• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Makeup and Beauty Blog | Makeup Reviews, Swatches and How-To MakeupMakeup and Beauty Blog | Makeup Reviews, Swatches and How-To Makeup

A beauty blog blooming with fresh makeup reviews, swatches and beauty tips from your friendly neighborhood beauty addict

  • Home
  • About
    • About
    • Contact
    • FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
    • Advertising & Media
  • Categories
    • Product Reviews
    • Makeup
    • Skincare & Fragrance
    • Style & Fashion
    • Hair
    • Nails
    • Tips & Tutorials
    • Just for Fun
  • Brands
  • Store

Archives for December 2012

You Can’t Spell Radiant Without Rad: A Flawless Finish Makes BECCA Radiant Skin Satin Finish Foundation One of the Best Foundations I’ve Tried

December 10th, 2012 by Karen 33 Comments

becca radiant skin foundation review
Wearing the new Becca Radiant Skin Satin Finish Foundation in Bamboo ($42 for a 1.3-ounce tube)

The Christmas lights are blinking, the neighborhood cats are slinking, and the Dark Choclate Stars are twinkling in their dish. The decorations have been hung by the makeup counter with care, in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.

And he will…but he has to stop by the Petco first to pose for pics with a long line of eager pets and their parents (more on that in a minute).

It’s that time of year! — although you’d never know it by looking at BECCA. The beachy Australian makeup brand always seems to have one foot in the sand.

becca radiant skin foundation product shot
Radiant Skin Satin Finish Foundation in Bamboo, the shade closest to my NC42 skin

Designed for normal, combination and oily skin types, BECCA’s new Radiant Skin Satin Finish Foundation ($42 and available in 18 shades) showcases the brand’s trademark endless summer vibe with an almost weightless formula and a dressed-down eggshell finish that practically tiptoes on the skin.

With coverage about halfway between a tinted moisturizer and a full-coverage foundation, it’s made for guys and gals who like flexibility. Going to the beach (maybe you live in the Southern Hemisphere)? Wear it sheer by rubbing in a few dots. Or for heavier coverage, work in a pea-sized dollop all over your face, and then pat and blend a little extra wherever you need it.

What makes Radiant so rad?

  • It handles combo skin like a champ! It’s easily one of the best foundations I’ve ever used on my combination skin. Not only does it take care of any slick, oily spots on my face, but it does so without drawing attention to any flakes and dry areas.
  • It goes the distance. Lasts the day and looks just as fresh at 8 p.m. as it does at 8 in the morning.
  • Looks like it’s been applied with an airbrush. You hear that airbrushed finish thing a lot, but I gotta say — I really do think my pores look smaller, and my fine lines look smoother, when I wear this stuff. It’s as close to a flawless finish I ever get, and yet I think skin still looks real with it on, not like it’s been plastered with product.
  • The extras. Did I mention that it’s moisturizing and water resistant? It contains Ejitsu Rose and vitamin E to help skin retain moisture, to improve elasticity and to protect against damage from free radicals. Yup, and it’s alcohol-, paraben- and fragrance-free.
becca radiant skin foundation swatch
Swatches of Radiant in Bamboo unblended on the left and blended on the right

becca radiant skin foundation review

becca radiant skin foundation ingredients
The ingredient list

[Continue reading…]

There are 33 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Becca, Face, Makeup, Product Reviews

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 249

December 10th, 2012 by Karen 37 Comments

My mantra for the week

You might be wondering, “So what the heck is this Monday Poll thing anyway?”

Well, it isn’t much of a poll. It’s more just a constantly evolving (devolving?), somewhat random list of questions I’ve been putting out to readers every Monday morning for the past four years. I’ve always enjoyed reading your answers in the comments, and I hope you enjoy reading mine.

  1. Mood: Relaxed and focused, and I’m marshalling every ounce of my zen this week to keep it that way.
  2. What was the last time you received a compliment you can credit to a beauty product?
    Last week. I was wearing Chanel Coco Mademoiselle perfume, and when El Hub bear hugged me in the hallway, he said, “You and Tabs smell great!” Ha! Some of it had also rubbed off on Tabs.
  3. Current obsessions?
    Area rugs…

    Yes, area rugs.

    No, wait! Let me explain… The floor in my dining room and kitchen is tiled and gets almost arctically cold, and now that I actually have a dining room table (matter of fact, I’m sitting at it right now!), a warm rug would really cozy things up.

    I’m also totally obsessed with Gillian Flynn’s book, Gone Girl. I cannot put it down!

  4. Something you’ve been meaning to do but haven’t gotten around to yet?
    I want to go see Pitch Perfect at the movies. It looks rich in the kinds of good ol’ fashioned cheesy fun I like. 🙂
  5. What are some things that make you happy?
    1. A good pen
    2. Changing my scenery
    3. A cup of hot coffee or tea
    4. Sleeves with thumbholes
    5. El Hub
    6. Tabs
  6. It’s okay to _______.
    1. Pat yourself on the back
    2. Have chocolate for breakfast
    3. Try and fail
  7. What’s one thing you always do before leaving the house?
    Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been afraid of accidentally locking myself out of the house, so I always make sure to have my keys and phone in my right hand at the moment I walk out the door.

    Same thing goes for the car…

  8. What’s something surprising you learned about yourself this year?
    That I get more and more set in my ways as I get older. I keep having to push myself harder to try new things.

    Eh, I’m workin’ on it. 🙂

  9. Tell me something — anything — about your morning so far.
    That I’ve yelled, “DON’T DRINK THAT!” to Tabs about 10 times already.

    We got our Christmas tree yesterday, which he, of course, thinks is for his own personal enrichment.

    One of the things he keeps doing is drinking from the water in the tree stand, even though his water bowl is literally 10 feet away.

    Cats!

  10. Weekly goals:
    Just to keep hanging in there and doing my best to bring up the people around me (like you).

Hello, hello my friend!

Quick, while no one’s watching, let’s shake it out. Shake it out. Shake out any negativity, and focus on a happy thought (might I suggest shirtless Ryan Gosling and/or Jeremy Renner’s arms?).

Here, have a seat, and fill out the Monday Poll with me. I’ll be right back with a slice of toast for you with some pumpkin cream cheese on it.

To complete the Monday Poll, just copy the following list, and paste it with your answers in the comments.

Le List

1. Mood:
2. What was the last time you received a compliment you can credit to a beauty product?
3. Current obessions?
4. Something you’ve been meaning to do but haven’t gotten around to yet?
5. What are some things that make you happy?
6. It’s okay to _______.
7. What’s one thing you always do before leaving the house?
8. What’s something surprising you learned about yourself this year?
9. Tell me something — anything — about your morning so far.
10. Weekly goals:

Look at you! Just a few hours into the week, and you’re already doing a great job. If anything gets you down this week, stop by the blog, and Tabs and I will try to cheer you up. 🙂

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

There are 37 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Just For Fun

Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 221

December 9th, 2012 by Karen 8 Comments

Tabs for MAC How the Cat Stole Christmas

I remember working at jobs where things would slow down this time of year.

Slowly but surely, the office would empty as people, one by one, went home for the holidays. Meetings would get cancelled, people would spend half the day shopping at their desks for presents online, and everyone just sort of pushed off as much as possible until the new year.

Ah, the good old days…

That’s not at all how it is working for Tabs. Here at Tabs the Cat Industries, LLC, this is our busiest time of year.

Awards shows, TV holiday specials, star-studded celebrity gala events and advertising campaigns for limited edition holiday releases — right now we’re a 24/7 operation. I don’t even get a weekend off until next year.

Like today, Tabs had me out shopping for linens and place settings for his big annual holiday shindig.

It’s this huge party he throws every year for everyone who’s anyone in the kitty modeling business. Hundreds of cats fly in from all over the world. There’s a hosted gravy bar, catnip cocktails, a huge seawater aquarium stocked with ahi, a play area outside. Jackson Galaxy, star of Animal Planet’s My Cat From Hell, is on hand to give free consultations and complimentary cat massages.

It’s total cat heaven. Problem is, it’s my responsibility to set everything up. While Tabs is off on some exotic location somewhere shooting his kitty modeling ads, I’m trying to figure out how many ahi a 100,000-gallon fish tank can support.

I don’t know…10,000?

But really, it’s not all bad. I get to see and do some really neat things. I’m busy, and it’s stressful, but right now in my life I can’t imagine doing anything else.

Oh! — I almost forgot. Here are the latest kitty modeling pics from Tabs. 🙂

Tabs for the Illamasqua Cat Invasion Collection

Tabs for the OCC Wheel of Feline Fortune Collection
[Continue reading…]

There are 8 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Just For Fun, Tabs Keywords: tabs

Bobbi Brown’s Uptown Classic Eye Palette

December 9th, 2012 by Karen 8 Comments






bobbi brown uptown classic eye palette

bobbi brown uptown classic eye palette

If cool-toned neutrals are totally your thing, Bobbi Brown’s Uptown Classic Eye Palette might rock your boat. The travel-exclusive kit includes four powder eyeshadows designed to escort you effortlessly from work to play.

