November 2007
BEST
L'OREAL H.I.P. Intensely Moisturizing Lipcolor ($10) has a luscious, creamy texture and fully saturated colors. It has a slight tendency to bleed into lines around the mouth, but with its plush, moist finish is otherwise recommended for fans of creamy lipsticks. The shade selection is beautiful, especially if you favor bold colors. Find It

WORST
LA MER The Radiant Infusion ($90 for 4.2 ounces) comes with fascinating claims describing its "radical, fluid architecture" that delivers "extraordinary activity on demand," all to set in motion a "continuous wave of radiance-enhancing benefits." Quite honestly, you''d get more radiance from a brisk jog around the block than from applying this toner-like product. Considering the price, it''s disheartening (and not the least bit helpful for skin) that the second ingredient is alcohol. Several of the plant extracts have benefit as water-binding agents and/or antioxidants, but the lime extract can be irritating, and nothing in this product will noticeably change skin discolorations. This should be renamed The Radiant Rip-Off.