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SKINCARE RIGHT FOR SUMMER (with SPF): 

DermaNew has a Day Moisturizer $42.00 2.5 fl. oz not only has broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection to SPF 15 (the minimum I suggest you apply this summer). We haven't reviewed anything from DermaNew in a while, but I am happy to report that this is a very, very, nice product with natural botanicals that help hydrate your skin, while powerful antioxidants enhance the UV protection. You should moisturize daily, anyway, so why not get one that does even more than that?  This great multi-tasker has a New™Firming complex that stimulates collagen production and minimizes the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.  All this and more, and for sensitive skin--or any skin type.  I tried this one personally, and I like the way this lotion is easily absorbed without a hint of greasiness, from a nice looking plastic pump bottle (I wish there were more of these around--so much cleaner and easier to use).  Even if you don't have sensitive skin, you may want to make this a summer "must-have."

In our June 2006 column, we introduced Lumene. This drugstore-based line delivers high performance skincare treatments for a variety of skin types and age groups. If you are over 50, you will be delighted to know about Lumene Premium Beauty, a range of products specifically created for skin age 50+ We are delighted the manufacturers realize that there is a large market for women (and men) age 50 and above, who want to take care of their skin. A combination of Scandinavian Sea Buckthorn and something called a "Tri-peptides" compound, help nourish, rejuvenate, and protect mature skin. We also like the striking, shiny, copper and peach colored boxes and coppery accents on the bottles and jars.   We can report that our skin felt soft and more supple, and generally, improved. Over time, we think you'll see smoother, more firm, more youthful skin with diminished fine lines and wrinkles. For Summer, why not get acquainted with Lumene Premium Beauty with their Rejuvenating Day Cream with SPF 15 $27.99 1.7 fl. oz. Your skin will not only get nourishment, moisture, and the benefit of cutting-edge ingredients with this super-emollient cream, it will be protected against the sun's damaging rays. The Rejuvenating Night Cream $27.99 1.7 is super rich. It penetrates deep into your skin to moisturize and soften, and also promotes the formation of collagen and elastane (important for youthful-looking skin). You will also want to try the ultra-emollient Rejuvenating Eye Cream $21.99 9.5 fl. oz which has no fragrance or artificial colors, so it's great for sensitive skin. Tow other products in the line include an Age Spot Treatment $17.99 0.5 fl. oz, a targeted treatment for fading out age (and sun) spots, help prevent new ones from forming, and an Instant Serum $29.99 1.0 fl. oz, a deeply penetrating pump-bottle of cream that helps smooth wrinkles and fine lines, and reduce the size of pores. Dab a bit of this cooling cream around the eye contour area morning and night, and watch those crows feet, fly away.

SIMPLY SUPER SUMMER SUNBLOCKS:

"SPF" means "sun protection factor." It indicates the amount of time it will take your skin to burn with sunscreen compared to without sunscreen. An SPF of 6, for example, means you can stay in the sun 6 times longer than without any protection before your skin begins to burn. It's not just what you put on, but how much.  Most people only  apply about half as much as the amount used for SPF tests. Full body protection for an adult requires about an ounce of product--that's 1/4 of a 4-oz. bottle of sunscreen per application!  And, it also matters where you put sunscreen. Most people apply it to arms and legs, chest and perhaps, face, but you also need to systematically apply it to your back (spray sunblocks make this task easier for solo sunbathers) and don't forget to apply sun screen to the tops of ears, and the backs of arms and legs, on feet (front and back) and perhaps, if you're weeding or cycling, on the lower back where your shirt might ride up.  And, it matters when you apply sunscreen.  Experts say the best time is one-half hour before going into the sun, since some of the screening chemicals bind to the skin. Remember that rubbing with towels or friction from clothing such as between the legs can remove protection. Rubbing against mats, towels, swimming, and other activities will remove sunscreen, so you may need to re-apply it more frequently than the SPF protection suggests. Going out in the sun in one of life's great pleasures, but no matter what your age, sun protection is NOT OPTIONAL!  As someone who has suffered sun damage from believing what you can't see can't hurt you, I urge you to use some kind of sun protection before going outside, no matter what your age!  I feel so strongly about this issue that I'm including a category just for sunblocks, for the first time ever in these "What Works Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion Review columns.

The attractive, cheerful, sea green and yellow flip-top tubes containing UV Sun Care SPF 50 products for face and body by Clinique really caught my eye and made me want to apply the products inside. When I did, they didn't disappoint! Clinique UV-Response Face SPF 50 Sunscreen $15.50 1.5 fl. oz and Clinique UV-Response Body SPF 50 $18.50 5 fl. oz  provide broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sun protection, are oil-free, water resistant, and good for all skin types. I am not sure of the technology involved, but these non-irritating products with antioxidant protection actually trigger a second layer of antioxidant protection after the first layer is depleted, while they help prevent long-term signs of aging. The creams are thick, so they're easy to apply without running or mess, and they are odor-less, so men, women and children will feel comfortable wearing them. I loved the way they absorbed quickly into face and body. I didn't feel like I had applied anything at all, but with a whopping SPF 50, I knew I'd done the right thing for my skin. These are fantastic!

DCL Chemfree Superblock SPF 30 $ 27.00 4 fl oz by Dermatologic Cosmetic Laboratories, is serious skincare, created to meet the needs of dermatologists and plastic surgeons who want to provide broad spectrum UVA/UVB sun block to their patients. This is a very water-resistant sunblock, yet it has a sheer formula comprised of highly refined, micronized titanium dioxide and transparent zinc oxide (Z-Cote®), to help prevent sunburn and protect against the visible signs of aging. The light scent dissipates quickly, so you'll forget you even applied it--but your skin, won't! The product literature also says that this product continues to provide SPF coverage, even after 80 minutes of activity in water, or with perspiration. We obviously didn't stay in water that long, but we did feel the lightly moisturizing effects that help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and our skin didn't feel so dry after being in the sun. Even better, this sun block is good for all skin types, and especially for those who have sensitive skin, including those who have just had exfoliation procedures, including micro-dermabrasion,
chemical peels and laser treatments. The clean, white, plastic tubes with grey lettering will appeal to men, too.

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If you’ve got 15-20 minutes to spare, you can treat yourself to a super-luxe facial masque formulated to provide an instant firming effect--with prolonged effects with the Z.Bigatti "Re-Storation" line's   Inception $149.00 3/masks. This unique new mask has a vanilla-citrus-scented gel on a white, foam mask (with amusing cut-outs for nose, eyes, and mouth), wrapped in cellophane, sealed in a shiny, black envelope.  Peel open the package and place on your face for 15-20 minutes. While you enjoy a slight cooling tingle, you can rest assured that the mask is all business: helping to minimize fine lines and wrinkles while toning and clearing congested, dull skin, and eliminating all of those things that contribute to puffiness and fatigue. What's the secret? There is a staggering amount of good-for-your-skin ingredients in this one.   Lupine protein, pisum (pea) sativum and wheat germ extracts provide immediate and continued firming and lifting, while angelica, white birch, fennel and rosemary detoxify and revitalize congested skin, increase microcirculation and eliminate signs of fatigue and puffiness. Soy, schizandra, willow bark and milk thistle rejuvenate skin with visible firming, anti-aging effects, extracts of algae, aloe and catappa protect skin, soothing and calming it during the treatment. milk thistle, elderberry, white tea and grape seed extracts provide antioxidant therapy and skin repair. Leave the gel on your skin (I liked the feel, so I did) or rinse it off gently with lukewarm water. Considering the cost of in-spa facials, the cost for three treatments is reasonable. Two other masks work in just three minutes: DEW Hydrating Facial Mask $119.00 2 oz is a crystal clear gel with a light, bracing scent, that provides a power-shot of super moisture. I like it best when my skin has been dehydrated by airplanes, or after I've been in the sun too long. Vitamins, antioxidants and botanicals work to boost moisture levels, rejuvenate the skin, and diminish signs of aging, while cucumber, calendula and aloe vera provide powerful ingredients to hydrate, refine, soften and nourish. Evening Primrose and Eucalyptus restore and refresh your complexion. Your skin really does look and feel like it's been "watered" from within! This cooling, deeply hydrating gel is a perfect, quick pick-me-up for dry skin! Impact $129.00 2 oz. Z. Bigatti arrives in a jar, as a rich, beige-y cream. Smooth on the fruit enzyme formula that gently exfoliates, clarifies, helps to reduce to reduce the appearance of large pores and fine lines and wrinkles, while generally giving your skin a nicer overall texture, tone, and feel. Key ingredients include papain and bromelain,papaya and pineapple extracts, grape seed and green tea extracts, along with antioxidant and botanicals. TIP: fruit enzymes  are extremely effective, powerful exfoliators. If your skin is sensitive you might want to reduce the application time a bit, and go easy on the product. Follow with a gentle moisturizer. The hardest thing about using these masks may be finding a few moments to yourself. The best thing? Finding great looking skin!  We will be reviewing more Z. Bigatti (Enlighten and Eye Return) in our September column, so watch for it!

"SUN-KISSED" SANS SAN--BRONZERS & BODY BLING:

How could you not love Estée Lauder's soft, matte bronzer called "Bronze Goddess $29.50. The name evokes just how you'll look when you apply this luxe, bronzing powder from the large, round, coppery plastic compact.  Tanning unevenly or not tan enough? No problem! This oversized compact is not only a pleasure to use, it'll pump up your existing tan or fix the blotchy spots.  Inside, there's a large mirror and a nice round powder brush to help you apply the sheer, mostly matte, bronzing powder. The oil-free powder has shine controllers to keep your look glowing, not shiny. The color is fairly deep, so if you're pale, use just a little where the sun normally hits.  On medium to dark skin you can apply a little, or a lot, to give your face, shoulders and décolletage a slightly or very toasty, bronze look. TIP: the bronzing brush is really nice -- you'll want to use it with all your powder bronzers!

Aveda Caribbean Therapy Body Scrub $38.00 15.8 oz smells heavenly, with the same, tranquil, fruity and spicy Caribbean scent as the Caribbean Therapy Candle (see left hand column) featuring a blend of seven essential oils from the Caribbean including amyris, bay leaf, lime and vetiver.  The impressively-large tub of non-foaming body scrub uses salt, Caribbean cane sugar, and Caribbean ginger root powder to exfoliate, soften, and condition, while aloe vera, avocado, passionfruit oils, and coca butter (all sourced from the Caribbean) protect and leave a silky, protective layer on your skin to make it soft and comfortable. Want more? Vitamin E from soy is an antioxidant that helps protect skin from free radicals and environmental stress. As expected from Aveda, this is an exceptional product that does what it is expected to, but with good-for-your-skin ingredients and pure pleasure.  TIP:  If you use a self tanner, proper exfoliation is a must...and this product is a great choice.

Clinique True Bronze Pressed Powder Bronzer $23.50   has a natural, mostly matte finish, with a hint of pearl (for a glow, but not a high wattage bling). It's easy to use, with a soft, buildable formula that lets you decide how dark to glow, without looking "faux." The color stays true and doesn't make you turn orange, even in the heat. I wish Clinique had included the short-handled brush applicator inside the nice, clear frosted and copper plastic compact instead of in a separate travel pouch, but the applicator is so nice you'll use it with your other bronzers as well. We all raved about the believable, subtle bronzing effect and the two warm but not orange colors: "Sunkissed" (light to medium) and "Sunswept," (medium to dark) that are subtle and sexy.  If you want a more glam, shimmery, the Clinique limited edition Shimmering Tones Powder $28.50 gives you a checkerboard of ivory, copper and bronze shades over a bronzer, or alone. Swipe a brush over the entire thing to highlight brow bone, the bridge of your nose, and the top of your cheekbone. The "Golden Bronze" highlighter/bronzing powder will add special va-va-voom to deeper skin tones, or a deep tan (but make the tan faux with a bronzing product, please) and the "Peach Bronze," works well for paler complexions.. TIP:  These make fantastic, shimmery, lip and eye colors as well as for bronzing your face. Select a color in the compact to highlight eyelids, or use one mixed with a clear gloss on lips-you'll adore the look and the multi-tasking compact makes your purse, lighter!

Bobbi Brown Bronzer Duo $35.00 will warm the complexions (and hearts) of women, everywhere. There are two shades: a very deep bronzer with a bright apricot blush, and a Natural Bronzer with a pale pink blush.  The colors look quite deep and bright, but they're sheer, and believable on the skin. You're getting two high quality products in one large, mirrored compact, so you can grab it and go...and have all you need for a day, or a weekend away. If you like bronzers, you'll love this one!

Body & Soul is a great cosmetics line that we've only reviewed once or twice in our "What Works" beauty review columns.  They are favorites of dozens of stars, including all of the desperate housewives, all of the women of "Friends," and celebutante Paris Hilton, just to name a few. Recently, I met Dan Malka of Body & Soul at the Makeup Show in New York and one look at the vintage-inspired packaging rekindled my love of Body and Soul. For a great Summer glow, Giltz Face and Body Moisturizer $35.00 sports a new, oil free formula that won't clog pores.Your skin will get a luminescent glow without a lot of colored bronzer you might not want. You can also use this one as a translucent highlight to cheeks and brow bones. Pair it with a dusting of Glitz Powder $30.00 (photo) in an adorable, talcum powder-type shaker that reminds me exactly of the one my grandmother, Tillie, kept on her bathroom shelf. Inside, however,  the product is thoroughly modern, Tillie!   A soft powder smoothes on without scent, but lots of soft glimmer wherever you dab it. "Twilight" is the lightest lavender in the tin, but goes on like a shimmery sheer, "Glitz #2" is a sheer peach. For instant evening allure (looks especially sexy with a tan), dust it everywhere, including your décolleté.  We hope to review more of these amazingly fun to use, sophisticated products in future columns.

If you get the idea from the coppery tubes with bronze-caps that Stila Sun Gel Bronzant $24.00 1.7 fl. oz (for face) and Stila Sun Gel Body gel Bronzant $24.00 4.2 fl. oz (new,  for your entire body) will give you fabulous, faux glow, you'd be correct.  These lightweight (and layerable) gels are non-sticky and lightweight, and they won't ooze or fade on your clothes, but you will get a believable, slightly shimmery, sunkissed glam, in an instant.  Reviewers liked the sweet but light, slightly rose-y scent, and the fast drying formula. Bronze is beautiful, but a Stila bronze is better (and safer, too).

GREAT SUMMER GIFTS TO GIVE...AND GET!

Last month we reviewed a room spray from Malie Kauai.  This month we're featuring yet another unique scent from Hawaii in one of our favorite forms-- a Malie Kauai Soy Candle $30.00. This simple ivory candle is made from 100 % natural waxes. They are petroleum–free, soy candles made with palm oil and a 100% cotton wick, which makes the candle last longer and burn cleaner.  But the real star here is the fragrance.Pikake is a true Hawaiian gem--a variety of jasmine used in beautiful leis you see around hula dancers (and tourists') necks. The spicy/sweet smell is really intoxicating, like an evening (at home) in paradise. This would make a fantastic gift for your weekend hostess, or to add a touch of romance to your own home. The candles come in other fragrances as well: pineapple coconut, plumeria, gardenia, and coconut vanilla.

Letters Personal Care for Her, new to our review this column, is a lovely, luxe line with boutique-y items that make great gifts, or little treats for yourself.  These are supposedly inspired by love letters found in an old truck from the 1940's; the  packaging featuring postage stamps from the actual letters. There are four scents: lemon verbena, green tea, ocean blue, and wildflowers. We love the slightly tart, lemon verbena scent. The Liquid Hand Soap $16.00 8 oz. is particularly appealing--a substantial, slim column of clear, squared, glass with rounded corners reminds me of an art-deco skyscraper. The postage stamp of a fresh, ripe, yellow lemon informs you of  that there's a tart and refreshing lemon scent inside the nicely lathering soap which cleanses without making hands dry.  For a weekend hostess, or to make guests feel especially welcome in your home, pair the soap with a Soy Candle $18.00 5.5. oz. in a nice glass votive with tin cover. We tried Lemon Verbena and Green Tea (with a slight, smoky green tea scent) light and infused with essential oils-- perfect for Summer. TIP:  for a whimsical touch as a gift, why not add a package of green tea, or a few real lemons and a recipe for home-made lemonade)!

BABOR Cosmetics Care Set for Men $50.00. A large, oval, tin holds three luxe, BABOR skincare essential just for men: body shampoo, shaving gel and after shave balm. Purchasing the set saves you $15 off the price instead of purchasing them separately and you get that beautiful tin, too. *see our review of these BABOR men's products (and more) in our June 2006 review column.

Aveda was founded in 1978 by Horst Rechelbacher on the premise of eco-nomics: the belief that companies can profit without expense to people and to the environment. That's not the only reason we love the Aveda Caribbean Therapy Soy Wax Candle $28.00 Refill:  $18.50. This lovely, large candle is packaged in 95% post-consumer recycled (PCR) green glass the color of the Caribbean sea. The scent is definitely reminiscent of the topics--at once fruity and spicy-- a blend of seven essential oils from the Caribbean including amyris, bay leaf, lime and vetiver.  We like the ivory candle for it's soy and plant waxes, and certified organic soy oil, that help the candle burn cleanly and completely for up to 50 hours. If you can't get to the Caribbean this year, give yourself (or a grateful host or hostess-it's a great gift) a tropical spa experience, instantly!

FABULOUS ACCESSORIES: 

I found an unusual and affordable gift one I really like when I attended the Accessories Show at the Javits Center, recently. Memory Makers has photo charm accessories: bracelets, keychains, even a bracelet watch with silvery metal "frames" into which you can place your own, mini-sized photos. It's a novel accessory and a cool way to keep your loved ones (or just photos of things you love) close to you.  Make a pets-only or vacation-themed piece...or how about photos of your wedding? your boyfriend? the grandchildren? ..the sky's the limit. All you need to do is size the photos, print them (or have them printed cropped to size) and place them in the frames, with the included, clear, acetate cover on top. Voila! Instant personalized gift, or keepsake. Most of the items are approx. $20.00 including this stretch bracelet $20.00 (photo) but there's also a great, six frame watch 60.00. These are personal pieces that you (or your recipient) will treasure.

For past "What Works" Beauty, Cosmetics, and Fashion Review columns, see the "What Works Archives"

Bathing suit ho-hum?  Breathe new life into it with a hip, new accessory from Bombshell Accessories' Metal Mafia brand Swimsuit Jewelry collection $8.99/each. Their clever (swimsuit) jewelry clips are an easy, inexpensive, and flirty way to perk up your days in the sun.  There are four different styles featuring a different accent -- crystal beads and diamonds,  to hearts and teardrops in clear, pink, violet, and blue.  Simply clip one onto your swimsuit top or bottom...and hit the surf! TIP:  on your wedding night or just because you're feeling frisky--clip one of these onto your lingerie...it's a sexy surprise when this tiny bit of bling is revealed...to that special someone.

EASY BEAUTY HANDS & FEET: 

Essie, one of our fave brands, is celebrating 25 years in business with an Anniversary Collection featuring half a dozen gorgeous, wearable shades of Nail Polish $8.00 that are bound to be new classics.  Even better, with each purchase of a polish, you'll get a special gift at participating stores--a sample of Good To Go $10.00 which Essie claims is the fastest drying top coat ever. I tried it and I genuinely can report that it did dry dizzyingly fast, even when I botched a nail and had a bit of extra polish from the do-over!  Essie polish is normally shiny, but the top coat made it even more so. I highly recommend Good to Go--it should be called: "great" to go!  Now you'll have one more good reason to indulge in one of these beautiful Anniversary Collection Essie colors. My favorite is "Formal Affair" a sparkling, yellow-based red that lets even redheads with pale skin like mine, indulge in bright red nails that look sophisticated instead of like they were dipped in blood. Essie: please don't ever discontinue this  fantastic color!  But there's also "Cocktail Hour" a pink coral and "Bachelorette Bash" a bright raspberry.  Both of these will look even more amazing, with a tan! For brides and day or evening, "Anniversary Gala" is an iridescent light pink with a subtle green undertone (just gorgeous) and "Real Simple" is a sheer, baby pink perfect for French manicures or a natural look. I also like "Shindig," a shimmery peachy-pink that will dress up fingers & toes, everywhere!

If your hands look older than they should, and they feel dry, you'll want to try Skin Effects Wrinkle Effects Rejuvenating Hand Treatment by Dr. Jerry Dover $19.99 3 oz. It's sold at CVS drugstores, but after you've applied some from the tube (with a cap wide enough to allow it to stand-thank you!) your hands will fell like they've just been treated to a smoothing, paraffin wax treatment in a salon! Although we didn't test this long enough, regular use will lighten dark spots and even skin tone, and reduce visible wrinkles.That's a real plus, at this price!  The product made my hands feel so instantly silky and smooth and pampered, I'll be encouraged to use it more often than the suggested, twice daily regimen!

FRESH FRAGRANCES FOR SUMMERTIME:

White and linen are as classic for summertime as lemonade and strappy sandals, so it is not a stretch to love Pure White Linen Eau de Parfum Spray $45.00 3.4 fl. oz, a modern, just-made-for-summer, fragrance from Estée Lauder. Although this new fragrance borrows some of the elements that comprise the original White Linen scent, if I read the product information correctly, there are more than 22 different notes in this fragrance, making it very complex, and a lot of fun to wear. Open the powder blue box trimmed with white, and enjoy the tall, cool-looking column of frosted glass indented to almost resemble a figure eight. Spray..sniff...wait... the fragrance is at first, quite fruity, then it seems much more floral..but as it dries down it changes again, to a fresh and green scent with just a hint of spice.  In actuality, the fragrance opens with grapefruit and Italian mandarin, plus iced rose tea, followed by raspberry, pear and green granny smith apple, mixed with greens, blooming lilies and white freesia, spiced with white ginger and cardamom, followed by a heart of unique, red tulip accord, rose absolute, wild honeysuckle, gardenia petals, tuberose, jasmine, soft iris, osmanthus, and a drydown of white cedarwood, white heliotrope and patchouli This translates differently on each wearer, but we all agree: it's a clean, light, sophisticated, unique, long-lasting scent that will make you feel cool and feminine, all summer long.  *a body wash and body lotion will be debuting this month as well.

Amouage fragrances are truly for the connoisseur, who understands the pleasure of unique fragrances, and who has the means to indulge (if I remember correctly, they used to be sold on the Concorde).   Over 120 natural ingredients are used in the creation of some of these perfumes including rare silver frankincense found only in Oman. All of the fragrances are exotic and rare, but the Amouage bottles are evocative of royal treasures. Nestled inside substantial, satin lined presentation boxes are cubes of delicately embossed French lead crystal embellished with genuine gold in yellow, silver and pink hues. Ciel Pour Femme $220.00   1 .7 oz Eau de Toilette Spray - Crystal Edition (less expensive bottles are available), arrives in an impressive, cardboard presentation case with a photo graphic of flower buds in blue, white and green.  Inside, a sea-green tinted fragrance is captured in a sparkling,white gold -trimmed square bottle, topped with a silvery cap like a curvy minaret. At first, the fragrance seems like a fresh floral, with top notes of violet leaves,  gardenia, and cyclamen, and middle notes of peach blossoms, water lily, rose, jasmine. But soon the perfumer's art is apparent, and this special fragrance reveals more facets, spicy and a bit peppery, but with a floral sense again by drydown, to become a light floriental (bottom notes of amber, musk, cedarwood, frankincense, and sandalwood). Amouage fragrances are substantial and long lasting, so you won't need to douse yourself. They are fragrances are for connoisseurs--among my personal favorites. If you're not sure whether you are ready to make a major investment, try the Amouage Samples Box Set (approx. $38.00). An impressive, dark blue and gold presentation box lined in white satin, houses10, travel sized 2 ml spray vials of all the  Amouage scents for men and women including: Ciel, Amouage Gold, Amouage Silver, Eau D'Amouage, Dia, Esprit, and for men, Amouage Arcus, Ciel, and Silver. Treat yourself! You'll feel like royalty with an Amouage scent.

Fruit fragrances are always popular in warmer weather, and I've just been introduced to one that is very special, and a limited edition: Mandarine Eau de Toilette $125.00 250ml. from L'Artisan Parfumeur. It's an authentic-smelling, tart, crisp, citrus. As an expression of the perfumer's art, the entire mandarin--petal, tree and fruit, are represented in this unique fragrance. A  top note of green mandarin with a trace of ginger, is met by a heart of yellow mandarin and frangipani, and a single, bottom note of red mandarin and white wood, to soften the tang just a tad. At first spray, it smells to me just like the invigorating scent you get when you peel a fresh, ripe orange, but the light floral kicks in quickly, and re-vises the scent once again at drydown I think it finally balances between fruit and peel. In the end, it's a zesty, light, feminine, fruit with a hint of floral that is not overpowering. L'Artisan Parfumeur is a luxe line of fragranced products that we hope to explore and provide more reviews of for you in future columns.

