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KITS AND GIFTS: The best gifts are heartfelt, and chosen with care. When it comes to gifts of beauty, be sure to consider your recipient's interests and preferences. The following are not only great suggestions to offer a special woman on Mothers Day, but perfect for other occasions (eg. wedding showers, graduation, hostess gifts) that you will be attending in the next couple of months. Don't forget to treat yourself, too!

Shalini Vadhera is a professional makeup artist that believes that beauty can be found everywhere. Global Goddess Beauty , new to our column, is her line of makeup and skin care that creates awareness of different cultures and countries, incorporating the beauty secrets savvy women around the globe, have learned. Her new book, Passport to Beauty will be launching this month as well. Look for a review soon in the Advice Sisters ENews (subscribe: http://www.advicesisters.net/thankyou.html ). A luxe gift  it is the Jet Setter Mini Luxury Brush Case $45.00.  A petite silky swatch of rich, raspberry-colored sari material embroidered with gold threads and closed with a tasseled gold cord, are five mini-makeup brushes  made from pony, goat or taklon (depending upon the brush).The brushes have easy-to-hold, black handles. There's a blush brush, a blending eye shadow brush, and brushes for eye crease, angle eyebrow, and lip/concealer brush).  The entire kit, rolled up, isn't much larger than two lipsticks. This is bona-fide glamour on the go! 

Dior Confidential $55.00 by Dior Beauty is a limited edition compact that makes hearts beat just a little faster--a perfect indulgence for a special woman for Mother's Day, or for yourself, of course! "Sun Illusion #001) comes in a silvery," metal envelope" that looks like a love letter, complete with cute "stamp" on the back. This substantial compact opens to a small rectangle of lip gloss in a stunning, slightly shimmery, shiny, medium rose (makes every mouth look naturally gorgeous), and a large, abstractly-shaped block of the most  shimmery, sheer, peachy face glow powder on the planet. Use it as a gold-flecked blush, or swipe it lightly over your entire face for a glow that's naturally pretty on nearly all complexions! This is all you need for an evening out --this compact definitely has the "ooh" factor.

Give Mom the gift of great hair. Phyto offers the Phytocitrus Gift Set $60.00 including three of Phyto's superb hair care -products: Phytocitrus Shampoo, Phytocitrus Mask, and Phytomist. The Shampoo comes in a heavy, glass bottle, and is wonderfully scented with grapefruit, but it's real purpose is to use grapefruit, chamomile, and sweet almond proteins to reverse damage caused by color processing and protect hair from the sun's damaging rays. Our hair felt shiny and soft, and we felt good knowing that we were helping to preserve our expensive color, too. This one will also gently get rid of gunk from sprays and styling gels. You also get a Phytoymist, a hair mist spray made from sunflower extracts, red algae, and white lotus flowers, to hydrate your hair, and protect it from environmental stress including sun, styling, and general pollution. It also is fragranced with soft, white florals. For extra pampering, there's a Phytocitrus Mask a wonderfully effective, smoothing, nourishing treatment that is especially designed for color treated hair, but makes any hair shiny and strong. TIP: These can be purchased individually, too, but for a limited time, with this specially boxed gift set you purchase the mask and Phytomist--and the shampoo is free!

Looking for a nice gift for Mom, or just as a little treat for yourself? The Environmetal Compact $18.00 by Aveda is the perfect portable! A lightweight, pewter-y, recycled plastic compact has magnets in the bottom to hold two Aveda eye colors and an Aveda cheek color of your choice. On the side of the mirrored compact, there's a lipstick holder to fill with your favorite Aveda lip color, too. Ours arrived with a Petal Essence Cheek Color $14.00 in sheer, shimmery"Apricot Glow,"  a Petal Essence Eye Color Duo $15.00 in a soft light and dark grey shimmer called "Sweet Grass/Field Stone," and a Lip Color Sheer $15.00 (spf 15) in peachy "Sheer Papaya." What's great about this system, however, is that you don't have to settle for just one set of colors--simply swap in colors, for a truly personalized compact!

If you're searching for a cute little splurge for yourself, for a gift, or for Mom, look no further than the Mimosa Jasmine & Violet Hand & Body Shimmer Set $28.00 by Lucky Chick. Their products are so adorably packaged, and so fun to use!  A zipper-type plastic bag with a detachable, lavender plastic "Jewel" attached, holds a beautifully decorated tube of really great Hydrating Shea Butter Hand Cream (3.5 fl. oz), and a large (6.8 fl. oz) tube of Shea & Shimmer Body Cream that really moisturizes while leaving a gorgeous shimmer (with just a tiny touch of glitter) on your soft, beautiful skin. Both of these products are scented with Lucky Chick's Mimosa, Jasmine & Violet scent--light and floral, and totally feminine! To add to your fun, there's a set of Reflexology Massage Gloves that are printed in pink, white and lavender with various points on your hands that correspond to other things in your body (eg. brain, shoulder, and eyes & ears). There's also a pink Signature Nail File. Tip: this is a $40.00 value so stock up for those summer hostess gifts, too.

