L'Oreal Extra-Volume Collagen Mascara Sucks

L'Oreal Extra-Volume Collagen Mascara
Claim: "12x More Impact Instantly"
Cost: $7-10
Verdict: Don't waste your money.
Why: The dry clumps look like someone threw pepper in your face.
Details: My first purchase of this product was the waterproof formula. It left a flurry of tiny black flakes in my lashes and below my eyes after just an hour of normal wear. To be fair, I've never used a waterproof (that wasn't Clinique Lash Power) that wasn't a dry crumbly mess, so I decided to drop another $7-ish at Target and try the regular formula before I dissed it. Same thing happened! L'Oreal generally makes decent cosmetics, so this line is a HUGE disappointment.

Pureology Super Smooth

If you don't like floral scents I'll tell you right off the bat to steer clear of Pureology's latest line Super Smooth, which launches next month. I don't mind a little flower power, although even for me the fragrance is a bit too strong when I use the shampoo ($27 for 10.1oz.), conditioner ($27 for 8.5oz.) and serum ($24 for 2.5oz.) all in the same day.

That said, you can't really go wrong with Pureology products if you have color-treated hair. The zero-sulfate formula with UVA/UVB sunscreens keep the wear and tear on your dye job to a minimum and the natural oils, shea butter and aforementioned geranium all contribute to awesome moisture. The hair masque (an OMG $50 for 5.1oz.) is great too, but the price is a bit much.

The Best of One Shoulder Dresses

The one-shoulder dress is categorized as a "trend", but it's a good investment because it comes back pretty frequently (unlike, say, Hammer pants.) Check these out, organized by price range:

UNDER $100

ASOS folded one shoulder dress ($82.07); ASOS frill empire dress ($69.30); Gianni Bini lila dress ($47.40); T by Alexander Wang ($85); Aqua one shoulder dress ($88)

UNDER $200

ASOS Black corsage dress ($136.78); Aqua Couture peplum dress ($155); ABS one shoulder gown ($129.90) also in wine; Alice & Olivia Joyce dress ($130); Tbags print one shoulder dress ($134)

UNDER $300

Rachel Pally Aphrodite dress ($246) also in black; Tadashi ruched matte jersey dress ($298);

Over $500

Alexander Wang slinky one-shoulder dress ($575)

MAC Style Black: Fierce, Not Food Court

I was in Nordstrom today and fell fairly obsessed with MAC Cosmetics "Style Black" collection. I was skeptical of a Kat von Disaster when I first heard about it, but it's truly a line of versatile and wearable items (save the black lipstick, which I can't imagine will be a big seller.)

The mineralize eye shadows are particularly stunning - Cinderfella and Blue Flame are on my wishlist. They go on smooth and rich, and the glitter is ultra-fine. There are several products in the line that aren't new, but just mesh well with the collection so they are included (Mattene lipstick in Night Violet is a re-issue) - below is a list of the items that are really debuting.

Cremesheen Lipstick ($14)
Black Knight - Creamy true black
Mattene Lipstick ($14.50)
Midnight Media - Dense matte black

Glimmerglass Lipgloss ($18)
Bling Black - Sheer black with gold pearl
Blackfire - Sheer black with pink purple pearl
Blackware - Creamy true black

Mineralize Eye Shadows ($19)
Cinderfella - Black with silver pearl
Young Punk - Black with pink purple pearl
Gilt by Association - Black with gold bronze pearl
Blue Flame - Black with blue pearl

Grease Paintstick ($17.50)
Black - Intense black

Nail Lacquer ($12)
Seriously Hip - Black with gold particle pearl
Baby Goth Girl - Black with pink and purple pearl

Gossip Girl Fashion: Stylist Spills About Season 3

It's no coincidence that this Sunday is the launch of Anna Sui's Gossip Girl inspired Target collection - they're making sure it goes hand-in-hand with the premiere of Season 3 (Monday at 8pm on the CW.)

We know what Anna envisioned Blair, Serena, Jenny and Vanessa wearing this fall - but what will they really wear? Check out what stylist Eric Daman has to say about what the girls (and in turn, the rest of us buying Forever 21 knockoffs) will be wearing this season.

Jenny:


Serena:


Blair:


Thus far there is no video update on Vanessa's style from the CW peeps. Maybe they figured out everybody hates her? (I don't know why I do, but I just do.)