BECKY SHER | Hype Makeup by the Gap? It's simply genius

News flash: Somehow, the Gap has managed to translate its cool, classic style into a brand-new line of makeup. No joke, Gap Color products are the cosmetic equivalent of a crisp white T-shirt and a great pair of jeans. They're classic enough to go with anything, but stylish enough to make you stand out in a crowd.
The genius of the Gap Color line is its simplicity; none of the products is supertrendy. But they're not boring, either. The colors are basic and fresh -- an eye shadow duo in brown and pink, a lip liner in go-with-everything mocha. And there are a few extras thrown in, like the lip color's special pout-plumping capabilities. Plus, the whole line is packaged in sleek black cases, which look oh-so-fancy in your backpack or purse.
Gap Color products range in price from $5.50 for a bottle of nail polish to $28 for a palette of cheek and eye colors. Look for the collection at Gap Body stores and select Gap stores across the country.
Makes scents
If you're still convinced that Sun-Ripened Raspberry is the be-all and end-all of Bath and Body Works' fragrances, it's time to get with the times. Sure, the old classics are as great as ever, but the chain has some new scents you'll want to check out.
Next time you're at the mall, head for Bath and Body Works and take a sniff of their new tea-based fragrances, like Green Tea and Cucumber Essence (not too sweet, but not too vegetable-y either), White Tea and Ginger (a fresh scent with a spicy kick), and Red Currant and Thyme Tea (fruity, but not sickly sweet). The new scents come in all the products you've come to love, like shower gel ($9), lotion ($9), body splash ($10) and bath bubbles ($9). We're not suggesting you abandon your old faves -- after all, when it comes to bath treats, there's always room for another.
XBecky Sher writes Hype for Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service. You can write to her at bsher@krtinfo.com.