Beyond the familiar drug and department store counter cosmetics, there is a whole world of professional, makeup industry lines that usually get overlooked by the average consumer. Joe Blasco is one of those lines, and this week I have the pleasure of bringing reviews of several of their products to you! Not only are these products used in the industry by professional makeup artists, but there is a Joe Blasco Make-up Artist Training Center (one in California and one in Florida) where budding artists can learn everything they've ever wanted to know about makeup. And now, on to the reviews!

Ultra-Base high pigment cream makeup ($16)
I definitely had mixed feelings about this makeup. The high concentration of pigment is great, so you need less product to cover your face; the color selection is fantastic; the consistency is creamy, light, and easy to blend; and, the texture when first applied is smooth and flawless. The downside I noticed every time I used it was noticeable oiliness and light smearing by mid-day, and I don't even have oily skin. Even with generous amounts of loose powder, I had a really hard time keeping the shine under control.

Ultra-Fine Setting Powder ($10.75)
The texture and smoothness of this powder is great, and I love the handy shaker container. It sets your makeup nicely without looking overly powdery or cakey, but it doesn't do much in terms of oil control. If you have oily skin or a naturally shiny T-zone, this is not the powder for you.

Cream Blush ($9.75)
If you like cream blush rather than powder, this one has a nice smooth texture and long-lasting color. The shade I got, "pastel rose", is brighter than I expected, but since it's a cream, I can thin it out with a sponge and a little foundation. Nothing remarkable, but not bad.

Eye Color powder shadows ($9.75)
From barely there "pearl" to knock-out "turquoise", you are sure to find something in this collection to suit your tastes and your coloring. I had the best luck with neutral shades like "taupe", "light charcoal gray" and "warm brown". Like most quality shadows, these last well through the day without fading or creasing.

Lipstick (velvet $10.75, matte $11.75)
Much like the eye shadows, you can find just about any color in this collection of lipsticks, from bright coral (and their brights are really bright) to muted brown and everything in between. Personally I like the texture and staying power of the matte formula better than the slightly greasy feel of the velvet. It stays on well and feels lightweight without overdrying or getting crumbly.

All in all, I was a little under-impressed by Joe Blasco products. The foundation that I had heard fellow makeup artists rave about just didn't "wow" me, and I found some of the color cosmetics to be nice but not outstanding (and a bit on the bright side). They do, however, make some nice brushes and sponges, which I will review in an upcoming report, and the prices are fairly reasonable. If you'd like more information about Joe Blasco products, call 1-800-553-1580. Their website, located at www.joeblasco.com, is still under construction.

Every time I'm in the drugstore, I can't resist looking for anything new and interesting that's just come out. This week, I stumbled upon Pond's Soothing Cucumber Eye Treatments (around $8 for jar of 24). If ever an eye treatment could pass for a slice of real cucumber, these can! With cucumber, green tea, chamomile, cornflower, orange peel, and rose hip extracts, plus aloe vera gel and vitamin E, these pads feel heavenly after a long day, or while soaking in the tub (keep them in the fridge for the ultimate cooling sensation).

Itching more even more reviews? We've got the latest on Shiseido's newest line, 5S, as well as cult favorite Terax hair care from Italy. Visit our Product Reviews page on Cosmetic Connection today for all the details.

August is the last big travel month of the summer - are you packed and ready to go? This month's Feature offers some handy tips and product recommendations for a fool-proof travel cosmetic kit for summer, or any time of year.

August's Feature: Travel Essentials
http://www.kleinman.com/cosmetic/feature.html

Next week I will be on vacation (the last hoorah before the baby comes), but you can still expect The Cosmetic Report in your mailbox, just a few days late. It'll be a "Happy Monday" rather than a "Happy Friday", but I'm sure you'll enjoy my reviews of L'Evantage vitamin E skin care, and a new hand cream with an automotive edge from Heavy Duty. See you then!