Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel


Experts consistently rate Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel as the best self tanner for its easy application and smooth, silky texture. Reviewers love the natural color it imparts, although some say that it may take a couple of applications to reach the desired color, depending on your skin tone. Owner-reviewers at MakeupAlley.com claim that Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel is a bit expensive but that the results are worth the extra cost, especially since the tanning gel is virtually streak-free and the odor is more tolerable than that of most self tanners. Experts say that although it is not as convenient as professional spray tanning such as Mystic Tan UV-Free Spray-On Tanning *Est. $25 per session, Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel is much more affordable to maintain.
We found the best reviews for Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel in Paula Begoun's book Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, where Begoun rates and compares thousands of beauty products. Washingtonian Magazine doesn't review nearly as many products, but it does thoroughly rate and compare seven self-tanners. We also found good reviews in beauty magazines Allure and Elle, where numerous products are tested and reviewed by editors and readers alike. User reviews at MakeupAlley.com are consistent, as well, in their praise of the tanning gel.

Head & Shoulders Classic Clean


Reviews say Head & Shoulders Classic Clean is one of the best shampoos available for eliminating mild dandruff, although it may not be strong enough for those with a severe problem. It is also the least-expensive dandruff shampoo that contains zinc pyrithione, a chemical that combats the organisms that cause dandruff. Experts say that Head & Shoulders also is less likely to have irritating side effects than many other anti-dandruff shampoos. If you don't need an anti-dandruff shampoo, reviewers recommend Neutrogena Anti-Residue shampoo (*est. $6 for 6 ounces), a mild formula that won't contribute to buildup.
We found the most reviews for Head & Shoulders shampoos at iVillage.com, which has more than 80 owner-written reviews. We found a smattering of reviews on other sites. About.com also provides a list of top inexpensive shampoos. Head & Shoulders shampoos are also extensively covered by skin- and hair-care expert Paula Begoun in her excellent book, "Don't Go Shopping for Hair-Care Products Without Me."

Dove Shampoo


According to reviews, Dove shampoos are a good inexpensive brand, and in one blind test, Dove finishes at the top. Though the formulas are not unusual or exceptional, users say they like the scent and texture. Owners praise these shampoos because they clean well, smell nice and are an inexpensive drugstore brand.
Dove shampoos come in a variety of formulas including moisturizing, volumizing and intense therapy. There are also Dove shampoos for light- and dark-colored treated hair. Neutrogena Anti-Residue (*est. $6 for 6 ounces) is a better choice, but costs significantly more. If you need an anti-dandruff shampoo, reviewers recommend Head & Shoulders Classic Clean (*est. $5 for 14 ounces).
There are more than 100 consumer reviews for Dove shampoos at Amazon.com, Epinions.com and the Walgreens website. These user reviews are a great source of information about how well the Dove shampoos work. Choice, an Australian magazine, includes Dove Shampoo in its blind test, where 500 home testers evaluated 41 varieties. In her book on hair care, expert Paula Begoun discusses the ingredients in Dove shampoos.

Gillette Mach3 Turbo

Which? magazine, the British consumer publication, compares the Gillette Mach3 Turbo manual razor to four- and five-blade models, providing the best review of this particular model. The Mach3 also receives favorable reviews from Strictly Men's Business and The Boston Globe, both of which compare it to other razors. We also consult owner comments on Amazon.com.
Even though it has been on the market for over 10 years - and now competes against razors that have four or five blades - the three-blade Gillette Mach3 Turbo manual razor is the clear favorite of owners and experts. Reviewers say the Mach3 provides a close, comfortable shave for men and women, and they like the reasonable price of its replacement cartridges. Most sources that have compared the Mach3 against either the five-bladed Gillette Fusion (*est. $11 for razor, $3 each for replacement cartridges) or the four-bladed Schick Quattro (*est. $9 for razor, $1.50 each for replacement cartridges) say the slightly closer shave isn't worth any increase in expense. If you're in the market for a five-blade razor, though, reviewers prefer the Fusion to the Quattro.

First Response Early Result

Reviews say that First Response Early Result is the most sensitive home pregnancy test and it delivers the earliest possible results. In tests, First Response consistently detects 12.5 mIU of, hCG, an early pregnancy hormone. In product testing, First Response Early Result detected pregnancy on the first day of a missed period 95% of the time. Experts recommend that you buy First Response Early Result in two-strip kits, since most women will want to test twice, waiting a week between tests. All home pregnancy tests, including this one, receive user complaints about false positives and false negatives, and some women find the colored lines hard to interpret. Digital tests like Clearblue Easy Digital Pregnancy Test (*est. $19 for two-test kit) are more expensive and less sensitive but do clearly say "pregnant" or "not pregnant."
We found the best coverage at Consumer Reports. You'll need a subscription to read the results. We also found a study by the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, which discusses the accuracy of home pregnancy tests. Users at Drugstore.com and Amazon.com discuss their personal experiences with pregnancy tests.

