By Mary N. DiZazzo

Ciao bella! Now that autumn’s about to unfold its palette of color, let’s put some shades to work. I don’t mean a full face of sticky makeup either.

There’s nothing like a touch of pink on those cheeks (that all the relations pinched as a child – who needed color then?). But now as mother nature takes her course skin starts to become sallow and dull. Let’s rejuvenate that mug with an exfoliating face wash.

Benefit has a few marvelous scrubs. Gently cleanse using circular motion. Pat dry. My fav’s are Honey Snap Out of It scrub -- triple milled with almond paste cleanses pores and is gentle enough to use everyday -- Or the delicious scent of the pineapple facial polish which is a royal treatment of tangy extracts.

Benefit’s premier moisturizer is just divine. Do It Daily! has vitamin E which is a wonderful antioxidant, an SPF 12 for extra sun protection and other ingredients that are compatible with your skin.

Want a facelift without surgery? Wonder Lift helps tone and firm eyes and complexion with collagen and chamomile. It may be applied under or over your makeup.

These amazing products will certainly make you feel fab and put some real color back in your new smooth complexion.

For a natural look apply dr. feelgood, a blotting balm with a feel-good finish.

To set those lips and cheeks off to a stained rose glow, use benetint. Benefit’s velvety finishing powders make your skin look velvety soft to the touch. My fav is dandelion, a light sheer pink that perks up your face all day long.

Another neutral powder comes in a repro case, with blush, lipstick, and mirror – pick your own shade! It’s called Glamourette – perfect for your purse, the three-in-one combo makes it easy to travel. My nana left me her original Glamourette from the 1940s It has certainly made a great conversation piece in my salon. You must see it to believe it!

You must try it all for yourself to experience the benefits of benefit.

They carry a full line of wonderful colors, shades, and concealers. A line with a unique, fun edge that makes the maintenance easy. Bellissimo!

For lots more product info and the best customer service I’ve found in years, just head down to Filene’s (Downtown Crossing) to the benefit counter and Paulette or the many other sales girls will be glad to make you over.

Well, ladies, I hope I brightened your day and complexion. For more information about these products and services, call me.

Buona giornata, --Mary.

[Mary DiZazzo is a third-generation cosmetologist and owner/operator of Mary for Nails, etc. natural nailcare salon in Andover, Mass.and may be contacted at (978) 470-8183. She also sees select clients by appointment in Boston at (617) 742-6881.]