Unfortunately my Avon daring Defifinition gel eye liner arrived without the brush to apply it so I have had to wait several days to try it. Now that I have tried it, I must say I like it very well.

I have never been one for painting eyeliner on, simply because I lack a steady hand at times. But using the correct brush, this gel formula glides on easily and smoothly. The color is as rich as they claim, with high-intensity pigments and a slight hint of pearlescence that gives it depth. The look is definitely dramatic but you can do thin, subtle lines - it’s all in how you apply it. Getting the exact look you want is much easier than with a pencil and the rich depth of the color is definitely worth it.

I wish the brush came with the product but Avon does sell a specifically designed brush for application. The amount of product is generous and the consistency is very nice, a gel formula that is easy to apply and yet thick enough to give you great definition.

The shade I used was Black/Brown Pearl but Daring Definition comes in Black Pearl, Brown Pearl and Navy Pearl.

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.

Are you using the right hairbrush?

Natural or boar-bristle brushes have flexible bristles that won’t snag and stretch hair so they may cause fewer split-ends. These brushes are best for dry, straight hair but if your hair is thick or curly, you may find they don’t penetrate hair, causing it to snarl or tangle underneath.

Generally, if you have long, thick and curly or wavy hair, you will find it easier to use a brush with synthetic bristles. These should have rubber tips to prevent the bristles from scratching the scalp or catching on hair. The bristles are also more widely spaced than natural bristle brushes which makes detangling easier.

If you are using a brush to blow-dry hair straight, remember the wider the brush, the straighter the hair. Use a paddle brush with synthetic bristles for the best effect.

Always use a wide-toothed comb on wet hair first, to remove tangles and snarls. A round brush is good for turning ends under or creating soft waves but practice is necessary to use it effectively without getting it tangled in hair while blow-drying.

CoverGirl’s Lash Exact Mascara features a revolutionary new brush, which they say is clump-free. It was named one of Allure magazine’s Best of Beauty for 2006.

Allure had this to say:

Cover Girl LashExact Mascara: This new Cover Girl mascara utilizes a plastic wand with pliable bristles that are strategically spaced to coat each and every lash. No more clumping.

Recently I received some free samples of CoverGirl’s Lash Exact mascara. I accepted them and gladly tried the product with the intention of writing about my experience here. To avoid the appearance of bias and to give a balanced view, I gave one of them to a friend to try.

My friend, Shawn, tried the Brown shade which goes well with her coloring. She said the brush was “funky” and different than the usual bristles on a twisted wire brush. She felt the design of the brush made it easier to apply mascara to the corner lashes. Shawn told me she was pleased with the definition and separation the brush provided and would definitely consider buying the product.

I had selfishly kept the Very Black shade for myself. I usually go for waterproof formulas as I wear contact lenses and I imagined that the waterproof formula would prevent those black shadows of melted mascara under my eyes. This product was not waterproof but I found I had no smudging or melting after wearing it the whole day at work, squinting at the computer screen. Additionally, it came off easily and completely with makeup remover and left no tell-tale rings around the eyes.

I was impressed with the ease of application, especially to lower lashes which are shorter, and thus cannot be brushed out over and over if you get clumps. The product was transferred smoothly from the brush to my lashes and definitely gave superior separation and definition. I didn’t find myself wiping the brush on the edge of the container to remove excess mascara either. In fact, I may have put on more mascara than I usually do, simply because I was able to do a second coat without my lashes looking clumped or sticking together in lumps.

Overall I thought this product delivered longer-looking lashes and more definition. About $7.99 in drug and department stores.