What They Say: "Traps impurities and dissolves excess sebum and heavy make-up with an intensive make-up removal and cleansing action. Preserves the hydrolipidic film as it softens, soothes and refreshes skin. Veils the skin in gentleness. Rinses easily."

Jen's Experience: This is quite the unusual cleanser. Instead of starting with a damp face, you start by applying the gel to your dry skin. As you massage it in, it turns to a milky liquid that traps the make-up and oil on your face. It feels really good when I massage it in, and it really seems to do the trick for getting nice and clean without drying out my skin at all. For those with dry skin, this product is definitely something you'll want to try.

Retail Price: $30.00 (Clarins.com)

Rating:

What They Say: "Lifts away dirt and makeup, leaving behind clean, touchably soft skin.

Daily Facials Express Wet Cleansing Cloths, specially formulated with aloe for sensitive skin, easily lift away dirt and makeup, while also softening your skin with light Olay moisture and vitamin E, leaving it clean and touchably soft, all in one easy step.

These velvety cloths have a special "lift and lock" texture that corners dirt and makeup to thoroughly cleanse your skin. They even remove waterproof mascara. For a smooth, comfortable feel."

Melissa Says: While these are absolutely amazing at removing facial makeup and providing very light exfoliation (thanks to two textured sides that don't irritate the skin but do the job), I thought they were less effective on my waterproof mascara than some other facial cloths I've tried. In every other way, I love these. They're a bit larger than some comparable facial cloths and are quite effective, leaving skin feeling clean and not stripped of moisture.

Retail Price: app. $5.50 (at drugstores everywhere)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: " Transform your daily cleansing routine with new Neutrogena® Wave™, a breakthrough power cleanser that gives you the kind of soft skin that truly gets noticed.

Neutrogena Wave™ is a battery-operated cleanser that's clinically proven to perform better than ordinary manual cleansers. At the click of a button, Wave's™ gentle vibrating motion massages tingly cleansing foam deep into pores to remove more dirt, oil and more make-up than ordinary cleansing. After just one use, Neutrogena Wave™ helps reveal softer, smoother skin. Best of all, Wave™ is gentle and easy enough to use every day--even in the shower."

Jen's Experience: As much as I would love to have perfect, glowing skin, I have to admit that I'm pretty lazy when it comes to taking care of it, especially when it comes to getting my face nice and squeaky clean before I hit the sheets each night. I was thrilled when the daily cleansing wipes hit the market, and fell in love with my Dove SkinVitalizer.

When I first started using the Wave, I loved the way it fit in my hand so that I have good control over the pressure that I'm using. But, there are several things that I don't particularly like. For one, after I get the little pad wet, the device gets a bit slippery, making it difficult enough to turn on that I very nearly shot it across the room more than once. The device does a reasonably good job cleaning, but I couldn't help put feel that it would have been perfect if the surface area was a little larger. I felt like I needed to go over my face pretty well with my washcloth before I started using it, and once I was done I felt like I needed another once over to remove all the extra cleanser.

Bottom line? The Neutrogena Wave required a little more work than I would have liked without making me feel like it was worth the effort.

Retail Price: $10.49 (Drugstore.com)

Rating:

What They Say: "This lightweight, gentle facial moisturizer is CLINICALLY shown to reduce redness in just one week1 while it protects your face with broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen. Its unique moisturizing complex begins to soothe dry skin on contact and works to improve overall skin tone and texture.

PURPOSE® Redness Reducing Moisturizer with SPF 30 absorbs quickly for long-lasting moisturization and is gentle enough to use every day, even on sensitive skin."

Jamie's Thoughts: Because of the nature of my skin (combination with areas of blotchy redness, particularly around my nose and mouth), I wanted to give this lotion the best chance to be effective. I started using it a month or so before I had to actually sit down and write this review.

In short, this product is fantastic. It is completely scent-free, does everything S.C. Johnson claims it does, it is reasonably priced, and with SPF 30, you cannot go wrong. It may not be fancy, but it works so who really cares?

I noticed redness reduction about 4-5 days after I started using this (mornings only - I use a non-SPF cream at night). After a week or so, I stopped applying my usual dabs of green concealer on my red areas altogether - I didn't need it anymore. This formula would be perfect for men or women with red, troubled skin. If you don't believe me, check out the user reviews on www.drugstore.com. (Delush is not affiliated with Drugstore.com - just a suggestion from me to you)

If you have chronic redness on any level, you owe it to yourself to give this product a try.

