I've been trying quite a few products in the same category lately, like cleansers, toners, scrubs, masks and creams. This week our focus is on face scrubs and masks that I've tried recently.

Before I start with the reviews, I'd like to mention that we have changed our Spotlight section on CosmeticConnection.com to be our "New Reviews" area. If you are wondering what new reviews are on the site, this is the new place to find out. You can see the Spotlight section in the right-hand channel of every Cosmetic Connection page. Enjoy!

Freeman Beautiful Skin AHA Renewal Scrub ($3 for 5.3oz tube)
It happens from time to time - I'm testing something, I review it, then I use the product up and suddenly it's empty, and I have no backup product! A recent lack of face scrub emergency sent me to my local drugstore for something gentle enough to use every day in the shower. I chose this one from Freeman because it's not for oily skin, like so many scrubs are, the ingredients seemed gentle, and it uses jojoba beads as the scrub granules instead of irregular bits of seeds and shells; I find more and more that those so-called "natural" scrubs can do more harm than good to your skin, causing microscopic tears that are welcoming to bacteria. While this isn't the most amazing scrub I've ever used, it's pretty darn good for under $5! My only gripe is that the jojoba beads don't feel perfectly round so it feels a little abrasive. The new scrub from MAC (reviewed below), the scrub from SCO skincare, KMF Organic Jojoba and Mint Facial Scrub, and Beauty Without Cruelty Extra Gentle Facial Smoother are just a few examples of effective scrubs with spherical beads that are extremely gentle to the skin.

You can find the Freeman scrub at your local drugstore or supermarket, or online at more.com.

MAC Scrub Mask ($16.50 for 3.6oz tube)
I have been waiting for what feels like an eternity for MAC to revamp their skincare, and they have finally done it! The new line is simple, straightforward, and I think very promising. I plan to have a more complete review soon, but for now I want to share my thoughts on the scrub mask. I keep mine in the shower as it really performs best as a scrub (I found it to be rather thin for a mask). It's clay based with teeny tiny jojoba beads and a dash of menthol for a fresh, tingly feeling. It's gentle enough to use every day in the shower if you wanted (that's what I do), and I like that you only need a pea size blob for your whole face.

You can check out all your favorite MAC products, new and classic, at the MAC website at maccosmetics.com. It even has online ordering!

Reflect.com Facial Mask ($24)
Although the reflect.com experience can be completely unique and personal, some of the products have pretty basic formulas. My mom and I created this same face mask even though our skin types are different (I'm dry, she's combination). I've tried mine a few times and think it is a decent clay-based mask that is a bit more softening and less drying to the skin than most. The mask is light green in color and has a refreshing scent of witch hazel and apricot. When my skin is feeling sluggish and in need of a mini-facial that is gentle rather than aggressive, this is the mask I choose.

Create your very own mask at reflect.com.

Uvavita Exfoliating Dead Sea Mud Mask ($40)
I've tried most if not all of the products in the Uvavita line, and this is the most disappointing. Believe it or not, this dark charcoal colored mask actually settled IN my pores! I seriously looked like I had a face FULL of blackheads every time I used this. I tried using a washcloth to remove it, hoping that all the mask would come off, but time after time I had to squeeze the mask bits out like blackheads to get them out of my skin. Yuck! I don't take time out my day to do a mask so my skin can look worse, thank you very much.