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

Winter has its icy grip on many parts of the country. But just because the mercury is dropping doesn’t mean your face can’t be warm and bright.

Sometimes just a few changes are all that is necessary to take your makeup from one season to another.

*Go a shade lighter with foundation, your usual shade may be too dark for your winter skin.

*Warm up cheeks with a brighter shade. Use sparingly, brush color lightly over the apples of your cheeks for an automatic winter warm up.

*Choose a warm, rich lipcolor. Now is the time to go for deeper reds and browns,

*Let your eyes stand out. Use eyeliner in a deep rich brown, charcoal or black. Use mascara to match for a lush lash look.

*Even if you don’t usually use face powder, try it. The powder will set your foundation and give you a matte finish.

L’Oreal’s Volume Perfect Re-Shaping Lipcolour is a new idea in dual end lip colors. Rather than using a lipliner to reshape lips, L’Oreal uses a Re-shaping Base enriched with a Collagen Complex to smooth the lips of fine lines, moisturize for more fullness and keep lip color where you put it.

The process is the opposite of some dual lipcolors that usually use a longwearing color followed by a topcoat. The top coat is to moisturize because longwearing colors tend to be dryer. Volume Perfect promises that it will not only provide lasting color, but that your lips will be fuller without injections or irritants that cause lips to swell like other lip volumizers.

L’oreal is offering $2 off Volume Perfect for customers at least 16 years of age living in the US. Go to the website for instructions on downloading your $2 coupon. Scroll down and click on Volume Perfect.