What They Say: Developed by renowned New York Plastic surgeon, Dr. Michelle Copeland, the Lip Protector with SPF provides a powerful blend of antioxidants to prevent chapping, cracking and dryness - all while erasing fine lines around the lip. Plus, it's SPF-15 protects lips from harsh ultraviolet rays.

Apply liberally in the morning. For best results, reapply during the day as needed and again in the evening.

What Lisa Says: It's been extra hot and dry in Texas this summer. Add to that that my favorite lip colors are matte formulas and you can guess how dry and chapped my lips are. I was so happy to see a lip care product to test that not only proved to be soothing but also had an SPF and antioxidants to boot. While I saw no wrinkle reduction around my lip area, I did see a marked improvement in the hydration of my parched lips and the lips themselves were smoother after about a weeks use. I used this product in the morning and again at night. The scent is lightly herbal and it did feel slightly tingly though it wasn't anything close to a lip plumper. It's very soothing, is clear and does not impart a shine, nor does it feel waxy like Chapstick. For those looking to heal chapped lips and/or looking to protect pretty pouts from the sun's harmful rays, I would definitely recommend. I've used my little pot of product for approximately 2 months and I still have over half of my product left. It only takes a tiny amount to do the job.

Retail Price: .25 oz./$18.00 (available here)

Rating:

What They Say: "The only 2-in-1 concealer + highlighter to fully cover imperfections while adding a touch of radiance, giving you younger-looking skin instantly.

* Fully conceals: Ultra-coverage pigments with moisturizing glycerin provide complete, hydrating coverage.
* Visibly brightens: Light reflecting pearls visibly brighten and add a luminous touch to corner of eyes, cheek and brow bones and bridge of nose or to contour lip. "

Jen's Experience:  Of all the make-up items I wear every day, concealer is honestly the last thing I would normally buy from the drugstore. But that just shows how wrong I am about that, because I really do like this concealer from Maybelline. While I don't normally use this one when I get ready in the morning, the wand applicator is absolutely perfect for my purse, and I break this out any time I need to cover up a blemish midday or just need a boost to my skin tone. It's thin and doesn't quite last as long as some of my others, but the color match is excellent and it has good coverage. Now the highlighter, on the other hand, is really thin and doesn't have the same level of coverage as the concealer, so I haven't really used it very much. I would average out the two products and give it a 3, but I like the concealer so much that I really feel like it deserves higher. Even if you just need something for insurance for your handbag, this is worth checking out.

Retail Price:  $8.49 (Walgreens.com or your local drugstore)

Rating:  

What They Say: The 1st pure Silicium wrinkle repairing care, Rides Repair (pronounced reed repair) provides both instant and long lasting results.

Fast results
- Visibly reduces wrinkles within 2 weeks
- Immediate smoothing effect on the skin.
- Instant radiance
- Hydration

Long lasting results
- Skin appearance continues to show improvement even after 1 month of pause.
- Visible smoothing of skin's surface and long-lasting wrinkle repair

3 natural sources of the anti-wrinkle power:
- Mineral Silicium
A remarkable skin polisher, for a visible resurfacing effect
- Organic Silicium
To regenerate the skin tissues and reduce deep-set wrinkles
- Pure Thermal Plankton
To target weakened fibers and stimulate the cell's anti-aging defenses using a 100% natural dermobiotic(TM) process

What Lisa Says: At first, this day cream reminded me a little of cold cream. Though it sports a faint pinkish hue and a creamy scent, it was very thick and didn't absorb into my skin very easily and I found my make-up kind of sat on top of my skin and slid around a little. But, after adding Biotherm Rides Repair Instant Polish to my regimen, this day cream absorbed right in. The lesson? The key to using this great day cream is exfoliating really well before using or you'll be disappointed. It did hydrate extremely well and while I didn't really notice a disappearance of fine lines, my skin did look healthier, more hydrated, was extremely soft and a bit plumper. All in all, this is a great little product for daytime hydration.

Retail Price: 1.7 fl. Oz./$42.00 (available here)

Rating:

What They Say:

• AG's instant, spray-in detangler
• Leave-in mist conditions and detangles in wet or dry hair
• Lightweight and versatile for all hair types, especially children's hair
• Contain silk protein, keratin and wheat to improve moisture, strength, elasticity, and shine
• Detangles, moisturizes and protects hair without weighing it down

Jamie's Thoughts: This product pulls double, even triple duty. As a curly girl, I love it when I can use a spray conditioner to refresh my curls on a "skip" day (i.e. when I don't wash my hair). This product really is lightweight enough to use for that purpose - there's no icky buildup later on, no weird residue, and my hair doesn't seem heavier afterwards.

