Review: Keri Nourishing Shea Butter Moisture Therapy Lotion

What They Say: "Keri Nourishing Shea Butter Moisture Therapy is an intense, creamy body lotion containing 5% natural Shea Butter as well as Vitamin E that hydrates and conditions dry, thirsty skin."

Toya’s Take: I look for rich, creamy lotions and creams all year long because I have such dry skin. Even in the summer, when it’s hot and humid, the skin on my legs and arms can be incredibly dry, so I need a heavy-duty moisturizer. This is a great one. Just as the description says, it is intense and creamy. I love that it includes shea butter, as I have found that it works really well to keep my skin soft, smooth and hydrated all day long. It smoothes onto the skin quite easily, but start with just a bit at first, as it can be greasy – it’s better to start with less and have to add more than to put on too much and wind up with legs that look like an oil slick. I loved the scent and that it didn’t work against my perfume. My husband loved it, too! I definitely will purchase this product.

Retail Price: $8.18, 15 oz. (in drugstores and superstores and on sale now at drugstore.com)

DeLush Rating: , only because it can be greasy

Review: Bliss Naked Body Butter

What They Say: "This fragrance-free body moisturizer instantly drenches dry skin, leaving even the scaliest skin feeling soft."

Jen's Experience: I always like moisturizers that aren't too greasy, that do the job without making my legs feel like they're coated throughout the day. This one does a great job of moisturizing without the heaviness of a lot of body butters. Personally I like a light and lovely fragrance with my body moisturizers, but those who are craving an unscented moisturizer that won't conflict with your perfume, this may just be the moisturizer for you. But for the price? Although it's been a great light moisturizer for summer, I'm not so sure that it's worth it.

Retail Price: $35.00 (Sephora.com)

Rating:

Review: Cléo Body Cream (in Cherry)

What They Say: "A delicate, dermatologically tested cream with in-depth moisturizing properties, ideal for delicate dry skin. For a deep-down effect."

What Melissa Says: Cherry, huh? ...Yeah, I didn't quite get that. The smell isn't terrible but leaves a bit to be desired; it certainly will disappoint you if your heart is set on cherry.

That said, this is very light and soaks into the skin, leaving a soft, dry-touch feel. But it just doesn't give noticeable moisturization (hydration) at all. Skin is mostly just scented afterward. Maybe the smell would sway me toward wanting to reach for this if it were more pleasant. Otherwise, this is just...meh.

Retail Price: $7.95 (at drugstore.com)

DeLush Rating:

Review: Vedamama Relax Body Cream

What They Say: "This chocolate mint cream is an indulgence for the body that restores your skin's balance and envelopes your skin in a rich moisturizing glow. On the skin's surface, cocoa butter moistures while peppermint, capsicum and arnica go to work to relieve sore muscles."

Jen's Experience: When I first got this cream, I liked the light texture of it, especially during these warmer summer months. The chocolate mint scent is very subtle, so much so that I didn't discern it for the first several uses. Which is good, since a chocolate mint seems like more of a heavy, cold-weather scent. So while it's working for me right now, it's pretty middle-of-the-road, especially for the price. I'm not usually one to let price affect my opinion of a product, but when I saw that the tiny little tub costs $50, I was completely shocked. It's not a bad product, by any means, but there are plenty of others that will work as well for less money,

Retail Price: $50.00/3 oz. (Vedababy.com)

Rating:

Review: Neutrogena Summer Glow Daily Moisturizer

About the body moisturizer: “Neutrogena® Summer Glow Daily Moisturizer SPF 20 with Helioplex™ technology provides a healthy-looking glow and broad spectrum UV protection just by moisturizing.

This moisturizing formula softens skin with a light fresh scent, while advanced broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection stabilized with Helioplex™ technology provides daily UV defence. With each use, it enhances skin for a light, natural glow. Used daily, your maximum depth and intensity of color will be reached after about one week.”

Alissa’s Opinion: Let me start by saying that last summer I tried every single drugstore brand of gradual tanning moisturizer. I have pale, sun-hating skin, so I am on a continual quest for the ultimate fake tan. I used Neutrogena’s formula for medium skin tones, and found that it gave me a good hint of color after two applications. The lotion absorbed quickly and didn’t leave any telltale streaks on my skin. My only complaint is the scent. It is horrible and strong, and I felt the need to apologize to my coworkers who had to smell me all day.

About the facial moisturizer: “This unique lotion not only softens and smoothes skin with ultra-light moisture, it gradually enhances the natural color of your skin so it looks healthier, more even toned and radiant. Defined with a naturally derived complex, it gradually builds just a touch of color. Your skin will look subtly warmer with a luminous glow. Broad-spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 15 sunscreens help prevent premature signs of aging caused by everyday exposure to sun's damaging rays. ”

Alissa's Opinion: This product left me wanting more. I used it for a week straight and didn’t see any sign of a glow. It worked well as a light moisturizer and I love that it has sun protection added, but it just didn’t do what it was supposed to! Oh, and it made my face smell horrible too.

DeLush Ratings:
Body Moisturizer
Facial Moisturizer

Review: KAZAM Natural Body Care Hand & Body Lotion (in Desire)

What They Say: "Created by Ms. Marjorie Moutari, the Kazam line of natural body care was a combination of 'travel and knowledge, experience and creative ideas for bath and body formulas to create a range of truly indulgent products to delight and soothe your body'. Only the finest ingredients nature has to offer goes into the making of our products, and specially selected for their skin nourishing qualities.

• RELAXING, NOURISHING, HYDRATING.
• RELIEVES DRYNESS TO WIND AND SUN DRIED SKIN.
• BOIS DE ROSE, YLANG, PALMAROSA, JASMINE, SANDALWOOD.
• ENCOURAGES SKIN RENEWAL AND TISSUE REGENERATION.
• A GREAT MOISTURIZER FOR MATURE SKIN

Ms. Moutari feels 'passionately about producing beautiful skin care without the use of harsh chemicals, parabensas, artificial preservatives and artificial fragrances.'”

What Lisa Says: Compared to other lotions I’ve tested, Kazam Hand and Body Lotion has to be near or at the top of my “Love it!” list. This product does everything it promises and a bit more. Whether applying just after the shower or mid-day this product sinks in almost immediately leaving an absolute trace of nothing on your skin – no waxiness, oiliness, nada! The only thing I was left with was visibly hydrated, soft, skin that lasted most of the day along with a lingering fragrance of ylang, sandalwood and jasmine. I did apply it twice daily but that’s all I needed. While the fragrance is lovely it is a bit stronger than most lotions but that’s part of the Kazam experience: nut butters, extracts and essential oils. Best of all, there was absolutely nothing on the label I couldn’t pronounce or wasn’t familiar with.

Retail Price: $10.00 (at Kazam Natural Body Care)

DeLush Rating:

Review: Tocca Body Wash, Body Cream and Soap

Occasionally, I find a new product that redefines the concept of "Totally DeLush", the designation given to our highest rated products. With Tocca's Bath and Body products, I've found a whole line that is so fabulous it should have a category all it's own. Note that Stella, a blood orange scent, is also available in perfume. I will definitely be getting some of the fragrance to round out this line of products!

--Jen

Tocca Body Wash in Stella
"An ultra-luxurious foaming bath gel that contains natural cleansing agents from olive oil, calendula flower extracts and honey. In the shower or in the tub, Bagno Profumato gently washes and thoroughly hydrates all skin types. Also available in Cleopatra and Florence."

Jen's Experience: I can't wait to use this product every day in the shower. The absolutely delicious citrus scent wakes me up and brightens my morning. The cleanser has a great lather that makes my skin feel clean. The hydrating ingredients feel like they really moisturize my skin, but they wash away nicely. And did I mention the fantastic scent?

Retail Price: $19.00 (Tocca.com)

Tocca Rich Body Cream
"A sumptuously rich body cream combining the benefits of natural ingredients such as cocoa butter and shea butter with our signature fragrances. Absorbs easily and leaves the skin soft and supple with a dewy glow. Also available in Cleopatra and Florence."

Jen's Experience: As with the body wash, the scent is a major selling point for this product. But that's not the only reason this product is fantastic. When I use it right out of the shower, the moisturizer melts right into my skin. It doesn't leave my skin feeling greasy at all -- I can put my clothes on moments after I apply it -- yet it works throughout the day. The scent lasts throughout the day as well. And the beautiful glass jar just tops off the whole package. This is handsdown my favorite body moisturizer. I feel like I should save it for special occasions or something, but I just can't resist using it every day.

Retail Price: $45.00 (Tocca.com)

Tocca Soap
"A gentle, moisture-rich bar soap that uses key ingredients like Kukui Nut oil, blue-green algae extract and vitamin E to hydrate, firm and repair skin, leaving it soft and glowing. Available in Cleopatra, Stella and Florence."

Jen's Experience: The first thing I noticed about this soap is that the bar is gigantic! And unlike other specialty soaps I've tried, it really lasts a long time and doesn't fall apart. The scent, as with the other products, is still heavenly, although not as noticable as with the body wash. The hydrating effects are just as good as that of the body wash, though. Had I tried this product alone, I would probably be raving about it, but I think I prefer the body wash if given a choice between the two.

Retail Price: $12.00 (Tocca.com)

Ratings:
Body Wash
Body Cream
Soap

Review: Shea Terra Organics Certified Organic Shea Butter (in Kalahari Melon)

What They Say: "Our shea butter is top quality. It is naturally extracted from the wild crafted karite nuts and hand picked in West Africa. This butter then undergoes natural cleaning to take out impurities. Shea butter provides natural sun protection and skin healing properties. We add only all natural fragrances and pure essential oils to fragrance our butter.

