Want in inexpensive little gift that will last a long time and always remind your recipient of you, fondly?  Get a chic Mesh Makeup Bag $12.00 by FACE Stockholm. Empty, the attractive, eye-catching zippered coppery metallic see-through mesh pouch is 5" x 7" - big enough to hold all your tote-able makeup items. Even better, use it as a "wrap" to hold a perfume gift for Mom, or perhaps a few new Spring makeup items (from FACE Stockholm of course).

It's time for Spring cleaning. Usually it's a nasty chore but now Caldrea, new to our review, gives you a better and more satisfying way to clean.  Why shouldn't cleansing products be luxe and fun to use?  Caldrea products are completely out of the ordinary. They're not only packaged in chic containers, but they contain only plant-derived ingredients and essential oils.  Environmentally-conscious folks will be happy to learn that these products are biodegradable and are not tested on animals. The minute you use one of these high-end products you'll realize that they're not just cleansers, but home enhancers. The fragrances are wonderful  (eg. lavender pine, green tea patchouli, rose anise) to make your home smell wonderful, not like a chemical factory. A perfect way to experience Caldrea or as gift for Mom, a hostess, or a housewarming is the Clover Leaf Sink Gift Set $40.00 (photo).  I tried the "Green Tea Patchouli" fragrance--a very pleasant, light, earthy scent. In a waterproofed, antiqued bronze metal caddy there are general pump bottles of Hand Soap Liquid 16 oz, Dish Soap Liquid 16 oz, and Hand Lotion 12 oz.

Monica R. Nassif, founder of Mrs. Meyers Clean Day used her mother's passion for cleaning as the model of her nicely packaged cleaning products. They're made with essential oils (the same in every product so you can coordinate the scent throughout your home) and gentle but effective cleansing agents fragranced with lemon verbena, lavender or geranium. The products are biodegradable, made with minimal preservatives come in recyclable packaging.)  I tried the Carry All Cleaning Kit $19.00 in "Geranium," a four product set of basics.  My house smelled clean and pleasantly scented with the fresh-smelling floral! The products are adorably packaged in a sturdy cardboard "milk carton." You get a 20 oz All-Purpose Cleaner, 16 oz Dish Soap, 12.5 oz Liquid Hand Soap and a super 16 oz Counter Top Spray ). They clean effectively and a little goes a long way, so they're a good value, too. Cleaning house isn't a glam chore, but these products help elevate it to a relative pleasure. What a superb housewarming gift, too!

Laundry is another chore that develops a more pleasant patina with high quality, effective cleansers. The Laundress White Detergent $18.00 32 fl. oz. looks like a lemony bottle of key lime juice, but it's actually a detergent with optical brightener and stain fighting ingredients designed to gently un-dinge those white clothes that have been sitting (and yellowing) in your drawers all Winter, and return them to, well ... white! There are four scents, but we tried the "Classic"  which blends musk, citrus, yang and sandalwood.  What a relief to ditch the chemical smells of most detergent and enjoy clothes that smell as fresh and attractive as they look! This would make a great gift (packaged with one of The Laundress signature laundry or storage bags $10-$85.00! 

The sun is fun, but you can get too much of a good thing. Get the "sun goddess" look without the sun's harmful rays. The Tony & Tina Sun Goddess Set $35.00 holds mini versions of popular Tony & Tina makeup for a sun kissed look: Tony & Tina Lip Gloss in Nymph, a sheer, shimmery, glossy  copper to wear alone or as a glosscoat.  There's also a 3 "N" 1 Universal Bronzer Pressed Powder in a trio of  light/ivory/medium bronze to use separately or together. Glam up  body or face with a dusting of Cosmetic in" Bronze"to enhance shoulders, neck, anyplace you want a bit of golden shimmer. This makes a great Mother's Day gift for a sun-loving lady.

