Jen Says: All the CHANEL lipsticks I've tried in the past are still my favorites, the ones I reach for more days than not. Until now, I hadn't tried their Aqualumiere formula, and I may have been missing out. Like their Rouge Allure, the colors are wonderful, but this formula is much lighter. Not only does it feel less heavy on my lips, but the colors are more transparent and buildable. You can apply more to get a color that pops, or less for just a hint. True to its name, it also moisturizes my lips with every application. It would be completely perfect if it was longer wearing. Expect to reapply every 2-3 hours at best. My new Aqualumiere shades are a central part of my spring wardrobe, so I don't mind toting it along for the day. ($28.50, Chanel.com or department stores)

DeLush Rating:

Jen Tried It: I always think of skin and body care when I think of Origins, but this lipstick may have me thinking otherwise. Now, the color I tried, "Winter Rose" was very mauve-y...frosted...I couldn't help but think wearing this was going to bring me back to junior high. Not so! With plenty of color and just a touch of shimmer when applied, the lipstick contained in these pretty pink tubes stays in place for hours. It's a little drier than I would like, but a pretty shade that really lasts makes this lipstick a huge winner in my book. Origins stores or online, $16.00.

 

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "A healthy, mineral-based lipstick created to transform lips and pleasure the senses: Rouge Appeal's innovative sensorial feel, smooth, creamy texture, lasting softness and alluring colour melts into lips and defines and shapes for a supple lush, lasting result every time."

Jen's Experience: I was shocked at how bright the colors are when I first took a look at the Rouge Appeal line of lipsticks from Clarins, but pleasantly surprised when I saw the brightness turn into slightly more sheer, pretty shades once applied. A lot of lipsticks are a bit heavy for the summer months, but the bright colors of these lipsticks matched with the nice ly moisturizing but not too thick texture make them perfect for wearing out when you know you'll be spending time in the sun. My favorite shades of the bunch? Guava (03), a pink that works perfectly with my skin tone and Russet (03), a bronzy-nude color that is sure to work for a variety of skin tones.

Retail Price: (Clarins.com or your local department store)

Rating:

About the Summer 2008 Collection: "The season's most alluring getaway looks with a beautifully edited makeup collection of heat-baked sands, golden browns, sunset bronzes and an array of khakis."

On the new Rouge Hydrabase shades: "Long-lasting ROUGE HYDRABASE Creme Lipstick delivers deeply moisturizing colour in two new limited-edition shades: Leopard, a golden coral, and Rose Flamingo, a bright pink."

On the new Rouge Allure shades: "Iconic ROUGE ALLURE Luminous Satin Lip Colour offers lustrous colour and ultra-wearability in two new heat-seeking shades: Naïve, a pink nude, and Curious, a nude brown."

Jen's Experience: I tested out two of Chanel's new shades for summer, Rouge Allure in Curious and Rouge Hydrabase in Leopard, and I have to tell you, fair DeLush readers, I am really in love with these colors. My favorite of the two is the Rouge Allure in Curious. It's a nude color that looks great with pale skin, great with bronzer, great with a little make-up or a more dramatic look. It looks especially gorgeous with a coordinating gloss on top. Basically, this is the kind of perfect color that I like to stockpile and stash tubes in my purse and my desk at work.

The Rouge Hydrabase in Leopard looks more like a red against my pale skin, so I have gotten less wear out of it than the other shade, but that doesn't mean it isn't a fantastic shade. Those looking for a red that isn't too overwhelming might consider checking it out. I don't really like the formula for the Hydrabase as much. Despite the name, I don't feel like it hydrates quite as well as the Allure, but it does last an awfully long time, and that does mean a lot in my book.

Retail Price: $26.00 - Rouge Hydrabase, $30.00 - Rouge Allure (both available at Chanel.com or your local department store)

Ratings:
Rouge Hydrabase -
Rouge Allure -

What They Say:

• 75% of women noticed fuller lips after 2 weeks (based upon two weeks of continuous use)
• Smooths appearance of fine lines by 26%(Average change based upon 8 weeks of use)
• Increases moisture by 26%(Average change based upon 8 weeks of use)
• With refreshing organic spearmint and vanilla flavor
• New packaging reduces waste by 33%

Jen's Experience:When I think of Aveda, I generally think about hair products, or maybe skin care products. But rarely would I think I could walk into an Aveda store and pick out a great lipstick. But as it turns out, Aveda has made an excellent lip color that I am excited to tell you about.

The colors I used in the Nourish-Mint lines were all shades of red. I find that with deeper pigmentations, I often have a problem with dry lips, and nothing looks worse than parched lips with a lot of color. This lipstick, though, really does the trick with the hydration. The moisture even seems like it lasts longer than the color! On that note, I do wish the color lasted longer or maybe just wore a little more evenly. For all the great things about it, I did find that the edges of my lips retained the color for longer, leaving a ring of color if I don't watch it and reapply every 1-2 hours. But the colors themselves, when applied are really pretty with my skin tone and surprisingly pigment rich. The cases, while minimal, are at least made out of plastic so you can throw them in your purse. You can also buy a reusable outer case if you are wanting something a little more substantial.

Despite the fact that the wear isn't the best I've seen, I really like the yummy taste, great colors, and especially the hydration of these lipsticks. I'm definitely going to have to consider Aveda as an option when I'm looking for cosmetics as well as hair and skin care from now on.

Retail Price: $14.00 (Aveda.com)

Rating:

What They Say: "Stop searching for "something close" to your cherished shades - we can produce discontinued shades for the Lips, Cheeks, Eyes & Face or help you create your own from scratch! All formulas remain in our personal files for easy re-ordering.

If you would like us to re-create your favorite discontinued shade, we ask that you send us a dime sized sample. We analyze your shade for color, texture and coverage and create a formula that remains in our permanent files!

You can have us create your own shade ~ from a splash of nail color in a baggie, a piece of fabric, a paint chip, a photo from a magazine, two lips colors blended together to create the ideal shade... anything!"

Jen's Experience: I mentioned last week that I talked to Trae Bodge at 3 Custom Color about my biggest beauty challenges, and in addition to concealer, I mentioned that I am always in search of a red that doesn't look like too much against my pale skin and blonde hair. I learned from her that with my cool skin tone but blonde hair, that I can get away with a little bit of warmer colors in my make-up wardrobe than I usually gravitate towards. And then she mixed me the absolute most perfect red for me right there on the spot!

The color is perfect for me to wear to work or even out shopping; I just love the way it just works with my skin and hair. The lipstick itself is really long-lasting and wears evenly, so I don't have to keep checking the mirror to make sure that I don't look like a clown (this is a problem that I have frequently with my other reds). If you live in the New York area or are visiting, I would highly recommend making an appointment at the 3 Custom Color studio to get your own custom lipstick. Another option for those who are in love with a color but it's been discontinued or it's just very hard to find: they will blend you the color and texture of your favorites. It's super easy to order if it's already in their database, but you can also send them a small amount and they'll formulate a replica.

Retail Price: $45.00/2 tubes (Get more details at threecustom.com)

Rating:

What They Say: "'Oh-so-slick' stained gloss for sirens. Relish a deep wash of color drenched in liquid shine to liven up your lips!"

Alissa's Opinion: I was expecting a sheer gloss when I first opened this tube, but was surprised to find that it is more like a liquid lipstick (hence the name). The pigment was thick and opaque with a lot of shine. The formula felt uncomfortably sticky on the lips and the color didn't last very long. I wouldn't say that there is anything extraordinary about this product other than the name. It was adequate, but I probably wouldn't choose it again.

Retail Price: $20.90 (Quixtar.com)

Rating:

What They Say: "A hybrid of gloss and lipstick, chic colour and intense shine combine for creamy full coverage that feels soft and lightweight on lips."

Jen's Experience: There's a new offering in the Chanel lip color offerings, and I have to say, this might just be the best yet. When I first ripped open the package and applied it, I thought, "wow, this is like lip color and gloss all in one", and as it turns out, that's exactly what they were aiming for! The coverage is like a lipstick, super-saturated color that really pops. But unlike your average Chanel lipstick, they have a lot more shine. Both of the colors I tried, Plum Souffle and Madeleine, were on the pink side, and were great with my fair skin.

I was really impressed with the wear; it lasts for hours without drying out my lips, making it great for work or a night out. While this may be a little more expensive than your average lipstick, or gloss, it's less expensive than buying one of each from Chanel. Easier to apply, too. This is one of the best new lip products I've tried in ages.

Retail Price: $32.00 (CHANEL.com or your local department store)

Rating:

What They Say: "Our newest lipstick combines rich color, comfortable, long-lasting wear, and a soft, creamy shine. Glides on smooth, wears all day, and leaves lips soft and moisturized. Available in shimmering and matte shades."

Melissa Says: This truly is one of the more comfortable lipsticks I've used. It's incredibly creamy and supple, and manages the extra moisture without feeling tacky or sticky. The shades tend to wear a tad sheer, which is actually nice for building color. They also give lips a pretty shine.

The formula wears well - a few hours without fading away or feeling like you want to swipe on a quick touch-up; I'm not sure if personally I'd term it a super long-wear lipstick in terms of non-transference, etc., but of course, worn with lip liner these will have even more staying power.

Retail Price: $22.00 (at bobbibrowncosmetics.com or at a retail location near you)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Tight on time? Take minutes off your makeup routine with Bobbi's new Lip Crayon. It's easy to use, it's great on the go, and it will make you look better - instantly.

NEW Lip Crayon: The Look of a Lipstick With the Ease of a Pencil. Bobbi's new Lip Crayons offer the luxurious feel of lipstick and the ease of a crayon-inspired pencil. Non-drying formula has a smooth, creamy feel and color that lasts all day. Wear alone or pair with your favorite gloss.

Each pencil comes with a complimentary custom sized sharpener. Introduced in two NEW raspberry-inspired shades are ideal for creating Bobbi's Pink Raspberry Looks."

Melissa Says: You definitely would have a hard time messing up this application - it really can't get any easier than this. The formula in the pencil is super-soft and smooth going on, is somewhat sheer and is very "smooshable" initially (making it even harder to not get it right even without a mirror). It also has a slight mint scent, which generally becomes unnoticeable a short while after application.

Even though I like the look and feel of this lip crayon (it really is quite comfortable and stays that way), it doesn't last as long as I had hoped. In my case, I found that it did transfer to my cup, though quite a bit of the pigment would remain intact. However, the shade wouldn't last all day; in fact, it would faithfully wear off after about 3 hours. I think the length of wear may depend on how sheerly you apply it.

If you're looking for something that definitely stays put for hours on end, this isn't what you're looking for; however if you're desiring ease, comfort, and convenient portability, you may really love it.

Available in Pink Raspberry (a medium raspberry pink) and Wild Raspberry (a deep raspberry pink).

Retail Price: $22.00 (at bobbibrowncosmetics.com or a retail location near you)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say:

• Minimizes the appearance of fine lines by as much as 71% in as little as 2 weeks.
• Creamy, conditioning, concentrated moisturization.
• Available in a wardrobe of beautiful finishes including satins, shimmers and metallics."

Melissa Says: I'm not sure about the 70% reduction in fine lip lines, but I did notice a moisturizing quality to this lipstick that in itself helps to hydrate enough to make lips look a bit smoother while you're wearing it. However, I can't say it's the most hydrating lipstick I've ever used. The pigment, however, lasts quite a while (though it's not transfer-resistant) and is highly concentrated. For some reason, I don't really care for the scent of the lipstick when I apply it, but it's not something I smell once the tube is put back away.

Overall, I thought this was a decent high-pigment, comfortable lipstick, but it's not necessarily among my ultimate faves.

Retail Price: $17.55 (at Quixtar.com)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Every Antiquitease adores her finery, including this petite purse of woven cream fabric with metallic thread and an ivory crown motif on the handle. Each contains three lipcolours of one colour scheme. Fabulously authentic in look and feel." 

Jen's Experience: Here's another fabulous collection from M•A•C this holiday season. Each gift set contains two lipsticks and a lip gloss in an antique-inspired clutch. The sets come in four color families: pink, coral, tan and plum. I tested the plum and coral shades, and I am absolutely thrilled with the shades; I wear them pretty much every day. The lipsticks look great on their own, as do the lip glosses, but I really adore wearing the two together. I think the clutches don't really do the products justice -- they'd be nicer if the handle was metal like some of the other Antiquitiease items -- but this would make a great gift for friends (although I'd be more inclined to keep this one for myself!).

Retail Price: $32.00 (MACCosmetics.com or your local M•A•C counter)

What They Say: "A modern take on M·A·C's famed matte texture: new Mattene Lipstick. Creamier, softer, moister yet still long-wearing, velvety and matte - with no compromise. Diehard M·A·C fans will think of this as vintage matte yet more wearable.

With its streamlined design, this new slimline lipcolour, features the traditional glamour properties of a matte lipstick - intense colour and semi-matte velvety finish - while offering a creamier, softer, more glide-on application. Non-caking, non drying. Moisturizing and incredibly wearable yet absolutely matte. "

Jen's Experience: I remember that years ago, it took me a long time to make the transition from wearing mostly matte lipsticks to the glosses that have ruled the make-up counters for years. Now that the pendulum is swinging back towards the matte lipsticks, I have to admit that I had a terrible compulsion to layer a swath of my glossiest gloss on top of these to give it the shine I had gotten used to.

Once I was used to them, I really started liking these lipsticks, not just for the nice moist texture and long wear that they provide, but also for the great color selection. While some colors just didn't work for me (Immodest and Night Violet were just a bit much for my pale skin color), but the selection includes a few great pinky-browns that are good with just about any outfit. For those looking for a great matte lipstick that has a great feel that lasts, these are worth checking out. My personal faves? Flattering and Composure.

Retail Price: $14.50 (MACCosmetics.com or your local department store)

Rating:

What They Say: "A long wearing lipstick and lip gloss all in one. The secret is a blend of patent-pending polymers that provide long-lasting wear with rich pigment that glides on like your favorite lip gloss. The tip of the pen is contoured to provide easy, precise application - hugging every curve of you lip. ...boasts extended wear time while keeping lips feeling soft and smooth - never dry!"

Melissa Says: A whole new way to make my lips prettier opened up with this product. This stuff smells sweet when you apply it, goes on super-easy and smooth (thanks to the perfect rounded tip that gives a great edge every time), and it feels so very light and comfortable. As if that weren't enough to make me love it, it can be applied sheer or layered for a deeper effect, and the color STAYS PUT, for hours.

Unlike typical "long-wear" lip products, this doesn't look or feel dry, and the "gloss" part of the product doesn't actually make it shiny or wet-looking, but keeps your pout moist and comfortable. I have never tried anything like this before, and as a lip product ADDICT, this is one that I'm more than happy to give my thumbs-up to. Honestly, I love it.

Retail Price: $18.00 (at sephora.com until the Stila Cosmetics site is finished being updated)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Multi-faceted creamy color provocatively clings to the curves of your lips for luxurious, lasting comfort. An exceptional blend of Micro silk powders™ creates a sensual, finely woven veil of rich color that glides onto the lips - dressing them like silk. Available in a palette of 18 signature shades with 3 must-have fashion top coat lip accessories to be layered for a matte, satin, or sparkling effect.

* High color cream lipstick
* Exquisite silk finish
* Luxurious lasting comfort"

Melissa Says: Not only is this formula (which I had never previously tried) incredibly soft and moisturizing, but these two shades (55 & 56) for fall from Armani's 2007 Leather Collection are beautiful and versatile. The deep red-burgundy has a gorgeous sheen that adds depth and is a perfect choice for a polished and sophisticated look, while the soft nude beige is a shimmer-free neutral to partner with fall's smoky eyes or your usual look.

This lipstick feels very comfortable and creamy, yet not thick or heavy. It's not particularly longer-lasting than other popular lipstick formulas, but then again it's not touted as long-wear by nature. Personally I had no issue with the wear and only needed to touch up once in a while. From the sleek casing to the contoured shape and super-soft feel, this lipstick fits right in with the glamour of the season.

Retail Price: $25.00 (online at giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com or go here to locate a select retailer near you)

DeLush Rating:

About the Rouge Allure: "It combines fabulously wearable, lustrous colour and sensational comfort and is subtly etched with the world-renowned CHANEL logo. "

Jen's Experience: I have used some of the Rouge Allure lipsticks in the past with good luck. The colors are very rich and apply very true to color, so you don't have to wonder what the color will look like or layer it on to get the color in the tube. On the other hand, the color doesn't last as long as some of my other lipsticks, so it does require frequent reapplication throughout the day. The shade I tested, Rose Blossom, is a limited edition color that is part of Nordstrom's anniversary collection. This one is a less frosted version of the Hydrabase shade I tested earlier this year, and for that, I'm quite thankful. If you're in the market for a nice bright pink to wear with your Chanel Eyeshadow Quads or other grays in your wardrobe, hurry to your Nordstrom counter before this limited run is sold out.

Retail Price: $30.00 (Available only at Nordstrom counters)

Rating:

About the Ultra Wear Lipcolour: "Base Colour Coat: Innovative fluid texture delivers long-lasting performance, comfortable application and perfect adherence to lips - without transferring or feathering. Dries quickly, too. Top Gloss Coat: Clear gloss's soft, non-tacky texture provides high shine and comfort throughout the day."

Toya's Take: I have to admit that I am not a fan of long-lasting lip products. I have found that they make my lips feel really dry and, while they do last longer than regular glosses and lipsticks, as they claim, the extended wear isn't worth the nasty texture, in my opinion. I didn't find this lippie to be any different. The color was a nice, neutral rose, but other than that, this is no big whoop. The product is long-lasting and will stay on your lips much better than your ordinary gloss, but be prepared for dryness throughout the day.

Retail Price: $32.00 (Chanel.com or your local department store counter)

Rating:

The alchemy of gold transformed and the manipulated by M.A.C. artistry into the next wave. Metallic glam as eight limited edition pigments radiate the power, glory and versatility of this key element. Playing their part in this new gold rush, four lipstocls and finished to reflect the trace-colour of each gold-tinged pigment...applied with the 249 large shader and 239 eye shader brushes that accompany this collection, this is metal as it should be worn. Feel the rush."