Retail Price: app $15.00 (varies from store to store - available online and in major drugstores)

Delush Rating: TOTALLY DELUSH

What They Say: "PURPOSE® products were developed with dermatologists and are trusted to be gentle enough for all skin types, even sensitive skin. PURPOSE® Gentle Cleansing Bar lathers delicately and cleanses away dirt and oil without over-drying your skin. This mild cleansing product leaves your skin feeling soft, smooth, clean and refreshed. This oil-free cleansing bar is gentle enough for all skin types, even sensitive skin."

Alissa's Opinion: Putting aside my personal distaste for bars of any type, I tried to test this cleanser with an open mind. I found that it seemed to be a lot like every other bar out there, although I am no expert. I didn't like how it smelled soapy and left my skin with that sticky, rubbery feeling, but if you are the type who typically uses cleansing bars, then that may be just what you are looking for. The Purpose bar does have a lot to offer those with dry sensitive skin or breakouts and it is very inexpensive.

Retail Price: $3.99 (at drugstores everywhere)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Give your days a Purpose. Dermatologists recommend this Gentle Cleansing Wash because its soap-free, oil-free formula is gentle, nondrying, and nonirritating. It quickly and effectively whisks away traces of the day with a creamy lather. You simply massage onto wet skin, rinse off, and pat your face dry. And the pump dispenser is a nice convenience to keep in the shower or next to the sink."

Jen's Experience: This cooling weather wants to leave my skin extra dry, so this is time of year when I would go for super-luxe moisturizers and cleansers. When my skin becomes extra irritated, I sometimes even give up the cleanser and just go for straight water.

Combined with a good moisturizer, I can see where this moisturizer might allow me to get through the winter months without my normal dry, irritated skin. This cleanser really does seem to be as gentle as water, but it does a fantastic job of removing all of my make up and daily build-up, while leaving my skin clear, moisturized, and non-irritated. Overall, I've tried facial cleansers from lots of brands at lots of prices, and this one ranks very high on my list. I highly recommend this cleanser for daily use.

Retail Price: $5.99 (Drugstore.com, or your local drugstore)

Rating:

What They Say: "Neutrogena® Illuminating Microderm Cleansing Pads deliver the benefits of a professional microdermabrasion treatment--softer, smoother, more radiant skin--all in one easy-to-use pad.

This uniquely-designed, dual-sided pad is clinically proven to deliver results equivalent to one professional microdermabrasion treatment after just one week of cleansing. The exfoliating side contains a rich, foaming cleanser, plus special microderm-polishers to gently sweep away dulling skin cells, revealing a smoother, softer, more radiant complexion and minimizes the appearance of fine lines. The striped, soft side contains nourishing conditioners that replenish skin, leaving it visibly brighter and silky-soft."

Jen's Experience: For all the time I spend putting on make-up in the morning, you'd think I'd be just as diligent about taking it off. But no, I'm tired when I take my face off, and tend to be a little lazy about it. Cleansing cloths and pads like this are pretty much essential for me to keep my face clean and clear.

Unfortunately, these particular pads are not the best I've ever tried. I didn't see much of a brightening effect despite their claim that using these was akin to having microdermabrasion treatments. It took both sides of the pad just to get my make-up off, so I never really felt like I was getting a really deep clean. Plus, my skin was definitely not clearer;the whole time I used these I had breakouts on my cheeks. Overall, there are other products that are far more effective (the Dove Skinvitalizer comes immediately to mind) that I would recommend above this one.

Retail Price: $7.99 (Drugstore.com)

Rating:

What They Say: "This instant foaming cleanser with moisture-rich soy extracts and a blemish-fighting ingredient, helps improve skin's tone and texture and clears up blemishes without over drying, leaving skin soft, smooth and even-looking. This mild formula won't clog pores and is gentle enough for everyday use."

Alissa's Opinion: This cleanser has a lot of great qualities. It's free of oily residue and fragrance, the foam is easy to use, and the 0.5% salicylic acid keeps my skin clear with everyday use. Unfortunately, the pump dispenser was not easy to use. The bottle is so thin that it tips if you try to use it with one hand. And after a few days, the pump became so sticky that it jammed in the down position whenever I pushed it. It was still useable, but very awkward.

Retail Price: $7.69 (at drugstores and superstores everywhere)

DeLush Rating:

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)

DeLush Rating:

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)

DeLush Rating:

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.)

Rating:

What They Say: “Nourish dry skin while cleansing impurities out of maturing skin. With amazing antioxidants and moisture retention ingredients, skin will show a visible improvement. Besides the skin being the largest organ, it is also the largest organ of elimination, so cleansing is one of the most critical steps in maintaining a healthy complexion.”

*Note the Absolute Facial Line is “designed for women suffering from both wrinkles and acne. It works to help smooth the appearance of wrinkles and to clarify, soften, refine and rejuvenate the skin.”

What Lisa Says: This is an interesting cleanser. For those wanting a soap and water, lot o’ bubbles, squeaky clean kind of feeling, this is NOT for you but then, most mature clients aren’t looking for that. It looks, feels and smells like the green clay masks I used to use when I was 16 and my skin was oily. This minty green creamy cleanser does a great job of cleaning your skin and leaves it feeling extremely hydrated but not oily. You can actually see the difference in your pre and post wash.

The finer lines around my eyes and lips were diminished within about a week to 10 days leaving an over all softer look around my eyes. I don’t have acne so I cannot verify those claims but the ingredients in this product lead me to believe that there’s nothing in it that would hurt those who are acne prone. In fact, for the price, I would definitely give it a try if that were one of the things you want to address. It certainly has all the ingredients (including phytoestrogens) to clean and soothe acne prone skin. You can check them out on their website.

Also of note regarding this product: they are cruelty free, certified vegan, non-comedogenic/toxin free, sulfate/paraben free and are made here in the United States.

Retail Price: $37.99 4 oz. (at vonNatur)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "The NEW Dove™ SkinVitalizer is a first-of-its-kind, daily face cleansing tool with a technologically advanced method that delivers a deep clean as well as massaging and exfolitating benefits for healthy, beautiful skin. The NEW Dove™ SkinVitalizer is designed for use with Dove® Cleansing Pillows. Available in two formulas, these pillows are gentle on all skin types and leave skin feeling wonderfully clean, soft and radiant."

Jen's Experience: Sometimes when it's time to go to bed and it's really late, I have a hard time motivating myself to wash my face. But now that I've got this tool, I really don't have any excuses any more. All I have to do is put the facial cleansing pillow on the Skinvitalizer, hit the 'go' button, and not only do I get to wash my face without a whole lot of effort, but I actually get a better clean than when I use a washcloth and a cleanser. I use the cleansing side rather than the more rough exfoliating side since my skin is sensitive, but all the same, I've never had an issue with breakout out after using it. I'm just so impressed. This is one drugstore item that's absolutely worth trying.

Retail Price: $11.99 (Drugstore.com)

Rating:

What They Say: "BABOR CLEANSING is the first step to beautiful skin. BABOR has combined the natural cleansing power of oil and water to create a unique signature bi-phase cleansing system that ensures mild but thorough deep-cleansing. This Jubilee Cleansing Box Set contains HY-OL 200ml, suitable for all skin types, and Phytoactive Reactivating 100ml formulated to revitalize and thoroughly moisturize demanding skin or skin in need of regeneration. Also delays the effects of light-induced aging."

Toya’s Take: As an oily-skinned gal, I quite skeptically viewed the box of Babor Cleansing Oil. It just didn’t make sense to me to use an oil-based cleanser – wouldn’t that just exacerbate the oiliness of my skin? From all I’ve read from other beauty bloggers and in magazines, these oil-based cleansers are whizzes at cutting through dirt, make-up and, surprisingly, oil. I decided to put that to the test. So, after a recent photo shoot, when I was in full tribal make-up, I used the Babor Cleansing Oil products to remove my make-up.

Following the instructions on the box, I applied four pumps of the HY-OL cleansing oil to my face, rubbing in a circular motion; followed by two pumps of the Phytoactive Sensitive, which is a water soluble cleanser. I then wet my fingers and massaged it all into my skin. Well, consider me flabbergasted and proven wrong, y’all! I swear, that stuff cut through the fifteen layers of make-up instantly and it all washed clean away – no further washings or toner required! Truly, I was amazed. Afterward, my face just felt clean and soft – no tightness like I experience after using powerful cleansers, nor any added oiliness. Just clean. Wow. This is wonderful, wonderful stuff – I will keep it to use for whenever I need to remove stage make-up. I haven’t found anything that works better.

