Madonna is renowned for popularizing the careers of many talented people such as William Orbit, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Dolce & Gabbana, and makeup artist Laura Mercier. French makeup artist Mercier debuts her first Crème Cheek Pot ($34) this Fall. The two tiered pot has cream color on top for a fresh, flushed effect. The bottom half is a softer focus, loose power for an unfussy glow. The cream blush is not sticky nor does it smudge; ending with a smooth finish. The pure pearl powder minimizes the appearance of flaws and adds a shimmer radiance to the cheeks, thus the product tag line “makes cheeks pop. The overall product was easy to blend with other products and the powder helped set other makeup. Laura Mercier is always a hit. I don’t believe I have ever tried a poor product from her line, even if it is slightly more expensive. The cream cheek color is one for the makeup bag, and then you can decide if you prefer the top or the bottom?

Ashkan

Pureology is historically lauded for its expert approach to hair care, specifically designed for use on colour-treated tresses. In continuation of that tradition, Pureology now introduces the Essential Repair System for hair in need of “intense repair, strength, and colour protection.” This new collection includes products infused with nourishing ingredients to develop sulfate-free formulas additionally comprised of Pureology’s signature color-retaining AntiFadeComplex.

Pureology Essential Repair Shampoo

To replenish hair’s strength and protect against environmental damage, Pureology Essential Repair Shampoo is concentrated with protein-rich soymilk and pure biotin in combination with olive oil and chamomile, which function to restore softness and shine. The scent is pleasantly sweet and not overpowering. An appropriate amount of lathering avoids the over-sudsy result that is common in other comparable products. Furthermore, its ZeroSulfate formula ensures that this product will not strip hair of essential properties that are otherwise lost to the harshness of sulfates and salts.

Pureology Essential Repair Hair Condition

The Essential Repair Hair Condition literally seals the deal in coating tresses with a soothing formula that renews moisture to rebuild damaged hair through the use of much of the same ingredients found in the shampoo counterpart. It also exhibits a sweet, natural scent due to the natural ingredients used to make up this softening and repairing solution. For those who enjoy carrying on a product’s scent beyond the shower and into the day, a delightful, subtle scent is sure to linger.

At this, the peak of pool and beach season, when hair is likely to endure immense damage, users will enjoy Pureology’s latest contribution to protection of colour-treated hair. Perhaps it will permit that color to last through the season-change and help those of us who love the present weather to hold on to the remnants of these carefree summer days?

Jessica Stein

With over 200 natural products on the market, Kiss My Face is a recognized name in the cruelty free cosmetic world, so it almost comes as a surprise to find that they are releasing a Potent & Pure Organic Face Care line. After trying a few products though, I can say they have truly improved an already solid brand. Boasting natural ingredients such as Jojoba Oil, Ester C, Tapioca Root Starch, Organic Mint and more, this line stands out in the ever growing world of natural skin care.

The Clean for a Day creamy face cleanser ($15 for 4 oz.) is perhaps the best smelling wash I have ever had the pleasure of using, even when compared to other organic and natural lines. I have sensitive/combination skin and found the soap free formula left my skin clean, without over-drying (it derives its cleaning agents from sugar and corn). An “Insider Tip” indicates this product can also be used with a cotton ball as a make-up remover. While I found it a little too creamy for this, it still fulfilled its main purpose as a face wash quite well.

My favorite product in the line is the Pore Shrink Deep Pore Cleansing Mask ($15 for 2 oz.) -- a refreshing mask made up of Clove, Tea Tree Oil and Lemongrass. Gentle enough for everyday use on oily skin, yet effective enough for weekly use by those with combination to dry skin, like myself. Using the product once a week will also make the 2 oz. last, as the mask does not require very thick coverage to work.

Additional products in the line include a Jojoba & Mint Facial Scrub ($15 for 2 oz.), SPF 4 Brightening Day Crème ($23 for 1 oz.), Breakout Oil ($19 for 1 oz.), and an incredible hydrating Night Crème, which I enjoyed using once a week for nighttime repair. With ingredients ranging from 63-84% organic and products that deliver the results they promise, Kiss My Face has established a line that should create repeat users out of fans of cruelty-free cosmetics.

Elizabeth Sorrell

JUARA Skincare’s website says “where botanical science meets Indonesian tradition” and it is these principles that make up this straightforward line loaded with botanicals. The creators draw on their East Asian heritages and beauty rituals to put together JUARA. Within their therapeutic body care line, the Candlenut Oil Hand and Body Balm ($25, 4.75 oz) is a luxuriant, nourishing lotion. It is a non-greasy, effective formula with the key ingredient of candlenut oil. An Indonesian staple, candlenut oil is an extremely hydrating plant oil that has a velvet feel and slight tropical aroma. I used the lotion after bathing as warm water can leave skin feeling parched. Instantaneously, my skin felt like silk and replenished.

Ashkan

Kazam Natural Body Care is somewhat political. The line was created by the spouse of an international diplomat. The organic health and skincare line has been used to teach seminars and workshops to empower African women. The full range line boasts products for men and women. After shave products for men tend to have high alcohol contents and preservatives that habitually irritate the skin. While the packaging is reminiscent of an “old lady product” according to a fellow user, the post shave lotion is useful. It provides a decent balance of moisture and calm. The price point ($10) was exceptional in proportion to the amount of product and amount needed for application. There was a distinct aroma of lemon lime and bergamot. If it wasn’t for the dated packaging and we knew its efficacy, we would purchase this one!

Ashkan

Smashbox Cosmetics Reign Collection was designed by makeup artists, photographers and models in the interest of creating a flawless look. The 2009 “Reign” Color Collection is allegedly inspired by the “rule of the English Tudors” so as to “epitomize the lavish extravagance of royalty.” Despite the more than slightly pretentious choice of muse, Smashbox delivers a series of products that may very well be worthy of royal use. The collection includes Lip Gloss, Lash DNA Mascara, Fusion Blush, and Jet Set Palette; all of which come packaged in what could only be interpreted as a convoluted Smashbox-logo-meets-Tudor-Crest design.

Although this reviewer would not dare assume to know whether any product is worthy of a queen’s application, it does seem that in some cases Smashbox has conjured up some luxurious and high-quality cosmetics:

Jet Set Palette ($48): Conveniently housed in a leather compact, the Jet Set Palette is this reviewer’s favorite product of the collection. Such high praise is primarily due to the fancy leather casing and the Mini Arced Liner Brush, which allows for smooth and steady application. Colors include matte black and matte dark brown eyeliner for top eyelids, and metallic gold and metallic brown colors for bottom lashes to achieve a brightening effect.

Fusion Blush ($32): Like the Jet Set Palette, the Fusion Blush also arrives in an impressive leather compact, complete with a mirror; however, the mirror loses all purpose when closing the compact results in the glass surface coming in direct contact with the blush itself. That being said, the product meets its promise to deliver a “naturally-flushed appearance,” as a result of the subtle mixing of both the shimmer and matte shades, which are presented side-by-side in the same compact casing.

Lash DNA Mascara ($19): Encased with a convenient application guide, the Reign Collection Lash DNA Mascara in plum is certainly unique, perhaps fit for those seeking spotlight much like that highlighting a royal throne. The wand is thick, as is the pasty liquid, but application is smooth. Although the color is not conventional, this product’s effect is actually rather subtle and not at all as purple-y as would be expected. Also of note: this product is marked “cruelty-free.”

Lip Gloss ($18): The Reign Collection Lip Gloss’s somewhat tacky application is overcome by a sweet aroma and a charming keychain cap. Smashbox encourages users to “indulge lips in extravagant color and scandalous shine,” yet the effect is actually rather dull and reminiscent of this reviewer’s pre-lipstick adolescence, made up mostly of drugstore finds affordable on a babysitter’s budget.

Smashbox’s 2009 Color Collection is available at The Plaza Beauty by Warren-Tricomi, One West 58th Street at The Plaza Hotel’s Grand Concourse Level.

Jessica Stein

Depending on your style, a morning after a late night out may be associated with a hangover ,headache, a craving for bacon, a desire to recall the name of the person sleeping alongside you, or perhaps all of the above. Regardless of one’s day-after agenda, those of us who adorn mascara and other eye products similarly inspired by Cleopatra, are also inclined to struggle with blurry eye-rubbing resulting in dark makeup-drawn streaks across the sides of our index fingers. The solution? A safe and effective eye-makeup remover.

Finally, the morning after need not be so blurry! This is because Physician’s Formula now introduces to its Organic collection 100% paraben-free, cruelty-free Eye Makeup Remover Pads.

As the skin around our eyes is particularly delicate, this organic formula that is also 100% free from harsh chemicals, is ideal for frequent use. Furthermore, Physician’s Formula also incorporates an aromatically pleasing “eco-aroma” to “condition and soothe” eyeliner/mascara/eye shadow-laden lids.

Pads are effective in a manner of strokes; however, individual pads do stick together and may be somewhat of a nuisance to detach. In addition, multiple pads will be necessary to fully free eyes from all traces of makeup. Despite these minor criticisms, Physician Formula’s new organic family member should be a welcome addition to any users’ cosmetic collection, especially those who loathe the morning-after penalty that comes in not using this product the night before.

Jessica Stein