You've seen the ads from L'Oreal, Lancome, and now Maybelline for their "curling" mascaras, and I know you've wondered - do they really work?

When L'Oreal first introduced Le Grand Curl (see my review), I was skeptical but definitely curious. Much to my surprise, there is a small (and I do mean small) degree of truth in the "curling" claim. You won't see the lashes magically jump into a curled position all by themselves, but the mascara does contain a setting ingredient that can lock a curve in place, almost like a hairspray. When you apply the mascara, start from the lash base, brush the color all the way to the tips, and hold the wand in place for a few seconds. It will "set" into that curled position and stay that way until you remove it. Clever, but not magic. For more than just the curling, I like Le Grand Curl because it doesn't clump or smear, and it defines the lashes naturally for a full, wide-eyed look.

This curling technology was then duplicated for L'Oreal's sister company, Lancome (both owned by Cosmair), for their version, Extencils ($18). It is practically identical to Le Grand Curl, making it almost insane to spend three times as much for the same product. There is really no difference.

Now Maybelline has introduced Wonder Curl (around $5 in drugstores). It comes as no surprise that they've created their own version, considering that Maybelline is also part of the L'Oreal group of companies. Wonder Curl is a bit different from Le Grand Curl, but the curling effect is basically the same. Wonder Curl has a curved brush instead of straight (I like the straight brush for better control), and the formula is a bit thicker, which means more chances for clumps but also better coverage in just one coat. All in all, I still like Le Grand Curl the best, with Wonder Curl in second place, and Extencils last simply because it's unnecessarily expensive.

After a few weeks off from reviewing foundations, I am pleased to revive the series with a review of Stila's new Illuminating Powder Foundation with SPF 12 ($22 for the foundation itself, plus $20 for the silver "Stila girl" refillable compact). It comes in 8 colors named from lightest to darkest according to "wattage": 10 watts is the lightest, then 20, 30, 40, and so on up to 70. It's clever and fits with the product name "illuminating", but it would have been nice to have the same color names as the rest of their foundations (a, b, c, d). Oh well...

After using this foundation for about a week and a half, I still have mixed feelings about it. It is similar to a few other powder foundations I've tried, like MAC Studio Fix, Aveda Dual Performance Creme Powder (now called Dual Base minus Oil), and Prescriptives Instant Face (recently discontinued) - here's how:

• The texture is more silky rather than overly dry, like Aveda
• The coverage is light to medium, like Prescriptives
• The look is matte but not overly powdery, like MAC

For more information about Stila cosmetics, you can contact the company in Los Angeles at 1-800-833-0400.

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The Makeup Diva may have her own site (www.makeupdiva.com), but we've got her again on Cosmetic Connection for a Feature update of her Ultimate Product Picks from last September! Don't miss her all-new picks, including completely updated favorites in categories like best skin cleanser and best oil-free foundation. This is a must-print for your next trip to the counters or drugstore!

November Feature: The Makeup Diva's Favorite Products