summer makeup: fresh color from Rimmel

Think summer and you think fresh colors and natural-looking skin. Thanks to Rimmel London, it's all achievable.

I've been looking for a new mascara for a long time. I love Rimmel's The Max VolumeFlash Mascara ($7.19) in black; it promises up to 14x your natural volume. I haven't checked their measurements but I can tell you this. The bright pink, easy-to-hold tube makes me almost as happy as the thick lashes it leaves me with.

I also love the Lasting Finish Blendable Blush & Highlighter ($4.99) with three natural-looking shades that are easy to blend and offer a hint of shimmer (blending brush included). And the bronzer fan in me flipped for the Sun Shimmer Shimmering Maxi Bronzer for Face and Body ($7.99). For starters, it's oversized--so you don't have to worry about running out halfway through the season. Plus it works for face and body so you don't need two compacts taking up room on your makeup shelf. I tried Sun Queen, whcih made me look--and feel--like one.

Also available in the collection are illuminating eye shadows, reflective lip glosses and hydrating lipsticks and, of course, nail enamel in cool shades like Bare Naked, Posh Pink and Stiletto Red.

Check out your local chain drug stores and mass retailers nationwide or visit http://www.rimmellondon.com/ for store locations and to try the newest products with Rimmel’s exclusive Virtual Makeover Tool.

fashion week: get this fresh makeup look from Napoleon Perdis

Just back from Fashion Week where I interviewed makeup artist Napoleon Perdis backstage at the Tony Cohen show. His "tough chic" makeup look "takes you from office to club in just a few simple steps." Perdis started the look with Auto Pilot Pre-Foundation Skin Primer and Boudoir Mist, followed by Stick Foundation and Camera Finish Powder. On eyes, Perdis took smoky to a whole new level, using Color Disc #27 (Charcoal) and #29 (Black) on lids, #66 (Healther) in the socket, #44 (ehite and #5 nude) on the brow bone and China Doll Eyeliner Equinox in Color Disc #27 (Charcoal) along the lashline. On lashes, he brushed Mesmer-Eyes Mascara, which comes with a dual-sided brush that features a fine mascara comb and a slightly wider tooth comb. "The finer side separates and the other thickens, lengthens and curls," explains Perdis. "Plus, the formula makes your lashes look glossy and beautiful, not dehydrated." Perdis used Stick Foundation to contour cheeks, then brushed DeVine Goddess lip gloss in Lianna (named after his 10-year-old daughter) on lips and Luminous Lip Veil in Hot Toffee as a lip finish. Finally, he spritzed the entire face with a lightweight skin spritzer for a slightly dewy effect. "My goal is to infuse freshness," says Perdis. "No matter how strong the look is, there's still a certain freshness to it." For more info on Napoleon Perdis products, go to www.napoleonperdis.com.

vday beauty: get a sweet makeup look with Josie Maran makeup

Ready for date night? Not so fast. Refresh your makeup regimen with these pretty products from beauty expert Josie Maran. They're perfect for Valentine's Day and beyond...

On eyes: Sweep easy-to-blend, long wearing velvety eye shadow ($20) in Valentine (light pink shimmer) over lids and Chianti (muted red plum shimmer) in the crease for a romantic approach to smoky eyes. Other pretty shades include Sweetheart (cream shimmer), Sweet-Talk (cream nude shimmer) and Beach (ivory beige shimmer). For an edgier effect, try Pewter (silver shimmer) or Embrace (soft copper shimmer) all over the lid. They're all available in a beautiful biodegradable case (made of corn plastic!).

On cheeks: Add a touch of Cream Blush ($22) in Sunset (coral) to give cheeks a pretty flush. It's a lightweight, natural shade that blends flawlessly into your skin and gives you just the right amount of color you need.

On lips: Try Lip Gloss (now $10!) in Authentic (a coral pink shimmer). The non-sticky formula with organic Argan oil gives you natural-looking color with sophisticated shine (no glossy goop to deal with). The brush applicator makes it easy to apply and smooths the product evenly across your lips.

After the party: Come clean with Josie Maran Bear Naked Wipes ($6-$12). These natural cleansing cloths are biodegradable (meaning they won’t clog landfills after you throw them away) and they’re made with natural ingredients that will soothe, comfort, and gently cleanse your skin without harsh chemicals or toxins. (Note: They work well with Josie Maran makeup but not as well on my hard core eyeliner from another brand).

Get this look and others at www.sephora.com.