This week I'm sharing a little of everything I've been trying recently. In the queue, look for reviews of June Jacobs Spa Collection bath products, Perlier Kiwi Energy bath products, Avon beComing makeup, plus a spring color report by our Panelist Lisa.

Corinne Cobson Extravagant Kiwi Soap Free Shower Gel ($5.20 for 6.7oz)
A deliciously scented shower gel helps me enjoy one of the few times I have every day that is just for me. With two small children, I take my personal time when I can get it! I've accumulated quite a collection of brands and fragrances, making my shower a cluttered menagerie of enough fruit, floral and herbal potions to open my own shop.

I wish I could say that this kiwi shower gel was a welcome and unique addition to my collection, but it's completely average. The label may say "soap free" but don't let that lead you to think that it's not drying - it is. I also think calling it "kiwi" is a bit of a stretch, as it smells nothing like kiwi. To me it just smells like powdery soap. I'd say skip this one and stick to drugstore brands like Softsoap, Dove or Calgon if you want a bargain.

B. Kamins Chemist Bio-Maple Maple Vegetable Skin Cleanser ($32 for 8oz)
I've had good luck with B. Kamins products before (especially like the vitamin skin cleanser) so I decided to give this gel cleanser a try. It comes with a pump dispenser that pumps up what seems like the tiniest amount, but it really is enough for your whole face. I like to use it in the shower with my Shiseido The Skincare Cleansing Massage Brush for gentle cleansing plus gentle exfoliation. It lathers very slightly, cleans well, and leaves skin feeling fresh, not tight; this surprises me, considering one of the main cleansing ingredients is often-drying Sodium Laureth Sulphate (note: laureth, not lauryl, which is very drying). In this particular preparation, it doesn't dry the skin out at all. I would definitely pick this up again; it works well for any skin type (even dry) and for any season.

B. Kamins Chemist Bio-Maple Maple Treatment Cream SPF15 ($88 for 2oz)
Targeted at very skin dry, this emollient lotion has B. Kamins' highest concentration of their signature Bio-Maple compound, which they say is good for smoothing and softening dry skin and scarred areas. Bio-Maple Maple Treatment Cream also contains squalane, castor oil, soluble marine collagen, vitamin E and several thickeners and water-binders. The rich texture really is best for dry skin as it does have a bit of an oily feel, but if you have dry skin like me, sometimes oily feels good. All in all I like the cream and my skin has been softer from using it. Now comes my dilemma...

One of the challenges in producing reviews like this is evaluating products based on a variety of factors. I look at how the product looks, feels, smells, and performs, and I also look at what it costs as it relates to what you are getting. I think value is important, and while that doesn't mean that I only recommend discount brands (I certainly don't), I do think it's important to "get what you pay for." While I like the texture and the glow that Bio-Maple Maple Treatment Cream gives my skin, I don't need to spend $88 on a cream to help my dry skin; one of the best creams I've ever used, Orjene Aloe Deep Skin Moisturizer (also called Aloe Skin Moisturizing Creme 85%), sells for about $8 at whole food stores. It's doesn't have any fancy ingredients, but it gets the job done. Does this mean that you shouldn't consider Bio-Maple Maple Treatment Cream if you have dry skin? Of course not. It's an excellent cream that really helps dry skin, and if you've tried several and can't find the right one for you, this might be it. Just consider that it's not the only cream that helps dry skin.

B. Kamins Chemist Bio-Maple Eye Cream ($54 for .6oz)
My interest in eye cream comes and goes, but lately I'm finding that the lines under my eyes are getting more noticeable and that the whole eye area just isn't as bright as it used to be. Suddenly I am worried that a lack of eye cream in my daily routine has come back to haunt me! I scramble for the closest relief and pull this from my need-to-review stash.

While I've only been using this for a short time and can't speak to the longterm benefits yet, I can say that this eye cream makes me want to use eye cream again. One pump is enough for both you and a friend, so if you can, try to pump the bottle only halfway to save on cream. It has just the right texture - creamy and rich, but not heavy or greasy. It also has these incredible little blue spheres of vitamin E that break open to further moisturize and help brighten the eye area. Bio-Maple Eye Cream is perfect for sensitive skin because it contains no added fragrance, no added colors, and it's dispensed from an airless pump rather than an open jar (less chance of bacteria contamination). I really like this eye cream and would spend the $54 on it because it's unique, and I like the way it makes my eyes look fresher and less tired.

You can find B. Kamins online at BKamins.com, Beauty Door and Beauty.com. Until March 17, buy any B. Kamins product at Beauty.com and receive a free deluxe size Bio-Maple eye cream sample. Click here for details.

L'Oreal AirWear Long-Wearing Concealer
This is so new, I couldn't find any photos or details on the L'Oreal site or any of the online stores. L'Oreal expands their AirWear collection to include this fantastic concealer - a definite find. A tiny dab covers very well and doesn't fade away or smear like so many other brands I've tried. This is a good choice for anything you want to cover - under eye circles (just be sparing so it doesn't look too dry under your eyes), general ruddiness, acne pimples or scars (just be sure to choose a shade that matches your skin exactly). I bought the lightest shade, "light," but I'm thinking of also picking up the next shade up and mixing them; the "light" is very light.

If you've been struggling with concealers that fade and crease, try this one. I think you'll like it :)

Physicians Formula AquaCheeks Cooling Blush Stick
Again, another new product with little information from the company to back it up. AquaCheeks is part of Physicians Formula's new water-based collection of makeup, starting with their AquaPowder cooling loose powder (akin to Prescriptives Magic Powder). AquaCheeks is a cool cream-gel blush in a turn-up stick that you can draw right on your face. Right now it comes in just three colors: berry, light cocoa and bronze. The cooling feeling is nice but gimmicky, and the colors starts drying quickly, so you have to blend right away or you're stuck with stripes. With so many other choices in cream blush (Revlon Skinlights Color Lighting, Calvin Klein Cheek Wash (at Sephora.com), Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheers to name a few), this wouldn't be my first choice the next time I need blush.

I hope you enjoyed this issue of The Cosmetic Report!