The Parfums Montale are a collection fragrances, conceived of in 2001 by Frenchman Pierre Montale. The line specializes in "Oud" fragrances. The scent of "Oud" is something like vetiver and sandalwood, and it is very rare and expensive. It comes from trees that mostly grow in Southeast Asia that have either died or been damaged (in fact, the tree must be at least 50 years old to produce the fungus that creates the scent). That being said, Montale Perfumes (approx. $135-$210 for 3.4 fl. oz) are rare and unique, with the Oud line and non Ouds numbering a staggering (if I counted, correctly) 27 different products for men, women and unisex.  Each is a unique experience to wear, and smell. A special aluminum bottle has been designed to help preserve the perfume for a long time. Ouds are quite exotic, and they're not for everyone. But, like fine wine, you will begin to appreciate their subtle warmth and richness, and the way they make most other fragrances seem almost ordinary. Although we received samples of all the scents, we can't possibly review them all individually in one session, but here are a few highlights (and watch for more in future columns): From the Oud line for women, Aoud Roses Petals" contains a pleasing, long-lasting blend of roses, geranium, ambre, bois de teck, cedarwood, bois de kayak, gurgum, and saffran (try saying these three times fast)!  It's significant enough to wear for special occasions, but with a light hand, it'll last all day at work, too. These are pricey, so luckily, you'll be better off applying these with a light hand--a little goes a long way. "Aoud Lime" isn't at all a citrus. It's an intense, smoky, truly erotic-smelling unisex offering featuring a strong blend of patchouli leaves, aoud, sandalwood, ambre, iris,and saffron. Wear this when you want to start a fire (and we don't mean a barbecue, either)! "Oud Cuir D'Arabie" for men is a very strong but strangely refreshing blend of tobacco, leather and burnt wood dry notes that remind me of the interior of expensive sports cars.From the non Ouds, for Summer, I particularly like "Sweet Oriental Dream", a creamy blend of rose and the fun accord of almonds and honey--smells like vanilla with a soft kick of sandalwood-a woman's secret weapon! For men, "Vetiver Des Sables" is a magical, spicy blend of the root of wild vetiver from the desert combined with subtle notes of mahogany, and peppered with energizing, Indian spices.

HEALTHY, PRETTY, SUMMER HAIR:

One lucky participant in our latest Advice Sisters Contest will is going to win the entire UV Rescue line from Redken (photo). Meanwhile, one Redken product we think is a Summer "must-have" if you want healthy, shiny hair that looks luxurious, is the Redken UV Rescue Recovery Treat $14.95 for dry and damaged hair that not only repairs and restores, it also revives and protects against further sun damage.  This wonderful, weekly, rinse-out treatment is easy to use, and has Redken's exclusive Interbond Conditioning System and energizing C2 Solar Complex.  Simply apply the UV Rescue Recovery Treat to your clean, towel-dried hair, let it sit for 5-10 minutes, and rinse. Vitamins, ceramide, glycerin, wheat protein, UV filters, silicone, and other great for your hair ingredients help calm, smooth, soothe, and protect your hair from the sun.  If you go out in the sun (and who doesn't?) you really need this to turn that sun-parched "straw" into "gold," once again! We're hooked, and we think you will be, too. Control flyways, resist frizz, and/or add strong definition and style, even when the wind is whipping up at the beach, or you're plummeting down the flume at the amusement park, with Redken's new Electric Wax 11 Shine Fused Texturizer $15.95 1.4 oz. This multi-tasker comes in Redken Styling's new, matte aluminum/pewter packaging with bold, black graphics and numbers indicative of control and function. They give a bit of modern, industrial chic to your dressing table! Rub a bit of this pliable wax in your hands, and give it will not only offer a medium hold, it'll give great shine! Wax products can sometimes feel icky-sticky, but this one does the job, quietly and softly, and washes out easily.  It's easy to have great hair when you've got great products--Redken always delivers the goods   TIP: Got an iPod? be sure to subscribe to the hot, hip, free, "Fashion on Demand" video podcasts featuring Redken products and stylists--you'll see great coverage of the latest styles, great clips from the runways, and get great hair ideas to make yourself beautiful, at home! You can watch these on your home computer, too. It's easy to subscribe through iTunes

Uh Oh!  You've just come home, and there's no time to wash your hair before heading out (to work, a party, a date...) No problem!   Simply clip your hair into a clip by Goody, and you're "Good to go." While banana clips have gotten a bad rep, the Goody's Claw Clips $3.99 make dealing with bad hair, really good!  One we particularly like is a large, flat, "spindle" clip in deep, brown plastic that clips flat to hair, either to secure an updo, or a low ponytail. A "peek-a-bo" hole in the middle lets your hair be the feature,  We also like the X Claw Clip $3.99 that clips sideways to add an ornamental "X" accent to your ponytail or updo (ours had a rose-colored "marbleized" look). Since these are plastic, of course you can wear them to the beach, and even into the water. Glam things up a bit with the Antique Metal Ponytailer $4.99 elastic (our was a coppery colored lacy flower with rust-colored enamel accents) that secures your style while instantly dressing it up. These are so affordable...you can't afford to be without a bunch, this Summer.

I really like Smart Fixx High Shine Finishing Spray $6.99 6.76 fl. oz by Charles Worthington. First, there's the insanely modest price, but what I really like is the way this multi-tasker keeps your style in place, the frizzies at bay, adds shine without greasy residue,  and can be used as a pick-me-up between shampoos (lift sections of your hair and spray this product onto the roots, comb through and style). Sprayed on the ends of your hair it will control fly-aways. Sprayed over your entire head, it'll finish a new style and keep it looking fresh, longer. Any way you use it, you love it.  Another way to shine is Charles Worthington Results Shine Shine Shine Glossing Spray $6.99 6.75 fl. oz. This unique glossing spray not only conditions, it adds brilliant, clear, shine and it neutralizes odors (eg. cigarette smoke, pooch  that sleeps on your head, etc.) with a fresh, light, clean scent. No matter where you've been,your hair, at least, won't give it away. We like the packaging too-- a cheerful, lemon yellow, plastic ellipse. If you're on a budget, or simply a smart fashionista, you will be impressed..in many ways! We hope to review more Charles Worthington products in future columns.

It is easy to be impressed with the high performance and quality of the luxurious Alterna hair care line. Alterna's HEMP Shine & Texturizing Catalyst $18.00 3/4 fl. oz  for example, provides incredible softness and shine, without greasy, heavy, or sticky residue. In case you're wondering, hemp seed oil is a rich source of nutrients for strong, healthy hair and it is drug free, not it's distant cousin, marijuana. We love the eye-catching, flat-bottomed, round, green plastic globe bottle, but of course, it's the product inside that is most impressive. The product contains hemp seed oil, which has super lipids to help rebuild the hair's lost protections due to damage, and it also provides moisturizing, conditioning and protection against color fade, free radicals, which can do further damage from environmental enemies such as sun and heat styling.HEMP Shine Sheer Pomade $17.00 3 fl. oz. is another way to get your hair to behave while adding high wattage glimmer. The cheerful, bright orange tube holds a clear, super-thick, clear, gel pomade that has some stick-ability to it to hold your style, while it smoothes and shines. Hemp seed oil and nutrient-activating enzymes prevent dryness and breakage while guarding against color and styling damage. For those with thin, fine, hair Alterna Life Volumizing Shampoo $17.00 12 oz and Conditioner $17.00 12 oz are perfect! You will get gentle cleansers with UVA/UVB protection against the sun's damaging rays, essential right now and every time you go outside. Unique to the Life Volumizing Shampoo and Conditioner is fresh water pearl powder with amino acids to promote healthy keratin formation, floral extracts and essential oils to nourish and hydrate, ginseng and ginger to speed up the hair's cellular renewal process and stimulate the growth of healthy hair, and ho-shu-wu, a rare root to soothe the scalp and prevent moisture loss. These are great products at reasonable prices (we ike the tall, pump bottles, too).  We will be revewing more Alterna products in our September column.

