Lola Cosmetics

The invention of cream eye shadows has had a time-saving impact on my life. Not only are they easy to apply (you don't even need to use a brush), but depending on the color, they can also double as a highlighter. They're a cinch to travel with since they can't spill, and they typically dry to a nice, powdery finish. You used to have to tend to the creases every few hours, but now they've evolved into long-wearing, crease-free, stay-put-all-day formulas that hardly require any maintenance at all! Below are my top choices for cream eye shadows; what are yours?

• Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow ($19) has a light and creamy consistency that dries to a silky texture within 30 seconds. My favorite color is RSVP, a versatile, pale shimmery pinky-champagne that looks great alone for daytime and as a highlighter in the evening.
• Lola Cosmetics SocialEyes Gel Eye Colour ($20) are creamy, waterproof shadows that can be worn as eyeliners too. They have medium pigmentation so they can be layered together or worn alone. My color of choice is a pale green patina called Tahiti.
• Just for Redheads Dream Eye Shadow Flavors (on sale for $18) are some of the best blending cream shadows I've ever used. A little bit goes a long way to create shimmery, and rich velvety soft color. The must-have color to seek out is Souffle, a taupey, purplish-brown that looks amazing on all skin tones.
• Laura Mercier Metallic Crème Eye Colour ($22) is a waterproof, sheer and non-creasing cream shadow. My favorite color of the bunch is Rose Gold, a shimmery pinky brown that looks great alone, or blended with a deep brown or purple in the crease.
• Nars Cream Eye Shadow ($21) has a soft cream-to-powder texture that dries quickly and blends easily. My favorite shade is Swing, a deep dark purple that looks great as a lid and crease shadow or as a liner.

Lip balms are one of my favorite products and I always get excited when a new one makes an appearance in the marketplace — especially if it's tinted, because it feels good and it looks good. I've tried each of these new Prescriptives and Lola Cosmetics tinted balms and they all satisfy my balmy cravings.

Korres Lip Butter ($9) is an all-natural hydrating tinted lip balm that contains a high concentration of shea butter to help soothe and heal chapped lips. It comes in four colors that leave a light trace of bee-stung color on your lips.

Lola Cosmetics Tinted Lip Balm ($10) is creamy, moisturizing and minty fresh. The balms are infused with good-for-you antioxidants, peppermint, essential oils, vitamin E, mango and spearmint for smooth application and a clean, crisp taste. The result is smooth, shiny lips that look luscious, precious and voluptuous.

Confession: So those aren't exactly the adjectives I'd choose to describe a lip balm, but they are the names of the three available colors.

For one last luxe lip balm, read more

Last month I told you all about the new Firming Sensation Tinted Eye Balms from the Lola Cosmetics Summer 2008 Explore the Lola in You collection, and now I've become privy to the final launch in the line, called Prime Effect Pure Pigment Infusion ($26). What makes this product unique is that it embodies characteristics of a foundation, a primer, and a moisturizer.

It's very sheer, smooth, it blends easily and provides decent coverage. Also, because it leaves your skin with a little bit of sheen, it's a great product for attaining a dewy effect.

It's formulated with antioxidants, vitamins A, B, and C, buriti and maracuja fruit extracts to help stop moisture loss, and calendula to cool the skin and even out any blotchiness.

I find that it's definitely moisturizing, which makes it great for Summer when you don't want to apply a moisturizer and a base. The only drawback is that I wish it contained some SPF to really make it a one-stop product. Prime Effects Pure Pigment Infusion will be available online later this month in three shades: nude, bronze, and pearl.

Due out in stores this Summer is the newest concealer launch from Lola Cosmetics called Firming Sensation Tinted Eye Balm ($22). What makes this concealer different from the rest is that it's designed to moisturize, brighten, cover dark circles and it even helps heal blemishes — all without the use of oils, fragrances, or parabens.

They call it a refining concealer because it contains hyaluronic acid to keep skin moist throughout the day. It is also enhanced with redness-reducing chamomile, firming sesame protein, smoothing sesaflash, and anti-inflammatory ginseng.

It's weightless, spreads easily, and the best part of all is that it won't get caught up in those little fine lines around your eyes making you look older than you are.

It will be available in dark, medium, and light shades. I love how the container is filled right to the top without any smoke and mirrors that make you think you're getting a ton of product when really it's all packaging. I guess I'll have to compare and see if it gives my favorite new Philosophy Concealer a run for the money —that's the real test!

Yesterday afternoon, I tried the newest product launch from Lola Cosmetics called Refine Shine Concealer ($22). What makes this concealer different from others is that it contains hyaluronic acid and brightening properties to keep your skin looking and feeling hydrated, smooth and even a little bit dewy.

It has a medium-to-thin creamy consistency (so it's not going to cover as thoroughly as, say, Time Balm concealer), but it will cover red spots and dark circles. Just the tiniest amount goes a long way. I find that it works best if I apply just a little bit of powder over anything red to ensure natural-looking all-day coverage. Lastly, it is available in five shades (from fair to mahogany) to match most skin tones.

I love it when companies choose clever and uplifting product names to put a smile on your face. The theme of these items is laughter, and I think they make great gifts or pick-me-ups for yourself.

Space NK Laughter Body Wash ($28) is a gentle liquid and moisturizing body wash made from fruit extracts, rosemary, lime, ginger, juniper, and rosemary. No wonder you'll want to marinate in it while you're taking a shower.

For two more LOL products, read more

This fab new Lola Joy Laptop II is part of the Holiday 2007 Unforgettable Lola Collection. If you liked the Jetaway Laptop from summertime, then you'll love this holiday version which houses four shades of highly pigmented powder shadows and/or blush, two shades of high-shine lip gloss, and a double-sided applicator.

I am loving this ingenious swivel-top compact palette which makes beauty-on-the-go easy and practical. Also, for $36, this makes a terrific holiday gift for a special friend, mother, co-worker or relative.

For a fully loaded list of what's inside the laptop, read more

Lola Cosmetics Refine Shine Anti-Shine Gel ($24) is a water based mattifying liquid that can be worn either under or over your makeup. Creator Victoria Jackson wanted to invent something absorbent that can be applied to the skin anytime you feel a like you're becoming a little bit greasy.

This blotting gel is formulated with tons of antioxidants like guava and grape seed which help to close pores, soften wrinkles and create a velvety smooth finish. It also contains caffeine, biotin and witch hazel extract to detoxify, energize and control sebum production. Lastly, hydrolyzed vegetable proteins ensure that your skin stays moisturized and firm.

It is suitable for all complexions and especially those of you who are looking for a way control shine. Also, here's a tip: if you apply it as a traditional primer, it'll make your makeup last longer!

Waterproof makeup isn't something I want to wear every day, but I'm grateful there's so much to choose from nowadays. Not just the old-reliable mascara, but also eye shadows like this Lola Cosmetics SocialEyes Gel Eye Colour, plus liners, cheek colors, and foundations that stay put through Summer swims, sweat, and smudges.

So if you haven't already, don't forget to share your favorite waterproof makeup in this week's Beauty Mark It challenge. Tell me by Beauty Marking your favorites and tagging your choices with the words "waterproof makeup." I'll feature the readers' favorites on BellaSugar on Tuesday, June 19.

To learn what a Beauty Mark is and how to make one, click here. To see some of my favorite online beauty stores, read more