The essential fatty acids present in shea nourish the skin. Shea butter is doctor recommened for eczema, psoriasis, post-surgery scars and rashes. It also works wonders on a babies' gentle skin, replacing petroleum and mineral oil, which can be toxic. Applied daily, shea butter can help reduce the onslaught of stretch marks in expecting women. Natural shea butter replaces many toxic skincare products found in households around the world.

Each jar comes wrapped with a geniune shea nut!"

"You'll love the aroma and soft texture of Kalahari Melon shea butter. Melons originally grew in the wild in Africa. Bush tribes of Southern Africa still use the wild melons as a valuable source of water in the dry desert region. We've added skin quenching melon seed oil to our organic shea butter and sprinkled it with all natural melon fragrance for a one of a kind, delectable experience."

Melissa Says: This shea butter is so very soft, it begins to emulsify almost the moment you dip some out with your fingers. It feels comforting and smooth going on, and soaks into the skin quicky without leaving a greasy feeling afterward that some shea butters do (some of those more intense ones are best for overnight treatments for this very reason). Instead, all you are left with is incredibly soft skin and no mess. You can even use it at your keyboard, smoothing onto hands and dry cuticles, and continue to go about your work. Some of their other scents to try include Frankincense and Myrrh, Cape Chamomile Lavender, Moroccan Mint Vanilla, and Madagascar Vanilla. While I loved the scent in the jar, one thing I noticed was that that scent dissipated quickly after I applied it, though it was still faint.

Retail Price: $10.95, 6 oz. (currently $10 on sale or 3 for $28 online at store.africansheabuttercompany.com with free shipping on orders of $60 or more) - OR try a mini jar (1 oz.) for $3.50. I've seen this jar size and there is plenty to last long enough for you to test out the formula or a new scent. Also, be patient with their website, though it's a Yahoo storefront for now, it looks like this month they're getting ready to unveil their new retail site.

DeLush Rating:

Review: Henry Beautiful Body Cream

What They Say: "Henry’s Body Lotion is a luxurious, deeply penetrating formula that combines botanicals with the latest advancements in the moisture-retention technology. Plumps and strengthens skin for a smoother and healthier appearance. Also includes anti-aging benefits.

Main Active Ingredients:

Glycerin - A humectant that attracts moisture into the skin.

Olive Fruit Oil - Antioxidant that nourishes and heals by locking the water into the skin.

Shea Butter - A solid fatty oil that soothes and moisturizes the skin and protects against UV rays."

Lisa’s Experience: I really looked forward to testing this product, as my skin has been very dry this winter. I showered and use my favorite exfoliant, patted myself dry and smoothed Henry Beautiful’s Cucumber Gardenia Body Cream from neck to toe. I was not disappointed. It hydrated every bit as well as it smelled. I thought it an odd combination of fragrance, but the two worked very well together: the green cucumber smell predominant finally yielding to the gardenia after it had been on about 15 minutes. It's a great fragrance, though it does end up being sweet smelling for those of you who don’t care for gardenia.

It is also thick, but within about 15 minutes it had soaked right into my skin and yes, it looked hydrated and plumped, was soft to the touch and had just as smooth feeling as it looked. I did need to re-apply it a second time later in the day to keep that hydrated feeling but that’s usually the case with most products.

As mentioned, while I was testing this product, I tried it directly after showers and then again throughout the day. There was a big difference in absorption, skin softening and moisture retention when using it after bath/shower. I’m guessing this has to do with the humectant and other wonderful oils contained in this product. Give it a try!

Additionally, because it's in a plastic 8 oz. bottle, it's easy to toss in a bag to travel without worry about breakage. Doesn’t get any easier than that. Look for more Henry Beautiful reviews in the coming weeks!

Retail Price: $30.00/8 oz (at henrybeautiful.com or go here to have Henry Beautiful find the nearest retail location near you)

Delush Rating:

Review: Spa Towells

What They Say: "Each lightly scented 8” x 8” body moisturizing towelette is drenched with a rich blend of natural oils, antioxidant rich vitamins and moisture attracting humectants that leave skin feeling smoother, softer and more supple.

For a wonderfully convenient way to moisturize, use just out of the shower, on the run from one activity to another, after a relaxing pedicure or when traveling. Moisturize legs with a Spa Towell after shaving for a super smooth, lustrous sheen that can last all day. Use this new beauty product as often as desired on face, neck, hands, legs and body to soften, pamper and protect skin.

Individually packaged body moisturizing towelettes are extremely handy and convenient. Packets are lightweight and easily fit into purses, pockets, backpacks, golf bags, tennis bags...the list goes on and on. Pack several into your suitcase for your next trip. No more bulky bottles or messy spills and leaks!"

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: These moisturizing towels are the first of their kind that I've tried. When unfolded, they really are large enough and contain enough moisturizer for the entire body. The scent is pleasant, fairly light and fresh, though it does seem a bit more strong initially out of the packet. It was a little weird getting used to how much product is on the sheet before you apply it to the skin, but it isn't messy. Skin is left softly hydrated with no slick or oily feeling, though I would have liked the effect to last a bit longer.

