What They Say: "Ashy or scaly skin? Nevermore with Figs and Leaves handmade soap. Tiny fig seeds brimming with nutrition and gentle exfoliation yield to a creamy, aloe vera conditioning lather and a bouquet of fresh garden aromas. The scent of oranges and earthy ylang ylang linger on your silky, smooth skin as a tempting reminder of sweet cleanliness."

Melissa Says: This is perhaps my favorite offering from LUSH so far. I absolutely am in love with the velvety, fresh scent. It's actually quite a bit more complex than the description sounds, and the orange isn't necessarily predominant at all (which I was happy about). It lingers on the skin beautifully, and even though personally I'd be more than happy to smell like this each day, I imagine for some of you this will be more well-suited as a hand soap (guests will probably love it, and so will you). In that capacity, it still gives you a kiss of scent but also lasts a bit longer. It's not overly-moisturizing, but not drying.

Retail Price: $7.60 (at LUSH online or go here to find a retail store near you)

DeLush Rating:

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: "Neutrogena® Energizing Sugar Body Scrub's natural sugar crystals gently smooth away dry, dull surface skin cells to reveal a fresh glow while botanical oil pampers skin, leaving it beautifully soft and smooth. The fresh citrus scent invigorates your senses to help start the day off right.

This energizing scrub uses thick natural sugar crystals for soft yet intense exfoliation. Because sugar crystals are natural, they gradually dissolve to avoid over-exfoliation. Its botanical oil conditions skin, leaving it soft and silky-smooth, and the fresh citrus scent awakens your sleepy senses."

Jen's Experience: I love citrus-y scents, so this product practically had me at "hello", but there's more to love besides the scent. A lot of body exfoliators are rough and grainy, but this one feels soft enough to use even on my face. The sugar grains are suspended in a nice oil that leaves my skin feeling super soft hours after I leave the shower. While the price may seem high for a drugstore product, there's a lot in the little tub, and what's there is so fantastic, this product is a big winner in my book.

Retail Price: $9.99 (Drugstore.com)

Rating:

What They Say: "We've got a crush on you...and we'll do anything for someone we love. So we've formulated a unique and amazing exfoliating and moisturizing skin cleanser that you're gonna want to marry.

Crush On You is like nothing you've ever felt (unless you've run your hands through a bowl of extra moist sugar cookie batter). It's loaded with sugar that not only scrubs you clean but sloughs off dead dry skin cells. The macadamia nut oil and fresh shea butter we whip in moisturize your skin, leaving it soft and supple. Finally, the incredibly gentle body wash that holds it all together rinses you off as clean as a whistle, leaving your skin soft, clean and fresh feeling.

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."

Melissa Says: I tested this in an absolutely scrumptious scent, Pecan Praline. It's exactly as they describe - a wonderful whipped consistency, full of skin-scrubbing sugar, that leaves you soft, ever-so-lightly moisturized (not oily!) and smelling yummy. In my bath-junkie opinion, this is a no-brainer. In terms of scrubs of this quality, this one is worth every penny.

Shopping Tip: The 4.75 oz. "try me" container is MORE than ample to last more than a few baths or showers, and get you to fall in love. If you aren't sure, go ahead and order that size. If you know you'll love it, you'll be super-happy to get your larger 9 oz. jar.

Retail Price: $22.00, 9 oz. / $9.00, 4.75 oz. (at Product Body's Shop online)

DeLush Rating:

About the Facial Moisturizer: "A richly hydrating face cream that helps moisturize and protect facial skin. Provides instant, long-lasting moisture. Leaves skin soft while lush formula helps balance skin's natural barrier and alleviate dry skin. Silky to apply, glides on easily. Helps create an even surface for a smooth, more perfect makeup application."

 

About the Eye Cream: "A richly hydrating eye cream with optical effects. Rejuvenates, reconditions and refreshes. Visibly lifts and firms skin around the eyes: helps reduce early morning/late night puffiness and balance the skin's moisture levels. Provides long-lasting moisture. "

Jen's Experience: I spend a lot of time at make-up counters, trying out the latest foundation or eyeshadows or concealer. Typically, the person helping me whips out a container of their most expensive moisturizers as a base layer and then tell me the importance of, say, a great eye cream underneath their concealer. And then I leave with just the thing I came for, telling myself that my  moisturizers at home are just fine.

Well, I just want to say that I now see the value of a good moisture layer under my make-up, and also, that these two products from M·A·C's new MoistureLush collection are just that. The eye cream in particular does an amazing job of freshening up the skin under my eyes to minimize the tiny little lines that are starting to pop up and the puffiness that comes with not getting enough sleep. Now all of the concealers I have in my repetoire apply like an absolute dream, and I even need less of them to cover. The facial moisturizer does a similar trick, although I wish it would keep my face just a little more moisturized. I also wish that it came with some SPF for day time use. In addition to using it under my make-up, I have found that a little bit of the facial moisturizer on the top of my cheekbones works as a light highlighter, very much like the M·A·C Strobe Cream.

I am absolutely in love with this new collection from M·A·C. I'm not sure if this is going to become a permanent part of the line-up, though, so be sure to pick up some now and try it so that you'll have time to stockpile it if you like it!

Retail Prices:
Facial Moisturizer $32.00
Eye Cream            $30.00 (both available at MACCosmetics.com or your local department store)

Ratings:
Facial Moisturizer
Eye Cream

What They Say: "...the ideal 2-in-1 body wash and shave gel! Enjoy gentle cleansing and silky-smooth shaving in one simple step.

As a body wash, this fresh, marine-scented gel is enriched with ingredients that clean and moisturize your skin without leaving behind a heavy residue. As a shave gel, the silky lubrication helps your razor glide smoothly over your skin while soothing aloe helps prevent dryness and irritation. This clean-rinsing formula won't build up on your razor--or your skin."

Melissa Says: I can't believe I hadn't tried this before. It leaves skin wonderfully soft with a subtle fresh, clean scent. The fact that it doesn't create an oily feeling on your skin is the plus side to it not being super-moisturizing, and yet it manages to leave your skin very comfortable. It's an easy, light body cleanser.

As a shave gel, only two good pumps is plenty to provide lather on each leg. The result is a close shave that doesn't leave any redness or itchy irritation at all on my legs, which are very sensitive to shaving products.

I absolutely love this do-it-all product, and so does my skin!

Retail Price: $7.99 (at drugstores everywhere)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Thoroughly cleanse and refresh your skin with this oil-free mineral clay masque. It opens pores and draws out excess oil to help control oil and shine. Scented with a refreshing honeydew-blossom fragrance. Use as needed, 1-3 times per week. Ideal for combination-to-oily skin."

Melissa Says: I am in love. This mask smells amazingly refreshing (yet not too strong), which helps add to the feeling that you're pampering yourself. Even when you leave it on for the full 15 minutes, it doesn't dry into a hard, cracked, uncomfortably tight substance that you have to scrub at madly to get off. It still remains supple and therefore comfortable, and rinses cleanly. I was in desperate need for some blackhead intervention when I received this product to test, and was very pleased with the immediate results - cleaner-looking pores and refreshed skin. I would definitely recommend this to a friend.

Retail Price: $20.65 (at Quixtar.com)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Helps restore moisture and softness to skin, protects against moisture loss and free radical damage. Absorbs quickly. For all skin types.

When it comes to softening and soothing, rough, dry faces, is there anything quite like Organic Shea Butter (extracted from naturally harvested Karite Nuts) blended with Organic Cocoa Butter (from high quality beans)! Processed without chemicals, these two weightless butters have a super smooth texture, plus vital nutrients and antioxidant benefits. There's also Organic Glycerin from vegetable oil and Linoleic acid-rich Organic Sunflower Oil to hydrate and soothe and Organic Coconut Oil to help skin dodge signs of dehydration. Patent Pending Formula.

Origins own blend of Organic Clove, Rose, Lavender, Patchouli and Red Thyme Essential Oils helps protect the purity of this product.

HOW TO USE: Apply twice daily after cleansing."

Melissa Says: As a general purpose face lotion, this is a winner. You will still need a sunscreen if you want to use this as your main facial lotion, but if using something that is pure and organic is important to you, you'll be glad to know that this hydrates the skin without leaving it greasy - instead it is soft and supple. The clove and other ingredients do create a significant scent which you may or may not love, so if you aren't sure check it out in the store first before buying it. In all other respects, there's a good possibility you will be very glad to have this new option when looking for organic skincare to nourish your face. The price tag isn't low, but it may very well be worth it to you.

Retail Price: $42.50 / 1 fl. oz. (at origins.com or at a retail location near you)

DeLush 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:

• It is suitable for all skin types.

• A luxurious and fast absorbing hydrating moisture cream with advanced UV protect. The new generation UVA and UVB filter helps protect the skin against sun radiation and delay premature skin aging due to noxious sunrays.

• Hydrating moisture cream also acts as an SPF booster and enables the achievement of an excellent protection by a synergistic effect while offering good tolerance.

• It contains exceptional ingredients, Palmityol Pentapeptide smoothes wrinkles and restores the cutaneous barrier, Sodium Hyaluronate, Carrageenan and Plant Ceramides have strong moisturizing and film-forming properties, thus preserve the most important characteristics of youthful and healthy skin.

What Lisa Says: Straight to the point - this feels like a facial in a jar. This moisturizer left my skin looking hydrated, refreshed, and glowing. I know where the trouble spots on my skin are and I could almost feel this product going to work on them. Over the course of usage, my skin felt quite a bit softer and any trace of dullness on the face & décolleté were removed. I had excellent protection from the sun and, oh, did I say, my skin was glowing?

It's been over a month since I started using this moisture cream and the fine lines around my eyes are measurably diminished. My skin looks well exfoliated, nicely hydrated and looks as if it's had the recent benefit of a facial massage. The thick, white cream looks as if it will sit on top of your skin for a while but instead, it just melts in leaving that "after a facial" clean & hydrated feeling for hours after application each day. The fragrance is herbaceous with a small hint of floral that is soothing and relaxing.

Kiwi extract is reported to have powerful antioxidant properties as well as helping to improve skin radiance. This, combined with the healing properties of the chamomile and lavender oils, an SPF of 15, along with the other active ingredients make this beautifully packaged cream definitely worth the price tag.

Retail Price: $108.80/1.7 oz. (available at PirCosmetics.com)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Professionals around the world claim ICT (Intensive Clarifying Therapy) to be the only perfect remedy to essential skincare for all skin types because ICT's unique system produces fresh oxygen that optimally clearifies skin. ICT is a mixture of 23 Certified Organically Grown LevensESSENTIE™ herbs, essential oils, naturally derived ceramides from sunflowers, antioxidants and vitamins A and E. Two individually packed ICT product components must be mixed prior to each treatment. You wish great and vibrant looking skin? Best results are guaranteed by regular use of Paul Penders exclusive ICT."

Jen's Experience: When I first opened up the package and saw the lengthy instructions for using this product, I have to say, I was a little intimidated. On closer look, most of the instructions were related to the facial massage that you give yourself in conjunction with the treatment. So while it looked very complicated, the process of mixing the mask, giving myself the facial massage, and applying the mixure, it was all relatively simple and quick to do.

On first application, the mask is very strong. The tingle was just on the edge of feeling like it was burning my skin, although that feeling died down after the mask hardened a bit, one or two minutes at most. What lasted longer was the strong menthol scent that, while clearing my nasal passages, made my eyes water for a good ten minutes.

I tested this for the full 30 minutes it recommended. After 10-15 minutes, the mask hardened to a normal clay-type mask that made moving my facial muscles kind of dificult. This is not a pretty mask. I would recommend saving this one for a night where it's just you, your PJs, and a cheesy chick flick.

When time was up, I found the mask very easy to remove with water and a washcloth. It was immediately easy to see why this product gets the big bucks -- my skin looked spectacular, and the results lasted a several days after using the product. My skin tone looked a lot more even and my skin just looked brighter. If I got these results from a spa facial, I'd be turning cartwheels. I will definitely be adding this to my skincare regimen.

Tip: If you have dry or sensitive skin, I STRONGLY recommend following their suggestion to apply a good moisturizer before applying the mask. Otherwise, it will cause some excessive drying. It does not inhibit the mask from working in any way.

Retail Price: $76.50 (8 treatments) (PaulPenders.com)

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:
(about the Exfoliating Cleanser) "Deep cleansing to gently slough and moisturize. Almond, naturally high in minerals, removes impurities. Brown Sugar & Oat calm and heal. This non-irritating light buffing cleanser clears away dull and damaged skin. Use Every Day to give yourself a mini facial."

(about the Lip Exfoliator) "Banish the effects of daily stress on your lips. While enhancing their natural color, Pineapple enzymes exfoliate and reveal fresh new skin for soft baby lips. Contains emollients, botanical extracts and vitamins to deliver smoothness, condition and moisturize. Wash Lips every day."

What Melissa Says: (about the Exfoliating Cleanser) I like that this cleanser is really efficient at getting all that dry, dead skin sloughed off easily without irritating my skin. The formula isn't the most gentle I've ever used, but that is compared with jojoba beads, so this is really quite acceptable. The only think I would say is a slight negative is that the scent is a little bit like cereal, and I don't love it...but I don't hate it, either. Overall, an effective product that produced no negative side effects for me.

(about the Lip Exfoliator) I love this stuff. While in the past I didn't see much need for a lip exfoliant, more and more I'm realizing the nice little luxury of taking just a moment to create super-soft, smooth lips that feel moisturized and rejuvenated. That's what this product does, with no negative taste or super-strong smell. It's a little tube of lip-pampering. I like it!

Retail Price:
(Exfoliating Cleanser) -$15.99
(Lip Exfoliator) - $19.99
(in CVS stores or at CVS online or shop at the BeFine online store after their shopping area is complete)

DeLush Ratings:
(Exfoliating Cleanser) -
(Lip Exfoliator) -

"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: (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: “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: "This revolutionary pedicure appliance smoothes calluses and removes dry skin on heels and toes in seconds, without the use of harsh chemicals or dangerous blades. Perfect for today’s fashion of sandals and open heeled shoes. Comes with a full 1oz jar of the exclusive Healing Gems® Topaz Foot Butter, with rich, nourishing shea butter, purifying aromatherapy essential oils, and uplifting Topaz crystals to soften feet and revitalize the spirit!

Approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association."

Jamie’s Thoughts: You would be shocked to hear some of the things I have done to keep my dancer feet comfortable and in working order. I won’t waste your time listing them, especially since you might be reading this on your lunch break and let’s face it – foot talk can get gross. Let’s just say I was a prime candidate to review a product like this.

And wouldn’t you know it – a battery operated beauty gadget that actually works! The smoother is lightweight – roughly the size of a hairbrush, and comes with two buffing heads (one large and rounded, one smaller and pointed). The larger buffing head worked well for my hardened heels, calluses, and around the outer edge of my big toes. The smaller, more refined head was fantastic for cuticles and other more sensitive areas. You can officially throw away your nail files, pumice stones, and other assorted devices of podiatric torture.

This little baby isn’t, however, for the faint of heart. You will have to be comfortable with the noise (which isn’t awful, but is akin to a very quiet buzzsaw), as well as the sensation of your own skin being rubbed away. Anything is better, in my book, than sitting down to a pedicure and having the esthetician look at your feet in horror and dismay. (Just me? Anybody? Okay then. Moving along.) Once you get the hang of the angles and speeds, you’ll never have to be embarrassed at the salon again. Just a quick maintenance buff, a dab of the Bergamot and Lemon-scented Topaz Butter Lotion, and you’re done. Take the money you would have spent on a salon pedicure, and put it towards a fabulous new pair of shoes that show off your brand-new feet!

Retail Price: $29.99 for the HS-1000 w/Topaz Butter (at "http://artemiswoman.com/Heel_Smoother_Pro.html"target-_blank"">www.artemiswoman.com)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Provides instant cooling relief after any workout. A special
blend of Vitamin E and Aloe nourishes your skin completely so you get ready to hit it again."

Jen's Experience: I torture my feet on a daily basis with high heels and pointy toes and adorably cute shoes that are really not my size, so calluses are par for the course for me. I've made no secret of my general disdain for putting ooey, gooey creams on my feet. And part of that comes from the fact that when I use do use foot creams, after I've put my heels back on for a few hours, all the effects of the cream go away.

Needless to say, when I started using this, I didn't have high hopes. But I was completely won over by the fast-absorbing gel that doesn't leave an oily mess on my sheets, that tingles when I put it on, and that actually moisturizes my feet for more than a few hours. I never would have expected this, but I LOVE this stuff. I highly recommend it.

Retail Price: $7.99 (CosmeticMall.com - available 7/07/07)

Rating:

What They Say: “Von Natur’s Exquisite Bath Line is vegan-certified, phthalate, gluten, paraben, and sulfate free, and naturally derived.”

About the Blue Green Algae Body Polish: “All the ingredients in this amazing Body Polish help to: repair, tone, firm, reduce photo and free radical damage, improve skin hydration and elasticity, smooth and soften with great penetrating ability, help inflamed or acne skin, cleanse, refresh, absorb moisture, increase local blood circulation, and aid in healing minor wounds and irritated skin. Need we say more?”

Alissa’s Opinion: The color of this body polish makes a gorgeous first impression, as does the thick consistency and fresh, minty fragrance. Scrubbing down with this blend of olive oil and sea salt is definitely a good way to start the day. I can’t say whether or not this scrub has repaired or firmed my skin, but I always feel smooth and soft after using it. It also works great as a foot scrub for home pedicures.

About the Headthrob Bath Soak: “The natural cleansing, toning, refreshing, astringent, antiseptic and moisture absorption properties of Real Salt along with MSM’s ability to detoxify the body, increase blood circulation, reduce muscle cramps, help muscles heal and relieve stress, arthritis, inflammation, and back pain, and a beautiful blend of specialized essential oils for head and body aches, make your bath experience relaxing while it benefits your entire body.”

Alissa’s Opinion: Personally, I prefer bubble baths to salt soaks. But this salt is intended for a specific kind of bath (i.e. the stress and pain relieving kind) and it accomplishes its objective quite well. After a long day on your feet, a strenuous workout or an emotionally taxing occasion, immersing yourself in a richly fragranced Von Natur Headthrob bath is so therapeutic. The scent is a little on the medicinal side, but I like how it clears the mind (along with the nasal passages).

Retail Prices:
Body Polish $25.99
Bath Soak $21.99
(both available at vonnatur.com or go here to find a retail location that sells Von Natur near you)

DeLush Ratings:
Body Polish

Bath Soak

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: