When I hear the word “Mustela” the first thing that comes to mind is pregnancy products for women. I’m not sure why; perhaps I had a sample of their nursing comfort balm in my standard-issue diaper bag upon release from the hospital. Whatever the reason I had no idea Mustela had such a serious line of products for babies as well as moms.

Mustela’s Bébé line, which includes daily hygiene, bath time, diaper change and skin protection products, is designed specifically for your baby’s delicate skin. To introduce me to the line the company sent me a handful of travel-size product samples from their Dermo-Pediatrics line and a small tube of their High Protection Sun Lotion (SPF 50). Granted, a tablespoon of product isn’t much to review but it was enough to get me interested in learning more, and here’s what I discovered about Mustela’s Dermo-Pediatrics infant care products. They are:

• created with the collaboration of healthcare professionals;
• for children prone to problems such as eczema, irritations, rashes and sensitive to intolerant skin;
• hypoallergenic, non-irritating, fragrance-free, paraben-free and have no artificial colorants;
• tested under dermatological and pediatric supervision (not sure what that means but it sounds impressive);
• composed of “specific ingredients of natural origin.”

We tested the body milk (lotion) from the Stelatopia line, which is designed to help with eczema, and though we couldn’t give it a thorough review due to the amount that was sent, I can say it went on smoothly, absorbed quickly and didn’t have a greasy feeling at all. Those are all important qualities I look for in a lotion, especially one whose purpose is to relieve the symptoms of eczema. As far is its powers of moisturization, the jury’s still out on that (i.e. it will take more than a tablespoon to test for that!). We didn’t have a chance to test the cream cleanser…I always forget to grab it before putting the little ones in the bath and I can’t leave them once they’re in water. Dang!

But we were able to give the sun protection lotion a good test run and taking my kids’ opinions into consideration, it received a mixed review. Mustela’s High Protection Sun Lotion (SPF 50) is a 100% mineral sunscreen, which often makes for a thicker sunscreen. In this case it was definitely thicker than my kids are used to slathering on their skin. The oldest two complained it was hard to apply and the youngest two complained because it was hard for Mom to apply. With two squirmy little ones I need something that goes on quickly and easily, but this sunscreen gets one vote in its favor due to it being made from minerals (titanium dioxide and zinc oxide). That’s some of the best sun protection you’ll find!

Mustela’s sun protection lotion is also hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, water-resistant, extra-broad spectrum (IR & long and short UVA/UVB rays). It also has a unique combination of zinc salts and natural plant active ingredients (aloe vera and soy phytosterols containing Vitamin E) that provide protection against free radicals. It also costs about $15 for 1.6 fluid ounces, a price I’m a bit hesitant to pay just so I can hear more whining from my kids during those long summer days. I guess the jury’s still out on this one too since it looks great on paper and does a great job preventing sun damage (no sunburns while my kids had it on) but is a pain to apply and a pain in the budget.

I wish I had more personal feedback to offer you on their other products, but Mustela’s reputation alone makes their products worth a try, especially if you’re looking for a daily regimen designed specifically for delicate newborn skin. Oh, and don’t forget about their products for moms! –Emily

With cranberries on the table and in the tummy I thought today’s review a fitting one. Jason, the “pure, natural & organic” line of skin and body care products, sent me two holiday samples: Cranberry Rejuvenating Body Scrub and Cranberry Hand & Body Lotion. Though I don’t do the turkey and cranberries thing, I was more than willing to test these two product out for our readers.

The facts: Jason’s Cranberry Hand & Body Lotion is made with cranberry oil (packed with antioxidants), aloe vera and chamomile to soothe dry skin. It is free of parabens, sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate, mineral oil, lanolin, petrolatum and animal by-products. It is not tested on animals.

My take: Though this lotion did do a good job of soothing and hydrating and is free of a lot of not-so-natural ingredients, the smell was a little off. Though at first whiff it clearly smelled of cranberries, it had a second scent that was not quite as “fresh.” I’m not one of those chefs who can smell a dish and tell you the exact ingredients so I can’t tell you if it was a combination of cranberry and chamomile or if it was another of its natural ingredients. I do know it was off enough to keep me from using it again even though it was a great lotion overall.

The facts: Jason’s Rejuvenating Cranberry Body Scrub uses non-GMO corn cob combined with papaya fruit extract to exfoliate the skin. Ginkgo, cranberry and ginseng leave skin rejuvenated and moisturized. It is free of parabens, sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate, mineral oil, lanolin, petrolatum and animal by-products. It is not tested on animals.

My take: Though this one had that same slightly “off” smell as the lotion, it wasn’t nearly as noticeable or bothersome. Perhaps using it in the shower and following it up with my own favorite lotion helped. It is a pretty good exfoliator though I would have liked a little more exfoliation. I do give it an A+ in moisturizing; my skin felt silky smooth without an oily residue on me or the shower floor. And for the price (about $7), it’s a very affordable way to exfoliate.

Though I didn’t love the smell of Jason’s Cranberry products (mostly the lotion), it did peak my interest enough to want to try other body care products from Jason. For a natural and organic line, the prices are well within budget. It may not be the season for cranberry but it is the season for affordable bath & body gifts! –Emily

Mother’s Day might be over but that doesn’t mean we can’t pamper ourselves! I’m always on the hunt for something to soothe my feet, silken my skin, refresh me with amazing fragrance, and ease my tension. Having quality products in my home that aid any brief moment of relaxation and rejuvenation are a hot commodity to me. I personally don’t often have time to get to the spa, or the money to afford those expensive treatments, so the alternative is my own little convenient home spa.

I recently discovered some praise worthy natural body products from a new company called Chloe & Jane, that I couldn’t wait to share. Co-founding girlfriends Laura Albin and Wendy Viscuglia wanted to create a line of spa quality products that were luxurious, relaxing and eco-conscious. Basing their new company on the history of their own friendship, Laura and Wendy used some “alter-ego’s” on opposite sides of the spectrum to name their company. Chloe, a certified spa junkie and Jane, a skeptical spa newbie. The result being a line of hand soap, moisturizing body wash, hydrating wonder lotion, pure sugar body polish, and ultra smooth body butter.

Each product is created with all-natural ingredients, but the real pleasure is in indulging in the use of them. The fresh spa scents available include: Lavender Sage, Citrus Camomile and my ultimate favorite First Bloom.

In “testing” (aka: totally indulging) in my review of their product line, I was throughly impressed with Chloe & Jane. The consistency of their body butter is dreamy and left my skin feeling hydrated, but not oily. The Wonder Lotion is aptly named, it’s like “silk” in a bottle. And my favorite of all the products I tested had to be the Pure Sugar Body Polish! Perhaps because it sounds so delicious but is calorie free, but mostly because my feet and legs looked so healthy and beautiful after I tried it. Kudos to Chloe & Jane who have taken my own little home spa to new heights! – Daria

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Giveaway: Chloe & Jane is offering a wonderful Giveaway for TWO of our Daily Dish readers. The Perfect Duo Gift Set winners select choice of fragrance!
To enter our drawing please leave a comment telling us: Are you a spa junkie like Chloe, or a spa newbie like Jane? Please include a valid email address for our drawing. We’ll draw the winner from the comments and contact her via email. Deadline: May 21, 2008 (midnight). The winner will have 24 hours to claim her prize or a new winner will be chosen.