Since starting Cosmetic Connection and The Cosmetic Report, I can hardly remember what it's like to have a "regular" skin care routine. Trying so many different products means a different routine from week to week! My last attempt to have something "regular" - Origins skin care pair for sensitive skin - ended up getting returned because the products started to dry my face out. This week I gave it another shot with products from Lancome designed for normal-to-dry/sensitive skin.

I've found that after trying so many different cleansers and toners from a variety of lines, my decision to buy or not to buy really comes down to personal preference. Just like many other cleansers, Lancome's Galatee Douceur worked well to remove all my makeup, it dissolved mascara very quickly without rubbing, and left my face feeling soft and clean. It is a milky cream formula, best for someone with dry patches or an overall dry skin. The Tonique Douceur was also similar to many other alcohol-free toners I've tried. It has a slightly sweet floral fragrance, and it would probably be good for any skin type, unless you are very oily and are looking for something more astringent.

In addition to trying the basic cleanser and toner, I have also been testing Lancome's Bienfait Total SPF 15 lotion and their new Primordiale Yeux Visibly Revitalizing Eye Treatment since February 16th. Over the 12 days of using both products, I've been really happy with Bienfait Total. It is a lightweight lotion with a good daily sunscreen that I've found is a great transition product for spring from my heavier winter creams. Since it is lightweight, I can use it all over my face without my forehead or chin getting shiny, but it is still moisturizing enough for my cheeks. My skin is going back to combination (normal-to-dry cheeks and slightly oily T-zone), so spring must be on the way!

Primordiale Yeux, however, did not impress me. I'm really not convinced that it has done anything to change the fine lines and beginning wrinkles around my eyes. For that matter, I'm not convinced that any eye cream can really do that! This one from Lancome is a fine moisturizer for the eye area, but that's about it. If you can get a sample, try it just for fun, but it's really not worth $40.

After trying Chanel's Teint Caresse Naturel foundation last week, I decided my foundation investigation was only just starting. This week I used my coupon from the March issue of Allure magazine for a free sample of Estee Lauder's new Futurist Age-Resisting Makeup SPF 15. My first thought was, "How age-resisting can a foundation really be?" Don't buy this foundation if you think it's going to somehow prevent wrinkles, because it won't. What it will do is give women with normal-to-dry skin sheer-to-medium coverage that blends easily, can be built to more full coverage, and looks fairly natural throughout the day. Make sure to have someone at Estee Lauder help you, though, because the colors in the bottles look much darker than they appear on your face. This foundation was a little to rich for my taste, and it would definitely be too heavy for someone with any oily patches.

Last week, I mentioned that I had some exciting news to share with you. Next Friday, I will bring you a full report on my week of cosmetic adventures in New York City! From the most expensive and exquisite department stores to trendy boutique cosmetic lines like Laura Mercier and Lorac, you'll find out the details of what I find, what I like, and what I buy! You won't want to miss this inside peek at the New York cosmetic scene.