Test Drive

LANCOME EYELINER PENCIL

For Lancome's fall makeup collection, artistic director Gucci Westman parlays all the drama and intrigue of a spirited game of Clue into what the company has dubbed "Mystery Game," a mini collection of richly colored, intricately packaged products that includes the chopstick-shaped Oriental Duo kohl eyeliner. One half of the pencil is the standard black or brown, while the other is a deep gold shade, making it ideal for highlighting.

The concept of two eyeliners in one is certainly handy. Plus, I did feel very much like Miss Scarlet (in my bathroom, with the makeup kit) as I lined my eyes with something that looked like an antique cigarette holder. The downsides, however, are significant: The liner's exaggerated length makes it a little unwieldy, and the kohl is hard and dry, requiring extra effort to trace a steady line. So I'll be sticking with my trusty soft pencils and liquid liners, but I'm set for whenever I want to channel a mysterious character -- or bat my lashes at Colonel Mustard.

-- Holly E. Thomas

$25 at major department stores

and http://www.nordstrom.com.

GOODY HAIRBRUSH WITH JOJOBA OIL

My love affair with the Goody Add+Shine hairbrush was rocky and brief. I was drawn to its lovely lilac color, its comfortable rubber-like handle and its promise of shiny hair (the bristles are infused with jojoba oil). But there were problems from the get-go, starting with the warning label on the back: "Do not use with hair dryer. Bristles are susceptible to melting." My heart sank. Could I really spare the time in my morning routine to brush my hair twice?

But relationships are about compromise, so I carved out a few extra minutes to try it. The brush did smooth flyaways and seemed to condition my hair. Were my tresses really shinier, though? I tried it on half of my hair, but I couldn't tell. And just as love is fickle, after a month of daily use I found those flyaways a little less smooth, my locks a little less conditioned. I did enjoy feeling pampered as I ran the brush through my hair, though, and I even learned something (it's pronounced ho-HO-ba, not joe-joe-ba). But in the end, the brush's barely perceptible effects weren't enough to justify losing precious minutes as I got ready for work.

So, sorry, Add+Shine -- I think we'd be better off as friends. It's not me; it's you.

-- Angie Wu

$11.99 at mass retailers.