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."
TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.3*
Why: One reader says she "love this stuff. After many years of CoverGirl and even a summer of Bare Minerals, this is wonderful. It feels good and stays a long time. It helps hide those little lines. Makes me beautiful!" Another woman likes "the design, -- I think it's cute and convenient too. The powder itself is very nice. It blended well over my foundation and the applicator was soft and light, not rough and spongy. My mother bought this and I kind of stole it from her." One reader says it's her "favorite. The design is awesome. It has the pressed powder, then you slide it around and there's the applicator and mirror. It's great! And this is the first pressed powder that has great coverage and [is] the perfect shade for me. I've always loved Maybelline, and this is one of their best products -- in my opinion."
TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.4*
Why: One woman says she "really enjoyed the highlighter side of this. I love to use the highlighter on my lids, in the corners and under my eyes. It works as a great primer for your eyeshadow too, if you dust powder over it." Another reader says, "I just tried this product at a Maybelline party and it was great. All the girls in my office raved about how smooth it was and how well it absorbed into the skin. And it also did what it claimed. I especially loved the highlighter half. I need a little boost in the morning to look bright-eyed." One woman gushes, "this stuff is great! It went far beyond my expectations. The concealer went on beautifully: smooth, even, with surprisingly complete coverage. It also worked well on some reddish areas. It blended so seamlessly you wouldn't know you had it on. I've spent a lot more on other fancy concealers, but this one beats them all." Another says she has "never liked concealers until I found this one," adding that it's "wonderful for my dark circles AND puffy eyes."
TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.5*
Why: One reader says she loves the Grey Matters shade of this eyeshadow, because "it gives me smoky sexy eyes. The eyeshadows were just like any other high-end eyeshadows: long lasting (especially with primer), very true to colors and eye popping. C'mon, an eyeshadow and a highlighting eyeshadow that compliment each other? It can't get any better." Another reader says, "my twin sister and I own five of these little cuties and we use them practically every day! The purple shades go beautifully with our light green eyes. The shimmer is perfect and the applicators lay it on nicely." One woman says this "eyeshadow is a personal favorite. The price is great for such a wonderful product. The colors are gorgeous and don't crease," while another says it lasts "FOREVER! I love my duo in two shades of purple. The light purple is so creamy and goes on really smooth. The dark shade contours really well. If you want long-lasting shadow, this is the way to go."
"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
