Even though we've had only a few warm, sunny spring days here in Portland, I still notice the change in the seasons, and so does my skin. If you aren't still in the dead of winter where you are, it's probably a good time to look at what skin care and makeup you are using and consider making some changes for warmer weather.

Clarins Moisture Quenching Hydra-Balance Lotion ($48.50 for 1.7oz)
For months I've been using Bobbi Brown Extra SPF 25 Moisturizing Balm every day. It's done a great job for my skin, but it's expensive and very emollient. On a warm day, this rich cream does not feel like the best fit, even for my dry skin.

I wish I could say I researched a variety of alternatives and picked this one from Clarins as the best contender, but I didn't. I imagine I bought it the same way many of you would - I went to the counter, I tried it, it seemed nice, I bought it. I glanced at the ingredient list for any red flags (I look for possible cosmetic acne causers) but didn't even ask about the price. I have to admit, it was fun to shop that way.

After using it for a few weeks now, I can say I'm glad I was impulsive and bought it. I like the lightweight fluid and am surprised that it keeps my dry skin hydrated all day, and without the overly dewy shine I've grown accustomed to from most dry skin creams. I can really see this lotion adjusting to fit any skin type; somehow it just seems to "know" how much moisture the skin needs.

Look for Clarins at a department store near you, or shop at home from Gloss.com.

Stila Lip Glaze Palette ($45)
If you love glosses, this is the palette for you. You get half-circle doses of Watermelon, Apricot, Raspberry, Grapefruit, Orange, Peach, Strawberry, Fruit Punch, Grape and Berry glosses, and a full size lip brush (which, personally, I don't think you need). Since the colors are fairly sheer, you can blend and layer to your heart's content.

At first I thought $45 was a little spendy for lipglosses, but if you consider that you are getting 10 shades, making it $4.50 per shade, and that it will probably take a long time to use up the whole thing, the price doesn't seem too bad.

You can find the new Stila Lip Glaze Palette at Sephora.com.

Vincent Longo Afresco-Matic Highlight Eye Shadow ($25)
Easy is the name of the game for me when it comes to beauty. This new shadow intrigued me because it's a pen design (the color in the tube is dispensed onto the attached brush, similar to what Revlon, Stila, Tarte and Too Faced have), but this one dispenses one dose in one click of a button, rather than dialing it up with the hope of not getting too much on the brush. Unfortunately, I found that although you know how much you are getting with each click, it's still too much. I think I got enough eye shadow in one click to make-up myself and a few friends. Maybe I just like my eye shadow a little more sheer...

The color that I selected, Mia Rosa, is a beautiful light pink that is nice for highlighting or as a regular shadow. Afresco-Matic eye shadow also comes in Afresco Gold, Capri (a light blue), and Sophia (a light peach beige). If you can manage a sheer application (wiping the excess off on a tissue helps, but I sure hate to waste), the color is luminous and wears fairly well with minimal creasing. If you use the full amount on the brush, it looks thick but actually dries very quickly. I got more creasing with the thicker application, and I found the color looked very shimmery and made my eyes look a bit crepey. All in all, go for sheer and you'll be happy.

Vincent Longo Afresco-Matic Lip Gloss ($25)
The lip gloss has the very same packaging as the shadow, but for lipcolor, I like that it dispenses a generous amount of gloss. You have plenty to work with for filling in the lips, and you can concentrate a little more in the center of your lips for some extra shine. The gloss feels smooth and has a pretty sparkle that isn't overly glittery. I picked Amalfi Dream, a rose pink; other colors include Bella Docca (plum), Ciao Amore (mauve), Venezia Red, Nouvo Gold, and Baci XX (clear).

Look for Vincent Longo Afresco-Matics at Sephora.com.

Alchemy Refreshing Complexion Gel ($17.50)
Gel blush is so perfect for spring and summer, and there are so many great ones to choose from. I recently tried this one from Alchemy and highly recommend it if you are looking for something very sheer and light. The gel comes in rose and orange, and has a beautiful shimmer and hint of color that is very flattering, completely mistake proof, and perfect for any skin type. I have used it over bare, moisturized skin, over concealer, and over full foundation, and it wears well consistently. I will definitely be wearing this one all summer long.

You can find Alchemy products online at Sephora.com, AlchemyCosmetics.com and Bigelow Chemists.

I hope you enjoyed this issue of The Cosmetic Report!