SHOWCASING THE FALL-Winter make-up 2008-09 collection is pretty overwhelming. The overeager consumers may buy more than they actually need to update a look. For this reason, I have decided to break down the collection so it would be easier for the consumers to pick what they really need.

I start off with my favorite weakness-lipstick. As the weather gets colder, chapped lips get worse so the following are high in moisture without compromising pigment.

1. Chanel Hydrabase Lipstick in 154 Fantastic Plum (P1,450) is a highly pigmented, intensely creamy deep plum shade; it's my party lipstick from October to February. Its iconic Vamp is not as dark with the smell of crushed fresh rose petals. Initially it goes on a plummy brown, then changes to a deep burgundy magenta, like that of Benefit's Benetint gel. If you are bothered by your yellow-toned skin like me, this will put an instant rosy flush on your face.

Note: The lipstick is good for most fair-skinned girls (but it's not for evenings). Medium- to deep-toned girls can wear this all day.

2. Clarins Joli Rouge Lipstick (P1,100) is an intense color with high shine. It's an ideal lip balm as it truly heals; it has rich pigment to make the perfect lipstick for the perpetually chapped-lipped gal. It contains peptides and hyaluronic acid that reverse the signs of aging. It holds up to its weight in water, which accounts for the improved condition of your lips with continued use. Find your shade from counters now. I like 700 Cedar Red, a brown-based dramatic red.

3. Clinique High Impact SPF 15 lipstick. It's the longest-wearing (eight full hours!) lipstick. It's a highly pigmented moisturizing lipstick. It protects the lips from the sun's UVA and UVB rays and prevents burning and premature aging. Do not be deceived by the color on tube because it registers differently on lips. The shade 24 Nearly Violet looks apricot on the tube, but registers rose pink beige on my acidic lips. The 19 extreme pink, which looks rose pink beige, registers as fuschia.

4. NARS Señorita Sheer Lipstick (P1,250) is described as a sheer shimmering cherry blossom. For nude-lip color lovers, this is a "your lip but better" shade, which is a drink of water for dry lips. It has very fine reflects that are more subtle than shimmer, which gives the effect of plumper and sexier bare lips. For those who prefer nude peach to pinks, try Beautiful Liar, a sheer spiced coral. The collection suits a wide range of skin tones due to the transparent finish.

Cheeks

Although not a focus for the season, the right subtle shade won't compete with the strong eyes or lips but will highlight and complete the look.

This multi-tasker doubles as semi-matte lipstick. How's that for a good buy?

Shiseido Accentuating Color Stick in S2 Peach Flush (P2,300) is a non-greasy gel cream texture in stick form; it looks very natural on yellow-toned Asian skin, like a flush from within. This seems like you have run around the block and are naturally blushing as the peach morphs into a pink coral upon contact with skin.

Those with darker skin or have cool pink undertones who prefer red or magenta will love Shiseido's S4 Rouge Flush, a rosy red. They may also try the dramatic berry shade of S5 Rosy Flush. Both make perfect satin lip tints as well. Best applied on bare skin with powder on top to set color.

E-mail author at kinnysalas@yahoo.com.