Archives for 2013

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 266

April 8th, 2013 by Karen 56 Comments

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.

Are you a red lip lover?
Most definitely!

Do you ever wear ripped jeans?
Sure for just knockin’ around the house, but not out in public.

When was the last time you shed tears of joy?
I think it was about two years ago when my friend Jen told me that she was pregnant. A few of us had gone on a girls’ spa day. We’d just parked our cars and were standing on the corner outside the spa, saying our hellos, when Jen said, “I’m pregnant!”

She didn’t want to tell us over the phone…and she also didn’t want us to freak out when she asked for a pregnancy massage at the front desk inside the spa. 🙂

The tears just started rollin’!

Now, whenever I drive by that corner I get a little verklempt…

What’s the most time consuming thing for you when you’re getting ready in the morning?
It used to be my hair back before I found a stylist I have good synergy with (yes, I went there; I used “synergy” in a sentence, haha!), and I can usually do my makeup pretty quickly most of the time, so I’d say it’s picking out my clothes.

It’s brown-bag lunch day! What are you having?
A vegan “chicken” sandwich from Whole Foods, a scoop of fruit salad, a snack bag of BBQ chips and a big bottle of water.

When was the last big fight you got into with someone?
Honestly, I can’t remember. It was probably with El Hub over something lame like changing the toilet paper roll…

Seriously, dude, is it so hard!?

If you were given a good opportunity to pursue your current dream job, what would you do?
Well, I like my current job, but if I were given the chance to pursue something else — another dream job — maybe songwriting?

I think I’d be pretty good at it. I think. Or maybe photography or makeup artistry.

I’m crazy in love with (fill in the blank).
My cat, LOL!

What’s your fountain drink of choice?
I don’t have ’em often, but when I do, a Coke and a smile. 🙂 With plenty of ice.

What’s one thing you say to yourself all the time?
“You need to stay calm.”

I say it like that, too. “You need to stay calm.” Panicking never helps.

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

Le List

1. Are you a red lip lover?
2. Do you ever wear ripped jeans?
3. When was the last time you shed tears of joy?
4. What’s the most time consuming thing for you when you’re getting ready in the morning?
5. It’s brown-bag lunch day! What are you having?
6. When was the last big fight you got into with someone?
7. If you were given a good opportunity to pursue your current dream job, what would you do?
8. I’m crazy in love with (fill in the blank).
9. What’s your fountain drink of choice?
10. What’s one thing you say to yourself all the time?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Laura Mercier’s Baked Blush Bronze in Ritual

April 8th, 2013 by Karen 13 Comments

Laura Mercier Baked Blush Bush Bronze in Ritual 890

Laura Mercier’s Baked Blush Bronze in Ritual ($36). From the new 13-piece Folklore summer 2013 collection, available now at Laura Mercier counters and online.

Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 238

April 7th, 2013 by Karen 13 Comments

Tabs was fired up earlier when I took him outside for his walk. Man! — it was windy out there, and the hill was alive…with the sound of high winds. Haha!

I guess the gusts overloaded his tiny tabby brain, too. Branches were blowing, blades of grass were swaying, leaves were rolling along like tumbleweeds. Tabs’ little kitty retinas were focussing in rapid fire like tabby terminator robo-eyes, but his brain just couldn’t keep up.

At one point he just took off like a shot up an oak tree until he reached the end of his leash, then hopped down and spun around in two circles chasing his tail.

LOL! It’s the wind… He gets like this whenever it’s really windy outside.

I guess he didn’t get all of his wiggles out of his system this week. I can’t blame him… His kitty modeling schedule was a little lighter than usual (no international travel).

Here are the highlights, as a matter of fact. Tabs had modeling gigs for Chanel, Tom Ford, a new fragrance line and palette, and an upcoming book. 🙂

Who is Tabs the Cat? About five years ago I befriended a stray, flea-bitten tabby cat with a bad case of worms. I could see he’d fallen on hard times, but his profound knowledge of high fashion and department store cosmetics led me to believe that he was more than meets the eye. We became fast friends, and now he’s actually my boss (and a successful kitty model).

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

April 6th, 2013 by Karen 474 Comments

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

Hello, friend! It’s nice to see you this morning. 🙂

We made it to another weekend, and you did a great job, by the way. Someone should tell you that.

I just finished my breakfast (buttered toast with guava jelly), and now I’m gonna go get changed for a run.

I haven’t exercised since Monday or Tuesday of this week, and it’s buggin’ the heck out of me. I mean to every day, but then time gets away from me. You know how it is, blah, blah, blah…

After that, who knows? El Hub and I have been talking about planning a trip somewhere, so maybe we’ll do that. Kauai or Maui, maybe Florida or somewhere else warm. We’ll see.

I also want to go look at bird-feeders at the hardware store for Tabs. I could hang one from the awning above the back deck. I love birds, and Tabs does too…although for different reasons, of course.

Please have a wonderful weekend, okay? Do something fun! Seriously, you deserve a break. People need breaks to recharge.

Before you go, take a moment to enter this weekend’s giveaway. You, Sephora, $50? It only takes a quick comment and maybe also a tweet (for a second entry). Full details down below.

Good luck. Talk to you soon.

What folks are saying…

“Hi Karen!!! Wow, that news definitely gets a hoo ray ray and an elephant!!! (I’ve maybe been watching too much Boardwalk Empire.) Thank you so much!!!”
-Shana

“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)

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, have you ever taken a bubble bath? What’s your favorite fruit? Do you regularly line your eyes? What are you wearing on your nails? Do you have a green thumb? Do you have highlights in your hair? When was the last time you wore a scrunchie? — you get the idea.
Second, you can enter by following me on Twitter @karenmbb and retweeting (RT) the following message:
- Follow @karenmbb and RT to Win a $50 eGift Card from Sephora! http://bit.ly/XiX2pP

The deadline to enter is Sunday, April 7, 2013 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 winners are @KneesandToews! Congratulations @KneesandToews! If you entered but didn’t win this time around, keep trying, and click here to enter any ongoing giveaways before you jet. 🙂

MAC Trend Forecast, Fall 2013: Eyes

April 6th, 2013 by Karen 11 Comments

MAC Fall 2013 Trend Forecast: Eyes ($40). Available now at maccosmetics.com.

MAC Trend Forecast, Fall 2013: Lips

April 6th, 2013 by Karen 7 Comments

MAC Fall 2013 Trend Forecast: Lips ($40). Available now at maccosmetics.com.

MAC Added a Pinch of Pastel, a Spoonful of Sparkle and a Dash of Cream to the MAC Baking Beauties Collection

April 5th, 2013 by Karen 20 Comments

Now where’d I put my KitchenAid…?

Don’t let me catch you dipping into the frosting again. 🙂 These products aren’t for tummies. They’re for eyes, lips, nails and cheeks.

The recipe calls for pastel colors and 24 cups of sugar. Definition: it’s sweet, sweet, sweet.

Step into the kitchen! Here’s a taste of 10 of the 24 pieces from the MAC Baking Beauties collection, which comes out of the oven April 18 in North American MAC kitchens, stores and online (and internationally this May).

Ya know, I’m lovin’ the idea of this release (because I’m a sugar fiend). Cupcakes and I — we roll deep! But I don’t know… From what I’ve seen so far, these pieces seem more Splenda than C&H.

I was expecting ecstasy with these — the same visceral, intense reaction I get when I bite into a real life red velvet cupcake with cream cheese frosting (yum!) — but I’m actually on the fence. A lot of these colors look similar on my NC42 skin.

MAC In For a Treat Pearlmatte Face Powder, a champagne base with a matte coral flower and mint leaves on the pan ($29)

Like In For a Treat Pearlmatte Face Powder and the pretty design (the white edges are an overspray, but I don’t think the design in the center of the pan is). It has all the makings of an award-winning dessert! Normally, I’d want seconds of something like this, but I find myself craving more oomph! Less frost and more coral.

MAC Pink Buttercream Pearlmatte Face Powder, a light silvery pink base with dark pink flowers and periwinkle leaves ($29)

MAC Pink Rebel Lustre Drops, a blueish pink with golden pearl ($21)

MAC Lavender Whip Lipstick, a light cool lavender with a Cremesheen finish ($15)

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Vibrant Orange and Coral Storm the Stage in the MAC Hayley Williams Collection

April 5th, 2013 by Karen 25 Comments

I can’t guarantee you’ll go completely American Idol on that @ss when you wear the new MAC Hayley Williams collection and blast Paramore’s The Only Exception…but I think the chances of it happening are quite high, especially if you like orange and coral on your lips, tips and lids.

MAC has long loved collaborating with musicians, and the new four-piece online exclusive with Paramore lead singer Hayley Williams is their latest duet.

It’s also the most wearable one I’ve seen in a while.

I mean, well…Nicki Minaj Viva Glam 2 doesn’t exactly epitomize wearable. I know, like, one person who can pull off pale violet lips without looking totally and completely cray.

This collection sure seems more like music for the masses, and I like it. It sings with rock-n-roll brights, but still manages to stay chic.

And that coral eye shadow? Beautiful! It really surprised me when I got it on my lids.

Today I took the stage — also known as the hallway outside my office — with a sparkly fake microphone to put three of the four pieces to the test.

MAC Daydreaming Eye Shadow, a frosted mid-toned coral with a veluxe pearl finish ($15)

Daydreaming Eye Shadow ($15): Man, I thought this bright reddish coral had “zombie girl!” written all over it, but the red relinquishes the spotlight on my NC42 skin. I get more of an orangey pinkish coral from it, and the veluxe pearl finish hits all the right notes to keep things interesting. I’m not usually into colors like this, but I’m feeling this one, especially with thick cat eye liner. No fallout or patchiness, and it only takes one or two layers. Daydreaming is my favorite piece from this release.
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: A

MAC Sounds Like Noise Lipstick, a bright true orange with a matte finish

Sounds Like Noise Lipstick ($15): Like a songstress belting out the blues at a gin joint, this bright orange matte has a story to tell. It’s trickier than I expected, but there’s pigment there. I have a tough time getting it to put down smooth color — apply, blot, then reapply — but a liner should help with that. I like the color, but I’d probably like it more if MAC remixed it into an Amplified Creme… Now that would top the charts!
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: B+

MAC Lightscapade Mineralize Skinfinish, a soft, candlelit beige with multidimensional shimmer ($29)

Lightscapade Mineralize Skinfinish ($34): A shimmering beige that whispers on my skin like a breathy intro to a naughty Maxwell slow jam. On me, I think its true potential gets kinda lost, but it should really sing on lighter and medium skin tones.
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: B

MAC Hayley Williams swatches from the left: Lightscapade Mineralize Skinfinish, Daydreaming Eye Shadow and Sounds Like Noise Lipstick

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