Thanks to the hard work and dedication of our terrific Product Panel, I am relieved to be moving away from the constant testing of skin care and back to playing with makeup. My face is so happy to have a break! This week come along with me as I get sucked into a makeup story in a current women's magazine...

The Self Face from Bliss Spa
I'm not usually the type to see makeup in a magazine and think, "Oh, I have to have that!" - until I saw page 53 of the October issue of Self magazine. It shows a complete makeup look that is natural and flattering, and at the same time polished. The colors selected from the extensive new color collection at Bliss Spa are designed to work with any skintone, so you really can't go wrong. For the package price of $130, I decided to make the call and order (and you get a $25 Blurry Blue Bliss Bag as a free gift).

SkinTwin liquid complexion perfection SPF 12 ($35)
This foundation was incredibly hyped to me as being the most amazing thing to hit cosmetics since yellow-based makeup. Well, I can tell you it's terrific, but it's not the end all, be all of foundation. SkinTwin is a sheer to medium coverage creamy liquid makeup for most skin types; it really works best on skin that is free from active acne blemishes as it just doesn't blend well over raw, uneven areas. That said, it does have nice coverage so if you are trying to cover small, healing blemishes, red marks, undereye circles, etc. it does a good job. If you have oily skin, you can set it with powder, and for dry skin, just be sure to moisturize like you normally do before applying and you should be fine. The five SkinTwin shades are very natural (I use #2 Barely) and you can apply it with fingers, sponge or brush; personally I think fingers work the best, since you can spread and blend the makeup more easily into the curves and contours of the face. As a daily makeup for those mornings when I need natural coverage and a radiant (not dewy) complexion, SkinTwin is a nice choice.

BlissLids in Gold Flutter ($15)
Something about turning 30 has changed my appearance so I feel like I really need eye makeup whereas maybe in the past I could get away without it. That said, I am not the type to layer on five shades of eye shadow with highlighting and complicated contouring. Give me a shade or two at the most and get on with it. That's why I love this particular shade of BlissLids eye shadow. The light beige-ivory base has gold flecks that give it a shimmer and polish that is beautiful for day or evening wear. You can use it alone on the lid, over the entire eye area, just on the browbone, or layered with another shade. The shadow wears well all day without creasing or disappearing, and the silky soft powder feels nice around the delicate eye area. I can definitely see picking this shade up again.

Lidstick in Amber ($15)
A nice smooth texture is so important in an eye pencil. Lidstick goes on easily with no drag, and the dark brown Amber shade has a hint of coppery shimmer that complements the Gold Flutter shadow. This combination would go with just about any combination of skin and eye colors.

BlissLash in Black ($16)
This is your basic lengthening/thickening mascara with one unique quality: a rounded, fuller tip on the brush to reach the corners of your eyes more easily. It comes in blonde, brown and black. I can't say I would run out to buy it again, but it does the job.

Powder Brows in Best Brown ($16)
When it comes to eyebrow grooming, I don't tend to do more than just brush my brows in place, but this pencil got me to experiment with brow makeup again. This pencil is very smooth and soft, so be careful to use a light hand when filling in your brows or you'll end up looking like a clown. Just a few short strokes and a pass with the attached brush and you'll have nicely groomed brows. FYI - The shade you get in the set, Best Brown, is a medium taupe shade that should work for dark blondes and brunettes.

BlissGlows in Posy ($15)
If you prefer cream blush rather than powder like I do, you have to try this one. The color is both creamy and slightly powdery, smoothes on easily and blends perfectly. I also love this color for my fair complexion - just the right hint of pink without being too bubblegum/cotton candy pink. A tiny dab on each cheek is all you need for a natural flush that lasts all day.

BlissGloss in Cherry Good ($18)
This is the perfect everyday gloss for those of us who aren't afraid of color but don't want the impact of lipstick. The deep but sheer shade of red is so pretty and flattering, and you can make the color as deep as you like just by layering. A light swipe is perfect for day, a thicker coat transitions to night. I like that the gloss isn't thick or tacky, just moist and natural.

To get this look for yourself, call Bliss Spa at 1-888-243-8825 and ask for the Self face. You can also browse these and other shades at Bliss Spa online.

I hope you enjoyed this issue of The Cosmetic Report!