New Travel-Friendly Make-Up "Wands"

Neutrogena Skin Clearing Concealer

Ellis Faas Blush

Tarte Lock & Roll 12-hour Eye Shadow

Mark Gloss Gorgeous Stay On Lip Stain

Shiseido The Makeup Automatic Lip Crayon

Green-Papaya Brightening Mask

This is a great brightening mask that "exfoliates and stimulates circulation in the face, resulting in a warm, rosy glow."

Here's why it works: Unripe papaya contains natural alpha-hydroxy acids and high levels of papain, an enzyme that helps dissolve dead skin cells. Yogurt adds lactic acid (another alpha-hydroxy) and gives the mask a creamy texture, and honey helps skin retain moisture. When left on, the mask should tingle slightly; if you have sensitive skin or prefer a gentler exfoliation, use ripe papaya, which has less papain.

1/2 cup unripe papaya, diced
1 teaspoon plain yogurt
1 teaspoon honey

Blend ingredients in a food processor until smooth. Apply to clean skin using fingers; leave on for 8 to 10 minutes. Rinse off using cool water and pat dry. Finish by applying a gentle moisturizer.

Facial Help

I'm sure no one out there has wrinkles, right? I didn't think so. So this tip is for all the other people!

Ranked the best:
Garnier Nutritioniste Ultra-Lift Anti-Wrinkle Firming Eye Cream

Aveda Enbrightenment Correcting Serum

Results for Best Antiperspirants

Best Solid:
Secret Clinical Strength

Best Roll-On:
Mitchum for Women Dry Roll-On

Best Gel or Cream:
Dry Idea Clear Gel

Best Spray:
Dove Aerosol

Eye Makeup Remover

It's light, gentle and doesn't leave blurry vision!
Almay Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover Liquid

Hairdryers

My current hairdryer is dying a slow death, so I know I'll need this in the future.

Best rated hairdryer: ConairPro Silverbird

Other tips:

• Fine hair needs only 1,200 watts
• Normal and coarse hair needs 1,400 watts
• Cooler temps give volume by roughing up the hair cuticles
• Higher temps work for sleekerlooks since heat smooths the cuticles

Instant Nail Lift

Creative Nail Design Solar Oil
Apply a drop to your nails and rub in for an instant shine of jojoba, vitamin E and sweet almond oil.

Removing Perfume

Use a cotton pad and alcohol...pretty simple!

Best Face Sunscreen

The best face sunscreen for the traveler: California Baby Sunblock Stick

• Compact and easy to pack
• Wide stick for face or body
• Does not sting eyes
• Created for those who can't tolerate fragrance

Universal Nail Polish

Do you ever need to know which shade of nail polish will look best on you? Or have you ever bought a polish and find out that it just doesn't go well with your skin? These polishes are universal and look good on everyone.

Opi The Thrill of Brazil

L'oreal Mango Get'em

Opi La Paz-itively Hot

Essie Delicacy

Revlon Sheer Nude

Maybelline Racing Rubies

Best Teeth Whiteners

Best Paste
Arm & Hammer Advance White Toothpaste

Best Strips
Rembrandt Advanced Whitening Strips

Best Trays
Aquafresh White Trays

Best Cuticle Trimmer

This La Cross Cuticle Trimmer was voted #1. I'll have to try it...I have a favorite that they don't make anymore!

Dry Skin Remedy

This lotion was recommended to me by a friend. I haven't tried it yet, but will next winter!

Hand and Foot Smoother Retexturizing Seaweed Therapy

Best Concealers

Best Overall:
MAC Studio Touch-Up Stick

Best for Under Eyes:
Rimmel Recover Anti-Fatigue Concealer

Best for Aging Skin:
Chanel Pro Lumiere Correcteur

Best for Acne:
Benefit Galactic Shield

Best Nail Polish

I have awful nail problems in the winter and will try anything to make my nails look fairly decent. These are ranked the best:

1. For brittle nails - Nailene Titanium Strength
2. For soft, peeling nails - Opi Nail Envy Soft & Thin
3. Best top and base coat - Essie 3-way Glaze

Cure for flat hair?

Kiehl's Stylist Series Super Thick Volumizer

Phytovolume Actif Maximizing Volume Spray

Best Face Powder

Reasonably priced:
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Blends Pressed Powder
$12.50

Best for "mature" skin: (I'm not getting any younger!)
Covergirl Advanced Radiance Age-Defying Pressed Powder
$7

Speed-drying a Manicure

You can use Pam cooking spray to speed up the drying process of a manicure. You can also dip your fingers in ice cold water to set your polish.

Polish Remover

A no-mess fingernail polish remover from Barielle...just press down on the pump to saturate your cotton ball. I guess this is similar to what they use in nail salons, so I guess you could just buy one of those bottles and fill it yourself.
Barielle's Acetone-Free Nail Polish Remover

Best Lotions

Living in Chicago, dry hands are part of life. Knowing the best rated lotions is essential.
Best Value: Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream
Best Fragrance-Free: Cetaphil Therapeutic Hand Cream with Shea Butter

Real Simple - December 2006