Starting off our column and making it's debut in our reviews is Tina Earnshaw Cosmetics. The clear lucite cube containers are chic and substantial. The products, which have been seen on the likes of Claudia Schiffer, Naomi Campbell, Kate Winslet and Gynneth Paltrow to name just a few are fantastic! Tina Earnshaw Eye Shadow Quads $24.00 gets the Oscar" in "Charmaine" - glimmery bronze and khaki green lid shadows,  pearly ivory and a slightly glittery jet black for highlighting and lining.  Lilac lovers will like "Sorbonne" with four plum-oriented shades. Tina Earnshaw Eye Shadow singles $16.00 come in almost two dozen scrumptious shades. For summer yes, the highly-pearled, soft greyed-lilac "Lilly" or soft, warmed-brown "Kiss-Kiss" or the deeper, bronze "Chamois" would look good on everyone.

Max Factor Lasting Color Eye Shadow $4.50  in "#150 Nude Scene" is a nice nude for lids doesn't crease, and also makes a perfect base if you've got freckles on your lids and compliments. Compliment it with "Black Velvet" which makes a great shadow liner that also stays put!

We couldn't stop raving over NARS Eye Shadow $18.00 in "Nymphea" from the "Feel The Heat" collection.  It looks like a subtle, light pink shadow but the sexy and subtle shimmer and glimmer it gives lids is hard to describe.  Just get it!  You'll see!

When you're at the beach, or going "casual" too much makeup looks inappropriate.  Enter Bobbi Brown Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow $18.00 to enhance your eyes with a natural, one-step no makeup look. Try the subtly shimmery "Bone" on your entire eye and you're ready to go., or add "Beige" on just the lid for more definition. We also thank Bobbi Brown for adding a new "window" in her compacts, so we can instantly see the color inside!

Hard Candy Eye Shadow Duo $15.00 us a small, silvery square with clear cutout. We tried "daydream," a blue couple featuring a clear light blue with silvery flecks, and a soft blue/grey to wear separately, on lids, in the crease, as a liner, or together by layering. Really pretty!.

Vincent Long Trio Eyeshadow $20.00 from the Cote D'Azur collection evokes the colors of this sunny, sexy region. Champagne" has warm, pearly beige, rose and ivory. "Du Cap" will flatter cool complexions with lavender, pink and pearly-white tones." Long lasting and very pretty.  Frame your eyes with The Curl Mascara $16.00 in black, to nicely curl, color and define lashes.

Urban Decay is known for cutting-edge colors and glam, sexy makeup. A new one we love is the sheer, Cream Eye Shadow $16.00 a soft tube-with-wand applicator dispensing shimmery, sheer shadow that dries fast and stays put. We tried "Pink Flamingo" a pearly pink with a bit of sparkle and "Midnight Cowboy" an awesome, shimmery beige with a hint of glitter.

M.A.C has the most fun colors, and the latest offerings are some of the best this year!  Glam up your nights with the new M.A.C. Glitter Eyeliner $15.00`` in "Sunbrown" (photo) which leaves a thin line of bronze glitter right were you want it, and stays put! We also loved M.A.C. Splashproof   Lash $9.50, a waterproof mascara that really does stand up to water. Get basic black, or, for try "Tealproof" an intense, deep teal to compliment the green theme. The new M.A.C. Eye Shadows $12.50 from the Aquadisiac Collection are especially pretty. Glittery-green "Swimming" is a nice alternative to blues and browns. The intense turquoise "Aquadisiac" has a soft luster that makes a dramatic statement on lids (or as a liner). Ditto "Pink Venus," a slightly glittery reddish pink that we also used on cheeks,  and in the eye crease (great with a pale lid color) for drama. M.A.C. Paints $15.00 are cute little paint tubes of creamy, intense color that dries to a powder finish. We loved the terra-cotta "Portraiture" as well as light beige "Bare Canvas" (great with a dramatic liner).  M.A.C. Powerpoint Eye Pencil $13.00 comes in 9 great colors and is smudge-resistant for those hot days and nights.  Try "So There Jade," a soft pearl green and also the intense,   reddish-brown "Bordeauxline".

Apartment 5 is a "find" - a modestly-priced makeup  ine that still manages to be fashionable and high-quality. We loved the colors and the clear lucite cases! Two eye shadow duos $4.00 to try are the slightly pearly lilac and pink combo called "SD-10" and a shimmery warn brown and beige called "SD-11." Line eyes with Apartment 5 Liquid Eye Liner $6.50 in the glam, metallic bronze "LG-06" which looked amazing on everyone and (equally amazing) was easy to apply with a very well-designed brush!

Tony & Tina Herbal Char'Khol Eye Liner $18.00 (photo) in fun shades like "Anticipation" a fresh fuschia, has chickweed, almond oil, and camphor to relax your eyes, and trifala to grow luxe lashes. One special product can really add drama, like the Tony & Tina Glitter Pencil $18.00 in the stunning, peacock-blue shade "Royal Blue." No matter what your complexion, all you need to made fabulous eyes is to just line them with this amazing,  intense, glittery turquoise pencil (or use the attached smudge tip to blend into lids). We love Tony & Tina for adding a pencil sharpener to keep lines sharp, too!

Cover Girl's Eyeslicks Gel Eye Color $4.50 make your eyes California Dreamy with limited edition colors light-as-air peachy :Starry-Eyed" and slightly blue "Pacific." Our reviewers especially liked these tote-able chubby pencils that can be used as color or liner, and also the conditioning formula with cucumber and aloe to soothe and protect eyes. Another beauty enhancer for eyes is Cover Girl Multiplying Mascara $7.64 with a liquid crystal formula that gives you the look of doubly-thick lashes without the clumps.   We liked it's non-smearing formula which stands up to the heat, too.

Shu Uemura Drawing Mascara $27.00 is a luxe, new product that gives lashes a lush, natural look and somehow manages to be clump-free. You get what you pay for - even those of us with tiny, sparse lashes got great results! Go with basic black, or try deep auburn "Mahogany Brown 04" or subtle slate blue "Shadow Blue 03" for more drama.

BLUSH - A FAST FIX:  Blush is a wonderful way to get a healthy glow without the sun's harmful rays.  Temperature and sun exposure changes your complexion, however, so get several blush colors to suit your skin's varying needs.

Our blush pick for summer is the Tina Earnshaw Trio Blush $23.00 called "Neopolitan" with matte and pearle peach tones from light to dark that warm, highlight and contour just about any complexion and add a realistic glow. The colors are intense but sheer. Better still, they don't turn orange in the heat.

We liked the substantial, sophisticated, silvery compact for Tony & Tina Environmental Rescue Herbal Face Dew $24.00 and loved the dewy glow we got from "Natural." We tried it with and without foundation, and as suggested, as an eye gloss. It's a great "no makeup" look with good-for-you ingredients.

Maybelline Cool Effect Cooling Shadow/Liner $5.95 is an affordable but great quality, multi-purpose pencil that can be used as shadow and liner. It slick on cool and creamy but leaves a long lasting finish. Experiment with the summer's hottest looks!  "Blush Sparkle" and "Pearl Shimmer" are gorgeous, shimmery natural lid color/highlighters and "Bronze Shimmer" is a cool liner and lid color!

Another easy-to-get-glow comes from Delux Beauty Glistener $18.00. A simple tube of shimmery highlighter in six universally flattering shades (we tried "Golden Peach") gives a slight sparkle to cheeks, eyes, and... wherever.. Use it alone or mix it with foundation or moisturizer!

FACE Stockholm Blush $16.00 is intensely colored but very fresh and sheer for great layerability. They're generously-sized, and come in a wide array of pretty colors. Two for summer that will flatter virtually everyone are a fresh, clear medium pink "Celestial" and a bright raspberry "Splendid" that will make you feel that way, too!

Parfums Caron Le Teint Fluffy Foundation$40.00  has everything you'd want. Start with a frosted glass jar with white & gold polka-dotted top to give makeup application a boost of feminine fun. Add three light to dark shades " 05, 10, and 15" that flatter most, fix flaws, and have good-for-you botanicals to soothe, protect and moisturize. The fluffy, nearly-weightless foundation smooths on sheer enough to layer, and feels silky and luxurious.To finish and seal the foundation against heat and humidity Parfums Caron Pressed Powder $45.00 comes in beautiful, substantial golden compacts with a magnifying mirror! The powder comes in five shades, including #15, which gives skin a natural, sun-kissed glow.   Each compact is scented like rose petals. Treat yourself and feel special, every day!

Shu Uemura "Glow On" Blush $22.00 is a sensation!  We all marveled at this powder blush that glides on like silk, is super-sheer for layering so anyone can wear it, and offers an amazing realistic blush.  For summer try "Amber," a warmed-pink that could double as a bronzer for fair to medium complexions.

M.A.C. Stain $16.00 is a sheer cheek gel that blends immediately into skin and can also be used as a natural (and long lasting) lip stain.  Apply it in the morning, and it'll still be looking good at lunch time.We tried limited edition  "Pink Lure," a bright pink that would look amazing on tanned skin. Another unique product worthy of praise is M.A.C. Pigment $18.00 in "Cocoa Beach," a rich, lustrous bronze for eyes, lips and accents, anywhere.

Two new summer colors from Lipfinity by Max Factor $12.75 won raves. This long lasting lip product is fash becoming a favorite for it's non-cakey, fashionable colors and accompanying high gloss sticks. "Cool Fraiche" is a natural medium pink, "Bare Denudee" is an equally pretty, warmed pink!

Blush believably and instantly with Hard Candy Blush-n-Brush $22.50 in one of three natural shades of pink, brown and beige. "Flush" is a warm pinkish brown that could double a as a bronzer on pale to medium skin, and enhance a tan, too. You also get a great, retractable brush!!!

The newest NARS blush $22.50 from the gorgeous "Feel The Heat" collection is a winner! "Taj Mahal" looks fire orange in it's chic matte black compact, but it's sexy, sheer burnt orange with hints of gold glimmer. Use just a little if you're pale for a bit of golden glow, or liberally, to accentuate a tan.! You'll look sun-kissed even if you stay inside this summer.

Now and then we find a truly remarkable product that wows us. Vincent Longo's Gel Crayon (sharpener included) $18.00 is one. These "crayons" deliver, silky, sheer, dewy (not greasy) "just tinted" effects for lips and cheeks that won us over with their tote-ability, beauty and flexibility. "Winter Beach" is a pretty browned-pink, Virgin Cool" is a fushia-great on deep complexions and tanned skin," and "Red Lite" is a believable medium rose to flatter everyone." Gorgeous!

The fashionistsas who have been quietly shopping Barneys and Takashimiya for hard to find makeup and looking great, now have competition from you, as we're revealing one of their beauty secrets!  They're buying Kanebo, a pricey but beautiful Japanese brand that has the beautiful makeup in stylish matte pewter compacts. For example, Kanebo Cheek Color $28.00 is a lighter-than-air blush in 10 shades that gives anyone a natural, "I was born with it" flush. "Blushing Pink" will give palefaces a reason to rejoice!

Lola Sprinkle Me Shimmer Powder Brush $18.00 is fun to use loose powder with a built-in brush, so you can carry it and shine, wherever you want, whenever the spirit moves you. To flatter a tan, or add color to pale skin, try Bronze," a seriously shimmery bronze to help you look sun- kissed, even if you haven't been out all summer. Shine at the beach, or a special evening out.

LOVELY, LIVELY LIPS: Lips need constant protection and moisture, so applying lipstick and glosses often is a must not only to keep lips looking, good, but feeling good.

Tina Earnshaw Lipstick $17.00 and Lip Gloss $15.00 feel light and nourishing on your lips.  We liked Palefaces will warm up with the luxurious mauve "Polly." Feel like a glamourous star or enhance a tan's romance with rich, warm red "Romy"  If you just can't choose one color, get a Tina Earnshaw Lip Gloss Quad $24.00.  We tried "Chantilly" with matte and pearls in the (hot) pink family but there are three others equally as pretty

Cover Girl Lipslicks Lipglosses $3.50 are tote-able and add just a hint of color and lots of shine. Wear the limited edition pearly peach "California Dreamin" or the sheer, hot-pink "Babe" and you're ready to go everywhere, from beach to office.

Bobbi Brown lipsticks are the best!  For summer, try the long lasting, luxurious SPF 15 Lip Shine $17.00 (photo) in five subtle, summery colors that moisturize and protect lips with shea butter and other good-for-you ingredients that make these extraordinary beauty products. The light and glossy "Toffee"  and "Pale Pink" will flatter pale to medium complexions, pearly "Heather Mauve" and darkest "Blackberry" will define a deep tan. Add liner for a more polished effect. We also liked the slim-line cases that let you carry one anywhere, even in your tightest jeans.

Hot pink is the color of the season this year, and we're loving the way it looks on everyone from palefaces to deep tans. FACE Stockholm's lipgloss $15.00 comes in a really shiny, sheer, no-holds-barred blue-pink version "#41" that works on it's own, or enhances virtually any pink lipstick you've applied.

Apartment 5 Lipshine Wand $6.50 won hearts with a glittery, shiny-but-not-gluey hint of bronze gloss "LG-22" that looked universally stunning on everyone whether worn alone, or over another lipstick. This is definitely one to get this summer!

Another quality line for beauty buffs on a budget is Prestige Cosmetics. Their new Lip Concentrates $6.00 comes in 11 colors, and rival the more pricey long-lasting lipstick/gloss combos.  These have an all in one wand duo, so you don't have to forage in your purse or drawer for the parts. The gloss is exceptionally shiny and the lipstick really lasts. "Orchid LCN-07" is a flattering, sunny brown that will warm up pale complexions and look naturally pretty on deeper ones.

M.A.C. Lipsticks $14.00 are always a treat. This new crop includes universally-flattering, limited edition colors in coral, pink and apricot."Coral Reef" is a soft coral pearl, "Angeldish" is a perfect, shimmery pink.  We also loved "Jist, a frosty, browned-apricot

Longing for light, subtle pearls? Two of the prettiest are Vincent Longo Lipstick $18.00 in "St. Tropez," frosted deep beige, or "Juan Les Pins" a soft pink.

We loved Tony & Tina's Universal Kisses lipgloss compact last summer, and now there's a new version, the Tony & Tina Color Goddess Lipgloss Palette $25.00 with half a dozen gorgeous beautiful, bright shades to liven and protect lips. Colors run the gamet in sheer to glitter-kisses in red, plum, orange and pink and come in the same, chic, silvery compact with useable lip brush and cute message "smile, you're beautiful" inside.

Thinking about adding a new Trish McEvoy Lipstick $18.00 to your makeup bag? Our reviewers loved the new "Sparkling" colors - shiny, sheer and with just a touch of glimmer to shimmer in the sunlight. "Nude" is a natural hint of beige, "Pink Cherry" is a pretty fuschia, Ginger," a natural brown, "Wine" a deep plum to dramatize deeper complexions .Trish McEvoy always produces pretty, wearable colors. Treat yourself to a Trish McEvoy Lip Gloss $19.00- wonderful and semi-sheer to give you a bit more color than a simple gloss. For a universally flattering shade try shimmery "Iced Mocha" a shimmery pinky-brown. On the brighter side to flatter a tan, try clear red "Cherry Gloss" or shimmery, berry-pink "Raspberry."

Velocity Lip Gloss $12.00 from Mary Kay Velocity delivers glossy color with theclick of a pen. Our pick for summer is "Coconut Creme."" - a sikly feeling, high simmer pearl that tastes actually tastes like a sweet treat, and has a yummy, coconut scent!

Squeeze a bit of Pinkie Swear Smooch Me! Lip Lacquer $14.00 from the handy tube onto your lips and get vitamin E and Lanolin Oil protecting your precious pout and pretty, glossy lips. Our choice is "Gimme a Kiss" a pearly, sheer, girly pink to flatter everyone.

We were wild for Shu Uemura Rouge 4 $18.00 in our Spring column. This luxurious lipstick is definitely a new favorite.  It is luminous, feels like you're wearing nothing on your lips and is long lasting.  We think you'll like "#524" a bright, clear coral.   "#240," a medium rose/mauve, and "357" which would be pretty on palefaces!

Kanebo Lasting Lip Colour $28.00 and Kanebo Treatment Lip Color $28.00 moisturize lips, stay true to color and are high-end, high performance lipsticks that comes in dozens of shades, for the woman who appreciates quality and fashion. "TL 188 Delight-Daylight" is a shimmery apricot to flatter just about everyone.  A glossy, brighter orange that would look amazing with a tan is the slim-line, Lasting Lip Color in "LL12 Sunset."

NARS lipstick $22.00 in "Napoli" is new for summer and one of those rare, universally flattering, use day or evening colors. Get this one and you'll have soft, pinky,   better-than-natural,  glossy lips in an instant. NARS Lip Pencil $18.00 in cinnamon "Sardinia" polishes the look and will work with most other summery lipsticks.

The web site proclaims Paper Doll Cosmetics are all about: "dressing up, going out, showing off." New to our column, we agree. Paper Doll Lip Gloss $13.00 comes in six, sexy shades that are pure fun. There's something to suit every woman and every mood, from "Mrs. Robinson, " a sultry burgundy with gold highlights, to"Solitaire" a super-clear with hints of silver glitter. We also liked the parti-glitter (sheer) lilac 'Renaissance Girl," "Buh-Bye" a bold, raspberry red and subtle, frosted pale pink "Trophy Bride."

FIND YOUR SUMMER FRAGRANCE: Heat and perspiration can change even your favorite scent. Here are some we think will work well with the heat:

Just in time for summer, from Oman (where they know about heat) is Amouage Eau De Amouage Pour Femme $140.00 75ml, with just the right blend of fragrances to work well in the summer, and year round. It's definitely the scent of a woman, a luxurious fragrance is so complex that we couldn't agree if it was woodsy, musky, or floral. No matter, we all agreed it was beautiful, sexy and original.

Eaux de Caron Forte Eau De Toilette $58.00 100 ml  is a fruity, energetic fragrance with notes of blackcurrant, apple, pear, grapefruit, and orange. Our reviewers agreed it smelled fruity but not overdone. Of note is the clear glass bottle with the playful, signature Caron dots. If you're traveling light and don't want to lug too many bottles, or you're into sharing, this fragrance will appeal to your special man, too.

Helping her fans to lighten up for summer, Donna Karan presents a limited edition Cashmere Mist Sheer Fragrance Alcohol-Free Spray $58.00 This version of the deeply sexy spicy-floral combo will stand up to a summer day (or evening) and is light enough to use generously, even to lightly mist hair for a special evening out. We love the curvy, frosted lucite and gold-glitzed spray bottle that makes an eye-catching accessory, too.

Origins Frolic Floral Fantasy Mist $28.50 is full of floral notes, but it has a clean, refreshing scent  "upbeat" scent isn't "grandma" sweet. The lavender frosted bottle with white top is a pretty, too. Treat yourself to this unique fragrance, or bring a bottle as a gift and make someone else very happy.

Summer is the time for weddings.  Whether you're a bride-to-be, or just a romantic-at-heart, a spritz of   Vera Wang Eau De Parfum Spray $60.00 1.07 fl. Oz will help make every day a special occasion!  Vera Wang, an acclaimed designer of evening and wedding wear, blends and outstanding group of florals, white florals and woods, and sheer musks to create a scent that is light enough for summer, but still very sophisticated.  

Eternity Purple Orchid eau de parfum $40.00 is a limited edition scent (so get if fast) that takes the classic, Calvin Klein Eternity fragrance a step fresher and lighter for summer. The scent is wearable day or evening and it's exciting - a blend of florals, greens, and fruits evoking the golden age of travel, when women wore exotic orchid corsages as they embarked on their journey!  We loved the purple bottle, too.

Calvin Klein's Sheer Obsession Eau de parfum spray 3.0z oz. $50.00 is the perfect compliment to the Calvin Klein's Sheer Obsession Body Collection we reviewed in our SPRING "What Works" column. Light enough for summer but still with substance, this scent is a beautiful mix of florals and spices that is very sexy.   If you want an fragrance that will get you noticed, beautifully, get this one!

HAIR HELPERS: Sand, wind, sun and chlorine dull and dry your hair, but we've found products to shine, soothe and protect...and they really help.

Summer can be especially brutal on colored or permed hair. Phyto Phytomist Instant Hydrator With White Lotus Flowers $22.00 delivers an instant RX. Sunflower Extract protects the hair shaft, Red Algae guards against pollutants, Keratin amino acids smooth, detangle and shine, and white lotus flower helps preserve your hair's moisture. Just a few sprays of this leave-in treatment after shampooing, or in-between, will keep your hair from looking like straw.

Alberto VO5 Hot Oil Shower Works in Strengthening and Color Keeper $5.39 contains four weekly treatments that work with the heat of your shower (so convenient) and really work to keep your hair in good shape. The products have UV protection and an exclusive formula that strengthens even damaged and colored hair. Both formulas prove that you don't have to spend a fortune to get quality and performance. We also recommend VO5 total Hair Recovery $5.99.Get better looking hair in just one, 10-minute treatment...worth the wait!

LATHER Shampoo with Marigold Petals & Lavender $7.00/4oz and $14.00 8/oz smells like an English garden, and is gentle enough to use on babies (we didn't test this on children). It left our hair shiny and soft, a look we like!  We love LATHER's dual-purpose product- use this as a gentle body wash as well, saving space and money - great thinking!

BATH & BODY BOUNTY: Budget-priced or luxe, this season's crop of bath & body products feature fruits and florals.  Nestle a few of our suggestions in a tissue-lined tote to present to grateful hosts!

Bath & Body Works"Pleasures" features a variety of wonderful scents to help make every day a bit special. Soothing and lightly scented Green Tea and Cucumber Essence Shower Gel $9.00 and Body Lotion $9.00 won't "sour" in the heat, and would work for men as well. Cucumber Melon Shower Gel $9.00 coupled with Cucumber Melon Body Splash $10.00 has a light, cool and refreshing scent of cucumber and honeydew melon. The aloe vera in the body splash feels great after exercise or too much sun. These make an affordable hostess gift.

Mixed Emotions is a unique, new bath & body line with formulas to interact with a woman's body chemistry to enhance a particular emotion (Eg. kiss me, relax me, motivate me, focus me). We didn't have"mixed emotions" about these products. We loved them. The body scrub seriously sloughs off dead, dry skin. The moisturizer has aloe and good-for-you vitamins that smooth and absorb quickly. The Motivate Me trio: Tutti Frutti Body Cleanser $20.00, Body Scrub $25.00 and Body  Cream $22.00 has a fragrance so fruity, intense and delicious it motivated us to find excuses to cleanse and moisturize! We also liked the just-brewed-tea scent of the Focus Me Trio: (also great for men):   Body Cleanser $20.00, Body Scrub $25.00 and Body Cream $22.00

Caswell-Massey has been selling quality products for more than 250 years.  Their new Cucumber line of products with cucumber for toning, and elderflower for soothing and softening are no exception. Men and women equally will appreciate a box of  Cucumber Bath Soap $24.95 - a trio of individually boxed in a box, cooling and moisturizing, triple-milled treats for normal to oily skin.  Ditto the Cucumber Body Splash $19.95 8.5 oz with a refreshing, light, clean scent that can be chilled for an extra pick-me-up. We also sprayed it lightly on our sheets for a clean, fresh scent.  If you really want to be a sport, add the Cucumber Body Wash $16.95 and the Hand & Body Emulsion $18.95 which soothed our sun-weary skin and made us feel renewed.  You can also get the Cucumber Bath & Body Collection $34.95 with Hand & Body Emulsion ( Body Wash. Body Splash (1oz), and a luxe soap

Thekoa Firming Toning Oil by Lierac $40.00 has a unique blue and gold bottle with a minaret-inspired orange top - so pretty for display. Open it and discover a velvety massage oil with an intoxicating, fruity and fresh blend of grapefruit, spices, florals, and greens that boosted our spirits and felt wonderful on our skin"  Get one for a hostess, or buy it for yourself and share it with someone special,  at home!'

Want a definite "man magnet?" then try Benefit Bathina "Touch Me Then Try To Leave...Cream" $26.00. If your silky subtly-scented skin doesn't do it, leave the cute jar in view - he will get the message!

Looking for a luxe treat or a great gift for someone special?  Laura Mercier's new Mediterranean Collection is inspired by the South of France. Every day is a spa day! We liked "Mimosa,"an unobtrusive blend of citrus, mimosa blossoms, and ginger and the energizing "Mint Leaf." The Gel Body Wash $36.00 Photo) in tote-able, plastic bottle, did a great job cleaning and softening.  Add the hard-milled, generously-sized Luxury Soap $18.00 with 20% olive, 12% grape seed, 16% almond, and 16% coconut oils to combat the drying effects of sun, sand and wind. The Body Milk $40.00 in "Mimosa" made our skin feel like silk. We're taking the plastic bottle with us everywhere - and wish Laura would do this in a travel size, too!  For serious exfoliation, try the Grape Seed Oil Scrub $46.00 which sloughed off dry skin and made ours smooth and soft, and smelling softly of  lavender, with a hint of basil.

We were "wild" about Indigo Wild (pun intended) when we reviewed it in our Holiday, 2002 column. The products are made with over 75% organic ingredients including healthy doses of shea butter, aloe vera and other good-for-your-skin ingredients that quickly, effectively soothed and smoothed dry skin.  Zum Body $16.00 has an ergonomic plastic pump bottle and is an aromatherapy treat for tired, dry skin. A winner to try is "Geranium" - an energizing, spicy floral. Pair it with Zum Tub $9.50, a generous jar of sea salt bath crystals with shea butter and other goodies,  to relax and pamper skin.   Leave these in your bathroom to pamper you and your guests.

We were tempted to put Bobbi Brown Beach Body Oil $28.00 in our fragrance section, because it is redolent with the sexy, unique scent of Bobbi Brown "Beach" fragrance which debuted last summer and was a huge hit. It's not a suntan oil, it's an after-bath product with essential oils that lock in moisture, protect, and soothe sun-fried skin. Even if you can't get to the beach, smooth on this oil and close your eyes - you'll be transported!

LATHER Marshmallow Root Body Spray $12.00 has wheat germ and aloe vera to soothe sunkissed skin and makes after-shower or bath a spa experience. Spray on the non-greasy moisturizer to soften skin and quickly make it silky. The fragrance is bright and refreshing. This is great for the beach, gym, or weekend away. Spritz a bit onto hair as a detangler and leave-in protector/moisturizer!

Florence Gunnarson's bath fragrances are exotic and highly aromatic.  Each one is unique. Any one on it's own would be a treat for yourself, or a great gift. The Florence Gunnarson Collection $38.00 contains travel sizes of all five bath and shower oils:  No. 67, Wild Fern, Mary Black, White Blossom and Deco 23, beautifully packaged in a colorful, vintage-inspired gift box that will impress!  Complete your bathing experience and keep the scent lasting with the new Florence Gunnarson's After Bath Sprays $22.00 (photo) available August, 2003.

Bloom2 by Archive is packaged in sophisticated but simple, frosted white bottles with simple silver tops. They are an affordable hostess gift, and would look so great in a cool bathroom or luxurious summer house. We tried No 3. "Simplicity" a honey apricot infusion with a delicious, fresh, fruity scent. The Bubbling Bath $22.00 makes generous, sensuous bubbles with good for you ingredients that soothe and soften skin.  Perfumed Bathing Salts $21.00 have sea salts that scent your bath minus suds and draw impurities from your pores for smooth skin. The Moisturizing Milk $20.00 absorbs almost instantly without oily residue, and quickly rejuvenates dry skin. For attitude adjustment or a great hostess gift, the Boudoir Candle $25.00 goes with any decor in it's clear glass container, burns slowly and leaves the room sinfully scented with apricot.

Jaqua Girls are new to our review, this column. Their "Bakery Collection" features cute packaging reminiscent of a bakery box. Inside, find  sinfully-scented products! For a cute and original gift, get Jaqua Girls Feet Treats $25.00 (photo).  Inside the pink cardboard box you'l find a 2 oz orange vanilla foaming foot scrub, a 4 oz lemon custard body butter, a nail file, an opalescent pink nail polish, and an adorable rhinestone flower toe ring!  Treat yourself to Orange Vanilla Sugar Scrub $15.00, a gentle exfoliator that smells like orange pound cake! Treat tired feet to Honey Almost Foaming Foot Scrub $15.00 with a swoon-fully-great scent...and have happy feet again!

NEWEST NAILS: Don't be afraid to try the new, bright colors this summer.    These add color to pale skin,  drama to tanned skin.  Experiment!

Cover Girl helps you bring your fingers and toes to the forefront, fast and affordably, with the Calfornia Dreamin collection of Nailslicks $2.50 featuring an all-in-one base coat, color and top coat. Our top pick was "Baja,", a universally flattering slightly pearled tangerine that turns heads and looks good on light complexions all the way to deep tans. For a more subtle look, Zuma is a light-pearl lilac we also liked.

We love the shine, durability and quality of FACE Stockholm's nail polish $12.00.  Indulge this summer in a quartet of bright-as-a-new-bikini colors. Light pink #140 and hot pink #138 would work well for fingers and toes. Light, melon-y #141 and clear purple #139 would flatter pale skin and work real drama on toes with a tan. 

You missed  that manicure appointment and have an interview or a special night out...and your nails look like claws!  Not to worry,  just reach for Revlon's Maximum Speed Self-Stick Nails $7.99 Just press each pre-glued nail in place for five seconds, and you're done. We tried in "Lumniscent"  an instant and believable french manicure.  For fun, try Revlon Maximum Wear Glue on Nails $7.99 in "Surf Nail". You apply the nail glue, press each for five seconds, and voila - red-tipped nails with white hibiscus flowers you didn't have to wait all day in the salon for!

