It all happened so quickly.  One day, I'm wearing my winter coat to work and the next I'm wearing sleeveless sweaters.  Maybe I should have been going to the tanning bed or using some sunless tanning products, but I really was left unprepared and very, very pale.  So what's a girl to do?

Here's an option.  Well, something that will help pale skin out just a little bit.  Nars Body Glow is a liquid bronzer that temporarily gives your skin a little color and a little sparkle.  You apply it just like you would a moisturizer, making sure to keep it pretty even.  You can apply more than one layer if you want it a little darker.  It takes a little while to dry, so you may want to do this well before you put on your clothes for the evening.

What They Say: "A unique blend of Monoi de Tahiti oil combined with a rich chocolate shimmer for glowing, healthy and naturally fragrant skin. Native to the South Pacific, Monoi de Tahiti oil is composed of pure coconut extract macerated with the bud of the tiare flower, infusing the oil with nutrients as well as a delicate, natural fragrance. The ultimate multi-purpose beauty oil soothes and moisturizes the skin with an addition of rich chocolate shimmer for a natural glow. The lightweight, sheer oil is absorbed immediately on the skin."

Jen's Opinion:  I definitely get some use out of this product on spring nights when I'm just starting to wear spaghetti straps again.  I love the way it smells, very summery and I love the way it gives a nice warm shimmer to my skin that really lasts unlike a lot of powders.  On the other hand, it's very messy to apply and it takes a really long time to dry for me.  If you apply too much, it will collect in places like the fold of your elbow.  Once you learn to apply it correctly, it works great and, for me, is an essential for spring and summer.

Retail Price: $58.00 (NarsCosmetics.com)

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What They Say: "The portable tube and sponge wand make applying these pigment-dense glosses a snap."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: This is one of the two new shades Nars has come out with recently in their gloss. I've never tried it, so of course being a lipgloss fiend like myself I had to get some. My experience with it so far has been fairly positive. There isn't a taste to it at all - which is better than a bad one. The texture is completely not sticky - perhaps the least sticky lip gloss I've ever tried. So, plus on that point. And of course, the color is pretty. However, I've noticed it disappearing into the lips quickly with a blurry edge, and wouldn't exactly describe it as "pigment-dense". The consistency is actually quite thin. Great range of colors, though. If you prefer something completely natural-feeling with a sheer finish, this could be your best bet. Or try these over your lipstick for added oomph.

Retail Price: $22.00 (sephora.com)

DeLush Rating:

Once again, I placed my trust in the woman at the beauty counter, and as often is the case, I think I bought the wrong product for me.  Aren't you glad you have us to try these things for you?

What They Say: "Crease-resistant, opaque coverage in a creamy yet lightweight texture. The long-lasting formula camouflages darkness under the eyes, redness and skin imperfections. Can also be used as an eyeshadow base. Packaged in a lipstick-like tube for easy application ."

My Experience:  Okay, so I should have thought about this before I spent my hard earned money on this product, but I generally have a problem with the thicker, solid concealers because I hate applying them on my eyes.  I mean, they already have dark circles underneath them.  I feel like I am breaking even more blood vessels every time I put this stuff on.  It does seem to work okay, but only if I've put makeup on underneath my eyes.  Even then, I still like to apply it mid-day when my caffeine high is wearing thin.  It provides good coverage and does seem to hide fine lines.  I am not sure that it really moisturizes though.  Also, I wear contacts, and I do seem to be having some itchy eye problems since I've started using this product, although I have not proved that Nars' Concealer is the only thing to blame for that.

Tips:  I like wearing moisturizer under my eyes, but I think this applies better when there is no moisturizer underneath it.  You will need to get a separate product to conceal acne problems.  This product only seemed to highlight a budding Mt. Vesuvius on my forehead rather than disguise it.

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Reviewed By: Jen

Described As: "Translucent, natural shades, each with a subtle pink for natural blush undertone, created to highlight the complexion."

My Experience: This is a classic, and in my opinion, stands out from the rest of the blush products out there.  Nars blush has been on the top 10 list at Sephora forever and Orgasm is that magical shade that looks good on a variety of complexions.   If I wear pink, it looks fabulous.  If I wear red, fabulous.  If I wear brown...you guessed it - fabulous.  And I never have trouble blending it in; the translucent quality makes it appear borderless effortlessly.

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Reviewed By: Jen

I talked to David Cruz, the key Redken artist for the Abaeté show last Saturday, and he told me all about the inspiration for one of my personal favorite looks from this season's fashion week. With all of the positive female role models out there today, from Hillary Clinton to powerful fictional characters like Sarah Connor of the new Terminator television series, this is the year of woman. The concept behind this year's collection was Joan of Arc, only prettier, and without having to appear masculine. The look is strong and beautiful, polished but with just enough of an edge to be fun. Want to know how to get the look for yourself? Continue reading NY Fashion Week: Warrior Chic at Abaeté.

"Nars Fall 2007 smolders with a moody palette of warm metallics for a look of mythic sophistication and strength. Velvety eyeshadow textures impart a high-shine patina in a range of gold and rose hues, while lips captivate in shades of red, pink and beige for an overall creation of heroic beauty."

Melissa Says: Seeing as I just covered the fall trend of using a touch of gold shadow in your everyday look, I like how this collection from Nars definitely has some pretty options that fit into that look. Not only do they have a single shadow shade that is a subtly pretty gold, but several of the shadow duos have a hint of gold-hued sheen for that extra touch of glamour. The two lipstick shades (Flamenco - a "sheer candy-apple red", and Promiscuous - a "shimmering honey beige") both look luxurious as does the pink-hued Chantaco lip gloss, but I already know I'm completely sold on that fabulously pretty Tempest gloss. In fact, when I sat down to write this entry, I realized that while I was in Sephora this afternoon with my sister-in-law (without thinking about the fact that I would be giving an overview of this collection tonight) I tested Tempest on my hand and fell IN LOVE with that perfect peachy-rose with a hint of gold. I literally had it in my little basket, but then at the last minute fought temptation citing guiltily that I probably have about 30 or more lip gloss shades at home already and maybe I should wait to purchase this one.

Seeing it again now, though? I think perhaps if I end up there some day soon, and I just happen to wander over to the Nars display and that little tube happens to fall into my basket, I just might have to give it a home...

Check out the collection at NarsCosmetics.com or Sephora online, or go here to find a retail location near you.

Collection image courtesy of Sephora