Retail Price: $44 for the box set (at babor.com, and in addition to there you can also get products individually at spalook.com)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Everything you need to try 8 of our 100% natural, holistic skin care products or give as a sensual, healthful gift! This mini kit is an antioxidant blend for those with normal to dry, fragile, or combination skin in winter months or going through a dry phase.

Inside:
Comes with exfoliating lemongrass cleanser, moisture-rich cleansing lotion, concentrated facial toner-shitake, facial moisture serum-carrot, complexion brighteining cream, delicate mositure body oil, hand & body velvet creme, & hand & body butter creme."

Jen's Experience: Let me just start by saying that I haven't been as excited about skin care since I tried Sevi cosmetics a few months back. This little mini-care set let's you try out (and fall in love with) several of Suki's products.

The exfoliating lemongrass cleanser smells fantastic in addition to being perhaps the best exfoliating cleanser I've ever used. The grains are large and seemed rough at first, but rubbed in gently do wonders. The grains are mixed in with a soap that effectively removes all the make-up on my face. I've been using this a few days a week. On other days, I use the moisture-rich cleansing lotion, which is much gentler and feels like a soothing lotion on my face. After both cleansers, I used the facial toner to remove the last traces of make-up and cleanser (although I rarely see any make-up on the cotton pad since the cleansers work so well). Sadly, I ran out of the toner quickly since you need to use quite a bit each time.

After cleansing, I have been using the carrot facial serum, which is an oil that smells (unsurprisingly) like carrots. Although the smell is a bit sweet and strong, the product itself is great for replenishing the moisture from my skin. It sinks in quickly but makes my skin look moisturized and radiant right after I use it. I follow the facial serum with the complexion brightening cream, which feels so good on my face. With all of the other products in the set, it's hard to determine if this product truly makes my complexion brighter, but between the cleansing and the moisturizing products, the result is that my skin looks the best it's looked in ages.

I've also been using the body products on occasion, but I wasn't able to get as much use out of them. The packet of hand and body cream was so tiny that in one use I was just able to get my elbows and ankles (which felt great that day as a result). The body oil was gone in just two uses, but it did a fantastic job of making my pale white legs at least look well-moisturized here in the middle of winter. I used the velvet cream mostly on my hands and got a lot more uses out of that. I liked it because it wasn't greasy and moisturized well without leaving my hands slick.

If you want to skip the mini-kit and go right for the products, I thought the lemon-grass exfoliator and the carrot facial serum are real standouts, but I think the entire spectrum of products work so well together that I hesitate to recommend buying just a few.

Overall, this is a great kit to test out the Suki products (most of them lasted about 2 weeks). It would be a fantastic travel kit, particularly for the facial products. I wish, actually, that instead of including the hand and body products that they'd made the facial toner vial a lot larger and included some daytime moisturizer with sun protection and an eye cream. I really can't complain, though. These products are totally top-notch and I am uber-impressed with this company.

Retail Price: $22.50 (SukiNaturals.com)

Rating:

What They Say:

• Foaming daily cleanser and mild exfoliant
  
• Power-packed with exfoliating pumpkin, papaya and pineapple enzymes; plus, antioxidant-rich green tea extract and moisture-boosting vitamin B5
  
• Dissolves dirt, dead cells and makeup in one step
  
• No artificial colorants, synthetic fragrance or animal by-products. Not tested on animals
  

Jamie’s Thoughts: My skin is relatively low-maintenance, so I have always given more thought to the residual elements I use – moisturizers, serums, etc., than I have to what I’m using to cleanse my skin. Now I know better.

Two quick pumps is all you need, and after only a few days I had already begun noticing that my skin looked more even. The enzymatic exfoliants do a really nice job of sloughing off dull, dead skin and bringing fresh skin to the surface – no gritty face paste here! The cleanser is soft, light, reduces the medium sized pores on my nose considerably, and rinses clean. Oh, and it does a fantastic job of taking makeup off, just like it claims.

