About the Eyeliner: "A mechanical pencil-style liner. In formula, soft and creamy, with an intense, rich, colour deposit. Blends on application: dries quickly to a long-wear, non-smudge finish. Versatile. An easy way to line the top and lower lash line of the eye. When applied at a 90 degree angle, provides a thin precision line. For thicker application, apply at a flat angle."

About the Glitter: "M·A·C Glitter can be applied directly to the skin or combined with products to create high-level glitter and sparkle effects on all areas of the face, skin and hair."

Jen's Experience: I have been a fan of Clinique's Quickliner in the past, and the Technakohl eyeliner reminded me of Quickliner in a lot of ways. It is a dream to apply, SO easy to get a nice, even line that's close to the lashes. I tested with both of the colors in the N Collection, Brownborder and Graphblack, and found both to to be nice and color-dense. So here's what I didn't like: the colors creased very easily, even minutes after application. Plus, both seemed to slip under my eyes over the course of the day. With the brown, it was less of an issue, but the amount of color under my eyes with the black was quite substantial and was a serious deterrent to wearing it on a regular basis despite its easy application. I wanted so much to like this one, but I think I'm going to stick to my gel eyeliners for now.

I wanted to like the glitter as well. Actually, I would be happy with an opportunity to wear glitter where I didn't look more than a little out of place. Unlike the MAC Pigments, which can be applied lightly to be worn in the daytime, it's really hard to make the glitter wearable for most looks. I don't necessarily think that was the goal, though. Sure, it's pretty fun and dramatic for a formal or girl's night out, but what also makes it difficult is that it is hard to apply to a limited area. Maybe it's just that I'm impatient and try to apply too much at once, which allows it to float all over the place. If you have plenty of time, a steady hand, and the right occasion, this might be worth a splurge, but I might suggest just going my the MAC counter and having them apply my make-up in such a situation to avoid the issues with application.

Retail Prices:
Technakohl Eyeliner    $14.50
Glitter      $16.50  (both available at MACCosmetics.com or your local department store) 

Ratings:
Technakohl Eyeliner   
Glitter   

What They Say: "Ultra-smooth, Fluidline's gel formula provides the precision of a liquid liner with a silkier, softer finish. Goes on "foolproof" with a brush in an easy dip-and-stroke action. Long-wearing. Smudge-proof. Lines up in a rich array of colours and finishes. Brush sold separately."

Jen's Experience: I love gel eyeliners. Ever since I tried the Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner, I have started wearing eyeliner nearly daily, when prior I would wear it only on important occasions. I had great expectations for this liner from M.A.C, and while the colors are more intense and the application is incredibly smooth, the thinner texture of this product leaves me feeling less in control than with the similar Bobbi Brown product. It may be something that just takes a while to get used to; I've seen make-up artists at the M.A.C. counter sporting some pretty fantastic wingtips with this product. I didn't think it wears quite as long as the Bobbi Brown eyeliner either, although it doesn't smudge at all, and for me that's a big deal. Overall, I have this feeling that I would like this so much better if I hadn't tried Bobbi Brown's gel eyeliner first, but when it comes down to it, this isn't my favorite when I am getting ready every morning.

Tip: When applying this or any other gel eyeliner, the right brush is a MUST. I highly recommend this one from Vincent Longo.

Retail Price: $15.00 (MACCosmetics.com or your local M.A.C. cosmetics counter)

Rating:

"In the majestic fashion of our holiday Antiquitease collection yet with a style and realm of its own. Handsome in their bearing, these mini colour sets come in a textured cream paper cylinder with gold or silver crown motifs. Inside, all your M·A·C favourites."

 

 

 

Jen's Thoughts:

5 LipGlass and LusterGlass

Five gorgeous glosses presented beautifully? A great gift for any of the girls on your list! Choose warm or cool shades depending on the coloriing of the recipient. I found that even the warm shades looked great with my skin tone. The LusterGlass shades contain a bit more sparkle than the LipGlass shades, which makes them oh-so-perfect for the holiday season.

 

5 Pigments and Glitter
I'm a huge fan of the pigments, so it's lovely to see a collection of 5 pretty holiday shades presented here as a gift. Like the glosses, these are available in both warm and cool shades. I tried the warm shades, which are probably a little too much for my skin tone, so keep that in mind when you're making your purchase. I'm less of a fan of the glitter (it's very messy), but I do see some potential wears in all the holiday parties on my calendar.

 

5 Softsparkle Eye Pencils
This collection may have less gift-giving potential, but it sure is fun to wear! The collection contains 5 pencils in black and 4 colors with just a touch of sparkle. The sparkly black is dramatic for evening but isn't so much that it can't be worn to work. The colors require a little more bravery, but I found that they really brighten the eyes. One thing to note: the pencils pull a little right out of the packaging, but softened nicely with a few sharpenings.

What They Say: A long-lasting, water-based liquid eyeliner with a tapered pen tip that provides ultimate application precision. This unique calligraphic tool produces sharp contrast and definition to the eyes. The matte black liquid shade creates a sultry and dramatic look.

* Precise application
* Long-lasting formula
* Elegant matte black shade

Application techniques:
For subtle definition, use the tip of the liquid eye liner to dot color onto the base of the lashes. For more dramatic impact, use the slanted side of the tip to create a wider line boldly extending beyond the eye.

Melissa Says: Liquid liners are always easier to handle and apply when they have a felt pen tip. That was something that got me off on the right foot with this product. Not only is the tip precise, but it is strong enough not to end up weakened and undependable like some lesser-quality felt tips, and yet it isn't so hard that it is uncomfortable when applying.

Okay, but what about the product inside the pen? It goes on without glopping, but makes a pretty and matte line. It lasted all day for me on the upper lids, but did tend to slip a little from my lower lash line, though I didn't tend to use it much there because of its intensity. Usually when doing a full smoky look around the eye I use pencil under the eyes, while using an intense liquid like this on the upper lash line.

This is not only a beautiful intense liner, but if you do dot it between the upper lashes, they look fuller and your eyes pop a little. This pen makes black liner easy and beautiful.

Retail Price: $30.00 (at giorgioarmanibeauty.com or go here to find a select retailer near you)

DeLush Rating:

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

Gentle Fume Eyes: Eye Shadow x4 - "A monochromatic quad of four modern cool-toned Eye Shadows in the sultry spirit of Smoke Signals. Features three limited edition shades: Waft, Gentle Fume and Rondelle, matched-up with Carbon. Texturally: an intense mix of matte and velvet."

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."

Kohl Power Eye Pencil (in Orpheus, a gold-flecked black and Raven, an intense black with red pearl that looks sort of like deep plum on the eye) - "A kohl pencil that has all the intensity and colour power of ultra-soft carbon. Specially formulated to provide deep, fully opaque coverage, provides an intense, smoked finish with duo-chrome pearl. Versatile in application: blend or smudge."

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

What They Say: "A highly pigmented eye colour that goes on creamy but dries to an intense, vibrant finish. The next generation of a popular M·A·C formula, Paint Pots maintains all the intense traits of its inspiration. Long-wearing, colourfast. Creates seamless coverage without weight or caking. Blends smoothly over the lids. Cream-based, can be mixed with M·A·C shadows and liners. Available in matte and pearl formulas."

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:

It seems like I saw the same thing repeated in all my fall magazines: bold eyeliner and the cat-eye look.   While the focus remains on the eyes, the look now is much more stylized than the smoky eyes we saw in year's past.   Because this calls for a crisper, more defined line, I thought an eyeliner pen would be the way to go.   While this didn't turn out to be the holy grail of bold eyeliner styles, it worth reporting on what I've found.

 

Yves St. Laurent Automatic Eyeliner Pen

What They Say: "At last, an expert eyeliner. The calligraphic brush offers great precision and its continuous but controlled flow delivers the correct quantity of product for each application."

Jen's Experience: The first contender was the one eyeliner pen that seems to have made it into every magazine's fall fashion issue. So, beauty junkie that I am, I drove right over to Saks to pick up my very own. It's awfully pretty in its slim gold case. The pen is instead a small black brush that is designed to automatically fill with just the right amount of color. Well, I tried applying it on my naked eye, I tried applying it over eyeshadow, I tried applying it over eyeshadow base. In every case, I had difficulty getting any color out of the pen at all. When I got any color, it was a medium gray, certainly not Black #1, the only color option. Did I just get a defective pen? In any case, this contender for my eyeliner devotion clearly wins the title: "Most Disappointing".

 

Retail Price: $31.00 (Nordstrom.com)

 

 

LORAC Front of the Line Waterproof Eyeliner

What They Say: "Front Of the Line's unique automatic delivery system makes it easy and effortless to get a clean, precise line. A flexible tip provides smooth strokes and ultimate control. Line up your options - from very fine to dramatically bold - and create true Hollywood Red Carpet style!"

Jen's Experience:  After my terrible initial purchase, I went out in search of a black eyeliner pen that actually produced a crisp and true black line. I wandered around Sephora testing various pens from various pens on my hand, and walked away with my second contender, this pen from LORAC. On my first use, this one produced significantly better results color-wise, but I found the pen to be incredibly scratchy on my eyelid. After using the pen for a while and allowing it to become more saturated with color, that problem has become less pronounced. Still, I find it difficult to pull a line, and as a result, I just can't seem to get a crisp enough appearance for any type of effect, be it the bold eyeliner look or the cat-eye trend. While it's not the right choice if you're going for style, this is a reasonably good eyeliner for daily wear.

Retail Price: $20.00 (Sephora)

 

Cover Girl LineExact Liquid Liner

What They Say: "Make a defining statement with LineExact.  With its easy to hold compact pen and high precision felt tip, LineExact glides on smoothly for fine to bold lines without a fuss."

Jen's Experience:   When I heard about this new eyeliner pen from Cover Girl, I thought that it might be just the thing to round out my testing of different eyeliner pens.   And on the first couple of tries, this final contender was far and away the best of the bunch.  It delivered a crisp line that was really easy to control and was certainly the boldest black.   Sure, it creased unless I was sure to look down from the mirror for a minute or two after using it.   But overall I was so pleased.  But then I tried it again for a third time, and by this point, the coverage was totally spotty.  I had to go over lines again and again, which eliminated the crisp, clean lines I got when I first started using the pen. I tried wiping it off (did I ruin it my going over my eyeshadow?) and I tried shaking it to bring more ink to the tip (is it already out of ink?) to no avail.  Two perfect uses, and then sadly, it's out of commission.  This one clearly has the greatest potential out of the ones I've tried, but with results like this, I just can't recommend it.

Retail Price:  $6.53 (Drugstore.com)

Ratings:

Yves St. Laurent Automatic Eyeliner Pen
LORAC Front of the Line Waterproof Pen
Cover Girl LineExact Liquid Liner

What They Say: "Laura Mercier Caviar Eye Liner delivers long-lasting pure colour with a rich texture similar to Kohl Eye Pencils.

• Ideal formula applies effortlessly, & is mistake-proof


• Never drops colour onto the cheek or face


• Buildable pigment allows inifinite looks


• Use wet or dry for a smoky look

Jen's Experience: I was drawn to this eyeliner first for the rich black color (and being made by Laura Mercier certainly didn't hurt). I was a little disappointed when I first started using it. Wet or dry, it goes on very lightly -- you really have to layer it on to get any appreciable color to it. So, I guess in that respect, it's totally mistake-proof. I got the best color results using the Laura Mercier Wet/Dry Definer Brush that I got last year. It does blend nicely and makes it very easy to get the smoky eye look going on. Unfortunately, it does tend to smear a little if you wipe your eyes, so I tend avoid this one when I'm going to be staring at a computer screen all day. Otherwise, it does a pretty nice job of staying put and lasting throughout the day. Any doubts that I've had about it have been erased just by all the compliments I get when I wear it.

Retail Price: $22.00 (LauraMercier.com)

Rating:

What They Say: "Apply new super soft kohl formula as a liner or shadow, smudge with the built in specialty-tapered sponge-tip applicator, for soft, smokey color."

Jen's Experience: With bright eyeliners entering their third season this Fall, the time is right to add more of these bold colors to your eyecolor wardrobe. For those who are fans of the Urban Decay kohl eyeliner that hit the market last year, you'll be pleased to find these drugstore liners to be fairly comparable. Sure, they don't have the bits of sparkle and it's not quite as soft, but I don't think it's such a bad thing. The soft colors of the Urban Decay ones caused them to migrate a bit, while these fade but at least don't end up under my eyes. Overall, for the price, they're a great way to extend your color wardrobe without the cost commitment.

Retail Price: $4.99 (Walgreens)

Rating:

About the Mineral Lip Sampler: "All Nine New Mineral Volumizing Lipsticks! Designed just for redheads in a convenient, mirrored case with dual applicator for perfect lips. Each shade is available in separate full size tubes."

Jamie’s Thoughts: "Lip products present an intimidating challenge for most redheads. We don’t have much natural color to our lips (at least the majority of us), so buying lip products can be terrifying – I usually find something either (a) too orange, or (b) too red. This palette of 9 lip colors is, like a lot of palette style makeup, simultaneously overwhelming and thrilling. All those options! What’s a girl to do? It took me a week to get the hang of mixing and matching these lippies – most with success, others, not so much. Here are the vital statistics that you’ll need to know:

Texture: Slightly gritty, use a balm first.
Color: Stain-like, apply sparingly – remember, you can always go back for seconds!
Mix & Match-ability: Fantastic – the “mushroom” shade is perfect for muting those brighter colors.
Staying Power: Above-Average
Tool Time: Brush/Sponge combo was difficult to use, and hard to clean
Volumizing: No visible difference here!

Truth be told, I’m not completely sold on this product. It would be great for travel (and any other moment when you can’t drag your entire lip care collection along with you), on the other hand, how important is convenience when it comes at the price of the feel of the product? While the range of colors is impressive, I think I’ll stick with my smoother, more comfortable lippies.

Retail Price: $19 USD (special price at JustForRedheads.com)

About the Advanced Waterproof Eyeliner: "Unique Expresso shade provides incredibly natural depth. Creating natural definition is a must for redheads. Now with the
JFR Advanced Liquid Waterproof Eye Liner you can have it all. New high definition eye liner brush."

Jamie’s Thoughts: Love the color, love the applicator, love the packaging. I usually find liquid eyeliner intimidating, but this product put me immediately at ease. The brush is easy enough to manipulate – just change the pressure when you apply, and you’ll get whatever you’re looking for, whether it’s a natural outline, or something more dramatic (think Amy Winehouse or Cleopatra).

As for the waterproof claims, those are totally accurate as well. This stuff didn’t budge, baby. Not only did it NOT move when I wet my face, but it also didn’t come off with just soap – I had to rub it off. This eyeliner isn’t going anywhere, which is good, because I plan on continuing to use it! A must-have for the upcoming sweaty summer, and tearful wedding season.

Retail Price: $13.00

About the Brush-a-Brow: "Designed for those with auburn hair. Adds a natural,warm auburn depth to brows. New long-wearing formula."

Jamie’s Thoughts: This product disappointed me immensely. The powder consistency was WAY too hard – when I put the brush to it, it crumbled away in every direction. Not good. Also, the bristles on the applicator brush were very stiff – stiff enough to brush the product through my eyebrow hair(s) and onto my face. The color was appropriate for my skin tone, but totally unpleasant to apply! What a shame.

Retail Price: $15.00

Ratings:
Mineral Lip Sampler
Advanced Waterproof Eyeliner
Brush a Brow

What They Say: "This magic solution instantly turns eye shadow into liquid liner. Just place a few drops into eye shadow lid, dab brush into liquid, glide along outer edge of shadow, and then apply to eyelid."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: I was hoping to try this ever since Carmindy told us that she swears by this stuff to make shadow liner stay put. It's really simple to use; just follow the directions to put a couple of drops in your shadow container lid, dip your liner brush in the liquid and swipe the brush along the edge of the shadow (you don't want to get it on the rest of the shadow that you use typically for your lids). It really does create a nice, smooth liner that may not be waterproof but is definitely smudgeproof enough to last most of the day without budging or disappearing. This is a handy way to give you more liner choices and experiment with some of your favorite shadow colors.

Retail Price: $17.00 (at Paula Dorf online and sephora.com)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "The best Eye Pencil ever, ever, ever! Never before has a pencil this creamy and brilliant been waterproof, too. Velvety-soft, this never-before-seen formula stays soft and creamy for blending (about 30 seconds), then dries down to a long-lasting finish that WILL NOT budge. Line eyes with a hint of color or go for the full artistic, multi-hued effect with the wide selection of lush tropical hues, deep metallics and unusually vibrant neutrals. Incredible with Urban Decay Eyeshadows!

Created with 50% moisturizing ingredients suspended in a sophisticated waterproof formula, 24/7 Eye Pencils offer long-lasting color and a dreamy, creamy feel when applied. With Jojoba Oil, Vitamin E and Cottonseed Oil, these pencils condition skin and stay with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! Fill Weight: 1.2g e 0.04 US oz.

Tips: 24/7 Eye Pencils are ideal for lining inner lids because the waterproof formula stays put. Just apply, try not to blink for a sec, and you’ve got immovable liner."

Jen's Experience: I've tried the Urban Decay Smoke-out pencils in the past, and while I loved the great colors (that coordinate so well with their eyeshadows), I didn't like the way they tugged at my eyes when I applied. In this new eyeshadow rendition, not only have they managed to make the colors even more fabulous than ever, they really do just glide onto the eye. I found that by sharpening the pencil, I could get a great precise line that rivals my gel eyeliners, while a blunter pencil lends itself to a softer or smoky look.

I stuck closely to the black (Zero) for the longest time. It's the color I would wear most anyway, but I was also not so sure about the ultra-bright colors. Turns out Lucky and Honey, two of the gold-toned colors, worked well with my sand-colored eyeshadows to brighten my eyes. Another of my favorites is Lust, a bright purple that I used on my lower lashes for evening wear.

The colors wear so nicely, I never have to worry about seeing the colors smeared across my face or drifted beneath my eyes. I do find, however, that the black eyeliner creases a bit when I first apply it over-top of cream eyeshadows. If you regularly use cream or mousse eyeshadows, be very careful not to blink in the first 30 seconds or so you have it on. Despite the minor creasing problem with some of my eyeshadows, these eye pencils are so wearable and fun that I use them for both work and play on a daily basis.

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: I was pleasantly suprised at just how right they were at describing this as having a supersoft application. It really is, and kind of throws you off because it seems that something that creamy will continue be "melty" during the day, resulting in creasing. Fortunately, this is not the case. I absolutely have been impressed with this liner's long wear, which doesn't smudge or pull a disappearing act all day. Also, the colors have a slight but very pretty irridescence, which only adds to one of the reasons why this is my new favorite longwear eye pencil.

Retail Price: $15.00 (UrbanDecay.com)

Melissa's Rating:
Jen's Rating:

What They Say: "This rich, water resistant, long lasting pencil glides on smoothly to emphasize the eye instantly and is available in a selection of deep sultry shades.

Smudge-proof and water resistant, with special ingredient Nylon-12 to offer a rich, luxurious and crease resistant finish, the Eye Intensifier Pencil can be applied along the base of the eyelid and bottom lashline for an intense smoky look or may be used to create a "quick-eye" with minimal blending for a maximum effect."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: With a soft texture that glides on smoothly and a sponge end for blending, this pencil manages to create a soft-focus smoky look with ease. It's generously-sized as well. The only thing I noticed was that it didn't last as long on my upper lid as my lower lid, melting into the crease a little bit after a couple of hours. But it remained on my lower lash line just fine.

While this isn't the longest-wearing pencil I've ever tried, I loved the luxurious texture and ease of use.

Retail Price: $22.00 (at sephora.com or call 888.870.1150 to buy directly from Sue Devitt Beauty)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say(about BronzeRush) "Bronzerush is a palette that has everything you need to add color and life to your complexion. The gorgeous gold metallic kit includes a velvety smooth powder bronzer with a gel-based translucent blush, for a pop of fresh cheek color. Bronzerush gives you a warm healthy glowing tan, flushed rosy cheeks, and an all-over sun-kissed radiance that cannot be achieved by the average bronzer." (about the Rose Eyes Palette) "You can create a new look for every mood, season, or time of day with this gorgeous rose-themed palette. Set includes a true rose base shade, soft pink shimmer, soft rosy bronze, peachy-gold shimmer, and a deep plum-brown cream liner, plus a double-ended flat liner/eye blender brush."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow:(about BronzeRush) The sight of this palette, upon opening, kind of made me nervous. To me, it looked pretty bold. But on I soldiered, and put the stuff on anyway. The bronzer portion is actually less alarming than I imagined. It appears more orange-y in the compact than it comes off on my skin, but it is rather sparkly and maybe just tawny enough that I'd prefer it for spring or summer, but you may like it just fine, especially for those nights out. The little pot of creme blush to add on top for a bit of a rosy hue is NOT super-bright on your skin. It's actually quite sheer, and I thought rather pretty. If you've got slightly oily skin as I tend to get by around 5 o'clock in the evening if I don't powder or blot, this may not stay on as well as you'd like and you probably would prefer a powder blush for more wearability. Otherwise it's these two are a really nice combo.

(about the Rose Eyes Palette) This I absolutely LOVE. The colors are so perfectly matched for highlighting and deepening of the base color, and the generously-mirrored case is slim and compact. I think these colors would be flattering on practically anyone, whatever your skin tone or hair/eye coloring. The shadows are silky and really do wear fabulously - I didn't notice any creasing during the day. I was a little concerned about the cream liner, because it is such a soft formula. While I did smudge it myself a tiny bit when I applied it for a soft-focus look, the lines absolutely stayed put (surprisingly well) for HOURS. (Click the pic to the right to enlarge.)

Retail Prices: (BronzeRush) - $34.00, (Rose Eyes Palette) - $32.00 (BronzeRush is available at shop.duwop.com and the Palette is available at sephora.com)

DeLush Ratings: (BronzeRush)
(Rose Eyes Palette)

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: "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: 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: "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: