Aveeno

Aveeno Active Naturals Continuous Radiance Moisturizing Lotion ($11.19) came out a couple of months ago, and I finally got around to trying it over the weekend. What attracted me to the product was the cool little device on the top, which allows you to customize your self-tanning color. Also, it has a gradual color-enhancer feature so that you build your tan up over a couple of days, as opposed to applying one deep shot of unnatural looking color.

I find a lot of self-tanners to be either sticky feeling or very drying on my skin, but that wasn't the case with this lotion. Made from soy and chicory extract, Aveeno Continuous Radiance was far more moisturizing than most other products I've tried. For the other pros and cons, read more

Welcome to the final installment of my five-part series on Fantastic Facial Creams. Today I'm offering my recommendations for moisturizers best suited to normal skin. Having normal skin means that you have a fairly clear complexion with a pinkish tone and a dewy glow. If you are blessed with this skin type, you don't have to worry about dry patches or shine, so you might as well get a head start fighting the aging process. Here are three lotions to help you.

Crease Release by Dr. Brandt ($150) is a wrinkle-reducing cream for anyone that has a few fine lines they'd like to diminish. It contains white tea, green tea grapeseed, and GABA, an ingredient that relaxes the muscles and skin. It lasts up to 10 hours and leaves skin feeling smooth and refreshed.

For two more fantastic facial creams for normal skin, read more

When it comes to shaving my legs, I tend to switch between high-end shaving potions and drugstore brands, since the latter are just easier to buy on short notice. But while Gillette Satin Care doesn't totally suck, the Walgreen's offering does, and in general, drugstore brands don't give me the silky-smooth shave I want.

The exception, I've just discovered, is Aveeno Positively Smooth Shaving Gel ($3.99). This product gave me one of the closest, most moisturizing shaves I've ever gotten from a drugstore gel, so read more

Sexual chocolate? Check! Sexy outfit? Check! Mood lighting? Check! What else does one need for a romantic night on Valentine's Day? Ah yes, a seduction location. With everything else standing by, all you need is to draw a bubble bath and see where the night takes you. Oh! And here's some bubbly to go with your bubbles. Check out a couple of my favorite bubble baths:

Molton Brown Inspiring Wild-Indigo Bath & Shower gel, $25. This is a unique scent and is said to be therapeutic - based on my experience it works wonders after a long day.

A couple more, read more

Continuing our week on wiping the slate clean, I thought I'd talk about the myriad of clarifying cleansers out there. The right cleanser can help calm down red and irritated skin as well as kill off pimple forming bacteria that lie on the surface of your dermis. They help to keep your face problem free by preventing new pimples from forming.

Use morning and night unless directed otherwise. Follow with a toner and a moisturizer if you feel facial dryness. If you are really serious about clarifying your skin, don't forget to apply a clarifying mask at least once a week. Enjoy and stay tuned for Part II tomorrow!

H20 Acne Clarifying Cleanser for Face & Body, $28, is a deep cleansing clarifying wash that helps reduce, control, and prevent acne on your face and body. It has a triple action formula made from; salicylic acid, exfoliants and Vitamin E to treat breakouts, refine the texture of your face and body as well as moisturize your skin.

SkinCeuticals Clarifying Cleanser, $24, is new and has been created for acne prone skin. It combines salicylic acid with glycolic and mandelic acids to fight off clogged pores and heal problem skin. This cleanser also acts as an exfoliator. It is formulated with micro-beads to wipe away dead skin, whiteheads, oil and makeup build up.

For a drugstore clarifying cleanser, read more

When it comes to shaving, the guys get all the good products. Lately, there's been a rash of high-end men's shaving creams flooding the market, from the likes of Art of Shaving and Anthony Logistics. But what about us girls? We have to shave too!

Well don't worry, because I've managed to find some super-soft shaving cream for women that can make shaving your legs a luxurious, sweet-smelling experience. Here are some of my favorite finds.

Whish Shave Crave Cream, $32, available here. For gals who like to be pampered, this creamy formula comes in lemongrass, almond, and pomegranate scents.

Benefit Bathina Sweet Satin Shave, $26, available here. This adorable retro-inspired jar of shaving mousse gives your skin a silky smooth finish.

To see the rest, read more