Get soothed as you smooth on Johnson’s Melt Away Stress Body Lotion. Its star ingredients chamomile and lavender have proven to reduce tension and have the aromatherapy benefit of relaxation. Aside from affecting mood through scent, the sense of touch is improved as shea butter and soybean oil restores skin’s softness.

Visit www.johnsonsforyou.com for more information or www.drugstore.com to order products online.

~Bernie

Back when products for brown beauties were rare and few, AMBI was one of the go-to brands. However, the formula became outdated, people stopped believing it was working and switched to brands with more appealing packaging and a sophisticated image. Now, I’m feeling the all-new AMBI line of skincare products. I am not a fan of bar soaps, but I was pleasantly surprised by the efficacy of the Ambi Skincare Complexion Cleansing Bar. Just a little lather goes a long way and it also packs quite some power in removing the day’s makeup - the all day wear of foundation, reapplied touch up powder, what’s left of lipstick, inked on eye liner and stiff dry mascara – and gently at that! Skin doesn’t have an ashen or film look that bar soap typically leaves behind. Although it moisturizes, there is no sticky feeling. A bargain at only $1.99, this better bar makes skin look as good as it feels. Also, a pinky up for Ambi Even & Clear Skincare Daily Moisturizer with SPF 30. The formula is non-greasy and contains well-needed, even for brown beauties, sun protection. After using the moisturizer as a part of my morning regimen for several weeks, my skin has been properly hydrated throughout a long winter day and does appear overall more toned. The formula also wears well underneath makeup.

Visit www.ambiskincare.com for more information or www.drugstore.com to order products online.

~Bernie

jane iredale cosmetics deliver benefits and beauty as promised - natural formula mascara that leaves lashes looking longer and conditioned while being soft and pliable without flaking, stickiness or clumping, foundation that hides every flaw packed with sun protection and anti-bacterial, and no dye lipstick with sun protection. As a cosmetics junkie, I’m cynical of the promises made by manufacturers. jane iredale is exciting because the makeup is actually healthy for your skin. It is renowned for being good for skin and allowing it to breathe.

The line is developed with advice from dermatologists and plastic surgeons and comprised of micronized minerals and pigments without fillers, binders (such as talc which makes skin look ashy), chemical dyes or preservatives.

In the never-ending search for the perfect foundation and tapping into the mineral miracle hype, I tried the jane iredale PurePressed Pressed Minerals SPF 20 base in shade Maple. Interestingly, the line’s bases work as a concealer, foundation, powder and sunscreen all in one. Best of all, it actually hides any skin discoloration caused by aging or illness. The base goes on easily, doesn’t fade or smear and lasts for most of the day. Filled with anti-oxidants, the base also works as a great anti-inflammatory for acne and rosacea. My skin doesn’t feel like it’s wearing a coat or clown paint. After a full day, my skin felt smooth and has a wonderful glow. Priced at $48, the product is well worth the money.

Visit www.janeiredale.com for more information.

By Ellen Rosner Feig