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Winter is here!   For the next few months, depending upon where you live, you'll probably spend more time indoors, where heating systems may dry your skin, hair, and nails. When you are outside, wind and cold can chap your skin and make it feel itchy, dull and cracked.  It is still important to protect your skin from the sun's damaging rays. They are still out there, even though the sun isn't shining so brightly.

This column highlights some of the best-of-the-best, and newest, products to help you deal with January's beauty challenges:

FANTASTIC PRODUCTS FOR YOUR FACE:

A good facial cleanser is an essential part of good skin care, but Guinot's Eau Demaquillante Parfaite One Step Cleansing Water $28.00 6.7 fl. oz  not only washes away dirt and makeup, but tones and moisturizes without water.  Now that is what I'd call a great cleanser! Simply pour a bit of this clear, scent-free liquid onto a cotton ball and swipe all over your face to get it clean, glowing and soft.  The ingredients include flower and cucumber extracts to soothe, extract of ginseng to promote radiance, and hyaluronic acid to moisturize. The no-need-to-rinse formula, plastic bottle and leak-proof cap, make it great for travel. Take it on your next airplane trip and banish dry, dull, dirty skin right from your seat!

Victorias Secret Beauty has products that are cutting edge and affordable, with that sexy VS cachet! In September the company launched Bare Fruit, a skincare line that combines the natural properties of fruit botanicals with cutting edge science. Developed by Murad Research Laboratories, three collections offer targeted skincare to normal skin (Pomegranate); oily skin (Fig) and dry skin (olive). I tried some of the Pomegranate line. I liked the cheerful, white, red and pink packaging which made me want to use the products. The Daily Facial Moisturizer $24.00 3.4 oz is soft and creamy, and has a a soft, fresh, fruit scent that is energizing and not overpowering.

Do you crave a product that can firm, refine, tighten, protect, soothe, heal and that also  has anti-aging properties?  It might be a tall order, but Firming Complex  $95.00 50 ml  by Innovative Skincare IS Clinical does all of these things, and more. The colorless gel contains exotic products such as Centella Asiatica, a botanical that has healing capabilities as well as extremely high antioxidant properties. What it means for your skin is a quickly absorbed product (It completely disappears off the surface of your skin in less than a minute) that penetrates deep into the dermal layers of your skin to offer effective results and reduce fine lines, too. You can actually feel your skin firm up as it works. Aside from surface beauty, this high-performance product helps to compact the signs of aging . It encourages natural exfoliation and cellular regeneration as it heals, hydrates, and soothes.  It's pricey, but if you have mature skin and are seeking one product that does a lot, and does it well. It's fabulous and it is worth the investment.  

Is your skin very dry but also sensitive? Dermo-Expertise Hydra-Renewal Continuous Moisture Cream $7.49 by L'Oréal Paris uses ingredients such as pro-Vitamin B5 to continuously generate and lock in moisture all day. It has a creamy, light texture that absorbs quickly, and better yet, even those with sensitive skin can use this gentle moisturizer. Nutrisssime Reactivating Skin Cream $9.99 is also great for all skin, but especially dry, sensitive types. Nutrissime has omega-ceramides that stimulate the natural production of lipids and reconstruct the protective barrier of your skin  to keep it from feeling tight and dry and to replenish natural moisture levels.  We like both of these creams not only for their nice price, but more importantly, for their 24-hour effectiveness (less bother for you) and for their scented and unscented formulas. Now, women and men of all skin types, especially those with dry, sensitive skin, have two new, great choices for skincare. TIP: Looking for products from the L'Oreal Pléntitude line?  These are now called L'Oreal Dermo-Expertise.

Paul & Joe is a luxe line of cosmetics part of a company that also includes a popular clothing line of the same name. Paul & Joe Moisture Gel $26.00 .53 oz  is a lightweight gel that helps to keep skin looking (and feeling) smooth and hydrated all day There is a lot of technical jargon we could quote to tell you what is in this product and how it works, but what you really want to know is what it does.   It protects and moisturizes your skin (and helps to retain moisture), but it does it without a hint of grease and you'll never even know you have it on. In fact, it is so lightweight that you can can be used over foundation, or under it, as a base.  The tote-able tube is a nice touch, too.  We really like it and we think you will, too.

During the holidays, lack of sleep, environmental factors, and a diet rich in fatty foods and sweets, can make your skin look blotchy, dull and even cause breakouts. The Dr. Hauschka Skin Care Rejuvenating Mask $44.95 1.0 oz is a pick-me-up that conditions, tones, and balances,  to get your skin back on the right track.  It is formulated with nurturing oils and extracts that provide moisture, calm irritations, and provide antioxidant protection. It takes 15-20 minutes to work it's magic, but your pores will be deep cleansed without looking red or irritated, your skin will look more even-toned, and you'll feel the softness. It's particularly great for skin that is sensitive and prone to breakouts. used regularly, you will see  continued improvement that is worth the investment.

In the old days, microdermabrasion treatments were rarely offered outside of a dermatologist's office, or an expensive spa. Today there are at-home options and are affordable and user-friendly. Regenerist Microdermabrasion & Peel System $24.99 by Olay is a two-step treatment that takes literally, two minutes! Apply the soft, microdermabrasion crystals over a clean, dry face for up to 60 seconds until the crystals cover it like a mask. Then, apply the second treatment, an activator serum, over the first treatment. Massage it in for up to a minute while the crystals dissolve.  Rinse face with water --  your treatment is done! Reviewers reported that their skin looked brighter and felt super-soft. Amazingly, the treatment is gentle enough to use twice a week. A home microdermabrasion system won't give you the same type of intensive, deep results that a salon or dermatologist's system can, but for good at-home results and a good way to maintain a salon treatment, you can't beat this remarkable kit from Olay.

PAMPERING PRODUCTS FOR  HANDS & NAILS:

I love wearing nail polish, but it seems to chip when I'm away from home and haven't any polish remover on hand.  Barielle's Nail Polish Remover Towelettes $2.50/3packettes lets you quickly remove nail polish on-the-go. The individually wrapped, pink, heart-shaped pads are fun to use and do not have drying alcohol or acetone. One, lightly scented pad removes polish from all ten nails, while Vitamin E, nourishes the nail bed. Cute, effective, fun, and just great!

Hands need extra-special care during the winter months. Jack Black Industrial Strength Hand Healer $14.00 3 oz is a great product -- a thick, rich, cream with a state-of-the art ingredient delivery system helps relieve dry skin, penetrating even rough cuticles. Key ingredients include eucalyptus and vitamins A & E, plus allantoin, to hydrate and soften. Industrial Strength Hand Healer has been road-tested by everyone from chefs to carpenters.We think it is great on the go and at home, for anyone who want soft hands without sticky, greasy residue.  The blue, tote-able plastic tube makes it ideal for gym bag, camping and travel, too.

I'm not usually a fan of nail products that contain oil, because it tends to absorb slowly and leave the product on everything you touch. However, I'll make an exception for the exceptional Neem Nail Oil $34.50 1.0 fl. oz by Dr. Hauschka. This lightly herbally-scented oil in a pump-bottle works so quickly and so well (it's the Neem  leaf oil)  to soften cracked cuticles and promote strong, healthy nails with botanicals, that I can't resist using it at least once, daily. You might find that using it before bedtime becomes an obsession!. Pump one or two pumps onto dry nails, wait for it to absorb and then wipe away the excess or you can follow my lead, and rub it into your hands for extra softness. Choose the Neem Hair Oil $26.50 3.4 fl. oz to work a similar, intensive, moisturizing treatment on your hair.

We have reviewed Essie Smoothies $6.00 2oz, $15.00 8 oz in a  number of our columns.  Why do we love these hand & body lotions so much? First, they are very effective, containing natural moisturizers and alpha hydroxy acids for smooth, soft skin. They also absorb fast without a hint of grease.  They are fun to use, with a hint of satisfying aromatherapy scent in simply yummy flavors.  One we hadn't tried is "Pear & Fig," reminiscent of biting into a juicy, ripe pear!  You can't go wrong choosing any of the fruity collection though, including: lemon & guava, cranberry & tangerine, coconut & pineapple, blueberry & banana, kiwi & line, and pomegranate & mango. If scent isn't your thing (or for the men in your life), the Aloe Rich * Fragrance Free version is still the same super-softener, without any scent. Finally, we love Essie Smoothies because they are affordable and come in a handy pump and purse sized versions. What's not to love??? We are also fans of Essie Nail products.  A three-step nail strengthening treatment: Millionnails, Billionnails, and Trillionnails $15.95 each/ .5 fl. oz is a daily system that helps nurse dry, cracked, weak or otherwise damaged nails back to health. Step 1, Millionnails, has a combo of silk and iron to strengthen and fortify nails so they're grow long and strong.  This product binds to the surface of your nail that also helps it become more resistant to chipping and peeling. Step 2, Billionnails, helps you to maintain your healthy nails with an exclusive formula of wheat and vegetable proteins, enriched with vitamins A & D that bond the layers of nail together as it hydrates. Step 3, Trillionnails, is a daily  treatment that is like a nutritional supplement for nails.  It has alpha hydroxy acids, vitamins, minerals, and wheat proteins that provide a healthy balance to your beautiful, strong, nails.  Use one or use them all and you'll see results, fast. Keep your nails perfectly shaped with the Essie Crystal File $14.00, a lovely little tool to keep your natural nails shaped and buffed to an even finish without ever splitting them. You can wash this crystal file and it will last for year.

BEAUTIFUL BATH & BODY PRODUCTS:

The Bare Fruit line of products from Victorias Secret Beauty is a pampering treat you can afford. Although these products are marketed to women, I the men in your life will want to use them as well because they are effective and the attractive packaging and scents make them fun. I tried products from the Pomegranate line for normal skin (there are products for dry skin and oily skin as well). The Pomegranate Sensual Shower Gel $20.00 6.7 fl. oz is a nicely lathering, clear, lightly scented fruit that cleanses well and leaves skin soft. After bathing, smooth on Silky Body Lotion $24.00 6.7 fl. oz, a fast-absorbing, silky, scented body moisturizer that adds a hit of fruit while it softens. Once or twice a week, buff off dead skin to keep it glowing and soft, with Foaming Body Polish $30.00, 12 oz. The light-as-air, whipped formula contains small-but-serious exfoliating grains, combined with that lovely, pomegranate fragrance. This is little treat that works wonders.

New to our review this column is Selona, an ultra-rich body care line.  The products use 100% pure unrefined shea butter. This particular ingredients helps skin to receive and retain more moisture, longer.  I tried the Whipped Body Butter $24.00 4oz in Selona's new, signature fragrance called "Decco." The first thing you'll notice when you open the jar is that the product looks and feels amazing light, like an ultra-whipped pudding. The feel on your skin is divine! When you smooth it on, you can actually feel the product sinking in, instantly soothing dryness and spreading a veil of silky moisture on top. The Decco scent is sensual and unique--a soft, sexy mix of earth and florals.  It is available in several body products. I would like to see this scent in a stand-alone fragrance to enhance the other products. Hopefully Selona is planning to produce that in the not-too-distant future.

I am a big fan of Moisturinse in Shower Body Lotion $3.99 8.4 fl. oz by Olay. As a beauty reviewer, I have my pick of luxurious products in my bathroom, but somehow, I keep reaching for Moisturinse again and again. I love the fact that works with the heat of my shower to moisturizer my skin, but since it rinses off I don't feel sticky and I don't have to  wipe my hands after moisturizing --a time saver, too. Now Olay has a new product-- Ribbons Body Wash $3.99 10 oz. I'm loving these, too.  A new formula wraps a thick ribbon of cleanser with another, moisturizing ribbon containing a moisturizing ingredient called petrolatum.  The ribbons sit side by side in the bottle (you can actually see them through the semi-sheer plastic) but they don't get activated until they are mixed with water. Then they cleanse and moisturize your skin in one step! The products produce silky lather and have a light floral scent. Just as with Moisturinse, my skin felt soft and moisturized and even better, there are three different levels of moisturizing treatment  to meet your skin's changing needs. The highest level of moisturizer is "Body Wash plus Body Butter Ribbons" with Jojoba Butter -- a pretty lavender, with 50% moisturizers." Body Wash Créme Ribbons With Almond Oil" is pink with 30% moisturizers. "Body Wash plus Lotion Ribbons with Aloe Extract" is a light green with 20% moisturizers. They are an affordable, effective, pampering treat for your body.

If you love smooth, satiny, soft, skin, you already use a body exfoliator on a regular basis. Why not make this beauty regimen, fun? The Moisturizing Body Scrub $32.00 16 oz. by LaLicious in Passionfruit Lime Sugar Soufflé, smells like key lime pie, but while you're enjoying the scent, tiny grains of pure cane sugar (less abrasive than salt) make short work of dead skin cells, while natural oils such as coconut, Vitamin E, and almond, soften and moisturize. For additional moisture, the Passionfruit Lime Body Body Oil $20.00 8 fl. oz smells divine, absorbs quickly so there's no greasy feel, and creates what feels like silk on your skin. No wonder celebrities such as Kate Hudson, Paris Hilton, Eva Longoria and Jessica Alba love LaLicious products. The Advice Sisters do too, and so will you!

ADVERTISE & EXCHANGE LINKS ON THE ADVICE SISTERS WEB SITE

Thibiant Beverly Hills is new to our review this column. We loved the facial moisturizers, and want to let you know that this exceptional line also contains a quartet of body care products designed to relax and pamper you. We tried the Replenishing Body Cream $36.00 6.7 oz. . We liked the light, soft texture and the way this emollient product absorbed quickly without leaving an oil slick behind. Our skin felt firmer, softer and smoother in an instant. It's a true treat for your body.

Sedona Valley Spa, exclusive to Pefumania stores, is comprised of treatment products used in popular spas.  The line was created to give you a spa-quality products (and a spa-like experience) at home. The products were developed with ingredients found in the Sedona, Arizona desert landscape.We tried the Shea & Cactus Body Butter $14.00 8 oz. The oval tub of light, creamy moisturizer has a nice, uplifting, floral scent. The cream absorbs nicely, leaving your skin feeling quite soft and revitalized.  Ingredients include cactus extract, that restores dry skin, shea butter ( an intensive moisturizer) that improve elasticity and protect against moisture loss. Other ingredients that you'll want to note are natural butters and Vitamin E. These give you noticeably softer, smoother skin.  This is our first review of Sedona Valley products but we hope it won't be the last, because you get a nice product for a nice price, along with truly pampered skin.

I've secretly been hoping to try the aromatherapy line of Bath Oils from Dr. Hauschka for the .These aren't wimpy washes, they're serious treatments for body and face that help restore balance to body and mind. The Rosemary Bath $26.50 5.1 fl. oz, for example, is richly scented with warming rosemary oil. One or two teaspoons added to bath water helps to stimulate circulation, warm your weary (or cold) body, and clear your mind to ready yourself for the challenges of the day. You can also use it as a facial rinse, by adding a few drops to a skin-full of warm water. Use it to wash away your facial cleanser.   TIP:  Rosemary oil also is said to help reduce the appearance of cellulite. Add a few drops to a warm washcloth and massage those "cheesy" areas, vigorously! The Lavender Bath $26.50 5.1 fl .oz is an end-of-the-day treat. Strongly scented with lavender essential oils, this product helps to ease nerves, tension, anxiety and stress. It not only gives you a sense of calm, it warms your skin and helps you get a peaceful night's sleep without medication. TIP:   to reduce sore neck muscles, put a few drops on a moist washcloth and press it against the back of your neck. Breathe in the scent and in about 10 minutes your locked-up muscles should relax. You can also use this as a facial wash by adding a few drops to a sink-full of warm water.

CLEVER BEAUTY HELPERS:

The Mouthwash to Go Kit $7.00 by Breath Palette, has five, alcohol-free, yummy tasting mouth washes. Peel off the top of one of the single-serve plastic containers that remind me of single-serve creamer packages, and swish the contents in your mouth for 32 seconds. Savor the yummy flavor while you eliminate winter "dry mouth" and refresh your breath. They're the perfect size to pop into a makeup bag, briefcase, or travel tote and so much fun to use.   Mouthwash to Go is available in four different sets with flavors to suit varying tastes. We tried the "Zen Palette," containing exotic flavors such as Oolong Tea, Lavender, and Sweet Carrot.  "East Meets West;" "Smoothie;" and "Sweet Tooth" feature flavors ranging from Caramel and Coffee, to California Orange and Fuji Apple. These make a great hostess gift, too.

Want a little pick-me-up that actually makes you look as good as it makes you feel? Try a spritz of Rose Bouquet Hydrating Facial Mist $20.00 by Jacqua from the Fleur Magique Collection. A lime-green cardboard box tipped with brown ribbon bow holds a frosted glass spray bottle containing 1.69 fl. oz of moisturizing spray to soothe, soften, and revive your face. The ingredients include rose hip oil and aloe vera, along with a romantic, rose scent. A moisturizing spray is especially great on airplanes, and you can also lightly spray your airplane pillow, or linens at your destination, for added allure. This would make a great gift for mom, sister, or special friends on Valentine's Day.

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

The tag line for Thibiant Beverly Hills is: "sophisticated. Simple, Scientific." I think it's the perfect description of Thibiant products. They will appeal to the busy fashionista who wants good quality and high performance without a lot of fuss and bother.  The products are very lightweight on the skin, and absorb quickly. I love the fact that the SPF of 15 is built right in, making it easy to add sun protection to your everyday routine without adding and extra step and without having to apply an extra product. Hydratint Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 1.7 fl. oz $42.00 covers with an oil free, medium-sheer finish on a choice of three colors to suit virtually every complexion.  You don't really need anything else to keep your skin moisturized, protected, and looking smooth. This is a great choice for a multi-tasking skincare product.  I love the tote-able plastic tubes, too.  If you just want the moisturizer and SPF protection without color, Perfect Restoring Moisturizer SPF 15 $45.00 1.7 fl. oz  is also a fabulous product that nourishes your skin with and provides continuous moisture throughout the day, but won't clog pores or weigh down your skin. These products are impressive, and I hope to review more of them in the future.

Give your hard-working lips something to smile about by investing in a superior lip balm such as the Black Diamond Formula Intense Therapy Balm $6.50 by Jack Black.  It is enriched with natural mint, avocado oil, shea butter, and green tea. Our badly parched lips felt smoother and softer in just one application! The balm is clear, matte, and fragrance free, so the men and youngsters in your family can share it with you. Key ingredients include natural mint to refresh and revitalize, shea butter, avocado oil and lanolin to soothe and condition, and vitamin and and green tea extract to protect against the sun's damaging rays.  This is not only a great balm as-is, it's great under lipstick. Even better,   it has a whopping, paba-free SPF 25! Apply this often and avoid cracked, painful, dry lips all season long. Be sure to get a few for home, office, car, and travel tote.

We first reviewed Innovative Skincare in our Spring, 2005 column. This skincare line uses cutting-edge technology and has won raves from celebrities such as Faith Hill, Oprah, and Tyra Banks.  Innovative Skincare SPF 20 Moisturizing Treatment Sunscreen $33.00 3. fl. oz uses something called "nano-encapsulation technology" to offer lightweight, broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection combining microfine zinc oxide, vitamins and botanicals, that guard against premature aging, the sun's damaging rays, and also help reduce redness and inflammation associated with sun damage. The unscented, whisper-light formula make it idea for daily use, and the simple, white and blue packaging give it unisex appeal.

By now, almost everyone has gotten the message that it is important to apply sun screen or sun block to face and body as protection against the sun's damaging rays during the summer months. Alas, they often forgot that even if it's not sunbathing weather, the sun's UV rays are still out there, ready to damage your skin.  It's important to apply SPF during the Winter months, too.  Jack Black Sun Guard Oil-Free Very Water/Sweat Resistant Sunscreen with SPF 30+ $16.00 4 oz is a super-powered sun protector in any season. Created for active people, it won't run or drip into your eyes whether you're surfing, sun bathing, or on the ski slopes. We love the non-greasy, fragrance-free, colorant-free, oil-free formula that lasts a long time and helps to moisturize skin, but still feels like you've applied nothing at all. For special protection for your face, try the Jack Black Double-Duty Face Moisturizer SPF 20 $15.95 1.5 fl. oz . It's more than a moisturizer (although it does that quite well), it is great to know that you are also guarding your skin against premature aging due to sun exposure, with UVA and UVB protection.   containing blue algae extract (a rich source of Vitamin E and minerals) and sea parsley (containing Vitamins A and C to improve the skin's appearance).  The cream absorbs quickly and isn't greasy or irritating.  TIP: the dark blue plastic tubes and unscented, high-performance products have unisex appeal.

Moisture Extreme Lipstick $7.00 by Maybelline New York with it's unique, gel-based, anti-chap formula, does triple  duty as a balm, lip color, and sun protector with SPF 15. The lightweight formula will keep your lips looking beautiful, all Winter long.  Even though the color is long-lasting, I loved the moist, fresh-feel so much that I kept wanting to re-apply it often. There are a whopping 44 color choices. On one side of the spectrum is "Nude Blush" is an almost bare lip color for casual days. For high color, "Royal Red" is a bright, intense red that offers instant glam.

THE LATEST LIP PRODUCTS:

Lip Shimmer $21.00 by Giorgio Armani is the little splurge you'll want to make now, especially if you didn't get it as a gift during the holidays. These long-lasting, wanded lip-glosses provide high shine while offering lips pampering moisture. Even dry, cracked lips will look and feel, sexy!  There are lots of beautiful colors to choose from ranging from a subtle nudes, to dramatic reds and berries.   To start your collection of these gorgeous glosses, we suggest #22, a shimmery, nearly-clear, super-shiny gloss that covers cracked lips, and pumps up the sex appeal as a top coat over your favorite lipstick, too. Giorgio Armani Lipstick Mania $22.50 is another tempting treat.  They are moisturizing, intense, creamy, and long-lasting and come in beautiful, sophisticated colors. The shiny, black tube is a fashion statement in itself. For lips too damaged to handle deeper colors, or for a natural look, there are three nearly-nudes that make a perfect choice alone, or as a base for deeper colors. We like the nearly-clear pink" #31," and the still subtle but slightly deeper shades of beige "#32" and peach "#30." Check out all the incredible, deeper colors, too!

Long-wearing products are increasingly beloved by busy women who like to look fashionable, but don't have the time to re-apply makeup during the day. Alas, when it comes to lip color, the longer-wearing ones have traditionally been a bit drying.   Coming this February, long-lasting lip color lovers will cheer for Maybelline's New York Superstay Lip Color $9.99. This lovely new product has a patent-pending formula, comes in a dual-sided wand, and combines 20 beautiful colors with long-lasting wear, without drying out your lips. We weren't able to test the product for the 16 hours Maybelline says it will last, but we did wear it for hours and hours, and can report great results, along with lips that looked luxuriously soft and moist (with the help of the clear balm on one end of the dual-sided wand). Thoughtfully, Maybelline is offering refills of the balm for just $4.99! I loved "Superstay Cherry," a soft red, medium-shine red that looks sexy and flattering on everyone but you can choose your colors, ranging from neutral to bold.

WONDERFUL EYE PRODUCTS:

If your eyelids feel dry and icky from too much holiday merriment, and the dry environment of Winter, pamper them with the new, Dream Mousse Shadow $6.50 by Maybelline New York. Little pots of creamy shadow are so lightweight they almost feel spongy when you touch them. The patent-pending formula blends slides on like silk, but dries lightening fast. Choose from 8 shades that don't crease or cake, feel soothingly soft, but still last like a  powder!  We tried "Vanilla Veil," a sexy vanilla shadow with gold glimmer, and "Tranquil Rose," a browned rose. TIP: these are so soft and blendable that it is easy to create a variety of looks by layering colors.

We have always been fans of the oh-so-French Bourjois line of cosmetics. Something new to add some punch to your January eye looks is Drole de Sourcil,$13.00,  a colored eyebrow mascara in a tube that colors and combs brows in one step. This " mascara" adds volume too, so it's great for thin brows. The waterproof formula keeps unruly brows in shape all day long.  Try Brun Cuivre (coppery brown)m Or Blond (dark golden blonde) or Auburn (reddish brown).  For well groomed, natural-looking brows without any color, try Sourcil Au Beau Fixel $13.00. Add color and sophisticated "oomph" to your eyelashes with Maxi-Frange $19.00, (photo) an astounding new, dual-wanded mascara. A detangling comb o one end is covered in an "extreme extension formula" that coats lashes with a silk protein styling and smoothing cream. The other end follows, with a volumizing brush covered in a "maximum volume" formula that coats lashes in glorious, intense color. There are 4 colors:  Brilliantine Black, Wavy Blue, highlighted Brown, and (my favorite) Stylish Plum. Your lashes will look amazingly long and thick--dramatic and sexy! Even though your lashes look like you've used many coats of mascara, it still is easily removed with regular makeup remover. These add a bit of sexy fun to your life!

Another pampering product for your eye lashes works while you sleep as well as during the daytime.  You nourish and moisturize all the other parts of your face, so don't forget your lashes need TLC, too.  Simply apply the new, Eyelash Treatment $34.00 from FACE Stockholm with it's mascara-type wand in the morning and before bedtime, and let the nourishing ingredients (eg. allantoin, marrinnier extract, witch hazel and horse chestnut extract)   penetrate deep into the root of your lashes.  Apply twice a day and you'll soon seen longer, fuller, healthier lashes even when you're not wearing mascara.

Cover Girl's Shadow Squease $4.99 is kind to your eyelids by pampering them with a soft, shimmery, cream. We liked the applicator with cushioned tip that contours to the shape of your eye, making it easy to apply the product in one simple swoop. The colors are sheer enough to layer, so you can have just a little color, or make it more intense. The plastic tube is totally portable for touch-ups, not that you'll need to do that often, since the product is very long lasting and smudge-proof. There are currently eight shades. We tried "Cocoa," a warm, shimmery brown that brightened and opened up everyone's eyes, "Latte," a cool, soft brown,   "Champagne" is a shimmery, flattering, all-around color for lids or highlighter, and "Cloud," is a creamy white that makes a dramatic statement on lids (try a colored liner for added drama) or as a highlighter. TIP: you can easily blend the lighter colors together for your own, unique looks or use to soften darker shades.  Frame eyes nicely with Lash Exact $6.99. This new mascara's secret to non-clumping application and long, lush lashes, is in the unique design of the brush. It is created by a precise injection molding technique that makes each bristle perfectly placed. When you comb the bristles through your lashes they are detangled, and mascara is evenly applied so it won't clump. My lashes definitely looked longer and thicker.  It comes in four shades: "Very Black," "Black," Brown," and "Black Brown." The mascara stays put all day, but still washes off easily with soap and water or a simple makeup remover. Another nice touch is the packaging. The mascara is capped and packaged separately from the brush applicator to keep it from drying out prematurely in the package. Once you open the package, you can discard the cap.

NEW FOUNDATIONS AND BLUSHERS:

Dream Mousse Bronzer $7.50 by Maybelline New York feels amazingly feather-light, almost spongy,  when you open the little, round, jar and touch the product with a fingertip. These sheer, silky bronzers blend amazingly well, and quickly dry to a long-lasting finish that won't rub off on your clothes.  We just love these -- not just for their portability and affordability, but also for their sheer, believable, long-lasting color that is good for an all-over glow, or strategically placed as a highlight or blush. There are two colors: "Glistening Sun" (a light bronze) and "Sun Glow." Get a hint of the sun without actually being in it, now, and throughout the year.

Fluid Sheer $55.00 by Giorgio Armani might be our favorite beauty complexion secret for Winter skin. The product's light-diffusing properties work with your moisturizer, foundation, or alone, to give your skin a moist and fresh look with just a hint of shimmer. Your skin will look lively and healthy, even if what it really needs is a lot of TLC! The pump bottle makes application clean and easy. The product is lightweight and dries quickly. The shades range from very light   "0" and "1") all the way to dark.  " #14,"   is fantastic. It gives  light-to-medium complexions an awesome, sheer, peachy glow.  Find your favorite shade and get flowing in an instant! Traditionalists will love Armani Sheer Blush $40.00.The chic, round, matte, black compact with interior mirror is a treat to use in itself, but the blush leaves a sheer, believable peachy glow with a hint of shimmer that flatters every complexion in it's own, unique way.  It is a new,  "must-have," Winter pick-me-up.

Skin tends to lose color in the Winter months, and your complexion can turn a healthy complexion into a pale one, seemingly overnight. One way to breathe life back into it is a quick and easy application bronzer/blush. We have reviewed Cover Girl Cheekers Blush $3.15 in several Previous Columns because they're so affordable and easy to use. "Golden Tan" will give a glow to medium to deep complexions but there are dozens of other colors to choose from to suit your tastes. Cover Girl Tanfastic Bronzer $5.00 is another way to glow. Simply sweet the layerable,  luminous, bronzer with fine shimmer particles all over, or just where the sun normally hits, to give you face a sun-kissed, natural looking glow all year long."Solstice" is a cool bronze, "Soleil", a warmer version.   TIP: you can use Tanfastic as a highlighter too on cheekbones and even on décolletage. Very glam and very nice!

PRODUCTS FOR HAPPY, HEALTHY HAIR:

(photo-Alison Blackman). During Olympus Fall 2005 Fashion Week, I watched AVEDA's lead stylist, the very talented Kevin Ryan , work magic on the model's hair for the Monique Lihuiller runway show  (photo). He used conditioning products from the AVEDA Damage Remedy Line to style slick chignons, given the model's hair a day off from endless blow dryers, irons, and hair extensions. The models also received a cute "Emergency Kit" with three of the products from this conditioning haircare line.  TIP: If you have day off when you're not doing anything special, putting good conditioner in your hair and leave it in. Your hair will absorb what it needs, and at the end of the day, you'll have better looking hair. Now you can have the same, plant-based and organic conditioning products for your own hair. Start with Damage Remedy Restructuring Shampoo $24.00 8.5 fl. oz.  I love the energizing, herbal, aromatherapy scent (bergamot, mandarin and ylang ylang) and the fact that the plastic packaging is made from 80% post-consumer recycled material.  The shampoo inside is exceptional. It gently cleans with moisturizing coconut and babassu nut that leaves hair soft, but not greasy.  Follow with Damage Remedy Restructuring Conditioner $24.00 6.7 fl. oz. to add more softness and shine. If your skin deserves pampering, why not your hair? Give it a weekly boost with Damage Remedy Intensive Restructuring Treatment $16.00 4.2 fl. oz. Leave this on for 2-5 minutes, and let the unique blend of plant oils give your hair the same kind of intensive treatment a facial moisturizing mask provides!

Do blondes really have more fun? Who knows? What we do know is that they now have more high-quality product options to keep that golden glow going, thanks to Redken.   Blonde Glam Shampoo $8.95 8.5 fl. z  fl. oz pumps up the shine and enhances blonde highlights with a melange of ingredients including grapefruit extract paired with antioxidant properties, and shimmery mica.  This multi-faceted "Crystal Shine Complex" also helps to eliminate brassiness, clarify color and strengthen the hair. Of course, the shampoo cleanses beautifully, too! Add Blonde Glam Conditioner $10.95 10.1 fl. oz  to your hair care routine for for it's great detangling properties, along with extra shine and softness. Fresh Gold $13/95 6.8 fl. oz is a color-depositing deep conditioner that you leave on for at least 3 minutes, and then wash out, activating warm blonde highlights. Reviewers said it made their hair brighter and of course, softer, but it didn't change the color or make it brassy.  Crystal Flash $14.95 1.7 fl. oz is a leave-in treatment that adds shine and reduces frizz. This product won raves from reviewers because a dried out frizzy blonde is not a pretty blonde! These products are so nice we might all wish we were blonde, but don't worry,  Redken makes great products for Redheads and Brunettes, too!

Finding a line of haircare products that work well for your specific needs is a bit like falling in love..for a while you feel like you're on cloud 9.   Not surprisingly, Brocato's Cloud 9 Miracle Repair System products may have you feeling the same way! I love the simple, plastic, white and grey packaging with a border of "be beautiful" done in delicate, script lettering. Inside the bottle, All the products have a combo of healing nutrients, fortifying plant proteins and UV protectants.  Cloud 9 Miracle Repair Shampoo $10.95 10 oz is simply a wonderful shampoo! It cleanses and nourishes dry, weak and dull hair. You can see the astonishing results in your first use! Follow with Cloud 9 Miracle Repair Styling Crème $14.95 ( a non-sticky cream with light hold and UVA/UVB protection)  and/or Cloud 9 Mousse $12.95 5 oz 5 oz (gives more bounce and body to fine hair) and swap your dry, damaged or otherwise lackluster tresses for hair that looks super shiny, healthy, non-frizzy, and feels luxuriously soft.

GREAT KITS & GIFTS:

Gifts of the Goddess is a company producing all natural, paraben, toxin, and synthetic-free products. We like what we see in this, our first review. A great way to sample the line is with the Goddess Getaway Travel Kit $23.95 featuring six moisturizing products for body and face.A clear, zippered pouch holds a .25 oz lip balm that is super-moisturizing, deliciously scented with almond, and it even has UV protection. The silky, non-shiny, clear balm is perfect for everyone in your family. We also liked the three body butters that soothe your skin, are quickly absorbed, and come in amazing scents such as delicious "Raspberry Rose & Almond;" romantic "Sweet Jasmine & Avocado Butter;" and yummy "Pomegranate Wine & Olive Butter." Also included (and very nice to use) area small pot of Triple Butter Calendula Body Balm with Frankincense & Bergamot, and two decadent Face Butters: "Fig & Cranberry" (antioxidant) and "Milk & Honey" (alpha hydroxy).  They are soothing, non-irritating, and fun to use.

ABOUT THE 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.