Kick It Up a Notch: DiorShow

When she's short on time, a girl needs but two beauty products to freshen up and look cute fast: a brush of lip gloss and a swipe of mascara. (I realize some folks would beg to differ, but I'm stayin' true to my New England roots.) This means you better find a stellar version of each to have at the ready.

For the past year, I've been addicted to DiorShow Mascara in black. It started when I noticed how kickin' my friend's eyelashes looked one night. She whipped the tube out and the rest is history. Once again found at Sephora, this stuff is awesome.

First off, the brush is thicker and fuller than most; this really makes a difference with how even and thorough the application is. Another bonus is the reduced need to move the brush back and forth to wipe off excess; just pulling it out takes care of it.

We all dread crazy, cakey, crusty spider eyes. Nightmare. This mascara makes it almost impossible for your lashes to turn clumpy; it applies a smooth, clean coat each and every time, vanishing the need to do those awkward finger touchups to remove any chunks.

I'm not sure what magic potion does this, but just one application (I never need more) and my lashes look incredibly long and lush. And if I curl them first, my eyes are seriously ready for fashion week.

A note of warning: DiorShow is not waterproof. Do not attend weddings and/or watch My Girl while wearing, unless you dig the whole dark clown look. I'm still on the lookout for a good waterproof mascara, so I'll keep you posted on that. But if you're looking to kick it up a notch while keeping it simple, this is the stuff for you.