Maybelline and the Gap put heart shapes in beauty and cosmetics products to cash in on Cupid's big day. We picked up Maybelline Sweet Shine Diamonds nail color ($4.12) in Candy Heart Purple and the Gap's ColorGap nail polish ($5.50), each with hundreds of hearts suspended in clear nail color. You'd think by looking at the glittery bottles that each nail would be covered with the glittery hearts when applied.

Wrong. We were lucky to get one heart on each nail after a lot of shaking, brush swirling and multiple applications. The finished product was what one tester termed "gunky." And the hearts easily scraped off. A novelty at best. A better bet might be Maybelline's Brush/Blush with a heart-shaped pearlescent insert for a tinge of shimmer on the cheeks. $5.51.

In a heartbeat: Brighton Collectibles has a black-and-red leather line tied into Valentine's Day with wallets, lipstick cases, coin purses, charm bracelets, key rings and jewelry with hearts and rhinestones. Saturday through Feb. 14, shoppers can register for daily drawings at Brighton stores. Check at Kenwood Towne Centre.

Celebrity pendant: Through Monday, shoppers at www.sothebys.com can bid on platinum jewelry pendants designed by six celebs, including Susan Sarandon, Barbra Streisand, Brandy and Penelope Cruz to benefit each star's charity. Brandy chose the United Negro College Fund; Cruz picked the Caring for Children & Families with AIDS; and Streisand went with the Alzheimer's Association. Go to www.preciousplatinum.com.

Fabric history: Cynthia Amneus from the Cincinnati Art Museum will talk about ethnic textiles and fashion for the Weaver's Guild of Cincinnati, 6:30 p.m. Thursday at 4870 Gray Road, Winton Place. Information: 591-2500.

Originalities beauty: Originalities at Hyde Park Square will have Mary Kay Day, noon-2 p.m. Saturday with a consultant showcasing the spring colors and cosmetics. 2719 Erie Ave.

Oscar's trio: For Valentine's Day, Oscar de la Renta has packaged a trio of .25-ounce scents including Tenderness, Romance and Eternal Love, available for a limited wooing time for $32 at cosmetic counters.

Bridal show: Bridal and bridesmaids' gowns from Marisa Collection, Mackenzie Michaels and Fenaroli for Regalia will be shown Friday through Sunday at Bridal and Formal, 300 W. Benson St., Reading. Information: 821-6622.

Bring a coat: The Society of St. Vincent DePaul will collect new or gently used winter coats (especially children's) during the Fifth Third Bank Cincinnati Home & Garden Show Saturday through Feb. 16 at the Albert B. Sabin Convention Center, downtown. Look for bins in the lobby. 562-8841, Ext. 10.

Contact Joy Kraft by phone: 768-8467; fax: 768-8330; e-mail: jkraft@enquirer.com.