What They Say: "Experience a healthy summer glow all year long with Sublime Glow. Enriched with Vitamin E, skin-smoothing Mango Butter and Sweet Almond Oil, Sublime Glow hydrates skin with vital, nourishing ingredients. Natural Skin Tone Enhancers specifically designed for Fair skin tones gradually add a hint of color to even out and enhance your skin's natural complexion. Light capturing micro-pearls accentuate your body's natural contours and give skin a soft, subtle radiance."

Jen's Experience: There's a reason that they call this a natural skin tone enhancer and not a self-tanning product. It takes many, many layers of this, morning and night, to really get a full-on tanning effect. Once you've got it, it's easy to maintain and longer lasting than other products like this that I've tried. And other thing in the positive column: since it doesn't create much of an effect too early, it's really hard to make much of a mistake. Go over your knees or ankles by accident? Don't worry, it won't be noticable tomorrow. On the negative side, it's not a cheap product at $9.99 per tube. It's probably okay if all you need is some color on your legs. But if you're working on a full body tan, you'll need about 2 tubes a month. Overall, I think it's a high quality product that creates a really natural effect, and that's hard to complain about.

Retail Price: $9.99 (drugstores)

Rating:

What They Say: "At last, the skin you've always wanted. Ultra-soft. Ultra-smooth. Newly even. Virtually poreless. Flawless.

Transformance is a light moisturizing treatment that softly hydrates for visibly more radiant, even-toned, and ultra-smooth skin. Use Transfor-mance after your cleansing and toning routine - alone or under your favorite moisturizer. Create your personal regimen according to your skincare needs."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: I've been using this moisturizer for about 2 months now, and I do believe it has improved the texture of my skin. My skin type is normally combination with a bit of oiliness on the nose and forehead. I think this lotion feels wonderful, and when I think my skin is dull and drab, this always makes me feel like I look more fresh. I'm not sure scientifically how much improvement it's had on my skin, but I plan to continue to use it. I've noticed smoother texture, a brighter complexion, and less fluctuation in oiliness/dryness.

User Tip: Don't get it in your eyes, it really stings. ;) Also, the bottle is small, but it spreads nicely and covers well. I use it morning and night, whenever I feel I need it.

Retail Price: $15.99 (drugstore.com and drugstores everywhere)

DeLush Rating:

About the shadow stick: "Apply dry to contour and define your eyes with rich color. For a more intense look, use wet. For precision application, sharpen before use."

About the Shocking Shadow Pigments: "With professional brush.
Make them stare with multi-dimensional color that brightens and reflects. Now with HIP high intensity pigments shocking shadow pigments you can create professional eye looks with six stunning shades of rich color, which can be used individually or layered together to make eyes pop."

Jen's Experience (and it was an experience): I purchased these products from my local drugstore to talk about in conjunction with the gold smoky eyes tutorial you'll see later on today. Although I was able to make some use out of the Shocking Shadow Pigments product, I found the Shadow Stick to be utterly useless.

I thought the Shadow Stick in Exquisite, a nice sand color in the packaging, would make a nice base color. I took it out of the packaging and tried to sharpen it as the packaging recommends (only I don't have a L'Oreal branded sharpener, perhaps my downfall). I promptly managed to break the stick in half, crumbling one side into chalky, coppery bits that I felt compelled to try to use by pressing against to my eyelids and rubbing, without luck I might add. After I gave up and threw away the remaining bits, I applied the unbroken side to my eyelid without trying to sharpen it at all. The result? Somewhere between copper and circus orange. I also tried using it wet but couldn't get any respectable amount of color to my eyelids. This product is going directly into the bin.

I soldiered on with the Shocking Shadow Pigments and did get some nice results, although the color that I used, Tenacious, another copper, was not quite what I was hoping for. I do realize these products are supposed to be bright and shocking, but I would be happier if they just applied appearing anything like their packaging would lead you to believe. I used the (very nice) brush that came with the product to first apply the product dry. I found that my contacts wouldn't tolerate the runaway sparkles from the shadow, so I was forced to use the product wet. It's not as bright and the color is much more pleasant wet, but if you're really into the iridescence, you'll be disappointed that the sparkles are not as predominant when applied wet.