Even though it’s 4 degrees below zero outside, I still have skin that looks bright, flush, hydrated, and healthy.

Retail Price: $32.00 USD
Can be purchased at www.bioelements.com, or call 800-433-6650 for locations.

Rating:

What They say: (about the Facial Scrub) “Let healthy looking skin come out to play. Oxygenating Facial Scrub has unique scrubbing beads that gently remove excess dirt, oil and dead skin to reveal soft, smooth, beautiful skin.”

Alissa’s Opinion: Let me start off by saying that I am already a dedicated Clean & Clear user. I have been using their classic Daily Pore Cleanser for almost 10 years because I just haven’t found anything as simple and efficient as that. I had high hopes for this cousin of my current favorite, and while it didn’t really let me down, I have to say it didn’t really impress me either. The scent is very pretty and light and it leaves my skin feeling smooth, but as an exfoliator it falls short. Overall, I would recommend this as a daily cleanser but not as a good, gritty scrub.

What They Say: (about the Ultra-Light Moisturizer) “It’s time to say goodbye to dry. Oxygenating Ultra-Light Moisturizer is a light-as-air formula with breakthrough technology that gently hydrates dry skin while allowing it to breath. With UVA/UVB sun protection, you’ll also be protecting yourself from damaging rays.”

Alissa’s Opinion: Because I only use oil-free moisturizers with minimum SPF 15 (which this one has), I was really looking forward to trying it. My first impression was that it felt very thick when applying, considering that it is “ultra-light”. But it absorbed very well and that heavy feeling was gone almost immediately. The scent is like the cleanser, light and fresh. My only complaint is that it is mentholated so it stung a bit on my winter-dry areas. This would be a great moisturizer in the warmer months.

Retail Prices: $7.59 each (both at drugstores and superstores everywhere and online at drugstore.com)

DeLush Ratings:
(Oxygenating Facial Scrub)
(Oxygenating Ultra-Light Moisturizer)

"Every woman has a time in her life when she feels the most beautiful. You recognize the moment. When everything - your life, your looks, your skin - is most vibrant and at its peak. It's a time when you'd like to stay right where you are forever and put skin aging on pause."

Pause & Effect Cream and Lotion SPF 15
"This innovative moisturizing treatment with Biodormin™ technology works to visibly slow the effects of accelerated aging on the skin to delay the appearance of lines, wrinkles, loss of firmness and tone. Helps minimize imbalances in the look of skin caused by fluctuating hormonal and protein levels. The result: with continued use, skin looks younger longer ~ smoother, more vibrant and less lined."

Jen's Experience: I tried both the moisture lotion and cream while testing the INTERVENE line, and they worked very similarly. The line is new for Elizabeth Arden (it was just released this month), so I couldn't find any information online that would guide me to using one product or the other. So, I mixed and matched.

I tried the cream first, and was really impressed with the light, fluffy texture. It did a great job of moisturizing my dry, winter skin without making my make-up slide off during the course of the day. I tried the moisturizing lotion next, and while the effects were similar, it seemed like the thinner consistency absorbed into my skin more, whereas the cream sat on top of my skin.

My skin stayed moisturized and didn't develop any dry, flaky areas like it often would at this point in the year. Since I've started using the products from this line daily, I've had more than my usual number of blemishes, but I also haven't noticed any improvements in vibrancy and radiance. I realize those are pretty subjective terms. Given that the product was supposed to make my skin appear more vibrant...well...I guess I just expected more. I expected to look in the mirror and say, "wow, my skin looks really good." So, top marks for moisture, but perhaps the formula was just wrong for my sensitive skin.

Retail Price: $55.00 for either the moisturizing lotion or cream (SkinStore.com)

Rating:

3-in-1 Daily Cleanser Exfoliator Primer
"This NEW 3-in-1 Daily Cleanser Exfoliator Primer is a unique foaming formula that cleanses, gently exfoliates and leaves skin primed to receive maximum moisturizing and treatment benefits.

