Since I have several products that I want to review this week, and since many of you don't have web access, this week's Cosmetic Report is dedicated to those reviews.

Philosophy
Since writing my first reviews of Philosophy's skin care products several months ago, I have not been eager to return to that counter. Read my reviews and you'll understand why. That all changed when I got a sample of their "Hope in a Jar" as part of a birthday gift.

After using "Hope in a Jar" for almost a week now, I have to admit I have changed my mind. This AHA lotion is so different from its counterpart, "Hope in a Bottle", that I couldn't believe they were from the same line. Unlike the Bottle version, which contains salicylic acid, the Jar version has a gentler exfoliator, lactic acid, as its AHA. It is also thicker, designed for normal-to-dry skin rather than normal-to-oily. If you like what Philosophy is doing and you have normal-to-dry skin, "Hope in a Jar" is worth checking out, at least for a sample!

Revlon
I am constantly surprised at the number of email I get with questions about MAC Studio Fix. "What is it" and "How can I get it" are the most common, with "Isn't there something similar at the drugstore" as a close second. I believe I have found something that is similar, less expensive, and more widely available.

Revlon's latest foundation, New Complexion One-Step Makeup, is a real alternative to Studio Fix. It is a cream-to-powder foundation that comes in a compact and is applied with a sponge. (The compact itself is actually made by the exact same company that makes the compact for Studio Fix!) It has SPF 15 sunscreen and comes in about 10 or 12 colors. I saw it at a few stores for $11.50 but got mine on sale for $9.99. If you have normal, slightly oily, or slightly dry skin, this new foundation from Revlon is a good option.

I have to say I was really surprised that I liked this product! My favorite part is that I can use it all over, then use my finger or a corner of the sponge to dab a little extra in the corners of my eyes (for dark circles) and on any little red spots. The coverage is good, I'd say sheer-to-medium, and it wears well all day. There are even testers at the stores so you can find the best match for your skin.

Bobbi Brown
Even though I have enjoyed testing many Bobbi Brown products, I have never wanted to spend that kind of money on cosmetics. When I decided to test her foundation, powder, and other colors, I did what I think every woman should do - I got a free makeover at the counter. I got to test-drive the products without buying a thing, and you can, too.

My main objective was to test Bobbi Brown's Oil-Free Foundation. I know a few of my readers like it, so of course I was curious. Well, I am no longer curious. I tried it and I didn't like it. It did not blend well, it felt goopy on my face, and it was so "dewy" that I looked like an oil slick, even with my normal-to-dry skin. Yuck! And they want $35 for it! I don't think so. My advice is unless you already use and love this foundation, save your money and try something else.

As for the other BB products used during my "makeover", I found them to be pretty ordinary. I don't wear blush but she put "Sand Pink" on me anyway. The eye shadows colors "Bone", "Gray", and "Navy" looked nice, but I have a hard time justifying $17 for one eye shadow, never mind $51 for all three. The lipstick "Nude" was nice, but I realized that with over 20 very similar lipsticks in my cosmetic bag, I don't need another! If I had all the money in the world, maybe I would splurge on a few of these products, but I don't.