Are you (or Mom) simply clueless when it comes to selecting makeup colors? The Makeup By Number Collection $31.82 by Laura Geller (photo) will solve your quandries, beautifully.  Inside a large, shiny, black, cardboard compact with magnetic closure are eight generously sized pots of color for eyes and face, grouped to flatter specific groupings of clothing. The colors are fashionable, but not avant garde. Numbered 1-12, there are four split-pans of eye colors (the suedes, the pastels, the terracotas and the jewels) on the top row, two large pans of duty rose and ginger berry blush, a matte maker, and a gorgeous, candelight shimmer to transform your look from day to glam. Also included is a dual-ended makeup brush and sponge tipped applicator and a nicely illustrated pamphlet that describes how best to use the kit.  Another great gift (or a little splurge for yourself) is the Laura Geller Sheer Beauty 9-Piece Color Collection $63.60. Inside a frosted plastic zippered bag are nine products that are sheer and youthful, but are layerable to still provide good coverage. There's a Laura Geller Spackle Primer to help skin look smoother;  illuminizing color wash gives you a glow while Optilusion a a clever, loose powder compact with a way to close off the powder holes when not in use reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Laura Geller Blush in "nude" is an easy to wear, sheer, neutral, layerable pink that's universally flattering.  You get a natural looking Lip Gloss in "mauve glow." For eyes there is a dual pan eye shadow with light and dark khaki shimmer shadows, a deep silver eye pencil, and  and a nice black mascara.  Also included is a full sized dual-ended blush and contour brush, a mini sponge tip shadow applicator, a pencil sharpener, and a booklet illustrating the products.  We also like the Show Stopper 7-piece Collection $32.80 featuring a mini mesh zippered houndstooth bag   and travel sizes of Spackle; lip and eye spackle; bronze and brighten; a raspberry and a clear lip stay; and a dual ended, fortifying, black mascara. all three of these face-in-a-case kits are nicely priced and would also make a nice gift for a new graduate or anyone making a life transition, too.

Missed a column? For past "What Works" Beauty, Cosmetics, and Fashion Review columns, visit the "What Works Archives"

If you (or Mom) are like most women, you either can't ever find what you're seeking in the dark recesses of your handbag. That will change when you get a Purse Bright Lighted Purse Organizer $19.99. A soft strip of camel-colored, faux suede trimmed material has 10 pockets of various sizes to hold all your essential, from IPOD and cell phone, to lipstick and tissues. Even better, there's a press-on light that fits into one of the pockets, illuminating the darkest recesses of your bag. You can also use this to light your way in dark places. The strip of pockets can be folded and molded to fit any roomy medium to large handbag. You can take the entire "unit" out and immediately install it inside another handbag, thus avoiding the problem of leaving something essential, behind.  I took this on a trip overseas, and found it invaluable in keeping my purse organized.  This is a must-have for you, and a great gift for Mom or a hostess!

  Why not wear something beautiful (or give a great gift to Mom) and also support a worthy cause? A perfect item is the Save Our Seals Expandable Wire Ring $78.00 by Alex and Ani. Using clubs and rifles, Canadian sealers viciously kill thousands of seal pups during their annual hunts.  The lovely, talented Carolyn Rafaelian, designer and creator of the fantastic Alex and Ani jewelry line, is supporting The Humane Society of the United States Protect Seals Campaign to stop the slaughter.  She has created an eye-catching wire band ring with small "SOS" (save our seals) medallion, featuring her unique, sliding expandable design. Celebs such as Sir Paul McCartney and Heather Mills McCartney, Kerry Washington,  Kelly Clarkson and Alicia Silverstone are already rallying around this cause. A portion of the proceeds from  each "SOS" ring will go to the HSUS.  These limited edition, commemorative rings are sold exclusively through Alex and Ani and are available in  sterling silver or gold plated sterling silver vermeil. Get one!