Cute, but I think the shades are a little too cool for my warm skin tone…

PRICE: I’m not sure about the price. If you happen to know, please leave a note in the comments
AVAILABILITY: Available now exclusively at Bobbi Brown travel retail locations worldwide
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: B

bobbi brown uptown classic eye palette

bobbi brown uptown classic eye palette swatches

There are 8 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Daily Photo

Sephora’s $16 Flashy Eyeliner Set

December 9th, 2012 by Karen 12 Comments






I really wanted to love this affordable limited edition holiday kit, with its five 0.028-ounce pencil liners in brown, blue, deep black, violet and gray (so creamy, so pigmented!), but none of the liners stick to my water lines at all.

Not one iota.

On my lash lines, I can eek out about six hours from them, but that’s only as long as I don’t rub my eyes (which I have a bad habit of doing).

PRICE: $16
AVAILABILITY: Available now at Sephora stores and online at sephora.com
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: B-

There are 12 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Daily Beauty

Bobbi Brown’s New Travel Skincare Luxuries Kit

December 9th, 2012 by Karen 11 Comments







bobbis skincare luxuries

bobbis skincare luxuries box open closeup

A new travel exclusive kit filled with Bobbi Brown goodies to combat the drying effects of long flights. That way, you can arrive at your destination looking fresh and well-rested.

The kit includes a 0.5-ounce jar of Bobbi’s Extra Eye Repair Cream, a 0.24-ounce jar of Extra Soothing Balm, a 0.5-ounce jar of Extra Repair Moisturizing Balm with SPF 25, a 0.5-ounce tube of Crystal Lip Gloss and an eye mask.

Seriously, this stuff does not mess around! The creams and balms feel thick, super-hydrating and rich, rich, rich!

Gals/guys with seriously dry skin will probably love it.

PRICE: TBD (I’ll let you know when I have an ETA)
AVAILABILITY: Coming soon exclusively to Bobbi Brown travel retail locations in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: B+

bobbis skincare luxuries

bobbis skincare luxuries

bobbis skincare luxuries box

bobbis skincare luxuries box

There are 11 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Daily Photo

Saturday Is Beauty Day: Products on My Radar This Weekend From Deborah Lippmann, Oribe, Jimmy Choo, Clarins, Lush, Clarins and Skinceuticals

December 8th, 2012 by Karen 12 Comments

deborah lippmann sugar plum fantasy

deborah lippmann sugar plum fantasy

Just a quick look at some of the newest things to enter my beauty universe…

The Deborah Lippmann Sugar Plum Fantasy Trio

deborah lippmann sugar plum fantasy
From the left: Sugar Plum Cherry, Sugar and Spice, and Sugar Shack

I like giving myself at-home manis on the weekends, but I’m having a hard time making a decision. I know I want to wear one of the three glittery plums in Deborah Lippmann’s new limited edition holiday trio, but which one…?

So sparkly!

deborah lippmann sugar plum fantasy

PRICE: $42 for three full-size bottles
AVAILABILITY: Available now exclusively at Bloomingdales stores and online at bloomingdales.com
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: A- (why is glitter such a pain to remove?)

The Oribe Ultra Gentle Collection

oribe ultra gentle collection holiday 2012 kit

An indulgent three-piece kit for all hair types, with products to clean, moisturize and condition.

The kit comes with an 8.5-ounce bottle of Oribe’s Ultra Gentle Shampoo, a 6.8-ounce bottle of Ultra Gentle Conditioner and a travel-sized 1.7-ounce tiny tub of their Masque for Beautiful Color.

oribe ultra gentle collection holiday 2012 kit

oribe ultra gentle collection masque
The Oribe Masque for Beautiful Color

oribe ultra gentle collection holiday 2012 kit

oribe ultra gentle collection holiday 2012 kit

The shampoo, conditioner and hair masque untangle my knots and leave my mane soft and lightly scented (like freshly peeled oranges).

I like. 🙂

PRICE: $63 (youch!)
AVAILABILITY: Available now at select salons and oribe.com
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: B+ (it’s pricey)

Lush Holiday Soaps

lush holiday soaps
From the left: Mr. Punch ($7.85 for 100g), Snow Globe ($8.95 for 100g), North Pole ($7.85 for 100g) and Snowcake ($8.95) soaps

Lush’s fun, limited edition soaps always turn my post-workout showers into festivals of bubbles and yummy holiday scents!

