It's a little bit lip stain, it's a little bit rock n roll....M·A·C has two of the most innovative and tempting new lip products around.  M·A·C Tinted Lip Conditioner $13.50  is a product that does good while helping you to look even better! Sheer, vanilla-scented, tinted lip balms come in plastic containers that remind us of finger paints. They're silky (not waxy) and immediately soothed and smoothed our lips while protecting them with SPF 15. The colors are wonderful - just enough to perk up your winter paled lips, perfectly -- more than a gloss, less than a lipstick. Wear them alone, or try them over and under other lip products, too. We're taking ours, everywhere!  For a tropical touch of winter-brightener,  we suggest "Gentle Coral" or "Fuschia Fix." We also liked Neutral "Soothing Beige" and "Plum Perfect." For the fun of it, along with shiny lips and a sexy taste treat, you'll want to try one of the new M·A·C  Tastease Glosses $9.00, scented and flavored like delicious desserts. This is the ultimate indulgence, without the calories. We loved luscious cafe-scented "Latte Lick" and pearly-white "Creme Cocktail" which reminded us of a white Russian.  "Tastetease" is a lovely pearly peach that is temptingly reminiscent of Tiramisu. "Sweet Brulle" is a gold shimmered light pink that has a creme brule flavor.  There's also a chocolate, candy bar, caramel, Moka and framboise version. What more can we say but Mmmmmmm! This would make a perfect gift for a friend who is dieting, or for a treat for yourself. Tempt your special someone with the tastiest lips in town!

Maybelline's Forever Metallics lipstick $7.95 is a great choice for a long-lasting winter lipstick that works like the luxe brands, but at a fraction of the price.  We really liked the way it smooths on easily but doesn't feel heavy, sticky or dry. Ours lasting through many hours, including cocktails and dinner.   There are a dozen of these stay-put lip looks and they're all great, but our picks are the warm, peachy-pink "Glowing Ember" and the warmed-brown-red "Earthly Ore."

Not Soap Radio's Slick Lips $12.00 called "The stuff that Cupid dips his arrows in (because sometimes fate needs an assist) is a clear, slightly glittery ruby gloss that makes lips appear more full.  It has ginseng added for extra passion as does it's corresponding bath-gel partner (see body care below). You just can't help but feel sexy applying this  gloss. What a fun way to celebrate V-day!

There are lots of products that promise that your lipstick will last through drinks, dinner and...whatever....but one that really delivers, beautifully is Clinique's hot new Stay The Day  Lipcolor $16.50.   This is a true, very long lasting product.  It feels almost weightless, even with the addition of the super-shiny gloss.  It didn't rub off on our napkin, our blouse or our true love, either.  Currently, it's available in six shades that work day or evening, but our romantic pick is "Ruby Lips"-  a deep purpled red that is as romantic a color as you can choose. "Nude Glisten" is also sexy - a slightly shimmery, medium peachy-beige that is right to warm up winter-pale lips.

We love Armani lipsticks $22.50. We'd rather have just one of his elegant lipsticks than bag full of others. From the Matte Silk Lipstick collection  - matte colors that go on velvety-smooth and are very moist, but still give a matte (not bone dry) look, we suggest  #9 (medium rose), #5 (bright rose) or the not quite red-rose #11 for romantic, V-day lips.  The Smooth Lipstick Collection is more like a very intense lip stain, but still delivers clear, deep color with a silky smooth texture that is also long wearing.  We liked #9 (bright medium pink) and #16 (warmed brownish-pink) and #14 (deep rose-red) - perfect partners for kissable, V-day lips.

Du Wop Lip Venom $15.00 comes in a dozen, sexy shades and is a favorite of  fashionistas for it's vibrant color, bright shine, and a (fairly strong) tingly sensation with a (temporary)plumping effect. There's also a slightly fruity, slighty spicy taste. It's addictive. You won't get huge, Angelina Jolie-sized lips, but yours will be noticeably pinker and a bit fuller from the secret blend of essential oils.  Supposedly, ladies don't kiss and tell but our reviewers tried the sheer, clear red 'Tulip" which they say made their lips slightly pink and very shiny...and got noticed!

Zhen Moisture Lipstick $10.00 in "Scarlett" is just one of those perfect reds that suits nearly everyone. It's a rich but not gaudy true red, neither overly blue nor yellow toned.  Better yet, while you're coloring, you're moisturizing with Micro encapsulated beads that add extra conditioning to dry lips, along with a creamy, matte finish. Red lipstick lovers will also like Zhen Cream Lipstick $10.00 in "Dynasty," a moisture rich, slightly deeper version of red. If you want impressive looking lips, with something extra, try Zhen Element Lipstick $12.50 infused with glitter and shine. "Wood" is a red with bright sparkle, "Wind"packs a punch of medium pink with pink glitter. You'll get approving glances!!

BeneFit's Shangri-La Sheer Lipsticks $18.00 arrive in a festive, shiny black and lime green box with a bright pouf of lime green ribbon topping the cap. The colors  "Love & Mirage" (bright orange), "Pick Up In Paradise" (violet) and "You'll never-never Land Me) (hot pink) look shockingly hot at first, but they are also subtle and sheer." Glide them on your lips, and you'll have a soft shine that quietly highlights your pucker. These feel silky and full of moisture on your lips. Before applying lipstick, use BeneFit Lip Scription $28.00.  Two tubes treatment let any lipstick or gloss slide on, without those annoying little chapped "flakes" that stick out like a sore thumb on your lips. One tube has buffing lip beads with jojoba and AHA to polish away flakes, the other tube is a silky lip balm  with vitamin E and chamomile, to soothe and heal apres buffing or any time. A treat for your lips, definitely!

Give parched lips a treat, help them look younger, and make them look beautiful at the same time (and for not a lot of cash) with Avon's new Beyond Color Plumping Lipstick $8.00. Debuting in March, we're offering a sneak peek at this great new lipstick that has Retinol SPF and other good-for-your-lips ingredients. This is a great new product! The feel is smooth and silky, while it reduces lines, plumps lips, and moisturizes.  We tried it and our lips did feel softer and smoother instantly. With 20 long lasting shades, if you want a lipstick that does good while making you look good,  it's a sure bet that you'll want to rush to get several of these as soon as they are on the market!

Debra Macki lipstick $16.00 comes is offered in nearly two dozen shades of creams, sheers and pearls, with more than 20 lip liner pencils $14.00 to match. The stubby, black matte lipstick case with silver band looks simple, but the lipstick inside feels luxe and silky. Three cherry-chocolate-inspired shades are: "Inspiration, " a sheer, natural rose-brown to flatter a pale complexion,  "Dilemma," a maroon-brown and "Stardom" a deep plum-red (use Deep Plum or Beet liner pencil) will be romantic on deeper complexions for V-day and every day!

We love long wearing lipsticks like Max Factor's Lipfinity but even the best of them can be a bit drying on the lips, especially now that it's Winter. Help is here! Max Factor introduces Lipfinity Everlites $9.40 that feel moist but last up to ten hours. The included topcoat has ingredients to keep lips shiny and soft without ruining that staying power you want. For a rich, classy red that won't rub off (with Valentine's kisses?) try "Empowered," or one of more than 20 other beautiful shades.

We love the luxe line of Z.Bigatti products, not only for their upscale packaging but for their hard-working treatments that really do something for your dollars. Our new loves are Z. Bigatti Lip Envy and Z. Bigatti Lip Pout $55.00 each.  Lip Envy is new - a minty-scented balm that smooth dry lips for soothing,  immediate results - amazing, but true.  Follow with Lip Poutt to moisturize lips while volumizing them,  thereby diminishing the appearance of those aging lip lines into which your liners and lipsticks, inevitably creep.  You don't always get what you pay for, but you always pay for what you get. We could just kiss Z. Bigatti for adding these great products to our lives!

Bourjois Lipstick $14.00 is so chic and they give them such interesting names!. One of our universally-flattering favorites for now is Pour La Vie Lipstick "Rose Poudré pour Exaltées, " a pearly medium rose with a slightly vanilla-y scent.  #33" Rouge A'Lèvres" is also a medium rose with a glint of glitter for a bit of sparkle. "#34" is a champagne beige also with silvery glitter for a better than natural lift for your lips. A romantic sheer red is Framboisine pour Félines"which gives lips a tint of just bitten raspberry.

FACE Stockholm lipstick $18.00 looks so sleek and sophisticated in it's silvery, metal cases with black enamelled bands.  For a winter bright or a sexy V-day red, we choose "Chinese Red," a no-holds barred bright red with a slight shimmer and a slightly orange-y (not Grandma) tone that will especially flatter redheads and warm toned compelxions. "Vinroõd" is a rich blue-red for cool skinned women who want to perk up drab lips this V-day (or any day). "Matte Rod" is a deep rose-red that works for nearly everyone.

Avon Ultra Color Rich Renewable Lipstick with Retinol $8.00 wll be available at the end of January, 2004, but we tested it for you as a sneak peek, and we're delighted to inform you that this is a winner. It glides on like silken lingerie, treating your lips to beautiful color while it pampers them with retinol, collagen,  Vitamins A, C and E, Beta-Carotene,  along with glycerin and an antioxidant complex s treatment to leave them younger looking, smooth, soft and plump.  The price is obscenely low for a high-tech product that will produce visible results. 

There's no guessing games when you choose Prestige Cosmetics, because the case color is the exact shade as the cosmetics, inside. We reviewed Prestige lip liners $3.49 in " Auburn" and "Red Brick" and found that they not only look like their cases, they glide on effortlessly, without feathering or fading. They do double-duty as a matte lipstick, or shine it up with clear gloss. Everyone should have at least one perfect red in their lipstick collection. Prestige Lipstick $3.95 in "Red Caution" is a true red that works with any skin tone. Reviewers also liked "Garnet," a deep berry that is neutral enough to wear every day and sexy enough to wear at night. Garnet is a definite must-have. With prices this low, it's easy to make room for both in your make-up bag.

Lip gloss is a sexy, inexpensive way to show your love on V-day or any day!  If you want to inspire true love in any woman, give her (or gift yourself) the Lola's Gloss Menagerie $45.00. This is one of our top picks for V-day. Slip off the shiny red cardboard covering and find a dozen mini-glosses, slightly under 2" long, with red, metallic tops, nestled like fine chocolates in a shiny red plastic and clear lucite box with heart shaped Lola Cosmetics logo and the words  "lust often, love always" around the sides. The glosses are all-out gorgeous! We can't really suggest a favorite because, with a dozen shades running the gamut from demure to deep red, simple to super-shimmery, there's something for everyone. Green tea extracts and a hint of mint make your breath, beautiful, too. This is the gift that inspired oohs, ahhs, and ..happy kisses!

Sue Devitt Studio has a quartet of mini-glosses-in-a-compact form called Mini Stars $28.00 that we also think give maximum impact as a gift, or a little luxury for yourself this season.  A chic, black, square, 2" x 2" signature compact hold four small squares of glamorous lip gloss to tote, anywhere. We tried "Chara" with four pink-toned glosses to flatter everyone and the glamorous "Vega" with four light to dark reds." There is also "Talitha" containing four neutrals. All are super sheer and super shiny without a gooey feel. We pronounced them just glorious!

if you are planning to kiss a lot on V-day (or any day), you'll definitely appreciate a long-lasting lipstick that doesn't smear, doesn't rub off, and lets you smooch to your heart's content without having to worry about re-applying lipstick.  Lipfinity by Max Factor $12.75 is a reliable choice for a long-lasting liquid lipstick that goes on smoothly, dries quickly, and stays put for hours...through whatever you've got planned. For V-day drama that adds warm, flattering pink to your lips try "Mystical" (deep rose red), "Blushing" (medium rose-pink) or "Magical" (medium pink). For added shine swipe on the included, clear "Everlights" top coat gloss .

Tell the world that you're chic, foxy, and sexy with Too Faced "Calling Card" lip gloss compacts $23.00. Each substantial, lucite compact has four alphabet-shaped containers spelling out the words (Chic, Foxy or Sexy,  filled with shiny, gorgeous glosses in shimmers, pearls, mattes. There are a number of these adorable, eye-catching, conversation- starting compacts in browns, berries, pinks and reds,  but we especially liked "Shamlessly Chic"  containing a gorgeous shimmery rose and a pretty shimmery beige, along with a sheer berry, and a golden nude and "Fabulously Foxy" with warm, wearable shades of pink, brown and shimmery beige and copper. Another favorite (great for V-Day) is   "Super Sexy" with shades of pink and plum.

BenFfit  "Shangri-la Sheers"  $18.00 have adorable, tropical packaging and while they look bright in the tube, they are sheer with just a hint of sparkle (and lots of shine) on your lips. We liked   "Picked Up In Paradise" and " You'll Never-Never land me" lipsticks

Mark by Avon debuted in our Holiday 2003 column, to rave reviews. We really like the good quality and fanciful packaging of this hip but inexpensive new cosmetics line. The Mark Hollywood Pink Chocolate Sweet Heart Gloss $7.50 is a case in point (pun intended)t.  A substantial, clear plastic heart compact holds two shades of high shine lip gloss with a large dab of heavenly chocolate scent!  What could be more perfect, or more affordable, for V-day?   We tried "Deep Chocolate" a medium brown gloss with a side of gold shimmer . There's also a "Pink Chocolate" version (beige with pink shimmer) and "Milk Chocolate" (dark brown with white shimmer)

Everyone knows that silky lingerie is a turn-on for most men and women, so why not take that feeling all the way to your lips?  Lip Lingerie Lip Gloss $20.00 is the brainchild of sexy celebrity and party girl Dianne Brill. Good for you and all-out sexy, too,  each gloss is nestled into a box like a precious bon-bon, with provocative names and beautiful colors. We tried, "Silk Slip" (photo) a lavish medium pink gloss that has serious pampering potential for your pout, with 20% vitamins, antioxidants, humectants, and a lip plumper. For even more sex appeal, line your lips with Lip Lingerie liner $19.00 ((we used rose-colored "Demi Cup"). This liner pencil has a nice lip brush on one end and comes in a pink cigar tin. The liner goes on softly and stays put, like fine lingerie. 

Three Custom Color specializes in blending colors to your specifications, but they also have a line of ready to wear cosmetics. Their 140 colors should satisfy almost everyone. A simple quiz on the web site helps you determine if you're a warm or cool-toned woman, then select the best Think Pink Lip Color Palette 53.50 for your complexion.  Whether you pick warm or cool, lipstick or gloss versions, you'll get ten colors of rose, pink, orange, salmon, red, mauve, burgundy, plum, brown and beige, housed in an ultra slim compact with interior mirror and useable lip brush to wear solo or combine for nearly infinite variety. We tried the gloss version, and liked the silky, shiny, long-lasting glosses. Treat yourself to perk up your lips from their winter doldrums. This would also make a great gift for someone who loves lip products, or who needs the inspiration to add more color to her makeup.

Donna Karan Cashmere Mist was one of our top picks for fragrance when it debuted in 2001. Now, for a limited time,  there are two more beautiful ways to bathe your body in this distinctive, pretty scent warmed with soft, romantic essences of Moroccan jasmine, lilly of the valley, bergamot, and a touch of  sandalwood. Both bath products contain soy protein and murumuru butter to leave skin soft and smooth. Cashmere Mist Shower Milk $32.00 is a creamy, gentle body cleanser that moisturizes and leaves a soft veil of Cashmere Mist on your skin.  A little goes a long way, too! We opened the top of the plastic tube (great for shower, gym and travel) and were immediately treated to a generous dose of fragrance. Apres bathing, we spritzed Cashmere Mist Moisture Mist $45.00 over our skin and found it instantly transformed into something much more silky, scented and sensuous! We loved the subtle, lasting scent --all we needed for daytime -- when we wanted to pump up the volume, a spritz of  Cashmere Mist Eau De Toilette did the trick!

We love Vera Wang fragrance for women. We can't ever get enough of it's sculptured, luxe, glass bottle containing a sophisticated blend of white florals, woods, and sheer musks. Vera Wang for Men Eau De Toilette Spray (3.4 oz $65, 1.7 oz. $45) is just as luxe and romantic, but that's where the similarities to the women's fragrance, ends. This fragrance is sexy, masculine, strong, and spicy. Green mandarin leaf and yuzu blends with nutmeg, vintage leather, anise, and a hint of tobacco and sandalwood. This is a classy, can't-miss fragrance that pays dividends to you, too.  Give it to a special man and you get to enjoy the wonderful scent, every time he's with you!

Alexander McQueen Kingdom $60.00 1.6 oz. Eau de Parfum has an amazing bottle and is a wonderful fragrance. A ruby red glass heart (see photo) flips over to reveal a cool, shiny silver metallic covering with recessed press-button spray.   Primarily a blend of bergamot, mandarin and neroli, with touches of sandalwood and copahu wood and a base of vanilla and Indonesian myrrh, the fragrance starts out as a spicy floral, but quickly matures into a woody, muskier, "animal" scent. This scent is intoxicating, powerful and sexy. One reviewer said that her date took one sniff, and they actually missed dinner! The Alexander McQueen Kingdom Moisturing Body Lotion 6.6 oz $35.00 is a nice companion to the fragrance. The oblong, plexiglass container showcases the lotion, housed in an unusual ruby-red "tube" that looks like a soft, red pillow. A pull-out, squeeze top makes application clean and and upright storage, easy.

We gave you a sneak peek of Tony & Tina Vibrational Remedies Eau de Toilette 1.7 fl. oz $55.00 in our Holiday, 2003 column. Reiki masters Tony & Tina personally give each bottle genuine, quartz crystals and infuse the fragrance with positive, healing, energy. The scent is fruity and slightly floral, with top notes of tea, blackcurrant, bergamot and peony blend with middle notes of florals, mango, bitter orange, neroli, buchu and bottom notes of cedarwood, sandlwood and musks. Just in time for this column, we received the Shimmering Body Lotion $32.00 and Shower Gel  $28.00. We loved the pearly, purple color, and the fact that these generously-scented products work well alone or as an enhancement to  prolong the scent of the Eau de Toilette even further. We did feel renewed, energetic, and ready to face the rest of winter with a positive attitude.

Paris by Yves Saint Laurent is an elegant, romantic floral that is a favorite of chic women around the globe. Yves Saint Laurent has introduced a new, Paris line of bath products to compliment this beloved, feminine fragrance.  It's a rich rose-floral with a melange of centifolia, rose, violet, orange blossom and sandalwood. Whether you buy it as a gift for Valentine's Day, or treat yourself, the scent will remind you of romance and love. We reviewed the Paris Gel de Rosée Bath and Shower Gel  $38.00 has a clear, plastic bottle faceted like a precious gem,   showcasing the light pink gel, which foams into a luxe lather. It cleans, leaving a sublte, lingering fragrance. There is also a body lotion and a body creme. Adding these will boost the "wow" factor in this luxe bathing experience.

We have reviewed a number of fragrances from the impeccable house of Caron. Pour Une Femme De Caron Eau de Parfum 2.5 fl. oz spray $95.00 is the scent of a modern woman. This complex, sexy fragrance is a melange of mandarine, orange blossom, rose, frankinscence, vetiver, sandalwood, amber and musk.The perfumer's art is tangible - you start with a strong sense of soft fruit and roses, but soon, the scent dries to a more sensual, woodsy and musky feel.One reviewer suggested that it is the only thing she'd want to wear next to silk sheets and lingerie!  The beautiful bottle has the curvy, feminine shape of a woman. If you wear this, you will feel seductive and definitely all-woman, too! For the man in your life, Caron Pour Un Homme de Caron Eau de Toilette 4.2 fl. oz spray $55.00 is actually nothing like the woman's fragrance. It's notes are almost completely refreshing, beautiful lavender mixed with a middle note of vanilla, and bottom notes of musk and amber. The scent harkens way back to the thirties, when men didn't use scents very often, but occasionally indulged with a bit of lavender water. Caron's clean flask-type bottle   and lavender scent gave men license to indulge in fragrance. The soft vanilla-y and lavender charm is subtle, not sweet. Interestingly, this is  a favorite among women, too.  According to Caron press info, this is one of the best selling eau de toilettes of all time, and it is still in the top 10 of favorites in the world today for modern men who love traditional and style.  Buy it for him and enjoy it, too!

Think "Giorgio Armani" and you immediately think luxury, style, and class. We adore this designer's makeup line, and we think that Sensi Eau de Parfum by Giorgio Armani 3.4 fl. oz $75.00 is the perfect accompanying fragrance for a woman of power, style, and elegance.  An unusual mix of cassie flower, kaffir lime, barley, cap jasmine, palisander and benzoin makes a sweet but slightly spicy, classic, statement. This sweet, long-lasting fragrance is perfect for cold weather and of course, for romance. For a really memorable gift or a special splurge for yourself, to really be pampered we suggest making a trio of treats with the addition of the luxurious Perfumed Shower Gel $37.50 and Body Lotion $39.50.

Salvatore Ferragamo is recognized by chic women everywhere for his ultra-luxurious, super high-quality, Italian leather goods and other fashion items.  We are delighted to report that Salvatore Ferragamo Parfum Subtil Pour Femme Eau de Parfum Vaporisateur Natural Spray 93.00 oz is also a designer's marvel, with a beautiful, subtle presentation of florals and fruit scents, blended in a complex, elegant fragrance. The presentation is as pretty as the scent. It's an elegant, eye catching tower of sinuous, curved, red glass, topped with a simple, streamlined, curved silver top with Ferragamo logo on the side. This is a complex, feminine fragrance of the highest order, with top notes of cherry and orange flower water, ultra-feminine middle notes of water fruits, tulips, red lilly  and lilly of the valley, and base notes of  jasmine, and sensual musk. This would make an impressive Valentine's Day gift. Buy it for yourself and inspire someone to make you their valentine!

Jean Charles de Castelbajac's Castelbajac Eau De Parfum  2.9 Fl. Oz $72.00 is almondy at first, but dries down to a subtle, slightly vanilla,  slightly floral-musk fragrance that is soft and "friendly" and not too overpowering. It's unique - you won't sniff this on everyone else in the room.  One reviewer said it had a clean, comforting smell that reminded her of clean sheets.  We love the elegant red packaging, too, just perfect for a V-day gift. The ruby-red, quilted glass bottle has a unique metal "pull tie" that opens and closes the spray nozzle (photo)

We are already devoted fans of Kate Spade's stylish, modern handbags and other accessories, and we are excited about introducing Kate Spade fragrance to the readers of this column. Kate Spade Beauty Body Dusting Powder $42.00, in it's cheerful, yellow and white round box with gold trim, will make you feel like it's Spring, right now. Inside, a luxe, finely milled cake of fragranced powder with comes with a white puff. The scent is white floral - light but decidedly feminine. Kate Spade herself recommends layering the dusting powder over (preferably Kate Spade)  body moisturizer to intensify and extend the life of the fragrance."

Avon's WINK 1.7 fl. oz $16.50 is a delightful, new fragrance that blends pink grapefruit, raspberry, black currants and blueberries with freesia, calla lily, jasmine, lotus blossom and peony and a base of blonde wood and musk. It's fruity, for sure, but retains a hint of floral. The spray bottle reminded us of an exotic orchid - a pretty, glass tower embossed with "WINK" on the side, and colors fading from red to orange to light peach, topped with purple cap. This fragrance will fulfill your fruit fantasies. It's significant enough for now, light enough to wear through summer.

Since the 30's, the name DUNHILL has been synonymous with sophisticated men's style. Whether your special man is already a "power broke" or just aspiring to be one, Dunhill Eau de Toilette spray 1.7 fl. oz $45.00 will boost his image of powder, masculinity and confidence. This is not your Dad's fragrance. Everything about this fragrance screams designer sophistication, from the chunky, clear glass bottle that reminds us of a wave (or the sleek curves of a sports car) and the substantial, silver metal cap is set far to one side, in a modern gesture, to the subtle, engraved Dunhill logo is set into the back of the bottle, and viewed through the front. The fragrance is different from many men's scents. It starts out  refreshing and lemony, but geranium, white cedarwood, orris, sandalwood and tonka bean warm it with a sexy, masculine attitude. Our reviewers couldn't stop sniffing it! 

Another outstanding fragrance to gift your man with for Valentine's Day is MontBlanc Individuel Eau de Toilette Spray 1.07 fl. oz $45.00. You are probably familiar with the distinctive, chunky black pens with the white star logo on the top, but you may be as surprised as we were to realize that this luxe line makes a mens fragrances, too!  The silvery box is masculine with a subtle embossed version of the MontBlanc "star."  Inside, the substantial, clear glass bottle with silver collar and cap reminds us of an expensive flask, definitely designed to hold something precious.  The fragrance is an oriental with a hint of woodsy ferns. There are more than a dozen, spices, florals and woods blended to make this a fragrance that is complex and sensuous. Your man is likely to hear "what are you wearing?" from savvy sniffers, everywhere! This is a wonderful Valentine's Day choice.

Do you love fragrance but don't like to wear it yourself, or would you like to gift of fragrance, but not perfume or cologne? Scented candles are the obvious choice!   They make a perfect gift for virtually everyone, and help create instant romance for your home.  Archipelago Botanicals has a superb line of high-quality, well-scented, luxurious candles.  We tried the Soy Wax Candle $20.00 5.25 oz in Rhubarb Vanilla from the new, signature series containing more than 50% natural soy that burns longer and cleaner than regular parafin or beeswax candles. This sumptuous candle comes in a  beautiful cardboard box decorated with a metal, signature medallion that looks like an old Chinese coin. There are dozens of scents and styles to choose from, but we also thought that the deep maroon color and intoxicating, cassis, red currant and magnolia scent of Archipelago Botanicals Excursion Collection $18.00 4.5 oz, in Belize would make another great V-day choice.

Another elegant choice for a fragrance treat (for yourself) or to set a special mood of for a thoughtful gift is the Elemis Ceramic Oriental Burner $38.00. Pour warm water into the bowl of the maroon, ceramic burner which looks like a pagoda, and add up to a maximum of 7 drops in total of Essential Oils. Light the candle under the burner and it heats up the water on the top, releasing the scent of whatever essential oil you selected.

 THE BEST BATH & BODY PRODUCTS: On February 2nd,  if the ground hog sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter, but who cares?  Turn up the heat,  wear   a Hawaiian shirt or sarong, have a colorful "Island" drink and a bowl of tropical fruits, crank up the calypso music, and pamper yourself! SKIN TIP:  Exfoliators can be tricky if you don't know how to use them.  For facial exfoliators, the amount to use depends on the consistency;  says Heather Kleinman, Editor of   CosmeticConnection.com. If a scrub is has large grains or a thick texture, an amount  the size of a  half dollar will do. Small-grained or   microdermabrasion scrubs - use a nickel-sized amount.  For body scrubs, use what it takes to cover the area you are exfoliating.  "Let the scrub do the work and keep the elbow grease to a minimum, " advises Ms. Kleinman. That translates to about 10-15 seconds for the face,  20 (or more) for the body. Stop before you feel irritation or pain. If your guy isn't yet an enlightened "metrosexual" who know the importance of skin care, win him over with s a "sampling" of different moisturizers, body creams and exfoliators. He'll be a convert when he feels the difference these products make for his dry skin!

Sundari means "beautiful woman" in Hindi. Appropriate, since this remarkable line or products was created by a trio of beauties: supermodel Christy Turlington, Cavan Mahony and Ayla Hussain,. It's based on the 5,000 year-old science of Ayurveda, a holistic approach to beauty based on three different Doshas (Vata -dry, Pitta, Normal/Combo and Kapha - Oily).  The products use an ancient Indian ingredient, Gotu Kola, an antioxidant that works to firm and retivalize dull, tired, skin.  We were eager to try this line. We picked our skin type (not difficult) and tried the Neem Healing Starter Kit $46.00 which features three travel-sized starter products in a very pretty, printed makeup bag. We tried "Pitta" for normal/combination skin which includes Neem and Burdock Cream/Gel Cleanser, Essential Oil (herbal, sensual body oil to smooth on damp skin) to replenish and nourish skin, and Neem and Avocado Balancing Moisturizer to regulate moisture and protect skin.  All the products were luxurious and very moisturizing. We also tried some individual products. The packaging has a soft maroon color and twist-tops that dispense from the top. We tried Sundari Gotu Kola & Kukui Body Lotion $24.00 which uses a variety of oils to hydrate very dry or mature skin. We liked the way it absorbed quickly with a light almost lemony scent, making our skin instantly silky and smooth.  For Valentine's Day share Sundari Gotu Kola & Lotus Body Oil $24.00 with your special someone. This softy-sexy-scented  oil  works for all skin types to moisturize and please the senses. The scent is herbal and slightly musky but not overly-so...very sexy!

Eucerin has an impressive range of skin care products that help soothe, smooth and stop itchy, dry skin. We love a good value, and we found these to be affordable and effective.  We especially liked Eucerin Daily Replenishing Lotion 12 oz $7.95 in a handly pump bottle which absorbed quickly and moisturized normal skin well. If your skin is very dry, Eucerin Original Moisturizing Lotion 8 oz  $7.99 will help sooth and heal it, while it protects against further drying and damage.  Eucerin Extra Protective Facial Moisture Lotion SPF 30 $9.69 is one of the highest SPF products at a budget price that we've found. It is oil-free and worked well for all skin types, even those with sensitive skin. We are new fans of Aquaphor. When itching of dry, scaly skin nearly drove us crazy, Aquaphor Healing Ointment $5.49 effectively reduced the healing time of our-cracked, extra-dry skin on hands, feet, elbows, knees. It's so gentle that doctors recommend it for babies’ sensitive skin and to help prevent diaper rash. Applause too for Aquaphor Itch Relief Moisturizing Spray for immediately soothing our crawly-itchy skin with a clean, convenient misting spray. We won't travel without this one ever again!

Get Fresh Spa Salt Scrub Souffle $25.50 is a generously-sized 22 oz whipped souffle of spa- strength treatment, containing dead sea minerals, sea salts, and other good stuff to exfoliate your skin and leave it smooth, moisturized, and sparkling. We tried fruity "Apricot and Chamomile," which smelled divine enough to make us look forward to exfoliating more often (they suggest 3-4 times a week). The product gently but effectively scraped off our "scales" and left us with smooth, softy scented skin.

Nivea is known for high quality moisturizing products, so it's not surprising that they came up with a new way to sooth and smooth dry, work and weather-worn skin at prices so modest you can't afford not to use them! . Nivea Body Renewal Night Cream $9.99 is a little marvel. Let the elevated temperature of your body at night help your skin hydrate and renew while you sleep. While some extra treatment moisturizers are high on the "ick" factor, this thick cream absorbs quickly with absolutely no greasy feel. We'''ll be taking it to bed with us from now on, with Nivea Restorative Night Hand Creme $4.99, that did for our hands what the Body Renewal Cream did for our legs and arms. Evening primrose oil, and Vitamins F & H, along with other moisturizing ingredients, work fast and effectively to make your claws back into silky "paws." For daytime, Nivea Original Body Lotion 12 oz $6.99 provides moisture and helps your skin retain it for up to12 hours! Nivea body Extra Enriched Lotion 12 Oz $6.99 is better for very dry skin. Vitamin E and other good-for-your-skin ingredients help your skin hydrate, heal and protects it, too.

Thinking about giving (or getting) a massage? Turn your home into a spa with DermAlive Rub-N-Scents Body Massage Oil $7.00 that has moisturizing jojoba, sesame and almond oils, mixed with essential oils for fragrance, to make your massage a memorable, and moisturizing, experience. It's modest price is a plus, too. We tried "Purity," which is a mix of jasmine, lemongrass, bergamot, and myrrh for a slightly citrusy, subtly sexy scent that would appeal to both men and women. DermAlive Calming and Softening Baby Oil $16.00 can be used to soothe achy muscles, for massage, and for aromatherapy, to calm irritability and make you feel great. Pure essential oils of lavender, chamomile and tangerine help promote a restful sleep, too.

Candy Care is new to our review. The name sounds like a care package of goodies...and it is! While Candy Care is known for adorable greeting cards $5.95-$7.95 that have candy treats (eg. box of red hots, chocolate hearts, etc), they also have gift boxes such as the Sweet Heart Celebration Box $32.00 that's better than candy, and a lot less fattening! Inside a cute carboard "chocolate" box and tied with a bright, satin bow, are a bunch of sensuously- chocolate- scented bath and body items including a chocolate truffle candle, chocolate cherry cream, body souffle, chocolate cherry bath & shower gelee, a heart-shaped sponge (ours had an adorable little piggy in a pink tu-tu which is too-too cute and a cinammon Lip gloss (ours was an incredibly scented brown chocolate one)!  This is a cute and clever treat for yourself, or a gift for anyone who loves sweets (but really shouldn't indulge), or get it for a special couple.

Ask "Do you like Yuzu?" and you might get a quizzical expression! Could be a good opening line, or better still just get LATHER Yuzu Sugar Cane Body Buff $36.00 with cell regenerating phospholipids that gently soften the skin and create a breathable protective layer to lock in moisture. Super fine sugar cane exfoliates, while yuzu (the rare, Japanese grapefruit), pink grapefruit, ylang ylang, litsea cubeba, jasmine, mimosa and oakwood leave your skin softly scented.  This is a treatment product too, -   use it before showering, on dry skin. LATHER has a bevvy of other products to handle winter-weary skin. LATHER AHA Hand Creme with Evening Primrose $18.00 hand treatment has alpha hydroxy acids and all sorts of good-for-your-skin ingredients to help you reduce wrinkles and maintain soft and healthy looking hands (and you can use it on the rest of your body, too).  We also love the idea of the multi-purpose,  LATHER Sea Kelp & Ginseng All-Over Mask $18.00. This is an herbal, green gel that works on hair, face and body to rejuvenute a multitude of problems. If you have 20 minutes to restore your skin, face or hair, this one does it all. Sea kelp and ginseng extracts detoxify the body and help restore moisture, along with a melange of anti-oxidant and moisturizing ingredients. Aloe Vera cools irritations and can be used on sunburned skin, while St. Johns Wort acts as an anti-inflammatory to ease redness and irritation. We didn't test this, but you can use it as a hair masque as well. Guys have dry, itchy skin too!  Get LATHER's Manuka Body Butter with Grapefruit and Juniper $21.00 and you'll quickly find him using it, too. This rich body butter has super-intense moisturizing effects (from manuka honey, cocoa and shea butter and oils of macadamia, jukui and brazil nuts)  that we could feel, instantly. The juniper, grapefruit and lemon scent  (subtle but uplifting) makes this a Valentine's Day treat for great for both of you and best of all, it absorbs super-fast so you can get dressed with feeling sticky. For a special occasion (or just to make any day, special) bring out LATHER Passion Flower Olive Oil Soap $2.50. This brown square of moisturizing, gentle, olive oil soap   has an herbal, not "girly" scent with essential oils of lavender, geranium, ylan ylang, and eucalyptus which creates a scent both sexy and intoxicating.   Your skin will feel softly, subtly scented and soft, too!

Grapefruit is the star of Archipelago Botanicals Yuzu and Grape Seed Body Wash $18.00 and Archipelago Botanicals Yuzu  Relaxing Bath Salts $16.00.Yuzu is a Japanese grapefruit that is blended with natural extracts - including the powerful grape seed extract that has  50 times the antioxidant power of Vitamin E. It's refreshing, smells citrussy and wonderful, and is great for both men and women. Put this in your bathroom and enjoy a spa night, together!

Indigo Wild, has a couples-friendly new line of bath products called Love Stuff,  with a stimulating, peppermint-citrus, scent that both of you will like. We tried are: Love Tub $9.50, hefty, pale-yellow chunks of shea butter and meadowfoam seed oil-infused bath salts that smelled minty and left our skin (and his, too) smooth and soft. We also tried the sexy-sounding Love Oil $13.00, an all-natural massage oil that doubles as a moisturizer; and tingles just a tinge.

Not Soap, Radio has got fun products with even wittier names. A V-Day "must have" is The stuff that Cupid dips his arrows in $15.00 (because sometimes fate needs an assist) on hand.  This pearly, ruby-colored bath gel is scented with ginseng extracts to kick up pheromones – the natural chemical scents that the body produces to attract others. The soap is softly scented and red - we felt instantly festive. Is it really a love charm? Well,  the cute, new doorman did carry out packages all the way to the elevator...so, maybe?

Our first mention of Elemis was a review of Elemis Exotic Island Flower Bath Oil $43.00 and  Exotic Island Flower Body Balm $43.00 in our Fall, 2003 column. We thought the scent of YlangYlang, Jasmine, Osmanthus and Vanilla in the frosted glass bottles looked and smelled so romantic, that we want to mention that Elemis also makes an Exotic Island Flower Body Oil $45.90 for massage (give one or get one for Valentines Day). If you're not into floral scents, the Elemis De-Stress line contains Bergamot, Melissa and balancing Geranium which gives this a spicy, herbal scent men and women will both love. The De-Stress Bath Oil $38.00 has Kukui Nut Oil and Sesame Seed Oil to leave your body silky and contented. The De-Stress Massage Oil $48.00 has a calming blend of Rosewood, Melissa, Geranium, Rosemary and Lavender plus sweet almond oil to melt away tension and make you feel dreamy! Design a romantic spa night with The Elemis Time For Love Collection $50.00.  Inside a sensuous, purple silk box with padded red heart in bento-box style compartments are three mini-version of Body Balm, Bath Oil and Body oil in the Exotic Island Flower scent, a small vanilla candle in a white votive cup, and a tiny book of love quotes, beautifully illustrated to read together and be..inspired! This is a special edition only for February, so we suggest stocking up on these not only for V-day, but as a perfect couples gift for all those wedding showers coming up this Spring and Summer!

You'll know that Too Faced Celebrity Spa Sugar Smack Brown Sugar and Strawberry Body Scrub $22.00 is something out of the ordinary the minute when you open the pink, beige and black striped box and spy an all-girl pink and black curvy container  instead of a usual, utilitarian jar. Inside, a strawberry-laced-with-sugar-scented body scrub contains arnica, passion flower, brown sugar and strawberry extracts (among other things) to improve your circulation, energize your spirit, and smooth and soften your winter-weary skin. One reviewer said her boyfriend sniffed it and said: "WooHoo - can I use this too?" (why not?)  It's gentle enough (and enough fun) to use daily! 

You can't help but have a good time when you toss the large, primarily pink LUSH Bath Ball $3.90 called "sex bomb" into your tub!  The water will turn the color of pink cellophane and when the bomb dissolves you'll find a "jelly" flower. The scent is strong and musky (they didn't call it "sex bomb" for nothing).  This would be a good way to gear up for a special date or, perhaps, give it a memorable ending?

We love Lierac products. Lierac Anti Dessèchement Long Lasting Moisturizing Body Lotion $49.00 is no exception.  A mix of good-for-your-skin ingredients lock in moisture in the top layers of skin, providing effective, long-lasting hydration, while defending against environmental factors like sun, heat and harsh detergents. Massage this one onto your entire body after bathing. This is a bit pricey but consider that you've got only one body and you want to keep it in great shape! While we don't ever advocate baking in the sun, this does double duty as an apres-sun moisturizer to re-hydrate skin and prolong a tan.

We reviewed Shiseido for the first time in our Holiday Column, and now we're delighted to report on luxurious, brand-new body moisturizer: Shiseido Advanced Essential Energy Ultimate Nourishing Body Cream $50.00. This dreamy blend of moisturizers, fruit extracts, and vitamins works like a state-of-the-art facial moisturizer, to firm and tone the skin on your body, protecting it, hydrating it, and making winter-dried-out skin soft and supple again. It's a bit pricey, but a little of this ultra-thick cream goes a long way.  It smoothed on easily and instantly made our legs feel silky.  We also liked the elegant, beige and brown jar which would look good on a dressing table, and the light, slightly herbal/ slightly floral scent that won't compete with your fragrance.

Elemis is the same line of high quality products that we have coveted in the spas on luxe cruise ships. Now, you can have the same pampering products at home. Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream $124.00 is a lightweight, sweet smelling anti-aging cream that uses a groundbreaking, natural ingredient called Padina Pavonica Algae to help reduce the depth of wrinkles, increase deep hydration, and give skin a smoother, plumper, more youthful appearance in just 15 days.We can't go into the complex mechanics of this unusual cream, but we can say that this rich cream absorbed super fast without feeling greasy, leaving our winter-ravaged skin smooth, supple, and feeling fantastic. For true pampering and a shot at the fountain of youth for your face, give this a try!

Morgen Casablanca Lily Moisturizing Body Cream $18.50 is a luxuriously rich, strongly fragranced body cream with shea butter and avocado oil. Use it everywhere to make your, dry, winter skin feel more supple. We suggest you use it on slightly wet skin, so the cream sinks in to moisturize more completely.The white flower casablanca lily scent is strong and slightly musky; you won’t need perfume. It's perfect for Valentine’s Day, or any time you want to up the romance factor.

FACE FIXERS: Have you checked the condition of your face, lately?  Has the moisturizer you've been using all year suddenly stopped working?  Does your face feels dry, dull, greasy or broken out ? The chances are that you need to adjust your skincare regimen and add new products that meet your skin's condition,  now. Changes in stress levels, hormones, the weather...all contribute to changes in your skin...and winter skin needs more care and moisture than ever.  Before you apply makeup, here are the latest skincare products to help you deal with winter skin worries:

We reviewed Scarlett Cosmetics for the first time in our Holiday 2003 review. Now we are pleased to review Scarlett's new line of skincare called Dispensary. This is a good for all, easy to use, line of skincare basics. Start with Dispensary Multi-Purpose Facial Cleanser $24.00 in a simple, white plastic bottle. If you suffer from adult acne, or even occasional flareups, this gentle cleanser contains tea tree oil, a natural antiseptic and acne fighter, and works with lemongrass oil and aloe vera to cleanse, refresh and moisturize skin. We followed with Firming Facial Toner $24.00 which hydrates and firms without smelling like the alcohol swabs in the doctor's office. Scarlett suggests that you moisten cotton pads with this product and place them over your eyes, for a pick-me-up. No skincare line would be complete with a moisturizer. Dispensary Ultra-Light Moisturizing Fluid with SPF 15 $30.00 comes in a clear bottle with pump so you can see how much you've got left, and don't have to stick your fingers into a jar to get it out. This one is as real winner! The moisturizer is thick and creamy, but was quickly absorbed with no greasy feel whatsoever without clogging pores. Good for all skin types, we're new fans. Your eyes need special care too, as there are no oil glands to help them out. Dispensary Firming Smoothing Cream Eye Gel $26.00 can help. Our reviewers with sensitive skin appreciated how gentle it is and reported that it didn't cause eye makeup to run or smear, even when the cold brought tears to their eyes!  Green tea extract helps reduce puffiness, while Vitamin C smooths and brightens and keeps you from looking tired. An Herbal Skin Lightening Serum $32.00 is part of this excellent, new line. We liked the clear glass with pump packaging, and the light, non-scented feel. Used over time, this product has the potential to improve the look of blotchy skin.

We love anything by Tony & Tina so we were really excited to try their Herbal Foaming Cleanser with Honeysuckle $26.00. We were not disappointed. This cleanser does a great job and made us feel so great, it's worth every penny! A substantial,  plastic pump bottle is substantial and attractive, and the foam it produces is as luxe and frothy as shaving cream.  As with all Tony & Tina Products, aromatherapy is key! The scent is soothing and herbal, what a great way to start or end your busy days! This gentle cleanser uses honeysuckle to moisturize and de-stress skin. Borage oil and aloe soothe sensitive skin and irritations. We can't list all of the good-for-your-skin ingredients, but there's something for every skin type in this cleanser to help it look and feel, wonderful.  Our skin felt clean, smooth and soft. Tony & Tina suggest taking a moment, while washing your face, to affirm to yourself that you are happy and filled with joy and light. That is a great idea!

We love the luxe products of Z. Bigatti. Face winter with top quality, high performance skin care. RE-Storation Skin Treatment $150.00  is your choice if you want a powerful blend of essential ingredients (eg. multi-hydroxy acids, vitamins, antioxidants and botanicals)  to repair, nourish and protect your skin, all in one jar. It's designed to work for all skin types and we all tried it and thought it was great. It's so gentle that you can use if before and after a peel, laser treatment or even  microdermabrasion. Got five minutes for a mask?  You'll supply your skin with even more moisture, encourage skin renewal and protection against aging with Z. Bigatti RE-Storation  Dew Hydrating Facial Mask $114.00. You have only one face,so  treat it well and you'll be rewarded every time you look in the mirror!

We know that they can give astounding results, but Facial peels seemed beyond the reach of the average fashionista...until now.  Avon Clinical Two-Step Facial Peel  (30 applications) $32.00 will be available in March, 2004, but we got a sneak peek and are delighted to report that it's an easy and affordable product makes it possible for everyone to get the benefits of a facial peel, at home, with an amazingly easy to use two-step process.  Avon Clinical is an innovative line of treatments that plump, resurface and firm skin with "clinical" precision. Swipe pad #1 over your face to help peel away dull, dry surface skin.  Use Pad #2 to neutralize, soothe and protect with botanicals such as green tea, cucumber and chamomile. Our skin did look clearer and brighter after just one use. This product provides a genuine, viable alternative to stronger but more expensive, professional peels in a doctor's office. If you have avoided using eye creams because you don't like the heavy feel of creams under your eyes, Avon Anew Ultimate Eye cream $22.00 is a good choice. It adds much-needed moisture without being greasy and is even gentle enough to use on your browbone and eyelids!. It plumped lines and improved our skin texture. A little goes a long way, too

Do It Daily protective moisture lotion $28.00 by BeneFit is a splendid moisturizer. It's hypoallergenic, blocks blemishes, is non-greasy, and sinks into your skin quickly. It's also got a heavenly scent. You'll get lots of goodies for nourishing, hydrating, and SPF 12 for sun protection.  Our reviewer reported a difference in just a few days and reported that using Do It Daily is one good habit not to break.

Ellen Lange is a skincare specialist who learned about crafting high-tech, high-performance skincare products, working alongside her father and brother in their plastic surgery practice. If you are serious about skincare, this is a line you might like to try. The Ellen Lange Retexturizing Peel KIT $68.00 is a multi-step process that looks complicated, but really wasn't. It's gentle enough to use weekly and you get enough product for eight peels. Simply wash your face with a peel prep, swipe an accelerator pad over it,  apply the glycolic peel solution (which foams on your skin), wash it off after 8 minutes, and apply post peel cream. Those of us with large pores especially noticed an immediate improvement. We didn't test it for the three weeks needed to see significant results, but if we had, we feel sure our skin would look even better. There really is hope in a jar! For daily use,    Ellen Lange MACROThera AM Plus Moisturizing Cream with SPF 15  $36.00  is a good choice for damaged and mature skin. It absorbs with lightening speed and a non-greasy feel. It's got collagen to fight dryness by sealing in moisture, Elastin to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by plumping and soothing the skin, and Sodium Hyaluronate to offer all day hydration, plus SPF 15 to protect skin from the sun's harmful rays.  At night we smoothed on Ellen Lange MACROThera PM Plus Night Cream $42.00 and were equally impressed with the look and feel of our skin the next morning.  We also liked Ellen Lange MACROThera Eye Care Plus $34.00 which made our under-eye area soft and less tight and dry and absorbed so completely and quickly that we didn't have to wait before applying our eye makeup. It didn't run into our eyes, or leave a greasy feel. We're looking forward to reviewing more of this skincare line.

MD Skincare's All-In-One Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 15 $35.00. blends seamlessly into your skin while offering protection from the sun. It has three shades to choose from: Light, Medium and Dark. It also works for all skin types because it was designed to release moisture just where you need it -- so will look hydrated and fabulous while you shave a few minutes off of your morning beauty routine!

We didn't get press information for Kanebo Sensai Cellular Performance Emulsion I $80.00, but decided to try it anyway because it's for combination skin and uses an unusual ingredient, apricot Essence B15 (found in the apricot kernal), to boost the skin’s resistance to free radicals that accelerate ageing.  In a nutshell (pun intended), the product helps your skin actually renew itself, while it protects against more damage. The moisturizer feels almost weightless and a bit tingly going on, but it absorbed quickly exactly where our skin was dry, and didn't over-moisturize where we didn't need it. Our skin felt silky and pampered.

Morgen Champagne White Marble Sparkling Skin Polish $22.50 made with spherical white marble powder and grape extract can brighten your skin by gently exfoliating away the dull and dead skin, unclogging pores, and generally leaving a brighter and clearer complexion.  Morgen Halo Retouch Serum $22.50 is serious skincare at a modest price. It absorbs fast, contains vitamins and amino acids to help reduce fine lines, and helps improve the texture and appearance of your skin.  A little goes a long way, too!

Did you ever apply foundation, even after moisturizing, and find that it cakes and sticks in the "dry spots?" Daniel McFadden is a makeup artist who has worked with some of the most luxe cosmetics companies and salons in the country. His cosmetics line, at Prive Salon in Los Angeles and New York includes Daniel McFadden Comfort Elixer $55.00. It seals in your moisturizer with a silicone base, so your skin feels super-silky and the foundation glides over the dry patches. Even if your skin isn't overly dry, this product is a secret tool that helps your skin feel baby-soft, and allows your makeup to glide on smoothly and beautifully.

Mary Kay is so popular around the United States that we were eager to try some of her skin care products. Oily skin can be dry, too. Mary Kay Oil Free Hydrating Gel $30.00 for normal to oily skin moisturizes up to 10 hours without oil. We liked the cooling gel that absorbed into our skin with speed and allowed us to apply foundation, fast. Even those of us with oily skin felt that it was smoother and softer, but not greasy! Mary Kay Intense Moisturizing Cream $30.00 is deeply moisturizing for dry skin, and left ours feeling nourished and pampered. Good for sensitive skin, too. Another plus is that these moisturizers come in substantial jars that look like glass, but they're actually less-breakable, acrylic so you can store them anywhere.

LUSH Mask of Magnaminty $13.35 is a thick, green, mint-scented mask that offers deep cleaning and exfoliating while it softens and calms your irritated, tired skin. Smooth it on, let it dry, wash it off and see a brighter complexion! While you're at it, Coal Face Complexion Soap $7.85 may be alarmingly black, but it lathers nicely, and is mostly made of detoxifying liquorice root decoction with fragrant rosewood and sandalwood oils to soften and calm the skin. If you're into movie romance, you'll want to know that  this soap was created again when the Woody Allen film, Annie Hall, was re-launched, because "Annie" used to wash her face with black soap for her complexion.

We reviewed Zhen Whipped Face Cream back in our Summer 2002 column, but not Zhen Tee Tree Facial Cream $20.00 (photo). The former has anti-oxidants and avocado oil and the latter is a lighter version that glides on fast and absorbs quickly. .  Both are excellent moisturizers but with a whopping SPF 25 to protect your skin from the sun's rays, they're perfect for skiing and also that winter vacation to the sun.  

Give yourself (or your guy) a great new gadget. It's not exactly romantic, but it is clever and once you get it, you'll wonder how you did without it. The Micro Touch $10.00 (for men) and Finishing Touch   $10.00 (for women) are pen-sized mini groomers. Whether your guy is a modern "metrosexual" who is into "manscaping" his body hair, or he just wants to easily trim his eyebrows, mustache, beard and hairline, the Micro Touch can do it quickly and easily, and it fits in a pocket! There's an attachment on both men and ladies versions for eyebrows. In an instant our overly-bushy brows were perfectly manicured, saving us a trip to the salon! If you're going on vacation, or you just want to be perfectly groomed wherever, whenever, this is fantastic and affordable!

FOUNDATIONS AND BLUSHES TO WARM UP WINTER SKIN: Whatever shape your skin is in, a great foundation geared to your specific complexion and skin type can work wonders for your face. Add color - anything from a barely-there hint of tint, to all-out bright, and you'll do more for your face than a week in San Tropez! A good foundation smooths blotches, moisturizes, and makes your skin look much better than bare!  The latest and greatest have good-for-your-skin ingredientsm are multi-purpose, self-adjusting, and (some) even feature SPF to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays.  Whether you want a super-luxe product, or are of more modest means, there are great products at all price points to liven up your looks!  Add a believable blush or winter bronzer and you'll look positively renewed!

Max Factor's brand-new Color Adapt Foundation $10.95 is a pittance to pay for a product that really delivers!  This amazing foundation adapts to color variations that are natural to everyone's complexion (but make it extremely difficult to get natural looking color) giving you amazingly flawless-looking skin without a "mask-like" look. We don't know how it works, but it definitely does.  "cool!" and "awesome!" were just some reviewer's comments. This foundation literally glides onto skin like silk, dries immediately, and feels almost weightless. There are nine warm and cool-tones to choose from. A great product at a great price. Grab one for yourself, today

Shu Uemura Glow On $22.00 is a blush so sheer that you look naturally radiant, no matter what color you choose. We've reviewed some of these high-quality, much-coveted blushes in previous columns, but for this winter we suggest clear, light "#33E M Pink" and the peachier, "#36D P Pink" Deeper complexions will be flattered by deep, warm, coppery #77 P Brown" which we think makes a sheer and nifty bronzer, too!

We love Ramy Beauty Therapy Hint of a Tint Miracle Blush Stick $26.00, a tawny rose with a slight sheen, that comes in a portable swivel-stick tube. Best suited for light to medium complexions or as a highlighter on darker skin, it will add the perfect touch of "natural."  Reviewers liked the creamy formula  that lasts all day, blends easily and doesn't cause breakouts.  As a multi-purpose blush, shadow and lip tint, it might just become our makeup bag staple. Ramy Beauty Therapy Multiple $24 travel size, $26 full size is a gel stain in a convenient portable silver tube. "Bitch Slap" is a shimmery light pink with silver glitter, which multi-tasks as a brightening natural blush (think NARS Orgasm) or a barely-there sweet, innocent lip color. The younger set might like to also use it as a glittery eyeshadow for an evening out (think V-day).We also liked "Luminosity" (neutral brown) and "After a Glow" (red-pink).

Pick a quartet of gels's to go!  Blush Sticks by Too Faced $21.50 are in clear, lucite tubes for easy application and tote-ability, and we love the natural, non-oily wash of color with a Spring-like floral scent, that perked up our winter-dulled complexions. This gel is a bit "sticky," but it stays put, even when you're active, and it stays true to color. We tried "Hibiscus Breeze" (sheer, warm pink) which we liked on our pale to medium complexions. We also liked "rose Petal" (bright sheer, red) which will flatter deeper complexions and a tan, too! There is also a peachy-pink and a lighter, petal-pink.

"B-02" is not a romantic name, but this Apt. 5 blush $6.50 gives you that just kissed look. It's a sheer mauve that's neutral enough to work with any color lipstick. If you just want to throw a bit of color on your cheeks and leave it at that when you walk out the door, this is the blush that'll let you do it. It just gives you a wonderful glow. We loved it from the moment we laid our eyes on it. And at this price you don't have worry about breaking the bank to look chic and wonderful.

Morgen Sheer Radiance All-Over Color Stick $18.50 in "Sheer Radiance," delivers a hint of dewy color to your face. This gel-like stick glides on anywhere you want to add a hint of color. We liked the smooth texture and petite, tote-able size. Fans of the brown-red color for our cheeks and lips, this would work best on eyes for those with darker skin. The more layers you apply, the darker the color.

Giorgio Armani makeup is one of our top picks for high style, high quality, super-luxe products that make every woman look amazing.  For Winter, try some special effects.  A touch of Sheer Shimmer $34.00 in one of three shades (we tried #2 - medium ivory/gold) gives dull skin a sheer veil of iridescence that looks like a healthy glow. For a more bronze look, Sheer Bronzer $36.00 (photo) is available in four tones that flatter everyone from palefaces to those with a deep tan (#4) but it's sheer enough to look believable. Whether you smooth on just a little, or layer on a lot, these creamy, whisper-light bronzers blend beautifully into your skin. Armani Color Retouch $28.00 can be used everywhere, but you'll especially love them as sheer blushes for cheeks and lips. Three shades of creamy color are "#1"  (pink) " #2" (red) and #3 (plum). The color looks dark in the black matte, Armani compact, but goes on sheer and smooth. Use just a little for a healthy "flush"   or a lip stain, or layer more for a dramatic look, especially great for deeper complexions. Another instant face-brightening miracle is Fluid Sheer $48.00 in ten, translucent shades from very light (we tried "0" and "1") to dark. Wear it alone or with moisturizer, or with foundation, to give your complexion light-diffusing advantages that make your skin look dewy, even if it's really not in great shape.

Wish you could run to the Caribbean sun this winter, but can't? Too Faced Caribbean in a Compact $25.00 will help you look like you've made a run to the sun (and for a lot less than an airplane ticket, too)! A shiny, black, round compact with pink girly "Too Faced" logo opens to reveal a generous mirror, and a dual-colored light and medium brown pressed powder bronzer that makes pale skin a bit more naturally burnished-looking with the fake orange tan. "Sun Bunny" was sheer enough so even the palest among us could add color without looking like a George Hamilton clone. Golden Bronze" for those who already have  tan or a deeper complexion. Layer more, if you wish. If you'd rather just have the glow of love, Too Faced After Glow $24.00 can help you do that, too. This pressed powder is ultra-light and translucent, to knock the shine off checks, forehead, chin and nose, and leaves a soft shimmer, instead. Flattering and sexy..with the same cute black and pink Too Faced logo compact as the bronzer.  Both "Lust" (beige shimmer) and "Betrayal (gold-flecked pink shimmer) will flatter everyone!

POP Beauty is being introduced to our readers for the first time in this review. It just hit our shores from London this summer. The brainchild of Londoner Sara Strand, the youngest of a trio of makeup artist-sisters, creators of the trendy "PIXIE" line, Pop Beauty is geared for a trendy, young (or young-at-heart) woman who likes bright colors and cute packaging.    Case in point is Pop Beauty Cheeky Cake $18.00, a generously-sized, sheer, powder cheek color (two shades per tin)  that comes in a cute tin with star design to warm up winter-pale complexions. We tried "Beach Beauti" a  subtle combo with natural bronzer (to apply all over for natural glow) and peachy blusher (for added color on cheeks) . We looked healthy, but not "faux."  Deeper complexions will like Beach Babe," a raspberry blush/deeper bronze combo.

There is nothing more flattering to perk up a complexion than pink. Bourjois Pastel Joues $13.00 are baked powder blushes in colorful compacts with mirrors and tiny but useable blush brushes that are coveted around the world. They're simply fun to use! These colors are long lasting, and can be used dry or wet. This collection features seven, super pinks to flatter your face. Pastel Joues in "Lilas D'Or," "Rose de Jaspe," and 'Lune D'or" (pearly apricot) will give your cheeks a subtle glow. "Rose Frisson" (warm, bright pink) and "Rose Aerien" (browned medium pink) give a bit more color. For deeper complexions or drama, try " "Rose Venitien"  (blue-toned bright pink) or "Cendre de roses brune 48" (raspberry pink). For all-over color, try Pastel Teint Abricoté $17.00 - a peachy pressed powder foundation that adds a slightly orange-y peach glow. Best for yellow-toned skins, but it also makes a dynamite eye shadow! For highlighting, try Suivez Mon Regard $16.00 in "Regard Mandarine." This is a loose glimmer powder in an innovative, lucite jar with applicator top, but while it's actually an orange-apricot eye shadow,  we shook just a tiny bit onto our hand and dusted in lightly on our cheeks and liked the way it looked, too.

 For those who don't like creams, the Zhen Yin Yang Pressed Powder Split Compact $25.00 (photo) comes in three shades of similar, shimmery color.  We really like the elegant gold and black compacts housing a little puff on the bottom layer. We tried "Yin Yang #1" a pair of peachy-pink and yellow-pearled powders to place anywhere you want a bit of extra color and shimmer. There are also two Amber combos for deeper skin. Still want another option to add color?  Zhen Element Powder $10.00 in "Wind" is a very pretty, rose-colored loose powder that adds shimmer, but isn't gaudy. The glitzy version is Sister Glitter $10.00 in "Susan" a bright pink with holographic sparkle that can't be missed.  ZhenYin Yang Glow Stick $19.00 is a dual-colored cream in a stick that comes in light or dark, to give just a touch of subtle bronze glow to the skin. We liked  pearly. "#1" a peachy beige just right to layer on to brighten a pale complexion. "#2" will perk up deeper complexions, or add a lot for a bronzer look.

Pressed for time? Reach for FACE Stockholm Pressed Powder $22.00 in it's ultra-elegant, silvery metal compact which is impressive enough to use in public. The enclosed puff will swipe enough opaque, matte, powder onto your face to tone down shine, set foundation, lipstick and even eye shadow. The powder is silky, fine-milled that it can even  pinch-hit for foundation.  We tried #3, a medium vanilla which flatters light complexions, but there are enough colors and tones to work on warm cool, light, medium and dark skin.

Every spring, the BeneFit Twins, Jean and Jane unleash limited edition goodies. This year it's Shangri-la Sheers." The packages are so cute you'll be tempted to wear them as charms. Shangri-La Sheer Cheek Powders $18.00 by BeneFit sound as heavenly as they are. Inside a shiny black and lime green box is a shiny, black round compact. Pull it open with a pouf of lime green sheer ribbon festooning the top, and you'll find a mirror and a bright cake of powder blush that looks bright enough to stand up to a deep, tropical tan. The surprise? The colors are actually subtle and sheer and offer flattering, much-needed  cheek-brightening color for dull, winter complexions.  "Love & Mirage," peach and  "You've Got Some Nirvana" (medium pink) were universally flattering on everyone (deeper complexions can layer more) and "I Lotus'ed You Looking" (violet) which would be perfect on cool toned skin.do double duty as eye colors, too. As a blush, you'll get that healthy, flushed "Spring is in the air" look. As an eye shadow it'll give your peepers that certain something extra.

EYE APPEAL:   Eyes are the window to the soul.  Dress yours up just a bit, and get instant glamour! For winter, we vote for mascara as the "must-haves product, especially when it comes to romantic makeup.  Enhance your lashes, dab on a bit of shimmery cream shadow, and you're glowing, even if you're not "in love!"

Maybelline has two brand-new mascara formulas to pump up the volume of your lashes without clumping. Sky High Curves Waterproof Mascara $6.95 lengthens and curls easily, and comes in black, brownish black, and soft black. Volum' Express Turbo Boost Mascara $6.95 comes in  waterproof or washable and just one stoke of the brush gives you signficant "fringe" without any fuss!  Before you brush on the mascara, add color and pizazz with Maybelline Liquid Eyes $6.50.  We love the long-lasting color that stays true and doesn't "stray" from where you place it. One reviewer suggested using this as a base, before applying other eye makeup, too. The smooth, liquid formula lets you apply a sheer wash, but you can take it all the way to intense.  Our favorite colors for Winter are the light, shimmery-beige "Petal Power," the sexy silver shimmered "Permanent Platinum," and deep, dramatic brown "King Way Cabernet," but there are a dozen to choose from!

Pixie Powder from Caboodles has tiny bits of iridescent glitter in a pale pink base that looks just like fairy dust . It's so pretty, you might just be tempted to look at it, but dust a little bit on your eyelids, face, body and hair, and you'll look like you've been kissed by Cupid, himself!

Debra Macki is a 30-something celebrity makeup artist in Boston who knows what it takes to be an "it" girl.   There's nothing like a super-pearly, iridescent powder to add "punch" to whatever style you're wearing. For festive occasions, try a bit of Debra Macki Cyber Dust $18.00 in iridescent "Champagne Bubbles." (shimmery light beige) or "Ice Princess" (silver-white). They give a natural glow to the skin without being too glittery or over-the-top. 

Not ready to give up on holiday glam?  The Stila All Over Crystals Palette $36.00 (photo) is your answer for frosty, pastel, eye-opening, skin-brightening shades of icy, creamy color. The sleek, long, white compact with grey and black stars, hold an interior mirror and six sheer, glossy, shimmery shades of blue, pink, green, lavender, silver and gold. These have a hint of glitter, but they're so sheer that they give just a light, party touch. We tried them as a face highlight, too. Another Stila product that we love for now (and forever) is the Stila Convertible Lash and Liner $20.00 in basic black, brown and navy, and also purple and teal and gray. One side of a silvery wand holds a great mascara, and the other, a coordinated liquid liner with a brush shaped so that even "all thumbs" types can manage to make a line!

If glitter isn't quite your style but you'd like a fun pick me up or party look, She She (new to our reviews this column) has a cream eye shadow trio called Touch Me" which will make you feel glamorous without being over the top. Three circles of creamy color in beige, brown and coppery-iridescent in one compact reminds us of an old-fashioned skeeball game. Use one or a combination to make a variety of pretty and glamorous lid looks. We also tried one of She She's powder eye shadow singles (Eyes For You)  in Watchin' Wills," a pretty light blue that looks toward Spring with a modern, not "grandma" attitude. 

We're not usually fans of loose powder for the eyes, because it's hard to apply just where you need it, and not where you don't. We'll make an exception for Armani Loose Powder for the Eyes,a tiny jewel of a jar filled with filled with super-shimmery, metallic  (but not gaudy) loose powder so finely milled it goes on smoothly and stays put, longer. "#1" is a pewter-grey, great for smoky eye emphasis, "#2" is a heavenly, light-as-angel-wings pink for lids or highlight and #3" is a simmering copper that would glam up any eye it touches! For a special event (or just to make you feel special) treat yourself to one of these. For a more traditional look, try an Armani Eye Shadow $22.00 in a trio of light blues to make your eyes light up.  "#25" is the lightest powder blue that can even be used as a highlighter. "24" is a tad deeper - a clear, light blue that will flatter almost everyone's lids.  #15" is a light greyed blue-green that will look superb on cool toned skin. A universally pretty highlighter to complete the look (which doubles as lid shadow)  is "#16," a very pearly white.

FACE Stockholm matte eye shadow $16.00 in 'Mist" is a multi-purpose shadow we really like. This generously-sized, soft, silky, vanilla-colored shadow works to brighten eyes as a lid shadow, performs perfectly as a highlighter, and, used on the entire eye, triples as a base to smooth out uneven color before you put another color on top!  Just wonderful!

We reviewed Cat Cosmetics for the first time in our holiday column and fell in love with the fanciful names and clever packaging. Cat Cosmetics Eartha Cat $15.00 is a dual-pan compact that gives your lids a light, flattering toasting of warm shimmery beige and matte beige shadows. They're sheer and natural. Perfect for adding just a hint of color. 

Max Factor Stretch & Separate Waterproof Mascara $5.85 is a little gem  that won't run or flake.  It's hypoallergenic and suitable of sensitive eyes and contact lenses wearers. Ours didn't smear, didn't smudge, even when our eyes teared from the cold! We tried "Rich Black" but there's also a softer "Black Brown" for lighter eyelashes. 

How can you resist a mascara called Bad Gal Lash $18.00  by BeneFit?  We couldn't! If you want to throw caution to the winds and call attention to your eyes with bold, black lashes that are so "big" they almost look fake, this is the mascara for you.  We loved the lush look and the serious staying power. This mascara gives you a big bang for your buck and helps you update your eye image, too!

We love Avon's cutting edge technology and modestly priced skincare and makeup. Avon Lash Fortifying Mascara $7.00 features their exclusive Avon Lash Renewal System which helps repair lashes by conditioning and strengthening, preventing breakage with vitamins B5 and E1 plus Keratin. We liked the way our lashed looked natural, but full.  We tried black, but you can also get navy, brown and brown/black, too. Take cared of the skin around your eyes too.

MAKEUP KITS ARE THE PERFECT GIFT!  We love kits. A face-in-a-case is just what you need when you're too busy to make decisions,  you're traveling, or you need a great set of colors to touch-up as you're on the go. Kits also offer great value and a chance to try colors and products you might not otherwise experience.  Nothing warms up a complexion more effectively than pink and this season it's more appropriate than ever.  

Whether you're seeking a romantic new look for yourself, or a cute gift for a girlfriend for Valentine's Day, we can definitely suggest Pop Beauty's Popette Palette $28.00  A sleek, ruby-red base emblazoned with silvery stars open to reveal a generously-sized mirror and everything you need to create a romantic winter look.   We tried "Naturally Popette" which has a shimmery-sheer cheek glow,   4 eye shimmers, and three lip glosses all in natural/nudes warmed with a hint of pink to take the edge of winter pales. We particularly liked the light peachy-pink cheek glow that  made us all look sexy without trying too hard....as through we were wearing nothing at all except the glow of love! The compact also comes in "Beaming Popette" which captures the colors of the sea. Another Pop Beauty kit we really liked is their credit-card sized Touch Up Card$14.00 - a fun, affordable way to treat yourself or a friend to a little luxury this winter. You get an eye cream, eye sparkle, 2 (lip plumping) glosses, and an all-over glow that you can literally pop in a pocket. The silky creams are super-sheer and slightly shimmery to light up your face in a flattering way. We tried "Angel Face," a bevvy of pinks and lilacs that are just so romantic. There is also "Golden Girl," for more drama

NOURISH YOUR NAILS: Winter weather quickly dries out hands and nails.   To keep the "claw look" at bay, keep a tube or jar of hand cream nearby and use it whenever you take a break or as you are talking on the phone. Outside, wear gloves not only for warmth, but to protect your hands and nails from the elements. To help beat the winter blahs in an instant, try, a quick application of a new nail polish with, perhaps, some nail jewelry. Your mood will lift, instantly!

Maybelline is one of our favorite brands for their beautiful nail colors at beauty-on-a-budget prices. Nails get dry and brittle in the Winter months.  To keep them strong, try Maybelline's Forever Strong + Iron Fortifying Nail Color $4.12. You'll get beautiful colors, with high shine that literally "flex" with your nails to condition, protect, and last a long time. "Cherry On" is a perfect, heart-colored red for Valentine's Day. We also like and "Eternal Red" which will flatter warmed-toned skins with another V-day-worthy red. "Time for Wine" is a pearly burgundy that would look great on deeper toned skin or with a tan, as would copper-shimmered "Cocoa Powder."   For a more ladylike look, pearly light beige "Brawny/Tawny" gives your nails color, without being too bright.

If you want a tasteful, luxurious real red that will dry fast, stay shiny, and last a long time without shipping. Shu Uemura Nail Enamel $16.00 is the polish to choose. We love "C173: which is a rich, movie-star red. More adventurous but still V-day-worthy is a pearly purple that has a name: "Gloaming."

Caboodles Nail Paint $2.99 in "Vivid" is the perfect Valentine's Day pick me up.  A sea of cheery, pink hearts are suspended in a shiny clear polish with teeny flecks of pink glitter. Go demure for day with just the clear/pink or capture a few of the hearts on the brush and sweep them onto your nails. Don't be surprised if someone very cute calls: "hi Cupid!" to capture your attention, and perhaps, your heart!

Think you can't wear red? NOT true!  You just haven't found the right one, yet.  Select from a quartet of real, romantic shades of red with  Zhen Nail Lacquer $6.00 each or 4 for $12.00  These are travel-sized, fast drying, high gloss and since there are two blue tones and two yellow tones, there's at least one red that will be perfect on you!

We hate waiting for nail polish to dry. It always seems to take forever. Apt.5 nail polish $4.50 shines, and dries quickly too! Their wide range of colors and affordable prices makes changing your polish to match your mood a little too easy.  "N-11" is a spectacular, classy red to try for V-day.  Gold always looks scrumptious with a tan, or anytime you want to glam it up.  Gold nail polish "N-22" cheers you up now,and will perk up your spring wardrobe, too.

Nailene Acrylic Dipping Kit (with 40 tips 20 French and 20 clear. $6.98 and the Deluxe Salon Kit (20 clear, 20 French  20 Natural tips in plastic box) 16.99. Both are just like the ones the professionals use, including acrylic powder, acrylic liquid, ultra quick nail glue and a nail buffer (deluxe kit also has a buffing block, 2 way file, sculpting brush, dappen dish and manicure stick). but they cost a lot less. These are honestly not easy to apply very well on your own, but it's do-able if you enlist the help of a friend. There are enough tips for two...and then some! You can either do an overlay (just bush the acrylic over your own nails) or you can do a complete manicure.   Artificial nails and acrylics can damage natural nails when they are removed.   Nailene Titanium Strength Nail Therapy $3.99 brings fragile, thin nails back to life with the strength of Titanium and helps them grow again.  Brush on two coats and repeat every 3-5 days until nails recover.  Nailene Nail Art $1.79 and $1.99 is an instant and fun way to express yourself for a special occasion, with no effort at all!  Simply peel the decal off and press on your nail. Coat with clear nail polish for longer wear. There are many different types to choose from, but the richly-colored set #77156 with hearts, flowers and butterflies, and the silvery, holographic set #77156 with hearts, stars, butterflies and palm trees Valentine's Day are sure bets. If a nail breaks, be it natural or acrylic, Nailene Fix-A-Nail Brush-On Glue $2.79 will fix it fast. Strong, long lasting glue goes just where you want it and bonds fast.  The clean, convenient bottle with brush applicator is a great improvement over those leaky, messy little tubes, too.  We love the look of acrylic nail tips, but application and maintenance at a salon is pricey.  For budget-minded do-it-yourself-ers, we suggest

For a seriously romantic nail color that warms up pale hands with a pink that is bright but flattering to nearly everyone, reach no further than Bourjois Very Vernis $9.00 in "Framboise Pin Up." This clear, bright raspberry-pink is not quite shocking, but bright enough to take the place of red on both fingers and toes. Come summer, this one will look simply smashing with a tan,

HAIR HELPERS: Suddenly, your scalp is dry and flaky, your hair dull a