The last time the Beauty Bug fell in love with a Clinique mascara was 2008. Fast forward two years, and the brand has introduced a mascara that will make you look twice. The Beauty Bug will start by saying that this mascara is not for beginners, so be patient and take your time. It brings lashes alive for those that know how to use it, so practice daily and follow instructions! Using a new curved “willow” wand, the fine toothed comb  grabs each lash at its root, but it’s all about the hand to wand maneuvering. Begin at the base of the lash line with the brush laced through the lashes, gripping them. As you slowly comb upward and move the brush up, twisting it 90 degrees  so the wand creates a “u” or a smile.  Continue to  twist it until the wand has made its way completely through your lashes.  For added drama, reapply at the tips of the lashes. Understand?

Bottom line is, this brush makes sense and, it means business. Two plus coats yields the best results; The Beauty Bug prefers 3-4. What was most noticeable to Her was how instantly lush and densely packed Her lashes appeared.  The thin formula, made from a combination of soft waxes and a light-as-air thickener, goes on incredibly smooth with no clumping. Great for those who want to achieve that long, feathery look, High Lengths is precise, has supernatural lengthening abilities, and even adds a healthy curl to top things off!

File this under: don’t just a mascara by its first application – practice makes perfect.

Clinique’s High Length’s Mascara is available at Clinique counters everywhere and at clinique.com for $14.

Disclosure: A press sample was  provided to The Beauty Bug.

The editors say…

“…as for the big question of whether or not to tip the owner of the salon or spa, that’s up to you. It’s  NOT necessary from an etiquette point of view, since the owner gets to keep what he’s paid (ie. doesn’t have to give a cut
to the salon/spa).” -Kristin Perrotta, Editorial Projects Director, Allure

“The old rule for tipping salon and spa owners is: Don’t tip them. This always felt a little weird to me, so I compensate by over-tipping any assistants, shampoo-ers, etc. Since there’s hardly a business on earth that hasn’t been affected by the economy, I now think it’s OK to tip owners it’s not like you’re going to insult them! Just be ready to re-pocket your tip if they refuse it, or better, simply hand it over to their assistant(s). You can’t go wrong tipping; I think it’s better luck than throwing money in fountains! Everybody wins with a good tip, no? -Jean Godfrey-June, Beauty Director, Lucky Magazine

Based on the feedback I’ve gotten from salon owners throughout my years as a beauty editor, it’s not customary to tip an owner if they provide your hair or spa service. You should however tip their assistant — if they have one — and if the assistant helps with holding foils, washes your hair or blow dries it. The amount of the tip can vary from at least $10 to the usual 15-20 percent you would tip your stylist. Depends on how generous you’re feeling and how hands-on the assistant is. If they have more than one assistant and both help out, you should tip them both.  -Kristen Giordani, Senior Beauty Editor, Totalbeauty.com

“I find myself tipping them more often than not because usually they were just a stylist or colorist before they owned the salon and we developed our relationship. If you’ve tipped in the past and now they are the owners, I would keep tipping. If you are unsure, ask at the front desk if the owner takes tips or not and follow their lead.  If it is a new salon for you and you see the owner, you don’t need to tip.  But honestly, when I ask at the front desk lately, I am finding more and more owners taking tips…” -Andrea Pomerantz Lustig, Columnist, Glamour Magazine

“Whether or not to tip a salon owner is a touchy subject. There’s really no clear “yes” or “no” answer. It’s at your discretion. Some owners may not accept them and others definitely do. If you are super happy with your service, you can leave a tip. In some cases, if the owner doesn’t accept gratuities, she will kindly distribute it to her assistants. When in doubt, discreetly ask the front desk about the salon’s tipping policy and then make your decision.”-Holly Carter, Beauty Editor, People Magazine

“If you’re lucky enough to snag a coveted appointment with the owner of a salon or spa, mind your beauty manners. The rumor about not tipping an owner is wrong, wrong, wrong. When asked directly, salon owners may suggest they don’t expect a tip, but trust me, they’d love one. When I first started as a beauty editor, I’d send an orchid with a note, but after 10 years of asking their assistants, I now know the real rule of thumb: cold hard cash. Think about it: The salon owner runs a business, so a generous tip goes a long way. Some pros may turn down a face-to-face tip hand-off, so leave 15%-20% of the service in a discreet envelope at the front desk. Plus, don’t forget to tip the assistants. They slave to make you look your best, too!” -Polly Blitzer, Editor-in-Chief, Beauty Blitz Media

The owners say…

“It is my belief that clients view tipping as a way to show appreciation. While I do think it’s not necessary to tip the spa/salon owner (and I tell my clients they do not need to give me a gratuity) many of them will insist. It’s a form of a gift and some clients just insist and so it’s good manners to accept it and be gracious. I think as a general rule, owners should discourage accepting gratuity.” -Renee Rouleau CEO, Renee Rouleau Skin Care Spas Dallas, TX.

“It is generally perceived that the owner of the salon doesn’t get tipped; presumably because they are profiting from the salon. In theory that sounds good, but is generally not the case. A salon owner, unless he is ripping off his/her stylists, is generally working as hard as his staff to keep the salon afloat. Tipping is a show of appreciation to the person who did your hair, whether its $20 or $100, it is a personal choice.” – Dickey, Owner, Hair Rules Salon, New York

“…tipping an owner of the salon it is not expected but would be accepted.  The usual tip is 20% of the original service and is based on how you are taken care of by the staff, your experience and how happy you are leaving the salon. ” Joel Warren, co-owner of Warren-Tricomi Salons, New York, Los Angeles, Connecticut.

“It is classy for salon owners to refuse tips all together.  In the 40 years I’ve been doing hair as a salon owner, I have never taken a tip from a client. Salon owners should charge considerably more than their staff. The experience and technique level are a higher value and therefore their prices should be above the employees.  If the client insists on tipping, tell the client that as the owner you don’t receive tips but instead suggest they put that tip money into buying a hair care product that will benefit their hair.  Also salon owners need to remember that if they do take any tips to make sure they declare them to avoid any problems.” -Philip Pelusi, owner, Tela Design Studio, New York

“Being a celebrity and editorial stylist in addition to being a salon owner, I don’t cut hair as often as my staff does. However, I think it is appropriate to tip a salon owner who still offers client services, because it’s just that — a personal service. In addition to the enormous level of business risk they’ve put in to open up their salon, they’ve also put in years of experience to get to their technical expert level, so if the client is happy with the outcome, he/she should feel free to tip as they normally would.” —Erin Anderson, co-owner and artistic director of Woodley & Bunny Salon and Apothecary, Williamsburg, NY.

“The generosity and graciousness expressed by our salon customers is and always has been about more than money.  In New Orleans, they say “lagniappe”, which means “a little something extra” – like a baker’s dozen — and to me the tip represents part of that generous spirit, rather than something that is needed to be certain a stylist will do quality work. I do think it is acceptable for a client to tip a salon owner for a great service, especially when it comes out of true appreciation rather than as an expected add-on to the bill.” -Sam Brocoato, owner, Sam Brocato Salon, New York.

Bobbi Brown’s Pink Quartz Shimmer Brick - This beachy collection has The Beauty Bug dreaming of fruity drinks with umbrellas, sand between Her toes, and sunblock. Though this is as close as She’ll be getting to the beach for now, The Beauty Bug will take it. It’s no secret that the Shimmer Bricks are what BB does best, and this new one leaves faces as fresh as spring tulips . Many have tried to duplicate these hand-made Italian bars-o-shimmer, but no one has quite captured the glow that Bobbi has. Pink Quartz is a gorgeous, luxe shade for every skin tone, and a must-have even if you own other bricks. $38, bobbibrowncosmetics.com

Kelly Van Gogh’s Wonderlust Illuminating Hair Tonic – Hair color illuminator, check. Leave-in conditioner, check. Detangler, check. Thermal protector, check.  This vitamin cocktail is a multi-tasking champion.  The wonder spray’s secret lie in its  key ingredients which include caviar proteins, amino acids and strengthening keratins, and its mica shine technology. Bring yourself back to the sixth grade science lab. You’ll remember that Mica is a mineral, and the actual word (“mica”) is thought to be derived from the Latin word micare, meaning “to glitter”, in reference to the brilliant appearance of this mineral. These tiny, dazzling flecks  which reveal themselves when you shake the bottle, revitalize dry, dull hair and protect it from environmental factors including pollution, heat and water damage. Spray it on damp hair and style as normal. The particles aren’t too teenage or flashy and the smell is divinely clean and fresh. $30 (4 oz), kellyvangogh.com

LOGICS Polisheen Gloss Balm – Pesky baby hairs and fly-aways – meet your newest adversary. This new balm helps The Beauty Bug define Her part and reduce frizz. She works it throughout Her layers for a piecey, yet polished look. Vitamin B5 conditions for a silky, smooth finish and ceramides help to strengthen.  And not to fret -  it doesn’t have that over-powering canned salon product smell…it’s light, non-sticky, and the perfect finishing touch! $22, logicshair.com

Rimmel London’s Max Volume Flash Mascara -  Go ahead and just try to take your eyes off that hot pink tube! This sizzling little number is the newest drug store delight that proves you don’t have to spend the big bucks on mascara to get great results.  The new super-sized brush curls and separates without clumping or flaking. The formula is light and doesn’t cake up or dry immediately.  One coat lengthens, two coats thicken and three plus coats yields drama. Review are mostly positive across the board, and there are even murmurs on MakeupAlley that this is the drugstore version of DiorShow! The Beauty Bug had added this mascara into Her rotation, and Her lashes are lush, dark and full! $7.19, chain drug stores and mass retailers nationwide

Disclosure: Press samples of the above products were provided to The Beauty Bug.

The Beauty Bug sports dark nails all year round – even on Her wedding day (much to Her Grandmother’s chagrin.) The latest polish to coat Her tips is shu uemura’s égérie nail enamel in PA010. Part of their glam-rock Spring 2010 collection, this chic, intense black infused with sparkles dazzles on Her nails.  The glitter is subtle and smooth and not thick in the least. The photos above (the first in artificial light, the second in natural light) show Her nails after two coats of polish. A bit punky, a  lot stylish, and very sharp, the polish appears charcoal gray in some lights, and a solid black in others.

shu uemura nail enamel is available on shuuemura.com and in shu uemura boutiques and counters for $18.

Disclosure: A press sample was provided to The Beauty Bug.

Check Hourglass’s new Prodigy Hydrating Lip Gloss.

Possibly the only gloss that can be described as sexy, this hot little number is the latest from a brand where style and substance always coexist. In your palm it feels weightless – like a tiny remote clicker or a key fob, and on your lips it feels silky and smooth.

But let’s forget about the chic, sleek packaging for a minute because like your mother always told you, it’s what’s inside that really matters, and that does not disappoint either. The paraben-sulfate-phthalate-fragrance free formula is packed with hydrating Vitamin E, brilliant shine, and superior color. The smaller applicator felt a bit awkward and uneven on The Beauty Bug’s full lips, but the awkwardness quickly faded after the first couple applications. Available in six water-resistant shades, these flat-tubed fancies are both functional and sophisticated…and The Beauty Bug needs one in every color!

The only con about the gloss? Unless you’re using it, it lies hidden in your purse or pocket where no one can see.  What a shame.

Hourglass Prodigy Hydrating Lip Glosses are currently available at Barney’s and will be available at Sephora on February 18th for $26.

Disclosure: A press sample was provided to The Beauty Bug.

From left to right…

1) Lancome’s Ô My Rose Collection – A collection marked by coral-peach and teal hues, the Pop’n Cheeks Gentle and Lasting Blush promises to be the star product and the centerpiece of the collection.

2) Chanel’s Les Impressions Collection – This spring season Chanel goes neutral and classic  with a stunning collection filled with pinks, beiges, warm browns and khakis designed to enhance a woman’s natural beauty. Choice products include the  Radiant Glow Highlighting Powder pictured above, Rouge Allure Lipstick in Insouciante and Le Vernis Nail Colour in Particulière.

3) NARS – When asked to describe the collection, François Nars, Founder and Creative Director of NARS Cosmetics said, “It’s very sophisticated and bourgeois in a Parisian ‘16th Arrondissement’ way.”  It features soft, sexy shades and pops of colors. Try Ophelia Gloss (strawberry nectar) for that perfect spring pout, and Cruising Lipstick (a nude pink)

4) Stila Dust to Diamonds Collection – Add sparkle to lids, lashes and lips with Stila’s latest. Eyes glisten and reflect with jewel shadows, lips twinkle being slicked with Stila’s Exclusive Gem Complex (which contains diamond, emerald, jade, ruby, moonstone, rose quartz, sapphire, topaz, amethyst, amber, garnet, mother of pearl, and opal) and lashes gleam with mascara swirled with genuine diamond powder.

5) Bobbi Brown’s Cabana Corals Collection – This Spring collection comes with a hint of summer, inspired by cabanas and beachy corals.  Sport fresh new pinks on lips and cheeks with bright, cheerful glosses and a new Shimmer Brick in Nectar Shimmer.

6) shu uemura’s egerie’s collection -  shu goes beyond the borders of seasonal makeup with their 130th collection where audacious meets elegant. Kakuyasu Uchiide, shu’s artistic director, says “I want every woman to created their own spin on my glam-rock image; they can play with this collection like enjoying their favorite music,  like they are about to jump on stage and shine in the spotlight. ” With the collection comes several new products including the limited edition Eye Shimmer Duos and Satin Radiant Sticks.

7) Smashbox Heartbreaker Collection Pop-art inspired boxes and flirty colors make up this collection which features Smashbox’s first ever fragrance.  The Beauty Bug’s picks include the pinwheel-inspired Heartbreaker Fusion Soft Lights and the Heartbreaker Lip Shine.

8) Dior’s Boudoir Collection – Lace up in Dior’s newest collection, inspired by fancy femme’s from the 1920’s. Dainty and subtle, yet sensual and alluring, the intricate, detailed compacts that house the illuminating lace-effect powder will be hard for any beauty junkie to resist. The Beauty Bug loves the Dior Addict Gloss Reflect in Beige Veil, and of course, the sleek, ultra-feminine lace finishing powder.

It’s just impossible not to be attracted to the refreshing yet zesty, clean yet tangy smell of a lemon or a lime.

First, She tried and loved L’Occitane’s Honey and Lemon Eau de Toilette spray, and now She’s equally loving CO Bigelow’s Winter Lemon. The heart of the collection, the Winter Lemon Eau de Toilette spray is one of those products that makes winter a bit more bearable.

The fragrance combines sparkling, bright lemon notes, velvet winter fig, sweet
black currant and warm, sensual undertones of musk, rose and
sandalwood. It has a light, cool, airy aroma – it’s almost as if you can smell the crisp chill – but warms up thanks to its sweet undertones. Wearing it, She feels like a freshly made drink from Her new Penguin Water Carbonator – and that’s really all She’s ever wanted in life …

Housed in simple, classic bottle, the scent is subdued and mellow. It’s as familiar and cozy as your old favorite sweater or pair of slippers – yet comes alive on skin and sparkles with freshness – like newly fallen snow.

The Winter Lemon scent is also avilable in 2-in-1 Honey Bath & Shower Foam, Ultra-Soft Body Butter, and Ultra-Soft Body Lotion.

Those who may be a bit too late in the season for Winter Lemon, be sure to check out CO Bigelow’s Lemon collection, which is a staple at Bath and Body Works.

CO Bigelow’s Winter Lemon Collection is available in Bath & Body Works Stores, and online at COBigelow.com.  The Eau de Toilette Spray is available for $29.50.

Disclosure: A press sample was provided to The Beauty Bug.

The Beauty Bug has been testing this mascara for about a week now. Let’s just cut to the chase; She’s not completely writing it off, but She’s certainly not urging you to run to Sephora and spend $28 on it either.

Extase is the red-headed step child in the Dior mascara family. Its elder sister mascaras are more user-friendly, with better formulas and better wands.  Extase’s spiral-like tiered brush was inspired by the “tiered” couture dresses created by the House of Dior, but it’s this unique feature that is the product’s downfall. The wand picks up and deposits too much product, resulting in clumping. The formula is also somewhat thick and dries relatively fast, so if you’re a fan of multiple coats and layering, be sure to work quickly! To solve this problem, The Beauty Bug rolled the wand in some tissue before applying to rid it of any access product.

The mascara lengthens well, but doesn’t thicken or volumize adequately.

While some do like Extase and claim it’s done wonders for their lashes, the overall consensus is pretty universal. Comments from women that purchased the product include “not worth it”, that it “weighed down lashes”, and several ended up returning it.  Some are layering it with other Dior mascaras (which makes for one very expensive mascara, $55) and others are keeping tissues handy as The Beauty Bug suggested, but not many are loving it.

Dior Extase Mascara is available exclusively at Sephora for $28.

Disclosure: A press sample was provided to The Beauty Bug.

6:04 - The camera quickly pans to Jane Adams from the TV show “Hung”. She’s not wearing a bra. Lovely.

6:07 – The Beauty Bug mistakes Jennifer Morrison for Kirsten Dunst.  Dead ringer.

6:17 - Lisa Edelstein from “House” appears to be wearing OPI’s Suzi Skis in the Pyrenees on her nails, but her makeup needs a but more pop.

6:21 - Glee’s Jane Lynch looks …odd in her mustard colored dress. The Beauty Bug refuses to believe that she’s really not a gym teacher.

6:29 - From one pale girl to another – Elizabeth Moss,  you’re too pale to be wearing baby blue.

6:33 - Neil Patrick Harris remarks, “It’s really not who’s dressed well, but who has the biggest umbrella.”

6:36 - Mad Men’s Christrina Hendrick’s is rocking a mean red lip (She’s known to wear NARS’ Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Red Square and Forbidden Red). No comment on the arm pit cleavage.

6:44 - Diane Krueger is the worst dressed thus far. A pink pepto diaster that’s reminiscent of Little Bo Peep. And here comes Patricia Arquette. There may be a tie.

6:50 – Vera Farmiga’s hair is a bit too prom-ish. Not loving the ringlets – but love the dress.

6:52 – January Jones’ dress is more interesting than her. Need proof? Watch her SNL episode. Do love her red lip though. It’s CHANEL Rouge Coco Lip Colour in Paris, which launches in March.

6:59 - Marion Cotillard’s dress is confusing The Beauty Bug. Is that her black strapless bra that is exposed?

7:17 -  Ryan refers to Mariah’s  recent drunken acceptance speeches as “colorful.” In other news,  her globes are taking over the world. It’s amazing that someone with that much cleavage can still look manly.

7:18 -  Anna Kendrick looks like she used the spare garland from her Christmas tree to make her dress.

7:40 – Mark Wahlberg tells Guiliana to tell her mother he said hello.

7:46 - Giuliana is interviewing Anna Kendrick and asking her nothing about her, and everything about George Clooney. How tacky.

8:06 - Nicole Kidman  – add her to the list of those not wearing a bra.

8:30 – A deserving Michael C Hall accepts his award with a big lipstick kiss mark on his cheek. He wears it well though – Dexter can do no wrong.

8:42  - The Beauty Bug takes a quick cat nap while Harrison Ford speaks…yawn. He and January Jones win the boring contest.

8:44 – Loving Christina Augluilera’s muted, yet chic, sassy look. So not…her! That sheer hot pink gloss is NARS’ Easy Lover, and on her cheeks, their new Orgasm Illuminator. Glowing.

9:14 – Drew Barrymore wins for Grey Gardens and is insincerely flustered. Cue the SNL impressions.  She looked better from far away on the carpet.

9:26 – Jennifer Aniston gives thigh-high a new meaning.

9:39 - Mad Men wins for best drama and we get another look at Christina Hendricks Christian Siriano dress that’s barely holding her buxom figure. She’s a whole lot of woman.

9:48 – Wardrobe malfunction – an unidentified man steps on Chloe Sevigny’s dress. She’s pissed.

10:34 -Maybe someone should have told Arnold how to pronounce AVATAR.

10:40 - Daniel Day Lewis is among the nominees for best male actor.  Thank goodness no one is still mentioning the milk shake bit.

10:48  – The Beauty Bug Husband said that Jeff Bridges strikes him as the type of person who would have halitosis. Agreed.

The Bests and Worsts

Best Dressed

Courtney Cox

Kate Hudson, wearing L’Oreal True Match Foundation in N-3.

Cameron Diaz and her CHANEL Rouge Allure Laque in Dragon.

Jennifer Garner’s Lipstick (yes, only her lipstick) in CHANEL Rouge Coco in Rouge Orage.

Worst Dressed

Jennifer Morrison

Diane Krueger

Anna Kendrick