Although I am particularly upset with my purchase of the Shadow Stick, the Shocking Shadow Pigments were also somewhat of a disappointment. However, I would actually not mind trying that product in a more funky shade of blue or pink when I am feeling bold.

Retail Price: $9.99 for the Shadow Stick, $11.99 for the Shocking Shadow Pigments

Rating:
Shadow Stick -
Shocking Shadow Pigments -

What They Say: "L'Oreal redefines eyes with Lineur Intense Defining Liquid Liner. This innovative liquid system provides maximum definition and intense coloration that lasts all day long. Naturally tapered felt-tipped applicator allows precise lining as bold or as sleek as you choose. Water-resistant and smudgeproof. Ophthalmologist and allergy tested. Suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. Fragrance free."

Jen's Experience: I really like the smooth line that a liquid liner provides, but in the past, I've had problems with the liner creasing after it doesn't dry quickly enough or with the eyeliner application itself looking uneven and messy. As promised, this eyeliner really delivers in the application department. Finally, I'm able to apply a thin line all the way across the eye and add additional width if I want without the extra liquid showing up high on my eyelid. The pen is so easy to work with; it drew lovely even lines and even worked its way close up to the lash line. The liquid dries immediately, so there's no creasing.

The color I chose was Mineral, a dark brown color that blends in effortlessly with my eyelashes. I am really tempted to try the black as well since that's the color I generally wear.

My one complaint? It doesn't last as long as I would like. Since I rub my eyes, I would estimate I get about 4 hours worth of wear out of it. But you know? For the price, I'll just throw an extra one in my over-sized fall handbag. This one's a keeper.

By the way, the formula I used is the new formula, not the one pictured above. See the L'Oreal site for a more current photo.

Retail Price: $7.49 (drugstores)

Rating:

What They Say: “True Match Powder precisely matches your skin’s texture and tone and coordinates perfectly with True Match Makeup, Blush, and Concealer. Micro-fine powder provides versatile coverage: blot shine, blend all over for a natural finish or build for more coverage. Wear over True Match Makeup or alone for a flawless look. Exclusive triple-refined formula makes it possible to match your skin’s texture. Never looks chalky or cakey. Oil-free and non-comedogenic. Available in 24 skin-true shades.” “True Match Blush flawlessly complements your skin’s texture and tone and coordinates perfectly with True Match Makeup, Powder, and Concealer. Opti-Match technology creates uniquely true-to-life shades that flawlessly complement your skintone and undertone to perfection, leaving you with the most natural flush of color imaginable. A unique Opti-Blend formula provides a skin-true texture that blends smoothly, never looks chalky or cakey. Stays fresh and natural-looking hour after hour. Oil-free, vitamin-rich, and non-comedogenic.”

Toya’s Take: I have made no bones about my love for the L’Oreal True Match line. I think L’Oreal has really hit on something – the feel of the products is elegant and stands up to the more expensive department store brands and the color options are beautiful. As a woman of color, that is very important – few foundations/concealers are made to really address our skintone issues, not even the lines that are supposedly formulated for women of color. I have used L’Oreal True Match Foundation, Super-Blendable Powder and Concealer in Neutral 8 Cappucino and Neutral Medium/Deep to much success. Having always used Neutral and been pleased with it, I decided to try the Warm option of the same “deepness” level and see if I could tell a difference. Well, I can … and I am blown away. The Neutral, like I said, was great. But, with the Warm option, not only did it “match” my skin … it “replicated” it. It’s not just the color that was matched, but the tone. It’s the same brown in color, but also achieves the same “goldness” that’s naturally present in my skin, sans make-up. Y’all, I am impressed. I cannot say enough. There are no words. L’Oreal has me in their fan club for ever, just on the strength of the True Match line. Speaking of which …

While I was in front of the True Match display, I decided to try the L’Oreal True Match Super-Blendable Blush. Each “tone/level” has a blush designed to go with it. I bought the Warm 7/8 Soft Sun shade and I love it! It gives a nice warmth to my cheeks, without looking “blush-like.” For a workday or a weekend when you want to look fresh and natural, this is a great product. It is now a staple.

Retail Price: $9.99 each

DeLush Rating: (for both the blush and powder)

What They Say: “It’s makeup that feels like you’re wearing nothing at all – just a natural glow of bare, healthy-looking skin. Flawless, skin-perfecting coverage blends seamlessly with a brush. Essential vitamins and minerals nourish skin. So light and gentle, it’s safe for sensitive skin and won’t clog pores. Natural SPF 19.”

