I was unfamiliar with D'Arcy Skincare products when I received my first four products. Since 3 of the 4 products were specifically targeted towards troubled/acne prone skin, I was eager to try them. Unfortunately (and miraculously) at the time I received the products my skin was flawless. (Figures!) I waited until I was disgusted with my face before trying the D'Arcy products I selected. (My skin on a bad day is a very tough test for any product line.) The D'Arcy Skincare line also includes skincare regimens for Dry, Normal, Combination and Oily skin.

I like using a facial scrub several times a week before cleansing and initially though that the D'Arcy Gentle Complexion Scrub ($24 for 4 oz.) would be too wimpy for my oily/acne skin. However, this is a great scrub for any skin type and I found that it contains smaller pieces of almond meal so it is not too abrasive. Works well for face and body. I just wish they would package it in a tube and not in a large jar since I prefer to use it in the shower.

I liked the Medicated Acne Wash for a thorough cleansing because it lathered well with only a dime-sized amount. At $20 for 4 oz. of cleanser, using less is a plus. The Acne Wash removed oil, makeup and dirt. As usual, I gave it my "Clinique #4" test. (When I'm finished washing my face I don't expect to pick up any dirt on the Clinique #4 Clarifying Lotion soaked cotton pad.) D'Arcy Medicated Acne Wash passed the test. This cleanser contains Salicylic Acid and Tea Tree Oil which typically help eliminate blemishes. However, when a cleanser is washed off after less than a minute after application, I don't know how effective these ingredients can be when they don't "sit" on the skin for hours. Overall, a very thorough cleanser, but because it was SO effective, I wouldn't recommend it for normal or dry skin because it could be very drying.

The Medicated Concealer ($25 for .5 oz. jar) is light and comes in a generous sized pot. However, since it only comes in one shade, I can't recommend it for darker skins. (It would work for up to medium-dark skin tones.) This product also contains Salicylic Acid and I liked the coverage it provided without looking "cakey." It did help dry blemishes up and aided in reducing the size of my one volcano-sized blemish. A nice amount of product that would last for about a year.

As my skin became completely hopeless this week, I applied the Original Drying Lotion one night after washing my face. This product is the color of calamine lotion and is not for delicate skin. It smells rather strong when applied directly to blemishes with a cotton pad. Because I had small pimples in many areas of my face I bravely opted to use it in entire areas and not just on individual blemishes. I can't say my results would be typical, but those areas were clear as crystal the next morning. I felt like I had been given a facial overnight that cleared everything up! I wouldn't recommend applying this product all over the face as I desperately did, but the results were definitely noticeable. Because this product is so strong due to a 2% Salicylic Acid formula, I feel it could be extra-drying and irritating to dry/sensitive skin. D'Arcy even guarantees that Original Drying Lotion will reduce the size and severity of a pimple overnight. Not bad, eh? ($25 for 1 oz.) BONUS: The darcyskincare.com website currently offers a free jar of Medicated Concealer with any purchase of Original Drying Lotion.

review: 8/00

I was able to sample a few additional D'Arcy products to continue my review.

I really like the Zinc & Sulfur Mask ($25 for 2 oz.) - very deep cleaning, but I'll probably have to stop using it for the winter, as it's really drying (will be great in the summer). I noticed a definite improvement in my skin tone and texture the morning after I used this mask. Don't fret at the price, a little goes a long way. I definitely recommend this mask for very oily or blemished skin. It's great for skin that's "freaking out" and needs blemish control!

I found that the Skin Vitamins ($30 for 1 oz.) are nice for healing flaky areas and blemishes. I think the Skin Vitamins will be nice for all-over use in the winter. I've been using Skin Vitamins before bed and it has repaired haywire blemishes overnight. Great for spot moisture in dry areas (cheeks, etc.). I would also recommend this for all-over use on dry skin. Contains Vitamin A, C and E as well as Chamomile and Green Tea.

The Camphor Lotion ($16 for 8 oz.) is not my thing, unfortunately. I prefer a cleanser that lathers and this just seems too greasy for me. It may be better for those who prefer cleansing lotions over gels. It is a very strong cleanser (because of the camphor), and not for dry skin. Much better for combination or oily skin.

Another nice pick for warmer weather is the Collagen Skin Toner ($16 for 8 oz.). This slightly antiseptic toner removes remaining dirt and oil after cleansing. This isn't a mild toner and again is only for combination or oily skin. It did a nice job of leaving my skin fresh feeling and pores tighter. I'll start using it again once spring arrives!

D'Arcy Skincare is available online at darcyskincare.com.