New to our reviews this column is Yuki Sharoni, once a soldier in the Israeli army,he's now a hairstylist with visits from celebrity clients like Demi Moore and Jessica Alba. Two new products from his haircare line are great revitalizers for your Summer hair. Morning After Hardcore Shampoo $24.00 3 fl. oz sounds ultra-seductive, but after you've revived your hair with it, what comes next is up to you! This gentle shampoo is very moisturizing. It's just what the doctor ordered for hair that needs a little bit more love.  It is a great choice any day, but especially to revive hair after chemical treatments or when it's been abused a bit by sun, surf, and/or chlorine. Follow with Back to Life Hardcore Conditioner $32.00 3 fl. oz, to further seal in moisture, lock out future damage. Nettle, introduced to Yuki by his grandmother, helps make hair strong and shiny, and reduces split ends. These gentle, lightly-scented products  really did make our hair silky, shiny, and less frizzy, and they also seemed to cut our blow-drying time, significantly.  We liked the eye-catching packaging that made the products even nicer and more pleasing to use: large, plastic, white "Y" shaped bottles with flip top lids.

Another nifty line, debuting in here in "What Works" for the first time, is Pureology. Nanoworks Restorative Hair Treatment $45.00 5.2 oz is pricey, but dramatically effective in turning damaged hair into it's healthy self, again. I can't go into all the science, but nano technology helps to deliver deep, penetrating ingredients--in this case, an anti-aging complex comprised of antioxidants that protect hair from environmental enemies  (eg. uva/UVB rays and free radicals). A multitude of good-for-your-skin ingredients also strengthen, seal the hair shaft, help you retain color, and give your hair moisture and shine. Apply to wet hair, wait 3-5 minutes, rinse and style. I tried this one when my hair was feeling particularly dry--the result really was amazing...soft, shiny--the look and feel of healthy hair again, in just minutes. The signature, aromatherapy scent of essences of vanilla, bergamot, jasmine, mandarin, rose, lavender and ylang, make deep conditioning, a true pleasure. For that extra, sexy touch, spritz on a bit of Glossing Mist $15.00 4.2 oz. Lightweight silicones work their magic to instantly give hair --even dry, damaged hair-- a brilliant shine that also helps to revitalize color, seal in moisture, and lock out humidity (the main reason hair turns frizzy). The product is 100% vegan, starring 3 types of anti-oxidant mushrooms and anti-aging veggie proteins and ingredients like green tea, sugar cane, citrus, apple and wine extracts to help make hair strong, youthful, brilliant, and sexy. A great product at a nice price!

Another unique product for the busy person who doesn't have time to re-shampoo and/or get a color touch-up is the Bumble and Bumble Hair Powder $34.00 4 oz. This easy aerosol spray is a mattifier for hair, sucking up that greasy oil that weighs hair down, and making hair matte again, at least, temporarily. It comes in five colors: white, blondish, red, brown and black, to cover stray gray hairs or create a fun, fantasy hair color that you don't have to make a permanent commitment with. There's even a cute, mini-size Hair Powder $19.00 1 oz. to tote with you for those last-minute rescues. TIP: the powder also provides a nice anchor for hair pinks and clips--great for updos and those hot, messy ponys and buns.

If you've taken care to style your hair, and now you want it to stay put, but you don't want that "helmet head" look and feel, and you want great quality haircare, you'll like the Philip B Jet Set Precision Control Hair Spray $40 8 oz, $20.00, 2.25 oz. I tried this one personally on a very humid day --the type when my hair usually gets "big" and frizzy, and not in a nice way. Although my hair remained soft, my style, stuck! A strong, directed spray and a refreshing, red currant-y scent (which quickly dissipates so it won't even compete with your chosen perfume) are nice touches for a luxe spray. You an use it as a spot-spray at the roots or for added texture, or as I did, to hold that style without frizz or flopping.  It is a very nice product that works...well..ok...very well.

We are used to thinking about Neutrogena for great skincare products, but last Winter they also introduced a Triple Moisture Smooth Shine Anti-Frizz Cream $6.99 4.0 fl. oz that has UV protection for your hair. Smooth this on your damp or dry hair, and watch it instantly tame dry and/or frizzy tresses without a heavy, greasy residue. The lightly scented cream contains naturally-derived extracts including olive, meadowfoam and sweet almond to moisturize up to 24 hours! As an added bonus, this popularly-priced product has a UV shield to protect your hair against the damaging effects of the sun!

Hair can get a bit out of control in the Summer, but you can tame it easily and inexpensively with Suave Naturals Ocean Breeze Extra Control Spray Gel $1.39-$1.79 8.5 fl. oz.  A few pumps of this spray gel, lightly scented (ours was clean smelling "Ocean Breeze") keeps hair in place and even adds a bit of shine, but it won't make it feel sticky or hard. Use it to add volume, or deter ocean breezes from blowing out your style.

Global Goddess made it's debut in our MAY column. We liked the products and the lovely, mini makeup brush kit. The line also includes haircare. Since Summer hair can be dry and lifeless, we're suggesting Global Goddess Coconut Amla Revitalizing Hair Treatment $45.00 5 0z.   Amla extract (used in health tonics and here, to help rejuvenate) and coconut oil (to nourish) are key ingredients, while henna (clear, of course) adds volume and shine, grape seed oil protects, and avocado oil moisturizes sun-parched scalp. The scent is coco-nutty, but not so much it'll blow you over.  Women in India have been using coconut oil for for years to get shiny, healthy hair and to stimulate the growth of long, lovely locks.   The directions say to leave this on damp, clean hair for 30 minutes before you shampoo and condition. We also think you can use it before you go to the beach, for a wet-look bun or ponytail--leave it in and get super-conditioned hair when you finally shampoo it!  TIP: This exotic blend of good-for-your-hair- and- skin ingredients is for shiny and healthy hair, but you can use whatever you've got left on your hands to nourish your body, too

SUN-WORTHY LIP LOOKS:

Long-lasting lipsticks are great for women who love color, but don't have time to re-apply it constantly. In the old days, these tended to dry lips or look uneven if your lips were not  perfectly smooth--but not anymore! One of the longest lasting lip colors we've been introduced to is the MAXwear Lipcolor & Gloss Duo $9.50 by Max Factor. It's just a smash hit!  One side of a dual-wanded tube holds a vibrant lip color, the other, a coordinated lip gloss that also moisturizes, while it adds high shine and light-reflecting shimmer or pearl. There are 26 up-to-the minute shades to choose from, and as an added plus, you can layer them to make your own, personal combo, or use more or less of one color, as you wish. I tried these under all sorts of conditions, including eating (oil food included), drinking, washing, and even rubbing my lips to see if the color would budge (it didn't). Even better, the lip color smoothed over my less-than-perfect lips, still leaving them well covered, thanks in part of features such skin conditioners as petrolatum, mineral oil and vitamin E. The lip glosses are shimmery and make lips soft--you can use these alone if you don't want more intense color. The bottom line? These fabulous new lip duos are a top pick this month --a must-have for every busy woman who loves great products!  TIP: for best results with any lip color, but especially long-lasting ones, do gently exfoliate your lips first,  to provide a smooth canvas for the color. Beauty guru Pat McGrath helped to design the shades, and all are so great I really have a hard time suggesting just one. "Coral Cristall" is a warm, deep coral with a coordinating shimmery coral gloss that I particularly love because it looks great with fair skin but would look fab on deeper complexions or with a tan, too. Ditto "Citrine Beads," a vibrant peach with a browned peach shimmer gloss. For true glam, "Midori Glam" is a true raspberry shimmer with a clear, golden overglaze gloss. There's also plums, reds, pinks, nudes, earthtones and more to suit your craving for great color and shine that really, truly lasts. Two words--just fabulous!

