DIORSHOW Mascara has a cult following in the prestige market the way Great Lash does in the mass market. A good friend of mine swears by the stuff, so I threw down $24 for a tube of the mascara with a magical reputation. 
Some of you will consider this sacrilegious, but I don’t think this mascara is all that impressive. The waxy, sticky formula caused an unfortunate lash clumping situation. 
Even though my friend swears this stuff to be smudge-free, my experience did not sync with hers. Ultimately DIORSHOW was a big fat disappointment. I still prefer Blinc for my mascara splurge. 
As you well know, I’m a sucker for a serum. I’m also always on the quest for a product that makes a visible change to hyper-pigmentation. Last year Estee Lauder rolled out a serum called Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator. 
Most of us have a certain idea of what to expect from Estee Lauder; research packaged in luxury with a trace of granny. Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator follows the same well-worn path of success for the cosmetics giant. 
Obtaining real results on the issue of hyper pigmentation is tricky business. Even with Lauder’s deep research pockets, I’m skeptical that this serum will actually do work on discoloration. 
The texture, scent, and illuminating qualities are all very attractive, but if Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator can’t actually even skintone, then it is just another overpriced serum. 
Let’s not jump to conclusions just yet. I’m reasonably patient, and gradual results are still results.
Anybody else notice Bobbi Brown has been hiking her prices every 6 months for at least the last three years? That greedy gouging is chapping my ass and has me on the hunt for alternatives. Having enjoyed TheBalm’s Bahama Mama bronzer, I took a risk and tried their tinted moisterizer BalmShelter. 
This product has a thicker, more luxurious consistency than most tinted moisterizers. The rich cream provides above average coverage within its category. BalmShelter creates a plump and smooth surface for layering other products and doesn’t encourage migration. With broad spectrum SPF 18 and a $25 price tag for a generous 2.25 oz, it is a competitive alternative to Bobbi Brown’s tinted moisterizers (1.69 oz for $40!). The main drawback? Color selection. BalmShelter needs a variety of inclusive shades to lure more ladies and gents their way.
Beehive Pony
Dirty Bed Head
Teased to Please
For the Boys
Natural
Bardot Forevah
Blunt and Sleek
Top Heavy
Low-Slung Texture
Dudes, enough with the argyle sweaters. Every holiday party lately looks like an argyle explosion. Blame the Banana Republic clearance rack. A perfectly-tailored suit is always a nice choice. Werk a bow tie to catch ‘em by surprise. Steam or iron — wrinkles ain’t cute at a formal function ya’ll.
Ladies, many of you will gravitate towards some variation on the ubiquitous sparkle. I’m not placing an outright fatwa on sparkle because when used appropriately it can be a powerful way to amp an ensemble. However, keep in mind shine accentuates. If your body ain’t right, a full sequined look will not only add bulk, but draw attention to every lump. Use sparkle sparingly.
Select a look that errs on the side of classic and conservative. Think Betty Draper not JWoww. If a fleeting thought enters your head that your dress is too short, your cleavage too deep, or your pants too tight, honor that voice, and for the love of Jesus on his birthday change your fucking clothes. Better to dress comfortably and appropriately than look like you suffer from the worst faux pas of all – poor judgment. 
Also, I’m sick of this pretty princess curling iron shit. Try a new ‘do this year. This look is so over.
You bitches know I love a good stick foundation. Usually, I’m loyal to Bobbi Brown without deviation, but an online coupon deal lured me to try Kevyn Aucoin’s The Radiant Reflection Solid Foundation. I’m a fan of Aucoin’s Sensual Skin Enhancer for its intense coverage, so I looked forward to seeing what this brand could do in a convenient stick format. 
Amber, 
Linda,
Christy, 
Yasmeen, 
Beverly.
The limited range makes finding the right shade challenging. 
Ultimately, the formula fails for lack of creaminess and blendability. It applies with a cooling sensation, but then hovers on the skin without ever really sinking in to vanishing perfection. This product takes work to look natural, and life is filled with enough work. Back to Bobbi Brown, $4 savings per stick and foundation that melts into the skin providing flawless unspookable coverage.
After a month of faithful use, my affection for the Clarisonic Mia has only grown. It is worth a spot on your Kwanzaa/Chanukah/X-mas list this year, especially if you have been struggling with skin flare-ups this fall.
Different brands offer different brushes. I can’t speak to the efficacy of any other model than the Mia. As far as it is concerned, the device feels substantial and well built. The charging mechanism is space conscious and travel friendly. As for Clarisonic’s claim that regular use of the Mia improves the absorption of skin care products? Without any empirical proof, I concur. 
In this week’s quest for clearer skin, I bring you iS Clinical Active Serum, a product that – GASP and clutch your anus – actually delivers results. 
Made of extracts of sugar cane (glycolic), bilberry (lactic), willow bark (salicylic) , and mushroom (kojic) with a kick of menthol for tingle, not sure exactly what it is about this serum, but I saw dramatic improvements in skin texture after a few uses. It reduces inflammation, fades healing spots, and brightens overall. The cooling effect makes me a little nostalgic for Sea Breeze. 
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