Jen Says: The perfect complement to this season's metallic accents, this line from M.A.C. is an excellent way to transition to your fall look. I tried the lipsticks and the pigments from this collection, and am excited to present my results. This gorgeous collection is nearly finished its run at M.A.C. counters, so if you're in the market for these products and shades, run to your nearest department store this weekend!

 

 

Pigment

What They Say: "Pigment is a highly concentrated loose colour powder that contains ingredients to help it adhere to the skin. Pigment comes in an excellent range of colours. Use to create a subtle wash of colour or an intense effect. Pigment does not streak or cake, is easy to blend and long-lasting."

Jen's Experience: For the most part, I haven't had good luck with loose eyeshadow, especially when it shimmers. No matter how careful I am with the brush, even applied with a little water, if it doesn't end up making my entire face sparkly during application, it ends up that way by the end of the evening. Well, this eyeshadow from M.A.C. completely exceeded all my expectations. Not only are the colors vivid but wearable, they apply so evenly and last an incredibly long time. I most commonly reach for Quick Frost, a creamy white with a soft green pearl, and Revved-up, an icy rose. But the more metallic shades -- Rushmetal, Gold Mode, Mauvement, Off the Radar, Copperized, and Cocomotion -- are also fun and not out of place even for work.

If you purchase these, be sure to invest in at least one of the M.A.C. shader brushes. I used #239 for detail work and #249 for the overall area. These brushes do an excellent job of holding the pigment so that it's delivered to the eye, rather than all over your face (and the bathroom counter). These pigments and the brushes are a combination that is truly the star of this collection.

Retail Price: $19.50 (MACCosmetics.com or your local department store)

 

 

Lipstick

What They Say: "Colour plus texture for the lips. Stands out on the runway. Simmers on the street! What made M·A·C famous. "

Jen's Experience: The lipstick colors in this collection are all fantastic, from rose-tinged coffee shades to a light gold shade. All of the colors have a bit of gold in them, but not so much that it looks to overdone for everyday use. Since the eyeshadows can be pretty intense when they're layered, it's nice to have such pretty shades that aren't too overwhelming. My favorite of the bunch is Fast Lane, the mauve with silver pearl lustre, which is perfect with my favorite Pigment shades, but also works well with charcoals. The other colors (Thrills, Frenzy, and Soft Lust) are more brown and gold and are a little out of my comfort zone, but it turns out they look great with a dewy foundation and a oood bronzer. Believe it or not, this is my first experience with M.A.C. lipstick, and while I like the shades, I am not as excited about the wear. I got one to two hours tops out of each. Still, I like them well enough to recommend picking up one of these coordinating shades when you're looking for the RushMetal Eyeshadow Pigments.

Retail Price: $14.00

 

Ratings:

Pigment
Lipstick

Smoke Signals: "Erotic, yes. Feminie, surely. Sexy, no doubt... This is the beauty, craft and subtle unfiltered sizzle of the modern bombshell. ...The match that ignites this new look: three NEW sensually shine-filled shades of lipglass. There is no smoke without fire. She's cool, and dangerous."

Melissa tried out the lip shades in this collection.

"In a way that made me very happy, the lip shades included in the Smoke Signals collection seem to be ready to make any woman feel prettier, with a touch of sultry. One wonderful thing is the subtleness of most of the shades, with the boldest colors being a match of deep yet wearable pouty burgundies. Like all of M•A•C's lip products, you can easily layer Lipglass on top of the lipstick shades for even more drama, or use either alone, depending on your coverage and texture preference. Below, you can see what each shade looks like on real lips! Enjoy Smoke Signals 2007."

Click to enlarge.

What They Say: "This is the first lipstick that's actually good for you: while tarte's long-lasting lipstick beautifies you on the outside, BORBA's nutraceutical blend beautifies you on the inside. This is the first-ever lipstick that will nourish, moisturize and rejuvenate lips.

Skinvigorating™ Benefits:
Tarte's naturally restorative ingredients:
• Jojoba nourishes, moisturizes and conditions skin
Borba's age-defying cocktail core:
• Acai & green tea extract help strengthen capillary walls, reduce epidermal irritation and enhance skin's clarity and radiance
• Grape seed extract & Vitamin C help accelerate production of natural elastin, protecting skin against free-radical damage & restore skin's clarity
• Vitamins A, E & K act as antioxidants to give you that healthy glow
• Lychee extract promotes long-term skin hydration and chamomile extract soothes skin and helps to counteract redness"

Melissa Says: I had high hopes for this lipstick, especially after hearing some good things about Tarte's Inside Out Gloss that came out a while ago. However, I wasn't really impressed here. The lipstick feels incredible going on - it's SO soft and smooth. Sadly, within minutes it felt like it was drying out or sinking away into my lips, leaving them not necessarily more moisturized. I will say that the pigment seems to stay on the lips a long while, but the staying power of this formula just doesn't live up to my previous experiences with many of Tarte's cosmetics.

This feels great going on and looks pretty, but unfortunately the moisture has no staying power and my lips end up feeling parched.

Retail Price: $22.00 (at tartecosmetics.com)

DeLush Rating:

About the Mineral Lip Sampler: "All Nine New Mineral Volumizing Lipsticks! Designed just for redheads in a convenient, mirrored case with dual applicator for perfect lips. Each shade is available in separate full size tubes."

Jamie’s Thoughts: "Lip products present an intimidating challenge for most redheads. We don’t have much natural color to our lips (at least the majority of us), so buying lip products can be terrifying – I usually find something either (a) too orange, or (b) too red. This palette of 9 lip colors is, like a lot of palette style makeup, simultaneously overwhelming and thrilling. All those options! What’s a girl to do? It took me a week to get the hang of mixing and matching these lippies – most with success, others, not so much. Here are the vital statistics that you’ll need to know:

Texture: Slightly gritty, use a balm first.
Color: Stain-like, apply sparingly – remember, you can always go back for seconds!
Mix & Match-ability: Fantastic – the “mushroom” shade is perfect for muting those brighter colors.
Staying Power: Above-Average
Tool Time: Brush/Sponge combo was difficult to use, and hard to clean
Volumizing: No visible difference here!

Truth be told, I’m not completely sold on this product. It would be great for travel (and any other moment when you can’t drag your entire lip care collection along with you), on the other hand, how important is convenience when it comes at the price of the feel of the product? While the range of colors is impressive, I think I’ll stick with my smoother, more comfortable lippies.

Retail Price: $19 USD (special price at JustForRedheads.com)

About the Advanced Waterproof Eyeliner: "Unique Expresso shade provides incredibly natural depth. Creating natural definition is a must for redheads. Now with the
JFR Advanced Liquid Waterproof Eye Liner you can have it all. New high definition eye liner brush."

Jamie’s Thoughts: Love the color, love the applicator, love the packaging. I usually find liquid eyeliner intimidating, but this product put me immediately at ease. The brush is easy enough to manipulate – just change the pressure when you apply, and you’ll get whatever you’re looking for, whether it’s a natural outline, or something more dramatic (think Amy Winehouse or Cleopatra).

As for the waterproof claims, those are totally accurate as well. This stuff didn’t budge, baby. Not only did it NOT move when I wet my face, but it also didn’t come off with just soap – I had to rub it off. This eyeliner isn’t going anywhere, which is good, because I plan on continuing to use it! A must-have for the upcoming sweaty summer, and tearful wedding season.

Retail Price: $13.00

About the Brush-a-Brow: "Designed for those with auburn hair. Adds a natural,warm auburn depth to brows. New long-wearing formula."

Jamie’s Thoughts: This product disappointed me immensely. The powder consistency was WAY too hard – when I put the brush to it, it crumbled away in every direction. Not good. Also, the bristles on the applicator brush were very stiff – stiff enough to brush the product through my eyebrow hair(s) and onto my face. The color was appropriate for my skin tone, but totally unpleasant to apply! What a shame.

Retail Price: $15.00

Ratings:
Mineral Lip Sampler
Advanced Waterproof Eyeliner
Brush a Brow

What They Say: "A new Lipstick combining creamy emolliency with a unique sheer colour pay-off. Finishes include cream, sparkling pearl and metallic. Provides the shine and moisturizing comfort of a gloss but with a smooth, non-sticky finish. Distinctive on and off. Comes packaged in its own stylish extra-long lipstick case."

Melissa Says: Well, my infatuation with all things M•A•C led me to the counter once again to fall for these shiny, sleek beauties. And while I *might* admit to testing all of the shades on my hand, making little dots in the order they were in the display so I could remember which was which, I still had a really hard time figuring out which shades to purchase. Honestly, almost all of them are sheer enough and neutral enough (yes! even the brighter ones!) to work perfectly with my coloring. (I settled on Bare and Lovey-Dove, by the way.) Okay, this part was good. They are beautifully glossy on your lips and feel like practically nothing. This was also fantastic.

However, there is one not-quite-so-fantastic thing that I have to tell you. The staying power of the pigment leaves a lot to be desired. Keep in mind that the shades are quite sheer to begin with (don't be fooled by the color in the tube), so that's part of it, I suppose. They are incredibly moistuizing, and with the darker shades you still get some pigment after the initial glossiness begins to wear away, but within the hour expect to see your color begin to fade. Of course, wearing lipliner can help extend the color. I hate to tell you not to give these a try, because they look incredible. If you don't have lots of problems with lipsitck disappearing and love a lighter feel, these can add a very pretty, sexy tint alone or a glossy look over liner. I don't regret the purchase, but you should know what to expect from these before you decide to fork over the dough.

Retail Price: $14.50 (at maccosmetics.com or go here to find a retail location near you)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Laura Mercier Stickgloss cares for your lips while delivering colour in a sheer and sophisticated finish. Part Lip Balm, part Lip Colour and part Lip Glace, Stickgloss provides a sheer wash of colour, creates dimension and adds fullness to the lips. Stickgloss is ultra-hydrating and longer wearing than a traditional Lip Glace."

Jen's Experience: I picked this up when I was in New York for Fashion Week, and have been carrying it in my purse ever since. I chose a tint called Brown Sugar, a nice glossy, nude that looks great with my skin tone and is a great match with more dramatic eye make-up. This lip colour is really nicely moisturizing, and the moisturizing effects are long-lasting. Unfortunately, the color is not so much, an hour or two at best. Overall, it's not bad and it works pretty similarly to other glosses I have, but it's not something I would purchase again.

Retail Price: $20.00 (LauraMercier.com or your local Laura Mercier counter)

Rating:

What They Say: "12-hour color that loves your lips.

Treat your lips with TLC. Up to 12 hours of moisture-rich color. With a 99% moisture-rich topcoat infused with nourishing avocado and olive extracts, aloe, plus Vitamins A&E. Almay TLC provides incredible comfort and smoothness so lips stay beautiful and moisturized throughout the day. Available in 12 lip-loving shades ranging from soft shimmering neutrals to sweet brights.

For best results, apply Almay Truly Lasting™ Color lipcolor as follows:

1. Apply a thin, even coat of shaded lipcolor.
2. Wait until completely dry.
3. Brush on shiny topcoat to complete glossy look. Reapply topcoat throughout the day as desired."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: Of all the long-last lip colors of this type, this one now stands out to me as a frontrunner. In addition to the fact that it doesn't dry out my lips at all, doesn't have NEARLY as strong a scent as many similar formulas and feels comfortable and light for hours, it's also relatively inexpensive and easy to find almost anywhere. I also liked the fact that the color was vivid yet just sheer enough that it didn't look painted on; it looks more like a normal lipstick shade than these long-last brush-on formulas tend to. It didn't bleed at all, either. The only thing I would note is that I wish the clear gloss lasted a bit longer...but even after the gloss wears away your lips are still comfortable and the color doesn't actually LOOK dry or start to flake off.

Retail Price: $10 (at drugstores and superstores everywhere, and also online at drugstore.com)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Make Up For Ever brings you three long lasting, moisturizing lipstick formulas that range from natural to cutting edge. Choose from Pearly (silky feeling with subtle shimmer), Cream (lusciously creamy with a glossy finish), Transparent (sheer and natural), and Matte (intense, powdery color). "

Jen's Experience: I've been on a lipstick buying kick lately (despite the fact that my lips are screaming for lip balm), and this one in Blue Raspberry seemed like a good bright shade that would work with my dark, winter outfits. The blue-based color was perfect for my skin tone and I found the shade to be bright but absolutely wearable, particularly with black. The lipstick itself was fairly long-wear (2-3 hours) and slick enough that I didn't necessarily feel the need to wear a gloss on top. It was a little drying to my lips, but I found that applying over a layer of lip balm, it worked fairly well. My main complaint was that it really bleeds badly. This can, of course, be avoided by using a lip liner, but I found that I even needed the liner for re-applications of the lipstick, and that's a lot of maintenance for me. I like the color and the wear enough that it would be worth trying one of the more transparent shades.

Retail Price: $18.00 (Sephora)

Rating:

What They Say: "Each tube of gorgeous color is infused with Maxi-Lip, a natural tripeptide that has been shown to visually enhance lips by stimulating collagen production and increasing lip moisture. After 29 days of treatment during testing, test subjects experienced up to a 30 percent reduction in fine lines and wrinkles, up to a 60 percent increase in moisture, and up to a 40 percent increase in lip volume - not to mention long lasting color that's undeniably kissable."

Jen's Experience: Normally, I expect my lipsticks to provide that punch of color that you just don't normally get out of a gloss or balm. I also don't expect my lipsticks to provide much in the way of moisture. This lipstick is pretty much the opposite of everything I'd expect, but strangely enough, I'm not complaining.

I chose this lipstick in Misbehavin', a color that is nude. Very nude. Almost like clear lip gloss with a hint of gold. At first, I didn't think it did much for me; the gold just wasn't good for my skin tone. But then I discovered the power of the lip pencil. Ths shade on top of my Laura Mercier pencil in Chestnut is downright amazing.

The main reason why I continued to try this lipstick is the tremendous amount of moisture it brings to my lips. They stay glossy, which is nice, but they also stay moisturized like I'm wearing a balm. Of course, the downside to that is that I do have to re-apply more often than I would with some less moisture-rich formulas.

I haven't used this consistently enough (29 days straight) to be able to say whether or not it's given me a permanent improvement in fine lines and lip plumpness, but I will say that the immediate infusion of moisture gives the appearance that the lip plumping action is working as soon as I put this on.

One last bonus? It tastes a lot better than a lot of lipsticks on the market with it's subtle cocoa flavor. Overall, I'm a fan and I'm definitely going to try out some of the other colors in the line.

Retail Price: $18.50 (Sephora)

Rating:

About Pure Color Crystal Lipstick in Golden Nude: "Sheer electricity, daring shine.

Incredible formula glides onto lips with shine that's pushed to the absolute limit.

Cool, crystalline shades dazzle with brilliant dimensional effects. The ultra luxe lipstick is delicately fragranced with a delectable fresh fig scent. Even the case is striking."

Jen's Experience: This was my first time using Estee Lauder lipsticks, and I have really enjoyed using them along with other products in the Holiday Spirit collection. This particular color, Golden Nude, is really true to the name. Alone, I might look washed out, but along with some warm blush and more defined eyes, this lipstick really works for my pale skintone. I really liked it along with the gold Holiday Spirit gloss from the lip palette with smoky gray eyes. My friends asked repeatedly what kind of lipstick I was wearing, and that's a sign that this is a color that works for me. I wish it wore a little longer (1-2 hours for me), and I could really do without the fig flavor, but the color applies beautifully even over dry lips and looks great on, so overall, I'm pleased.

About the Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick in Sugar Honey: "Pure impact. Pure luxury. Pure emotion.

Intense, high-shine color in a long-wearing formula that pampers, comforts. Incredibly luxurious, with Vitamins C and E plus natural moisturizers. Creates maximum color impact and helps lips look smooth and even. Delicately fragranced with a delectable fresh fig scent. Striking, sophisticated case is quite chic."

Jen's Experience: Although this color looks fairly similar to the other color, it's actually much darker and more intense with a bit of a lavender tinge. I like the color itself, although I don't think it's drawn any compliments, but I don't like the formula of the Long Lasting lipstick quite as much as that of the Crystal. It seems like it made my lips feel drier and flakier, and I am not even sure that it really lasted all that much longer than the normal formula. That said, the color is really nice with this season's grays and blacks, and along with the other lipstick reviewed above, this is part of my staple make-up wardrobe for the season.

Retail Price: $22.00 (EsteeLauder.com)

Ratings:
(Pure Color Crystal)
(Pure Color Long Wearing)

What They Say: "Easy to apply and long wearing, with a smooth texture and light feel, these extremely moisturizing lip colors contain vitamin E and avocado oil, natural sunscreens, and are 100% fragrance free."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: They are not kidding about the moisturizing effect of this lipstick. Talk about comfortable; it sort of glides onto your lips. It's not at all heavy, slick, or sticky, and the color stays on fairly well, although the one thing I would say is that because of its moisture content, it probably would be a good idea to use liner to keep the color precise, mostly for the darker shades. This isn't a dynamic, glossy lipstick but instead is creamy and understatedly pretty.

Retail Price: $17.00 (at Lulu Beauty's online store)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "The new long-lasting, comfortable color that's on everyone's lips. Women no longer have to choose between longlasting lipcolor and a comfortable feel. Hours and hours of beautiful, smooth color, thanks to SoftFlex™ Comfort Technology. Won't flake or cake. Whether you choose sheer or full coverage color, with 36 won't-fade shades, the pucker possibilities are endless."

Jen's Experience: For the most part, I've sworn off the super-longlasting lip products. My lips, like my skin, are dry and the products that claim to be long-lasting just tend to bring attention to the fact that my lips constantly need to be exfoliated. But, always a sucker for the latest Revlon lipstick, I decided to give this one a shot, and I'm actually glad that I did!

Okay, so I have to say, right off the bat that while this lipstick does seem to last longer than their standard lipstick (or most of the other lipsticks I own), it didn't really live up to the "ColorStay" name for me. That said, I generally got 3-4 hours worth of wear out of it before I had to reapply, which is pretty good.

I am in love with the color I chose, Smoothest Wine. It turns out that this is the best red I've used all season for my skin tone, and as a result, I wear it almost daily.

The lipstick itself is a vast improvement over their other ColorStay varieties, and even over their standard Super Lustrous Lipstick, of which I've always been a fan. The lipstick moisturizes and seems to smooth out the texture of the lips. It never bleeds, even in the deep color that I'm using. It also doesn't dry out my lips at all. Ordinarily, when I'm wearing lipstick, I feel compelled to re-apply constantly just to re-moisturize my lips. I don't feel that at all with the new ColorStay formula; my lips don't look or feel dry.

I have always used Revlon lipsticks to fill out my color wardrobe, because of their great colors, high quality and reasonable prices. Now with this new ColorStay formula, my lipstick collection just got an upgrade.

Retail Price: $9.49 (your local drugstore)

Rating:

What They Say: "Choose from an array of lipsticks that are rich with luxurious pay-off. The Balanced Sheer formulation contains moisturizing lip nutrients that soften and keep lips hydrated and healthy."

Jen's Experience: This is the first Sue Devitt product that I've tried, and I am really impressed! The lipstick has a great feel to it. Although the texture is somewhat thin (thus the sheer, I suppose), it makes my lips feel really moisturized, not smothered. The lipstick is fairly long-lasting, and only requires reapplication after eating or drinking.

The color I tried is Northern Lights, which doesn't appear to be listed on their website or any other retailers as yet. This particular color is a soft pink with a little but of sparkle. It looks great with a little bit of Nars Orgasm blush and some gray eyeliner, making for a nice casual look. The color may not obviously fit into this season's trends, but if you're fair like me, this would be an excellent basic color for your cosmetic wardrobe.

Retail Price: $20.00 (Beauty.com)

Rating:

What They Say: "Use balm to prepare lips then add color for a sheer, moisturizing finish or use lipstick only for intense color stay."

Jen's Experience: From the first day I got this lipstick and lip balm combo from Jemma Kidd, I've been carrying it in my handbag and using it every chance I get. The color I am using, Eve, is ultra-bright against my pale skin, but it works well with the blue undertones in my skin. This color in particular is a dark pink with a hint of purple -- appearing nearly red at times -- so it fits in well with this season's trendy bright lips. It looks matte in the lipstick tube, but is actually quite shiny when applied.

I generally apply the lip balm first since my lips, like my skin, are usually dry. The lip balm portion of this product softens them right up and plumps out the wrinkles so that the lipstick can be applied smoothly. As they mention, the lipstick can also be used alone for a more vibrant color. The color was plenty vibrant for me when I applied the balm underneath, though.

This is definitely one of the best lipsticks I've tried in a long time. The color is great and is long-wearing, and the plumping balm is an added bonus that really makes this lipstick Totally DeLush.

Retail Price: $20.00 (Jemma Kidd Online in the UK, or Neiman Marcus in the US)

Rating:

About Rouge Allure Lipstick: "The newest CHANEL lipstick -- destined to become an icon.

It combines fabulously wearable, lustrous colour and sensational comfort and is subtly etched with the world-renowned CHANEL logo. In a sleek black column that opens with a mere touch on the gold top."




Jen's Experience: I am always on the lookout for the perfect red lipstick, and there's no better time than this fall to get a classic red color. It's the perfect accent to a black ensemble.

I chose this color, Lover, from Chanel because it was a bright, traditional red color with heavy blue undertones. Yellow undertones in a red lipstick makes me look very washed out. Red lipsticks with blue undertones also tend to make my teeth look whiter, a true side-benefit to these bright colors. This might be a great red to try for those of you with pale to medium skin with blue undertones.

I found the application with this red, as with most reds, to be somewhat difficult. I found that the color applied more evenly when I used a coat of balm underneath, and I also had better results when I used a lip brush than when I used the lipstick directly. The color wears for a surprisingly long time, although when I'm dehydrated, my lips feel uncomfortably dry after wearing it for a while. The lipstick is very shiny alone even without a gloss applied over the top, but this would be a great lipstick to try with the wet, shiny look.

They mention the packaging in their product summary, and with good reason. It's ultra-sleek in the black container, and travels well since the lipstick cap doesn't come off without pushing the base.

Overall, this is truly a candidate for my perfect red. I wish that the lipstick was a little more moisture-rich, even if it was at the expense of the long-lasting color of this lipstick.

About Le Crayon Levres Precision Lip Liner: "Contouring lip crayon outlines, defines and corrects lip shape.

Creamy-textured pencil offers precise lip lining, to emphasize and maximize the shape of your lips with long-lasting colour.

Silicones allow ease of application. Vitamin E helps combat free radicals. Built-in brush for blending; comes with double-bladed sharpener.

Outline and contour lips, then apply lipstick with a brush. Ideal for making thin lips look fuller. For a matte effect, fill in entire lip with the crayon, then blur with the brush."

Jen's Experience: Le Crayon Levres in Wineberry is a perfect complement to the Rouge Allure lipstick in Lover. The Chanel lip liner is really the full package. It's not just a very capable lip liner (which, as they mention, makes a great matte lip color when used alone), but one end of the liner is a brush than can be used for blending. It even comes with its own sharpener.

Retail Prices:
Lipstick - $29.00 (Chanel.com or DeLush Delights)
Liner - $27.50 (Chanel.com or DeLush Delights)

Ratings:
Lipstick -
Lip liner -

What They Say: "Glide on full color and shine with Revlon LipGlideTM. Just keep twisting our exclusive color-tip-pen until color appears. Ultra-reflective micro prisms provide full color and shine. Packed with vitamins C & E for smooth, soft, comfortable lips."

Jen's Experience: I'm not sure why I was surprised at how well this product works based on my previous experience with Revlon lipsticks. The sponge applicator takes some getting used to (and I'm still not sure I really like it), but the lipstick itself is wonderful. It provides the coverage of an opaque lip stick: super long lasting and really pigment intense color. At the same time, it's a little shiny, so I don't feel the need to wear gloss on top of it. This lipstick has a permanent home in my handbag. For what it lacks in the applicator, it makes up for in its long-wear color.

Retail Price: $5.39 (Walgreens or other drugstores)

Rating:

With lipstick and lipstains becoming back into vogue, I wanted to give you my picks on which drugstore lipsticks to stash in your purse, and which ones to leave on the drugstore shelves. - Jen

L'Oreal Colour Riche ($7.99): Nurtures lips to keep them soft, smooth and supple with ultra-hydrating Omega 3. Protects against moisture loss with the conditioning power of Vitamin E. Creamy, anti-feathering lip liners coordinate perfectly with Colour Riche colors. The new Color Finder makes shade selection easier."

My Experience: I really love all of L'Oreal's fabulous shades. I was able to find a great nude that looked great with a lot of my wardrobe. That said, I am not so sure about these supposed conditioning ingredients. Out of all the lipsticks I tried, I thought this one was the driest. That quality also made it one of the longest lasting, but for me, it just made me want to apply gloss over top. I guess my biggest beef with this product is that it really bleeds a lot, necessitating a lip liner for more stationary shading. I am also not a big fan of the taste of this lipstick, although I am certainly glad they've refrained from making it mango flavored.

Rating:

Prestige Cosmetics Lipstick ($3.99): "Intense color depth. Lightweight, comfortable formula. Lip soothing moisturizing ingredients. In 81 creme, shimmer, and sheer shades."

My Experience: I've always had pretty good luck with Prestige lipsticks, so I thought I would give this one a shot. This one is not too bad. It's much lighter and feels much more moisturizing than the L'Oreal lip color. And, it actually stays in place. I guess the only problem I really had with this lipstick is that the color indicator on the bottom led me to believe it was a light, cute pink, when in reality, it was on the road to trashy, much like my Cover Girl Incredifull experience. I feel like both this and the Cover Girl product are high quality products worth using once the right color is found.

My Rating:

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick ($7.49): "Super Lustrous® Lipstick features exclusive LiquiSilk technology to pamper lips with silk-drenched mega-moisturizers and vitamins. For rich, smooth color, soft-shine and irresistible lips. No wonder it’s America’s #1 lipstick."

My Experience: I know Melissa's already covered this one before, but while I was discussing drugstore lipsticks, I really had to bring up what I feel like is the quintessential drugstore lipstick. I have many shades of this Revlon lipstick; it really makes the bulk of my lip color wardrobe. There are tremendous sales on it from time to time. Walgreens drugstores on the day after Thanksgiving here in the US last year was selling all their Revlon lip color for 99 cents. Really, you can't beat that. Now this lipstick doesn't last the longest, but the colors are great and true to their packaging, and they're all really moisturizing. It just feels good on my lips. There are lots of pretty good lipsticks out there on the drugstore shelves, but if I was limited to Revlon for my lipstick forever, that would be just fine by me.

My Rating:

What They Say: "Long-wearing, creamy lipstick glides on moist and comfortable. Color stays true.
* Apricot kernel oil and vitamin E protect, moisturize and condition.
* Coconut oil softens.
* Aloe soothes.
* Apply with the Bibo lip brush for a natural, clean look."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: Well, I would not call this a super-moisturizing lipstick in the sense that it feels really moist when applying it. It's not a DRY feeling necessarily, but very minimally "wet" when you put it on. But one thing I noticed right away is the way this stuff creates sort of a "soft-focus" look for your lips. It's hard to explain, but basically there's a muted softness that you might appreciate even more if normal lipsticks emphasize dry lines on your mouth at all. Once it's on, your lips don't feel dried out, even though the formula is quite matte. They don't feel wet, just soft. Overall, a very comfortable option when you want that matte look. It has great staying power, too.

Also, if you've used Bibo lipsticks before don't forget to check out their new shades: Hush, Confess, and Soft Spoken.

Retail Price: $14.00 (go to bibocosmetics.com to find a salon or select retailer near you)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Beyond Perfect Collagen Lip Lift is a non-surgical alternative to beautiful lips. This advanced nourishing lip treatment with Shea Butter, Collagen, French Lavender and Orchid super-moisturizes and plumps lips. With use, lips are smoother, fuller, incredibly soft and more youthful. The appearance of fine, dry lines are diminished. As a lipstick base, it locks on color. As used alone, it plumps lips and fills in lines. Available in 5 beautiful, sheer shades. Beyond Perfect Protein Nail Color is available in coordinating shades."

Jen's Experience: After trying Sally Hansen's Beyond Perfect Nail Colors, I thought this would be a slam dunk. Then again, Sally Hansen is all about the nail color, and much less into lips. And that becomes clear with this product. As a lipstick, it's okay. The color I chose (Spa Sandalwood) is good. The texture is a little thick, but since the goal is reducing lines and wrinkles, that's acceptable. Except that it doesn't work for that. Or as a lip plumper. It's just a mediocre lipstick that doesn't even last that long. Color me disappointed.

Retail Price: $6.99 (at drugstores and mass market retailers)

Rating:

What They Say:
* 16 hours of stay-beautiful, luminous color that moves with your lips
* No caking. No flaking.
* Ultra conditioning for cushiony softness
* Refillable balm also sold

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: Are you as wary of these "long-wear" dual formulas as I tend to be? And yet, they still keep appearing. So what's the real deal on Maybelline's new addition to the selection?

The color end contains a sponge applicator, and the formula on first application seems very light and comfortable. As you let it dry before applying the balm, it does become a bit tacky for a little while. You then apply the clear balm once the color is completely dry. This gives you a super-comfortable softness which lasts a bit and creates a very pretty shine. However, I felt the need to reapply the balm often. One other thing to note is that if your lips aren't exfoliated super-smooth before application, the color tends to emphasize lines and dry skin on the lips a bit.

If you're convinced that you need a long-wearing formula, you can give this a shot. You may find it fits your needs better than previous drugstore options, and it is definitely very pretty and light in texture. It is the most comfortable of these duos I've tried. But in my opinion, you can get comparable wear out of some regular lipstick formulas. This stuff made it through about 6 hours for me, through lunch and a very oily salad dressing, with several balm applications. However, I also tested a lighter shade, which may wear differently than the darker shades.

Retail Price: $9.98 (drugstores and superstores everywhere)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Full, Kissable Lips That Speak Volumes: Pump Up the Volume with Intense Moisture and Soft, Voluptuous-Looking Lips!

Providing a smooth feel upon application, NEW IncrediFULL lip colour from Cover Girl adds the appearance of volume while improving the contour of your pout with a defined lip line. IncrediFULL lips pump up the volume - - say more and stand out!"

Benefits
• Instantly makes lips look fuller then bare lips
• Enhances definition of the lip line
• Increases lip moisture with Glycerin – a humectant that pulls moisture from the air into lips & locks it in
• Contains Vita-Collagen complex with Vitamin B3, Pro-Vitamin B5, Vitamin E
• Contains lip conditioning agents for a creamy, smooth feel
• Fights signs of aging, helping to smooth rough texture away & creating a fuller, smoother pout vs bare lips
• Provides a cooling, tingling, refreshing feel upon application that lets you know the product is working
• Gives lips 8 hours of moisture
• 24 Volumizing Shades

Jen's Experience: I am always curious when I see a reasonably priced drugstore product that claims to plump up my lips. But plumping AND 8 hours of moisture? That would be unbeatable!

I chose a shade called "Mauveful" because mauve usually looks great with my skin tone, but I can only describe this color as "trailer trash pink". Despite the fact that I can never wear this (at least alone with no opaque lip gloss covering it) outside of the house, I still highly recommend this product. I mean, really, this is a truly great lipstick, and not just because of the price tag. It lasts forever, maybe not 8 hours, but amazingly long, even if you eat, the color remains. I find it difficult to remove even with a washcloth. The plumping, unlike many similar products, actually works! With all of that, it seems like it would be drying, but it actually feels like I am wearing a light lip balm, especially with the tingling.

Now, I can't see "Mauvefull" looking good on anyone, but if you're willing to try out some shades, this is a lipstick you're sure to love.

Retail Price: $6.99 (Target)

Rating:

Today is the first day of DeLush's Focus on Color. Throughout the month of February, we'll be highlighting lots of reviews of products that will help yank you out of the winter blahs with a dose of color! We'll also feature tips and ideas for incorporating color into your beauty routine.

I wanted to kick off this month with lipstick because it is one of the easiest ways to change your look and add to your makeup wardrobe.

What They Say:

• Features an active anti-chap ingredient that provides lip balm-like moisturization and improves condition of your lips and other active ingredients that absorb and lock in moisture
  
• Exclusive patent-pending gel-based formula glides on smoothly and easily over lips
  
• Moisturizes lips up to 8 hours
  After 3 days, lips appear healthier, softer and smoother and more radiant than before
  
• Non-feathering and non bleeding
  
• SPF 15 Sunscreen to protect lips
  

Jen's Experience: I have a whole drawer of lipsticks. Probably the majority of them are drugstore brands because you can sample a lot of colors inexpensively, and the quality is very often similar to department store lipsticks. This lipstick sounds great, since in the winter I often have really dry lips and when they get chapped, I can't help picking at them.

At the store, I was impressed that there was such a large selection of this particular lipstick, but I was kind of dismayed at the large number of very, very bright colors. I was looking for kind of a lilac (which, according to Allure, is apparently very "in" for lipstick right now), and chose Desert Bloom, which looks absolutely nothing like the color sample on their site.

My first impression after I got it home was that it is light and feels really good on my lips. As long as I am not eating or drinking anything (yes, even water), it stays on my lips and really does a nice job moisturizing. As soon as I take a sip of water, it somehow reduces the moisturizing capability and my lips become very dry.

The color itself really is a sort of lilac, but it is much more subtle than I thought it would be. It's almost a nude with a little bit of a purplish-blue tint. It makes me think that the bright colors on the display might not be so bad once I got them home.

My major complaint with this lipstick is the way it tastes -- very aloe-y. It may not be bothersome to everyone, but for me, it's definitely a turnoff. But if you don't mind it, this might be just the lipstick you need to expand your color horizons and experiment with your look.

Tips and Tricks: If you are very pale, try to find a lipstick with more yellow undertones to brighten up the face.

Retail Price: normally $5.99, free with rebate this week! (Walgreens)

Rating:

Okay, so I'm all about lips this week...I can't help it! But for me, an eye-catching pout is high on the beauty list for WOW-ing your family and friends on the holidays. Don't forget to check out our DeLush Holiday Gift Guides every day next week starting Monday, December 5 with great ideas for yourself, your Guy, your mom, grandma and your sister/best friend!

What They Say: "Volume Perfect is a two-step, dual-ended lipcolor that reshapes and recontours your lips for smoother, shapelier, visibly smoother lips.

The base coat, which contains an Essential Collagen Complex, smoothes the surface of the lips and makes them appear fuller.

The color coat is specially formulated to avoid feathering, so it establishes and maintains the lip outline when it is applied. Volume Perfect also has a patented combination of pearls that adds depth to the lips, creating fullness."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: I am always a little hesitant of L'Oreal lipsticks to begin with, I don't know why. I think I had some bad experiences with it when I was younger. And to be honest with you, the ads for this particular product with Andi MacDowell's obviously edited ginormous shiny lips didn't exactly encourage me. But, I am brave for you, dear readers, so I plowed ahead.

The base coat is clear and very soft. I've found that the more smooth your lips are to begin with (by smooth I mean exfoliated, not line-free), the better this coat goes on. It's very comfortable. You do need to be careful to apply a thin even layer, though, or it could clump a tiny bit under the color. This really isn't prevalent, though and shouldn't keep you away from trying it.

The color is actually very pretty. I would even say it makes my lips look better than many of my lipsticks, which is saying a lot. You definitely can't deny the fact that this stuff really maintains a clearly defined lip. I was pleasantly surprised by this. Also, the tiny pearlization in the color is barely visible while wearing it, but if you put a faint swipe on your fingertip you'll see what they mean. I think it really does help add depth to the lip visually.

What I like is that I get a wonderfully pretty lip line with a fabulous full effect without any puffing or tingling, like with lip plumpers. And don't worry, I didn't end up looking like Andi MacDowell in those pictures, either! Overall, a fairly comfortable color with visible results that's worth a try.

Retail Price: ($9.99 at drugstores and superstores everywhere)

DeLush Rating:

For a few months, I've been seeing ads for Revlon's holiday colors in magazines, but it was just in the last few weeks that I finally saw the display in my local drugstore. The colors were just as vibrant in person as they are in the advertisements, and I found myself piling one of everything into my handbasket.

As I wandered around the store, I realized there was no way I'd be able to test everything I'd picked up, so I picked a few products that I thought looked the most promising: the "Wrap Youself in Rubies" lipstick, the matching blush, and a two-pack of glosses that included "Cherry Frost" and "Cherries in the Glow".

Since I've been trying out a lot of rich lip colors this fall, the deep red of the Wrap Yourself in Rubies lipstick was not a departure for my daily make-up. The color actually works well with my skin because it has blue undertones, and it makes my teeth look really white. So the color is perfect, and it lasts quite a while over top of my lip pencil with a coating of gloss. My only complaint is not a small one -- it bleeds badly and no amount of lip liner seems to resolve the problem. This is something I've encountered with a lot of lipsticks with very intense pigments, and it might be worth investigating some of the lip primer products to see if that helps to prevent this from happening.

I've been using the glosses I bought quite a bit. I usually use the "Cherries in the Glow" overtop of my lipstick when I leave the house, but the "Cherry Frost" color is my new purse gloss (well, it's the newest addition to my collection). Both colors are pretty and fairly long lasting, and have more color than my usual nude and clear glosses.

As happy as I am with my lip color purchases, I am not so sure about the blush. It's very bright, and somewhat difficult to apply so that I don't look like I have a rash...or sunburn. My advice on this blush is to save it for wearing with a rich lipcolor, like the "Wrap Yourself in Rubies" and to put it on in light layers until you achieve the desired effect. This may be the largest container of blush I have ever encountered, so I'm sure to have many years perfecting my application technique.

Should you rush right out and buy them? Well, if you're looking for some glamour this holiday season and you're not scared of bright colors, the new holiday colors from Revlon may be just what you need for all those holiday parties.

(One more note: Revlon is running a promotion right now where if you buy $15.00 worth of their Revlon color cosmetics, you'll get a pashmina-style wrap. Details are available at: Revlon on the Red Carpet.)

What They Say: "Richly pigmented for long-lasting coverage, this non-drying formula is vitamin e-infused to help nourish dehydrated lips. a favorite of the hollywood set. available in three great formulas: cream, sheer and shimmer."

Jen's Experience: When Melissa started talking about red lipsticks yesterday, I thought this was a great opportunity to talk about Smashbox Lipstick. My color is Smashing Resolution, which is a slightly pinky red color. It's a lot more dramatic than the lipsticks I was wearing before this season, but this turns out to be the perfect muted red color for me to wear to work. Even with my pale skin, the color doesn't make me look too washed out.

If red's not your thing, this lipstick comes in a ton of shades, both shimmer and matte. I like this lipstick because the color looks the same on my lips as it does in the tube. It stays on my lips and doesn't fade easily, and as long as I wear a lip pencil (also Smashbox), I generally don't have a problem with my lipstick delving beyond my lip line. Now here's the bad part about this product: Since it has such intense pigments, it doesn't have a lot of moisture in it. And that means you're really going to have to use some lip balm underneath or over the lipstick in order to retain the moisture in your lips. That's very important as the weather gets cooler. Overall this is a quality product, and I recommend it to anyone looking for a lipstick that holds its color and really lasts.

Retail Price: $16.00 (Smashbox)

Rating:

What They Say: "It is lustrous, semi-translucent and delicate in color, but this lipstick stays put, and gives even color to the entire lips. Made with skin-caring ingredients to make lips supple."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: I know, I've said I like being able to wear more matte lipstick when the weather turns cooler, but I fell absolutely in love with this certain color in Sephora (Honey Tea) and couldn't help myself. (Even if I DO have entirely too many lipsticks, lip glosses, and lip balms to be considered decent.) Actually, there were a few colors I was heavily debating between, as Shiseido's gorgeous color range and finish typically tends to be well-worth the somewhat higher price.

The day I bought this, I went to a party and the topic turned to makeup (hey, I can't help it!) and I showed the girls what I'd gotten that day. They all liked this lipstick's texture and amazing color quality. While it is somewhat sheer, it is still substantial as they claim and stays wonderfully. The pigment is concentrated and true, and it isn't too slick or shiny for those that prefer lipstick over gloss.

Retail Price: $20.00 (at select department stores - click here to find out where you can purchase Shiseido near you)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: " The creamiest, richest, smoothest lip colour you can imagine. Our revolutionary gel formula delivers the shine of a gloss, the comfort of a lipstick. Drenches lips in moist, lush colour that glides on buttery-soft, feels luxuriously smooth."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: Cinique's lipsticks have long been on my list of favorites for color and wearability. This one doesn't disappoint on either end. Comfortable (SO unbelievably soft!) and extremely pretty, these almost-sheer colors look great alone or over lipliner and have a gorgeous subdued shine. Perhaps one of the most comfortable lipsticks available now.

(...and here are my lips in Delovely, the shade I chose, and no lipliner)

Retail Price: $14.00 (clinique.com and department stores)

DeLush Rating:

About the lip color: "Give lips creamy, semi-matte color with rich, full coverage in a variety of shade options. Wear alone or pair with Lip Liner and Lip Gloss - depending on your desired effect. Cassis featured in Bobbi's NEW Winter White look is also available in the limited-edition Sexy Glamour Palette. Slopes, Brown, Rum Raisin, and Sandwash Pink shades featured in Bobbi's Picks-Lip Color palette."

About the liner: "This creamy formula goes on smoothly and evenly to give lips subtle definition. Available in a wide shade range to complement a favorite lipstick or gloss."

Jen's Experience: After seeing the richly-colored lips of the Bobbi Brown fall face, I bought their Plum liner and Tulle lipstick. The colors were exactly the types of shades that I would normally choose for myself, so I had a feeling I might like them!

My Bobbi Brown artist applied the lipstick first and then used the lipliner to seal in the color around the edges. That makes sense, but I think I prefer my normal approach to lip color. I apply the lip liner first over my entire lip and then apply the lipstick over it. I do think it is good practice to use a lip brush to apply the lip stick. You get a much finer layer of lipstick that really makes it last longer. After the lipstick, the artist applied their Hot Pink Gloss. Since I already own a zillion glosses, I didn't buy the Bobbi Brown gloss, but instead use LipFusion or even my Malin + Goetz Lip Moisturizer to give my lips some shine and to give my lipstick some staying power.

I think the lip liner may have been one of my best purchases from the makeover. The color is fantastic and it really has tremendous staying power. It stays true until well after lunchtime and is great for a night on the town -- your lips are never naked. The liner is non-drying and goes on very smoothly. I very often wear the lip liner alone with clear gloss on top for a more natural look.

I also like the color they picked out for my lipstick. I don't find the lipstick to be extraordinary in any way. It's not particularly long-lasting, but it is nice and creamy. I think you can probably find a similar color and texture in a drugstore brand like Revlon, though.

I think this lip palette is a great look for fall, and is a great alternative to the smoky eyes and pale lips look. That't not something you can wear to work, but some color on your lips will brighten any fall day.

Retail Price: $20/Liner, $20/Lip Color (Bobbi Brown)

Ratings:
Lip Color

Lip Liner

What They Say: "Colour plus texture for the lips. Stands out on the runway. Simmers on the street! What made M·A·C famous."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: I'm a big fan of MAC's Lipglass and Lip Lustre, but I'd never tried the lipsticks before. This I got as part of the new D'Bohemia Collection in Moderne.

The texture is very smooth and light when you apply. It not super-moist while you're wearing it, but my lips definitely didn't feel dried out. As with all of MAC's lip products, I found this to be really long-wearing also. Overall, a very decent lipstick with great pigment concentration, and hello...how can you NOT find the right shade HERE? (Check out the other finishes and colors, too.)

Retail Price: $14.00 (maccosmetics.com)

DeLush Rating:

From the Sephora website:  Vincent Longo Lip Stain is the beloved favorite of the hottest celebs in Hollywood and has universal appeal for all women. This super sheer lipstick has a moisture rich formula to create dewy, natural looking lips with a delicate tint of color."

Jen's Experience:  I've been all about the lip glosses and the lip plumpers lately, but sometimes it's nice to apply a nice, natural shade of lipstick and forget about it.  And for this, I highly recommend Vincent Longo's lip stain (also available in SPF15 formula, I saw on the Sephora website).  I got this lip stick thinking that it was going to be a richer, almost chestnut color, despite the name "Nude".  Normally, it would bug me that the lipstick and the actual applied color are so different.  But it's the perfect shade.  It looks completely natural on my lips, giving them a little color and shine.  I feel polished and professional when I wear it.  The texture is pretty thin, not gloppy like a lot of lipsticks, because unlike other lipsticks I am not completely smothering them with color.   It lasts about 3-4 hours, which is not spectacular, but perfectly acceptable considering it is the most perfect color ever made.

Retail Price: $23.00 (Sephora)

Rating:

What They Say: "Get 8 hours of sheer, smooth color plus shimmery moisturizing shine for glistening lips—no touch-ups needed even after meals. Exclusive ColorStay® liquid color formula with silk proteins won’t kiss off, feather or bleed. Color-coordinated topcoat with 99% moisture plus chamomile, soy extract and liquefied pearls add shimmer and keep lips comfortable.

Application tips:
1. Apply a thin, even coat of sheer color on clean, bare lips and wait until completely dry.
2. Brush topcoat over color. Reapply topcoat as desired for softness, comfort and shimmering shine."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: Okay, I have to admit some preconcieved notions when I first got this product. The last time I tried Revlon's Colorstay Lipstick formulas was possibly over 5 years ago, and what I remembered about it was a really uncomfortable feeling and dry-looking lips. Then of course everyone started coming up with their own kinds of long-last formulas. I just didn't really get into any of it because I started to prefer balms and glosses...things that felt really natural on my lips. And I didn't have a problem just reapplying something once during the day if I needed to. But I've been wondering if this "sheer" formula really was that, and if it would feel any better than I remembered.

I got this in Sheer Naked. What you get is of course the long-wearing color on one end and a shiny, shimmery gloss on the other. When you apply the base, you do get that weird drying sensation on your lips, which I found hard to get used to. Once you apply the gloss it gets much better, and I did like the color, which was very natural and sheer-looking. What I don't like about this is that with the base color, my lips dried and all of the sudden I could see lines in my lips I've never known were there before...the drying definitely emphasizes that. And I'm only 28! I would imagine that on lips that are older and truly lined this emphasis could be a problem. With the gloss on that does diminish quite a bit, but I would highly suggest making sure you've exfoliated your lips and conditioned them before you apply this. Otherwise you just might end up with a pruny pout.

Basically, this isn't something I'd wear every day because of the drying factor and its overall effect on my lips' condition (also simply because there are so many other options out there that are more comfortable), but it's definitely a good choice for a night out or an event when you don't want to be slipping away for touch-ups. If you have troubles keeping lipstick on during the workday (and through lunch!) and it's important to you to maintain a look with no upkeep, you also may find this to be useful to have available.

**Update: I've added a lip on the rating since the comment on this product. See comments to find out why!

Retail Price: $8.59 (drugstores)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "You won't see Tom Cruise wearing our new lipstick, but you can bet he appreciates the shade. All sale proceeds from H.E.L.P Lipstick benefits his cause, the Hollywood Education and Literacy Project, which help develop learning skills. The special case comes with a mirror and tiny crystal."

Jen's Experience:  You had me at the case.  Seriously, this would have become my number one purse lipstick even if the color had not been perfect, just because of the adorable little mirror encased within the gorgeous red shiny case.  Luckily, the shade is great for my coloring, it's really creamy, and is really long-lasting for a matte lipstick.   It is a little thicker than my other lipsticks, which may be a problem for some, but I like it because it makes my lips feel super-moisturized.

Tips:  Although Lola's lip creme comes in many, many colors, only the Help shade comes in this case.   Amazingly, this doesn't cost any more than the standard one.

Retail Price: $20.00 (Lola Cosmetics)

Rating:

What They Say:  "Longest-wearing, soft shine formula. Keeps its just-applied look for hours. Won't feather, creep, stain or dry out."

My Experience:  I love it when I find a product that meets my needs so well that I hardly have to buy any others in that category.  This lipstick could easily meet that criteria.  Although it looks very pinky purple in the pictures, it actually seems to transform in the light to match whatever I am wearing.  It lasts a long time, particularly if you use a lip liner and gloss on top of it.   I also like that it doesn't have a strong taste. 

Tips:  I like to use a lipliner that matches this lipstick over my entire lip surface before I apply the lipstick.  Then, I tissue off the excess and apply a nice gloss on top to give it some staying power.

Rating:

What They Say: "Now you can have glamorous lips in one stroke! Glam Shine Dazzling Plumping Lipcolour uses unique micro-crystal technology to re-define and re-plump your lips.

Glam Shine's micro-crystals amplify light reflection for the ultimate in shine. Moisture-drenched formula with non-sticky texture delivers full, healthy lips with dazzling dimension and incredible shine! "

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: Hmmm, I'm not sure where to start. First of all, the look was not bad at all - I enjoyed my shiny lips and the consistency of this gloss. However, I wasn't too fond of two things: the staying power and the flavor/scent. The smell might possibly be enough to keep me away from this gloss forever. However, that may not be a negative for you. I'm just used to using things that purposely infuse a good taste. A lot of product lines do not. I think if you are looking for some nice shine for a night out and don't want to drop a lot of money, this could be a good option. Just don't expect your date to enjoy the goodnight kiss. ;)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Super Lustrous Lipstick has a new formula, new shades and a new look! Formulated with a breakthrough new LiquiSilk technology, Super Lustrous Lipstick pampers lips with rich, smooth color and silk-enriched moisturizers and vitamins. Available in 72 beautiful shades for smooth, irresistible lips."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: I've never been that into Revlon lipsticks, and frankly didn't see what any of the hype was about. But when I saw this shade on Julianne Moore on the display, I had to try it. Especially since Revlon has been touting their "new formula" for this lipstick. I have been very impressed. It truly does last well for such a moist lipstick, and didn't bleed at all. And it felt great! I haven't really worn full lipsticks for a while now, I've been so mesmerized and distracted by colored gloss. Up to this point, Clinique lipsticks have been the only that I've really worn. I truly believe that Revlon's Super Lustrous Lipstick ranks up there with the best of the best.

Retail Price: $6.95 (drugstores everyhwere)

DeLush Rating:

From Dior: "Lipstick to die for. A rush of light-saturated color, resulting in sexy, shine-drenched, sensational lips. Easy to wear. Impossible to resist."

My Experience:  Oh how I love all of my Dior Lipsticks.  I have never bought a Dior color that I don't wear on a regular basis.  They have a great feel on my lips of having coverage without being too thick and without overly drying my lips.  The colors I have been wearing have a little shimmer to them without being obvious. 

Tips:  If you find a color you like, buy a few tubes of it and keep it around.  Some of my very favorite colors are down to little nibs and they have been long discontinued.  I was told by the Dior representative that they regularly change out their colors as the trends change.  Well, I say, trends may change, but the perfect lipstick color should really be forever.

Rating:

Reviewed By: Jen

Jamie Tried It: This lippie is head and shoulders (and knees and toes and everything else) above the rest of its longwear lip competitors. The color is vivid, the coverage is sheer enough to be layered and, if worn without the included gloss top coat, makes for a natural, matte stained look (if a bit dry in feel). Pro Longwear continutes the MAC philosophy of multitasking makeup - the color layer can easily be combined with plain ol' lip balm - and the fabulous, non-gritty, glimmer top gloss was incredible on its own. If you are looking for an industry grade, industrial strength lip product that really stays, this is what you should be using. This product survived through an entire Easter dinner with zero transfer - it literally came off on NOTHING, including my niece's cheek and an otherwise pristine wine glass.



My only complaint (a minor one) is that you need to be very careful that your initial application extends beyond the water line on your lips - my 10:00 am application made it all the way until about 2pm until it finally started to wear in the center of my mouth and needed a touchup (the outside of my lips stayed perfect until I wiped them down with an oil-based remover). So 8 hours? Maybe not - 4-5 hours is more like it. $21, MAC's website and department stores.

Delush Rating: (Docked 1 smooch for not meeting 8 hour claims)

Hey, DeLush readers! We want to know what's in your bag!

Specifically, we want to know what lipstick or lip gloss is currently your absolute favorite - that one you take everywhere. Yes, yes...we know that there is a multitude of choices, and that you most likely own a frightening amount of them (what, is that just us?). However, at any given time there's always one that makes its way into the heaviest rotation and becomes a favorite. Tell us! Right now, what's YOUR most-used lipstick or gloss?

*Here's what I currently carry everywhere: M•A•C Lipglass in Revealing
-Melissa

Lips are a VERY strong focus on this season's faces, as seen on runways, in magazines, and more. More specifically, it's all about lipstick again. So we want to know: If you've already started using one of the new lipstick shades (or an old favorite that fits with this season's color trends), which is your absolute favorite? If not, which one are you DYING to try? Share your fantasy Fall lipstick color with other DeLush readers!

Smashbox Introduces Photo Finish Lipstick

This season, all you need for gorgeous, lush lips is the new Smashbox Photo Finish Lipstick.
Smashbox has used its Advanced Sili-Silk Technology™ in its Photo Finish Foundation Primer for years. A favorite of those in the makeup know, creates the perfect canvas for foundation application by filling in fine lines, reducing the appearance of pores and skin imperfections and setting makeup so that it stays on longer. Now, Smashbox adds Advanced Sili-Silk Technology™ to its newest lipstick, Smashbox Photo Finish Lipstick, for unparalleled results.
Smashbox Photo Finish Lipstick:

• Applies effortlessly
• Fills in fine lines
• Helps lips appear visibly softer and smoother
• Is formulated with grapeseed extract to soothe and protect
• Comes in its own gorgeous, sleek, black lip case with a mirror

As with all Smashbox products, the Smashbox Photo Finish Lipstick was created for the needs of the makeup artists, photographers and models working at Smashbox Studios in Los Angeles. Each product was artistically created based upon the view from behind the camera, for a look that is as flawless as a finished photograph.

Smashbox Photo Finish Lipstick retails for $22 and is available at Nordstrom, Sephora, Bloomingdale’s, www.smashbox.com or via catalog at 888.763.1361.

They say every woman has a perfect shade of red lipstick. Is this true? Personally, I've always been a little afraid of red lipstick, but after I saw Uma Thurman in those Louis Vuitton ads, I've been inspired. So help me out here - tell me what shade of red YOU love. Maybe you can convince me that it isn't so scary, and maybe my lips CAN look as good as that Uma chick's.

Afraid of Red,
Melissa