Candles are always a welcome gift, but when you see the Archipelago Botanicals Royals Collection candles Three Piece Votive Set $44.00, Tall candle $47.00, Short candle $21.00  you'll need to get at least one for yourself as well as several for Mothers Day, wedding showers, and summer hostesses. These high quality candles are made with 50% more soy, to keep them burning longer and cleaner. This collection really is two gifts in one, since each candle box comes topped with a gorgeous, jeweled pin that enhances everything from a suit jacket to an evening gown. There are three fragrances in this collection, but we tried the three piece votive set in "Jardin de Fleur," a beautifully scented lilac and jasmine fragrance that is described as  "inspired by the ground of Versailles." These are candles worthy of Marie Antoinette. A white and lilac-colored paisley box decorated with a  lilac velvet ribbon and topped with a silvery and rhinestone starburst pin, holds three white candles nestled into clear glass votives stenciled with the same, lilac design as the box. The fragrance is long lasting, too. You and/or your lucky recipients, will  feel like royalty every time you light one of these exceptional candles. For a more casual vibe, choose a candle from the Hampton Collection.   The limited edition (through August) candles come in cheerful, brown, tan and turquoise polka-dotted containers. The Garden Candle $30.00 is a beautifully colored turquoise candle that has a fresh, green type scent. It lasts for 45 hours and comes in an eye-catching, re-useable, sorbet-style container. There's also a Boxed Candle $28.00 and a Large Glass Jar Candle $21.00 in the collection. All will make a little splurge for you and great gifts for everyone on your gift list this Spring and Summer.

Do you (or Mom) ignore your brows because you just aren't sure what to do with them, or what tools are required?  A fabulous, new kit exclusive to Sephora called All About Brows $75.00 by Anastasia Beverly Hills (the Queen of brows) will make all the difference!  Inside an oval, mauve zippered case are all the things you need to shape, color and groom your brows. It's easy do-it-yourself that will pay for itself not just in dollars saved, but in looking great.   You get a duo brow powder, a mini duo angle cut spooley brush (for grooming unruly brows), a great angled tweezers, clear brow gel, matte highlighter, and classic stencils to show you where to pluck, and where to leave things alone. There are three sets to suit every skin tone:  ash blonde, medium ask, and brunette. This is a wonderful gift (a $141.00 value) and if you're a novice, there are illustrated instructions on the box--you can't go wrong!

HAIR: Has your crowning glory has been hiding under hats? Now that it's Spring, there's no way to hide! Here are some suggestions for new products to make your hair look and feel its' best:

Mario Russo trained in London at Vidal Sassoon. He moved back to Boston and opened his own salon, where celebs such as Teri Hatcher, Natalie Portman and even Carolyn Kennedy visit Mr. Russo when they're in town.  Now, you can treat yourself (or a special woman on Mother's Day) to a best-of-the-best selection of Mario Russo products, based on the healthful benefits of olive oil. Nestled onto faux grass of the 7 Wonders of the Hair World $45.50 features five,  2 oz bottles of Sky High Shampoo; Gentle Shampoo; Hydrating Conditioner, Once-a-Day Spray; Miracle Styling Créme; Double Strength Gel; and Finishing Lotion, all packaged in an attractive, lime-green cardboard box with frosted plastic cello top. These are generously sized and great for travel, as well as for trying the product line at home. Since the regular, 8 oz bottles of product are $24.50 (and up),  it's not only a fantastic gift, but a good way to sample the products (and be hooked) before you buy the entire line.

FANTASTIC FRAGRANCES: Fragrance is now an everyday essential that can make you feel incredibly special.  Even better, you can find fragrances that you'll enjoy in nearly every price point. As the weather heats up, stow the heavier, winter scents and opt for lighter ones-- perhaps featuring greens, fruits or feminine florals.  A gift of fragrance is a  truly personal gesture, but if you don't want to obligate someone to wear something that's really not her style, be sure you know her preferances before heading to the store.

L'Occitane Thé Vert au Jasmin Eau de Toilette $40.00 3.4 fl. oz comes in a stunning hexagonal, greyed blue, gold and white box. A hexagonal, clear glass spray bottle with pewter top holds a most unusual fragrance, combining green tea extract with delicate jasmine, and hints of orange, thyme and cedar. The presentation is perfect for a special gift or to take a place of importance on your dressing table,  but the fragrance is the real star.  The top notes are bitter orange, pomelo and cardamom, which give a light, fruity feel at first, but   the middle notes of green tea extract and jasmine,  quickly change the mood to a softer tone, and base notes of thyme and cedar give it a bit of spice and intrigue. The softness of the green tea shines through after a few moments, but as you move, you can definitely sniff the hints of jasmine that  seem to be in perfect harmony with the smokier, green tea.  This is an easy to wear, light and casual fragrance, but it's not easily defined and you're unlikely to smell it on everyone else.  We think it's a unique scent you'll want for yourself, and to give to someone special on Mothers Day. 

We adore anything from designer Michael Kors, so on our wish list for fragrance for Mother's Day (or any day) we would definitely add Michael Kors Eau de Parfum $65.00 1.7 fl. oz, $45.00 1.0 fl. oz. Michael Kors is a deep, exotic, white floral fragrance featuring the honey-like, Tuberose India. Top notes of sparkling Bergamot and Apricot compliment the Tuberose. Orange Flower and Egyptian Jasmine intensify the intense, floral blend with Green Freesia and Turkish Rose. Middle notes are white peony, Chinese osmanthus, Arum Lily and a Milky Accord. Bottom notes are warm and sensual, including exotic blue orris absolute, Haitian vetiver, cashmere woods, dried figs, and a dose of smoky incense that bring it all together in a provocative, sexy blend. You won't find this on every woman walking by, and you will feel special wearing this unusual fragrance. SPECIAL: beginning April 3rd through May 14th, Calyx & Corolla, known for delivering beautiful flowers, has formed an exclusive partnership with Michael Kors just in time for Mother’s Day. For $169.00 you can order 15 stems of white dendrobium orchids from Thailand in a slender glass vase with a 1.7 fl. oz Michael Kors Eau de Parfum, or 10 stems with vase and 1.0 oz Eau de Parfum for $99.00

Carrie Bradshaw, on Sex and the City, wrote relationship columns and had a love affair with shoes.  Like Carrie, I also write relationship columns (as well as beauty review columns) but my love affair isn't with shoes, it's with perfume. One that I'm loving right now is  Lovely Eau de Parfum $48.00 1.7 fl. oz, $62.00 3.4 fl. oz. The real woman behind the fictional Carrie Bradshaw is actress Sarah Jessica Parker and her touch is evident in Lovely, the perfume she helped design. Launched by fragrance innovator, Coty last Fall, even Oprah Winfrey raved about it. Is it really great?  Absolutely raved our reviewers. This modern floral perks your interest right away, with top notes of Mandarin, Bergamot, Rosewood, a hint of Lavender and something surprising - crisp Apple Martini.. The middle notes are feminine, classic floral --  Patchouli, Paper Whites and creamy Orchid. Bottom notes tame the sweetness with exotic and sultry Cedar,White Amber, and exotic Musk and Woods. According to the press information, Sarah Jessica Parker helped design the bottle and outside packaging as well as the fragrance, inside.  You'll enjoy the girly, pink, curved, polished glass bottle and the unique, personal touches--a grosgrain ribbon and the initials "SJP" on the gold tone spray activator, which peeks demurely through a large, round, faceted clear cap. Even the carton is feminine--a  very light pink, with contrasting gold lining and the signature "SJP" on the seal.  This is a perfect choice for a special woman of any age.

When we received our sample of the limited Edition, Very Sexy Now Eau de Parfum Spray, $49.00 2.5 oz we realized we had something fresh and wonderful.  Housed in an animal-patterned, collectible bottle, this new fragrance is refreshing and glam--the perfect pick for Spring into Summer. It starts with a hint of citrus, blood orange and pineapple, with hazelnut leaf, opening up into a heart of purple freesia and delicate peony, spiced with nutmeg. The drydown is a mix of creamy sandalwood, grapefruit wood, and tonka bean.   The scent is light, but it sticks close to your skin, for hours of enjoyment.   Get either the Eau de Parfum or a Shimmering Body Oil $24.00 2.5 oz, that is enriched with aloe vera, vitamins A, B5, C and E, plus minerals of copper, since and silica that smooth, soothe and moisturize bare skin, while adding a sexy glow and a great scent! Better hurry--good things do not last forever!

The Black Kenneth Cole for Her Mothers Day Gift Set $65.00 is the perfect choice for any woman who likes sophisticated fragrances. For a limited time, this gift set, a $94.50 value, offers you  3.4 fl. oz  sized products including Eau de Parfum Spray, Body Lotion, and Shower Gel. We love the fragrance's black bottle with clear, lucite top- so modern, yet also reminiscent of the exotic fragrances of the 1920's. We didn't get the entire breakdown of the top, middle and bottom notes, bit we can tell it's a sensual floriental involving light and dark floral notes including  white hyacinth, black violet and fresh citrus--and upon drydown we detect soft notes of musk and sandalwood.  This would be perfect for a special occasion or any time you want to make a statement and  feel special.

Luxe and lovely Miller Harris Fragrance $180.00 3.4 fl. oz won't be found on just anyone.Their newest choices offer unique, exciting options for your fragrance wardrobe. Jasmin Vert is an elegant floral that reminds us of a field of wildflowers--neither too sweet, fruity or spicy, but a delightful blend of summer flowers and fruits, including: violet leaf, daffodil, Jasmin sambac with mandarin, grapefruit and pear.  Another new fragrance is Vetiver Burbon. Vetiver is traditionally used in men's fragrances. This one is smoky and exotic, with rare, key elements: essence of vetiver from Haiti, patchouli, oak moss and vetiver bourbon from the island of Reunion. It reminds us a bit of the bold 1920's fragrances, favored by flappers to flaunt their sexuality, mask the smell of cigarettes, and inspire romance. We also tried Geranium Bourbon a lusty floral blended from breathtaking Turkish rose, cassis berries, and lemon geranium. This romantic scent reminds us of a fresh bridal bouquet. This is a nice choice for a special event or wedding fragrance, and for anyone who is hooked on romance.

Last Spring we reviewed Curve Wave for Him and Curve Wave for Her, both by popular designer, Liz Claiborne. These  light, modern fragrances are great for casual times and warmer weather. Now there are two new fragrances to love:  Curve Chill for Him, Cologne Spray 4.2 fl. oz $49.50 and Curve Chill for Her Eau de Toilette Spray $49.50.  Curve Chill for Her is a lighthearted blend of crystallized ginger, frosted citrus, and green tea, mixed with floral notes of freesia, peony and sweet pea, and softened by cedarwood, musk and vetiver. We didn't get the actual bottle, but we hear it comes in a tin, like Curve Wave did, and in a bottle equally as cute.  The fragrance itself is a nice blend-- not too fruity, too floral or too musky--it is just right! This is meant to be a casual and daytime fragrance, but it is just  we've found ourselves considering it for evening and special occasions, too. We will be reviewing the Curve Chill for Him in our June, 2006 column, so watch for it!

Tracy $65.00 Eau de Parfum Spray 2.5 oz, 1.3 oz $50.00  by Ellen Tracy is a distinctive floral fragrance with a unique blend of cassis, peony and plum blossom for top notes, a heart of rose essence, muget, violet woods and warm, powdery orris, with bottom notes of almond milk, Tahitian vanilla,  white amber and sandalwood. This has a truely creamy feeling--it's a sensual blending substantial enough to make you note the wearer, but it will stand up to the warmer weather, as well. There are accompanying bath & body products (shower gel and body lotion) available, to add even more "oomph" to your fragrance wardrobe. It's unusual and feminine, but sophisticated, too. A beautiful choice for you or Mom.

Solid fragrance is not only easy to apply just where you want it, it's great to take with you since it won't spill. Two exciting, new scents for Spring come from one of our favorite brands, Stila. Their Perfume Solids $20.00 come in lightweight, metallic lavender tins with cream colored labels. Inside, a generous portion of solid fragrance comes in either Créme Bouquet," a feminine, almost powder-clean scent that mixes vanilla, pink lilac, and Lilly of the valley; or try my favorite, "Jade Blossom," a light and fresh blend of green tea, cucumber and lemon verbena. The fragrance doesn't overpower you, but believe me, they really last. Use your fingertips to apply a bit of delicious Stila scent wherever you wish.  Get the coordinating Stila Fragrance and Body Lotion to layer the scent of your choice, or give them as a great gift for Mother's Day, or for that special woman who is always on the go!

About The Works Beauty Reviews:  Products reviews are conducted by Alison Blackman Dunham (aka. Advice Sister Alison). In some instances, the review reflects additional opinions of qualified, anonymous reviewers and the term "we" instead of "I" is used in the commentary.  Nobody gets financial compensation for reviewing products, and they are not affiliated with the companies mentioned.  If you have comments about the column, or if you would like to be considered as a reviewer and can pick up products from the New York area,  Email us at: advicesisters@advicesisters.net.

NIFTY NAILS, HANDS & FEET: Sandals season is coming! Here are some choices to help your fingers and toes get ready for their seasonal. public debut:

Wedding season is almost here.   If you're planning a shower for someone special, a perfect "party favor" is the Wedding 2006 Collection Mini 4 Pack by Essie $12.00. Inside a clear plastic pack are four mini-sized nail polish colors perfect for bride, bridesmaids, mothers, and friends..and honeymoon touch-ups. The set features four of the 6 colors in Essie's 2006 Wedding Collection. You get: "Limo-Scene," a super-light pink; "Mademoiselle," a light, warmed peach, "Ballet Slippers," a super-light nude (one of the most requested colors for toes in summer, my nail salon, reports) and "Blanc," an opaque white stark enough to match a bridal gown, or finish a French manicure.  Pop a  Wedding Collection Mini 4-Pack into a gift basket with a set of FlexFlops (review this column). It makes a perfect shower gift for a lucky bride. If you're the one getting married, thank your attendants by giving each a set, and hosting a pre-wedding manicure/pedicure party to try out your wedding looks. We'll be reviewing Essie's latest and greatest Summer Collection colors in our JUNE column--watch for it.

