Fall 2007 Beauty Preview

This past weekend, I visited some of the shows for the Fall 2007 Collections at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York to get an idea of what the trends is cosmetics and hair will be in the upcoming fall season. M.A.C. was on the scene as the make-up sponsor and Bumble and Bumble, although not an official sponsor, was connected to several of the runway shows. Fashion Week is still in full swing, but here's a summary of some of the things you can expect to see next fall.

Nicole Miller

Alice Roi

Diane von Furstenberg

Venexiana

Twinkle

Photos by imaxtree.com

Minimal make-up

Surprisingly, this season's make-up is...non-existent. I saw several shows with nearly no use of cosmetics and those that did featured flushed cheeks, natural mascara and nude or pink lips for day wear. The exception? Alice Roi, with a decidedly goth look. Spend your money on skin care products and perhaps a nice, natural foundation that will let your skin be the star of your make-up routine this fall. For evening wear, red lipstick was the focal point of the looks at the Diane Von Furstenberg and Marc Jacobs shows.

What I didn't see: glossy, shiny lips; bright eyeshadows; bronzers; shimmer

Stick-straight hair is so passe

Well, I'm in trouble this season. It seems my thin and stuboornly straight hair is just no longer fashion forward. This season is all about volume and drama in hairstyles. The look at the Venexiana show was big, fluffy hot-rolled curls that brought to mind glamorous pin-up girls from days past. I saw volume at the Twinkle show as well, but more of the teased, straight out of bed variety. Just as popular were updos, ponytails and braids seen in a variety of shows ranging from Lacoste to Caroline Herrera. Not that you'll be able to see your hair anyway; hats were the must-have accessory of the season and played a huge part of looks from Marc Jacobs and Nicole Miller.

What I didn't see: Flat-ironed and blown out hair; any middle ground in color -- go bottle blond or go brunette

Want more fashion week commentary including discussion of upcoming trends, runway reports and shopping guides? It's coming soon on DeLushStyle.com. Look for the announcement coming soon!

Fall Product Review: Jo Malone Vitamin E Nourishing Hand Treatment

What They Say: "Rich and sumptuous to the touch, Vitamin E Nourishing Hand Treatment conditions the skin while providing formidable environmental protection. A hint of pomelo and cassis leave skin deliciously scented."

Jen's Experience: I have never really gotten into hand creams. My hands aren't that dry, and I hate for them to feel all goopy. But, for this one, I will make an exception. For one, it doesn't leave my hands feeling greasy. It soaks in really quickly, which may not make for the best long-wear moisturizer, but I think it helps to be able to use it more frequently (like when you don't want to stand around and wait for the slickness to die down so that you can type or whatever). The other great part about this is that the scent is amazing. I can't stop putting it on just so I can smell my hands. Anyway, this may just make me want to start wearing hand cream, but it definitely makes me want to check out more the Jo Malone collection if ev everything smells this awesome.

Retail Price: $40.00 (JoMalone.com)

Rating:

Fall Product Review: Bumble and Bumble Shine Spray

What They Say: "(Formally Gloss) Inspired during photo shoots where it's essential to make hair shine without leaving it greasy and unworkable in the process, we challenged ourselves during the creation of Bb.Shine to make the ultimate lightweight, shine-enhancer for both on set and off."

Jen's Experience: I'm a bit of a shine junkie. I often judge hair products by how shiny they make my hair, and I'm a big fan of using products like Frederic Fekkai Technician Glaze to add a little shine at the end of my hair routine. Although this comes in an aerosol spray rather than a serum, it works pretty much the same way: it adds a layer of shine to your 'do.

Much like my other shine products, you've really got to watch how much you apply. A little bit and you've got shiny hair, any more and you need to get back in the shower. One thing that's different about this product is that, perhaps since it's an aerosol, perhaps it's just the formula, but it smells horrible and it's pretty suffocating. It smells like you're spraying spray paint in your hair. Go outside to use this one.

The main thing that really sets this product apart is that it really does create amazing shine, almost like your hair has been clear-coated. With my fine hair, the shine may be too much, making it appear a little greasy. However, I've never noticed it weighing down my style at all.

For those of you with thicker hair who are looking for incredible shine, this is an excellent choice, probably the best on the market. But if you've got thin or fine hair, you might want to try this product for yourself before you spend a lot of money on it.