I would say that these would be a great alternative to bringing bottles of lotion when you travel (especially with current airport regulations), as they take up so much less space and there's no chance of them leaking onto your things. Because of the cost difference per use, however, this isn't a very economical choice for regular daily use. Still, I like that these can fit into any purse, bag or back jeans pocket and are a great portable way to freshen up and moisturize when you're on the road or can't get home at night from work before going out.

I know the description suggests using these on legs after shaving, but I really think that if they came out with some smaller versions that could be a bit less expensive per use, that would make something like that much more workable. I know they're coming out with more new products soon, so perhaps that will be one of the new options soon.

Retail Price:
10-pack - $10
20-pack - $20
30-pack - $30
(plus S&H, online at the Spa Towells online store or go to spatowells.com to find a retail location near you)

DeLush Rating:

Noah's Naturals Honest to Goodness Natural Starter Kit

"Noah's Naturals is family of organic beauty care brands offering luxurious formulas with indulgent fragrances that are all good! Our products are made with high quality naturally organic ingredients, such as herbs, essential oils and emollients that will make you look good and feel good inside and out! Noah's Naturals NEVER TESTS ON ANIMALS.

Each product is formulated with natural ingredients and essential oils to provide you the best quality products available to the mass market. Our products DO NOT contain - Parabens, Propylene Glycol, Artificial Colors, Petroleum, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. Simply a clean, fresh and exhilarating experience that’s all good for you (and the Earth)! Available online at www.noahsnaturals.com and select Walmart stores nationwide."

Jen's Experience: The starter kit contains just a few of the products in the Honest to Goodness product line: the Peppermint Lip Balm, Grapefruit Body Lotion, Foot Cream, Hand Salve/Cream and Cuticle Cream. Some of these products I really liked, others weren't really my thing.

The Grapefruit body lotion reminds me a lot of the Kiss My Face Rosemary Grapefruit lotion that I tried last year. The scent is citrusy and light. It lingers, but it isn't unpleasant. When I put this on after my bath at night, I can still feel the coverage on my legs when I get up in the morning, and that's a good thing to me.

I had a similar experience with the foot cream. Although the scent wasn't as nice as the body lotion, the coverage was similar. After a few days of use, it actually seemed to have softened up the calluses on my feet, which is quite amazing. I am not normally a big fan of foot creams, but I really liked this particular product.

The other product in the set that I really got a lot of use of is the Peppermint Lip Balm. Although this isn't as effective as the Sevi Javabean Lip Balm I used a few weeks ago, a few swipes throughout the day were fairly effective in fighting off the chapped lips I normally get at this time of year.

I can't say I got a lot of use out of the hand salve and cuticle cream. I tried, but hard, waxy moisturizers are not my thing. If you like the hand salve and cuticle cream that Burt's Bee's makes, I think you'll find these products to be right up your alley. For me, they just weren't appealing.

The set, overall, makes me curious about the line, but I wish they'd included some facial moisturizer or the shampoo and conditioner rather than the hand and cuticle creams. I also thought the sizes for the body moisturizer and foot cream, clearly the stars of the set, were small for the price. I give a big thumbs up to Noah's Naturals for creating a line of products that's all natural, not tested on animals, and way less expensive than a lot of the competition. After using this set, I would definitely give their moisturizers some space on my bathroom shelves, and I'm inclined to try some of their other products as well.

Retail Price: $14.34 (NoahsNaturals.com or Wal-Mart)

Rating:

Kama Ayurveda Hair Cleanser, Conditioner, Body Wash and Lotion

About the Hair Cleanser: "A mild hair cleanser wth Neem and Chinese rose (Japa) extracts which naturally nourish the hair while cleansing."

About the Conditioner: "Cypress Orange Hair Conditioner blends Indian Gooseberry (Amla), Almond, and Soy with Almond Oil to create a wonderful moisturizer that revitalizes and strengthens damaged hair."

Jen's Experience: I was in love with the bottles at first sight. The plastic bottles look like they're made out of glass, and the gold caps and beautiful labeling make me want to just put them on the shelf for decoration. I was a little hesitant to try them on my hair after it was recently colored. Then I read the labels, and was incredibly impressed with the list of natural ingredients. There are no harsh detergents at all, not even any chemicals. I decided to give it a shot and was very pleased with the results. The orange scent is pleasant but not overpowering and my hair didn't seem to retain any of the scent. The cleanser didn't lather a whole lot (probably owing to the lack of detergents), but it did the job -- my hair was clean but well moisturized, thanks to the conditioner. Used with volumizing products, my hair gets excellent body, but even without, it's soft, bouncy, and extraordinarily glossy.

