Archives for February 2014

Bangs: Yea or Nay?

February 11th, 2014 by Karen 45 Comments

All about the side sweep (that’s Hourglass Femme Rouge Lipstick in Fever on my lips, by the way!)

To quote the great Ricky Martin, “She bangs, she bangs…”

Nothin’ like a little Ricky Martin to start your morning. 🙂

Good morning!

Well, I managed to get my booty on the treadmill last night and keep it there for a short time (small victories, right?), and while I was shuffling along to Katy Perry’s Teenage Dream, some of my freshly shorn side-swept bangs escaped from my ponytail, which got me thinking…

Bangs.

Have you ever had a ‘do with dramatic bangs before? When you were considering it, were you nervous at all?

I was. It’s a big change, and you have to deal with new hair products, clipping them back when you exercise, and then growing them out again when you feel like another change. They can be quite a commitment.

A bob, bangs and pink streaks, circa January 2012

It seems like bangs are something you either love or hate.

Hello, Lloyd Christmas — A blast from the past… The Lloyd Christmas.

I’m firmly in the bangs “yea” camp, and over the years, I’ve had a variety of bangs — like ’80s-style big hair bear bangs, Lloyd Christmas bangs, and my current side-swept bangs. I think they’re fun, and I like the way they frame my face. 🙂

How about you? What’s your position on bangs? Do you love ’em or loathe ’em? Or are you impartial when it comes to bangs? Inquiring minds want to know.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. Happy Tuesday, babe. I may not be around too much this afternoon because I have a minor in-patient medical procedure scheduled for 1 p.m. at the hospital. It’s nothing big at all — just a small boo-boo on my elbow that hasn’t healed, but I should be in and out of there in two twitches of a tabby’s tail.

I hope all is well in your corner of the world. I’ll see you soon. Have a wonderful day.

New Skincare From Chanel: Hydra Beauty Creme Riche and Hydra Beauty Nourishing Lip Care

February 10th, 2014 by Karen 13 Comments

Chanel Hydra Beauty Creme Riche and Nourishing Lip Care

If my cheeks could talk, they would’ve said, “Ahh…” in ecstasy the first time I tried Chanel’s Hydra Beauty Creme Riche moisturizer.

Then my wallet, assuming it also had the ability to talk, would have added, “Girl, you so crazy!” because it would have just shelled out big bucks on skincare from Chanel.

Unfortunately, Chanel doesn’t do drugstore, but I must say, I think their skincare is really good (I used both Lait Confort Creamy Cleansing Milk and Sublimage Eye Cream down to the last drop). If I were an RHOBH (that’s Bravo shorthand for a “Real Housewife of Beverly Hills”), I’d be rockin’ this stuff 24/7.

Just released this month, along with a new hydrating lip balm, new Hydra Beauty Creme Riche moisturizer is powered by something Chanel calls, “Camelia Alba PFA.”

“Specifically developed to deliver intense moisture, this sumptuously textured cream wraps skin in softness. The deeply hydrating formula features the moisturizing powers of Camellia Alba PFA*, the anti-oxidant properties of Blue Ginger PFA and the nutritive benefits of precious Camellia oil. Combined, these key ingredients help strengthen skin while restoring its natural suppleness, radiance and beauty.

“*PFA: Polyfractioned Active. An ultra-pure, ultra-powerful ingredient created through exclusive patented Chanel technology.”

— Chanel.com

The moisturizer, I love. It’s very thick and dense — a lot like a balm — but it absorbs quickly into my skin without leaving behind a greasy film. I use it on the dry patches on my cheeks and around my nose, and my skin soaks it right up.

It’s extremely hydrating and hasn’t triggered any breakouts yet (knock on wood).

I should also point out that it has a super strong scent — green apples and lilies — which I like, most of the time, except when I have a migraine (and then it’s just too much).

As for the lip balm, ya know, it’s a’ight. It has the same green apple flavor and scent (nice, but again, strong), but in terms of moisture, I feel like I get more from my good ol’ Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector, which is $23 (versus $50) and comes in a more convenient tube.

Sure, the balm is probably overpriced, but that really depends on your outlook on Chanel. If you’re a fiend for the brand and just looking for light lip hydration, you’ll get that here.

A 1.7-ounce jar of Chanel Hydra Beauty Creme Riche goes for $87, while the Hydra Beauty Nourishing Lip Care costs $50 for a 0.35-ounce jar. Both are available now at Chanel counters and chanel.com.

Chanel Hydra Beauty Nourishing Lip Care on the left and Creme Riche on the right — Nourishing Lip Care on the left and Creme Riche on the right

Chanel Hydra Beauty Creme Riche ingredients

Chanel Hydra Beauty Nourishing Lip Care ingredients

Unsung Makeup Heroes: Hourglass Femme Rouge Lipstick in Muse

February 10th, 2014 by Karen 26 Comments

Got ~~milk?~~ coral lipsticks on the brain?

