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.

 

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Melissa Tried It: Well, I'll start with a con. This smells a bit like a marker, which I do not particularly find appealing, but have found many felt liners can't get away from this. Also, while this is fairly even while applying, it could be just a little smoother. On the plus side, even though it is not actually waterproof, as a cat-eye type of liner on the upper lid, this stayed put for me through most of the days and even into and through a sweaty workout barely budging. However on the interior of the lower lash line it faded away and didn't fare as well, and tended to smudge a bit after a few hours for me below the lower lash line. This doesn't stay as well as the Dior felt liner that I can always count on, but hey, it's also a lot cheaper. I think a lot of women use liquid liner not as the norm, but for special occasions or on occasional more "glam" days. So, if you want a more budget-friendly liquid liner for use on top of lashes, this isn't a bad option. $12.00, Victoria's Secret Online and in stores.

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Jen Tried It: I'm not normally a fan of loose powder. I have a hard time applying it evenly, and somewhere (usually the tip of my nose) ends up looking cakey (which I normally don't notice until I've been out of the house no less than three hours). But this finishing powder works so well to give my face a matte but not flat appearance with none of the application issues I've experienced in the past. It's easy to get nice, even coverage that seems to make my make-up last longer. I especially like it under my eyes on top of my concealer. It's so good I've had to completely rethink my stance on loose powder. And for me to make such a 180 and become so pro-loose powder...well, I definitely recommend giving it a try. Department Stores or MACCosmetics.com, $21.00.

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Melissa Tried It: Is it possible to screw up dark chocolate & peppermint? Well, I suppose. Did Palmer's do that? NO WAY. This is a lightweight balm that coats the lips with a smooth layer of scrumptiously scented moisture. It's not a super-intense formula, but it does add comfort & softness and looks like a pretty, subtle gloss. In handy squeeze-tube packaging and a fits-every-budget price, this is a no stress buy. $2.99, drugstores.

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Jen Tried It: I've been seeing a TON of sulfate-free shampoos hitting the market lately. After so many years of hearing about how awful sulfates are for hair, I was excited to give this one a try. And I've just got to say, I am in total awe of the remarkable difference in my hair. I color my hair pretty frequently, and as a result, it always seemed a little dry and brittle, but it also needed a lot of product to give it volume. After using this shampoo and conditioner regularly, I don't have to use any other products at all, which is quite a change from my normal routine. My hair doesn't tangle as easily and looks sleek like I used a flat iron on it, but without the drowned rat look I get when I actually do flat iron it. It adds a little bit of texture, which I think is what gives it the extra oomph and helps the style to stay in my hair throughout the day. Seriously, if my hair had a soul mate, it would have to be this shampoo and conditioner. I am truly impressed. Salons, $22.00 each.

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New York, New York, July 2009 [Ed. <----Yes, you read that right - July! Read on to find out why!] - Get ready to experience a breakthrough from America's #1 favorite mascara innovator. Introducing the most technologically advanced mascara yet from Maybelline New York, NEW Pulse Perfection by Define-A-Lash Vibrating Mascara - so good, you won't believe your eyes.

Maybelline New York's first-to-mass vibrating mascara delivers 7,000 vibrations per minute in 7 synchronized actions so lashes are transformed to perfection. The battery-powered mascara offers a patent pending vibrating elastomer brush, which gently pulsates against lashes. The horizontal micro-motion is designed to mimic pro makeup artist application technique (zig zag), and extend it to its maximum potential, mistake-free and effortlessly.

How it works. The exclusive formula features thickening agents, emollient waxes, film formers to transform lashes. It is completely buildable so you can apply, one, two or several coats, depending on your desired lash look. Upon contact with lashes, the Pulse Perfection vibrating brush works by uncrossing individual lashes for more perfect separation and definition. Simply push the button, and hold the wand steady as you slowly coat eye lashes, root to tip.

The result? 7 mascara must-haves:

1. Luscious thickness - the vibrating motion of the brush builds up the volumizing waxes for luxurious thickness


2. Luxurious length - lengthening and stretching agents are pulsed to their fullest extent as the mascara is applied, extending product beyond lash tip


3. Smooth separation - the brush's 7,000 vibrations per minute smooth out the emollient waxes and oils, creating a creamy texture that helps separate and uncross lashes for perfect definition


4. Intense color - the formula contains a highly efficient dispersing agent which helps enhance pigment color intensity


5. Shapely curve - the vibrating action of the Pulse Perfection brush coats each lash evenly, coaxing every lash to lift up and curve


6. Healthy luster - caring oils and intense pigments restore luster and shine to lashes


7. Perfectly clump-free lashes - vibrating brush uses horizontal micro-movements to smooth and even-out the formula as it pulsates its way through lashes

With NEW Pulse Perfection, lashes are:

• 13x thicker
• 75% visibly longer
• Deep color impact
• Totally clump-free

Now you can be the first to feel the vibe! In an exclusive online preview sale, one day only on May 18, 2009, consumers can visit Maybelline.com/pulse or a participating retailer to make the anticipation for NEW Pulse Perfection a reality: Target.com, Walmart.com, CVS.com or Walgreens.com.

"We pride ourselves at Maybelline on our ability to bring true innovation to consumers at mass," says Carolyn Holba, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Maybelline New York. "Over the past year, vibrating mascaras have proven to be a huge success in the prestige market. As a mascara leader, we are thrilled to be the first to introduce the superior vibrating technology of Pulse Perfection to mass consumers at a great price."

In sleek black and gold packaging, NEW Pulse Perfection looks especially luxurious. It is available for just $14.95 beginning July 2009 at mass market retailers nationwide. The mascara comes in two washable shades, Very Black and Blackest Black, and one waterproof shade, Very Black.

The NEW Pulse Perfection battery lasts a minimum of 130 applications. Assuming a consumer applies the mascara once a day, once activated, the battery will last 130 days, or over 4 months. (The average life of mascara is 3 months).

Maybelline New York is available in over 115 countries worldwide. Offering more than 200 products, Maybelline New York combines technologically advanced formulations with on-trend expertise to create accessible cosmetics with a spirited style. For more information, log onto www.maybelline.com also available in Spanish. Visit the My Color Advisor section to help choose and use the right shades for you! Maybe she's born with it, maybe it's Maybelline.

Melissa Tried It: While I loved the sturdy little compact with big mirror inside, and the super-smooth texture, but unfortunately despite its claims to be crease-free and not "fizzle, flake or fade away", it consistently creased within an hour of application. I suppose a shadow base would help some, but if you aren't in the habit of using one, I'm sorry to say this won't be ideal. $14.00, at Origins.

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Jen Tried It: I'm not sure why, but I don't have any CHANEL fragrances in my collection. It's especially surprising to me now, after testing this body cream and shower gel, both of which I LOVE. The body cream is perfect in every way: a small amount is plenty to moisturize my legs throughout the day. It seeps in just enough to do the trick without being greasy, but at the same time, the dreamy fragrance remains noticeable throughout the day. The scent of the shower gel doesn't linger quite as long, but makes for a lovely shower before special events or a big day at work. These are certainly a splurge in today's economic conditions, but would make an excellent gift for Mother's Day...or just a special treat for yourself. Body Cream, $75.00. Shower Gel, $47.50. Department Stores or Chanel.com.

Melissa Tried It: Being one the those products that many of us (myself included) consider a bare essential, I tend to judge mascaras kind of harshly. I have my favorites, but when a new one comes along, the temptation to find out if there really is another contender out there is too hard to resist. Honestly, this outperformed my expectations, which were a little low because I had a preconception about the quality of Victoria's Secret cosmetics. I am happy to report this went on practically clump-free, with a plastic flexible brush that consistently gripped every single lash. It created length and separation and didn't flake or smudge (even with my multi-layered application). My lashes still felt soft and flexible, but I typically look for a little more volume. Otherwise, a nice surprise. $12.00, at Victoria's Secret.

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Jen Tried It: I'm usually very hesitant to try drugstore foundations. I have a hard time finding a good match for my skin tone, and even when it blends okay, it's always a bit too blue or yellow. But, I've had such good luck with Olay products in the past, and with money a little tighter these days, I decided to give this one a try. And I'm really glad I did! The blend of moisturizer and foundation is so easy to blend, I almost can't tell that I'm wearing anything at all. It really does a fantastic job of evening things out while keeping my skin nice and moisturized. I will say that this product may be a bit TOO much for those with oily skin; I require powder when wearing this one. This isn't the foundation that I wear for work, but for a casual day shopping with the girls, this is a great product that has exceeded my expectations for a drugstore foundation. $23.99, drugstores.

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