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."
TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.9*
Why: One reader says this powder "is something I never leave home without! If you don't enjoy a greasy face, then this product is definitely for you! The powder goes on smoothly without feeling unnatural and it gives you an all-day perfect wear � if you feel the need for a little extra, you can apply as needed without that cakey feeling. The container easily fits in your purse and the price is extremely cheap for the amount and quality of the product." Another reviewer says, "this is by far my favorite face powder. I have a lot of problems with oil and shine, but this powder makes my face look matte and smooth. It really does control the oil and it helps control breakouts."
TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.9*
Why: "I love this product. It lasts forever. And stays on all day," says one reader. Another woman adds, "As a natural blonde, you can't even tell I have eyebrows. This brush-on color sticks to my brow, doesn't smear and lasts until I take it off!" One reader says, "this stuff gives more natural-looking results than pencils. The color blends well and it doesn't fade, so brows stay looking nice all day." "I've been using this product for years. I have brown/black hair and have found that this is the most natural and flattering eyebrow color out there," she adds.
TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 9.2*
Why: One reader says, "it left my lips feeling smooth and soft (no stickiness) and it lasted a good long time. I mean, it's not a long-wear formula, so it's not going to last all day, but it held up for a solid chunk of time. Great buy." Another reader is thrilled there are "so many amazing colors!!! There is a color for everyone -- 48 shades. Also these colors are intense. They contain almost 12 percent pigments. Most lipsticks only have 7 percent. So the color lasts longer without an added topcoat. Seriously stock up." Other readers agree saying, "there are so many colors to choose from. I just got mine and I adore it, I got Plum-tastic. I put it on around 4pm today, worked in a hot crazy kitchen for eight hours, and I still have color on my lips. The color is intense, and has amazing staying power." Another reviewer says, "yes, this is it! Everything about this lipstick screams Lancome! So take a break on your wallet and go to your drugstore and get this lipstick. No one has to know (wink)."
"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
