Prettier Than Everyone Else: Budget Beauty Finds, Winter '10

***Secret Blog Police Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by no one. Sadly, I purchased all of the following with my own personal money. ***

Ooh, look, a post that has nothing very little to do with the State of the Uterus!

I feel like We've lost our focus on being Prettier Than Everyone Else around here lately - not to mention our overuse of the Royal "We" - and for this, I apologize. I mean, it isn't as if I've grown any less vain just because I'm, you know, that "P" word we're definitely not discussing today.

Like everyone in These Difficult Times, I've had re-evaluate my beauty budget & cut back where I can. Winter is the most challenging time to do so, bringing the unique beauty challenges it does, but happily, I've had much better luck in the drugstore aisles as of late. My recent favorites include:

(Just try not to be overwhelmed by the glamorous top-o'-the-toilet pics. I dare you.)

L'oreal EverPure Sulfate Free Color Care System (long names, anyone?), Volumizing Shampoo & Conditioner ($6.99 each): As an unabashed Hair Snob, I never thought my fine, limp, highlighted* locks would meet the discount match of my favorite pricey brands, Pureology & Kerastase.

*Note to "P" Word Police: my doctor says highlights are 100% fine. Nanny nanny boo boo.

Imagine my surprise, then, when this new, inexpensive line came out. It's light enough to volumize my oil-prone roots, but the conditioner properly hydrates my dry ends too. As if that weren't enough, one bottle will last you months; I'm halfway through at month 4.

I do cheat once a week with this uberluxe deep conditioner, but am otherwise delighted to chuck my prior pricey suds for this duo. As "S&TC" Samantha once intoned, done and done.

Boots Botanics for Target "Purifying Face Scrub" ($7.99) & "Responsive Moisture Lotion" ($9.99) : Thanks to that, ahem, "Glow" I mentioned, I've found myself in a quandary - finding affordable skincare that addresses both my dry winter skin and my scourge de adolescent acne, ideally with some anti-aging goodies to boot. AND, due to that P word we won't address today, the most effective anti-aging /combination skin elixirs - dear, sweet Retin-A, how I miss thee - aren't an option for me right now.

Enter Target & their new Boots line, already popular in the UK but new to us here. I've been skeptical, but in two weeks of use, this combo has quelled the worst of the Scourge. Most impressively, the moisturizer is enough for my dry skin, but slightly mattifies as it goes on.

Overall verdict: After two weeks, good progress on the acne / dry winter skin front, but this regime probably doesn't adress my fine lines & sun spots concerns. I will stick with this duo while I look to add a P Word safe (1) sunscreen, (2) serum, and (3) eye cream. Hint: Any suggestions for this list = my undying love. I've already promised that to the AH, naturally, but have apparently done so so many times that it has been rendered, uh, less persuasive.

Alba Coconut Lip Balm ($3.99) (you all know what lip balm looks like, no?): Along with the, ahem, "Glow" came chapped lips. I've long been a fan of the Alba line, and this balm is no exception - rich, smells like a beach vacation, and cleared up the dryness within days.

Any other new budget finds I - ahem, We - should add?

Fall Fashion: Ruffles Redux

Please forgive me for the lack of posting, dolls, but it has taken me a few days to kick the Kimberlys in their (perfectly straight, blindingly white) teeth. Frankly, I've needed a wee break from the blogosphere as well, much as I adore you.

Happily, I've rediscovered the surefire cure to that which ails me - getting Prettier Than Everyone Else those Kimberly bitches included. Maybe I've watched one too many Merchant-Ivory movies, but as I was flipping through the latest Spring '10 Fashion Week, I was thrilled to see that amidst the studs and masculine plaids flooding the stores this fall, the floaty, romantic look is very much still in style. The ruffle, that brassy VIP of the romantic look, remains a fashion mainstay.

Consider these from the Field Marshall of Fierce, Christian Siriano (my Invisible Internet Friends Paisley Petunia also noted these here) (credit all photos: Style.com):

And one from my other BFF designer of late, Marc Jacobs:

Although my mood has rebounded, my wallet has not - not to the point of affording high fashion, that is, as that would be less of a rebound and more of a giant, er, bound. In any event, I meandered over to my go-to source for romantic splurges, Anthropologie, and discovered ruffly everyday pieces in pretty fall colors and a closer proximity to my price range (credit all photos: Anthropologie):

"Swept Away Top" - look how the fluttery bow up top draws the eye up to the face

"Sunlit Grove Coat" - aka, "Pretty's early Christmas present if the Anonymous Husband catches this hint"; just check out the sweet ruffle & pleating on the back:

!