The ideal, multi-tasking first step before INTERVENE Pause & Effect Moisture Cream or Lotion SPF 15. "

Jen's Experience: When I was in college, I got on a major Elizabeth Arden kick, and I remember really liking their facial cleanser. I don't know why I stopped using it, but this product brought back fond memories -- it's very similar to the one I used to use, with the addition of an exfoliant. I like the pleasant soapy smell a lot, but what I love is it's effectiveness in removing my make-up. I've been using that Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation nearly daily since I started reviewing it, and it stays put like nothing I've ever seen, which translates to "very difficult to wash off". Previous (and admittedly, more gentle) cleansers that I've used would leave a trace of make-up that I would find when I used a toner. When I use this product, it removes every little bit of make-up. Since it's such a good cleanser, I worry a little that it's responsible for this last bout of breakouts. On the other hand, since this is such a good cleanser, it's definitely worth keeping in my beauty routine.

Retail Price: $20.00 (SkinStore.com)
Rating:

What They Say: (about the Winter Cleanser) "Balanced for winter use, our cleanser is infused with Chamomile extracts and algae peptides to create an antioxidant moisture wash that gently removes impurities while soothing and hydrating the skin. Daily use promotes softer, smoother skin and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and surface dryness.

Key Ingredients and Benefits

Lathering Ingredients: Formulated with non-irritating and non-comedogenic foaming ingredients generally found in baby-skin cleansers. These are especially useful during the winter months as they will prevent dryness, irritation, and flaking. Also prevents redness and acne breakouts. Ideal for acne-prone and sensitive skin.

Chamomile Extract: This ultra soothing botanical calms and soothes skin and helps to minimize redness and irritation.

Algae peptides: derived from Hawaiian red sea algae. Ensure deep hydration and deliver nourishing antioxidants to the skin while increasing cell renewal. This is particularly effective during the winter months, when metabolism decreases. Also promote collagen formation to smooth skin creases, resulting in a firmer skin appearance."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: This gel-like cleanser seems to remove makeup very well, and did not leave my skin tight or dry-feeling. In fact, after patting my face dry my skin would still feel supple and hydrated, and very soft. Typically in winter I get dry patches fairly easily, as well as a bit of redness along with them. I did notice a reduction in this occurrence while using the trio as well. The only negative I found was that the scent of this product was a bit medicinal. If this could be improved, it would help to make this an even more skin-pampering product. One other thing to note is that the pump-dispensing container is HUGE. It will last a very long time.

What They Say: (about the Winter Moisturizer) "Our super-hydrating moisturizer helps create an enriched shield between your skin and the harsh winter environment. Beta-carotene derived from winter-harvest carrots strengthens the skin's defense against environmental damage. Super-hydrating lipids help replace moisture lost throughout the winter. Replenishing Algae Peptides ensure deep hydration and help boost cell renewal during the slower-metabolic winter months. A hint of Lavender essential oil promotes a sense of overall well-being.

Key Ingredients and Benefits:

Lipids: Super-rich molecules help replace moisture that is lost from the skin throughout the winter.

Beta carotene: Derived from winter-harvest carrots. Strengthens the skin's defense against environmental damage. Provides free-radical protection in a powerful anti-oxidant formula.

Algae peptides: derived from Hawaiian red sea algae. Ensure deep hydration and deliver nourishing antioxidants to the skin while increasing cell renewal. This is particularly effective during the winter months, when metabolism decreases. Also promote collagen formation to smooth skin creases, resulting in a firmer skin appearance."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: I've been finding this moisturizer quite soothing over the past few weeks. I typically apply it at night, using a generous amount and letting it soak into my skin overnight. But I've also on several occasions used a very thin layer under my sunscreen before applying makeup in the morning. What's been a positive thing for me in that respect is that this has not created excess oil on my face during the day, even though it is slighly richer than some moisturizers. Instead, it helps my skin to feel comfortable instead of dry and itchy from all of the drying indoor heat I spend all day in.

What They Say: (about the Winter Oxy-Boost Mask) "This feather-light mask hydrates and awakens the skin's youthful glow by renewing the oxygen consumption within the cells. This is especially important during the harsh winter months and at high altitudes where oxygen is less prevalent in the air. Imparts a healthy radiance and velvety texture to the skin. Also promotes a firmer, more youthful skin appearance and lifts and plumps skin, revealing dramatic visible results.

Key Ingredients and Benefits

Oxygen ATP Activators: These small molecules called ATP molecules deeply penetrate into the skin, boosting the skin's oxygen uptake.

Boosts skin hydration.

Imparts velvety texture and healthy radiance.

