What They Say: "Archipelago Botanicals Shaving Milk is rich in natural Soy Proteins and Wheat Milk that protect sensitive skin from the nicks, scrapes, and burns associated with everyday shaving. The slippery Jojoba Ester base allows for a uniquely close and clean shave -- leaving skin hydrated, silky-smooth, and razor burn free."

Jen's Experience: I love the scent of the Archipelago Botanicals bath products so much. I mean, as soon as they make a perfume, I will be all over it. So when I saw this shaving cream, I had to try it even with the $16 price tag. I bought it mostly for the scent, but was very pleasantly surprised when I found that it's also a really terrific shaving cream. The shave was really close and I experienced absolutely no irritation. However, much like their Soy Bath Milk, it makes a major mess of my bathtub. I think it may cause build-up in my drains. Is it worth the mess? And the price? I don't know. But I am happily going to keep trying their Milk line until I find one that feeds my need for the Soy Milk scent without the big mess.

Retail Price: $16.00 (gift shops, and BeautyExclusives.com)

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I discovered Archipelago Botanicals a while back.  I got it for someone and we never exchanged presents, so I decided to keep it for myself.  I don't think I've ever seen it at a department store or at a salon.  You will find it in little bath boutiques, or online, but for the most part, I see it so rarely that I buy a lot of it whenever I see it.  And it's not cheap.

But it's soooooooo worth it.  It smells absolutely heavenly and will make your skin soft for days.  It is a terrific way to unwind.  I like to take a long soak with it before I dress up to go out for a special occasion.  The aroma is clean and, although it will stick with you, it mixes well with my perfumes.

There is one drawback: it will make a mess of your tub.  It's a good thing that after a relaxing soak in this stuff, you'll be able to shrug your shoulders, walk away and enjoy your evening, stress-free and smelling great.

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Reviewed By: Jen

What They Say: "Sugar Lip Gloss leaves lips hydrated, shiny and smooth."

Jen's Experience: Archipelago's description is short and sweet, but right on the money. I love to use lip glosses -- by themselves or on top of lip color -- but I always find that they leave my lips dry and in much worse condition than when I started. This lip gloss is almost like a balm in comparison with the other products I use. Not because its thick and medicated (in fact, its texture is closer to Mac Lipglass) but because of the remarkable condition it leaves my lips in. Even if I just slather it on once a day, my lips stay hydrated for hours, not aching for another fix. And they really are smoother; I don't have any more excuses for picking at my lips. And the taste is one of the best I've ever come across in a lip gloss, very sugary just like you'd expect. This stuff is hard to find (I stumbled across mine at a local gift store during my after-Christmas shopping), so if you see it when you're shopping, be sure to snap it up!

Retail Price: $5.39 (Drugstore.com)

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About the Shampoo: "Morning Mint Shampoo contains fresh Mint, Wheat and Milk Proteins, and Vitamin E to leave hair clean, shiny, and manageable."

About the conditioner: "Morning Mint Conditioner contains fresh Mint, Wheat and Milk Proteins, and Vitamin E to leave hair silky smooth and managable. This gentle conditioner is excellent for dry and/or chemically treated hair."

Jen's Experience: Generally, I'm a shampoo and conditioner snob. My hair is super picky, and wilts or gets oily if I choose the wrong product. I have liked everything I've ever purchased from Archipelago Botanicals, so I thought I was safe with this pair. Turns out I was right!

If you're thinking this is a total rip-off of Aveda's Rosemary Mint, you're probably right when it comes to the scent. I have had a bit of a problem in the past with Aveda's product stripping my hair though, and I definitely haven't experienced that problem with this shampoo and conditioner. My hair is shiny and full of body, even on day 2. I love the way it really lathers, and the yummy smell makes me not want to rinse it away. I think, especially for the price, that is is a hard product to beat, and one I would definitely recommend.

Retail Price: $12 each (Beauty Exclusives)

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