Archives for 2013

Four Beauty Pick-Me-Ups From RenÃ© Furterer, Repêchage, Dolce & Gabbana and EstÃ©e Lauder

March 4th, 2013 by Karen 16 Comments

Kicking off the week with a beautiful start! Well, trying to at least. 🙂

Last weekend, ugh! — totally floored me. That two-day migraine felt like a symphony of jackhammers in my head, and it was rough. It’s gone now, thank goodness, and I’m feeling more like myself again.

So, earlier today, just as I was about to jump back into the pet assisting grind, I thought, “Ya know what? What I need right now is to do something that makes me feel really, REALLY great, even if it’s just for a half an hour.”

I needed a beauty pick-me-up, so I made a cup of chamomile tea, grabbed a few new fave beauty products from RenÃ© Furterer, Repêchage, Dolce & Gabbana and EstÃ©e Lauder, and told Tabs that I’d back to work in a few.

RenÃ© Furterer KaritÃ© Intense Nourishing Mask

First order of business: a hot shower and RenÃ© Furterer’s KaritÃ© Intense Nourishing Mask ($46 for a 6.93-ounce jar), a five-minute deep conditioning treatment for dry hair that smoothes and hydrates with a mix of fair-trade shea butter and plant oils.

I just started using it last week, and I think it’s the reason why I had a series of near-epic hair days — like, the best I’ve had in months. KaritÃ© adds body, shine and leaves my hair smelling like lilies. I love it!

Repêchage Hydra Dew Illuminating Cream Mask

Have I mentioned that I’ve been on a face mask kick? I don’t know, but there’s something about a good face mask that gives me…hope, LOL! I’m also a big fan of sitting on my butt and doing absolutely nothing while I wait for a mask to work its magic.

My skin’s been a little dry lately (you know, ’cause winter) so after I jumped out of the shower, I applied a layer of Illuminating Cream Mask for Normal to Dry Skin ($38 for a 2-ounce tube) by Repêchage, an under-the-radar brand actually carried in spas all over the world. Their whole line contains products with “nutrient-rich seaweed” harvested off the Brittany Coast of France.

After 10 minutes, I tissued off the mask and could almost hear my skin sighing with relief. Ahh…

Dolce & Gabbana Desire

If I could, I’d hug every single one of the perfumers over at Dolce & Gabbana. I feel like they get me, ya know (says the girl who wore Light Blue on her wedding day)?

Desire’s, a de-lovely fruity floral, is their newest scent ($93 for a 1.6-ounce bottle). It lasts all day long for me and brings to mind overseas adventures, exploring foreign cities at night with a new love.

The official fragrance notes include…

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Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 261

March 4th, 2013 by Karen 84 Comments

The Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll for March 4, 2013

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.

What was the last dish you cooked/prepared?
Last night I made a Thai-themed tomato and coconut curry with shrimp, and it wasn’t half bad, if I do say so myself. 🙂

What level of coverage do you prefer when it comes to your face makeup products?
For regular, run-o’-the-mill days, I like light coverage. Tinted moisturizers, or thereabouts, with a light dusting of translucent powder.

But when I’m going to be taking pics for the blog or getting ready for a special event (say, something fancier than Trader Joe’s or Petco for Tabs), I usually wear a full-coverage foundation and powder.

What’s your favorite yoga pose?
The happy baby. Because, ya know, I can do it lying down, LOL!

What’s your favorite flower?
It changes from time to time, but right now it’s freesia.

You receive your choice of lollipops today as a reward for being just plain awesome. Which flavor do you choose?
Wow, thank you. I’ll take either a Butterscotch or Cafe Latte lolly from See’s Candies, please.

Have you ever lived with roommates?
Yup, all throughout college and my 20s, and I don’t really think I’m built for it. I like my privacy, to be honest, and really value my alone time. Plus, I have some…quirks (please, PLEASE change the toilet paper roll when it runs out!!!).

I do love living with El Hub and Tabs, though. They appear to tolerate my weirdness. 🙂

Have you ever ridden/driven in a convertible?
Just once. On a family visit to Hawaii a few years ago, El Hub and I rented a convertible Mustang.

