Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel

Dermalogica's Special Gel Cleanser is a concentrated, soap-free, foaming gel designed to thoroughly remove impurities without disturbing the skin's natural moisture balance. It contains no artificial fragrance or color and is ideal for all skin types. In a word, it's perfect. If you've ever wished for soft skin and a clear complexion, this is your genie in a bottle (no rubbing required).

It's very gentle on the skin, yet super effective at removing dirt, grime and even makeup. Special Gel Cleanser feels like a dream when you apply it to your skin - like silk, or something equally smooth and luxurious. If I had to compare it so something you might be familiar with, I'd say it's akin to a high-end Cetaphil. I loved this product from the day I started using it, back in late 2010. But I didn't realize how much my skin loved this cleanser until I started testing other cleansers last month and my skin straight up rebelled. Breakouts re-appeared and it completely dried out. Since then, my skin has been on a strict Dermalogica diet and I've seen improvement every day.

An 8.4 oz bottle of this good stuff costs $33, which sounds like a lot for a face cleanser. But - believe me - it's worth every penny. Special Cleansing Gel is special, indeed.

Shiny, Unhappy People

I thought I was done being Miss Greasy Face. In September, I waved goodbye to the oil slick that had summer vacationed on my t-zone. Little did I realize it would be home for the holidays.

I love the way super-rich winter moisturizers soothe my chapped, flaky face; my skin is so thirsty in the morning that it just drinks in the moisture. But by 10 am, I’m rummaging in my purse for my powder compact. And at the end of the day, I’m dabbing at my face with napkins left over from my Saladworks lunch.

If I could get away with the same gel moisturizer I use during warm months, I would; but as luck would have it, when I try wearing a lightweight moisturizer in the winter, I end up looking something like this…


Well, thanks to Eve Lom Moisturiser SPF 15, the oil slick took another vacation – which I think will be a permanent one. Somehow it manages to pamper my parched skin, without any shine or greasy residue; I apply a liberal amount in the AM and I’m shine-free all day - and all night. I would recommend this moisturizer to anyone, regardless of skin type. It’s just that good.

Isn’t it time you learned all about Eve? Eve Lom products are available at Space NK and evelom.com.

Got Problem Skin? No Problem!

Worried that your makeup brushes may have something to do with your plugged-up pores? Sephora’s Deluxe Antibacterial Brush Set may offer a solution. This seven-piece, professional-quality brush set is treated with a non-toxic, hypoallergenic compound that attacks and destroys harmful bacteria. The soft, synthetic fibers distribute just the right amount of pigment and the set comes packaged in a chic, silver, tri-fold brush case.

Set includes a foundation brush, concealer brush, powder brush, angled eye shadow brush, eye blender brush, lip/eyeliner brush, and a brow brush/lash comb.

Space Cadet

Space NK, founded in 1993 by beauty junkie Nicky Kinnaird, began with one small shop in Covent Garden, London. Today, it’s a 50-store chain, offering a carefully edited selection of high quality, original and effective beauty products from innovators and specialists around the world.

"The process is a combination of personal research, word-of-mouth and pavement pounding during my international travels," Kinnaird explains.

In May 2007, the apothecary crossed “the pond” and opened its flagship store in the heart of SoHo. If you’re one of the lucky lasses with a Space NK in your neighborhood, I encourage you to take a trip to see, firsthand, what makes this chain so addictive.

Kinnaird adds, “For those of you unable to get to our stores in the UK and beyond, why not browse and discover products for yourself online?”

Spoiled Pretty thinks you’ll fancy Face Boutique’s Fresh Faced Moisturiser. Ideal for everyday use, this oil-free gel is designed to hydrate and nourish young skin while providing the perfect base for makeup. Its unique ingredients include zinc-rich Smithsonite, which regulates sebum, prebiotics to help reduce breakouts, and strawberry extract to tone. It's also crammed full of powerful antioxidants squeezed from cherries, apples and grapes.