<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.palladiobeauty.com/" target="_blank">Palladio Beauty</a> sent me some of their makeup to try, and while I think the brand needs to do a bit more work in their positioning—the journalist in me is bothered that there doesn't seem to be a particular niche they fill or story behind them—I thought they had some rather cool little products, especially for the (low) price points. (Okay, maybe THAT'S their positioning.)</p>
(They also say their products are enriched with vitamins and herbs, but when the label also screams out "PARABENS!" I feel that message sort of gets lost... no?)

My favourites: the <a href="http://www.palladiobeauty.com/lipstain.html" target="_blank">Lip Ink</a>, a lip stain that could give CoverGirl's version a run for its money; the <a href="http://www.palladiobeauty.com/eyeinks.html" target="_blank">Eye Ink </a>(notice a theme here?), a tiny but easy to apply felt-tip liquid liner; and the <a href="http://www.palladiobeauty.com/ricepaper.htm" target="_blank">Rice Paper Blotting Tissues</a>—just because the packaging is so adorable.

They didn't send me Canadian prices, but everything I looked at on their website was under US$10. So if you're on a budget—and unlike me, not bothered by the paraben thing—this line is worth a look. Lipstick Rules has a more detailed review <a href="http://www.lipstickrules.com/2009/08/expanding-my-makeup-horizon-palladio.html" target="_blank">here</a>.

Available at Sally Beauty Supply stores across Canada—<a href="http://stores.sallybeauty.com/" target="_blank">see here for locations</a>.