Father's Day is June 19th, but why wait for an occasion to treat your special men to serious skincare?  Their skin is thicker and rougher than a woman's but it still needs attention. The new, G.M. Collin "Homme" line has been developed to give men an easy skincare regime and not overwhelm him with too many products. Male reviewers really liked the fresh, masculine scent -- primarily citrus with a hint of herb. Women liked the angular, matte, pewter, plastic bottles with silver tops. Purifying Cleansing Gel $23.00 5 fl oz. (photo) is an alcohol and soap-free, water-based, cleanser with good-for-skin ingredients including copper, aloe vera, and green clay. Shaving Gel $15.00 7 oz is a green, gel that foams into a rich, soothing, moisturizing lather that helps calm razor burn and is good for all skin types. The Soothing Moisturizing Lotion 10-9 $28.00  5 fl. oz (for all skin types) and the Hydrating Cream $29.50 1.7 fl. oz (for normal, dry, or sensitive skin) smell great, feel great, and penetrate deeply to soothe sensitive skin, and moisturize without a greasy feel. Once he tries it, he will be hooked!

We reviewed a lot of the Nivea for Men Skincare line in our Summer 2004 column, but we'd like to suggest Nivea® For Men Sensitive Face Wash $5.99 5 fl. oz as perfectly suited to a man who   needs extra care when cleansing, apres sun, or who suffers from razor burn and irritated skin.  This lightly-foaming, 100% soap-free cleanser has chamomile & Vitamin E to soothe and moisturize.  It is also  fragrance, dye and alcohol free so it won't irritate skin or dry it out.  Men's skin needs TLC, too!  They will also appreciate the plastic tube packaging that makes it easy to take to the gym or on the road.

A man's skin is thicker, oilier, and tends to dehydrate more easily so pamper and protect you special man with products designed especially for him. Pamper him on Father's Day with the new,  Spaziouomo skincare line from DIBI, Italy. He will like the matte, pewter packaging and the fresh/green scent. There are five products in the line so far. We suggest: Gentle Cleansing Gel $24.00 5.07 fl. oz that deep cleans without stripping the skin of moisture and leaves skin amazingly soft. Also get the Soothing Softening Shaving Gel $20.00 5.07 fl. oz, a non-foaming gel that lets a razor glide smoothly without irritation or greasy residue. For a finishing touch, the Moisturizing Balancing Gel Cream $46.00 1.69 fl. oz. is a decidedly non-sissy pump bottle of anti-aging cream. Once your guy tries these luxurious products he will see the difference, and he will like what he sees.

SKIN RENEWAL:

Protection from the sun's damaging rays is essential, but you might as well get a great moisturizer that also protects with SPF 15 as you're at it! M·A·C Cosmetics Day SPF Light Moisturizer $22.50 1.7 fl. oz. really is what it claims --light. It definitely won't feel sticky or greasy, even though it has Titanium Dioxide sun protection in it.  It also has Apple Extract to inhibit the breakdown of elastin, other good-for-your-skin ingredients help firm skin, protect against environmental stresses and calm and soothe, too.  If you don't need or want heavy-duty creams, this will suit you perfectly while it primes your skin for perfect application of foundations, cream colors, and powders. M·A·C knows what it's doing--and it does it well!

New to our review, Amore Pacific's Skin Energy Hydration Delivery System $50.00 6.8 fl. oz contains a mix of Asian botanical root extracts. This oil free spray mist is not only refreshing, it makes your skin immediately feel silky and soft without greasy residue. This is our new "must-have" when we travel, at the beach, or anywhere our dry skin needs TLC  TIP: you can use this mist over makeup--simply blot your face to pick up excess oils on your face, first. The Moisture Bound Hydra-Gel $95.00 1.7 fl. oz. is also pretty mazing. It is an ice-green, refreshing, cooling gel that absorbs lightening fast, and moisturizes beautifully and is especially great for anyone prone to oily skin.  A key ingredient is bamboo sap, which is rich in mineral and amino acids that help maintain radiant, vibrant skin. Your skin will have a special treat and become refreshed and softer in one quick step! If you love high quality, pampering treatments, Amore Pacific could easily become habit forming. We hope to review more in future column.

In the past, ultra-protective sun screens/blockers with mega-spf numbers tended to be heavy, smelly, and greasy, but not any more! UV Plus Protective Day Screen SPF 40 $36.50 1.06 fl. oz by Clarins is so light you won't even know you have it on. This strong, new warrior in the battle against skin cancer and aging covers your face with a transparent, matte veil that is so light you can wear it over you regular creams, and under any type of foundation or powder. It has 100% mineral filters great for sensitive skin, and it won't cause breakouts.  The main ingredient is titanium dioxide.  White tea extract protects against pollution, aging and free radicals. We also applaud the super-light fragrance that doesn't leave your face smelling like chemicals. With a whopping SPF40 and the wearability offered by this wonderful, new product, you'll never want to leave home unprotected, again! We give this an A+!

For sun protection that goes over SPF 25, the Pevonia  Ligne Soleil Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 30 $34.00 5 oz provides mega-protection in a non-greasy but highly moisturizing cream, loaded with organic ingredients such as green tea, French rose and safflower seed oil.  New to our column, reviewers reported that Pevonia, rocks!  A plus is the  angular, tote-able plastic bottle with eye-catching, clear orange cap. Pevonia Ligne Soleil After-Sun Soothing Gel $28.00  5 oz.can be enjoyed by all skin types and used on both face and body.  Technical mumbo-jumbo aside, this clear, lightly scented, lightweight gel provides an immediate soothing, cooling effect. It's loaded with organic ingredients to help soothe your skin apres sun (especially if you've overdone it).  This gel provides maximum sunburn relief while it hydrates dry, abused, sun-damaged skin with ingredients such as water lily for decongesting, green tea for the cooling and healing effects, chamomile for soothing and desensitizing. Products like these make dealing with sun-scorched skin more effective and much more pleasant.

Kanebo International's Sun Care Line features a range of multi-tasking products that firm and tone skin while they protect you from the sun's damaging rays. These products have a range of good-for-your-skin ingredients including Sage Extract (surpressed free radicals), Biwa Extract (helps promote a smooth skin tone and color), Barrier Power Booster (a compound of Vitamin B Complex) and other ingredients that tone, firm, protect, and moisturize skin. If you avoid applying sunscreen because you hate their heavy feel, Sundestressor for Face Firming Formula SPF 30 $50.00 2.5 fl. oz. is a luxe, firming moisturizer with a whopping SPF 30 sunscreen that is perfect for all skin types. It goes on rich and creamy, but feels light as air, absorbs immediately without a hint of oil or heaviness and has a light hint of peach scent. There is also a Sundestressor for Body Firming Formula SPF 30 $40.00 4.2 fl. oz which firms and smoothes the skin on your body,   while it keeps you protected with enough sun screen to keep you covered. A plastic tube means you can tote it to the beach for repeated applications (and more moisturizing/firming benefits). These are great products that will make you feel pampered, while benefiting your face and body in a big way!

RoC Age Diminishing Daily Moisturizer SPF 15 $14.99 3 fl. oz comes in a handy, plastic pump bottle.  This new, daily moisturizer has Soy Complex which, in plain English, helps to even skin tone, and reduce the appearance of age spots and wrinkles. It also improves your skin's firmness. Its rich, creamy texture and light, floral scent is pleasant and easily absorbed. As long as you're going to moisturize, why not treat yourself to this inexpensive multi-tasker, and let one product do it all? This one is a good choice.

We first reviewed OLAY SPF 30 Complete Defense Moisturizer in the Winter. Ski-loving fans raved loved  this unscented cream that  protects skin from harmful UV rays with a whopping SPF 30. Now there's OLAY SPF 30 Complete Defense Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin $13.99 2.5 fl. oz. It's a non-greasy cream containing Vitamin E, Aloe, and Green Tea Extract. It absorbs easily into skin and is light enough (and gentle enough) to wear every day while still offering SPF 30 sun protection.  Sensitive skin types-rejoice!

Sun Protective Cream Oil Free SPF 25 $32.00 1 oz by Institut DerMed will appeal to men as well as to women, because this full spectrum UVA/UVB oil free sun protected shield is serious skincare. It's also enriched with potent anti-oxidants to give added protection preventing skin discoloration and aging from exposure to sunlight. The simple packaging without "girly" frills, and the handy, portable, bottle makes it easy to use at home or on the go. There is also a Sun Protective Cream SPF 15 $32.00 1 oz--a rich, hydrating full spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen. Both are great choices for summer skincare.

Caudalíe Vinosun Anti-Ageing Suncare SPF 15 $45.00 1.3 fl. oz proves that good things come in small packages. This tiny tube of dual-action cream protects the skin from the sun's harmful rays as it traps free radicals generated by the sun, protecting the elastin and collagen fibers of the skin.  It also contains Resveratrol, the natural defenses of grapes, to help combat wrinkles, smooth, restore and renew your skin. The fresh, light scent and lightweight, greaseless, quickly absorbing, anti-aging formula makes it a wise and pleasant choice for a daily suncare.

If there's one thing I detest about applying sunblock, it's not being able to do it cleanly and smoothly. Coppertone Continuous Spray Sunscreen SPF 20 $9.99 6 fl. oz and the waterproof version - Sport SPF 30 6 fl. oz $9.99 solve this problem, easily.  These new spray-sunscreens provide a non-stop mist of product--even when sprayed upside down. They are so clean and easy to use you can even cover your back on your own, and you'll wonder why someone didn't invent them before now.  A nice touch is the twist-lock cap that prevents leaking in your tote bag, too.  re so easy to use and so clever, you really wonder why someone didn't think of them. The sunscreen smells light and "beachy" and it dries almost immediately to a clear, flattering sheen on your skin. What else would you expect but the best from a company that's been protecting skin from the sun's damaging rays since the 1940's?  Now you can completely "cover yourself" and be a drippy, sticky, mess! Use the Sport version for active sports and dips in the pool.  Even children will like these. They're really that good.

Black Diamond Formula Sun Guard Ultra-Light Spray Sunscreen with SPF 25 $16.00 3.3 fl. oz by Jack Black comes in a striking, sleek, rectangular, cobalt blue plastic spray bottle. The ultra-light sunscreen can be applied in just a few, short, spritzes. It's not greasy and absorbs lightening fast. Natural citronella is a bug repellant, too!  For the times when you need SPF over 25 and water-resistant There's also an Oil-Free Very Water/Sweat Resistant Sunscreen SPF 30 4 fl. oz $16.00.  This cream is thicker and lightly scented, but absorbs fast and won't feel sticky or greasy. When you play beach volleyball you'll appreciate it's wear-ability as it won't run into your eyes and mouth!  As with Jack Black shaving products, although they are high quality and  marketed to appeal to men, women will love them too.

SkinKlinic SkinSolution/SPF 30 $20.00 3.5 fl. oz. is a last-minute addition to your review. This unscented, oil-free, ultra-light moisturizer literally disappears into skin in a flash so you can apply other products fast, without feeling heavy, sticky or greasy. You will be protected with SPF 30--and actually feel good about it! Another plus is the simple white packaging with black and purple graphics that make it good for men to use, too.

Decleor, new to our reviews, is a leader in aromatherapy and body treatments, combining eastern holistic philosophy with nature ingredients The Aroma Sun Protective Beautifying Mist $35.00,  5 fl. oz comes in a hot pink, plastic spray pump bottle and the SPF 8 body lotion is full of essential oils and plant extracts, plus a nice, rose scent. According to the literature, you not only get SPF protection, but this light lotion actually boosts you ability to tan, while protecting you from the damaging rays of the sun! Designed for body, you can spray it on your hair to protect it, too.  For your face, try Aroma Sun Protective Anti-Wrinkle Cream with SPF 15 $35.00 1.69 oz. Essential oils make a non-greasy, easily absorbed, hydrating cream and we love the chubby, pink plastic, totally portable tube, too!

NEW CLEANSERS: 

Your skin needs extra care and protection during the summer months.  While protecting your skin with sunscreen is important, so is cleansing their residue away apres sun. Soap can be harsh on your skin, especially if it's been out in the sun, emersed in salt water or chlorine pools.  Aveda Botanical Kinetics Purifying Gel Cleanser 1.7 fl. oz $7.00, 5 fl. oz $17.00 or 16.9 fl. oz $40.00 is not brand new, but you'll love the way coconut and sesame work to remove surface dirt and impurities (including skin debris), dissolve surface oil, and help to balance normal to oily skin.  Chamomile soothes, lavender refreshes, and rosemary provides a natural antiseptic effect for faces--even those suffering from a bit too much "fun in the sun." The aromatherapy scent is divine - a mixture of grapefruit, lavender, mandarin and bergamot makes you want to wash your face! Aveda makes wonderful products--this is a superb one that you'll want to try  this summer and use all year long!

The new line of facial cleansing clothes from OLAY are so good, we almost put them under "little helpers."  The reviewers loved them all, but the one I liked best is the Daily Facial Express $4.99/30 cloths.  They are wet cleansing cloths packaged in a soft, re-sealable pouch.  Whether you're at home, or in the middle of the Sahara, these lovely cleansing cloths whisk away dirt, grime, lotions--even waterproof eye makeup--in one or two swipes over your face. Your skin will be clean, soft, and refreshed.  TIP:   it's not always easy or possible to find a sink to wash your face, so keep pouches of these in your tote and your car so you'll always be clean and refreshed. Reviewers also liked the Daily Facials Self-Foaming Discs $6.99/25 cloths.  These dual-textured pads in normal.dry and combination/oily help people of all ages and all skin types clean (including removing stubborn makeup and creams) exfoliate and moisturize skin with one product. Rub a disc between your finger to activate the foam, cleanse skin, exfoliate using the other (textured) side, rise with water, toss cloth, enjoy smooth, clean, refreshed skin!   It's fun and simple to use! Sneak Peek: This July, Olay will introduce two new and nifty cleansers. Daily Facials Night Cleansing Cloths  $5.99/30 are little, textured cloths filled with awesome cleaning power!.  These little wonders cleanse, exfoliate, tone, moisturize and soothe in one step!  Wet the cloth, rub with fingers to activate the ingredients, wash face, rinse with water, toss the used cloth!  Simple, and simply great!

SkinKlinic is a skin care "spa" on 61st Street and 5th Avenue in New York, with branches in Greenwich, CT. and Las Vegas.  Although it has a spa-like atmosphere, it's there to provide advanced medically based treatments. There is also a line of 21 different skin care products. If you would like to try some, we recommend the SkinClean/ Skinsoftener $20.00 6.76 fl. oz. This is  a gentle, milky-white unscented cleanser in a simple, white plastic bottle. It  will appeal to men and women.  Follow cleansing with the SkinMoisture/Ultra-lite Moisturizer $20.00, an oil-free, unscented cream that soaks into skin fast, leaving it super-soft, so you can get going with more important things.

The Calming Chamomile Cleanser $20.00 6 fl. oz by Zhen is a creamy, peach lotion that is unscented and looks as tranquil as it will be gentle on your face. It has natural Chinese Tea extract, chamomile, and other calming, soothing botanicals to help you cleanse your face thoroughly, but without harshness. If you've gotten too much sun or your skin needs a softer touch, or you're looking for a gentle cleanser, this one is a good choice.

If you' love to wash your face often, but don't like that dry, tight feeling, SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser $26.00 8 fl. oz is a luxe, gentle treat good for all skin types (even traumatized skin and rosacea). We like the plastic pump bottle, the soothing, creamy liquid,  and the wonderful, orange scent. You can use this one as often as you like, even if your skin is sunburned or hyper-sensitive, and enjoy the emollients and skin conditioning ingredients that calm and moisturize while it cleanses.

Cellex-C is a marvelous line of serious, high-quality skincare we are happy to review more of this column. Whether your skin is perennially oily and troubled, or just more so in the summer months, From their "Correctives" line, Fresh Complexion Foaming Gel  $38.00180 ml can help keep your skin healthy and clean and prevent mild, summer breakouts.  Don't let the sea-green color and pearly, lathering soap formula fool you--this is a deep cleanser that will help your skin stay radiant without stripping away necessary oils, even if you are prone to breakouts.  It is formulated with good-for-your-skin plant extracts and other things that effectively but gently remove excess oil, grime and greasy film for your skin. A nice bonus is the refreshing minty/herbal scent that makes washing, a joy.  After cleansing, pump a bit of Clear Complexion Complex $38.00 180 ml o(PHOTO) onto your newly-cleansed skin. The natural plant extracts and other ingredients in this product were specifically chosen for their anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and skin healing properties. Reviewers liked the sea-blue color, the convenient plastic pump bottle, and the lively, pepperminty scent. More importantly, these two products used in tandem can really help keep breakouts at bay! TIP: adults can be plagued with oily skin and acne as well as teenagers, especially in the warmer months. To prevent and control breakouts, use products like these to create and maintain a regular cleansing and prevention routine

Looking for a fun way to exfoliate? Caudalíe Crushed Cabernet Scrub $45.00 8.8 oz. used to be an exclusive at the Caudalie Spa in Bordeaux, France, but now you can use this luxe skin smoother in your own home. An apothecary- type jar holds an effective buffing scrub made with crushed grape seeds extracted during the cabernet grape harvest, along with essential oils, juniper, cypress, lemon, lemongrass, brown sugar, geranium and honey from Bordeaux. You can use this daily so buff away dry, nasty, itchy flaky skin while enjoying the fresh, slightly lemony scent of this scrub. Your skin will glow!  If you use a self-tanner, you should exfoliate fully, first. This is a scrub that makes the chore, less of a bore! 

We reviewed Ponds products in our Spring 2005 column for the first time. We were impressed with their quality, and are glad to recommend more: Radiance Restored Age-Defying Skin Brightener SPF 15 Moisturizer $11.99 1.7 fl. oz is another nifty moisturizer that has soy and Special silver (not pink) natural light-reflecting minerals to not only help hydrate skin, but help smooth the texture of uneven skin and minimize the look of fine lines and wrinkles.  The light, floral scent, non-greasy, fast-absorbing formula that actually feels refreshing on your skin, and the subtle glow that it leaves, are all plusses.  Your skin will feel soft and protected with UVA/UVB sunscreen while grape seed extracts fight free radicals and help calm skin. Cutting edge technology and a low price-you can't beat that!

BEAUTY & FASHION GIFTS:

The limited edition, Bobbi Brown BEACH Palette $45.00 will be here just for a few months so get it now!  The shiny, black, rectangular, mirrored compact with Bobbi Brown Logo holds holds all the makeup essentials you'll need to create a sun-kissed summer look,  all year long. There are flattering, neutral eye shadows in "Vanilla" and slightly deeper "Bone," along with a new berried-brown  Shimmer Blush in "Bahama Brown" which will flatter a tan and perk up a pale complexion, too.  Two shades of Lip Shine with SPF 15:  shiny, sheer, "Suntan Pink" and sheer, shimmery copper "Sun Kissed" complete your look and protect your lips, too.  Get a few of these sizzling face-in-a-case compacts, and give them as coveted gifts, too.

Are you an animal lover? A cosmetics brand we love, Urban Decay, is teaming up with The Humane Society of the United States to launch the How Could Anyone? Campaign. 100% of the sales from their How Could Anyone Bracelet $2.00 will be donated by the company to The HSUS to help stop cruelty to animals. "We don't do animal testing, how could anyone?" is the slogan Urban Decay features for their products. The rubbery, eye-catching violet band-bracelets with "how could anyone?" embossed on them have been a hit with celebs such as Nicolette Sheridan and Wendie Malick. Yours will definitely make a splash at the beach.

Treat yourself (or someone special) to a realistic,  sun-kissed look without the damaging rays. Guerlain, new to our review, makes it easy with their Bronzing Make Up Palette $68.00. This celebrated. ultra-luxe-line of beauty products has been enhancing the complexions of fashionable men and women around the world for a long time! Ultra-fine pressed powder gives a smooth and natural glow that looks soft, not harsh, dry or orange. Inside a large round, mirrored amber disk ( evocative of the setting sun)  is a cute, golden-handled bronzer brush with angled bristles to help you apply Guerlain's famous bronzing powder. We tried a medium, warm-golden-brown shade that smoothes and blends flawlessly to a sheer finish. Even the palest person can wear it and look honestly sun-kissed. For those wishing for a deeper bronzer, simply layer more for a richer color. There are also two little rounds of Gloss & Shine lip gloss in two shades of shimmery, sheer, shiny, toasty and golden copper, and two rounds of soft, browned-rose and shimmery copper multi-use creams called Duo Matt & Shine. Use them on eyes, lips, cheeks, anywhere!  This kit is all you  need for day, for evening, or travel. Guerlain products not only make you look special, they make you feel that way too - definitely worth the splurge.

It doesn't matter what your age or how uninterested in beauty products you claim to be, you'll fall in love with Gloss Addict $24.00 by Pop Beauty.   A dozen, cute little  lip glosses just 1 1/2"  long make an eye-catching lineup in their clear, square, lucite box! hey are small enough to fit into even the tiniest pocket or purse. Sure, they're cute, but they are beautiful makeup that offer an astounding amount of color options. I love the way these simply slick on your lips like a silky dream, leaving just a hint of sexy, yummy scent. I tried 'Plush Peach," a vanilla-scented kit of pretty, summer-worthy peaches, melons, chocolates and cognacs.  There is also "Think Pink" which has a passion fruit scent and features pink tones from their lightest, to mauves, roses and wines. These sheer, shimmery and super-shiny lip glosses compliment virtually everything you own. You will definitely want both!

  Fluff - a collection of cute, vintage and retro-inspired totes, cards, lingerie, t-shirts, and accessories was created by Los Angeles artist Claudette Barjoud to provide equal parts of girly, light-hearted glamour and fun to every day items. The "Fiona" collection is my favorite - a whimsical, curvy, just-this-side-of-naughty black cat with a sexy, woman's face seated in various poses against a hot pink background. She adorns wallets, makeup bags, coin purses,pillows, and totes such as the eye-catching, screen printed vinyl Large Shoulder Tote $29.00 (photo), just perfect for beach, travel or as a gift.  The Beau Veaux Makeup Bag $12.00 is a 5 x 7 2/8" zippered, vinyl-covered canvas rectangle (with pink, heart-shaped pull tag) that makes toting makeup more fun that ever. There are six designs combining a sassy-looking mannequin's head with flowers or hearts. Ours, "Dollface," has an ivory background strewn with small, bright, 1960's type flowers and a sweet, 1920's-style flapper head on one side, the  "Fluff" logo on the other.

The Laundress travel Pack $45.00 makes laundry on the road, easier. Packed in a plastic bag is a 100% cotton, washable, laundry/travel bag and five, 2 oz plastic bottles of cleansers and treatments to take with you on the road.  This is   also a great way to sample these luxe cleaning products, and the set makes an unusual, useful  gift, especially great for a honeymoon couple.  You get a Delicate Wash in the "Lady" scent (light, amber/citrus/green herbal scent), a Fabric Fresh, which removes odors (try this on your sneakers) with a bracing, clean scent, Crease Release is a spray that helps to remove wrinkles (works great!) in "Classic" scent (citrus, musk, yang and sandalwood) and a Stain Solution, a powerful pre-treat for tough stains (just dab, soak and wash)!

BATH/BODY/HOME/HOSTESS GIFTS:

Everyone loves beautifully shaped, luxe, scented soaps.  Even better is a set of   beautifully boxed soaps, such as the Spa Soap $15.50/3  5.1 oz by Mario Russo. Three green-grey soaps, shaped like smooth river stones, are presented in a greenish-grey box with undersea "leaf" design and a bright, wine-colored satin pull tag. This spa soap has a vegetable oil base and it's main ingredient is olive oil, but it also has charcoal in it -- known for it's purifying properties. Use the soap like a hot stone massage, and let it clean, smooth, purify and moisturize your skin while you inhale the refreshing, citrus scent of pummelo (an ancestor of the grapefruit)!  It's a little treat you can enjoy, every day. Buy a set for yourself, for a gift, and perhaps, for lucky guests!

The Thymes Indispensable Sink Set $32.00 9.5 fl. oz/bottle is perfect to place in the gardener's shed or on a guest room sink. A simple, silvery metal caddy holds plastic pump bottles of Gardener Hand Wash and Hand Lotion and a lime-green nail brush, to cleanse work-weary hands. These products have natural emollients and botanical extracts and a subtle scent that we think it's fabulous--like newly-mown grass.  For citrus lovers, the Limon line has a variety of product containing extracts of lemon and lime to offer moisture, while Vitamin C-rich essences tighten and tone,  and natural emollients brighten and beautify. Reviewers loved the smell of a mix of exotic fruits and flowers, including: pink pommelo, kumquat, mandarin leaf and black currant mixed with subtle hints of freesia and jasmine. The Thymes Limon Sink Set with Caddy $23.00 8.25 fl. oz bottles would make a great gift . We love the easy of pump bottles on a guest room sink, too.  If you love the great, limon scent, there's also a Body Wash $16.00 12 fl. oz, a cheerful, lime-green milled Bar Soap $10.00  3.5 oz, a beautiful Body Lotion $22.00  12 fl. oz , an energizing, unisex Eau de Toilette $32.00 4.25 fl. oz, and even a Home Fragrance Mist $16.00, 3 oz. 

The Thymes Aromatic Candle $25.00  5.03 oz is a pure white candle, poured into a simple, frosted glass votive, has a fresh, herbal scent infused with perfume-quality fragrance that fills a room and has your guests wondering: "what is that amazing scent?" We love the beautiful graphics and substantial cardboard packaging accented with gross-grain ribbon ties.  The Thymes Filigree Perfumed Candle $29.00 5.3 oz is infused with the unique, sophisticated mix of amber, neroli, juniper berry and cedarwood. It smells spicy and exotic, but not so intense that it overpowers a room. This off-white poured candle in a frosted glass votive will burn for up to 40 hours and makes a fabulous gift!  TIP:  Never leave a lit candle unattended, especially if you have pets or small children around. Try leaving scented candles out even if you don't light them- their subtle scent will enhance your environment, as-is.

Consciousness Arts, the creators of Bliss Trips $17.95, has a set of unique, audio CDs that provide short, relaxing mental journeys to calm your mind and relax your body. If you've ever visited a high-end spa, you've probably heard similar music, but what makes these more interesting are the mixture of tracks with a narrator offering mental images for you to focus on, along with a solo music track.   Each of the 4 CDs (Flying With the Wind, Gifts from the Earth, On Moonbeams, The Dolphin's Dance) has a narrated,  30-minute MegaBliss journey, a narrated,   15-minute MiniBliss journey, and a 15-minute music-only track. For the creatively-challenged, each CD has a booklet of "journey ideas" (visual image suggestions) to create your own, personalized experience. These are great to use at the beach or perhaps for your next at-home spa night. Even one would make a thoughtful gift.   TIP: add a Bliss Trip CD and a scented candle to a basket containing pampering bath & body products--instant wedding/baby shower/birthday gift! A set of CDs plus a CD player would be great for someone recuperating in the hospital, too.

Davies Gate's Exceptional Feet Set $27.00 is an affordable and serious trio of foot beautifiers that are great for men and women and it makes a nice  host/hostess gift, too.  Packed into a clear zippered bag trimmed with purple are a Seeds & Grains Buckwheat Buffing Soap, a Seed & Grains Cardamom Foot Butter, and a natural, honey wood foot/nail brush. The soap is a pepperminty,  golden-colored square infused with exfoliating hulls, walnut shells, and volcanic pumice that sloughs away dead, dull, dry skin. The Cardamom foot butter smells exotic like the spice it is named for, and I liked the way the rich cream soothed and cooled my tired feet with eucalyptus, peppermint   while ingredients such as cocoa and illupe nut butter made short work of dry, itchy patches.