Retail Price: $18.00 each (Alcanz.com)

About the Body Cleanser: "A perfect hydrating shower gel with Honey, Rice, Wheat and Sugar extracts to nourish the skin while cleansing."

Jen's Experience: The scent of this is the same as the hair cleanser, but I found the scent to be more noticable as I used it in the shower. It doesn't foam or lather a lot, but it does a good job of cleaning and a great job of restoring moisture to my skin. The product is so gentle it seems like it could even be used on the face. I definitely enjoy using this in the shower!

Retail Price: $18.00 each (Alcanz.com)

About the Body Moisturizer: "A perfect moisturizer with Rice and Wheat extracts and Sunflower and Olive Oil which nourish and hydrate the skin."

Jen's Experience: Much like the other products, I was impressed with the low-key, pleasant scent and the natural ingredient list. This is one of the only scented moisturizers I've used where the scent wasn't overpowering and didn't really linger (although with this product, I certainly wouldn't have minded). The moisturizer soaked into my skin quickly, making it a great product for blue jean days or use before bed. When I do use it right before going to sleep, I can't even tell I had it on by morning. My legs aren't dry, but they don't feel the slightest bit slick.

Overall, I'm incredibly impressed with this line, and I think it would make for an excellent indulgence for yourself or an impressive gift for others.

Ratings:
Hair Cleanser and Conditioner
Body Cleanser
Body Moisturizer

Review: Maryam's Soap Nook Cream Handmade Soap and Body Butter

What They Say: (about the Soap) "Our cream handmade soaps are made with the highest quality olive oil, shea butter, monoi de tahiti oil, fresh cream, goat milk, essential oil, and fragrances. The combination of fresh cream and extra shea butter gives this handmade soap a wonderful thick, silky, and creamy lather.

Unscented soap is always available to those who do not prefer any fragrance.

Designs may vary from batch to batch as our soaps are handmade and handcut.
Cream Handmade Soaps are sometimes referred to as Designer Soaps, due to the design and patterns of the Handmade Soap. 6 oz."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: What I like about these lovely soaps are the pretty blocks of color and soft lather. Though they don't provide incredible moisture once you're out of the bath, they're still gentle and provide a nice clean feeling without residue. I also want to note that some of the scents in this line can be a bit strong and perfume-y, but others are pleasant. (I tried the Peaches and Cream, Dutch Apple Pie and Creamy Peppermint Sea.) I would recommend that you carefully look for something that sounds like what you'd enjoy. However, I believe many of the scents will appeal more to those who prefer the florals that predominate many of the options. Another option, of course, is to get the products unscented, as they offer.

What They Say: (about the Body Butter) "A little body butter makes everything better!

Especially this luxurious and natural formula of shea butter, monoi de tahiti oil, cocoa butter, sweet almond oil, sunflower oil, goat milk, vitamin E, and silk fibers.

Handmade with the finest quality of healing oils, butters, essential oils, and fragrance, our body butter is ideal for post-shower or bathing to seal in moisture, leaving you with healthy skin that immediately feels smooth and protected.

Once you start using Whipped Shea Monoi Body Butter you will wonder how you ever did without it."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: That definitely sounded promising, but I must say I was disappointed with this product. The scent that I had (Gardenia Peach, described as "sweet and feminine tropical floral gardenia, paired with sweet juicy peaches") didn't strike me as sweet at ALL. In fact, I felt a bit bombarded with the floral part, and it wasn't very pleasant. I actually decided to try to wash it off after wearing it for a short amount of time because I felt like it was giving me a headache. Also, it appeared that there were tiny bits of sparkle on my arms after I applied it, which I can only assume were in the formula, though they were hard to see in the jar. Compared to some other body butters I've tried, this one didn't feel nearly as nice on the skin, either. Unfortunately, I think this is a product that needs to be completely re-formulated or simply eliminated.

Retail Prices:
(the Soap) $5.00
(the Body Butter) $15.00 (8oz) $25.00 (16oz)
(available at Maryam's Soap Nook online - which I also want to note is a bit cumbersome to navigate and could have a much cleaner look)

DeLush Ratings:
(the Soap)
(the Body Butter)

Review: Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion

What They Say: "A Shielding Lotion is far more effective as a dry skin care treatment than mere moisturizing lotions or protective creams. If you suffer from dry skin, you know that just using a moisturizing lotion doesn't solve the problem.

Skin MD Natural™ is promptly absorbed, without the slightest hint of any greasy or oily feeling or residue, transforming the outer layer of skin into a hydrating invisible shield.

Glycerin has been the standard against which all humectants are measured. Until now no other humectant drew in as much moisture from the air as glycerin. But the proprietary formulation in Skin MD Natural™ has a moisturizing factor of at least 6 times greater than glycerin.
Skin MD Natural™ utilizes the finest effective natural skin care ingredients for dry skin treatment along with the latest advances in dry skin care technology to hydrate and protect the skin.