The Body Perfect, new to our reviews this column, is the creation of Normajean Fusco, a woman with 30 years of experience as an aesthetician who was also a consultant to major cosmetics companies such as Revlon, Coty and Germaine Monteil. WIN THE BODY PERFECT PRODUCTS IN OUR NEW ADVICE SISTERS CONTEST!  The Body Perfect products are made at Equibal Labs, housed in the restored, 1880's buildings of the Nestle's Original Creamery in Unionville, New York. We tried several product lines.  There are eight products that help to rejuvenate dry, delicate skin, reduce the signs of aging. These products are simply packaged with one-piece tubes featuring pull-up tops that require only one handed operation. Apply Morning Glory Cleansing Milk $20.00 7 fl. oz. to damp skin, massage in, rinse, and your skin feels dreamy-soft, and thoroughly cleansed. We also liked the Morning Glory Night Cream $35.00, a very thick, emollient cream that absorbs quickly and leaves skin feeling awesomely soft! Men and women alike will like the herbal scent and gently foaming, clear gel MoistureBal Hydrating Body Shampoo $14.00 7 fl. oz. We liked the one-piece grey tube with pull-up top and the way the cleanser leaves your body clean, but soft. This product even works in hard water. Those who are blemish prone will want to check out BlemFree All Day Lotion $36.004 fl. oz in a one-piece, silver tube with pull up top. Adults break out too, but along with blemish protection, they still need to keep skin nourished and moisturized. This unique product does both-- it moisturizes and eliminates redness and the uncomfortable feeling of  tight, dry skin, but it also fights acne-provoking bacteria throughout the entire day. Clever, multi-purpose, and a must-have for blemish prone skin.

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So many readers requested the Advice Sisters to review Babor Cosmetics that we simply had to get in touch with the company. When I did, I was told that I simply had to try their latest and greatest product - the Babor INTELLI-ZYME™ Biological Exfoliation System $88.00. The latest generation of exfoliation products don't use crystals or mechanical devices that can scratch your skin if not used properly.  Instead, the products work "bioactively" to loosen and dissolve dead skin cells on the surface of the skin.  INTELLI-ZYME’s 'intelligent' enzymes target only dead skin cells, so they can exfoliate without harming your  skin. Derived from organic barley, the main active ingredient is Subtilisin, which (in plain English) dissolves dead skin cells without abrasive particles, chemicals or harsh acids. I tried this kit personally, and while I have sensitive skin, I had absolutely no problems. The system is so fast and easy, it's amazing.  Simply apply the Hy-Ol Cleanser for a minute, wash it off and apply a paste of water and Intelli-Zyme until it foams a bit (about 30 seconds). Wash that off and mix the   Phytoactive Base and Hy-Ol Cleanser and massage that into skin for about another 30 seconds. You're done! My skin felt soft and looked instantly brighter. Used regularly, this at-home product will make a true difference.

Give mom a box of chocolates--without the calories, this Mother's Day. Her new fave will surely be your gift of of the Coco Zum Gift Pak $22.00 Coco Zum line by Indigo Wild. You get a Coco Zum Goats Milk Soap, that blends organic cocoa butter and gentle goats milk in an herbally blend that includes with pure essential oils, vanilla infusion and mineral pigments in a long lasting bath bar that looks like vanilla fudge and smells like a chocolate laced with mint. You also get a jar of Chocolate Body Butter, a superbly moisturizing mix of organic cocoa butter, olive butter, avocado butter and pure essential oils really work magic on dry, dull, and Winter-scaly skin. For her lips, there's a cute little tin of Shea Butter Chocolate Lip Balm that smells like a chocolate mint, and does much, much more to do lips, a good turn! You can buy these individually, too, but at this fair price, splurge and get the set...maybe two..maybe three

Chris Lee, the lucky winner of our "My Favorite Holiday Contest" won a large selection of Pevonia Botanica products (see our winners page) but you don't have to win a contest to win big with Pevonia products. One we  particularly like from the Ligne Nyphea line is the Anti Stress Bath & Shower Gel $25.00 6.8 fl. oz. The lovely, herbally scent gives you instant aromatherapy benefits, making you feel calm and yet, ready to face whatever's next. The gentle gel can be used for a bath as well as a shower. It's got so many good for your skin ingredients we can hardly name them all, but here's a try: Hazel Nut Oil (soothing, nourishing); Sweet Almond Oil (moisturizing, healing); Chamomile Oil (anti-inflammatory, calming); Lavender Oil (decongesting, healing, soothing); Cornflower (softening, desensitizing); Calendula (anti-irritant, protects against infection); Linden (calming, soothing, helps blemishes); Saponaria (naturally foaming and cleansing extract); and Glycerin Humectant (emollient).  You can rest assured (pun intended) that you will feel good after using this one product--and your skin will be smooth, too.  There's also a Micro-emulsified Anti Stress Massage Oil $22.00 that uses cutting edge technology to make the oil into a more solid cream, that glides on without dripping or staining. It's good for all skin types, increases, elasticity, stimulates circulation, and relieves scaliness.  It might be good for your health, and it might enhance romance, too. Either way, you'll have a great time using it!