I dunno… I wasn’t really into it. Thing was hella noisy (even with the top up), and the few times we put the top down, driving through that humid, tropical air, my hair turned into a hot mess!

I’ve always wanted to…
Spend an entire weekend doing my own thing, no appointments or schedules, at a luxurious spa with a kick-@ss swimming pool.

Something that doesn’t move you?
Expensive jewelry. I know some girls love their shiny baubles, and I think they’re pretty, too, but I have a bad habit of losing earrings and necklaces… I think I’m better off going the costume route.

When’s the best time of year to visit your neck of the woods?
To me, it’s the early fall, around September or October. That’s when the weather here in the Bay Area is at its best. It’s pretty warm, but not too hot, reasonably consistent, which is a big thing around here where it can swing 30 degrees from day to day, and the crowds are a bit lighter.

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

Le List

1. What was the last dish you cooked/prepared?
2. What level of coverage do you prefer when it comes to your face makeup products?
3. What’s your favorite yoga pose?
4. Favorite flower?
5. You receive your choice of lollipops today as a reward for being just plain awesome. Which flavor do you choose?
6. Have you ever lived with roommates?
7. Have you ever ridden/driven in a convertible?
8. I’ve always wanted to…
9. Something that doesn’t move you?
10. When’s the best time of year to visit your neck of the woods?

I hope you’re well on your way to having a great week. 🙂

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Physicians Formula’s Sexy Booster Sexy Glow Blush

March 4th, 2013 by Karen 11 Comments

Physicians Formula Sexy Booster Sexy Glow Blush in Rose Big

The new Physicians Formula Sexy Booster Sexy Glow Blush in Rose ($11.95), one of two shades available now at drugstores and online.

Physicians Formula’s Happy Booster Glow & Mood-Boosting Illuminating Bronzing Veil

March 4th, 2013 by Karen 13 Comments

Physicians Formula's Happy Booster Glow & Mood-Boosting Illuminating Bronzing Veil big

The new Physicians Formula Happy Booster Glow & Mood-Boosting Illuminating Bronzing Veil in Light Bronzer ($13.95), one of two shades available now at drugstores and online.

Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 233

March 3rd, 2013 by Karen 8 Comments

Dear Tabby is written by Tabs the Cat, commonly regarded as “the world’s first plus-size kitty supermodel.” Founded in mid 2012, it has quickly become the most widely syndicated cat advice column on earth — known for its fresh, feline perspective on lifestyle, fashion and style issues affecting cats and humans.

The naked truth

DEAR TABBY: HALP! My roommate Harold has a BIG problem with clothes — well, collars, specifically.

See, he just won’t wear them.

Ever since I first moved into my assistant’s house, Harold, who’s a year older than I am, has walked around the house wearing absolutely nothing at all — no collar — like, “Hello! I’m naked! Call me Harold!”

I can’t deny that it bothers me a little, because in my litter, when we were kittens, we always wore our collars, even if we were just lounging around. That’s just the way I was raised.

I try to overlook it — the nudity. I mean, Harold is a nice enough cat, but I don’t know — it still makes me feel uncomfortable.

And lately, it’s even gotten worse. Harold’s taken to sunning himself on the kitchen counters and the windowsills for all the neighborhood cats to see.

Tabby, there are kittens and children in our neighborhood! Should I say something to Harold? Or do you think I’m overreacting?

— Annoyed in Anchorage

tabs-the-mighty-hunter-collar-small — Formal collar attire

DEAR ANNOYED: Some cats are just more comfortable in the nude, and what you see as bad decorum could be perfectly acceptable behavior in some cat circles.

Way I see it, as long as Harold isn’t hurting anyone, I think you have to look the other way.

Problems with punctuality

DEAR TABBY: I’ve been seeing a massage therapist — my assistant’s husband, Tommy — going on about four years. I like him. I should say that right off the bat. Tommy has fantastic fingers, and he’s really helped relieve my chronic neck, back and tail tension.

Problem is, over the past few months or so, Tommy has been increasingly tardy, too. He’s late to almost all of his appointments.

I understand emergencies. Sure, things come up, but not every day. It’s disrespectful.

Last time I meowed, and ask Tommy why he was late. He just yawned. He straight-up yawned.

What do I do, Tabby? Do I need to find a new massage therapist?

— Tense in Tuscaloosa

tabs-working-his-angles-mass — Relaxing, post-massage

DEAR TENSE: I’m with you. If your massage therapist is showing up late often, it is disrespectful. Tell this Tommy how his being late to your appointments interferes with your busy schedule.

Maybe there’s a good explanation. Perhaps he’s overbooking himself, or not getting enough sleep, or his fingers have been sore. Whatever the case, he owes you an explantation.

It takes courage to be assertive in situations like these. Good luck. Be strong.

Two cats, two ceremonies, one day

DEAR TABBY: Guess what!? My sister and I will be graduating from two different kitty modeling school programs on the same day! 🙂

Unfortunately, our schools are across town from each other, so our mutual pet assistants and family members won’t be able to attend both ceremonies at the same time.

What should we do?

— Puzzled in Pittsburgh

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Today’s Breakfast

March 3rd, 2013 by Karen 16 Comments

Fruit for breakfast today. Blueberries, pomegranate seeds and pineapple chunks.

The migraine’s gone (finally!) and I’m feeling much better. 🙂 Hope you’re having a lovely Sunday so far.

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

March 2nd, 2013 by Karen 422 Comments

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

Have you heard of ?

It’s a new service or app thingy from Twitter that lets you make these short, six-second video clips, and IT’S A LOT OF FUN!

Fun AND practical, as you can clearly see by this unboxing video Tabs had me create of some new Too Faced Cosmetics products.

He wanted to convey the excitement he felt tearing into the packaging, and a six-second Vine seemed perfect for that…

In other news, nice to see you this morning! 🙂 I’m actually feeling a little under the weather. I’ve had this blasted migraine since early yesterday morning, and it’s thrown me off my game. I don’t know if it’s hormonal or was triggered by something I ate or just the light from the computer screen, but it hoits.

While I stick another cold compress on my forehead and take two Advil, you should enter this weekend’s giveaway for a $50 Sephora eCard. It only takes a comment, but the full deets are down below.

Have a great day today, whatever you’re up to, and I’ll catch up with you soon.

“Tabs! Mommy needs lurvies!”

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 made a movie or a short film (one with a storyline)? Do you ever wear bronzer, and if you do, who makes your favorite one? Best budget nail polish formula? Do you always wear a base and top coat on your nails? What shampoo and/or conditioner have you been using lately? Have you ever gotten a really great makeover? Do you have any skills or hobbies that people are often surprised to find out about? — 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/13wApSR

The deadline to enter is Sunday, March 3, 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 winner is MJ! Congratulations, MJ! If you entered but didn’t win this time around, keep trying, and click here to enter any ongoing giveaways before you jet. 🙂

Glitter Dust Glistens in These Dior Vernis Sparkling Shine Nail Polishes

March 1st, 2013 by Karen 22 Comments

Yes, my love, if you would like to spend the afternoon swatching nail polishes, listening to The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (she’s like the Harper Lee of hip-hop, no?) and watching absolutely mind-numbing reality TV shows about SoCal real estate moguls on Bravo…by all means, GO FOR IT. I will not stop you.

In fact, I highly encourage this kind of behavior. Might I also suggest incorporating cookies and/or wine? Because one or both could take said afternoon to the next level. 🙂

The piercing pigments gracing my paws today hail from the House of Dior. Determined to spread sparkle and shine, the glitter-dusted Sparkling Shine Vernis polishes arrive this March, joining four color-coordinated glosses in the new revamped, revitalized Gloss Addict line.

Dior Diablotine Vernis Swatch — Diablotine, a reddish coral (I’m wearing two layers here, but I’m sure I could have gotten away with one)

Dior Delice Vernis Swatch — Delice, a warm orangey coral with flecks of gold and pink micro-glitter (two layers)

Dior Spring Ball Vernis Swatch — Spring Ball, a pinkish coral with flecks of purple, silver and gold micro-glitter (two layers)

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