Centrum from A to Zinc

We found the best information at ConsumerLab.com, which does extensive laboratory testing of multivitamins for dosage accuracy, dissolvability and contaminants. Choice.com.au is an Australian publication that tries to accomplish Consumer Reports-style testing and objectivity. It recommends Centrum from A to Zinc as the best value for women. The free section of Consumer Reports' coverage of multivitamins is really all most people need to know - that you can count on acceptable quality with brand-name or store-label multivitamins. Pharmacy Times' picks are a straight popularity contest - more pharmacists recommend Centrum than other multivitamins.
Vitamins for men and women differ in content, as do vitamins for premenopausal women and older women. Women lose iron during the menstrual cycle, and women who expect to have children need folic acid to prevent neural tube defects. Reviews suggest Centrum from A to Zinc multivitamins for premenopausal women because there are 18 milligrams of iron and 500 micrograms of folic acid. User reviews mainly say this multivitamin is easy to swallow. Reviews suggest Stuart Prenatal (*est. $30 for 100 tablets) for pregnant and lactating women - it has increased folic acid and a higher percentage of vitamin A (in the safer form of beta-carotene) to help prevent birth defects. For older women, experts suggest Centrum Silver (*est. $15 for 150 tablets), which has more B12 and Vitamin K (which can help reduce hip injuries).

One-A-Day Mens Health Formula



We found the best information at ConsumerLab.com, which does extensive laboratory testing of multivitamins for dosage accuracy, dissolvability and contaminants. One-A-Day Men's Health Formula is not tested, but One-A-Day Women's Health Formula is. The free section of Consumer Reports' coverage of multivitamins contains all the information most people need to know - that you can count on acceptable quality with brand-name or store-label multivitamins. User reviews are unscientific, but helpful for input on how easy it is to swallow the pill and how many people experience nausea.
Experts say most men can get all the iron they need from diet -- no more than nine milligrams per day - and reviews recommend One-A-Day Men's Health Formula multivitamins because they contain no iron. Studies are ongoing about the value of selenium and vitamin E in preventing prostate problems, and One-A-Day Men's Formula has 150 percent of the recommended Daily Value (DV) of both. Some user reviews note difficulty swallowing One-A-Day Men's Health Formula. The amount of iron is a major difference between men's and women's vitamins; premenopausal women lose iron during menstruation cycles, so for women, reviewers prefer Centrum from A to Zinc (*est. $13 for 180 tablets) which does contain iron. The major differences between vitamins for men under age 50 and older men are the levels of B12 and Vitamin K, the latter being helpful in avoiding hip fractures. If you're over 50, reviews recommend Centrum Silver (*est. $15 for 150 tablets).

Braun Series 7 760cc



We were able to find thorough reviews of the Braun Series 7 shaver from a number of experts, including The Times of London newspaper, Popular Mechanics magazine and Gizmodo.com. Various versions of the Series 7 shaver have also attracted over 400 posts from owners at Amazon.com.
The verdict on the Braun Series 7 (previously called the Braun Pulsonic) is that it has a unique gimmick: Its foil head vibrates laterally, producing a pulsating effect that makes the skin of the user's face ripple (and presumably causes the hairs to stick out a little straighter). Popular Mechanics says the Series 7 delivers a "smoother, less painful" shave, but can't cut as close as an ordinary, non-electric razor, while The Times of London says it's still the "king of shavers," even if it's only a marginal advance on its predecessor. Owners posting to Amazon.com are mostly upbeat about the Braun Series 7 shaver, but the cleaning system draws some criticism, including the cost of refill cartridges (*est. $6 each), which must be replaced about once a month. The 760cc is the most basic of the Series 7 shavers. But while it has a few less bells and whistles, it delivers the same shaving performance as the more expensive Series 7 790cc (*est. $270). If you prefer a rotary shaver, you may also want to consider the Philips Norelco arcitec 1050X (*est. $140). It offers an innovative cutting head design that looks strange, but that experts say works well.

