Since 1976, Paris-based Decleor has specialized in an extensive line of face and body care, as well as limited cosmetics offerings, with an emphasis on aromatherapy (treatments with fragrant essential oils) and phytotherapy (healing troubled skin with plant extracts).

Because I have oily/acne-prone skin, the Decleor products I use are mostly those formulated for my skin type. But Decleor also offers firming products to help reduce the appearance of cellulite all over the body, special products formulated for men, some just for the legs, and many for bathtime.

Luckily, I have been able to get samples of almost everything I've used before shelling out the bucks to buy. If you're not sure if this skincare line is right for you, I recommend you try to get samples first, as many of the products are expensive for the small amount you get. Personally, I think they're worth the cost, but until you know if it works for you, I'd err on the side of caution. Put aside your fears, take a deep breath, approach the sales associate and ask away!

Here's the products I use or have used and what I thought about them:

Gel Demaquillant Regulateur (Regulating Cleansing Gel) (about $30 for 8.4 oz.): This refreshing cleansing gel contains floral waters of witch hazel, linden and Panama wood extracts. It cleanses without drying out delicate skin, but I only use this on summer mornings, when I usually feel especially oily. I think it might be too drying in colder weather.

Lotion Regulatrice (Regulating Toner) (about $25 for 8.4 oz.): This light toner also includes floral waters of witch hazel as well as lichen extracts. It soothes and decongests irritated skin, removing traces of dirt and makeup without stripping your skin of its natural oils or making your face feel tight. I also only use this on warm-weather mornings and occasionally at night after cleansing.

SOS Regulateur (Regulating Gel) ($25): This is an effective spot treatment for blemishes. When applied thickly and left to dry overnight, it zaps zits without being too drying. But you only get a tiny tube -- about 0.75 oz., or the size of a tube of Clearsil.

Aromessence Visage Ylang Ylang (Natural Ylang Ylang Oil) (about $55 for half an ounce): I know what you're thinking: "Put more oil on my already oily face? Are you nuts?" But it really does work. A blend of essential oils of ylang ylang, geranium, Rosemary, St. Thomas Bay and hazelnut, this facial oil helps regulate skin's oil production and balances skin tone. Only a small amount (about 4 drops) covers the face and neck area, and the aroma is so soothing and heavenly! One bottle lasts a really, really long time. I use this in the morning and at night, but it might not work well under everyone's makeup in the morning. It drastically cut down the number of times I have to blot off my facial oil during the day, and it's made my skin much less red and more even-toned.

Aromessence Visage Neroli (Natural Neroli Oil) (about $55 for half an ounce): Essential oils of petitgrain, neroli, sandalwood, sage, parsley seed and hazelnut oil. Also non-greasy, this aromessence oil helps reduce skin sensitivity. It's moisturizing, as opposed to the Ylang Ylang's oil-absorbing properties, and this makes it ideal for use in cold weather. I used it from October-March and still have a little over half a bottle left. I only use this oil very sparingly at night when my skin is wind-whipped or really dried out from spending time outdoors.

Baume Essentiel (Essential Face Balm) (about $52 for 1 oz.): Meant to be used very sparingly before bedtime only on oily skin, Baume Essentiel is a super-rich balm made of beeswax and essential oils of basil, chamomile and neroli, plus hazelnut plant oil and something called Tonka bean resinoid. It smells divine, and when smoothed over the face and neck, it decongests the pores and soothes irritated skin. I don't know how they do it, but after using this over the Ylang Ylang oil, my skin is clearer and more supple than it was when I was about 12 years old. I am constantly amazed by how well the combination of these products has kept my skin clear, balanced and blemish-free.

Masque a l'Argile et aux Herbes (Clay and Herbal Mask) (about $30 for 50 ml tube): Designed for use 1-3 times a week, this gentle oil-absorbing facial mask is composed of green clay, extracts of peach, chamomile, horsetail and ginseng. It sucks dirt, grime and excess oil from your pores and leaves your skin soft and soothed. I find that this mask is much gentler than many drugstore-brand clay/mud masks, and it definitely smells better than most, but it's not a miracle product. For the price, it should be.

Decleor products are available at a number of large department stores (including Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue) and at many spas worldwide. You can reach Decleor's U.S. headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut by phone at 1-800-722-2219 or by fax at (203) 967-2680. Decleor SA, the company's Paris headquarters, may be reached by phone at 1-42-12-73-73 or by fax at 1-42-12-02-41.