Archives for December 2007

Badgley Mischka’s Fleurs de Nuit Perfume Is too Pretty to Pass Up

December 12th, 2007 by Karen 2 Comments

What: Badgley Mischka Fleurs De Nuit Perfume
Smells like: An explosion of white flowers
Why: Because the bottle and scent are elegant and beautiful
Get it for: The perfume collector
How much: $90.00 for a 3.4 fl oz. bottle

Suckers for purty perfume bottles, unite! With its elegant silver, lace design and engraved cap, Badgley Mischka’s Fleurs De Nuit will be the star of your perfume bottle collection this holiday season.

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The pictures I took of the bottle don’t do it justice, so here’s the promo pic, which gives you a better idea of the intricate silver detail on the sides and engraved “Badgley Mischka” silver top.

badgley-mischka-fleurs-de-nuit-perfume-hearts

Perfumes are like accessories. Some perfumes are “jeans and a tank top” scents. Others, like Fleurs de Nuit, remind me of Chanel tweed suits and pearls.

It’s a very formal and elegant white floral with notes of jasmine, magnolia and quince blossom. White floral perfumes always seem like “grown up” scents. They remind me of ladies who wear gloves and attend society luncheons.

You might like this scent if you are a fan of these other white floral fragrances:

– Marc Jacobs Perfume
– Michael Kors
– Robert Piquet Fracas
– Bvlgari Voile de Jasmin
– Vera Wang Sheer Veil

I only wear white florals on rare occasions, so I gotta fess up that I like this perfume more because of the bottle than the scent. However, if you’re a perfume collector or a sucker for pretty bottles like I am, then you’ll also appreciate Fleurs de Nuit.

What scent are you wearing today? I’m feeling much better than I have been in days, so I’m wearing Happy, by Clinique.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Keep on Keepin’ On

December 11th, 2007 by Karen 20 Comments

Hey guys,

I’ve been having a really rough few days.

that-girl-before1a

I wish I could claim to be perpetually happy like those crazy people you see in shampoo commercials — you know, the girls who smile and skip through sun dappled fields as the winds of change blow through their perfect hair. They twirl and throw their arms up and glow like fantastical beams of light and optimism. Wow.

Yeah, that’s so not me. Note: Although for the most part I’m a really happy person, I do have my off days, and on those days I feel pretty crappy.

But, you know, you gotta keep on’ trucking. And plenty can happen in 24 hours. Despite feeling blue, your girl still manages to find a few random acts of beauty.

fussytabby-random-acts-of-beauty

When I feel like crap I make extensive lists. This morning, after drinking my morning coffee and watching a Tivo’d episode of last night’s The Hills finale, I started a new one titled “At least.”

December 11, 2007, 7:12 a.m.

At least …
– At least I’m not Spencer from The Hills. Thank you, jeebus!
– At least my teeth aren’t so blindingly white that I look like I stuck a bunch of Chicklets into my gums, like Audrina.
– At least I have all my teeth!
– At least I’m a nice girl who doesn’t strike the fear of God into people, like scary Lisa Love.
– At least I have opposable thumbs, so that I can type and hold my makeup brushes and use door knobs.
– At least I don’t have to sell my soul in order to pay my bills.
– At least I can write in complete sentences.
– At least I don’t feel compelled to do things in print LIKE WRITE IN CAPS ALL THE TIME or AlTeRnAtE lOwEr CaSe wItH uPpEr CaSe.

After one full page of the “At Least” list I feel a tiny bit better. I hear the neighbor’s tabby meowing at the door. I now have some company. Yes.

December 11. 2007, 10:25 a.m.

Endorphins, I need you. It’s cold but sunny outside, so I bundle up and go for a run.

The leaves crunch beneath my feet, and I’m running so fast that I can barely control my breath. During my run I see a mom with a baby stroller. Then, I pass a tiny bird on a bare tree branch, an unruly golden retriever and the green-blue waters of the San Francisco Bay. On my way back home, I sprint down a hill and catch a glimpse of my shadow running hard and fast. I’m reminded of the girl that I am on my best days; she’s tenacious and strong and doesn’t give up.

