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

Kazam Natural Body Care is somewhat political. The line was created by the spouse of an international diplomat. The organic health and skincare line has been used to teach seminars and workshops to empower African women. The full range line boasts products for men and women. After shave products for men tend to have high alcohol contents and preservatives that habitually irritate the skin. While the packaging is reminiscent of an “old lady product” according to a fellow user, the post shave lotion is useful. It provides a decent balance of moisture and calm. The price point ($10) was exceptional in proportion to the amount of product and amount needed for application. There was a distinct aroma of lemon lime and bergamot. If it wasn’t for the dated packaging and we knew its efficacy, we would purchase this one!

Ashkan