Here's a question for you: if you could only have one cosmetic item, what would it be? For most women, the answer is lipstick. Personally, I have an obnoxious number of colors, most of which I never wear but hang on to "just in case"! You never know when you might need that perfect shade of red, right?

Combine my affection for lipstick with my passion for new makeup and, well, that's how Cosmetic Connection was born! This week I tested two new lipsticks that, for very different reasons, are worth considering to add to your lipstick library.

Now that I'm a mom, I find I don't wear lipstick very much because I don't want to smear it all over my daughter's face. Naturally, I tried some of the long-wearing, transfer-resistant lipsticks like Revlon ColorStay and hated them (too dry!). When I spotted Maybelline's new Hydra Time lipstick at the drugstore, I hoped it would be the answer. It's not, but I still like it. Maybelline cleverly calls this lipstick "extended wear," meaning you can't expect it to be really long wearing or transfer resistant. This lipstick is nicely moist and supple - a fantastic improvement over lipstick like ColorStay - but with that moisture comes a little color loss if you press your lips on anything. I found lightly blotting with a tissue after the color sets helps, then it lasts fairly well. Hydra Time comes in a great selection of pretty colors with fun names like Prankster, Tempt, Frolic, Brat, and Adoring.

My next new lipstick find is Avon's new Hydra Finish lipstick. I liked this one, too, even though it is anything but transfer- resistant. If you wish you could fit your favorite moisturizer in a tube and call it lipstick, this is about as close you'll get. Hydra Finish has 20% water, making it super-smooth and super-hydrating, like a great moisturizer. Since it is so light and moist, you will have to reapply frequently to keep the color on all day, but considering that it doesn't cake or dry out like most lipsticks, I didn't mind. At $7 each (actually less than most drugstore lipsticks these days), you can afford to try a couple of shades - I got Tender (excellent everyday neutral medium pink-brown) and Berry (too bright for my taste, but a pretty raspberry/fuchsia).

The response to our cosmetic giveaways has been so tremendous, I've decided have another one! This is a big one - Philosophy's Coloring Book and Pocket Book makeup kits! Whether you are just starting with makeup or simply love to collect new colors, these two kits are indispensable. Learn more about both kits on Philosophy's website.

Enter our new Philosophy contest at:
http://www.kleinman.com/cosmetic/springcontest3.html

You can't be a makeup enthusiast without the right tools, so this month we offer an alternative to the trendy but oh-so expensive makeup brushes at the department stores. See why our Panelist Elaine can afford to buy all the makeup she craves, even on a budget...

May Feature: Makeup Brush Review

Looking for a particular review, or curious if I've ever reviewed your favorite brand of lipstick? Try out our search function to make your quest easier. Simply click on the "search" button on the front of Cosmetic Connection (in the yellow channel), or use this direct URL: http://www.cosmeticconnection.com/search.html. Easy! If you don't see the review you want, it's possible we haven't covered it yet, so just let me know and I can add it to the list.