I also really like this on damp hair - it definitely makes my hair easier to comb (since the only time a brush or comb hits this head is when my hair is wet - maybe once a day). I also like that I can use this before my normal styling products without looking like I have multiple products in my hair - it's light as water, and plays well with pomades, waxes, mousses, etc.

The company also suggests on their website that this can be used as a facial spritzer - a quick pick-me-up refreshing moisturizer. I have an overseas vacation coming up, so I'll pour some into a trial-size spray bottle and give it a try. The dry, canned air on planes really takes a toll on my combination skin.

The scent is nice but not too strong, and the bottle is large. I anticipate this one will last me all summer, and into the fall. Well played, AG Hair Cosmetics!

Retail Price: $14USD, $14.50CAD (see www.aghaircosmetics.com for a list of retailers)

Delush Rating: (Totally Delush!)

What They Say: "A vivifying fragrance resembling a white water cascade, a fresh aromatic journey, filled with pure and nurturing green fruit: green tea, lime and kiwi. An aroma extracting from nature all of its benefits for the skin, containing sage and lime essential oils. With a single generous splash, the skin feels replenished, toned and intensely refreshed, helping to reveal its natural beauty.

Revitalizing top notes of sparkling green citrus fruits: grapefruit, lemon, lime and kiwi, combined with rhubarb for clean, bracing freshness.

Purifying middle notes with the full, round fragrances of aquatic flowers like the lotus and the scent of green tea.

Warm bottom notes of moss, patchouli and musk to leave a deep, woodsy note in its wake."

Melissa Says: This scent, at least for me, is a bit too strong to spray all over. However, it IS uplifting and cool, and when spritzed once or twice, it elevates the mood a bit while smelling fresh, clean and crisp with a bit of depth. While it doesn't linger quite as long as some perfume fragrances, it can be a refreshing burst of aromatherapy for the day.

Retail Price: $36.00

(*Remember, DeLush does not rate fragrances because of the individual tastes and body chemistry that affect each user's experience. But you can check the Perfume category under "Product Type" if you'd like to see more fragrance ideas!)

What They Say: "15-hour wear. Light as air. Long-wear makeup is now lightweight makeup. Fresh, natural, comfortable. Goes on sheer, leaves skin free to breathe all day. Controls oil, resists smudging and won't "melt" off through heat and humidity. For a look that stays vibrant and fresh whether it's a workday, a workout or a weekend. It's makeup that keeps up. Smooth it on once and don't think twice about it. Oil-free. Photo-friendly. Fragrance-free. Non-acnegenic. Dermatologist-tested."

Jen's Experience: Those of you who have been reading this site for a while might know that in the summer I usually switch from my heavier-coverage foundation to a tinted moisturizer so that my skin can breathe a little more easily in the blazing heat. When this product first came on the market, I really thought that it was more of a tinted moisturizer (maybe because it has SPF?) but I was surprised when I first started using it that it really is just a lighter version of their Double Wear foundation. I absolutely love the original, and I'm pretty sold on this lighter version too. While the original formula is more of a heavy coverage, this one is light to medium (building pretty easily to medium, actually). I don't know if it stays for a full 15 hours, but I do know that it stays throughout my workday without a singe touch-up, and that alone is fantastic. This is also a lot easier to remove than the original formula using just normal soap and water. I was really looking for something a bit lighter for the summer months, but instead I found a stellar all-around foundation that just works as expected. Those looking for sheer coverage and breathability might be a disappointed in this one, but I am very pleased with it and I think that it will be staying in my rotation year-round.

Retail Price: $32.50 (EsteeLauder.com or your local department store)

Rating:

What They Say: "A potent blend of targeted ingredients blasts gravity defying volume into the roots of lifeless hair. Use as a foundational product and apply to damp hair at roots, or add a little more during blow dry for extra lift on tough areas. AG's #1 volumizer - a unique spray that allows easy application to the targeted area."

Jamie's Thoughts: When I was a professional cheerleader, the hair volume I needed for games was typically obtained via a painful, damaging 20 minutes of aerosol hairspray and backcombing. And can I just say, umm...OUCH?! In my "civilian" life, volume was never something I worried about either - my desk-based day job never required big hair, and let's face it - I'm sort of a wash and wear girl.

