HOME

ABOUT THIS SITE

SEARCH

SUBSCRIBE

REVIEWS

FEATURES

RECOMMEND

FAQ

CONTACT

Copyright © 2003-04 Kleinman.com Inc. and Cosmetic Connection. All rights reserved.


SUBSCRIBE TO OUR FREE COSMETIC REPORT NEWSLETTER

THE COSMETIC REPORT
August 1, 1997

Happy Friday and Happy August from the Cosmetic Connection!

Last Friday came and went, and there was no report. Many of you wondered what was wrong, and to that I say thank you to all of my concerned readers for checking in with me. My father-in-law passed away last week, so I was out of town for several days to be with my family. I appreciate the kind words and thoughts you've shared with me during this difficult time.

This week, I bring you what I was planning on serving up last week: a virtual cornucopia of cosmetic goodies!

I get quite a few requests for my recommendation of makeup brushes, so I've decided to start a series of reviews covering some basic brushes. Over the course of the next few weeks, we'll start with Stila, work our way through Philosophy, Estee Lauder, and Prescriptives, and end with MAC.

Although I've been MAC faithful for brushes for over two years, my collection has recently expanded to include some very fine brushes from Stila, including #1 blush ($24), #5 all over shadow ($21), #7 precision crease ($16), #10 angled brow ($16), and #13 flat eyeliner ($18). My absolute favorite of the bunch is the #7 crease brush - it's super soft bristles and small tapered shape make it a perfect choice for crease color, lid color, or even super smudgy liner. Here's a quick look at the others in this basic collection:

  • #1 Blush - This small but nicely tapered size works well for precise application while still giving a soft, not streaky, application.
  • #5 All over shadow - A great brush for easy lid color, or for thick crease contour. The bristles aren't as soft as the #7 crease brush, so it deposits more color in one stroke. Remember, the softer the bristles, the softer the application of color.
  • #10 Angled brow - I like this one much better than MAC's #22 because of its stiffer bristles. The control is excellent without depositing too much color.
  • #13 Flat eyeliner - This brush is a little thick for precision lining but a good choice if you are just started with shadow liner.
Skin care and foundation are the two products we always seem to be searching for. Whether we can't find the "right" one, or we just like to try the newest brands, I think most of us have an entire bathroom or vanity devoted to bottle after bottle of cleansers, potions, and foundations. This week, please allow me to add yet another to the pile :) Lancome Eau de Teint watercolor sheer foundation ($25) is worth considering if you like a very lightweight and sheer coverage. The colors can be a bit on the yellow side, but if you find a good match, the texture is fantastic - super soft, easy to blend, and feels light even in scorching summer heat.

Another favorite product that I am always on the look-out for is nail polish. Even though it's often a losing battle to keep my nails looking good (endless dishes, housework, laundry, and gardening could have something to do with it!), I still love what a good classic red or a shocking blue does for my spirits. This week, at the start of Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale, I discovered a terrific nail kit from MAC, including two new polish colors ("Gel", a shimmery gold, and "Raffia", a frosty mauve purple), a professional file, a small bottle of their polish remover, and a small bottle of their fabulous new hand cream, all packaged in a killer black and clear makeup bag for $24. Even if you don't have a Nordstrom store near you, you can order this kit from the Nordstrom Beauty Hotline (1-800-7-BEAUTY) and have it delivered right to your door. If you love nails as much as I do, jump on this kit before they are all gone!

Still discovering my new favorite in hair care, I testdrove KMS Haircare's Cleanse-pHree shampoo "for normal, healthy hair" ($6) this week. This is another great shampoo from KMS for really just about any hair type. It isn't particularly moisturizing, so if you have dry hair, just use your favorite conditioner. A great choice for seriously dry hair is KMS's Liquid Assets Recovery Treatment spray reconstructor (around $20). While the label claims it is "anti-aging", it's really just a vitamin-packed treatment for hair that needs help. After shampooing, spray this leave-in treatment on towel-dried hair, then style. I found a renewed softness and shine I thought my hair had lost long ago!

The Makeup Diva is In! Finding a foundation that really matches your skin is just a fantasy, right? NO! This week Miss Diva clears up this misconception, and gives practical tips to finding the right shade for you. Don't miss it!

It's Beauty Pack time again here at Cosmetic Connection! Congratulations to July's lucky winners... Dolores Adams of Plainfield, Connecticut, and Susan LaCrosse of Alton, New Hampshire! August could be your lucky month to win a customized Beauty Pack of cosmetic and skin care samples. All you have to do is enter (one entry per person, please)!

We've also got some great new reviews of Stila cosmetics, BeneFit, and KMS Haircare on the Cosmetic Connection review pages.


 

SHOP

Avon.com
Beauty.com
Beautydoor.com
Beautyhabit
Bliss Spa
boscia
Cosmetic Mall
drugstore.com
Fashion Magazines
Gloss.com
Lancôme
Profaces
Reflect.com
Renee Rouleau
Sephora.com
ULTA.com
ZIRH men's skin care

SPONSOR