"Blooming Phlox Tank" - like wearing a rose garden, minus the, um, dirt and bugs and stuff

"Windflower Necklace"

"Cashmere Squiggle Scarf"

What do you think, fashionistas - fluttery and fun, or do I need to step away from the Austen and Bronte for a bit?

Pretty Beauty Products, Summer '09 Ed.

There are days when I endeavor to bring you something intriguing or funny on this fair or fairly awful site. And then there are the days when I dramatically fling my hands in the air and proclaim, "Oh, to Hell with it - let's just get Prettier than everyone else." I think you know in which direction the winds are blowing today, so to speak.

Besides, in the words of Billy Crystal, "It is better to look good than to feel good". And so, before I go quoting myself or archaic SNL sketches again, I'm hereby making an unladylike gesture at reality and just focusing on bringing you the new beauty products I've recently tested out. I hereby give the following my uber-prestigious Pretty Seal of Approval:

(Older house --> limited counter space --> photos atop toilet tanks. It's a glamorous* existence here at the Pretty.)

*As my Twitter friends know, yes, I did have to pause & start singing "G-L-A-M . . ." before typing that. Yes, I am ashamed.

Ahem. Going from left to right:

- Neutrogena "Age Shield Face" SPF 70: I've earned every sun spot & wrinkle, but am now doing my best to keep things from falling further apart. This goes on with a minimum of grease and none of the Casper-the-ghost white filminess that so many sunscreens get. It also blocks UVA & UVB rays, doesn't sting my eyes, costs $10, and does a bunch of other impressive stuff I don't really understand.

- Phytomer "Douceur Marine": Although I look just like Grace Kelly, see above about the sun spots & fair complexion. This does a nice job of moisturizing and evening out my ruddy, combination skin without clogging my pores. This is a pricier buy - around $60 from my aesthetician - but the best I've found after trying many other, including much pricier (rhymes with "La Mer"), options.

- Phytomer "Expertise Age Control": Again, strikes the right moisture balance or will until the Botox fairy eventually comes for a visit. Nearly as good as my absolute finito eye cream, which you can find here, at a fraction of the price.

- Finacea (prescription only): Same idea as Retin-A, but using a different ingredient and less of a scorched Earth approach. I've found this a better fit for my rosacea & combination skin issues.

And since good hair is just as important as good skin in looking Prettier Than Everyone Else:

- Chi Professional Rocket Low EMF: It may sound and like something out of NASA, complete with flashing Lite Brite-style doodads on the side, but let me assure you - this is the best $100 you will spend on your hair. I've known about and used Chis for years, so when mine tragically perished off the coast of Stockholm, I ordered this upgrade the second I returned home.

This model has cut my drying time by 5 minutes, and those 5 minutes in the morning are of course precious moments I could be spending plotting my eventual Junior League / world (whichever happens first) takeover. Buy this.

Any other new, or new to you, products I should know about?

Prettier Than Everyone Else: Pre-Fall Fashion?!?

I know, I know - you just read that title & thought the same thing I did (and as the chic Pretty in Pink Megan blogged here & the inimitable SLynnRo Tweeted) while leafing through a catalog one recent, sweltering summer's day - "What?  Fall fashion? I'd like you to fall into this 104 degree heat & then tell me to buy heavy leather boots!"  As surely as fall follows summer, and the media follows anything a Jackson does, so do retailers give us approximately five seconds to enjoy the current season before ushering us along to the next one.* 

*I'm certain this has nothing whatsoever to do with their needing to make money, any money, right now.  

To try and figure out just what it is I'm meant to be wearing in Austin's version of early fall, I turned as I often do to those internet manners mavens formerly known as the Etiquette Grrls.  According to the Grrls, the same summery cuts and fabrics still work (ie, a cotton sleeveless dress), but the color palette should shift to something seasonally apropos.  

In a brave show of retail sacrifice - the things I do for you readers! - I meandered around the internets, inspired by PIPM to also try and find on-trend pieces that could both work in the fall & that wouldn't incite heatstroke at the very sight of them.  Here are a few favorites that make my wallet sweat in a positive, non-melanoma-inducing way:

Anthropologie "Sweet-n-Sour Necklace" ($28)

Milly "Beaded Shell Dress"  ($455 at Neiman Marcus) (Yes, the shells are summery, but I say it works due to the cut & color.  So there.)

Yves St Laurent "Y-Bow Bowler" ($1,795 - GAH, but so luscious! - at Bergdorf Goodman)

Banana Republic "Renee Peep-Toe Wedge" ($120) (BR's shoes have done me good; nice quality for the price & trendiness factor.)

Nicole Miller "Abstract-Print Jersey Dress" ($275 at Neiman Marcus)

RXB "Embroidered Flutter-Sleeve Peasant Top" ($40 at Macy's)

Milly "Cascading Ruffle Blouse" ($205) and "Boucle Pencil Skirt" ($250) (both at Saks here)

Now that my research is done here, I'm headed back to sitting very still while "glistening" away in this Texas heat . . . 

Prettier Than Everyone Else, Summer Sunglasses Ed.

Enough with the substance (what little I have of it) - let's get back to the superficial, shall we?

As I've mentioned on these Pretty pages before, it's my birthright as a Californian to speak with authority on two subjects - (1) cosmetic surgery; and (2) looking more tan/ beach-y than nature intended.  Given the season & my personal area of expertise, let's dive back into the latter. Having already discussed the right casual dresses here and here, and the proper watches and bags here, I bring you the next essential item - the latest sunglasses.

In addition to completing your summertime look, sunglasses serve a vitally important purpose - a visage behind which you can discreetly observe and judge other beachgoers.  Being that getting judgy is one of my favorite pastimes, we won't be looking at those likely to blow your espionage cover - the clear frames or those absurd Kanye ones that I've started to see actual live people wearing.*

*I thought the point was wearing rose-colored glasses, not shuttered ones?  Either way, just . . . no.

Let's take a look at a sampling of the non-patently-ridiculous sunglass trends:

Starting from the top right corner, working clockwise:

• "MICHAEL Michael Kors Aviators" ($95):  Timeless, yet still very current, and as near a universally face-flattering frame as it gets.  Bonus points for reminding me of "Top Gun", back before we knew Maverick was crazy and short.
• "Topshop Preppy Plastic" ($30):  Attention preps - round frames are back in a big way this summer.  This could not be a less flattering look on my own round face, but those with smaller features & a narrower face can pull these off.
• "Oliver Peoples Sabrina" ($395):  Here's the boho choice with rose-tinted lenses and a larger frame.  Having tried these on personally, I can vouch for their incredible comfort.  A good choice for anyone else similarly large-noggined.
• "Ray-Ban Wayfarer" ($195):  This classic is still omnipresent, but my guess is that these flat-top glasses have been around long enough that it may be headed back out & replaced by those round Topshop frames.  For those who could care less about the trend-factor (and, unlike me, look decent in them), go for it; these are timeless.
• "Fendi Stitch-Effect" ($355):  My favorite & most similar to the giant pair I sport myself.  If you have to ask yourself, "Is she legally blind, or is that a celebrity hiding behind those Pluto-sized frames?" those are the ones for me.  The 2009 change to these oversized, wraparound frames is the lack of the Logo; looks like the label-y "It" sunglass might be headed the way of the "It" be-logoed bag.

Which pair best suits your sleuthing and style needs, pets?

Prettier Than Everyone Else: The Bandage Dress

For someone who occasionally* writes about style, I confess to avoiding coverage of those trends skinny jeans skinny jeans skinny jeans which don't flatter (pear-shaped) me personally.  As in, those fashions that cause me to inwardly scream, "MY HIPS!  MY HIPS!  JUST THINK OF MY CHILD-BEARING (SOMEDAY) HIPS IN THOSE!!! MAGELLAN HIPS, BECAUSE THEY COULD CIRCUMNAVIGATE THE GLOBE WITH THEIR HUGENESS IN THOSE! GAH!"

*Or constantly; forgive me, non-shoppers, but it has been Avarice-R-Us here lately due to real life getting odious for a few loved ones.  When my inner writing muse gets stressed, she wants to go shopping.  

Ahem.  Given my figure bias, as well as my questioning of this 80s revival that is still going strong in 2009, I had overlooked the return of the curve-hugging Herve Leger "bandage dress" for a time. I did initially because I saw the phrase "bandage dress" and thought, "I've somehow stumbled upon a fetish-y Band-Aid site".  On second glance, however, it's because this look leaves no room for error:

(Credit:  Net-a-Porter)

For you hourglass-figured types, be you on the Kate Bosworth or the Kate Winslet end of curvy, this likely looks amazing on you;  as for me, my hips and I will be cowering in the corner, thinking of the many pairs o' Spanx we'd need to fit into this - or so I thought, until I happened upon a few more figure and budget friendly finds:

(Credit:  Macy's)

"London Times Sleeveless Shutter-Pleat Dress" ($109.00):  This skirt flares out a bit in a more forgiving manner, and the ruched bustline adds curves up top.  For those of us like me, even though I'm the spitting image of HRH Grace who need it, that is.

(Credit:  Macy's)

"Jones New York Cap-Sleeved Tiered Laser-Cut Dress" ($170.00):  In addition to having too many adjectives, this one comes with a nice cap sleeve for those who prefer a sleeve & bra strap coverage.

(Credit:  BCBG)

"Tiered Halter Dress" (on sale at $138):  This is close to the "no margin for error" original, but at a friendlier price and more forgiving skirt.  If your shoulders are in shape, this is a beautiful halter top to show them off in.

As far as accessorizing this dress style - or making it modest enough for the more conservative, boring laywer types (me!) amongst us - I like the way the following two famous types interpreted this look:

(Credit:  FabSugar)

This may be the one & only time we besmirch the Pretty with one of those Vicky's Secret model types, but bear with me.  She gets the accessories just right here: (1) the 80s blazer is both of the moment & covers up enough for my prudish tastes; (2) the satchel bag gives it textural & colorful interest; (3) the simple hair and makeup keep it modest; (4) patent nude heels - leg-elongating and fab; and (5) the arm-charm, "Better than a Birkin" Bloom boyfriend.

(Credit:  CW)

Yes, I'm going there - our Lady of the Fictional Upper East Side, Blair Waldorf, expertly sets off her version of the bandage with a neutral, conservative cardigan.  Note the sequin detail on the arm & neckline that keeps this young & interesting.

Will you be giving this ongoing trend a go?  Or do you think it's best left to the imaginary prep school brats?

Edited to Add:  I keep finding more demure takes on this trend, like here and here.  If you aren't afraid of the sleeveless or form-fitting, there are multiple ways to adapt this look.

Prettier Than Everyone Else: Summer Shift Ed.

Enough with the giveaway swag, let's get back to the original point of the Pretty - being better looking than everyone else.  That is, everyone other than me.  This being my blog and all, I'm sure you understand.

Now that we've cleared that up - no item of clothing speaks summer to me more than the shift.  In a lightweight cotton or linen, detailed with just the right amount of embroidery, accessorized only with (1) flip flops or very basic sandals; (2) beachy, wavy hair (pssst - which I achieve with this drugstore product); and (3)  sunglasses the size of Neptune*, a well-made shift mentally whisks me away to faraway beaches while keeping me cool in this deathHelljawsofHecubus Texas heat.

*I will allow you (4) a few pieces of chunky gold or silver jewelry, with the following caveat:  the closer you get to the sea, the less jewelry you should be wearing.  The beach is for natural, not bejeweled, beauty.

In increasing order of "stimulating the economy" potential, here is the best of what's around:

Old Navy "Embroidered Voile Dress", $15-22.50 (depending on color).  

Note the detail around the neckline & the perfect not too long, not scandalous hemline. ON online also has a Pretty selection of swimsuit cover-ups here and a good plus-size collection.

Banana Republic "Cotton Embroidered Shift Dress",  $98.  

Difficult to see with the white, but this is beautifully detailed in person - and it's mine, but only after I verified I wasn't risking another see-through Lilly situation.  Perfect with some bright sandals & (faux) tan.

Anthropologie "Azulejo Shift", $128.  

This is doing absolutely nothing to assuage my desire to run away to Spain and loll around in the sunshine and a vat of Rioja.  Please, someone who looks good in off-white, buy this shift for me.  And take me to Spain.  Not necessarily in that order.

Finally, I'm loving these next two, which are more a kaftan-y look than a shift per se (all photo credit Saks):

Nanette Leopore "Coaxing Dress", $395.  

Class, please raise your hand if you thought "Golden Girls" when you saw the word "kaftan".  As this & particularly the dress below show, merely because we're talking sleeves & an A-line fit, a muu-muu and retirement in South Florida it does not make (although if Bea Arthur is somehow involved, God rest her soul, I'm in).

Nanette Lepore "Holding Court Kaftan" $275.

OK, OK - as the fab Project Rungay boys might say, I can feel you giving me those concerned Tim Gunn, "That's a lot of look" eyes right now in relation to this second one.  Work with me here - I might lose the sleeves to make this less busy, but otherwise, I adore the vibrant color & embroidery.  

Prettier Than Everyone Else: Summer Dress Ed.

Pets, I just don't have the perk in me today.  For reasons too tedious and personal to bore you with, I'm enjoying a self-indulgent sulk today, the likes of which America may not have seen since the Angela Chase era.*

*Is there a statute of limitations on pop culture references?  

Before I grow too desperate and embark upon my zillionth "The Catcher in the Rye" re-read**, allow me to divert you and me with a variety of summer dress finds, utilizing the TSA color-coded emergency system in order of inverse retail necessity/ financial irresponsibility.  Because nothing cheers a girl up like the bastardization of our great nation's national security ratings.

**I prefer to invite great literary figures of sulkitude to my pity parties, don't you?

LEVEL RED ALERT / Tory Burch

"Please distract me with a cookie while you ply my AmEx from my steely grasp before I buy . . . "  (Credit all images:  Tory Burch)

"Leonid Dress" ($455):  Look how the Moroccan detail draws your eye up to the face, and the waistband detail hits just perfectly to drape over (my) hips.  The perfect linen dress for summer parties here in deathHellhotjawsofdeathheat central Texas.

It's really the back that's selling me, though .  .  .

"Odile Dress" ($450 originally, $270 sale): For the times you need an understated, but not boring shift:

 

Tough to see with the white dress, but can you make out those straps that nip in the waist?  TB is so good at emphasizing a woman's figure, versus the shapeless shift to which some designers - yes, Lilly, I'm looking at you - are occasionally susceptible.

LEVEL ORANGE ALERT:  Ann Taylor Loft and Topshop 

"Proceed with caution, taking care to avoid rogue mom jeans or Sienna Miller wannabes . . ."

(Credit:  Ann Taylor Loft)

Ann Taylor Loft "Splitneck Ruffle Sleeveless Dress" ($69):  Not since my days of being a MILDLY AMBITIOUS LAW STUDENT who was going to SAVE THE CONSTITUTION via CAPS LOCK OVERUSE have I darkened the doorstep of an Ann Taylor or her lil sis, the Loft.  Nonetheless, I have to admit that their current crop of brunch or tailgate***-level dresses is impressive.

***Note to my fellow Californians:  Yes, some people wear dresses to tailgate down here.  Email me if you need me to explain "tailgating".

My reasons for inherently disliking TopShop are legion, but chief amongst them:

1)  I never met a bandwagon I liked except for "Mad Men".  And a certain hormonal teenaged vampire series.  Oh, like you didn't.

2)  I do not worship at the fashion altar of the big Boho herself, Kate Moss.

3)  98% of the merchandise is a neon nightmare homage to 1984.   Brace yourself.

But I can't quite help having a crush on this retro little number:

(Credit:  TopShop)

TopShop "50's Bandeau Dress" ($100):  Again with the detail at the bust & waistline.  Note that I haven't actually been in a TopShop, so I can't vouch for them quality wise  - readers?

YELLOW ALERT: Forever 21 

"Buy whatever you like - buy 3! - but your fingernails may start to 

bleed upon entering the store." (Credit all images: Forever 21)

Yes, yes - THAT F21.

The one that makes me want to saw my heart out with the nearest 

Jonas Brothers CD.

With the same 98% horror factor and quality caveat as above, 

feast your eyes on these two:

"Love21 Tribal Chiffon Dress" ($22.80): Positively Tibi-like, no?

"Serene Linen Sundress" ($24.80): simple, classic, summer staple.

Prettier Than Everyone Else, Summer Accessories Ed.

Maybe it's the longer days, or how I've started to "glisten" when out for a mere nanosecond in the 90-degree Texas gaping jaws of Hell-deathheat.  Whatever the reason, I've happily accommodated the seasons & turned my mind towards my summer wardrobe. Stimulating the economy one weather swing at a time, that's me.

I'm particularly liking this all-white accessory trend; not all white in the Diddy-in-the-Hamptons party sense - although I certainly would welcome the invite - but as a tasteful, fresh neutral to pair with the bright teals and greens and pinks of summer.  The happy news is, this appears to be a trend with fab options at all price points.  

Yes, Etiquette Mavens, I am chatting about wearing white pre-Memorial Day.  I hope you don't find this too shocking, but I have adopted the post-modern* "Whenever it's miserably hot, hopefully after Easter, get your whites out" rule.  Not to worry, though - I'm still writing thank you notes aplenty and generally being uptight about everything.

*Post-modern = I'm making this up, but hoping it sounds impressive.

The Pretty Picks:

Clockwise from the top left:

-  "Chanel J12 Diamond White Ceramic Midsize":  As Holly Golightly might say, this is the Absolute Finito of the ceramic watches, the one that set the white accessories trend in motion.  As I discovered on my Chanel window-shopping adventure & discussed later with SLynnRo, this watch is to be coveted and admired from afar.  "From afar" because, unless you are an oil baron/baroness, or whichever baron/ess is en vogue nowadays**, this basic model will cost you a rough $5,800.  

 **Health insurance baroness?  Doesn't quite have the same ring . . .

- "Michael Kors Ceramic":  I nominate this as my pick for the best under $500 reasonable (recognizing "reasonable" is relative) choice.  This is simple and elegant in typical Kors form.

- "Adidas Wooser Collection":  I will forgive the giant logo for the budget ($60) price and sporty style.  

- "Michael Kors Iconic Catwalk":  A different, more punk take on the trend.

- "TOYWATCH Chronograph Dial Acrylic":  Probably the most true to the Chanel model, but under $300.

As for my favorite category, the handbags:

Starting again from the top left, going clockwise:

- "Louis Vuitton Epi Leather Bowling Montaigne GM":  in the Pretty Pantheon of handbags, this shall be mine just as soon as my omnimedia empire takes off. 

- "Gap Oversized Canvas Tote":  a classic basic, this is my budget pick on sale at $34.99

- "Botkier Trigger Clyde Satchel":  Thanks to the lovely Bama Belle, I spied this bag on her site just today.  I've seen this bag before, but something about its clean, yet interesting lines in this crisp white sent my AmEx aflutter.  This might be love, and I might have tracked this down on top-secret super-sale and ordered it.  You know, just theoretically.

- "Marc by Marc Jacobs Softy Tobo":  Another solid basic from my BFF of handbags du jour, Marc.

- "Target Merona Satchel":  another solid budget choice ($24.99).  As always, I recommend you inspect a Target bag in person before ordering, but I've had great luck in the past with Merona bags.  

Darlings, what do you think?  Any other summery goodies we should know about?

(Edited to Add:  Reader & real-life BF, the Deep Diving Diva, recently gifted me a genuine faux replica of that Chanel beauty.  Thanks again, J!)

Prettier Than Everyone Else, Mascara Ed. (#3,472,897)

Some people have a Napoleon's complex.

Some people solve complex equations.

I, as longtime readers know, have an eyelash complex.  

That's right - you all can go on obsessing about the size of your intellect, or your chesticles, or run about solving actually important global issues - but I will be right here, scheming how to furtively switch the Anonymous Husband's lush, long eyelashes* for my own scrawny set without his noticing.

*Dear God:  Really, incredible lashes on a man?  Just a thought.  xo, LBM

The Product:  Imagine my delight, then, when I popped into my friendly neighborhood Sephora this weekend and received the following goody in my "Beauty Insider"** check-out bag:

**I'm afraid that this sounds like product placement - it isn't.  I will always tell you if someone has asked me to review or plug something.  Pinky swear.

(Credit:  Sephora)

Wildly intrigued with this wonderfully named "BADgal Lash" mascara, I immediately sped home in the Trophy Wife Wagon to investigate.  I eagerly anticipated the most lush, illicitly tempting lashes, the likes of which would instantly entice men to do my bidding or, more importantly, my laundry. 

However, after a few go-rounds with the product, I propose the following re-name:

- SLIGHTLY-MISCHIEVOUS-gal Lash or

-  REMEMBER-THAT-ONE-TIME-I-ALMOST-GOT-TIPSY-ON-SMIRNOFF-ICE-gal Lash

. . . because "bad" in the "outrageously good results" sense, this isn't, but it is pretty decent.  Gold stars to the applicator wand, which wouldn't clump despite my enthusiastic attempts - just picture Grace Kelly leaping around her boudoir, frantically gauging at her eye with a mascara wand, and you'll get the picture.  It also held with no visible flaking throughout a work day.  It just didn't have that extra volume or length oomph which those of us who are languid of lash require.

The Bottom Line:  solid purchase for those who already have decent lashes & are sensitive about clumping;  for you, this is a good, everyday mascara buy on the high ($19) cosmetics end.  Sadly, for those of us driven to coveting our husband's lashes, just go on and invest in DiorShow already.  Because what price a lash complex?

Extra Fun Bonus Reading: Favorite bloggeristas Preppy Princess and Think Classy are in the mascara war trenches with me, so please see their recent posts as well for vitally important updates.