Burt's Bees Super Shiny Lip Gloss


April 2009. Experts say that Burt's Bees Super Shiny Lip Gloss is 100 percent natural with sheer to translucent shades that offer a hint of color. It contains sweet almond oil, which users say makes it almost as moisturizing as a balm. The downside to this light gloss is that it must be reapplied often and it doesn't provide as much shine as Chanel Glossimer (*est. $25). It is more affordable, however, and is widely available at drugstores. The lip gloss can be worn alone or over any shade of lipstick.
Paula Begoun offers the most thorough review of Burt's Bees Super Shiny Lip Gloss at her website, Beautypedia.com. User reviews at MakeupAlley.com and TotalBeauty.com, on the other hand, provide real-world consumer perspective. Skin Deep rates the safety of this and other cosmetic products based on their ingredients.

Chanel Glossimer


April 2009. Chanel Glossimer tops reviewers' lists because of its wide range of pleasant colors. The lip gloss is available in 28 shades that users say have great staying power. Although Glossimer can be a tad sticky, reviewers say that it is much more comfortable to wear than other leading lip glosses and it provides just the right amount of shimmer. The lip gloss has a gel-like texture that feels great, according to users, but it's expensive and not available everywhere. For a more affordable gloss, reviewers recommend Burt's Bees Super Shiny Lip Gloss (*est. $7).
Although her review is critical, we found Paula Begoun's analysis of Chanel Glossimer at Beautypedia.com to be the most thorough. User reviews at MakeupAlley.com and TotalBeauty.com are plentiful. InStyle magazine tests Glossimer and compares it to other lip glosses for the magazine's annual beauty awards.

CoverGirl Outlast All-Day Lip Color


April 2009. Reviewers say that CoverGirl Outlast All-Day Lip Color is smudge-proof and can withstand almost anything, including drinking, eating and kissing. The color lasts up to eight hours but can be incredibly drying, a fact that turns many users off. The moisturizing topcoat can be applied as often as needed, however, to make the lipstick more comfortable and to provide extra shine. If you prefer something a bit less drying, experts say that MAC Matte Lipstick (*est. $14) has strong staying power as well. CoverGirl Outlast is available in 41 shades.
We found the best review of CoverGirl Outlast All-Day Lip Color at Beautypedia.com, where Paula Begoun rates beauty products on the basis of their ingredients and effectiveness. Consumer Reports also performs thorough testing in their report on long-lasting lipsticks. User reviews at MakeupAlley.com illustrate the pros and cons of the lipstick in a real-world setting. Readers of Self magazine rate several beauty products for the magazine's annual beauty awards.

MAC Matte Lipstick


April 2009. Consumers praise MAC Lipstick for offering the most appealing shades. The Matte line is available in 12 colors that are deeply pigmented without a lot of shine. Experts say that the lipstick, originally formatted to stand up to the intense light and heat of photo shoots, really stays put, though it can be a bit drying. Users agree but claim that a bit of lip balm applied before the lipstick makes it more comfortable to wear. If you prefer a creamier lipstick, Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick (*est. $7) tops reviewers' lists. The Back-to-MAC program encourages recycling by offering consumers a free tube of lipstick for every six empty tubes returned to MAC.
Paula Begoun provides the most thorough review of MAC Matte Lipstick in her detailed analysis at Beautypedia.com. The hundreds of user reviews at MakeupAlley.com and TotalBeauty.com offer consumers' day-to-day experiences with the lipstick. Allure magazine compares the lipstick to hundreds of others tested for their annual beauty awards.

3M Ultrathon Insect Repellent 12 Lotion


Consumer Reports provides one of the best reviews of 3M Ultrathon Insect Repellent 12 Lotion, comparing it to 17 other repellents. A report on eMedicine.com discusses a wide range of mosquito repellents (including 3M Ultrathon), while a field test by the Journal of Medical Entomology tests three DEET repellents (but offers no comparison to repellents with other ingredients). Finally, user reviews at Drugstore.com provide information not only about scent but also about how a number of products, including 3M Ultrathon, feel on the skin.
If you're going to be outdoors for long periods of time, reviews indicate that 3M Ultrathon Insect Repellent 12 Lotion is a good choice for insect repellent. The high concentration of DEET (34 percent) found in 3M Ultrathon helps it last for up to five hours. 3M Ultrathon uses a controlled-release form of DEET; the DEET is encapsulated in a polymer, which means the amount of chemical absorbed into the skin is limited, making it safer to use. As is the case with all products containing DEET, 3M Ultrathon is not recommended for use on babies and should be washed off after returning indoors. Products containing DEET can also damage plastic or painted surfaces. For those who prefer a DEET-free insect repellent, the picaridin-based Cutter Advanced (*est. $6 for 6 oz.) is effective for about 2.5 hours.

