Archives for 2014

Brilliant Work, Milani! Your Majorly Moisturizing Brilliant Shine Lip Glosses Shine Like Diamonds

January 15th, 2014 by Karen 26 Comments

Milani Bare Secret Brilliant Lip Gloss 01 — Milani’s Brilliant Shine Lip Gloss in Bare Secret ($5.49)

Just in case you were wondering…Milani’s new line of Brilliant Shine Lip Glosses will not make it through an intense chow-down session with your (my) favorite salad in the whole wide world.

Tostada salad with grilled shrimp and avocado from Blue Barn Marin — The King of All the Salads! — the tostada salad with grilled shrimp and avocado from Blue Barn Marin

They will, however, make it through an intense 35-minute-long eye rolling session while watching Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters.

Actually…I’m sure they could’ve lasted the movie’s entire 90-minute length (wear time is from 2-4 hours), but the movie was just so, so bad that I couldn’t sit through it (not even the J. Renn eye candy/savory biceps could save it).

Drugstore shoppers, these absolutely gorgeous glosses are smooth like the skin on J. Renn’s bulging biceps and have a comfy, non-sticky formula, mountains of moisture and a light and lovely butterscotch scent (they are unflavored, though).

Milani Spring 2014 — The new Milani Brilliant Shine Lip Glosses

But be warned… The formula’s quite thick and reminds me of Guerlain’s Gloss D’Enfers, so you may want to wear your hair back in a ponytail. Yes, when you wear these, your mane will get caught in your kisser if you whip your Victoria’s Secret hurr back and forth.

Sometimes I like the way thicker glosses feel on my lips, so I don’t mind.

And ooh! — the choices here. Lots of colors, finishes (cream, shimmer and frost) and coverages ranging from sheer to opaque, and thanks to the flocked sponge applicator, all of the shades, even the deepest, most intensely pigmented ones, are easy to apply.

Milani Brilliant Lip Gloss Swatches from the left: Bare Secret, Mai-Tai, Luminous, Mauve Fetish, Berry Timpting, Ravish Raspberry and Pink Lady — Swatches from the left: Bare Secret, Mai-Tai, Luminous, Mauve Fetish, Berry Timpting, Ravish Raspberry and Pink Lady

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Are You an Impulse Beauty Buyer, or Do You Carefully Plan Out Your Purchases?

January 15th, 2014 by Karen 59 Comments

Hey, girl (I can hear my mom saying, “Hay is for horses”). Long time no talk.

Well, since yesterday.

I wasn’t feeling too well yesterday morning (I think I’m fighting a cold), so I took most of the day off. Tabs, of course, was THE BEST kitty nurse. He set aside time in his busy supermodel schedule to nap on my chest and keep me company.

Sometimes your nephew can be so sweet. 🙂

I’m feeling a little better today, so I’m back at it, babe. Hope you’re having a fruitful and fabulous Wednesday so far. How are things out there? Are you working hard or hardly working?

About today’s question, are you an impulse beauty buyer or a pernicious planner? I think I’m a bit of both.

I like to head to a counter or Sephora with a list on my phone of things I’m running low on or want to try, but whether I stick to my list depends on my stress level at any given moment. If I feel even mildly anxious at all, there’s a good chance that something unplanned will find its way into my basket (usually an extra lipstick or gloss).

That’s if I’m feeling only slightly out of sorts…

Now, if I feel worse than that for any reason, well, then IT’S ON. Something skincare related will almost certainly fall into my cart, because, I dunno — new skincare always seems like getting a fresh, new start. And makeup, of course — usually something from a permanent line that I’ve had my eye on for a while. I tend to impulse buy permanent products over limited edition stuff, I’ve noticed. No idea why.

How about you, babe? Are you an impulse beauty buyer, or do you carefully plan out your purchases?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. Happy hump day. 🙂

Are You Comfortable Leaving the House Not Wearing Any Makeup?

January 14th, 2014 by Karen 75 Comments

Beach Karen last summer, without a stitch of makeup

Ya know, I’m the gal who’ll fill in her brows and apply under-eye concealer just to walk outside to get the mail, but I’ve become (a little) more comfortable lately leaving the house sans makeup.

Granted, it’s not something I do often, LOL! (I dunno if I’ll ever get there, to be honest.)

But, yeah, for a quick errand or stroll around the neighborhood, I can deal with Raul and my ghost brows for a half an hour. 🙂

How about you? Are you comfortable leaving the house not wearing any makeup?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

For the NARSissists Among Us: The New $49 NARS NARSissist Cheek Kit

January 13th, 2014 by Karen 31 Comments

NARS NARSissist Cheek Palette and Mini Blush Brush — NARSissist Cheek Palette and Mini Blush Brush, $49

Because, ya know, what the world *really* needed was another NARS blush palette with Orgasm and Laguna.

Le sigh…

I ya, NARS, and I love both of those shades, but it sure would be nice to see a blush palette without the usual suspects.

NARS Cosmetics is bringing out your inner NARSissist with the introduction of the NARSissist Cheek Palette. Named for and inspired by the brand’s devoted fans and cult followers, this inaugural palette showcases the brand’s most iconic products and beloved shades for cheeks.
— NARS PR

OK, sure, the new NARSissist Cheek Kit does also come with Devotee, a limited edition shimmery peachy pink highlighter, and a cute mini blush brush (so soft!), so it’s not simply Orgasm and Laguna (silver linings, right?).

Might be something to consider, especially if you’re trying to streamline or don’t have any of these shades.

The whole kit and caboodle arrives February 1 exclusively to Sephora and sephora.com.

NARS NARSissist Cheek Palette on the top and Eyeshadow Palette on the bottom — The NARSissist Cheek Palette on the top and the new Eye Palette on the bottom

NARS NARSissist Cheek Palette Swatches from the left: Devotee, Orgasm and Laguna — Swatches from the left: Devotee, Orgasm and Laguna

The New NARS NARSissist Eye Palette Plays Like a Compilation of NARS No. 1 Hits

January 13th, 2014 by Karen 42 Comments

I think of two things when I hold the new NARSissist Eyeshadow Palette in my paw…

The first one is awesomeness, as in the state of being awesome.

The second one is Greek mythology.

Remember Narcissus? He was the guy so enamored with his reflection in a pool of water that he couldn’t leave it, and eventually, um, he died.

Seriously, dude? You couldn’t even take a break from admiring yourself to at least eat some fruit??

Anyway, I remember reading that story for the first time in fourth grade, which was during the height of my Greek mythology phase, and thinking, “Wow…Narcissus must’ve been really, REALLY cute. I bet he looked like Michael J. Fox.” LOL!

Oh, NARS…

Not gonna lie, I could spend hours cooing at this palette like I’m Narcissus at that pond. “Oh, sweet palette… You’re such a gorgeous palette. Yes you are! I lurve you sooo much.”

Essentially, it’s the brand’s version of a neutral/Naked palette, and holla! — it’s kind of amazing.

NARSissist (NARS∙is∙sist) (n.) – lives by her own rules, not afraid to express herself in every look, mood or attitude. Effortlessly captivating with a bottomless makeup bag.

NARS Cosmetics introduces the NARSissist Eye Palette, named for and inspired by the brand’s devoted fans and cult followers, this inaugural palette will set the stage for future NARSissist products to come.

— NARS PR

The limited edition palette plays like a compilation of NARS No. 1 hits. Most of its 15 powder eyeshadows hail from the NARS single eyeshadows permanent line, while a handful of them appear in NARS permanent eyeshadow duos.

There is also one formerly limited edition shade, Bad Behavior, a deep pewter from the Guy Bourdin holiday 2013 collection.

The whole enchilada: 15 shades

All About Eve I: a flesh-toned neutral (permanent)
Ashes to Ashes: a shimmery violet-based brown (permanent)
Fez: a velvety cocoa (permanent)
Bad Behavior: a deep pewter (limited edition; this is the one from the Guy Bourdin holiday collection)
Bali: a neutral matte brown (permanent)
Brousse II: a shimmery blackened violet (permanent)
Coconut Grove: a deep brown infused with reflective particles (permanent)
Dogon II: a charcoal black (permanent)
Madrague I: a matte cream (permanent)
Madrague II: a matte caramel (permanent)
Belissima I: a shimmering beige with subtle glitter (permanent)
Mekong: an espresso infused with gold (permanent)
Lhasa: a lavender grey (permanent)
Pandora II: a matte black (permanent)
Nepal: a soft, sheer rose (permanent)

Nepal! Lhasa! Coconut Grove! The darker shade from the Dogon duo! OMG! I can’t even…

If I were ever to make a list of my end-all, be-all, must-have NARS eyeshadows, so many of these colors would make the cut. It is literally (OK, figuratively) my NARS eyeshadow palette dream come true.

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Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 306

January 13th, 2014 by Karen 44 Comments

The Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll for January 13, 2014

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.

When was the last time you pulled an all-nighter?
Hmm… It’s been a while. I think it might’ve been 2007, during SF Fashion week.

I was a brand new beauty blogger at the time, and I’d just gotten my first DSLR camera. I remember coming home after the shows and staying up all night long writing and futzing with the pics, and then slamming a pot of coffee the next morning so that I could make it through my day job at the literary agency.

Ah, good times… Good times.

Are you currently trying any new skincare products?
Why, yes! I’m trying a couple new things this week — Kate Somerville’s Replenishing Toner (supposed to be good for dry skin) and Guerlain Orchidee Imperiale Eye and Lip Cream (for my dark circles and fine lines).

What do you like to listen to while you’re driving?
Pretty much anything. As long as I can sing along to it, we coo’. Usually, it’s the radio. Ideally, upbeat pop, or if I’m feeling agitated or need to be soothed, then something easy listening (“Light rock…less talk. 96.5, KOIT”), because the last thing I want when I’m feeling stressed is Pitbull yelling at me about how he’s having fun at the club.

I get it, dude. You’re having a great time at the club. I get it. 🙂

Flip-flops or Converse?

Even though I have a soft spot for low-top Converse, I’ll go with Reef flip-flops, please.

What’s one activity you tried to get into but couldn’t/chose not to?
In middle school, my friend Nancy played basketball, and she tried to get interested in it, but I’m fairly terrible at all sports involving projectiles.

My natural reaction is always to duck, and not catch, whatever’s being thrown at me.

Anyway, it didn’t take long for me to figure out that this brown girl can’t jump, LOL! I was terrible at it, so I put all my hoop dreams aside…

Have you ever ended a relationship with someone you were still in love with?
Yes, and it was absolutely awful and traumatic. I wouldn’t wish it upon anyone. It took me a long time to put it behind me. Ten years, give or take.

Three random things you like?
1. Seeing Tabs’ tum sway back and forth when he runs down the stairs
2. Drinking a really cold Vitamin Water Zero with my lunch
3. Having a whole day to myself where I can see and do new things
Three random things you dislike?
1. Eating wet grapes (I can only eat them when they’re dry)
2. Seeing people act disrespectfully and without patience toward the elderly (GRRR)
3. Having a sticky, sweaty neck
Do you ever use your phone in the bathroom?
Totally guilty of this! I should stop…seeing as how my nightmare would be to accidentally drop the phone in the toilet.

Would you rather make coffee at home, or grab a cup from someplace else?
While I love a good cafe-made soy latte, nine of 10 times I’d rather just make my coffee at home. It’s cheaper, quicker, and I’m not a big fan of waiting in lines.

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. When was the last time you pulled an all-nighter?
2. Are you currently trying any new skincare products?
3. What do you like to listen to while you’re driving?
4. Flip-flops or Converse?
5. What’s one activity you tried to get into but couldn’t/chose not to?
6. Have you ever ended a relationship with someone you were still in love with?
7. Three random things you like?
8. Three random things you dislike?
9. Do you ever use your phone in the bathroom?
10. Would you rather make coffee at home, or grab a cup from someplace else?

Speaking of coffee…I spit mine all over myself this morning, LOL!

Yup, PPFFFFT! I guess I was drinking it too eagerly, because a big sip went down the wrong pipe, and I spit up all over my shirt, my chin and neck, the kitchen counter, and even got some up in my hair.

Ah… There’s nothing quite getting coffee in your hair first thing on a Monday morning.

On the plus side, now my mane smells like chocolate-flavored coffee from Kauai. #glasshalffull 🙂

Have a good one today. Tabs says, “mrow.”

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

The Urban Decay Spring 2014 Collection: Nakedness Strikes Again With New Lines of Lipglosses and Loose Finishing Powders

January 13th, 2014 by Karen 29 Comments

Wearing the new Urban Decay spring 2014 collection — Introducing the new Urban Decay spring 2014 collection

What if…

What if my neighbors saw me naked today? What if it should have been totally weird, but it was actually pretty great?

What if I strolled, all gloriously nude, past a group of them in our little circle on my morning walk with Tabs (gotta get that Vitamin D, yo!), as the sun beamed down on my cheeks?

What if I said, “Hello,” smiling and waving at all the neighborhood kids and their parents? “Nice day for a walk.” 🙂

What if —

Uh…DUDE. You do realize that I’ve been referring to wearing Urban Decay’s new spring 2014 collection, right? I wouldn’t actually walk around my neighborhood in the buff.

OK, where was I going with this…?

Oh, yeah! Urban Decay’s latest launch. It’s all about — you guessed it — more nakedness! And skincare benefits.

This time the focus is on naked skin and lips. This spring, the line is getting even more nude (nakeder?) with two brand new products lines, and two new Beauty Balm shades.

First things first, the most exciting stuff (well, at least to me): the brand new Naked Ultra Nourishing Lipglosses.

Naked Ultra Nourishing Lipgloss ($20 each, nine shades)

Urban Decay Naked Ultra Nourishing Lipgloss — Naked Ultra Nourishing Lipgloss

As if I needed another excuse to hoard sheer neutral lipglosses… Yeah, these are totally up my alley. Sheer, smooth, non-sticky and super hydrating, the formula contains skin-friendly ingredients like avocado oil, shea butter, Hyaluronic Filling Spheres, rosehip seed oil and vitamins A, E and C.

According to Urban Decay, these are also supposed to dramatically improve the appearance of lip lines and wrinkles, lip volume and hydration, to which I say…OK.

My lips have been flaky and dry lately (it has a lot to do with the heater being on 24/7), but they do feel a little better when I wear these. My lips also feel refreshed, as the formula faintly tastes and smells like mint (just a little; it’s not obnoxious).

There are nine shades in the release, all of them wearable nudes, bronzes and pinks.

I suspect that a few of the lighter nudes, like Walk of Shame, Nooner and Naked, will look quite alike on very pigmented lips, but that’s where the sheer brights — Lovechild, Liar and Streak (my faves) — come in.

MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: A-

Urban Decay Walk of Shame Ultra Nourishing Lipgloss — Walk of Shame, a pale nude pink with subtle micro-shimmer

Urban Decay Nooner Ultra Nourishing Lipgloss — Nooner, a light neutral nude

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Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 278

January 12th, 2014 by Karen 11 Comments

Dear Diary:

The state of the outside time in this company has gone way downhill lately. I haven’t been outside in two whole days, and I intend to file a complaint.

The shareholders must be made aware of this egregious injustice and corporate malfeasance. At the end of the day, it’s the company’s most serious pain point, and it demands a holistic, proactive paradigm shift to bring our synergies back into alignment.

It’s like I always say, we have to think outside the litter box to leverage our mission critical organic growth to streamline our strategery with some clear goals moving forward.

According to my assistant, it has been “drizzling” outside, and the ground has been wet. Well, let’s diversify, or something, and push the envelope! It would be a win-win situation for everyone.

Mrow! Do I have to do everything around here?

Anyway, while I type up my complaint, you may peruse the new kitty modeling pics in my portfolio. I hope they meet with your approval.

Toodles,

Tabs

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). 🙂

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