Kimberly Caldwell has been one busy girl since we last saw her on American Idol belting it out for Simon, Paula, and Randy. After logging some serious time in the studio she's getting ready to release her debut album, Without Regret, hitting shelves April 2011. We caught up with the pop star to talk about her favorite products, the looks she loves, and a lot more. Read below to see what she had to say.

Real Beauty: What are the five must-have products in your bag at all times?

Kimberly Caldwell: MAC Lipstick in Honeylove, Michael Kors Very Hollywood Rollerball and Lipgloss Duo, MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation, Lancôme mascara and eyeliner, and my TIGI Bed Head Shadow Pallet for Cool People.

RB: If you were stranded on a desert island with only one product, what would it be?

KC: It would be a toss up between Moroccan Oil to protect my hair or Lancôme SPF face lotion to protect my face. Hard choice but they are both necessary!

RB: What's your favorite red carpet look that you've worn?

KC: My first Capitol/EMI red carpet since signing with them. I wore this stunning black vintage dress with my sparkly Christian Louboutins. I used lots of bronze and nude colors for my makeup with tons of fun false lashes. I rocked my natural curls with some polishing on the bangs and one side pulled back off my face (below). It was an unforgettable night!

RB:What's a makeup look you've done in the past where you wonder to yourself now, "What was I thinking?"

KC: Whenever I do red lips with dark smoky eyes! Tone it down Kim! I'm from Texas so it's hard to get used to the less is more motto but I'm really trying to give it a shot.

RB: What's the best beauty tip you've learned so far?

KC: My mom taught me you can color your own hair and get the $400 salon look. Seriously! People ask me everyday who colors my hair and I tell them it came from a box (I use L'Oreal Superior Preference). It runs under $10 and it doesn't fade!

RB: What are your favorite drugstore beauty buys?

KC: Any drugstore that carries false individual lashes and lash glue (I like Ardell Duralash Naturals Medium Flare) It's so simple if you can keep your hand steady and it makes a huge difference. I also never use soap or makeup remover, only Pond's Micro-Dermabrasion Wet Cleansing Towelettes every morning and at night before bed.

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