelling for those of you who don’t care for gardenia.

It is also thick, but within about 15 minutes it had soaked right into my skin and yes, it looked hydrated and plumped, was soft to the touch and had just as smooth feeling as it looked. I did need to re-apply it a second time later in the day to keep that hydrated feeling but that’s usually the case with most products.

As mentioned, while I was testing this product, I tried it directly after showers and then again throughout the day. There was a big difference in absorption, skin softening and moisture retention when using it after bath/shower. I’m guessing this has to do with the humectant and other wonderful oils contained in this product. Give it a try!

Additionally, because it's in a plastic 8 oz. bottle, it's easy to toss in a bag to travel without worry about breakage. Doesn’t get any easier than that. Look for more Henry Beautiful reviews in the coming weeks!

Retail Price: $30.00/8 oz (at henrybeautiful.com or go here to have Henry Beautiful find the nearest retail location near you)

Delush Rating:

What They Say: "Each lightly scented 8” x 8” body moisturizing towelette is drenched with a rich blend of natural oils, antioxidant rich vitamins and moisture attracting humectants that leave skin feeling smoother, softer and more supple.

For a wonderfully convenient way to moisturize, use just out of the shower, on the run from one activity to another, after a relaxing pedicure or when traveling. Moisturize legs with a Spa Towell after shaving for a super smooth, lustrous sheen that can last all day. Use this new beauty product as often as desired on face, neck, hands, legs and body to soften, pamper and protect skin.

Individually packaged body moisturizing towelettes are extremely handy and convenient. Packets are lightweight and easily fit into purses, pockets, backpacks, golf bags, tennis bags...the list goes on and on. Pack several into your suitcase for your next trip. No more bulky bottles or messy spills and leaks!"

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: These moisturizing towels are the first of their kind that I've tried. When unfolded, they really are large enough and contain enough moisturizer for the entire body. The scent is pleasant, fairly light and fresh, though it does seem a bit more strong initially out of the packet. It was a little weird getting used to how much product is on the sheet before you apply it to the skin, but it isn't messy. Skin is left softly hydrated with no slick or oily feeling, though I would have liked the effect to last a bit longer.

I would say that these would be a great alternative to bringing bottles of lotion when you travel (especially with current airport regulations), as they take up so much less space and there's no chance of them leaking onto your things. Because of the cost difference per use, however, this isn't a very economical choice for regular daily use. Still, I like that these can fit into any purse, bag or back jeans pocket and are a great portable way to freshen up and moisturize when you're on the road or can't get home at night from work before going out.

I know the description suggests using these on legs after shaving, but I really think that if they came out with some smaller versions that could be a bit less expensive per use, that would make something like that much more workable. I know they're coming out with more new products soon, so perhaps that will be one of the new options soon.

Retail Price:
10-pack - $10
20-pack - $20
30-pack - $30
(plus S&H, online at the Spa Towells online store or go to spatowells.com to find a retail location near you)

DeLush Rating:

About the Hair Cleanser: "A mild hair cleanser wth Neem and Chinese rose (Japa) extracts which naturally nourish the hair while cleansing."

About the Conditioner: "Cypress Orange Hair Conditioner blends Indian Gooseberry (Amla), Almond, and Soy with Almond Oil to create a wonderful moisturizer that revitalizes and strengthens damaged hair."

Jen's Experience: I was in love with the bottles at first sight. The plastic bottles look like they're made out of glass, and the gold caps and beautiful labeling make me want to just put them on the shelf for decoration. I was a little hesitant to try them on my hair after it was recently colored. Then I read the labels, and was incredibly impressed with the list of natural ingredients. There are no harsh detergents at all, not even any chemicals. I decided to give it a shot and was very pleased with the results. The orange scent is pleasant but not overpowering and my hair didn't seem to retain any of the scent. The cleanser didn't lather a whole lot (probably owing to the lack of detergents), but it did the job -- my hair was clean but well moisturized, thanks to the conditioner. Used with volumizing products, my hair gets excellent body, but even without, it's soft, bouncy, and extraordinarily glossy.

Retail Price: $18.00 each (Alcanz.com)

About the Body Cleanser: "A perfect hydrating shower gel with Honey, Rice, Wheat and Sugar extracts to nourish the skin while cleansing."

Jen's Experience: The scent of this is the same as the hair cleanser, but I found the scent to be more noticable as I used it in the shower. It doesn't foam or lather a lot, but it does a good job of cleaning and a great job of restoring moisture to my skin. The product is so gentle it seems like it could even be used on the face. I definitely enjoy using this in the shower!

Retail Price: $18.00 each (Alcanz.com)

About the Body Moisturizer: "A perfect moisturizer with Rice and Wheat extracts and Sunflower and Olive Oil which nourish and hydrate the skin."

Jen's Experience: Much like the other products, I was impressed with the low-key, pleasant scent and the natural ingredient list. This is one of the only scented moisturizers I've used where the scent wasn't overpowering and didn't really linger (although with this product, I certainly wouldn't have minded). The moisturizer soaked into my skin quickly, making it a great product for blue jean days or use before bed. When I do use it right before going to sleep, I can't even tell I had it on by morning. My legs aren't dry, but they don't feel the slightest bit slick.

Overall, I'm incredibly impressed with this line, and I think it would make for an excellent indulgence for yourself or an impressive gift for others.

