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  This column column features  products for a romantic Valentine's Day (focusing on lips and fragrance) along with forward-looking products and style for every day!  For past "What Works" Beauty, Cosmetics, and Fashion Review columns, see the "What Works Archives"

SOFT AND SEXY LIPS:  Soft, kissable lips are required equipment for Valentine's Day. Here are the latest and greatest lip products to make your lips, soft and sexy:

For romantic lips with a sophisticated touch, get the Not Soap Radio Super Slick Lips $11.95 in "The Stuff that Cupid Dips His Arrows in..(because sometimes fate needs and assist)." The Bath Products (see below) are scented with passion and ginseng, to awaken your senses and hopefully, those of the object of your affections. The tube of ruby-red, shimmery, wet-look gloss complete the trio of sexy products with a scent of black currant/black cherry to make your lips ever so much more kissable.  Even if you don't attract the person of your dreams, you'll love the glam of your shiny, red lips.

Good things come in small packages! The new shades of Mini Lip Gloss $18.00 by Sue Devitt Studio from the Riviera-inspired "Naked Chic" Spring/Summer collection are definitely good--and small!  A clear, silky, gloss: "Juan Les Pins" makes bare lips good to go (or use it as a top coat over a favorite lipstick). "Monte Carlo" is a silky, sheer pink that gives lips an innocently sexy look. All the glosses are long lasting and light-weight, and simply beautiful. Another mighty mini is the Sue Devitt Studio Mini Stars $28.00, a quartet of shiny-sheer lip glosses nestled into a signature, Sue Devitt Studio slim, round, matte, silver mirrored compact. We tried "Chara," featuring four fantastic, shimmery, shiny pinks just perfect for Spring's upcoming love affair with pink lips There are also quartets of red, neutrals, and a quad called "Mandi" with magenta, tangerine, gold and copper.  Lipstick lovers will love the new shades of Balanced Sheer Lipstick $20.00 that blend moisturizing ingredients with rich, luxe, sheer color.  There's no better way to keep your lips pampered and looking great. Two new shades are: "Villefranche," a non-shimmery, warmed, sheer pink, and "Antibes," a sheer, wearable, universally-flattering, casual, nude.  Both are nice now, forward-looking for Spring.

Hard Candy Cosmetics are always fun to use, with adorable packaging. However, lighthearted, they have a serious side, too. They're high quality, serious makeup for young at heart fashionistas of every age to love. Perfect for Valentine's Day either for yourself or as a little gift, is the Kiss & Tell Lip Gloss $12.00,   These lovely lip glosses in five colors, feature a sheer, luxe, silky, wet-shine gloss with fruity scent --with a twist--these have a little "fortune-telling" gizmo in the cap that respond to your most puzzling questions (eg. does he love me?) with "ok;" "YUK," to "?" to a definitive,  "No." The colors range from "Destiny," a super-sheer, grape-scented purple gloss and "destiny," blue tinted clear with blueberry scent, to "Fate," a candy-apple colored shine with apple-y scent, to "Luck," a stunning tangerine tint with tangy scent. We can't say for sure that the cap can predict the future, but we do know that no matter which ones you choose, your lips will look sexy.

Fresh, sheer, shiny, pink lips are so sexy, and no one does it better than Bobbi Brown!  Last September, during Spring 2005 Fashion Week, I watched Bobbi Brown herself apply a gorgeous, sheer, light-pink gloss called "Pink Glitter" with tiny bits of holographic glitter on the model's for the Leila Rose runway show and couldn't wait to share it with my readers.  Now, it's available to everyone! The limited edition glosses "Pink Glitter" (and there's a gold glitter, too)  Glitter Lip Gloss $19.00 comes in a vial-with-brush. For squeeze tube fans, there's also an amazingly great, silky-feeling, super-shiny Clear Glitter Tube Gloss $16.00 with parti-colored holographic glitter.  It  looks awesome on bare lips, sexy as all get-out over lipstick. You'll reach for both, again and again (but hurry and get yours because they are a sure sell-out). Watch for my review of Bobbi Brown Lip Sheers $21.00 from this amazing collection.

The first thing you will notice when you apply IncrediFULL Lip Color $6.49 by Cover Girl is that it is creamy, moist, full-coverage, and has a slight, cooling tingle. When you look in the mirror, however, you'll see lips that look even more moist and full than with your regular lipstick thanks to a variety of ingredients that add volume to lips,  and definition to your lip line.  50% lip conditioning agents to soothe and soften dry, chapped lips, and the cocktail of vitamins that provide anti-oxidant protection to help aging lips look younger. The color lasts without feathering for hours. The feel is fantastic at any price, but IncrediFULL Lip Color is so affordable you can indulge in a bunch of the 24 colors now available. Just a few you'll want to try include:   "Mauveful," a pearly medium rose and "Honey Rose," a clear, warm pink, perk up complexions in a flash. We also liked the deep, dramatic "Plump Plum," a pearly browned plum.

Lip balms that you can share, are sexy! Some that will appeal to him as well as her are the coffee and tea-themed flavors Perk "Lip Latte" or Brew "Tea Balm" .15 oz tube or .25 oz tin $4.00 by Crazy Rumors. These little balms to love are moisturizing but not shiny, so men won't feel weird wearing them. Better still, they contain good-for-your-lips, natural ingredients such as shea butter, jojoba oil, Stevia, and Vitamin E, to pamper, but for not a lot of money. Even better, the balms smell divine.  For Valentine's Day, try the Lip Latte in  "French Vanilla." It really does smell like the real thing, as does "Mocha,"  You'll feel like you've had a mini-coffee break while you're pampering your lips, for just about the cost of a cup o' Joe!

Kissable lips are soft, subtle and sexy, not cracked or dry!  Protect and nurture your pout with Luxe Balm SPF 15 $18.00 by Trish McEvoy.   As with all Trish products (I just love them) this is elegantly presented in a mini-sized, rectangular, frosted plastic and glass, swivel-up stick with a simple, shiny black cap. The product itself is a luxe, non-shiny, unscented, moisturizing balm that everyone in your family can share (not that you'll want to). SPF 15 keeps lips safe from the sun's damaging rays as well.  Use it alone, or under your favorite gloss or lipstick and you'll increase your perfect pout potential, immediately. TIP: you can also safely use this under your eyes or anywhere else you need a spot treatment of moisture so it's great for travel.

FYLO, new to our review this column, is short for "For Your Lips Only." What makes this company's 28 lip colors, 12 lip glosses, twelve lip pencils, and a lip treatment particularly special is the Cubicle $14.00 (Mini $10.00) a mirrored compact with mini lip brush that you personalize by popping in your  choice of four Lip Color or Lip Gloss Cubes $8.00 each and two mini Lip Pencils $7.00 each. We tested some of the moisturizing lip colors,lightly scented with essential oil of bergamot for a hint of unflavored scent.   I loved the silky, saturated Lip Color called: "Presto," a rich, warmed rose that simply screams "kiss me quick!" without saying a word. For even more va-va-voom-appeal, slick on bright, glossy-red "Tarantella" Lip Gloss scented with rose geranium oil (the gloss is opaque so it gives a saturated, wet-look red mouth on it's own).  Keep deeps colors like these in control with "Carmen," a red, smooth, pencil with staying powder For a deep, daring lip look, "Appasionata" is a nearly-black plum that will turn heads. Ditto "tango," a deep, shimmery magenta that isn't for the shy! Visit the FYLO web site to see all the beautiful colors--we hope to bring you more reviews of this line in the future. TIP: if you don't have a lot of room in your makeup bag,  some of the lip colors can do double-duty as blush, and some of the glosses can be worn on your eyelids

Shiny-Licious LipGloss $5.99 by Maybelline New York comes in a small, squeeze tube with a flock-tip applicator slim enough to slip it into a pocket of tight jeans. The moist, super-shiny gloss has just a hint of color and a bit of fruity fragrance. For sexy lips with a hint of pink, we like "Berry Bella," a super-sheer strawberry with light-reflecting shimmer. For a ladylike like we like "lolly-pink," a nearly-clear with pearly-light pink gloss that makes you look naughty and nice!  Lipstick lovers looking for something new will love Wet Shine Diamonds Lipstick $6.75 that contain shimmery, light-reflecting ingredients that twinkle with rich color and shine, along with good-for-your-lips vitamins A, E, aloe, jojoba and rose hip oils to make your lips feel pampered.  "Pink Diamonds" is our pick - a berried pink that is great on everyone.

Nektar $18.00 by FACE Stockholm is a squeeze tube of beautifully shiny gloss  in eight, mostly pink-tinted, subtly shimmery sheers. They're all high quality, long lasting, and great for a romantic V-day kiss and to wear throughout the Spring. Our faves  to slick on right now from the eight colors in the collection include: the romantic hot pink called "Hyacint," and also "Anemon," a candy-pink, "Blomma," a sweet cherry red,  and   "Ringblomma," a sheery peachy tangerine. For next to natural, "Vildros," a super-sheer nearly-clear rose works with your lipsticks, too. Everyone single color in the collection is beautiful. Get several--they're worth it.

Light-reflecting lip glosses make lips full and sexy.  Get the light-reflecting lip gloss look, for less,  with LightShine Lip Gloss $4.95 by Prestige one of our fave, popularly-priced lines. These tube-with-brush applicator glosses go on silky and sheer,  tinting lips with high shine and just a tiny bit more color than the average gloss. The reflective shine makes lips look full, naturally, without adding plumping ingredients.  There are 10 colors, but our faves are: "Curacao," a totally clear gloss infused with tiny bits of sparkling, silvery shimmer (there's a non-shimmery clear called "Cabo,") and "Martinique," a glorious sparkling sheer raspberry.  Warm complexions will also like "Thira," (shimmery brown) and "anacapri" (coral).

For past "What Works" Beauty, Cosmetics, and Fashion Review columns, see the "What Works Archives"

You can almost hear your new, Aveda Lip Glaze $15.00 saying: "squeeze me," because they are so enticing! Inspired by the makeup looks from Spring Fashion week, the Aveda Spring/Summer 2006 colors are trendy and enticing across the board, and particularly when it comes to lips.  For V-day and beyond, slick on "Loomed,"  a limited edition, glossy bright fuschia with silver sparkles that will get his attention, or go the ladylike route with a more subtle, iridescent pearled pink called  "Pink Vapor." For loads of warm shine without shimmer, slick on "Tangerine Tea," a limited edition, sheer orange.   If you love Aveda Lipsticks as we do, you'll want one of the new, herbally-scented lip color. We suggest the nearly-nude but light-reflecting Lip Color Sheer $14.00 in "Sheer Peach Mist," or for a bit more color, try "Sheer Tapa," a beautiful chocolate sheer with a copper shimmer.  For concentrated color, we like the limited edition Lip Color Concentrate $14.00 in "Lychee Splash," an amazing, shimmering, golden berry that looks great on everyone.These good-for-your-lips products are the best! Be sure to add some to your makeup bag! We will be reviewing more AVEDA products in our March column--watch for it!

If you want an easy, pink pout that screams "kiss me" try Glossblossom Ripening Lip Tint $6.00 by MARK. The gloss starts out clear and shiny in its squeeze tube, but then special technology changes the gloss to a juicy pink tint that lasts even after the gloss is gone.  There's also a light, floral scent to make it more romantic. Usually, these "customized" tints turn weird, garish shades, but this product did exactly what it is supposed to do--make your lips look shiny and beautiful with color that looks like it really was designed just for you. Another way to get beautiful, pink lips is to apply Glow Baby Glow Hook Up Luxe Gloss $5.00 in "Orchid Luxe," a raspberry glaze with a hint of mint and tons of light-reflecting shimmer. The gloss comes in a cute, mini-vial that "hooks up" with another MARK "hook up" product to make a customized, dual-ended carrier. There are 11 other great colors to put on the other end, or add a nail polish, shadow or blush (see Foundation & Blush)

ROMANTIC FRAGRANCES: Smelling great is a sure way to get noticed, and of course, a great, new, scent does wonders for your spirit, too.  The fragrances below range from romantic to all-out sexy:

If you want a new, feminine, romantic and affordable fragrance to wear or give as a gift this Valentine's Day, a perfect choice is Corazon Eau De Toilette $22.00 1.7 fl. oz by designer Agatha Ruiz de La Prada and perfumer Sylvie Fisher. The first thing you'll notice about the spray bottle is the hot pink and red asymmetrical heart bottle. The fragrance is classified as a "spicy floral." It begins light and slightly fruity with top notes of iced bergamot, green apple and black currant, but the fruitiness is quickly tempered by romantic middle notes of rose, magnolia, elemi, basic, mint and ivy leaves,  and sparked at drydown with a hint of spice through bottom notes of peach, sandalwood, amber and musk. This is an easy to wear, day-to-evening fragrance that will appeal to women of all ages.   It would work with casual or formal clothes -- a scent to love now, and wear into the warmer months with ease. 

Last Winter we reviewed Red Dress Eau de Toilette Spray $50.00 3.3 fl. oz by Five Star Fragrance. Sold exclusively through Perfumania, This unusual, limited edition (*1/05 to 6/06) scent sold exclusively through Perfumania and Perfumania.com is even more special because 100% of the sales go to the American Heart Association's "Go Red for Women" program.  It helps educate women about prevention of heart disease and stroke. The first thing you'll notice is the bottle, an eye-catching, red glass rounded "cone" with flattened bottom. The traditional cap is cleverly replaced with a red plastic clip in the shape of a red dress.  The reason? A red dress is the symbol of Heart Truth, a national campaign established to promote awareness that heart disease is the number one killer among women. The fragrance inside this bottle is a pretty, floral musk containing top notes of mandarin, freesia, and bergamot, middle notes of rose petals, jasmine and linden blossom, and bottom notes of  musk, iris and sandalwood. The result is a sophisticated floral that is feminine but not overly sweet.   This is a beautiful way to have a heart and help others.

Molinard Fragrances, originated in Grasse, France in 1849 and are still made in the original factory designed by Gustave Eiffel. The limited edition Molinard 1849 collection ($185-$295) celebrates some of the company's most famous fragrances from the 1920's, 30's, and 50's, each housed in a beautiful Lalique-designed glass bottle in different colors, each with a luxe,   tassel atomizer (photo). We tried samples of all of the scents, but due to space in this column, we'll give you just the basics. Verveine is a light, lemony-fresh scent in a green glass bottle, with notes of bergamot, verveine leaves, and mandarine. Isles D'or from the 30's in turquoise glass, is beautiful mix of fruity florals with a touch of sandalwood and cedarwood and a soft, vanilla and nougat finish. Gardenia, in yellow, is the perfect 1950's embodiment of sweet, white flowers including jasmine, freesia, and gardenia.  Habinita (1921, in black) is a liberating, smoky, sexy, deep mix of exotic oriental notes and woodsy florals mixed with musk, sandalwood, Tahitian Vanilla, and sandalwood. It is my favorite in the collection for an independent, powerful, sensual woman. Nirmala (lilac glass) is fruity, mysterious, and unique, with an exotic vanilla only found in orchids. Un Air de Molinard (deep blue glass) is at first spicy, then floral--a mix of sweet florals including jasmine, rose, iris and but softened bit a hint of spice with vetiver, musk, amber, and vanilla. M de Molinard (red glass) is also a standout. It's a luxe, classic scent of floral green, starting  out with lots of florals -- bergamot, narcissus and rose, but  it is mixed with amber and patchouli to create the sort of scent that just seem to go with luxury. I wore my little sample with jeans, but I still felt like a queen (for a moment, anyway).  These are genuine expressions of the perfumer's art, with complex mixes that last long on the skin and stay true to formula. Whatever fragrance you choose, it will be a thing of beauty and a true collector's item.

The Aveda Love fragrance is much like men and women - a blend of contrasts that make a whole. It is a strong, mystical blend of feminine flowers (rose, ylang ylang and jasmine), with more masculine elements of frankincense, myrrh and sandalwood. Reviewers differed on just what this sexy scent really smells like, but I think it smells exactly as it is named--like love. Choose the Aveda Pure-Fume Absolute $21.00 .24 fl. oz , a small, tote-able rollerball that dispenses a super-concentrated version to pulse points at home, or on the go. Pure Fume Essence $50.00 1 oz is a round, clear, glass ball with square, matte pewter top which holds the pure flower essence in a form perfect for pulse points,  for a sexy massage, or to use in an oil diffuser. 

Exclusively at Sephora is a new fragrance by Masakï Matsushïma, called mat; chocolat $60.00 1.35 oz.  This unique fragrance reflects the avant-garde fashion designer's love of chocolate as well as of design. The scent, created, bottled and and sealed (in an inner plastic zip-lock bag and a shiny, chocolate-brown outer cardboard box) in France, is an eye-catching, Picasso-esque tower of brown glass. Inside is a unique, modern oriental scent that has top notes of grapefruit, blackcurrant, rose and watermelon, middle notes of coca absolute, and chocolate, and sensual bottom notes of white musk and sandalwood. It's a complex blend that is feminine, sexy, delicious and spicy and seems to actually change character with the wearer. This fragrance is made for a trend setter--someone who wants a subtly sexy fragrance with a bit of the unexpected.

Looking for a wonderful Valentine's Day treat for yourself or for an impressive Gift? #9 Blackberry & Vanilla Musk Eau de Parfum Natural Spray  $38.50/.5 fl. oz by Trish McEvoy is a great choice. We have reviewed this lovely fragrance in various forms in previous columns but we can't get enough of it!  The fragrance is a complex, soft and pretty blend of fruits, flowers and musk, combining sweet blackberry, vanilla, musk and white rose.  We also love the presentation - a simple, ivory-colored "envelope" with black gross-grain ribbon handle, into which is placed a small, elegant, squared column of clear glass with simple black spray top. The bath products that compliment this fragrance as also perfectly divine.

Every now and then you find a fragrance that not only smells unique, it's is uniquely presented. That's definitely true for Miss Me Eau de Parfum $70.00 1.7 fl. oz. ; Eau de Parfum 1.0 oz. $52 by Stella Cadente, sold exclusively at Nordstrom. The first thing you'll notice is the bottle. It's a slim, asymmetrical rectangle of pink-violet and lilac glass (there's also a smaller, round version) that changes as you look through the various layers and angles cared into the bottle.  The silvery cap is topped with a crown of pink "jewels" that cluster together to mimic the natural crystals of a precious geode.  As a final touch, a necklace of tiny silver threads, dotted with two faceted crystal beads, is looped around the neck of the bottle like a special talisman.   Inside this beautiful creation is a deserving fragrance. It's light pink, strong and seductive--made for a woman who knows what she likes and gets what she wants. It is hard to pin down the individual elements of this oriental, but it contains  exotic notes of Tolu balm balm of Peru and Siamese benzoin plus feminine, floral notes of peony, silk tree flower, and orange blossom.  The overall effect reminds me of a mystical incense, intoxicating to the senses but not overbearing. It is long lasting and true to scent (it won't change when you body temperature, does).  There are bath & body products, too.

REALM for Women $45.00 1.7 fl. oz, $58.00 2.5 fl. oz by the Erox Corporation is not just any fragrance -- it's actually a mate magnet! The spicy scent comes in a curvy, sheer red bottle with an interesting, curved gold cap, and the fragrance has notes of mandarin, water lily, peony and rose.  Let me say up front that I really liked the fragrance as is, but it has another thing that makes it truly unique -- an infusion of human pheromones! Every person has their own pheromone molecule that carries a one of a kind, chemical signature. Although you might not be aware of it, your personal pheromone messenger molecules are continuously whirling off your body and into the air around you. They rise up from the recesses of your sweat glands, and they linger in strands of your hair. Scientists agree that humans process pheromones as a strong, sexual stimulant. Wear it when you are looking for love -- need we really say more?

As a child, we had three lilac bushes in our backyard. When the beautiful lilac-colored flowers opened in the spring, our home was filled with their lovely scent.  Davies Gate Flower Garden Eau de Parfum in "Lilac" $35.001.5 fl. oz is a single-note fragrance that brings this scent back in an authentic way.  A graceful, half-sphere of clear glass with a simple, silver top (no cap) holds the clean, romantic scent that stays true and lasts a long time.  Spray a bit on your linens and he will wonder who sent you flowers!  If you are a lilac lover like me, or want a nod to the past with a modern version of this classic, feminine scent, this is a great choice. 

Karmala  eau de toilette spray $20.00 1.7 fl. oz by Mark is a surprising and attractive fragrance, at a nice price, with a spiritual/inner peace,   theme.  We like the Asian/Indian influenced red box with subtle, delicate designs and words, and the purple, glass bottle that reminds us of the space-capsules of the past.  The fragrance, however, is not at all retro. It's sophisticated and fresh, and great for now into Spring and summer. It starts out spicy, then grassy, then mellows into something altogether different depending upon the wearer. There are top notes of sacred tonic accord, clover leaf, white pepper, and Incense DNA, middle notes of pink cassis, Tahitian candole flower, Chinese wisteria, and Kashmiri saffron,  and a base of white musk,Turkish myrrh, sandalwood, Haitian amyris, and vanilla.  The press information says that the fragrance creates a "peaceful, meditative state."  Perhaps, but we think it will just empower you and put you in a good frame of mind to do anything, any time. 

Roses symbolize true love and beauty,  so it's only natural that the scent of roses is the romantic choice for Valentine's Day. Luckily, the favorite flower of one of my favorite Perfumers,  Annick Goutal, was the rose. The newest Annick Goutal Scented Candle "La Rose" $45.00 4.7 oz is a infused with an incredible rose scent to fill your days and nights with romance. The light pink candle in it's signature, gold rimmed and AG monogrammed votive holder, is generously scented with tea roses.  As with all Annick Goutal candles, you'll feel pampered every time you light it.  The scent will help you get his attention on V-day, but the candle lasts a long time, so don't be stingy!  Light it every day to fill your home with the beautiful scent of a large bouquet of tea roses.  This makes a perfect bridal shower gift or share your love with someone-- "just because."

BATH & BODY PRODUCTS: When the days are short and the nights are chilly, there's nothing better than scented bath & body products to make you feel great. Get in a romantic mood, pamper yourself (and perhaps, a special love) with these sensational products:

There is nothing more "V-Day" worthy than the line of products from Not Soap Radio called "the Stuff That Cupid Dips His Arrows In...(because sometimes fate needs and assist).  We first reviewed the Stuff that Cupid Dips His Arrows In Bubbles for Bath or Shower $15.00 12.17 fl. oz in our Winter, 2004 column. Is it really a love charm, we wondered? Reviewers reported that they definitely got "in the mood" with this romantic, red bathing gel, scented with ginseng and passion extracts. These are said to boost pheromones – the natural chemical scents that the body produces to attract others! But don't stop there! You also need Reinforcement (literally and figuratively).  Reinforcement Moisturizing Body Shimmer $15.00 12.17 fl. oz is a super-rich moisturizer for apres bath or shower, infused with subtle shimmer and a stronger, can't-resist-it, heart-warming, slightly spicy, alluring, ginseng scent. Adding Reinforcement to your beauty routine may not always capture the heart of the one you love, but we can say with assurance that the product will always capture your heart, easily.

The Bathina line of products from BeneFit has a the cutest, kitchy, 40's-style "bathing beauty" vibe. Modern girls will love the  soft, feminine, floral-with-just-a-hint-of-fruit, scent and the pearly, light pink color of the products. These are products just for girls, that he will love (on you). For Valentine's Day romance or a little treat every day, pamper your body with Bathina Gettin' Steamy Body Wash $23.00 16 fl. oz.. The plastic bottle holds a pearly-pink shower gel that not only lathers generously,  it can also be used as a scented bubble bath. Layer more scent, and moisturize your skin With Touch Me, Then Try To Leave, Body Cream $16.00 5.75 fl. oz. The box shows an alluring pair of pin-up-style legs, and the same graphic is repeated on the round, frosted plastic display jar.  Get a bit of a cooling feel as this silky cream absorbs quickly into your skin, leaving it silky and sexy, and well scented with lovely BeneFit's Bathina scent.

There are good products to firm the skin on your face and make it look more youthful, but what about the skin on your body?  Firm and smooth it with a new products called Firming Reviver Body Lotion $6.99 8.4 fl. oz, $8.99 13.5 fl. oz by Olay.   This creamy lotion combines Olay vitamin complex with ginseng and pomegranate extracts that work to continuously plump and lift surface skin cells with moisture. Used for as little as three weeks, your Olay reports that their research showed firmer skin, We didn't test it that long, but reviewers who massaged it into their upper arms, legs and stomach did feel that their skin looked firmer and of course, it felt moist and soft. Given the affordable price, it's definitely worth a try!   If you want moisturization. but would like customers color-enhancing properties, you'll want to try A Touch of Sun Body Lotion $6.99 6.7 fl. oz. This new and innovative product is sunless tanner and body lotion that works with your unique body chemistry to even out your body's skin tone.  Smooth on the non-greasy cream, and the skin's amino acids respond to the product's key color-changing ingredients to produce a touch of subtle color that enhances each person's skin tone.  You can add just a little color, or keep adding applications until the color reaches it's most radiant shade (after 5-6 days of regular use).  This product comes in formulas for normal and dry skin and also provides continuous moisture for 24 hours. You'll want to use it now to "kiss" your Winter-pale skin with a hint of color, or after tanning in the Summer,  to maintain color and and even out your skin tone. This innovative product is a nice way to add a sexy glow for Valentine's day or any time.

There's nothing more relaxing than a beautifully scented bath, and there's nothing sexier than a beautifully scented bath that is shared! Give yourself a treat, or share one with your special love, with a Love Stack $21.95 from LUSH. A trio of heart-shaped white or pink treats make a tempting gift, a sure Valentine seduction, or a celebration, even if it's just an ordinary day. You get a  pink, heart-shaped massage bar that smells like chocolate mixed with honey and white, heart-shaped "tisty Tosty" rose scented bath bomb and a "Rock Star" soap with tiny white soap stars inside, and a strong scent reminiscent of romantic violets and sweet vanilla. The combo is better than dessert for your body, mind and spirit -- and a lot less fattening. We can also recommend other romantic bath treats from LUSH such as the new, Mange Too Edible Massage Bar $7.95. You'll probably be bathing with this delectable, sweetly chocolate-scented, hexagonal bar,  but it is an edible blend of white chocolate, honey and fresh bananas, with moisturizing cocoa butter, shea butter, and mango butter. For something even more unique, drop a Romance in the Stone Bath Bomb $4.35 into your bath. The round, orange-scented bath bomb dissolves, leaving a famous love sonnet floating in your bath  (we aren't kidding) for the ultimate, romantic touch

If you're looking for a Valentine's Day gift, or a treat for yourself, the Zum Hug and A Kiss $15.50 by Indigo Wild combines a new, 3 oz jasmine-blend Zum Hug goats milk soap bar (really dreamy) with a rippled metal soap dish, and a peppermint Zum Kiss Stick lip balm, tied up with a romantic, sheer, red ribbon.   There's also a man (and woman)-pleasing Zum Love Soap Bar $5.99 (photo) that combines an ivory goats milk soap with an intoxicating scent of almond, and poppy seeds, tied with a sheer, red ribbon. These make bathing a pampering ritual instead of just a chore. These all natural products are nicely priced and high quality--we just love them (and you will, too).

Of course you're eating right and working out, but if there's a bit of cellulite you'd like to get rid of,  it can't hurt to apply   Caudalíe's Vinothérapie Essential Slimming Serum $35.00 2.5 fl. oz to legs and anywhere else that you'd like to be smoother and sleeker.  Originally created for Caudalíe's Vinotherapy spa, this product improves lumpy areas of skin by stimulating circulation, promoting drainage of excess water and toxins, and soothing and nourishing your skin with a beautifully scented base of essential oils including grapeseed, lemon, juniper berry, geranium, rosemary, cypress and lemongrass.  After bathing, massage the product into those areas you want to assist, and feel the difference right away. Start now and by the time it's warm enough to show more skin, you'll be ready.

EXPRESSIVE EYES: Whether your goal this month is to broadcast the look of love, or less subtly, bedroom eyes, the following romantic eye looks will help you create a romantic mood without saying a word:

Romantic eye looks are the perfect partner to pouty, sexy lips whether it's for Valentine's Day, or any day. The Spring 2006 Bourjois makeup collection called "Beware of Angels" features pink-themed products with black accents for naughty and nice, "good girl with a touch of bad," vibe.  The Eye Shadow $13.50 features three shadows: "Rose Ancien" (a slightly faded rose), "Rose Perlé" (high perle soft pink), and Noir Précieux (ink black with light bluish glimmer) work together to make eyes  innocent or smoldering, depending upon how you apply the colors. 

Feel romantic and get ready for Spring with Stila's adorable, canvas-covered compact decorated with delicate pink flowers. Inside are limited edition Eye Shadow Trios $30.00 from Stila's "Rain or Shine" collection. Each trio contains generously-sized portions of lid, crease, and liner colors to mix and match.  The gold-themed warm palette called "Sun Showers" (photo) has a white-gold shade for lids, a peachy-gold crease color and a  brown-gold liner shade. The silver-themed cool palette called "Rain Showers" has a silver-white base shade, a plum-silver crease shade and a plum-grey liner. A nice touch is the clear plastic overlay inside the compact with an inspirational saying. We love Stila not only for their high quality products, but for their always wearable, modern and sophisticated colors. I will be reviewing more of the Rain or Shine collection in the MARCH column--so watch for it!

AVEDA rocked the runway during the Spring Fashion Week shows with three distinct palettes: sheer pinks and peaches, or color washed brights infused with hints of gold, or Sun Spiced -- warm, tropical, earthy tones. A standout for right now is the  Petal Essence Single Eye Color $11.00 in "Sierra Chambray," a russet colored rose with a hint of bronze, that warms up lids and looks modern, bold, and sophisticated, but still natural -- without too much pink, red or orange (never a great look on lids). If you want just one new color that looks great V-day all the way through Spring, this is the color to add to your Aveda collection, now

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i-Mark Custom Pick Shadows $4.00 by MARK Cosmetics fit right into a magnetized, mirrored palette  (with applicator brush) $6.00 that lets you customize your own, face-in-a-case kit for eyes and cheeks. With twenty shades of long-lasting, silky powder shadows to choose from (and six blushes $6.00) the only problem you'll have is choosing the best of 4 eye colors. We particularly like the shimmery  "Dragonfly," a bright, grassy, green that signals the coming of Spring, and  two pinks that do double-duty as blushes: "Luvstuck," is a shimmery, unabashedly deep pink, and for matte mavens there's  the romantic "Living Doll," a pale, clear pink.

Grooming your eye brows may be a step you've overlooked more often than not, well groomed eye brows frame your eyes and add polish to your entire face. The Perfect Eyebrows Kit $33.00 by Alcone Beauty has four essentials to tame brows, easily and quickly. The star of the kit is a nifty tweezer/scissor called a "twissor" that clips facial hair (and eye brows) close to the skin without pain. You also get a clear sealer to keep brows in place, an eye brow pencil (in one of 7 colors) and a compact with eye brow shadow (in charcoal, or medium or dark brown). The twissor comes in a little travel case, so it's a good choice to do double-duty as a scissor as well as a tweezer, on the road. TIP: Alcone Beauty Club is a "membership" club.  If you like the idea of getting makeup treats in your mail every month, you can join the "club" and get a new kit in your mailbox every month. visit the Alcone Beauty Club web site to sign up.

Anastasia Beverly Hills is a salon in Beverly Hills, and a line of products by the eye brow guru, herself.  We gushed about  some of the eye brow products in past columns but this month, we're focusing on a new line of Eye Shadow Singles $18.00. There is a lot to like about these silky shadows that pamper your lids with Vitamin C and E and pure, powdered, silk. The intense color goes on smoothly, with just the touch of your fingertip or a brush, and they last without creasing. Equally luxe are the little, round, metal compacts embossed with a delicate, retro-looking design, and the good interior mirror.  There are a whopping 30 colors in this collection. Our favorites for February are:  "Orchid," a romantic, pearled, soft pink,  "Blue Sky," a nearly-black, navy; and "Copper," a dramatic,  rusty copper.  TIP: Although the color is fairly saturated,  you can play with these shadows and make the colors even more dramatic (makes a great liner) by applying them wet, with a brush.   For more shadow options from Anastasia Beverly Hills, splurge a bit on a Perfect Brow Powder Duo $25.00. Inside the same type of adorable, retro-compact as the shadows you'll find two shades of smudge resistant, silky, eye brow powder enriched with anti-oxidant vitamins and emollients to keep lashes soft and healthy. It comes in five color combos from Golden Blonde to Brunette, so you'll always have a natural color match. If you like pencils, the Perfect Brow Pencil $21.00 comes in five light-to-dark colors with a clever, b+lending bush on one end, to apply and blend color, easily, in a flash!

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FOUNDATIONS, BLUSH AND BRONZERS: The right foundation and blush make your skin look flawless, youthful, and positively glowing! Here are some to try now, and enjoy throughout Spring:

Get the look of love, even if the last date you had was too long ago to remember! A brand new,  Embellisseur de Teint  Highlighting Veil $20.00 by Bourjois is a tube of pearly glow that creates a sheer, pearly-pink sheen on prominent areas of your face such as your cheekbones and   brow bones. Wear it au natural or dab it over your favorite foundation when you want to add a bit of romantic, glowing glam to your complexion. TIP: dab a tiny bit of Embellisseur de Teint on your upper lip to give it a fuller, plumped-up effect.  For more of a rosy view, try a rosy hue. Lune d'Or Blush $13.50 is a lovely, subtle, iridescent pink with tiny sparkles that makes everyone look healthy, happy and perhaps, in love! We love the round, signature Bourjois compacts with tiny interior mirrors and applicators that are cute and tote-able, too!

The easiest way to look romantic is with a transparent,  clear pink blush.  One that is perfect for now into Spring, following the pink trend, is a limited edition Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge $22.00 for lips and cheeks.   We love multitasking products, especially when they are quick and easy to apply.   The creamy formula goes on smoothly and stays true to color without feeling sticky. The color is sheer but you can layer for more intensity, and the clear pink looks perfect on virtually everyone.  Your lips and cheeks get a romantic, pink glow that's believable, not harsh, and all you need is in one little round jar!

How could you not love a product named "Beausoleil?" The one we're talking about is a Light Reflecting Bronzer $30.00 from Sue Devitt Studio. A chic, matte, silvery compact with interior mirror holds a bronzer with three, sexy tones of shell, sand and bronze, to add a sun-kissed glow to your eyes and cheeks in one swirl (or you can use the strips separately if you wish for highlighting and contouring). The color is sheer and pearly, the look, natural and sexy. Now you don't have to wait until summer, or until you fall in love, to glow!

An easy way to carry around blush is with the Blushpaint Cheek Color Hook Up Luxe Gloss $5.00 by Mark.  The mini-vial of sheer color "hooks up" to another Mark "hook up" product for nails, eyes or lips (or one of three other blush colors). Our pick for Valentine's Day to make a romantic statement and to look forward into the pink trend of Spring is with "Excited," a clear, true, sheer pink that makes cheeks glow with the look of love, without any effort.

Don't let oily breakthrough ruin your flawless look!  Make your complexion matte, with a single application of Matte-Nificent Oil-Absorbing Powder $8.00 by MARK. This oil-free pressed face powder works immediately to eliminate oily shine, mattify your complexion, and make skin look better than bare, or with your favorite foundation.  Four shades means one will suit you, and you'll also like the lightweight, crystal-clear compact with mirror to take with you for touchups anywhere, anytime. 

FANTASTIC FACE PRODUCTS: We focused on skincare in our January column, but if you still need more help handling your Winter-wear skin, try some of these new products for your skin type:

According to Cover Girl, the average woman loses 50% of her skin's brightness and gains five time more contrast that makes skin look older.  The good news is that Cover Girl has developed a new foundation--Advanced Radiance Age Defying Liquid Make-Up $9.99, to help make your complexion look more youthful, even if you aren't a teenager anymore.  The new formula  works to increase brightness and decreases contrast, taking up to five years off the look of your skin.  This new foundation comes in a handy pump bottle so you don't have to dip your fingers into the liquid. The formula has Olay skincare ingredients: vitamins B3, B5, and E, plus green tea and other good-for-you-skin items. And, as long as you're going for a more youthful and flawless look, You'll appreciate the fact that this new product also has SPF 10 to keep your skin protected from the sun's damaging rays, good moisturization., and 15 shades to choose from to suit nearly every woman's skintone. You get a lot for a little cash and even so, you'll find that the foundation flows very smoothly onto skin, and dries quickly without caking or smearing.   It won't make you 16 again, but it will make you look good, and that's just what a foundation should do!

HAPPY HANDS & FEET: You can't be beautiful if your hands look like claws, and your feet are flaky and achy. These products add comfort and color for happy, romantic, hands and feet:

You don't really have time to sit around and fuss with lots of different nail products, do you?  If you're in a hurry but want great looking nails, fast, Mark, Set, Shine Rapid Action Nail Color $4.00 .16 fl. oz  is the one for you.  This fast-drying, ultra shiny nail enamel is genuinely a one-step manicure in a bottle. On the go? No problem. The colors come in slim, pocket-sized bottles so you can touch up or change colors, on the fly. For Valentine's Day,  try a glam, shimmery copper such as "cinnamatic," or look ladylike with "Bubbilini," a silky, pearly medium pink.

Anyone who reads this column regularly knows that I adore Essie -- the gracious entrepreneur whose products bear her name, and also the high-quality products that are so affordable but great, at any price.  I will be previewing more of the latest Essie colors in the next few columns, but for Valentine's Day let me point out five new standout Nail Colors $8.00: three pinks and two reds:  "Exposure," is a true, medium pink and "Fiesta," a slightly deeper rose, that offer classic, beautiful, glossy color and lots of shine-- without shimmer.  'Can't Filmfest" a flirtatious hot pink/raspberry with iridescent pink shimmer that will look particularly great on cool toned skin. For movie-star glam, "A-List" is a deep, blue-based red without shimmer, "Bonded" is the trendier, warmed-red version, with tiny glints of red and silver glimmer to twinkle on toes and fingers on V-day and beyond.

Express Finish Advanced Wear Fast-Dry Nail Enamel $4.12 by Maybelline New York go from wet to set in 60 seconds (it will take longer for completely dry nails, of course).  Three cool-toned (blue-based) colors to get you in the mood, now, are: "On Fire," an iridescent, pearly, hot pink, "Berry Fast," a pearly deep pink, and "Barely Red," a bright, fuschia-red.  The colors go on smooth and shiny and last for days--who could ask for more?

Moisturizers might not be the most glam products on the planet, but they are one of the most important, especially if you want romantic, sexy-looking, smooth, youthful skin.  One product that is both effective on your skin and comes in a romantic package that makes you feel pretty, is the Anna Sui Hand & Nail Cream $15.00 1.7 fl. oz.  A shiny, black cardboard box embellished with pink roses and violet leaves and Anna Sui logo in the middle, houses an equally eye-catching, black plastic tube of the same design. Inside, a non-greasy, rose-scented cream softens hands and nails, leaving just a hint of roses behind. TIP: This tube is tote-able, so take it along. Use it before he holds or kisses your hand, then the light scent of roses will linger in the air.  What could be more romantic? For more nail TLC, try the Anna Sui Cuticle Softener $15.00. You'll love the  romantic, curvy, embossed glass bottle with black rosebud top, and your cuticles on both hands and feet will not only be soft, they'll be left with a hint of rose scent,  too! 

BEAUTY HELPERS: It's the "little things" that make life more enjoyable. This month's selection of beauty helpers are powerful, little things to make every day easier and more beautiful:

Over the years, the products   that the Advice Sisters have reviewed from the Redken have been consistently superb.  A new one that we are mentioning in here in beauty helpers instead of haircare is Redken Silk Fuel $13.99/5packets because of it is a startlingly good, instant transformer of very dry, dull, and damaged hair.   This intensive, nearly-instant softening treatment has key ingredients of avocado oil (softness, moisture), durable conditioners (lasting suppleness) and something called cationic silicones that add shine to your hair. After shampooing, leave the contents of one packet on for 5-10 minutes (depending upon how damaged your hair is) and rinse. You won't believe how quickly your hair is transformed from straw, to gold!

Debuting this February are nine products from the Charles Worthington Smart Fixx Line. These high performance products work well for men and women, and can be used separately or together for a wide variety of styling choices. Two that we particularly like are travel-worthy.  Get body and long-lasting hold, plus frizz and humidity protection, from H20 Styling Strips $8.99/20. To use, simply wet the strip and rub palms together to activate enough styling gel to get the job done (for medium length hair)! These come in a slim, pocket pack about the size of a small cell phone. Another product we really like is Smart Quick Flick Wax Stick $6.99.  This little wonder is a supersized chap-stick-shaped, twist-up stick that does a bang-up job on bangs, and adds definition, texture, and medium hold on dry hair wherever you want it.  These are so easy to use, clean, portable, effective and affordable. We love them!

If you are looking for a sexy was to scent your home, try Aveda's Circle of Love Candle $22.00, a re-usable,substantial. green recycled glass votive into which is nestled a scented tea light in a tin. One that pleases both men and women is sexy, intense sandalwood.  You can choose other Tealights $6.50 each in jasmine, rose, organic ylang, ylang, bergamot, or frankincense and myrrh. Get one to suit every mood, and change them as the spirit moves you.  This makes a fantastic hostess or "just because" gift as well.

Body bling is always in season, and some of the most beautiful shimmer powders we've seen are from Jane Iredale, whose high-quality, micronized mineral products color, conceal, and protect against the sun's damaging rays. The glow comes in part from genuine 24-karat gold flakes in the aptly-named 24-Karat Gold Shimmer Powder $34.00. These powder shimmers are super-shimmers in daylight, and positively  sizzle in candlelight.  They can safely be used on eyes, cheeks, lips, face, and décolleté --anywhere you want to shimmer, because there are no dyes or irritants used in the products.  Each of the metallic-themed colors: gold, bronze and silver come in a matching, sheer, organza bag with matching ribbon so pretty you'll want to leave them out for everyone to admire. You don't really need a special occasion --dust one of these beautiful powders wherever you please and an ordinary event automatically becomes special! Also from Jane Ireldale is a little blue tin of clear balm that plumps your lips up, naturally.  More Lip Plumper $23.50  feels tingly on your lips, due to natural ginger extract along with yummy peppermint and spearmint oils that stimulates the blood vessels in  your lip to make the fuller and poutier. Along with fuller looking lips you get a bonus --smooth, kissable ones, too!   That's thanks to all natural softening, hydrating and exfoliating ingredients you can really love, including: essential lemon and tangerine oils, aloe vera and safflower oil. I just love this multi-tasking beautifier!

Sexy Lips mean full, pouty, ones.  Get the look easily without injections with Hydra Plump $19.99 by Five-Star Fragrances. Cutting-edge technology incorporates patented, "marine spheres" derived from collagen and something called "MVS lip Complex," to enhance the normal contour of your lips, quickly plump them up, and also hydrate and nourish them. Even better, this will reduce those nasty little wrinkles near your lip line that are anything but youthful or sexy! There's a pleasant, long-lasting, subtle tingle after you apply the silky,  light-reflecting lip gloss. "Sheer Petal Pink" has just the merest hint of color to flatter your lips (there is a clear and a sheer bronze version, too).. TIP: you can use this great product as a lip primer, too. Simply apply to clean, dry lips,   wait two minutes, then add your favorite lipstick

Wouldn't it be great if you could carry all the essential required to touch-up your face and keep it looking flawless, in one, slim kit?  Get your wish, with the new, limited edition, Face Touch-up Palette $35.00 by Bobbi Brown (photo-brush not included). This new kit has five, great, beauty helpers housed in a super-slim, square, shiny black mirrored compact. Inside, creamy foundation, corrector,  concealer, and pressed powder, come in four coordinated warm or cool, color combinations: ("Ivory;" "Sand;" "Beige:" and "Almond"). Tuck this slim kit of high quality Bobbi Brown products into your makeup bag, and you'll always look your best, whenever, where ever.

The Hard Candy Take Out MakeUp Kit $25.00 is not only suitably styled for Valentine's Day, but it's a total face-in-a-case kit on three levels, serving up style and high quality makeup all in one cute kit. The first level includes a selection of lip glosses both sheer and shimmery(Seer cherry, clear with blue multi glitter, champagne with glitter, sheer peach, sheer rose with glitter, and clear with pinky-blue multi glitter) and 2 mini lip brushes. The eyes are the focus of Layer 2 with shadows ranging from matte to shimmery, lime and turquoise to pink, ivory, and brown, plus a black eye pencil, mini black mascara, and two shadow applicators. The final layer reveals 2 shades of concealer, a fantastic, universally flattering rose blush, and a bronzer.

We have just been introduced to Fleurs  Artiste de Bonheur, a French cosmetics line that claims it is the first  to integrate flowers into cosmetics.  I will be reviewing some more of the products in our March column, but as an introduction, I tried the Fleurs Ambiance with lotus flower extract (a signature in all of the products)  3.3 fl. oz spray. A clear, rounded bottle with simple gold top contains a clear fragrance that is actually mean as aromatherapy for spa treatment rooms, but it is the type of scent that once you;ve sniffed it, you can't stop.   The fragrance is fresh and light, with just a hint of flowers and perhaps, vanilla? It's a clean, light scent that works well for every body chemistry and every occasion. We love it because it seems comforting, but luxe and pretty--a bit like cashmere loungewear.  Once you track it down (see our buying guide) you'll get it home and want to continually spray it on everything!

Candy Takeout Make Up Kit $25.00 is really three palettes in one. All you need from your lashes to lips! The candy-pink, mirrored compact comes with mini applicators inside, and is the perfect Valentine's Day treat for yourself or a special friend. It arrives nestled into the cutest little version of a Chinese take-out container in Springtime pastels (not shown, but really cute)! Inside the compact, the first tier of products are 6 super-shiny lip glosses (most with a hint of shimmer and glitter) in shades of pink and sheer-to-clear. Level two has 8 small rectangles of Eye Shadow in Spring-worthy shades (including standouts of stunning turquoise, lilac and pink), plus a mini black eye liner pencil and a mini mascara, also in classic black. Flip to the bottom level and find two shades of light and medium concealer, a soft, medium brown bronzer and a universally flattering, browned rose blush. The packaging is cute, and the products, top-notch--all you need for, V-day and a Spring-forward look, every day.

Facial and body hair -  it's natural and it is  something most of us have. Too much of a good thing is not sexy, so if you want to tame it or get rid of entirely, you either have to submit to a salon wax, or try your luck at home. Now,  Satin Smooth products help you remove hair, professionally and quickly at home, with minimum discomfort and without having to deal with messy batches of wax.  Satin Smooth Pre-Waxed strips for Body $6.99 and Face $4.99 - 12/pkg. are safe, easy to use, and completely disposable. No need to mix or microwave -- just warm up the strip between your hands, pull it apart, apply to face or body, then pull it off like a band-aid, taking unwanted hair with it. It's that easy and effective. The after-wax oil/wax remover smells lovely and calms redness, quickly.  For those who don't want to wax, Satin Smooth Hair Removal Body Cream 3.4 fl. oz $8.99 and Face Cream 1.7 fl. oz $6.99 do the same job, without  waxing. Smooth on the cream, wait 5-7 minutes, remove and apply the included aloe vera gel.  Both of these products work quite well and thankfully, are affordable for at-home use.  You will want to try them!

Great Valentines' Day Gift Idea! The Everything Dating Book 2nd. Edition (Adams Media, 2005) by Alison Blackman Dunham (aka. "Advice Sister Alison") is the Advice Sisters' newest relationship book.  New to dating?Re-entering the "meet market?" Hoping to improve your "game?" This important, new book has everything to make a dating journey, swift, successful, safe, and satisfying! It is a gift that keeps on giving.  The Everything Dating Book 2nd Edition is in bookstores now, or order it directly through The Advice Sisters and Advice Sister Alison will personally autograph your book (s) at no charge. Don't be alone unless you want to be! For GIFT ORDERS Alison will arrange a gift-card notifying each recipient of your special gift, on the date you choose. If you wish, she will also sign and gift wrap each copy --all at  no additional charge.

ABOUT THE What Works 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.