The 2009 Spring Makeup O-wards

Our Very Own O-ward Statuette
Those in pursuit of some other coveted statuettes (which also start with an O) often launch elaborate promotional campaigns. We're proud to say that our Spring Makeup O-wards, now in their second year, are a hype-free zone. We vet every last one of the season's new makeup collections—swiping, dusting, smudging, blending, and polishing—until we've separated the standouts from the also-rans. Now it's time for the winners to step up to the podium and give their acceptance speeches....
Coach legacy lipsticks

Best First-Time Performers: Coach Legacy Lipsticks
"When you come from an iconic family, it can be scary to go out on your own. We took a risk to become the first lipsticks in the Coach clan—but it paid off. Shea butter makes us feel luscious yet lightweight on your lips, and our painted metal tubes are as chic as the most elegant leather bag. Choose one of our six classic shades, from soft beige to rich cinnamon."
 
$28; Coach.com  
Guerlain Ombre eclat in Exotic Paradise

Most Eye-Catching Shadows: Guerlain Ombre éclat in Exotic Paradise
"We do look irresistibly exotic, but that's just our glamorous outer image. When you brush us over your lids, the colors swirl together to create natural, easy-to-wear pastel shades tinged with mossy green-gold." 

$58; NeimanMarcus.com
Global Goddess Geisha Goddess Tinted Face Duo

Best Double Feature: Global Goddess Geisha Goddess Tinted Face Duo
"When I was first offered this breakthrough role, I couldn't believe it hadn't been done before. The concept is brilliant: a tube of skin-smoothing tinted moisturizer with a creamy concealer tucked in its cap for areas that need a little more coverage."

$30; GlobalGoddessBeauty.com
DuWop Mattillume

Best Problem Solver: DuWop Mattillume
"You might think a 'mattifying luminizer' is as oxymoronic as a 'gourmet hot dog' or 'working vacation,' but my satiny mineral formula champions my inherent contradiction: I blot away shine as beautifully as I leave behind a line-diffusing glow."

$38; Sephora.com
Nars Single Eyeshadow in Night Sun

Most Surprisingly Becoming New Color: Nars Single Eyeshadow in Night Sun
"Some had their doubts about this role: Yellow? But anyone who tries me can attest that I pull it off. A softly shimmering marigold, I look striking against dark skin and glow on paler complexions."

$22; NarsCosmetics.com
Physician's Formula Organic Wear 100% Natural Origin Mascara

Most Lash- (and Earth-) Friendly Mascara: Physician's Formula Organic Wear 100% Natural Origin Mascara
"I take the concept of natural-looking lashes to the next level—coating each lash in glossy (never vampy) black pigment and doing it without dyes, synthetic fragrances, or parabens. And my packaging—even the brush—is entirely recyclable." 

$10; drugstores
Prescriptives Photochrome Light Adjusting Compact Makeup SPF 15

Most Exciting Comeback: Prescriptives Photochrome Light Adjusting Compact Makeup SPF 15
"Thank you to the hundreds of loyal fans who campaigned so fervently for me. It was hard to be taken off the shelves a couple of years ago, replaced by younger models. But your passion for my creamy texture; soft, powdery finish; and oil-free formula got me where I am today: back in the game!" 

$35; Prescriptives.com
Neutrogena Nourishing Eye Liner in Twilight Blue

Most Refreshingly Simple Spring Color Trend: Neutrogena Nourishing Eye Liner in Twilight Blue
"It's not easy for a navy eyeliner to get respect in this industry. The press tends to gravitate toward flashy colors and fancy special effects in their trend coverage, so I'm thrilled to be recognized. And I do have a lot to offer: I'm easier on the eyes than harsh blacks, and I make every eye color twinkle. I also contain olive oil, so I always skim—never skip—across your lids."

$8; drugstores
YSL Gloss Pur in Pure Coral

Most Flattering Spring Colors: YSL Pure Coral, Silky Apricot and Coral Touch
"Many of you have conflicted emotions about coral: summery, definitely; but sophisticated? Well, now it is. We've breathed new refinement into this orangey-pink classic, replacing the old sparkle and fluorescence with a sheer finish that looks stunning against any skin tone." 

YSL Gloss Pur in Pure Coral ($29), Rouge Pur in Silky Apricot ($30), and Nail Touch in Coral Touch ($26); YSLBeautyUS.com
Jemma Kidd Firming I-Silk Long-Last Colour

Most Delightful Eyeshadow Texture: Jemma Kidd Firming I-Silk Long-Last Colour
"We give your makeup routine two wake-up calls: Our opalescence brings a sparkle to your eyes, and we impart a brow-lifting cooling sensation as we glide over your lids."

$32; NeimanMarcus.com
Giorgio Armani Micro-fil Pink Light Powder

Subtlest Complexion Enhancer: Giorgio Armani Micro-fil Pink Light Powder
"My performance is discreet, yet beautifully nuanced. Tinted with a touch of rose, I disappear almost instantly into your skin but make any complexion seem to reflect a candlelit glow."

$48; GiorgioArmaniBeauty.com
T LeClerc Corrector Fluid Pen, Mary Kay Concealer, Iman Second to None Cover Cream

Best Behind-the-Scenes Players (3-Way Tie!):
T. LeClerc Corrector Fluid Pen (top, $35; Barneys.com), Iman Second to None Cover Cream (middle, $13; Drugstore.com), Mary Kay Concealer (bottom, $10; MaryKay.com). "For us, an awardworthy performance means being utterly imperceptible—so thank you for not noticing us! Whether you're looking for a wand that brushes a smudgeproof concealer over blemishes in seconds, a mineral-infused cream that doesn't look chalky on the darkest complexions, or a silky waterproof formula that camouflages dark circles all day, we've got you covered." 
CoverGirl Outlast Lipstain

Most Enduring Performance: CoverGirl Outlast Lipstain
"I am proud to do work that truly makes an indelible impression. With the precise application of a felt-tip pen, I leave a vivid punch of color on your lips that lasts all afternoon or evening (without getting dry or cracked)."

$7.50; drugstores
Revlon Age Defying Spa Foundation

Most Creative Coverage: Revlon Age Defying Spa Foundation
"Painstaking calculation went into my design—from the silky brush that lets you blend without getting your fingers messy to a moisturizing formula that includes skin-brightening vitamin C. And my brush even has a leakproof lock."

$14; drugstores
Black Radiance Starry Eyes Shadow Stick

Biggest Bang for the Bucks: Black Radiance Starry Eyes Shadow Stick
"Please, don't call us cheap; we prefer financially responsible. Because the only thing less than extravagant about us is our price. We go on smooth and silky but refuse to smudge or crease, and every shade looks as rich on your lids as it does in the tube."

$4; drugstores
Smashbox Artist Eye Palette in Muse

Most Inspiring New Palette: Smashbox Artist Eye Palette in Muse
"Remember the thrill you used to get from a fresh watercolor set? We're here to help you reclaim it—and look gorgeous. Swirl the brush over any of our 10 shadows for a saturated wash of color. Wear a new shade every day or layer a few at a time...we bring out the Matisse in you!"

$48; SmashBox.com
Laura Mercier Nail Lacquer in Nude Peach

Most Polished Performance: Laura Mercier Nail Lacquer in Nude Peach
"Some neutral nail colors are so incredibly subtle you think, 'Why bother?' But I'm the perfect hybrid of peach and beige; two coats create a subdued, appealingly glossy effect."

$15; LauraMercier.com
Clinique Quick Blush

Most Efficient Makeup Innovation: Clinique Quick Blush  
"When you want a blush that delivers rich color—without the racing-stripe effect—I give you the perfect dose every time. Twist the base of the cylinder to propel the built-in brush upward, picking up just the right amount of velvety powder (it's hidden in the cap). Then simply slide open, apply, and admire your rosy complexion."

$22; Clinique.com

More awardworthy makeup!