This is an entirely new concept in skin care requiring a new classification: "Shielding Lotion". A shielding lotion keeps moisture-robbing irritants away from the skin while the proprietary "super" humectants hydrate the skin throughout the day.

An accumulated effect of Skin MD Natural is fully realized after only a few days of daily use. Depending on how dry your skin is the first few days may require reapplications after only a few hours. Usually, after a few days of continuous use, only one or two daily applications are necessary for complete dry skin care.

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: At first, I just applied this lotion thinking, "Okay, it's a normal, lightweight lotion. I don't get it." But after massaging it into my hands for a few seconds I started to see part of what makes this lotion different. It suddenly dried to a (slightly) slick, non-greasy feeling that's hard to describe. Let's just say I could rub my thumb and index finger together and they'd sort of squeak! It's not uncomfortable - in fact, it's very comfortable. You can literally feel this very thin sort of protective "coating" on your skin. I do want to emphasize though, that there is no greasiness, nothing in the way of you performing daily activities.

Another thing to note is that if you have very dry skin, it may still be dry for a few days. This doesn't exactly soften those spots immediately, but in fact protects your skin to give it a chance to heal. For instance, I have this nasty habit of picking at my cuticles. This gets especially worse during winter, when the dry air and hot water I use makes my hands have rough cuticles and also often dry, rough palms. When my cuticles are dry, I can't stop myself from picking at those spots. I know, it's gross.

My point is, I noticed that while using this as directed (every 2-8 hours at first, then every 12-48 hours), washing my hands didn't dry them out as badly (I could feel it almost beading on my skin) and even though the spots I'd picked at weren't very soft right away, they were soothed enough that I didn't have the urge to make it worse and they had a chance to begin to heal.

Although this won't make your skin magically silky immediately, it WILL help your skin to maintain its own moisture and help restore it. The directions also say it can be used on the face if needed, but I would only recommend applying it to the occasional persistent patch of dry skin. There is a very light scent, but it should be barely noticeable to most users (no fragrance is added).

Retail Price: $25.00 (at skinmdnatural.com) or if you're curious and want to try it out first, order samples for $2.00

DeLush Rating:

Review: Carol's Daughter Sexy Belly

What They Say: “Improve your skin’s elasticity on those sexy body parts; belly, breasts, and hips with SEXY BELLY. This vitamin rich treatment is loaded with shea butter, cocoa butter and jojoba oil which helps with cell regeneration and capillary circulation. Sexy Belly should be used twice daily to reduce the appearance of stretch marks, while conditioning the skin. Great for “mommies to be” and sensitive skin."

Toya’s Take: I love, love, love Carol’s Daughter and I’m a bellydancer, so I was excited to test this product! But, sorry to say, I was a bit disappointed. Sexy Belly goes on very nicely – it makes your skin feel smooth and supple, which I like. But, I don’t see any difference between this and any other body butter. In fact, I like Carol’s Daughter’s body butters better (Wow – that’s a bit of a tongue twister!) because they have such yummy scents. Sexy Belly has no added scent at all, which might be great for some, but left me feeling let down because the lovely, fresh scents are part of what made me fall in love with Carol’s Daughter. Also, since I don’t have any stretch marks on my belly, I couldn’t really prove if it works to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. If you want my advice, stick to the scented body butters in the Carol’s Daughter line. I rub those on my belly, breasts and hips and they work just fine (in fact, I’m wearing Jamaican Punch today).

Retail Price: $15.00 (at carolsdaughter.com

DeLush Rating:

Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturizing Lotion

What They Say: "This patented Triple Oat formula with shea butter extract relieves and soothes itchy, extra dry skin, and is clinically proven to moisturize for 24 hours."

Jamie’s Thoughts: Let me begin by saying that this lotion does exactly what Aveeno claims: it’s gentle, it lasts 24 hours, and it relieves my itchy, extra dry skin. While it may be right for some folks, my own experience could have been better. During the winter months in particular, I have patches of itchy, dry skin on the back of my arms, my calves, and my shoulder blades. This product provided a really nice solution for that – no more tight, uncomfortable skin in those areas!

I also put it on my more normally balanced areas – my legs, my hands, etc. Not so successful there, I’m afraid. After 5 hours, I still felt mildly slimy – as if the lotion had simply been “too much.” Also, I can’t agree with Aveeno’s claim that the lotion is “fragrance free.” When you first apply it, there is a definite plastic smell – like the time I put my banana clip in the Easy Bake Oven. Waxy and very distinct, like a really old tube of lipstick. Fortunately, the smell fades.

Overall? Great solution for problem areas, but I don’t recommend it for full body moisture unless your entire body is troubled and dry. Use with caution.

Price: $7.19 (Drugstore.com)

Rating:

Review: Skinsational California Citrus Lotion

What They Say: "One of our best selling products! Our signature lotion contains chamomile, lavender, sweet melissa and honey extracts to hydrate skin. Vitamins A and D reduce the appearance of fine lines while Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant, regenerates and soothes skin."

Jamie’s Thoughts: Right off the bat, I was irritated by the packaging on this lotion – the plastic bottle is so hard that it makes getting any lotion out a chore. Not a promising start.

I’ve kept this lotion at my desk for weeks now – with winter coming, and hand washings galore to avoid the flu, I’ve really spent some time using the product. A “welterweight” lotion, it absorbs quickly and evenly without even a HINT of greasiness. It feels water-based to the touch – perfect for ladies who like their moisturizers light. I can put it on, rub it in, and go right back to work without getting gunk all over the keyboard and mouse.

The citrus scent is very refreshing, with strong notes of orange and grapefruit. It’s a fantastic pick-me-up on a cloudy day! It also doesn’t linger, for better or for worse, and won’t stink up your office. I recommend this product.

Retail Price: $16.50 (at skinsationalspa.com)

DeLush Rating:

Review: NEW! Carol's Daughter The Original Mango Body Butter

What They Say: "Originally created over 12 years ago, this is one of the first Body Butters made in the Carol's Daughter kitchen by founder, Lisa Price. A creamy mix of cocoa butter, shea butter and natural oils, blended to a smooth texture that is easily absorbed into the skin. This buttery treat, leaves skin super smooth and velvety. The fragrance is just how you remembered it: mango, vanilla and essential oil of patchouli for a soft sexy scent."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: I knew that Toya had reviewed some of Carol's Daughter body butters in the past, and was excited to give this re-issued original formula a try. And let me say, I was NOT DISAPPOINTED.

The scent? Only slightly intense in the container, but on your skin it's very luscious. The texture is thick but spreadable and smooth. This is serious hydration for your skin, and lasts a very long time.

User Tip: Apply this in the evening or at bedtime, as it can take a little while to completely soak into your skin (make sure to rub it in really well). If you do it at night, your skin will feel absolutely amazing in the morning. This has also worked WONDERS on my dry cuticles (I rub on a tiny amount on a few times throughout the day), and this would also make a wonderful overnight foot moisturizer - just apply, put on cotton socks, and go to bed!

Retail Price: $25.00 (at carolsdaughter.com or go here to find a retail location near you)

DeLush Rating:

Review: Not Soap, Radio "I'm Not Here, I'm Really At The SPA" Body Soufflé

What They Say: "Luxe, moisturizing, life-enhancing body souffle. All-over moisturizer scented with apricot lavender.

I'm not here, I'm really at the SPA.
Good-bye to phones, traffic, noise. Wrap me, Detoxify me, Reiki me, make me swoon from Shiatsu. Book facials, reflexology, yoga, hikes. I will be peeled, polished, buffed, aromatherapied. Stress melts away. I am glowing, healthy. All is in balance, my yin realigned with my yang.

How to make this happen: After showering or bathing massage a generous amount into warm, damp skin. Pure bliss, skin is velvety soft, your spirit is renewed."

Jen's Experience: When I first got this body souffle, I loved the adorable packaging and nice aroma. Since I also got the Cocktail Lip Gloss at the same time, I guess alcoholic drinks were on my mind -- I thought the scent of this souffle was supposed to be margarita scented. Either way, the lovely light, summer-y scent is still my favorite part of this product.

I use this frequently after my evening bath while my skin is still warm, as it directs. You have to use a pretty large amount of this to really get good coverage, but once it's on, it lasts for hours. This is not one that I would recommend for just moisturizing dry legs throughout the day; it really doesn't seem to work unless you use it right out of the bath or shower.

This is a great body moisturizer if you want to pamper yourself, but if you're looking for a good general moisturizer for the body, this is not the one to choose. But if a lovely margarita (or apricot, as the case may be) scented body souffle sounds like a great way to end a soothing bath, this might just be the product for you.

Retail Price: $20.00 (Not Soap, Radio)

Rating:

Review: Tesoras Body Lotion, Whipped Body Butter, and Bubble Bath & Shower Gel

What They Say: (about the Body Lotion) "As you use it daily, the result will be more supple, healthy skin while eliminating dryness and flakiness. Extra beeswax provides thicker, more long lasting coverage."
(about the Body Butter) "The soy creme is paraben free. All ingredients are derived from botanical products. It contains Vitamin E as an antioxidant, emollient, and moisturizer for the skin. The Vitamin C serves as an antioxidant that also maintains PH."
(about the Bubble Bath & Shower Gel) "All you need is a few capfuls under running water to create a relaxing experience.Or a few dops on a sponge will give you lots of luxurious lather.custom&handmade. Fragrant bubble bath/shower Gel relax, refresh and rejuvenate while promoting skin health, and help alleviate the stress of the day. Made without any mineral oils and no artificial coloring."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: I have to start by saying that I admit I caught myself judging the products a little before I actually tried them based on their packaging. Not low-quality by any means, but it didn't really catch my eye aesthetically and seemed a bit too "homemade" for me to be completely sure about. However, once I opened the containers and smelled the very scrumptious scents, I immediately let go of that hangup. (Scents options include: Chocolate Strawberry, Chocolate Cherry, Cherry Vanilla, Tropical Vacation, and more.)
(Body Lotion) While I didn't find these to be heavily-moisturizing, I do think that if you like to use lotion for the fragrance benefits it is very nice. If you really need heavy skin moisturization, that isn't why you should reach for this. But as a scent layer, this light moisturizer works great.
(Body Butter) This also didn't provide as heavy of a moisturization as many typical body butters, but was more airy and non-tacky. It soaks into the skin right away and has a dry-touch feel.
(Bubble Bath & Shower Gel) Smelling equally fabulous, this combo product produced a nice amount of bubbles with only about 3 tablespoons-worth poured under running water, even though they began to slowly disappear before the end of the bath, and as a shower gel it provides a great sensory experience with nice suds.

