"Maybe she's born with it. Maybe it's Maybelline." Sorry, we couldn't help ourselves -- that ubiquitous adage is forever embedded into our brains. But beyond a catchy ad campaign are exceptional beauty products to back it up. And the proof is in the pudding because our readers give high marks to tons of Maybelline products from powders and polishes to lip and eye makeup.
Incidentally, Maybelline is the official cosmetic sponsor for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, which makes its move to Lincoln Center this September and we've got some insider-y makeup tips from top runway artists to share with you -- combine them with these winning products and you're sure to look totally put-together and gorgeous:
Tip 1: To help your lip color last all day, apply lipstick with a lip brush and top it with a coat of translucent powder -- three times in a row. It won't budge. You can top with gloss if you'd like. -- Amy Nadine, head makeup artist for mark cosmetics
Tip 2: To make skin glow as if you've been drinking 10 glasses of water a day, highlight cheekbones with a frosted off-white shadow. -- Gregory Arlt, makeup artist for MAC
Tip 3: To tone down a too bright cheek stain, apply a touch of foundation over the stain to give cheeks a more subtle flushed finish -- like you just pinched your cheeks. -- Lori Taylor, Smashbox Regional Training Executive
Tip 4: Under sweltering conditions, don't continuously powder your face or the result will look cakey. Wait until just before you're ready to go out, then blot excess moisture and set with powder. -- Lisa O'Connor, makeup artist
Tip 5: If you want a matte lip look without buying a new shade, simply dust a bit of powder over your lipstick to tone down the shine. -- Sharon Gault, makeup artist for Smashbox
Tip 6: If you don't know what you're going to wear, keep makeup simple, clean and not too done. Apply a touch of an earthy color (such as sage green) on the lids and keep the rest of your face neutral. -- Lisa O'Connor, makeup artist
Tip 7: For a full brow look, even if you've over-plucked, grab brow powder in a shade that matches your brows and a brow brush. Start by brushing brows up, then fill in with powder under the arch for a more pronounced look. -- Sharon Gault, makeup artist
TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8*
Why: Readers call this a "great summer powder!" "I apply this over my moisturizer in the summer for a light, no-shine face. I have used lots of finishing powders [before], but this one is inexpensive and the payoff is fantastic." Another says that this product gives a "flawless finish" as a "fabulous powder." "I put it on over my foundation and my skin looks flawless and beautiful. My face feels so smooth and feels like silk." One woman says she uses this alone sans foundation or concealer and gets amazing results: "I just brush it lightly over my face. One layer is all I need and my face is not even perfect. I have freckles and discoloration, but this really covers everything and illuminates my face in all the right places. It also keeps the shine off my nose for a really long time."
TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.1*
Why: Readers applaud the vast amount of shades this eyeshadow has to offer with "Chill the Champagne" (a shimmery gold hue) being a favorite -- "I don't really get a cooling sensation on my lids, but this is really smooth. It looks great for day and night. I love wearing this at night along with black and gray shadows." One woman says she's "been using this for about seven years now" and loves how "it doubles as a base for your lipstick if you get it in the 'Ice Princess' shade and then put some gloss over it!" Another woman says, "this shadow is silky smooth and doesn't crease. I recommend applying a small amount to the pad of your index finger to avoid over-application. I think that filling in the lid with the shadow directly would give you too much product."
TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.2*
Why: Reviewers say this lip gloss is just right. "It's not too sticky or too shiny, and has just enough color in it. Currently, I'm using this product in 'Sweet Blush.' It's the only lip gloss I've tried (so far) that I really like and would use over and over again!" One reader says it "definitely lives up to its name. I love the way it glides on evenly and smells good." Another says, "this product is great if you are looking for a polished shine."
TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.3*
Why: One woman says, "I have been using this for years and it is one of the best eye makeup removers out there. It's only about $4, not greasy at all and does a great job getting all the mascara and eye makeup off my eyes -- gently. Good stuff." Another reader says, "This is the most inexpensive and best makeup remover I've ever used! It's completely and totally oil-free, so you don't feel slimy afterwards." One woman with sensitive eyes agrees saying, "this is great, feels light like water and it's oil-free. I've used it when I used to wear contact lenses and it never bothered them. I've tried other friends' removers and did not like them nearly as much as this one."
"Maybe she's born with it. Maybe it's Maybelline." Sorry, we couldn't help ourselves -- that ubiquitous adage is forever embedded into our brains. But beyond a catchy ad campaign are exceptional beauty products to back it up. And the proof is in the pudding because our readers give high marks to tons of Maybelline products from powders and polishes to lip and eye makeup.
Incidentally, Maybelline is the official cosmetic sponsor for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, which makes its move to Lincoln Center this September and we've got some insider-y makeup tips from top runway artists to share with you -- combine them with these winning products and you're sure to look totally put-together and gorgeous:
Tip 1: To help your lip color last all day, apply lipstick with a lip brush and top it with a coat of translucent powder -- three times in a row. It won't budge. You can top with gloss if you'd like. -- Amy Nadine, head makeup artist for mark cosmetics
Tip 2: To make skin glow as if you've been drinking 10 glasses of water a day, highlight cheekbones with a frosted off-white shadow. -- Gregory Arlt, makeup artist for MAC
Tip 3: To tone down a too bright cheek stain, apply a touch of foundation over the stain to give cheeks a more subtle flushed finish -- like you just pinched your cheeks. -- Lori Taylor, Smashbox Regional Training Executive
Tip 4: Under sweltering conditions, don't continuously powder your face or the result will look cakey. Wait until just before you're ready to go out, then blot excess moisture and set with powder. -- Lisa O'Connor, makeup artist
Tip 5: If you want a matte lip look without buying a new shade, simply dust a bit of powder over your lipstick to tone down the shine. -- Sharon Gault, makeup artist for Smashbox
Tip 6: If you don't know what you're going to wear, keep makeup simple, clean and not too done. Apply a touch of an earthy color (such as sage green) on the lids and keep the rest of your face neutral. -- Lisa O'Connor, makeup artist
Tip 7: For a full brow look, even if you've over-plucked, grab brow powder in a shade that matches your brows and a brow brush. Start by brushing brows up, then fill in with powder under the arch for a more pronounced look. -- Sharon Gault, makeup artist
