Shaveworks traditionally offers a variety of products for men; however, The Cool Fix, a special targeted gel lotion, is a unisex product that shaving parties of either gender can appreciate. The Cool Fix is designed to treat ingrown hairs, razor bumps, razor burn and redness that often results from close shaving. Application is easy, much like any other moisturizer, only The Cool Fix is comprised of ingredients that lend a unique soothing quality coupled with exfoliating agents to effectively prevent ingrown hair. Most surprising about this product is its lack of tiny beads typically found in exfoliating formulas. Instead, Shaveworks incorporates glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and phytic acid to lift dead skin cells, exfoliate and detoxify sensitive skin. Furthermore, an ingredient called, “mediacalm complex,” aka Boerhavia Root Extract, instantly soothes and reduces redness.

The first stage to achieve maximum benefits from The Cool Fix is regular application for approximately one week. Following this initial phase, maintenance requires less frequent use. The only drawback is that despite its title, results do not necessarily create a cooling sensation. However, a burning sensation will definitely result when applied directly after shaving, and those who are not used to it should be prepared for a gasping effect at minimum. Those odd-sounding ingredients must be at work. Indeed, several days later users will see that The Cool Fix is a worthy investment for achieving a smooth, clean shave look.

Jessica Stein

I had not seen Vavoom hair products since I was in middle school when it was en vogue to gel your hair. Vavoom is making a comeback at salons with a range of hair products called Vavoom Design Pulse. They are still making gel, but under fresh, suggestive packaging and calling it Texture Crème ($15, 5 oz). This lightweight product provides light control without being gummy. We felt the hold could have been stronger for all day wear. The purple texture crème is wonderful for loose, piecey looks without looking overworked. This gel is just the thing for fine hair to emphasize body. It also responded well to heat tools such as a hair dryer. On the whole, Vavoom Design Pulse Texture Crème delivers what it promises with a medium hold, shine, and pliability.

Ashkan

Founded in 1997 in Israel, Sabon is a worldwide boutique store, of natural based soaps, bath and beauty products that brings luxury to the everyday for everyone, through the art of aromatherapy and the benefits of the Dead Sea.

Sabon recently introduced its new Organics line- using medicinal plants with unique age delaying properties. Since this summer I’ve been eternally suffering from what I like to call “Sandalfoot,” I decided to test out Sabon’s silky-sounding foot cream. My hope was to smooth the bumps and rough, dry skin I’d developed walking these mean city streets in my fabulous gladiator sandals.

And I wasn’t disappointed.

Even after one use, the foot cream lives up to it’s claim of restoring the soles of your feet to a soft, supple and smooth surface that’s more familiar in sock season. A unique formula of oils and extracts, the foot cream is based on organic shea butter with organic extracts like witch hazel, which aids in soothing weathered skin. And it’s perfect for all skin types.

Sabon’s Organic Foot Cream definitely turned my rough, warrior feet into a more suitable match for my great goddess gams. I highly recommend it! Retail price: $15

Sabon’s Foot Cream and the entire Organic line of beauty products are available at Sabon stores all over Manhattan (and the world) or online at Sabon

Rochelle Fainstein

Madonna is renowned for popularizing the careers of many talented people such as William Orbit, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Dolce & Gabbana, and makeup artist Laura Mercier. French makeup artist Mercier debuts her first Crème Cheek Pot ($34) this Fall. The two tiered pot has cream color on top for a fresh, flushed effect. The bottom half is a softer focus, loose power for an unfussy glow. The cream blush is not sticky nor does it smudge; ending with a smooth finish. The pure pearl powder minimizes the appearance of flaws and adds a shimmer radiance to the cheeks, thus the product tag line “makes cheeks pop. The overall product was easy to blend with other products and the powder helped set other makeup. Laura Mercier is always a hit. I don’t believe I have ever tried a poor product from her line, even if it is slightly more expensive. The cream cheek color is one for the makeup bag, and then you can decide if you prefer the top or the bottom?

Ashkan

Pureology is historically lauded for its expert approach to hair care, specifically designed for use on colour-treated tresses. In continuation of that tradition, Pureology now introduces the Essential Repair System for hair in need of “intense repair, strength, and colour protection.” This new collection includes products infused with nourishing ingredients to develop sulfate-free formulas additionally comprised of Pureology’s signature color-retaining AntiFadeComplex.

Pureology Essential Repair Shampoo

To replenish hair’s strength and protect against environmental damage, Pureology Essential Repair Shampoo is concentrated with protein-rich soymilk and pure biotin in combination with olive oil and chamomile, which function to restore softness and shine. The scent is pleasantly sweet and not overpowering. An appropriate amount of lathering avoids the over-sudsy result that is common in other comparable products. Furthermore, its ZeroSulfate formula ensures that this product will not strip hair of essential properties that are otherwise lost to the harshness of sulfates and salts.

Pureology Essential Repair Hair Condition

The Essential Repair Hair Condition literally seals the deal in coating tresses with a soothing formula that renews moisture to rebuild damaged hair through the use of much of the same ingredients found in the shampoo counterpart. It also exhibits a sweet, natural scent due to the natural ingredients used to make up this softening and repairing solution. For those who enjoy carrying on a product’s scent beyond the shower and into the day, a delightful, subtle scent is sure to linger.

At this, the peak of pool and beach season, when hair is likely to endure immense damage, users will enjoy Pureology’s latest contribution to protection of colour-treated hair. Perhaps it will permit that color to last through the season-change and help those of us who love the present weather to hold on to the remnants of these carefree summer days?

Jessica Stein

With over 200 natural products on the market, Kiss My Face is a recognized name in the cruelty free cosmetic world, so it almost comes as a surprise to find that they are releasing a Potent & Pure Organic Face Care line. After trying a few products though, I can say they have truly improved an already solid brand. Boasting natural ingredients such as Jojoba Oil, Ester C, Tapioca Root Starch, Organic Mint and more, this line stands out in the ever growing world of natural skin care.

The Clean for a Day creamy face cleanser ($15 for 4 oz.) is perhaps the best smelling wash I have ever had the pleasure of using, even when compared to other organic and natural lines. I have sensitive/combination skin and found the soap free formula left my skin clean, without over-drying (it derives its cleaning agents from sugar and corn). An “Insider Tip” indicates this product can also be used with a cotton ball as a make-up remover. While I found it a little too creamy for this, it still fulfilled its main purpose as a face wash quite well.

My favorite product in the line is the Pore Shrink Deep Pore Cleansing Mask ($15 for 2 oz.) -- a refreshing mask made up of Clove, Tea Tree Oil and Lemongrass. Gentle enough for everyday use on oily skin, yet effective enough for weekly use by those with combination to dry skin, like myself. Using the product once a week will also make the 2 oz. last, as the mask does not require very thick coverage to work.

Additional products in the line include a Jojoba & Mint Facial Scrub ($15 for 2 oz.), SPF 4 Brightening Day Crème ($23 for 1 oz.), Breakout Oil ($19 for 1 oz.), and an incredible hydrating Night Crème, which I enjoyed using once a week for nighttime repair. With ingredients ranging from 63-84% organic and products that deliver the results they promise, Kiss My Face has established a line that should create repeat users out of fans of cruelty-free cosmetics.

Elizabeth Sorrell

JUARA Skincare’s website says “where botanical science meets Indonesian tradition” and it is these principles that make up this straightforward line loaded with botanicals. The creators draw on their East Asian heritages and beauty rituals to put together JUARA. Within their therapeutic body care line, the Candlenut Oil Hand and Body Balm ($25, 4.75 oz) is a luxuriant, nourishing lotion. It is a non-greasy, effective formula with the key ingredient of candlenut oil. An Indonesian staple, candlenut oil is an extremely hydrating plant oil that has a velvet feel and slight tropical aroma. I used the lotion after bathing as warm water can leave skin feeling parched. Instantaneously, my skin felt like silk and replenished.

Ashkan