Cutter Advanced


Consumer Reports provides the most thorough comparative review of insect repellents and is particularly useful in showing how picaridin stacks up against DEET and other repellent ingredients. A report on eMedicine.com is particularly helpful for its explanation of the different types of repellents, including picaridin-based Cutter Advanced. Reviews on Slate.com and BackPackGearTest.com are useful for their take on the effectiveness of each repellent tested.
Cutter Advanced has a 7 percent concentration of picaridin, a synthetic ingredient that is said to be comparable to DEET in effectiveness but is considered safer to use. Reviews say that Cutter Advanced protects for up to 2.5 hours and may be applied up to three times a day. It is odorless and non-sticky once applied. The biggest drawback to this, or any picaridin-based product, is that it is not as consistently effective as products that contain DEET. DEET-based 3M Ultrathon (*est. $10 for 2 oz.) is effective for up to five hours. Repellents containing DEET, however, are not recommended for young children; repellents containing picaridin can be used on babies as young as two months. It's worth noting that eye irritation has been reported by some users of Cutter Advanced.

Propecia (finasteride)


Medical journals, such as Dermatology and the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, are the best sources for studies on the efficacy and safety of Propecia. Paula Begoun briefly discusses it in her book "Don't Go Shopping for Hair-Care Products Without Me," using scientific evidence as the basis of her opinions. The American Hair Loss Association also goes into great depth about the pros and cons associated with Propecia.
Reviewers say that Propecia, available only by prescription, is one of the most effective, proven treatments for male-pattern baldness. Researchers say that only hair-transplant surgery is more effective, but still recommend Propecia first because it is much more affordable and is better suited to the beginning stages of hair loss. Experts claim, in fact, that Propecia is most effective when it is taken at the first signs of thinning hair. Studies show that it is superior to minoxidil (the active ingredient in Rogaine), but many people use both products for maximum results. Experts warn that a small percentage of men will experience sexual side effects, namely loss of libido, but suggest that all side effects disappear completely when treatment is discontinued. Propecia is not safe for women who are or may become pregnant, as even handling the tablets can result in serious birth defects.

Mens Rogaine Extra Strength Hair Regrowth Treatment (5% minoxidil)


Several Rogaine users posting at Drugstore.com complain of scalp irritation but some say that switching to the original strength or another brand alleviates that problem. A few users complain of the odor associated with Rogaine while others claim that the smell disappears when the product dries. Experts say that some women may have unwanted hair growth, namely on the face, as a result of minoxidil usage, though it is a rare side effect and may be more likely to occur in women with a history of excess facial and body hair.
The best minoxidil research comes from medical journals, such as the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology and the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, where clinical trials and studies of minoxidil (the active ingredient in Rogaine) are reported. Paula Begoun uses scientific studies and research as the basis of her opinions of Rogaine and other hair-loss products in her book "Don't Go Shopping for Hair-Care Products Without Me." The American Hair Loss Association provides an in-depth look at minoxidil -- and balding in general -- on its website. User reviews are minimal but seem to confirm experts' opinions of efficacy.
Reviewers say that Men's Rogaine Extra Strength Hair Regrowth Treatment is an excellent starting place for both men and women experiencing genetic hair loss (known as androgenetic alopecia, or AGA), but reviews suggest that generic versions of 5 percent minoxidil (the active ingredient in Rogaine) may be just as effective. Experts say that Rogaine at least slows the progression of hair loss for most that use it, and minoxidil completely stops the progression for some and actually regrows hair for others. Experts add that the best results usually occur when users begin the regimen at the first sign of hair loss. Studies show that Rogaine is not as effective as doctor-prescribed Propecia. Rogaine doesn't require a prescription and is safe for women, although only the original strength (2 percent minoxidil) has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use by women. Experts suggest that men use both treatments for the best results.

