vday beauty: make eyes

Whether you share a sly glance, a quick peek, or seriously lock eyes across the room, you'll want to make a statement. For a last minute makeup boost this Valentine's Day, try Mineral Fusion Lengthening Mascara ($16). I have used cute, compact barrels which are easy to stash in a purse for a while now so I was surprised at how much easier it was to control this full-size version. No vibrations, no slick combs, no gimmicks. Just brush it on and watch your lashes lengthen. The first application lifts and slightly curls. Add a second coat and lashes appear thicker and longer, without clumping. Plus, it contains antioxidant protection, thanks to white tea, red tea, pomegranate and vitamins. Choose from Rock (a natural looking dark brown) and Graphite (black) at www.mineralfusioncosmetics.com, then go ahead--bat away.

expert advice: get this sexy Vday look, from makeup artist Angela Civale for Tarte

This Valentine's Day, it's OK--be a Tarte! Just don't look like one. Makeup Artist Angela Civale makes it easy with these great products from Tarte Cosmetics. On eyes: Go for the sexy, smoky look: Try Eye Couture Day-to-Night Palette ($44). On lashes: Try multiplEYE™ Natural Lash Enhancing Primer ($22) and Mascara ($24). On cheeks: Don't bother with blush. Get a natural flush with Natural Cheek Stain in True Love ($30). On lips: For a romantic pout, Apply Double-Ended Lipgloss, in shades that honor the most famous couples in history: Fred & Ginger, Tarzan & Jane, Odysseus & Penelope ($10 now until Valentine's Day; regular retail price $19). On lips: Get a pout that stays put with new Natural Gel Lip Stains ($24). The mint-infused formula is available in Lust, Enchanted, Amused & Charmed. All products are available at www.tarte.com, except for the Lip Stains which are available at Sephora and www.Sephora.com.

i'm addicted!

So you're up with the trends but don't really know how to translate them? Beauty Addicts' Motivate Collection is a fool-proof answer. The company's assortment of compacts for eyes, cheeks and lips matches the colors for you--so there's no guesswork when it comes to making a trend work for you. RelationLIPS ($28) features a quartet of classic, natural shades. Designed to shimmer, shine, and offer sheer or satin coverage, each gloss provides total lip protection. I love the texture and look of the shimmer but smooth it over one of the berry hues and the results are dazzling! The SolutionEYES ($35) eye shadow quad features four blendable shades in sheer matte to subtle shimmer textures. SleekCHEEKS ($28) boasts antioxidant-rich Velveteen Creme, a creme-to-powder texture with a hint of shimmer, and Build-a-Blush, an ultra sheer matte powder that offers flawless coverage. Choose the texture you're most comfortable with and apply. The most unique product, GLIMMERSheers ($28), is designed to highlight and luminize eyes, face and cheeks. It features Glimmer, a soft luminizer (in a cool lavender/silvery/metallic shade), and Sheer, a crystal clear luminizer (it looks like it might feel sticky but goes on smooth and dries quickly). Don't be shy! Use a combination of both to create glowing skin; the effect is subtle but glamorous. Go to www.beautyaddicts.com to make your purchase.

glimmer with shimmer

What girl doesn't want to get flowers? Excluding one unfortunate friend who's allergic to "the great outdoors," no one I know. That's why you'll flip for Laura Mercier's new Shimmer Bloc Gilded Garden ($38), a limited edition baked illuminating powder. The concept? Baked technology--makeup that's baked under high temperatures to create luxurious pigments with subtle shimmer and long-term staying power. The pigments combine to give the face and body a youthful glow without leaving it looking frosty or metallic. This ethereal effect is caused by light-reflecting properties that give skin a healthy glow and brighten eyes, cheeks and body with natural color and light. Plus, it's oil-free and ideal for all skin types. The best part? Four shades of shimmer powder in a floral motif are set in a sleek, black compact that looks great on any vanity or when pulled out of a makeup bag for a quick touchup. Some women are just in the know when it comes to makeup and Mercier is one of them. She founded Laura Mercier Cosmetics in 1996 with a classic, current palette and has evolved the brand to include skin care, bath and body, and fragrance lines. This is one item to spring for this season; it'll brighten up your daily makeup routine and ensure things are coming up roses, even in these doomed economic times. Pick yours at www.lauramercier.com.