Three Red Carpet Surprises on the SAG Awards

While I didn't catch the SAG awards last night, I spent a bit of time checking out the lovely gowns that graced the red carpet. And while I wasn't quite as impressed as I was with the celebs' Golden Globe gown selection, there were still some big surprises.

Three surprises that stood out to me...

1) Nicole Kidman in this sex-ay Vivenne Westwood gown. And super straight locks. And sheer elements. She looked absolutely lovely! I'm often not super inspired by Nic's choices, but this is gorgeous. Definitely outside of her typical covered up, conservative with a bit of edge, gown choice.

Photo via:

Matt Sayles/Invision/AP

2) A young actress actually dressing her age. Yep - 13 year old Kiernan Shipka (of Mad Men) looked perfectly pretty in Oscar de la Renta. Up and coming actresses should take note!

Photo via: Frazer Harrison/Getty

3) Trends that are on fire: Brown-red lips, big waves, super sparkly gowns. While these may not be *surprises* for many, the brown-red lips don't really do it for me, but Claire Danes seemed to make it happen.

Photos via: Steve Granitz/WireImage; Jill Johnson/JPI

Gorgeous waves...

Photo via

Kevork Djansezian/Getty

Photo via Kyle Rover/Startraks

 Glittery goodness...

Photo via Kevin Mazur/WireImage

Photo via Kevin Mazur/WireImage

Any surprises you took note of?

Product Review: Clinique High Impact Mascara, C+

Just like lip gloss/chapstick/lipstick/etc, I have a penchant for sampling a variety of mascara. Thus, it should come as no surprise that we have another option up on tap for product review...Clinique's High Impact Mascara.

While this is not a new product to the shelves, I've been meaning to give it a go for a while. Plus, with a promise of *high impact,* I was immediately intrigued. Unfortunately, I can't see myself purchasing this one in the future...

Clinique High Impact Mascara

About Clinique's High Impact Mascara:

What it is:
A richly pigmented mascara that kicks up the volume of each individual lash.

What it does:
Get instant drama! Pump up the volume and length of each lash for a look that's lusher, plusher, and bolder. Dress your lashes in pure, deep color—wear it once and you'll feel naked without it.

What else you need to know:
Ophthalmologist tested.

My Review:

The Good: It definitely doesn't clump, goes on soft and smooth, and provides a very natural effect. Plus, it washes off very easily with a mild face cleanser.

The Bad: Well, I didn't see any high impact whatsoever. This is after I made sure to curl my lashes and swipe on two light coats. Meh.

The Verdict: C+. I appreciate the natural, soft effect but this mascara doesn't live up to its high impact name.

Golden Globe Dress Faves!

My top five Golden Globe gowns from last night...although there were really so many lovely options! I spied very few *wtf was she thinking* ensembles...

Extra snaps for Claire Danes for completely blowing everyone's minds...girlfriend had her son Cyrus just 4 weeks ago. Like woah.

Product review: Benefit Hervana Blush, A

Ah the perfect flush. The "Oh hai, I just got done trotting a 5k" cheeks can be hard to come by. However, I have found a new blush that I'm just tickled over - Benefit's Hervana. While this cheeky cheeker runs $28 per package, I contend it's well worth it.

Benefit Cosmetics Hervana

About Hervana via Sephora:

What it is:
A "good karma" face powder.

What it does:
This powder in four shades–Lucky Shell, Divine Peach, Heavenly Rose and Berry Delight–blend together perfectly for an orchid-blossom blush with a soft satin finish. Swirl and sweep it on for a heavenly flush of enlightenment.

What else you need to know:
For an extra-angelic look, dot High Beam from cheekbones to temples. It's like a halo of highlighting!

My Review:

The Good: Color saturation is the bombdotcom. There's no glitter and really, I don't see much shimmer either. And guess what - this powder blush actually stays put for more than an hour. Since I'm not exactly painting on a full face of makeup these days, I find that a few swipes of Hervana really keep my face looking fresh, rosy and alive.

The Bad: $28 may be a little steep, but considering the color payoff I'd say it's justifiable.

The Verdict: Hervana earns an A from me! I'm seriously considering making this a staple in my makeup bag.