I got a great response to last week's newsletter regarding hair conditioners. Thank you for all your suggestions! I tried several of them and will share my findings next week. For now, take a look at these new reviews of DHC skin care and Revlon Skinlights cosmetics.

DHC Skin Care
After an excellent experience with their Deep Cleansing Oil, I was curious about the other skin care products DHC has for my skin type (normal to dry and sensitive). I've been using these products for the past several weeks and have been fairly pleased with their simple but dependable level of care.

Mild Soap ($12)
Let's first be very clear - this is a soap. Normally I am not a fan of soap, but I tried a sample and was surprised that my skin did not dry out. Glycerin, olive oil, and honey make it easier on the skin, and it rinses easily with no residue or taut feeling. Since my skin tends to be on the drier side, I like to pair the soap with the cleansing oil (oil first, soap after) for that extra layer of protection against irritation. If soapy, lathering cleansers are what you prefer, this is one of the gentlest ones around.

Mild Lotion ($34 for 6oz)
I have mixed feelings about this toner. I really like that it's very mild and soothing, thanks to glycerin and cucumber juice. I know I can count on it when my skin is dry or irritated to make it feel normal again. The one drawback? I think $34 is a bit steep for what you are getting. I suppose if price is no object and you'll do anything for great looking skin, you may not mind, but I think $12 or less would be more reasonable.

Ceramide Quick ($28 for 4oz)
This unusual liquid seems like a toner but is actually a liquid moisturizer that you pour into your hand and pat on. It is chock full of ingredients that draw water to the skin and hold it in: soybean germ extract, glycerin, serine (an amino acid that draws water to the skin), saccharide isomerate (another water-binder), allantoin (soothes irritation). I wouldn't recommend this extra step for everyone, just for someone with very dry skin who wants an extra layer of moisture under her regular cream.

Hydrating Nighttime Moisture ($28 for 1oz)
I'm definitely taking the layered approach this winter! This lightweight gel is another great layering moisturizer if you have dry skin and it needs more attention than a basic moisturizer can provide. If you have oily or combination skin that needs moisture in the winter, you could wear this alone under makeup or a tinted moisturizer. Hydrating Nighttime Moisture is also full of water binders and anti-irritants (glycerin, hydrolyzed elastin, allantoin) to plump up the skin with water and keep it hydrated. I also like this gel around my eyes to help plump up those pesky fine lines.

Extra Nighttime Moisture ($30 for 1.5oz jar)
Dry suffers, say hello to your new best friend. I love this cream because it works and it's not ridiculously expensive. Olive oil, squalane, royal jelly, vitamin E, and vitamin A make this an ideal cream for skin that needs something rich and emollient. You only need a small dab for your whole face, and it makes the skin supple without excess greasiness. DHC says it's good for all skin types, but I think it's too rich for skin with any extra oiliness.

For these and lots of other great DHC products, visit DHC online or on Sephora.com.

Revlon Skinlights
Revlon has added some new products to the Skinlights collection of light reflective skin enhancers. Unlike their Face Illuminator products, these have a bit of color for skin that needs a bit more coverage.

Diffusing Tint
For those of us who like a smooth looking complexion without obvious looking makeup, I can't think of a better time to be a beauty consumer. There are so many great brands to choose from! I've talked about several specialty brands recently (Linda Cantello, Giorgio Armani, Skin Alison Raffaele), but now I can direct you to your local drugstore or Target for this great makeup from Revlon. Diffusing Tint is a lightweight makeup that has the coverage of a mediumweight makeup and the light diffusing properties of lotions like Revlon Skinlights Face Illuminator Lotion or Prescriptives Magic. It does a good job of concealing minor skin "flaws" like a small red mark, not-too-dark undereye circle or general unevenness in tone, plus it plays with the light that hits your face to make any "flaws" less noticeable. If you have not tried a product like this, you have to see it in action to believe that it really works. I've been choosing this makeup from my extensive arsenal of formulas when I need some coverage and a little pick-me-up - the light reflecting benefits make the skin look less tired and dull. Unless you really don't care for any kind of sheen on your skin, I think this makeup would work well for any skin type. Diffusing Tint comes in six shades ranging from ivory to caramel.

Illusion Wand
I love the packaging for this concealer - a dial-up tube with the applicator brush right on the end. Just turn it up for more color and brush it directly on the skin. Illusion Wand comes in luminous touch (for highlighting and concealing with light reflective pigments), light touch (uses light reflective pigments plus a light skintone color for more coverage) and medium touch (uses light reflective pigments plus a medium skintone color for more coverage).

Color Lighting
Revlon markets this cream color as well-suited to eyes and cheeks, but take my advice and use it for what it really is - cream blush. The color choices and shimmery texture just don't look flattering as eyeshadow. As blush, it looks terrific - sheer, glowing color that blends well and looks natural. Color Lighting is available in five shades: Rosy, Sunny, Berry, Terra, and Mocha.

You can always find Revlon products at drug and mass market stores like Target and Wal-Mart. For more details on the full Skinlights range, check out Revlon.com. I hope you enjoyed this issue of The Cosmetic Report!