Beauty VIP: Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara

Don't forget, just two days left to enter the giveaway for gorgeous-for-spring Stella & Dot earrings, courtesy of wonder woman Angelica Wyke!

And, if you're local, catch me tonight on CBS12 during the 7 pm news dishing about tasty chocolate bars under 200 calories that are delish (promise!), yet won't kill your diet. I'll share them here tomorrow.

Now to today's post... Say hello to gorgeous (lower) lashes.Can I start with an AMEN, SISTA?! Fasten your seatbelts and get ready because your lower lashes are never going to be the same.

Me, your average, typical, gal, has always struggled with applying mascara to my bottom lashes because
1. I'm not a make-up artist.
2. I don't have so many lashes to work with.
3. A mess always ensues making me look like I kind of got punched in the face (or that I'm a five-year-old trying to apply make-up, ha) so I often choose to skim even doing them.

Until now! Enter:
Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara!
{applause, applause}

While Sephora lets you test everything before you buy it, you'll have to trust me on this one. You can't effectively test this because you can't use one of Sephora's generic disposable mascara brushes to sample. The mystique around this product is the extra-small brush specially designed for coating our mini lower lashes. It's so much more fool-proof than the regular mascara wand. No globs or goops or clumps (yay!) because you can easily access each lash, almost individually. It's dare, I say, genius.

Comes in black or a black/brown (my choice), for a very worthy $10.

5 Must Haves: to be Camera Ready

Meet Dori. She's one of my oldest friends: we met during the high school years, became sorority sisters at UF and now, lifelong friends. I think she's truly amazing. She's smart, gorgeous, talented and tells the best stories (trust me when I tell you this girl doesn't forget a detail). I wish we got to see each other more often because it's the best. You know those few friends who it just clicks every time you see each other? That's us. We laugh, we shop, we gossip, we have the best time.  We're known as DorAl, just like Brangelina, of course. Lol, don't judge. But back to the stuff more relevant to this post... 

Did I happen to mention she's kinda famous? Yeah, she is! I'm so proud of her. She's worked her way up the tv ranks and is now an evening anchor for the CBS station in the Capital Region (that's the Albany, New York area). I have high hopes she'll make it back to the Sunshine State, but until then there's always that game of phone tag we love!

Since she's on TV every day, I figured who better to give make-up insight! Her skin has to look flawless daily -- especially now that there's HD! -- so here she is with...

5 must haves, in her words... to be Flawlessly Camera Ready!

First things first: this is probably going to sound like a big sales pitch for MAC makeup. And I apologize for that. But overall, when it comes to being camera-ready, whether for video or still, their products really ARE among the best when it comes to being effective and efficient.

MAC, Studio Tech

For starters, their Studio Tech can pull double-duty as both a concealer and foundation. I apply with a foundation brush to make sure it's even and smooth.

Sheer pressed powder

We all know how being "shiny" can ruin a photo. Don't you hate that -- when everyone else looks fab, but you think you look so slimy and gross?! I've found that using sheer pressed powder, MAC's in particular, is the best way to get rid of the shine and get a truly flawless finish. But it's not just the product itself that matters; it's also the application. Instead of using the included puff applicator, use a large makeup brush to apply the powder more lightly and evenly. A little goes a long way.

Too Faced eye shadow palette

I used to be the WORST about knowing where different eye shadows are supposed to go on the lid, and which shades are meant to compliment one another. That is, until I discovered the "Natural Eye" palette from Too Faced. It offers the perfect neutral combinations for day, night and fashion, as well as helpful cards showing you exactly where each shade for each look is applied on the lid. Totally foolproof -- and totally one of my favorite makeup finds yet.

Eyeliner - Almay / MAC

Every woman has their one type of makeup item they can't live without, the one item they "have" to have on before they leave the house. Without a doubt, mine is eyeliner. If I'm running errands on the weekends, it's just a quick once-over of an Almay retractable liner. For work and all those camera-ready occasions, it's MAC's Fluidline gel liner. The. Best. Using a flat brush that's rinsed and dried every time, line both top and bottom as close to the lash-line as possible.

MAC lip products

When it comes to lips, three products get the award for "Best Supporting Role." Find your signature shade of lipstick, lip liner and lip gloss, that are all relatively neutral but have a little pop. For me, it's a coating of MAC's Viva Glam V lipstick, followed by an outline of MAC's Spice lip pencil, and a swipe of MAC's Viva Glam V Lipglass on top. All three are pretty universally flattering shades, so get ready to pucker up for some fun kissy-face pics!

5 Must Haves: Girly Things By E

Erika Llenza, blogger for Girly Things by E:
Five Must Have... Drugstore Beauty Buys!

Meet Erika. She's a self-proclaimed beauty junkie, and proud of it! So excited to have her here: she's constantly dolling out awesome recommendations on her blog and posting how-to videos on YouTube for everything from applying eyeshadow just perfectly to curling your hair (which for some reason, this average girl can never make look just right!)!

It all started for her when the search began for hair products that would tame her unruly curls. Serums, shampoos, conditioners, leave-in treatments, hairspray, oh my! As you can see by her gorgeous photo, she got that hair perfectly straight. Plus, growing up, Erika's father, who worked for a large drugstore chain, would pass along gift cards he received. She would stock up in the makeup and beauty aisles with her sister, using his dad's employee discount to stretch the value. She loves all products -- lipsticks, hair products, nail polish, and beauty goodies -- and you can still find Erika perusing the beauty isles at Target, TJ Maxx, Sephora, and other retailers for bargains, treats and new beauty essentials.

In her own words, here's her five drugstore beauty buys!
(and, always check local drugstore promotions; one brand is always BOGO 1/2 off!)

e.l.f. Hypershine Lipgloss

At a mere $1, this wallet-friendly vanilla-scented lipgloss is comparable to Stila's lip glazes. Find these little gems at most Target stores or on the e.l.f web site. They come in a nice array of colors, my favorites are Flirt, Honey, and Sugar Plum (a nice subtle way to do fall's plum lips for those who are timid about this bold trend). Bonus: e.l.f recently released holiday colors, available in holiday gift sets for $3 and $5.

TAGG tip: e.l.f. just started a new promotion today, take 50% off its top 25 favs, when you spend $25 or more (so it becomes just $12.50!)

Cover Girl Eye Enhancers 3-kit Eyeshadow in Cafe au Lait

I can't attest for the other color combos that Cover Girl makes in these three-shadow kits, but I can say that I love the colors in cafe au lait ($4.50). It is a great go-to palette that will compliment many skin tones, and is great for the office, school and casual weekends. Heck, use the darkest color a little more at night to smoke the look out. This palette has good color pay off and is neutral so you can use it year round. For the makeup novice, it even gives you application guidance for a pretty natural look. And, at less than $5, you can afford to keep one at home, in your travel bag and in your purse to transition from the office to some after-hours drinks. For extra savings, check out your local Sunday paper for coupons.

L'Oreal Elnett Hairspray

While about $13 seems pricey for hairspray, it's actually quite a bargain considering this little gem was previously not available in the U.S. A coveted commodity, hairstylists would stock up whenever they did fashion shows or shoots abroad, bringing back as many as they were allowed or their suitcases could handle. It's been a long-standing staple at many runway shows, and while the formula is slightly different in the U.S. than it is in Europe, this hairspray is light as a feather while offering fantastic results. I'm partial to the Strong Hold (the lightest formula) for everyday use, and the Extra Strong Hold UV Hairspray for hair do's that require significantly more hold. The best part about this hairspray is that it gives you hold while still allowing movement and when you are done with your 'do all you have to do is brush your hair out and restyle -- no sticky, hard residue left behind. Check your Sunday paper for coupons: I recently clipped a $3 off coupon for Elnett hairspray. (At $10, that's more than half what some pricey name brands charge, ahem, Aveda Airspray...)

Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Nail Polish

Can't bear the thought of paying for high priced nail polishes? Sally Hansen offers great products for a fraction of the price ($2.55), and offer a generous array of colors, comparable to the trendy colors of each season. To top it off, these offer great color pigmentation and last about as long on your nails as the pricey brands like China Glaze and OPI. My current favorite: Wet Cement. Don't forget to check for coupon savings.

L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara

Why pay $25 or more for mascara, when there are so many drugstore mascaras out there that offer great formulas with nearly identical results? Put those savings toward more makeup essentials (extra lipgloss or eyeshadow anyone?). This mascara ($5.99) is one of my go-to staples. I like the brush size, the jet-black color and its volumizing results. Other great drugstore mascaras: CoverGirl LashBlash and Maybeline Lash Stilleto. Plus, all of these brands run monthly coupons in the Sunday paper.

For more words of beauty wisdom, find Erika online at her blog, Girly Things by *e*, YouTube channel and Twitter.

Fab Find Make-up at a great price!

Must tell you about two totally fab make-up lines with super deals today and through the holiday season.

Stila, a great line of quality make-up known for its gorgeous line of colors and awesome packaging, is starting its holiday gift packages. I'm a procrastinator, so it's a little early to be thinking about gift giving but never to early to take advantage of super deals on awesome products, be it for me or someone else.

You MUST check out some of these sales. For example, check out this "trendsetting in tokyo" palette that let's you sample all of these colors for just $10! $65 value here. And how adorable is the packaging?? Take this everywhere with me! Love the fun eye shadow colors and bright multi-use pink shade. 

And, this Stila lip glaze set for just $25. Seriously? It's a $110 value that let's you sample every color all-season long. Totally loving this for me AND some friends, fam and coworkers. Every gal under the sun would love this as a gift.

There's so many other deals at Stila, too, in all price ranges. Totally worth roaming around there for a while to check it out.

Now, if you're going the more economical route, e.l.f is where it's at. It's super-discount make-up available online. I've ordered a few items once before and was very pleased with the eye shadows and nail polishes. Can't comment on the other items; it's been too long. However, for these microscopic prices, test out a few items and colors you've been wanting to without the worry that you're dropping $150 on who-knows-if-I'll-really-wear-that-color-after-I-leave-the-pushy-saleslady. Plus, today only -- for Columbus Day -- get free shipping with any purchases over $15 when you use the coupon code SHIP. That could be a dozen products to play with. Woohooooo!

Here's one product to check out: This limited-edition eye shadow palette is just $10! Hold on, we're having a moment. This is freaking awesome.  Plan a girls night around this... meet at someones house and everyone gets a different color combination!

Another deal? These hypershine lip glosses for just $1 that Allure magazine raved about in its Sept. issue. They were partial to the baby pink and lilac colors called fairy and joy. For one buck, that's about a penny per application.

e.l.f has so many more options, including mineral make-up and a new bath and body line with fruity scents to test out. Let us average gals know if you discover a favorite new product!

If you love Project Runway

FIERCE! Think that will be the name of Christian Soriano's new make-up line for Victoria's Secret?? It should be! While I rather he launch an affordable line of uber fierce clothing and accessories, just read this scoop about our fav PR designer's new make-up line (and shoe collection) on Bella Sugar:

WWD reports that Project Runway champ Christian Siriano has created a line of cosmetics for Victoria's Secret Beauty. Due in August - around the same time that his Payless shoe collection debuts - Christian Siriano for VS Makeup will feature shades inspired by his Fall clothing collection. The ferosh lineup will include five shades of eye shadow ($14 each); three lip gloss shades ($14 each); black eyeliner ($12); a bronzer-highlighter trio ($24); a face brush ($32); and a ruffled cosmetics bag ($16).


Also, expect to see the Victoria's Secret Very Sexy Makeup line revamped as VS Makeup, which will feature makeup items all under $20, and include more shades (180, to be precise), finishes, and updated packaging.