Bonne Bell's Eye Style Shadow Box $3.95 packs four of the season's hottest shades into a clear compact with two sponge applicators. There are four combos but the hands-down favorite is "Urban Camouflage" that pairs a chic copper metallic with shimmery shades of moss green, khaki, and beige. We also liked "Hip Hop Charcoals" that pairs a deep, glitter-infused charcoal liner with slightly metallic taupe, silver, and pearly ivory that work so beautifully together they are nearly mistake-proof!  These are very soft and blendable so it's easy to play around with them.  Try one, or layer a few, or  mix and match for lots of different looks.   Add a deep, dramatic line with Eye Style Precise Liner $2.95, a soft, no-sharpen pencil that goes on smoothly and doesn't run. Choose black, brown, or grey. Finally, for just a few dollars more, complete your new eye look with a new mascara   such as Eye Style Mascara $3.50 in black, black-brown or clear. We love the way it lasts, but washes off easily!  Thanks Bonne Bell, for making it so easy to update and indulge without breaking even the tightest budget!

A cheerful, shiny, silvery compact hold Tony & Tina's Color Frequency Eye Shadow Quad $32.00 (photo) has Roman Chamomile to prevent puffy, tired eyes, along with good-for-your-skin Vitamins A, C and E. Use these wet as a liner or use them dry for a softer, layerable look. For Spring, try "Dream Energy" with it's dramatic matte black shadow, satiny gunmetal grey, and  two shades of pink -- one icy pale, one medium. These colors will put you right in step with Spring's pastel trends. For something fun, try Dual Frequency Eye Color $28.00 a in "Celestial Vision."  We love these blendable shades for lids and liner in deep green, lilac, blue and plum . They go from lightly opaque, to dramatically dark. The secret is an innovative gel formula that glides on like a powder and stays long-lasting and crease-free. TIP:  A dual-ended applicator is angled perfectly to apply long-lasting colored liner that is nearly mistake-proof.  If you do wobble the line, simply smudge onto lids for a soft, smoky shadow! 

"Jouer" means "to play" in French. That's how we describe the Cream Eye Shadows $18.00 by Jouer, new to our review this column. The cream to powder shadow slides on so smoothly you can't make a mistake, and it stays true to color. The compacts are clever, too. You can use a fingertip and apply just a little, or use a brush and make a dramatic, smoky eye.  Four easy on the eyes (pun intended) pearly new shades include "Feather," a soft beige, "Chiffon," a light ivory pearl,  "Cashmere," a metallic bronze,   and "Suede," a intense but soft, brown.

Budget minded fashionistas will want to get the latest version of the Sonia Kashuk Eye Shadow Palette $12.99.  "Sweet Nothings" features six pearly neutrals including a matte, stark white and soft taupe, along with a larger pan of eye shadow base. A dual-sponge tip applicator and interior strip mirror make this one a great choice to update your eye wardrobe for Spring. Eye Shadow Duos $7.99 are brightly colored with just a hint of shimmer. Our favorite is "Secret Admirer," a flattering, light lilac and deep plum combo. TIP: These are very blendable. Mix a deep with a light color and you have your own,signature color!  Finish the look with an Eye Definer Pencil $5.99 "Purple Passion" (dark purple) would work perfectly with the "Secret Admirer." We also like 'Olive Suede," a dark khaki that works will all neutrals.These are soft and blendable enough to do double-duty as an eye shadow, too.

The first thing you notice about American Beauty (debuting for the first time in this column) is the clean,simple packaging. Simple white and silver packaging looks fresh and modern. The makeup inside is also modern, but with a classic wearability, A good example is the limited edition Luxury for Lids Eye Shadow Duo $14.50 in "Shimmering Sands" which pairs a slightly shimmery rust with a slightly more shimmery bronze. Used solo they are quite bright and cutting edge, but mixed, they soften into a more traditional  brown hue.  "Desert Sparkle" pairs an intense turquoise with a lemon yellow. These colors are not for the shy, but they're still user-friendly and wearable.For a finishing touch, try the super-soft Ultra-Easy Automatic Eye Liner $11.00 in non-traditional colors like "Ink" (Deep purple) and "Auburn" (bronze).  TIP: if you're planning a dramatic eye look, best to downplay cheeks and lips or you'll risk looking gaudy.

Now that the weather is getting warmer, you may want to switch to a waterproof mascara to keep it from running in the heat. SNEAK PEEK! Starting this summer, Max Factor Lash Lift Waterproof Mascara $6.50 will be your new, best friend from bedroom to the beach! We've tried it and we like it! The lightweight formula doesn't feel heavy or cake-y on lids. The brush is designed to contact your lashes right at their base and lift them up. The result is beautifully colored lashes that frame your eye and open them up a bit more. This one comes in "Rich Black" or "Black Brown." We are hoping for even more colors!

Looking a bit like a mini, lucite diamond-topped space ship, Urban Decay Precious Metals Eye Sheens $18.00 have landed to take eye glam up a definite notch! Super-light, long-lasting, super-sheer cream-to-powder shadows smooth on effortlessly, letting to layer a little or a lot, and leaving a glistening wash of light color that looks so  different and modern that you could say they shine like crystal dust.  There are four: "Big Ticket" is a soft lilac, "Loaded" is an amazing light green, "Platinum" looks like solid silver, and "Trust Fund" is a shimmery sapphire blue. They manage to look dazzling, but not garish or gaudy--and really, really pretty.

Sue Devitt has a Spring collection inspired by the exotic lands called "enticed by India." Electric Sheen Eye Shadow $18.00 in round, silvery cases with mirrors come in warm but sheer colors such as "Pali," a shimmery tangerine and "Madurai," a shimmery, yellow gold.  These colors look fresh, and new, but not weird or over-the-top. We also like the easy to apply, easy to tote, Eye Intensifier Pencil $22.00. The creamy pencil slides on smoothly and stays where you put it. There's a handy sponge smudger on the end of the pencil to create a smoky eye. Three new shades include: "Bangalore," a deep khaki "Kanpur," a bright, metallic copper, and "Surat," a soft, pearly mocha."

Slim is always in style. Physician Formula MicroKohl Eye Definer $6.95 is an ultra-slim, automatic pencil that delivers a thin line of intense color in three shades of black and does it so easily you might think you're dreaming!  If you "wobble" a bit or want a smoky eye, there's a handy smudger tip on the other end. Clever, and inexpensive!

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Rimmel London Extra Super Lash Waterproof Mascara $6.00 is so new we didn't even have product information at press time, but we think it's worth a mention.  For starters, we like the way you can layer it for a hint of natural color, or a full-out "faux" fan of lashes. The new, waterproof formula means no smudging or fading. The cost allows you to replace it every six months, which is a good thing since mascaras tend to collect bacteria that can cause eye infections. For a budget mascara it does the job nicely--at a nice price.

Lancôme Color Focus Palette 4 Ombres $27.00 starts with an eye-catching black compact printed with large overlapping circles of green, blue, purple, light blue and yellow.  Inside, three mini sponge tip applicators are ready to apply the circles of shadow in colors that reflect those on the outside. The left side holds two light, matte colors: a clear, bright yellow and soft nearly white, light blue. The right hasnd side holds a slightly shimmery deep plum, and a stunning, shimmery medium green. These high quality shadows are quite versatile. Mix and match or blend them together, use them dry or wet for more intensity. The shades are modern and sophisticated, but also very wearable. Wet, these makes fantastic color liners! If you prefer pencils try Le Crayon Kohl $19.50. Hard milled, long lasting pencils make lining your eyes a snap. "Le Blue de Jules" is a light pastel blue. "Le Blue de Jim" is a bright, medium blue. This compact is a sure-fire Spring winner!

The moment you see the bright pink and gold box from Jilda Beverly Hills (new to our review) you'll sense there's something special, inside--and there is!  Inside a substantial, beveled, clear lucite compact with pink metallic inlay on top and a large interior mirror you'll find quality products of the highest order from Jet-setter former model Jilda Trolio Shernoff such as Silky Duos Eye Shadow $22.00.   These are not for the shy gal. The shadows are deep, rich, silky, intense and long lasting.   We tried "Khaki. China Gold." The sexy, deep khaki blended into a new take on the smoky eye but we liked it best as a shadow liner. The gold was amazing- bright and shimmery, with obvious gold flecks that are meant to be seen.

N.Y.C. New York Color Eye Shimmers $1.99 let you indulge your taste for "eye bling" without going broke. Shimmery shades of super-frosty loose powder arrive in a clear, plastic jar (so you can see the color). Dip the included brush applicator into the jar and swipe on a seriously shimmery wash of color. You can blend these if you wish to tone down the brilliance for daytime, but they're so much fun for a date or special event. We particularly like "Champagne," a shimmery neutral, and "!4 Karat Rose," a warm pink. Swipe some "Opal Sparkle" is a white pearl that makes a dramatic statement on lids (use a colored liner, too) or as a highlighter.

The Cooling Stick $12.00 by Sephora is an undereye wonder--a concealer and undereye primer all in one.  There are two neutral shades of beige and a green that banishes redness. We watched a reviewer apply Vert" (green) and saw the the irritated area under her eyes instantly brighten. There's also a slight, refreshing "cooling" sensation as the cream to powder concealer smoothly on easily, dries quickly, and stays put! This is a great concealer you'll reach for again and again.

Easy to tote, long-lasting, cream-to-powder Prescriptives Moonbean Reflective EyeColor $16.00 comes in wanded tube that makes it easy and quick to apply this pretty and sophisticated lid color. The colors are subtle, flattering to all skintones and appropriate day or evening. We like "Zodiac Beige," and Skylight Pink" are sheer, shimmery pastels that leave just a hint of color on lids or as a highlight. "Sky Blue" is a medium blue with just a touch of yellow and lots of shimmer.   All dress up lids in a flash. SNEAK PEEK! We are already great fans of Prescriptives Mascara. Now there's Beyond Long Maximum Length Mascara $19.00 which will be available in June. The long, sleek, shiny, silvery wand hints that your lashes will be long and chic, too. You won't be disappointed. This one colors without clumping, fills in bare spots, and generally makes your lashes look lush and sexy!

Now that the days are longer and lighter, perhaps your hand cream should lighten up, too.  Smitten Hand Cream $13.95 by LUSH (photo) fits the bill, perfectly.  Open the signature, black tub and find a light (and lightly scented) but emollient cream that is made with natural ingredients such as almond oil, wheat germ and avocado, cocoa and coconut butters. It absorbs quickly and moisturizes 1-2-3-done! LUSH also has two new Bath Bombs that are as fun to look at as to enjoy in the tub. Youki $5.45 is a peach-colored ball festively topped with red and gold glitter.   It's sweet and exotic (the same scent as LUSH Flying Fox Shower Gel) blending jasmine flower with exotic ylang ylang, cypress oil and gardenia. A less sweet bath treat is Bollywood Bath Bomb $5.25, a bright orange sphere infused with orange oil to uplift your senses, and a touch of black pepper to detox and energize. Ours had a fanciful blue "bindi" on the top to remind us that Bollywood can be in a little bathtub as well as on the big screen.

Editors Note: Cellulite-related products such as the ones reviewed below normally take 6-8 weeks (or more) of regular use to yield results. Our comments are based on actual use, but not based on these lengthy testing periods.

Skin Therapies is new to our column. It has two  products, one of which, Cellu-Ice $79.00 4.2 oz might appeal to you--especially if you have cellulite!  Fizzy mousse comes out of a can tingly and icy. It's fun to use, but it's also a serious combo of cutting edge technologies that go directly, quickly and with time-release to target the problem areas on thighs, tummy, and bottom.  We won't go into all the chemistry, but it doesn't just mask the problem by swelling the top layer of your skin. That may make you look smoother temporarily. Instead, it theoretically gets to the root of what causes cellulite, while it also moisturizes. With time, your dimpled skin really gets smoother. Cellulite is one of the hardest things to get rid of on the face of the Earth or well, at least, your skin.  If it works for you, it's a small price to pay.

DerMed is another, respected company helping you to beat the battle of cellulite with their CelluliteRX Tri-Plex System $150.00. Although we received lots of technical information about these products, the key points you need to know is that cellulite effects nearly 80% of women and it won't go away with wishes, dieting or alternative "cures." This set of three products uses advanced, clinically active, time-released cellulite treatments. The first targets your outer skin (the epidermis) to exfoliate surface skin cells  and promote smoother, healthier skin (LipoSmooth Body Polish). Step two targets the subcutaneous fat layer of your skin (hypodermis) using  LipTherm Contour Cream containing QuSome (liposome delivery system), to eliminate toxin and inflammation, and increase circulation. Note the warm "flush" on your skin which tells you it's doing it's job! finally, the third step is a LipoLift Firming Cream which promote collagen production to strengthen and tighten your skin. *note: these products use a low dose of natural progesterone (10-15 mgs) which is generally considered safe. However, the manufacturer suggests discontinuing the product during your menstrual cycle and urges you to consult your physician if you are taking HRT (hormone replacement therapy) drugs.

There's nothing dull or routine about moisturizing hands when you apply Smoothies 2 fl. oz $2.00 (larger size $9.95) by Jessica. This moisturizing lotion absorbs lightening-fast, and leaves skin instantly feeling silky and soft with   Shea Butter, Soothing Aloe, antioxidant Vitamin E and rejuvenating Soy.  However, it's the quick, intense burst of scent that will make you want to apply it all the time. We loved invigorating "Grapefruit" that genuinely smells like you've just cut one open. There's also a yummy tangerine-melon, soothing cucumber lime, and prairie flower,  suzu-ran and milkshake!

We first introduced you to Collective Wellbeing last column. It's a new company that lets consumers "vote"  on it's web site for a slate of non profits that will receive a part of the profits from sales. The products are beautifully scented, effective, and moderately priced. Case in point is the Detox Soap $5.00 5 oz. It's a bar of black soap with a slightly lemony scent that contains hundreds of thousands of micro-sponges created from activated charcoal that trap and whisk away environmental toxins and impurities. You'll get a spa-like feeling from using this, and do your body some good, too. The Body Wash with Lavender and Aloe $8.00 11.05 oz is another spa-type treat you can afford to indulge in every day. Avocado oil , aloe vera, and a complex of vitamins A, C and E nourish your skin while a nearly clear, light gel moisturizes and scents your skin with a heady dose of fragrant lavender that makes you want to linger in the shower or bath.

Shea is the name of the day--and it's a good thing because winter weary skin needs the extra oomph of a serious smoother. New to our review this column is JK Soul Salts. The products are handmade to order without chemical preservatives. Notable are the authentic essential oils such as "Sweet Grapefruit" and "Orange Blossom" that are simply divine, and make the moisturizing a pleasure instead of a chore. Whipped Body Butter $29.00 blends essential oils with shea and cocoa butter,  vitamin E, rosemary extract and apricot kernel oil to soothe and soften skin. When your skin is cracked, flaky and/or itchy, a lightweight moisturizer won't do. Reach a the thick, rich, "butter" like this one for real relief.  We also liked the Cocoa Butter Massage Bar $26.00- a hard-milled bar of solid cocoa butter has a bonus -- raised massaging "nubs" on one side that relax as you soften and smooth your skin. The scent of lavender in our bar put reviewers in 7th heaven!

CoseFini is new to our review this column. Their Natural Apothecary Hand & Body Cream $14.00 4 oz is a rich cream and a natural blend of good-for-your-skin ingredients to sooth and soften, while lightly scenting your skin with essential oils. We tried "Lemongrass," a slightly spicy lemony scent that relieves stress and that you can easily share with your special man. The cute "apothecary inspired" graphics and label make it decorative in your bathroom or guest room, too.  You might also want to consider buying the nice CosiFini Oatmeal Body Wash with Shea Butter $14.00 8 oz which also has aloe vera and vitamins C&E for extra softening. Our skin felt clean but not overly tight or dry, a boon in the transition from Winter to Spring.  We hope to review more of this line in the future.

We love Jaqua not only for it's yummy, scented, products, but also for the always adorable packaging with nearly the most feminine graphics on the planet. The Fleur Magique Bath Kit $49.50 (photo) is no exception. The origami-style box with satin rope handle depicts a  pretty rose garden/flower shop.   Inside are three tea rose-scented products:  an 8oz bottle of rose colored, rose & bergamot scented bath and shower nectar, a 4 oz jar of rose in bloom body beauty butter (a thick, moisturizing paste sinfully scented with roses) and a 50ml bottle of Rose Bouquet Hydrating Facial Mist to spritz anytime you need a lift. TIP:   Take the facial mist on trips to keep your skin hydrated and smelling lovely. It's also lovely lightly sprayed on tissues or a scarf-to ward off scents you'd rather not deal with! This makes a great mother's day gift, too.

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Caress is new to our review this column, but I think it's just the beginning of a new love affair! Their new Glowing Touch Moisturizing Body Wash $3.99 12 fl oz, $4.99 18 fl. oz is just the type of affordable, multi-use product I adore! The shimmery, lemony-yellow product is a body wash with shea cream (and "skin brighteners") that effectively moisturize as it cleanses. It's so effective as an in-shower cleanser/moisturizer combo that you can skip an apres bath moisturizer altogether. The information I got says the product is scented with notes of coconut, peach and apple, but actually, it smelled like orange to me. For a final yahoo! This product triples as a standout shave gel!  Bottom line: my skin felt clean and super-soft with no greasy residue. If you want to de-clutter your bathroom and have a 3-in-one product instead, this could become your favorite choice!

If you're budget minded, you probably already know about Suave products, new to our review. We're not quite sure what blossoms of cotton actually smell like, but Suave Naturals Moisturizing Body Wash $2.49 12 fl, oz in "Cotton Bloom" scent reminds us pleasantly of freshly cleaned linens.  A rich lather is a plus, along with aloe vera and vitamin E to help moisturize skin.  Brand new is the Suave Skin Conditioner In-Shower Body Lotion $2.49 8.4 fl. oz is a rich, lightly scented cream that you smooth on, rinse off, thereby eliminating your after-bath moisturizer step. We like the flat topped plastic bottle that lets it stand securely It works well, and costs pennies per wash. If you're the type that likes to moisturize constantly, the generously sized pump bottle of Skin Therapy Sensitive Skin Lotion $2.79 18 fl. oz is for you! A non-scented, hypoallergenic lotion without dyes or lanolin offers lightweight moisture for sensitive skin. It absorbs easily and fast,   so you can indulge your urge to moisturize often and quickly!

We first reviewed Annick Goutal Eau d'Hadrien fragrance in our  Fall, 2004 and raved over this sophisticated, citrussy, unisex blend  (lemon, grapefruit, and cypress) that has made us (not to mention celebs like Oprah, Madonna, and Sharon Stone) loyal fans. Now you can enjoy this lovely fragrance while you revitalize your dry and sun-parched skin with Eau d'Hadrien Dry Body Oil  $45.00 4.2 oz The key ingredients are avocado oil and Vitamin A (to nourish and stimulate cell renewal), macadamia nut oil (to moisturize and protect your skin's outer layer); and Ceteryl Ethylhexanoate (a long name for something that, very effectively, keeps your skin smooth without oily residue)!  The clear plastic bottle makes this easy to tote for travel or beach. After bathing while skin is still damp is the time to apply this dry oil. It will leave a light scent of Eau d"Hadrien on your skin for a light alternative to fragrance, layer it with your scent to enhance it just a bit more.

Winter may be over, but dry skin is still a formidable foe! Smooth yours with something that not only feels good, but smells great--Indulge Beauty's Bistro Body Butter $20.00 in "Mango Colada" has shea butter in a unique, light, whipped texture that feels cool and refreshing. The scent is sinfully fun -- rich and fruity.  Reviewers said using this made them feel as though they'd escaped to a tropical isle for a bit of rest and relaxation--and liked the fact that their skin felt softer and smoother, too.

Baudelaire Jardin D'Olivier products are made from extra virgin olive oil which not only tastes good in cooking, but also works amazing well as it softens, moisturizes, nourishes and heals. If your hands are dry, dull, itchy and chapped, Jardin D'Olivier Hand Cream With Olive Oil $12.50 2 oz also has Vitamin A to help heal and regenerate chapped and callused hands - which it does--but with the added bonus of lavender, artemisia, and lemon are accented with herbally notes of tarragon and oak moss--mmmm! Provence Santé, also from Baudelaire, has two hand creams that are also beautifully scented and work extremely well. The Hand Cream $13.00 5.1 fl. oz uses sweet almond oil mixed with various fragrances to make softening and soothing your hands a spa experience. We tried "Vetiver," an astonishing, cedar-like aroma distilled from the roots of an Indian plant. There's also a travel size hand cream $5.00 1.7 fl oz  that I tried in "Vervain," a pleasing, sweet, citrussy scent.  There are other  fragrances took such as lavender, linden, and apricot, and bergamot that will appeal to men as well as women. Pop one into your briefcase,   tote bag, office desk, etc.

Who wouldn't feel uplifted by the Davies Gate collection of refreshing and tart scent of the Pink Grapefruit Collection? The generously-added fragrance has a base of pink grapefruit tempered with vanilla and tangelo which is tantalizing, energizing, and unisex. The Soothing Shower Gel $16.00 8.4 fl. oz contains glycerin and aloe vera to hydrate skin and leave it soft (which it does). We also liked the Warm Milk & Sugar Body Scrub $18.00 8.5 fl. oz. Sugar, milk and botanicals combine with pink grapefruit scent to make exfoliation a more than pleasant experience! Treat Mom (our yourself) to a sinfully fun bath with Powder Sugar Bath Soak $31.00 18 oz that has vitamins and minerals to nourish soften and condition dry skin while you enjoy that tart, pink grapefruit scent.  SNEAK PEEK: The Moisture Rich Body Lotion $18.00 (photo) will be available mid-April. It's a wonderfully effective, fast absorbing lotion with a generous dollop of fragrance that everyone in the family will crave!

St. Ives is known for inexpensive bath, body and facial products, but we never realized just how effective they are!  New to our column, St. Ives Apricot Radiance Facial Cleansers $3.99 6.5 fl. oz impressed us with their effective cleaning abilities. Apricot radiance comes in four different formulas:  Oily, combo, dry and age-defying. We tried the Combination skin cleanser and the Normal to Dry formula. Both smelled pleasantly like apricot and both felt silky and rich on our skin. Both whisked away dirt and makeup with "microbead" derived from jojoba to gently exfoliate. Both left our skin feeling soft and smooth, although the normal to dry felt extra-moisturizing without oiliness. Likewise, the St. Ives Fresh H2O Moisturizing Body Wash $3.19 13.5 oz cleansed quite nicely with a light, fresh scent, Swiss botanicals, and "aqua capsules" that contain pure spring water and leave skin soft as well as clean.

When the sun shines, many of the glitter and high-shimmer products that give you a lift in the Fall and Winter, seem garish.  But there are times when a touch of glitter, nestled onto a shoulder, cleavage, or touched to lips, cheeks and eyes, is just the highlight you need to pull off a sexy or evening look.  Icing Sugar Glimmer $18.00 by Juicy Cosmetics in "Ice" is a sheer champagne nude in a shaker-jar that gives your face and body a bit of sparkle and shimmer without too much intensity.   TIP: Feeling daring? Dust a bit on your skin (after applying sunscreen) for a sexy, shimmery casual look that will turn heads, or mix a bit in a clear lip gloss-instant glam!

How could you feel anything but glam when you are using Virgin Vie's Passion for Color Wild at Heart Shimmer Powder £14.50 (approx $37.50 US dollars). The hot pink plastic compact with square pink jewel in the center, and inside there's a rose-colored shimmer powder embedded with peach and green hearts? 

BeneFit Jewels gives new meaning to the term "body bling."  These are neutral, liquid creams that once shaken (not stirred) produce high-wattage glimmer (without glitter) for a new type of glam that looks great day or evening. Reviewers loved the round, nail polish style bottles that make it is to shake, brush on, blend, line, and layer.  Eye Jewel $18.00 in "Gimme an Outside Vine"is a rosed beige that glams lids in a second. TIP: for a new take on liner, use a thin-line brush and line your top and bottom lids -- you'll brighten your eyes and look divine!