Cosmetic Connection Gets a Facelift!
During your last visit to Cosmetic Connection, you noticed quite a change, right? Yes, I'd been working on the new design for a while and am so excited to finally have it online. So far the feedback from readers like you has been very positive - thank you! I am adding the Cosmetic Company Contacts list back, so don't worry! I hope that this new layout makes things easier to find, easier to read, and more enjoyable for you.

Now onto this week's reviews!

I've decided for this issue to mix bargain with expensive with reviews of Chanel's new Precision skin care as well as Revlon ColorStay Liquid Lip and Prestige mascara. Enjoy!

Revlon ColorStay Liquid Lip
I saw an ad for this in a fashion magazine and immediately put in on my list for my next trip to the drugstore. I was pleasantly surprised by the number of color choices and actually had a hard time choosing among several that were pretty and seemed right for me. So often there is such a limited choice or everything is a variation on pastel pink! The color I ended up with, Mimosa, is a medium rose with a hint of shimmer (very subtle) that for me is just a shade or two deeper than my natural lipcolor. The consistency of Liquid Lip reminds me a bit of Maybelline Lip Polish - it's not glossy but instead more dry and velvety. This dry quality makes it easy to apply and fill in your lips without worrying about going outside your lipline and making a mess like a gloss can.

In terms of wearability, Liquid Lip feels the most comfortable of all the ColorStay lipcolors. It sets to a finish that you can't really feel (almost like you have nothing on) and lasts well through most food and drink - except anything oily, which is always death to "long-wearing" and "transfer-resistant" products. The first time I tried Liquid Lip it lasted all morning and early afternoon, only coming off when I had pizza for lunch. Every other time I wore it, it lasted through regular food and drink, kissing, etc. with no problem. I think I have finally found a comfortable, non-creamy lipcolor that I can wear everyday without getting it on my clothes or on my daughter's face. This is a definite winner in my book.

Prestige Vitamin Enriched Mascara
Believe it or not, I actually ran out of mascara recently and went completely without for about a week! I know, I can't believe I did that. While at the drugstore getting the Revlon lipcolor, I hunted for a mascara I hadn't reviewed before and found this one from Prestige. It comes in black, black brown, and navy, costs under $5, and is a great basic mascara. It has a gel formula that doesn't clump, isn't too wet or goopy, and puts just a light coat of color on the lashes that I find much more flattering that thick coats that look like tar. I would definitely buy this again.

Chanel Precision Skin Care
Chanel recently launched a whole new skin care system, so naturally I was curious. Here's how it works: at the Chanel counter, they now have a computer with 8 questions about your skin: oiliness, dryness, contact and environmental sensitivity, breakout tendency, sun sensitivity, uneven complexion, facial wrinkles/loss of firmness, and concerns like undereye circles or lines around your lips. Your answers determine which products are "prescribed" for your skin. Here is my profile:

1. oiliness: none
   (choices are none, T-zone, or shiny all over)
2. dryness: slight
   (choices are none, slight, moderate, or extreme)
3. contact and environmental sensitivity: frequent
   (choices are none, occasional, or frequent)
4. breakout tendency: occasional
   (choices are none, occasional, or frequent)
5. sun sensitivity: burns, then tans
   (choices are tans easily/never burns, burns/then tans, or burns/never tans)
6. uneven complexion: visible
   (choices are none, slightly visible, visible)
7. facial wrinkles/loss of firmness: none
   (choices are none, slightly visible, visible)
8. I chose none of the extra concerns

Chanel Gel Tendre Non-Foaming Makeup Remover Face and Eyes ($30 for 5 ounces)
I would not call this cleanser completely non-foaming (it does foam up a bit), but at least it's not full-blown lather. The consistency of this gel reminds me of Biore Non-Foaming Cleansing Gel, but Gel Tendre is thinner and lighter, removes makeup a bit better and also rinses away more easily. It has a fresh light scent and leaves my skin feeling clean but not stripped. I'm not sure I would make a habit out of buying this - then again, maybe I would :) Get a sample if you can to see how well you like it. It should work well for any skin type.

Chanel Solution Destressante Calming Emulsion ($30 for 3.4 ounces)
Because I ranked high on the "contact and environmental sensitivity" question, this lotion was among the highlighted "priority" products for my skin. Although it can't prevent irritation or blotchiness from something inside your body, like stress or crazy hormones, it does help protect your skin if you are prone to irritation/redness from things outside, like cold air, wind, scratchy fabrics, etc. I definitely have that problem and the lotion seems to be helping. Since I started using it morning and night, my skin in general is less red. I also like the light moisturizing benefits; I can layer it under an oil-free moisturizer without having to use a heavy cream to prevent dehydration.

Chanel Hydramax Balanced Hydrating Gel ($40 for 1.7 ounces)
I both like and dislike this gel moisturizer. I like the light, cream-gel texture and the way it makes my skin feel - soft and supple, like I don't have anything on. Unfortunately that "natural skin" feeling is also why I don't like it; when I try to apply foundation or concealer, my skin has no moisture on the surface, so the makeup drags and looks cakey. I suspect my skin really needs the Hydramax Balanced Hydrating Cream rather than the Gel, so I'll be investigating that option next. For truly combination or slightly oily skin, I think this gel would feel fantastic.

All in all, I like these Chanel products and think the computer questions are a decent way of determining the best products for your skin. It takes into account that not all oily skin types are acne prone, or that not all dry skin types have wrinkles. Even if you don't buy any of the products, it's fun to see what kinds of products are recommended for your skin based on those answers. I hope to review some of the other products recommend for me, including Lotion Tendre Soothing Toner, Hydra Serum Vitamin Moisture Boost, Estompe Taches Anti-Dark Spot Serum, and Fluide Multi-Protection Daily Protection Lotion SPF 25.

CosmeticConnection.com Product Review Spotlight
Check out this week's new reviews on Cosmetic Connection, Lancome Hydra Zen and Merle Norman. You'll find them in the new Spotlight section on the Product Reviews page.