in your prime

If you've ever applied face makeup and found that all it does is accentuate your uneven texture and fine lines, you'll be thankful for Global Goddess Upgrade Complexion Face Primer ($36). Just smooth it on alone or under foundation to create a radiant, even canvas before applying your makeup. The lightweight formula won't clog pores or irritate sensitive skin but it does give it a smooth, matte finish while absorbing excess oil. But what really intrigued me was the fact that it promises to reflect light to give skin a brilliant glow. I applied some to my face and immediately noticed Global Goddesses' smoothing properties, thanks in part to vitamins A and E which nourish and antioxidants which protect. It also contains licorice extract which boosts circulation, brightens skin tone and lightens the appearance of imperfections. While it definitely helps makeup slide on evenly and stay put longer, I love the fact that it makes my skin feel so soft and smooth on its own. Besides, who doesn't love an upgrade? Available at Dillard's locations nationwide and on www.victoriasecret.com and www.globalgoddessbeauty.com.

stamp of approval

I'll admit it: I am a makeup klutz. Even after years of testing products, I'm still pretty lame when it comes to doing my own makeup. My typical makeup routine consists of concealer, eyeliner, bronzer and a quick coat of lip gloss--what I always thought was an easier option than trying to accurately apply lipstick to my somewhat small lips. Until now. This week I met the Lipstamp ($24.95), created by Alcone Company. It is what it sounds like: a stamp that applies lipstick for you. Just choose the lip size/shape you desire: small, large, flavor full, plump, peaks pointy, sexy slim slender, pouty or bow dacious. While I wouldn't mind being pouty or bow dacious, I decided to err on the conservative side and chose small! Peel the foam lip shape off its card and stick it on your Lipstamp, then apply your favorite lipstick to the lip shape. (Make sure you use enough lipstick to make your mark!) Hold the Lipstamp in hand and press the lip shape to your lips, hold for a few seconds, then remove. Voila! Lips you never thought you had! Surprisingly, I got a perfect pout on my first try. Blot lips with a tissue and you're set to go. Once you get the hang of it (and it may take a few tries), you can experiment with different shapes to match your mood, ie: flavor full for a meeting, pouty for a red-carpet event, bow dacious for a hot date, small for brunch with mom...you get the idea. Ready to give it a try? Go to www.AlconeCo.com to purchase your very own Lipstamp. Mwah!

pour on the shine

There's a new love in my life...but shhh, don't tell my husband (he's sitting right next to me and he just wouldn't understand!) His name is John Frieda and he wooed me with his new Brilliant Brunette Liquid Shine Illuminating Shampoo and Conditioner ($6.49 each). Granted, he's not the first hair expert to promise shine...but he sure delivers! I can feel it oozing over my locks from the second I pour it on. I guess what I'm really experiencing is the uber-silky feeling. But when your hair is perfectly silky and straight, it reflects light better and creates a high-shine look. Formulated with a unique shine-infusing complex that contains hydrolyzed silk, olive oil and a silicone emulsion, Brilliant Brunette products add luster to dull brown tones without weighing hair down. They penetrate damaged areas inside the hair shaft and polish strands outside for a glossy finish. The true test: Blow-drying my hair and actually getting a glimpse of my new shiny strands. But don't think Frieda prefers brunettes; he has a Sheer Blonde Go Blonder and Sheer Blonde Color Renew Collection too! Look for these illuminating new products at food, drug and mass retailers nationwide or go to www.johnfrieda.com for more info.