So…what is the Monday Poll?
Excellent question! It isn’t, contrary to its name, an actual poll, like with little clicky buttons. It’s just a list of five more or less random questions I’ve been posting on this blog every Monday morning for the past quadrillion years (since 2007). I love reading your answers, and it helps me get my week off to a good start. ?
1. Hair or makeup?
Um…both? But if I gotta choose…I’ll go with hair, because when my hair isn’t done, I feel sloppy.
It’s the grays (hairs). I love ’em, but when I don’t do any smoothing or taming of the crazy baby hairs, I look like a Disney villain, which I guess could be a good thing in some circles?
2. Loose waves or pin straight?
Waves, no doubt! I’ve done pin straight before, and while it’s entirely possible, thanks to the miracle of straightening products and flat irons, it’s a HUGE pain in the @ss. It takes a lot of time, effort and damaging heat, and, frankly, I can no longer be bothered.
3. A scent you like wearing when the weather warms up?
Victoria’s Secret Amber Romance reminds me of summer…and bugs. First time I bought it, I actually got it to keep mosquitoes away (LOL!), but I quickly got into the habit of wearing it whenever it’s hot out.
4. What’s your secret to a successful manicure?
Acquire products that dry quickly, so you aren’t stuck sitting around waiting for them to dry, so find thee a quick-drying topcoat ASAP.
Also…WEAR YOUR GLASSES!
5. The three makeup products you’re currently using the most?
Laura Mercier Caviar Mascara, the Honest Beauty Get It Together Palette, and although it’s technically *not* a makeup product, Bliss Block Star.
6. What does your pillowcase look like?
Well, it looks like a torbie cat ripped it to shreds, haha. See, I have a tan silk pillowcase. Technically, it works because it covers my pillow, but I can’t really tell if it’s doing my hair or my face any favors.
Anywho, it has snags all over it because Rosie likes to make biscuits on my hair in the middle of the night before she falls asleep on my head (!), and her claws repeatedly snag the pillowcase, thusly destroying it.
7. Last thing you bought online?
It was either a bottle of vitamins or a mop. I can’t remember which, but it was one of those.
8. Ballerina bun or French twist?
French twist, because it’s easier for me to do and requires way fewer hair pins. It’s also less likely to give me a headache.
9. What do you put on your pancakes?
A little butter, lots of maple syrup, and blueberries or sliced strawberries. YUM!
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. Here are the questions to copy/paste with your answers in a comment. Talk to ya soon.
1. Hair or makeup?
2. Loose waves or pin straight
3. A scent you like wearing when the weather warms up?
4. What’s your secret to a successful manicure?
5. The three makeup products you’re currently using the most?
6. What does your pillowcase look like?
7. Last thing you bought online?
8. Ballerina bun or French twist?
9. What do you put on your pancakes?
P.P.S. Hello there, friend! ? Here’s a big smile and a (((HUG))) for you this morning. Please remember to be patient with yourself today, OK?
Happy Monday! I hope you’ve been having great weather. I can’t believe it’s almost Memorial Day!
1. Hair or makeup? I think I’ll go with makeup. Worst case, I’ll put my hair in a pony tail or throw on a hat. Things look very grim when I’m not wearing mascara. HAHA! And I’ll totally support your Disney Villain vibe if you choose to go that way. 😉
2. Loose waves or pin straight. Definitely loose waves. Pretty much anything besides pin straight, for my taste!
3. A scent you like wearing when the weather warms up? Replica Beach Walk. Or any of the Pacifica scents.
4. What’s your secret to a successful manicure? Moisturized cuticles. Everything looks better when my nails aren’t dried out and ratty.
5. The three makeup products you’re currently using the most? The usuals: Faux Cils, Anastasia Brow Pencil, dark brown from EL Desert Heat palette.
6. What does your pillowcase look like? It’s flannel (I know!). White with green fish.
7. Last thing you bought online? Some physix compression socks. You can not imagine the people who think I’m a “soccer player” with my new running shorts and compression socks look. It could be worse. HAHA!
8. Ballerina bun or French twist? French twist. Less work and less severe!
9. What do you put on your pancakes? I very rarely have pancakes. Maybe once every few years. But, when I do, butter and syrup. We’re in sugaring central so there’s always a ton of maple syrup available here.
Thank you for supporting my Disney villain efforts, lol!
It’s funny because the ad that showed up for me on your home page was Emma Stone as a Disney Villain. Google is so smart. 🙂 You’d have to be one of the beautiful, glamorous villains, though. Like Maleficent or the Queen in the Huntsman. I could never imagine you being like Ursula. HAHA!
1. Hair or makeup? Both- especially as I get older, lol. Hair if I had to pick one because as long as my hair looks nice, I feel like I’m good.
2. Loose waves or pin straight? Pin straight, though it’s naturally wavy.
3. A scent you like wearing when the weather warms up? Cirtus-y scents
4. What’s your secret to a successful manicure? Gloves? LoL, kidding. Just being very careful if I get one done. Also to buy/have a similar color for touch-ups.
5. The three makeup products you’re currently using the most? Sunscreen, lip balm, and lotion.
6. What does your pillowcase look like? Floral print
7. Last thing you bought online? Shoes!
8. Ballerina bun or French twist? Buns all the way!
9. What do you put on your pancakes? Butter!
P.P.S. Happy Monday to all!
Happy Monday to you, too, Danielle!
Happy Monday!
I’ve been soo tired after pastry class and a Caroline Girvan’s workout but the weather is great so I’ll enjoy it.
1. Hair or makeup?
My hair is really low maintenance so I don’t really care if it looks messy, so I’ll go with makeup to look and feel better.
2. Loose waves or pin straight
Loose waves, that’s what I do if I haven’t washed my hair, I use a comb to soften my curls.
3. A scent you like wearing when the weather warms up?
I haven’t actually worn a lot of fragrance, but let’s say Heno de Pravia or Jean Naté, which are more like body sprays.
4. What’s your secret to a successful manicure?
Having enough time and quality nail polish.
5. The three makeup products you’re currently using the most?
Essence brow gel and mascara, and Heliocare Tinted gel (which even though is a sunscreen gives enough coverage to look like wearing foundation).
6. What does your pillowcase look like?
Well it changes every week, right now is a red cotton one.
7. Last thing you bought online?
Finacea gel, I’m becoming a full believer of azelaic acid and going to the derm.
8. Ballerina bun or French twist?
Neither, a low bun.
9. What do you put on your pancakes?
I’ll take some with berries and yoghurt and some with maple syrup and bacon.
Hey, I was late to comment on your Friday post, but for Hyaluronic acid products, I think the best one is Hada Labo and it also gives you a lot of bang for your buck. Gothamista video is the best way to understand all the versions they have: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmGAaQHZulA Also for a BHA toner, maybe consider Pixi Clarity one or the one from Some by me.
Caroline Girvan’s classes are GREAT. Definitely a good workout. What types of things are you currently learning in pastry class?
1. