Thanks to everyone who has sent in requests for product reviews. We are buried under a sea of email and working through your suggestions as quickly as possible. This week we've got several "frequently asked for" reviews from Vichy, Yonka, and Clinique Superfit makeup and Stop Signs Anti-Aging treatment serum.

Vichy Lotion Cleanser
The milky consistency got my hopes up that this cleanser would be gentle and a good makeup remover, but sadly it wasn't. It stung any irritated areas of my face, and even though I massaged it in thoroughly, it would not completely remove even the most basic concealer/foundation. As if that a wasn't bad enough, it's too oily to remove with just water, so you have to use a washcloth to remove all the cleanser and leftover makeup. A definite thumbs down.

Vichy Eye Makeup Remover for Sensitive Eyes
I'm not sure what the folks at Vichy were thinking when they created this product. This makeup remover has just about every detergent cleansing agent in it that you can think of and boy, does it sting! It made my eyelids red and left my skin feeling itchy and irritated. Another thumbs down.

Vichy Thermal S1 Intensive Daily Hydration
This cream claims it has "thermal spa waters" that are somehow supposed to have some therapeutic effect on the skin. Don't believe it! This is a basic moisturizer for dry skin with no sun protection, making it a poor choice for daytime use. The package says it has "UVA/UVB/Free Radical Protection System", but it has no SPF rating or active sunscreen ingredients listed on the label. It has a light perfume-y fragrance and a lightweight texture that does feel nice on the skin, but it's really nothing special.

For more information on Vichy products, you can call 1-888-45-VICHY or 1-800-361-7783. Vichy products are made in France and distributed throughout Canada.

Yonka Gentle Foaming Cleansing Gel ($26 for 6.8 ounces)
This gel cleanser has some fairly gentle cleansing agents in it, so it doesn't dry out the skin too much, but the essential oils (orris root, lavender, geranium) are a bit strong and irritating, especially when used on the eye area. I didn't find it to be anything special and would not recommend spending the over $20 price tag.

Yonka "Lotion" Alcohol Free spray toner ($22 for 6.8 ounces)
Thankfully, the essential oils (lavender, geranium, rosemary, thyme, cypress) in this product weren't as irritating to my skin as those in the cleanser. I like the spray aspect of this product, especially for sensitive skin - less friction - but the oily afterfeel leaves much to be desired. I can picture using this more in the winter, not now that it's summer.

Yonka Fruitelia Age-Free Renewing Lotion ($42 for 1.7 ounces)
For some reason cosmetic companies have not figured out that people don't have just one fixed skin type. It is entirely possible for someone to have dry/acne prone skin, or oily/sensitive skin all at once. This is yet another cream for "dry or sensitive skin" that is chock full of comedogenic ingredients (stuff that can cause pimples). This is also not a "real" AHA, since fruit extracts like the ones in here (bilberry, sugarcane, sugar maple, orange, and lemon) have not been proven to be as effective as glycolic or lactic acid (the "real" AHAs). For dry skin, the corn, soybean, and sunflower oils will feel nice and provide decent moisture, but you won't get much exfoliation.

For more information on Yonka products, I recommend a trip to Bliss Spa (where they carry the entire line of Yonka), either in person at 568 Broadway (2nd Floor) in New York City, by phone at 888-243-8825, or online at http://www.blissworld.com.

New Feature For July/August
We have a new feature on Cosmetic Connection that I think you're going to like: Online Shopping Reviews. I'm starting with Eve.com and working my way through August to cover Bellisima and Beautydoor.com (and maybe a few more if my pocketbook can handle it!). Don't miss it!

CosmeticConnection.com Product Review Spotlight
Check out this week's new reviews on Cosmetic Connection, Clinique Superfit makeup and Stop Signs anti-aging treatment. You'll find it in the new Spotlight section on the Product Reviews page.