Retail Price: $38.95 (Go to Bumbleandbumble.com for locations)

Rating:

Fall Product Review: Tarte fRxtion Sugar Exfoliator and Lip Balm Duo

What They Say: "Whatever your oral affliction
(be it chapped lips or sugar addiction)
Tarte has got the Rx for your blues
And it's garnering all rave reviews
Sugar grains scrub your pout smooth
While Vitamin E balm helps soothe
Believe it or not, it's non-fiction
Cause it's not only fact...it's FRxtion

Directions:
Use sugar exfoliator side on dry flaky, chapped lips to smooth out and follow with the vitamin e enhanced balm side to soothe lips."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: Okay, first of all - I don't think you can fully appreciate the fun of the popup mirror built in to this case unless you get to use it in person. Obviously, this would be a godsend for all actual lipstick cases, but I digress.

The sugar side is actually sweet, isn't TOO rough for lips, and still gets the job done. The balm side is very smooth and conditioning, with lasting moisturizing effects for several hours. Another plus is the fact that so far the stick has proven pretty sturdy, which is important considering the fact that you'll be applying more pressure than with other lips balms because you're trying to exfoliate.

Even though this may not be my everyday balm, when I notice that my lips are dry and rough, this will definitely be within hand's reach.

Retail Price: $11.00 (at tartecosmetics.com)

DeLush Rating:

Thursday Carmindy Tip: Her Favorite Fall Trend

Carmindy is a nationally-renowned makeup artist (also from TLC's What Not To Wear), and last week she gave us her tips for making those lush Fall shadow and liner colors stay PUT. Today, you get to find out what her favorite trend for the season is.

So what IS Carmindy's favorite look for the season?

Carmindy Says: "The new gold. It is a pale soft gold that works wonderfully with winter skin and should be used under the brow, on top of the cheekbone and on the inside corner of the eye to highlight the face in halo light. It should be paired with a bare face for a modern twist."

Thank you Carmindy, for giving us tips during Fall is Fabulous! Visit her site here.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Here are some product ideas if you'd like to try Carmindy's advice: Stila All-Over Shimmer Liquid Luminizer in shade 3, $20.00; Benefit Gilded Highlighting Pencil, $18.00; Becca Bird of Paradise Gloss, $35.00; Pop Beauty Pop Up Glow in Sunny.

technorati tags: Carmindy, makeup tips

Fall Product Review: Three Custom Color Eyepencils

What They Say: "Our Black Eye Liner Pencil can be used to provide precise definition to your lash line. Also, try blending it down to create a sultry, smoky effect!

The unique texture of these Eye Liners allows for smooth application, easy blending and long wear."

Jen's Experience: Initially, I was excited about these eye pencils from 3 Custom Color Specialists. The colors I tried, Navy and Smoke, are really pretty when applied, and both worked really well with my skin tone. Unfortuately, they just didn't work well as an eyeliner.

I found it easy to create a smoky, smudged eye using these eyeliners, but next to impossible to create a crisp, defined eye. I wouldn't mind that so much if it didn't continue to smudge all over the place, all throughout the day. The gray spreads all over my eye area, making it look like I've been in a fight. The blue didn't smudge as badly, but it did migrate enough to make it look like I was wearing blue eyeshadow by lunchtime.

I really do love the colors, so it's unfortunate that I just can't wear them.

Retail Price: $14.00 (Beauty.com)

Rating:

Fall Product Review: Tarte “Some Like It Hot” Mini-Gloss Set

What They Say: "Sizzling speakeasies with zip…red-hot risque, razzle-dazzle costumes…blazing jazz numbers sultry enough to work you into a fiery fever…Ah, the good ol’ days (well, what we think of, anyway)
Ever feel like you were born a few decades too late? Not to fret: this is just the set for all you girls who are more spice than sugar. Your inner sex kitten will purrr with these 10 cinnamon-flavored, moisture-rich shades of playful pinks & sheer flirty neutrals. The cayenne pep will leave you wanting more….and we deliver. Interchangeable connector pieces let you mix and match glosses for endless zesty combinations—leaving you too hot for words."

Jamie’s Thoughts: I love this set of adorable teeny glosses for fall. The packaging is super cute – but the real genius is in the details. The 10 small vials of gloss have caps, each of which lock into a connector piece. Each connector piece holds 2 mini vials (great for the indecisive), and when you’re using only 1, the other one makes a perfectly sized wand! Also, the applicator tip is sponge-based, not a brush, making application clean and neat. BRILLIANT!

The consistency of the glosses is somewhere between standard Vaseline and MAC’s infamous Lipglass. My love affair with Lipglass makes me the perfect candidate for this glossy hybrid product. It’s not overly tacky, yet has suprising staying power. (Full disclosure: I found it somewhat difficult to get it off. I’m a lip licker, so this is an asset in my opinion.) Also, the cinnamon scent is present, but not overwhelming.

Colors to Try:
Zesty – the perfect pink, especially for a redhead.
Zip – has a golden sheen, would be fantastic over red lipstick
Spicy – my personal favorite, great for all skin tones

Only 1 color seemed out of touch with the aesthetic of the rest – Fever. It was almost neon in tone – like radioactive Pepto Bismol. I can’t see it looking good on anyone, but go out and buy the set. Maybe you’ll prove me wrong!

Retail Price: $28.00 (TarteCosmetics.com or Sephora)

DeLush Rating:

Fall Trend Watch: Can You Wear This Trend?

Ultra-Dark Eyes

(Image credits l-r: Cannonieri & Fortis (Elle September 2006); Allure September 2006; David Slijper (Glamour September 2006).

Okay, it was inevitable that we had to cover this one. It's been all over the catwalks this season and featured in all of the magazines. Ultra-dark eyes - more specifically very bold and thicker than usual liner - is one of the most popular Fall trends in beauty this year. Melissa tried this look out in real life, to see if it was something she could actually wear and feel comfortable in.

"While this could potentially be too much for most of us in the daytime, it can be modified to be more subtle than what you'd wear for evening. I thought this was easy enough to pull off and still personalize to one's own tastes. Normally, I don't line the lower inner rims of my eyes, but for this I did. I also applied black liner below the lower lash line in the manner I normally would, and then retraced it to make it double the thickness than I applied before. On my lids, I decided to go with extra-dark shadow with some sheen on top for depth and a thinner line of eyeliner on the top lid."

(Click pic to enlarge shadow colors.)

What Melissa Used To Get This Look::

Bibo Shadow Box for Eyes from the Blackout Collection, the dark sparkle grey shade

THEN...
Revlon's Wet/Dry Shadow Quad in In the Garden, using the black shadow (no longer available in stores, sorry! but you can use another matte black shadow)

THEN...
Girlactik Beauty's Star Shadow in Satin (a favorite all-around shade to wear alone or to lay on top of color for a bit of sheen)

THEN...
Maybelline's Unstoppable Eyeliner in Onyx

AND FINALLY...
Top off with your favorite black mascara.

Fall Product Review: Tom Ford Amber Nude II Collection Bronzer and Brush at Estée Lauder

What They Say: (about The Bronzer) "Now, your skin and your senses are under the influence of Tom Ford. The message is nude. A makeup collection that reflects Tom Ford's provocative philosophy. Real gold in the makeup gives it a gilded, glamorous edge. Tom Ford on the collection: 'This collection is very much my philosophy of beauty. I've concentrated only on nude shades for the lips and nails. This is what I always really like...a neutral mouth, beautiful skin and a dramatic, strong eye. One look that works for many skintones.'" (about The Brush) *We don't have an official description at press time.

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: From the excitedly-anticipated Amber Nude II collection, this bronzer is more Fall-appropriate than the Azurée bronzer from this summer. This one is more tan and less tawny, and fairly subtle. The color doesn't turn orange at all as the day wears on and it stays put. Also, the compact is very generously-sized - about 50% wider in diameter than normal compacts.

The brush is incredibly soft and easy-to-handle. It helps to apply the bronzer evenly in just a few swipes. It's gentle on your face and just using it adds some glamour to the process of getting ready.

Retail Prices:
(The Bronzer) $60.00
(The Brush) $35.00
(both available at esteelauder.com)

DeLush Rating:
(The Bronzer)
(The Brush)

The Face of Fall: Lancôme

Lancôme's Fall color collection is called Luna Chic, which has three different variations: Twilight, Terra Light, and Red Carpet. Here's the rundown on the standout products for each look!

Twilight (Fall Chic)



Favorites:

Blush Subtil Mosaique in Stargazer

"This luxuriously silky powder blush uses a combination of distinctive colors for a perfectly natural finish. Multiple shades in one pan allow for definition, highlighting and contouring versatility. Oil free -- perfect for all skin types."