Dramatically improves skin tone & elasticity.

Lifts and plumps skin."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: The mask in this trio is also of a gel consistency, and is very light going on. It's also immediately cooling. It is recommended that you leave it on for at least 20 minutes, and they say you can use it up to several times per week. I will say that while I noticed a bit of a tightening feeling after use (sort of that "squeaky" feeling common after using some cleansing products), it wasn't intense and was immediately alleviated by following up with the Winter Moisturizer. I suppose the lifting and plumping, which I've noticed only slightly from a visual perspective, was the cause of this tight feeling. I think the thing which I notice most visibly after using the mask is a reduction in dullness. However, it's the FEEL of my skin that has been most impressive.

For this reason I feel like the moisturizer and cleanser have been most beneficial to me so far, although the mask has its impact as well.

Retail Prices: (all available at seasonalskincare.com)
(Winter Cleanser) (8 fl. oz) $26 (now on sale for $22)
(Winter Moisturizer) (1.7 fl. oz) $45 (now on sale for $36)
(Winter Oxy-Boost Mask) (1.7 fl. oz) $45 (now on sale for $36)

DeLush Ratings:
(Winter Cleanser)
(Winter Moisturizer)
(Winter Oxy-Boost Mask)

What They Say: Aveeno Moisturizing Bar for Dry Skin is a unique soap-free cleanser that combines a special form of silky smooth oatmeal with skin softening moisturizers. The natural oatmeal works to absorb dirt and oil then gently rinses away. Rich emollients moisturize dry, sensitive skin. Aveeno Moisturizing Bar looks and feels different because it contains a high level of oatmeal to leave skin feeling soft and smooth. Aveeno Moisturizing Bar is fragrance free and dye free.

Toya’s Take: I have very positive associations to oatmeal. 1) I love eating oatmeal. Oatmeal is yummy. I am a lover of hot cereals. 2) When I had chicken pox at age 15, nothing was more soothing than sitting in an Aveeno oatmeal bath. 3) I am loving a Trader Joe’s honey and oatmeal soap that I’ve been using recently. Can I get a “Yay!” for the oatmeal???

This bar is described as a facial cleansing bar when you read the packaging, which struck me as a bit odd – I thought it was to be used on the body, but no matter. The instructions say to wash with the bar, so I was a bit confused. Should I lather my hands or should I literally wash my face with the bar? Well, I’ve used bar cleansers before and just proceeded to lather up my hands and use it that way, which I guess was fine. Immediately, I could feel the grittiness – it wasn’t unpleasant by any means, but you could tell that it’s meant to be exfoliating, which I think is great. Also, though it’s described as fragrance and dye free, keep in mind that it isn’t scent free – there’s a distinct oatmeal-y scent from the bar, which I found pleasant, but others may not.

This cleansing bar is supposed to leave the skin feeling “soft and smooth”, but I didn’t find that. My face didn’t feel much different all (maybe it’s already soft and smooth?). However, I’m not sure I’ll continue to wash my face with this bar, as I have oily facial skin and I don’t want to exacerbate my oiliness. All in all, my skin felt fine afterward – not elaborately moisturized or anything, but certainly not dry or flaky.

Retail price: $2.99 (Drugstore.com and your local drugstore)

Rating:

What They Say: "With naturally calming feverfew, a natural ingredient related to chamomile, this light foaming cleanser helps visibly reduce redness and calm dry, irritated or sensitive skin while gently cleansing. It lifts away dirt, oil, and make-up without over-drying or aggravating even very sensitive skin. This cleanser is gentle enough to use every day.

Additional Product Benefits Include: fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, noncomedogenic, soap-free"

Jen's Experience: I've been really interested in trying the ultra-calming line from Aveeno because of my sensitive skin (especially in the winter) and this facial cleanser did not disappoint. I'm not really sure why the cleanser is foaming rather than just a cream, but the soft bubbles really did make me feel like I was pampering my face. It actually reminded me of the other foaming cleanser that I've tried, the Freeze 24/7 Daily Detoxifying Cleanser, but for a whole lot less money. I didn't see any dramatic improvements to my face in terms of sensitivity or breakouts, but it did a great job cleaning my face. In all, a good choice for those with sensitive skin, especially for the price.

Retail Price: $6.99 (Drugstore.com)

Rating: