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EYES: Variety is the spice of life, especially when it comes to your eyes. Perk them up with a myriad of new colors and formulas to suit your taste

I heard about red earth and was intrigued enough to track them down. New to our reviews this column red earth, a fashion-conscious cosmetics company that translates runway makeup to real, wearable colors all of us can enjoy. A limited Edition Spring/Summer 2006 collection called "Ethnic Discovery" is inspired by exotic locales. We tried the Visual Affair Eye Shadow Quad $24.00 called "Indian Illusion."   The square,semi-sheer, red, plastic compact (with nice interior mirror)  is adorned simply, with "red earth" in small, lower case, silvery letters.  Inside, a large square of pressed powder is segmented into four stripes, embossed with fancy swirling designs (nice touch!). Ours had a stunning collection of slightly pearly ivory, lime green, curry gold, and gorgeous, violet blue.  The colors are unusual and eye catching, but sheer and blendable, so you can create a wide variety of looks with them. There are three other quads Latin Allure; Caribbean Fantasy, and Mongolian Dream, all with a totally different color scheme. Treat yourself and be fashionable, and beautiful. We're impressed with what we see and hope to bring you more reviews of red earth in the future. (check out the red earth Blush and Lip Gloss reviews in this column).

New to our column this month is Piaffe. This lovely, luxe line was created by Marie Regan, a former high fashion executive and accomplished horsewoman, who couldn't find what she wanted in beauty and skincare, so she created her own, full spectrum of beauty products made with natural ingredients, including horse chestnut flower that appears in all of her  skin and body products. Her makeup line is exceptional as well, with mineral makeup that is full of natural, good-for-your-skin protection and anti-aging ingredients including: Vitamins A, C and E, copper peptide, cobalt, magnesium, and potassium. Piaffe Perfect Eye Shadow $20.00 comes in a simple, silvery compact with clear cover featuring a stylized black horse, the Piaffe logo. Inside is a tri-striped round pan of coordinated pressed powder shadow. It smoothes on flawlessly, even with a fingertip (but use a brush for more control) and is easily blended for more ore less intensity. The colors stay put, and really do stay true to color without creasing or fading. We tried "Desert," with the largest portion (a half circle) of velvety, peach shadow, coupled with smaller portions of soft, matte brown and rosy beige.  Any of all would make a great lid shadow on it's own, but  they're coordinated to work together-- a shade for lids, one for eye crease, and a highlighter. There are 5 other trios to try, as well.

 Survoltée $13.50 by Bourjois is a waterproof cream shadow in 6 intense shades. These light-reflecting creams in a   mini-tube give an iridescent sheen and long lasting color (up to 8 hours) without creasing. Reviewers tried these through a night of dancing, a workout at the gym, and other activities and exclaimed: "fabulous!." The long, thin nozzle gives you a lot of control over how much, and where, to place the shadow. My personal pick is "Khaki Branché," a very wearable, super-shimmery khaki that looks like greenish gold. We also liked "Ambre Alternatif," a stunning, coppery shimmer that's a special occasion "must-have."  Other trendy colors include   "Parme Électro," (blue violet); "Beige Électrisant," (champagne beige); "Rose Disjoncté," a shimmery pink that gets you in on the pink trend in flattering way, and "Lilas Éclairé," (lilac with pink sheen). Loose shimmer powder fans will Suivez Mon Regard $16.00 in the latest color called: "Bleu Swimming Pool."  We've reviewed this product a number of times, but we still love the clever, clear, plastic jar packaging with the applicator brush right in the top.  This new blue is vibrant and shimmery,  a wearable blue with a hint of green.  Sneak Peek: For more drama, add a color mascara such as Maxi-Frange Waterproof Mascara $19.00--an excellent, dual- wanded mascara that has a smoothing and styling cream (formulated with silk protein to add length, applied with a comb applicator that separates lashes to make them lush and long, and on the other end, a waterproof mascara, applied with a brush.   In May, add three new colors to your mascara collection. "Blue Bora Bora," a beautiful, deep blue that looks great with pastels, too.  Also the new, "Vert Honolulu," a soft, deep green," and "Noir Volcanique," an inky black. *we will be reviewing new Bourjois lip products in our May column--watch for it!

Cover Girl's latest Iridescent Eye Shadow Kit $5.25 has three color-coordinated shades: one for lids, one for an accent and one for a highlighter, but  you can layer them for myriad, new looks. We love the way these super-sheer shadows slide on super-easily. They're practically goof-proof! There are four new kits, but we tried  "Celestial Pinks." Actually, although the pots of creamy color look pink, white and plum in the chic, pewter-y compact with clear top,  the white is really a light, iridescent white-pink; the pink is a deeper pink, and what looks to be a dark plum is really a light, shimmery lilac!  The creamy shadow dries fast and stays put, too. This is a fun, affordable, Spring-worthy purchase!

A new eye shadow in a seasonal tone is one of the best ways to move out of a makeup rut.  With 45 colors in 15 coordinated eye shadow trios, MaxEye Shadow $4.78 by Max Factor makes it easy to update!  These chic, wet/dry shadows were designed by Pat McGrath, one of the world's most respected makeup artists.  We love their versatility. Use them dry, for a wash of color, or wet, for intense color or as a dramatic liner. You'll also be happy to know that these remain true to color without creasing for hours,  but still remove easily with soap and water, or makeup remover. Those with sensitive eyes, and contact lens wearers can wear them because they're hypoallergenic. My personal fave was Gypsy Moon," a trio of a soft teal, a deep purple, and light yellow. I also liked "Pajama Party," a shimmery blue/grey, shimmery lavender and soft mint green. "Smooth Sailing" combines a dove grey with sea blue and deep blue, "Premiere Pink" is a bit more daring, combining a light, medium and browned trio of pinks. The only difficulty you might have with these is picking your favorites.

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Even though pink is in this season, my warm complexion and red hair make it nearly impossible to wear this trend. But there's a new Play On Eye Shadow $14.00 by Biotherm simply named "#405" that makes me feel "in the pink." Play On Eye Shadow is silky, long-lasting and pampers my lids with great color that I can layer for a little, or a lot...without looking crazy! Another hot new color is #210, a light blue that works with all the bright orange, turquoise and yellow "country club resort" colors so popular for Spring,   without competing for attention. The shadow is superb and the other colors, from deep purple to white, are wonderful, as well.  

Maybelline New York's Dream Mousse Eye Shadow $7.50 goes on like a dream, but stays put! A palette of shimmery and sheer pastels make a perfect eye wardrobe update, without breaking the bank.  The sheer, soft, blendable cream is easy to apply with a fingertip and since the color is sheer, you have control.  For Spring, try "Mint Dream," a shimmery green, or "Lilac Cloud," a soft lilac. "Heavenly Pink" is a very light pink, sheer and shimmery enough to be wearable, and get in on the pink trend so hot on the runways for this season.  For powder shadow lovers, the Maybelline Eye Shadow Quad $5.99 features a set of four,coordinated shadows,  that really stick to lids without creasing. They blend easily and stay true to color.  Reviewers like the sleek design of the simple, plastic compact with clear top so you can see the color. There's no mirror, but you do get a mini sponge applicator. There are dozens of Expert Eyes colors and if you don't want a quad, you can get them in singles, duos and trios, as well.  Get in on both the pink and lilac/lavender trend this season with "Urban Orchid," a super-stylish combo of lilac, pink, peach and plum. Look for it!

FRAGRANCES: There's nothing like a fantastic,fragrance to make you feel beautiful (and attract wanted attention). The following are sure-fire winners!

  First there was Armani Code for men, an sensual blend of fresh lemon and bergamot softened with hints of orange tree blossom, warmed with soothing Guaiac wood, and Tonka Bean. This Spring, Amazing Armani introduces an exciting fragrance for women called Armani Code Eau de Parfum spray $52.50 1.7 fl. oz. The men's cologne is housed in a substantial tower of black glass.  What I really love about this packaging of this new, feminine, Armani Code for women is the way the bottle, topped with a shiny black oval cap ranges in color from nearly-clear grey glass, to a night-sky deep blue. A lacy, floral design in overlaid on the glass, to add shadow and dimension. The shape of the bottle mirrors the many facets of a woman. Look at it one way and it's soft and curvy, turn it slightly and it looks strong and sleek, yet another, and your perspective changes again. Inside, the fragrance starts spicy with a touch of vanilla, but warms up to a soft floral spice that is intoxicating, but not too heavy.  The top notes are romantic orange blossom and two types of zesty, slightly spicy,  orange peel. Middle notes of Tunisian orange blossom absolute mixed with Sambar jasmine from India, adding a floral tone that's not over-the-top.  Bottom notes of Madagascan vanilla and a hint of honey, soften the mixture and leave a welcome, added impression on your skin.   Orange blossoms make me think of weddings and other special occasions, and this would be perfect as your wedding day fragrance. However, even though the fragrance is exotic and slightly spicy, it's subtle enough to wear with casual clothes or to work when you want to feel sexy and pampered.  It's sexy for sure, but it doesn't wallop you over the head with it.  Even better, this one translates personally to each wearer.  I just love this fragrance!

Solid perfumes are not only fun to use, they're so portable  We've just been introduced to Stacked Style, a company that blends fruits and flowers together into modern, fashionable, and affordable solid  fragrances.  Exclusive to Sephora is the "Baroque Bleu" Gelée de Parfum-Perfume Gel $22.50. The clear cube holds a "I-can't-stop-sniffing-this" solid fragrance that makes women want to ask: "what are you wearing?" and makes men want to get closer to you! It's a strong, rich and sweet blend of gardenia and coconut, with top notes of green grass, almond and rhubarb, middle notes of rose, tuberose, muget, coconut and a hint of exotic neroli, and a bottom of tonka bean, amber, precious woods,  and musk. You can use this super-fragrance as multi-tasking, shine-enhancing gel for your hair as well--but be careful when you wear it -- you will get attention.

  We covet Marc Jacobs' sophisticated designer duds. Now we're also  craving the Marc Jacobs Splash Collection 10 oz $65.00.each. This exciting, new trio of limited edition fragrances: Rain, Grass, and Cotton, are debuting (as individual products) through Coty Prestige this month!  Casual-chic, every day fragrances arrive in very substantial, square, glass bottles, tinted ever-so-slightly blue, green or blush, with shiny black tops. These (and their Perfumers) were selected by Mr. Jacobs, and based on his recollections of summer. "Grass"  (green tinted bottle) is fresh, and slightly floral, like newly mown grass. There are top notes of freshly snapped snow peas, a floral heart of wildflowers and white muget, and a dry-down of soft woods and dewy musks. I love this scent!  "Cotton" (blush tinted bottle) is a fresh floral musk with top notes of fresh linen breezes and liquid oxygen mixed with white peach, citrus mandarin, orange and bergamot, a heart of cotton flower, lavandin, and lily of the valley, and bottom notes of cotton musk, smooth white suede,rich sandalwood, and blond woods. It smells pleasantly soft and clean--like your "favorite old T-shirt" (freshly laundered, of course!). "Rain," (blue tinted bottle), uses a tropical rain accord to make you think about that moment when the rain begins to touch the Earth. It starts with top notes of wild strawberry, clementine zest, and dewy cypress, with middle notes of passion flower, sunshine flower, and refreshing white orchid to add a hint of sweetness, and a drydown of earthy, woody notes (eg. beech amber, tree moss, musk, and teak wood)--a very special scent indeed. All three fragrances are amazing, and will make a huge splash with you (pun intended).

When I think of Bulgari, I think of expensive, beautiful jewelry and accessories, but Bulgari has another type of designer original--several fragrances that match the pure pleasure of owning one of their designer originals. The third in a series of tea-based fragrances is Bulgari Au Thé Rouge Eau de Cologne $82.00 3.4 fl. oz; $57.00 1.7 fl. oz.  The fragrance is the first to ever use red tea from South Africa and China in perfume (hence the name, Thé rouge), but it's a sensual, complex fragrance that would appeal to both women and men.  It starts out bright, peppery and a bit fruity,  but quickly changes to a soft, spicy musk. The scent begins with  top notes  of pink pepper, orange and bergamot, with a middle of riiboss red tea and fig pulp, moving to a finish of walnut and musk that is very, seductive. I thought I smelled vanilla, but there isn't any! What I love about this is the overall soft nutty, smoky and musky vibe. The bottle is beautiful, too -- a round column of clear glass with a red bottom that lets the clear fragrance shine through. The top is crowned in silver with "Bulgari" embossed in the front, and capped with a clear, red, plastic top rimmed with the word, "Bulgari."  Even the label is elegant: a slim, shiny rectangle of white, gold rimmed paper, with a delicate graphic of a tea plant, and, in the name of the perfume in small letters (no need to shout when you're this good). This is a multi season, affordable, self-indulgence!

Calyx Eau de Parfum $47.00 1.7 fl. oz, $72.00 3.4 oz , by Prescriptives, is a modern classic that never fails to please. The sophisticated, fruity-floral fragrance is perfect for now through the warmer months. Calyx was one of the first fragrances to features modern citrus accord as a top note -- a feature that quickly became one of the most copied fragrances in the industry.  But we love this soft citrus/floral that changes to suit each individual wearer--sometimes appearing more citrus, other times, more floral.  The top notes are a blend of crisp grapefruit, passion fruit, mango, papaya and guava. Middle notes include spicy & sweet florals such as freesia, neroli, lily, marigold and muget.  Bottom notes of sandalwood, vetiver, and oak moss deepen the fragrance's warmth and sensuality, and add complexity to the mix. The fragrance is not too heavy, but it is long lasting. It's the kind of fragrance that makes people stop and say; "what are you wearing?"  We didn't review them, but there's also two bath & body items (shower gel and body lotion) and a Shimmering Mist $45.00 that adds a pearly gold and silver shimmer to your skin (sounds nice).

FANTASTIC FACIAL PRODUCTS: take care of your skin!

In March, we introduced you to the SAMPAR line of high-tech skincare products. This month we are reviewing another cutting-edge product, the Age Antidote Urban Active Splendid Eyes Elation $58.00 .54 fl. oz. This anti-aging-for-the-eyes-in-a-bottle serum has 30 percent active anti-aging ingredients to detoxify the skin while it soothes and reduces puffiness, dark bags, fine lines, and wrinkles. Natural, active ingredients include anise and horse chestnut extracts, cornflower water, white lupine protein, sweet almond protein, and SAMPAR's unique, "urban active complex," a cutting edge combo of natural, active extracts that help rejuvenate, regenerate, and soothe. You'll see real results in just a few days! There's also a Vivid Radiance Serum $68.00 for the face containing exotic ingredients such as acerola, biopetides and simply, walnuts! We didn't try it for the four weeks necessary to see significant results, but if you do, you'll find that your skin becomes firmer and plumper, with a more youthful glow. Again, we applaud SAMPAR for providing us with easy-to-use pump applicators so you get just enough to be effective, without wasting a drop.

Oh, la, la! Olay has developed another product that we think is nifty!  Olay Regenerist Targeted Tone Enhancer   $18.99 1.0 fl. oz  doesn't look like much in it's simple, lavender tube, but what it does is work deep beneath the surface of your skin to boost it's natural  surface cell turnover and thereby reduce the appearance of age spot.  The formula contains the Olay Regenerist line's signature amino peptide complex and one of the highest concentrations of over-the-counter Pro-Retinol (a form of Vitamin A). These powerhouses work together to provide the latest in spot-treatments. If you have stubborn age spots, discoloration, or blotches and you don't want to try something as expensive and aggressive as laser resurfacing to get rid of them, this at-home treatment is another option.

Sometimes I forget to moisturize my hands, and suddenly, they have that "crocodile skin" look and they feel itchy and dry, too. That's when I need something more than my trusted and faithful.  Enter Zia Natural Skincare Age-Defying Hand Treatment $12.99. This little tube of powerhouse moisturizer is packed with good-for-your-skin shea butter and avocado oil to soothe and soften dry skin, ginko biloba and yucca to protect and improve hydration, and antioxidants and natural skin brighteners to help correct sun damage and visible signs of aging. What I like best about it (besides the nice, herbally scent) is the way it sucks right into my skin, leaving it soft and comfortable.  The press literature says to use it as a nightly treatment, but I am keeping my tube handy at my desk just in case my hands send out an SOS during the day.  In short, it's a great hand cream.

BATH AND BODY: Bathing is either a chore, or a daily delight, depending upon whether you pamper your body or not. The following products will make you look and feel wonderful!

Just the name, Balinese Body Cream $25.00 6.7 fl. oz from the Origins Paradise Found Collection sounds divine, but when you open the sea-green topped white jar, you'll feel as though you've gone to the tropics, for real.  A thick, creamy product with apricot kernels and grape seeds help hydrate and soften your skin, making it silky soft, but not greasy.  But it's the blend of  pineapple, orange essential oils that had us nearly swooning.  This product is a sensual experience that will do wonders for your skin, but it smelled so yummy that I was almost tempted to eat it.  Another sinfully scented treat that's great for your body is the Calm to Your Senses Lavender and Vanilla Body Smoother $15.00 8 fl. oz.  We first reviewed this product back in 2004. but with Spring coming, we think you'll want to exfoliate. This product has white and brown sugars to seriously buff away dry skin to perfection, while olive and jojoba oils moisturize, soothe and soften. The product has the most amazing scent of lavender, along with the sensual smell of vanilla. Both scents are not only wonderful, but are supposed to connect you to happy, safe and comforting memories. These scents will calm and relax you.

Almonds are also known to be good for your health (as well as delicious to eat). Your skin can benefit from the almond, too.  Three unique products by L'Occitane from their Amande collection do good things for your skin, especially some "problem areas," while helping it look firm and toned. My favorite is the new, Almond Supple Skin Oil $30.00 3.4 fl. oz. This dry oil in an elegant,glass pump bottle is highly concentrated in almond oil (78%), blended with essential oils of palmarosa, immortelle and peppermint, to moisturize skin, while protecting and moisturizing your skin's support tissue.  The dry oil lends a lovely sheen to skin, but doesn't feel greasy. We liked the scent, although we wondered why it wasn't scented with almond. The floral fragrance is light and pleasant, not overpowering.  Almond Shaping Gel $34.00 6.7 fl. oz has all of the ingredients in the Supple Skin Oil, plus caffeine and silicium. This treatment helps to improve the appearance of cellulite--and we all know that this is a difficult challenge. The gel is quickly absorbed into your skin, increasing blood flow to help break up fatty deposits that cause cellulite and water retention. To use, simply massage the gel into your skin, with a circular motion, focusing on the problem areas of hips, thighs, buttocks and stomach. I liked the refreshing, cool gel and the attractive, white,  plastic bottle with mint green and brown label.  Although I didn't test it long enough to see results (cellulite products need to be used regularly, and work over time), the product is so enjoyable that I'll continue to use it until I my cellulite heads for the hills!  The last in the trio is Bust Gel $32.00 1.7 fl. oz.  If cellulite is bad news, a sagging bust area is even worse! This milky-white gel in a slim glass bottle with plastic pump top, works to firm up what you've got, up top!   Apply in a circular, massaging motion from the base of your breast up to your neck. In about three weeks, if you're like 81% of women who tried this product, your bust area will feel firmer. I didn't test it for three weeks, but it sounds promising. You've got everything to gain from giving it a try.

Last year we reviewed the Fleur Magique Kit $49.50 by Jacqua. We rarely review the same thing twice, but it was such a hit with readers, that we're suggesting it again as a welcome-to-Spring treat for yourself, for those wedding showers you'll soon be attending, and for Mother's Day.  An unusual, origami-style, cardboard box with satin rope handle is completely covered with an adorable scene of a rose garden/flower shop. Inside are three tea rose-scented products:  an 8oz bottle of rose colored, rose & bergamot scented bath and shower nectar, a 4 oz jar of rose in bloom body beauty butter (a thick, moisturizing paste richly scented with rose fragrance, and a 50ml bottle of Rose Bouquet Hydrating Facial Mist TIP:   The facial mist is great anytime to hydrate your face with a lovely, rose scent, but it's also great when you travel (sprayed on tissues or a scarf it keeps nasty smells at bay) and of course, it's great on bed linens in hotel rooms or as a romantic touch anytime, at home.

LIP PRODUCTS: The Advice Sisters love lip products--we just can't get enough of them--and since we know you can't, either, here are some of the best of the best to covet, this month:

Color Surge Butter Shine Lipstick $14.00 by Clinique arrives in 6 new sheer shades, just in time for Spring.  This amazing lipstick is fast becoming one of my new favorites.  A gel formula blends the high shine of gloss with the texture of a traditional lipstick, and different color saturation levels. The feel is silky and moist and the look, sexy. "Poppy Love" is a shimmery apricot that looks great on warmer complexions, but there are pinks and other yummy colors, as well.

Sometimes all you need is one fantastic, shiny, shimmery gloss to make your world a little brighter!  A perfect new gloss to try for Spring into Summer is Maybelline's Shiny-Licious Gloss $5.99 in "Misty Mint." This gloss is simply addictive. A pure shine is infused with tiny bits of parti-colored glitter that catch the light and make your lips look alluring without a lick of color. Or, slick it on over your favorite lipstick to add shimmery shine.  We feel in love with the silky feel of the gloss, the tingly mint scent, and the squeeze tube with angled, flock tip applicator that makes application easy. You'll reach for this one again and again!

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Regular lipsticks and sheer lip glosses are great, but sometimes, you want silky, moist color that is rich and bold.  Prescriptives Moonbeam Extreme Chromatic Lipcolor $17.50 In "Celestial Coral" (shimmery coral) or "Starry Rose" (shimmery rose) is a great choice. Brush on this super-shiny, full-coverage liquid lip color with a multi-dimensional, high-reflective shine, and keep your lips hydrated and protected with wild mango butter and vitamins E and C.  The look is sophisticated and polished, the color, long-lasting but never sticky.   We like the slight, caramel scent and the luxe look and feel, too!  For traditionalists, Modernista LipColor $20.00 offers luxurious, long-lasting, velvety color that  lasts for hours, with colors arranged by yellow/orange, red/orange, red, and blue/red tones to suit varying complexions. There are also good-for-you-lips Vitamin E and anti-oxidants to moisturize and protect. The shiny silver tube with asymmetrical base makes this one worth taking out in public. Two new shades for Spring include a soft rose (red category) called "Sophisticate" and a deep rose (blue/red category) called "Dream." There are several dozen colors in the collection, so a few are going to be perfect for you.

Soft, sheer color, an herbally invigorating scent, and SPF 15 is yours when you purchaseRain & Shine LipTint with SPF 15 Sunscreen $13.50 by Origins.  For Spring, we like "Pink Lemonade," a soft luminous pink with buildable color that tints your lips with a pretty blush that looks great on everyone.  We love this product's good-for-your-skin mix of moisturizing shea-butter, beeswax, and grape seed oil, with Vitamins C and E (antioxidant protection) and the zip of tingly vanilla mint and peppermint that keeps us feeling fresh and energized. All of this is a lot to ask of a lip color, but Origins Rain and Shine Liptint, delivers.

One of the most enticing lip colors around is the new Glamour Gloss $18.00 by Too Faced.   The unique chunky, flocked-tipped, twist-up wand contains a lip color that's soft, silky and shiny like a gloss, but it wears like a lipstick,  with full coverage color and lots of essential oils for long lasting, shine, excellent coverage.  The colors are just fab! Follow the pink trend for Spring with "Material Girl," a shimmery rose or shimmery "Love Bites," a shimmery plum. For something a little different, "Purple Rain," is a shimmery chocolate that looks great with a wide variety of looks now through the Summertime. There's also a nude and a beige for better-than-bare lips.  These feel great and make you look great, too. White lips are always in style...at least when you're wearing the Lip Injection Mask $27.50   by Too Faced.  This little, white wonder is a lip volumizing mask that plumps up lips (temporarily) with a cocktail of good-for-your-lips ingredients such as glycolic humectants to provide moisture; nourishing and anti-aging Vitamins A and E;  and algae and aloe vera to condition.  Of course, the purpose of the mask is to plump up lips and that it does, reducing the look of vertical lip lines and making lips look fuller, while it exfoliates. Your lips will look sexier in just 3-5 minutes. Did it work?  Oh Yeah...and worth the effort!  We will be reviewing Lip Injection Extreme in our May column.

Do you want to look up a review about a product, or read a column you may have missed? They are in the 'WHAT WORKS" ARCHIVES

Stick Gloss $20.00 by Laura Mercier is an unassuming name for a product that is a color transformer, a long wearing gloss, and a hydrating lip product! This amazing product pampers your lips while it offers a sheer wash of color that creates dimension and adds fullness. Although it's best to apply this ultra-hydrating product with a lip brush, you'll find that your lips look moist and beautifully colored, without being too saturated. There are six gorgeous colors including two pinks, a berry, and a few neutrals. This product is definitely worth a little splurge. TIP: apply the stick gloss to the center of your mouth first, and work it out towards the ends with a lip brush.  For more definition, use a Laura Mercier Sheer Lip Pencil $18.00. 4 sheer shades: Berry, Spice, Clover (soft rose) and Sweet Pea (medium pink) are highly emollient but still stay put.

With supermodel Scarlett Johansson signed as the face of the new, L'Oreal Paris HIP (High Intensity Pigments) collection, you know the product will be runway-worthy. Luckily, this high fashion look won't cost you an arm and a leg! This new collection of cosmetics by L'Oreal offers you the same, good quality that L'Oreal is already known for, but with more trendy, high-fashion colors that let you learn and play with bold color.  The company has developed something they call "color dispersion technology," that allows color to spread evenly across lips, eyes and face.  Dip your toes (well, at least your lips) into saturated color with Intensely Moisturizing Lipcolor $10.00 that can be layered or worn as-is, for lots of fashionable options. The product has jojoba oil to keep your lips conditioned, and full-on bold colors (16 of them) to compliment you.  The colors we received to review were fairly dark, including "Extrovert," a bold, blackened plum (looks fab on deep complexions or on pale faces for a Goth look) and "Brave," a stunning, chocolate red.  "Heroic"a pretty, shimmery, gold-tinged pink and "Gutsy," a shimmery rust, will flatter nearly everyone.   For true Spring Glam, try "Daring," a shiny, moist, rich rose, or "Decadent," a browned red. We love the moist feel and the staying power---you will, too.

Why settle for one great lipgloss when you can have two..or four...or six...or...That's the idea behind the dual-wand Lip Gloss $19.00 by Tarte. A middle "hook up" docking port houses a lip gloss on either end, and they're paired -- one sheer, one shimmery. A cute touch are the way they're named for famous couples (eg. "Bogey & Bacall").  My favorite duo is a set of nudes called "Lloyd" (ladylike, super-shimmery nude) and "Diane" (glitzy gold with holographic shimmer). To follow the pink trend, try "Emmett" a super-shimmery light pink and "Elle," a clear, medium pink.  You can wear them together, or separately.  What makes these even better is their versatility.  Buy several and you can tote exactly the two you want with you at all times.  Just pull them apart, and make your own, dual-ended color combo!   We also are impressed with the new and waterproof Plumping Lip Stain $21.00 by Tarte. A dual-ended wand holds a lovely, natural- but-better-than-bare pink lip stain on one end, while the other end holds a plumping gloss stimulates collagen on a cellular level to make lips poutier and prettier.   Apply the lip stain, wait 15 seconds for it to sent, then apply the silky, plumping gloss.  A nice touch is the vanilla-y scent.

If you are a regular reader of this column, you know that we give every product  we review the same consideration as every other, but even beauty reviewers have favorite brands--and one of mine is Essie. It was with great anticipation that I opened the box containing Gloss-E $12.00, Essie's first lip gloss collection. The glosses coordinate with some of Essie's most popular nail colors, with a lanolin-free formula that softens and smoothes your lips.   The long-wearing, water-resistant formula means you don't need to re-apply so often. We liked the silky feel, and the moist and shiny (but not overly wet) look. The colors are very sheer--almost no tint at all. This lets you wear them alone for a better-than-bare shine, or layer them together, or over a favorite lip color (eg. "Waltz" is a shimmery white pearl" that softens any of your deep tones from Winter, to make more wearable, now). If you prefer peach tones, the sheer, "Fed Up" will fit the bill.  "Ballet Slippers" is a very pale, sheer pink with just a mere hint of sparkle," while "Mademoiselle" is a vibrant but sheer hot pink, and "Tea & Crumpets" is described in the press literature as "tawny rust" is really a medium, rich rose! " For a bit more glitter, try "Vanity Fairest" -- a translucent bright pink with a hint of glitter.

Piaffe Super Gloss $20.00 is a bit pricey, but it's awesome! The squeeze tube with angled tip applicator contains a silky gloss infused with good-for-your-lips anti-oxidants and vitamins A and E. What makes this gloss even better is the sheer, super-super shiny and light-reflecting color. We tried "Sheer Raspberry," (which looks more like a gorgeous deep rose) that flattered everyone's lips with a much better than bitten, look.  There's   also a clear, a nude, a pink grape and berry. Add definition with a very smooth, very nice, swivel-up (no need to sharpen)  Lip Pencil $16.00 in one of six shades, that also has antioxidant Vitamin E to protect lips from free radicals.

Glossed Over Lip Duo $16.00 by Red Earth gives you four look with one product! The dual-ended wand has a silky, vanilla-scented, semi-matte lip cream on one end, and a vanilla scented, super-sheer, glittery gloss on the other. Use them separately, together, or over your favorite lip color.  There's a peach and gold combo, a rust and orange combo, a mauve and bronze combo, and our favorite,   "Mirage Kiss," a universally flattering, semi-sheer medium berry,   paired with a sheer pink gloss infused with gold glitter, along with tiny bits of holographic blue shimmer that reflect light and make lips full and tempting. Your lips will feel as great as they look.

New Feature: Looking for fashion advice?  Want to share a beauty or fashion tip? Love/hate products reviewed in this column, or that you've tried before?   Check out the new, "Beauty Central" on the Advice Sisters Bulletin Boards

Silky, sexy, and super-shiny....that's how reviewers described the new WetSlicks Crystals Lip Gloss $4.99 from Cover Girl.  In the sponge-tipped tube, the super-sheer glosses glitter with shimmer, but on your lips the shimmer plus high-shine turns lips from oh-so-so to ooh-la-la sexy, with a swipe of the applicator. There is also a pleasing, subtle scent that we can't quite place (could it be vanilla or caramel?).  These gorgeous glosses don't just look good, they're kind to lips, super-soft and moisturizing.  Two new pinks to update your lip look with are "Sunset Twinkle," a nearly-bare light pink that makes lips full and pouty. Ditto "Pink Quartz," that adds just a bit more pink tint to lips, and the same, sexy, light-reflecting wet-shine look.  We love these! 

Do you love sexy shine and super-sheer color with tasty flavors? Beauty Rush Lip Gloss $7.00 by Victorias Secret is your new love!  I really don't know how Victorias Secret does it, but their glosses really are the sexiest on the planet.  One that I can't stop applying is the "Minty Lip Shine." The shiny gloss is slick as glass, infused with a fantastic. sweet mint taste and scent that slightly tingles your lips.  It is so irresistible! Also new in my affections is "Strawberry Fizz," a fruity slick of shine with tons and tons of shimmery glow infused in the sexiest sheer pink gloss that is totally now!   For those who want high shine with just a hint of shimmer, infused in a silky base that doesn't ever feel sticky, "Melonrageous" is a sheer hot pink, and "Plumstruck" is a super-sheer plum. Both are gorgeous alone or over another lip product.  There are 15 flavors in all, so go ahead and splurge -- their modest price makes them a must-have.

A truly worth lip gloss has to feel great, stay put, and look beautiful. Max Factor Colour Perfection Luxe Gloss $5.59 doesn't disappoint and has a price everyone can love. The sponge-wand tube has high levels of petrolatum gel to give your lips a glossy shine without stickiness, and the formula also includes Vitamin A, aloe vera and shea butter to protect, soothe and soften.  This is a gloss you can layer on over a favorite lip color, or just wear "au natural." With 13 colors choices you won't have any lack of variety, but my faves are: shimmery "Cordoba Coco" (soft brown), "Coral Capri" (light peach), "Riviera Red" (rich raspberry), "Nassau Nude (light champagne nude)  and "Ipanema Iris," a fashionable plum.

FEET, HANDS & NAILS: Your hands and feet are an integral part of your look, so don't ignore them! Here are a few products to make them look and feel, great:

The heel on my shoe snapped, just as I was walking down the subway steps. Thank heavens I'd just been sent a pair of FlexFlops $32.00-$68.00 by Kandy Kirsch! These adorable lifesavers are portable "emergency" flip-flops, nestled into a makeup-bag-sized pouch.  They're lightweight enough to pop into a tote, but still, the sole is durable enough to walk around on. Satin straps and a soft upper surface (of cotton) pamper weary feet. I Kandy Kirsch created FlexFlops for women who wear heels, but tend to toss them off when pain sets in, but I'm carrying mine when I go for pedicures (why smooch the polish in shoes when you don't have to?) and when I travel (for spa use), and as travel slippers. There are a number of different styles, in different price points, from a simple, twill pair in a plain pouch, to an absolutely "must-have" style with a Swarovski crystal embellished butterfly, square or heart and a carry bag with a rhinestone studded saying such as:  "Heels Are So Over-Rated!" or "Party Girl." The "Bride" rhinestone case with heart FlexFlops would be perfect as a wedding shower gift!  These are clever, cute and practical. There is simply no need to put your precious feet on dirty floors, when you can be better than barefoot, and fashionable, too.  TIP: custom printing is available--even in rhinestones--a perfect,special occasion party favor!

Last month we reviewed the ladylike sheers and nudes in the newest Essie Nail Polish $8.00 colors.  This month we're focusing on a mix of colors that will give you a variety of nail looks from pale, to party-bright.  On the deep and dramatic end of the collection I like "Red Hot Mama," a bright poppy-red that will look just wonderful peeping out from your first-appearance-of-the year, sandals. Ditto "Vintage Wine," a deep Bordeaux shot with hints of gold shimmer and "Priceless," a deep, rich, chocolate brown with gold shimmer. In the medium palette range I recommend "Sweet Tart," a semi-opaque, pearly, soft mauve, and "Skin Deep," a medium, candy pink with just a hint of shimmer. "Sugar Daddy" is a clear, nearly-sheer pink that is light and pretty, as is "Sheer Bliss, the nude/beige version. These are shiny and attractive, but they  won't show chips or fading as the darker colors will, so they are a great choice when you know you are going to have a busy week with no time for another manicure. Need we add that there are not only a huge variety of color choices from Essie, but the products are always reasonably priced and great quality, too!

HAIR TOOLS & PRODUCTS: Don't scrimp on styling tools or the right products to suit your hair and the style you love. They will help your hair look and feel the best it can be.

The Rusk 1" Barrel Professional Ceramic Curling Iron $99.99 gives you everything from defined curls, to  waves and texture, for a variety of fresh, pretty Springtime (or any time) styling options.  There are curling irons, and then there are super-curling irons. This one has 30 temperature settings for precise, even heat. The iron heats up (gently & quickly) from 248°F to 446°F and the ceramic barrel holds heat longer and more evenly. Less heat means you get better results in less time, and which also means you'll avoid frying your hair. Rusk curling irons seal the outside cuticle, so more moisture is retained in your hair, too. The lightweight iron comes in 4 different sizes from 3/4" to 1 1/2." We tried a versatile, 1" style--good for virtually all hair lengths. We liked the ergonomic handle, the 9-foot power cord, and the heavy-duty hinges that close the iron quickly and evenly. Whether you want all-out bouncy, springy curls, or a more gentle wave, you'll see results with this professional quality tool.

Redken seems to have a fantastic product to suit just about every taste and type of hair-- and they keep coming up with more! When I tried Smooth Down Anti-Frizz Shampoo $8.50 10.1 fl. oz  and Conditioner $9.95 8.5 fl. oz along with Heat Glide $14.95 5 fl. oz. I expected that my hair would look smoother and less frizzy, but quickly turn limp.  Not so!  I won't go into all the technical mechanics of what's in these products (although I did recognize macadamia oil and candelilla wax) but I will report that my normally frizzy hair was tamer, softer, and smoother than usual. More impressive was the fact that I got stuck in a snow storm, and my hair didn't get wild or frizzy, even though I hadn't put styling products (other than a spritz of the Heat Glide) on it. Two days later, it still looked great and still wasn't greasy--go figure!

If you color your hair, you know that it's important to protect the color by choosing a shampoo that won't strip out the color or dry your hair.  A new combo that we like a lot is the Charles Worthington London Results Colour Bright Shampoo  $5.99 10.9 fl. oz and Conditioner 1$5.99 10.9 fl. oz for multi-tonal hair. The products contain sunflower seed extract, a natural anti-oxidant, that protects your colored hair from UV rays that can fade it, and also something called "Keraflex," an exclusive ingredient that protects, nourishes and strengthens it.  The  mild shampoo has a clean, fresh scent and lathers nicely. It has conditioning agents like wheat protein and keratin amino acids that help to lock in moisture and color.  The conditioner has moisturizing ingredients such as  pathenol to re-balance the moisture levels in your hair and leave it soft and shiny. while it also helps to lock in your color.  The bottom line:   even though these are popularly priced products, they are very effective in helping to protect the investment of time, effort and money you've made in coloring your hair. These are an excellent choice whether you are budget-minded, or not.

Charming, talented Christo is the master of curly hair.  We're not talking about the artist who put up all those orange gates in Central Park. This Christo is an artist of another kind -- a man who can make your head look like a work of art!  His Fifth Avenue salon in New York City and his line of Curlisto hair products has been recommended in fashion mags include Vogue, Bazaar, Lucky, and Self.I recently had the chance to talk to Christo about the special treatments offered in his salon, including a new one that is anti-aging, and anti-frizz, and lasts for several months. It's pricey ($150.00) but then again, the product has to be put together and literally "cooked" up and refrigerated overnight before it can work it's magic on your hair.  Combined, all of the ingredients encourage healthy hair growth right at the follicle and also repair dead ends with frizz fighting strength.  I tried an "at-home" version and my hair was soft, shiny, and much less frizzy, even during a rainstorm!  If you can't get to the salon, there are a bunch of products that you can buy online.  We will bring you more from Curlisto in future columns, so watch for it!

Clever Zenda Sims realized just how much time she spent fussing with her naturally curly hair, so she created Curl-ease $19.99 an ultra-absorbent towel specifically for women with curly hair. It dries hair quickly, leaving curls and waves dry enough to "set" and not frizz up. There are other towels that do the same thing (absorb moisture quickly) but this one is quite large (about the size of a small table runner) so you can wrap it once, maybe twice around your head. More importantly, the fiber really sucks it up in a hurry so your curls can air dry the rest of the way without dripping, clumping, or frizzing.  Several of us with different hair textures tried Curl-ease (ewww, but we shared for the sake of review integrity). We all liked the way the excess water was mopped up by this amazing towel so that even those of us who blow-dried our hair could get out of the house faster. Wrap your curls in this towel for about 25 minutes (while you're getting dressed, drinking your morning coffee, applying makeup) and instead of walking out with a sopping wet head, your curls will be nearly air-dried, and much more controlled and less wild. Think of the time you'll save on your hair routine...and look great, too!

BLUSH & FOUNDATION: This is a perfect time to consider your completion and make some changes. Here are some fantastic foundations and blushes for you to try:

Perfectly Real Compact Makeup $22.50 by Clinique just landed on the makeup counters in March. We are so excited about this product!  If you are seeking a perfect, smooth, natural, powder finish, this is the one for you.   You'll love the 20 colors choices that individualize the product, and the elegant, double-decked,  jade-green mirrored compact with just a nod to retro -- a departure from the traditional Clinque packaging. What is really distinctive about this oil-free powder makeup is the way it instantly transforms bare skin into a flawless complexion that still looks natural, not mask-like.  The foundation gives you a matte finish that controls shine and oil, but your skin will look and feel light and moist, not dry or cake-y. A specialized formula, including specially coated talc, keeps the product creamy and helps to neutralize redness and minimize the appearance of pores.  Use the antibacterial sponge applicator (housed in a compartment underneath the foundation)   to deliver medium coverage. Swipe again for full coverage.  Of course, since it's Clinque, it's good for sensitive skin, allergy tested and fragrance free. Perhaps it really is perfect!

There are times when nothing but a full, flawless face will do. Silk Crème Foundation $40.00 by Laura Mercier is the latest in luxurious foundations that give full coverage but also hydrate and enhance your look with light-reflecting ingredients.  Your skin will look absolutely flawless but not feel mask-like, thanks to a combo of silk proteins, tea extracts, and treated mica, that give your skin a moist, luminous, glow. There are six light to medium, long-lasting colors. When nothing but perfection will, this is for you!  TIP: this foundation is creamy and easy to apply, but a foundation brush or sponge is best when you are applying a full coverage face. Add a beautiful blush from the "Sheer Madness" collection. The new, Crème Cheek Colours $22.00 are simply stunning. These fragrance-free, oil-free, creamy colors with a velvety finish apply with a  fingertip as if they were meant to slide on your skin, alone. The color is sheer but long lasting...everything you always wanted in a blush. Two new and natural ways to perk up a complexion include "Praline," a rusted peach, and "Canyon," a rich apricot.  There's also "Blaze," a suntanned nude. TIP: not sure where to apply blush? It's best to place it where you normally blush naturally, on the high portions of your face or right in the middle of your cheek.  Smile, find the "apples" and dot the blush there, blending from the center towards your ear.

If your Winter-weary complexion needs some perking up, Blush-N-Brighten $35.00 by Laura Geller can get the job done.  A clear-covered plastic compact contains a large, dome of pressed powder in a mix of rose, raspberry and gold. Mix them together with a soft brush, sweep on the apples of your cheeks, and you'll find that the colors have combined to create a flattering, sheer, rose blush with just a hint of metallic highlight that lasts and stays true to color.  The overall color is natural and universally flattering, but you can also add layers for more drama and intensity if you wish.

L'Oreal HIP (High Intensity Pigments) Flawless Liquid Makeup $13.00 comes in a neat, clear glass bottle with a simple black top that would be right at home in a makeup artist's kit. The full coverage foundation (with SPF 15), protects against the sun's damaging rays) goes on amazingly smoothly (without settling into lines and pores), dries fast and stays put--and has a little something extra -- "violet perles"  that illuminate darker skin to give it a luxe glow.   Colors range from nude (light enough for pale complexion) to a very deep Earthen, Henna, and Mahogany. There are shadows with red and yellow undertones, so you can pick just the right one for you. If your skin is medium to deep, but faded from the Winter, brush on  HIP Bronzing Vibrant Shimmer Bronzing Powder $13.00, a pressed bronzer that uses reduced titanium dioxide to skin looks natural, not ashy. The powders are buildable but already quite intense, so you'll get real color with a pretty hint of shimmer, but not a wimpy wash.  We love the dual-chambered mirrored compact with the really nice, mini blush brush housed in the bottom. It fluffs the product on smoothly, easily, and expertly! Choose from four shades that compliment most skin tones. Check out the great lip colors that compliment the foundation and bronzers in this column. We'll  be reviewing even more L'Oreal HIP in our May issue, so watch for it!

Piaffe, debuting in our column this issue (*see our eye shadow review) has an outstanding Mineral Blush $24.00 that is  blendable and buildable, so it flatters everyone.  You don't always get what you pay for, but you always pay for what you get! This product has micro-crushed minerals and pigments that are expertly blended to provide a sheer matte finish and color that looks as natural as your own, or as dramatic as you want it to be.  For Spring,   we suggest trying "Peach Puff," a rosed-peach that seems neither too warm or too cool, and beautifully natural without shimmer. There are three other shades to choose form as well.  This is the perfect multi-use blush because it looks great on bare skin, but can stand up to full face makeup as well. We hope to bring you more Piaffe, soon.

There's something so appealing about the generously sized, substantial, clear square plastic compact from Apt. 5, but what's inside is even more appealing. The colors are always wearable, but still trendy.  Case in point are the new Apt. 5 Highlighters $6.00. These are slightly shimmery shades of peach, beige, or a mosaic of both, with hints of gold and ivory. The powder is creamy and rich, and goes on with a natural look. Although these are for face, you can use it on other parts of your body (eg. décolleté) and your eyes (makes a nifty base or a nude shadow).  TIP: a highlighter is used to bring an area forward that creates a shadow you do not want (i.e. dark circles under the eyes or laugh lines and wrinkles). By adding shadows at strategic places on your face, you can enhance it's dimensionality. To showcase cheekbones, for example, run your brush through the highlighter of choice, and sweep it in a line just above the line of your contour and blusher. The line will visually separate your cheekbone from your eye. Next, sweep a rough triangle of highlighter all around your cheekbone to further pronounce the height of your cheekbone. Blend until the lines become shadows.

Light Foundation $23.00 by Biotherm is really aptly named. This new foundation blends SPF 10 with an amazingly light formula in 13 different shades.Perhaps it's Biotherm’s exclusive mineral-rich, thermal spring water (soothes and rejuvenates skin) that makes is flow onto your skin instead of sticking to it in globs, because the application is super smooth.  It dries quickly and then, you have the spooky sensation that you actually never applied anything at all...it's that unobtrusive!  Still, it does what a heavier foundation would do--smooth imperfections and make your face look nearly flawless--but natural. This is especially perfect for those who normally shy away from foundation because they don't like the weight or feel of it. SPF 10 means you're doing something important for your skin as you beautify, too. This is a remarkable foundation. We love the just-the-right-amount, clean, pump dispenser too.

We love the look of liquid foundation, but heavy bottles are hard to tote around.  Finally, we've found a liquid foundation that is actually portable!   New from Prestige Cosmetics is LightResponse Liquid Foundation with SPF 15 $6.95. We like the super slim, square, pewter-plastic packaging. It has a "porthole"  in the middle so you can see the color. Apply this oil-free makeup with a sponge, or with your fingertips.   You get a choice of a dozen colors. Depending upon how you apply, it's either sheer, or moderate coverage, and you get adequate SPF 15 sun protection as well!    Another new one we like, especially for busy women always on-the-go, powder foundation is  clean, easy and quick to apply, and portable.  A new one we really like is Multi Task Wet Dry Powder Foundation $6.95 by Prestige Cosmetics is a new wet/dry powder foundation (with 8 color choices) that you apply with the included sponge applicator (it's housed in the bottom of the lightweight, mirrored compact). Use it dry for a velvety, semi-sheer coverage, or wet, for an even more flawless coverage and a smooth finish.   We like the color choices that range from light bisque, to deep chocolate brown and the way we can control the intensity of the coverage.  It's clever, convenient, and nicely priced.  For another layer of light-reflecting coverage, or just by itself to finish a bare face, dust on a bit of Definitely Weightless Loose Finishing Powder $4.95. A shaker jar holds a mini-puff in the top and there are five sheer shades to choose from. Those who prefer a solid powder will want Perfectly Matte Translucent Powder $5.95, an oil-free and oil absorbing powder with sheer coverage in light, medium and dark shades. They are a perfect, finishing touch!

The Erase Cover Up $4.75 by Max Factor is a creamy, lipstick-type tube of concealer which is very portable, and comes in fair, medium, natural and white (for contouring).  What we like most about this is the way it blends easily and conceals well, but without leaving an obvious, mask-like blotch where you've applied it. TIP: blotchy eyelids can be covered up with a small amount of this product, too. Apparently, it's even gentle enough to use after surgery, according to one rhinoplasty (that's nose job) web site that specifically mentions Erase Cover Up as a product to use to conceal redness after surgery.

Take the shine off your face and enjoy a true taste of Spring, with the new, Limited Edition True Blend Pressed Powder Compact $7.00 by Cover Girl. The pewter-y plastic compact with interior mirror has an eye-catching photo on the top featuring a golden daisy.  The compact is not only attractive, it won't weigh down your makeup bag. We like the lightweight, oil and fragrance free formula good even for sensitive skin. There are just four shades: Fair, Light, Medium and Honey, but these supposedly match We tried "Fair" which gave our bare skin a more polished look, and helped to make our face (with foundation) even more flawless.

SPRINGTIME "MUST-HAVES" The following will make your life better and brighter:

As the days get longer and lighter, you'll be outside longer, too.  Although you should never leave home without some sort of SPF protection on your face, the time to start taking sun protection seriously (if you haven't, already) is right now!  We love EmerginC, a high-end line of serious skincare that is results oriented. Now that the sun is "emergin" (play on words intended), you'll be exposed to more UVA & UVB rays from the sun than before.  The EmerginC SPF 30+ Broad Spectrum UVA & UVB Sun Protector tinted and untinted $33.50 is super-lightweight, non-greasy and impressive.  It not only provides strong, broad spectrum protection against the sun's damaging rays, it has good-for-your-skin hydrators and antioxidants including vitamins C & E, green tea, aloe vera, St. john's wort, and gingko biloba, to improve your skin and make it look and feel better.  By now you know that it isn't good practice to leave home without UVA/UVB protection on your skin. The tinted moisturizer is quite light in tone, but it's sheer, so it will flatter all light to medium complexions.  You won't even know you have it on--except your complexion will look just a little more even. The regular (untinted) works for every complexion and for all the men in your family as well. This is excellent skin protection that is a "must-have" for the coming months.

Candles not only add atmosphere to your home, they're mood lifters--ways to "light up your life," literally and figuratively.  Miller Harris Seasonal Fragrant Candles $45.00 4.38 oz votive are a luxe way to welcome Spring, or to give as a special gift. We received "Fleur Oriental," an intoxicating blend of fresh orange flower, spicy carnation, Turkish Rose, musk, amber and vanilla--a classic "floriental" that has a spicy heart but a soft, almost powdery, light finish that we think will appeal to men as well as women.  The ivory-colored candle is poured into a clear glass votive decorated with eye-catching black graphics of blossoms and butterflies. Three new blends in the candle collection are: "Figue Amère;" "Noix de Tubéreuse;" (see our review of the fragrance in our 2005 Holiday review column); and "Feuilles de Tabac." Like the fragrances, these are generously scented candles infused with sophisticated, complex scent that fills your home, even when they're not burning, and diffuse their lovely scents throughout your home adding an enchanting ambiance, when lit.  *we'll be reviewing some Miller Harris fragrances in our May column--watch for them!

The Advice Sisters adore kits! They're easy, economical and so much fun to use! One that's really gotten our attention this month is the Miss Fix-It kit $44.00 from Tarte. This cute-as-a-button face-in-a-case, kit (wrapped in a Springtime, lilac paisley canvas) has a clever, elastic and button closure, as well as a magnetic one, for extra security. Inside, the tri-fold compact has a mirror on one end and on the other, four intensely-colored eye shadows in bright turquoise (makes an awesome eye liner color too), Spring green, shimmery gold, and beautiful violet. The middle fold is home to a gorgeous gold highlighter cream, and two lip glosses with high shine and shimmer, in apricot and peach, plus mini-applicators for eyes and lips. The quality of the products is excellent and the products are fashion-forward and sophisticated, but wearable with just about everything you own. This is a kit you won't want to pass up. TIP: A fresh looks for now is color-coordinated liners with your shadows. Try the Tarte Eyeliner Pencil $19.00 "Mona Lisa" in a bright, spring green to wear with the green or gold in this kit-fabulous!

BEAUTY HELPERS: Beauty products are more than just color and fragrance. Try these!

Did you know that there are two distinct types of stress-related body odors? Well, we didn't either, but apparently, there are two: your "s-odor," and also a spicy odor.  Ban Intensely Fresh Antiperspirant & Deodorant $2.99 2.6 oz stick has ingredients that tackle both, and keep you fresh for up to 24 hours. The press information claims eliminates both.  All we know is that under stress or normal normal conditions, the new, fruity/floral scented collection of products (called "Paradise Winds") kept us dry, odor-free, and feeling fresh.....all day!  We liked the light, clean, slightly fruity scent that quickly dissipated so it didn't compete with our fragrance. We even liked the cheerful, lime-green packaging.  Better yet, the invisible solid didn't leave white marks on our black camisole. No matter what is in store for you,  Ban Intensely Fresh Antiperspirant & Deodorant is a great way to begin your day!

When Biore hit the market, we were amazed, if a little spooked, by the debris that these little strips magically seemed to pull out of our pores, and clean off our noses. Who knew what lurked beneath the surface of our skin? Just because it's still cool outside doesn't mean your skin doesn't accumulate blackheads.  We revisited Biore Daily Deep Cleansing Pore Strips and Ultra Deep Cleansing Pore Strips. Even if you think your pores are clean, trying these will convince you otherwise.  Simply wash your face, apply the strip to your (damp) nose, let it dry for 10-15 minutes, and gently lift off the strip. The little "hairs" you see growing out of the strip are dirt and oil that was embedded in your skin!  The Daily Strips are gentle enough to use, well...every day.   The Ultra Deep strips also have tea tree oil and menthol that tingle a bit, leaving skin feeling clean and refreshed. These are  easy to use and very effective. Adding Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips to your beauty routine is a no-brainer.

Magic Wand $18.50 by Too Faced   is a click-it pen filled with opaque, creamy concealer that not only stays put and covers imperfections, but also has Green Tea (to soothe and reduce puffiness), vitamins A, C & E and eucalyptus (to promote blood circulation and regeneration), and buffered retinal to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles.  Two color choices:   "Lightening" for light to medium skin, and "Thunder" for deeper complexions, melt into your skin to hide imperfections and match your skin tone...it's almost magic!  Another nifty product from Too Faced is their Eye Shadow Base $15.00.  These creams in cute black compacts with peek-a-boo clear centers, soothe, moisturize, protect and condition your eyelids with a botanical blend of essential oils and vitamins.  But that's not all! These both help to brighten  under-eye circles and perk up tired lids.  "First Base" is a silvery, opalescent, sheer, shimmer that adds just a bit of sparkle to your eye lids all on its own...and it works as a glitter glue as well! "Second Base" is a soft yellow that evens out blotchy skin tone and provides a matte, longer-lasting canvas, for whatever eye color you choose to put on top of it. This is particularly welcome when your eyes are tired and puffy, and if you have freckles or uneven toned lids. We like second base with a colored liner and mascara, too.

BRONZERS & BODY BLING: These products give you a beautiful, believable color, sans the damaging rays of the sun:

Depending upon how you apply it and what color you choose, Pressed Powder Leaves $25.00 by Prescriptives can be a blush, or a bronzer.  These unusual, pressed powder blush/bronzers are made from layers of different colored cheek powders,  mixed together  to create a universal shade good for all skin types. New for Spring, 2006 from the Modern Rose Collection are "Rose Baroque," and "Antique Peach." Used as a blush, it gives light to medium complexions an amazingly beautiful glow. Used as an all-over bronzer, you'll have a soft, believable, warm, glow either pink or peach-based.  We're in love with this product.

Sneak Peek:  If you want a healthy glow,   without the sun damage, indulge yourself with a sheer and shimmery powder bronzer by Clinique. Debuting this May on makeup counters is the lovely,  Shimmering Tones Powder $28.50. Housed in a square, tortoise-shell plastic compact is a large square of pressed powder bronzer, segmented into nine different squares of sheer, shimmery color.  We tried "Peach Bronze," a melange of  bronze, pink and peach that leave a sun-kissed glow wherever you brush it. Use a little for a hint of shimmery color, or a lot, for a dramatic "just back from vacation" glow. This compact also comes in "Golden Bronze."  For the ultimate in portability and convenience,  you'll want the Bronze Brush On Bronzer $28.50 by Clinique from the "Kiss of Bronze" Collection is a limited edition available in time for summer(June, 2006) This unique, bronzer and brush-in-a-brush is great for travel and touch-ups, and allows you to "build" a tan by applying one layer, or many.  "01 Sheer Glow" gave your skin a natural finish and a hint of pearly sparkle to make our skin, luminous. We hope Clinique re-thinks the limited edition, because we want this not  just for Summer, but all year long!

Ramy Beauty Therapy's Sun Smooched Bronzers $32.00 not only give you a sunless tan, they are good for your skin, too. The lightweight, fast drying, gel formulas is cooling and applies smoothly, and is available in Light, Medium, and Dark.  Botanicals such as" Green Tea, Green Apple, Sugar Kane, Citrus, Walnut, Hazelnut and Pecan extracts can help to improve the texture of your skin, smoothing away fine lines, eliminating blemishes, and evening out your skin tone while it also gives you that sun-kissed glow you crave. It can also be used as a great contour to enhance your bone structure and even give your face a slimmer appearance (not for beginners, but you can learn to do this properly through RAMY's book which we reviewed in the first page of our Holiday, 2005 column. This is truly a day-at-the-beach in a tube.

Today's  self-tanners are light years ahead of the ones I tried in the past. Although most people look better with a little bit of a color, soaking up the sun  isn't always safe,  or wise, I'm ready to embrace self-tanners that allow you to control the color by layering it on, gradually.  Natural Glow Face Daily Moisturizer $6.99 2.5 oz by Jergens is a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer that not only helps to keep your face soft, it also delivers a subtle glow of color, that won't turn your face a strange color, or leave you splotchy and blotchy.  The product comes in three shades: Fair, Medium and Medium/Tan, and has a blend of DHA and erythrulose that work with your skin's natural tone to provide a hint of golden color with every application.  My skin is fair, but I was sent "Medium," so obviously, I tried it anyway. It was unscented and it also made my skin feel quite soft.  I didn't see any tanning effect the first time I used it, but after a couple of times, I still looked like myself, only with a bit of a subtle, golden glow. There is another product for use on your body, too. These are good choices if   you want  multi-tasking product that get you going and glowing, head-to-toe.

RAMY Beauty Therapy has two, multi-tasking ways to blush. For a dewy glow plus sheer color, try Face Gloss $18.50. This shimmery, sheer blush/gloss comes with names such as "casual sex" and "boyfriend glow" (a fab, shimmery pink-see photo). The mini compact with interior mirror holds a product that is hypo-allergenic, fragrance free, and can be used for eyes, cheeks and lips.  Try playing around with it a bit and you will see that it translates differently on each part of your face, so you get many unique looks from one product.  The formula has anti-oxidants vitamins A & D,  wheat germ oil, Aloe Vera.  Whipped Liqui-Color $19.00 looks a bit like a lip gloss in a wanded tube, but it's really a soft, glowing, natural color blush that you can wear on your eyes, too. We tried "Room 369!" We have no idea what the name alludes to, but the color is a soft, glowing pink that makes virtually every complexion just come alive.  It's a little miracle you can use, every day!

Are you looking for a shimmer blush that won't blind your adoring fans? The new  Shimmer Block $38.00 by Laura Mercier in "Pink Mosaic," is your dream-come-true. A generously-sized square mirrored compact holds four pearly triangles of buildable color: light pink, warm red, browned pink, and dusty pink). They  work together or separately to add pearly shimmer anywhere you want, and that's low-key enough to actually wear it in the  daytime. What's great about this product is how you can use it on eyes and body as well as on your face,  using one color, or adding a glow with all four at once. It's fun to use, and (need we really say this?) Laura Mercier designed gorgeous!

We adore Victoria's Secret Beauty, and we're happy to review some of the latest and greatest bronzers available in Victorias Secret stores this month.  The Bare Bronze Flawless Glow Face Bronzer $17.50   comes in an attractive, round, coppery, mirror compact. Inside, a dual-pan of bronzer comes in shimmer and matte, to wear separately, or together for a combined, shimmery, glowing color. Vitamins A and E provide antioxidant protection, which is a nice touch.  Another is the four color choices: Glow 1, 2, 3 & 4 that give everyone a chance to find a color that's just right for them.  For sheer shimmer with just a hint of golden glow, we love the Bare Bronze Color $19.50.  A super-sheer gel highlights your skin with just a touch of tint, and luminous shimmer, but helps you gradually develop more of a glow, sans sun. The product also has light-reflecting properties to immediately minimize small imperfections.  If you're going to give your face a tanned glow, your body naturally, will follow. Victoria's Secret Bare Bronze Daily Glow Moisturizer $16.00 is a great choice. It provides a hint of self-tanner for a natural, gradual glow, but it also hydrates your skin with aloe butter and silk protein, while vitamins A, C & E provide antioxidant protection, and pearl extract promotes healthy skin. We loved the light, tropical scent and the color choices: light to medium, and medium to deep. These are fun, affordable luxuries.

Red Earth's Hot Flush Blush Quad $24.00 in "Pinked Passion" gives you three stripes of fabulous pink, and one of ivory highlighter, to play with. The pink tones are mauve, medium pink, and deep rose, yet they're soft, sheer, natural, and blendable. Wear one, or swipe your brush through two, three or all, for your own, unique color. This palette is the perfect way to get in on the pink trend, and give yourself a healthy flush that looks believable, and not like a bad rash!  Did we mention the powder is silky, long-lasting, and doesn't turn color? There are also two others as well:  "Peachy Pleasure" (warm, earthy) and "Bare Beauty" (soft a nude, soft glow). These are high quality quads you'll love. The only problem you'll have is deciding which to get (or splurge, and get them all).

Apt. 5 Bronzers $6.50 are fun to look at as well as great to use.  We love the large, clear square compacts that showcase the colors without having to guess what's inside. Multi Bronzer is a splatter-paint square of golden bronze and peach, that gives a subtle luminous, warm glow to light to medium complexions. The 4-in-1 Bronzer features two strips of light peach, and a stripe of rose and a stripe of golden bronzer that can be used separately, or together, to create a glow that's just perfect for your unique skintone.For deeper complexions we suggest the Bronzer Duo. This dual pan of pressed bronzer has a deep rose on one side, a deep rusty shimmer on the other.  These would also make lovely blush and contour shades for deeper or tanned complexions.  The colors are chic, wearable and affordable...there is one for you.

Yellow, stained teeth can ruin even the hippest outfit, but not everyone has the time or budget to deal with the effort of a whitening kit or a professional whitening treatment. And, if your teeth have already been chemically whitened, you'll still need to keep stains (eg. from coffee, tea and wine) at bay.  We like the new Advanced Whitening Supreme Toothpaste $3.49 3.5 oz by Mentadent.  It protects your teeth from cavities with fluoride and has a powerful whitener that safely whitens teeth in one week.  The secret is active peroxide, combined with baking soda and fluoride in a single pump.   The dual-chambered pump top is so much better than a messy tube, and sits upright on your sink so it takes up less room. Toothpaste with baking soda isn't to everyone's taste, but this one is refreshing and minty.  It foams, so you know it's really doing it's job.  While none of the whitening toothpaste products will bleach your teeth as white as a professional treatment can, they do remove surface stains and make teeth look whiter and cleaner. This product actually seemed to make my teeth look smoother and shinier, too! You're brushing your teeth anyway, so it's sensible to use a beautifying multi-tasker like Mentadent Advanced Whitening Supreme.

JUST FOR MEN: Men are increasingly reading the Advice Sisters What Works Beauty, Fashion & Cosmetics Review columns. Here are some great products for our male readers (and the women who shop for them) to try, this month:

For many, the scent of a well groomed man is the scent of Brut.   Decades of men, including Mickey Mantle, Wilt Chamberlain and Joe Namath, all embraced it's clean, slightly citrussy allure.  Modern men (and boys growing into men) still love it. The packaging sports the iconic deep, metallic green with black and white label, and the scent is still compelling and appealing. The Shave Gel for Sensitive Skin $3.29 goes on smoothly, with Tri-Guard vitamin E and aloe that helps prevent razor burn, irritation, and heat-damaged skin.  Brut Shave Gel for Normal Skin $3.29, also contains Tri-Guard as well as shea butter and aloe, to help hydrate and balance skin. For traditionalists, there's Balancing Shave Cream at just $1.99. It puffs into a rich lather allowing a really close shave. It also has Tri-Guard, aloe and Vitamin E.  Our male reviewers also liked the Moisturizing After Shave Balm $5.99 that smoothes on quickly with a bit of a refreshing tingle, and absorbs so fast the only way your man will realize he's used it is by how soft his face, feels! Add a finishing touch with a Deodorant-Antiperspirant $2.49.  According to the press literature, the product has something called "tri-max" that provides 50% more sweat reduction than FDA requirements. The men who tried it said it worked well. They liked the clear formula and slight Brut fragrance, too. This collection makes a truly affordable Father's Day gift— but why wait?  Pamper a special man with his own products now, "just because!"

We have applauded products from MD Skincare, the creation of dermatologist Dr. Dennis Gross, quite a few times in our column.   These are cutting edge, high-end performers for people who are serious about skincare--including men! These could be considered splurges because they're not inexpensive, but most men don't have the time or inclination to fuss over their skin,. The savvy ones, however, know that a bit of extra care can result in better-looking skin now, younger looking and healthier skin the long term. The MD Skincare Men's One-Step Daily Facial Pads $42.00/45 pads make it easy to protect, and improve the look and feel of a man's skin.  All a man needs to do is swipe a pad across his face for 30 seconds (after shaving)--that's it! Green tea extract helps reduce redness, witch hazel tones without drying or stripping the skin, while hyaluronic acid (a natural substance found in all living cells) draws moisture into the skin from the air. Genistein (an active ingredient in soy) and pentapeptide-3 encourage collagen, zinc helps the skin to function more efficiently, dimethicone moisturizes (without oil) and salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and malic acids help to exfoliate.  That's a lot to expect in 30 seconds, but the men who tried these pads loved them.  Men who require extra hydration can smooth on Hydra-Pure Oil-Free Moisturizer $75.00 1.0 fl. oz.   This is serious skincare at it's finest -- a state-of- the-art product that provides immediate and time-released hydration, and powerful antioxidants to protect skin.  Since most men aren't going to wear a day and night cream, but do want great looking skin, this one, unique, product will deliver the goods with no fuss or effort. The chic, matte silver tubes with clean white pump tops are attractive, masculine and acceptable to even the fussiest guy.

A man's skin is different than a woman's--it's tougher, and has to survive the rigors of shaving, which can irritate and burn the skin. Luckily, EmerginC, has cutting-edge, simple-to- use products that are specifically designed to meet the special needs of men’s skin.  One that we think all the men in your family will like is the Liquid Gel Cleanser $27.00 (photo) that comes in a neat looking plastic pump bottle, has a light, fresh, lemongrass scent, and thoroughly cleanses without over-drying a man's skin.  He may not care, but the exotic ingredients include: chamomilla recutitia, horsetail, humulus lupulus, lemon  and pine extracts, and rosemary work together not only to clean, but to soothe and refresh his skin and make it look it's best.  You can use this one pre or post shave.  Speaking of which, The EmerginC Post Shave Reinforcer   $47.001.76 fl. oz is a luxe, nourishing treat for a man's skin.  This freshly scented product (smelled like fresh crackers to our reviewer actually) can be used post-shave, or at night.  It is chock full of good-for-his-skin ingredients and antioxidants in a light cream that absorbs quickly, while improving moisture balance, tone and texture, and fighting the visible signs of aging. Celebrities (both men and women) already swear by the great results they get with EmerginC but there's absolutely no reason for any man or woman to have sad, aging skin!  Get this for the special man in your life and he will use it (if only out of curiosity, to start). Once he sees how great his skin looks and feels, he'll be hooked on EmerginC!

Still Single? Alison's latest book, the  The Everything Dating Book 2nd Edition  (Adams Media, 2005) is a new book that goes back to basics, with a modern twist. You'll find literally "everything" you need to make your next search for love, swift, successful, and satisfying. VIEW THE TABLE OF CONTENTS AND VIEW A SAMPLE.  Get a collectible! You can buy the Everything Dating Book 2nd Edition in any bookstore online or locally, but if you purchase your copy through The Advice Sisters Web Site, the author (Alison Blackman Dunham aka "Advice Sister Alison") will sign your book at no extra charge. This makes a great gift, too. Graduation, wedding season and Mother's and Father's day are coming.  *Standard priority mail shipping charges will apply.  International shipping charges apply outside of the United States. 

About The Works Beauty Reviews:  Products reviews are conducted by Alison Blackman Dunham (aka. Advice Sister Alison). In some instances, the review reflects additional opinions of qualified, anonymous reviewers and the term "we" instead of "I" is used in the commentary.  Nobody gets financial compensation for reviewing products, and they are not affiliated with the companies mentioned.  If you have comments about the column, or if you would like to be considered as a reviewer and can pick up products from the New York area,  Email: advicesisters@advicesisters.net.