what's all the hoopla?

I love trying "the latest thing" but some products have been around for years and in my book they're still classified as guaranteed stand-bys (Herbal Essence shampoos, Kiehl's moisturizing creams and Nat Robbins eyeliners, to name a few). One of my all-time favorites: Hoola bronzing powder by Benefit (.4 oz.; $28), winner of the 2008 Best Bronzer award from Sephora. This soft, natural-looking bronzer gives you a healthy glow. Dust it lightly across cheeks, chin and forehead to look like you've just returned from a tropical vacation, any time of the year. You can invest in one of Benefit's innovative brushes (try the fantail to apply bronzer all over or the slant brush to contour your cheekbones, jaw line and nose) or use the one that comes with the product. It's easy to handle and has a wide surface area so you can apply bronzer across your face in just a few light swipes. Extra bonus: you get a good amount in the package so it lasts a while, plus the adorably illustrated box looks super cute on your dresser. Get some now at www.benefitcosmetics.com.

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.

from hair to bare

OK, this is awkward. I'm standing naked in the bathroom with my legs covered in new Veet In-Shower Hair Removal Cream ($7.99). I have to wait one minute before entering the shower but no more than two minutes once I'm in there before washing it off. The bad news is, it smells like you'd think hair remover would smell (but it won't be as noticeable once you break open the aromatherapy shampoo). The good news is, I can condition my hair while I'm waiting. Of course, this requires a slightly difficult stance--trying to get my head under the water but keep my legs out of it so as not to wash the cream off too soon. Finally, it's time to come clean. I use the white textured side of the application sponge to wipe away the cream, which hopefully takes the hair along with it, then I rinse off any excess under the shower head. As I finish my cleansing routine, I have my doubts. I think about all the precautions listed on the outer package: Only use on legs, arms, underarms and bikini lines, don't use on irritated, sunburned or recently shaved skin, test for an allergic reaction beforehand, wipe cream off immediately if you feel any tingling, don't exceed six minutes of application time, among others. That's a lot to think about when all you want to do is take a nice, relaxing shower! But you can't be too cautious with these things. I towel dry and run my hands over my legs to experience the results. Smooth sailing! Overall, it was a pretty simple process and--luckily for those of us who just aren't always safe with a razor in hand--a fairly painless one. I can't wait to see how long it lasts. Get your own smooth at www.veet.us.

C for yourself

You can drink it if you want to (in orange juice or grapefruit juice)...or eat it in your fruits and vegetables (try potatoes and strawberries). But to ensure you're getting your standard daily recommended intake of 200 to 300 milligrams, why not smooth it on your skin too? Vitamin C has long been touted for its benefits--providing energy, strengthening the performance of the heart and reducing the risk of some forms of cancer. But it also protects skin from free radicals, helps collagen production and helps repair the visual effects of sun damage. And the newly launched Vitamin C Serum from Mario Badescu Skin Care ($45)--composed of ascorbic acid (which reduces discoloration and brightens skin), hyaluronic acid (which retains skin's natural moisture) and collagen (which improves skin's firmness and elasticity)--delivers. Since we can all probably use a little toning up, I decided to give it a try. As instructed, I applied three to four drops on my face every other night after my cleansing routine. It was lightweight and absorbed easily. The immediate result: softer, smoother skin. But firming and toning are a bit harder to detect. I mean, if I ask my friends if they notice anything different about me, they surely won't say my skin looks tighter! Still, I continued to follow my regimen and noticed my skin definitely looked better--more even-toned and definitely healthier overall. I have to admit: I was a bit hesitant to try it at first, as my sometimes sensitive skin doesn't always react well to acidic products. But this formula feels soothing and calming--maybe because of the aloe vera, cucumber and lavender thrown into the mix. Use it alone or follow with moisturizer and things will start looking up--even when the economy is down. Buy yours at www.mariobadescu.com.

get ekoh-friendly

Some beauty products are all hype...Ekoh Cosmetics' Skin Retreat is the real thing. It just feels good when you smooth it on and even better when it sinks into your skin. Set to hit stores next month, this all-in-one 24-hour moisturizer is designed to calm, soothe and hydrate your skin. And it smells yummy--thanks to all the fruity ingredients (wild blueberry, raspberry, cranberry, cherry, strawberry, among others). What's not in the formula: sulphates, parabens, petrochemicals, polymers, synthetic fragrance and colorants--and there's no animal testing used to get the end result. The lightweight cream is the perfect way to end a day. Just apply to your face, neck and chest areas, then drift off to a peaceful sleep as it does its duty. Before smoothing on Skin Retreat: Try Ekoh's Pre-Party Prep Exfoliating Facial Scrub. Apply to skin, let sit for three minutes, scrub lightly, then splash off to give skin a healthy glow. For more info or to find out where to make your purchase, go to www.ekohcosmetics.com.