For summer, Bourjois presents Very Vernis Nail Enamel $9.00 in 28 sexy, hotter-than-hot shades in every color category, bound to make a statement. The shine and durability is outstanding. The reds and oranges, including hottest-pink "Rouge Marilyn" are all pretty picks to make toes stand out in sandals.  Not into bright?  On the other end of the spectrum are the whites and beiges, especially "Taiga" a sensuous, pearly-white.

Clarins sent us seven scintillating Le Vernis Multi-Eclat Nail Colors $14.50. They are all so pretty and worth recommending...so here goes: #216 Rose Seduction" is a opalescent whisper of pink-beige;  #202 Gris Metallic a deep shimmery grey;  #219 Marron Glace is a pearly browned plum. Flatter a tan with bright coral #206 Orange Pur and the soft, rust #207 Brun Cuivre. Deeper complexions will love gold-glitzed deep burgundy #217 Rouge Fusion and #218 Brun Sensation, a sensational pearly warm maroon.

Maybelline Express Finish Fast-Day Nail Enamel $4.12 has a long name that says it all - it's an affordable, fast and fashionable manicure in minutes.  Two brights to try for summer are "Pink Daiquiri" (glimmery deep pink) and "Bikini Red" which is actually a slightly metallic shimmery fuschia.  We also liked Maybelline Wet Shine Diamonds Nail Color $4.12 with it's outright glitter in the sun formulas. A universally-flattering color is "In the Rough" - a warm copper with glitter - fabulous!

Nailene Hard & Healthy French Manicure Kit $4.99 will give you a summer's worth of french manicures and has good-for-your-nails ingredients to make it a beauty treatment for weak nails. The kits in "Beige" and "Shimmer Beige" (pearl) have curved tip guides to help you get a perfect line. Just peel off the guide, apply to the nail, apply a coat of white polish right above it, and let dry. Then apply a coat of colored polish and let dry. Then, peel off the guide- voila - a perfect french manicure, for pennies! 

Kanebo Nail Colour $15.00 is a treat. It's glossy, doesn't chip, covers well, and comes in nearly two dozen colors. We tried "NC17 Neon" a sophisticated, deep coral that would look wonderful on fingers and toes not just in the summer, but all year!

FABULOUS KITS:  We love kits for their portability, flexibility, and for fun.   For travel, to tote to work, or for makeup-in-a minute, ease at home, try these!

Sue Devitt Studios is makeup from "down under" that we think is utterly delightful.  The trio of Sue Devitt Studio Seaweed Water Eye and Cheek Gel kits $35.00 inspired by Australia's Great Barrier Reef, are composed of 30% water. These wonderful gels hydrate, are sheer for layering to flatter virtually any complexion, and stay true to color. Mini-kits such as beautiful  "Bedarra" has warm shades of golden bronze which you can mix and match on lids (as a blush it will warm a sallow complexion, or enhance a tan). "Daydream" is a universally-flattering, gorgeous clear rose palette, and  "Lady Elliott"  is a sumptuous trio of mauve-y plums that will flatter cool complexions in a big way.

If you stay in luxury hotels you're already familiar with Gilchrist & Soames. Don't wait to travel to enjoy their Spa Therapy Collection, featuring marine extracts and the light, positive fragrance of Japanese Sea Kelp. The Sampler Kit $35.00 gives you a taste of everything in the line, with everything you need for a weekend away-from shampoo, to a mending kit. Keep one on hand for guests who "forget" to bring toiletries. You can also purchase full-sized products and gift baskets to delight a hostess, or yourself.

Bloom Traveling Giftables "Clarity," a sage & thyme infusion $18.00 is a trio of travel-sized products(body wash, hand & body moisturizer, and hydrating body mist) available exclusively through the beauty.com web site where you can also save 25% The "unisex" scent smells fresh and "clean." The "Be in Bloom" package is also decorated with a small,  paper mache bee - just adorable!

Burts Bees showcases their newest skin care collection in the Burts Bees Healthy Treatment Kit $10:00 with tote-able sizes of toner, moisturizer, night cream, cecollete creme, eye creme, pore refining masque, and blemish stick. Pack it on your next trip, leave it in your bathroom as a thoughtful gesture to guests, or bring it to your weekend host or hostess.  Another cute kit is the Burts Bees Makeup Artist Kit $10.00 with button-sized samples of a wide range of cosmetics in their Wings of Love Cosmetic Line, packaged nicely in a re-usable, clear plastic pouch. The colors are pretty and wearable- fun!

We love the idea of having a mutli-use makeup product and Ramy Beauty Therapy Cream Quads $35.00 are definitely a face-in-a-case-kit-in-a-hurry --  in a small, silvery circle! There are four color palettes. We reviewed "One Cool Beauty," a set four creams to highlight eyes, cheeks and lips in icy-pearls of softest, lavender, blue/grey, pale pink, and mauve.

Lauren Hutton is synonymous with beauty, and glamour.  Now, this supermodel and ageless beauty has her own line of beauty products . Finally, someone is addressing the needs of women who aren't "kids" but care about their appearance. Good Stuff" is more than just good - it's great stuff!  The products enhance features, naturally and are easy to use for an easy no makeup look. You can buy products individually on the web site and through The Home Shoppping Network. We tried the all-in-one Face Disk $65.00 which has every product you need to create a natural but polished face, minus mascara and foundation. Ms. Hutton's experience as a model really shows in how she thoughtfully put this kit together. It comes with an easy-to-follow brochure, outlining step by step (with colored rings around each "pan" of product ) for reference just what to use, where, when, and how. The pans are magnetic, so you can replace a single product instead of the entire disk if you run out of something. The kit is available in four skin tones (pink, yellow, olive & brown). The instructional video,  in which Ms. Hutton demonstrates everything on herself, explaining why you need it, makes application no-fail. Even if you don't have a clue how to apply makeup, you will get good results with these instructions. You can also purchase a 7 piece brush set $50.00 set which is worth the price, with color-coded to match the rings around the makeup so you know what brush to use. We love Lauren Hutton and her "Good Stuff" Try it!

Pinkie Swear was designed for young ladies, but we all loved them regardless of age.  Pinkie Swear Diva Dust $18.00 would make you a hero with the teen set, but try it yourself and be hooked! "Crystal Clear" has metallic bronze and ice-blue shimmery powders. Made to mix with other Pinkie Swear makeup, we suggest dusting them separately, mixing them together, or adding them to the clear base to make the shimmeriest eye shadow! Pinkie Swear Beach Baby $15.00 is just about the size of two postage stamps, and contains a compact trio of sheer, creams: a shimmery bronzer for cheek;  plus lip colors "Sand Key" shimmery nude and "Mango Sorbet" clear pink. Pretty, tote-able, great! we also liked the Pinkie Swear Cutie Pie Color Wheel $24.00 with five sheer, wearable pink and plum creams (including a pretty plum parti-glitter gloss) to use alone or layer on cheeks, eyes and lips to flatter women of all ages. We swear! !

Cute for both men and women is Philosophy's Lil Piggies $25.00, three foot treats in a clear tube to clean, smooth and soften. This would make a cute shower gift as well. To pamper your feet (or someone else's) start with the 2 oz. jar of footnotes, to scrub away the rough skin, scrub with the enclosed dual nail brush/ pumish scrubber, then finish with a caress of the 3.3 0z tube of soul owner overnight salicylic exfoliating foot cream to soften and soothe.

It's not quite a "kit," but we;ll count it as one. Not Soap, Radio Portable Panacea $30.00 is a cleverly combined trio of beauty products in removable plastic bottles, grouped under one lid. Group 1 has an extra gentle shampoo, a high-quality conditioner, and Lather - a nice body wash with Vitamins A and D. good for travel and the gym and a wonderful space-saver, too!

FAST FIXES: Do you need a fast solution to a common problem? Here are a few fabulous products to fix them:

You can't completely stop summer breakouts but Tony & Tina Outtasight: Blemish Blaster/Color Corrector $16.00 can help you fix them, fast with a two-sided silvery (magic?) wand containing herbals to naturally banish blemishes, and a color corrector to reduce the redness. Our reviewers loved the slim shape that fits easily into a makeup bag for whenever it's needed.

Overdone the sun? JASON Aloe Vera 98% Gel $3.80 combines witch hazel and pure aloe vera to cool the burn and start the healing.Tote a tube of this multi-purpose product to the beach, for travel, and at home, to soothe sun, wind, and razor burn..even insect bites. Another nifty product from JASON is Sumbrellas Goodbye Bugs SPF 30 $9.00 - which repels deer ticks, fleas and other insects. It uses pleasantly scented citronella and limonene, and provides water-resistant,  SPF 30 protection.  It even comes with it's own, useful belt clip - great for hikers!

A wonderful, multi-purpose product is Philosophy's Complete Me $30.00. We tried this tote-able, 07 oz plastic shaker jar filled with "Neutral 1" high-pigment mineral powder that's a 4-in-1 sunblock with SPF 15, concealer, foundation and powder. It feels light and looks natural. Add more for complete coverage, less just to protect skin and take away shine. It looks better than bare, and is especially good for anyone who breaks out from sunblock or has sensitive skin. You can also mix it with your favorite moisturizer for a sheer foundation!

For an SPF20 and great coverage, we like Clinique Continuous Coverage $15.50 Yellow colour-corrector plus skin-tone concealer can be mixed in three shade combination:  fair, moderately fair, and medium - so everyone gets a good match! We like the creamy feel which stays put and hid all sorts of discolourations, scars and birthmarks. If ou suffer from large pores (and they do get worse in the heat), another huge helper from Clinique to try now is   Pore Minimizer Instant Perfector $16.50.  Heat and humidity resistent, in two shades (light and dark) this gives your face a long-lasting matte finish while minimizing the look of large pores. It's invisible coverage so you can wear it with or wiithout foundation. .

If your skin just seems to ooze dirt and grease in the heat, Laura Mercier has two exceptional new products to give you a helping hand.Laura Mercier Oil Free Gel Cleanser $35.00 and Oil-Free Moisturizer with SPF 15 $38.00 come in tote-able plastic bottles.  The cleanser is unscented and cleans and exfoliates dead skin cells throroughly, but still manages to keep skin soft.  The moisturizer hydrates and protects, leaves a matte finish and has oil-reducing ingredients and good-for-your-skin ingredients to soothe and protect.

Hands get a real workout in the summer. If your hands are rough and tired, Mary Kay Hand Cream with the added bonus of SPF4 $7.50 will restore and refresh work-weary hands. Add a tube to a gift basket for your favorite gardener, too!

In a perfect world your skin would never suffer from the harmful effects of pollutants, but since it's the real world we live in, Origins A Perfect World White Tea Skin Guardian $30.00 has a potent cocktail of ingredients to safeguard your skin, leaving it smooth and less stressed. We all tried it and agreed that we could see immediate benefits. Origins A Perfect World For Eyes Firming Moisture with White Tea $28.50 will work magic to protect and restore skin in the sensitive eye zone, and also has mica to scatter light and disguise dark circles from a late night out.

If you really want to avoid age spots, protect yourself from the sun at all times!  If you just can't stay out of the sun, Z. Bigatti Enlighten-Skin Tone Provider $189.00 is one way to fade the appearance of sun and age spots, especially as your tan fades along with summer memories. A complex cocktail of high-powered ingredients work together to brighten skin and diminish the appearance of discolored patches.  It might be a bit pricey, but it's there if you need it, and if you've overdone the sun, you do!

Daring & sexy describe you? You'll want the Benefit Chickster $28.00 -  a black garter with a lace pouch attached to carry just the most essential items discreetly. The one-size adjusts to fit all, and comes with a generous compact of Bathina solid perfumed powder. Dance the night away and keep your keys, credit card and lipstick safe and secure. What a dynamite gift for a bride, best friend, or yourself! For the slightly less flamboyant, Benefit Simply Simone $20.00 is a cute, log-shaped, shiny black "Barbie-eque" makeup case, featuring colorful photos of "Simone," one of the Benefit "Babes."Benefit Sandal Scandal $34.00 makes a cute hostess gift, or spend a night pampering yourself. Massage in the cream, slip on the cute booties, wake up with soft, smooth feet!!

