<em>This is a compensated review from BlogHer and L'Oréal Paris - but the compensation isn't why I agreed to review the Color of Hope collection. No, really. Pinky swear!<br></em><p><em>Ten years ago, I was a product manager at L’Oréal and that, I admit, is part of the reason why I wanted to be a part of this program. Not because I have a soft spot in my heart for the company (which I do - it was a fabulous place to work) but because I made some of my best friends while working there. <br></em></p>

<p><em>One of my closest friends while at L’Oréal is the reason I’m participating in this program. </em></p><em>She fell ill while on a business trip to Colombia. So ill they had to operate immediately. They found out that what she had was ovarian cancer. We were both in our early twenties at the time. I knew nothing about ovarian cancer, and I was scared. But my friend fought through chemo and radiation and with her incredible strength she not only survived, she kicked ovarian cancer’s ass. <br></em><p><em>She’s now the mother of a beautiful little girl who is her spitting image. She works full-time. She has a wonderful life. She’s proof that <span style="text-decoration: underline;">ovarian cancer can be beaten</span>. Which is why I know that the money L'Oréal is raising for the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF) is money very well spent. </em></p>



<p>Sure, the L'Oréal Paris Color of Hope Cosmetics Bag is a good deal ($50 worth of products for $29 AND $5 of those dollars go directly to the OCRF) and has four products in shades that promise to be flattering to everyone. </p>

<p>But are they REALLY flattering? Let's find out!</p>

<p>First, I tried the <em>Colour Riche</em> lipstick in <em>Color of Hope</em> - and I LOVED it. The color is indeed flattering (my skin has yellow undertones and I usually have a hard time finding non-beige lipsticks that work) but the texture is what sold me, so light and moisturizing it was a real pleasure to wear. Seriously, if I had to choose one item in the collection to buy this would be it. </p>

<p>The Cosmetics Bag comes with two eyeshadow quads: <em>Bouquet of Strength </em>(shades of teal) and <em>Petals of Promise</em> (mauves). I went with the <em>Bouquet of Strength</em> quad because I haven't been getting much sleep lately (ah, the pleasures of the ninth month of pregnancy!) and thought mauve shadow would just bring out my bloodshot eyes. I also wanted to know if I could pull off teal shadow. I mean, why not?</p>

<p>The result was surprisingly wearable:</p>

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<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/diary/3863872562/" style="float: left;" title="Photo 121 by R. S. M., on Flickr"><img  alt="Photo 121" src="http://www.everydaytreats.com/wp-content/uploads/3863872562_3f1c1a99d5_m.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" title="Photo 121" height="240" width="209" /></a></p>

<p>I used a light hand on purpose, but the shadow has deep color pigments and it would make an excellent kit for an evening smoky eye. I was on my way to the grocery store and just wanted an everyday look. This was it.</p>

<p>I then layered some <em>Infallible Never Fail</em> Lipgloss on top of the <em>Colour Riche</em> lipstick. I've been losing interest in gloss lately because I end up eating most of it, but this did last for a couple of hours -- no small feat for me.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>The next day I was inspired to try the dreaded mauve shadow, and you know what? I was pleasantly surprised:</p>

<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/diary/3864248707/" style="float: left;" title="Photo 68 by R. S. M., on Flickr"><img  alt="Photo 68" src="http://www.everydaytreats.com/wp-content/uploads/3864248707_b143ba9d95_m.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" title="Photo 68" height="220" width="240" /></a></p>

<p>In this photo, I'm wearing the <em>Petals of Promise</em> eyeshadow quad and the <em>Colour Riche </em>lipstick without the gloss on top. I think I like it better that way, but you knew that already. </p>

<p>I'd say the quality of the products is on par with department store makeup (especially the lipstick! Have I mentioned that?) and the colors are pretty foolproof. The cosmetics bag is a great deal if you want to stock up on new makeup and support a great cause at the same time. </p>

<em><strong>The L’Oréal Paris Color of Hope Cosmetic bag will be available for purchase beginning in September 2009. Purchases can be made online via <a href="http://www.lorealcolorofhope.com">www.lorealcolorofhope.com</a> while supplies last. L’Oréal Paris will donate $5 from each cosmetic bag purchased to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF).<a href="http://www.blogher.com/loreal-color-hope?" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Check out BlogHer's special offer page for more information.</a>
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