We are delighted to welcome NARS back to our reviews.  Pamper a special women (or yourself) with the new, Monoï Body Glow II  $59.00 Monoï de Tahiti oil. This body oil not only hydrates skin with luxe, silky softness, it scents it in the spirit of the tropics, featuring macerated Tiare flower (Tahitian gardenia) steeped in refined coconut extract for at least ten days, slowly infusing the oil with nutrients as well as a delicate, natural fragrance. Each bottle of Monoï Body Glow II has a genuine tiare flower floating in the bottle (ours had two) to remind you that this is a product with exotic ingredients.  Gardenia scent can be quite sweet, but this sensual body oil is sensual and subtle-- even more so if possible, than the original Monoï Body Glow. The long lasting oil fragrances skin with a scent that smells a bit like a yummy cream of coconut mixed with a soft floral. It absorbs quickly to leave skin feeling amazing..and with a fragrance you won't find on everyone else. Others will be drawn to the fragrance and of course, to you!

Sometimes, a product that you used in the past (and perhaps, took for granted) becomes new & improved, and it becomes a favorite, again. You may feel that way about the Apricot Scrub Renew & Firm $2.99 6 oz by St. Ives. The original has been loved by millions for over 20 years, but now there's an anti-aging formula!  Natural exfoliants work to slough off rough or dry skin and gentle alpha hydroxy complex helps to fight the signs of aging. A patented ingredient called "moistureguard" does just that--moisturize, and keep skin hydrated. Of course, like all St. Ives products, this one has Swiss Glacial water and a blend of Swiss botanicals, as well as vitamin-rich apricot essence (and a really nice, apricotty scent). TIP" it's for your face, but we used it on the back of our hands, too, making them softer and smoother.

As a guest on a Fashiontribes podcast in March, I emphaticallys aid that sun block is not optional, it's a must. Ttruth is, I dislike the feel and smell of many facial sunblocks.  Fortunately now there are fantastic facial foundations and moisturizers that contain SPF (less than SPF 15,  you'll still need a sun block underneath).  Laura Mercier's new, Oil Free Tinted Moisturizer $40.00 not only protects your skin, but it has light-reflecting ingredients to smooth over fine lines and imperfections, while giving your face a semi-matte look. No ordinary moisturizer can do that! It is sheer but with some coverage, and quite light so you won't even know you have it on (but you'll be protected with SPF 20). There are 7 light-to dark shades to choose from. Porcelain, Nude and Sand are for light to medium light complexions, Fawn and almond for medium tones, and Tan and Walnut for deep complexions.  We will be reviewing Laura Mercier Foundation Powder and Setting Powder products in our June column--watch for them!

There's nothing better than a multi-tasking facial product for fashionistas and busy women. The Complexion Perfection Duo $40.00 by Global Goddess fits the bill. Three quarters of the round compact contains a cream-to-powder foundation that gives your face a beautiful, soft matte natural finish, while nourishing, moisturizing and soothing it as well with African lillppe butter. Tahitian Monoi oil, and Indian Neem. The other quarter of the compact is filled with a coordinating concealer that helps to minimize shadows, wrinkles and imperfections. Thai lemon grass helps tone and tighten, Chamomile soothes, and rose carnina fruit extract nourishes.  We tried "GG 2.0" which makes medium-toned skin look great, but there are 10 shades in all, including tones that specifically work well for with Asian, Latina, Middle Eastern, and mixed ethnicities skin tones. There's one just for you!

BRONZERS & BODY BLING:sfsf

Smashbox Fusion Soft Lights Bronzing Powder $28.00 look so attractive in their coppery tins with clear tops, that you might be tempted just to look at them, but please use them!  Five stripes of coordinated bronzer and highlighting colors are grouped together in a large, round compact.  Formulated in a shimmer ("Dusk) and matte, ("Dawn"). he shimmer is beautiful, but not so much that it would be blinding if you tried to wear it in the daytime.  Both sets have earthy peachy bronze colors that can be used together (and we'd suggest, with a light touch) for a bronzer, or separately, as blush, highlight, and eye shadow. Apply it with the Smashbox Face Glow Brush $30.00--a kabuki style brush of goats hair with a stubby, coppery handle that lets the brush stand upright and featuring a huge head of soft, luxurious bristles. This diffuses the color and gives you a toasty, won't-turn-orange, glow.   Treat your body, too, with Body Lights Powder and Body Glow Brush Set $59.00 that lets you give your entire body a gorgeous, shimmery hint of color with a sweet hint of intoxicating vanilla-floral scent.  Once you try it, you'll be so hooked! Soft and silky, it slides on shoulders, neck, décolleté, and legs to make you look and feel pampered. The companion kabuki brush is a larger sized version of the one for the face, and feels great as you diffuse the gorgeous shimmery powder over your body.  Get those pale arms and legs a kick start to Summer (and keep them smooth and soft) with Body Lights Lotion $29.00, a moisturizer with the same, vanilla-floral scent that also adds a veil of shimmery tan, wherever you smooth it.  If you like bronzers, these products are fabulous "must-haves." Carry these bronzing beauties in a new makeup bag $18.00 --a generously sized zippered bag of soft, silky fabric festooned with earthy stripes of bronze, copper, black and khaki, on a beige background--perfect for travel or for a great gift (pop a Smashbox product inside for Mom's Day)!