Clever, Clarins Fix Mascara $16.50 coats your already-applied mascara to resist water. This "raincoat" for your lashes is good  if you can't "go without: but don't want your mascara to get ruined if it gets wet!

"Roses" may not be the way you describe your underarms, but with Weleda's Wild Rose Deodorant $8.50 it just might be! We liked the portable, plastic, pump bottle and the all natural ingredients, including 100% essential oils from orange blossoms and wild roses. The deodorant is good way smell wonderful and "go natural."

Need to get rid of fluffy's scent before the company comes?  Too many people making the house stuffy?  A few quick sprays of Zum Mist $9.50 gets the room smelling wonderful, with essential oils and other natural ingredients  It comes in four scents. We tried "Patchouli" which was pleasant, woodsy and appropriate for any room. We are sure the other three scents are equally great

BUYING GUIDE:  Here's where to get "The Goods"

Alberto VO5: http://www.drugstore.com drugstore.com & mass market retailers

Amouage: http://www.amouage.com also Saks, Bergdorf Goodman (USA) and Harrods (UK)  

Apartment 5 Cosmetics http://www.apt5cosmetics.com/index2.cfm and at Duane Reade drugstores

Armani Cosmetics: Saks Fifth Avenue & Giorgio Armani Boutiques NY and Las Vegas,  Acqu Di Gio also at selected fragrance shops, online.

Avon Cosmetics: http://www.avon.com

Bath & Body Works: http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/main.jsp

BenFit  Cosmetics: http://www.benefitcosmetics.com and BeneFit at Sephora.com

Bloom2 by Archive: at 1,200 specialty stores nationwide. For information call 800-208-1922

Bourjois:  Bourjois at Sephora.com 

Bobbi Brown: http://www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com

Burts Bees: http://www.burtsbees.com

Calvin Klein Fragrances: Calvin Klein at Sephora.com & department stores nationwide.

Caswell-Massey:   http://www.caswellmassey.com/

Cover Girl: http://www.covergirl.com and mass market retailers

Clarins: http://www.clarins.com or http://www.gloss.com

Clinque: http://www.clinique.com

FACE Stockholm: www.facestockholm.com or call: 888-334-FACE

Delux Beauty: http://www.deluxbeauty.com/

Donna Karan: at http://www.sephora.com and fine department stores.s.

Florence Gunnarson:   http://www.florencegunnarson.com or 800-337-6870

Gilchrist & Soames www.gilchristsoames.com and fine hotels

Hard Candy: http://www.hardcandy.com & Hard Candy at Sephora.com &  selected department stores.

Indigo Wild http://www.indigowild.com or  800-361-5686

Jaqua Girls: http://www.jaquagirls.com/

JASON Natural Cosmetics:http://www.jason-natural.com

Kanebo International: http://kanebo-international.com/

LATHER Products: : http://www.latherup.com

Laura Mercier: http://www.lauramercier.com

Lauren Hutton's Good Stuff: http://www.laurenhutton.com/ or the Home Shopping Network http://www.hsn.com/   

Lierac: Parfums Caron Boutique, 675 Madion Ave, NYC or call 877-5-LIERAC for  retail locations

Lola Cosmetics: http://www.lolacosmetics.com also at Los Angeles Boutique and by calling 1-866- BUY LOLA

M·A·C   http://www.maccosmetics.com/

Mary Kay Cosmetics: http://www.marykay.com/

Maybelline:  at drugstrorec.& mass market retailers

Max Factor: http://www.maxfactor.com

Mixed Emotions: http://www.shopmixedemotions.com/

NARS: at upscale retail stores & 888-903-NARS and NARS at Sephora.com

Nailene Products: mass drug chains and discount stores nationwide

Not Soap, Radio http://www.notsoapradio.com and by calling 800-208-1501

Origins: http://www.origins,com & Origins retail stores

Parfums Caron - Parfums Caron Boutique, 675 Madion Ave, NYC or call 877-88CARON

Paper Doll Cosmetics:  http://www.paperdollcosmetics.com/

Phyto:http://www.phyto.com/

Philosophy: http://www.philosophy,com

Pinkie Swear   http://www.pinkieswear.com/, &Pinkie Swear at Sephora.com & select Nordstrom stores

Prestige Cosmetics http://www.prestigecosmetics.com and at mass market retailers

Ramy Beauty Therapy: http://www.ramybeautytherapy.com

Revlon:  http://www.revlon.com and at mass market retailers

Shu Uemura: call 888-540-8181 & Shu Uemura at Sephora.comamp;

Sue Devitt Studio:   http://www.suedevittstudio.com/home.html or call 888-870-1150

Tina Earnshaw: http://www.tinaearnshaw.com/

Tony & Tina: http://www.tonytina.com/intro.shtml

Trish McEvoy: Nordstrom online: http://store.nordstrom.com/

Urban Decay: http://www.urbandecay.com & Urban Decay at Sephora.comand select Nordstrom, Bloomingale's and Macy's

Velocity - Mary Kay http://www.marykay.com

Vera Wang Fragrance:  http://www.sephora.com http://www.nordstrom.com and select department stores nationwide.

Vincent Longo:   http://www.vincentlongo.com & Vincent Longo at Sephora.com or  877-longo99

Welda: http://usa.weleda.com/ or 1-800-241-1030

Z. Bigatti: www.sephora.com, http://www.zibigatti.com & www.blissworld.com also Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom stores nationwide, Bergdorf & Bendels NYC, Bliss Spa

NOTE: Purchasing makeup, skin care and bath products is a very personal decision. We have selected products we feel will work well for most people,  but not every product will perform equally well for each skin type or skin tone, regardless of how they performed for our reviewers. We urge you to read the ingredients and ask for a sample especially if you are prone to breakouts, allergies, or have sensitive skin. Ask questions, SHOP WISELY use products as directed, and follow basic safety (eg. products with moisturizer or oil can make you slip,   so move carefully