Jemma Kidd’s signature collection is sold at luxury boutiques, but this dual ended illuminating cream and stick concealer is a Target exclusive.

While I find both ends useful, the illuminating cream is a particularly nice formula…not too shimmery or glittery, just the perfect bit of light to add to the inner and outer corners of your eye. The concealer is a light, creamy formula that covers nicely, however I needed to layer over a primer to avoid creasing.

The packaging on Mannequin Skin is sleek and pretty, so tuck this one in your purse for a quick  jolt of happy with every touch up.

Snag it for $18 at Target stores and www.target.com.

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These eyeliners glide on smoothly for fool-proof application thanks to the inclusion of  Nylon-12, which expands and contracts with facial movements without cracking. What does that really mean? Eyeliner lasts all day without creasing!

If you’re tempted to give these a go or if you have an eyeliner-loving beauty on your holiday list this year, check out this season’s limited edition Eye Intensifier Pencil trio. With three versatile shades included, Pointe-Noire (black), Zaire (shimmering plum) and Epernay (champagne sheen), you’ve got a liner for any look – classic, office or date night.

This kit is a $66 value, but you can snag it now for just $45 at Ulta stores and Ulta.com.

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My latest blush find is Anastasia’s Blush Quad. This sleek silver palette houses four feminine and flattering pinks.  The powders are finely milled and apply beautifully, while the compact is a dream to tuck in your bag or travel with. My fave hue is the shimmering peachy-pink that’s second from left.

While Anastasia is best known for her brow products, this palette is a new favorite of mine so I’m looking forward to trying more goodies from the line. Snag the Blush Quad for $35 at www.anastasia.net.

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The first Per-fekt product that I’ve tested (there are just three in the line) is coincidentally the newest, the Eye Perfection Gel. This treatment/primer/concealer/brightener (no, really…it effectively acts as all of those things) enhances the delicate under-eye area with the most natural look imaginable.

So what does that really mean? Well, effectively, Eye Perfection Gel smoothes the skin, provides minimal coverage, treats puffiness and diffuses fine lines and wrinkles. Key ingredients with short term and long term benefits include cucumber extract, multi-antioxidants, hyaluronic microspheres, peptides and ceramides.

The product itself is a hybrid gel-mousse that dries to a near powder finish. Try applying it alone, under foundation/concealer or even over foundation or concealer for a high-def ready, nearly airbrushed look.

The packaging of this product is just as smart as the formula – a palladium-tipped applicator is uber-cool to the touch, which means it immediately sets to work on puffy eyes.

Application is really key – creator Richard Anderson stressed that when we discussed Eye Perfection Gel. To use, squeeze a pea-sized amount onto the palladium tip applicator and gently pat and smooth from the outside corner of the eye inward. Do not rub or you won’t get the same flawless finish. If you’d like extra coverage, you even try layering the product.

There are four shades available (I’m quite fair and I use “Bright”), including colorless and it’s sheer enough that you essentially can’t make a mistake in application.

If you’re intrigued by Per-fekt, you can snag the Eye Perfection Gel for $45 at Sephora stores nationwide or at www.perfektbeauty.com.

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Each ingredient serves a hyper-specific purpose from Oatmeal (a natural skin soother) to Soy (for radiance) and Tapioca and Rice Flour (to smooth and refine).  The resulting powder is soft and finely-milled  - you can blend it easily for anywhere from sheer to heavy coverage. It’s available in five shades from Light to Deep.

Multi-Grain Makeup leaves skin looking lovely – you won’t see the dryness that is all too common with many mineral lines.

Visit www.origins.com or your local Origins store to purchase!

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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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This carbon-black formula deposits an intense amount of pigment on lashes, adding length and even a bit of volume.  While I’ve got long lashes to begin with, I’ve received more than a few “What mascara are you wearing?” questions while wearing Zoom Fast Black Lash. For the record, that’s DEFINITELY a good thing.

While I love the formula and the results, I will just warn that it requires a little extra care for complete removal. I usually use a makeup cleansing cloth by Neutrogena or L’Oreal before cleanser and it takes two to remove all of this pigment. Crazy!

Snag yours for $13.50 at a MAC counter near you or www.maccosmetics.com.

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My latest try is Maybelline’s new SuperStay Concealer and I’m impressed!

This long-wearing, yet lightweight, formula stays flawless (no creases in the undereye area) and doesn’t budge for hours. (Maybelline claims 24 hours, but I always make it a point to remove my makeup before bed, so I can’t weigh in on that!)

There’s quite a bit of coverage as well and the wand applicator makes application a breeze.  For my dark circles, I tap on three small dots and then blend; for blemishes, I dot the wand directly on just once before blending.

SuperStay Concealer is available in five shades and has a suggested retail price of $9.99 (is it just me or are drugstore makeup prices getting higher and higher?)  Pick it up at mass retailers near you!

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Though Neiman Marcus describes this as “lightweight,” that describes more the texture than the coverage.  A little goes a long way with this cream formula, which includes Vitamins A & E, so apply just a wee bit to begin and focus on the areas of your face where you need the most coverage (for me, that’s under the eyes and on the chin). It blends beautifully and gives a really natural, effusive look, especially when applied with fingers as opposed to a brush or a sponge.

I’m pleased to report that the Classic Flawless Finish Foundation also includes SPF 8 – of course, you should aim for at least SPF 30 on your face, but should you inadvertently forget sunscreen one morning, you’re covered.

Snag your own bottle at the Neiman Marcus link above or visit www.lemetierdebeaute.com for a store locator.

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TREND: A NEUTRAL, FLAWLESS COMPLEXION

In the spring and summer, your best feature should be flawless skin. But since it’s warmer outside, you have to use a product that isn’t too heavy and won’t run down your face when it’s humid.

TIP: To make sure you don’t over-do it, use a product that gives you sheer, light coverage that makes it look like you were born with smooth, flawless skin! Apply it just like you would your regular moisturizer. An added bonus is finding one with SPF in it! (She suggests Mineral Wear® Talc-Free Mineral Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 15 – I also love Laura Gellar’s, though it’s a bit more expensive.)

TREND: A SUBTLE GLOW… EVEN WHEN A VACATION ISN’T AN OPTION

It’s not as easy these days to jet off for a weekend getaway, but you don’t want your only glow to come from the light of a computer screen either. The solution? Fake it with a subtle, natural-looking bronzer – one that will make friends ask which beach you spent your weekend at.

TIP: For a subtle glow that is polished, not overdone, use a bronzer that offers gorgeous color and one that offers a mistake-proof formula. Picking the correct bronzer will give the illusion of a soft, smooth surface. Sweep it across cheeks, forehead, nose and chin, neck and chest for a healthy looking fresh finish. Use it to create some cleavage as well! (Joanna suggests Bronze Booster Glow-Boosting Pressed Bronzer)

TREND: MAKE EYES POP WITH A WASH OF WARM, RADIANT BRONZE

A subtle application of bronze shimmer shadow on the top of lids is right on trend for spring and summer. With the same shade in hand, sweep color gently under the lower lashes to make your eyes stand out for a more dramatic pop.

TIP: Make sure the shadow is applied starting right above eyelashes and take it up just past the crease. Be careful though – if you apply it any higher, the look will go from being in trendy to clown-ish. (Try another great Physician’s Formula product to get this look - Shimmer Strips Custom Enhancing Shadow & Liner – Bronze Collection)

Will you be sporting any of these key trends this summer?

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