I get dozens of questions every week from readers like you asking about foundation - what are the best brands, colors, formulas for every skin type and beauty concern you can think of. I've tried more brands than I can count, and I know there are even more out there that deserve a look. Over the next few weeks, I plan to bring you a review or two every issue of a new or especially worthwhile foundation (and hopefully even some to avoid).

As a slight change of pace this week, I've got reviews of a cream concealer and a pressed powder to go with your favorite foundation. Over the next few weeks, we'll be back on track with a review of Almay's new Amazing Lasting Sheer Makeup as well as Prescriptives' new Photochrome Light Adjusting Compact Makeup.

Almost as important as foundation, concealer is one of the few cosmetic products that can make you instantly look well rested, younger, and maybe even blemish free. The right concealer can cover redness, smooth uneven skin tone, and make dark circles seem to disappear like magic. I have heard some praise from readers like you about Estee Lauder's Smoothing Cream Concealer ($16) living up to these expectations of near-perfection, so I decided to try it. Unfortunately, it just didn't work for me. I don't have many lines around my eyes (yet), but this concealer managed to hunt them down and sink right into them, making me look tired and wrinkly! For other areas of the face like blotchy spots or broken capillaries, it's okay but not my favorite. I find liquid formulas like this are more difficult to work with and just don't last as long as a thicker cream or stick. An unfortunate thumbs down :(

Do you like to have fun with your makeup? If so, the newest pressed powder from Estee Lauder, the Attitude Compact ($32.50), is definitely for you. Hold your thumb down on the lid of the compact for ten seconds, and it changes color according to your mood (actually, it's your body temperature). You'll find out if you are cheerful (blue), calm (green), hesitant (brown), or just plain stressed (black). After you know just how centered you are, open up the compact and check your makeup - it comes complete with a tiny version of EL's Lucidity pressed powder in "translucent". This is definitely a fun treat or gift for a fellow makeup junkie!

When Cosmetic Connection Panelist, Elaine, recently tried Terax Italian hair care, I was already curious about the products. After reading how much she enjoyed many of them, I couldn't resist trying a couple myself. For my naturally blonde hair, I chose Fior Di Camomilla (chamomile) Shampoo (around $10 for 8.4oz) and really like it. It's a great daily shampoo for somewhat dry hair, and it does a nice job of subtly enhancing natural blonde tones. To complement the shampoo, I selected Terax's signature conditioner, Crema Treatment Conditioner ($16 for 5 ounce tube). This stuff is fabulous! A pea sized dab will leave your hair soft, manageable, and silky. With regular use, you'll barely recognize your own hair, it'll be so soft!

Terax haircare products are available at:

• Bliss Spa and the Bliss Out! catalog at http://www.blissworld.com; call 1-888-243-8825 toll free to order
  
• Bellisima at http://www.bellisima.com; call 1-888-742-1701 toll-free to order
  
• Diamond Beauty Supply at http://www.diamondbeauty.com; call 1-800-669-6638 in the U.S. or 1-818-761-1778 worldwide to order

Are you pregnant, thinking about getting pregnant, or know someone who is? I've gotten quite a few email from moms-to-be like myself, so this month I am thrilled to offer you a collection of product reviews on all the skin care goodies for this wonderful time in your life. From cooling leg gels to moisturizing belly creams, I've got a little something for all the beauty challenges you'll be facing. Stop by today!

October's Feature: Pregnancy Skin Care

Ask The Makeup Diva is going strong and getting a ton of great questions, like "What colors of eye shadow look best on me?" and "What concealer do you recommend for covering dark circles?" Find the answers to these and many more of your toughest beauty challenges at Ask The Makeup Diva. Be sure to sign up to get The Diva free in your mailbox every week.