Welcome back! After an outstanding vacation, Cosmetic Connection is back with all the tips and reviews you love! This week, a peek into my traveling makeup case at the products tat made traveling a breeze, plus a few new finds I discovered on the road.

Whenever I travel, I always pack the products I know I'll need to tackle any problems I might have with my hair or my skin. For this trip (a cruise to the Caribbean), I was going from cool Oregon air to dehydrating airplane air to hot and humid air all the course of a week. This crazy shift in climates called for some serious products to help keep my skin and hair looking their best.

->To prevent dry skin caused by stale, pressurized airplane air, Prescriptives Flight Cream ($28 for a 1.7 ounce tube) is a must-have moisture boost you can apply over your regular moisturizer for added protection. I used it before, during, and after flying to prevent dehydration and keep my skin moist and supple.

->For any pimples that pop up unannounced, "Face It" spot acne treatment liquid from Dr. Semel ($9.50 at better department stores) does the trick overnight to eliminate them without drying out your skin. Just a tiny dab on the affected area relieves redness and zaps the zit in record time.

->To condition and protect your lips, or any dry spots on your face, BeneFit's Vitamin E Stick with SPF 15 ($14; BeneFit Cosmetics 1-800-781-2336) is a lifesaver. Whether I was snorkeling in Mexico or dancing the night away on the cruise ship, this vitamin E stick was with me 24 hours a day.

->Coppertone Oil-Free Waterproof SPF 30 Sunblock (around $8) saved my ghostly Oregon pale skin from burning in the Caribbean sun, even underwater. This lightweight lotion absorbs quickly, leaving nothing but protected skin behind.

->Bumble & Bumble Leave-in Conditioner ($16 for 8 ounces) is not only a super conditioner for any hair type that you can leave in or rinse out, it also doubles as a frizz-smoothing styling aid for those of us with naturally curly or wavy hair.

->BeneFit Get Even blot powder ($24) together with L'Oreal Feel Perfecte concealer (around $9.99) help you cover dark circles and reduce redness without loading on heavy foundation and loose powder.

Even while on vacation, I couldn't leave the product hunter in me at home! While in Georgetown, Grand Cayman, I picked up a few new-to-me Lancome products that aren't available in the US, like Galateis fluid cleanser for the face and eyes, and Expressive eye contour age treatment. Check back next week for reviews of these and Lancome's Eau de Bienfait 2 in 1 cleanser and toner.

Coming up next week, drugstore shampoos that prove you don't have to spend a lot to have beautiful hair, plus more reviews of the products you'll need to protect your skin all winter long. See you then!

Calling all America Online subscribers! Cosmetic Connection is pleased to announce its presence on Electra, a brand new AOL channel. Stop by for product reviews, monthly articles, and answers to your beauty questions. Come chat with me about winterizing your skin on Monday, November 10th. Check Electra for time and details.