Virtually every cosmetic claims to impart a radiant glow these days. But without a smooth canvas of well-sloughed, hydrated skin, all of the makeup in the world won't help you achieve a fresh, dewy look. While there are lots of exfoliants that scrub away dead skin cells, the results rarely resemble the flawless finish of a salon facial. Fortunately, DermaNew's Facial Rejuvenation System ($70; sephora.com) is upping the ante on at-home skin care, delivering top-notch microdermabrasion facials without the ongoing cost or hassle of professional treatments.

The system includes the Facial Rejuvenation Formula Microdermabrasion Creme and DermaNew's Dual Action Resurfacing Tool, which comes with two AA batteries and two attachments: a brush, which you can pair with your favorite cleanser; and a teardrop-shape foam applicator, to use with the microdermabrasion cream. To ensure that you don't over- or underexfoliate, the tool also contains a two-minute timer (yes, the process is that quick), plus no-slip rubberized handles so you can use it right in the shower (it's water resistant, too). Meanwhile, the cream boasts a blend of naturally mined, medical-grade corundum crystals; extracts of green tea, grapeseed, and wine; and Bacopa monniera, an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory agent that minimizes redness and irritation.

When I took the system for an initial test-run, the brush instantly scrubbed away flakes and impurities, and smoothed my dry patches. But the real pro-style polishing happens during step two, when the foam attachment is coupled with the microdermabrasion cream (it's what sets DermaNew apart in a sea of lesser sloughing systems). The process is easy: Attach the foam applicator to the tool, spread the cream on the foam, massage for one to two minutes, and rinse. The tool does all the work, and because it contains a cylindrical motor, the sandblasting action is consistent and gentle (no sudden skipping or painful power surges). The result: A smoother, more youthful complexion than I'd seen since my last trip to the salon.

When used three times a week for a month, I found that the system dramatically diminished the appearance of enlarged pores, reduced the frequency of breakouts, and even seemed to soften the fine lines on my forehead and around my mouth. If you're oily or acne-prone, however, consider using DermaNew's Acne & Oil Clarifying System instead (it's Facial Rejuvenation's sister system, containing the same basic components with salicylic-acid cream). And a final word of warning: If you have a wedding, date with destiny, or other potentially life-changing event on the horizon, don't use this system the day before (as with a salon facial, it can accelerate the eruption of budding blemishes). --Jennifer Riley

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