Urban Defense is the new skincare line from Urban Decay - a rather unappealing name for a beauty product I think! I tried the Skin Care Sampler kit for Normal to Oily skin ($24). It contains cleansing gel, antioxidant lotion, and a oil-free moisturizer all packed in a handy re-usable hanging bag. Supposedly the containers are re-fillable, but I can't see how that could be done.

Urban Defense is touted as an antidote to skin that's stressed out by the urban environment. In addition to fighting free radicals, protecting from sun damage, pollutions and toxins, the packaging assures me it will also revitalize my senses and my soul. Whew! All the products felt very nice on my combination skin, but maybe I'll have to try it longer for that senses and soul thing to kick in!

Zen Cleanse is light gel that did a great job removing makeup without stripping my skin. I loved the wonderful rosemary aroma - especially in the morning! In addition to rosemary, Zen Cleanse contains peppermint, aloe vera, green tea, and chamomile as well as witch hazel and marine collagen. A veritable herb garden! It's not remarkably different from a number of other good cleansers, but the aroma sets it apart and makes it worth checking out.

Detox Cocktail seems to be the toner product although it's thicker than I expected, more of a thin lotion. Advertised as a skin treatment that detoxifies, calms, balances and fights free radicals, it creates a nice smooth matte finish. It felt good, but I can't really believe it's all that worthwhile in spite of it's plethora of herbs and vitamins A, C, and E.

Guardian Angel is a nice light oil-free moisturizer with SPF 15. I really liked it! At this time of year my skin needs a lighter moisturizer that hydrates like crazy but doesn't drive my oil glands into overdrive. Often oil-free products just make me oilier, but Guardian Angel is perfect. It provides just the right moisture, absorbs quickly, and is a great base for foundation. I am reasonably shine-free for most of the day. And, for me, that's unusual.

In their full sizes, Zen Cleanse and Detox Cocktail are $16, and Guardian Angel is $20. Urban Defense products are available at Sephora.com and department stores like Nordstrom.