To use:
1. Swirl brush in sifter, embedding bristles in powder.
2. Shake brush to remove excess product – a little goes a long way.
3. Apply powder to face in small, circular motions. Start in the center of your face and work your way out toward hairline, continuously blending powder into skin.
4. Repeat steps 1-3 until desired level of coverage is achieved.

Toya’s Experience: Mineral make-up is all the rage nowadays and I feel it’s important to be up on what’s going on in the world of beauty. So, I’ve been on the lookout for a mineral make-up product that will work for women of color. Since I’ve been really happy with L’Oreal’s True Match line of make-up – liquid and powder foundations and blushes – I decided to give L’Oreal’s new mineral foundation, Bare Naturale, a try.

I’m a little disappointed, to be honest. I’d heard from some others that various mineral foundations had been a bit irritating to their skin, causing some itchiness, so I don’t know if I had some kind of make-up induced hypochondria, but I felt that there were certain spots of my face, like right around the bottom of my nose, that became quite itchy as the day went on. The make-up is easy to apply, if you follow the instructions correctly, but I’ve found it to be a bit messy. Loose powder has a way of getting all over everything, no matter how careful you try to be with it. This product has great oil control – after 7 hours of church yesterday, there was no breakthrough shine and I’ve worn it through a 9-hour workday today, complete with an hour of exercise and a shower and haven’t had to do any touch-ups – just pat off any excess moisture and it instantly “re-powders” itself. However, this isn’t necessarily a plus, in my opinion, because I like to see a bit of a glow on a woman in the summer months. Bare Naturale also offers good coverage, if you’re willing to keep applying in thin layers.

I was discouraged by the lack of shades appropriate for darker skin tones. I bought the darkest shade available – Classic Tan – and it works for my skin, but it would be awful and ashy-looking on anyone darker. Also, the attached brush is just a bit scratchy. I was told today that my make-up looks great, which is a wonderful compliment, but I’m not sure whether I should be pleased, since it’s supposed to look like skin, not make-up.

However, if you’re into mineral makeup and are looking for a less expensive alternative to products like Bare Escentuals, Bare Naturale is worth a try.

Retail Price: app. $15 at drugstores and superstores

DeLush Rating:
Because of the mess factor, the itchiness, and the lack of shades appropriate for darker skintones.

With lipstick and lipstains becoming back into vogue, I wanted to give you my picks on which drugstore lipsticks to stash in your purse, and which ones to leave on the drugstore shelves. - Jen

L'Oreal Colour Riche ($7.99): Nurtures lips to keep them soft, smooth and supple with ultra-hydrating Omega 3. Protects against moisture loss with the conditioning power of Vitamin E. Creamy, anti-feathering lip liners coordinate perfectly with Colour Riche colors. The new Color Finder makes shade selection easier."

My Experience: I really love all of L'Oreal's fabulous shades. I was able to find a great nude that looked great with a lot of my wardrobe. That said, I am not so sure about these supposed conditioning ingredients. Out of all the lipsticks I tried, I thought this one was the driest. That quality also made it one of the longest lasting, but for me, it just made me want to apply gloss over top. I guess my biggest beef with this product is that it really bleeds a lot, necessitating a lip liner for more stationary shading. I am also not a big fan of the taste of this lipstick, although I am certainly glad they've refrained from making it mango flavored.

Rating:

Prestige Cosmetics Lipstick ($3.99): "Intense color depth. Lightweight, comfortable formula. Lip soothing moisturizing ingredients. In 81 creme, shimmer, and sheer shades."

My Experience: I've always had pretty good luck with Prestige lipsticks, so I thought I would give this one a shot. This one is not too bad. It's much lighter and feels much more moisturizing than the L'Oreal lip color. And, it actually stays in place. I guess the only problem I really had with this lipstick is that the color indicator on the bottom led me to believe it was a light, cute pink, when in reality, it was on the road to trashy, much like my Cover Girl Incredifull experience. I feel like both this and the Cover Girl product are high quality products worth using once the right color is found.

My Rating:

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick ($7.49): "Super Lustrous® Lipstick features exclusive LiquiSilk technology to pamper lips with silk-drenched mega-moisturizers and vitamins. For rich, smooth color, soft-shine and irresistible lips. No wonder it’s America’s #1 lipstick."

My Experience: I know Melissa's already covered this one before, but while I was discussing drugstore lipsticks, I really had to bring up what I feel like is the quintessential drugstore lipstick. I have many shades of this Revlon lipstick; it really makes the bulk of my lip color wardrobe. There are tremendous sales on it from time to time. Walgreens drugstores on the day after Thanksgiving here in the US last year was selling all their Revlon lip color for 99 cents. Really, you can't beat that. Now this lipstick doesn't last the longest, but the colors are great and true to their packaging, and they're all really moisturizing. It just feels good on my lips. There are lots of pretty good lipsticks out there on the drugstore shelves, but if I was limited to Revlon for my lipstick forever, that would be just fine by me.

My Rating:

Okay, so I'm all about lips this week...I can't help it! But for me, an eye-catching pout is high on the beauty list for WOW-ing your family and friends on the holidays. Don't forget to check out our DeLush Holiday Gift Guides every day next week starting Monday, December 5 with great ideas for yourself, your Guy, your mom, grandma and your sister/best friend!

What They Say: "Volume Perfect is a two-step, dual-ended lipcolor that reshapes and recontours your lips for smoother, shapelier, visibly smoother lips.

The base coat, which contains an Essential Collagen Complex, smoothes the surface of the lips and makes them appear fuller.

The color coat is specially formulated to avoid feathering, so it establishes and maintains the lip outline when it is applied. Volume Perfect also has a patented combination of pearls that adds depth to the lips, creating fullness."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: I am always a little hesitant of L'Oreal lipsticks to begin with, I don't know why. I think I had some bad experiences with it when I was younger. And to be honest with you, the ads for this particular product with Andi MacDowell's obviously edited ginormous shiny lips didn't exactly encourage me. But, I am brave for you, dear readers, so I plowed ahead.

The base coat is clear and very soft. I've found that the more smooth your lips are to begin with (by smooth I mean exfoliated, not line-free), the better this coat goes on. It's very comfortable. You do need to be careful to apply a thin even layer, though, or it could clump a tiny bit under the color. This really isn't prevalent, though and shouldn't keep you away from trying it.

The color is actually very pretty. I would even say it makes my lips look better than many of my lipsticks, which is saying a lot. You definitely can't deny the fact that this stuff really maintains a clearly defined lip. I was pleasantly surprised by this. Also, the tiny pearlization in the color is barely visible while wearing it, but if you put a faint swipe on your fingertip you'll see what they mean. I think it really does help add depth to the lip visually.

What I like is that I get a wonderfully pretty lip line with a fabulous full effect without any puffing or tingling, like with lip plumpers. And don't worry, I didn't end up looking like Andi MacDowell in those pictures, either! Overall, a fairly comfortable color with visible results that's worth a try.

Retail Price: ($9.99 at drugstores and superstores everywhere)

DeLush Rating:

I shouldn't be allowed to paint my own nails.  I was never able to color inside of the lines as a child, and as an adult, I get nail polish all over my toes and the carpet and everything else.  I'm a mess.  But I saw this great new color when I was wandering around Rite Aid one day, and I decided to give it a try.

What They Say: "Now there's a nail product that can keep up with your busy lifestyle. New and improved Jet-Set Shine Speed Dry Nail Enamel is the first fast-drying nail polish to deliver extra long-lasting shine! With its patented calcium-fortified Shine-Lock technology, Jet-Set Shine looks freshly applied long after it dries...all while keeping nails strong. This breakthrough formula places Jet-Set – already established as a superior fast-drying polish – at the frontier of nailcolor technology. Never before has our quick-dry nailcolor shined so bright!"

Jen's Experience:  Top Ten Tint is a pink/peachy color that is great for spring, and full of sparkle for that extra shiny look.  With my fair complexion, the color was definitely a hit, and it looks great with all my new spring clothes.  I used my normal base and top coat, and I found this to be incredibly long wearing.  I went for more than 2 weeks without a single ding on my toenails.  My only problem with this polish (and it is completely user error) is that I have a hard time getting it to look really even with all the sparkles.  I have had this problem with pretty much every shimmery nail color I've ever picked out.  Next time I use this color, I'm going to take it to the local manicure shop and get THEM to apply it.  That's clearly the answer for my nail painting problems, because I'm certainly not improving with practice.

Retail Price: $5.99 (Walgreens)

Rating:

What They Say: "Imagine a liquid makeup with an incredibly light crème-texture that transforms, on contact, into a powder-soft finish. L’Oréal Paris introduces Cashmere Perfect Soft Powdercrème Makeup with breakthrough Liquid-to-Powder Technology.

For the first time, a velvety-powdery complexion that looks perfect for up to 12 hours. Cashmere Perfect's new Liquid-to-Powder formula contains micro-capsules of powder that melt on contact with skin. The result is an even, matte and soft-to-the-touch complexion.

So forget powder!

Dermatologist-tested. Non-comedogenic. Not recommended for very dry skin."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: I have a long and sordid history with foundations. Let's just say, it didn't always go so well. I never seemed to get the right color or put it on right. Not to mention the fact that formulas when I was in high school (the beginning of our messy relationship) were not exactly user-friendly. At least THIS user.

I even took a few years off from foundation completely a while back. I just couldn't be bothered. Well, obviously we all know how advanced these formulas have gotten now, so I dived back in. When I first heard about this Cashmere Perfect foundation, I was in the middle of branching out to various expensive department store brands. So while I was curious, I didn't feel the need to run over to the drugstore just yet. However I was running out of my latest venture, and wasn't attached enough to it to get it again. Besides, part of my job now is to try new things!

The texture of this product is exactly how they describe it. It's so soft and light - very mousse-like. It feels really luxurious on your skin, and spreads smoothly. The finish is light enough to look real, yet provides a nice, even texture. They say that you should not use this product if you have very dry skin, and I can see how that would be true. This product works best on well-exfoliated, hydrated skin. If you have persistent dry skin on your face, you should follow their advice and steer clear of this one.

I tend to get a bit of excess oil on my nose and forehead toward the end of the day, which has been much less of an issue with this foundation, and I don't feel that this gives me a "powdered" look at all.
However at the very end of the night when I go to take it off, I notice a bit of dryness and unneven wearing-off (this is if I wear it from around 8am to 11:00 pm, but from what I've seen the coverage stays put the whole time I'm at work and through dinner.)

User Tip: Make sure to not so much spread out as to pat with your fingertips while applying. I find this product looks much more even and disappears into the skin better this way.

Retail Price: $11.99 (drugstores everywhere)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Now you can have glamorous lips in one stroke! Glam Shine Dazzling Plumping Lipcolour uses unique micro-crystal technology to re-define and re-plump your lips.

Glam Shine's micro-crystals amplify light reflection for the ultimate in shine. Moisture-drenched formula with non-sticky texture delivers full, healthy lips with dazzling dimension and incredible shine! "

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: Hmmm, I'm not sure where to start. First of all, the look was not bad at all - I enjoyed my shiny lips and the consistency of this gloss. However, I wasn't too fond of two things: the staying power and the flavor/scent. The smell might possibly be enough to keep me away from this gloss forever. However, that may not be a negative for you. I'm just used to using things that purposely infuse a good taste. A lot of product lines do not. I think if you are looking for some nice shine for a night out and don't want to drop a lot of money, this could be a good option. Just don't expect your date to enjoy the goodnight kiss. ;)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Give your hair the royal treatment! Hydra Gloss Moisturizing Shampoo for Very Dry/Damaged Hair is the perfect remedy for hair that's distressed by the weather or over processing. It's made with nature's best nourishing ingredients like Royal Jelly, Omega 3 & 6 and Olive Oil. It infuses deep moisture into every strand, transforming hair that's dry and parched with 7X more moisture and a high-gloss finish. The result? Leaves hair soft, shiny and revitalized."

Melissa Says: I'm in love with this shampoo; it has worked wonders on my thick, color-treated hair and parched ends. My hair is very porous - it frizzes easily and can lose moisture quickly, which, coupled with the fact that I'm trying to grow my hair even longer and am battling split ends, was why I chose this more intense formula. When I rinse it out during washing, instead of feeling stripped, my hair still feels very soft and also feels a little thicker. (For that reason, I wonder if this would be too heavy for fine hair. In that case, perhaps you'd rather try the Shampoo for Dry Hair, which should be a lighter formula.) The pleasing scent is just another plus.

Retail Price: app. $5.00 (at drugstores everywhere)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Dual-Action UV Filters and Anti-Oxidants replenish porous hair shafts with moisture for healtheir hair that keep color longer.
(about the Shampoo)
Replenishes moisture so hair is soft and supple. Seals in color vibrancy. Fights free radicals to help protect color.

(about the Conditioner)
Conditions and detangles dry hair. Replenishes moisture so hair is soft and supple. Ignites intense shine."

Melissa Says:
(about the Shampoo)

• Very mild sudsing action; you can tell it is cleansing gently.
  
• Hair even feels a little "conditioned" after rinsing
  
• Pleasant scent
  
• Great price

(about the Conditioner)

• Super-creamy formula
  
• Not gloppy or overly thick
  
• Rinses with incredibly soft feeling remaining
  
• Leaves hair smoother and softer
  
• Pleasant scent
  
• Great price

Retail Prices: $4.99 each (at drugstores and superstores everywhere)

DeLush Rating: for both

What They Say: "Discover colour that speaks to you. So pure and vocal and multi-faceted, it transforms every strand with triple highlights - for even more shimmering highs and lows. Definitely the end of flat, matte colour. Even the conditioner glistens hair with a new pure-shimmer concentrate. So express yourself ... one shimmering shade at a time."

Jen's Experience: I am very picky about my hair. I used to color it myself all the time, and then a friend of fine introduced me to a fabulous colorist in Atlanta that I used for years. I moved away and don't see the same colorist anymore, but I do love my colorist now, and have a hard time not going to see her and using up all my spending money on some terrific highlights.

On the other hand, highlights are pretty expensive, and I don't get to test out new products. So I've decided to expand my horizons and try the home coloring experience again for myself.

I purchased the Feria kit at Target after reading the back of every single hair color box in the store and changing my mind about the level of blondeness about every five minutes. I looked at the highlighting kits, such as the Couleur Experte that Melissa covered previously, but those seemed very complicated and I just wasn't sure I'd be able to make it look as good as it did on the box.

The Feria box claimed to give you multi-tonal color and shimmeriness, but the directions seemed simple -- no highlighting brushes required. Clearly this was the winner.

I took it home to kick off a spa night one weekend. I should be a good role model and say I did the allergy test and the color test before I started, but really, I just ripped open the box and started working.

Within an hour, I was blow-drying my hair with my new color. When I looked at myself in the mirror, I was caught a little off guard. I normally keep my hair a lighter shade, but clearly this shade is better for my skintone. My eyes became brighter and my skin looks tanner. My hair was super soft and shiny, and shimmery like the box said it would be. Even better, it really is somewhat multi-tonal. I'm not sure if the color is just accenting my previous highlights or if this is straight out of the box, but I do seem to have some variation of color throughout my hair, and it looks really natural.

I so dearly love my colorist, but with results like these, she might be seeing me much less often.

Tips and Tricks: I have a problem coloring the back of my hair thoroughly, which is a major problem because my roots are so dark. This time, I used clips just like my hairstylist does to break it into small sections. I'm not sure if it helped me to see better or if it just helped me focus, but I got everything covered in the back this time.

Retail Price: $9.69 (Drugstore.com)

Rating:

What They Say: "...the only at-home haircolor system that delivers truly multi-tonal results. This is accomplished through a 2-step process, first permanent all-over color, then illumniating highlights. With everything coordinated in a single box, the process is surprisingly simple, resulting in harmonious, natural-looking color."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: I've used this about 4 times over the last 8 months or so, and I've always been happy with my results. Sure, taking your color into your own hands is scary, but this makes it almost foolproof. It doesn't leave my hair feeling dried out or fried afterward, and the shine lasts really well. The provided deep conditioner (which I can stretch for about 3 uses) is amazing and leaves your hair super silky. If you follow the instructions well and you haven't done anything to your hair in the last 6 weeks (and aren't going from black to blonde or something extreme!), the results are very true to description.

Here's how it works: You get a nice packaged set of supplies, with the two steps (color and highlight) separated, each with their own set of gloves. Just put the developer in the color bottle, put on your gloves, seal the top, snap off the tip, and mix! Then you carefully (over a towel, please, dears) apply your color in sections with the applicator. Make sure you coat all the hair. Let it develop for the alloted time. Next comes the rinse (be thorough), towel-dry your hair, and you're ready for the next step!

I like to take a bit of hair at the very crown of my head and put it up and out of the way with a clip. Put on your gloves, pour out the contents of the liquid bottle in step 2 and add the contents of the powder packet. Mix with the end of your application wand (your best friend for the next half hour). Then just apply as much or as little highlighting solution to strands of hair in wide or fine strips, whatever your preference. Now, it might help a bit to have someone nearby just to help with the very, very back - or just to make sure you've applied the highlights evenly in the back. I then let the crown loose and do the rest. My reason for this is that I like to have highlights from within the hair, not just on the top layer. They recommend doing your front face-framing highlights first, but I know how to conserve the solution until I get to the front, and want to make sure I get highlights all the way around. But if it's your first time, you may want to go ahead and start at the front and bangs area. Allow to process for the specified time. Start the timer AFTER you finish your LAST highlight.
*Highlighting Tips - a.) Don't glob, make sure it's even, especially no globs at the root. b.) Don't go all the way up to your scalp with the solution, but just barely to the root. c.) It won't be as bold as you think, so don't worry and stress over the highlights. I've found that they blend well into the color and don't come out white (I've never used light blonde, I've always used the brown or red colors). My highlights have always come out a nice subtle, shimmery gold-tone.

After that, just rinse out the solution and condition your hair with a third or so of the provided intense conditioner. No need to shampoo this first time. Trust me, your hair will feel like silk after using the conditioner. Style as usual.

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "L'Oreal Manicure Pro is a salon quality nail enamel with a special brush that delivers flawless results. Formaldehyde-free. Toluene-Free."

Melissa's Hotpoints:

• The square brush they emphasize on displays and packaging doesn't seem to do much except create little lines in your polish if you don't apply just the right amount of pressure.
  
• The formula is very thick, and starts to get sticky right away. This can be a problem when you have to brush over a spot again before moving on.
  
• Concentrated color gives quick coverage results.
  
• Durability is impressive.
  
• The shine isn't dazzling, but doesn't disappoint.
  
• You can find an easier-to-apply polish, but the price and results here might be more appealing to you than some other options.

Retail Price: $4.99 (at drugstores and superstores everywhere, and online at ulta.com)

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National Call for Nominations Begins April 2nd with Official Launch of Annual Program that Supports Community Achievement and Volunteerism Across America

NEW YORK (April 2, 2007) - L’Oréal Paris is proud to announce that it will continue to celebrate the spirit of community achievement and volunteerism with its second Women of Worth program. The Women of Worth initiative is inspired by L’Oréal Paris’ iconic brand philosophy, “Because I’m Worth It” and recognizes the achievements of real women who embody the spirit of the L’Oréal brand—women who possess self-confidence and are committed to distinguishing their own lives by making a difference in the lives of others. The call for nominations is from April 2nd to May 24th on the website www.womenofworth.com. This year’s program will build on the success of the inaugural year by adding an interactive element to champion community achievement and volunteerism as well as one National Honoree who will receive a $25,000 monetary donation to her cherished cause.

“The four simple words ‘Because I’m Worth It’ continue to serve as a galvanizing and unifying force for the L’Oréal Paris community,” said Carol J. Hamilton, President, L’Oréal Paris. “The Women of Worth program brings this message to life and honors real hometown heroes across the country. I applaud all our fabulous women who are inspiring volunteers and outstanding achievers who have an inspiring heart for making differences in their communities.”

April 2nd Launch – Call for Nominations
L’Oréal Paris will kick off the second annual Women of Worth program on April 2nd with the release of the nomination application and the re-launch of the interactive www.womenofworth.com website. The nomination period, which further personalizes the Women of Worth campaign, will run through May 24th. Last year’s Women of Worth program drew more than 1,600 nominations for women who were engaged in remarkable work and effecting change within their respective communities.

The Judging
A distinguished panel of judges will review the nominations and will select 13 honorees this fall. The judges include:

• Carol Hamilton, President of L’Oréal Paris
  
• Susan L. Taylor, Editorial Director of Essence Magazine
  
• Denise Resnik, a 2006 Women of Worth Award winner and founder of the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center
  
• Soledad O’Brien, Co-Anchor CNN’s American Morning and recent NAACP Image Award honoree
  
• Louisa Terry, Co-Executive Director of The Ovarian Cancer Research Fund
  
• Dayle Haddon, L'Oréal Paris spokesperson and Author of “The 5 Principles of Ageless Living” and “Ageless Beauty”

Women of Worth Honorees
This year there will be 13 honorees - one from each of 13 regions across the United States selected from among the eligible nominations received. L’Oréal Paris will reward the Women of Worth honorees by making a monetary donation of $2,500 on their behalf to the charity they work with and a matching monetary donation will also be made in the name of the winners to The Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, the ten year charitable partner of L’Oréal Paris.

Woman of the Year
Following the judging period, the program takes on a very personal connection for all women by allowing the general public the opportunity to vote online for their favorite Women of Worth who will ultimately become the National Honoree. This one National Woman of Worth will be selected from the pool of the 13 Honorees by an online vote open to the public. This consumer activity period takes place in late September/early October on the www.womenofworth.com website. The National Honoree, an ultimate recognition introduced this year to the program, will receive an additional $25,000 donation in her name to her associated charity. The program culminates in October at an event in New York City honoring all 13 Women of Worth honorees.

Women of Worth Online Community
The Women of Worth Community is supported by a series of online resources that will offer tips on how to get involved in your community, editorials from volunteering experts, and profiles from 2006 Women of Worth honorees. The official Women of Worth website is a virtual community that encourages all women to share their stories and provides access to some of the most influential voices of social change. The online discourse will feature a new theme each month, with experts and real women proposing their thoughts on topics ranging from motherhood to volunteer vacations to “Make a Difference Day.” Women can also engage in dialogues with others about community achievement and volunteerism as part of this online community.

“With so many women contributing to their own communities, L’Oréal Paris wanted to connect these women and these communities to each other in a meaningful way,” said Ms. Hamilton. “We see the Women of Worth website as the ultimate exchange of ideas to foster the ideals of giving back, as we will supplement visitors’ personal stories with special contributions and commentary from guest writers.”

2006 Women of Worth Honorees
The 2007 honorees will join a distinguished group of community leaders who were recognized as the first Women of Worth. Last year’s winners included:

• Paula “P.K.” Beville, 52, Marietta, GA
  Charity: Second Wind Dreams makes dreams come true for those living in elder care communities.
  
• Maria Palestini Bye, 56, Voorhees, NJ
  Charity: Alicia Rose "Victorious" Foundation installs "Teen Centers" in pediatric hospitals across the country.
  
• Laura Distelheim, 48, Highland Park, IL
  Charity: Neighbor to Neighbor feeds hungry children in her community.
  
• Erika Ebbel, 25, Cambridge, MA
  Charity: WhizKids Foundation sparks interest in math and sciences for young students.
  
• Denise Resnik, 46, Phoenix, AZ
  Charity: Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center offers therapy, self-care skills and vocational training.
  
• Sarah Reynolds, 74, Lenoir City, TN
  Charity: Women Build empowers girls and women to construct homes for low-income families.
  
• Shawnee Isaac Smith, 50, Santa Monica, CA
  Charity: The Heart Touch Project provides free touch therapy to homebound and hospitalized patients.

For more information about the Women of Worth Program and to nominate a woman you know, please visit womenofworth.com.

ABOUT L'ORÉAL PARIS

L'Oréal Paris, a division of L'Oréal USA, Inc. is a total beauty care company that combines the latest in technology with the highest in quality for the ultimate in luxury beauty at mass. The L’Oréal Paris product family includes Preference, Excellence, Natural Match, Feria, and Couleur Experte haircolors; VIVE Pro, Studio Line, and L'Oréal Kids hair care; Dermo-Expertise skin care, including Advanced Revitalift, Wrinkle De-Crease, Age Perfect, Men’s Expert, Sublime Slim and Sublime Bronze; and L'Oréal Paris Cosmetics, including Colour Riche lip colors, True Match Makeup, Wear Infinite Eyeshadows, Voluminous, Double Extend, Lash Out, and Volume Shocking mascaras, among many others, and the HIP High Intensity Pigments line.