The 2010 Spring Makeup O-Wards

FOR YOUR SKIN

Brilliant new tools for a flawless complexion.

1. Most Artful: New Undercover Agents

Neutrogena SkinClearing Blemish Concealer ($10; drugstores)

CoverGirl & Olay Simply Ageless Concealer ($11; drugstores)

Both of these concealers are spiked with a little something extra. The first contains 0.5 percent salicylic acid, so it helps heal a pimple while keeping it under wraps. The second is swirled with Olay's niacinamide-infused Regenerist serum, and softens lines as it masks dark circles.

2. Best Bronzer

Elizabeth Arden Pure Finish Mineral Bronzing Powder ($35; Macys.com)

Many bronzers are brilliant—as in glittery. This one is brilliant—as in very clever. An adjustable sifter lets you dose out just the right amount of powder; a mini powder brush unfolds to sit flat inside the compact. Most important, though, the color: It's golden, not muddy, without a speck of glitter.

3. Most Thrillingly Radiant Highlighter

Nars Orgasm Illuminator ($29; NarsCosmetics.com)

The fifth addition to Nars's Orgasm line—a sheer glimmering lotion—is flecked with gold, peach, and pink and gives your face a lit-from-within glow. Use it all over on bare skin, as a highlighter on cheekbones and lids, or mixed with your liquid foundation. We think you'll find it very...satisfying.

4. Most Ingenious Green Packaging

Physicians Formula Bamboo Wear ($7 for compact, $10 for powder or bronzer refills; drugstores)

This refillable compact, made of naturally sustainable bamboo, swings open to reveal both a mirror and a bamboo brush. The compact is magnetized, so when you run out of powder or bronzer, you can easily pop in a new one (and the empty pan can be recycled).

5. Freshest Foundations

1. Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind the Eraser ($13; drugstores)

2. Black Radiance Complexion Perfection Liquid Foundation ($8; drugstores)

A perfect foundation makes your skin look flawless and feels like nothing. These two meet both criteria. The first comes with a domed sponge applicator that lets you blend it seamlessly over the contours of your face. The second has the weightless texture of a tinted moisturizer but still offers serious coverage in four rich, dark shades that are oil-, paraben-, and fragrance-free.

6. Most Deceptively Wearable Blush

MAC Blush Ombre in Vintage Grape ($25; MacCosmetics.com)

We thought the season's purple trend had gone too far when we discovered this vivid powder blush. Then we tried it—and instantly brightened up. The blush goes on as a very flattering sheer raspberry. The darker your skin tone, the more powder you can swirl onto the apples of your cheeks.



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