A beautiful candle is a classic gift that is always appropriate, always thoughtful, and always welcome. Bring your weekend host or hostess a Sundari Scented Candle $34.00, 6 oz and watch their faces light up. These are carried at high-end spas and are inspired by Ayurveda, a system of healing that originated in India thousands of years ago and that promotes a strong mind/body connection.  The luxurious, boxed, glass candles come in square ivory and gold boxes. Inside glass votives have tight fitting gold lids (to keep the scent strong between uses) and are decorated with a fancy gold and ivory label that evokes the Victorian era. Soy-based wax blends with natural, essential oils to create beautiful and sophisticated fragrance blends. We tried "Amrus," inspired by an Indian dessert of chilled mango pulp garnished with fresh basil. The candle will quickly fill any room with an intoxicating, fruity scent with just a hint of exotic spice. A nice little splurge for you and a great gift.

Michael Jordan is a sports superstar. Men like Michael, so it isn't any surprise that they're loving 23  for Men by Michael Jordan $35.00 1.7 fl. oz cologne spray.  Launched in 2004 (the 23 is a reference to the number he wore when he was at the top of his game), this is an interesting, light scent perfect for summer and an active man. The top notes include a light blend of bergamot, grapefruit, black currant, watermelon blended with a heart of  "masculine florals" such as magnolia, geranium and sparkling violets. Base notes sandalwood, amber, honeyed herbs, musk and fig leaf. It's a fragrance that men especially respond to.  Our reviewers deemed it "casual, light, and wearable." If your special man is a sports fan, you can't go wrong getting him Michael Jordan 23 for Father's Day or "just because."

Burberry is synonymous with classics, quality and class. Burberry Brit for Men Eau de Toilette Spray $65.00 3.3 oz  embodies those three things, but with a modern, hip vibe that is more Mick Jagger than Prince Charles.  Top notes of green mandarin, bergamot, ginger and cardamom mixed with a heart of wild rose, nutmeg, and cedarwood, and sexy, exotic bottom notes of oriental woods, grey musk and tonka bean. Our review sample was the generously sized Cleansing Body Bar $24.00 8.8 oz in an impressive, embossed with "plaid", smoke-colored plastic carrying case. Our female reviewers thought this was a very sexy, complex, masculine scent. Our male reviewers thought it was "clean" and "sophisticated" and not too heavy to enjoy in the summer months.  They liked the exfoliating pieces in the soap, too. This would be an impressive gift for a special man, any time of year!

The Sweet Almond Soap Big Bar Gift Box  $20.00 12oz Provence Santé by Baudelaire is NOT just for men, but it is definitely man-sized!    This large bar of soap comes in a re-useable, natural, cedarwood box with a sliding top. The soap itself is hard-milled in the South of France with a pleasing fragrance of sweet almond mixed with hints of anise and heliotrope. It smells soft and luxurious, and it lingers just long enough on your skin to make you feel pampered. Palm oil, coconut oil, and shea butter moisturize even dry, sunburned or chapped skin. This will impress weekend guests or a lucky host/hostess. It makes a nice little treat for you, too.

Does your special man love the beach, but not the dry, itchy skin he gets apres sun?   Incanto Pour Homme by Salvatore Ferragamo has a new,  Bath Line featuring Sea Silk, a powerful hydrating complex unique to Ferragamo Parfums that helps to form a protective barrier to hydrate skin, while preventing additional moisture loss. The After Shave Emulsion $48.00 3.4 oz would make a perfect gift for a special man for father's day or any day. It is a lightweight balm that penetrates quickly to tone and condition even the most sensitive skin.  It comes in a distinctive, designer bottle --a  shiny, silvery, abstract ring capping a cool rectangle of glass with a distinctive dimple off to the side. The scent is traditional masculine and woody. Top notes of Sicilian bigarade, artemisia, bamboo leaf, a heart of Tuscan cypress, bourbon geranium, atlas cedar, and base notes of Indian vetyver, Indonesian sandalwood make this a luxurious and long-lasting experience.

Comfort Zone products and treatments are featured in posh hotels and spas around the world.  This luxe company has just created their first skincare line devoted exclusively to men -- Man Space. Our male reviewers liked the unfussy,  masculine, olive-green packaging and the refreshing, lemony scented products.  Maybe it's because they were created with Téphroline, an extract that reduces stress and promotes an overall sense of confidence and satisfaction. The products? They deliver everything you'd expect from a high-end skincare line--easy on the skin and the senses. The Comfort Zone Man Space Travel Performer Kit $48.00 is a great way to try the products, and a great, gift. A small, square, soft, olive green canvas travel bag (with interior hanger and pockets) holds a 1.3 oz Shave Performer (shaving gel), .51 fl. oz Hydra Performer (after shave restoring hydrator) and .51 fl. oz of Eye Performer (anti-aging eye gel). Reviewers also gave high marks to the Splash Performer $17.00 3.3 fl. oz-- a facial cleanser in gel form that refreshes, cleanses and hydrates skin while whisking away impurities and controlling shine.  *good facial cleansing is especially important for a man's rougher, facial skin.

Maybe you can't give him the vacation of a lifetime in Greece, but you can give your special man (or a special hostess/friend/yourself) an indulgent spa experience from a luxe, Greek company --the Island Getaway Kit $25.00 by Korres.   Inside a cardboard box with a photograph of green, tropical plants, are 1.07 oz. bottles of Basil Lemon Showergel and Citrus Showergel (containing aloe vera, vitamins C, and E, and zinc, to protect and nourish skin). There is also a boxed .09 oz tube of Body Milk that smoothes, softens, and protects skin, and a .85 oz boxed tube of Grape Seeds Body Scrub, a serious scrub with a sweet floral scent. Finally, packed and ready for travel in a slim, plastic case are two hand-sized Milk Soaps,a mild hand/body cleanser that helps heal skin and reduce inflammation, apres sun.

ETRO Lemon Sorbet Eau de Cologne $82.00 3.4 fl. oz  is touted as a man's fragrance, but women will also want to wear this unique, elegant scent--so be prepared to share! The classic, bottle with embossed, gold cap beautifully showcases the light gold fragrance inside. A completely natural fragrance composed of top notes of bergamot, orange petit grain, and lemon, middle notes of lavender and rosemary, and bottom notes of vetiver and sandalwood have an initial, bright, spicy citrus feel with a hint of green, but this quickly dries down to a soft, sexy, almost tobacco-like finish.  Men love this!  A feature of ETRO fragrances is that they can be mixed, matched and layered together to create your own, signature scent. Find several that suit your personality and lifestyle, and experiment!

Adrenaline MAN by Adidas is designed for an athletic man who likes new experiences, and excitement. The entire line is sophisticated but very affordable. The top notes start out bracing and a bit spicy: bergamot, kiwi lime, mandarin, basic, anise, frosted apple, something called "crisp mountain air" and of course, Adrenaline™ but the middle notes have mountain laurel, cypress, cool blue rose, rosewood, apricot nectar, coriander and nutmeg to sweeten thing up. Finally, bottom notes of warm amber, cashmere wood, patchouli, sandalwood, white moss, clean musk and vanilla bean tame the sweet and spicy into a soft, sexy finish. The Eau de Toilette Spray 1.7 fl. oz is just $26.50, Exhilarating After Shave Balm 1.7 fl. oz is $19.50, Stimulating Hair & Body Wash 6.07 fl. oz is $8.00, and the Intense Deodorant, which we loved, is also $8.00. The entire line of this sexy, complex fragrance would make a fantastic father's day gift!

Jack's Shave-in-a-Bag $44.00 by Jack Black is one cool gift! A soft, black, flannel drawstring bag holds the three essential of the Jack Black shaving system:  Face Buff Energizing Scrub 3fl. oz has Vitamin C & menthol to deep clean and smooth a man's skin and get it ready for a closer, easier shave. Beard Lube Conditioning Shave 5 fl. oz has jojoba & eucalyptus to provide an all-in-one, pre-shave, shave cream and skin conditioning product that makes shaving more comfortable. Finally, there's the fantastic, Post Shave Cooling Gel 33. fl. oz with aloe, save & lavender to help soothe, heal, reduce redness, and provide immediate relief from razor burn. If you want to be a a big sport, add a bottle of  the distinctive, Jack Black Signature Eau de Toilette $58.00 3.4 fl. oz  (reviewed in the Fall, 2004 column) and a pump bottle of Cool Moisture Body Lotion $18.00 16 oz. The lightweight cream penetrates skin fast with a bit of a cooling sensation --great on overheated skin, especially apres sun or sports! The scent is light, fresh, masculine. Your special men won't care that it has all sorts of good-for-your-skin ingredients, but he will love the way his skin feels less tight, dry, itchy and flaky! TIP: for maximum effectiveness, tell your guy to apply it to slightly moist skin, right out of the shower.

You can't feel beautiful or confident when your feet hurt. Apara Footcare  has five new "foot savers" for every type of women's shoe. All are packaged in eye-catching, hot-pink, "girly" packages, but what's inside is high tech - shock absorbers using Implus thermoplastic gel technology and GE silicone gel. Slingback shoes are sexy, but the straps can really dig into your heel as you walk.Strappies $7.99 feature four, gel filled strips that attach to the inside of your strap with pressure sensitive adhesive. stopping the straps from slipping and rubbing your heels, raw. The pads are thin and clear--we used one of the four on a strap near our toes, to relieve rubbing there as well. There are also Steppies -- invisible instep cushions that provide comfort for the ball-of-foot; Cushie Heels -- invisible heel cushions that pad heels; Heel Appeal -- heel liners that attach to the back of shoes to protect feet from blisters and Fete des Feet -- three-quarter clear cushion insoles that provide full- foot support throughout the day. These retail in luxury shoe stores for $7.99-$14.99.

Time for a new makeup bag? FACE Stockholm always has some of the best!  Their Silk Patchwork Bag $22.00 is a soft, shimmery patchwork of blue, green, bronze, brown and golden squares that shimmer in the light.   It's roomy enough to hold all your essentials, but at under 6" long and 5" wide it won't take up all the room in your purse or beach bag, either.

When you are on-the-go, all you really need are a few, great tools.  The Bobbi Brown Mini Brush Set $45.00 has the top three, must-haves.  The handles are short, but the brushes are perfection: you get a mini Face Blender, Eye Shadow and Lip brush that are top quality and completely tote-able in a faux-leather zippered case with pretty, robin's-egg blue, lining, just five inches long

Maroma is new to our reviews this column. What we like so much about Maroma is their nice range of beautifully packaged (and fragranced) candles, incense and sachets, affordable for daily use as well as for gift-giving. The packaging for the Zen Incense Box $5.50 for 15- 9" sticks & clay holder, $ 5.50 features a beautiful pattern of ginkgo leaves and stylized sand patterns, formed by bamboo. There are several scents and we started with the beautiful-sounding  "Raw Silk." It's a soft, slightly musky/spicy aroma that made us feel serene and that freshened stale air, perfectly.  If you're worried about moths eating your clothes during the Summer and Fall, but hate the smell of chemicals, Colibri Antimoth Sachets $3.00 or Hanging Sachets $4.50 by Maroma are brightly colored paper squares, filled with natural essential oils and botanical extracts (eg. lemongrass, peppermint, lavender, geranium, lemon, eucalyptus and neem). The light aroma repels insects (eg.  flies, moths, mosquitoes and fleas) without chemical insecticide or toxic ingredients. This makes them safe around pets and children, too.   A bunch of these tied with a pretty ribbon would make an appreciated, unique, useful gift for your summer host or hostess, too.

Are you one of those people who must have well-groomed brows?  The N.Y.C.  "Browser" Kit $3.99 gives you everything you need to shape, shade and groom your brows in a handy, completely portable kit smaller than a credit card! You get brush-on brow (in one of three colors to best match your brows), grooming wax,a brush applicator, and mini-tweezers. TIP: grooming brows is easy! Dip the applicator brush into the grooming wax, mix with brow powder. Use short strokes to brush eyebrows upward and outward, coloring them and adding long-lasting hold. Add extra color to spare patches if necessary.  Use the mini tweezers to remove any stray hairs.

Calgon ahh..Spa! Feet Retreat $4.99 4 fl oz comes in a slim, plastic spray bottle that you can tote on the town to keep your tired toes from itching and burning. Simply spray feet with this new,   lightly lavender/herbal-scented spray and you'll make it those last ten blocks to your destination, even if your feet are tired and swollen. This easy-to-use product dries quickly, deodorizes feet, conditions legs, and even leaves just the tiniest bit of a shimmer on your skin, too.  It's inexpensive and a life-saver on a hot day.

Travel sized-sets of great products are wonderful to give or get as gifts, and essential these days when travel isn't so "luxe" as it used to be. Bathing with this set makes even the budget motel seem like a high-quality spa!  The Provence Santé Travel Set/w Soap $19.00 by Baudelaire offers everything you need to feel pampered at home or on the road. A rigid, plastic "envelope" of recycled plastic contains 1.7 fl. oz plastic containers of body lotion, shampoo, conditioner,  and four mini cake-soaps.  There are several fragrance choices, but our is "Lavender." We nearly swooned with pleasure when we sniffed this generously-scented, classic French lavender! TIP: Get these in larger sized versions for home, too. This would also be a thoughtful gift for a bride-to-be or a pampering treat for your "road warrior" Dad.

If you're like many people, you'll be traveling this summer or spending weekends away.   Fill-ables $12.50/set by Aveda lets you take travel sized of your favorite beautycare products without having to carry larger-sized bottle around with you.  A frosted, plastic zippered bag is stocked with clear, unmarked, plastic containers. You get:  5 - 1.7 oz  press open/close top bottles, one - 1.7 oz spray pump bottle,  one - 1.1 oz jar for creams or powders, and a spatula to help put the products where you want them. Obviously Aveda is selling this refillable set for you to fill with their high-quality products--and we do love Aveda, but the set is still a great way to take virtually any products with you wherever you wish to go! This would make a really nice gift for a bride-to-be, a new mom, or for a traveling dad.

"Twist & Shout" $19.99 is a limited edition face-in-a-case kit by Sonia Kashuk. It is both a little wonder and a great kit, perfectly sized for today's busy woman. The one we are reviewing is  only about the size of a cracker (weighs just a few ounces). Inside his mini, three-tiered, mirrored compact is a treasure -- everything you need to tote for a day, a night, a weekend!  The top level holds three shiny, silky, shimmery lip glosses in peach, copper and nude shades and also a mini lip brush! Pull out the "Trays" below and find three shimmery shadows in brown,   green, and an amazing iridescent beige. There's also a dual-ended applicator brush!   Finally the bottom tray holds a sheer blush in an orange-y apricot along with a mini blush brush that really works! Sonia Kashuk  Makeup Brushes are also little wonders. They cost anywhere from a couple of dollars for individual brushes to $30.00 for the Ultimate Brush Set. We tested individual brushes including: blush, powder/contour,sponge, angle, eyebrow, flat liner, and eye shadow. The handles are just a few inches, long, white in color, very lightweight and easy to hold. Reviewers raved about how soft and smooth the bristles are and how easily even a makeup novice will find them. Whether you buy just a few, or a set, you will get good value for your money.

Feet Treat is a company that makes pumice stones and other tools that help you handle sandal season with style.  We particularly like the Feet Treat Standard Pumice Tool $1.00 and the Extra Coarse & Extra Size Pumice $2.00. These blocks of pumice come in bright colors of pink, yellow,  blue and and green, and dissolve as you use them so there's always a fresh piece to work with! Designed by professionals for use in spas and salons, these really make short work of even the most stubborn calluses.   We found that with regular use, the development of new calluses were actually reduced over time, too. For those who like more control, there's a Pumice Wand $2.00, and a Pedicure Wand $2.00 (file) too. These are really great-watch for them at your favorite salon and stock up! TIP: pumice tools aren't just for feet--try one on your hands if you have hands with dug-in grime or grease. They will clean without harsh chemicals!

We love blotting papers that let us de-shine our skin without disturbing our carefully-applied makeup, but sometimes the sheets are too short, or we have to fumble in a paper envelope to get just one. Sephora has improved blotting papers significantly with their Roll-up Blotting Papers $8.00. Inside a lipstick-tube-sized plastic case is a roll of blotting paper! Pull out the exact amount you need,  and tear it cleanly off against the serrated plastic edge of the case! It's a mini-paper-towel roll for your skin. This is definitely a better blotter! Another clever product is the Sephora Go Curl Eyelash Curler $14.00. Ditch your traditional curler and try this tiny, lightweight, compact design. It takes up less space than a pack of breath mints!