Bait your hook and reel in the praise, with a subtle, minimalist makeup look of the M.A.C. Cosmetics,   "Bait,"  collection.  We loved the Tinted Lip Conditioner $14.00 when they were reviewed in our summer 2004 column The silky, slightly vanilla-scented balm soothe, softens, protects (with SPF 15) and colors lips with a moist, sheer tint and all-natural gleam.  As part of the "Bait" collection, the Tinted Lip Conditioner with SPF 15 $14.00 appears in a lipstick format in stark, white tubes. There are four sun-worthy colors, all accentuated with a hit of golden pearl. My favorite is "After-tan," a sheer, bleached-out coral, that will flatter everyone, tanned or not, while keeping the sun's rays, at bay. You'll also like "Beach Guild," a soft tan, "Pink Resort," a mid-range pink, and for a no-color look, "Sun Under" offers a soft nude beige. These look so great and feel so great...and they'll help you lips stay healthy and protected at the same time...this makes them one of my "must-haves" this Summer.

There's so much to like about the Aveda Lip Color Concentrate $14.00. For starters, it is moisture-rich, intense (saturated) color that looks beautiful and is long lasting. But it also has mineral-derived SPF 15 sunscreen, and nurtures your lips with  plant-and fruit-derived antioxidants and conditioners. We love the idea that you can pop this one has environmentally progressive packaging-- refillable lipstick tubes created from 88% post-consumer recycled (PCR) resins with aluminum accents and a flax storage case. If that's not enough, there are 21 different colors in 7 categories (pink,   peach, rose,earth, plum, spice, and nudes). Our picks for summer include "710/Rambutan," a cool, clear, deep  red,  "#820/Kola Nut," a rich toffee brown, "#220 Sun," a shimmery peachy-brown, and #810/Kashmir Brown," a soft, pinkish-brown to flatter palefaces and sun worshippers, alike. Color your lips a moist, medium rose with "#330 Mulberry," or the shimmery, "#312 Lychee Splash." The certified organic peppermint aroma is slightly tingly and totally refreshing. You're going to buy new Summer lipsticks anyway, get these to nurture and protect, too.

I love Stila lip glosses, but one particular color of Stila Lip Shine $17.00 is the thing for Summer. "Honey Shine" is a glorious, shimmery, sheer honey that glazes lips with a glow that flatters any intensity of tan, and warms up the lips of palefaces with equal beauty. New and improved packaging is a plus, too. The petite tube has a brush top. Simply twist the top to release the gloss into the brush and apply, then twist again to lock the cap. It's so perfect for toting to the beach and travel!  The non-sticky, moisture rich, shiny gloss is good and lasting, and can be worn alone or layered over lip color. I love this one!

Bobbi Brown Lip Tint SPF 15 $16.00 looks so shiny and shimmery in the tube, you might be tempted to just admire it, but do open the cap and use it. The sheerest sheer color combines with a silky, shiny gloss flavored with just a tingly hint of mint and sun protection. There are 11 shades plus "Crystal," a transparent, patent-leather shine and now, five Shimmer Lip Tints $16.00. Trust Bobbi Brown to come up with something wonderful every season. Our favorite Shimmer Lip Tint is "Brown Sugar Shimmer," a universally flattering golden bronze that delivers just the merest glow to your lips, plus dazzling, shimmery shine  to make lips look better than bare, sexier and fuller, and of course, protected from the sun's damaging rays with SPF 15. Wear it alone for a casual look, or layer it with a lip pencil for ore color and definition, or wear it over a favorite lipstick such as the Bobbi Brown SPF 15 Lip Shine $19.00. Sleek, chic, black tubes of lip color have SPF 15 protection, shea butter and beeswax to moisturize lips, and anti-oxidant Vitamins C and E protect against the sun's rays, and pollution that can age and damage your skin. The look is moist and soft, with just a suggestion of shine. Peppermint essence tingles for an energizing lift. There are nine semi-sheer colors that you can layer for more intensity, so it's very versatile. A new color for Summer is "Suntan Pink," a toasted rose that really makes lips look warm and earthy, not toasted! This universally flattering color will enhance a tan, warm up a pale complexion, too.

14.7 Lip Sheer $14.00 in "Summer Fling" by Tarte offers you a blast from the past with the modern addition of good-for-your-lips conditioners and an all-important dose of SPF 15. This moist and haute, peachy-pink lip color gives you pale, "Beach Blanket Bingo" lips that make you want to do the twist with Frankie and Annette! We love the moist feel and blend of vitamin E, mango and Cocoa butter and the hint of mint that makes lips tingle just a tad, and the cool, matte, mauve/pink colored metallic tube.  Even if you don't normally wear lip color on casual days, get one of these for it's fun vibe, and the great things it will do for your lips. 

You don't have to be a genius to know that the dynamic duo of Einstein Lip Theory Cooling Relief $6.00 and Hydrating Cream will help to provide much-need TLC plus beautifiers, to sun-parched (or simply dry or normal)  lips. I love the vanilla-mint flavor and silky-soft lip balm that really soothes and smoothes  dry, chapped lips. The tingle you get when you apply it is a nice touch, but it's the moisturizing properties and moist, sexy shine it leaves on your lips that makes me reach for it again and again. The little pot of lip balm is like a pot of gold for your lips...get some and feel your lips revive almost instantly! And then there's the Hydrating Cream - a soft, intensive formula infused with Vitamin A and E, and tiny beads of Vitamin C to restore moisture, revive lips and even acts as a base under lip color-- faboo! these little lip products are sure winners.

SUN-WORTHY FACE PRODUCTS:

I'm not sure, but I think that Erno Lazlo, new to our reviews this column, was the first to introduce a multi-colored powder compact, but what I am sure of is how I was captivated by the beautiful pinwheel of tiny wedges of color in hues of mint green, mauve, yellow, and pink, nestled into a shiny compact which (way back when) was embossed with the Erno Lazlo name. Fast forward to now...The Erno Lazlo Multi-pHASE Highlighter $38.00 has arrived on my desk. It reminds me of the past, but it's thoroughly modern. There is a beautiful pinwheel of colors,  nestled into a dark, shiny compact with a chic, matte silver plaque with the Erno Lazlo name in black letters. The colors work together to give you a more radiant complexion--a truly natural glow--with or without foundation.  Best applied with a soft powder brush, this one is good for all skin types--simply stroke it on cheeks and brow bone, or all over. There's more good news:  this luxe, triple milled powder also comes in a MULTI-pHASE Bronzer $38.00 (photo) with a silky, sheer texture that blends naturally to enhance all skin tones.  You'll look sun kissed without sitting in the sun, and you'll feel so elegant applying these!

Keep the glow going, even in the heat, but not the shine. Simply blot your face with a sheet of Blot Film $12.50 by M.A.C. Cosmetics. Thin as a tissue, and sold in slim, purse-packs of 30, these affordable, blotters are a perfect pick-me-up for hot and tired complexions. Press one against your face and it whisks away shine, without messing up your makeup. This is a must-have every season, especially in the warmer months.

Jane Iredale Purepressed Base SPF 18 $48.00 offers natural SPF protection, in a silky, good-for-you-skin powder foundation that is actually four products in one: foundation;powder; concealer; and sunscreen. It's so good that it will spoil you! That would be worth the price, right there. but then there's the compact in it's brown, velvet pouch: matte gold--weighty--classy, important and luxe. Just opening it makes you feel like a lady.  It's formulated to control oil (even more important when the weather heats up), stays put without changing color, and has ingredients such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide that are anti-inflammatories and sun blocks (SPF 18). If that's not enough, there's also pink bark extract (a strong anti-oxidant) and jojoba esters which help to improve your skin texture and reduce moisture loss. Pomegranate extract prevents free radical damage (that accounts for 80% of aging). But how it looks and feels like on your skin that will help you make your decision. The foundation comes in 18 shades from Ivory to deep mahogany to suit diverse complexions. It smoothes on like a silky dream. The intensity is buildable. Your skin will look flawless and luminous, yet you'll feel like you have absolutely nothing on your skin.   Since this is a mineral foundation, you can wear it even if you've had a facial peel or surgery, have sensitive skin, or perhaps, a sunburn (but we hope you don't sit out in the sun unprotected long enough for that to happen!). Once you get this product, you'll feel perfectly pampered. For a loose mineral powder foundation try Amazing Base Loose Mineral Powder SPF 20 $42.00 This loose powder in a shaker jar is also a concealer, foundation, powder and sunscreen (SPF 20). It comes in 10 warm, cool and neutral tones. We tried "Golden Glow," the deepest of the warm shades which would work as a light bronzer for pale skin. Use it wet or dry, with a chisel powder brush for regular coverage, or a sponge for more coverage. You can even mix it into a moisturizer. This product has slightly more SPF than the pressed powder version, but it is also formulated with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide for water resistant, broad-spectrum, chemical-free sun protection. TIP: mineral bases like this one are concentrated pigment, so apply it in thin layers until you get the look you want--a little really does go a long way. "Suntan" (neutral) and "Golden Glow"(warm) deepened our skintones for a matte, I've- had-fun-in-the-sun, look, without the "bling.