PRICE: $7.85-$8.95 for 100g
AVAILABILITY: Available now at Lush stores and lush.com
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: A

Jimmy Choo Intense Parfum

jimmy choo parfum

Official fragrance notes: tiger orchid, candied oranges, toffee chypre, sandalwood and patchouli.

When I wear this amped-up version of Jimmy’s original Jimmy Choo fragrance, I feel like I’m strutting down the street on the prowl, meow!

The fragrance from even one spritz lingers for a full 24 hours, so a little of this one goes a loooong way. Good thing I like the scent. 🙂

PRICE: $150 for a 1.3-ounce bottle (!)
AVAILABILITY: Available now at Bloomingdales, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and nordstrom.com
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: A (a fragrant indulgence)

Skinceuticals Hydrating B5 Masque

skinceuticals hydrating b5 masque

A moisturizing masque to quench thirsty skin. My combo dry/oily skin loves this stuff, and I feel like my face looks more radiant and rested when I use it.

PRICE: $52
AVAILABILITY: Available now at Blue Mercury, many spas and dermstore.com
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: A+ (it’s expensive, but I’m seriously addicted)

Clarins Shaping Facial Lift Serum

clarins shaping facial lift

Clarins says this lightweight face serum helps promote a lifted look by “encouraging the elimination of excess fatty deposits and fluids” with ingredients like caffeine and oat sugars.

Sounds good? I guess? I love the scent (I’m getting some lily-of-the-valley) and how smooth my skin feels when I use it, but it’s awfully expensive, and I don’t feel like I’m seeing the look-lifting results yet. Maybe I just need to use it longer…

PRICE: $70
AVAILABILITY: Available now exclusively at Macy’s Clarins counters and clarinsusa.com
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: B-

There are 12 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Daily Beauty

Two Ways to Win a $50 eGift Card From Sephora!

December 8th, 2012 by Karen 466 Comments

WINNER: The giveaway is closed now, and the winner is Isana! Congratulations, Isana! If you entered but didn’t win this time around, keep trying, and click here to enter any ongoing giveaways before you jet. 🙂

A Makeup and Beauty Blog giveaway
two ways to win a $50 eCard from sephora

Why, yes! That’s me reading like a real, live grownup at my new dining room table. 🙂

And it only took three years! (But I keep reminding myself that three years is better than never.)

The table was delivered yesterday, so I’m still breaking it in…which is very important work, I’ll have you know. Lots of coffee, tea and reading to be done and consumed.

two ways to win a $50 eCard from sephora

Perfect time to catch up on my Entertainment Weekly subscription and start a new book on the Kindle (Gone Girl, by Gillian Flynn).

I’m also taking BECCA’s new Radiant Skin Satin Foundation out for another spin ($42)…

beca radiant skin satin finish foundation
The makings of a nice morning

It’s a medium-coverage liquid foundation with a mostly matte finish and the faintest whisper of shine, and it’s available in 18 shades, from a fair ivory-beige called Porcelain to a deep neutral brown called Cacao.

I’ve been wearing it in Bamboo, a tan, yellowish beige, which sits in right about the middle of the shade range, for the past few days.

“This sophisticated silicone emulsion contains sebum-absorbing properties that provide a perfectly natural look and even complexion all day. The soft, smooth texture glides on seamlessly, reducing imperfections with buildable coverage that easily blends over the skin for a radiant finish.

The formula contains Ejitsu Rose, which helps to improve elasticity and radiance while providing anti-inflammatory properties; mineral pigments that help color stay true on the skin; and vitamin E to enhance moisture retention while protecting against pollution and free-radical damage.”

— sephora.com

So far I’m into it. It’s certainly lightweight and comfortable, so I feel like my skin can still breathe, and I like how well it evens things out without looking like I’m wearing a ton of makeup.

Seems to be a good foundation for days like today when I just want to chill out, if you know what I mean. It’s available now at Sephora stores and online at sephora.com and beccacosmetics.com.

And speaking of Sephora! 🙂 Tabs would like me to remind you of two things today — 1) that Sephora is one of his favorite places in the whole wide world, and 2) that if you win this week’s $50 eGift card, he’d do a much better job of modeling your new makeup treasures than Marmalade would.

Yeah, I dunno what that business is about… I try to stay out of the cat politicking that goes on around the house.

This week’s Sephora eGift card giveaway starts in three, two, one…

What folks are saying…

“What a lovely surprise it was to see your announcement (after completing one of many exams/papers/projects I have this crazy week)! The eCard will definitely ease expenses for this broke, beauty-obsessed college student. Thank you, Karen and Tabs!!”
-Katie

“Thanks so much, Karen. Just in case you were wondering what I got with it, I decided to go with the Clarisonic Mia–I’ve been wanting it for years now, but have never purchased it because of the price. Your eCard helped me finally buy it! I look forward to using it. Thanks again!”
-Jane

“Shut the front door! OMG Karen, you have made my day. 🙂 I’m sick in bed with the flu and this has just cheered me up immensely!!!!!!!! BTW, I’m the one that sent you that pic of my pug in a wig a few weeks back LOL! Thanks again, honestly, I’m beyond giddy right now.”
-Angel

“Thank you SO much Karen! OMG! Wishes really do come true! I can’t believe I won! You have no idea how much this will help me through the holidays. I’ve been an avid fan of your blog for the past two years. Your witty and creative entries, informative makeup information, and beautiful photos have kept me hooked. I look forward to more of it. Goodness, you’ve
seriously just made my week and it’s only Tuesday night!”
-Zharlynne

“Oh my goodness! Thank you so much Karen (and Tabs, of course)! I really appreciate this! I’d been eyeing the Anastasia brow pencil in Strawburn to match my red hair!”
-Chelsea (and Jiji the kitten and Quincy the bunny)

“Hi Karen. Thank you so much, I’m so excited, I’ve never won anything before. My name is Hana … I just turned 25 (today is my birthday!) Yay! Thank you.”
-Hana

Win a $50 gift card from Sephora

  • One (1) Sephora eGift card containing $50 sent to the winner by email (international readers, you may opt to receive $50 sent by PayPal instead).

  • There are two ways to enter, and you can do both of them for two chances to win. First, you can enter by leaving a comment at the bottom of this post, a comment about anything at all, like, what’s your go-to foundation for a natural look and why do you love it? Do your pets get along with each other? What are you reading at the moment? Coffee or tea? Describe your favorite room in your home. Are you wearing sweats right now? — you get the idea.
  • Second, you can enter by following me on twitter Twitter @karenmbb and retweeting (RT) the following message:
    • Follow @karenmbb and RT to Win a $50 eGift Card from Sephora! http://bit.ly/11XdPAn

  • The deadline to enter is Sunday, December 9, 2012 at 11:59PM (PT).
  • Entrants must enter using a valid email address and/or Twitter account to win.
  • A maximum of two (2) entries per person — one within the comments at the bottom of this post, and a second entry via Twitter addressed to me @karenmbb.
  • Contest is open to individuals of any country who have reached the age of majority according to their local laws (18 in the United States with these exceptions: Alabama and Nebraska, 19; Mississippi, 21).
  • Sephora eGift Certificates can only be redeemed online and are not valid in stores or available for purchase or redemption in Canada. International winners may opt to substitute the Sephora eGift card prize for $50 sent directly to their email address by PayPal instead.
  • Tabs and I (heretofore referred to as “T-Money and K-Dawg”) will select one (1) winner at random from the entries either left in the comments at the bottom of this blog post or addressed to @karenmbb on Twitter.
  • The winner will be announced here within 48 hours of the deadline.
  • Void where prohibited by law.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

WINNER: The giveaway is closed now, and the winner is Isana! Congratulations, Isana! If you entered but didn’t win this time around, keep trying, and click here to enter any ongoing giveaways before you jet. 🙂

There are 466 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Giveaways, Just For Fun

  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Go to page 1
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Go to page 9
  • Go to page 10
  • Go to page 11
  • Go to page 12
  • Go to page 13
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Go to page 15
  • Go to Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

Welcome to Makeup and Beauty Blog

Welcome to Makeup and Beauty Blog! My name is Karen, and I’m a freelance writer obsessed with makeup.

Makeup and Beauty Blog features daily product reviews, makeup tips and beauty news — like an interactive version of a monthly print magazine, except with occasional pictures of my cat.

Recent Posts

Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 878

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 894

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 893

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 892

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 891

/* real people should not fill this in and expect good things – do not remove this or risk form bot signups */

Social

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Featured Posts

Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 771

Lady Unicorn

Weird Things I Like to Do

brows fill out beforehand

Before You Pluck or Wax Your Brows, You Must Do This

current bare skin status

What’s One Thing That Drastically Changed Your Skin for the Better?

Copyright © 2025 Makeup and Beauty Blog. Get in touch.