Magic Bag O' Samples: Dior Diorshow Mascara

When I signed up for Sephora's new Flash program, I placed an itty-bitty order to test it out, and was able to pick up a deluxe sample of Dior Diorshow Mascara. I've been hearing raves about this product for years, but could never bring myself to spend twenty-five bucks on a mascara. I've been able to use this a few times now, so I feel like I can give you a fair assessment of how well it performs.

Honestly...it's pretty good.

Two coats. Ignore the bags. It's been a week...

Do any of you remember Rose Petal Place? That little doll collection from the early 80s that was all flower-based? Rose Petal lived in a watering can? Anyhoo, Rose Petal Place smelled like, you guessed it, rose petals. This mascara smells exactly like Rose Petal Place. I mean, ex-act-ly. I put it on, and instantly, I'm transported to the little den in my Grandma's house, where I'm on the floor, playing with Rose Petal, and waiting for my turn on the Atari. Frankly, I kind of love that.

As for the performance, I can't really complain too much. It does lengthen the lashes, though I didn't see too much in the area of volume. I did have some minor clumping, but nothing that a lash brush couldn't fix. I did not experience any flaking, irritation, or smudging, even though it is not a waterproof formula. It's a really good mascara, in my opinion.

Will I be buying it, though? No. I still can't bring myself to spend $25 on a mascara. Besides that, I still feel that Buxom Buxom Lash is far superior. It may not smell like my childhood, but it lengthens and volumizes in one coat, and does it for less money.

Final Verdict: 8 out of 10. It's a good mascara, but still too pricey for what it is.

Trending Topic: Spring Makeup

Nordstrom recently assembled a panel of beauty experts to let all of us little people know what's going to be hot for Spring '11. Their predictions: bright, bold lips, shimmering eyelids, and nails that go from work to play. 

 

The big tip that came from the panel was the "statement lip". If you focus on the aforementioned bright, bold lip, you can go easy on the makeup for the rest of your face and save a few minutes getting ready for work. Funny, I seem to recall mentioning that very tip back in October. Hmmmm... 

 

According to Rick DiCecca of Estée Lauder, "You don't have to choose a full-on opaque bright, try a stain, gloss or even a sheer lipstick." Stick with colors in the coral, pink, and tangerine families for an on-trend look, and keep the rest of your face neutral. Easy peasy, and perfect for the pool! Nordstrom's pick for the best statement lip: MAC Cosmetics Sheen Supreme Lipstick in Insanely It. $14.50.

 

Other top picks were Laura Mericer Baked Eye Color ($22.00), for a sheer, buildable, iridescent eye. For nails, Dior Vernis Rock Top Coat can be applied over existing nailpolish, to take it from sweet to sexy. It's a sheer gunmetal gray topcoat that adds a deliciously rocker-chic touch to any going-out look. No word on price, yet, but look for it to hit shelves in April.

 

On a budget? I suggest checking out e.l.f. for their Mineral Lipstick in Cool Coral for a citrusy pout ($5.00), Mineral Eyeshadow in Dreamy (turquoise) or Flirty (lavender) for sparkly lids ($3.00 each), and Nail Polish in Metal Madness for and edgy mani-pedi (one whole dollar).

The 100th Post!!

That's right, folks!  We have hit the 100th post!  Cake for everyone!!  Well, that is, everyone who happens to already have cake with them, as I, quite unfortunately, do not have any cake at hand, nor any hopes of procuring or distributing said cake.  So, I suppose that should read, "Cake for everyone who already has cake!!"  Well, now I'm thoroughly depressed.  Thanks, 100th post.  Thanks a lot.

In other news, it looks like Google is trying to give us an early Christmas present by revamping the Shopping portion of the search engine.  You'll now be able to search for products in your immediate area (yay!).  Also, in addition to the brand and color options, you'll be able to search by "popular products" and "aisles".  "Popular products" will allow you to search for an item and see similar items that other online shoppers have viewed.  "Aisles" will allow you to search related sub-categories.  For instance, if you search for a television set, the sub-categories could divide the results into LCD or Plasma sets.  All in all, it's a welcome change for this online shopper. 

So, the magic bag o' samples has made a brief comeback.  While emptying out yet another box (I may never get fully unpacked), I ran across a sample of Dior Miss Dior Cherie Eau de Toilette ($62-$82, Sephora) and figured I'd give it a shot.  Here's what Sephora has to say about it:

A dazzling spring floral interpretation of the classic Miss Dior Chérie, this fragrance opens with a lilting fruity note for a fresh and joyful first impression. The heart's floral bouquet evokes the sense of a garden full of flowers. An elegant, signature base note completes the captivating essence. Notes:  Freesia, Jasmine, Orange Blossom, Popcorn, Vanilla, Caramel, Patchouli. 

I spritzed it on this morning, and was immediately hit with an overpowering sense of familiarity.  I had definitely smelled this fragrance before, but where?  It's lovely.  Very soft, with a creamy citrus feel.  Where had I smelled this?  It started to drive me a little batty.  Granted, it's a short drive, but still...

Suddenly, it dawned on me.  It's almost the exact same scent as my all-time favorite body wash!  Soap & Glory Clean On Me.  $9.99, Target.  Sadly--nay, tragically--this brand is no longer available at Target, which means that it's no longer available in the States at all.  Period.  You can't get it.  The company is planning to offer the products again in a more beauty-oriented shop, but that hasn't happened yet, and no store has been named. 

I'm distraught.  I mostly used mine as a shaving lotion, and it's the best I've ever used.  Zero nicks, tons of moisture, huge container, and it never clogged up the blade.  Plus, this amazing scent.  I even bought the body butter and body spray to go with it.  Heck, I gave the stuff away as bridesmaid's gifts when I got married!  (Travel sizes in cute frosted pink chinese take out boxes filled with pink shredded paper made for precious bachelorette party gifts.  I added in a Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush lipgloss, too.  Cute as pie.) 

Anyway, I have totally gotten off the subject.  Sorry about that.  The mind wanders on me occasionally (read:  constantly).  Basically, what I'm saying is that this Dior scent is gorgeous.  It's perfect for everyday, in that it's light and breezy, with tons of citrus.  It's also great for evening and special occasions because of the warm vanilla notes and the patchouli.  I'm also saying that a less expensive clone exists, and it comes in many forms.  If you can find Soap & Glory, or hear of where it might be re-released, grab what you can and please share with the rest of the class.  In the meantime, I guess I'll just have to settle for the Dior.  There are worse things, I suppose.