What They Say: "Our Face Powders create a light, silky veil which can be used on bare skin or as a setting powder over makeup for a flawless finish that lasts all day. Oil-absorbing ingredients minimize shine for a long-lasting, clean matte finish while providing sheer, breathable coverage."

Jen's Experience: Since I am beyond pale, I often use a bronzer to liven things up a bit. Most bronzers are kind of dark on my skin, and often work better as a blush than for all over color. 3 Custom Color Co-Founder Trae Bodge recommended this particular bronzer because it is one of the only ones out there on the market that is specifically designed for cool skin tones. I can use this one all over my face to make it look like I do see the sun on occasion, and it layers well for more contouring. I didn't really see where it absorbs oil, but since I have dry skin and kind of like that dewy look anyway, I'm not going to complain. Those of you with cool skin tones and pale skin, take note: if you've been looking for a nice, subtle color, this is your product.

Retail Price: $19.50 (3Custom.com)

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What They Say: "Stop searching for "something close" to your cherished shades - we can produce discontinued shades for the Lips, Cheeks, Eyes & Face or help you create your own from scratch! All formulas remain in our personal files for easy re-ordering.

If you would like us to re-create your favorite discontinued shade, we ask that you send us a dime sized sample. We analyze your shade for color, texture and coverage and create a formula that remains in our permanent files!

You can have us create your own shade ~ from a splash of nail color in a baggie, a piece of fabric, a paint chip, a photo from a magazine, two lips colors blended together to create the ideal shade... anything!"

Jen's Experience: I mentioned last week that I talked to Trae Bodge at 3 Custom Color about my biggest beauty challenges, and in addition to concealer, I mentioned that I am always in search of a red that doesn't look like too much against my pale skin and blonde hair. I learned from her that with my cool skin tone but blonde hair, that I can get away with a little bit of warmer colors in my make-up wardrobe than I usually gravitate towards. And then she mixed me the absolute most perfect red for me right there on the spot!

The color is perfect for me to wear to work or even out shopping; I just love the way it just works with my skin and hair. The lipstick itself is really long-lasting and wears evenly, so I don't have to keep checking the mirror to make sure that I don't look like a clown (this is a problem that I have frequently with my other reds). If you live in the New York area or are visiting, I would highly recommend making an appointment at the 3 Custom Color studio to get your own custom lipstick. Another option for those who are in love with a color but it's been discontinued or it's just very hard to find: they will blend you the color and texture of your favorites. It's super easy to order if it's already in their database, but you can also send them a small amount and they'll formulate a replica.

Retail Price: $45.00/2 tubes (Get more details at threecustom.com)

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What They Say: "This versatile formula is appropriate for all skin types and is designed to provide the most effective coverage for redness and dark circles. Use in isolated areas with our Concealer brush or your fingers. For full coverage all over the face, use with a dry sponge. For sheer coverage, use a wet sponge or blend with moisturizer. Also available in refills for your Refillable Trio."

Jen's Experience: When I was in New York for fashion week, I got the chance to sit down with Trae Bodge, the Creative Director for 3 Custom Color, in her studio and tell her about my biggest beauty obstacles. One of my biggest issues is finding a concealer that looks natural, but does a good job covering the dark circles under my eyes. She recommended their Creme Concealer, and offered to mix one up for me to match my tone exactly, but we were lucky enough to find that their #2 worked perfectly for me.

Since I've gotten it home, I find that I reach for this before any of my other concealers. It looks so natural and does such a good job covering up dark circles, redness, even acne, that it can really be used as needed instead of covering the whole face with foundation. If I have any complaints at all, it's that the creme is a little drying. It's easily remedied in the undereye area with some good eye cream worn underneath. Overall, this is an excellent product that just works wonders for my undereye circles.

Retail Price: $19.50 (ThreeCustom.com)

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What They Say: (about the Lip Gloss) “These sophisticated shades bestow lips with vibrant color and the luscious formula is creamy and moisturizing, giving lips extreme sheen without feeling sticky.” (About the Smokey Mountain Trio) “This incomparable wet/dry formula for eyes is finely milled imparting a silky texture and satiny finish. This versatile powder can be used as both a shadow and a liner – offering the best of both worlds.”

Toya’s Take: I took the Smokey Mountain Trio along with me to New Jersey for a bellydance weekend, including a performance by my dance troupe. I used it to create a smoky eye effect, using the two shades of gray (Cascade – light gray and Smokey – dark gray) as my highlight and lid color and the Blue Spruce (kind of a dark teal) as a liner. I was impressed. The colors are true and last through a sweaty performance and do give a beautiful, smoky effect. The color combination wasn’t the greatest on my warm skin, but I think it would be great on someone with cooler undertones. The lip gloss I tried was a beautiful neutral pink, worthy of being paired with such a smoky eye. It was soft and creamy and didn’t leave my lips feeling parched. It didn’t last all that long, but most lip glosses don’t and, with such a moisturizing formula, you won’t mind having to reapply.

Retail Prices: Smokey Mountain Trio, $60 (at drugstore.com); Lip Gloss, $18.50 (at threecustom.com)

DeLush Rating: for both

What They Say: "Just a dab of this versatile, 2-in-1 color wash brings a fresh, healthy glow to lips and cheeks."

Jamie’s Thoughts: I am always intrigued by combination products – the good, the bad, and the ugly. The idea of a lip and cheek combo makes sense, but this product fails to follow through. The consistency is a bit solid, making it difficult to spread across the cheek. Sort of like trying to spread cold butter across toast. Not good. I felt like I was tugging on my face just to get it evenly distributed – a creamier texture would have made application much easier.

Interestingly, the texture is better suited for the lip usage. It covers evenly like a stain, and after time, didn’t leave a residue (like a gloss might). Time is the enemy with this product – I had to reapply it several times throughout the day. Something just didn’t compute with this one.

Retail Price: $19.50 (beauty.com)

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What They Say: "Our Black Eye Liner Pencil can be used to provide precise definition to your lash line. Also, try blending it down to create a sultry, smoky effect!

The unique texture of these Eye Liners allows for smooth application, easy blending and long wear."

Jen's Experience: Initially, I was excited about these eye pencils from 3 Custom Color Specialists. The colors I tried, Navy and Smoke, are really pretty when applied, and both worked really well with my skin tone. Unfortuately, they just didn't work well as an eyeliner.

I found it easy to create a smoky, smudged eye using these eyeliners, but next to impossible to create a crisp, defined eye. I wouldn't mind that so much if it didn't continue to smudge all over the place, all throughout the day. The gray spreads all over my eye area, making it look like I've been in a fight. The blue didn't smudge as badly, but it did migrate enough to make it look like I was wearing blue eyeshadow by lunchtime.

I really do love the colors, so it's unfortunate that I just can't wear them.

Retail Price: $14.00 (Beauty.com)

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