Dior Diorshow Black Out Mascara.

Why hasn't anyone told me how good this mascara is?

When it comes to Diorshow, the reviews seem to be mixed. You either love it or hate it. Never having tried it before, (I know, where have I been?) I have nothing to compare this one to. But let me just say - this is my new mascara find. I love, love, love it!

In an ulta-rich blacker than black color and all the length you need, there are no clumps, dryness, sticking together - nor spider lashes. The volume is enough to plump them just enough while taking lashes to great lengths. Love it!

Everything that I read is that Black Out Mascara is a limited edition, which I am certainly hoping is not true, or I will be spending a pretty penny to stock up now. Each tube carries a hefty price tag of $24 - but I will definitely get my three months worth out of it.

CHANEL Smoky Eye Collection.

If there is one line to get the smoky eye look down to perfection, than this is it. CHANEL just launched an entire collection dedicated to the must-have smoky eye. The CHANEL Smoky Eye Collection really has all you need to get the look done right. It includes an eyeliner duo, shadow quad, single shadows, and mascara.

The difference in these products is that the end result is smoky, but softer with some great CHANEL "special effects".

LA LIGNE DE CHANEL PROFESSIONAL EYELINER DUO -
The powder-based formula easily mimics both the precision of liquid liner and the smudged look of kohl pencil. Two different applicators deliver two different results that never stray: one for a precise line, the other for soft definition and gentle smudging. Available in Noir-Lamé, a must-have black matte/black shimmer combination. $45.00

LES 4 OMBRES QUADRA EYE SHADOW -
The indispensable compact with endless options for shading and shaping eyes now comes in Smoky Eyes, the perfect colour harmony to create the most desirable smoky eye effects, from subtle for day and dramatic for evening. $56.00

OMBRE ESSENTIELLE SOFT TOUCH EYESHADOW -
The creamy-soft powder eyeshadow debuts two new dramatic shades: Black Star, a pearlized silver-black, and Platine, a soft white-silver. Used wet or dry, the shades can be blended to lighten, darken, or intensify a glamorous smoky eye look. $28.50

EXCEPTIONNEL DE CHANEL INTENSE VOLUME AND CURL MASCARA -
Thick, lush lashes are the all-important finishing touch to every eye look. Now, CHANEL gives lashes the fullest advantage with captivating volume and voluptuous curves for a deeply glamorous, intense effect. The beauty coups: clump-free separation — the CHANEL point-of difference in volumizing mascara — and an innovative six-sided application brush that ensures dramatic results. The high-shine, smudge-proof formula comes in four deep, smoky shades. $28.00

To get the best smoky eye possible, I have some great tips to share. These tips are from CHANEL Celebrity Makeup Artist Kate Lee gives Tips for Her Signature Smoky Eye:

“Start with the Professional Eyeliner Duo. Draw along the lash line, bottom, top, or both depending on the desired effect, and blend out with either your finger or a brush.

Line the insides of the eye with a kohl pencil in a dark colour for intensity, or use one of my favorite tricks of late which is to use a light color or metallic eye pencil to make the eye pop.

Next, take a flat brush and gently layer on the darkest eyeshadow shade on the lash line and lid being careful not to go beyond the eyelid for an intense smoldering look.

Mascara is definitely optional as sometimes the smoky eye looks great with none at all! The most important tip I give, is to work on clean skin. Apply foundation last, as then you can make sure skin is clean and avoid any circles under the eye.”
This must have collection is available now at CHANEL.com, CHANEL counters and specialty departments stores.

The Mascara Madness - Will it End?

Maybe I am old, or old fashioned. Or maybe I am pretty good at applying my mascara, because I am not so sure about all of these new mascara's.

The madness began when companies started making giant wands and huge brushes, a la Benefit's BADgal and the newer CoverGirl's LashBlast. Then there are the rubber-like brushes, a la Lancôme’s High Définicils, and again Lash Blast combines this type of bristle with it's large wand. Needless to say that these are my favorites of the many mascara's that have veered away from the norm. Then there is now. Now we have an even weirder looking brush in the shape of a ball and some rotating and vibrating wands.

While I am tempted to try these, you know I am a sucker for anything beauty related; I honestly don't know if any of these mascara's would become a staple in my makeup bag.

I have SpinLash and it is not a favorite of mine. The brush spins very slowly aiding mascara application. I can see it being a help to those gals that are not only mascara challenged, it can force a curl at the base of the lashes for those that need it. I was very excited to hear of Estee Lauder's TurboLash (sold out) and Lancôme’s Ôscillation (sold out in the exclusive preview). Alas, the more I read about them and study them - I am afraid I could really poke my eye out with one of these vibrational wands. Then there is one that looks almost like a torture device, Givency's Phenomen'Eyes. I don't know how this one could evenly coat my lashes.

Mascara application takes a very steady and precise hand. It could be considered an art form (applying false lashes certainly is!). I do not need my fingers slipping or running a muck. I certainly do not need a mascara brush in my eye, let alone rotating or vibrating at unheard of speeds.

I must admit that besides SpinLash, I have not held any of these other newbies, so call me judgemental. Simply put, I don't need eye damage and I can see it going wrong - very wrong, at some time or another.

Madness - I swear! Will it end? And where will it go from here? Let me know your thoughts in the comments. I am anxious to hear if you have tried any of these, if you love them, or are a bit of a skeptic or afraid as I.