From time to time I like to highlight one of our Panelists and the research and reviews she's been working on. This week I'm pleased to share Linda's report on some concealers and powders she's been testing.

Linda, 33, is an executive assistant at a PR agency in New York City and a single mother of a 2 year old son. Her mother warned her at 12 that once she started using makeup, she would never be able to stop, and she was right! Linda has been hooked ever since. This "cosmetic junkie" says she actually "gets a high" when trying new products. Her dream is to someday become a regular client of renowned makeup artist Kevyn Aucoin. Linda is Hispanic and has a fair-to-medium complexion with yellow undertones which tends to burn, then tan. She has normal-to-dry skin with a slightly oily t-zone area. Her eyes are dark brown and has light brown, curly, short hair which she prefers to wear straight. This is especially difficult for her during the warm, humid months. Her main beauty concern is dark circles around the eyes.

Stila Concealer in Light ($16)
This concealer was not so cheap (I picked this up at Sephora (Sephora.com) but a good buy. This mini potted concealer melts with your own natural body heat (I always apply my concealer with my fingers). The coverage was nice and creamy. The pots are small but last because you need so little to do the job.

You can find Stila cosmetics in department stores and online at Sephora.com.

Neutrogena Visibly Firm Eye Treatment Concealer in Fair ($9.49)
I was excited about this product because its Active Copper agent claims to firm and smooth the eye area, diminish under-eye puffiness and help the look of dark circles disappear over time. Unfortunately, the coverage was a little too thin for me. The packaging looks very similar to Prescriptives' concealer but I could still see my dark circles. If your circles aren't as severe, you might want to check it out.

You can find Neutrogena skin care and cosmetics at drugstores, supermarkets and discount stores as well as online at Drugstore.com.

Physicians Formula Concealer Twins 2-in-1 Correct and Cover Cream Concealer with SPF10 in Yellow/Light ($6.95)
This water-proof concealer came highly recommended but I was skeptical of the additional yellow concealer as I've tried others with correcting colors such as yellow and green in the past and have always been disappointed. I am happy to announce that I was extremely pleased with this product and it is now my favorite concealer of all-time. The two colors can be worn together or alone-the yellow color corrects bluish under-eye circles and the light color covers yellow and any minor skin imperfections. The sponge tip applicator made it easy to apply and the creamy formula absorbed very quickly. I put on the yellow first then waited a minute to apply the light one. As soon as I put on the yellow, my circles were hardly noticeable. Then when I finished off with the light, it was like a miracle. Another bonus is that it lasted all-day, plus it's a lot cheaper than Prescriptives. A definite must for dark circle sufferers like me. It also comes in Green/Light-green corrects red blemishes and scars.

You can find Physicians Formula skin care and cosmetics at drug and discount stores, and online at PhysiciansFormula.com.

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Cream Powder Makeup in Classic Porcelain ($11.29)
This cream powder contains pro-retinol and skin-caring vitamins and is supposed to improve fine lines and balance skin tones in just two weeks. I am not a big fan of foundation and feel lucky that I really don't have to wear it. This cream powder felt too heavy for me, especially since I like to set my makeup with pressed powder. It didn't absorb well for me (like it promised to). I think I'll stick to pressed powder.

Neutrogena Fresh Finish Pressed Powder in Light ($11.29)
This is a nice powder that did the trick. It also contains antioxidant vitamins. A nice alternative to my Prescriptives brand.

Nars Pressed Powder Foundation in Eden ($24)
While at Sephora, I also picked up this pressed powder. With the price being what it was, I was a little disappointed with the cheap sponge powder pad. It was about as good as the Neutrogena powder. Yes, the brand is sleek and chic, but if you're on a budget, pass on it and go cheap.

You can find Nars cosmetics at fine department stores and online at Sephora.com.

Physicians Formula Powder Palette in Translucent ($12.95)
So far I've only tried the concealer and pressed powder but Physicians Formula has now become one of my favorite cosmetic brands. The palette of multi-colors even out your skin tone without that monotone finish. I also like the soft powder puff that hides in its own little compartment. This pressed powder also comes in Highlighter, Bronzer, Yellow, Green and Peach-To-Glow. Check it out!

Thanks, Linda, for that great report. I'll be back next week with a look at June Jacobs Spa Collection bath products and the latest kiwi collection from Perlier.

In Cosmetic News
Here's something cool from Reflect.com for all of you in the San Francisco area:

You're cordially invited to create your spring look with celebrity makeup artist Brigitte Reiss-Andersen. You've seen her work on recent InStyle and Cosmopolitan magazine covers, as well as editorial coverage in Harper's Bazaar, Vogue and Glamour.

Brigitte Reiss-Andersen and her team will be at the Reflect Custom Beauty store for one day only, treating the women of San Francisco to a private consultation. Here's your opportunity to learn to achieve the superstar looks she creates for her A-list clientele.

Don't miss your chance. Space is limited, so call for your appointment today!

WHERE: Reflect Custom Beauty store in the Westin St. Francis (335 Powell Street, San Francisco)
WHEN: March 1st from 9:30am-7pm, by appointment only
For appointments, call 1-415-834-0932.

I hope you enjoyed this issue of The Cosmetic Report!