Retail Prices:
(Body Lotion) 2oz. $4.00, 8oz. $11.00
(Body Butter) 2oz. $4.00, 8oz. $11.00
(Bubble Bath & Shower Gel) 2oz. $7.00, 8oz. $25.00
(all available at tesoras.com)

DeLush Ratings:
(Body Lotion)
(Whipped Body Butter)
(Bubble Bath & Shower Gel)

Review: SebaMed Moisturizing Body Lotion

What They Say:

• Supports and protects the acid mantle of the skin
  
• With the pH value of 5.5 of healthy skin
  
• Without colour additives

  Product features:
  

• Active moisturizing complex nourishes and preserves the natural moisture balance of the skin
  
• Camomile extract and allantoin soothe the skin making it soft and supple
  
• Naturally cooling and calming
  
• Readily absorbed without greasy residue
  
• Daily body care tones the skin and refreshes its appearance

  Indications:
  

• Well suited for the care of sensitive, normal to oily skin after washing or bathing
  
• Especially recommended for use in hot climates or in summer
  
• Effective body care for athletes, after sports and sunbathing
  
• Dermatologically tested
  

Jen's Experience: I'm all about body moisturizers that are really luxurious and ultra-moisturizing, but what I don't like is moisturizers that feel greasy and wet long after it should have soaked in. Lucky for me, this is a moisturizer that works without leaving a residue or a greasy feeling on my skin. If you're in need of a deep moisturizer for very dry skin, this probably isn't a good winter choice for you. I would recommend it for all skin types for summer wear, and normal to oily (as it recommends) in cooler or dryer weather.

The scent is a little like baby powder, but it's not overpowering. It's not something that you'd wear for the fragrance, but more for its moisturizing ability. Overall, this seems like a good product, although it probably is comparable to moisturizers by Jergens or Keri, which are much less expensive. This does make me want to try their facial moisturizer though; if it's as gentle and non-greasy as the body lotion, it may be perfect underneath foundation.

Retail Price: $14.68 (currently only at SebaMedUSA.com)

Rating:

Fall Product Review: Carol's Daughter Body Butters

What They say: (About Almond Cookie) “Cocoa butter moisturizes skin with antioxidant properties. Shea butter, which is rich in fatty acids, is renowned for its moisturizing properties. Almond, vanilla and sandalwood come together in this warm and sweet scent. Almond Cookie Body Butter imparts a beautiful shine to dull skin.” (About Jamaican Punch) “Cocoa butter moisturizes skin with antioxidant properties. Shea butter, which is rich in fatty acids, is renowned for its moisturizing properties. Fruits, flowers and spices kissed with vanilla and laced with musk, create this delicious concoction. Jamaican Punch Body Butter imparts a beautiful shine to dull skin.”

Toya’s Take: I am a huge lover of Carol’s Daughter and have been for a while, so I was more than happy to test their new body butters. I applied the body butters after showering, when my skin was still damp. First, I was really happy with the size of the tin – since it only takes a bit of the body butter to moisturize, the product will last a long time. Also, I love that Carol’s Daughter includes a little bit of “decoration” in each tin – an almond in Almond Cookie (of course – though I would have been happier with a cookie) and a slice of dried apple with Jamaican Punch. Carol’s Daughter always adds a little something extra in each product, which I think is so cool and makes me want to reorder every time – it’s little touches that keep companies in the forefront of my mind and make me want to give them my business over and over.

Both body butters work equally well. As a woman with dry skin, I really love this product – it starts out hard, but softens under the heat from your hands and liquefies. Once applied, your skin takes on this beautiful gleam, but it absorbs almost instantly, so you’re not left with greasy shine. I loved both scents – Almond Cookie is soft and sweet and can be used even with a perfume, since it’s not overpowering. Jamaican Punch is a much heavier fragrance – in fact, I think it smells like potpourri, but I like it!

Retail price: $18 (Carol's Daughter or Sephora)

Ratings:
Almond Cookie -
Jamaican Punch - (just because the scent is a bit stronger and might be too much for some).