This week our focus is on color, starting with Bath & Body Works' new line Beautiful by Nature, and wrapping things up with a few products from Valerie of Beverly Hills. Enjoy!

During a recent trip to the mall with my daughter I stopped at Bath & Body Works to get a peek at their new makeup, and I managed to pick up these few things. The line also has liquid foundation, setting powder, lipstick and lipglosses, and lip and eye liner pencils that I hope to add to this review soon.

Complexion Perfection Cream-to-Powder Makeup SPF10
Finding a cream-to-powder makeup that works for my combination/sensitive skin is often a challenge. Some formulas are too emollient and aggravate my acne, while others are so dry and powdery they make me look like I'm approaching 60, not 30! Unfortunately this one falls into the "dry as a desert" category, and I can't say that I'm really surprised. It seems like Bath & Body Works is targeting teens with this line, and teens, on average, tend to have more oily skin. The color I chose - "cream" - was a nice match for my skin, but the texture of this makeup is just too dry for me.

First Blush Cheek Color in "apple blossom"
I like the color of this blush, a perky medium pink, but it doesn't last as long on the skin as I'd like. The sheer quality is great if you like a very subtle look, but the lack of pigment also means it fades by mid-afternoon. I would sooner use a fluffy brush for a lighter application with a better blush than waste my money on this one.

Catch-My-Eyeshadow in "elder berry"
I was not thrilled with this eyeshadow, basically for the same reason I wasn't captivated by the blush. I like my shadow to last (who doesn't?), and these just don't have enough pigment to wear all day. I also had a noticeable problem with creasing and fading.

All-Out Lengthening Mascara in "black/brown"
As mascaras go, this is a decent one but nothing special. I was not impressed with it and would not buy it again. If you are looking for a great, basic mascara at a reasonable price, I'd sooner recommend Max Factor 2000 Calorie, L'Oreal Voluminous, Neutrogena, or Oil of Olay Beauty Mascara.

I've gotten a few requests for reviews of Valerie of Beverly Hills products, so naturally it is my pleasure to investigate!

Lip Shine
Available in pots ($15) or wands ($17.50), this gloss is to die for! I love the creamy texture with just the right "stickiness" (not too gummy) and shine to last and feel great on your lips. I tried the pot gloss in Butterscotch, a subtle light caramel brown (hence the name!) and the wand gloss in Pink Jewel, a light pearly pink. On my fair skin, the pink looks a little pale; I think it would suit someone with a medium complexion better. The glosses also come in colors like melon, sugarplum (deep purple), lollipop (bright pink), and pixie (shimmery gold).

Brow Queen Pencils ($20)
I'm not a big fan of brow pencils - when I actually bother with my brows, I usually use just a clear gel - but these pencils are nice. They are waterproof, smearproof, and surprising sheer so it's hard to make a mistake. They also have a spooly brush (like a mascara wand) on one end for blending and shaping. Brow Queen comes in "bambi" for pale blonds, "bunny" for dark blonds, and "puppy" for brunettes. Personally, I would not make a habit of spending $20 for an eyebrow pencil, but since I have one, I will use it and enjoy it :)

For more information on Valerie of Beverly Hills, stop by her salon at 460 North Canon Drive in Beverly Hills, get her catalog from the Valerie hotline at 1-800-2-VALERIE, or order from Bliss Spa online at http://www.blissworld.com. Bliss carries Valerie's glosses, fairy dust face powder, and much more.

Our current Avon contest is still going on, so be sure to enter today! You could be the lucky winner of an incredible gift basket stuffed full of cool Avon products (valued at $150)! Click here to enter: http://www.kleinman.com/cosmetic/springcontest6.html

Whether you've got a little one at home, or you just love to baby yourself, this month's Feature on baby skin care products is a handy guide to a variety of different brands.

June Feature: Baby Care Products

Here's a quick bit of cosmetic news: For those of you in the New Jersey area, there is a new Sephora location in the Short Hills Mall. The store opened just a few weeks ago, apparently without much fanfare. The Short Hills Mall is in Short Hills, New Jersey, and is considered one of the more upscale malls there (i.e., Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's, Macy's, Brooks Brothers, Tiffany, etc.). If you are in the area, I definitely recommend a visit.

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 find the review you're looking for, request it! We are always adding new brands and products to our review schedule, so let us know what you'd like to read about.