Cosmetics that scored

2007 Beauty Panel members choose favorite test products

It's been a year of big beauty hits and seriously ugly misses.

We've had our Beauty Panel sample more than 40 products -- anything from dandruff shampoos to press-on nail color.

They were a tough crowd, taking beauty product manufacturers to task on anything that was too gimmicky, bronzed them an unnatural shade or was badly packaged or named.

In the end, it seems our Beauty Panel loved most things having to do with lips and hair. See what products topped their favorite lists as we bid farewell to the second class of the N&O Beauty Panel.

Jean Bailey

Dermablend Cover Duet Custom Corrector to help even skin tone, $21.50, available at www.dermablend.com

I do highly recommend anyone with serious makeup issues to give the Dermablend line a try. It truly works wonders for my vitiligo.

Runner-up: Chanel Chance perfume. The Chanel perfume is so awesome, if you are wearing it, no one will notice any flaws.

Cary Edgar

SmashBox Photo Finish Lipstick with sila-silk technology in Legendary, $22, Sephora, Ulta, Nordstrom, www.smashbox.com

Although I was often willing to pick up new products before sitting on this panel, I now see drugstores and cosmetic counters as marvelous little playgrounds. What fun it has been to sort through batch after batch of beauty products, good and bad, putting myself out there for the pleasure of marketers and product-pushing PR bunnies everywhere.

But one product stood out. My favorite -- by far -- was the SmashBox Photo Finish Lipstick in Legendary, a strong shade of classic red. I never would have mustered the courage to try red lipstick without being otherwise obligated by the fine people at The News & Observer. But aside from gaining a great new product that will forever have a place in my makeup bag, wearing red lipstick has also had a transformative effect on a personal level. You could even call it bravado. No kidding. I've even bought new items for my wardrobe solely for the reason that they would be great pairing with a timeless crimson pucker!

SmashBox's quality is unsurpassed and although the price is a bit high, this lipstick is a great investment as a beauty staple. It has a smooth buttery finish and great lasting power - so again - a true winner.

Ilina Ewen

Charles Worthington Results Moisture-Seal Hair Healer Intensive Leave-in Conditioner. $5.99, select drugstores including Walgreens

If you ever see me having a good hair day, it's because I've seen Rachael at Blo or I've used the leave-in conditioner. I'm convinced the stuff is treated with a dose of Potter magic; it makes my hair sleek, curly, wavy or whatever look I'm going for, and it just seems to have this uncanny ability to just know what my hair needs for that day. It's a wonder, really. Most of all, it tames my hair, which is all the taming this girl can take.

Runners-up: Lipsticks from MAC and SmashBox. As you know by now, I'm a big fan of all things lip-related. A little lipstick goes a long way and is an instant facelift.

Susannah Skiver

Yes to Carrots Pampering Carrot Juice Shampoo and Pampering Hair Mud Conditioner, $7.99, Walgreens

Yes to Carrots should be distributed to everyone who has ever had "blah" hair. I still can't put into words just what it does for my hair's body and texture, but I promise that it has somehow made me feel extraordinarily well-coiffed even on the days when I do nothing but wash my hair and go. Everyone I've recommended it to has agreed that it does something other shampoos do not, and no one has come away from using it disappointed. I cannot recommend this product enough -- just say "Yes!" to Carrots!

Runner-up: Bare Escentuals Lip Guard in Miami Beach. The Lip Guard was my best friend until it rolled away from me in a movie theater, and my Sephora searches turned up only "out of stock" notices. Fortunately it's back in "limited edition" and is at the top of my Christmas list. I love this lip gloss as I have never loved before: It is the perfect texture, the perfect color and smells incredible to boot. It's easy to apply but stays put for hours without needing reapplication. I can't wait to look in my stocking on Christmas morning.

Art Stone

Yes to Carrots Pampering Carrot Juice Shampoo and Pampering Hair Mud Conditioner, $7.99, Walgreens

I have to admit that this was not even my favorite shampoo when we did our original reviews. However, after getting more time to use all of the products, I just like these. They are cool and reasonably priced. And I have grown to love the smell. I can see buying these again when they run out. A little shampoo goes a long way on these meager locks.