Almost all the new fall makeup colors are out, and in many areas of the world, cool winds and colorful autumn leaves are only a few weeks away. Right now is the perfect time to start thinking about your skin care needs for the changing weather. Cold air outside, dry heat inside, and environmental stress from rain and wind can make even the oiliest skin suddenly get dry and flaky.

One of my favorite ways to try new skin care products is from samples or trial size kits, so you can use the products for a few days to see what you think before making the financial investment. This week I began my search for fall/winter skin care at Bath & Body Works with their new line simply named "Face". For $3, I got a great little kit with 1-2 days worth of cleanser, toner, day cream, and night cream for my skin type, plus a $3 coupon towards the purchase of full size products (from $8 for 6 ounce cleanser to $15 for 1.7 ounce night cream).

Since the range of basic products is small, product crossover from kit to kit was common; both the toner and the night cream in the kit I got for dry skin was the same as in the kit for normal/combination skin. I liked all but the creamy cleanser - it did a terrible job of removing even the light foundation I was wearing, never mind any eye makeup. I would hope the foaming face wash and cooling gel cleanser would do a better job. The line also includes a jojoba bead scrub, deep cleansing clay mask, and AHA lotion with SPF 8 for all skin types. If you like basic, no frills skin care products, this new line from Bath & Body Works is worth a look.

I've had a great time following the release of all the cosmetic lines' new fall colors, and this week I discovered a fun mini-line worth checking out. From clothing designer Tommy Hilfiger comes Tommy Girl cosmetics, a collection of 6 easy to wear shades for lips and nails in sheer neutrals like "cinnamon girl", "sugar, sugar", "coco loco", "jamm'n", "chili pepper", and "ruby tuesday". The lip color ($12) is sheer, creamy, and great for a light daytime or weekend look, with great looking polishes ($12) to match. Distribution of this line is limited, and when these colors are gone, that's it; Tommy plans to introduce all new colors 5 to 6 times a year. Talk about trendy!

With summer just about over, many of us are back from vacation, the kids are back in school, and life starts to get a little more hectic. There's nothing I like better after a tough day than a warm bath. Add a few scented candles and some soft music, and I'm in heaven! I recently discovered some great aromatherapy products from Bath & Body Works for the perfect bathtime experience. Much like the "Face" skin care kit mentioned above, the Stress Relief aromatherapy products are available in a fun to try mini kit. For $3.50, you get single use sizes of mineral bath salts (heavenly!), bath and shower gel (with essential oil beads), body lotion (also with essential oil beads), and massage lotion. Not only do the products smell great (fresh and light, not overly perfumy), but they really give relief to sore, aching muscles.

For the headaches and sore neck and shoulder muscles that can come with everyday stress, check out pressure point aromatherapy oils and lotions like ~H2O+ Aromaplus Stress Relief Formula. The combination of calendula, rosemary, and peppermint oils massaged into temples, neck, and shoulders will make you feel refreshed and alert again.

The Makeup Diva is In! Tired of smudgy eye makeup that disappears so fast, you don't need eye makeup remover? Get some tips from Miss Diva and a shopping list of favorite mascaras. Enjoy!

Make your opinion count! Have you ever searched and searched for the best cleanser or foundation out there, only to be completely overwhelmed by all the choices? Make it easier for your fellow cosmetic junkies to learn about the best products out there with Cosmetic Connection's new Reader's Survey. Speak your mind today!

After you've contributed your favorites to our Survey, read in this month's new Feature what our resident Makeup Diva thinks are the ultimate beauty products. From the best cleanser to the best makeup brushes, you'll have a complete guide to the best products for your next trip to the counter. Don't leave home without it! The Makeup Diva's Ultimate Picks