LOVELY LIP OPTIONS: We've picked out  "must-have" lip products that make Spring (and you) even more beautiful!

There's been a lot of buzz about the new lip products that have the properties of a gloss, but more color and staying power. One that we think is a great choice is already coveted by fashionistas, everywhere -- Dior Addict Plastic Gloss $23.50 is a wanded gloss with a shiny gold top crowned by a rounded button that looks a bit like a chic doorknob. Twist open the top and let the sponge applicator slick on your lips amazingly shiny, silky, luxe, intense color that make lips look like patent leather.   The color isn't just shiny and gorgeous, it has staying powder to last for several hours. I fell in love with #354 Paradiasiac Pink," which I think is a rich rose (so flattering in just about everyone). No wonder I, and so many others, become addicted to Dior Addict Plastic Gloss. Try it, and you won't be able to stop admiring yourself! For the times when I want full, sexy, shimmery lips without lots of color, I now reach for DiorKiss $19.00. I love the slightly fruity scent, and the generously-sized squeeze tube of shimmery, super-sheer, silky gloss that nourished lips to make them smooth and soft as well as all-out sexy. If you could find perfection in a gloss tube for your lips, this product might be it!  We tried a new color #228 Fruit Splash," a barely-there blush with a rainbow of tiny, holographic bits of glitter that make lips look full and luscious.

The HIP (High Intensity Pigment) Collection by L'Oreal gives you a chance to experiment with fashion and color, even if you're on a budget.   One product in the line we really took a shine to (pun intended) is the Brilliant Shine Lip Gloss $9.00. These are a joy to use, with jojoba oil to condition, and a light, vanilla scent. The squeeze-tube glosses apply easily from a rounded top, and provide a sexy, silky, light-reflecting color that I'd characterize as more lip stain than lipstick, but with more shine. There are 10 deep but neutral and earthy shades.  We like "Adoring," a medium rose rose for light complexions, and   "Tempting," a rich berried pink, for more glam. On the deeper end of the spectrum, "Intrigue" is a sensational, blackened plum.

Lip Balms are an essential beauty product, especially if you are prone to chapped, dry lips. One that we really like is the Beauty Rush Soothing Lip Balm $7.00 by Victorias Secret Beauty. We like the generously-sized, round, metal tin decorated   in hot pink and silver. It makes application feel fun and girly, instead of just a chore.  Inside the cute tin, however, is a serious product--a rich and thick lip balm with aloe vera to smooth and hydrate your parched lips, and peppermint oil to give a slight tingle while it calms and smoothes.

Every now and then we come across a product we just love. Bons Baisers de Paris $15.00 by Bourjois looks like a slim line marker pen, but it's actually a lip stain that cleverly coats lips with just enough long-lasting color to make lips look stunning-- without any muss or fuss. What's so nice about these are not only the lovely, natural colors, but the way they dry super-fast, leaving a hint more color than a gloss, less than an opaque lipstick. Even better, they won't dry out your lips. Apply, and forget about it. They're so lightweight, and tote-able, you'll want to take them everywhere, especially when you want your lips to have color and look polished, but not be overly "done." There are four colors (please Bourjois, make more!) including a light and a dark pink, a nice orange (a wearable, not too orange tint), and a very pretty, pinkish brown. For glossy shine and a hint of color, Cocktails Effet 3D $15.00 is a wanded gloss with sheer color and super-shine, a lightweight feel, plus a gentle formula that pumps up the volume of your lips but won't dry them out. We like the brush applicator and the slightly fruity scent, too. There are four colors, but we particularly liked "Rose Bahamas," a cotton candy pink so sheer you'll feel positively scandalous, and "Rouge Sunset," a sheer ruby-red gloss that looks gorgeous in the tube and even better on your lips ("Cassis Tropical is a hot pink version). There's also a clear and a deep violet. We will be reviewing more Bourjois lip colors in our June column.