sunscreen: rock on

I'm all about touch. To be honest, I fell in love with Rock & Republic's extraordinary makeup collection because of its sleek, extravagant packaging. But I have to say, the products are just as unbelievable. From rich, vibrant colors to luxurious textures, they make you feel like you deserve to indulge. I recently tried the Classic Tinted Primer SPF 20 ($46) and wished all sunscreens could feel so decadent. The mousse-like formula spreads on evenly and absorbs quickly, providing sheer coverage with a matte finish. If it's true that the silicone base fills in fine lines and minimizes pores, I plan to use it every day. The best part: I can skip my morning coffee. The primer has caffeine in it to stimulate circulation and energize the skin. Also, try the Accentuate Bronzer/Highlighter for Face and Cheeks ($45) featuring a matte shade of bronzer designed for all skin tones and a shimmer finish highlighter in coral, rose or gold. Swarovski compact and kabuki brush ($225) sold separately. Available at Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's and Nordstrom and www.rockandrepublic.com.

raise the bar

When's the last time you showered with a bar of soap? Can't remember? Well, put down your fancy cleanser or shower gel and pick up these individually wrapped Molton Brown soaps. Known for its luxurious soaps when it first opened its doors in 1973, Molton Brown has brought back two of its most popular formulas. I tried the Exfoliating Oatmeal and Milk Cleansebar ($22 per set of four) made with ingredients that have been used for centuries to soften and comfort skin. I really liked the creamy lather, designed to soften, smooth and rebalance as it cleans. I'm not sure about the exfoliating properties, though, as the oatmeal specs in the bar make you feel like you're getting smooth but I didn't really feel them. Maybe that's why it works so well! Also in stores is the Ultrapure Milk Cleansebar ($22 per set of four) which contains natural skin conditioners plus Vitamin A and D to improve texture and give skin a glowing appearance. It definitely felt smooth even while rubbing it all over my skin. Try them both or buy one for a friend; they'll make great houseguest gifts this summer! Available at Molton Brown emporia, select department stores and at www.moltonbrown.com.

happy mother's day: pamper her

Sure, you can opt for your no-fail mother's day gift--a day at her local spa. But while your mom will surely appreciate it, why not try these specialty products from Philip B. that will last more than a few hours? Packed with nourishing proteins and high concentrations of hydrating botanicals, they'll make her mother's day super-luxurious. For the chocoholic, try the limited edition Chocolate Collection Gift Set ($62.50); for the inner Tsarina, go for the Russian Amber Imperial Shampoo ($140); for moms with a green thumb, choose the Cucumber and Blue Orchid Hand & Body Creme ($47.50) and for the gourmet chef, choose the White Truffle Collection Gift Set for hair ($125--shown here) which is my pick for the most luxurious present. It features White Truffle Nourishing & Conditioning Creme, designed to restore lost moisture and give hair shine, body and bounce, and White Truffle Ultra-Rich Moisturizing Shampoo featuring hops and nettle for body, soy proteins for added moisture and extracts of thyme, chamomile, lavender and comfrey to tone, strengthen and restore vitality. To score points with your mom, get these Philip B. goods at salons worldwide or at www.philipb.com.