I don't know about you, but it seems like I'm always on the lookout for the "perfect" skin care - a cleanser that removes makeup well and leaves my skin feeling clean and comfortable, a toner or freshener that refreshes without drying, and a moisturizer that solves whatever skin "issue" I'm having at the time (this usually calls for more than one product to choose from). There are plenty of products on the market that I like (and plenty that I don't!), but in the name of Cosmetic Connection research :), my search continues to find all the skin care gems out there. This quest recently lead me to my local drugstore and a new display for RoC skin care from France (now owned by Johnson & Johnson). The selection was fairly small, so I only got cleanser, toner, and moisturizer.

2 en 1 Demaquillant (Cleanser + Toner In One) (around $8 for 6.76 ounces)
This cleanser is not very water soluble, but I am partial to thick, lotion style cleansers for my normal to dry skin, so I kind of like this one. I apply a generous amount to dry skin and massage in to remove my makeup, then I remove it carefully with a warm washcloth. I've tried simply splashing it off with water, but it requires a bit more work than that... Some people like using a washcloth (like me), some don't, so if you prefer something more rinseable, this cleanser is not for you.

Tonique Douceur (Gentle Skin Toner) (around $8 for 6.76 ounces)
As alcohol-free toners go, this is a nice, non-irritating choice. With so many products having ingredient lists that go on and on and on, this one is surprisingly short - fewer chemicals and preservatives often mean less chance for irritation, which is great for dry and/or sensitive skin.

Hydra+ Effet Reservoir Long Lasting Moisturizer ($15 for 1.35 ounces)
Pay no attention to the claims that this moisturizer makes on the package - it's simply a basic moisturizer for normal to dry skin. It also claims "AHA action", but it's not in the sense of exfoliating like you might expect from an alpha hydroxy acid; if anything, the small amount simply enhances the moisturizing effects of the other ingredients. I thought this cream was okay, not great, and not suitable for day use because it has no sun protection.

RoC makes several other products including a retinol cream, a few other moisturizers, and a cleanser and toner for normal to oily skin. You'll find the line at your local drugstore, or by calling 1-800-762-1964.

As you all know, I can never resist trying something new. Last week I picked up the new Colorstay Compact Makeup (around $12) from Revlon - quite an interesting product. After the explosion of natural looking cream-to-powder foundations like Vincent Longo Water Canvas, Shiseido Liquid Compact, Lancome Cool Finish, and Prescriptives Photochrome, I'm not surprised that Revlon has come out with their own version. This one is lightweight, oil free (no animal, vegetable or mineral oil), and has sheer coverage that builds only slightly, so it's better if you don't have much to hide. Since it's Colorstay, it is transfer resistant and long wearing, but thankfully doesn't set immediately, so you actually have time to blend it (unlike the other Colorstay foundations). You also get SPF 25 sun protection from titanium dioxide, one of the preferred sunscreen ingredients. For normal to oily skin that doesn't need much coverage, this is a foundation to consider.

The one downside is the compact itself - the cream/liquid foundation is in the bottom under a mesh screen, then there is a screw-top lid, but there is no place to keep the included sponge except right on top of the foundation. This design flaw lets the sponge practically stew in the makeup, transferring any bacteria that may come from your face right onto the makeup. There is an easy solution - just store them separately - but it's a pain if you want to take the compact with you in your purse.

Personally, I won't be buying it again. The color I chose, "buff", was a great match, but the coverage is too sheer. It also looks and feels a bit too dry for my normal to dry skin.

I'm always excited about welcoming new Panelists to our happy (and busy) little "family". Our newest member, Aina, offers her opinions on cosmetic lines for women of color this month with an investigation into Black Opal and Fashion Fair. You won't want to miss this!

February Feature: Cosmetic Lines for Women of Color - Part Two

Learn more about Aina and the rest of the Cosmetic Connection Product Panel at http://www.cosmeticconnection.com/panelists.html

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