Mascara Monday: Sephora Favorites Lash Stash to Go

You didn't think I'd forget about our long standing tradition, did you? Mascara Mondays are back and this week we're checking out Sephora Favorites Lash Stash to go.

 Now that my state has joined the rank of coolness and actually has Sephora (2) and Ulta (3), I can tell you all about the goodies I've tried, not just the ones I'm looking at.  This little baby caught my eye as soon as I walked in the store and I carried it around with me the whole 45 minutes or so that I was there. Ok, so I thought it was the last one and I wasn't going to let anyone else get their grimy little paws on it. Turns out there were tons left at the register (PS- how fun are those cute little displays that you just have to look at before you check out?)

Mascara minis are a weakness of mine and I had to get in on the action and get this one. I'd been dreaming about them, mentally putting them on my holiday wish-list just days before I found the summer version in stores. I never knew they did these at other times of the year. My eyes are peeled for them now.

So for the next few weeks you'll be able to read all about the mascaras in this set, that includes:

-Benefit BADgal Lash in Black
- BUXOM Lash in Blackest Black (my favorite mascara even before I bought this set)
- Korres Volcanic Minerals Voluminizing Mascara
- Lancome Définicils in Black
- Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes! in Rich Black

Plus, I got a mini Benefit They're Real! from Sephora for my birthday so you'll get a review on that one too.

The best thing? The voucher for a FREE full-size mascara! Choose from the five mascaras included which range from $19-$27. This cutie pays for itself! Just hold on to that voucher and don't let it go.

In case you don't remember I've reviewed Lancome Definicils before here and Buxom here but I'll be reviewing them again for you in the coming weeks in case they've snuck in any formula changes when we weren't looking.

Urban Decay 24/7 Liners

I know it's been a long time since I've shared anything with you and I have no legit excuse so let's not dwell on that shall we? :)

I'll jump right into it. I'm in love. AGAIN. With Urban Decay. AS USUAL. Just when I thought they couldn't outdo themselves they did. I've always been a huge fan of 24/7 liners (with the exception of zero [black] which always seems to smudge like crazy on me) but the new shades are out of this world. Seriously, the must have come from another galaxy.

I wanted every shade but I settled for two: Freak, a bright mint green with a slight lime leaning, and Deep End, a pool at midnight bright metallic blue-leaning teal. I have a ton of green and blue eyeliners but none in these particular shades, I needed them, I've actually never seen anything close to Freak on the shelves.

Chaos, a matte cobalt blue, would have been another choice had it been metallic, I'm not much of a matte girl, on any part of my face. Junkie is a beautiful emerald green shimmer and another fave. LSD would have been another choice had I been made of money. It's shimmery dark blue color is gorgeous and makes my eyes look more green than blue. There are color choices for those with less shall we say, adventurous tastes. Browns and coppers, dark blues and grays, everything you can imagine, even bright metallic hot pink Woodstock, which I happen to own and love (try it you'll like it, I promise).

These are still the only liners that I own that go on smooth, without drag, in one swipe and last all day. Seriously, even swatches on my hand can last through several handwashings and it's not like you're doing that to your eyeballs, am I right? These liners are particularly great for hot summer days when eyeshadow just seems out of place. Wear them on your waterline, on the upper or lower lashlines or everywhere all at once. They're totally smudgeproof once they've set. Just make sure to give them a few seconds to dry before opening wide or you'll get that dreaded lashline transfer on the middle lid. Traced on in a thin line you can even get away with wearing them with a bright lippie. That's how I'd rock them with my new favorite bright pink or coral lipsticks.

What are your favorite eyeliners? What would you recommend to a girl like me who loves her bright, cool-toned liners?

Holiday Gifts For Men: A DOC Guide

I now interrupt Mr. Dudesday's regularly scheduled broadcast to bring you a little bit of girl wisdom for holiday gifts for the guy in your life. Whether he be your boyfriend, husband, father of your children or simply a cutie you have a crush on there are some general rules to follow. Trust me, I've learned throughout the years the do's and don'ts of holiday gifting.

First of all under no circumstances do you gift the man in your life clothes. The only exception is if he is truly into that kind of thing, the fly guy that had his eye on something he'd never actually buy for himself. Let me clarify, it's fine to buy him a nice leather jacket or a pair of sneakers he's lusting after but only if those are things he would like. If he's more into video games than basketball or only wears sweatshirts instead of a coat you're going to fail if you even bother with the above acceptable gifts. Under no circumstances can you buy socks, undershirts or underwear for your man. Not as a gift. If he needs new ones pop them in his stocking but don't wrap them up, that's a huge let down. It's like if he bought you dishwashing gloves or a dirt devil.

Next, know your audience. If he likes being athletic buying him a Playstation doesn't really seem like the right idea and same goes for the reverse. Guys do not want to be changed so don't buy them a present you think they should like if you know they won't like it.

Guys may not admit it but they like gifts from the heart. If he mentioned months ago that he wanted to see Alice in Chains (the new band, of course) in concert then surprise him with tickets on a weekend you know he's free or could be free. Don't expect him to cancel his Superbowl weekend because you bought tickets to the ballet or opera.

You can always go for a sweet gesture if neither of you can really afford to do anything special. Clean his place better than he could ever clean it himself keeping in mind that he might actually want the roll of toilet paper beside the bed and keeping his remote control next to his favorite chair. And do not dispose of anything that you want to unless you have his express written permission. PS- Guys always love homemade goodies so cook your live in man a nice dinner wearing just an apron or your undies.

It all comes down to how well you know each other. If it's relatively new then you owe it to yourself and him to keep things low-key. Buy him a 6 pack of his favorite beer and a new video game that you know he was dying to splurge on. If you've been together for 10 years and you know he secretly wants a dirt devil then by all means buy it for him like I did Mr. Dudesday last year. It was meant to be funny because we've talked about it many times and it was actually a big hit. You can buy him something that reminds you of an inside joke or something for his house or car that he liked when in your house or car. You don't have to blow big money on something that you don't know he'll enjoy and you wouldn't want him to do the same. Sometimes the easiest thing is to make a list and ask him to do the same, it might not be romantic but at least you'll both get what you wanted. Okay I'm off to start my Amazon Christmas List. See you soon!

American Music Awards 2011: The Ugly

Sorry it's a day late but I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving holiday if you live in the US or a nice Thursday if you don't. You didn't think I forgot about The Ugly did you?

There isn't much that I can say that is nice about this dress. I'm not a hater but what is redeeming about this Ugly frock? I'm not a fan of the handkerchief hemline and never have been and I don't enjoy the rosettes on the front of the bodice. I don't like the look of the shoes, they seem comfy but not necessarily sexy. I hope Cheryl redeems herself next time.

Julie Bowen's dress doesn't horribly offend me, if I saw it on a soccer mom at a holiday party I wouldn't think twice. I just don't think this look works for the red carpet, now matter how casual the event. Yes, I know it's sequined but the stripes make it more sporty and the high pony only adds to that effect. The Loubies are sexy but I personally would have gone for navy or metallic to bring out those shades in the dress.

If you're anything like me you're wondering who the f*@! this person is. Well, it's Kimberly Perry from the country group Band Perry. Yeah, that doesn't clear things up for me either. I never listen to the radio and certainly not country, Sorry! Either way I have to say I'm not a fan of this dress. If I didn't like it on my darling Emma Stone I'm not going to enjoy it on anyone. The hair doesn't work, neither does the bag but I love, love, love the gold and black shoes. I'd wear those with a cuter dress. Next!

I know, I know, Nicki's going for a look I just don't like it. The top of the dress is fine, not great but okay, it's the bottom that I don't like. I don't like the pickups as they are called or the shade of green that was chosen, especially not with pastel pink hair. Plus, if she's wearing a wig (which she always does) why the hell is it not perfection? Again, I love the heels in this one and I adore the eye makeup but perhaps it would be better paired with either a nude lip or a natural haircolor, not bright pink both.

Are we in agreement? Let me know in the comments!

American Music Awards 2011: The Bad

Now onto the bad looks. You all know it gets better as we go down the list. Good is fun, bad is better and ugly surely is the best! What's the difference between bad and ugly you might be asking yourself? It's simple. If the looks was well thought out, cute and otherwise nice it could become bad if one little thing is too off to ignore such as a bad color, fit or if it's unflattering to the person wearing it. Ugly is beyond that, the outfit has no redeeming qualities and would be better on the atelier floor.

Audrina Patridge, come on down. You're the first contestant on DOC's AMA 2011 Bad List. This is a classic example of a bad. The dress is cute, the shoes work, hair is pretty but if you're seeing what I'm seeing all I can focus on is the reverse racoon eye makeup. Hello! Concealer around the eyes, you can see it even in the full length picture. Not good. At least it's not powdered to hell on top of that. Many makeup artists say to use a concealer 1-2 shades lighter than your skintone under the eyes to "cancel out" the shadows. DON'T. Or you'll look like this. Use one that is your shade or slightly lighter but not this much of a contrast. In fact, I usually sweep my bronzer close enough to the eye that I don't get this look period. I hope she learned her lesson.

Many of you may call Jennifer Lopez's dress ugly but I'd like to stop you right there. While it's certainly not my taste you have to admit that the girl has the body to pull it off. I just love her figure and since i know she works hard to keep it that way I think she should show it off. It's not nearly as daring as her 2000 Grammy Awards Versace dress which will forever live in infamy. She redeemed herself by keeping her makeup, hair, shoes and accessories simple, classic and clean. I can't wait to see what she'll wear next.

Katy Perry always looks quirky and I just have to get used to that though I may never be able to do it. I adore her figure as well and this dress makes the most of it but it's just too cutesy and ironic for my taste. I'm not sure I can get on board with the pink-purple hair either and I really wish you didn't see light brown roots in this picture. I do have to say that I'm kinda in love with the hair accessory she's wearing but of course I wouldn't wear it myself. The cats eye makeup and tomato red lip are glamourous and I think it would look better with her natural haircolor, possibly some colorful streaks but not the full on look. I also adore the pop of blue of her shoes.

Lastly, Mary J. Blige. I love the pattern and material of this dress but I don't think it's particularly flattering to have the bigger spots on the hip area, it makes it look like the fabric had to stretch to fit over her hips. Obviously that makes them look bigger than they are. In general I'm also not a fan of one shoulder/long sleeve hybrid dresses. I believe a one shoulder dress should be sleeveless on the arm. I don't like Mary J. with blonde hair, I don't find it flattering with her skintone and I'm hugely unimpressed with her annoying arm band tattoo.

What about you? Are we in agreement or would you like to save someone from the bad list?

Dudesday Tuesday: American Music Awards

I've been asked to do my own take on the good, bad and ugly of the AMA's. Unfortunately I don't have TV so I won't see the awards unless I download them but judging from what I've read, I won't bother. So I looked at all the pictures Mrs. D.O.C. scrounged up and sadly I was not very impressed. I get it, the AMA's are not the Grammy's but what's with all the horrible outfits?

So we'll start with the ugly, the outfits so bad they couldn't be saved by a simple color swap or better hairdo. I would say Nicki Minaj but that'd just be too easy, she always looks awful. I will say that she has a pretty smile though. So I'm going to give the ugly rating to Jennifer Morrison. Now she actually looks pretty here, love her hair and makeup but that dress is just no. No, what was she thinking? The sleeves are god awful. The bead work looks like it belongs on a fancy napkin. And the shape of it looks almost like she's wearing a table cloth. I can't see any way to salvage this outfit which is a shame because she looks very pretty other than that.

