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One of the best things about entering a new season of the year, is having the chance to clear out old things that no longer suit you, and try some new ones, that do! The products reviewed in this column run the gamut from face cosmetics to fragrance, fashion and even fun ideas for your home. Early Spring is the perfect time to ditch old mascaras and makeup (especially if they're more than six months old) and treat yourself to new items that work well with today's trends.  There are  items in every beauty category and every price range so everyone can afford to indulge!

The Eye Liner $24.00 by Clarins is the only liquid eyeliner we have used that just works perfectly, every time you use it.  For starters, you insert the cartridge yourself in these felt-tipped, fine-line “marker" liners. When you draw a line with them the color flows perfectly, without tugging, glopping, or running. I’m so used to being clumsy with liquid liners that I held my breath and waited for a mess I 'd have to wash off my face.  But...it didn't happen!  This was so easy to use I couldn't believe it.  I drew a fine line that looked like it should—no bumps, humps, or squiggles…just one lovely, level, line. For the first time, I really felt in control, and my eyes looked sexy, not sadly amateur. Is it worth splurging $24.00? With well defined eyes still riding a wave of popularity, the answer is definitely "Yes!" “Chocolate Brown” gives you a deep line without the harshness of black. For those who would rather stay with a pencil, make it sexy and modern with the soft and smooth, dual-ended Clarins Eye Pencil $21.50. in a wearable but trendy shade like Clarins #08 Copper” One end has a shimmery, soft copper color dark enough to define and make a difference (especially on light, Spring shadows) but not as harsh as ho-hum black or brown, and the other a smudger tip to softer and smooth the line. You can even smudge a thick line into an impromptu lid color. Try both liners with a soft, bendable Single Eye Colour $20.00 from the new, Colour Fizz Collection in “Sunny Yellow,” a smooth, soft matte yellow, or the fresh, matte, “Bright Lilac. The smooth, pressed powder shadows manage to be sheer but layerable, all in one beautiful product.

The Spring makeup collection by Chanel has ten terrific products, in fresh, modern, sophisticated tones of blues, soft pinks and opalescent whites.  I always associate Spring with new eye shadows, and there's no better choice than Chanel's popular, Les Ombres Quadra Eye Shadow $55.00 in "Bleu Célestes." Three shadows and a pearly highlighter are housed in the iconic, shiny black mirrored compact with status-y white Chanel logo. The pressed powder shadows are navy, dove gray, soft pink-nude, and a slightly iridescent, pearly white. The velvety-soft powder slides on like silk. It's fairly sheer, but add a bit of water and you get a much more intense look.  Mix and match the colors both wet and dry. Blend them....experiment! The colors will work well together no matter how you use them. For just one, astoundingly pretty color, my top pick is the Ombre Essentielle Soft Touch Eye Shadow $27.50 in new,  "Nomade," a shimmery, soft warm rose that adds life to your lids as blush does for your cheeks, but with a flattering tone that looks natural and gorgeous.  If your budget allows, get several different color--they're formulated to be blended with one another,  to lighten, darken or intensify the tone. Experiment and have fun!

Did you ever think you might actually purchase "shadow insurance?' Well, we aren't sure that there's a "Geico" for eyes, but we are sure that the Shadow Insurance $17.00 by Too Faced Cosmetics won't irritate your eyes, or you, with a talking gecko! A slim, light blue, thin-tipped tube dispenses a creamy, flesh-colored, silicone-based primer that transforms any eye shadow into a blendable, color-intense version of itself. Then, it "locks" the color onto your lids until you're ready to remove it. The product also soothes your skin, and helps the color stay clear and true. making a barrier between the oils of your skin and your makeup so your eye look won't fade out and crease. Watch a tiny bit of this transform your ho-hum shadow into a powerhouse. It's really fun, and incredibly useful.

Shu Uemura's "Rebirth" collection was inspired by the purity of nature, featuring soft and vivid tones embellished with a subtle and graceful leaf motif (to communicate the revitalization of nature occurring in the Spring).  This collection, created before Mr. Uemura's passing this January, is one we honor for it's beauty and the genius of Mr. Uemura. We are reviewing the entire collection in this column. For the eyes, there is pastel pressed Eye Shadow $20.00 that can be worn alone, used (dampened) as an eye liner, or on top of cream eye shadow for added intensity. Fashionistas will be interested to learn that the silicone-coated, micro-fine powder has two different shapes, to help it stay put, and true to color, on your skin. There are also light-capturing powders in this one to absorb and reflect light, to give the color a multi-dimensional finish. Of the five colors, my favorite is "Pristine Green" (photo), a soft-as-a-kitten, slightly pearly Spring green. "Spring Breeze" is a clear but subdued violet, and there's a fawn brown called "Earth Brown," a subtle pinky-peach called "Sun Stream," and a soft lemon yellow: "Sunstream." These shadows slide on like whisper-soft silk, and somehow manage to be subtle, and yet, colorful, at the same time-genius!

Pür Mineral's Spring collection features clear, soft, natural, neutral shades that look fresh and modern, and flatter everyone. We especially like the Pressed Mineral Shadows $12.00. This mineral makeup features long-lasting, luminous pigments that offer great coverage and long wear. My favorite is actually not a pastel, it's "Burgundy Malachite," a shimmery, deep merlot with an iridescent finish. " Also pretty is Blue Lazulite," is a beautiful, soft, light blue that radiates a greenish reflection. Use "Sunstone," a yellowed peach, as a highlight or a warm, natural, lid color. Since these are mineral-based, the colors look amazingly harmonious with every skin tone, and they are gentle, too.  An added plus is the silvery compact with clear "porthole" (to view the color) that opens both ways: the top hold the pressed powder, the bottom hold a mirror and a little sponge-tipped applicator It's clever, and compact. perfect for travel, too. The new, Mineral Eye Defining Pencil $16.50 adds more dimension, or can be used as a pencil liner. The smudge-proof, self-sharpening eye pencil comes with a smudge tip applicator for blending. We liked "Polished Stone," a grayed-taupe that looks natural and modern. We also suggest the new, "Hello Bright Eyes" pencil that comes in a tranquil, pale pink that highlights the complexion and makes your natural eye color pop. Both are "must-haves" to add to your eye makeup wardrobe this season.

Blueberries not only taste great, they can do great things for your beauty routine. Blueberries contain antioxidants and Vitamins such as A and E, plus fatty acids that help protect against environmental saboteurs. I was surprised and delighted to learn that blueberry seek oil is included in a product I didn’t expect to find it in: mascara! Blueberry Curl Mascara $9.99 by Lumene doesn’t smell like berries and it isn’t blue (it is available in black or brown) but it has Finnish blueberry seed oil in it to nourish your lashes and keep them strong and healthy. The mascara is not only good for your lashes, it makes them look great too, with a specially-designed brush with plastic bristles that coat every single lash from lid to tip, and lets you easily and thoroughly coat even the hard to get bottom lashes. One coat gives your lashes natural beauty, two, a more “glam” look.

Gold shimmer and gold-rimmed eyes are a look for Fall 2008 that I saw on lots of runways during Fashion Week.  Happily, it's a look you can do now, for Spring (and be beautifully ahead of the curve). On lids, try Bourjois Suivez Mon Regard Multi Shimmer Loose Eye Shadow $16.00 in "#17 Regard Au Scintillant," a glamorous gold shimmer powder with a customized blend of pearly particles or glitter that gives you a 14K look.  The clean, clever, easy to use, all-in-one brush/jar makes it easy to add a sheer shimmer or a super-intense, gilded look to eyes.  For the "ring around the eyes" look hot from the runway, use a Bourjois Metallic Eyeliner $12.50 in "Fil D'or" (Gilded Gold) adds a soft, easy-to-apply-and-blend, super-shimmery line of glimmery gold. Finish the look with the new, Volume Clubbing Mascara $17.00 we reviewed in our January/February What Works column. It's a soft metallic with intense volume and color in one coat. in black, brown, or metallic, blue.

Make Up Designory's Eye Shadow $13.00 comes in a variety of matte and shimmers that can be mixed, layered, and used wet or dry for a nearly infinite number of eye looks. You can also get most of the colors in Refills $9.00 to put in a larger palette. We sampled some colors from the Shimmers collection. The Shimmer Line is velvety soft with rich, intense pigments that apply smoothly and effortlessly. My favorite is "Cashmere," a shimmery rose-beige that lets you wear a pink on your eyes that doesn't look "crazy," and it works on any skin tone. Also modern and wearable is "Dulce de Leche, a creamy slightly shimmery, rich, smooth iridescent beige and "Pixie," a sheer opalescent peachy-pink that is slightly warm in tone. Both can be used as a lid color, a highlight, or over a darker color for fun effects. Neutral, light shadows like these also look great with eye liner--try a colored one in Spring shade. 

L'Oreal Paris will give you "artistic license" to add shimmery but natural, long-lasting color to your lids with a new product that you can actually "paint" on your eyes. The HIP High Intensity Pigments Cream Shadow Paints $12.00 come in a plastic box with a little paint well, a mini paintbrush, and a tube of creamy eye color. Squeeze a bit out and brush it on--the color flows effortlessly onto your lids, leaving long-lasting color with a shimmery sheen that can be used as a base, or on it's own. We tried a light warmed beige called "#809 Lofty," and it's slightly darker sister, "#811 Commanding." These both add just a subtle shimmer and color, but there are more intense tones as well (e.g. "Navy"). The colors dry quickly, but still leave enough moisture for an additional color to latch onto, without so much creaminess that they crease. We think L'Oreal Paris has hit a home run with these inexpensive offering. For those who like a more traditional (but fun) approach to color, the Wear Infinité Star Secrets Eye Shadow Quad $7.15 offer foolproof instructions right on the package, so you always get the application just right. You get a neutral tone, a color accent, highlighter and a richer shade for definition or liner. There are five new quads, each with it's own celebrity spokeswoman so you can choose the one you like the best, or whose coloring is most like your own. Choose:  Eva Longoria (violets), Andie MacDowell (neutrals), Milla Jovovich (blues), Aishwarya Rai (greens) and Kerry Washington (bronzes). Add several coats of L'Oreal's new Telescopic Carbon Black Dramatic Lengthening & Intensifying Mascara $8.15 for out-to-there lashes in glossy black. We were fascinated with how quickly this product (with a precision, plastic "bristle" brush) lengthened and colored our lashes from nothing to bold, bolder, boldest and longer, longer, and longest without clumping or smudging. Even better contact lens wearers and those sensitive eyes can still enjoy this one. You get amazing quality and performance, especially considering the price.

Pink is the “it” color for the entire face this season, but it’s not an easy color to wear on eyelids. One shadow that does work for us is the Eye Shadow Compact  $3.95 in “Flushed” by Prestige Cosmetics. This pink is a feminine, light as spun-sugar pink with loads of shimmer that can be blended to be very subtle, or layered for evening glamour. It looks light and fresh, not “red” on lids, so you can wear it this fashionable color with confidence. We also like the Let Loose Shimmering Shadow $3.95 in “Show Off,” a sheer lime green that looks delicious and modern on lids. The wanded tube lets you take this loose powder shadow everywhere, and apply it easily and precisely. For drama whether you use shimmer or matte shadow, you’ll want to add a sexy, smoky eye liner. Hi-Definition Eyeliner Stylist in “Slate” lines lids with a precise, slate grey line thanks to a “felt” tip that helps you keep the line in check. Or, go glam with glitter! The Prestige Liquid Glitter Precision Eyeliner $5.25 gives you bold color and playful glitter in a fine line liquid liner that reminds us of some of the major brands, but without the high price tag. The one-step liner leaves color and sparkle. "Eclipse" (brown with silver glitter"), Starlit Black (black with silver glitter) and "Luna," (clear with multi glitter) are classic. Green, teal and grey liners are more modern and glam. All of these products offer affordable updates for Spring.

A little helper that can do a lot to enhance your eyes comes from True. Their Dual Eye Liner $18.00 with a black pencil on one end, a white on the other, is called none other than "Yin & Yang." Applied to the inner rims of your eyes, the white pencil helps brighten, the dark pencil used on lids as a liner, adds drama. Soft, blendable, but non-crumbly, the liner lasts long and works well. While I'm generally a flat brush/powder liner fan, when you're adding color to the delicate, inside area of your lid, a pencil is a must-have, and this one does the job exceptionally well. TIP: to enhance and protect your delicate eye area, always use a moisturizing eye treatment. We love True's Anti-Aging I-Lift Eye Contour Concentrate $75.00 .5 fl. oz. This powerful but lightweight treatment in a handy pump has Idebonone (a new compound that offers heavy-duty antioxidant protection and also acts as an anti-inflammatory) that works without making skin photo-sensitive, and other advanced anti-aging ingredients that protect, smooth fine lines and wrinkles, smooth and moisturize. The product also absorbs quickly without leaving an "oil slick" on your face.

Versatile products in trendy colors need not drain your wallet. The Color Wheel Mosaic Eye Powder $3.99 by N.Y.C. New York Color, for example, comes in five different patchwork combos: Brown Sugar; Pink Cadillac, Brown Eyed Girl, Beyond The Sea and Purple Rain. Each plain, clear, round, compact holds a generously-sized, oil/fragrance-free, pressed powder eye shadow wheel with  four, complimentary shades. Wear each separately as lid color, highlight or contour/liner, or a couple (or all) together for your own, signature, shimmer. The powder is soft and easy to blend, giving skin semi-opaque, mostly shimmery, coverage. From pink to purple, copper to bronze and even a stunning, soft turquoise, you can't go wrong--especially for the price. Innovative and unique is the N.Y.C. New York Color Smooth Mineral Loose Eye Powder Kit $6.99. Loose powder minerals in a shaker jar are challenging to apply to your eyelids without mess, and nearly impossible to apply a loose powder cleanly as a liner. This kit lets you create a creamy shadow from loose powder that's oil-and fragrance free, and gentle on even sensitive skin. For lid or contour, use the loose powder dry, with the sponge applicator side of the (included) dual-ended brush. For liner, use water and the flat side of the brush. Even better little tube of waterproofing sealer is included to make the color long-lasting. This little kit is actually quite a lot of fun (and easy) to use. Four Shades: Black Onyx, Espresso, Midnight and Frosty Shimmer (white) give you a range of color options.. Treat yourself to a new mascara, too. The Lash Precise Defining Mascara $4.99 contains silicone to wrap your lashes, giving them extra volume, while iron oxides make the color more intense, and Pro-Vitamin B5 gives them conditioning bennies. We also like the magenta-colored plastic brush with modern plastic bristles that coat each lash without clumping. There's "Black" and "Blackest Black." For those who prefer waterproof mascaras, the new, Maximum Boost Volumizing Mascara $3.99 wraps each lash in an intense, plumping formula. It also has silicone, Pro-Vitamin B5 and iron oxides in a long-lasting formula. This one also is available in two shades of black, but hopefully the company will add more colors in the future. These products are good, and really good value, too.

It's been a while since we've reviewed anything from celebrity makeup artist Debra Macki, whose trendy makeup has adorned famous faces such as:  Cyndi Lauper; Miss USA and Miss Teen USA, and even Vice President Al Gore! Her pressed powder Eye Shadow $19.99 comes in a silver tin with a clear, half-moon window to showcase the color, that reminds me a bit of an old-fashioned film canister. White is white-hot as a fashion choice for Spring, and the Debra Macki Eye Shadow in "Chloe" is a creamy, soft, matte that is just a bit warmer than white, but still gives the effect. The sheer, layerable shadow is also the perfect foil for a colored liner. Try a great, Debra Macki Kohl Eyeliner $14.00 in a creamy, intense, but soft Easter-Egg blue called "Sky" or with a smooth, mint green liner called "Maui." These kohl liners are easy to apply , luxuriously smooth and blendable, and long lasting. If you have trouble choosing one, luckily, there are more than two dozen colors!

Loose powder is the ultimate "must-have" for a flawless face, but you want one that won't add a heavy or mask-like finish to your face. Diorskin Matte and Luminous Sheer Loose Powder $44.00 adds allure to your dressing table with it's chunky, clear plastic square shaker jar and deep blue and silver top, plus a puff that fits snugly, inside. It also adds allure to your skin! This loose, hydrating, luminous, oil free, naturally-sheer, powder helps you even out your complexion. The result is a believable, full-coverage, velvety finish. This amazing product artfully blends with your skin to reflect light and make skin radiant, but without "shine." Three transparent shades of Light (001), Medium (002), and Dark (003) work for everyone. If you want to touch-up on the go, or aren't comfortable with loose powder products, you will get the same, beautiful results with the Diorskin Matte and Luminous Sheer Pressed Powder Compact $36.50. For liquid foundation lovers, a great choice for Spring is the Diorskin Forever, Extreme Wear Flawless Makeup $42.00. Ten color choices in a luxuriously silky foundation will stay put no matter where you are , thanks to an exclusive "nano-stretch" technology that helps the makeup adhere without caking or transfer onto your clothes. DiorSkin Forever combines skin care-bennies, including SPF 25, in a full coverage, waterproof formula. What makes this foundation very unique is the  "hydra-gel moisture-stabilizing system" that keeps your skin at a continuously optimal moisturization level, no matter what the humidity level.  TIP: the pressed compact version was reviewed in January/February's What Works column,  including a description of Dior's color coding system.

This Spring, update and invest in your foundation and blush. For example, Mat Lumière Long Lasting Luminous Matte Fluid Makeup SPF 15 $52.00  by Chanel is an oil-free formula that gives your skin a matte, but natural (semi-matte) finish. The smooth, thick foundation (dispensed from a frosted glass and black pump-top bottle) lets you have a full coverage, polished look, but you can also blend it so that it's a bit more luminous and natural.  It's so versatile it's like getting two foundations in one! Even if your skin it oily, it won't clog your pores, it won't show breakthrough shine even in the "T" zone, and it'll stay true to color and long lasting for hours. Now that's, performance! Add color too, with Joues Contraste ("Cheeks Contrast") Powder Blush $40.00. It is silky and so easy to blend, no matter what color you choose it will be truly flattering (don't ask me how they do it, but Chanel works magic with their blushes). Everyone loves these blushes, but there are two new ones in Spring shades to give you a look to love: "Enchanteresse" is a toasted rose that looks natural on everyone's skin no matter what the tone, and  "Luna" is a pearly-white shimmer that can be used as a highlight to accentuate your cheekbones, or around your eyes for a fresh look,  but we also like it lightly dusted (with a fan or kabuki brush) all over our cheeks for a youthful glow that doesn't require greasy gels or obvious shimmer. The color lasts all day and stays true to color.  A light scent, the incredible Chanel mirrored compact,  and a serviceable mini-blush brush,  make the blush even more luxe. Every woman needs a Chanel blush in her makeup arsenal!

Shu Uemura's Glow On Blush $21.00 is a favorite of makeup artists and fashionistas, everywhere.  They know about the high-performance and quality of Shu Uemura's products.  The blushes are particularly beautiful, and available in several dozen, pearl and matte shades, but "warm" is the word for two new blushes from the Spring "Rebirth" collection. "Tranquil Pink" looks fairly deep in the attractive, substantial, clear plastic compact, but, surprisingly, a mixture of sheer, subtle color variations simply makes your cheeks glow as if you did nothing at all, except develop your own,  magically flawless, natural flush. "Natural Orange" is a toasted peach that adds life and warmth that works well with tropical colors and tans. TIP: Brushed very lightly and sparingly (with a big, soft, powder brush) "Natural Orange" can be used as a bronzer on palefaces, too.

Until now, the gorgeous glow one gets when her pulse races required a partner (at least most of the time). However, BeneFit has created a powder blush that looks like you're "turned on"--but in a "proper" way! Thrrrob! $28.00 is a rose-pink blush with a bit of shimmer that mimics the look you get naturally when your pulse races. The powder is very sheer, so even if you layer it a few times, it's going to look subtle, and not like a rash. Still, you will be amazed at how much life it gives your complexion without screaming out the color. It's a way to wear trendy pink, and look gorgeous, not gaudy. As usual, BeneFit has outdone itself in creating clever packaging: it's signature, square, cardboard box features red and pink, corset-type "lacing," and inside a flat, mini blush brush features, soft, vibrant pink, bristles...oooh, la, la! TIP: Fair maiden? Now you can also protect, moisturize and add a hint of tint with the newest in BeneFit's line of tinted moisturizers made just for fair complexions. YouRebel Lite $28.00 offers the same skin-loving bennies of the much-loved original (women purchase 1,000+ tubes daily) including SPF 15, aloe, Vitamin E and Vitamin A. A super-light  floral scent is nice, too. Now that the sun's rays are getting stronger, there's no excuse not to moisturize, protect, and enhance your skin with this three-in-one-in-a-tube. Take it everywhere.

Make-up Designory’s Cheek Color $11.00 offers colors suitable for all skin tones, made with professional grade pigments and the highest grade talc compound. The soft, silky pressed powder blends beautifully and easily, and it can be layered for different intensities of color. One blush color that I especially like is "Warm Bisque," a matte blush that looks like a very pale peach in the slim, matte black compact with clear, flip top, but on skin it blends beautifully to produce an amazingly natural peachy-pink blush on light skin that looks like the real thing. Those with medium complexions can also use this shade as highlight. For those who like cream blush, the Color Creme $15.50 is a sheer wash of color that slides on like a dream without being greasy or heavy. It's just perfect for light to dark skin tones, that can be used as a lip stain as well! "Tulip" is a sheer coral with a bit of orange undertone that adds just the right amount of brightness.

If you’re looking for a Spring blush and want to follow the coral and orange runway trends, you'll want to choose a coordinating blush that looks natural, not too orange or stage-y. An inexpensive choice is the Blushing Duo $5.25 in “Sahara” by Prestige Cosmetics. The slim, round, silvery compact with clear top displays a pink-ish coral with a smaller circle of warmer, coral blush. Wear them together, separately, or use the deeper shade to add definition, the lighter to give your complexion the glow you desire. These sheer blushes stay true to color and can be layered for more (or less) intensity. It’s a big fashion statement for not a lot of cash.

There's nothing cheerier than a Bourjois compact. It's cute, round, mirrored, colored the same as the product inside, and comes with it's own applicator.  I used to covet these Bourjois compacts.  When I'd go to Paris, I'd bring home as many Bourjois eyeshadows and blushes as I could afford, feeling so "cosmopolitan" when I used one. Of course, you an buy them here and spare the airfare! For Spring, Bourjois Blush $14.00 in "Rose Frisson" will keep you a semi-sheer, cotton candy glow that will make you look lively, even if you had a bit "too much" the night before. The mini-blush brush will deliver just the right amount of this light, velvety blusher in a "must-have" Spring shade. TIP: the Bourjois Eye Shadow $14.00 in "15 Rose Peau" is a pale pink shimmer that's meant for eyes, but does double-duty as a highlighter for cheeks, too!

Mineral makeup used to be the salvation of people with ultra-sensitive skin, but actually, it benefits everyone. Cosmetic mineral products have become a hot item.  Whether your skin is sensitive or not, you may want to give minerals makeup a try.  While a lot of pure minerals products are on the pricey side, on company that's keeping the price down is N.Y.C. New York City Color. At less than the cost of a sandwich and soda, you can experiment to your heart's content. And, if you're already a fan of mineral powders, you'll be impressed with the quality and performance of the Smooth Mineral Loose Foundation Powder With SPF 15 $6.99 and Smooth Mineral Pressed Foundation Powder With (natural) SPF 15 $6.99. These products are oil-free, fragrance-free, and talc-free, making them kind to all sorts of skin, including problem or sensitive skin. There are only four shades: Natural Light, Natural Fair, Natural Medium, and Natural Dark, but all natural and sheer enough in color to flatter a wide range of complexions.  There is also a translucent "Finishing Powder" (without SPF) to add as a last-step to set your mineral makeup. The plain, clear plastic compacts (for pressed powder and shaker jars (for loose powder) come with a mini "Kabuki" brush to help you apply the product smoothly and easily. The shaker jar also has a sifter plug to contain the product between uses. For color, add a touch of Smooth Mineral Loose Blush Powder With SPF 15 $6.99 in four, self-explanatory shades: Almost Apricot, Tender Pink, Desert Rose, and Pearl Mocha.  These powder blushes also come with a mini Kabuki brush (although we prefer a slightly larger version to more completely diffuse the natural color). What we like so much about mineral makeup, including all of these products, is that they work with your skin's natural oils to enhance your coloring and minimize flaws, but they won't clog your pores or irritate your skin. The natural SPF sun protection is a big plus, too.  These products don't come in super-fancy packaging,  but these N.Y.C. New York City Color products are good, and give you the look for a lot less. If you have heard all the buzz about mineral makeup but haven't tried it, this is the perfect time. TIP: Use a sponge with the pressed powder compact instead of a brush if you want heavier coverage or additional SPF protection

Debra Macki's trendy colors make it easy to wear a trend and look gorgeous, not goofy. Debra Macki Blush $19.00 in "Bachelorette" is a bright, matte coral that looks quite orange in it's silvery tin, but on the skin it can be blended to a soft, peachy glow that looks right with all the bright, tropical colors you'll see in the stores and creates a natural glow. "Posh" is a creamy, pearly, very light browned pink that adds a feminine sheen to cheeks with a hint of color, and it can be used as a highlight on deeper complexions or as an eye shadow, in a pinch. You can't go wrong with either...or both!

If you've ever dreamed of being a make up artist, or just having makeup that helps you look like a pro did it,  you'll be enchanted with Make-up Designory, a line of makeup that was created for a genuine Make Up school. Make-up Designory is  a private post secondary institution that provides training to an international group of students.  The Sheer Lipstick $14.50 in "Just Peachy" is more than just a slick of gloss with a hint of tint, it offers a moistly shiny medium coverage of a perfect, soft, warmed peach with just a hint of muted orange undertone. The color isn't so warm that cool-toned complexions will fight the color--it's perfect for the season's "tropical" colors, too. The silky and moisturizing formula is a bonus, too. The smooth application and universally flattering nature of this lip color makes it one of our top picks for lips this season. For long lasting shine and lots of shimmer, Lip Gloss $10.50  "Pink Freeze" is an icy, sheer, violet-pink that adds drama if you layer it--full of patent-leather appeal. Wear it beautifully as is, or change it's character completely with a lip pencil or another lipstick.

Sometimes we like wearing bold, bright, lips, but most days, we simply crave a natural look that is polished and pretty. Bobbi Brown's new Creamy Lip Color $22.00 is the perfect choice--it should be called "dreamy" lip color! As with all Bobbi Brown products, the focus in on making you look good (in a nearly foolproof way) and not just having the latest fad on your lips. But Bobbi Brown has worked her usual magic. She has created a lip color that combines natural but rich color with a comfy formula that lasts a long time and gives a moist, creamy (not uber-glossy) shine. Even better, it has plant-derived skin conditioners and that super moisturizer, shea butter, to help even dry lips look smooth and alluring. We love the way the color glides on from the slim and elegant, shiny black, squared-off and slant-tipped tube. This newbie combines the best of a balm and a lipstick offering lip bennies all day, all evening, and in all-fashionable color featuring14 fresh pinks from light to dark, warm to berry.

New and absolutely nifty is Dior Addict High Shine Translucent Lipcolor. This solid lip color in an angled tube takes the best of the Dior Addict high-shine line of lip colors and glosses, and glams it up in a silver and clear case (instead of the usual, blue one).  Then, Dior angles the tip on a slant for more control.  The result is an ultra-silky and luxurious, hydrating, lip plumping, lip enhancing, super-shiny product that simply a joy to use!  Soft, sheer colors look smooth and natural on even parched lips. This is a "beauty "balm" that makes lips look as lovely as they feel. We tried four colors: "Sheer Rose" adds just a whisper of light pink to your lips, while "Champagne Blush" is a tad deeper but still so sheer it gives just a hint of tint. "Spotlight Coral" does the same. For those who like a nude look that's better than bare, "Casual Beige" enhances your lips, and is the one you'll crave. These translucent lip colors are spectacular--the boxes claims it to be true, and we agree--they are!

"Serene, dewy, bloom"...words that describe three of Shu Uemura's newest Rouge Unlimited $23.00 colors from his Spring "Rebirth" collection. These lip products are coveted by makeup artists, celebrities and fashionistas the world over, with more than 65 shades that provide high-tech, high pigment color that not only remain on your lips for hours, but include a ceramide shield to provide long-lasting moisture.  The feel is moist and balm-like, and of course, very luxurious. The no-nonsense, clear plastic cases are substantial and chic, and allow you to swap lipsticks in and out, if you wish. Often Shu Uemura's colors look very bold in the compact, but transform into sheer, universally flattering colors on the skin. "Pink Bloom," for example, looks like a bright pink but on lips, it's translucent and super-sheer, leaving just the merest suggestion of pink rose petals. "Serene Pink" does the same, with a browned-pink and a warmer feel, while "Dewy Beige" gives you a fashionable nude. All give your lips a treat, and makes them look so much better than bare.

There is nothing more rewarding than slicking on a beautiful, shiny, shimmery lip gloss that feels as good on your lips as it looks. Chanel's Lèvres Scintillantes Glossimer Lip Gloss $25.00 comes in a clear, square wanded tube offering a truly shiny and shimmer look for your lips. The gel texture feels soft and silky and never sticky, yet it won't fade and run into the little lines that can form around your lips.  We tried two of the newest: "Moonlight" is a clear shimmer that adds amazing "pouty-ness" even though it's not technically a lip plumper, and it looks really enhances every lipstick from light to deep. "Gazelle," gives your lips a trendy peach shimmer with enough color to stand (beautifully) on it's own. These are hardly "dime-store" lip glosses, but splurge a little--you'll really like what you see! TIP"  to keep a gloss in check and add more intensity, line lips and then fill them in first, with a lip liner such as Chanel's Precision Lip Definer $28.00. The slim, creamy pencil has silicones for easy application, Vitamin E to help protect skin, and a built-in brush for blending, or try Le Crayon Gloss $28.00. It's a pencil with a soft, fluid, gel-like top, made to outline and color your lips with a sheer color and shine.  It also makes a perfect lip base. Both pencils come with their own, double-bladed sharpener, too.

Remember mood rings? Those telltale jewels that visibly pronounced whether you were happy, sad, etc.? Too Faced Cosmetics has taken the concept a step further, and put the proof on your lips, with Mood Swing Lip Gloss $18.50.  A generously-sized tube of clear lip gloss comes in a colorful, pink, white and black, slant-tipped tube. once on your lips, watch your unique body chemistry it turn one of six sexy shades of pink from light to deep fuchsia, depending on your "mood."  The colors will show whether you are in love, jealous, angry happy or hot and bothered. No matter what, the color looks natural and glossy!  And, while you're having fun forecasting your mood, the super-silky gloss's blend of essential oils and extracts, including jojoba oil, shea butter, Vitamin E and OMC (a natural sunscreen) will protect your lips from the sun's rays, and help rejuvenate them--Nice! We think this is a great conversation starter, and a great gloss.

Sometimes a lip product isn't just a lip product. That's why I'm absolutely loving the new, Ultra Color Rich Mousse Lipstick $8.00 by Avon. This amazing lip color is a little bit of everything you have been dreaming of in a lipstick:  A slim, angled tip makes application easy, and the lip colors give rich, full, coverage.  But what makes this product so incredible (besides the affordable price tag) is a core of colorful moisturizer in the middle of the lipstick itself. It has lip softening wonders such as lanolin and jojoba and other specialized conditioners that leave your lips feeling sinfully soft and sexy. Cleverly, the moisturizing core also helps deliver the smoothest, most beautiful colors (14 of them) to your lips in a flash. I can't claim to measure the results that Avon reports ( an immediate 115% increase in hydration and an immediate 413% in moisturization) but I can report that my lips looked and felt incredible.  The colors range from very light (my faves are "Nude Shimmer" and "Delicate Pink") to medium tones such as the almost coppery "Champagne,"  to bold, such as "Very Cherry," a bright, cherry red that will knock your socks off with glamorous color that makes lips look amazing. For those who prefer a patent-leather shine, there's the also excellent Glazewear Liquid LipColor $6.00 that adds glossy (not gloppy) sheer color alone, or over another lip product,  dispensed from wanded tube. A new nude that's worth a "shout out" because it's better than bare and  great for every day is "Nude Attitude" from the Jillian Dempsey for Avon natural Impact Collection.

Sheer, super-shiny pink lips are the freshest look this season. Get the look, affordably, with a LightShine Lip gloss $4.95 in “Anacapri” by Prestige Cosmetics. A clear, wanded tube holds a sheer and super-shiny gloss with just a hint of fresh-picked pink. Your lips will look glossy but not overly made-up. For more definition, add LightShine Gloss Lip Liner $4.95 in “Lily,” a perfectly paired pink pencil. This gloss-friendly friendly lip liner has just a hint of color so it doesn’t look old fashioned, and it helps to keep gloss going longer, and where you put it!

Lip plumpers can instantly improve the look of your lips, giving them the illusion of a voluptuous, sexy, pout. Lippin' Large Lip Plumper $3.99 by N.Y. C. New York City Color affordably pumps you up. Their plumping gloss is a blend of cinnamon, and peppermint essential oils that tingle your lips and stimulate them, creating the full look you like. Vitamin E hydrates and soothes even parched lips, while Shiny (not gloppy) gloss shimmers with sheer color.  Lots of lip plumpers are available, but this one is pleasantly painless and comes shimmery shades that smell softly of vanilla and mint. The slant-tipped squeeze tube won't win any graphic design awards, but it is easy to apply. Six. self-explanatory colors are: Plum Tart, Peach Parfait, Toffee Kiss, Pink Champagne, Strawberry Mousse, and Very Clear. All are very pretty. At this price, you don't have to choose- get all six for the price of just one, designer plumper.

There are lip glosses, and there are exceptional lip glosses.  Gloss Appeal $19.00 by Clarins is the latter, a shiny, shimmery, luxuriously-smoothing gloss that coats lips with semi-transparent color, mixed with gorgeous, shimmery, silver and gold pigments to add sex appeal in a second. Slick on just one coat, and watch your lips transform in front of your eyes, reflecting the light, enhanced with enough color to look good, not gloppy. We liked the clear wand with a wide, slanted-tip foam applicator that makes it easy to perfect a sexy and perfectly proportioned, pout.  Just as importantly, the gloss has  perhydrosqualene from olive to tempt and treat lips with smoothing and moisturizing properties. The final, luxe touch is the subtle and slightly sweet flavor: a soft almond-aniseed fragrance. For Spring, “Lilac” (from the Colour Fizz Collection) is more pink than purple, and perfect for the season. New, not-quite-nude, gold-tinged “Praline” adds a warm, gorgeous, gold peach to flatter lips.  You won’t be able to stop looking in the mirror. Color and shine your world!

We reviewed the Infallible Lip Color by L'Oreal Paris in our November 2007 What Works column. In February, L'Oreal launched an Infallible, Never Fail Lipgloss $9.99 as well. This excellent lip gloss arrives in a clear, wanded tube with a heat/spade-shaped sponge that gives your lips the perfect shape (why other lip glosses are still using a clumsy, bulky oval shape is beyond me). The gloss is a base coat and color/gloss coat all in one, so you are saved a step. The result is shiny and moisturizing, but instead of silky it's just a bit "tacky" so you get long wear up to 6 hours that won't dry out, won't parch your lips, and never needs a touch-up! The colors are bright and intense, with 16 shades  in pinks, corals/reds, mauves/wines, and nudes & browns. Get the trendy bold red lip look so popular now without worrying that the color will run, by choosing "#315 Rebel Red," a deep, shimmery, neutral red that looks universally flattering on all complexions. For a flattering mauve, "#515 Undeniable Mauve" coats lips with a slightly pink mauve that looks sexy, but not overdone. Also launched last month is a wanded lip color that has high intensity coverage and shine: HIP High Intensity Pigments Shine Struck Liquid Lipcolor $12.00. This product features a treasure-trove of a dozen rich, high-shine shades with medium-full coverage. Jojoba oil helps condition lips that are less than perfect from Winter's dry conditions, and a vanilla-y scent makes application feel luxurious. The lipcolor slides on smoothly, giving you a lipstick/gloss combo in one easy step! We loved "#780 Indestructible," a deep, brick/red that gave our lips the bold look we wanted, without being garish or other the top. "#160 Splendid" goes the other direction, coating lips with a pearly beige that looks light and natural.

TRUE Lip Shine $16.00 comes in nine, fresh-looking shades, but "Dreamy" is the fashionable pink everyone wants this season. The bright, clear pink is flattering to everyone's complexion, and this version adds just the right amount of color, plus loads of silky, luxe, high shine. Get the beauty bennies of refreshing natural peppermint and caffeine, that help to stimulate circulation and make even lackluster lips look full and promising. Lip conditioners including Vitamin E,  and antioxidants,  help smooth and protect them, too. Reviewers predict that once you try this color (or one of the other 8) the TRUE Lip Shine's slant-tipped squeeze tube will be a Spring staple in your makeup bag.

The Advice Sisters' What's Your New #1 New Years Resolution? Contest has ended, also ending your chance to enter for Champion Sportswear including a women's Super Hoodie, Sports Pant, and Sports Bra, plus a Men's Hoodie (worth over $200. You can read my review plus see photos of the pieces on the AdviceSisters blog.  If you weren't the lucky winner or you didn't enter, the good news is that you can still get these items for yourself at: www.championUSA.com. The Women's Super Hood $49.99 is my favorite piece.  It offers warmth from those chilly early morning/late night walks, but won't make you look like the Stay-Puff Marshmallow Man (or woman). Choose light pink, red, light grey, white, retro green, or light blue. Of course, if you're going to exercise in style, you want an outfit to wear under that nifty jacket.  The Champion® O2Cool™ Sports Bra $36.00 is one of the most comfortable sports bras I've ever tried. It has moisture-wicking fabric with strategic mesh panels to provide cool ventilation just where you need it most: under arms, at neck, and at back. Pair the bra and hoodie with the Champion Women's Cross Over Pants $30.00. The stylish, boot-cut legs slide right over athletic shoes and, the bra, may be the most comfortable sports pants I've ever tried. Subscribe to our free, bi-monthly Enews to be informed of our next contest!

As a teenager, Jodi Gallaer had a problem at least some women would love--finding pretty but supportive lingerie in for her 32DD bra size. Jody finally created what the stores weren't supplying: colorful, cute and supportive lingerie featuring vintage-inspired lace, in updated silhouettes." You don't have to be "stacked" to love this lingerie line, however. The "Tea in The Park" Camisole $48.00, for example, comes in small, medium and large. The soft, mint green cami is opaque and very stretchy so it skims over "flaws." This camisole is pretty and comfortable, with 80% polyamide, 20% Elasthan, a silky body, and a supportive shelf bra. The bottom and the V-neck are lined with a pretty, wide,  taupe and pink scrolled lace trim. The neckline is attractively low but not so low that you couldn't wear it to work with a jacket and feel appropriate. The matching bras are apparently so popular they were sold out at press time, but there's a matching thong to complete the outfit and make you feel sexy in work clothes, or your favorite low rise jeans. We hope to see more from this line in future columns.

Heirloom Hangars bring glam and bling to your closet. These substantial, beaded hangars add glitter top your garments, and make a routine chore of organizing and hanging up your clothes, more fun. The Classic Triangle Hangar $19.99/3 come in a variety of colors, and classic clear. The large, faceted beads cover the entire hangar, catching the light. Each hanger is delicate enough for camisole, strong enough to hold a light coat.  Grab a bunch as a treat, and use them to organize your closet with style and flair. It's an affordable luxury!

Wondering what to do with jewelry you no longer love? Did you get granny's wedding ring and you  can't figure out how to actually wear it? Hoping to learn more about collecting? Crazy About Jewelry! $16.95 by jewelry appraiser Susan Eisen, provides the answers you are seeking. Although the information will seem elementary to real jewelry collectors, her  suggestions are mostly are common-sense. Still, you are bound to find at least one or two ideas you haven't thought of before that will help you to enjoy the jewelry you have, and make wise choices in the future. Ms. Eisen's tips on organizing,  cleaning, storing, and taking care of your collection are particularly helpful, especially if you have lots and lots of jewelry. Ms. Eisen has her own web site/blog where you can ask questions, too.  Costume or real, buying or wishing to sell stuff, the book is worth a read (and we dig the little pink "jewel" on the cover.

Also new to our columns is Morgana Femme Couture, featuring (for the most part) lingerie you'll want for special occasions and when you are feeling more naughty than nice, less traditional and more edgy. There are numerous collections to suit different personalities from Betty Paige, to Ugly Betty (glam America Ferarra). "Camille," for example, is a perfectly pink, feminine collection in  lace and satin that comes in a variety of pieces to wear as set, or individually. There's a very girly and lacy Balcony Bra $50.00 with lace-covered, adjustable straps and under wire soft cups lined with tulle for added support. There's also a matching thong, hipster brief, 4-strap suspender,  and a substantial corset ($368.00) to make one of the sexiest (but not trashy) lingerie sets of the season. Each seam is sealed, each stitch, well placed. Although it's not a bargain basement product, it's still more reasonable than other luxury brands. The quality is there to enjoy.

hen your bangs, or a short style is growing out, there's the awkward period where nothing looks right no matter how many styling products you use. Headbands have always been my salvation. But headbands aren't just "hair-holders," they're fashion statements.  A line I'm in love with is (seriously, and no pun intended) is Violet Love by Rebecca Michaels $15-$19.00 srp.) . Their comfortable, soft, colorful, stretchy fabric headbands can be worn wide, scrunched, or narrow. And, the amazing array of fabrics are limited edition, so you'll always be in style. For spring, Brown Sugar $17.00 compliments everything "tropical." When I was at the Accessories Show at the Javits Center this January, I checked out Violet Love's Newest: an organic Line of Headbands-ECO by VL™. The first of its kind, these headbands are made from organics ( 92% Bamboo / 8% Lycra or 56 % Bamboo / 35% Poly / 9% Spandex Blends). Be gorgeous and "green" (the hot idea, now). TIP: if your fabric headband "slips" during the day, you may be wearing it too far back on your head. Move it closer to your temples...it'll look better, and stay put, too.

Also discovered at Accessories Show at the Javits Center was charming Craig Williams and his Kakadu Traders Hats from Australia. These lovely, authentic "Outback" hats for men and women come in a variety of colors, fabrics and styles. One I particularly like (for the ladies --there are plenty of styles for the guys, too) is called the Florentine Soaka $35.00 srp. This feminine hat of lightweight micro suede has a wide insert of delicate, lacy, flocked mesh around to give it style and let your head, breathe. There is also a 3-strand braided band, and a soft, rope, chin string (for windy days). The hat comes in several colors, but the ivory one is perfect for a Western wedding, the black one, for an urban cowgirl's big night out.  It's the most comfortable hat I've ever worn, making this "down under" hat a hit in with girls in the big city. In sizes S-XXL. Three important features make this hat stand apart: it's crushable for travel, is rated a whopping UPF 50+! and it's designed to cool you down when wet, so it's hot out there, it's also a low-tech cooling machine! Keeping the sun off your face while making a fashion statement is a definite thumbs up! TIP: to clean, hand wash in cold water  with a mild detergent and hang to dry in the shade.

Pink is hands-down the most universally flattering color for all complexions.  The limited edition, Pink Raspberry Face Palette $55.00 by Bobbi Brown Cosmetics is a beautiful and effortless way to wear the trend. The generously-sized, mirrored, signature compact with white Bobbi Brown logo. It contains cool and neutral tones for eyes, and sheer shades of raspberry for lips and cheeks in one signature compact. These coordinated colors work well with every skin tone.  For eyes, there’s a soft deep grey called “fog” and a light, beige called “Navajo.”  The new, exclusive “Pink Raspberry: blush adds flattering warmth to your face. TIP: to avoid looking like you have a bad rash if you are using a cool blush and your complexion is warm, use a large, soft blush to diffuse the color and use just a small amount as your skin tone requires. Two new and exclusive sheer lip colors finish the look with this season’s must-have look: natural! , flattering tint without shimmer or too much shine. “Raspberry” and “Blue Raspberry” Lip Sheer add either a berried-pink or a bright, pure pink to lips.  The colors in this compact are modern and so wearable you’ll reach for it every day. Of course, they’re high quality, luxurious and fun to use. And, since the compact colors coordinate beautifully, it makes “making up a no-brainer for busy women. We think it’s a must-have, especially for fashionistas and  Bobbi Brown fans (like us) who want her latest and greatest!

At least one face-in-a-case-kit is a must-have each season. it's a way to coordinate colors, effortlessly, carry the look with you easily,  and since you're getting a number of items in each kit, it's a good value, too.  BeneFit's  Pink To Please a Woman....Gold to Get the Guy $30.00 is a limited edition you'll want to be wearing right now. Pink and white checks (reminiscent of square-dancer gingham), is the accent on the pink and gold cardboard compact (with magnetic closure), around the interior mirror, and the palette, itself. Inside this playful compact are three squares of of-the-moment, warm, gold-shimmered eye shadows: soft rose, soft gold, and soft champagne. There are also three lip creams: sheer, shimmery, rose and pink, and a gold-tinged, browned rose that looks amazing on just about everyone. The look is feminine and soft, but not so subtle you can't see it. A mini-sized, dual-ended sponge applicator/lip brush completes the compact. TIP:  Before you apply anything to your face, fix the flaws, fast, with Poof! You're Perfect! $26.00 (so new it won't be in stores until April, 2008). This clever concealer comes in a cute, clear pink pot with it's own, curved plastic applicator to dig out the good stuff from the jar. It's hard to get super-excited about a concealer, but it's a "must-have" for a more flawless look. This one is an impressively-rich cream , so thick you only need a teeny bit. The magic in how it blends and covers, beautifully, quickly covering (and brightening) dark circles, discolorations, and anything else you don't want to see on your face. Three shades" Fair, Medium, Dark" do it all. Instructions to perfectly conceal and brighten, are included.

The Color Disk $69.00 by Haute Face (new to our reviews) is impressive-- a grab-it-and-go,  complete, beauty-in-a-box compact slim enough to tuck into a tote or computer bag. there are seven different ones to correspond to a variety of medium to deep skin tones (check on the website and pick the girl whose skin tone most resembles yours).  Founder Cassandra Mills originally created the line for women of color, but realized other women needed an easy and effective way to create a coordinated makeup look, too.  I tried the lightest collection called "Gorgeous," that included a creamy concealer and face base, a finishing powder, three matte eye shadows to accent, contour and define in muted shades of brown, taupe and grey, plus one shimmery ivory highlight for eyes. C contour and a blush for cheeks looked natural -peachy pink blush, nude contour. Lip looks include a matte browned red, a creamy copper, and a sheer, shimmery, almost-there browned rose gloss. You don't have to worry that you'll pick the wrong color -- it's guaranteed that you'll look pretty, not garish. This a  perfect partner if you travel, to tote to work for touch-ups, and it makes a great gift. TIP:  get a full-sized Face Base Foundation $30.00 and you'll have flawless, multi-tasking sheer to completely full coverage every time you make up. This cream-to-powder foundation is a little miracle...so smooth you can apply it with your fingertips if necessary, and it's full of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory vitamins A and E, botanicals and aloe. Thirteen shades from very dark to moderately light, delight.

Home or office feeling a bit "stale?" A great, set-it-and-forget-it way to add subtle scent and a fresh feeling to your space ScentPort (starter kit) $12.50,  Refills $12.50 .8 fl. oz. Created by home scent innovator Harry Slatkin of Slatkin & Company and sold at Bath and Bodyworks stores, this unobtrusive, white and silver diffuser literally plugs into the wall (you can adjust the angle of the prongs too--clever!) and once it's in place, it'll diffuse more than 22 bottled fragrances continuously until you unplug it. Keep in in day and night and it will last up to two months. Even better, you can pop a refill bottle in or out, to change the scent as your mood, dictates. We tried "Mango and Pineapple."  We plugged it in, and within a short time, we sensed Spring in the air!  The scent is noticeable, not heavy. Scentport is a "must-have" for every home, a plus for offices, and a great gift. TIP: before using scent in a shared space, ask if it's ok--some people may not have the same taste in scent that you do.

Another unique and attractive way to scent your world is with Antica Farmacista.  Their fragrances have been created in Italy for over a quarter of a century! The Antica Farmcista Home Ambiance Fragrance $58.00 250ml $88.00 500 ml  features an apothecary-style bottle filled with slender, wooden reeds to soak up and diffuse the scent. There are 15 scents to choose from.  Ours, "Green Fig," has notes of fresh cut grass,  fruit and soft violet, then a heart of wild fig. A finishing drydown of powdery sandalwood gives this lovely fragrance a hint of spice that smells clean, just like Springtime itself. The scent isn't intrusive, but everyone sensed it, smelled it, and loved it. This is a gracious and attractive way to add fragrance to your surroundings. it makes a wonderful (and environmentally friendly) gift, too.

Pür Minerals Correcting Primer in a new color: "Peach" $29.50 was created specifically to cover under eye circles, age spots, dark spots, freckles, and uneven skin tone. The big surprise is how silky and luxurious, yet how lightweight, it feels on your skin.  Pump a bit out of the bottle, and you have a super-silky liquid that is formulated to flatter all skin types. The natural finish lets you wear this alone without looking at all freakish, but also with foundation (preferably mineral makeup). It's the first step in creating a flawless face. TIP: we really liked this to help us correct dark under-eye circles. The natural color and finish means you'll avoid those white or grey-circled "raccoon" eyes. This is a superb, versatile corrector/primer. And; sometimes you just need to clean the makeup off your skin, but you don't have a bathroom (or water) handy.  Luckily, Pür Minerals Mineral Quick Clean $16.50 3 fl. oz gently cleans off even the most tenaciously-clinging makeup products, without water. This crème facial cleanser comes in a flip-top tube slim enough to tote in a handbag, and it's formulated with aloe vera, soy protein, and shea butter so your skin it not only clean, but smooth.  Simply apply a small amount of Mineral Quick Clean onto your skin in a circulation motion, then gently wipe it off with a soft cloth or a tissue.  Reviewers tried it with full foundation, blush, and waterproof eye shadow. The amount of product this cleanser removed, in seconds, was staggering, but our skin still felt soft and clean.  If you are on the go and need to freshen up, this product is a wonder. And, if you just don't feel like getting your face wet, you'll appreciate the power this little tube of cleanser offers. Either way, it's worth the price for your beauty arsenal.

Lip balms are a beauty staple but they're a lot more fun when you're applying them from adorable packaging and the balm features fun flavors. Pin Up Lip Balm $4.00 for example, arrive in rectangular, retro-style tins with a sliding top featuring a different, 40’s style pinup girl on each lid, and in eight yummy flavors. We tried the tingly, limited edition “Peppermint Twist” that added a zingy minty fragrance to tempt our lips, but there’s also lemonade, coconut, raspberry, grape soda, vanilla, mocha chocolate, and citrus punch. The actual balm is hard-milled to last a long time, and yet it feels light, silky and moisturizing on our lips. We like the idea the all natural ingredients include all good things for your skin: avocado oil, beeswax, hydrating apricot kernel oil, and Vitamin E.

Longing for luscious lips? The Thibiant Beverly Hills Plumptuous Lip Volumizer $25.00 is a luxurious way to get fuller and more youthful lips. This upscale lip plumper comes in a pump bottle instead of a lipstick or gloss, so you can use it "au natural" and still get a beautifying effect. A little bit goes a long way towards smoothing, soothing, and perking up tired, thin, dry lips.  Shea butter and other moisturizers make an immediate difference. The otherwise clear lotion also seems to have some light-reflecting properties. This is a sophisticated, take-me-with-you little helper that can help perfect your dreamed-about pout.

Warmer weather is on the way. Your legs cannot hide forever in long pants! Shaving shouldn’t be a chore, and when you use luxurious, beautifully scented products by Whish, it’s not. Whish Shave Crave Shave Cream $32.00 6.7 oz.  in “Papaya Coconut, for example, mixes aromatherapy with essential oils and natural ingredients to make shaving (almost) fun. Coconut oil is highly moisturizing, and Papaya oil has Vitamins A and C to keep your skin looking healthy.  Open the jar and sniff!  You’ll love the scent, a tropical mix of fruit and coconut that is pleasing, but not so sweet that you feel like you’re sniffing suntan lotion! The luxe shaving cream can be smoothed on with your hands, or even better, with a Whish shave brush that helps create a rich, creamy, lather that makes it even easier to get a close shave. Keep the happy feelings going with Whish Shave Savour $28.00 6.7 oz. This after-shave balm in a plastic bottle with black, flip-top cap soothes and moisturizes with a cocktail of good-for your skin: papaya oil, coconut oil, sage, aloe, cucumber and other natural ingredients. The naturally moisturizing aftershave balm is the final, pampering touch in a just-for-us-girls, shaving ritual. You’re worth it!

Silky, pampering Biomimetic Perfect Lip Honey $19.00 by REN Skincare gives lips a treatment that smoothes, plumps, nourishes and protects even the driest most chapped lips. The slant-tipped tube makes it easy to apply this clear balm, formulated with REN's exclusive Biomimetic Hydra+ that hydrates and nourishes. The gel balm also contains plumping hydroxy-peptides, a skin protector called “Antileukine,” and healing and soothing Omega 3 & 6 oils. We love the fact that REN Skincare uses 100% natural blends of essential oils, distillates and plant extracts in place of synthetic fragrance, and 100% pure plant oils such as Camellia Oil, Monoi, Manketti Oil and Sesame Oil in place of petrochemicals, such as mineral oil, paraffin and petrolatum. This is a superior lip balm that got our Winter-parched lips back into shape, fast.

Whether you are stuck on an airplane with no real room to clean your teeth or you just want a way to promote good dental hygiene, Floss & Wipe  $12.49/50, $21.99/100 *plus shipping & handling is a good idea.  Each packet holds a cloth tooth wipe with a bit of dental floss attached. These individual packets freshen your teeth and gums quickly, and they contain Xylitol which has been shown in dental studies to reduce tooth decay. So simple, so inexpensive, and yet so effective, Entrepreneur (and North American Distributor) Russell Magidson was so impressed  with the product during his travels in Asia that he had to share them with fellow Americans. Our reviewers liked the idea that they could use these single-use packets discreetly after a meal and never again worry that there's something "green" or a "seed" sticking in your smile!  TIP:  a Floss & Wipe in your kid's backpack is novel enough to be "cool," so they'll want to use it.

When a good, effective, inexpensive product is made even better, it's cause for excitement.  Bioré has taken it's famous Nose Strips and given them a refreshing, citrus-y scent. Bioré Mandarin Blossom Nose Strips $5.99/8 give the mundane chore of cleansing pores a bit of a spa-like lift, but they do the job as thoroughly and easily as the original. Wet your nose, apply the strip, wait (and enjoy the light, orange-y scent). After 10-15 minutes when you gently pull off the strip, it will take the  dirt and impurities from your pores off with it. The "hairs" you see growing out of the strip are actual bits of dirt and oil that were embedded in your skin -eww!  These strips are easier than peeling an orange, and now that they smell nicely of orange, they're truly a no-brainer to make part of your beauty routine and to really cleanse those noticeable pores on your nose before you meet your adoring public.

We were introduced to Kate Somerville Skin care at a Spa Magazine event last Fall and were very impressed with the products. The philosophy of Kate Somerville Skin care is based on a Skin Health Pyramid, with five fundamental elements for beautiful skin: Protect, Hydrate, Feed Stimulate and Detox.  Choose the products that best suits your skin type for spa-quality results at home. If you’ve got normal to oily skin and want a cleanser that doesn’t just cleanse, but also removes excess oil, makeup and impurities, while also refreshing skin, you are going to love the Kate Somerville Purify Exfoliating Cleanser $32.00 4 oz. A dime-sized drop of  this great, herbal-scented, clear cleansing gel, dispensed from a twist on/off tube works wonders. The product is enriched with peppermint and rosemary extracts that brighten and revive your skin, while salicylic & lactic acids exfoliate dead skin cells without making skin red and tight. It will also reduce the size of enlarged pores, and helps promote a shine-free complexion without drying out adult skin. For normal to dry skin we sampled QUENCH Hydrating Serum $60.00 1 oz. Encased in a silvery pump is a clear serum like a silk coat for your skin. It locks in water so your skin stays quenched day and night. It also has HSC Complex, an advanced hydrating system that brings moisture to you! r skin and locks it into your cells. It also features RetiStar, the most advanced form of Vitamin A to counteract aging. Dry or stressed skin immediately looks and feels silky and pampered.  You can add a bit of this to another moisturizer (e.g. Kate Somerville Deep Tissue Repair) to amp up the good for your skin bennies.  And, for your eyes, Kate Somerville has an amazing product just for that hard-to-treat, under-eye area called Line Release Under Eye Repair Cream $125.00 .5 oz. Also packaged in a silvery pump, this is an extraordinary eye cream that feels super light as if you’re not wearing anything at all, but it’s a powerful way to combat dark circles, puffiness, and even crows feet. Products like this one often feel heavy and greasy, but this one goes about it’s business, doing great things for your eyes, and yet you are likely to forget you’re wearing it at all. Key ingredients include Dermaxyl to stimulate cell communication! repairing age-related skin damage, Matrixyl 3000, a blended complex of peptides to restore and maintain a youthful appearance, Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 to rapidly reduce wrinkle depth, and a proprietary complex that quickly makes puffiness and dark circles a thing of the past. It’s a fabulous eye product that is worth the splurge.

Skincare gets more high tech by the moment. Scientists have discovered a very specific group of genes that have been shown to help regulate cell lifespan ("longevity genes").  Research by Estée Lauder scientists indicate that one of these "longevity genes" (SIRT1) helps to regulate the lifespan of our skin's epidermal cells. In January 2008, Estée Lauder launched Re-Nutriv Ultimate Youth Creme $250.00 1.7 oz. a truly cutting-edge skin treatment to help prolong the look and feel of youthful skin. I received a jar, and before I tried it I read the press and product information to see what might make this one, unique. Without getting too technical, the secret of this precious and luxurious cream is something called "Resveratrate." It takes the best of Resveratrol—long known in skin science as an anti-oxidant and anti-irritant—and makes it much more potent, more stable, and more concentrated, with a time-released formula that can penetrate quickly and directly into skin's surface. Resveratrol constantly protects skin cells. It was shown to trigger skin’s natural protective mechanism, slowing down time for cells and actually buying the skin cells more time to repair damage naturally, so they can perform at an optimal level and more than double their survival rate. Does it work?  I immediately noticed that my skin looked more radiant, and the texture was much better. Even fine lines were softened, the surface of my skin felt soft and moist (thanks to Camelina Sativa Oil--an exotic seed extract) blended with other conditioners, including Red & Brown Algae, Colloidal Gold, caffeine and potent anti-irritants  I loved the cool, silver, metallic jar. In short,  I loved this cream! Despite the cost, I recommend it to anyone who wants to invest in keeping youthful skin. This product, delivers. Re-Nutriv Ultimate Youth Creme will set your budget back a bit, but it is a good value for the results you get.

Last column we reviewed Risarium Intensive Age-Defying Hand Cream with SPF 15 $19.99 1.6 fl. oz by Perlier. This column we'd like to briefly mention another excellent Risarium product:  Risarium Black Rice Double Night Cream $55.00 .84 fl. oz .  All of the products in this line feature Black Rice Peptides to help reduce and prevent signs of aging on maturing skin on face, hands and neck. It's a unique, dual pump under one roof delivery system. Two separate chambers in one bottle dispense a pink gel and a white cream that you mix together "a la minute."  The white cream protects skin against moisture loss and offers super hydration for parched skin. The other side has a gel that moisturizes, but it also has ingredients like Hyaluronic acid (restore moisture) and willow extract (to exfoliate). It's a treat for your face that will make it look fresher, softer and perhaps (with regular use) younger.

For years, women in the rural areas of Africa have cracked the nut of the marula fruit to extract the kernels from which an oil is made to soften the skin. This precious Marula oil is rich in antioxidants and oleic acid, essential for beautiful and healthy skin. Now Clarins has created a clever, rinse-off cleanser with Marula Oil: Pure Melt Cleansing Gel $30.00 3.9 oz.  What’s weird and wonderful about this product is the way the product starts out as a gel that traps even waterproof makeup and grime, and, as you massage it into your (dry skin), it transforms into an oil, that lifts and dissolves the dirt and makeup, while it treats your skin to the soothing and nourishing benefits of Marula Oil.  Then, finally, as you add water and rinse, chameleon-like, it becomes a milk, that! washes away all the “yuk” and leaves nothing but clean, soft, happy skin.  We couldn’t believe how easy, effective and somehow, magical this flip-top tube of gel is. You don’t have to go to sub-equatorial Africa—just to your nearest Clarins counter. Treat yourself to a three-in-one, sensory experience that makes your beauty routine just a bit easier, more pleasant, and more satisfying.

RoC Deep Wrinkle Daily Moisturizer $19.99 1 fl. oz. comes in a slim tube with a showy, gold-trimmed cap. Inside is a cream that can moisturize, protect your skin and provide anti-aging benefits. For starters, it has a high SPF 30, enough daily protection to make you choose this over many other product. If your skin is really sensitive to the sun and you don't want to apply another high SPF product along with your moisturizer, this oil-free product is perfect. But it's not merely a moisturizing sunscreen--it's a strong anti-aging product with retinol correxion to help reduce expression lines and deep wrinkles. Used regularly for a few months, this oil-free cream could help turn back the hands of time...at least a little bit.  And, this multi-tasking marvel will certainly protect your precious skin against further sun damage.

Not all skincare has to be super-pricey to be effective. If you are 25+ with maturing skin, or want to be sure you don’t accelerate the aging products, check out the Lumene Vitamin C+ line.  These products help protect against the signs of aging, soften skin, brighten it, and offer powerful antioxidants,  include a unique ingredient: Arctic Cloudberry. One small cloudberry contains twice the Vitamin C of an orange 10 times it’s size! The Artic cloudberry is the cornerstone of every Lumene Vitamin C+ product.  The other ingredients in the “+” include (depending upon the product): ligonberry, blueberry, or cranberry seed oil, plus a “VitaOptimale” vitamin compound that also includes vitamins A, B or E, optimized separately for each! skin type.  There are 20 different products in the line, but if you want to try it out and simplify your skincare routine, I suggesting starting with a day and night moisturizer: new Lumene Vitamin C+ Nourishing Day Cream $18.99 1.7 fl. oz and Lumene Vitamin C+ Nourishing Night Care Cream $18.99 1.7 fl. oz. The orange sherbet-colored cream smells nicely of oranges, is rich and creamy, but absorbs quickly without greasy residue. Even dry, irritated skin will feel instantly smoother and quenched with moisture. For those who prefer SPF in their moisturizer, there’s also a Day Cream with SPF 15 Cream $18.99 1.7 fl. oz. The packaging isn’t fancy, but the product has major appeal.

TRUE has seven different skin care collections to provide a variety of skincare options. Each collection features the TRUE Antioxidant Complex of Japanese Green Tea, White Tea and DL Alpha Tocopherol. We sampled some products from the Harmonizing line, created to mattify and control oily skin while balancing and soothing it. Lucky for you if your skin requires this line, since the core TRUE Aroma Essential Oil Blend of the Harmonizing Collection is lavender. The scent is manifested uniquely in each product, resulting in a more spa-like and rewarding experience. We also like the tall, tapered, white plastic bottles and pump bottles with soothing mint green and soft grey graphics. My favorite product in this line is the Harmonizing Gel Cleanser $29.00 6.7 fl. oz. The clear gel is lavender scented, and makes a nice lather that cleanses face well without drying it out. It features traditional Native American botanicals such as soapwort and soapbark, and natural astringents such as safe, watercress, ginseng and rosemary with purifying citrus, geranium, clary sage, and ylang ylang. For a weekly spa-treat at home that takes just 10 minutes, try the Harmonizing Oil Control Mask $40.00 3.39 oz. A dustier lavender scent adorns this green French clay mask, rich in minerals and featuring Neem oil (to brighten and balance your skin) and rich starch to absorb oil. Our skin looked clearer and brighter, felt smoother, but still, very moist. The mask comes with a brush and a little, white, plastic "ritual bowl" from which to apply it. A skincare routine never felt so special!

Liz Earle, new to our reviews this column, has a wide range of naturally active skincare. Her Superskin Moisturizer $21.50 0.5 oz, $58.50 1.6 oz is her first new moisturizer in a dozen years, and it's a doozey. The unscented cream is extremely rich, but it still absorbs in seconds. Made for more mature and very dry skin, this cream targets fine lines and has mega 3 and fruit oils which protect against free radicals that can damage skin. It also has natural ingredients you'll recognize such as Vitamin E. A little goes a long way, which means you can keep to your budget and still afford this quality product. Anti-aging doesn't necessarily mean overly dry, and this cream manages to balance super-hydration without feeling at all heavy. It's a super product to help nourish and protect. At night, a bit of Superbalm Concentrate  0.3 fl. oz  in a rollerball is a fragrant, night-time nourisher, with argan oil (rich in vitamin E), avocado oil to nourish, organic rosehip oil to help heal and rejuvenate , and chamomile, neroli and lavender to comfort, calm, and offer a wonderful scent to drift into dreamland with. Soothing Line Serum  $11.75 .1 fl. oz, $22.50 .3 fl. oz. around your eyes will also help you wake up to more youthful skin in your eye area. This slim pump bottle provides light, oil-free nourishment that helps hydrate, smooth and soothe that fragile area around your eyes.  It also multi-tasks to attach the other delicate skin areas such as around the lips and on the forehead. We didn't use it long enough to see lasting effects, but we looked less tired and our skin was comfortable and smooth-even after one application.

If you're like many of my readers, you avoid toners. For starters, they're an extra step, and many of them are pretty harsh on the skin. One that isn't, comes from Renée Rouleau (new to our reviews). The Elderberry Toner $30.50 8 fl. oz doesn't have alcohol (which can dry out and irritate your skin) and it very thoroughly removes residue from your face such as impure tap water, and cleanser residue you might have missed. And, this one provide hydration and other skincare bennies, thanks to the antioxidant elderberry fruit extract and Sodium PCA (sodium pyrollidone carboxylic acid), to attract and retain moisture in the skin. Elderberry is a bush with dark, purple-ish berries that Europeans have used for centuries for it's high concentrations of Vitamins A, C, iron and other minerals. The simple, flip-top plastic bottle and light scent make it pleasant to use, but when I moistened a cotton ball and swiped it over (what I thought) was clean skin, I was surprised to see how much "stuff" still showed up on the cotton ball! My skin felt soft (this product is also gentle enough for sensitive skin like mine). After using this toner, I knew I needed to include toner in my daily skincare routine, and I knew my skin was really clean--the best it could be.

REN's skincare philosophy is: "clean bio active skin care" with natural fragrances and products that are free from harsh sulfates and synthetic colors. The unisex lines is packaged in recyclable materials, too. Both men and women can benefit from the REN Omega 3 Overnight Lipid Renewal Serum $60.00 1.7 fl. oz with Bio Actives Omega 3, Vitamin E and Vitamin A. It's made especially for all skin types but specially dry, irritated or maturing skin.  Massage a bit of this oil into your face at night from it's pump bottle (tissue away any that isn't absorbed) and watch your face (and his)  look softer, healthier, younger. If you've got ten minutes once a week and want to boost the glow and make your skin even softer, try the F10 Enzymatic Smooth Radiance Facial Mask $60.00 1.7 fl. oz. Enzymes from Papaya gently remove dead cells while Vitamin C from Barbados Cherry Extract and essential oils of Orange, Mandarin, Grapefruit and Pineapple help protect skin with antioxidant bennies, and Arctic Blackcurrant Oil (rich in Omega 3 and Omega 6 essential fatty acids) also help to repair and soothe all types of skin.

I have long been a fan of the Warren-Tricomi Salon, so I was really excited to try out a new, Warren-Tricomi Mini Flat Iron $90.00 from their "Style" Collection. At just 6", smaller than a petite, folding umbrella, this mini flat iron is the perfect answer to touch ups on the go and for small areas of your head (eg. bangs, shorter layered front pieces, short hair) that don't require a huge and heavy iron to straighten them. The flat, slim tongs let you get closer to the scalp than a bulky straightening iron would allow, as well. There's only one setting, but it's more than enough to handle most straightening jobs. This isn't a lightweight toy, it's a technically advanced tool. For starters, it gets really hot--heating to 400 degrees F in only three minutes! The tourmaline-nano-ceramic technology uses infra-red heat to smooth hair, while tourmaline crushed into the plates produces negative ions to restore moisture balance, and accelerated ionic properties add luster and shine. Ceramic plates also produce far infrared heat to style and dry hair from the inside out. The Mini Flat Iron comes with a Michael Jackson-esque, shiny, black heat glove that could be a fashion statement, but it's useful to hold the hot iron without burning yourself. A "hot pocket" pouch lets you tuck it into a pocketbook and move on with your life, without waiting ages for the appliance to cool. We found the performance impressive, especially for it's size. This is the ultimate "must-have" to tuck into your tote for travel and for the gym. It might be a bit of a splurge, but it'll pay for itself in great looking hair for a long, long time. TIP: if your hair is really short, insert a thin comb between your scalp and the iron, to prevent it from touching your scalp.

"Matte" is going to be the trend from now on, both in hair, face and even on nails. And, from the profusion of "messy" buns and "bedhead" looks on the Spring (and now, Fall 2008) runways, you've got to have product in your hair to get the look and keep it from flopping. Redken's new, Rough Clay 20 Matte Texturizer 1.7 oz. $15.95  will help you get those rugged, choppy styles with a matte finish.  Kaolin Clay is a key player.  It coats your hair and binds to it, gives it thickness and texture. Texturizing beeswax and hairspray resins let you texturize and shape hair  with maximum results.  And, a UV filter helps protect your style and your hair against the sun's damaging rays.  Open the silvery jar with attractive Redken graphic numbers in black to make it easy to pick just the right product for your style. You'll find a brown paste with a fragrance that's a bit spicy. The real idea deal, however, is to give men and women with short to medium styles a way to really grab and mold to their heart's content. This one, does all that and more. Another new product we like from Redken is Elastic Works 09 Waving Gel $15.95 3.4 oz. This product-in-a-pump bottle is a fiber-infused gel that gives a bit more control to those with medium to coarse curly or wavy hair.  The product also gives that messy, relaxed look everyone wants. Apply just a bit of this gel to damp hair and finger-style it by twisting and manipulating your curls as you wish.  The product will give your hair medium hold, but it won't be "crunchy." Even better, the gel includes Redken's exclusive bonding system, so you'll get definition, and also a shield against the humidity that can make curls pretty huge, instead of just, pretty. if you want a behead or "beachy" look, but with a way to tame your hair, this is it.  We're guessing it's a "go" to take this one to the beach, so your damp hair will look as good leaving, as when you arrived. *both these products will work with other products in the Redken styling lines, so don't be afraid to try your favorites along with these new ones for different effects!

There's software that you install on your computer and then there's the new, Softwear $11.95 6 fl. oz by Rusk that makes your hair look great. I always thought that volumizing lotions were simply for the thick hair, impaired, but now I know better. I don't need a volumizer much, except in the Winter when hat hair and dry heat makes everyone's hair limp, but when I tried this new, volumizing shine lotion, the results wasn't "big" hair, but bouncy, shiny, soft hair that held it's own for days. Add 2-4 drops to your hair before blow-drying and you will be amazed at the results, no matter what type of hair you have. Softwear is heat-activated and protects your hair from heat damage while it does it's stuff to make your hair look salon-perfect. This clear, non-greasy, lightweight gel is truly impressive!  "Install" some of this product on your hair every time you style it, and you'll see incredible life and shine to your hair.  And, if your hair truly is thin and/or limp, you can't be without Softwear by Rusk. 

Olivia Garden, new to our reviews this column, has a wide range of pro-style products that give you salon results, at home. We tried the Healthy Hair Brush $10.80. This natural bamboo hair brush with an ionic cushion not only massages scalp and boosts blood cell circulations (to stimulate hair grown and reduce hair loss) but also provides anti-static bennies to keep fly-aways in check. It's a great brush that promotes shiny, healthy hair, but what I really like about it is the design: a natural wooden handle formed of light and dark woods in a striped design with a delicate engraved design on the back. Brush your hair with this brush for two minutes a day and you will know you are treating it right. The brush itself makes this task a pleasure. It reminds me of something a craftsperson lovingly made by hand, and make brushing my hair with it feel like a luxury. The smooth handle is also easy to grip and the wide, bamboo bristles with soft ball tips are generously spaced to allow for easy cleaning. Men as well as women will like this brush, an affordable luxury at a great price.

At a holiday open house for Matrix I discovered Biolage Color Care Shampoo $14.00 16 oz. and Color Care Conditioner $15.00 13.5 oz. The clean-smelling shampoo provides a super-mild cleanser that conditions and moisturizes with pure botanical extracts of Chamomile and Henna. The Conditioner works with the shampoo to preserve hair color, Sealing the cuticle to lock in color and boost softness and shine. key ingredients include pure botanical extracts of nettles and sunflower seed oil, along with plus protein-rich conditioners that detangle and moisturize. I enjoyed soft, healthy looking hair for days without heaviness or greasy feel. Other reviewers had similar experiences, saying these products renewed their color-treated hair (even if hair dye had parched it) and enjoyed easy to comb, shiny hair. 

Until now, you might have been quite fickle with your hair care, flittering from one to the other as the spirit (or the sale price) moves you, but the new, Herbal Essences Long Term Relationship Collection might stop you from straying so much. We tried the Shampoo and Conditioner $2.99/ 12 oz. (we didn't try the Split-end Protector $2.99 6 oz.) These red raspberry-infused products are pink and pearly, and we just gleaned a bit of berry scent (it's actually a mix of jasmine petals, berry, red orchid, cherry wood, violet, and plum). The point of these products, however, is to help protect and manage split ends and breaks, so your hair stay strong, and can grow long. Reviewers reported really great lather, which washed out clean.  We declined to condition twice (the first time I've actually seen that suggestion on a conditioner's directions) because we felt our hair felt silky enough. However, while we waited a moment for the conditioner to sink in, we realized the bottles have "Snapple-type" trivia questions on them (the answers are on the other bottle)! Cute idea. And the result? We all loved our soft, shiny, healthy, bouncy looking hair that looked almost as great as the girls on television commercials. Try it, and we think you won't "stray" away from the inexpensive, effective Herbal Essences Long Term Relationship collection!

In the AdviceSisters December/Holiday column I reviewed With Love, Hilary Duff and Believe by Britney Spears Since then, Ms. Spears has had her personal challenges, while Ms. Duff stars in War, Inc., in which she plays a troubled pop star. What both these women really have in common, however, is a nose for great scents (or at least they had the good sense to let master perfumers work their magic on fragrances bearing their names).  Here are their latest:

Wrapped With Love Hilary Duff Eau De Parfum $38.00 1.7 fl. oz. like the original Wrapped With Love is a pretty and memorable fragrance. It starts out fruity-fresh, with iced honeydew, mandarin, Sicilian blood orange and mangosteen, but it quickly becomes a gourmet's delight, with middle notes of plum, violet, white lily and mangosteen blossom, and a bottom of good-enough-to-eat vanilla bean, raspberry, a hint of musk, and a very yummy, significant white chocolate. Romantics can simply call it: "Valentine's Day in a bottle."  And, like a V-day gift, I loved the vibrant pink carton and lime green with gold and green accents sprinkled on the box like delicate, curlicue "flowers." Inside the bottle is really pretty  (Ms. Duff helped design the elegant, faceted glass bottle with braided gold-rimmed top).  In this incarnation of the original bottle, the colors are peridot and pink sapphire, with delicate, pink and lime green floral curlicues that look like flowers on the bottle, plus a hexagonal, peridot-Lucite bar cap (representing warmth, joy and optimism). This scent has a youthful vibe, but it is so delectable women of all ages will want to wrap themselves in Wrapped With Love Hilary Duff, this Spring.

Ms. Spear's limited edition scent, Curious Heart BRITNEY SPEARS $49.50 3.3 fl. oz is no less spectacularly packaged, in a glossy, light pink patterned box with red hearts and bold, "winged heart" tattoo design. Inside the box is a "membership card" with an exclusive password to a web site: www.curiousheartbritneyspears.com where fans can enter to win monthly prizes (it's a bit like getting past the velvet rope into a hot club, I'd wager). The fragrance is a twist on the original Curious BRITNEY SPEARS. It's a white floral with vanilla-infused musk, essentially, and it smells fruity, sweet, and sexy all at once (perhaps like the pop star, herself? The top notes are Louisiana magnolia (representing Britney's home state), with a bit of Anjou pear and lotus flower. It's mixed with a heart of tuberose, star jasmine, pink cyclamen, and a bottom of vanilla-infused musk, sandalwood, and blonde woods. The end result (at least from my point of view) dries down to something reminiscent of orange blossom perfume, but with more skin-warming ability. The limited edition launched in January (too late for us to include it in our January/February column) but the pink glass bottle  that reminds me of the graceful top of the Parachute Jump in NYC's Coney island, with bright magenta "Old Hollywood"-type tasseled atomizer, is a must-have for collectors.

Demeter Fragrance Library has captured our hearts with re-creations of fragrances flirty, fanciful, and fantastic.  A trio of scents, for example, capture the essence of Necco Sweethearts, those little, pastel, candy hearts with saying on them that are now not just for Valentine’s Day. Spray Bottles $20.00 1 fl. oz. channel the sweet and unapologetically-artificial candy flavors in fanciful fragrances.   “Be My Valentine” smells like strawberry candy, and is a sparkling scent with peach skin, strawberry leaf, caramelized sugar and ylang ylang.  “Call Me” reminds me of a musky vanilla, but it is actually a mix of  lemon zest, jasmine, honeysuckle, water lotus and white rose, . “Love Me” smells like the original Necco wafer, a bit grape-y and sugary, with a dusty finish. This light, fruity floral blend features orange, lemon, bergamot, peach, white rose, ylang, subtle skin musk and soft vanilla. All three of these light-hearted scents smell quite strong in the bottle, but mixed with your skin they develop a surprising, sexy, soft finish that make them unique and fun to wear. Your special someone regard you as you a tempting treat!

Back in the mid 70's, the fragrance I wanted most was Chloé, introduced by the venerable French fashion house in 1973, while Karl Lagerfeld was the house designer. I thought it was the most romantic gesture when a man I was dating quietly slipped a the peach-colored box containing the curvaceous bottle of amber-colored scent into my raincoat pocket, one evening. The name (and the primarily rose/floral fragrance) still reminds me of youthful romance.  In February, 2008, a new Chloé Eau De Parfum was launched, under Coty Prestige. This new scent looks as modern and elegant as it smells,  in a short, clear glass, ribbed, rectangular bottle made with a slender collar of silver plating around the top of the bottle wrapped with a hand-tied, beige, gross grain ribbon, and a large, smooth, oval, plastic and silver cap sitting snugly on the top. The original Chloé scent is  flowery, combining Coconut, Bergamot, Aldehydes, Peach, Tuberose, Ylang-ylang, Hyacinth, Orris, Musk, Sandal, Cedar, and Benzoin. The new Chloé Eau De Parfum designed (by Michel Almairac and Amandine Marie at Robertet),  is an amber floral with a lighter touch, mixing top notes of peony, lychee and freesia with a heart of rose, magnolia and lily of the valley, made just a bit sexier with a base of amber and cedar wood. The initial impression is bright, and a bit sparkling, but it quickly becomes softer, a bit powdery and floral. Reviewers reported a long-lasting finish that, regardless of age of personality, was pleasing. This will make a nice Spring scent that will work through the Summer.

Miss Dior Chérie was launched this year by Christian Dior's designer, John Galliano, the fragrance, created by Christine Nagel. I read somewhere that Galliano was inspired by the Steve Wonder song: "My Cherie  Amour" and in a vintage Dior dress called "Cherie". This fragrance is modern, young, and a lot more "fruity" than a classic Dior scent. It is (supposedly) a new interpretation of the original Miss Dior fragrance, although I really don't see the connection all that well, since the original scent is a floral/chypre with notes of Bergamot, baldheads, clay sage, gardenia, galbanum Heart Notes: Rose, jasmine, lily of the valley, carnation, ores, Patchouli, oak moss, amber, vetiver, sandalwood, leather. Regardless, Miss Dior Cherie  stands on it's own merits, a trendy, fruity confection of combo of Green Tangerine, Violate, Pink Jasmine, Patchouli, Crystalline Musk, Strawberry Leaves, Caramelized Popcorn, Strawberry Sorbet. While Park Avenue Matron will stick with the classic Dior fragrances, this one was designed for a decidedly younger, fashion-conscious woman, who wants quality, but doesn't want to smell like her older sister or mother. The fragrance really is fun: it starts out fresh, seems to increasingly become fruity, and finally, after a while, it softens to fade into a fruit with a touch of spice. The blush pink and gold carton, and the pretty cube of square glass with blush pink graphics and a spray top covered with square of clear plastic attached with a coquettish plastic bow, seals the deal.

Dior Pure Poison was introduced in 2004, and now there's a beautiful, limited edition Collector's Bottle Eau de Parfum $59.00 1.7 oz. available until June 2008. The precious fragrance potion arrives in a slightly frosted bottle with intricate, white, vine-like detailing which inches around the sides of the voluptuous bottle, which reminds me of a petite, rounded, ripe fruit. It was inspired by John Galliano's couture collections for Christian Dior. Inside this special, sensational bottle is the romantic and sensual blend of Sweet Orange, Bergamot of Calare, Mandarin of Sicily, Orange Flower, Jasmine Sambac MR., Hydroponic Living Gardenia, Sandalwood, White Amber, and Masks that smells thrillingly spicy until it gently backs away and, as the hours pass, and becomes the scent of warm skin softly scented with flowers. The collector's bottle is a must-have for Pure Poison lovers, and a special treat for anyone who wants to try a unique and beautiful fragrance.

Lighten up for Spring with Christian Dior Addict High Shine Eau de Toilette $70.00 3.4 oz, $50.00 1.7 oz. and Shimmering Body Lotion $30.00 6.8 fl. oz. The whimsical perfume bottle that holds this fruity, sparkling scent, looks amazingly like the celebrated Dior Addict Lipstick. The scent itself was created by Dior perfumer Francois Demarche. Dior Addict High Shine has really cheerful notes, blending fruits with florals, and just a hint of woods. The top note is Cedar (distilled from the leaves and twigs of citron trees), middle notes are Raspberry and Gardenia and the bottom features Cedarwood. Available previously only in Asia, this fragrance will be a boon to sophisticated young women who don't want a too-heavy scent. We enjoyed it's composition, but it's not one of those scents you need to think about--just spritz it,  and enjoy the way it playfully works with your skin, without announcing itself too heavily. The Shimmering Body Lotion will quickly become an "addiction," too.  It lightly scents skin with silky, moisturizing lotion that leaves the tiniest twinkle of shimmer on the skin. The attractive, teardrop-shaped white plastic bottle with shiny silver lettering a silver and clear plastic flip top will be a chic addition to your beach tote when the  warmer weather arrives.

Nina by Nina Ricci Eau de Toilette $69.00 2.7 oz. $52.00 1.7 0z  arrives in a gorgeous, pink-tinted, glass apple with silver leaves so beautiful, you may be tempted just to consider it a jeweled treasure.  But spray a bit of this fresh-picked, exuberant, fruity floral on your skin, and delight your senses as well as your eyes. This delightful delicious fragrance, inspired by red toffee apples, starts with a burst of citrus, Calabrian lemon and Caipirinha lime. Then, the fruit mellows a bit, with a heart of red toffee apple, mixed with praline and vanilla, plus florals of peony petals and moonflower. A sophisticated (and more adult than teen) finish is created with applewood and white cedar, and soft musks. The perfumer's art is to delight you, but allow the fragrance to mellow and translate with your own body chemistry into something other than what you might smell if it was sprayed on a sampler paper. It isn't heavy or too much fruit or floral, but it's significant enough to stand up to your workday, or glamorous evening. No matter what, it'll smell tempting and delightful. Nina is a 2008 CEW Beauty Awards nominee, but we already know it's a true winner.

In our 2005 holiday column, the Advice Sisters reviewed Thierry Mugler's sensational scent, Angel for the first time featuring his beautiful, Angel Midnight Collection.  Now there's a new, limited edition, star-shaped bottle of Angel Magic Star Eau de Parfum Refillable Spray $87.00 1.1 fl. oz. that is inspired by the iconic star-shaped Angel bottle. A work of art as well as a perfume atomizer, the substantial, cut-glass star with multi-faceted silver star-shaped top, takes on a different dimension depending upon which side is facing up or towards you. Collectors will want to run to get these while they last (the bottle launched in February) and, of course, this special star-shaped flacon makes a great gift for a very special someone (including a treat for yourself). Launched in the early '90's, Angel is a blend of feminine fruits and flowers, with top notes of fruits, dewberry, helonial, and honey, middles notes of chocolate, caramel, and coumarin, and base notes of vanilla and patchouli. The scent is fairly significant and it lasts on your skin, hair and clothes for hours. The scent is so distinctive, you can immediate recognize it when it's on someone else.  Even better, take the refillable star bottle back to the store (or buy a refill bottle) and you'll get .34 fl. oz. more of the fragrance (you're getting a 1.1 fl. oz. refillable bottle at the price of a .8 fl. oz. refillable bottle), so even if it's a splurge, it makes sense.

Also by Thierry Mugler is Innocent Illusion Eau de Toilette $50.00 1.7 oz, a charming, light ,mix of fruits and florals, featuring a sparkling mix of citrus and sun-drenched fruits, with florals and a swirl of gourmet praline. The newest version, perfect for Spring, is Innocent Illusion  a limited edition that smells so intoxicatingly yummy, you'll be glad that the scent has staying powder on your skin. The almost good enough to eat fragrance has notes of fresh blackberry, bergamot and white musk also has praline, so the fragrance manages to be sexy, full of ripe, sweet fruits but also a hint of spice, all at the same time. It's light enough for warmer weather, but strong enough to stand up to evenings. The packaging is beautiful and unique: a tall column of pink glass with large, cut, stars on the sides that sparkle when the light hits them, and a delicate black "fisherman's net" silk-screened over the glass (Mugler's illusion of catching the stars in a net so they don't fall!). A slant-tip silver top with a pink star "jewel" in the top, adds a lovely touch of romance. Get this lovely fragrance now, while it's still in the stores.

Bath By Bettijo is a fun line of fragranced skincare products that offer aromatherapy along with effective items to soothe, pamper, hydrate, and  nourish skin. The line was launched in November 2003 with a mission to provide natural, healthy products to pamper overextended and overworked people. Stressed out ? The new, Lavender & Vanilla Sugar Body Polish $32.00 18 oz. (in a generously-sized, unbreakable, plastic jar) for example, holds a wealth of moisturizing, exfoliating grains infused with Lavender essential oil and Vanilla Bean) to pleasurably whisk away the last of Winter's dry skin. Lavender has a calming effect--perfect to put you in a more serene mood. Pure Sugar and a unique Raw Shea Butter combine to create Bath by Bettijo's signature "wet sand" that lets you exfoliate gently and thoroughly, without the dripping and oily residue that some exfoliating products have. We like the texture, the scent, everything about this one. It's a "must-have" for smooth, glowing skin.

New to our columns this season is agoodnightkiss a line of  all-natural, vegan, bath and body products. They specialize in hand blending of essential oils, and in showcasing the unique aromatic effects of each product. Their organic, Tub Tea Blend Sachets $28.00/5 are a luxurious treat, arriving as they do in re-useable, shiny, silver tea tins. The labels are ultra-cute too, with pretty labels that give you lots of info about the product, and the characteristics of the person most likely to enjoy it along with a tongue-in-cheek "warning" about the product benefits. I tried "Passion Flower"  (for those who are committed, patient, uplifting, realistic, determined, and steadfast--not a true reflecting of all my personality traits). But this herbal blend helps you relax and get to sleep, with a cocktail of ingredients such as: Fresh Valerian Root, Fresh Organic Passionflower, Fresh Organic Chamomile, Organic Rolled Oats, Organic Sweet Brown Rice, Organic White Tea, Tofu, Sea Salt, Organic Dried Rose Buds. Drop one of the pre-measured sachets into a warm bath and soak for 15 minutes or so.  Enjoy the lightly floral, slightly vanilla-y scent and I promise, in no time, you'll feel like you've been to the spa. I drifted off to dreamland feeling like a queen. I'm ready to try the others, including a Rosemary Mint and a Cilantro Apple...yum-oh!

New Pür Body Butter $21.50 7 oz by Pür Minerals is a thick, rich, super-moisturizing cream that comes in a flip-top tube. It has a lovely, lemony fragrance that reminds me a big of lemon drops.  But the most important thing this product does is the excellent way it treats itchy, dry, flaky skin and turn it around, instantly. The secret is super-hydrating organic sunflower oil, and other botanicals, that work hard to condition skin and lock in moisture. The cream is so rich I thought it would be greasy, but to my delight, it simply absorbed quickly and left my skin soft and silky, minus the itchy, ugly flakes. Our reviewers loved it, too.  For those who prefer it, this product is also free of parabens and formaldehyde. It's simply a better body butter!

One of the things we have learned from doing hundreds, perhaps thousands, of beauty reviews, is that sometimes the modestly-priced products in the simplest packaging surprise by packing a very positive punch. For example, the Boots No7 Protect & Perfect Body Serum launching this month has the same ingredients as the very popular, Boots Protect & Perfect Facial Serum. The ingredients have a similar effect to retinoic acid- a treatment you can only get with a prescription, and that’s known to repair the signs of photo-aging.  You’ll immediate notice how silky and smooth your skin feels. In fact, the rich but lightweight serum is so effective, you don’t have to add a moisturizer. We didn’t test this long enough to verify results, but over time, the product should also help to refine the texture and tone your skin even more.  With immediate results, and longer term bennies, this is definitely a good product to try. And, we also love Restore & Renew Beauty Serum $21.00 1. fl. oz. The fragrance-free, hypo-allergenic formula works to renew your complexion to instantly soften and smoothes skin--and if you've got 4 weeks to invest in regular use, this antioxidant and skin-firming pro-retinol serum helps maintain skin elasticity, and you may also see a reduction in large pores, and fine lines.

During the Holidays, we reviewed some unique scents from Tova. The creator of this line is Tova Borgnine, the wife of the actor, Ernest Borgnine. She started her line with some serious skincare, so we're pleased to review her Tova Signature Skin Smoothing Body Balm $27.50 4.2 oz.  The first thing I noticed (and really like) about this skin moisturizer is the packaging. It's an expensive-looking, attractive, rectangular tin-within-a-tin. inside, there's also room for the soft, fabric, applicator puff. This unique body balm has  nourishing, shea butter and olive oil in a solid cake, so you don't have to get your fingers and rings all greasy every time you want to apply it.  TOVA fragrances tend to be strong, but this product has a feminine, light floral/powdery scent with top notes of citrus and bergamot, a heart of jasmine and lavender, and a base of sandalwood and musk.  Add a bit of shimmer to the product, and what you've got is a moisturizing treat that is luxurious and effective. This would be a wonderful (and affordable) Mother's Day treat...so buy one for you, and one for that special lady. We were really impressed with this one.

Is dry skin making your body look less than perfect? Thibiant Beverly Hills Spa Essentials Sugar Scrub $28.50 6.7 oz. gently but thoroughly sloughs off the itchy stuff and leaves skin feeling soft, smooth, and hydrated. The soft, sea-green colored jar with fluted top looks tranquil, but the sugar scrub inside combines sugar and silica granules (in a nice base of sunflower and all sorts of other, luxe and natural oils) for a serious approach to exfoliation.  The luxurious and uplifting, slightly fruity scent just made us feel good, while we were doing a good thing for our bodies. It's a spa treatment in a jar we love! *we will be reviewing more skincare products from Thibiant in our May/June column--watch for it!

Nothing says: "Spring" to me than the strawberry plants in my garden coming back to life after a long winter. Perlier has captured that first hint of Spring in a new "La Voglia Matta" (the Great Desire) Sweet Strawberry Shower Gel/Body Milk Set $24.50 6.7 fl. oz. It's a little, affordable indulgence that uses fruit extracts to improve the texture and smoothness of all skin types, and to improve your mood, too. The fresh, strawberry scent is uplifting and fun for the entire family. The Shower Gel lathers richly and cleanses well, the Body Milk absorbs quickly leaving skin soft, and well scented with strawberry.  We like the softly rounded plastic flip-top packaging and the sheer, hot pink, drawstring bag that holds the set.  There is a new, Black Berry scented set, too.

This season, “green” (the ecological movement, not the color) is hot.  Brazil contains one third of the world’s remaining rainforests, a source of huge bio-diversity.  The Amazon Forest Bodycare Line from Boots, launching this month, sources oils and butters from companies who work with local people who are trained to harvest the exotic ingredients in these products, in the most sustainable way. So careful are the good folks at Boots, that goods are even transported by the Amazon’s extensive river system instead of roads, to protect the environment.  We tried all three scents in this line of Body Butters, Body Scrubs, Body Washes and Creams, and Handcar products:  the smooth, rich, vanilla-soaked Brazil Nut and Vanilla group, the fruity and refreshing (but not too sweet) Mango & Babassu (palm), and the fresh, sparkling, slightly fruity, Passion Flower & Cupuacu.  My favorite product is the Hand & Nail Cream in Passion Flower & Cupuacu $8.99 8.4 fl. oz.  Cupuacu is a conditioning ingredient, a creamy yellow fruit grown in the Amazon that, mixed with nourishing passion flower seed oil, and moisturizing murumuru (a palm native to Amazon) immediately soothed our hands and reduced dryness and flakiness. And, the scent made all of us want to do right by our hands my moisturizing them much more. Ditto Boot’s sensual and effective Body Butter $9.99 13. 5 oz, featuring either moisturizing Brazil Nut Oil or (in the mango & babassu), Babassu Oil, or murumuru. These silken so well you’ll really appreciate their unique properties, and they also offer aromatherapy benefits. We also tried (from the Brazil Nut & Vanilla line) the excellent Body Wash $6.99 6.6 fl. oz in a flip top tube, the Bath Cream $8.99 6.9 fl.oz that bursts with scent when you pour it under running water into your bath, and the Body Scrub $9.99  13.5 oz. The generously-sized jar has creamy scrub with natural exfoliant that gently but effectively smoothes away dead, dry skin.  All of these products also scent your body with awesome, organic vanilla (or Mango or passion flower). These products offer  “spa-type” experiences that nourish and moisturize your skin. You can’t beat the pleasure, or the prices.

A few columns back we introduced you to Satin Smooth Tru Rituals, a bath & body line from the Conair Pro Division, that has a very luxe scent and feel, offering spa-like aromatherapy. These products feature red currant and wild cherry bark (antioxidants) and Iris Florentia, an extract that improves the tone, hydration and elasticity of skin. They also have a lovely, uplifting, floral/fruit scent of Red Currant & Iris.  The Quenching Body Wash $19.99 8.4 fl. oz has a pretty, pearly shimmer that shows right through the clear, red plastic tube with frosted clear flip top.  We liked the rejuvenating, scented, lather, and how our skin felt clean and soft after we'd finished bathing. You can use this in the bath too, just squeeze some under running water.  For truly moisturized skin, start with the Moisturizing Body Cream $19.99 8.5 fl. oz that is fun to use day and silken really well, keeping dry skin from ruining your day. A final spritz of Rejuvenating Oil Mist $21.99 8 fl. oz leaves a soft, gentle veil of nourishment and a soft scent that feels sinfully good. It'll lock in moisture, and can be dissolved in your bath for an ultimate indulgence, too.  Get the entire Tru Rituals Red Currant & Iris Body Collection Gift Set $59.99 including the very pleasant, gentle and effective Exfoliating Sugar Scrub $19.99 7 oz.. Definitely worth it!

We didn't get the Long Lost Love Box $49.95 by  LUSH  for Valentine's Day, but there's no time like the present to pamper yourself, or a special someone.  A hexagonal, re-useable, deep purple "hatbox"  tied with a luxurious, tan satin ribbon, comes filled with some of the most popular LUSH products from years gone by. Included in this impressive gift set are: Kiss Me Klimt Bath Bomb: a very strong, sexy scent of ylang ylang oil and rose absolute, subtly shimmered with real gold dust to make a sensual bath at 14K experience for one, or more. It's a Date Bubble Bar:  a hot pink bath bar is topped with a brown "date" to make bath-time fun. Potion Body Lotion (3.3 fl. oz) great moisturizers meet up with almond oil and cocoa butter, and a gorgeous, spicy, carnation fragrance enhanced with hints of rose and tangerine. What nostalgia! The scent reminds me of the way real carnations used to smell, before they were cultivated in hot-houses.  I hope LUSH keeps this one around.   Black Magic Massage Bar:  for massage, with cocoa and shea butter--and it's topped with real dark chocolate and a sensual and relaxing, ylang ylang, geranium, and clary sage fragrance. Queen of Hearts Facial and Body Soap  I can never resist a heart-shaped soap!  This soft and luxe one has a rose petal infusion, almond oil, cocoa butter, and geranium oil to win your heart and smooth your skin. TIP: the box can store handkerchiefs or small pieces of lingerie, giving them a light, sexy scent.

XBalm's XBALM Orange Lip Balm $1.99 $9.99/set of five  isn't just for guys, but it was created by two extreme sportsmen who definitely got the right idea. The clear, moistly-matte lip balm is made especially for extreme athletes that live in the outdoors Pampering and moisturizing ingredients such as: Vitamin E and aloe vera offers real help to chapped, dry, sun or wind-burned lips. With SPF 15, the XBALM comes in five flavors: XMint, XIce, XTropical, XCitrus, and XOrange. We tried XOrange, that the smells and tastes like sweet oranges. The pearl and silver swivel up tube with gold graphics make it a "guy statement," but the girls will love the silky, pampering feel and effective treatment, too.

Redken for Men has just introduced a trio of products, developed to strengthen his hair and stimulate his scalp. The collection features "Mint-Fused Technology," which not only smells great, but gives a bit of a cooling tingle to the scalp, while addressing common hair concerns including dry scalp and dandruff.  Our male reviewers were highly enthusiastic about these pro-style products (we except nothing less than that from fabulous Redken) specifically mentioning the really great peppermint scent (made even better with notes of citrus, geranium, eucalyptus, rosemary and musk) and the subtle tingle (to stimulate the scalp) that they experienced using the products. The trio also has a "macro soother" to help balance the scalp. Our guys liked the Mint Clean Invigorating Shampoo $10.95 10 oz., saying it lathers well and washes clean, and the Cool Finish Invigorating Conditioner $11.95 10 oz. that left hair soft, and full of sexy shine. The Chill Blast Daily Antidandruff Leave-in Treatment $13.95 5 oz. in a spray pump is easy to use, and works without adding a greasy residue or a nasty smell to his hair. It has a "macro-soother" to balance the scalp, and pyrithione zinc to eliminate flakes, itchiness and redness, while helping to reduce the chance that they will return.

Although not just for men, this seems the proper place to review Head & Shoulders haircare system makeover. Head & Shoulders brand has long been a leader (for 40 years) in controlling those embarrassing (and often itchy) flakes. The conditioners have a proprietary from of Zinc Pyrithione that works to keep flakes under control. The new line of shampoos and conditioners are in attractive, re-shaped packaging with white bottles and nice colors and graphics, but inside, they're all business, still working their powerful magic on dandruff. The conditioners are available in Classic Clean (balanced conditioning), Smooth & Silky (targets frizz and moisturizers to smooth), and Dry Scalp Care (protects and fights dryness).  There are also nine different scents and types of shampoos ranging from sensitive care (hypo-allergenic) to Citrus Breeze (uplifting clean for fine/oily hair).  All of them work, and at least one is a "must-have" in your house (girls and boys) for those times when you simply need to take care of your scalp.  Even better, 14.02 oz bottles are just $4.99 for all the products!

Matrix offers a line of products specially designed to meet the needs of men, with pro-style results. For starters, every Matrix Men Style Control System product contains a Style Control Agent and an "Ener-G" Complex to leave hair manageable, under control, and invigorated. Our male reviewers loved the Matrix Men Style Power Styling Shampoo $12.00 13.5 oz.  This nifty, new product is a three in one shampoo, conditioner and styler with an invigorating minty feel and scent. The product has moisturizers and a high-performance style control agent that reviewers said made hair look thick and soft without any effort at all, and gave their hair a bit of texture,  as with a light styler. They also liked the size and shape of the bottle (go figure) saying the blue and orange bottle it was easily identifiable from that of the women's products, and easy to grip in the shower. This one is a must-have for guys who care about their hair but don't want to fuss with too many products. Also in this line is the Thick Blast Thickening Spray $11.00 8.5 fl oz, $11.00. The misting spray volumizes fine, thin hair with a liquefied wax formula offering flexible hold and thickening agents. The pump nozzle dispenses a light mist that gives hair workable texture and weightless volume. Reviewers said a few spritzes made their hair look fuller but natural, although one said it was "crunchy" (we think he may have used just a bit too much)!

