Far be it for me to ever imply that cosmetics can be boring (never!), but every once in a while, it's nice to find something unique and colorful, something that isn't a basic brown shadow or a plain beige lipstick. Too Faced Cosmetics has that "something different" that can put a little fun back into your everyday makeup routine. Created by former Estee Lauder regional makeup artist, Jerrod Blandino, and former Chanel and Estee Lauder business manager, Jeremy Johnson, Too Faced is designed to bring fun and fanatasy back to the makeup counter. Here's what the line offers:

Lipstick ($13.50)
I love the fun, off the cuff names of these colors: "marcia marcia marcia", "pixie stick", "miss thing", "you're no lady", "hoochie", "drop dead red" - you get the idea. I chose "marcia marcia marcia", a really pale pink shimmer from the "prom queen" collection, and "you're no lady", a medium neutral mauve from the "drama queen" collection.

On my fair skin, "marcia marcia marcia" works pretty well by itself with a nude lip liner - it's pale but has enough shimmer to have some character. You can also layer it with a darker shade for a different look. For lipstick lovers, this is a fun addition for creating new colors with those you already have. Another interesting tidbit about this lipstick: it smells like chocolate! If you've ever used cocoa butter lotion, this lipstick smells/tastes exactly the same. Yum!

As an everyday shade, I liked "you're no lady" better. It reminds me of the infamous MAC Twig only with a bit less brown. The creamy texture feels almost like lipgloss - very smooth and moisturizing.

Eye Shadow ($11.50)
Too Faced has three eye shadow collections: glitter, soft sparkle, and silky satin. Although many of the shades appear vibrant in the pot, they are actually light and blendable and can be layered over neutral shades to give your eyes a little more "oompf". I chose "zsa zsa", a bubble gum pink from the glitter collection, and "time bomb", a medium lavender from the silky satin collection. Other shades include "astro turf", "temper temper", "dirt bag", and "ice queen", just to name a few.

Since the shadows are rather sheer at first, I applied my colors lightly for a subtle look. Even though pink is hot this spring season, it's just not my thing for eye shadow (makes me look tired and sick), so "zsa zsa", while very pretty shade, is not a color I would normally wear. Maybe for little color pop on the browbone, or as an accent over a neutral beige, I could see this color working for me...

Even if you are the type to shy away from purple eye shadow, "time bomb" is worth considering. This sheer lilac shade is subtle enough in one coat to work for light to medium skin, but punchy enough with a little layering to work on darker skintones, or just for more pizzazz.

Nail Lacquer ($9.50)
This polish comes in 8 eye-catching colors like "love hangover" (red metallic with red shimmer), "sigmond" (green with gold glitter), and "tiara" (hot pink with gold glitter). I chose something on the subtle side - "martini", a light blue/gray with silver glitter. Alone or over a perky pink or dramatic berry, this is a pretty, versatile shade I can see wearing again and again.

For more information on Too Faced, or to purchase products online, check out their website at http://www.toofaced.com. The line is also available in a few select retail stores including Fred Segal in Los Angeles, Henri Bendel in NYC, Liberty House in Hawaii, and from Nordstrom by calling 1-800-7-BEAUTY.

Ever since Biore introduced their Pore Perfect Strips, Pond's has been right there with their own version. The competition continues with Biore's answer to Pond's Makeup Remover Towelettes (see my review from Jan. 26th) - Biore Facial Cleansing Cloths. Let's start with the similarities between the two:

• Both brands are pre-moistened towelettes that are similar to baby wipes. They are designed to remove all your makeup, even waterproof mascara, and clean your face so you don't need any other cleansing step.

• Both brands sell for around $6 for a packet of 30 or so cloths.

I really wanted to like these Biore cleansing cloths, especially since I like their pore strips so much better than Pond's, but I just don't. While the Pond's version has soothing ingredients like cucumber, chamomile, cornflower, green tea, vitamin E, aloe, and ginseng, Biore's cloths start off with water and alcohol. I could feel the difference immediately - the alcohol-laden Biore cloth stung my face, especially around my eyes, and left my skin feeling tight and dry. As if that wasn't bad enough, I had to use two cloths because they aren't very big and got fully covered with makeup after cleaning only half of my face. I imagine for oily skin these cloths might feel okay, more refreshing and light, so I am saving mine to try this summer when my skin gets a little oily.

The only thing I really like about the Biore version is the cool white plastic box that the cloths come in. It looks nice on a vanity or bathroom counter and is more bathroom-proof (heat, water, etc.) that the ordinary paper box that the Pond's towelettes come in. I just put my packet of Pond's towelettes in the Biore box!

You loved it the first time, so we're bringing her back for more! What else could it be but Pam Tested/Pam Approved Part 2, the final word in the current "it" products from our own glamour girl, Pam. From revelations in blush to foundation that won't end up in the makeup junk drawer, this guide is your ticket to cosmetic bliss.

March Feature: Pam Tested/Pam Approved (Part 2)