This week I'm pleased to have our Panelist Deanna back as a featured contributor. Deanna is one of the first people I know to try the new Sonia Kashuk line available exclusively at Target discount stores. I finally got some of the products myself and will have a review online next week. For now you can get your Sonia "fix" from this review from Deanna. Learn more about Deanna here.

Take it away, Deanna!

I love autumn cosmetic shopping! Almost all cosmetic lines have something new in the fall, and many new lines are launched this time of year. Another great plus for cosmetics shopping this time of year is that the weather in Maryland has cooled somewhat, the humidity has dissipated and my oily skin goes back to normal to slightly oily. Also, my skin takes on a "chameleon-like" quality this time of year - I begin to fade from my regular yellow-tan to eventually become a vanilla pudding shade. With all of that going on, I have great excuses to "load up" on new things.

Just when you were beginning to think that I never left the house to go cosmetics shopping, I am pleased to present to you my review of the Sonia Kashuk cosmetic line, available exclusively at Target (pronounced in my household as tar'sheh). ;-). This is a new line of "yellow-based" color cosmetics featuring the name of makeup artist Sonia Kashuk (worked with Cindy Crawford on her Basic Face book), but is licensed through the Dayton Hudson Corporation. The packaging is very modern and up-to-date, mostly in silver. Because this line is so new in my area, the lipsticks were still unavailable; however, I'll be sure to review the lipsticks when they do arrive. Here's what I bought and what I thought of the products.

Perfecting Liquid Foundation ($9.99)

This is a very sheer liquid foundation. It comes in six colors: Bisque, Cream, Bamboo, Camel, Pecan and Amber. Unfortunately, there are no foundation colors for darker women of color, but the range would be acceptable for skin tones varying from very fair skin to a "paper sack" tan. Personally, I purchased "Bamboo", a light tan color.

The positives of this foundation are:

• If you prefer sheer to medium sheer coverage, you'll like this
• It does not appear to contain any comedogenic ingredients
• It is water based and has the added benefit of having topical vitamins A and E

• If you have sensitive skin, the topical vitamins as well as the beeswax may irritate the skin
• It looks a little bit "ashy" on my skin tone, possibly from the mica and titanium dioxide

Dual Coverage Powder Foundation ($9.99)
If you prefer a medium to medium-heavy finish, like I do, this "cream-to-powder" foundation provides better coverage. It is available in six colors: Ivory, Linen, Sand, Honey, Golden and Tawny. Again, this color range is limited to the same skin tones as mentioned above. Personally, I purchased the "Sand" color. The product is talc based and does not appear to contain any comedogenic ingredients. There is less "ashiness" when using this product versus the liquid foundation, so this cream to powder formulation may be better if you are a woman of color. I was very impressed with this product; it lasted well, requiring only one touch up in the early evening.

Barely There Loose Powder ($7.99)
I personally prefer loose powder because I am subject to breakouts. Unfortunately, the loose powder only comes in one shade, "Naked" which is an "absolute" white powder. Unfortunately, this color is uncomplimentary to my skin tone; it looks very "ashen" on me, but it does set the liquid foundation quite nicely. This product may be better for fairer skin tones, but it did not work well on me. Sonia Kashuk does have a line of pressed powders available in Chiffon, Wheat and Caramel, and those powders may be better for women of color.

Beautifying Blush ($7.99)
The blushes come in two formulations, powder (contains topical vitamins A and E) and cream. The colors for the powders are "Pink" (a cool rose-burgundy), "Bloom" (a cool rose), "Dawn" (a cool, bright pink), "Spice" (a warm rose) and "Nude" (a warm pink). Personally, I chose "Spice." The color was very complimentary, lasted quite well, requiring one touch up in the early evening. The cream formulation comes in two colors, "Glow" for cooler skin tones and "Sun" for warmer skin tones, which I did not try, but the products are available if you prefer cream formulations.

Enhance Eye Color ($4.99)
Currently, there are approximately 15 eye shadow colors available in the Sonia Kashuk line. The majority of the colors are naturals in the brown family; however she does offer about 6 "colors." The naturals range from ivory-beige to dark brown with names like "Starlight", "Sunrise", "Whisper", "Malt", "Sable", "Bronze", and "Barley." The "Colors" are called "Moonstone", "Sadye Pink", "Plum", "Amethyst", "Gunmetal", "Ink" and "Night". I chose "Whisper", a light brown, and "Sable", a darker brown. Both of these shadows lasted very well without creasing for about 6-8 hours. I found that with the addition of an eye base, they did last the day. The shadows also have topical vitamins A and E included in the formulation, so if you're sensitive to these ingredients, you may not want to use these shadows. Also, there is some "ashiness" apparent in the lighter colors, so the darker colors may be better for women of color.

Overall, I'm pretty impressed with the Sonia Kashuk line and find it to be a great alternative to some higher priced lines. Hopefully, this line will expand to include products for darker women of color. Some of the products can produce an "ashen" appearance to the skin; however, it's a great product line for the price. I'd say this line qualifies as a "cosmetic coup" and I am happy to include it in my fall shopping spree.

Sonia Kashuk is available exclusively through Target stores.
-Deanna

New Cosmetic Connection Feature
Now's your chance to share your thoughts on your favorite skin care, makeup and tools in the Cosmetic Connection Reader's Survey. If you are passionate about Remede Alchemy, Clinique Almost Lipstick, or Cover Girl mascara, let us know! We will compile the data all month and share the juicy details in November. Tell us your favorites today!