Andis 1875 Folding Dryer


The Andis 1875 Ionic Ceramic Folding Dryer receives rave reviews from owners, several of whom purchased the dryer after using a similar model at hotels. This Andis 1875-watt travel dryer uses a ceramic coil to regulate heat and also includes ionic technology to prevent hair damage. The Andis hair dryer provides a wide range of temperature control with three heat settings and a cool-shot button. Users are impressed with the customer service and five-year warranty. A few owners say this hair dryer seems heavy, and others report that the cord retractor eventually stops working. The Andis Folding Dryer is not a dual-voltage model, so you'll need a voltage adaptor to use it in some countries. If you don't need a travel dryer, the Revlon RV544 Tourmaline Ionic (*est. $30) is a highly recommended budget dryer.
We found one professional review of the Andis 1875 Watts Professional Ceramic Ionic hair dryer at Good Housekeeping TV. However, nearly 70 owner reviews can be found at Amazon.com.

Revlon RV544 Tourmaline Ionic



The 1875-watt Revlon RV544 Tourmaline Ionic hair dryer incorporates the two most talked-about hair-dryer features -- tourmaline gems and ionic technology -- for a low price. Reviewers say that these technologies dry hair faster while causing less damage, but that most other good tourmaline dryers cost $200 or more. In a 2007 Good Housekeeping test, the Revlon hair dryer outperformed the more expensive T3 Tourmaline Professional Featherweight (*est. $200), and it was quieter, too. Consumers praise this Revlon hair dryer for being very lightweight and for cutting drying time in half. Some, however, complain that the buttons are poorly placed, causing them to turn the machine off several times in the middle of drying. Others say that it may be too powerful for fine hair.
We found the best review for the Revlon RV544 Tourmaline Ionic at Good Housekeeping, where it was compared with two other popular, but expensive tourmaline hair dryers. User reviews at Amazon.com and TotalBeauty.com also provide a view of consumer "real world" experience.

Revlon Frost & Glow


April 2009. Although highlighting your hair is a much more complicated process than applying overall color, reviewers say that the Revlon Frost & Glow highlighting kit is pretty foolproof, especially if you're looking to create subtle highlights. The kit comes with a highlighting cap with strategically placed holes that allow you to create streaks. Hair is pulled through the holes with a plastic hooking tool that users say is too flimsy. Metal hooks, however, can be purchased separately at most beauty supply stores. Revlon Frost & Glow is available in three shades, which reviewers say look as good as professional highlights, but be aware that the whole process takes awhile, and it works better if you have someone to help you do the back of your head. If you want dramatic highlights -- for example, platinum highlights in dark hair -- experts say you're better off leaving this to a professional salon.
Prevention magazine recommends Revlon Frost & Glow, but it isn't clear if any testing was done. User reviews at MakeupAlley.com and TotalBeauty.com provide the best insight into consumer experience.

Clairol Natural Instincts Loving Care


April 2009. Reviewers say that Clairol Natural Instincts Loving Care is perfect if you like to experiment with hair color or don't want to commit to a shade permanently. It is a semi-permanent, temporary hair color, which means that it gradually washes out without the level of damage usually caused by permanent hair-color products. Natural Instincts Loving Care doesn't have any ammonia or peroxide, and users agree that it is extremely gentle on their hair. Because it washes out, however, it must be reapplied on a monthly basis in order to keep it fresh. Reviewers say that it doesn't cover gray hair well, either. If you have more than 10 percent gray hair or want a more dramatic color change, experts recommend using Clairol Nice 'n Easy Perfect 10 (*est. $14), a permanent hair color. Clairol Natural Instincts Loving Care is available in 13 shades.
The best reviews of Clairol Natural Instincts Loving Care come from experts at Shape and GoodHousekeeping.com, where semi-permanent hair-color products are recommended for more shine. Owner-written reviews at MakeupAlley.com give good insight into consumer opinion.

Clairol Nice 'n Easy Perfect 10


April 2009. Clairol Nice 'n Easy Perfect 10 hair color gets rave reviews from experts and users alike for its fast and easy application process. This hair-color product processes hair in just 10 minutes and comes with two types of applicators (a comb and an applicator tip), so that you can use whichever you feel most comfortable with. Users are impressed with the 24 shades that Perfect 10 offers, but a few report that the color doesn't last as long without fading as other brands do. Users say that the fruity fragrance reduces the strong odor normally associated with permanent hair color (all of which use peroxide and ammonia to open and penetrate the hair shaft), but several users complain that it still smells bad. Experts say that like other permanent hair colors, Clairol Nice 'n Easy Perfect 10 can cause damage to the hair shaft. Semi-permanent hair-color products, like Clairol Natural Instincts Loving Care (*est. $6), are gentler since they don't use ammonia or peroxide.
We found the best reviews for Clairol Nice 'n Easy Perfect 10 hair color in Shape magazine, where hundreds of beauty products are tested for their annual beauty awards. Good Housekeeping also performs extensive product reviews. Other beauty magazines offer useful professional opinions. User reviews at MakeupAlley.com give real-world perspective.

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Cream


We found the best review of Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Cream in Paula Begoun's book, "Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter without Me." Begoun bases her rating of this and other products on scientific research and testing of ingredients. Allure magazine also tests hundreds of products for their annual beauty awards. MakeupDiva.com does not rate products but lists products which the author believes perform as well or better than department store brands. Good Housekeeping does not test products but suggests treatments for common problems that occur in various age groups.
Reviewers say that Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Cream is one of the best retinol treatments available at the drugstore and is comparable to significantly pricier department store brands. Experts say retinol -- a form of vitamin A -- can help soften the appearance of fine lines over time, though they also point out no moisturizer can eliminate them completely. Critics point out that the best protection against wrinkles comes from broad-spectrum UV protection, which this cream does not contain. Experts therefore recommend using Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Cream at night or in conjunction with a broad-spectrum sunscreen. For a lightweight all-purpose daily moisturizer, we found the best reviews for Olay Regenerist UV Defense Regenerating Lotion (*est. $18 for 2.5 oz.).

Olay Regenerist UV Defense Regenerating Lotion SPF 15


Paula Begoun provides the best review of Olay Regenerist UV Defense Regenerating Lotion in her book "Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter without Me." Her ratings of this and other products are based on scientific evidence of ingredient efficacy. Consumer Reports tests the Olay Regenerating Lotion and rates it for how well it reduces wrinkles, its moisturizing effect and overall tolerance of the product. User reviews at Drugstore.com give the lotion high ratings, but opinions and reactions vary greatly from one consumer to the next.
Reviewers say Olay Regenerist UV Defense Regenerating Lotion is one of the best facial moisturizers on the market because it provides broad-spectrum UV protection and is loaded with antioxidants and amino-peptides. Experts explain that these ingredients work together to protect skin from damage and early signs of aging. It won't do much for existing wrinkles, though; studies show improvements of that sort are minimal at best, so Olay Regenerist UV Defense Regenerating Lotion works best at preventing further damage. Because the lotion contains fragrance, specialists warn it might not be suitable for those with allergies or sensitive skin. For those individuals, we found the best reviews for Aveeno Ultra-Calming Daily Moisturizer with SPF 15 (*est. $15 for 4 oz.)

Olay Daily Facials Cleansing Cloths

We found the best review for Olay Daily Facials Cleansing Cloths in Paula Begoun's book "Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me." Begoun bases all of her ratings on documented scientific research as well as thorough product testing. Consumer Reports also performs extensive testing of products for all of their reports, including those for facial cleansers. It isn't clear whether products are tested for Cosmo Girl's annual beauty awards, but the overall favorites of editors, readers and celebrities are listed as the best in their respective categories. User reviews posted at MakeupAlley.com and Drugstore.com give insight into consumer perspective.
Reviewers love the convenience of Olay Daily Facial Cleansing Cloths and say that they do a pretty decent job of cleansing the face and removing makeup, too. Specialists and consumers alike say that the cloths are especially great for travel. Convenience is the main selling point of these cloths, though, and critics are quick to point out that a gentle liquid cleanser, such as Cetaphil Gentle Daily Cleanser (*est. $9 for 16 ounces) is equally effective.

Cetaphil Gentle Daily Cleanser

The best review for Cetaphil Gentle Daily Cleanser is found in Paula Begoun's book, "Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me." Begoun bases her rating of this and other products on documented research and verifiable tests. Allure magazine also puts recommended products through testing in order to find the best. Essence magazine does not rate or compare products but provides useful information on how to choose the right facial cleanser for your skin type. Consumer reviews at MakeupAlley.com and Drugstore.com are in agreement, for the most part, with expert opinion.
Reviewers say that Cetaphil Gentle Daily Cleanser is one of the best facial cleansers on the market; it is also among the more affordable brands. Experts rave about Cetaphil because it is extremely gentle and is suitable for all but oily skin types. Critics point out that the cleanser does not lather up, but is a non-drying lotion-type formula that is soothing to dry, irritated and sensitive skin. The most common complaint about Cetaphil Gentle Daily Cleanser, among experts and consumers alike, is that it does not remove makeup well. For better makeup removal, we found good reviews for Aveeno Positively Ageless Daily Exfoliating Cleanser (*est. $8 for 5 ounces).