Men need pampering too. Just like the ladies, they want to do something good for themselves. Skincare products made just for men are the perfect thing.  The Liz Earle Sensitive Shave Cream & Hot Cloth Kit $21.50 is a little "something" any guy can warm up to, and it makes a great gift. Housed in an attractive, brown, zippered, nylon bag, this little kit features a 3.3 fl. oz tube of Liz Earle Sensitive Shave Cream and a "toweling cloth." The shave cream has skin-saving botanicals to give a close, but comfortable shave. Naturally active ingredients such as shave grass, clary sage, and eucalyptus are uplifting and helps soothe the skin. For the ultimate "time out," the toweling cloth (essentially a wash cloth just for him) can be soaked in hot water and pressed onto face and beard for 30 seconds to  make shaving easier, not to mention giving him a few seconds of calm. Who could resist? Our male reviewer, smiled.

In celebration of the 2008 Golden Globe® Awards, L’Oréal Paris continues its tradition of honoring Hollywood’s most talented women in film and television with an exclusive, luxury compact. Designed by Kwiat, one of Hollywood’s favorite diamond jewelry companies, the L’Oréal Paris 2008 Red Carpet Compact will be presented to the Golden Globes’ female nominees in all categories. The L’Oréal Paris 2008 Red Carpet Compact has a beautiful, star-inspired design of Swarovski crystals set in 18K white gold,  on classic plated 18K yellow gold. A  “red-carpet” ruby crystal is also embedded in the push-button closure. The dual-mirrored compact looks so elegant. It's a little treat and a great gift (Mother's Day is coming, or get them for your wedding party).  Now, you can look like a star and help fight a deadly disease, by purchasing with your own L’Oréal Paris 2008 Red Carpet Compact $50.00! In keeping with L’Oréal Paris’ longstanding support of the OCRF (Ovarian Cancer Research Fund) 20% of the retail sale price will benefit this worthy organization.

More than 275,00 homes were lost in Hurricane Katrina. The Hairdressers Unlocking Hope project spearheaded by Vidal Sassoon and Mary Rector-Gable (founder of the industry website: http://www.behindthechair.com)  is helping Habitat for Humanity to build 18 homes in the New Orleans area. It's the very first campaign to encourage an entire industry to work together to support a critical cause - the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The program has attracted top stylists including Sally Hershberger, Ken Paves, Oscar Blandi, Garren, Ted Gibson, Nick Arrojo and Edward Tricomi. Worth a look is the online awareness campaign, where these top stylist appear with body paint and phrases and images related to stories from Katrina Victims. Each stylist  holds a key -- the nod to their effort to "unlock" a better future. Last summer more than 1,500 salons (including Bumble + Bumble, Paul Mitchell Schools, SportClips and John Allen Salon) donated directly or raised money from customers (or both) raise money for this initiative. However, it's not to late to support this worthy cause -- and you can get some great stuff to enjoy as well, simply by purchasing items directly from the Hairdressers Unlocking Hope web site The T-shirts $29.95 are particularly nice, with photos of four, signature cuts that Vidal Sassoon created. The 50/50 cotton and polyester American Apparel shirt is luxuriously soft. The women's version is cut in a slim, feminine style with a jewel neck. The men's is looser and more masculine. It comes in Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large, and Extra-Extra Large. The bold graphics make the this an eye-catching statement Tee  Key pendants have been a huge hit this year. The Key Necklace $19.95 here is the campaign's symbolic "unlocking hope: key necklace, so it lets you look fashionable and support this worthy cause. A 3" antiqued copper skeleton key hangs from an adjustable, brown suede cord with a leather, "Vidal Sassoon Hairdressers Unlocking Hope" tag.

Israeli-born, American raised Gail Schneider shows real heart. After Gail had heart surgery to close a hole in her heart, she decided to give back. The beautiful, blonde designer now helps raise funds and awareness for the Go Red For Women campaign through her imaginative, sexy tank tops. The tanks are sexy, soft and sensual, with lots of detailing at the neckline, and depending upon the style, embellished at the front, middle, and sides, too. One that is particularly special, is her Heart to Heart sleeveless Tank $59.00, with a ribbed fabric, a patchwork "pocket" featuring a heart and lace on a lace background, and a neckline lavishly trimmed in silk. The stretchy cotton fabric is one size fits nearly all. And, it's not just an ordinary jeans tank, it's a show-stopper--the type of tank to wear under a jacket, or to a club, or dressed up for evening (we like ours with a large, CZ heart necklace).  And, although we love the eye-catching, fire-engine red version with black lace and red silk neckline, you can also get it in white, black, pink gray, turquoise, and brown. The sexy style will make it one of your favorites, and even better, 25% of the purchase price will be donated to the  Go Red for Women is a national movement founded by the American Heart Association to help fight back against cardiovascular disease (the Number one killer of American women). Buy the tops in retail stores throughout New England and Texas, or online, directly through Gail's website. It's a great tank top for a great cause.

Now that Spring is here, it’s time to put away those “goth” nail colors and go for pretty, feminine, pastels. Essie’s “In the Mood” Spring collection brings six flirty shades interpreted in pinks, grey and cream. They’re girly, but they’re not at all bland. The “moods” of this collection are diverse and fun to wear. My personal favorite is “Looking for Love,” a non-shimmery lavender that’s so sheer it just kisses your fingertips with a hint of color. “Body Language” is also sans shimmer, a mixture of pink and grey that gives nails a unique, opaque and eye-catching neutral finish. Following the hot pink trend, Essie has a tutu-colored pink called “Hard to Get” that will be a nail salon fave. Easy to wear is “Hi Maintenance,” a super-sheer, blush pink that makes nails look healthy an! d shiny.  If you long for a bit of shimmer, “Secret Affair” makes it modern, in light, opalescent taupe with just the merest hint of pink to make it pretty, and “Great Expectations” is a super-sheer, slightly shimmery dove grey that makes this trendy color very wearable. TIP:  light shades like these are easy to wear. Even better, fading and chipping are less likely to show than Fall and Winter’s dark colors.

We love the Lippman Collection. The products are beautiful, feel as luxe as they look, and are fun to use.  For Spring, sample the Lippman Collection Nail Lacquer $15.00 in two pretty pinks: “My Romance” is a soft, calm, cool pink without shimmer but with lots of shine. One coat glosses nails, two gives them an opaque polish that works with all your outfits. “Daytripper” is a poppy-pink bright that is the Spring version of Winter’s glamorous reds. The bright pink adds a cheerful touch that will make you feel good just to gaze at your hands—we promise! This nail polish is long lasting, shiny, and easy to apply from it’s elegant, sculptured glass bottle. It’s is a fun little splurge that will pay dividends all season long.

When we want an easy to apply, long-lasting, shiny, non-chipping polish we reach for  Le Vernis Nail Colour by Chanel $19.00. A state-of-the-art formula strengthens and moisturizes nails, and the chic, square, non-spill bottle makes it easy to apply smoothly. But we must have pink this season, and not all pink nail polish is created equal. A limited edition semi-sheer called "Rose Satin" gives clear, shiny color that coats nails with the warm, feminine pink that's reminiscent of a perfect tea rose.

We don't want to fuss with our manicures right now--we'd rather be enjoying the season, outdoors. So we particularly like the quick-drying, long-lasting colors and shine that we get from Shu Uemura's Lolishine Reflects Nail Enamel Supplement Mineral $16.00.  This easy-to apply polish has seaweed extracts to protect your nails against dryness, and it's also formaldehyde-free and toluene-free.  The Lolishine Reflects polishes are have tri-color confetti pearls in them, so the polish has multi-dimensional shimmer that's subtle, but radiant. Two new colors make it easy to look fabulous with virtually no effort. We love the glamorous "Gold Zest," a shimmery gold that's rich but not brassy or gaudy. Another winner that takes it easy on your hands is "Innocent Beige," that adds a wash of nude to nails making nails look polished, but not too obvious.

CND Creative Nail Design is the nail company on the runways. For New York Spring 2007 Fashion Week, CND flew 20 of the industry’s top nail stylists in to collaborate with 62 designers, custom-mix 8 nail colors for specific shows, and tend to over 37,000 fingers & toes in 10 days. Backstage, I got a sneak peek at a set of six, mostly translucent Nail Enamels $6.00/each called "Plexi Pop."  I adored them! I learned that they wouldn't be available until Spring 2008--and now it's here! These colors so sheer they give just a hint of tint--like a super-sheer gloss does for lips. In fact, I exclaimed then that they were lip glosses for nails!. With the addition of an opaque base coat, they take on another personality, entirely, showcasing their opalescence and color.  If you want the color to be super-sheer, paint on a coat (or two) of  "Translucent Tangerine,"  a shimmery, coral-y sheer, or a sheer, opalescent bright pink called "Plexi Pink," or gloss your nails with a translucent medium natural pink sheer called simply: "Nail Gloss." For fun, "Turquoise Tint" adds a hint of aqua opalescence, but not so much it looks "teeny bopper."  "Retro White," is a nice, a bright, white, opaque crème that works well as a base for these fresh pastels, or as a French Tip.

One subtle "must-have" for Spring is Avon Nailwear $4.50 in "Nude Attitude.' The sheer nude with a hint of pink glosses nails with a one (or two) coats of semi-sheer color. The effect is a bit like wearing hose vs. bare legs...your legs still show through, but not the imperfections, so you look more polished. The applicator and softly curved bottle makes application easy, and the polish dries quickly and is long lasting (without leaving a strong chemical smell in your wake--a nice plus).

Text it to all your friends, the OMG Color Collection Nail Lacquers $6.50 by China Glaze are DBP, Toluene & Formaldehyde Free, and feature a dozen, seasonal colors that look just right, right now. A dozen holographic lacquers with "cute" text-speak names (eg. OMG, BFF, 2NITE, FYI, LOL, WTF) give modern chicks a way to look great while showing off on their phones. Standouts in this shimmery collection include a jewel-toned pink called "TTYL" and a "QT" a dramatic raspberry, a gorgeous copper with a hint of pink "TMI", and "FYI," an antiqued gold that will work with just about everything.  For a true Spring treat for an environmentalist friend or just a bold fashionista, get a bottle of "Tree Hugger" polish from the China Glaze "Ecollection." a soft, semi-sheer, shimmery Spring green that looks good (not gaudy. With apologies to Kermit: it is fun being green! These polishes all apply easily and smoothly with tall, easy to grip tops, and they look bright and shiny for days.

Agoodnightkiss: www.agoodnightkiss.com

Angel Magic Star (Thierry Mugler): Bloomingdales,  Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and Saks

Anntelle Jewelry: www.anntelle.com boutiques in NYC and NJ eg. http://artesanahome.com/ and M.K. Lifestyle, Madison Ave. NYC.

Antica Farmacista: www.nordstrom.com Bergdorf Goodman, and Takishimaya

Avon:  www.avon.com or call 800-FOR-AVON to find a representative

Basic Instinct (Fragrance): http://pureromance.com

Bath By Bettijo: http://www.bathbybettijo.com/

BeneFit Cosmetics:  www.benefitscosmetics.com (YouRebel Lite) exclusively at Sephora

Biolage: www.biolage.com or call 800-6-MATRIX for a salon

Bioré: www.biore.com and at mass market retailers and drug stores

Bobbi Brown: http://www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com and Bobbi Brown makeup counters

Bourjois: http://www.bourjoisusa.com/  and Bourjois at Sephora.com 

Champion Sportwear: www.championUSA.com

Chanel: www.CHANEL.com and at select specialty and department stores

China Glaze: www.chinaglaze.com

Chloé Eau De Parfum: exclusively at Saks Fifth Avenue

Clarins: www.clarins.com and department stores and speciality stores nationwide

Crazy About Jewelry (Book by Susan Eisen): http://www.crazyaboutjewelry.net/

Creative Nail Design: is www.cnd.com and salons, spas and professional beauty stores

Debra Macki: www.debramaki.com

Demeter Fragrances: www.demeterfragrance.com  www.VictoriasSecret.com or 1-800-482-0422

DIOR Beauty: www.dior.com at Dior beauty counters nationwide and www.sephora.com

Dior Addict Shine (fragrance): exclusively at Sephora

Essence of Beauty:  www.cvs.com and at CVS Pharmacy/drug stores

Essie:  www.essie.com and at salons, or call:  800-232-1155 for product and store info

Estee Lauder:  www.esteelauder.com and makeup counters in department stores, nationwide

Floss & Wipe: www.flossandwipe.com

Gail Schneider Designs: http://www.gailschneiderdesigns.com

Haute Face: www.macys.com  and Macys nationwide

Head and Shoulders: food, drug, mass market retailers

Herbal Essences Long Term Relationship:  food, mass market retailers and drug stores

Innocent Illusion (Thierry Mugler):  Thierry Mugler Perfume counters Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom, Macy's and Sephora.

Jodi Gallaer: www.jodigallaer.com

Kakadu Traders Australia: www.kakadu.com and at Amazon.com

Kate Somerville: www.katesomerville.com

L'Oreal Paris: www.lorealparisusa.com  mass market drugstores and retailers nationwide. The Red Carpet Compact:  at L’Oréal Paris retail stores (888-270-7743

Lumene: www.cvs.com and CVS pharmacies

LUSH:  www.lushusa.com

Make Up Designory: www.mudshop.com

Matrix: www.matrix.com  Matrix professional products are available only in salons

Morgana Femme Couture: www.morganfemmecouture.com

N.Y.C. New York City Color: www.newyorkcolor.com and mass market retailers nationwide

Physicians Formula: drugstore.com and drugstores and mass market retailers nationwide

Pin Up Lip Balm Company: www.pinupbalm.com

Poo Pourri: www.poopourri.com

Prestige Cosmetics:  www.prestigecosmetics.com,  drugstores and mass market retailers nationwide

Pur Poison By Christian Dior: exclusively at Dillards

Redken (for men): www.redken.com,  www.redkenformen.com or 800-REDKEN8

Relish:  www.relishbeauty.com

Ren Skincare:  www.renskincare.com and at Barneys nationwide 

Renée Rouleau: www.reneerouleau.com

Risarium: www.perlier.com , www.hsn.com

Rusk Products: http://www.rusk1.com/ and www.stylesource.com

Sally Beauty Supply: information and store locations at www.sallybeauty.com

Scentport:  www.bathandbodyworks.com and Bath and Bodyworks retail stores

Thibiant Beverly Hills:  www.thibiantspa.com

Too Faced Cosmetics: www.toofaced.com  and Sephora

Tova Signature: www.qvc.com or call  800-345-1515

True Rituals: www.stylsource.com  and fine salons

True Cosmetics: www.truecosmetics.com

Violet Love Headbands: http://www.violetloveheadbands.com/

Warren-Tricomi: www.warrentricomi.com  Warren-Tricomi Flagship Salon, call 800-457-2292

Whish Body Product: www.whishbody.com

XBalm: www.xbalm.com

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