Ratings:
Hair Cleanser and Conditioner
Body Cleanser
Body Moisturizer

What They Say: (about the Soap) "Our cream handmade soaps are made with the highest quality olive oil, shea butter, monoi de tahiti oil, fresh cream, goat milk, essential oil, and fragrances. The combination of fresh cream and extra shea butter gives this handmade soap a wonderful thick, silky, and creamy lather.

Unscented soap is always available to those who do not prefer any fragrance.

Designs may vary from batch to batch as our soaps are handmade and handcut.
Cream Handmade Soaps are sometimes referred to as Designer Soaps, due to the design and patterns of the Handmade Soap. 6 oz."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: What I like about these lovely soaps are the pretty blocks of color and soft lather. Though they don't provide incredible moisture once you're out of the bath, they're still gentle and provide a nice clean feeling without residue. I also want to note that some of the scents in this line can be a bit strong and perfume-y, but others are pleasant. (I tried the Peaches and Cream, Dutch Apple Pie and Creamy Peppermint Sea.) I would recommend that you carefully look for something that sounds like what you'd enjoy. However, I believe many of the scents will appeal more to those who prefer the florals that predominate many of the options. Another option, of course, is to get the products unscented, as they offer.

What They Say: (about the Body Butter) "A little body butter makes everything better!

Especially this luxurious and natural formula of shea butter, monoi de tahiti oil, cocoa butter, sweet almond oil, sunflower oil, goat milk, vitamin E, and silk fibers.

Handmade with the finest quality of healing oils, butters, essential oils, and fragrance, our body butter is ideal for post-shower or bathing to seal in moisture, leaving you with healthy skin that immediately feels smooth and protected.

Once you start using Whipped Shea Monoi Body Butter you will wonder how you ever did without it."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: That definitely sounded promising, but I must say I was disappointed with this product. The scent that I had (Gardenia Peach, described as "sweet and feminine tropical floral gardenia, paired with sweet juicy peaches") didn't strike me as sweet at ALL. In fact, I felt a bit bombarded with the floral part, and it wasn't very pleasant. I actually decided to try to wash it off after wearing it for a short amount of time because I felt like it was giving me a headache. Also, it appeared that there were tiny bits of sparkle on my arms after I applied it, which I can only assume were in the formula, though they were hard to see in the jar. Compared to some other body butters I've tried, this one didn't feel nearly as nice on the skin, either. Unfortunately, I think this is a product that needs to be completely re-formulated or simply eliminated.

Retail Prices:
(the Soap) $5.00
(the Body Butter) $15.00 (8oz) $25.00 (16oz)
(available at Maryam's Soap Nook online - which I also want to note is a bit cumbersome to navigate and could have a much cleaner look)

DeLush Ratings:
(the Soap)
(the Body Butter)

What They Say: "A Shielding Lotion is far more effective as a dry skin care treatment than mere moisturizing lotions or protective creams. If you suffer from dry skin, you know that just using a moisturizing lotion doesn't solve the problem.

Skin MD Natural™ is promptly absorbed, without the slightest hint of any greasy or oily feeling or residue, transforming the outer layer of skin into a hydrating invisible shield.

Glycerin has been the standard against which all humectants are measured. Until now no other humectant drew in as much moisture from the air as glycerin. But the proprietary formulation in Skin MD Natural™ has a moisturizing factor of at least 6 times greater than glycerin.
Skin MD Natural™ utilizes the finest effective natural skin care ingredients for dry skin treatment along with the latest advances in dry skin care technology to hydrate and protect the skin.

This is an entirely new concept in skin care requiring a new classification: "Shielding Lotion". A shielding lotion keeps moisture-robbing irritants away from the skin while the proprietary "super" humectants hydrate the skin throughout the day.

An accumulated effect of Skin MD Natural is fully realized after only a few days of daily use. Depending on how dry your skin is the first few days may require reapplications after only a few hours. Usually, after a few days of continuous use, only one or two daily applications are necessary for complete dry skin care.

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: At first, I just applied this lotion thinking, "Okay, it's a normal, lightweight lotion. I don't get it." But after massaging it into my hands for a few seconds I started to see part of what makes this lotion different. It suddenly dried to a (slightly) slick, non-greasy feeling that's hard to describe. Let's just say I could rub my thumb and index finger together and they'd sort of squeak! It's not uncomfortable - in fact, it's very comfortable. You can literally feel this very thin sort of protective "coating" on your skin. I do want to emphasize though, that there is no greasiness, nothing in the way of you performing daily activities.

Another thing to note is that if you have very dry skin, it may still be dry for a few days. This doesn't exactly soften those spots immediately, but in fact protects your skin to give it a chance to heal. For instance, I have this nasty habit of picking at my cuticles. This gets especially worse during winter, when the dry air and hot water I use makes my hands have rough cuticles and also often dry, rough palms. When my cuticles are dry, I can't stop myself from picking at those spots. I know, it's gross.

My point is, I noticed that while using this as directed (every 2-8 hours at first, then every 12-48 hours), washing my hands didn't dry them out as badly (I could feel it almost beading on my skin) and even though the spots I'd picked at weren't very soft right away, they were soothed enough that I didn't have the urge to make it worse and they had a chance to begin to heal.

Although this won't make your skin magically silky immediately, it WILL help your skin to maintain its own moisture and help restore it. The directions also say it can be used on the face if needed, but I would only recommend applying it to the occasional persistent patch of dry skin. There is a very light scent, but it should be barely noticeable to most users (no fragrance is added).

Retail Price: $25.00 (at skinmdnatural.com) or if you're curious and want to try it out first, order samples for $2.00

DeLush Rating: