It seems like every week there is a new must have beauty product. Our mothers and grandmothers relied on a Dove Bar and Ponds Cold Cream but there is always a new miracle cure for our generation. The beauty buzzword these days is Serum. Every magazine and blog you read and every skin care line has a new serum to rave about.

But what is a serum? Do we need it? Or is it just another layer in your skin care routine? What’s the difference between a serum and a moisturizer? And do we layer them? If so, which one goes on first? We asked the experts and here is what they had to say:

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So I finally gave in. I tried to stand my ground. I tried to make the fiscally responsible decision. But after much deliberation and many failed attempts at duplicating it, I had to give in. What decision carried so much weight, you ask? Well, whether to plunk down the cash for a $23 bottle of Chanel Particuliere, of course.

$23 is more than reasonable for a blush, very inexpensive for a bronzer and just right for an eye shadow, but I try to keep my polish budget to OPI and Essie levels. Besides, I’ve never been a fan of Chanel‘s nail polish formula. I have always found it runny and chip-prone. But after trying every “close enough” shade (Hello! Essie “Mink Muffs”, Sally Hansen Complete Manicure “Commander in Chic” and even Shades by Barielle “Putty On Me”) nothing compares to the original. The warm mushroom taupe shade has no duplicate. Believe me I tried! By the time I made up my mind to splurge – Particuliere was sold out at Macy’s Herald and every other store I looked. So I ordered it online for all of its $23 (plus $7 for shipping) and it is so worth it.

I mean, ladies IT IS WORTH IT! The usual runny formula is so nice and thick. It applies evenly without streaks and dries incredibly shiny. And the color! Oh my, the color is fantastic! It’s a mix of taupe and mushroom and grey and makes all of the “close enough” shades nowhere near “close enough.” Now trust me, if you haven’t gotten your Particuliere yet, head on over to www.chanel.com before it sells out.

-Catia Carvalho Trooskin

I once walked into the beauty department of a “high-end” department store in China and saw Olay and Revlon sold in the beauty department behind a glass case. It always amazes me how brands can be so different depending on the country you’re in. Lumene is one of those brands that crosses over in that way. The Finnish brand is sold in department stores in Europe but you can find it at drugstores in the US. I always feel like I hit the jackpot when that happens – like I just scored a pair of Miu Miu platforms at TJMaxx. So it was with great pleasure that I accepted the task of testing and reviewing Lumene.

Now I admit that I am usually a little wary of testing skin care. I am afraid of strange red spots and allergies to unknown substances. Especially since it seems my 30′s (unlike my acne-prone teens and 20′s) is my good skin decade. I did not want to upset the balance and clarity that my skin has been experiencing, but I sacrificed in the interest of research and beauty reporting, of course.

I started with the Lumene Vitamin C+ Protecting Day Cream SPF 15 a moisturizing cream for all skin types that uses Arctic cloudberry – a small berry that has 2 times the vitamin C of an orange. Lumene products use ingredients grown in the Arctic. According to Lumene – plants grown in the arctic become more powerful than plants grown in any other area of the world – which makes the ingredients in Lumene products highly effective. $19.99

The Sensitive Touch Daily Moisture Cream was created to reduce redness and tightness and support the skin’s ability to protect itself against irritants. The formula was developed along with the Finnish Allergy and Asthma Federation and is free of mineral oils, parabens, alcohol, silicones and fragrance. The cream uses Arctic Linen Seed -which has healing powers and helps to reduce redness. $19.99.

Time Freeze Instant Lift Serum uses another Arctic ingredient – white peat – a Lumene exclusive ingredient that helps skin to keep its youthful firmness. Another ingredient is Finnish heather – an antioxidant that moisturizes skin and helps with skin pigmentation. White peat is delivered via nanoparticles, which help ingredients to preserve effectiveness while releasing ingredients in measured doses into the top layers of skin. $21.99

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I’m optimistic that spring is almost at my doorstep. It can arrive any which way it wants – by carriage, horseback, buggy or segue — as long as it just COMES. And we are loving these soft, baby-pink almost too innocent shades from the MAC Spring Color Forecast 1 Makeup Line, including the Nail Lacquer Swatch in Pink Wave.

Pink is not just for bud roses and magnolias – it’s for your lips and nails too. What do you think of these shades?

MAC Glaze Lipstick in “Bubblegum”

MAC Lipglass in Electric Fuschia

MAC Nail Lacquer in “Pink Wave”

- Swatches by Catia Carvalho Trooskin

The look at Twinkle revolved around the theme of a Haunted Romantic Fairytale. Like many of the shows this season the makeup focused on the eyes. Gianpaolo Ceciliato for MAC contrasted “glossy eyes with matte skin using lots of faux lashes and mascara.”

Create the eye look using Smolder liner, Tarnish Bronze on lids, Skinlight #2 on brow bones, Meeow Lipglass on lid and Faux Lashes #33. For the full brows use Clear Brow Set. For the skin use Sculpt Foundation, Mineralize Skinfinish, contour with Mineralize Laguna Blush. No blush was used and lips were cancelled using Lip Erase.

According to hair stylist John Ruidant for Redken the hair “was about natural texture and the interplay of matte and shiny.” No brushes or combs were used to create the series of twists, ponytails and rolls dreamed up by Ruidant. Redken Thicken It Lotion 06, Fabricate 03 and Forceful 23 were the products used.

To enhance the haunted romantic theme nail artist Roxanne Valinoti for CND created a dramatic nail look using CND Dark Ruby layered under CND Super Matte Topcoat.

-Catia Carvalho Trooskin

Inspired by Hollywood, Napoleon Perdis created a luxurious purple lip contrasted with dewy skin and a simple eye using only eyeliner and mascara.

Create the look with the below Napoleon Perdis products and his video below:

Face: Auto Pilot Pre-Foundation Skin Primer & Boudoir Mist Foundation.

Eyes: China Doll Eye liner in Equinox.; Colour Disc #29 Black; Mesmer-Eyes Mascara

Lips: Lip Pencil in Deep Plum; Lip Pencil in Suede; Lip Finish in Divine Goddess Selene; Chandelier Shine Lipgloss in Voodoo

Eiji for Joico was inspired by Zang Toi’s collection and aimed to create a simple chignon with a young flair. Products used were Joifix Firm, Joico K-Pak and Joico Gloss.

A purple manicure created by the J.Sisters finished the look.

- Catia Carvalho Trooskin

The makeup for the Rebecca Taylor Fall 2010 Fashion Show revolved around the eyes.

Makeup artist Rie Omoto for MAC was inspired by a tough, yet feminine NYC girl. “The look is so easy. When you walk down the street in New York and you see that girl.” But while it is feminine but tough and different, it’s not trying too hard. This girl knows what she wants to wear with the hair and makeup and she just does it. Easy and simple (shall we call it effortless chic?).

To achieve this look Rie used an eyeshadow in Cork for the brows, Blacktrack Fluidline for the eyes as well as Black Paintstick. She applied an eyeshadow in Coquette on the inner crease, and contoured the cheeks with Mineralize Skinfinish.

As for the lips, she used Lip Erase to remove the pink and red tones.

Hairstylist Rudy Lewis of Cutler for Redken was inspired by Jane Birkin and the Parisian It Girls for his messy yet beautiful look. Rudy aimed for a “got her hair done and then went to sleep” effect. Extensions were added, hair was back brushed underneath for volume and then flat ironed to press for texture. Hair was left down for a simple look that let the makeup and clothes shine.

He used Redken Spray Starch, Redken Workforce Hairspray and Cutler Specialist Volumizing Spray.

The nails were done by Wendy Brownlee for OPI using My Private Jet — a glittery shade of brownish/purple tones.

- Catia Carvalho Trooskin

FOR THE NAUGHTY

Do you want to get his heart racing? Well, go ahead and strut your stuff in luxurious lingerie by Jenna Leigh. The demi bra ($85) features intricate black lace detail complemented by sexy midnight blue satin. The skirt ($119) mimics the beautiful lace of the bra and also has flirty ruffles at the hem with black garters to complete the look. Ooh-la-la! Mix and match the separates at www.JennaLeighLingerie.com where you’ll find a selection of coordinating pieces including thongs, hipsters, triangle bras and lots more.

If you desire kissable lips this Valentine’s Day, try one of the three glosses in the Glominerals GloLip Maven Kit. With names like Rapture, Beloved and Darling these irresistibly shiny glosses are sure to get heads turning.

Wear the shades individually or combine two or more for your own custom color look. Also in the kit are a Shine Glaze and an essential Lip Primer to keep your pout perfect all night long. Encased in this sleek black compact, it’s easy enough to carry around in your handbag or favorite clutch. The kit retails for $32 and is available at www.Gloskincare.com.

Express “Confessions of the Week” Thong Gift Set ($30)

Seven days for seven confessions (yes, the number seven is biblical but your sins are forgiven). With sayings like What Happened Wednesday? and Sleep in Saturday, you can wear your heart (or mind) on your naughty, teasing lingerie. A perfect prezzie to spice things up for the week.

NICE

Marilyn Monroe sang it best, diamonds are indeed a girl’s best friend and if you’re like me, your heart skips a beat at the sight of some sparkly bling. The beautiful sterling and rose gold heart charm necklace by Leslie Greene is the perfect way to express your love this holiday. You can even add your choice of semi precious stones and diamonds to this elegant heart pendant. And for an extra touch, why not engrave initials or a special date? It’s a gift straight from the heart that will never be forgotten. Find this necklace ($270) and a variety of stunning jewelry at www.LeslieGreene.com.

Nothing says Valentine’s Day like delicious Godiva chocolate! Available in a set of six, these limited edition tiny cupcakes are filled with rich chocolate ganache and topped off with creamy frosting and a special Godiva candy. This year, share them with your significant other, or better yet, order up these tasty treats for yourself. One bite of this delectable cake and you’ll be in chocolate lover’s heaven. Godiva chocolate on the most romantic day of the year? Now that’s really sweet! Find them at www.godiva.com for $28.

Cole Haan: Clutch Jewelry Travel Case

Pack your chicest accessories in this clutch-like, “I’m too rich for the Ritz Carlton” travel case. This patent leather case has several zippered compartments and a suede lining to make you feel and as stylish as a Jackie Onassis.

- By Allycia White & Charu Suri

We’ve tried so many hair products during 2009 that our pets felt the need to get groomed just to keep up. Anti-frizz products, flyaway tamers, the first ever anti-acne hair care line …these were some of the highlights in 2009.

May your year be frizz-free and bright!

Most Popular and Effective Shampoo & Conditioner

Pantene’s Pro-V Nature Infusion with cassia seed extract wowed users by delivering on its promise to strenghten hair. Ron Robinson, founder of BeautyStat.com says that the results of studies impressed him because until now he has not seen evidence of a shampoo and conditioner that strengthened hair in such a short period of time nor appeared to weigh hair down (because of less silicone).

Best Leave-in Hair Treatment Oils

Moroccan Oil Hair Treatment ($13.99 at sleekhair.com) shines hair up and cuts drying time down. This effectively tames frizz and a little goes a long way.

Also tied in this category is the  Thermafuse Heatsmart Serum thatis a dry oil treatment, a stand-alone styling product, or a styling prep to make other styling products work better, it does everything but the dishes.

Made of three certified organic oils-argan, acai and flaxseed-the serum is instantly absorbed, continuously hydrates, eliminates frizz and delivers a smooth satin shine. It even makes our hair dry faster. Like the rest of the ThermaFuse line, the serum contains a concentrated amount of HeatSmart Complex that works with heat to actually enhance the health and beauty of hair. We also get great results when we apply it to dry hair as a finisher between shampoos.

Best Hair Masque

The Séva Treat deep conditioner ($32 for 6 treatments at sevastyle.com) generously covered every last strand of my long hair, and jojoba oil and protein went right to work to give my thirsty hair a good drink.

Séva’s products are sulfate and paraben free (so they are completely color safe) and vegan. Not only does this company make beautiful products, they support great causes and the warehouse employs people with disabilities from the La Puente Adult School.

Best Creative Hair Product

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Fragrance is as unique as a person’s DNA. It is hard to find a scent that pleases every nose, but we’ve found a few that pleased us in 2009 because of their uniqueness and creativity. Here are those that received top marks.

Marc Jacobs Lola

This is one of the blockbuster 2009 perfumes and we love it because it embodies a very spirited, playful yet sexy girl who loves to take risks. And the notes of peppercorn, pear, ruby red grapefruit create a sparkling cocktail that will aim to dazzle. There are warm notes in this fragrance too: those of vanilla and warm tonka beans.

Harajuku Snow Bunnies is a limited edition collection of the original Harajuko fragrances – only with new glammed up winter outfits. Love, Lil Angel, G, Music, Baby got all dressed up to play in the snow but kept their delicious and distinct scents.

Michael Kors Very Hollywood

With notes of shimmering mandarin, iced bergamot, wet jasmine, ylang-ylang, raspberry, gardenia, orris, creamy amber, soft white moss and vetiver, this fragrance is not surprisingly strong and sexy with touches of delicacy and sweetness. This light floral made us think of Marilyn Monroe before she became quite so . . . Marilyn. Michael Kors calls Very Hollywood “the most glamorous, indulgent scent we’ve ever done.”

D&G’s Le Bateleur has a blend of aromatics and vetiver. Neither feminine nor masculine this scent is seductive and embodies the spirit of D&G. $65.

DKNY Be Delicious Fresh Blossom is a sophisticated and feminine fragrance. With notes of grapefruit, cassis and apricot with a hint of apple this fragrance is fresh and feminine all at once. $40.We never tire of its refreshing spritz!

Feerie is a new fragrance inspired by Van Cleef & Arpels’ Midsummer Night’s Dream fine jewelry collection. With notes of violet, black currant, mandarin, rose essence, Bulgarian rose, iris butter and jasmine the scent is sweet and floral. It is packaged beautifully in an intricate flacon with a fairy perched on the bottle top. $110 at www.neimanmarcus.com.

Eau Flirt from Harvey Prince gets top marks for creativity this year. What makes Eau Flirt truly flirtatious? The notes, for one, which founder Kumar Ramani says are a “closely guarded secret” on the box. Inspired by a study done by Drs. Alan Hirsch and Jason Gruss of the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation, Eau Flirt’s proprietary blend of lavender, pumpkin and other secret scents have been clinically shown to provoke passion in men with a whiff.

- Catia Carvalho Trooskin