August 12, 2008, 1:57 pm

It's easy to see why Marco Color Anti-Frizz Leave-In Conditioner with Collagen Color Guard is hairstylist Marco Pelusi's signature product. Just one or two pumps miraculously detangle knots and tame frizz on all hair types. (Flat hair? Stick with a half-pump.) Collagen temporarily fills holes in the hair shaft, making even color-treated hair look instantly shinier and healthier. Expect an aloe vera-like scent and a slippery residue on hands (like that of slightly diluted deep conditioner). One bottle can last through a year of daily use, making it worth its salon price and exclusivity.

Product Reviewed: Marco Pelusi Marco Anti-Frizz Leave-In Conditioner

0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

August 4, 2008, 6:41 pm

Dry skin types who usually reach for a rich, heavy cream will love this lightweight blue serum. It not only instantly hydrates, but also makes skin a perfectly smooth, youthful canvas for sunscreen, primer or foundation. One or two pumps of the hyaluronic acid formula will cover the whole face (use more for the neck), sinking in quickly without any slick, tingling residue. Skin retains a slightly dewy appearance but remains easily layerable with other products (although another moisturizer likely won't be necessary). Drugstore serums by brands like Olay work about as well, but the sheer perfection of this effective formula, along with its signature Chanel scent (a bit like Chanel No. 5 and fresh apples) is worth a splurge.

Product Reviewed: Chanel Precision Hydramax + Active Serum Active Moisture Boost

0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

August 1, 2008, 5:49 pm

This modern compact will be with me if I'm ever stranded on an island. It's expensive, but it feels like silk and stays on almost all day. Prepare to experiment with more than 45 unique, highly pigmented combinations before buying. Matte neutrals make reliable, crease-resistant base colors while iridescents and bolds can be worn sheer or dramatically layered. A plastic sheet protects the mirror inside from mess (but for speed demons, that doesn't last long).

Product Reviewed: Nars Duo Eyeshadow

0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

July 23, 2008, 12:17 pm

Despite a "24-hour humidity resistance" stamp, this spray left my fine hair flat after five hours of walking through Manhattan in early September. Indoors, a hefty application of the delicate mist, which smells a bit like bug spray, gives hair noticeable bounce with medium hold and no stiffness or crunchiness. The locking mechanism on the metal canister makes it handy for traveling because the top twists easily to seal without wasting product.

Product Reviewed: Redken Workforce 09 Flexible Volumizing Spray

0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

July 23, 2008, 11:38 am

My biggest issue with this volumizing spray is the crunchy, stiff texture it leaves behind. It's as if I've coated my roots with hairspray. The bottle's nozzle looks awkward, but it's practical. The tube-like extension on the pump isolates the product so that it sprays directly on the root area. Post-blow-dry, roots appear slightly shinier and more volumized in non-humid conditions. It only seems effective if your haircut doesn't help weigh down strands.

Product Reviewed: Redken Body Full Weightlifter

0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

July 21, 2008, 2:10 pm

Prestige Classic Lipliner is an inexpensive, plain ol' pencil, so you may not expect much. But layered underneath your favorite lip color, it can help even bright red lipstick stick around several hours longer than usual -- not bad for a non-waterproof formula. Though more hard than soft, color goes on and blends fairly easily to match the quick reference pencil top. Sharpening is a cinch as the pencil isn't too thick or thin. (Prestige recommends using their sharpener No. 6002 for the best fit, but I've had success with other standard-sized sharpeners.) All in all, a great drugstore find.

Product Reviewed: Prestige Lipliner

0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

June 11, 2008, 12:36 pm

L'Oreal's HiP line consistently proves that good things come in small packages. This double-sided compact is a giant bargain that fits snugly in the palm of your hand. Flip-open caps reveal two intensely pigmented, complementary shadows on one side of the compact and a mirror and two sponge applicators (no brush) on the other side. Color combos with names like Sassy and Saucy go on soft when dry and bold when wet. Left alone, pigments won't budge from lids.

Product Reviewed: L'Oreal Paris HiP Concentrated Shadow Duo

0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

June 10, 2008, 5:20 pm

undefined

I loved this long-wearing gel liner and eye shadow when I bought it, but once it dried out, it was useless. Keep the lid tight on the solid little pot whenever it's not in use. (If it dries anyway, scrape off the top layer to see if any moist liner is beneath.) With a firm texture between powder and liquid, this liner is best drawn on with an angled liner or smudge brush. (Fingers are OK if you're not being precise.)

Product Reviewed: Stila Smudge Pots

0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

May 28, 2008, 1:35 pm

L'Oreal Paris deserves props for fitting the tanning booth experience in a can. Sunless Sublime Glow Moisturizing MicroFine Mist hits hard-to-reach areas easily, requires no blending (in fact, don't) and dries in five minutes -- a dream come true. But without a booth, getting an even, blotch-free "tan" is difficult. Be careful to mist consistently at arm's length -- and stay away from white walls or rugs. Expect a slight DHA scent within two hours and a realistic brown color by coat two. Note: The formula contains alpha hydroxy acids, which can make skin more sun-sensitive; wear a sunscreen.

Product Reviewed: L'Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Pro Perfect Airbrush Self-Tanning Mist

0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

April 18, 2008, 12:40 pm

With the <a href="/reviews/product/137845" target="new">right brush</a> (not included), Physicians Formula Summer Eclipse adds a warm, summer glow to any complexion. The reasonably priced, pressed powder comes in a palm-sized compact (no mirror) and combines sheer "tan" coverage with light gold shimmer. Ideal for sensitive skin, it's great for adding sparkle, a touch of color and a bit of confidence on days when you don't have time for a full face of makeup. (Darker skin types will notice the shimmer but likely not the color.) Comes in three shades, each with a celestially themed design.

Product Reviewed: Physicians Formula Summer Eclipse Bronzing & Shimmery Face Powder

0 of 0 people found this review helpful.