My legs kick into high gear, and, suddenly, everything is whizzing by. My body feels like it’s singing. I feel more like myself again. Yes.

December 11, 2007, 11:05 a.m.

Back at home, I turn on the “random” song selection on iTunes and hear a few songs that lift my spirit.

December 11, 2007, 11:30 a.m.

I’ve got five minutes to put on makeup before leaving for work. Although I’m feeling much better, I feel I should be prepared for an unexpected burst of tears in the afternoon. I curl my lashes and put on two coats of Prescriptives Here to Stay mascara, which never lets me down. Thank you, powers-that-be, for giving us waterproof mascara on days when emotional breakdowns loom. Yes.

prescriptives-here-to-stay-mascara

December 11, 2007, 4:05 p.m.

After work I go to Rite Aid, buy an ice cream cone and cruise the makeup section. I’ve been doing this since I was a kid and it always makes me feel better. There’s a fat sale on Maybelline products. Yes.

Today’s Rite Aid Beauty Loot
maybelline-rite-aid-loot

Keep on keepin’ on, ya’ll.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

MAC Makeup Reviews – Royal Assets Eye Shadow Palette in Warm Eyes

December 10th, 2007 by Karen 23 Comments

One for You, One for Me

I know I can’t be the only woman out there who goes holiday shopping for others but accidentally buys a few things for herself. I suspect a primitive hunting/gathering mechanism kicks in when I see those deals exclaiming “Buy two and get the third one free!” for things like fleece pullovers. I end up buying stuff I’d never touch if it weren’t on sale.

If you’re going to accidentally buy yourself something this holiday season, then it might as well be something pretty and useful. Save yourself from the fleece sweater trap and wander over to your nearest MAC counter to get yourself the MAC Royal Assets Eyeshadow Palette in Warm Eyes. With six well-rounded shadows, the palette is my current go-to palette for work looks.

mac-cosmetics-makeup-royal-assets-eyeshadow-palette-warm-eyes

For $36.00 you get:

Sunday Best – Ivory with frost
Nobility – Light pink taupe
Retrospeck – Bleached blonde
Star Violet – Earth-touched pinky-brown plum fusion
Club – Muted reddish brown duochrome with green opalescent shimmer
Showstopper- Neutral dark brown

A Few Easy and Pretty Work Looks

The palette is great for creating put-together looks in a hurry.

Three-minute makeup:

If I don’t have much time to get ready for work I wear either Sunday Best or Retrospeck all over the lid, and Nobility in the crease. I’ll curl my lashes and add two layers of MAC Plushlash in Plushblack.

Four-minute makeup:

I’ll do the same as above but add Club or Star Violet in the outer V and then blend to eliminate harsh lines.

Five-minute makeup:

I’ll do all the steps above, and then wet my MAC 266 brush and dip it into Showstopper to line my upper and lower lashlines.

MAC Palette O-Rama

And if Warm Eyes doesn’t suit you, there are three other palettes in the MAC Royal Assets collection — Cool Eyes, Metallic Eyes and Smokey Eyes.

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mac-cosmetics-makeup-royal-assets-eyeshadow-palettes-all-open

Warm Eyes is my current favorite of the bunch because the colors are conservative, pretty and completely goof proof!

Have you started your holiday shopping yet? I haven’t! My family is driving me nuts because no one will tell me what they want. They are all gonna end up with fleece pullovers, I swear.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Gym Beauty Tips: Philosophy The Supernatural Lipgloss

December 8th, 2007 by Karen 17 Comments

Put this Gloss in Your Gym Bag, ASAP

What: Philosophy’s The Supernatural Lipgloss in Mauve
The Road Test: An hour’s worth of uber-sweaty cardio on the treadmill
Why: ‘Cause you gotta look cute, even at the gym
How much: $15.00

philosophy-supernatural-lipgloss-mauve-final

I gotta give props to my girls out there who can work on their fitness at the gym sans makeup. I wish I could rock the au natural look when I’m lifting weights or running, but, unfortunately, others might mistake me for the living dead if I don’t at least slap on a little lipgloss.

I’m always on the hunt for gym-friendly glosses. Besides helping me look cute (haaay!), my favorite lipglosses…

Look natural. At the gym, I try to wear colors that appear within the realm of natural color possibility. Nothing too sparkly or dark.
Apply easily.
Aren’t sticky.
Have no overwhelming smell or taste. I don’t want to be running for an hour with the scent of strawberries up in my grill.
Have good staying power.

Before I left for the gym today, I curled my lashes, patted concealer under my eyes, and applied a light layer of mauve Philosophy’s The Supernatural Lipgloss, my new favorite gym buddy.

philosophy-supernatural-lipgloss-mauve-swatch

How do I love The Supernatural Lipgloss? Let me count the ways…

Rich, highly-pigmented shade of pink that still looks natural. I barely have to put any on my lips to get full coverage. The result is a flushed, just kissed look!
High shine.
Easy to apply.
Non-sticky formula.
Light mint scent. It perks me up for my workout but fades quickly, so I don’t have to smell mint the entire time, YES!

It has a subtle cooling effect on my lips and, when combined with the mint, delivers a nice pre-workout boost. Plus, I feel cute wearing it. Love it!

What’s your favorite gym lipgloss?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Holiday Makeup How-to with Becca Cosmetics: Bronze Smokey Eye, Pink Cheeks and Lips

December 8th, 2007 by Karen 15 Comments

Perfect for the Office Holiday Par-tay

Why do they call office holiday get togethers “parties”? Everybody knows the only reason you show up is because you have to!

So, what do I do when I know I’ll be subjected to this farce o’ revelry? I buy a new dress to ease the pain a bit and work some fierce makeup, of course.

This year I plan to wear a bronze, gold and khaki smokey eye with punchy pink cheeks and lips. Lynn Furge, Becca cosmetics national artist and all around cool lady, created this look just for Makeup and Beauty Blog. Pretty, yah?

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The beautiful Marcella Faustini, a Bay Area in-house artist for Becca, worked her magic when re-creating the look:

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To get it, Marcella used the following products:

Face
– Becca Mattifying Primer to prep skin ($35.00)
– Becca Line and Pore Corrector to fill in spots and to smooth out lines and pores ($32.00)
– Becca Skin Color SPF 20+ as a tinted moisturizer ($40.00)
– Becca Shimmering Skin Perfecter SPF 20+ as a highlighter and lumimizer ($38.00)
– Becca Concealer ($35.00)
– Becca Stick Foundation in Coffee ($39.00)
– Becca Fine Loose Finishing Powder in Mocha on t-zone only ($35.00)
– Becca Pressed Bronzing Powder in Salsa around frame of face and neck ($34.00)

Cheeks
– Becca Watermelon Beach Tint on apples of cheeks ($22.00)
– Becca Creme Blush in Geranium ($27.00)

Eyes
– Becca Eyeliner Compact and Waterproof Sealer in Barbarella on upper lash line ($27.00)
– Becca Creme Eye Color in Antique Gold on eyelid ($25.00)
– Becca Eye Color Powder in Lurex all over lid ($20.00)
– Becca Eye Color Powder in Chintz along lash line and outer corner ($20.00)
– Becca Eye Color Powder in Shantung ($20.00) and Chnitz on lower two-thirds of lashes

Lips
– Becca Geranium ($27.00)
– Becca Glossy Lip Tint in Angel Kiss ($22.00)

Chintz Eye Color Powder – khaki-gold shimmer
becca-eye-shadow-powder-shimmer-chintz

Lurex Eye Color Powder – silvery-gold shimmer
becca-eye-shadow-powder-shimmer-lurex

Shantung Eye Color Powder – antique-bronze shimmer

becca-blush-watermelon-beach-tint-geranium-creme-blush

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To see the Becca line in the SF Bay Area, visit the San Francisco Neiman Marcus, which has a Becca counter. If you see the lovely Marcella, tell her I sent ya!

Marcella Faustini, Becca Artist

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Mega Becca Sale on Sephora.com

Sephora.com has a huge sale on Becca cosmetics right now. I picked up the Nut Tinted Moisturizer for $10.00 (normally 40 bucks!) and the Coffee Stick Foundation for $9.75 (usually $39.00). Many items are out of stock, but you still may be able to find a lil’ something on deeeeep discount.

Have a groovy Saturday! I’m off to the gym to do some cardio. 🙂

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

5 Beauty Tips from … Van Halen

December 7th, 2007 by Karen 25 Comments

Everything I ever needed to know about beauty I learned from Van Halen.

Okay, maybe not everything, but closer analysis of the picture below reveals several key tenants of looking good, no matter your age.

Might as well jump!

van-halen

1. Avoid crunchy hair. Keep it soft and natural looking.

Whatever decade you’re in, crunchy hair is never cute. In this pic, the boys of Van Halen manage to keep their manes looking big, yet touchable; each band member has hair you could easily run your fingers through. Soft, moveable hair always looks great, whether you’re cruising Sephora or banging your head on stage.

2. If you’re going to go trendy, stick to one trend at a time.

Notice how the only band member who doesn’t look completely insane is Michael Anthony, the bass player sporting a white t-shirt and jeans. I like trends as much as the next girl, but too many at one time is usually a bad idea.

I could probably forgive Eddie Van Halen for wearing overalls without a shirt, but the fact that the overalls are in a red camo print makes this completely unacceptable. Too many trends at one time, Eddie!

And would someone please explain why leggings keep coming back in style? If you’re going to wear leggings, choose a basic color, please!

David Lee Roth’s tight red leggings cause my eyes to beg for mercy. Had he chosen basic black, at least he would’ve looked classic, like pictures of Mikhail Baryshinikov during his prime ballet dancing years.

3. Shoes can make or break the outfit.

Although David Lee Roth is rocking those unforgivable red superhero tights, he does get a few points for the gold and red sequined boots.

Creative footwear almost always trumps boring, lunch lady comfort shoes in the fashion department. If I have to stare at you for any length of time, please don’t make me look at some boring, ugly shoes that send me directly into REM sleep.

4. Stretch.

Check out David Lee Roth’s high kick. Wowee, wow, wow! Homeboy could’ve been a rockette! Yes, doing cardio and lifting weights is important to staying fit, but one cannot neglect the importance of stretching.

If left to my own devices I’d never stretch — I’m not flexible at all — so I have to force myself to sneak in some stretching while watching reality TV, which seems to make it less of a chore.

5. Go for clothes that skim but don’t hug your curves.

I know I’m picking on poor Diamond Dave for those awful red pants, but, seriously, they didn’t have to be two sizes too small. If you’ve got a tight body by all means work it. But leaving a little room for the imagination never hurts.

V/H on the D/L

I can’t lie… for many years I kept my love for Van Halen on the down low. Growing up, my friends and I mostly listened to hip hop.

I remember my best friend getting the RUN D.M.C.’s Raising Hell tape and listening to the song It’s Tricky for three straight days until we memorized the lyrics. Yes, girl, I said TAPE, which meant hitting the rewind button and waiting a good 30 seconds before the song played again!

There was no world outside the realm of rap or R&B, so when I “discovered” the extensive genre of mid-80’s butt rock (Van Halen, Bon Jovi, etc.) I felt that I had to keep it secret or face being labeled a hip hop pariah.

Of course, looking back on this after 20 years, it’s all so funny to me now, but I still remember the pressure I felt to fit in.

To all the young ladies reading this blog, if you’re feeling like a square peg trying to fit into a round hole, know that you aren’t alone. Keep your chin up, sweetie, because it does get better. Finding your way just takes some time. 🙂

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Total Beauty Debuts Today

December 6th, 2007 by Karen 6 Comments

Hey ya’ll … Makeup and Beauty Blog is now part of the new Total Beauty network, WOOT!

Total Beauty brings together tips and reviews from a huge network of beauty bloggers just like me.

If you like reading my blog and want to show some love, please visit the “Blogs We Love” section and click on the Makeup and Beauty Blog link!

