October would not be complete without our new Feature, "How I Cut Six Inches Off My Hair and Survived" (http://www.kleinman.com/cosmetic/hair.html). If you don't believe the impact a haircut can have, take a look at these before-and-after photos!

The results are in and the wait is over! The much-anticipated product reviews for Smash Box are now at the Cosmetic Connection. I was just as excited to try these products as I'm sure many of you will be. This is a fun new line that is definitely worth exploring, so check out my reviews (http://www.kleinman.com/cosmetic/tips.html) and go get those samples!

Speaking of samples, many of you have found that the samples-getting process is not as easy as it sounds. Here's some advice:

1. Decide what sort of samples you want before you go to the counter (cleanser, moisturizer, scrub, etc.)
2. Try to strike up a conversation with the counter person. I know how hard this can be, but if you are friendly and open, they become more at ease and helpful.
3. Be honest about what you like, and what you can afford. If they want to give you a sample of cleanser for oily skin and yours is dry, tell them.
4. Just because you take samples for products does not mean you have to buy anything. I must have a bazillion samples for products that I would never buy. You don't owe the counter person anything. Many of them are just there to take your money.

This advice can also apply to color cosmetics. Even if you can't take a sample home with you, try colors and textures before you buy anything. How many times have you seen a color at the counter, bought it, taken it home, and found that you hate it? Or how about foundation? Every formula is different, so test them out first. Ask the counter person to put the foundation on your face so your wear it around and see what you think. You'll feel much better knowing you did your homework and bought something you really like.

I recently tried the new Slipcovers lipcolor from Origins by just putting it on at the mall and wearing it around all day. This new line of soft, neutral colors and textures from Origins are nice but not outstanding. If you like cream eyeshadows, give these a try and see what you think. I found the lipcolor to be average with no more staying power that any other blotted lipstick. At $10 for the lipcolor, and $12 for cheeks and eyes, I'd rather stick with traditional formulas.