Happy Valentine's Day from the Cosmetic Connection!

I've decided my new motto is: So many products, so few sample containers! This Valentine's Day, I'd like to share some new products that are worth trying, and some others that should stay at the store.

Thinking about testing the staying power of one of the many long-wearing lipsticks on your Valentine today? Think twice before you do it with Elizabeth Arden's new Exceptional Lipstick. My all-day test drive showed it's not only not exceptional, it's downright ordinary. I couldn't help but wonder if Elizabeth Arden is aware of that, because my local counters were already selling them as buy one, get one free! The color selection is fine, the texture is a little thin, but I didn't find them to be anything special.

Continuing from last week's reviews of Origins' skin care, this week I concluded my testing their Starting Over AHA serum with sugarcane and tomato fruit acids. This AHA is extremely mild, making it a good choice for more sensitive skin. After using my samples for just over two weeks, I do notice a very slight difference in the texture of my skin. My forehead and cheeks do look and feel a bit smoother. The light serum consistency makes it great for under your regular moisturizer, or alone if your skin is more oily. Origins has great little plastic bottles for samples, so I'd recommend trying Starting Over if you are looking for a light and gentle AHA to add to your skin care routine.

Origins users with drier skin may also be interested in their newest product, Drink Up, a moisture boost mask for dehydrated or sensitive skin. Be sure to at least smell it - the orange blossom and apricot oils in it smell divine! It also contains a small amount of algae extract, much like BeneFit's Seaweed Mud Mask, which seems to be popping up in a variety of treatment products lately.

If your skin is feeling the effects of the cold outside and the heat inside, another mask to try is Aveda's Intensive Hydrating Masque. Andrea at my local Aveda Spa sent me home yet again with my sample in a paper dixie cup! This mask is a clear gel that you can either apply in a thick layer, leave on for 5-10 minutes and rinse off, or you can apply a thin layer and just let it completely soak in. My ultimate test was trying it after a night of waiting outside for over an hour to see Star Wars at my local movie theater! My skin was so dehydrated from the cold that after about 5 minutes of letting the mask soak in, there was really nothing left to wipe away! Thankfully it left my skin feeling softer and more comfortable.

Next week, The Cosmetic Report will cover Clinique's new Exceptionally Soothing line of lotion and cream for "upset" skin, as well as Origins Sensory Therapy gels, their Original Skin foundation, and much more. See you then!