I was anxious to try my new Physicians Formula Baked Collection wet/dry eyeshadow. There’s something about mineral makeup, a certain shimmer and shine that naturally attracts the eye. I had looked at this item a few times in the store before I finally plunked down my $7 for a trio of shimmering colors in a collection called Baked Sugar. This selection features a pinkish color, one that is a darker pinkish brown and a whitish highlight shimmer.

First let me say that either dry or wet, the product applies nicely, feels smooth and soft on and does produce a lot of shimmer. When applied dry, I thought it wore off too easily and had less staying power than when applied wet.

Perhaps I bought the wrong shade collection but I was disappointed that the color didn’t stay true from container to application, looking much lighter and less rich after it was on my eyelids. Also - wet or dry - the two darker colors really didn’t look any different after application. I even tried applying both colors next to each other on the back of my hand and was unable to distinguish one from the other. So much for a darker color to create shadow in the crease. The lightest shade, white, was distinct from the other two but the least likely to be used on a daily basis.

There are darker shade trios in the Baked Collection line that might perform better but I am loath to try them after this experience. I gave the Baked Sugar trio to my daughter. The light pinkish shimmer will suit her young face much better and because of the natural and hypoallergenic formula, I won’t have to worry about it irritating her eyes or skin.

Ever wonder how those runway models get their fabulous makeup looks?

MAX Factor is giving people a backstage pass to meet with world-renowned makeup artist Pat McGrath and get a first-hand look at the inspiration behind Fall ‘07’s hottest looks at the Oscar de la Renta show. The video gives an insider’s look at what really goes on behind-the-scenes at one of the world’s most anticipated fashion shows.

The word and the look is “glamorous”. Watch as Pat McGrath creates smouldering, sexy, fabulous faces.

Products used to create the runway looks include: MAX Factor MAXalicious Glitz and Glaze, MAX Factor MAXeye Shadow Exotics Collection, MAX Factor Volume Couture Mascara, MAX Factor MAXeye Liner and MAX Factor Pan-Stik

Check out the video:

Backstage at Oscar de la Renta’s NYC Fashion Show Feb ‘07

The application of blush can be considered a form of art in the style of realism. Too many times blush can look more like modern, abstract art with its streaks and sharp edges and way-too-vibrant colors.

Blush is meant to be just that - a glow on your cheeks, subtle color that makes you look healthy and fresh.

If you use gel or cream blush, the key is blending. Start at the center of the apples of your cheeks and blend outwards in widening circles. Keep in mind that the color must be lighter and more blended with each circle until it disappears at the very edge. You can use a translucent powder over it to set it and prevent it from “melting” into pores.

Powder blush is easily blended if you use a large, soft brush. If your powder blush came with a small, square, flat brush, throw it away and get a professional makeup brush. Again you should start at the apples of your cheeks and lightly brush over them with color.

The best blush color is one that looks natural. Bright pinks or pinks that are too dark will leave you with a “slapped cheek” look. For most of us pinky peaches or peachy tans are the most natural but not every skintone is alike so look for a color that is natural on you .

Finally, your blush should never compete or clash with your lipcolor. People should see your face as a total whole, and not in brightly painted pieces.

Is winter giving you dry, itchy, flaky skin? If so, your’re not alone. Reaching for the bottle of hand lotion several times a day may temporarily relieve some of the dryness but until the dryness of our environments change, dryness is going to continue to plague.

So what to do? Well, how about making some changes in that environment yourself? A home humidifier to add moisture to the air not only has health benefits (as well as making the house feel warmer) it can help alleviate some of the causes of dry skin. Working from the inside, we can keep our bodies hydrated too by drinking plenty of water and not just colas and coffees. The water content of a cola or coffee beverage compensates for caffeine’s diuretic properties, but you aren’t going far in hydrating your body.

Do moisturize and use a lotion or cream that contains a moisture barrier shield, to protect skin from losing moisture. These products are most effective if applied directly after showering when skin is still moist.

Eating a healthy, balanced diet and keeping hydrated as well as using preparations to protect and moisturize will help your skin weather the long winter.

Oh, and look at the calendar…Spring is only 35 days away.