(Photo: Stuart Tyson)Primer
The Contenders reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and pores and increase skin's firmness. They're designed to go on under foundation, or to be used on their own.
Testing Time: Four weeks.
• Gold Winner:
Testers loved that Korres Quercetin & Oak Antiageing Age Reversing Face Primer ($33, Sephora), a silicone-free smoother, helped makeup go on more easily and last longer. The lab gave it top marks for firming.
Testers said: "It did add a smoother look to foundation. And it also gave my skin a nice look and feel without foundation." "It seemed to even out my skin tone and reduce the redness around my cheeks."
(Photo: Stuart Tyson)• Silver Winner: Wallet-friendly CoverGirl & Olay Simply Ageless Serum Primer ($10, Amazon.com) garnered the highest lab scores for moisturizing (after six hours) and did well at immediately minimizing the look of lines. Consumers commended the light texture and spreadability.
Testers said: "I liked that it was lightweight and did not leave an oily feel or interfere with my makeup application."
Tip: Putting on too much primer right before foundation can cause pilling. Use sparingly and allow to dry before applying foundation.
(Photo: Stuart Tyson)Lipstick
The Contenders promise to increase lips' fullness, smoothness, and softness and reduce lines over time.
Testing Time: Four weeks.
• Gold Winner:
Acing the consumer tests, Dior Rouge Serum SPF 20 ($34, nordstrom.com; 10 shades) was the standout for volunteers who raved about its moisturizing and smoothing qualities.
Testers said: "I absolutely loved this lipstick! I adored the color, and it was so silky. It kept my lips moisturized the entire time I was wearing it."
(Photo: Stuart Tyson) • Silver Winner:
A close second — and even pricier! — By Terry Rouge Terrybly Age-Defense Lipstick ($49, barneys.com) ranked high with women for its creamy texture. Lab tests showed it made lips look ever-so-slightly fuller.
Testers said: "I love the texture and color — it feels very moisturizing and soothing on my lips. And I like the way my mouth looks with it on!"
Tip: Expect to reapply: As a rule, creamy lipsticks lack staying power.
(Photo: Stuart Tyson)Lip liner
The Contenders, de facto anti-agers, bolster the lip line, which thins with age, and help prevent feathering.
Testing Time: One week.
• Gold Winner:
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Lip Pencil ($19, Sephora; 7 shades) took top honors, thanks to its smooth texture plus how well it defined lips and nixed feathering.
Testers said: "Absolutely loved this product. I am throwing out my other lipliners."
• Silver Winner:
The retractable Guerlain The Lip Liner ($30, Nordstrom; seven shades, with built-in sharpener) was equally good at feathering prevention, though it earned slightly lower scores for defining lips. Still, women preferred the Guerlain to our first-place finisher for being non-drying.
Testers said: "It didn't dry out my lips and looked lovely, even by itself."
Tip: If you're looking for a shade to match your natural lip color, Urban Decay in Wallflower and Guerlain in Bois de Santal filled the bill for most of our testers.
