With such an industry name backing this line (Carol Shaw), I expected a lot. What I found was an average product line with really no standout products, although there are some nice color varieties.

I used the Oil Free Makeup Remover several times and found that it doesn't even remove all traces of eye makeup even after I used several fresh cotton pads soaked with the product. I had to go back to Effacil by Lancome to get the remaining makeup off. Also, the Lorac Makeup Remover left a sticky residue on my skin. I wouldn't want to try to reapply makeup over this residue. At $17 for a 6.5 oz. bottle, the only plus for this product is the nice pump dispenser.

The Lorac Lipstick ($17.50) was also just an average product. I bought Brooke, a basic tawny color and good daytime shade. (I have similar coloring as Brooke Shields, but that's where the similarity ends.) Overall, there is a nice color selection. Lorac Lipstick has a nice creamy formula that goes on easily and I felt this color could be used with or without lip liner. There is a slightly noticeable odor in this lipstick which reminded me of the white zinc lip sunscreen I used to wear when snowskiing.

I also used the Lorac Eye Pencil ($12) in Black. Again, nothing special. Also, I was surprised at the limited number of color choices (Black or Brown).

The Lorac Eye Shadow has some really nice colors, and I was very happy with my purchase of Pink Mist, a soft pink with just a touch of shimmer. It's nice to see a light shimmer eye shadow that can be worn during the day in a conservative work environment. I used Pink Mist as a base color over the entire eyelid and it went on very nicely. It wore very well throughout the day even with my oily skin and still didn't crease after 10 hours. Each Eye Shadow is $16, and although it's a nice product, MAC eye shadow is less expensive and just as good, if not better.

You can find Lorac online at Sephora.com.

review: 12/8/99