As you can imagine, I was suitably perplexed by the bigwigg root volumizer. I still am, in a way. It really didn't work very well for me when I applied it to my damp hair (pre-blowout). I have to use a cocktail of products just to be able to blow my hair out, and I suspect that I inadvertently ruined any volumizing effects I may have had with pounds of heavy frizz-fighting product.

That said, I had better success using this product once my hair was already blown dry. They market this as an "extra" of the volumizer, like double duty for your hair. All I know is that it was the only way I could work any extra height out of my 'do. Fine haired clients will be happy to know that they may have some great success out of this offering by this Canadian company. As for folks like myself, with a great deal of fine, curly hair, the results will be hit-and-miss.

I think I'll hold on to this one until the dry, Midwestern winter when my hair straightens/dries more easily - then I'll report back with more details for those inquiring minds. Until then, my rating is below.

Price: $20USD, $22CAD - see (AGHairCosmetics.com for a list of retailers)

Rating:

What They Say: "A two-in-one lip-conditioning and exfoliating stick. On one side, a botanically-derived natural exfoliator, on the other a lip conditioner that moisturizes, nourishes, and soothes the lips. Use to smooth and prep the lips prior to lip colour. Streamlined application: applies flat-on. Features M·A·C's signature vanilla flavour."

Melissa Says: While in theory this is a great idea (as was the dual-ended sugar-based exfoliator and balm combo I tested recently), but in this case it falls just short of perfection. True, the exfoliating side is effective, and the balm side has a yummy scent and leaves lips feeling amazingly soft and nourished. There's just one flaw.

The directions for utilizing the exfoliating side tell you to smooth it over your lips, then rub it with your fingers in a circular motion until all of the dead skin is removed and your lips are smooth, then wipe it all off with a tissue or wet washcloth. While the teeny-tiny black granules combined with moisturizing ingredients are effective, a few of them can tend to travel wayward and can even make their way into your mouth if you're not incredibly careful, and once they do that, between the teeth here or there isn't far behind. Now, this isn't necessarily a given; if you're doing this in front of the mirror, you'll likely be able to avoid this situation, but the possibility takes this product from wonderfully perfect to just really good...except for one thing that makes it less than perfect.

Decide for yourself if you'd like to give this pampering lip product a try.

Retail Price: $14.50 (currently sold out online, but look for it at a retail location near you)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Alcohol free formula provides body and thickness to fine and medium hair. Gives a soft tousled look in medium to short hair. Never stiff or sticky. "

Jen's Experience: On the path to discovering new products that make my fine and often limp (like, now, when it's a zillion degrees outside) hair have volume and behave throughout the day, it's always nice to find a product that not only works well to give my hair that much needed boost, but that is also easy to use. This spray volumizer gives the kind of light texture that you would get from a day at the beach, without making your hair crunchy at all. I am able to spray this from root to end and even on my bangs without my hair feeling dry or greasy, just very easy to style. My only complaint might be that it holds too well sometimes -- just running my hand through my hair at work might lead to an unexpected and unattractive restyle. Still, something like this that works and is just so easy to get right makes this a perfect product for people like me with fine, limp hair.

Retail Price: $16.00 (Click here to find a salon near you)

Rating:

What They Say: The polisher provides 2 actions to intensely smooth the skin and boost the efficiency of your anti-aging care.

- Mechanical action: the mineral micro-particles gently remove dead cells, and effectively polish the skin texture.
- Biological effect action: the biological effect peeling system helps to gently improve skin's natural cellular renewal process in order to optimize the action of your anti-wrinkle skincare.

Apply 2 to 3 times a week on wet skin. Avoid eye contours. Massage and rinse. Then apply your daily RIDES REPAIR skincare products.

What Lisa Says: I love, love, LOVE this product! I will tell you in advance that I really think this product is a "must" before using some of the other RIDES REPAIR products. When I received my box of products to test, for some reason, I overlooked this little gem until it was about 5 weeks into the testing period. At the time, I was testing another RIDES REPAIR product (look for that review next week) and not having much success. Once I started using this Resurfacing Polish, my results with this other product just took off! In essence, I can vouch for the claim that it boosts the effectiveness of follow up anti-wrinkle products.

