From time to time I like to highlight one of our Panelists and the research and reviews she's been working on. This week I'm pleased to share R's review of Jo Malone skin care.

R is a 39 year old sports marketing and publicity agent from Staten Island, New York. She's a brunette with wavy, shoulder-length hair that she lightens from medium to a lighter shade of brown, and straightens. R has blue eyes and fair-medium skin that is normal to dry and sensitive skin. Her skin concerns include dark undereye circles that she inherited from her father (she's the concealer queen), slight broken capillaries on her cheeks (result of using a buff puff in her teens and going a little crazy trying to get rid of a pimple). R loves tennis, cosmetics, visiting Sephora, shopping ebay, reading, shopping, wheeling & dealing, writing, and trying to stay youthful looking!

Take it away, R!

I've been a loyal Jo Malone user ever since discovering her line, and theory of layering various fragrance and lotions in order to create my own signature scent, so naturally, I couldn't wait to try her recently released skin care product line.

I am always apprehensive about trying new skin care because I have extremely sensitive skin, and discovered one of the great things about this line is that there are specially formulated products for ALL skin types. I found it to be wonderful that any of the Jo Malone products can be used alone, and that there aren't steps to be followed as with most skin regimens in order to achieve desired results.

I began with the Avocado Cleansing Milk, a gentle cleanser designed to remove all traces of makeup and impurities from the skin. Although the cleanser felt great on my skin, unfortunately it did not remove any of my makeup, forcing me to use my own cleanser afterwards. I was disappointed with this product, but if you are an au natural woman, this cleanser may be wonderful for you.

Next I used Ginseng Day Moisturizing Cream, which by the way, can also be applied before going to bed. This rich textured scented cream feels like silk the moment it is applied. Though it contains fragrance, it did not irritate my skin at all, and was easily absorbed. After using it for only a few days, my dry skin became smoother, and this is my favorite product of the line, and one that I will continue to use. A 50ml jar costs $45.00, but since little is needed per application, it's well worth the money.

Within this line, are six products referred to as SPECIALISTS, which are versatile formulas designed to work alone, or with moisturizers and cleansers to respond to the specific needs of different skin types. I used Face Refining Serum, a plant and flower based serum, which gently buffs and re-surfaces the skin for a smoother, softer finish. The serum is packaged in a bottle, and I added two drops to the moisturizer each time I used it. I can't rave enough about the combination of these two for dry sensitive skin. In only days, my skin was feeling less tight, silky smooth, and incredible.

I also used another one of the SPECIALISTS, Vitamin E gel which moisturizers dry, dehydrated, or weathered skin. The beauty of this soothing formula is that it can be used on the face, nails, cuticles, and feet, and it's unlike any Vitamin E gel I've used, as there is no sticky or greasy feeling, and it dramatically softens skin. While I liked its results, the steep price of $90.00 for a 30ml jar is a little rich for my budget, but it definitely does live up to it's hype, and is Jo Malone's favorite product in the line because of its versatility.

Of course for me, the greatest test was the eye cream. I used the Green Tea & Honey Eye Cream designed for dry skin as it hydrates the delicate area around the eyes. Over time, this emollient cream helps to reduce the appearance of under eye circles, and brings a feeling of calm to the eyes when applied. While I liked the feeling of it when I used it, it was far too rich for my sensitive skin, though I think those with less sensitive skin would easily be able to use it.

All in all, the Jo Malone skin care line is a good one because you can use all or one of the products that best suits your skin needs. It's one of only fragrant lines that I've used where most of the products don't irritate sensitive skin. The cost of the products in comparison to others on the market is reasonable for the most part, and as with all of Jo Malone products, they absolutely leave you feeling special, and pampered.

These products and more are available at the Jo Malone boutique in Manhattan, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Neiman Marcus; there is also an informational website at JoMalone.co.uk, but no online shopping :( .

Thanks, R. I hope you enjoyed this issue of The Cosmetic Report!