City Base Oil Free Powder Foundation SPF 15 $22.50 is a good example of why women adore Clinique. Their high quality, incredibly popular products address a multitude of skin types and issues. For Summer, you can't beat the green, marbled, rectangular compact containing Clinique City Base SPF 15. We love the oil-free, buildable, coverage that really keeps control of shine--especially in the heat. Even though this is a powder, it glides on easily as a cream, and quickly changes into a long-wearing powder with a soft, matte finish. If you're going to wear a foundation, why not wear one that beautifies and protects against the sun's damaging rays? It just makes sense!  I tried "Cloud," a light-to medium tone that, given the layerable formula, worked well even on my light complexion. The nine shades are mostly on the medium to darker side, but there is still enough of a   wide range to suit just about everybody.

I was really excited to try Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Foundation $12.15 in a flow-through brush applicator, because Neutrogena is a company that realizes skincare/suncare and beauty, go hand-in-hand. Minerals are kind to skin of all types, and these loose powder foundations are free of talc, oil, and fragrance, that could irritate sensitive or damaged skin. I like the sheer coverage that looks natural, not dry and over-powdery and the four shades (plus a one-color-for-all) bronzer .The powder-in-a-brush makes it totally portable and lightweight--this is a real find!  TIP: there are colors to suit everyone's complexion, but they're so sheer and natural that even the "Medium to Tan #50 which would normally be way too dark for my fair skin made it look natural and simply sun-kissed- this color was great as an all over bronzer for palefaces, too.

Super Stila!  We love their products so much and, we have already reviewed their  Stila Sheer Color Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 $28.00 and now there's something we like even more--the tote-able, Sheer Color Pressed Powder Compact SPF 15 $23.00 . Dressed up in a chic, round, matte, silver, mirrored compact embossed with Stila, the product name, and a big "15" (to emphasize that this is good protection for your skin), this lovely pressed powder contains 8.10% titanium dioxide to help shield your skin, and it is extremely sheer, so you can wear it on bare skin. But it does a lot more----it helps to keep foundation behaving the way it should, while it also evens out skin tone almost magically, without caking or creating a greasy or orange tone--even over moisturizers and other sun blocks. We tried "Shade 1" which mainly suits light complexions, but obviously, you can choose the one that suits your real skin (or your faux or real tan) the best. All are sheer enough so that they will blend beautifully with a number of skintones. Use yours while you're tanned, and when it's fading, too--so flexible

Inner Light Dual Foundation SPF 12 $20.50 by Aveda is a marvelous choice for a foundation that can be used wet or dry, protects with SPF against the damaging rays of the sun. while it evens out skintone, diffuses the light to minimize the look of fine lines, pores and imperfections, and makes your skin look simply radiant, without any effort at all!! This soft, smooth, pressed powder cake is so flexible it's like getting several different  foundations in one. It can be either full coverage (dry) or sheer-medium (applied with a damp sponge or powder brush). The matte finish is kind to skin made a bit shiny by heat, but it doesn't cake and never looks dry or mask-like. Even better, 8 shades from light to medium to golden bronze give you options that cover all complexions. If you wish, you can switch colors in and out of the great, refillable, Environmetal Compact $18.00 in seconds and tote it along with your fave Aveda lipstick--but back to the fantastic foundation: this one is talc- free and non acnegenic (good even for oily, acne-prone or sensitive skin). You may take this simple product for granted, but the great things it does for your complexion are worthy of our praise...and yours. Our picks" "Cream" and "Aster" look great on palefaces,   "Linen" flatters light to medium complexions without looking at all chalky. "Honey," is a nice choice for a medium complexion.   "Carob," the deepest, will flatter a tan or a deeper complexion, beautifully. It's a great product!

FABULOUS BATH & BODY:

There's nothing sexier than seeing a man lather up a shaving brush and apply it to his face, but ladies, now it's your time to enjoy the sensual experience of a beautiful shaving brush when you need to de-fuzz.  Whish, new to our reviews, has a luxurious shaving product called Shave Crave Shave Cream $32.00 6.7 oz. made just for women. It's a solid cream in a jar, with beautiful scents, essential oils, and other natural, good-for-your-skin ingredients. I loved applying it with the Whish Body Brush $65.00, a white, curvy, shaving brush with Whish logo and a large, soft head of 100% badger bristles. It sits solidly on your counter--a super-luxe version of his. Using a shaving brush also gently exfoliates your skin to help ensure a perfect shave and super-smooth, silky skin). We tried "Almond," (There's also Pomegranate and Lemongrass), subtly scented with sweet almond oil, while a gentle glycerin soap soothes and moisturizes, protecting the surface of your skin from nicks and scrapes. Whish Shave Crave Shave Cream is good for even sensitive skin, nice...especially if your legs are irritated from too much sun. These products give you a spa-like, aromatherapy boost while they let you form a routine beauty chore with pleasure.  Sure, it's a bit pricey, but before you get yourself in a lather (pun intended) about the cost, relax! A little goes a long, long way...so you won't be restocking as quickly as if you were using a regular (boring!) pump or spray shave cream. Go ahead...indulge yourself this summer and have sexy legs all the time.  We whish (ugh, a play on words!) we'd known about this great product, sooner.

Is your skin dry, chapped, sun-scorched? Aveeno Active Natural Skin Relief Moisturizing Lotion with Soothing Oat Essence $6.99 8.0 oz has natural shea butter extract and pure oat essences to relieve dry, itchy skin, while it gives it 24-hour protection from dehydration. This fragrance free lotion comes in a flip-top tube for one-handed application. It is rich, but absorbs fast.  Oatmeal is well known for it's soothing properties. If your skin feels chapped, dry, and uncomfortable, you will immediately feel the dryness and itchiness fade away, leaving nothing but soft, sexy skin.

The Glycerin Soap $8.00 6 oz. bar, from Letters for Her Personal Care is so attractive, you might be reluctant to unwrap the light, mint green paper covered with delicate pen and ink writing and sealed with a swatch of mint green gross-grain ribbon and a "stamp" with a mint leaf. Inside, however, is a better treasure: a chunky rectangle of light green tinted glycerin soap with a delicate hint of green tea. The soap gently cleanses and moisturizes with vitamin E and glycerin, and essential oil of green tea. This line is for true romantics, and it's truly beautiful!

If you'd like a daily moisturizer that contains a high SPF (in this case, 20) and also helps you to develop a natural glow without the sun, the new, Summer Glow Daily Moisturizer $7.99 6.7. fl. oz by Neutrogena is a velvety lotion with SPF 20 to protect you from UVA rays with something called " Helioplex technology" (a sun protection ingredient that is reported to block more damaging UVA rays than earlier formulas). A clean scent with a touch of rose, makes application a sensual experience instead of a chore.  The thick, creamy lotion looks white in the tube, but reviewers reported that daily use did give their skin a soft, glowing tint (in about 7 days) as it is supposed to do. You're going to moisturize anyway, and you already know that getting a tan by actually sunbathing can be very unhealthy. so why not get a product that helps you look a bit sunkissed while you deal with dry skin and protect it from the sun's damaging rays? It's just, genius! TIP: even though you can't actually see the self-tanner, it is there, and it can stain. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after applying this product and give it a few minutes to dry before putting on your clothes.

Barcelona Bath & Body has wonderful and exotic scents in a variety of high quality candles, soaps, and room sprays.   A little indulgence that makes every day, special, is a great, hard milled, scented, beautifully embossed Grande Bath Bar $9.50 7 oz bar. The soap is a high-quality blend of pure vegetable oils including: shea butter, cocoa butter and olive oil that made my skin feel super-soft, but not greasy. There are also Hand Soap Duos $12.00 2/ 3.5 oz bars in Cinnamon Sandalwood, Grapefruit Ylang Ylang, Vanilla Lavender, Lemongrass Fennel and Coconut Bay Rum. We tried "Lemongrass Fennel," a refreshing, clean-smelling, slightly green or grassy scent with just a hint of lemon. Tuck a soap and one of Barcelona Bath & Body's candles or room sprays into a little tote, and you've got a fantastic gift that will appeal to your weekend hosts.

Aveeno Positively Radiant Exfoliating Body Wash $5.99 12 fl. oz really surprised me. I thought it might be too rough for dry, sunburned skin, but to my surprise, it gently removes rough skin on the surface as you wash, and helps to give your skin a natural radiance as you use it (give it a few washes and you'll see the difference). There is something about the light, greyed-green and beige packaging that I particularly like--I think it reminds me of classy spas, and I liked the light, fresh scent. As to the cleanser, soy gently cleanses and moisturizes, while very fine microbeads (not overly "gritty") gently exfoliate that dry, dull skin you don't need. An exfoliating body product is a must-have, especially if you are going to use a self tanner. It's dermatologist recommended--a really good product at a great price.

In the Summer, you really don't want to smell heavy scents on your body, so Suave Naturals Body Wash $3.29 by Suave takes it easy on the scent. They'll leave a light scent on your body, but it won't overwhelm you. This inexpensive but effective body wash uses botanicals and natural cleansers, and aloe vera and vitamin E, to pamper you skin while it cleans. We particularly liked the flip top that really locks shut. There are nearly a dozen different scents.  "Cotton Bloom" has orange and orange blossom extracts, "Ocean Breeze," smells fresh, and has a lovely marine blue tint. These are appropriate for men as well as women. "Tropical Coconut," seemed to be more pina colada than coconut, but who could complain about that? Aprez bath or shower, you'll want to apply a deodorant, naturally. Suave Naturals Invisible Solid $.49-$1.79 2.6 oz provides a line of defense against odor and wetness, along with six light, summery fragrances including: sweet and slightly fruity "Sweet Pea and Violet;" "Sun Ripened Raspberry;" and the soft fruity-floral "cucumber Melon." We liked the soft solid which applied without being sticky or irritating--perfect in the Summer heat. We hope to review more Suave anti-perspirants/deodorants in the future.

MAGICAL EYES:

At the Makeup Show at the Metropolitan Pavilion in NYC,  I was honored to meet Vincent Mallardi III, of the Alcone Company.   We've reviewed some of their Alcone Beauty products and kits in past columns including a great concealer palette, but at the show, Mr. Mallardi handed me the sleek, black compact of the Numeric Proof Concealer Kit $50.00, individual compacts $12.00 and I was so excited I felt like I'd hit the jackpot! Six big rectangles of soft, creamy concealer (from France) give you just about every color you'll ever need to blend to cover just about everything from dark under eye circles, to scars. What I like (other than the non greasy, easily blendable, long lasting, and emollient formula) is the way these don't just cover up, but are kind to imperfections. They use multidirectional light reflection particles to divert your eye and minimize fine lines and flaws. Since your skin tone is prone to changes, and your complexion is comprised of a variety of shades, you don't have to be a makeup artists to want the compact with all six shades:  Beige, Golden Beige, Peach, Apricot, Red Neutralizer, and Ivory. You can purchase your favorite color solo, too.  Whether makeup application is your business, or your personal pleasure, you will find this to be a superior palette!

ESPECIALLY FOR MEN:

It's particularly important for a man to protect his skin.   One way to get him to use a sun block and a moisturizer, is to get him his own.   Skin Supplies for Men MProtect SPF 21 $211.00 2.4 fl. oz  by Clinique is a perfect choice. This 100% fragrance free sun block, good for all skin types, was created specifically to nurture and protect his skin. This multi-tasker provides UV protection (a nice SPF 21) that also hydrates, soothes, and generally conditions. Suggest that he use this morning and evening, particularly after cleansing, shaving/exfoliating. The super light, fresh scent, non-greasy formula, and simple, pewter plastic and white packaging, will appeal to his masculine taste. Clinique is applauded for it's wide variety of skincare products for various skin types and challenges.  Get your special men their own tools to protect and nurture their skin.   They'll  not only look and feel better, they will be protected against potential sun damage (and have you to thank for it)!

Redken For Men is a unique line of products from high performance, high quality Redken. The packaging will be very appealing to men: solid-looking, steel-grey plastic bottles with black, flip-top caps, and grey and white lettering punctuated only by a hit of color for the product name, in bold text. Densify $11.95 13.5 fl. oz is a thickening shampoo for thinning hair (our reviewers will full heads of hair liked it too). Protein, carbs, and ceramide provide a cocktail of "good-for-your-hair ingredients that help to revitalize and strengthen hair, while bulking it up so it looks and feels thicker. Reviewers reported that this shampoo also easily removed styling products without making hair dry, and felt their hair was more mangeable and softer.TIP: men who want information about hair care but feel uncomfortable asking, can get lots of great info and ideas, including styling and useage tips, at the Redken For Men Web Site.

Nurturing Force Blotting Paper $14.00/ 950 sq. inches (approx. 75-125 individual uses) is stamping out shine on bald spots and faces, everywhere with aromatherapy scents that make a chore into a pleasure. What makes this blotting paper unique, is not only the large roll that in a mini dispenser with a serrated edge so you can use just the amount you need. It's not just for men, but perfect for guys who need more than just a ladylike sized sheet to eliminate shine, especially on those "chrome domes."  The blotting paper itself is made of soft, natural fiber. Just press onto T-zone or wherever you want to remove shine--it  won't remove moisturizer, sun block or makeup, and won't leave lint on your face (great for guys too, since it won't leave lint on beards, either). There is an unscented version, but why just blot oil when you can also take in the scents such as lavender or rose? We've tried a lot of blotting papers and we think this one is exceptional--it really soaks up the oil and shine..gives you extra benefits, has great packaging and scent, and is flexible in terms of size...it's simply a superior blotting paper.

When I was a teen, DEP was a cool styling product every girl needed on her dressing table, but times have changed, and men have styling needs too. DEP Sport Define Gel Pomade $3.49 2.6 oz is for guys who want extreme hold, either for an extreme style, or just to keep activity and wind from sabotaging the effort you made to style your hair. A no wax formula is no-nonsense--it makes hair feel thicker, it's non-flaking, it has sunscreen *amount not specified and it resists humidity (after all, a man's hair can get the frizzies, too). Simply rub a quarter-sized amount in your hands, and apply this gel pomade evenly to your towel-dried hair. If you're adventurous and creative, you can spot style and texturize, too. The ice-blue packaging won't embarrass you at the gym, either. If you're up to the challenge and into true hair styles, DEP Classic Shaping Molding Gel $3.49 12 oz gives you strong hold to sculpt and control your style. Back in 1954, DEP was the first to ever create a styling gel. Now, this line, dedicated to the male market, has a clean, light scent, and a masculine, plastic bottle with gunmetal plastic flip top. Of course, this gel still does what it always did-- help your style stay put, resist the frizzies, and add give you true sculpting ability. Note, it comes in different strengths--#7 is strong hold, #8, super hold, and it is also 100% alcohol free, so it won't dry out your hair--you get a lot for your money and you can't beat the price!

We reviewed Antonio Banderas Spirit for men and for women in past columns . This August, men and women who are fans of the hunky actor and his past fragrances will rush to get the new Antonio $30.00 Eau de Toilette Spray 1.7 fl. oz, $21.50 1 fl oz, $16.50 .5 fl. oz. a pleasing men's fragrance that is perfect for Summer and throughout the year. It starts with refreshing top notes of bergamot, mint, lavender, Italian lemon, mandarin, black pepper and pepper berries that help to keep the fragrance light, with a heart of orange tree's flower, cinnamon leaves, cumin and nutmeg, while cashmere wood, fir-balsam, sandalwood, cedar, patchouli and even leather and musk add a sexy, masculine finish. At first glance, this seems like it would be very herbal and spicy and perhaps, a bit heavy, but it is not over-the-top. Instead, much like the actor, this is a multi-faceted, sizzlingly sexy scent that is very flexible. It works beautifully with the formality of evening wear and suits, but it is still appropriate with jeans. We think your special mean will love it, and if you're thinking of purchasing this one for yourself, this is a modestly-priced scent that earn you positive attention!.

To view previous "What Works" Beauty, Cosmetics, and Fashion Review columns, visit the "What Works Archives".       

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.