Show your girl some love, ya’ll!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Beauty Snacks

December 6th, 2007 by Karen 21 Comments

I have a very dysfunctional relationship with the neighbor’s wretched tabby cat. He comes by a few times a week and meows at my door, begging for snacks. I let him in. I feed and pet him. He bites me. He leaves. It’s like this every single time. He’s such a user, but I fall for it every time.

Anyway, the beast came by yesterday for a visit and as he nibbled my arm I started thinking, “Wouldn’t it be cool if we all had somebody who would give us beauty snacks?”

fussytabby-beauty-snacks-final Beauty Snacks (like Scooby Snacks, but cooler)

Sephora sales

Did you know that if you type the word “sale” into the search bar on Sephora’s Web site, you get a list of everything on the site that’s discounted? I do this often and find lots cool stuff perfect for holiday stocking stuffers — brushes, makeup, body products — for less than $10.00.

Some products have deep discounts, like this NARS Hot Sauce lip palette, on sale for $30.00 (originally $50.00).

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I run the Sephora sale search a few times a week ’cause I like a good deal. You know your girl loves a sale!

Daily Motivator

At the risk of appearing completely cheesy, I thought I’d share a special site with you because, frankly, it has saved my butt on many occasions. When I’m feeling blue, or when things get crazy, and I need to check myself (before I wreck myself), I visit the Daily Motivator for quick shots of wisdom. Some might find Ralph Marston’s daily motivators and observations corny, but I like ’em. They help me stay motivated and remind me to keep things in perspective.

Use the force, Luke

daily-motivator

Taye Diggs: Hottie, actor … hip hop dancer?!?!

My friend J-Money sent me an e-mail yesterday inviting me to a one-time, advanced hip hop class taught by master dance teacher, TAYE DIGGS (star of one of my fave movies, Brown Sugar). Did ya’ll know Taye could dance? I sure as heck didn’t. I’m going to the two-hour class in February. You better believe I’ll be hustling for a spot up in the front so I can watch him, um, teach.

Hopefully Taye will teach in this outfit

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Neutrogena Soft Color Blush

Damn, these blushes rule. They’re cheap (about $6.00 for a huge pan), look natural and are easy to apply. When I’m in a hurry, these are my go-to blushes because they don’t streak (even on bare skin), blend easily and aren’t chalky.

If you’re blush shy or new to blush then these are good starter products (ditch the included brush, though, ’cause it’s useless). I have Sunny Spice, Divine Wine and Soft Suede colors in my collection.

Back to MAC Program

Yesterday, while I was rifling through one of the several piles of makeup in my living room, I found a stash of used MAC Lipglasses and empty brush cleaner bottles. I keep all my used MAC stuff so I can participate in “Back to MAC,” MAC’s recycling program. You bring in six used product packages (lipstick, Lipglasses, compacts, etc.) and get a free lipstick in return. There are a few exceptions, so find out what’s considered a recyclable product on the MAC Web site.

I bet I’m the last person in the world who needs another lipstick, but hey, I’m heading to the counter after work if traffic isn’t bad. What color should I get?

Lazy Beast Cardio 101

Most of the time I love working out and going to the gym, but when it’s cold and rainy I get lazy. On those days, I reach for a workout DVD at home. It won’t substitute for a three-mile run on the treadmill, but it’s better than nothing.

Workout DVD’s can be expensive, so I rent mine from Netflix. Their huge selection helps stave off workout boredom. Right now I’m really missing Hawaii, so I’ve been doing a 30-minute hula workout called “Island Girl Dance Fitness Workout for Beginners.”

The workout is low impact, but it sure works up a sweat. I love the tropical scenery, and I’m a sucker for upbeat island music.

Coffee break

Mmm, coffee. I can’t survive without my morning cup. Coffee’s tasty but it stains teeth like crazy! I asked my dentist what I could do and she suggested using a straw, so I keep a pack of bendable straws in the kitchen cupboard and always use them when I drink coffee, tea and red wine at home. It’s weird at first — I like sipping my coffee through my front teeth, and my friends and El Hub gave me a lot of crap for it — but eventually I got used to it. Now my teeth stay sparklin’ white.

Girl, wherever you are I hope it’s warm because it’s cold around my ‘hood! How are you holding up in this rain?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen