I have a soft spot in my heart for Tarte, with its ingeniously lovely packaging and creative naming of its products, as well as its typically high-quality cosmetics. The "Miss Fix-It" line for Spring 2006 is no exception. Check out what Tarte has added to its long line of fabulous products. Want something fun and girly to add some "spring" to your beauty routine? Let me introduce you...

Trifold Eye/Lip Compact ($44): "That cool scarf? She knitted it herself. The to-die-for rhinestone encrusted phone? Oh, just a side project. Jewelry making, sewing, cake decorating…this girl can do it all. Let your creativity run as wild as hers does with this playful palette full of candy-colored combinations for eyes & lips.

Shades include: shimmery champagne eyeshadow, shimmery purple eyeshadow, shimmery teal eyeshadow, matte bright turquoise eyeshadow, shimmery pink & shimmery lilac lip glosses, shimmery gold highlighter."

Melissa Says: What a useful AND lovely compact. The gloses are very sheer but beautifully shiny. The shadows are FUN but wearable. (Plus, Tarte's shadows are very silky and long-wearing.) There are two high-quality sponge applicators included as well. This would be a wonderful way to add some color and a touch of glow to your look in a purse-friendly compact.

Picture Perfect Eyelash Curler $15: "Smile and say “squeeze!” With this lash curler, getting a picture perfect curl is a snap. For a match made in Hollywood, use with Lights, Camera, Lashes! 3-in-1 mascara."

Melissa Says: This curler is spring-hinged, which helps create a tighter grip on your lashes. Fabulous.

The Toolbox: Brow Know-How $32: "Construct a picture-perfect brow in minutes using these easy tools:
1. “Prep the work zone” by tweezing any stray hairs
2. “Lay down the foundation” using the smooth brow wax
3. “Fill in the cracks” with your shade-specific brow powder or brow pencil.
4. “Seal the deal” with a glossy topcoat of brow gel.
No hard hat required.
Kit includes: brow gel, brow pencil, tweezer, brow brush, brow powder, brow wax, and 3 brow stencils, plus a compact with a mirror!

Three universal shades:
light: for blonde to light brown hair
medium: for medium brown to red hair,
dark: for dark brown to black hair"

*I didn't get an opportunity to review this item in the "Miss Fix-It" line, but I can't wait to give it a try. The well-groomed brow trend is not going away anytime soon!

Little Blot Book Shine Control to Go $32 (coming soon!): "Shine control to go! Oil: it’s a girl’s dirtiest little secret. No one wants to get caught with even the teensiest hint of a sheen (or worse, all-out shine).

The solution? Hiding the evidence, of course. Little blot book gives you two ways to send shine undercover: First, use the (tiny) blotting sheets for quick touch-ups then dust on mattifying powder* to tone down future glare. And no need to worry about being obvious…with a compact this inconspicuous, your secret will always be safely stashed away.

*mattifying powder contains Vitamin E & Vitamin A, some of the most effective antioxidants to prevent premature signs of again. Also includes green tea, aloe, & chamomile to soothe and nourish you skin."

Melissa Says: Wow. This is perhaps one of the most fun items in this line. The "book" is substantial but should fit into most purses. The brush applicator for the mattifying powder is incredibly soft, and the powder itself cuts down shine without that nasty pale-powdered look. It's completely invisible on your skin. And the tiny blotting papers hiding behind the brush pop up like little post-its and are wonderful for on-the-go quick fixes. Of course, there is a large mirror inside the compact as well. I have a feeling this little book and I will become very good friends.

Cloud Nine Cheekstain (NEW SHADE!) $28: "Our most popular product! This water-based push up gel stick is perfect for all skin types. No skill required - just dab it on and go. Wear it over or under foundation, with or without powder blush - it lasts all day. There’s no oil, so it won’t clog your pores. Still not convinced? We’ve been awarded “best blush” in InStyle, Cosmo & Self."

Melissa Says: I've never tried one of Tarte's famous cheekstains before. I must say, I've always shied away from any liquid or cream blush because I always felt that it looked bad on my skin. This unbelievably sheer formula really surprised me. It's easy to apply, smells like a lollipop or kool-aid (really!) and stays pretty all day. Personally, this shade might have been just a TAD too light for me, as I usually feel really pale and want a little more color. (I wouldn't hesitate to try another shade, though.) But it's very beautiful and natural, and your face doesn't get slick and greasy-looking with this formula. I use this when I just want a little bit of glow around the house, but then use it as a base for a little swipe of powder blush to go out (it actually helps powder blush stay on, too!).

Ferris & Sloane Double Ended Lipgloss (NEW SHADE!) $19: "Our lipglosses are back with brand-new components! You can even snap each gloss in and out so you can mix and match, or just take one half with you. Our new and improved double-ended lipglosses are available in our 15 original shades, plus six new duos.

Note: Our new shades: "ronald & cindy" and "lloyd & diane" are coming soon!"

Melissa Says: I've reviewed Tarte's double-ended gloss before, and these two shades are very light and sheer, with great staying power and shine.

Mona Lisa Eyeliner (NEW SHADE!) $18: "Think of your eyes as an artist's dream...the ultimate blank canvas. With our eyeliners in your hand, the possibilities are endless. Our super-creamy formula lets you smudge, shade and blend your way to a masterpiece (no MFA required)."

Melissa Says: I have green eyes, so I always hesitate to try any liner in any green, but this lovely teal-green actually makes my eyes stand out and look wide awake.

Overall Rating of Tarte's "Miss Fix-It" Line:

Go to www.tartecosmetics.com to buy "Miss Fix-It" items and more now.