What They Say: "'Oh-so-slick' stained gloss for sirens. Relish a deep wash of color drenched in liquid shine to liven up your lips!"

Alissa's Opinion: I was expecting a sheer gloss when I first opened this tube, but was surprised to find that it is more like a liquid lipstick (hence the name). The pigment was thick and opaque with a lot of shine. The formula felt uncomfortably sticky on the lips and the color didn't last very long. I wouldn't say that there is anything extraordinary about this product other than the name. It was adequate, but I probably wouldn't choose it again.

Retail Price: $20.90 (Quixtar.com)

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What They Say: "Illuminate your lips with holographic liquid crystals and discover a new dimension of diva! Rock high voltage lips that will leave your fans seeing double with NAO never accept ordinary Illuminating Lip Gloss. Holographic liquid crystals create a multidimensional, crystal finish with every sweep. Are you ready for the spotlight?"

Jamie's Thoughts: This gloss is unique, and I couldn't stop staring at it in the pen-style applicator - it's iridescent and every time you move it, the color changes. Weird, but true. The consistency is smooth, not too tacky, and can be precisely applied with the brush tip. My gloss lasted about 2-3 hours before I needed to reapply.

I tried this gloss alone, as well as on top of lipstick. Both times it took on a strange, orange glow (must be the holographic liquid crystals) and was wholly unattractive. My sample color, "juiced," is a warm peach - which sounds great on paper, but in reality, looked both bright orange and at times, neon green.

In conclusion: I didn't get a crystal finish, I didn't like the color, and I didn't feel like my lips were illuminated. Maybe I'm just not enough of a rockstar to "get" or even like this product.

Retail Price: $21.95 (Quixtar.com)

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What They Say: "At last, you do have a magic wand, with NAO never accept ordinary® highlighter. Formulated to put a luminous, studio-worthy glow on your face, this clever concoction will quickly become your most guarded beauty secret. Here's your chance to shine with exceptional results that were - until now - the sole domain of the true studio makeup artists. Lighten up gorgeous!

• Looks great and adds highlights to virtually any skin tone.
• Multifunctional highlighter can be used to brighten up your complexion throughout the day.
• Use as a primer for your lip color to prevent feathering.
• Use around the perimeter of your lip line for fuller-looking lips.
• Use to neutralize rose undertones anywhere on the face, neck, or décolletage."

Melissa Says: I wasn't expecting what I found in this product at all. A highlighter? Okay, I've seen those before; they're often hit-or-miss, and rarely become makeup staples for me. However, this isn't what I would typically consider a 'highlighter' like most others. Instead of adding sheen or a silvery luminosity, it actually works more like a concealer.

Let me clarify that last statement: It works like one of the most fabulous concealers I've ever tried.

On the undereye area, this sits beautifully atop skin, brightening and lightening without settling into teeny-tiny lines at all, and it lasts all day. It keeps that delicate area hydrated without looking oily, and works WONDERS on my undereye dark areas (this in itself is somewhat miraculous). It also beautifully brightens the areas between the eyes, on the brow bones...everywhere.

I tried it a little as a lip primer and was pleased with that as well, but I don't believe that will be my primary use of this great little tube. I can't believe it, but I've found a new favorite undereye beautifier!

(p.s. - I tested this in Medium.)

Retail Price: $16.45 (at Quixtar.com)

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