thyme out

Long day? Need to unwind? Trade your traditional moisturizer for a palm full of Thymes Essentials Dry Body Oil ($18). The lightweight formula absorbs quickly into skin and the fresh scent actually reminds you to take a deep breath and relax for a few minutes. But the best thing about this oil is that it is super-hydrating, thanks to a blend of Abyssinian, jojoba, apricot kernel and evening primrose oils, plus skin-smoothing triglycerides. I used it from neck to toe and was thrilled with the results. If you're lucky enough to have someone else smooth it on you, even better. For feet that need a little extra help, try another Thymes favorite: The AHA Foot Cream gently exfoliates with an alpha hydroxy acid fruit complex while shea butter and safflower oil moisturize your skin. Get both at www.thymes.com and you'll see smooth results.

VDay: give beauty (him)

Judging from my own personal experience, most men are hard to shop for. But give them something they could really use but won't go out and buy themselves--and you just may score points this Valentine's Day. Leave it to Lush, the fresh handmade cosmetics company, to come up with a solution. The company's Shave the Planet Gift set ($29.95) features three essentials he can use to look and feel his best. Sold in a special gift box that's wrapped up in a comic strip, it's designed for the superhero you know and love. Inside, he'll find Shave the Planet Shaving Cream (designed for super-smooth shaves), Cosmetic Lad Moisturizer (to soothe sensitive faces), Bamboo Soap (to tone and leave skin smelling like the rainforest) and a Business Time Massage Bar (for all the relaxation he needs). The trick now is getting him to use all of these little luxuries! At least I know the shaving cream won't go to waste! For more info or to make a purchase, click on www.lushusa.com.