The bad goes to Selena Gomez. Her dress isn't awful, I think I get where they were going with it, but it just doesn't work for me. The dress looks too big for her. I get that she's young but that slit on the leg should be a lot higher, not so we can see more skin but because it throws the whole outfit off. It seems like it was designed for a full figured woman to wear but was given to Selena instead. A few minor variations could have easily put her into the best dressed category at least in my eyes. I'm not a big fan of the hair but her makeup is gorgeous and she carried herself very well without looking the least bit slutty.

And the best dressed of the evening has to go to Vanessa Minillo. The dress is just hot, what can I say. I personally prefer her hair a little lighter but despite the color, it's beautiful, her makeup is excellent, good body, not a fan of the shoes but oh well, they work with the dress. I love the one strap thingy that goes around her neck, very elegant. She won by a landslide but there were a few I have to give honorable mentions to, Audrina Patridge and I never thought I'd say it but Taylor Swift.

I rarely find her attractive but her straight hair looks really good and although I don't particularly like the dress, it looks great on her. And those were the only three I saw that I thought actually deserved to be in the good category. The rest of the ladies really needed to step their game up but this is just the beginning to the awards season.

American Music Awards 2011: The Good

Hey guys! I promise I'm not dead. I've got a few minutes and since I couldn't keep myself away from American Music Awards photos I thought I'd share the fashion and beauty with you today. Tomorrow look forward to Mr. Dudesday's post on the topic and then check back Wednesday and Thursday for The Bad and The Ugly. I'll be focusing a lot on the makeup and hair in these photos.

The obvious winner of the night to me in the fashion department is Vanessa Minnillo, Mrs. Nick Lachey. She looks amazing in this white dress and I'm totally digging her darker hair. I think this is the best I've ever seen her look. Her legs look insane and the cool neckline accentuates her beautiful face.

Another great look is Hilary Scott from Lady Antebellum. The dress is flattering on her curvy figure and her hair looks great down on her shoulders. It's whimsical and cute without being ironic ala Katy Perry. Her makeup is pretty and sweet to complement her dress.

This next one is a little of both good and bad. I just adore Heidi's dress, white with a metallic silver "lacy" overlay. I think it is gorgeous without being over the top or too dressy for the event. However, I'm not a huge fan of her hair in these shots. Don't get me wrong, I love the texture but I think I'd like it more if it was tucked behind the ears, at least on one side.

I feel the same way about Jennifer Hudson that I do about Heidi. While I freakin' love her metallic dress I have to say that I'm not a fan of her hair and makeup and I miss her curves. It's great that Jennifer got in better shape, I would never criticize her for that but I think she went a little too far. Her face looks gaunt. I don't particularly like her bright pink lipstick or her oddly highlighted and straightened hair.

Another Jennifer worth mention is Jennifer Morrison. She's the reverse of JHud, I really love her hair and fresh makeup but I'm not sure how I feel about the dress. It's pretty, I love the retro 70s style peasant dress. I think that it looks very comfortable and I like the color and adornment but I don't think I'm completely sold on the hemline. What do you ladies think?

I'm just going to come right out and say it, I much prefer Taylor Swift's hair straight. Her wave pattern is odd to say the least and her hair always looks poufy and fake like a wig. I think she needs to use a more natural texture and avoid the curling iron. This look makes her look a lot more sophisticated and more age appropriate. I can't get over how much she looks like Nicole Kidman here. I absolutely love her earrings and her simple makeup.

Yet another Jenny, Jenny McCarthy looks FABULOUS in this gorgeous purple retro inspired dress and beauty. I love the color, period, and I think it looks amazing on her creamy skin. Her retro wave hairstyle is gorgeous and the makeup only complements the look. I can safely say she's never looked this amazing. I love the dark lip, I wish I had the balls to do that myself.

Selena Gomez has been continuing to look great on the red carpet. I think she has figured out what works for her and keeps reaching for it over and over. She's been seen many times in pale colors, showing a little bit of leg via a slit and a slinky material. I love the fringe detail on the hemline of the dress and her soft apricot lipgloss. Her hair is gorgeous and glossy and the waves are a perfect look to go with the dress.

What do you think? Anything you disagree with? Let me know in the comments!