If you are looking for some new things to add to your skin care routine, read on for news on the latest things I've been trying.

Avon Clean 'n Go Cleansing and Makeup Remover Cloths ($5.99 for 25)
It seems that the latest gimmick in cleansers is portability - a complete facial cleanser and makeup remover in a moist cloth. They are a bit like baby wipes, but with grown-up ingredients like green tea, cucumber and chamomile. The good ones also have a clean, fresh feel with no oily or soapy residue.

Avon usually puts out a great product that easily competes with the pricier brands, but this time I just don't care for their version. These cloths are too soapy, so it's hard to imagine not needing to rinse, which really defeats the purpose. On the bright side, they are alcohol free and have soothing ingredients like cucumber and aloe. If you like this type of cleanser, though, read on - I like the ones from Basis better.

Basis So Refreshing Facial Cleansing Cloths ($4.99 for 30)
Of all the brands I've tried (Biore, Ponds, Stila (review coming soon), Avon and now Basis), Basis So Refreshing cloths are my favorite. They are large (just a smidge bigger than Avon's), fairly thick, and just moist enough to remove makeup comfortably without leaving a film, or leaving my skin dry and taut afterwards. I had no problems with stinging around my eyes and no breakouts. If you like the idea of a convenient wipe to wash your face, or if you need something portable for the gym, car or the office, these are ones I would recommend.

You can find Basis products at drugstores and mass retail stores like Target, as well as online at drugstore.com.

Neutrogena Skin Clearing Moisturizer ($9.99 for 1 oz. tube)
Just when I thought Neutrogena made every type of acne treatment imaginable, they've come out with another one! This one combines 2% salicylic acid and retinol in a lightweight moisturizer. The salicylic acid should help clear up your acne while the retinol helps eliminate the red marks that the pimples leave behind. It's a great concept that unfortunately falls flat - it's just not potent enough. I used it for about a month and didn't see any difference or improvement in my skin. I still have clogged pores and blackheads on my forehead, my usual breakouts on my cheeks, and still plenty of red marks from old pimples. I can accept that the red marks will take time to heal, but at least with most AHAs and BHAs I've tried I notice a difference in the smoothness of my skin or a decrease in breakouts at least within a month. While using this, it was business as usual for breakouts and redness.

You can find Neutrogena products at drugstores and mass retail stores, as well as online at drugstore.com.

Astara Microcluster Facial Serums ($28-32 for .5 ounce)
Essential oils have always intrigued me because of their natural, therapeutic properties, but my skin never seems to respond as well as I'd like. It wasn't until I tried the Blemished Skin version of these new essential oil blends from Astara that I really saw first hand what essential oils can do. The blend was so effective at controlling oil that my skin was noticeably drier in the areas I had used it. While traveling recently I switched to the Dry Skin formula as my night treatment and it worked great. The oils absorb very quickly with no residue or greasy feeling, and I am pleased to say that they actually work. You can choose from mature, dry, sensitive, oily, normal/T-zone, and blemished skin formulas.