Artliner in Starshower

"This easy-to-handle, liquid pen features a uniquely shaped foam tip that lets you precision-line, shape and define your eyes.

Won't scratch, tug or skip. Also features a unique combination of two film-forming polymers that make every look last even longer. Rich, deep, luminous colour pigments offer the most intense- colour. The Result: A precise, professional look."

Terralight (Dramatic/Sultry)



Favorites:

Colour Focus Quad in Terralight (Designer)

"Go for the glamour with this palette of four colour-coordinated shadows to colour, contour, highlight and line your eyes. Patented Jetfine technology produces fine shadow for outstanding blendability and exceptional long wear. Use wet or dry to achieve various intensities. Custom applicators help create the perfect look."

Le Rouge Absolu in Nova

"Smoother. Fuller. Absolutely replenished lips. This advanced lip color provides 6-hour care with continuous moisture and protective Vitamin E. Features plumping polymer and non-feathering color to define and reshape lips. Choose from an array of absolutely luxurious shades with a lustrous pearl or satin cream finish."

Red Carpet (Glam)



Favorites:

Potion of Love in Vin Celeste

"Like a tattoo for lips, this felt-tip liner with a delicious "mango" flavor lines lip contours and leaves like a stain on lips. It can be used alone, or under lipstick or gloss for a longer-lasting lip look."

Juicy Tubes Smoothie in Vanished

"Add power to your pout with brilliant shine. Dial up the glamour with shimmering color. Discover a favorite shade and flavor for every mood. Lancôme now offers a fun way to choose Juicy Tubes based on coverage and finish, giving your lips the high impact shine and color you desire.

Juicy Tubes Smoothie shades offer medium coverage with a burst of color. Lips glisten with an ultra-glossy formula that glides on easily with its tube-tip applicator."

See the entire lineup for Luna Chic here.)

Fall Product Review: Estee Lauder Platinum Illuminator

What They Say: “Take yourself on a beautiful journey. This limited edition highlighting powder leaves skin luminous, vibrant, shimmering with the cool patina of platinum. Sweep it on forehead, above cheekbones, on chin. From the Mythical Beauty Fall Color 2006 Collection. Expressions of art and fantasy. Let your imagination run wild.”

Toya’s Take: I like this product, but don’t love it. It’s a really nice illuminating or highlighting powder. The packaging and look of the Illuminator are very similar to the Bobbi Brown Shimmerbricks and it has almost the same effect, though it only comes in one color. It gave my skin a nice, candlelit glow when I applied it as suggested. The effect lasted and I think it’s a good option if you’re looking to give your skin some soft shimmer.

Retail Price: $30.00 (Neiman Marcus or your local Estee Lauder counter)

Rating: (There’s only one available shade and I think the Bobbi Brown Shimmerbricks work better.)

Fall Product Review: Aveda Pure Abundance Shampoo and Conditioner

What They Say: "Lifts fine hair up and fills it out. Hair looks fuller, feels thicker, stays more abundant."

Jen's Experience: My hairdresser talked me into this shampoo and conditioner after my last haircut (after recommending their hair powder). She told me that I could return it with 2 weeks if it didn't work for me, so what did I have to lose?

Turns out, not much to lose, and a whole lot to gain. This shampoo and conditioner really live up to their promise of making my hair look fuller and thicker. One thing that they don't mention that I find really noticable is the amount of shine that they lend to my hair. Even when I'm wearing hair powder, the shine comes through. Unfortunately, the shine plus my hair's natural oils sometimes lend to greasy hair the next day. After using the hair powder, I can generally get two days of wear out of a shampoo with the Pure Abundance products.

My favorite part about these products? I thought it was just my new haircut, but after trying various products on my hair, I find that my style just falls into place when I use this set. I can actually blow-dry my hair and walk out the door. For me, this is a true time-saver, since I generally use a curling iron or rollers every day.

So, needless to say, I won't be returning these products. In fact, I think they'll keep a spot on my shower shelves for a long time to come.

Retail Price: $14.00 for each product, 6.7 oz (Aveda)

Rating:

Fall Product Review: Lulu Beauty Perfume in Starlet

What They Say: "Starlet is feminine magnetism bottled. Velvety white gardenias rest provacatively on a base note of clean, sensual musk to create a sultry fragrance that is both lingering and alluring."

Jen's Experience: I am always drawn to the scent of gardenia. It's the one flower in my yard I can't resist picking just so I can take in the fragrance. This perfume has more than just a hint of gardenia, it's the very essence of it. What's more, instead of the musk that they say is the base note, it almost smells to me to be on a base of honey. The bottle is tiny, but I love the roll-on applicator, which helps me apply it right where I want it. I find this to be the perfect casual fragrance. It's low key, and when I'm wearing it, I feel like the queen bee!

*Remember, DeLush does not rate fragrances because of the individual tastes and body chemistry that affect each user's experience. But you can check the Perfumes category under "Product Type" if you'd like to see more fragrance ideas!

Fall Trend Watch: Illuminating Powders and Liquid Highlighters

It's all about achieving a glamorous glowy look with this season's touches of shimmer and sheen. The benefit of utilizing these products is that you can add some dimension and a healthy radiance to your skin with some very strategically-placed application. You can use an incredibly light hand and still achieve a pretty result that is so subtle that most people won't know quite why you're glowing. On the other hand, you can apply a bit more for extra emphasis (especially on the eye area, near the inner corners and just under the eyebrows), if you're looking to create all-out glamour.

Liquid highlighters tend to be a bit more on the subtle side, creating a "glow-from-within" look, while illuminating powders can range from barely-there to gorgeous gleam. Regardless of which you prefer to use, you can easily add some radiance to your look - WHO says you need a tan to glow?

There's no shortage of products out there right now made just for this purpose, so here are some of the hot ways to harness the power of illumination:

Stila Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer
Only at Sephora, $28.00, sephora.com

Stila Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer
"What it is: A lightweight, tinted moisturizer infused with a hint of shimmer and a protective SPF 15. What it is formulated to do: This multipurpose beautifier does triple duty: It acts as your moisturizer, sunscreen, and luminizer to provide sheer coverage that makes skin appear flawless, and its super hydrating ingredients and protective SPF 15 will keep your skin protected."

Bobbi Brown's Gold Shimmer Brick
Limited Edition, $38.00, bobbibrowncosmetics.com

Bobbi Brown's Gold Shimmer Brick
"Anyone can wear gold as an accent. Wear it with your regular colors to make your look special," says Bobbi. The latest addition to our best-selling Shimmer Brick Compact Collection features five different shades of ultra-luxe, pearlized pigments that blend together to create a soft golden glow. Perfect paired with the limited-edition MINI FACE BLENDER BRUSH."

LORAC Oil-Free Luminizer
Available at Sephora in Pearl and Gold, $28.00, sephora.com

LORAC Oil-Free Luminizer
"This 100% oil-free and fragrance-free luminizer adds an incandescent sheen to brighten the face, providing an instant pick-me-up. Mix with foundation or wear alone."

Nars Highlighting Blush Powder
From the NEW Holiday Collection, $25.00, narscosmetics.com

Nars Highlighting Blush Powder
"This truly versatile highlighting product may be worn on its own or layered over other color products for added highlight and dimension. The soft shimmering color will add instant radiance to any complexion, and may be used on the face and body."

Smashbox Photo Op Under Eye Brightener
Especially for the eye area, $18.00, smashbox.com

Smashbox Photo Op Under Eye Brightener
"Photo shoots often start at the crack of dawn when even models and celebs don’t look their best and dark circles loom. That’s why we created this innovative under eye brightener that immediately wakens and brightens skin while adding moisture to prepare for concealer application. Contains lots of skin-boosting ingredients too, like Vitamin C, red wine extract, peptides and marine collagen, to help fill in those nasty little wrinkles."

Hot Product News: Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Concentrate Has Made Its Debut

(Melissa will be publishing her review of this new serum in October after her 21-day trial.)

"The biggest skincare breakthrough in 1982 was Estée Lauder's revolutionary serum, designed to work with the skin's own natural repair processes adn circaidan rhythm - Night Repair Cellular Complex. Heralded as a new era in skincare, everything about Night Repair was unique - the texture, the formula, the technology - and it remains so to this day.

In 1990 scientific advancements led to the development of Advanced Night Repair Protective Recovery Complex. Used everyday this ground breaking skincare treatment works during the restorative hours of sleep to target and help repair the appearance of the visible effects of damage resulting from daily exposure to sun (UV), pollution and other irritants.

No matter how effective our daily skincare regimens may be, every three to four months many of us find our skin in need of an intensive boost. Whether due to an accumulation over time of low-levels of damage, abrasive dermatological treatments or over-exposure to harsh climate change; wild winds or the sun, our skin is not able to naturally recover from the visible effects of the damage caused by such extreme stressors.

The new breakthrough
Enter Advanced Night Repair Concentrate Recovery Boosting Treatment, a new era in concentrated repair for overstressed and irritated skin. This intensive quarterly 21 night treatment promises to go above and beyond daily skincare; targeting the most serious skin irritation from harsh stressors, as well as irritation and accumulated effects from extreme conditions that may have escaped daily skincare routines.

'Estée Lauder's skincare science is constantly evolving. New research has shown that excessive exposure to environmental and dermatological stressors and skin irritation contribute to and accelerate the damage that leads to visible aging. DNA damage can lead to skin degradation, causing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,' says Dr. Daniel Maes, Vice President Global Research and Development, Estée Lauder. 'The most critical mechanism in the fight against visible skin-aging is the ability to help support the skin's natural recovery from the visible effects of this damage.'

Read more about Advanced Night Repair Concentrate by clicking the link below:

More About Advanced Night Repair Concentrate

Tonight, take the weight of the world off your skin.

Advanced Night Repair Concentrate works to visibly free your skin from the accumulation of excessive damage. It helps dramatically and intensively boost your skin's natural ability to repair the visible effects of this accumulation, helping to "clean the slate" of past damage.

Now your skin can focus all of its energies on repairing the visible effects of the assaults and stresses it faces every day. On rebuilding and renewing its appearance every night.

Advanced Night Repair Concentrate is formulated with 5 times the concentration of the patented* recovery complex found in the Advanced Night Repair serum you use every night.

Use it for 21 consecutive nights and your skin will emerge as if you've been on an extended vacation--more rested, even-toned, supple, smooth and noticeably more healthy looking.

You can also use it after sudden skin traumas such as when skin is uncomfortably dehydrated, after excessive sun exposure, or pre- and post- microdermabrasion and chemical peels.

Consider tonight the beginning of a beautiful new life for your skin.

HOW TO USE ADVANCED NIGHT REPAIR CONCENTRATE
Use Advanced Night Repair Concentrate as an intensive "booster treatment" in addition to your regular skincare regimen.

Every 3-4 Months. Apply 2 full droppers all over cleansed face and throat each night for 21 days. Follow with the Estée Lauder moisturizer that's right for you.

After Excess Exposure. Following too much sun or environmental exposure, apply as needed.

Pre- and Post-Procedure. For cosmetic procedures such as micro-dermabrasion and chemical peels, use for 1 week prior to your procedure and for 2 weeks after.

------ READ ON TO LEARN MORE ------

Concentrated Anti-Irritation Response
Amplified with the potent anti-irritant Amentoflavone, Advanced Night Repair Concentrate begins working immediately to relieve and calm the look of redness while helping skin naturally inhibit the irritation that can lead to more serious visible skin damage.

Concentrated Barrier Restoration
A highly concentrated blend of proven, skin-strengthening lipids, including Linoleic Acid, Cholesterol and Wheat Bran, works to quickly help rebuild a weakened moisture barrier, helping keep environmental irritants out and more moisture in.

Fall Product Review: Estee Lauder Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Platinum Twighlight

What They Say: "A luxurious new brilliance at your fingertips.

Rich, glossy, quick-drying and long-wearing. Truly intense color is so shiny it looks wet--but don't be fooled.

Resists chipping, even in water. Won't fade, dull or streak, even in strong sunlight.

Specially designed brush shape makes application incredibly easy. Just three strokes of color--middle, left and right--and you're done.

Even the bottle is striking."

(Day and night views of this shade; click to enlarge.)

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: Looking for a polish that will get you on board with the Metallics Trend this season without being too "modern" or "obvious"? This is the shade AND the product for you. This light purple-silver frosty metallic is subtle enough to be classic-looking as well as up-to-the-minute.

The brush is, as they say, a fabulous tool for applying even color in just a few swipes. This is also substantial enough to use only one coat and still have good coverage. Because of the bit of frost in this particular shade, it's not glossy-slick in finish, but it does have a nice shine. If you add a glossy topcoat, you can add more of a smooth finish.

This does indeed dry fairly quickly and lasts at least several days with no chipping. I've found a new favorite!

Retail Price: $18.00 (at esteelauder.com or go here to find a select retail location near you)

DeLush Rating:

Fall Product Review: Tarte Indelible Wink

What They Say: "Our liquid liner & shadow set is sure to make you feel like a vixen. Maybe you’ll play it safe with a sleek, budgeproof line or go a little edgy with a smudged, sexified look.

Line ‘em and leave ‘em in 5 seconds flat.

How how to get that indelible wink (and keep ‘em coming back for more):
1. Starting at the inner corner of the eye, line your upper lid with the liquid liner—keeping the liner tip as close to the lashline as possible.
2. Using the powder liner tip, gently retrace over the liquid liner—this will smooth, set and blend the line."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: Well, once again Tarte has to get points for creative packaging. This is a very unique combo, applicator-wise.

I just wish I could say I was as completely excited about the product itself. While the liquid liner end has a pointed sponge applicator (which I usually prefer to a brush because you have more control of the liquid), I felt like it was a little hard to maintain a perfect straight line. The formula just seemed to "bleed" a little and thus be kind of uneven. Once it's applied, it does stays on well enough to pass, though if you rub it even the tiniest bit it almost peels off, which was kind of strange.

The shadow end is a novel idea, with its sort of spring-loaded tip that absorbs shadow until you unscrew it from the tube. However, I found the formula to be far too crease-forming to really be something I could use daily. It creates a great smoky look on top of the liner initially, but within the hour I had to wipe a bit of smudge off my lid.

I have to say, this was my first disappointment with a Tarte product. Perhaps it will wear better on you if you have less natural oils on your skin than I do or perhaps apply a primer to your lids first. But for me, it's not up to par.

Retail Price: $22.00 (at tartecosmetics.com or go here for retail locations near you)

DeLush Rating:

Fall Product Review: Estee Lauder Pure Color Crystal Gloss in Plum Wine

What They Say: " Sheer electricity, daring shine. Ultra lustrous gloss pushes shine to the limit. Cool, crystalline shades gleam with brilliant dimensional effects. Intensely vibrant, full-volume color feels indulgently luxurious."

Melissa wearing Plum Wine

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: With its slightly sweet fragrance and very pretty translucent rosy shade, I found this appealing from the beginning. For being sheer, it's got great shine and color concentration. It's also incredibly comfortable and pillowy in consistency, and not at all sticky. While I find it lasts well for the most part, when eating or drinking it tends to come off more. That aside, I would still consider this a definite purse-worthy gloss - one that will get heavy rotation this season when I'm not in the mood for lipstick.

Jen's Experience: My experience with this gloss is somewhat different from Melissa's, but nonetheless I am liking this lip gloss a lot. The color, as Melissa said, is a sheer rose if you apply it sparingly, but with a thicker application, it becomes a deep plum, almost like a gooey lip stain. The crystals in the gloss lend to terrific shine, but luckily, it doesn't appear to have tiny sparkles in it, which was my fear. If you're looking for an easy way to get in on the plum lips trend, this is an easy way to pull it off. I'm not too crazy about the grape flavor, but I will let that pass for the perfect plum color I get from the gloss.

Retail Price: $20.00 (Estee Lauder counters and online)

Rating: from each of us

Fall Product Review: Revlon ColorStay Soft and Smooth Lipcolor

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:

Thursday Carmindy Tip: Making Fall Eye Colors STAY PUT!

Carmindy is a nationally-renowned makeup artist (also from TLC's What Not To Wear), and last week she told us about her favorite new Fall products. Today, she answers another question!

DeLush Asks: Fall is a great time to enjoy lush eye colors. Many of our readers talk about having great difficulty making shadow and liner stay true and not smudge off during the day. Do you find that primers really can fix this? Any other suggestions?

Carmindy Says: I swear by Paula Dorf Transformer liquid to keep shadow liner in place. As far as eye shadow on the lids staying put you just need to apply a bit of foundation then powder to the lids and there is your primer. In the case of really oily skin adding a bit of mattifying gel on the lid before applying foundation will help control the greasies.

Thank you, Carmindy! Visit her site here.

technorati tags: Carmindy, makeup tips