TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.6*
Why: Readers with oily skin love this product saying, "this is the only powder that keeps my pores unclogged, my face not shiny and the price is so good for all that it offers." One reviewer says, "this powder is a staple in my beauty bag. It's really lightweight and the pigments really blend into my skin instead of sitting on top. It feels silky on and doesn't rub off on clothes." Another agrees saying, "this compact leaves my skin so velvety soft that I would dare to say it's even better than so many expensive compacts out there. It takes the shine away and slides so smoothly on my skin."
TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.6*
Why: One woman says, "the real test came when I washed the dishes, which usually leads to half [of] my nail polish chipping off. I was impressed when after a half-hour of hand-washing, my nails still looked perfect! I highly recommend this product."
Another says, "finally, an applicator that follows the contour of our nails. The brush is my favorite part and the formula is really light. I work at a craft store and no matter how many times I scratched my nails, [they] did not get ruined, cool huh?" Another reader says, "I love the brush. I have a bad habit of painting my cuticles, and this prevents it," adding "I have tried several colors of this product and find that it's great all by itself without having to use a shine product after use. Loved it."
TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.8*
Why: "This is the one," says a reader. "No other can compare to this mascara. I've been using it for years and have no desire to change. It is as waterproof as they come. The classic design brush is easy to handle, the formula gives me the right mix of lengthening without clumping and the price is reasonable. I am a happy customer," she adds. Another reviewer says, "I used to think you had to buy 'fancy name brand' products to get great results, but that is so untrue! Now for a fraction of the price I get soft, long lashes every day and don't have to worry about reapplying after my workout each day because the waterproof version works so fabulously." She goes on to say, "I am always getting compliments on my eyelashes and I always say it's because of this mascara �
Every time I even attempt to use different mascara, the results are very disappointing � this product is an inexpensive must-have."
TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.8*
Why: One woman says, "this blush is fantastic! I love it so much. Blending it in with a kabuki brush makes it blend perfectly. Original rose is really flattering on pale skin tones. I've even let some of my tanner friends borrow it and it looks great on them." Another reader says, "I've tried most commercial brands of blush, and I was almost at my wits end when I got to this one. I wanted one that would last all day, wouldn't cake and blended with my skin tone. This blush blends perfectly and it really lasts!! I usually shake it a little bit and only use a portion of the few spots that remain on the inside of the lid -- a little goes a VERY long way. It doesn't cake at all and gives my skin a bit of a glow -- and best of all ... no reapplications!" Another reader concurs, "you don't need a lot of this on your brush to [get] nice and natural-looking, rosy cheeks -- it always makes me look like I just finished jogging, love it! It feels very light, and stays on all day, without reapplication."
TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.9*
Why: One woman says, "Maybelline New York Lash Discovery is my favorite mascara. I'm Asian and I have very straight lashes and not too many of them. This mascara is the only mascara that doesn't weigh my lashes down." Another reviewer says, "this mascara is on a seek-out-and-discover mission for each and every single eyelash you have. Perfect coverage and removes easily. Lashes look as fresh at the end of the day as when you first applied it." This reader says, "I've been using this mascara for years now and won't even try another kind. The little brush makes it easy to coat every little lash. It works so well that several of my friends have asked me if I was wearing false eyelashes."
"Maybe she's born with it. Maybe it's Maybelline." Sorry, we couldn't help ourselves -- that ubiquitous adage is forever embedded into our brains. But beyond a catchy ad campaign are exceptional beauty products to back it up. And the proof is in the pudding because our readers give high marks to tons of Maybelline products from powders and polishes to lip and eye makeup.
Incidentally, Maybelline is the official cosmetic sponsor for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, which makes its move to Lincoln Center this September and we've got some insider-y makeup tips from top runway artists to share with you -- combine them with these winning products and you're sure to look totally put-together and gorgeous:
Tip 1: To help your lip color last all day, apply lipstick with a lip brush and top it with a coat of translucent powder -- three times in a row. It won't budge. You can top with gloss if you'd like. -- Amy Nadine, head makeup artist for mark cosmetics
Tip 2: To make skin glow as if you've been drinking 10 glasses of water a day, highlight cheekbones with a frosted off-white shadow. -- Gregory Arlt, makeup artist for MAC
Tip 3: To tone down a too bright cheek stain, apply a touch of foundation over the stain to give cheeks a more subtle flushed finish -- like you just pinched your cheeks. -- Lori Taylor, Smashbox Regional Training Executive
Tip 4: Under sweltering conditions, don't continuously powder your face or the result will look cakey. Wait until just before you're ready to go out, then blot excess moisture and set with powder. -- Lisa O'Connor, makeup artist
Tip 5: If you want a matte lip look without buying a new shade, simply dust a bit of powder over your lipstick to tone down the shine. -- Sharon Gault, makeup artist for Smashbox
Tip 6: If you don't know what you're going to wear, keep makeup simple, clean and not too done. Apply a touch of an earthy color (such as sage green) on the lids and keep the rest of your face neutral. -- Lisa O'Connor, makeup artist
Tip 7: For a full brow look, even if you've over-plucked, grab brow powder in a shade that matches your brows and a brow brush. Start by brushing brows up, then fill in with powder under the arch for a more pronounced look. -- Sharon Gault, makeup artist
