Smashbox Waterproof Shadow Liner Duo is a cream shadow formula that glides on smoothly and evenly and is totally waterproof and crease-resistant, giving you the power to create soft, smoky definition in one quick step. It’s the modern way to emphasize your eyes—you can wear it as a won’t-budge smudged liner or as a radiant allover shadow. Both shades are housed in a portable mirrored compact for touch-ups on the go.

Available online at Nordstrom for $25.

I’m sure you noticed that I’m a bit behind on my posting.

Hell, even the beauty and fitness director at Elle pointed it out to me this week (Hi Emily!), along with 634 readers who sent me emails telling me to get my butt in gear and start writing some posts.

The truth of the matter is, when the going gets rough (and life decides to heap servings on my plate that I just can’t possibly stomach) something’s gotta give. So, I apologize for the lack of updates here at Makeup Bag this month.

There’s a new blog in town that you should all know about: The Lancôme Blog.

Written by the Lancôme vp of public relations, Kerry Diamond (remember when I ran into her at an event in NY last year?) who is a former beauty editor and one of those tall, gorgeous, perfect-skinned girls that everyone should be taking beauty tips from.

Be sure to check it out!

Originally uploaded by Makeup Bag

I’ve had a fond affection for Tweezerman mani/pedi tools for many, many years. I especially love the FileMate nail files available at Sephora that come in a protective plastic case for just $5. I probably have every pattern and color they’ve ever made and keep them in my purse, my desk, my nightstand, my car… You will rarely find me without a nail file on hand.

The last three files I bought at Sephora have been sadly disappointing, though.

Just look at how ripped up this file is! If you didn’t know any better, you might think this has been the only nail file I’ve used for the last five years.

Looks like I need to find a new fave.

This morning my friend Ann came over for a visit and, as always, we got to talking about our favorite beauty products and trends of the season.

We both agreed that deep purple nail polish is our favorite trend right now with the gorgeous Chanel Vendetta taking top spot. However, if you’d rather not spend $23 on a nail polish, here’s a few shades of purple that are a tad more affordable:

Jessica Cosmetics in Birds of Paradise ($7)

Application is tricky with this polish as it tends to grab and pull the first layer of color, but if you can get past that, you’ll be left with gorgeous jewel-toned nails that are beyond shiny.

Orly Nail Color in Midnight Star ($7.50)

Not only is this a beautiful, shimmery shade of rich purple, but it also comes with a coordinating gemstone costume ring.

Nicole by OPI Nic’s Sticks in I’m on Deadline ($5.99)

Janey turned me on to Nic’s Sticks last year and I have to say—they’re quick, easy and great for travel. The new shades for spring are expected to hit counters in May and I’m in love with this intense blue-violet shades called I’m on Deadline.

CND in Deep Velvet (On Sale for $6)

CND polishes never fail to impress me. My all-time favorite shade is Nail Noir but I’m adoring Deep Velvet, a deep shimmery purple.

Check out these tips I picked up from the Creative Nail Design nail pros while I was in New York in February:

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