I am so pleased at the great expansion of our Product Panel (keep watching for many new reviews), so this week I am highlighting one of our newest members, Linda, and her review of The Body Shop's new vitamin C skincare. Here is a bit about Linda:

Linda, 33, is an executive assistant at a PR agency in New York City and a single mother of a 2 year old son. Her mother warned her at 12 that once she started using makeup, she would never be able to stop, and she was right! Linda has been hooked ever since. This "cosmetic junkie" says she actually "gets a high" when trying new products. Her dream is to someday become a regular client of renowned makeup artist Kevyn Aucoin. Linda is Hispanic and has a fair-to-medium complexion with yellow undertones which tends to burn, then tan. She has normal-to-dry skin with a slightly oily T-zone area. Her eyes are dark brown and has light brown, curly, short hair which she prefers to wear straight. This is especially difficult for her during the warm, humid months. Her main beauty concern is dark circles around the eyes. Right now, her concealer of choice is Prescriptives camouflage cream.

Take it away, Linda!

According to the Body Shop, the Vitamin C line was created using a very stable form of vitamin C in order to deliver its most potent benefits to the skin. Vitamin C is a known antioxidant and free radical scavenger and helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines while increasing collagen production. It also acts as a melanin inhibitor, which results in a visibly brighter, more even skin tone.

Hydrating Facial Cleanser
This creamy cleanser was thicker than most cleansers I've used and I like to subtle scent of citrus. It rinsed off easily (I used it in the shower) and it removed most of my eye makeup (my mascara didn't complete come off but it did not irritate my eyes). Afterward, my face didn't feel tight and I was almost tempted to skip the moisturizer all together - but I didn't.

Energizing Face Spritz (4.0 fl oz $8)
This toner comes in a pump bottle and felt very refreshing on my face. I used it before the facial moisturizer in the morning and night. I highly recommend this spritz and will probably use it during the warm, humid months when my face needs a little pick-me-up. Just be careful not to get it in your eyes (as the label warns).

Protective Daywear Moisturizer w/SPF 15 (2.5 fl oz $12)
This moisturizer comes in a squeeze tube and moisturizes very well, but has moderate sun protection. Maybe someone with oily skin would use less than someone with normal or dry skin. I've used it for one week now and my skin feels nice and soft. It's a pretty good moisturizer but nothing to rant and rave over. I've used moisturizers that cost half the price and worked just as well.

Super Charged Serum (1.0 fl oz $18)
This product says it restores the skin's natural lipid barrier. It can be used mornings or evenings after cleansing your face. This thick, clear liquid comes in a pump and you just need a drop (more than that would be too much). I used it with the facial moisturizer. My skin felt dewy and this may be a Godsend to someone with dry skin but I don't think someone with oily skin should use it. Although I have an oily t-zone, my skin didn't break out. I really don't think you need to use this product everyday - perhaps every other day, unless your skin is extremely dry.

Moisturizing Body Lotion (8 fl oz $12)
I almost felt like I was using the hydrating facial cleanser on my body. Same consistency and scent (but, of course, not the same product). My skin soaked it up and the scent was not overpowering so it did not clash with my perfume. It felt very good on my skin.

Intensive Night Repair Cream (1.25 fl oz $18)
Comes in a tube and contains an optimal concentration of vitamin C. Its label promises it will even out skin tone and enhance skin's radiance. I felt a burning sensation when I used this cream so I was definitely convinced that it contained more citrus acid than the other products. I was tempted to wash it off but decided to wait and see if my face would react to it. It didn't and my face was blotch-free in the morning. If you have irritated or sensitive skin, I wouldn't suggest you use this product.

Stimulating Mask (2.5 fl oz $15)
Contains Vitamin C and Rose Hip Seed oil. The label states it enhances skin cell activity. I also had a reaction to the mask, only more intense this time. After applying it for a few minutes, my face became red and felt hot. I washed it off with cool water, used the spritz and moisturized it (with the night cream) but the redness did not go away. In the morning my face was back to normal but after washing and moisturizing, it started to get red again (although not as red as the night before) and felt tingly all day. Unsure if this was normal, I called the company to verify. They told me that although the product's acidic content may cause a reaction, they advised me to send the product back for testing.

After the stimulating mask incident, I stopped using the products. Even if it turns out that the sensitivity I felt was a normal reaction, I don't think I will ever purchase this mask again. The only products I really recommend are the cleanser and the spritz. So if you're curious, try the Vitamin C skin care kit in a clear zippered pouch ($18) which contain the best four products of the skin care line: