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Clinique Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss ($13.50)

Why we love it: Emollient, balm-like lip gloss moisturizes while imparting sheer, juicy color and a minimally sticky feel.  Find it!

What we said: It’s a good way to condition lips while adding a hint of color, and some of the shades have a slight shimmer for a glistening effect.

Dior Pro Cheeks Ultra-Radiant Blush($30)

Why we love it: Unique, sponge-like texture imparts nearly translucent, natural-looking color.  Find it!

What we said: If you’re new to this type of blush this is almost foolproof, and the translucent colors look remarkably natural. (It’s still blush, though, so “natural” is a relative term.) Among the four shades, the only non-blush tone is Limelight, which is opalescent, very pale pink, and best for highlighting, if used at all.

e.l.f. Brightening Eye Color($1)

Why we love it: These quads are an amazing value for the money, especially if you prefer sheer colors and don’t mind shine. They have a reasonably smooth texture and apply evenly, and every set has at least one shade that can serve as powder eyeliner.  Find it!

What we said: The best sets include Matte Mauve (it’s almost matte), Butternut, Drama, and Nouveau (the olive-green shade in this one goes on khaki and blends well with the other colors). You can find eyeshadows that last longer and have a texture that’s more elegant, but you’ll pay a lot more for the privilege!

e.l.f. Super Glossy Lip Shine SPF 15($1)

Why we love it: Very smooth, non-sticky lip gloss with gorgeous sheer colors and excellent sun protection courtesy of its in-part titanium dioxide sunscreen.  Find it!

What we said: Wins as the best product from E.L.F. because nowhere else will you find a lip gloss with gorgeous sheer colors and excellent sun protection courtesy of its in-part titanium dioxide sunscreen. Pink Kiss, Candlelight, Goddess, and Mauve Luxe have a soft metallic finish, while Angel is a colorless shade with flecks of glitter (definitely not a sophisticated look). The remaining colors have a soft shimmer and all of them have a fruity scent and taste. At this price, why not buy several shades?

e.l.f. Wet Gloss Lash & Brow Clear Mascara($1)

Why we love it : A gel that applies smoothly, is non-sticky, and does a great job of grooming brows or providing slight lash enhancement while leaving a subtle glossy finish.  Find it!

What we said : This houses the same clear gel formula in a dual-sided, dual-brush component. One end is for eyebrows (and the brush is suitable for brow application) and the other for lashes (with an equally suitable brush). All this for $1? Sold!

Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Plump Perfect Lipstick ($21.50)

Why we love it: Riveting colors, a sublime texture, and non-greasy, non-slippery finish that lasts longer than many other creamy lipsticks. As an added bonus, the formula is rich in ceramides and antioxidants—a rarity in lipstick formulas at any price.  Find it!

What we said: This contains a tiny amount of palmitoyl pentapeptide, not enough to plump lips (though even a large amount of this peptide lacks reliable research confirming its plumping prowess). Despite that letdown, there’s no denying that this is a remarkable cream lipstick

Giorgio Armani Designer Shaping Cream Foundation SPF 20($65)

Why we love it: An in-part titanium dioxide sunscreen in a creamy foundation suitable for dry to very dry skin; leaves a soft glow and comes in a gorgeous range of shades.

What we said: Earns a place on the ever-growing list of über-pricey foundations, but at least there is a lot to über-love about this particular option. It is one of the creamiest yet lightweight foundations for dry to very dry skin you’re likely to find. Its emollient texture feels decadently silky and blends very well, though it takes time to set to a soft satin finish. Dry skin is left with a radiant glow, while coverage stays in the medium range. The array of 12 shades is, by and large, quite neutral. The only shades to be careful with are the slightly peach #6 and slightly orange #9.5. Shade #2 is gorgeous for fair skin, and those with light to just-medium skin have several excellent choices. The silk fibers and oil in this foundation do not contour skin, so don’t mistake this for a face-lift in a jar (that’s likely how the lofty price was determined).

Jane Translucent Loose Staying Powder ($3.79)

Why we love it: Great option to add a polished, smooth finish to makeup for those with normal to dry skin. The talc-based formula feels almost creamy, and has a wonderful affinity for skin. Note: this is also sold as Staying Powder Loose Powder.  Find it!

What we said: Two of the three shades are excellent options best for fair to light skin; the Colorless shade has a soft yellow cast (so it’s not really without color); Sheer Shimmer applies sheer, but leaves behind large particles of shine that cling poorly, so it is not recommended.

L’Oreal Bare Naturale Gentle Mineral Blush ($14.49)

Why we love it: Silky loose powder blush that looks beautiful on skin and blends superbly. The sheer colors leave skin with a soft glow rather than distracting shine.  Find it!

What we said: The workable built-in brush sweeps on a sheer layer of color and imparts a soft glow. The shade selection isn’t large, but each is worth considering if you don’t want a matte-finish blush. Best of all, this formula doesn’t feel or make skin look dry or flat and it layers well if you want to build more color.

L’Oreal Voluminous Eyeliner ($7.49)

Why we love it : Felt-tip marker-style liquid eyeliner whose application is easier than most. The formula dries quickly, doesn’t smear or flake, and removes with a water-soluble cleanser.

What we said : This has an applicator the company refers to as a mistake-proof marker, which provides an even, steady flow of liquid color. It works quite well, and allows for better precision than a standard, thin liquid eyeliner brush. The versatility of the slanted tip is supposed to let you draw a thin or thick line, but I couldn’t get the line as thin as L’Oreal’s illustration, regardless of how I held the tip or how much pressure I applied (or didn’t apply, which I also tried). Still, unless you insist on a thin line, this eyeliner is definitely recommended. Those looking for a thinner line should consider L’Oreal’s equally good Lineur Intense Felt Tip Liquid Eyeliner ($8.29), which some (as I did) may find superior—but that’s personal preference. Color-wise, avoid #453 Teal Blue and #454 Rich Green.

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