After a lengthy hiatus from testing skin care products (my poor face needed a break), I am pleased to be able to share my latest product findings with you. From the Emerald Isle of Ireland, I recently discovered a great selection of botanical skin care and makeup from a company called Nectar Cosmetics. I'll also be reviewing a few of their hair care products in an upcoming report.

Aloe Vera Plus Rinse-Away Cleansing Mousse $9.95 for 3.4 ounces
The Aloe Vera line is designed for normal/combination skin and contains at least 10% aloe and a sea mineral complex of bladderwrack, clay, freshwater mud, irish sea moss, and algae extracts to help balance your skin. This mousse cleanser is one of only a few I've ever used that I really liked. It feels silky, removes makeup and the daily "grime" very well, rinses off easily and completely, and leaves your skin feeling clean, not dry.

Aloe Vera Plus Instant Skin Freshener $9.95 for 8.4 ounces
A very refreshing, alcohol-free toner with the same aloe and sea mineral complex. I found it calmed some of the red, inflammed areas of my face that are typically irritated by other toners.

Aloe Vera Plus Daily Moisture Fluid $11.95 for 8.4 ounces
A little goes a long way with this lotion, so be sparing. It's lightweight, fresh smelling, and gives normal/combination skin just enough moisture for daily wear.

Tea Tree Plus Wild Herbs Hydrolotion $8.75 for 2.5 ounces
The Tea Tree Oil range is for oily or blemished skin, and acts as an antibacterial to help clear up pimples and hopefully prevent new ones. The products contain at least 1% tea tree oil and a wild herbs complex of sage, chamomile, witch hazel, and hawthorn extracts to help control oil without overdrying the skin. If you have oily or blemish-prone skin and have been helped by tea tree oil before, this is an excellent line. The Hydrolotion is actually an alcohol-free gel moisturizer that feels very refreshing on the skin and delivers just the right amount of moisture with a hefty dose of tea tree oil. Personally, since my skin reacts to tea tree oil, I can't use this line, but it is wonderful for skin that can tolerate it.

Tea Tree Plus Wild Herbs Blemish Control Stick $7.50
When you do get a pimple, this roll-on tea tree oil liquid is a great spot treatment. Since the oil isn't greasy, it absorbs almost instantly into the skin to go to work on those blemishes anytime of day.

Vitamin E Plus Wheatgerm Rinse-Away Cleansing Mousse $9.95 for 3.4 ounces
The vitamin E line is formulated for dry/mature skin and contains wheatgerm oil, evening primrose oil, horse chestnut, and a vitamin complex to moisturize, protect, and help reduce the signs of aging. With autumn right around the corner, I've enjoyed using these products on those areas of my face that are starting to dry out a bit. The cleansing mousse is identical in texture and cleansing ability to the Aloe Vera version above, but this one has the more moisturizing wheatgerm, evening primrose, and horse chestnut oils to leave drier skin soft and supple.

Vitamin E Plus Wheatgerm Instant Skin Freshener $9.95 for 8.4 ounces
Even for dry skin, this alcohol-free freshener is very soothing and helps loosen dry, flaky patches of skin before you apply your moisturizer.

Advanced Fruit AHAs & Shea Cream $17.95 for 1.8 ounce jar
Nectar also has some "advanced" skin care products that can supplement the others for your skin type. This cream acts as a gentle AHA exfoliant with tartaric acid from grapes and malic acid from apples, and a rich moisturizer with shea butter. I found the cream to be surprisingly lightweight and non-greasy. If you have been using AHAs in medium to high concentrations in the past, this one might not be strong enough for you, but it's a great introduction to AHAs or for someone with slightly sensitive skin.

Pineapple & Avocado Face Scrub
If you like a very "scrubby" facial scrub, this one with tiny avocado stones is for you. Sensitive skins beware - this is not as gentle as it looks! Although this scrub is fairly abrasive, it does leave the skin incredibly smooth and polished, and it has a great fruity scent. I like it, but I still recommend using a gentle touch so you don't overscrub.

For more information about Nectar, visit their website at http://www.nectar-cosmetics.com. They have convenient online ordering and information on their store locations around the world (unfortunately none here in the US).

During a regular trip to the drugstore recently, I picked up a tube of Almay's new One Coat Lipcolor (around $8) to see if it really does deliver smooth, even color in just one swipe. To my delight, it does, and it feels creamy, light, and lasts pretty well with just a few touch- ups now and then. The impressive selection of 30 shades means there is a perfect color for your every mood! If drawing on picture perfect lips isn't your forte, this lipstick definitely makes it easier.

Fall is here and so are some gorgeous collections of new colors! Read all about the newest offerings from your favorite lines and decide what to add to your makeup bag before you get to the counters. This month's Feature by our Panelist, Lisa, is your ultimate fall color shopping guide.

September's Feature: Fall Beauty Trends 1998

Calling all America Online subscribers! Bring your cosmetic questions to the Electra Real Chat room on Monday, September 14th at 11pm eastern and chat with me live online! Bring your best cosmetic questions as we discuss everything from great drugstore finds to the best foundation for your skin type. Type keyword: "electra" and follow the links to Real Chat. See you there!

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