This apricot-scented skin polish leaves your skin feeling and looking so exfoliated, smooth, vibrant and fresh. After putting on moisturizer and foundation my skin was glowing. It did allow deeper penetration of product but since I got started on it late it's difficult for me to judge cell turnover. I usually opt for chemical exfoliation but found that I have really enjoyed this product. Like the RIDES eye cream, a very small amount goes a long way. This product should last quite a while and I'm glad. Gee, did I already say how much I loved this product?

Retail Price: 2.5 fl. Oz./ $29.00 (available here)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: The 1st pure Silicium wrinkle repairing eye care, Rides Repair (pronounced reed repair) provides both instant and long lasting results.

Fast results
- Visibly reduces wrinkles within 2 weeks
- Instant smoothing effect of the eye contour area
- Instant radiance
- Hydration

Long lasting results
- Skin appearance continues to show improvement even after 1 month of pause.
- Reducer effect on the appearance of wrinkles of the crow's foot.

3 natural sources of the anti-wrinkle power:
- Mineral Silicium
A remarkable skin polisher, for a visible resurfacing effect
- Organic Silicium
To regenerate the skin tissues and reduce deep-set wrinkles
- Pure Thermal Plankton
To target weakened fibers and stimulate the cell's anti-aging defenses using a 100% natural dermobiotic(TM) process

What Lisa Says: At first I was put off by the thickness of this eye cream. I'm used to melt-into-your-skin type of creams that are usually much richer than my moisturizers. This felt as though it just sat on top of my skin at first. For that reason, you must really be aware of the amount you're using in the mornings and to make sure to pat and blend or your concealor will not stay put. But persistence won out and, in the long run, I was pleased by the performance of this eye cream that delivered as promised. Within 2 weeks I noticed the finer lines were not quite as noticeable. Also, some of the crêpe-ness on my eyelids was quite a bit firmer. It takes very little of this cream to hydrate and firm both eyes and you're done, so expect this product to last quite a while. The price is reasonable and right in line with Laura Mercier's "Night Nutrition", Clinique's "All About Eyes" and other lines that do just as good a job for around the same price. The fragrance smelled to me of something reminiscent of milk & honey and was barely noticeable. This cream really surprised me as I was set not to like it based on texture alone. I will definitely continue using this product until I've finished the jar and will re-evaluate how it's performing. All in all, this was a product that did what it was it would do for a price in line with what others are charging.

Retail Price: 0.5 fl. Oz./$37.00 (available here)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: (about the cleanser) "A totally natural solution compared to harsh glycolic and other hydroxy acids, this instant foaming cleanser transforms into a delicate, creamy mousse to help gently dissolve and lift surface debris and airborne pollutants. Bio-compatible fruit acids and enzymes derived from complete, whole food nutrients help to gently loosen the bond of dead skin cells to accelerate dermal regeneration resulting in a fresher, healthier complexion. A perfect cleanser to prep the skin for the penetration of bioactive ingredients present in all Sophyto products."

(about the moisturizer) "A lightweight corrective and protective hydrating daily moisturizer. Imparts optimum levels of organically derived essential fatty acids to help restore moisture, elasticity and tone to the epidermis. Helps support skins natural barrier function providing long-lasting hydration from damaging environmental aggressors. This luxurious formula also serves as a hydrating primer before mineral or liquid make up application."

Jamie's Thoughts: Man, I hate to be a buzzkill, but I cannot recommend either of these products. For this price (and organic hype), I definitely expected more.

Regarding the cleanser: First off, I love love LOVE that this product is comprised almost entirely of organic ingredients. Kudos to Sophyto! I really do encourage all the Delush readers to challenge the idea that beauty products have to be full of synthetic stuff to be "good." Unfortunately, this cleanser simply does not live up to my standards. The foam is nearly flat - it falls apart when I try and apply it to my face. The scent they claim it has (a mild apple) is nonexistent, and I truly didn't feel it did anything to remove my make-up (another claim of the parent company). This is a pass.

Regarding the moisturizer: Texture? LOVE. Smell? Non-existent (LOVE). Effectiveness? DON'T LOVE. I would have liked to be able to use this in the winter months, because I have a sinking feeling it was simply too thick for summer use (at least for my complexion). And it doesn't have any SPF coverage, which is a major dealbreaker for this fair-haired girl. I was oily in the T-zone by lunch, and feeling/looking greasy by the end of the work day. Yuck. That said, it may not be the perfect option for me - however, I do think it would be a fantastic choice for dry/combo complexions, particularly those with troubled/stressed skin. It's calming and light.

Retail Prices:
Deep Pore Foaming Cleanser $30.00 (at
Mega Omegas Moisturizer $45.00 (at

Delush Ratings:
Deep Pore Foaming Cleanser:
Mega Omegas Moisturizer:

What They Say: Mineral Power Finishing Veil Pressed Powder with micro-minerals provides a lighter coverage for a perfect finish.

Discover the power of micro-minerals:
• Finishing touch that perfects and sets makeup
• Provides the finishing touch for flawless looking skin
• Talc-free
• Fragrance-free
• Lightweight Feel
• Complete, natural coverage

For Best Results:
Sweep Finishing Veil Pressed Powder over foundation for a finished look or use alone for sheer coverage.

Sweep it: Sweep onto entire face.
Blend it: Blend for perfected skin.

What Lisa Says: For the price, this is an "okay" product. I used this over both crème and liquid foundations and it worked equally the same on both. My base was set and it did stay all day and did not budge. The packaging is great - a sturdy compact that flips open on top to access product and then slides sideways to reveal an area to store your sponge applicator and a mirror which is always handy. Again, I opted to chunk the applicator and opted instead for a brush. Using the applicator deposited too much product and from a distance, my make-up looked fine and it was a good color match but up close every tiny wrinkle and pore was accentuated. Using a brush minimized this somewhat but not enough for my liking. My skin tends to be dry and I have a hunch that those with an oilier complexion might like this product. Like the Natural Perfection Powder Foundation, this looked more like any translucent powder than a mineral product.

Retail Price: .32 oz./$8.99 (online at Walgreens)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: Mineral Power Powder Foundation with micro-minerals provides a more natural, healthier, luminous look.

Discover the natural power of micro-minerals:

* 100% natural mica creates a more natural luminosity
* Complete, yet refined coverage
* Provides buildable, even coverage
* Preservative-free, talc-free, oil-free, fragrance-free
* Medium to Full Coverage

For Best Results:
Use the 100% natural kabuki brush, included with the powder foundation, contoured for a natural finish:
1) Dip it: Dip brush into cap.
2) Tap it: Tap brush to remove excess.
3) Apply it: Apply to face using circular motion.

To clean brush, wash once a month with a mild shampoo. Allow to air-dry.

What Lisa Says: The first thing you'll want to do if you purchase this product is to ditch the brush that comes with it and opt, instead, for a good kabuki brush.

Another thing to keep in mind when purchasing is to select a shade lighter than you think you're going to need. This goes on darker (and a tad on the orange side) for my liking. The sample I received for testing was dark for my skin so I repurchased in what looked like more my skin tone and still it was too dark but I wore it anyway so I could report on application, wear, etc. The packaging is like most loose minerals: a small shaker jar with lid and a not so great kabuki brush.

I prefer medium to full coverage and had a hard time building that natural, luminous finish that most minerals impart to the skin. The result was a very matte looking finish that never quite covered any imperfections. It looked a bit caked on in spite of using a light touch as required by most mineral products. As for wear, it did stay on most of the day but I found that by late afternoon I needed to touch up. I have used other mineral lines and been able to successfully cover areas of hyperpigmentation, but I could never achieve that with this product.

With so many great mineral products out there, I just can't justify repurchasing OR recommending this one.

Retail Price: $9.99 (online at Walgreens)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: This rich, moisturizing body wash is enhanced with avocado, oatmeal, and clay to draw out excess dirt and oil gently, purifying skin while it cleanses. Clay deep cleans, firms, and softens skin. Avocado and oatmeal nourish and replenish dull skin.

Jamie's Thoughts: This is a perfectly lovely body wash - it lathers up nicely, and has a soft, cocoa butter scent with just a hint of avocado. The scent lasts just about as long as your shower does, and it doesn't linger (which in my book, is a good thing). The moisture level is perfect for summer - my normal skin gets just enough moisture, but not so much that I'm left feeling greasy or slick.

I didn't notice any really obvious improvement to my skin...maybe this is because I typically expect results like that when I use oatmeal or clay products on my face? I think I'll pass the rest of my sample product along to a friend who gets irritated, broken out skin in hot weather. Perhaps the clay and oatmeal components will help to calm her stressed out skin.

As for me, I found the wash satisfactory but nothing special.

Retail Price: $3.99 (available at drugstores everywhere)

Delush Rating: