Forget all-natural. This fall, the biggest trends call for adding a little drama.
That's why I'm so excited about these 14 must-try beauty boosters. From bold eyeliner to deep red lips, they deliver instant updates that'll help you get gorgeous this season and beyond.
Maximum-Impact Eyeliners
Thanks to AMC's Mad Men, I'm obsessed with the 60s-inspired, cat-eye look. There's no better way to play up your eyes.
To pull it off, you need goof-proof eyeliner and plenty of Q-Tips (handy erasers when your lines aren't quite even on both eyes). Last summer, I got hooked on Mally Roncal's Evercolor Starlight Eyeliner Pencils because the creamy formulas are waterproof. I also adore:
MUD Cake Eyeliner - Makes it super easy to draw a cat eye and stays put. To create a fine, smooth line, just roll a wet brush (I like MUD's #100) into the Cake Eyeliner and start painting. The Black is a natural choice but Chocolate Brown's also fun. Want a thicker outline? Apply a little more pressure to amp up the statement. Either way, let it dry a few seconds before moving on to mascara. ($13 eyeliner compact; $15 #100 round brush at Mudshop.com and select MUD - Make-up Designory -- shops and boutique locations)
MUD Black Cake Eyeliner
Smashbox Image Factory Waterproof Shadow Liner - Combines a long-lasting, creamy liner and a nice blending sponge in one helpful pencil. This new shadow liner has joined my growing list of Smashbox favorites because it's so versatile. The thick marker's great for drawing lines with triangular points. And thanks to the sponge, it also w
orks well for soft definition - smudge as a liner or blend as a shadow. I'm partial to it-could-pass-for-black Charcoal but there are five other fab colors. ($22 at Smashbox.com, Sephora, ULTA and more)
Smashbox Charcoal Waterproof Shadow Liner
Laura Mercier Eye Colour Duet
Want sultry eyes? Laura Mercier's new Eye Colour Duets belong in your beauty bag. These limited-edition pairings include a crease-worthy, high-intensity hue and a lighter, complimentary all-over lid color.
After falling in love with Laura Mercier's new Ambre Vanillé bath collection (Ahhhh!), I couldn't wait to try another goodie from this luxury line. And the Mystere Eye Colour Duet didn't disappoint. It features gorgeous navy with a hint of shine and matte taupe colors. Wait ... I know what you're thinking. Blue? But blue's big for eyes and nails this fall, this deep navy is a far cry from the baby-blue version we Boomers wore back in the day and it's smokin' hot layered with black liner.
Want something tamer? Try the Suspense set. It pairs rich plum brown with a neutral beige. Either way, you get intense (a little goes a long way), long-lasting color that's been tested to reduce the chance of irritation. ($22 at
LauraMercier.com and retailers nationwide)
Laura Mercier Mystere Eye Colour Duet
Mally Beauty Ultimate Brow Fix
A lifetime supply of Diet Coke, a chance to tour with Jackson Browne and beautiful, face-framing brows top my wish list. Besides getting thinner over the years, mine have had this whole chemotherapy chapter to contend with so you know they need
help.
That's why I'm crazy about Mally Beauty's Ultimate Brow Fix. In addition to filling in bare patches with beautiful, natural-looking color, the waxy formula helps brows look thicker and holds them in place. You can go for blondish-brown Taupe like me, Medium Brown or Sable, a deep, blackish-brown. Whatever your choice, the package includes a double-duty applicator with an angled end for applying color (just a dab will do ya) and a brush for corralling strays. ($26 exclusively at QVC.com)
Mally Beauty Ultimate Brow Fix in Taupe
Paths to Perfect Skin
A healthy, glowing complexion is the backdrop for every trendy fall look. Struggling with under eye circles, redness or uneven skin tone? These face friends can come to your rescue in an instant:
VS PRO Camouflage FX Universal Concealer Palette - Choosing one concealer that does it all can be quite a challenge. I need a light shade under my eyes; something a little darker to cover the ugly red spots that always seem to crop up at the worst moments (like when we were in Italy!).
That's easy with this new, three-in-one kit from VS PRO, the makeup collection that keeps Victoria's Secret models camera-ready. The travel-friendly compact includes three concealer shades that can cover anything from undereye shadows to my troublesome redness in a flash. You can apply the colors individually or custom blend them like a pro to create coverage right for you. ($18 at Victoriassecret.com and Victoria's Secret stores)
VS PRO Camouflage FX Universal Concealer Palette
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Crème
Compact - Another must-have for travel, this oh-so-pretty, new compact puts Laura Mercier's best-selling Tinted Moisturizer at your fingertips for easy touchups on the go. The lightweight crème formula provides sheer to moderate coverage with a hint of healthy color. You just repeat application until you get the desired look. Don't you just love being in control?
Great for us Boomer Babes, it includes broad spectrum SPF 20 sunscreen, softens fine lines and works for all skin types, including those on the sensitive side like me. There are 12 shades including a light, tan called Bisque that helps my finicky skin look brighter (thanks to Vitamin C in the formula) and more even toned. ($45 at LauraMercier.com and retailers nationwide)
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Crème Compact
Koh Gen Do Maifanshi UV Face Powder - To nourish my dry, 55-year-old skin, I often layer on the moisturizers. The only problem is, some days I end up looking more greasy than glowing. That's why I'm lovin' this new ultra-fine, face powder with SPF 20 sunscreen from 
Kohn Gen Do, a brand known for making eco-friendly, high-definition makeup products.
A dusting replaces any oily side effects from my moisturizers with a silky, even finish. Since it reflects light, this fast fix-me-up helps minimize flaws and brighten skin tone. Plus, I don't have to worry about getting the right color (the light beige shade works for most) or over-drying my skin because it moisturizes with jojoba seed oil, silk powder and sodium hyaluronate. ($42 at KoGenDoCosmetics.com, Sephora.com, Sephora New York and Vegas, Barneys New York and more)
Smashbox Image Factory
Airbrush Whipped Cheek Color
This luxe, new blush delivers a rosy flush that looks fresh and feminine this fall. The mousse-like texture makes it especially easy to blend. And, as a bonus, it includes special silicone elastomers that help smooth out imperfections and give you an instant, airbrushed effect.
I'm mad about soft plum Berry Bliss, but it also comes in warm pink Dusty Rose. ($29 at Smashbox.com, Sephora, ULTA and more)
Look-at-Me Lip Colors
Along with bright-colored denim, skinny jeans and dramatic, jeweled necklaces, bold lip colors like these Boomer-licious finds should be on your short list for fall:
Romance
Kjaer Weis Lip Tint - This soft, reddish pink tint is an easy way to try out a thoroughly modern color. The moisturizing form
ula gives lips a fresh, cold air flush while soothing them with conditioning Shea Butter. The chic, refillable metal compact slips easily into even the smallest bag. Great for gifting, it comes packaged in an eye-catching, ruby red lacquered-grain textured box. ($48 preorder at Kjaerweis.com and Stanley Korshak Dallas)
Romance
Foreign-Intelligence Flirt
Secret Agent Beauty Gloss - This saucy, warm pink gloss pours on color and glimmering shine while plumping your pucker. Packed with Aloe Vera Extract and plenty of healthy vitamins, it leaves lips feeling soft, smooth and sexy. So long thin lips! Hello, moist, full youthful smile! ($16 at RonRobinson.com)
Foreign-Intelligence Flirt
Splendor
TIGI Decadent Lipstick - This of-the-moment, orangey-red from TIGI's Decadent lipsticks goes on moist, feels luxurious and stays put for hours. ($19.00. Visit www.tigiprofessional.com for a TIGI Cosmetics salon retailer near you) 
Splendor
Plumberry
Laura Mercier Crème Smooth Lip Colour - This sophisticated, wine red from Laura Mercier's new line of lightweight, crème lipsticks pampers your pout with Olive Oil and Vitamin E. The rich color feels moist and comfortable, doesn't feather into fine lines and lasts six to eight hours even when you drink lots of green tea like me! ($26 at LauraMercier.com and retailers nationwide)
One Perfect Shade AM and PM
Skinn Cosmetics Lipstick and Gloss Twinset - Designed to work for everyone, these smart pens include lipstick on one end; gloss on the other. Since the duos make choosing the right color a no-brainer, they're wonderful travel companions. The daytime color is a polished, pretty light berry while the evening shade is a playful, plum that adds some glam.
Both mixtures help your teeth and complexion appear brighter. Made with ingredients that actually boost
collagen production, the lipstick conditions your pucker with Shea Butter, smoothes lines and stays put. Layering on the gloss adds high shine without stickiness. Even better, it's doesn't bleed into fine lines. ($18.50 each set at Skinn.com)
AM (light berry) and PM (warm plum)
We'd like to shout out a big "Thank You" to all the brands named in this post; they provided free samples for review and testing.
5 Ways to Find Bath-Time Bliss
11 Terrific Eye Treatments Under $100
16 Potent Beauty Problem Solvers
Algenist Overnight Restorative Cream
Prepare your own Mexican quick fix with this Chipotle-inspired bowl. Carbs are moderated by filling the bowl with beans, extra veggies and chicken. No need for rice, since the beans count as carbs.
Tips:
If you love tomatoes, increase the quantity to 1/2 cup, but note that the carbohydrates will also increase.
If preparing this recipe for one person, cut all of the ingredients in half. Or simply prepare the full recipe up to the end of step 2 and store leftover chicken and vegetable-bean mixture in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave on High for 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through, and continue with step 3.
Health Bite: The iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper and zinc in black beans help to keep bones strong and healthy.
Follow us on Twitter: @BoomerBrief
and @CharlotteBoomer
Know someone battling cancer? Baylor Health Care System's Sammons Says... cancer blog is a great place to go for help. Here, you'll find information, resources, physicians, support groups and just about everything you need to help you navigate your way through this illness.
Senior Forums is a great place to get the news and share views on everything from hobbies and healthcare, to food, family & travel.
Matt Drudge gets the goods and his site ain't bad either.
You don't have to live in Dallas to enjoy D Magazine.
