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"WHAT WORKS" COLUMN"  ARCHIVES- Beauty Review:  Focus on Your Eyes

 "Eyes are the window to the soul" (mid 16th century proverb).

 Your eyes are the ultimate "power tool."  They enable you to see. They convey emotion.  They're a window to your thoughts.  They communicate.  They don't lie.   Your eyes are a reflection back to you of who you are.  To enhance your eyes, all you really is is a quick sweep of a shadow over your lids.  However, once you see what you can do with eye makeup, you'll want more!  In this  "WHAT WORKS" column, we're focusing just on "what works" for the eyes! 

FACE Stockholm’s eye matte shadow singles ($15.00) are generously-sized, and come in literally dozens of sophisticated colors from the lightest pastels, to black. Three that are sure to compliment you this season are: "Lemon," a light yellow highlighter (also good for lids); "Milkshake" which looks like a strawberry shake, and "Platina," a silky medium grey for lids, crease, or even to use as a soft liner. 

We like the philosophy, the colors, the packaging of  Tony & Tina Cosmetics. Their Color Frequency Eye Shadow Duo ($18.00) comes in lots of beautiful combinations,  with equally beautiful names.  The products have chamomile and the soothing antioxidant properties of Vitamins A, C and E.  For this season, try "Knowledge & Spirit," a pearly duo with a brown-pewter for lids, and a pinkish-beige highlight. 

 Clinique’s cream-to-powder Touch Tint for Eyes ($13.50) in small, tote-able tubes that contain six sheer, shimmery colors are a quick, "no-brainer" choice for the woman on the go. One layer gives a sheer wash of color just perfect for an informal days, but you can add more layers for more intensity and an entirely new look.   Try "Nude Sparkle," a natural peachy shimmer. "Sable Shimmer" would flatter a tan.  This is all you need for a natural,  no-hassle look!

 Laura Mercier has always been on brand that is tops on our list of favorites.  Laura Mercier's Eye Basics ($22.00)  are a new way to color your lids.  There are three beautiful, creamy natural  cream to powder colors , housed in a convenient tube with wand. The shadow glides on smoothly but dries quickly and stays put.  These are great for spring and summer activities, or all-night dancing. We suggest the pastel, pinkish-nude "Linen," which is also makes pretty highlighter. The shadow is also available in 

"Wheat," and "Bisque. "

 Bourjois Cosmetics are being reviewed in this column or the first, time, but before they dazzled us with a striking array of beautiful eye shadows, we were already   big fans. For years, friends have been stocking up for us whenever they were in France.  A distinctive feature of the Bourjois powder shadow singles, Pastel Lumiere ($13.00) is the compact. It looks like a little jewel box, matches the color of the shadow within, and comes with it’s own little applicator. The 24 colors range from matte in the most neutral to most dramatic tones, to pearl and even some gorgeous (e.g. #91 Vert Ondine" or "#90 Blanc Diaphane") iridescent colors that look like butterfly wings on your lids! Bourjois Effect Lumiere ($18.00) features three shadows per compact: an iridescent highlighter; a lid shadow; and a definer. Try the golden "#47 Les Ors". Those who like to use wands and keep fingers clean will love Bourjois Effect De Nacre ($14.00). This is a creamy iridescent eyeshadow in 8 soft shades. "#61 Neige Eternelle" is a pretty, pearly white to wear alone, as a base, or a highlighter. The cream dries fast and is long-lasting. Bourjois's Gloss Regard ($14.00) is a non-sticky, easy-to-apply-with-wand eye gel  that's like a "lip gloss for your eyes." Blend one of four neutrals like  "#01 Mauve Millennium," to add sheer color and shine.

 BeneFit Creaseless Creme Shadows ($14.00) come in lots of (easily blendable), beautiful colors from neutral to all out vibrant glam. Reviewers raved about "Gidget Goes," a pink shimmery orchid to add a lift to your eyes and coordinate with all those spring and summery outfits!

 Lorac (Carol" backwards) has sexy shadows that can be used wet or dry. Try Lorac shadows ($16.00)  in "Mesmerize, " a golden peach which would flatter a tan, and "Enlighten," a golden pearl that looks beautiful as a highlighter, or over a darker color. Either makes dazzling evening eye liner, too.

 Alchemy Cosmetics is the house brand of Bigelow Apothecaries, established in 1836, a favorite of celebrities from Sarah Jessica Parker to Liv Tyler and Lou Reed! The powders are made using exclusive pharmaceutical technologies that make the products silky, good for you, and beautiful, too! We also really like their classy, distinctive, coppery-cases. The Alchemy Eye Shadow ($15.00) inside is beautiful, too! "Monk’s Pepper" is a strange name for a pretty, shimmery brown that would be universally flattering on any complexion. Highlight with the matte flesh colored "Shitake."

Defile's luxe cosmetics are a treat across the board, but they make astounding eye shadows that slide on like silk, stays true to color, and feel decadent to use. Try Defile Eye Shadow ($21.00) in"optic effect," a subtle silver metallic, or "caviar," a gorgeous soft, pearly, brown. 

For those without deep pockets, Maybelline’s Expert Eyes Shadow Singles (approx. $3.00) delivers.  It is available in a wide variety of colors to suit every taste. These are a favorite not only of the frugral, but with savvy women who know good value.  For summer lids, or as a highlighter, we’re suggesting the soft-pearl"vanilla" or the slightly shimmery, light "pink opal."

 T. LeClerc makes internationally-loved products that taste-makers have known about for years. The cosmetic line is making headway in the United States. Try a T. LeClerc powder eyeshadow duo ($23.00) and you’ll see why. Sophisticated, matte silver compacts with inside mirrors feature silk-soft shadows in more than a dozen, beautiful color combos. We like duo #02 "Vanilla" featuring pretty , matte peach shadow and also a soft gold. 

Linda Cantello, is one of the world's most respected and experienced make-up artists. She’s designed her own makeup line for her sterling lineup of celebrity fans (E.g. Elton John, Uma Thermion, and fashion designers such as Helmut Lang, Prada, Calvin Klein and Versace, for starters) and for savvy women who love great makeup. Try her Linda Cantello Modern Eye Color Cream ($17.00) in "Random, " a dark matte plum that would make a nice shadow eyeliner, too, for a more dramatic look and a change from the light and nude colors of the season.

 We love it when our favorite makeup companies give you flexibility, options. We’re really excited about Mac Cosmetic’s Pro Color Palette X4 Eye Shadow. Start with an empty compact ($3.50) that stores four individual shadows ($9.00) in more than a dozen, beautiful, sophisticated colors. Pick a quad that you like - they’re formulated for the pros, and they’ll help you look like your eyes are made up by one, too.

 Tony & Tina has Eye Shadow Singles ($14.00) are available in more than a dozen colors, in silvery cases. One that would be fun to add to your eye shadow collection is "Cosmic Mindtazia " a soft black with sparkle that makes the latest "smokey eye" or a dynamite eye liner! Tony & Tina’s Universal Color Dust ($15.00) in 13 sparkling shades are not just for eyes, but a touch on lids sparks them up for an evening out, instantly. In tune with summer’s "nude" theme we especially suggest "Shooting Star," the perfect yellow-gold for tans, or those who just want to look "golden." 

Trish McEvoy gives active women a new reason to be cheerful - shadow that stay put, and looks great. Water Stix ($20.00) come in lipstick-type tubes in six, soft subtle colors. They’re easily tote-able, too!. For a nice change from basic brown, or darker colors try pretty "Lilac" or soft, blue "Horizon" . Trish McEvoy’s powder shadow ($15.00) is equally luxurious to wear and comes in beautiful colors like "Warmglow" - a rich peachy shimmer for a no-hassle daytime look. Trish McEvoy also makes the best kits! One with all you need for an easy natural look is  (nautrally) called: "Easy Going" ($45.00). Inside a sophisticated, square signature case you’ll find a soft brown eye shadow in "Tawny," a highlighter  in "Shell," and  Trish’s great shadow eyeliner in dark brown "Charcoal,"  a medium-rosy brown blush also called " Easy Going" and a thin strip of matte lipstick in a universally-flattering "Satin Rose."

La Bella Donna Compressed Mineral Eye Shadow ($19.00) slides on like a silky, cream, but quickly dries like a sheer powder. We liked the brilliant turquoise "Cielo" and the golden "Corsica" with summer tans, and  "Lavanda"  for pastel lovers. 

Clinique’s Eye Defining Liquid Liner ( $13.50) is a quick drying gel that glides on smoothly and stays put. We especially liked "Navy," which is a bit softer than black. Reviewers really liked the fact that Clinique is ophthalmologist and allergy tested, and fragrance-free.

Three cheers for Maybelline’s Eye Express Eye Liner (approx $6.00). If you’re a liquid liner lover, you’ll enjoy this one. It goes on smoothly, dries quickly, and stays put all day without flaking or fading.

FACE Stockholm Eye Liner Pencil ($12.00) goes on smoothly without tugging, which we really liked. Choose a subtle basic, or try something new like the metallic coppery-gold "Sousanne" and the matte and surprisingly flattering pastel blue "Lena."

Defile Eye Liner Pencils ($18.00) look sleek and luxe on the outside, and whatever they create them with on the insde, we definitely see the difference!  The powder-liner shadows ($21.00)  like  "Fog" are rich and dense. The waterproof pencil  literally glides on your lids, making it easy to control the line. They're long lasting and have a smudger/blender on the end to make a sexy eye, easily. Even if you don’t usually like pencil liners, treat yourself to these--you love them!

Another really great pencil is T. LeClerc’s Eye Pencil ($15.00) in dark brown "#5 Topaze" which glides on and stays put. These excellent pencils come in beautiful colors from light to dark, mattes to metallics. Use them for lining, blended as a shadow, or for accents.

Bourjois Liner Parfait ($13.00) comes in 8 stay-put shades including a dramatic purple ("#09 Prune") and a pretty silvery Gray (#11 Argent"). The brush has a short handle which makes it much easier to make a smooth line and control the thickness you want. For pencil fans, Crayon Noir Et Blanc ($9.00) is a handy, dual-tip product with a white pencil on one end to open and brighten the eye, and a black pencil on the other for lining. We also liked the pretty range of color in the Bourjois Paupiere Infini Eyeshadow pencil ($9.00) in nine fun colors like the metallic, silver "Argent" the bright, pearly "Blue Ocean" and matte, medium-plum "Lilas"

With fresh ideas and the cutest packaging on the planet, Rocket City’s Eyeshadow Trio ($15.00) made friends with our reviewers. Rocket City’s  products are in adorable "mini" sizes that are reasonably priced and easy to tote. We couldn’t resist one their latest - a glittery trio with grey and peach glitter shadows, and an amazing, super-pearly rose.. We're sure they called it "Message From Mars"  because it’s simply out of this world fun!

Bobbi Brown’s Sparkledust ($20.00) is a great glitter choice to use alone, or layer on top of another to give it new life. It’s subtle enough to wear outside of a nightclub, and it’s available in four soft, sparkling colors. We particularly liked the shimmery "Violet" for lids, and also the neutral "champagne" for... everywhere!

Urban Decay’s Sparkler Pen ($24.00) is a bit pricey for glitter, but it’s FUN to use and this glitter sets quickly, looks great, and stays put. The pen comes in four sparkling colors (we tried the superb, silvery Uzi"). A little goes a long way, you need just a little to make a big splash!

You don’t always need a cream or a miracle (or a lot of sleep) to look less tired. Benefit’s Eye Bright ($16.00 is a pink, jumbo pencil that, when applied to The inner and outer corners of your eye, reduces redness and makes you look more awake and perky than you probably feel!   GirLActik has one of The most unusual, high-wattage products we’ve seen for a long . GirLActik sparkle powder eyeliner comes in a couple of dozen fun colors. What makes it unique is the special base ($10.00) that you apply with a special brush magic wand ($10.00) brush so that the finely-milled glitter powders ($14.00) really stay PUT wherever you apply them. If this all seems like a lot of trouble to go through for glitter, we can only tell you that The glitters are some of The most amazing, light-reflecting powders we’ve used, and The products live up to their claims–they really DO stick around where you want them, banishing "sparkle dandruff."

  Tony & Tina’s Glitter Eye Pencil ($18.00), comes with (thank you T&T!) it’s own sharpener and a smudge/blender tip. The high-wattage glitter of "Clear/Silver or any of their eight fun colors will instantly add a sparkle to anyone’s eye! Tony & Tina also has a variety of regular Eye Pencils ($16.00 each) in five nice colors with sharpener and smudge/blender sponge.

Eyes Faux You: False eyelashes are not for everyone. You need patience, good eyelash glue, and steady hands to put them on right. If you don’t, they either look weird, or worse, you may find yourself missing one halfway through The day. On The other hand, false eyelashes make you look instantly glamorous. To apply The lashes, line your upper lash line with a dark eyeliner and smudge it slightly to create a smoky effect. This will help to conceal The lashband. Then, apply a small drop of eyelash glue to your finger, lightly pull The lash band through it. Apply the false lashes as close to your natural lash line as possible, pressing the lash down (lightly) for a few seconds on the outside of the eye. After you've applied the false lashes, curl them along with your real lashes if you wish, and apply mascara.

 For the many fans false eyelashes, Shu Uemura’s Fake Eyelashes ($11.00) will delight. They come in basic black and brown, but also in amazingly wearable colors like "110 Purple" - a maroon-black. Set "#804" has  metallic silver threads nestled in long, lush black lashes. You won't  look like you were born with them, but you definitely will feel (and look) like a real  Diva! This excellent makeup line offers lots of variety so you can pick what feels best for you.

 IMAN also has lovely lashes ready for women for whom mother nature didn’t offer up a lush supply. IMAN false eyelashes ($15.00) are quite long, and come in an assortment of styles to suit you.

BROW BASICS: Eyebrow enhancement comes first from the natural shape of your brows.  This is best done by a professional. A. few strokes of an eyebrow pencil or shadow, especially  if your lashes are sparse, light or if they’re improperly shaped,  fills in the brow and makes it look better. Pick a color close to your natural brow color. 

Prescriptives Brow Kit ($25.00) gives you everything you need to keep your brows looking great. We love this handy little compact that houses a mini eye-brow brush, tweezer and three blendable brow powders. The products are great, it’s a good value, and most of all, you’ll have everything you need, when and where you need it. Kit #02 "dark brown" will work for nearly everyone!

 Laura Mercier makes a brow powder duo ($23.00) (brown duo in photo)that is not only The highest quality to define and time brows, she makes it in FIVE different sets (thank you, Laura!) to make it easy to choose just The right colors!. From nearly-black "brunette" to "soft blonde," you won’t go wrong. Laura Mercier products are formulated to suit The fussiest professional makeup artist, but she always keeps The average women in mind when creating her products so everyone gets awesome results.

EYECARE/SKINCARE: We wish we’d listened:  it’s never to early to take care of your skin. Then again, it's never too late, either!  The skin around your eyes is especially thin and delicate - the first to show age.  From preventative, to damage control, to repair, there’s a good product for you, no matter what your age. Choosing the right ones is highly personal. To help you choose, there are two types. One type contains botanicals (e.g.chamomile) formulated to fight puffiness, dark circles, and bags by dehydrating and tightening the skin around the eye.  The second type contains retinoids, alpha hydroxy acid, and vitamins such as A, C, and E. These stimulate repair and counteract environmental damage. As you read the following product descriptions, keep in mind that most products show results slowly, over time. We tested each product for just a short time, so we are NOT offering comments on their effectiveness.  When you choose products, keep in mind that what works for your friend may be completely wrong for you. Before you plunk down lots of money for eye treatments, be an educated consumer. Get samples. Read the directions. Apply properly!

 Clinque’s Anti Gravity Firming Eye-Lift Cream ($28.50) helps give eyes that haven’t be pampered a bit of help. The cream moisturizes and firms, and over time, helps to repair fine lines. Clinique Moisture Surge Eye Gel ($26.00) is a lightweight, oil-free gel. The intense moisturizing formula "plumps" The eye area to soften and reduce fine lines. Use anytime under makeup, or use as an eye mask by applying, leaving on 5 minutes, then tissue-off.

 Tony & Tina’s Therapeutic Eye Base ($22.00) comes in a compact, or a tube - take your pick. Wear it as a concealer, to keep eye makeup on longer, and, of course, to prevent and counteract fine lines, and to soothe tired puffy eyes. It contains Apple Seed Enzyme to prevent against signs of visible aging, and (they say) to reverse The signs as well. Tony & Tina’s Herbal Eye Refiner ($36.00) helps lock in moisture but absorbs fast, so there’s no sticky feeling. We like the easy to use pump, the natural ingredients to soothe eyes, protect them from the sun, even out skin tone, and even help reduce dark circles!

Among MAC’s excellent line of skincare products are two great ones for eyes:  Mac’s Moisture Feed/Eye ($25.00) is a light but emollient (use sparingly!) moisturizer for the entire eye area that hydrates, energizes and firms skin and minimizes fine lines. Their Fast Response Eye Cream ($25.00) is just that: a fast acting treatment to soothe the skin around the eye area. An added plus is that the product plays optical tricks with light which means the eye area looks smoother.

 Trish McEvoy recently introduced their Intense Eye Treatment ($48.00) which helps protect against moisture loss and restore a youthful look to skin. Light-diffusing properties minimize under-eye darkness-another good reason to use it!

 We like BeautiControl’s cosmetics and gifts. They also have a comprehensive collection of skincare products. Two for the eyes are: Regeneration Gold Eye Repair ( $26.00) which helps firm the delicate skin around the eye area, reduce puffiness and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and moisturizer for more youthful skin; and BeautiControl’s Tight Eyed Eye Firming Complex ($30.00) which absorbs fast. It tightens and brightens the skin around the eye, while reducing the appearance of puffiness, lines, wrinkles and dark circles.

Face Stockholm’s Daily Eye Care ($26.00) is a light, creamy sheath of cucumber extract, avocado oil, and comfrey that helps reduce the appearance of puffiness and fine lines. Use sparingly to help banish fatigue from delicate eye area. 

BeneFit has the cutest names for their products, but inside the jars and tubes, they’re providing serious products! Ooh La Lift ($18.00) has light reflecting pigments and botanicals to soothe eyes and give them an instant lift! We like the wand, which kept our fingers out of the product!

Dr. Brandt’s "C"" Eye Cream ($50.00) is specially formulated to firm, smooth and diminish fine lines and wrinkles with botanicals such as chamomile, lavender and palma rosa extract soothe, and camellia seed extract. We liked the fact that Fredric Brandt is a Board Certified Member of The American Board of Internal Medicine and American Board of Dermatology and has been in practice for more than 20 years. 

Shira’s products, made in Israel, have included gentle but effective ingredients for their skin treatments since The fifties, Their Glyco-C-Eye Contour Cream ($38.00) for normal to dry skin uses glycolic acid and aloe to soften crows feet around The eyes and protect skin from new wrinkles. Shira’s Vitality Oxygen Eye Zone Cream ($54.00) is created for all skin types. It’s a delicate, non-oily cream that can be used under makeup to reduce wrinkles and boost moisture levels in the all-important eye zone.

ALIVE Pure Kabbalah Water Within has a strange name, perhaps, but their Remove Dark Circle Under Eye Treatment ($101.00) says what it does, and does what it says!  It's a toning treatment that has all sorts of cutting edge, precious ingredients, including (no surprise) pure Kabbalah Water known to facilitate healthier skin cell and protein function. A little goes a long way!

FINISHING TOUCHES & FINAL THOUGHTS: Did you make a mistake? Most shadows can be removed by simply adding another color over the one you want to get rid of. You can also wipe off the color with a cotton swap (no rubbing)!  Eyeliner mistakes or drips of mascara can be removed with a cotton swab dampened with makeup remover. If you’ve really botched things, it’s usually better to remove all The color, clean your eyes, and start again. Most products can be removed easily with cleanser or soap, but waterproof products will smudge. It’s best to use a non-oily eye makeup remover for products formulated to "stay put."

Use common sense when buying and using eye products. Read labels carefully. Price isn’t always the best indicator of which products will be best for you. Whenever possible, test new products in the store and wear around them for a while (to see if you get a reaction). You’ll know by your watering, itchy, puffy eyes if a certain product is not right for you.  When buying makeup in sealed packages that you can’t test, you're taking your chances. Be ready to "gift" a friend with the products that you tried without testing, and now can’t wear. Play it safe. Most powders will last for a long time, but once the powder becomes cracked or starts to loosen in it’s container, it’s time to ditch it. Experts suggest that you replace liners and mascara every few months even if they seem ok, just to keep things clean and avoid infection. Strange smells are also usually a sign of makeup that should be discarded. If any liquid or cream makeup appears thicker than usual, or is gloppy, it’s time to chuck it. We don’t encourage you to share makeup with anyone, but eye makeup is especially prone to spreading infections. Never share mascara or liner if you can help it, and don’t agree to do it unless you clean the applicators first and afterwards.

Here’s how to get the products !

Alchemy Cosmetics:  http://www.alchemycosmetics.com/ Sephora http://www.sephora.com, and Bigelow Apothecary   

Alive Pure Kabbalah Water Within:http://www.alivekabbalah.com/

BeneFit Cosmetics has a nice, easy to use web site at: http://www.benefitcosmetics.com/

Bobbi Brown: Site offers product and store information, shop online and beauty tips http://www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com/

Bourjois Cosmetics: http://www.bourjois.com/ Global web site with cute animation and online store

Clinque: get lots of product information online and shop (U.S. orders only)  http://www.clinique.com

Defile: http://www.defilecosmetics.com also at Henri Bendel (NYC), Harrods (London,) Face and Facade (Houston, TX) Addies (Encinitas, CA), Burnt Sugar (Seattle),  Rouge

(Princeton, NJ)
Dr. Brandt Skincare: including a way to select products by skin type.  http://www.drbrandtskincare.com/skincare/  

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

GirLActik: Get information & order the products at: http://www.girlactik.com/ 

Gustavo cosmetics: get information and order online http://www.gustavocosmetics.com/ 

IMAN Makeup: find stores, products, beauty tips: http://www.i-iman.com/i-imanmakeup/

La Bella Donna: available at Bergdorf Goodman, spas, speciality stores or call 800-74-BELLA http://www.labelladonna.com

Laura Mercier: product information and shop online http://www.lauramercier.com/site/shoponline/index.htm

Linda Cantello: find products online at TheArtOfBeauty.com http://www.theartofbeauty.com/or from Bergdorf Goodman by calling 1-800-558-1855.

LORAC: product information, links to shopping online  http://www.loraccosmetics.com/  or call 1-800-0705 

MAC: product information and shopping online. www.maccosmetics.com

Maybelline:  visit http://www.maybelline.com/ for online shopping and other makeup tools, or buy in drugs stores and supermarkets. 

Physicians Formula: new web site offers tips, purchasing locations, online catalogue, and product information http://www.physiciansformula.com/ 

Prescriptives: get information and products online at: http://www.esteelauder.com/countrify/products/skin/index.html

Rocket City Cosmetics: Unusual, animated site lists sales locations, products, links, other fun stuff! http://www.rocketcitycosmetics.com/

Shira: available in spas and salons nationwide 1-800-957-4472 Find products and spa locator online at: http://www.shiracosmetics.com/_access

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