Why, yes. Yes, I do. But what else is new?

Maybe it’s a genetic thing. I don’t know… But last night I was chatting with my mom on the phone about coral lipsticks and my 86-year-old godmother in the Philippines.

My godmother, whom I call Ninang (pronounced knee-nung), is the most glamorous gal I know, and my mom was telling me last night about how Ninang is apparently obsessed with coral lipsticks right now, LOL!

I guess it runs in the fam. 🙂

I think Ninang would thoroughly approve of Hourglass Femme Rouge Lipstick in Muse, the creamy coral lippie I’m wearing in these pics.

My heart fluttered the first time I saw it. No joke.

Then when I slipped it on — oh, my goodness! — I may have hyperventilated a little. The intense pigment, shiny finish and bright color were all too much for me (but in a “I’m perfectly OK with this” kind of way).

Now, Muse looks pretty dope on its own, but if you want to turn up the drama even more, try layering a reddish coral gloss on top, like MAC Star Quality Cremesheen from the A Fantasy of Flowers collection.

Looks phenom! — as does Hourglass Nectar Extreme Sheen Lip Gloss. (Do I need to post pics of these combos? Let me know. I’ve been all about the combos lately.)

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Getting Back to My Roots (Hair and Makeup) With MAC Sable, Saddle, Shroom and Club Eye Shadows

February 10th, 2014 by Karen 40 Comments

Maybe it’s ’cause I just got my hair dyed, and I haven’t been this close to my natural hair color in years, but I got the sudden urge this morning to also get back to my makeup roots, so I busted out a few of my nearest and dearest MAC friends.

The shades I’m wearing on my eyes today are some of the first MAC colors I picked up way back when I started collecting, and all of them are in the permanent line.

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A Weekend With Woodwinked: An Eye of the Day With MAC Woodwinked Eye Shadow and MAC Costa Riche Eye Khol

February 10th, 2014 by Karen 31 Comments

MAC Woodwinked Eye Shadow and Costa Riche Eye Khol

It rained all last weekend, and I only left the house twice — once to get my hair did on Saturday, and then once to run some errands on Sunday afternoon. This is what I wore for the latter, a shimmery gold and warm brown eye look, which I rocked in the rain at Target, Pier 1 and TJ’s. 🙂

I will happily pile multiple eyeshadows on my lids any day of the week, but sometimes you just gotta keep things simple, ya know? — especially on rainy Sundays when you’re just putzing around.

All I did was pat shimmery golden brown Woodwinked, one of my all-time favorite shadows in MAC’s entire permanent line, on my lids with a flat eyeshadow brush, buff out the edges with a domed shadow brush, and then line my lash and water lines with Costa Riche (also from the permanent line). After that, I just smudged out the edges with the same flat brush I used to apply Woodwinked.

Ta-da! Easy peasy, and I think it looks more complicated and fancy than it actually is.

Maybe to dress this up a little, you could pat something gold and glittery, like MAC Reflects Gold or Urban Decay’s Midnight Cowboy Glitter Eyeliner, on your lids.

Which reminds me…UD’s Midnight Cowboy Glitter Eyeliner is on sale right meow online for $9.

Couple that with their Friends & Fanatics 20% off sale going on now (use code FFSPRING14 online), and that’s a pretty sweet deal.

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 309

February 10th, 2014 by Karen 38 Comments

The Creamy Greenie smoothie: kale, spinach, frozen banana, frozen peach slices, avocado, chia seeds, vanilla protein powder and almond milk

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 seven years. I’ve always enjoyed reading your answers in the comments, and I hope you enjoy reading mine.

What’s your stance on chocolate in breakfast foods?
I’m a supporter, as long as the chocolate isn’t overly sweet. I’ll happily gobble down a semi-sweet croissant or a chocolate-chip pancake with my coffee, yum!

Did you ever collect stamps?
I did when I was a kid. I had albums filled with limited edition U.S. stamps and stamps from around the world, but I can’t remember when I grew out of it… Probably sometimes in my moody tween years, I think, when boys started to seem more interesting.

In hindsight, I probably should’ve stuck with the stamps, LOL! At least for a few more years.

One of your favorite skin-soothing products?
GURL, First Aid Beauty’s Ultra Repair Cream is the shizzle. I use it everywhere — on my face, hands, cuticles — anyplace my skin needs extra moisture.

It’s rich and thick, but not greasy, and it doesn’t give me breakouts. Highly, highly recommended.

Oh, and something else I love for dry skin — Sisley’s Black Rose Mask. Hella expensive, but it works wonders on my scaly bits.

I know I shouldn’t, but I always _____.
Fiddle with my phone before bed. I’ve read that the light from phones and tablets is supposed to interfere with your sleep, but I get sucked in, ya know? Time flies when you’re fiddling with gadgets (usually watching YouTube makeup videos or reading on my Kindle).

It’s a habit I really have to break…

Have you been watching the Olympics?
I’ve watched the opening ceremony and the parade of athletes (for the outfits and the factoids about the different countries) but haven’t actually caught any of the events yet.

I will though. I have been watching the recaps in the mornings.

Do you ever wear glittery eye makeup to work?
Um…yes. Shimmer and sparkle are strongly encouraged here at Tabs the Cat Industries, LLC. Our CEO’s philosophy is “the more bling, the better.”

I might actually have to bust out some bling today — ya know, on account of it being Monday. 😉

A vegetable that makes you cringe?
Okra. Blech! It’s the texture… Not a big fan of slimy things. I don’t mind it so much when it’s fried, but I make a face whenever I see it in a stew or something.

What’s your philosophy on makeup?
Do what you like.

We’re all wearing flowers pinned to our shirts today! Which one would you like to wear?
A gardenia, please.

What are the craziest socks in your sock drawer?
Wow, that’s a tough one… Lots to choose from, LOL!

I have several pairs of crazy cat lady socks, but the craziest ones are a warm pair of black and gray striped socks with gray tabby cats on them. They always make me laugh.

Now it’s your turn. Just copy and paste the following questions into a comment with your answers. I look forward to reading ’em! 🙂

1. What’s your stance on chocolate in breakfast foods?
2. Did you ever collect stamps?
3. One of your favorite skin-soothing products?
4. I know I shouldn’t, but I always _____.
5. Have you been watching the Olympics?
6. Do you ever wear glittery eye makeup to work?
7. A vegetable that makes you cringe?
8. What’s your philosophy on makeup?
9. We’re all wearing flowers pinned to our shirts today! Which one would you like to wear?
10. What are the craziest socks in your sock drawer?

Brrr, it’s cold in here! For a second there I thought we were skipping the wet part of winter and fast-forwarding to spring, but I guess not.

It rained all through last weekend. Not that I mind the rain because we need it, but Tabs is pretty fussy about the whole thing. He’s quite the diva when it comes to wet paws and fur. He hates walking on wet ground, and he takes out his frustrations on me by pretty much doing the exactly opposite of anything I want him to do.

You know… Cats.

In other news, think warm thoughts while I go make us another cup of coffee. You fill out the Monday Poll, and I’ll be right back. Do you take cream or sugar in yours?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 282

February 9th, 2014 by Karen 21 Comments

Haaay! Hello from rainy Novato. Not much to report on this end, aside from Tabs bossing me around, purr usual.

Today he had me hire a film crew so he could work on his sizzle reel. He’s thinking about pitching a reality TV show to Bravo, but he’ll only do it if he can retain complete creative control…

In other news, I may have to start charging this tabby rent soon! He just booked a major TV commercial with a large cosmetics company. The commercial’s supposed to air tonight…so keep your eyes peeled.

Who is Tabs the Cat? About six 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). 🙂

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addicts,

Karen and Tabs

P.S. That’s my new hair in the video. It’s not a big change. Just a little darker. 🙂

P.P.S. Almost time for The Walking Dead premiere! Can’t wait, can’t wait, can’t wait…

7 Ways to Win a $50 eGift Card From Sephora! (Ends Monday)

February 8th, 2014 by Karen 418 Comments

Gonna get mah hair did. 🙂

I’m so excited! I’m getting a trim and my roots done in a few hours. That’s the only fun thing I’ve got going on this weekend, and I’m really just looking forward to relaxing in the chair.

El Hub is worried… He hates when I cut anything off my hair. This morning he said, “You should cherish it,” about the hair. “It’s like a gift! Most men are worried about losing theirs, and then you go and cut it?”

LOL! He was so serious, too. “You shouldn’t cut it!”

In other equally random news, I Bravo TV.

LOVE IT! Some of their shows are just so…entertaining. I know that they’re slowly liquifying my brain, which could be a good or bad thing. I haven’t figured it out yet.

Man, those promos, too — those things crack me up. Like the new one for Shahs of Sunset. I laugh every time that thing comes on…

Right now I’m just going to do a quick run on the treadmill before I get ready to go. I hope you’re having a nice weekend so far. Tabs says “mrow.” 🙂 Good luck in the giveaway.

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).

Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.
Open to U.S. and international readers.
You must be 18 or older to enter (or otherwise an adult based on your local laws).
Your comment can be about anything at all, but here are some ideas if you’re stuck:
- What’s your favorite Bravo TV show?
- On a scale of 1-10, how excited are you about The Walking Dead returning this Sunday night?
- Which four eyeshadows would you put into your dream quad (you can mix/match brands)?
- Have you ever been country line dancing?
- What was your favorite cartoon as a kid?
- Who makes the easiest-to-blend eyeshadows?
You can enter in up to seven ways to boost your chances of winning.
The giveaway ends on Monday, February 10, 2014 at 11:59 PM (Pacific Time).
Full terms and conditions are available in the widget.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen