REVIEW: Dior or Die

Every makeup junkie knows the first rule of mascara: thou shalt not clump. I may have memorized the Ten Commandments of Makeup years ago, but unfortunately the beauty gods forgot to grace me with long luscious lashes. For years I tried everything from heated eye lash curlers and falsies, to tiny wands and “lengthening” mascara. Nothing worked. Frustrated and desperately seeking a way to play up my natural assets, I scoured the shelves of drugstores, beauty counters, and makeup mega shops. I researched, read reviews, and tried countless samples. I did my homework. My reward: I found the perfect mascara that meets my every need (and lifts my every lash) — Diorshow.

To say that this mascara attracts a cult-like following is an understatement. More than 1,800 fanatics posted their reviews of the product on Sephora.com. Christian Dior’s Diorshow serves as the company’s original mascara ($24 and available in black, chestnut, plum, and azure blue). The formula lengthens even the shortest lashes by adding volume at the root. While some people complain that the mascara is too dry and flaky, I think that Diorshow’s twin mascara, Blackout (also $24), gives an extra ounce of drama. Use Diorshow the original during the day to keep things airy and light, and swipe on an extra coat of Blackout before heading out to knock ‘em dead.

HOW-TO: Coming Clean

Going green for beauty is as easy as one, two, three…

1. Covet Cruelty Free Choices

Animal testing for the sake of beauty is a definite no-no, so look for labels that advertise animal-friendly products. David Babaii’s new line for WildAid holds your style and your torch for a better world with pet-free tested products and exotic renewable ingredients. We love the Bohemian Beach Spray, a non-aerosol mist that mixes everything from Israeli sea salt to South Pacific volcanic ash. It adds texture and volume to dull winter strands, creating the perfect sun-kissed waves months before you even have to think about squeezing into a tiny bikini.

2. Skip the Trash Talk

Make an impact on the environment by collecting old makeup cases and returning them to companies that offer incentive programs. Each year more beauty companies are jump-starting programs to recycle used cases to cut down on crowded landfills. Try MAC’s bronzing powder in "golden" for a sheer coverage that highlights your features and maintains your long-lost summer glow. Once you collect six primary packaging containers, return them to your nearest MAC counter or pop them in the mail to get a free lipstick in exchange for your good deed.

3. Go Au Natural

Before you put anything on your face, consider the possible dangerous ingredients lurking in your beauty favorites. Makeup and body products can contain anything from mercury and plastic to sodium chloride and egg whites. Physician’s Formula Organic Wear is the first natural-origin makeup line in the U.S. and offers an entire line of eco-friendly choices ranging from eyeliner to tinted moisturizer. Each product is 100-percent free of synthetic preservatives and harsh chemicals, and the packaging contains 93 percent less plastic than a standard compact.