(Photo: Stuart Tyson)Lip Plumper
The Contenders instantly increase lips' fullness, smoothness, and softness.
Testing Time: Two minutes in the lab (to evaluate the instant claims); three to seven days at home.
• Gold Winner:
Testers gave mint-scented Smashbox O-Plump ($25, Ulta.com) a perfect score for ease of application; they also liked the non-sticky texture. Though some found that it stung and burned, they still reported immediate plumping effects. Lab results showed that it minimized lips' fine lines even more than it plumped lips.
Testers said: "It has a pretty shine that doesn't feel or look sticky and a very light scent."
(Photo: Stuart Tyson) • Silver Winner: While less effective at immediate plumping, Rodial Glam Balm Lip ($25, Nordstrom) was the least irritating. Both the lab and consumers found that it minimized lines, and testers liked how soft it made their lips.
Testers said: "It left my lips shiny and smooth." "The rose scent is calming."
Tip: If your lips are particularly sensitive, try applying plumper over, rather than under, lipstick.
(Photo: Stuart Tyson)Crease-Proof Eye Shadow
The Contenders go on smoothly, without creasing or smudging, and last throughout the day.
Testing Time: Six hours in the lab (to test for creasing); one week at home.
• Gold Winner:
Creamy MAC Paint Pot ($18.50, MAC stores; nine shades) won points with consumers and in the lab for lasting all day and resisting creasing. Testers liked that it was smudge-resistant, yet still easy to remove.
Testers said: "So easy to apply and not have to worry about it wearing off during the course of the day." "It's budge-proof!"
Tip: For cream eye shadow, use a brush with synthetic bristles (they don't absorb shadow, for easier blending).
(Photo: Stuart Tyson)• Silver Winner: Try our second-place finisher, Revlon ColorStay 16 Hour Eye Shadow ($7.49, drugstore.com; 16 shades), if you prefer powder. It performed just as well as MAC in lab tests for crease resistance; volunteers loved that it was easy to use and didn't settle into wrinkles.
Testers said: "Really didn't crease or smudge. It stayed fresh-looking no matter how hard I tried to wreck it."
(Photo: Stuart Tyson)Eyebrow Pencils
The Contenders: Also de facto anti-agers, these help to shape and fill in sparse eyebrows.
Testing Time: One week.
• Gold Winner:
Ousting the competition, Lancôme Le Crayon Poudre ($25.50, department stores; seven shades) was a volunteer favorite...it was the easiest to use and drew raves about its built-in corkscrew brow brush. It also got kudos for its smooth texture and for filling in and defining brows.
Testers said: "I loved, loved, loved this product — and I have used almost everything for my brows. This is, bar none, the best brow pencil ever!"
• Silver Winner:
Estée Lauder Automatic Brow Pencil Duo ($25, department stores; four shades) was praised for being smudge-resistant and delivering the right color. Testers also appreciated the twist-up formula (no sharpening required) and the built-in angled brush for blending.
Testers said: "It blended into my brows seamlessly. I loved the color and the way it filled them in."
Tip: No need to completely color in your brows: Define areas that are sparse, usually the arch or tail, then blend.
