Melissa Says: Are you getting the hint that a touch of blue (the new blues, they are WEARABLE!) is very hot for this season? Well, these shadows from M•A•C give you even more pretty options with these pots filled with varied shades of blue, teal, frosty grey, black with blue pearl and blue laced with pretty purple sheen that allow you to choose a shade that follows this trend which looks flattering on you and that you feel comfortable with (I know some of you still resist the blue idea...yes, you there, I see you). They also blend beautifully together and last fairly well, but do crease a bit after several hours.

Retail Price: $14.00 (at maccosmetics.com or go here to find a retail location near you)

DeLush Rating:

* High color cream lipstick
* Exquisite silk finish
* Luxurious lasting comfort"

Melissa Says: Not only is this formula (which I had never previously tried) incredibly soft and moisturizing, but these two shades (55 & 56) for fall from Armani's 2007 Leather Collection are beautiful and versatile. The deep red-burgundy has a gorgeous sheen that adds depth and is a perfect choice for a polished and sophisticated look, while the soft nude beige is a shimmer-free neutral to partner with fall's smoky eyes or your usual look.

This lipstick feels very comfortable and creamy, yet not thick or heavy. It's not particularly longer-lasting than other popular lipstick formulas, but then again it's not touted as long-wear by nature. Personally I had no issue with the wear and only needed to touch up once in a while. From the sleek casing to the contoured shape and super-soft feel, this lipstick fits right in with the glamour of the season.

Retail Price: $25.00 (online at giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com or go here to locate a select retailer near you)

DeLush Rating:

Jen's Experience: I have used some of the Rouge Allure lipsticks in the past with good luck. The colors are very rich and apply very true to color, so you don't have to wonder what the color will look like or layer it on to get the color in the tube. On the other hand, the color doesn't last as long as some of my other lipsticks, so it does require frequent reapplication throughout the day. The shade I tested, Rose Blossom, is a limited edition color that is part of Nordstrom's anniversary collection. This one is a less frosted version of the Hydrabase shade I tested earlier this year, and for that, I'm quite thankful. If you're in the market for a nice bright pink to wear with your Chanel Eyeshadow Quads or other grays in your wardrobe, hurry to your Nordstrom counter before this limited run is sold out.

Retail Price: $30.00 (Available only at Nordstrom counters)

Rating:

About the Ultra Wear Lipcolour: "Base Colour Coat: Innovative fluid texture delivers long-lasting performance, comfortable application and perfect adherence to lips - without transferring or feathering. Dries quickly, too. Top Gloss Coat: Clear gloss's soft, non-tacky texture provides high shine and comfort throughout the day."

Toya's Take: I have to admit that I am not a fan of long-lasting lip products. I have found that they make my lips feel really dry and, while they do last longer than regular glosses and lipsticks, as they claim, the extended wear isn't worth the nasty texture, in my opinion. I didn't find this lippie to be any different. The color was a nice, neutral rose, but other than that, this is no big whoop. The product is long-lasting and will stay on your lips much better than your ordinary gloss, but be prepared for dryness throughout the day.

Retail Price: $32.00 (Chanel.com or your local department store counter)

Rating:

What They Say: "Her smoke signals: intense blue, grey and aubergine shadows wafted over the eyes, bound by rings of creamy Eye Kohl..."

Smoking Eyes: Eye Shadow x4 - "A smoking quad of four warmed-over neutrals that at its deepest starts with a rich, dark black. Features three limited edition shades: Next to Nothing, Smoking, and Showstopper, complemented by Satin Taupe."

Melissa Says:
about the Eye Shadow x4 - These quad shades are really well put together in terms of compatibility with each other. My personal favorite is the Smoking Eyes set, but both include very pretty and of-the-moment colors that don't go over the top, but are in fact quite wearable. This was my first introduction to wearing M•A•C quad shadows, and I have been impressed. The pigments are always true and the formula is quite smooth, with pretty respectable staying power.

about the Kohl Power Eye Pencils - I also had not previously worn M•A•C's Kohl Power Eye Pencils, and honestly I always associate kohl liners with lots of smudging. While I found that these created a gorgeous line on my upper lids and remained unsmudged much longer than with other kohl liners I've tried in the past (several hours), on my usually more moisturized lower lids they did not fare so well. Obviously I typically wouldn't line both upper and lower with a bold pencil like this anyway, but I wanted to try it out for the sake of getting a feel for all aspects of wear. On upper lids, these two shades create a little extra drama and sexiness, but use caution when considering using them underneath.

Retail Prices:
Eye Shadow x4 $36.00
Kohl Power Eye Pencil $13.50
(both available at maccosmetics.com or go here to find a retail location near you)

DeLush Ratings:
Eye Shadow x4
Kohl Power Eye Liners

• Treat: ProVitamin B5 and a cocktail of herbal hair restoratives (like aloe) improve the texture of eyelash hair to increase suppleness and prevent breakage so your lashes can reach their full potential.
• Protect: Proprietary antioxidant blend with Vitamin C acts as a film former to protect against cosmetic, environmental and free radical damage.
• Revive: give late day lashes a lift and get rid of clumps; unique emulsifying agents and this patented flexible bristle brush gently eliminate clumps.

Lights, camera, lashes! 4-in-1 Mascara

• Lengthening: Rice bran, carnauba & candelilla wax extend the length of lashes.
  
• Curling: Synthetic film formers hold in curl.
  
• Volumizing: ProVitamin B5 treats and thickens.
  
• Conditioning: Organic compounds derived from natural olive esters coat and treat lashes to protect against breakage.

Picture Perfect Eyelash Curler

• Breakthrough ergonomic design - no finger holes makes it easy to use.
  
• Curved angle suits all eye shapes without pinching or crimping.

Alissa's Opinion: I'm a total sucker for lash products and all things purple, so I was really excited to rip this set open and give it a try. The cute faux snakeskin and leather cases look like no other product on the market.

I started with the eyelash curler. It was easy to grip and gave me a nice round curl with no bends or kinks. Next up was the Exhilarator, which deposited a lot of gunk on my perfectly flipped lashes. I combed through the goop when it dried so I could get an even coat of mascara, but I ended up with dry white flakes on my face. After cleaning up that mess I applied the 4-in-1 Mascara and found that the end result was beautiful. The brush is full and holds a lot of product, so I wiped it of before applying. It gave me long, thick eyelashes that stayed curled all day.

I also tried the Exhilarator as a mid-day mascara reviver but found that it just gave me spider eyes again. I will continue to use the mascara, but that other little tube is gone. It might be useful if you are looking for a nighttime lash conditioner.

Retail Price: $40.00 (at tartecosmetics.com - for pricing for individual products see the site as well)

DeLush Ratings:
Exhilarator:
Mascara:
Curler:

Moisturizing formula imparts broad range of fashion-forward colours with long-lasting satiny finish and medium coverage.

Vitamin E and chamomile protect and soothe lips. Soft, creamy formula won't fade, smudge or feather.
Apply to bare lips, after outlining with Aqua Crayon or Precision Lip Definer. To make lipstick last even longer, powder lips before application. "

Jen's Experience: This lipstick in Magnolia Rose is the coordinating lipstick for both the Garden Party eyeshadow quad and the other eyeshaow quad in their fall collection, Sequoia, reviewed below. I love the fabulous lipstick shades in Chanel's collection this fall, but I can't help but think this shade would be better if it weren't frosted. I have been seeing frosted lipsticks all over the place this season, so I guess that's the trend, but I can't help but feel like I'm back in middle school when I'm wearing one. That said, the rose shade looks good with my skin tone and coordinates perfectly with the other pieces in this collection or with the bolder eye looks for the season. The wear of this lipstick is not quite as good as I would like; it lasts 1-2 hours before it needs a touch up.

Retail Price: $25.00 (Chanel.com or your local department store counter)

About the Eyeshadow Quad:

Shade combinations ranging from matte to frost to satin for multiple looks, contrasting or complementary. Apply dry for subtle shadowing. Slightly moistened applicator gives a more intense shade.

Organic polymer derivatives ensure smudge-proof long wear, particularly in high temperature or humidity. Dermatologist tested. Ophthalmologist tested. Safe for contact lens wearers.
For a soft, natural look, use a single shade with graduated intensity. For a more sophisticated look, apply lighter shade from lashes to brow, medium shade on the lid, medium-dark shade in the crease and deepest shade to outer corner of lid."

Jen's Experience: I have much less of a problem with frosted eyeshadows than I do with frosted lipsticks. This palette contains four pink to neutral shades, two matte, two frosted, which in combinaton make up one of the most wearable palettes I've tried this whole season. Much like the Garden Party shadows, these don't necessarily seem like something I would have normally chosen for fall. But with colors this wearable? Pick it up now and stash it for Spring!

Retail Price: $55.00 (Chanel.com or your local department store counter)

Ratings:
Hydrabase Lipstick
Eyeshadow Quad in Sequoia

Eye Shadow Shades:
satin pink beige
soft shimmering pink
matte deep purple
matte ashwood

Application Techniques:
Apply matte ashwood all over your eyelid, blending matte deep purple into your crease and soft shimmering pink above the crease. Finish by adding satin pink beige into the inner corners of your eye."

Melissa Says: It was as if this palette was created just to make me happy. The colors just happen to contain the shades that look best with my eye color, and they apply more smoothly than any shadow I've used. Not only does this shadow blend beautifully, but there is not a crease to be found after wearing it for hours. True, this is more than most of us are typically prepared to spend for shadow on a regular basis, but the luxury of the formula combined with the beautiful shades and pretty compact make this a splurge that's worth it if you're looking to spoil yourself. If this selection of colors doesn't work as well for your coloring, I would still highly recommend one of the other versions of Eye Mania palletes.

(Click pic to enlarge.)

Retail Price: $65.00 (at giorgioarmanibeauty.com or go here to find a select retail location near you)

DeLush Rating:

Jen Says: The perfect complement to this season's metallic accents, this line from M.A.C. is an excellent way to transition to your fall look. I tried the lipsticks and the pigments from this collection, and am excited to present my results. This gorgeous collection is nearly finished its run at M.A.C. counters, so if you're in the market for these products and shades, run to your nearest department store this weekend!

What They Say: "Pigment is a highly concentrated loose colour powder that contains ingredients to help it adhere to the skin. Pigment comes in an excellent range of colours. Use to create a subtle wash of colour or an intense effect. Pigment does not streak or cake, is easy to blend and long-lasting."

Jen's Experience: For the most part, I haven't had good luck with loose eyeshadow, especially when it shimmers. No matter how careful I am with the brush, even applied with a little water, if it doesn't end up making my entire face sparkly during application, it ends up that way by the end of the evening. Well, this eyeshadow from M.A.C. completely exceeded all my expectations. Not only are the colors vivid but wearable, they apply so evenly and last an incredibly long time. I most commonly reach for Quick Frost, a creamy white with a soft green pearl, and Revved-up, an icy rose. But the more metallic shades -- Rushmetal, Gold Mode, Mauvement, Off the Radar, Copperized, and Cocomotion -- are also fun and not out of place even for work.

If you purchase these, be sure to invest in at least one of the M.A.C. shader brushes. I used #239 for detail work and #249 for the overall area. These brushes do an excellent job of holding the pigment so that it's delivered to the eye, rather than all over your face (and the bathroom counter). These pigments and the brushes are a combination that is truly the star of this collection.

Retail Price: $19.50 (MACCosmetics.com or your local department store)

What They Say: "Colour plus texture for the lips. Stands out on the runway. Simmers on the street! What made M·A·C famous. "

Jen's Experience: The lipstick colors in this collection are all fantastic, from rose-tinged coffee shades to a light gold shade. All of the colors have a bit of gold in them, but not so much that it looks to overdone for everyday use. Since the eyeshadows can be pretty intense when they're layered, it's nice to have such pretty shades that aren't too overwhelming. My favorite of the bunch is Fast Lane, the mauve with silver pearl lustre, which is perfect with my favorite Pigment shades, but also works well with charcoals. The other colors (Thrills, Frenzy, and Soft Lust) are more brown and gold and are a little out of my comfort zone, but it turns out they look great with a dewy foundation and a oood bronzer. Believe it or not, this is my first experience with M.A.C. lipstick, and while I like the shades, I am not as excited about the wear. I got one to two hours tops out of each. Still, I like them well enough to recommend picking up one of these coordinating shades when you're looking for the RushMetal Eyeshadow Pigments.

Retail Price: $14.00

Ratings:

Pigment
Lipstick

Melissa Says: I swear, I want to get one of these for every woman I know. First of all, the pots have a very substantial amount of the product in them, enough to last months, and what's inside can only be described as FANTASTIC. Very creamy and soft, these colors go on beautifully and stay on beautifully. This stuff glides on silky-smooth and you can layer it to your preference of intensity. With some slightly bold shades as well as several very usable neutral ones, there's a good chance you could find at least one that you could get an awful lot of use out of. Right now I love using the beige- and rose-hued shades as bases for the entire lid, with the frost finish of Bare Study typically for highlighting, and then choosing my main lid shade. I've also used a liner brush on a few of these to create gorgeous, lasting eyeliner in interesting shades that lasts impressively well throughout the day without fading.

Love. This. Stuff.

Retail Price: $16.00 (at maccosmetics.com or go here to find a retail location near you)

DeLush Rating:

What Lisa Says: This pale pink and khaki green duo is choc with shimmer and should be beautiful with the falling offerings coming off the runway this year. My Lotus however is more than half gone compared to the Cactus. Lotus is great for highlighting the brow and inner eye areas. It has just the right amount of color and shine. If you like just a simple wash of color try the Cactus. But if it's depth of color you're looking for, you'll find you'll use much more Lotus than Cactus in this duo. I just could not get the Cactus dark enough for my liking. Even using a mixing medium and applying it wet did not add depth of color but did add sheen. A nice effect but not much darker than applying dry. As is so common with duo's and quad's, I'm liking one better than the other. Still, it's a nice duo, it stayed on without creasing and I'll wear both during the day but would not recommend for evening. Chanel always packages their products nicely with two applicators and a mirrored compact.

Retail Price: $38.50 (at chanel.com or in select department stores)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: Intense frost and shine for lips. Cool array of hottest colours in a convenient, easy-to-use case. Gel texture imparts a shimmery, ultra-glossy look. New shades add extra sparkle and shine.

Jamie's Thoughts: First off, allow me to admit that I am one of THOSE women - I carry at least 4-5 lip products on my person at all times. Lip gloss, in particular, holds a special place in my heart because I'm not brave enough to risk a full-out lipstick. Oftentimes, they simply look too drastic against my pale skin. So I tote about at least one balm, and a stable of lip glosses.

That being said, this new shade of Chanel's wildly popular Glossimer line has more than earned a place in my handbag. It has enough staying power without turning tacky, the shimmer element isn't gritty in feel, and it can be layered on lipstick or worn alone. Because of its very neutral peachy-pink tone, this is a product I would recommend to anyone, regardless of their complexion. Seriously.

This product makes my lips look natural and alive in less than 5 seconds. Fabulous!

Retail Price: $25.00 (in select department stores and online at chanel.com)

Delush Rating:

Jen's Experience: I have gotten so much wear out of last Fall's Chanel limited edition eyeshadow in Pink Lame, I was very eager to try out this season's palette, which seems to have some similar tones. I am not normally one to wear a lot of green eyeshadows, which are prevalent in this particular Quadra, but combined with the other pink and coral shades, I found it to be a completely wearable collection for my fair skin and hair. The pale green shade is a fun alternate to the usual pearl or cream shades that I wear on my browbone.

As for wear, I wasn't particularly impressed with the staying power of the eyeshadow when worn without an eyesahdow base, although I've always had trouble getting eyeshadow to stay put throughout the day. One thing I did note is that this eyeshadow doesn't smudge at all, even when I rub my eyes, which to me is a huge plus. I think this is due in part to the feather-soft texture that really allows it to melt into my skin.

Overall, this collection is a pretty way to brighten up all those dark clothes that come out for fall, and for those who are pale like I am, I think you'll find that the colors in the palette will liven up your look for the season.

Retail Price: $55.00 (Chanel.com or your local department store)

Rating:

Melissa tried out the lip shades in this collection.

"In a way that made me very happy, the lip shades included in the Smoke Signals collection seem to be ready to make any woman feel prettier, with a touch of sultry. One wonderful thing is the subtleness of most of the shades, with the boldest colors being a match of deep yet wearable pouty burgundies. Like all of M•A•C's lip products, you can easily layer Lipglass on top of the lipstick shades for even more drama, or use either alone, depending on your coverage and texture preference. Below, you can see what each shade looks like on real lips! Enjoy Smoke Signals 2007."

Click to enlarge.

How to use:
Step 1: Always start with a base of highlight.
Step 2: Load highlight brush and apply over the whole eye area, blending up and out to the brow bone and outer corner.
Step 3: Load color brush with a mid color, flicking away excess.
Step 4: Apply color at the lash line and then blend up and out over the lid. Blend up to the socket, but never apply color at the socket because you will then have to blend it too far beyond that point.
Step 5: If you need more color, apply again at the base and blend upwards. Layer color until satisfied with the intensity.
Step 6: If you want to, you can sweep an extra layer of highlight under the brow to accentuate the look. "

Jen's Experience: This is my first review for the fall season, and hopefully it's an indicator of things to come! The eye wardobe I tested contained various shades of gray, from the nearly white to a smoky black, with a medium gray and a shimmery one as well. I love the off-white shade as an allover base and a highlighter for the brow bone. My surprise favorite of the bunch, though, was the dark, shimmery smoke color. It works well on my lids for evening use, but it also makes a fantastic eyeliner with a drop of water. The wear is impressive, lasting for hours and hours without even a eyeshadow base This is definitely going to be my prime shadow wardrobe for all my black ensembles for fall.

Retail Price: $45.00 (NeimanMarcus.com)

Rating:

What They Say: "Whatever your oral affliction
(be it chapped lips or sugar addiction)
Tarte has got the Rx for your blues
And it's garnering all rave reviews
Sugar grains scrub your pout smooth
While Vitamin E balm helps soothe
Believe it or not, it's non-fiction
Cause it's not only fact...it's FRxtion

Directions:
Use sugar exfoliator side on dry flaky, chapped lips to smooth out and follow with the vitamin e enhanced balm side to soothe lips."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: Okay, first of all - I don't think you can fully appreciate the fun of the popup mirror built in to this case unless you get to use it in person. Obviously, this would be a godsend for all actual lipstick cases, but I digress.

The sugar side is actually sweet, isn't TOO rough for lips, and still gets the job done. The balm side is very smooth and conditioning, with lasting moisturizing effects for several hours. Another plus is the fact that so far the stick has proven pretty sturdy, which is important considering the fact that you'll be applying more pressure than with other lips balms because you're trying to exfoliate.

Even though this may not be my everyday balm, when I notice that my lips are dry and rough, this will definitely be within hand's reach.

Retail Price: $11.00 (at tartecosmetics.com)

DeLush Rating:

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)

Rating:

What They Say: "Sizzling speakeasies with zip…red-hot risque, razzle-dazzle costumes…blazing jazz numbers sultry enough to work you into a fiery fever…Ah, the good ol’ days (well, what we think of, anyway)
Ever feel like you were born a few decades too late? Not to fret: this is just the set for all you girls who are more spice than sugar. Your inner sex kitten will purrr with these 10 cinnamon-flavored, moisture-rich shades of playful pinks & sheer flirty neutrals. The cayenne pep will leave you wanting more….and we deliver. Interchangeable connector pieces let you mix and match glosses for endless zesty combinations—leaving you too hot for words."

Jamie’s Thoughts: I love this set of adorable teeny glosses for fall. The packaging is super cute – but the real genius is in the details. The 10 small vials of gloss have caps, each of which lock into a connector piece. Each connector piece holds 2 mini vials (great for the indecisive), and when you’re using only 1, the other one makes a perfectly sized wand! Also, the applicator tip is sponge-based, not a brush, making application clean and neat. BRILLIANT!

The consistency of the glosses is somewhere between standard Vaseline and MAC’s infamous Lipglass. My love affair with Lipglass makes me the perfect candidate for this glossy hybrid product. It’s not overly tacky, yet has suprising staying power. (Full disclosure: I found it somewhat difficult to get it off. I’m a lip licker, so this is an asset in my opinion.) Also, the cinnamon scent is present, but not overwhelming.

Colors to Try:
Zesty – the perfect pink, especially for a redhead.
Zip – has a golden sheen, would be fantastic over red lipstick
Spicy – my personal favorite, great for all skin tones

Only 1 color seemed out of touch with the aesthetic of the rest – Fever. It was almost neon in tone – like radioactive Pepto Bismol. I can’t see it looking good on anyone, but go out and buy the set. Maybe you’ll prove me wrong!

Retail Price: $28.00 (TarteCosmetics.com or Sephora)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: (about The Bronzer) "Now, your skin and your senses are under the influence of Tom Ford. The message is nude. A makeup collection that reflects Tom Ford's provocative philosophy. Real gold in the makeup gives it a gilded, glamorous edge. Tom Ford on the collection: 'This collection is very much my philosophy of beauty. I've concentrated only on nude shades for the lips and nails. This is what I always really like...a neutral mouth, beautiful skin and a dramatic, strong eye. One look that works for many skintones.'" (about The Brush) *We don't have an official description at press time.

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: From the excitedly-anticipated Amber Nude II collection, this bronzer is more Fall-appropriate than the Azurée bronzer from this summer. This one is more tan and less tawny, and fairly subtle. The color doesn't turn orange at all as the day wears on and it stays put. Also, the compact is very generously-sized - about 50% wider in diameter than normal compacts.

The brush is incredibly soft and easy-to-handle. It helps to apply the bronzer evenly in just a few swipes. It's gentle on your face and just using it adds some glamour to the process of getting ready.

Retail Prices:
(The Bronzer) $60.00
(The Brush) $35.00
(both available at esteelauder.com)

DeLush Rating:
(The Bronzer)
(The Brush)

Lancôme's Fall color collection is called Luna Chic, which has three different variations: Twilight, Terra Light, and Red Carpet. Here's the rundown on the standout products for each look!

Twilight (Fall Chic)



Favorites:

Blush Subtil Mosaique in Stargazer

"This luxuriously silky powder blush uses a combination of distinctive colors for a perfectly natural finish. Multiple shades in one pan allow for definition, highlighting and contouring versatility. Oil free -- perfect for all skin types."

Artliner in Starshower

"This easy-to-handle, liquid pen features a uniquely shaped foam tip that lets you precision-line, shape and define your eyes.

Won't scratch, tug or skip. Also features a unique combination of two film-forming polymers that make every look last even longer. Rich, deep, luminous colour pigments offer the most intense- colour. The Result: A precise, professional look."

Terralight (Dramatic/Sultry)



Favorites:

Colour Focus Quad in Terralight (Designer)

"Go for the glamour with this palette of four colour-coordinated shadows to colour, contour, highlight and line your eyes. Patented Jetfine technology produces fine shadow for outstanding blendability and exceptional long wear. Use wet or dry to achieve various intensities. Custom applicators help create the perfect look."

Le Rouge Absolu in Nova

"Smoother. Fuller. Absolutely replenished lips. This advanced lip color provides 6-hour care with continuous moisture and protective Vitamin E. Features plumping polymer and non-feathering color to define and reshape lips. Choose from an array of absolutely luxurious shades with a lustrous pearl or satin cream finish."

Red Carpet (Glam)



Favorites:

Potion of Love in Vin Celeste

"Like a tattoo for lips, this felt-tip liner with a delicious "mango" flavor lines lip contours and leaves like a stain on lips. It can be used alone, or under lipstick or gloss for a longer-lasting lip look."

Juicy Tubes Smoothie in Vanished

"Add power to your pout with brilliant shine. Dial up the glamour with shimmering color. Discover a favorite shade and flavor for every mood. Lancôme now offers a fun way to choose Juicy Tubes based on coverage and finish, giving your lips the high impact shine and color you desire.

Juicy Tubes Smoothie shades offer medium coverage with a burst of color. Lips glisten with an ultra-glossy formula that glides on easily with its tube-tip applicator."

See the entire lineup for Luna Chic here.)

What They Say: “Take yourself on a beautiful journey. This limited edition highlighting powder leaves skin luminous, vibrant, shimmering with the cool patina of platinum. Sweep it on forehead, above cheekbones, on chin. From the Mythical Beauty Fall Color 2006 Collection. Expressions of art and fantasy. Let your imagination run wild.”

Toya’s Take: I like this product, but don’t love it. It’s a really nice illuminating or highlighting powder. The packaging and look of the Illuminator are very similar to the Bobbi Brown Shimmerbricks and it has almost the same effect, though it only comes in one color. It gave my skin a nice, candlelit glow when I applied it as suggested. The effect lasted and I think it’s a good option if you’re looking to give your skin some soft shimmer.

Retail Price: $30.00 (Neiman Marcus or your local Estee Lauder counter)

Rating: (There’s only one available shade and I think the Bobbi Brown Shimmerbricks work better.)

What They Say: "A luxurious new brilliance at your fingertips.

Rich, glossy, quick-drying and long-wearing. Truly intense color is so shiny it looks wet--but don't be fooled.

Resists chipping, even in water. Won't fade, dull or streak, even in strong sunlight.

Specially designed brush shape makes application incredibly easy. Just three strokes of color--middle, left and right--and you're done.

Even the bottle is striking."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: Looking for a polish that will get you on board with the Metallics Trend this season without being too "modern" or "obvious"? This is the shade AND the product for you. This light purple-silver frosty metallic is subtle enough to be classic-looking as well as up-to-the-minute.

The brush is, as they say, a fabulous tool for applying even color in just a few swipes. This is also substantial enough to use only one coat and still have good coverage. Because of the bit of frost in this particular shade, it's not glossy-slick in finish, but it does have a nice shine. If you add a glossy topcoat, you can add more of a smooth finish.

This does indeed dry fairly quickly and lasts at least several days with no chipping. I've found a new favorite!

Retail Price: $18.00 (at esteelauder.com or go here to find a select retail location near you)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Our liquid liner & shadow set is sure to make you feel like a vixen. Maybe you’ll play it safe with a sleek, budgeproof line or go a little edgy with a smudged, sexified look.

Line ‘em and leave ‘em in 5 seconds flat.

How how to get that indelible wink (and keep ‘em coming back for more):
1. Starting at the inner corner of the eye, line your upper lid with the liquid liner—keeping the liner tip as close to the lashline as possible.
2. Using the powder liner tip, gently retrace over the liquid liner—this will smooth, set and blend the line."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: Well, once again Tarte has to get points for creative packaging. This is a very unique combo, applicator-wise.

I just wish I could say I was as completely excited about the product itself. While the liquid liner end has a pointed sponge applicator (which I usually prefer to a brush because you have more control of the liquid), I felt like it was a little hard to maintain a perfect straight line. The formula just seemed to "bleed" a little and thus be kind of uneven. Once it's applied, it does stays on well enough to pass, though if you rub it even the tiniest bit it almost peels off, which was kind of strange.

The shadow end is a novel idea, with its sort of spring-loaded tip that absorbs shadow until you unscrew it from the tube. However, I found the formula to be far too crease-forming to really be something I could use daily. It creates a great smoky look on top of the liner initially, but within the hour I had to wipe a bit of smudge off my lid.

I have to say, this was my first disappointment with a Tarte product. Perhaps it will wear better on you if you have less natural oils on your skin than I do or perhaps apply a primer to your lids first. But for me, it's not up to par.

Retail Price: $22.00 (at tartecosmetics.com or go here for retail locations near you)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: " Sheer electricity, daring shine. Ultra lustrous gloss pushes shine to the limit. Cool, crystalline shades gleam with brilliant dimensional effects. Intensely vibrant, full-volume color feels indulgently luxurious."

Melissa wearing Plum Wine

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: With its slightly sweet fragrance and very pretty translucent rosy shade, I found this appealing from the beginning. For being sheer, it's got great shine and color concentration. It's also incredibly comfortable and pillowy in consistency, and not at all sticky. While I find it lasts well for the most part, when eating or drinking it tends to come off more. That aside, I would still consider this a definite purse-worthy gloss - one that will get heavy rotation this season when I'm not in the mood for lipstick.

Jen's Experience: My experience with this gloss is somewhat different from Melissa's, but nonetheless I am liking this lip gloss a lot. The color, as Melissa said, is a sheer rose if you apply it sparingly, but with a thicker application, it becomes a deep plum, almost like a gooey lip stain. The crystals in the gloss lend to terrific shine, but luckily, it doesn't appear to have tiny sparkles in it, which was my fear. If you're looking for an easy way to get in on the plum lips trend, this is an easy way to pull it off. I'm not too crazy about the grape flavor, but I will let that pass for the perfect plum color I get from the gloss.

Retail Price: $20.00 (Estee Lauder counters and online)

Rating: from each of us

What They Say: "The new long-lasting, comfortable color that's on everyone's lips. Women no longer have to choose between longlasting lipcolor and a comfortable feel. Hours and hours of beautiful, smooth color, thanks to SoftFlex™ Comfort Technology. Won't flake or cake. Whether you choose sheer or full coverage color, with 36 won't-fade shades, the pucker possibilities are endless."

Jen's Experience: For the most part, I've sworn off the super-longlasting lip products. My lips, like my skin, are dry and the products that claim to be long-lasting just tend to bring attention to the fact that my lips constantly need to be exfoliated. But, always a sucker for the latest Revlon lipstick, I decided to give this one a shot, and I'm actually glad that I did!

Okay, so I have to say, right off the bat that while this lipstick does seem to last longer than their standard lipstick (or most of the other lipsticks I own), it didn't really live up to the "ColorStay" name for me. That said, I generally got 3-4 hours worth of wear out of it before I had to reapply, which is pretty good.

I am in love with the color I chose, Smoothest Wine. It turns out that this is the best red I've used all season for my skin tone, and as a result, I wear it almost daily.

The lipstick itself is a vast improvement over their other ColorStay varieties, and even over their standard Super Lustrous Lipstick, of which I've always been a fan. The lipstick moisturizes and seems to smooth out the texture of the lips. It never bleeds, even in the deep color that I'm using. It also doesn't dry out my lips at all. Ordinarily, when I'm wearing lipstick, I feel compelled to re-apply constantly just to re-moisturize my lips. I don't feel that at all with the new ColorStay formula; my lips don't look or feel dry.

I have always used Revlon lipsticks to fill out my color wardrobe, because of their great colors, high quality and reasonable prices. Now with this new ColorStay formula, my lipstick collection just got an upgrade.

Retail Price: $9.49 (your local drugstore)

Rating:

What They Say: “This light-diffusing crème can be used all over for a lustrous finish. Use over or under foundation or on bare skin. With added moisturizing jojoba and sun filters [to] help protect skin.”

Toya’s Take: I like the packaging of this product – it’s a cute little black compact with a good-sized mirror. Still, the product is pretty regular, as my friends and I would say, meaning, there’s nothing special about it. It’s a highlighting cream. It gives a pretty glow when used high up on your cheekbones, under your brows, and a tiny dab down the bridge of your nose. It’s subtle enough to use for day, but if you layer a bit more, it would be lustrous enough for a night look. However, this highlighter won’t do that any better than a similar product offered by Wet ‘n’ Wild, so why pay $30 for the same effect you could get for $2.99?

Retail Price: $30 ((available at Bergdorf Goodman in New York City, select Neiman Marcus stores, Holt Renfrew in Canada, Selfridges and Boots in the UK - go to jemmakidd.com for more information)

DeLush Rating: – It lives up to its advertising, but it’s nothing special.

What They Say: glōGloss: "Get the "Star Treatment" with incredible shine that feels fabulous. glōGloss melts onto your lips for a perfect, smooth finish. New for fall: lilac luster and star struck."

glōShimmer brick: "Be an instant sensation with our NEW glōShimmer brick in gleam. Four beautiful colors that you can swirl together for a captivating glō or use individually to illuminate that shining star in you."

glōPrecision eye pencil: "Achieve the fame you deserve with glōPrecision eye pencils in deep olive and plum. Dreamy, daring, legendary."

glōEye Shadow: "For that special effect, create your own color intensity from sheer to deep to totally dramatic! New for fall: berry, eggplant, and fern."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: This was my first experience with the glōminerals product line. I was overall very pleasantly surprised.

First of all, the gloss (shown in lilac), has a slight vanilla scent and is incredibly soft and moisturizing. I like its weight, and it lasts pretty well. The gloss also has a very slight opalescent sheen that makes lips look a little more voluptuous, too (I'm not going to say I didn't like that).

The new glō Shimmer Brick is a (very generous-sized) quad of completely wearable soft-shimmer shades. (the picture does NOT do the colors justice, TRUST ME). Each one could easily be used on cheeks or lids as color or subtle highlighter. They also layer very beautifully together and are incredibly soft in texture. This was perhaps my favorite part of their Fall lineup.

Next are the eye shadow (in fern) and eye pencil (in olive). The shadow builds really easily just as they say, because of its very fine consistency. This shade also has just enough very fine flecks of gold to make it even prettier. The only thing that wasn't perfect about it was that it did crease a little bit after several hours. The eye pencil goes on smoothly and has a handy sponge tip on the other end if you'd like to smudge it a bit to create a more smoky look. The pencil could have lasted a little bit longer without wearing off, but it held up fairly well for one not billed as "longwear".

Retail Prices:
glō Gloss $15.00
glō Shimmer Brick $30.00
glō Eye shadow $17.00
glō Eye pencil $15.00
(go to glominerals.com for more information or call 800.496.8007 for a product catalog or other information)

DeLush Ratings:
glō Gloss
glō Shimmer Brick
glō Eye shadow
glō Eye pencil

What They Say: "What it is: A long lasting, gel-to-powder blush with a hint of subtle highlights.

What it is formulated to do: Glide over the cheeks for a sheer, natural, sun-kissed sheen.

To use: Dab onto the apples of your cheeks with fingertips and blend back along the cheekbones."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: The first thing I really like about this is the built-in mirror in the small-ish (think a little bigger than a silver dollar) compact. This is really handy, and I always love products that have their own mirrors included because that makes them TRULY something you can toss in your purse and use on the go.

The blush itself (currently only in this bronze shade, Northern Cape) looks a little orange-gold (well, a lot) in the compact. However, the color blends very sheer and creates a natural-looking glow on your cheeks. Personally, I would probably use a dab or two of this over my regular blush for a bit of barely-there sheen. I did feel like it wore off a little if I happened to rub it in a bit too much when applying. But the color and texture are natural and pretty.

Retail Price: $20.00 (at sephora.com)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "You know how some lip glosses taste so good that you keep licking your lips just to taste them? Sweet Spot is that kind of gloss. With an addictive orange blossom flavor, Sweet Spot glosses are sheer and shiny – just the right dose of color and sparkle. The squeeze tubes are outfitted with a special slanted tip so you can apply directly to your sweet little lips. They’re all printed with super-cute mod floral graphics and have 60’s flower power names. Wear them alone or layer with our other glosses for custom effects. Tasty!"

Alissa's Experience: Like most girls, I buy and apply lip gloss in mass quantities. The first thing I noticed about these tube were the size. They're huge! There's definitely enough gloss to last until I get sick of the color.

My favorite shade is Hippie Chick, a color that would probably look good on just about anyone. It's a very sheer, slightly shimmery peach that enhances my natural lip color without really changing it, perfect for an everyday gloss. All of the shades I tried were very subtle in color, but a couple had sparkles (which I wouldn't recommend for those over the age of 13).

These glosses are very smooth and not at all sticky. They actually feel very nice, not like those ones that dry out your lips after a few minutes. The staying power isn't any better or worse than other lip glosses, but the delicious sweet scent lasted just long enough to keep me happy. Besides the cute mod style packaging there isn't really anything spectacular or different about Sweet Spot gloss. Still, I'm pretty sure this one will be in my purse for a long while to come.

Retail Price: $11.00 (at hardcandy.com or go here to find a retail location near you)

DeLush Rating:

About the shadow stick: "Apply dry to contour and define your eyes with rich color. For a more intense look, use wet. For precision application, sharpen before use."

About the Shocking Shadow Pigments: "With professional brush.
Make them stare with multi-dimensional color that brightens and reflects. Now with HIP high intensity pigments shocking shadow pigments you can create professional eye looks with six stunning shades of rich color, which can be used individually or layered together to make eyes pop."

Jen's Experience (and it was an experience): I purchased these products from my local drugstore to talk about in conjunction with the gold smoky eyes tutorial you'll see later on today. Although I was able to make some use out of the Shocking Shadow Pigments product, I found the Shadow Stick to be utterly useless.

I thought the Shadow Stick in Exquisite, a nice sand color in the packaging, would make a nice base color. I took it out of the packaging and tried to sharpen it as the packaging recommends (only I don't have a L'Oreal branded sharpener, perhaps my downfall). I promptly managed to break the stick in half, crumbling one side into chalky, coppery bits that I felt compelled to try to use by pressing against to my eyelids and rubbing, without luck I might add. After I gave up and threw away the remaining bits, I applied the unbroken side to my eyelid without trying to sharpen it at all. The result? Somewhere between copper and circus orange. I also tried using it wet but couldn't get any respectable amount of color to my eyelids. This product is going directly into the bin.

I soldiered on with the Shocking Shadow Pigments and did get some nice results, although the color that I used, Tenacious, another copper, was not quite what I was hoping for. I do realize these products are supposed to be bright and shocking, but I would be happier if they just applied appearing anything like their packaging would lead you to believe. I used the (very nice) brush that came with the product to first apply the product dry. I found that my contacts wouldn't tolerate the runaway sparkles from the shadow, so I was forced to use the product wet. It's not as bright and the color is much more pleasant wet, but if you're really into the iridescence, you'll be disappointed that the sparkles are not as predominant when applied wet.

Although I am particularly upset with my purchase of the Shadow Stick, the Shocking Shadow Pigments were also somewhat of a disappointment. However, I would actually not mind trying that product in a more funky shade of blue or pink when I am feeling bold.

Retail Price: $9.99 for the Shadow Stick, $11.99 for the Shocking Shadow Pigments

Rating:
Shadow Stick -
Shocking Shadow Pigments -

What They Say: "L'Oreal redefines eyes with Lineur Intense Defining Liquid Liner. This innovative liquid system provides maximum definition and intense coloration that lasts all day long. Naturally tapered felt-tipped applicator allows precise lining as bold or as sleek as you choose. Water-resistant and smudgeproof. Ophthalmologist and allergy tested. Suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. Fragrance free."

Jen's Experience: I really like the smooth line that a liquid liner provides, but in the past, I've had problems with the liner creasing after it doesn't dry quickly enough or with the eyeliner application itself looking uneven and messy. As promised, this eyeliner really delivers in the application department. Finally, I'm able to apply a thin line all the way across the eye and add additional width if I want without the extra liquid showing up high on my eyelid. The pen is so easy to work with; it drew lovely even lines and even worked its way close up to the lash line. The liquid dries immediately, so there's no creasing.

The color I chose was Mineral, a dark brown color that blends in effortlessly with my eyelashes. I am really tempted to try the black as well since that's the color I generally wear.

My one complaint? It doesn't last as long as I would like. Since I rub my eyes, I would estimate I get about 4 hours worth of wear out of it. But you know? For the price, I'll just throw an extra one in my over-sized fall handbag. This one's a keeper.

By the way, the formula I used is the new formula, not the one pictured above. See the L'Oreal site for a more current photo.

Retail Price: $7.49 (drugstores)

Rating:

What They Say: "“The new intensity in eye color. Multi colors. Multi finishes. Major impact. Brilliant new colors, silky new formula looks richer, wears longer, without creasing. Sleek, modern compact includes applicator and mirror. Make a statement with one dramatic shade, lash to brow. Or play with all the colors and matte to high pearl finishes. Now see your eyes take on a new brilliance. Fragrance free. Opthalmologist tested.”

Toya’s Take: I tried the Pure Color Single Eyeshadow in Lagoon, which is a light frosty blue and Ivy, which is a very dark forest green. The first thing I noticed is how cute the packaging is – clear, hard plastic so that you can see the actual color. Inside the package is a small mirror and a sponge-tip applicator, which I, of course, never used. (Just don’t, y’all. The color doesn’t apply as well and it tugs on your skin. But I digress.) I decided to try them out during a dance audition, when I’d be dancing for four hours straight. Lagoon didn’t do very well on me – the frosty blue kind of turned gray on my skin. But the Ivy is really nice – the dark green made my brown eyes browner. I think it’ll be great to do a green smoky eye. The shadows felt silky smooth when applied and lasted a really long time – straight through a long, sweaty audition.

Jamie’s Thoughts: At first glance, I fell in love with the packaging. Like the rest of the line, each eye shadow appears “frozen” in a block of clear acrylic – they look like little ice cubes! Perfect for fall and winter.

The shades I received, a powdery pink and lavender, were soft, sweet, and completely outside my comfort zone in regards to color. I soldiered on through my fear of pastels and found that the product is very smooth, and easy to apply. It’s subtle and mature in a way that allows you to put several layers on (to intensify the color) without looking like an extra from a Pat Benatar music video. The pink brightened up my eye quite nicely – one of my coworkers even mentioned that I looked really fresh and awake. Bonus!

Note to eye rubbers: the shadow moves around a bit on the lid, so be cautious when you itch.

Jen's Experience: When I first started using these eyeshadows, I was concerned that the shades I was using, Pink Ice and Cinnamon, would be too pale and would look, well...weird. They are a little on the pale side compared to the sand and steel colors that are normally in my palette, but I think I need to rethink my make-up wardrobe after wearing these shadows for a while, because I don't think I've ever gotten so many complements on my eye make-up before.

Cinnamon over Pink Ice

I use the lighter Pink Ice on the entire lid with a eyeshadow brush (or just my fingertip), all the way up to my eyebrow and then follow with Cinnamon in the crease area, using a Blender brush to even out the color. I follow that up with a black eyeliner for interest, or a khaki for a more natural look. I also found that Pink Ice was a good base color for other eyeshadows in my collection, particularly Chanel Pink Lame.

I was really surprised by how long-lasting these shadows are considering the amount of shimmer in them. They last all day for me, even though I am an admitted eye rubber. I do generally manage to rub away the eyeliner that I've applied over the eyeshadow, but this is a problem I am willing to work on since these shadows work so beautifully for me.

Retail Price: $17.50 (Neiman Marcus)

Rating: from all of us!

What They Say: "Pigment is a highly concentrated loose colour powder that contains ingredients to help it adhere to the skin. Pigment comes in an excellent range of colours. Use to create a subtle wash of colour or an intense effect. Pigment does not streak or cake, is easy to blend and long-lasting."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: I've reviewed M.A.C.'s pigment powder already, but wanted to give you a peek at one of the new shades this season.

First of all, don't be scared of these powders. True, if you're not careful they might get a bit messy , but they also don't necessarily have to be as intense on your eyes as they look in the jar. For instance, this is Blue Brown when applied lightly:

But of course, the real appeal of the Pigment is the gorgeous sheen and semi-bold color that can be achieved, as seen here when it's layered on a bit more:

You can also use Pigment as an eyeliner, but here's where it gets tricky. I use a cosmetic q-tip, dip the pointed end into the powder just a little bit (usually there's enough on the lid of the jar to use instead), then push the tip onto a kleenex to get off the excess (otherwise it WILL fall onto your face) and then apply. In fact, with darker pigments it's very important to note how you apply it to your lids, as well. Sometimes I use my fingertip lightly, or a sponge-tip applicator. I find that a shadow brush is a little messier because the powder doesn't "stick" to it as well.

As you can also see, while the sheen part is really pretty, this color turned a bit reddish-brown on the outer edges of the shadow (where the sheen wasn't as strong), which I don't mind at all but reminds me to tell you to always check the powder on your skin to see how the color pulls on you.

Retail Price:$19.50 (at maccosmetics.com or go here to find a select department store near you)

DeLush Rating: (only because the darker shades are a little bit harder to control and keep from dropping under eyes when applying)

What They Say: "A luxurious fusion of colour, finish and plump-it-up formula that makes lips plush in shade and volume so incredibly lush, they look and feel like "more." If full and sexy is how your want your lips, move on up to Plushglass."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: I must admit, I'm a M.A.C. junkie. I can't help myself. Something about that counter draws me in a sucks money out of my purse before I know what hit me, so I have to be very careful about when I allow myself to go there.

I wanted to try some of the new Fall products, though, and one of those is Plushglass. Who wouldn't want their lips to look that that picture, right?

If you've ever tried M.A.C.'s Lipglass, you'll find this texture very familiar. It is a bit heavy and a little sticky, but the shine and color are phenomenal. Plushglass is very much the same, except the color is generally quite sheer, and has a more voluptuous finish. It does tingle a very tiny bit, but I would call this mild compared to some products out there. It's barely there, even. As far as actual plumping goes, I found it didn't do much. Greater than that was the visual EFFECT and the tingle seemed to enhance natural lip color more underneath the gloss.

Personally, I really like this new gloss. It may not give a lot of actual OOMPH to your lips, but let's just say, somehow the OOMPH is implied. If you're a fan of M.A.C., give it a try.

Retail Price: $17.50 (available at maccosmetics.com or go here for select department store locations)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "A comprehensive selection of fashion's most sought after colors. Silky Eye Shadow shades interact with each other harmoniously to intensify, highlight, and contour the eye area offering a crease-resistant, long-lasting application that holds to professional standards. Available in silky or matte textures."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: Well, this one isn't going to take very long. This is one of the best shadows I've ever used. To put it simply, they go on super-smooth, have a beautiful hint of sheen, and stay on true for HOURS. (It even lasted once through a workout and shower with no creasing!) At the end of a day there is very small bit of creasing, but I am completely impressed by the wearability overall. And these new shades are really gorgeous for not only Fall but throughout the year.

Retail Price: $18.00 (at Sephora.com or go here for retail locations near you)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Choose from an array of lipsticks that are rich with luxurious pay-off. The Balanced Sheer formulation contains moisturizing lip nutrients that soften and keep lips hydrated and healthy."

Jen's Experience: This is the first Sue Devitt product that I've tried, and I am really impressed! The lipstick has a great feel to it. Although the texture is somewhat thin (thus the sheer, I suppose), it makes my lips feel really moisturized, not smothered. The lipstick is fairly long-lasting, and only requires reapplication after eating or drinking.

Northern Lights

The color I tried is Northern Lights, which doesn't appear to be listed on their website or any other retailers as yet. This particular color is a soft pink with a little but of sparkle. It looks great with a little bit of Nars Orgasm blush and some gray eyeliner, making for a nice casual look. The color may not obviously fit into this season's trends, but if you're fair like me, this would be an excellent basic color for your cosmetic wardrobe.

Retail Price: $20.00 (Beauty.com)

Rating:

What They Say: "Made from micronized powders, this shadow has an incredible feel that blends easily, and will not crease or fade."

Jen's Experience: The color I tested in this Lulu Eyeshadow is Screen Test, a bright, jewel-toned green. I might actually pick out this color from the store if I was feeling particularly bold, under the assumption, of course, that the color would not be as bright when I actually wore it. Which is not the case.

Observe:

"Screen Test"

It's pretty bright in the picture, and when I first put it on, I thought it was downright garish. But, after I put on some jet black eyeliner and mascara to anchor it, I was able to wear it to work without feeling self-conscious (okay, maybe a little).

It's kind of a shame that the color is a little too bold for me, because the eyeshadow itself is absolutely top notch. The texture is unbelievably soft. I've had shadows that claimed to be cashmere soft that didn't even compare to the softness of this micronized powder.

The main thing that impressed me about the eyeshadow is how long it wears. I can't ever seem to make eyeshadow stay on past lunch, and this one -- which I wore to work by justifying that it would wear away quickly like bright colors generally do -- wore all day long and lost very little of its initial intensity.

So I am not a big fan of the green, but I like the texture so much that I would definitely buy this shadow in one of less dramatic shades and wear it often.

Retail Price: $18.00 (Sephora)

Rating:

What They Say: "This foundation provides you effortless perfection with professional looking results.

This breakthrough oil-free formula imparts an unprecedented semi-matte finish that can be blended for a soft, natural look or built up for greater sophistication."

Jen's Experience: I've been a fan of Chanel foundations ever since I tried their Teint Fluide Universel. While that one is a light to medium coverage, this foundation is more of a medium to full-coverage foundation. Even though flawless skin isn't really the look for this year, I'm a full-coverage kind of girl, so this product really appeals.

The color matches my skin well; there are no obvious yellow or blue tones in it that make it apparent that I'm wearing a foundation at all. It blends really easily, too. In fact, when I put on a light layer, it's difficult to figure out where I applied and where I didn't except that my skin looks so much better in the areas with the foundation. Another thing that I've noticed is that it almost seems to have some silicone or other foundation primer ingredient mixed in with it, because of the texture and the way it camouflages the larger pores near my nose.

If you're already a fan of Chanel foundations, this product is not to be missed, and if you haven't yet tried their foundation products, this is certainly an excellent selection. I understand that there will be a Pro Lumiere concealer soon, and that's already on my shopping list!

Tips: I was told when I purchased this to be sure to use a foundation brush so that I could use less, and have more buildable coverage. And she was right! Applying it directly uses almost double the amount of foundation and seems to skip medium coverage and go directly to full. When I use a brush, I can do my entire face with just one pump, a great way to conserve a foundation that is pretty pricey.

Retail Price: $50.00 (Your local department store's Chanel counter)

Rating:

What They Say: "Vibrant color is spiked with a wicked tingle and a delicious shine. Each of these lip plumping glosses are enriched with a secret blend of essential oils that leave lips soft, full, and extremely kissable."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: If you've ever tried DuWop's Lip Venom products, you know all about the tingle! (Some people are addicted to it.) There's a cinnamon-laced tingle that I actually thought wasn't going to kick in when I first put this gloss on. But...oh wait...there it was. While this is a much less dramatic option than a lot of the lip-plumping products out there (you may like that), it still does make your lips look a little more plush and full. The tingle lasts about 20 minutes or so, slowly dissipating. But it's never so powerful that I find it uncomfortable or distracting as with some other products.

The gloss itself stays on fairly well for a few hours and has a really pretty shine. It's not very sticky and is moisturizing. I would call the color (at least in this case) very sheer, and it is unflavored. In regard to this new shade specifically, I'm definitely digging this sexy gold-flecked Housewives-inspired pink.

Retail Price: $18.00 (at Sephora.com, or go to DuWop.com for a list of retail locations)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "We call it yellow mellow…
…’cause this cool lemon-colored powder/cream duo helps to calm down angry red skin tones. Yellow Mellow is chock-full of ingredients that keep redness at bay:

• aloe vera & chamomile ease inflammation
  
• soybean oil reduces skin discolorations, including sun spots, age spots and redness
  
• vitamin E helps skin retain moisture and is one of the most effective antioxidants to prevent premature signs of aging
  
• Green tea extract has been shown to improve rosacea
  
• White tea extract protects skin from oxidative stress & immune cell damage

Directions:
Simply dab the corrective cream on any problem area, gently blend, and use your kabuki brush to dust over with the matching yellow powder."

Jen's Experience: Since I have sensitive skin, I've managed to develop quite the nose for products that don't cause inflammation, but every now and again I test something that just doesn't work with my skin and my skin lets me know about it. Believe it or not, I've never had a specific product to help correct those situations, I have always just piled on some foundation and hoped for the best. But now with Tarte's Yellow Mellow, that's all changed.

Applying it involves two steps, very reminiscent of Bobbi Brown's undereye concealer. The packaging contains the corrector itself, a yellowish powder and the fantastic kabuki brush that makes it worth getting the set alone. I apply the yellow cream with my concealer brush on the reddish areas (generally between my brow or on chin) and pat in with my fingers. Then, I apply the yellow powder by dabbing the area with the kabuki brush. The redness really disappears! I also find it to be effective on other skin discolorations, not just reds.

Don't get this mixed up with an undereye concealer. I admit it, I tried it, but it really just doesn't look natural or really even cover up in the undereye area. But what does work is to use the yellow powder and kabuki brush to set your undereye concealer. I found that to be extremely effective. Oh, and the corrector actually helps to fix the problem rather than just covering it up, so you may not even need to use it two days in a row.

I think I could make it by without having this product at my disposal, but now that I have it, it seems like an essential for anyone with sensitive skin or even light acne problems.

Retail Price: $25.00 (TarteCosmetics.com)

Rating:

What They Say: "Seductive curves.

Now, power shape your lashes with up to 160% more curl.

Advanced aerodynamic gel formula with innovative curling polymers gives lashes weightless, seductive curves, without stiffness or flaking.

New pigment technology creates intense black impact shades that absorb light and surround your eyes in the beauty of deep, rich color.

Fragrance free. Ophthalmologist-tested."

Jen's Experience: I am, admittedly, extremely picky when it comes to mascara. My eyes are always dry, so I rub them a lot, and then it's all smudged under my eyes or flaky or both. I was anxious to try this one because I've been so focused on finding a mascara that doesn't make me look like a football player that I've not yet gotten a chance to try a more fun mascara, such as this one that curls lashes in addition to the coat of color.

The mascara did indeed produce a curling effect on my lashes that I thought was very noticeable, especially around the outer edges of my eyes. I didn't find it very easy to coat all of my lashes. The brush is very basic and while it didn't clump despite all the layers I applied, I felt that I needed to keep inventory of which lashes I had already covered. When I first started using the mascara, I applied only one or two coats, and didn't find that it deposited enough color to give the effect I was hoping for. Unfortunately, when I started adding additional layers, I started seeing the dreaded football player effect.

I like this mascara for its pretty curling effect and because it never seems to flake, but I wish it produced more volume or length, or even just some dark, shiny black color. This is one I may try in combination with other mascaras to see if I can achieve a more dramatic lash along with the maximum curls provided by this mascara.

Retail Price: $21.00 (EsteeLauder.com)

Rating:

What They Say: "Lusciously long lashes are obtained clump free with Lulu Beauty Lash Crème. Lulu Beauty creates what every glamour girl craves: a long lasting, smudge-free mascara. Lash Crèmes separate every individual last with a full lash wand, leaving lashes perfectly defined and dangerously curved. The mascara is available in two shades. Belle du Jour is a deep black, which creates a dramatic effect. For a softer, more subtle look Lulu Beauty has created Pillow Talk, a creamy brown hue. Lash Crème allows girls to bat their eyes without abandonment."

Jamie’s Thoughts:

Softer and more subtle? Check!
Perfectly defined? Check!
Dangerously curved? Umm, not so much.
Creamy brown hue? Check! An actual, true brown! Love it!
Long lasting? Check!
Smudge-Free? Unfortunately not.

Lulu Beauty had me at “hello” with this product – the packaging is flirty and adorable without being saccharine, and the actual wand is somewhat small (great size for small purses or traveling!). It only took a few swipes to adjust to the shorter wand applicator, and then it was smooth sailing. Do good things come in small packages? I couldn’t really say – this product also has its pitfalls. I prefer a strong, one-swipe-and-I’m-GORGEOUS mascara. Sadly, Lulu Lash Crème fell a bit short in this department. It took me about twice my normal “mascara time” to get the look I was going for. A full day’s work and errands later, my eyes were somewhat smudged. I can’t blame this entirely on the mascara – it is allergy season here in the Midwest – but I expected more. I would recommend this product for a light, easy, casual look that has “impromptu brunch” or “I slept in accidentally and had to apply my mascara on the subway” written all over it.

Note: For any DeLush lady who likes to meticulously apply mascara in many, separate swipes, this is the product for you! I kept applying, and applying, and it never got goopy or clumpy. No tarantula eyes! Huzzah!

Retail Price: $17.00 (from LuLu's online store)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "What it is: A sparkly, lustrous, cream-to-powder allover glow.

What it is formulated to do: Imparts a luminous glow to eyes, cheeks, lips, and body. Scented with watermelon extract.

To use: Dab onto lids, cheeks, and lips using your fingertips. Glide straight from the stick over the body and blend. Can also be used as a base under your favorite shadow."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: What a wonderful multi-purpose product! And it does smell amazing, too. I was worried that this might look greasy or shiny on my skin after a while, but it didn't. It blends sheer and is easily buildable. It comes in three shades: Melon (a sheer watermelon pink), Mocha (tan sheen) and Sunny (light yellow gold highlighting sheen). I found Melon has been perfect for me as a cheek color. I like using the Mocha on my eyelids for an eye-brightening look (I have noticed some minimal creasing though), and the Sunny as (obviously) a straight-up highlighter for corners of eyes, tops of cheekbones, etc. On cheeks, I think Sunny would work best for medium to darker skin tones, and Tan and Melon should look pretty on most skin tones.

Easy-to-use, long-wearing, and with just enough sparkly sheen to glow but not be too obvious, this is a thoroughly impressive all-over color in my book.

Retail Price: $19.00 (Sephora.com, or UK readers can go directly to popbeauty.com, though at press time these aren't available yet on their home site)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: " A highly original eyeshadow that blends sophistication, luxury and fashion in one! The innovative, embossed surface reflects the intricate beauty of lamé, weaving together three opulent layers of silky powder in gold, silver and rose tones."

Jen's Experience: This was the product that I was drooling over the most this season, and I think it may be my biggest disappointment. With all the work they went into to create the separate colors in their "opulent layers", the end result is a purplish-pink that is bright but not all that becoming on me. I refused to admit it at first, and wore it daily, but after a while I just had to admit that it really wasn't the best color on me.

I also found that the color didn't last that long no matter what I tried. Primer underneath, a base of cream shadow, powder on top -- it didn't matter, the color was gone within 4 hours of application.

This was going to be my staple eyeshadow for the season, but sadly, I'm just not all that impressed.

Tip: One way to really make this color pop is with a dark purple eyeliner. I found that it really complemented the purple in the shadow.

Retail Price: $40.00 (Neiman Marcus) It's selling out at this point, so if this is something you're wanting to try for yourself, hurry to your local department store!

Rating:

What They Say: "Long-lasting, chip-resistant nail colour. Fashion-forward and basic go-with-everything shades.

Brilliance to your fingertips with must-have colours from the runways of Paris.

State-of-the-art formula strengthens and moisturizes nails. Unique patented non-spill bottle with wiping action for easy application.

Roll bottle between the hands before opening to ensure even colour. Cover center of nail with one brush stroke, from cuticle to tip; follow with a single stroke on each side of nail."

Chanel Splendeur

Jen's Experience: I have to say, right off the bat, that this nail lacquer in Splendeur is my new favorite nail colour -- for any season. The bright raspberry color really pops against my darker winter blacks and grays, but as a spring or summer color, it's a happy shade of pink that looks great in a pair of sandals. This was my first experience with Chanel's nail color, and I am truly impressed. (I've since purchased their Black Satin nail color, which I'll be talking about next week.) All these years I thought that there really couldn't be that much of a difference between drugstore and department store nail color, but after this polish and the Carolyn New York nail polish, I do believe there's something to the higher end polishes.

This polish applies so easily, even I can use it without a major mishap. The texture is somewhat thin, but magically, it doesn't run; it stays where you put it. It seems like it dries more quickly than other polishes that I've used as well. My only complaint is that the polish did chip a lot at the tips after a couple weeks of wear, which doesn't normally happen to me. I can usually wear a color at least a month without that happening. Luckily, I was able to touch it up seamlessly. Next time I will be certain to reapply a topcoat at least weekly.

So, maybe this isn't the most long-wearing polish. I'm still so enamoured with the color and the ease of application, I think I'm willing to forgive its faults and enjoy my pretty toenails.

Retail Price: $18.00 (Buy it on DeLush Delights!)

Rating:

What They Say: "Non-sticky, long-lasting formulas with anti-oxidant vitamin E."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: Hey, her description is short and to the point. I'm going to take the same approach: this gloss is lusciously soft, cushiony, non-sticky, superbly shiny, and has the faintest glimmer of sparkle (this shade is SUCH a pretty brownish pink to go with all the bold eyes of Fall or even to spice up the nude look). Oh, and it stays on for hours. I absolutely love it, and think you will, too.

Retail Price: $22.00 (available at Bergdorf Goodman in New York City, select Neiman Marcus stores, Holt Renfrew in Canada, Selfridges and Boots in the UK - go to jemmakidd.com for more information)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Ever wish you had a magical eraser to obliterate all your beauty blunders? Well, look no further: whatever you’re trying to disguise, the eraser’s got you covered. The silicone & water based formula keeps skin hydrated and prevents creasing or caking… so no one will ever suspect you of hiding the evidence. (Now, if we could only invent a time machine…)

Dark circles? Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant, while safflower oil hydrates skin. Blemishes? Chamomile & Arnica extracts soothe redness & reduce inflammation. Puffy eyes? Aloe leaf & cucumber extract reduce puffiness & tighten skin."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: Ah, yes. Concealing those undereye areas can be frustrating. Any product that claims to help with the darkness and tiredness of the eyes is hard to not be intrigued by. That's why women seem to be on a constant hunt for "THE Perfect Concealer"!

I've seen some others designed in this form as well - in the click-up tube - and generally I don't know if I prefer them. In this case, there is quite a delay when you click the end to when the product arrives at the brush end. TRUST ME on this: don't click more than 4 times before waiting up to 30 seconds for some concealer to appear on the brush. If you keep twisting because you don't see anything, you will likely end up with a huge glob emerging out of it suddenly and no one wants that.

When it does come out, it seems to not emerge at the end so much as in the middle of the brush. I knew I'd have a hard time conveying this to you, so I took a picture:

This, while not the most convenient, is workable, especially if you don't go crazy with the clicks.

As far as the formula goes, I really like the consistency and coverage. It's non-drying and covers dark circles very well if you find the right shade for your skin. I even used it on some red areas and it worked really well at covering those up, too. It truly resists caking and settling into lines, which is a major plus as far as concealers go. I'm not sure I noticed a lot of decrease in puffiness personally, but that aside I think the formula is great. While I wish it was in a different applicator, I would still consider this something you might be very happy with. I'd say the thing I noticed most significantly about it is that it is moisturizing but doesn't get oily-looking. It stayed true and kept my eyes looking brighter for hours.

In this pic from some of the shots from the other day, I was actually wearing this concealer. Here's an example of how it looked on my eye (shade is Medium Beige - I thought I'd prefer the Light, but that was too yellow for my skin). This was taken in natural light on a macro setting (click to enlarge):

Retail Price: $19.00 (tartecosmetics.com or go here to find retail locations near you)

DeLush Rating: (for the applicator and because I didn't notice any decrease in puffiness as it described)

What They Say: "Use balm to prepare lips then add color for a sheer, moisturizing finish or use lipstick only for intense color stay."

Jen's Experience: From the first day I got this lipstick and lip balm combo from Jemma Kidd, I've been carrying it in my handbag and using it every chance I get. The color I am using, Eve, is ultra-bright against my pale skin, but it works well with the blue undertones in my skin. This color in particular is a dark pink with a hint of purple -- appearing nearly red at times -- so it fits in well with this season's trendy bright lips. It looks matte in the lipstick tube, but is actually quite shiny when applied.

Eve

I generally apply the lip balm first since my lips, like my skin, are usually dry. The lip balm portion of this product softens them right up and plumps out the wrinkles so that the lipstick can be applied smoothly. As they mention, the lipstick can also be used alone for a more vibrant color. The color was plenty vibrant for me when I applied the balm underneath, though.

This is definitely one of the best lipsticks I've tried in a long time. The color is great and is long-wearing, and the plumping balm is an added bonus that really makes this lipstick Totally DeLush.

Retail Price: $20.00 (Jemma Kidd Online in the UK, or Neiman Marcus in the US)

Rating:

What They Say: "Subtle, but never unnoticed, this water-rich stain provides a long-lasting, semi-permanent wash worth lusting after. Take a dip & anoint your lips with a sheer veil of vanilla-scented color, or layer for a deep, inky stain. Made with powerful antioxidants, including Vitamin E, Green Tea, Chamomile & Ginkgo Biloba extracts, Lip Envy applies cool, then dries down to a semi-matte finish – perfect when you’re not in the mood for a thick gloss. Housed in a sexy inkwell, Lip Envy features a flocked applicator for precise application."

Jen's Experience: To me, these stains are anything but subtle, but that's not a bad thing when I'm choosing lip colors this season. After trying Envious, Jealous and Greedy, I found that the colors for these lip stains to be just what I needed to brighten up my fall wardrobe. Envious, my favorite, is a hot pink that makes my skin glow and my teeth look ultra-white. Greedy, a top-selling color on the Urban Decay site, is a plum color just right for the lilac lips trend popular this fall. Jealous looks almost chocolate in the vial, but turns out to be a nude color that works really well with my light skin tone.

The lip stains themselves apply easily using the applicator provided, and do go on more subtly at first, but can be layered for a more vibrant color. I found that on my dry lips, the color penetrated quickly no matter how many layers of stain I applied, and could not be removed without make-up remover even moments after application.

This season, lips should be less fussy than in previous seasons, but when the lip stain didn't penetrate evenly due to my dry lips, I felt the need to "even it out", and at that point the layered color got a bit sticky. Still, if any of the cosmetic companies who were trying for long-lasting lip color had ever gotten this close, I would have been jumping for joy. The stain lasts for hours, and because it's a stain, it doesn't transfer to my beverage glass. It's a whole new world for me.

If you're the kind of person who really feels the need to have moisture on your lips at all times, I will say, it doesn't last as long with balm before application or gloss after application (I tried both). I was so relieved that I didn't have to repply my lip color constantly with bright colors like these, I was able to resist the temptation to gloss constantly.

Overall, this is a fabulous product and definitely one to add for your shopping list for the season.

"Envious"

"Greedy"

Tips: When choosing your color, remember that the color on your lips is much lighter than the color in the vial, so don't feel intimidated by the ultra-bright shades. If you do choose to wear a gloss over the lip stain, be sure to let the stain dry completely to extend the life of the color.

Retail Price: $17.00

Rating:

About Rouge Allure Lipstick: "The newest CHANEL lipstick -- destined to become an icon.

It combines fabulously wearable, lustrous colour and sensational comfort and is subtly etched with the world-renowned CHANEL logo. In a sleek black column that opens with a mere touch on the gold top."




Jen's Experience: I am always on the lookout for the perfect red lipstick, and there's no better time than this fall to get a classic red color. It's the perfect accent to a black ensemble.

I chose this color, Lover, from Chanel because it was a bright, traditional red color with heavy blue undertones. Yellow undertones in a red lipstick makes me look very washed out. Red lipsticks with blue undertones also tend to make my teeth look whiter, a true side-benefit to these bright colors. This might be a great red to try for those of you with pale to medium skin with blue undertones.

I found the application with this red, as with most reds, to be somewhat difficult. I found that the color applied more evenly when I used a coat of balm underneath, and I also had better results when I used a lip brush than when I used the lipstick directly. The color wears for a surprisingly long time, although when I'm dehydrated, my lips feel uncomfortably dry after wearing it for a while. The lipstick is very shiny alone even without a gloss applied over the top, but this would be a great lipstick to try with the wet, shiny look.

They mention the packaging in their product summary, and with good reason. It's ultra-sleek in the black container, and travels well since the lipstick cap doesn't come off without pushing the base.

Overall, this is truly a candidate for my perfect red. I wish that the lipstick was a little more moisture-rich, even if it was at the expense of the long-lasting color of this lipstick.

About Le Crayon Levres Precision Lip Liner: "Contouring lip crayon outlines, defines and corrects lip shape.

Creamy-textured pencil offers precise lip lining, to emphasize and maximize the shape of your lips with long-lasting colour.

Silicones allow ease of application. Vitamin E helps combat free radicals. Built-in brush for blending; comes with double-bladed sharpener.

Outline and contour lips, then apply lipstick with a brush. Ideal for making thin lips look fuller. For a matte effect, fill in entire lip with the crayon, then blur with the brush."

Jen's Experience: Le Crayon Levres in Wineberry is a perfect complement to the Rouge Allure lipstick in Lover. The Chanel lip liner is really the full package. It's not just a very capable lip liner (which, as they mention, makes a great matte lip color when used alone), but one end of the liner is a brush than can be used for blending. It even comes with its own sharpener.

Retail Prices:
Lipstick - $29.00 (Chanel.com or DeLush Delights)
Liner - $27.50 (Chanel.com or DeLush Delights)

Ratings:
Lipstick -
Lip liner -

What They Say: "The lights go dark, the music beins to thump, and a still blackness fills the room. You hear the click, click, click of a long-legged heel...then a camera snaps, triggering a chain of illuminate flashes aimed straight at the runway. Bibo's Fall Collection, Blackout, is the only thing you see as the start whites of the model's eyes project against a billboard of dark, sultry shades. It's a combination of glam-rock meets modern chic with dramatic eyes and a high-gloss lip. Incredibly strong, moody, and mysterious - but most of all gorgeous!

Seize the Spotlight - Long legs are overrated. Draw attention upward with a killer glance from a powerful smoky eye. Four stealthy charcoal shades line, layer and smudge while three deceiving suede shades highlight, blend and secure. This isn't your average charcoal: bronze, burgundy and indigo make this all-inclusive palette unique.

Your Moment to Shine - Create unbelievable shine with a coat of Flash and Flicker lipgloss sure to turn heads. Capture an audience with an energizing bronze gloss or revitalizing berry tone."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: First of all, let's start by saying that the packaging for this collection is dark and sleek, very fitting for its name. I love the squareness of the (large!) lip gloss tubes and the eyeshadow palette. The only negative in terms of packaging would be that it really took a few times (and some pretty persistent trying on my part) to get the top shadow tray to slide out. Once I did it about 3 times, it came much easier. On the plus side, included is an applicator with sponge tip on one end and liner brush on the other, so you can use the darker shades along the lash line (I did this with great results and the shadows last very long as liners).

As far as the actual products go, Bibo has once again impressed me. Their silky true-color shadows stay for hours and resist creasing, and these new shades are very versatile. This set can be used for daytime sheer prettiness or nighttime drama. The lower tray of suede shadows wears well for day or as base colors for the more rich, slightly shimmery shades. I acheived the look above by applying the Bronze charcoal shadow on top of the Pink suede (which resulted in a bit of a deep rich plummy color). Also, I did apply some of the Bronze with a damp cosmetic Q-tip, so keep in mind that the charcoal shadows, though looking quite dramatic in the palette, can actually be applied much more sheer dry.

As usual, Bibo's glosses are creamy and long-lasting. These two shades seem to be infused with teeny-tiny shimmer that simply increases the shine and glow on the lips. The color above is the bronze (Flicker).

Retail Prices: (The Shadow Palette) $34.00, (The Lip Glosses) $15.00 (available through select distributor stores and premier salons across the U.S. and Canada...call 1-800-456-9322 or go to bibocosmetics.com for retail locations)

DeLush Ratings: The Shadow Palette (not 5 only because of the tray issue)
The Lip Glosses

What They Say: "Enhance your intimate experiences. The love child of lip gloss and lipstick, Ultraglide provides the ultra-slick texture of a deluxe gloss with the semi-opaque color of a lipstick. The result: deep, rich color and beautiful coverage without the tackiness of other glosses. Featuring antioxidant Vitamin E and skin conditioners, the unique (and provocative) lightweight texture offers a smooth glide that takes lethal lips to an entirely new level. And to further heighten your pleasure, each shade is laced with a unique flavor. Mmmm.

Packaged in a long, sleek squeeze tube with a slanted, soft-tech applicator tip, Ultraglide looks sexy and feels great too. Fill weight: 8.6ml e 0.29 US fl oz"

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: Each shade of this gloss has its own disctint hint of flavor that lingers on your lips as long as the gloss is there. (Think vanilla, chocolate, sour candy, strawberry, chocolate-mint, etc. - some more appealing than others.)

The two downfalls? Realistically, this gloss only lasts for about 2 hours without feeling like it needs to be re-applied. Also, though the long tubes are sleek and fun, you sometimes find yourself having to squeeze UP it like a half-full tube of tootpaste to get it to come out.

That aside, the texture and feel of this gloss is fabulous. It's quite possible you've never had a lip gloss this creamy-smooth and non-sticky. It's incredibly moisturizing and soft.

This is definitely more of a "play" gloss for casual days and when you want to satisfy that sweet tooth as opposed to days when you want a gloss that stays on the job during the day. But as a more fun gloss, I like it.

Retail Price: $17.00 (at urbandecay.com or find retail locations here

DeLush Rating:

Following up with my review today, I want to pass along these absolutely GORGEOUS looks from Shiseido for the season as well as their new Holiday Look. Click on the pictures below for more information about how to apply them yourselves (once you're on their site, click on the bar links on the top right - Base, Framing, Coloring, and Touch Up) or use these amazing looks as creative inspiration for your own makeup routine!

I've had a problem with dark under-eye circles since I was in college. It's a mixture of natural coloring, I think, and the amount of sleep I've been getting and how hydrated I am. Sometimes they get a little better, but most of the time (probably due to my general refusal to sleep for 8 hours each night), they're so dark I have to hide them before I walk out of the house every day.

I went to the Bobbi Brown counter looking for concealer because I'd heard theirs was phenomenal. I ended up buying their corrector, concealer kit and their concealer brush. All three were a hefty $82.00, but they were well worth it considering that they really work and the amazing advice their representative gave me for applying the concealer. It goes against everything I ever thought when it comes to concealer application, but it absolutely works. While I still have the dark circles, they're concealed so effectively, they're invisible for hours!

Want to know how?

** Warning: the following photos contain graphic material of Jen without her makeup on.

Run, Don't Walk...
I am a ha-UGE fan of M·A·C products, and I'm thrilled to tell you that their holiday collection is availabe starting today. Rich, lush colors and fab, pretty packaging - are you as excited as I am? Go to maccosmetics.com to browse and shop or go HERE to find a store that sells M·A·C products near you. Happy Shopping!
Your DeLush Diva,
Melissa

That's right. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for the creamy pastels and bright hues of summer, but around this time of year I just can't wait to put rich colors on my nails. Deep burgundys, ripe reds, pretty purples, burnished browns...agh, enough with the alliteration! Here are some of my favorites and some picks for great fall nail color:

Revlon Nail Enamel in Blackberry. You don't know how many times I've picked this up at the store thinking "wow, this is a really pretty color!" and then have come home to realize I already have two from other such revelations at the drugstore.


Lippmann Collection Nail Color in No More Drama
(sephora.com)


Essie #522, Sole Mate
(at salons and other select retailers)




Maybelline Express Finish Fast-Dry Nail Enamel in Raisin Run
(at drugstores everywhere)


OPI Nail Lacquer in Romeo & Joliet (and yes, you read that right, it's "Joliet"!)
(at salons and other select retailers - click here to find out where to buy OPI in your area)




Bourjois Paris Very Vernis Nail Enamel in Lacque Brune
(sephora.com)


Givenchy Vernis in Rouge Interdit
(at select retailers - go to givenchy.com to find locations near you)

*I love when something truly different comes out to try! Here's a new product for this season with expanded distribution soon!

What They Say: "Lash Perfection's revolutionary new iFX brush - made with patent-pending thermoplastic elastomer technology - works in tandem with its unique purified mineral formula to give you perfectly defined lashes and beautifully framed eyes. Lash Perfection coats and defines your lashes from root to tip - right down to the hard to reach lashes in the inner and outer corners of your eye - leaving your lashes looking fuller and longer."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: I am very loyal to my favorite mascara, so me trying anything else and giving it a fair chance takes real commitment! However, if you've seen the pics of this applicator in magazines or seen it in a store display, I'm sure you can agree that it's intriguing at the very least.

I am pleased to report that this makes good on its claims - it coats lashes evenly with not a clump in sight, makes lashes look longer and eyes look brighter, doesn't irritate my contacts, and separates perhaps better than any mascara I've ever tried. Now, this formula doesn't promise to be waterproof or longwear, but I did find this lasts all day without flaking or smudging (but if you DO slack like I do sometimes and don't take it off at night, it WILL). It does come off easily with liquid, so it's definitely not cry-proof. ;)


The verdict: A truly pretty mascara that makes the most of what you've got without being too gaudy or thick.

Retail Price: app. $7.00 (at various drugstores and other mass retail stores)

DeLush Rating: