But the best way to wear any color (especially bold ones) is with ease and Neutrogena’s new MoistureShine Lipsticks ($9.49) make that a breeze.

These buttery, moisturizing lippies go on like a lip balm (really, I’m not exaggerating) yet they deliver a nice, solid dose of color. I’ve been digging the Mauve On in particular but you can find a wide range of pinks (that’s Berry Burst pictured above), reds, plums and more in the line. In fact, there are 20 colors available!

Check them out at a drugstore near you or visit www.drugstore.com to snag a tube for yourself.

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While the look may seem intimidating at first glance (and second too…let’s be honest), if you choose the right products and apply correctly (that’s always key!), it can be surprisingly wearable.

Unlike some of the opaque black shades that you can find on counter right now, our favorite Lipstick Queen - Poppy King - has made this Goth-inspired trend gorgeous with Black Tie Optional Lipstick ($18) and Shine Gloss ($22).

The sheer black lipstick shade is meant to be worn UNDERNEATH your favorite lip color to deepen the tone and enrich the color – making lips appear sexy instead of gothic. Reds become a black cherry shade while light pinks turn mauve.

The Shine Gloss can we worn on its own to give lips a deepened, smoky look – totally chic with just a touch of vamp.

Shop the collection at Barney’s or online at www.lipstickqueen.com.

What do you think of the black lip trend? Is this a look you plan to try?

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Check out Rachel’s tidbits below and if you have any questions or comments, please share!

Rachel says:

• I feel a great mascara can open the eye and instantly make you look as though you’ve have a good night’s sleep, even when that is not the case.  I use 2-3 coats of Lancome Fatale on the top, bottom, and also on the back of the top lashes.
• Because of my Indian ancestry, I love darkly rimmed eyes – a messy eye adds a sexy yet natural look to a classic outfit.  To make the eyes smoky, I use Revlon’s Luxurious Color Kohl eyeliner in Black Truffle on the inside of the lids.
• Bright lipstick is a way to quickly pop an outfit and freshen up a look a la Ava Gardner in “The Barefoot Contessa.”  My favorite bright is MAC’s Morange lipstick – it’s a great way to add a twist to a classic look.
• Another way to make your face pop is to fill in the eyebrows.  I use Bobbi Brown’s eye shadow in Navajo.

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I’ll be attending the Spring 2010 shows (it’s my 5th season covering backstage beauty and runway style!), as will countless other beauty journalists and bloggers, so stay tuned for daily updates here on Makeup Minute.

I have to say that undoubtedly my fave part of New York Fashion Week is the inspiration that it provides me for months to come.  Exhibit A?  The Twinkle by Wenlan look below, created by Gregory Arlt for MAC Cosmetics at the Fall/Winter 2009 show.

This classic, yet somehow spectacular look makes the model’s lips the star, using MAC’s stunning Lady Danger, a true orange red lipstick. Let’s be honest, it’s 6 months later, and I’m still not over Lady Danger.  In fact, I find myself wondering what THIS season’s “Lady Danger” will be.

What do you hope to see on the runways this season?

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Exhibit A? The absolutely gorge Fall 2009 lipstick shown left, Reckless.

Yes, it’s true that the deep red hue a stunner, and the formula is rich and smooth.

But let’s face facts, when it comes to Paul & Joe, it’s all about the unequivocally feminine packaging of their limited edition lipsticks and eyeshadows, which differ each season and by shade.  I must admit that I’m guilty of hoarding these in my stash and never, ever  using them. I prefer to just pull them out and admire and I shudder to think of them getting damaged in my messy handbag (the limited edition packaging is cardboard.)

Are there any makeup lines that YOU can’t get enough of thanks to the packaging? Leave a comment and share!

p.s. And if you’d like to shop Paul & Joe Beaute, visit one of my FAVE niche beauty retailers, www.beautyhabit.com – you won’t be sorry!

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That said, a vivid dark lip can be pretty intimidating, so I tapped into celebrity makeup artist Brett Freedman of Vanitymark for some tips.  Here are his tips!

• To ease into deep shades, try a sheer gloss version. The shade in the tube will have a huge color impact, but it goes on sheer and lets your natural lip shine through. Kind of like the stain from a lollipop!
• If you want more of a goth, matte look, try a lipstick form. Beware though, the deep, solid pigment in lipsticks can be a bit aging. I prefer a gloss format.
• Go sparse on eye makeup – save the smoky eyes for another time. Only one feature on your face should pop, and with a dark pucker, you want all the attention on your lips. You still want lots o’ lash though… maybe try a silver liner!

What do you think of the Megan Fox lip look? Is this a trend you’ll be rocking?

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FACE:
· Perfect Touch Radiant Brush Foundation
· Touche Éclat Radiant Touch #1 Luminous Radiance
· Limited Edition Palette Y Collector Palette for the Complexion
· Limited Edition Crème de Blush Cream Blush #2 Powdery Rose

EYES:
· NEW Ombres 5 Lumières 5 Colour Harmony for Eyes #8 Midnight
· NEW Volume Effet Faux Cils Luxurious Mascara #8 Sublime Grey

LIPS:
· NEW Rouge Volupté Silky Sensual Radiant Lipstick #22 Exquisite Plum

NAILS:
· NEW La Laque Long Lasting Nail Lacquer #39 Stormy Grey

Is there anything that you’ve got your eye on from YSL?  Shop the collection via this link.

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Hitting counters this month is the limited edition Sensuous Gold, a uniquely feminine, luxurious new color collection for Fall 2009, which includes:

• 5-Tone Shimmer Powder for Eyes, Cheeks, Face in Pink Shimmer (available September – permanent addition to the EL line)

• Signature Eyeshadow Quad in Rose Gold
• Signature Lipstick in Cinnamon
• Signature Lipstick in Plum Terracotta
• Pure Color Multi-Shimmer Gloss in Rose Gold
• Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Rose Gold

• Signature Eyeshadow Quad in Amethyst
• Signature Lipstick in Rose Amethyst
• Signature Lipstick in Plum Amethyst
• Pure Color Multi-Shimmer Gloss in Rose Amethyst
• Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Black Amethyst

While Lauder lipsticks are a bit heavily scented for me personally, I am definitely eyeing the gorgeous eyeshadow quads from this collection!  What do you think? Anything you’ll add to your stash?

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“For this collection, I wanted to create something fragile and strong, and seductive but not aggressive,” said François Nars, Founder and Creative Director of NARS Cosmetics. The combination of strength and refinement has become a hallmark of the brand, and is particularly fitting this season as the brand celebrates its 15th anniversary.

Here’s what I’m looking forward to:

NARS Fast Ride Lipstick – $24
This seemingly dark purple may intimidate, but swipe it across the lips and its true shade is revealed: a sheer mulberry. A color that falls somewhere between an intense plum wine stain, and a moody, deep violet.

NARS Tokaido Express – $16
This new hue is a cult classic in the making. Named after Japan’s most heavily frequented high-speed rail route, this lacquer is an opulent blackened amethyst doused with ultra-fine gold dust particles.

NARS Silk Road Duo Eyeshadow- $32
This new shade mirrors the hues from traditional damask fabrics. Classic meets edgy in this new duo – an icy pink is paired with a warm rose gold with golden flecks.

NARS Brumes Duo Eyeshadow- $32
These new hues perfectly capture the moody shades of a cool twilight sky. Brumes pairs a velvety matte charcoal with a sparkling, blue state for a smoky eye that is both confident and serene.

NARS Indian Summer Duo Eyeshadow- $32
A typical Indian summer comes as a surprise, balmy sunshine meets brisk fall. Swipe the summery, frosted champagne shimmer up to the brow, and line the upper lid with the autumnal deep, matte mustard for a striking look, appropriate for every season.

NARS Mekong Single Eyeshadow- $22
This is the perfect addition to the NARS woman’s adventurous palette. The intense, blackened espresso hue scattered with rose gold is a study in contrasts. Applied liberty across the lid it exudes a sexy attitude, or applied lightly, a simple, fashion-forward sophistication.

What do you think? Anything you’re eyeing to add to your collection?

To shop NARS Fall, visit this link.

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This lippie-only collection includes eight lipsticks, eight of MAC’s glittery Dazzleglass lip glosses and four versatile shades of lip pencils to add polish to your look.

If you’d like something bold and unique, be sure to check out Saint Germain (that’s the poppin’ pink to the left) or Via Veneto Dazzleglass, a shimmery light violet.

Prices range from $13-$18. Visit www.maccosmetics.com now to shop!

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