Mascara Loving: Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara

Photo Credit: Sephora Website

I'm one of those girls who has always had a hard time applying mascara to her bottom lashes. I've heard of tricks and tips to help make application less messy and smear-free (think holding a business card under the lashes or turning the the wand vertically), but nothing really seemed to work for me. Regardless of my approach, I would always end up with black smudges under my eyes. Definitely not a cute look. And if that weren't bad enough, in the process of cleaning up, I would wipe off the concealer I had just applied (I guess I could/should have put on my face makeup after finishing my eye makeup, but old habits die hard!).

Recently, I've been hearing a lot of buzz about Clinique's NEW Bottom Lash Mascara, and so I thought "why not give it a go?" The product comes in a cute little tube decorated in a floral pattern. It is definitely much smaller than the traditional mascara tube - .07 oz for $10 - but, then again, it is only meant to be used on the lower lashes, and I really could only see it being used for that purpose. The brush is perfectly shaped and sized (teeny tiny!) to easily coat the smaller, finer lower lashes. I find that I can really get down into the lashes without making a mess. The wand helps separate each lash without obvious clumping (be careful - only a small amount of product is needed on the brush to do the job!).

It is stated that Bottom Lash mascara can be removed easily with warm water. I used an oil-based cleanser to take it off (as I had full eye makeup on), but I am quite sure that it would have washed right off with the water alone.

Overall, I am really enjoying this product. While some may say that it is not necessary to use a separate mascara for the bottom lashes, this is really a godsend for those klutzes like me who may not have the steadiest of hands (or the patience!). While I have often passed on applying mascara to my lower lashes - and not for lack of a desire to add a little more drama to my look - I am confident that I will now take the initiative much more frequently.

Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara is available in 2 shades - black (which I have been using) and black/brown - and can be found at Sephora and other locations at which Clinique products are sold.

Weigh in: Have you tried Bottom Lash? Are you interested in trying it? Do you think it's an unnecessary product? Share your thoughts!

NB: I purchased this myself.

China Glaze Crackle - Collection Info

To say that I'm excited about the China Glaze Crackle collection is definitely an understatement. As someone who doesn't often wear polish (I attribute this solely to the fact that I am awful at applying it!), just seeing images of these texturizing polishes makes me excited to try my hand at a self-manicure once again.

Of late, crackle polishes have come back onto the scene in a big way. Applied in a thin layer over any contrasting color - glitter, shimmer, or creme - the polish shrinks to reveal a super cool pattern which can "edge up" any manicure. The key is to wait until the underlying polish has dried before applying the crackle. Then, after you have applied the crackle enamel, wait about an additional 5 minutes for the pattern to fully develop (before adding a top coat of your choice to seal).

So here's what you need to know about the collection....

The Six Shade offerings (SRP $7.99 each):

Lightning Bolt - White crackle

Black Mesh - Black crackle

Broken Hearted - Pink crackle

Cracked Concrete - Grey crackle

Fault Line - Purple crackle

Crushed Candy - Teal crackle

Availability: The China Glaze Crackle polishes will be available at Sally Beauty Supply locations starting February 2011 (this month everyone, so be on the lookout!). I've also been alerted via the China Glaze Twitter (@ChinaGlaze), that the polishes are now available for pre-order at the Trans Design website. In addition to their availability in 12-piece displays, there will also be 3-piece kits that will include a base color, a crackle polish (in Black Mesh, Broken Hearted, or Crushed Candy), and a top coat.

I definitely plan on collecting them all Pokemon-style (if I can)! I'm especially looking forward to trying the teal, purple (of course, my favorite color would speak to me), and grey shades. Over a black polish?! LOVE! Check out the China Glaze site here.

What do you think? Are you interested in the crackle polish craze? Will you pick up any of these colors? Have you tried a crackle polish before? Weigh in!

Happy Valentine's Day From KENZO!

Hi all! I just wanted to share with you a special promotion that KENZO is running for Valentine's Day. Through February 11, when you make ANY purchase at the KENZO website, receive FREE 2-day shipping with the code VALENTINE15.

My recommendations: Flower By Kenzo EDP (previously reviewed), KENZOKI Nightshift Cream (so delicious and light...smells subtly of ginger and helps to revitalize your skin while you sleep!)

There is also a new fragrance on the block that you might be interested to try. L'Eau de KENZOAMOUR is a limited edition offering of the popular KENZOAMOUR that is said to be a bit lighter and fresher. The bottle is also quite gorgeous, I might add. (I will be reviewing this shortly)

Perfect time for your guy to treat you to a sweet gift, don't you think? Go ahead, drop those hints!