Image via Murad

I finally got around to trying out my new Murad Intensive Resurfacing Peel and it's kind of great for that instant pick-me-up that's so hard to achieve in an at-home peel, as opposed to the extra strength one a derm can give you. The formula is magnificent in its simplicity and incorporation of technology: Glycolic and salicylic acids smooth, tiny bamboo beads provide the mechanical exfoliation, Vitamin C and dried plum extract (um, isn't that a prune?) is filled with Vitamins A, E and antioxidants. You smear it on for ten minutes--no stinging!--rinse, and viola. Do it three times a week and you might just be looking at your best skin ever.

Two picky qualms: One, while it did lend a pretty, perfectly smooth texture and glow, I didn't notice any major difference between this ten-minute mask and a vigorous wash with one of my favorites, Dermalogica's Microfoliant. Two, I appreciate that the individual capsules are probably packaged in order to keep the ingredients more efficacious, but because I didn't see any noticeable wow factor, the waste doesn't seem worth it. (Indeed, is the waste ever worth it? Um, no.) Still, if you're rich (the four week supply runs $165!), and a die hard Murad fan, this bud might be for you.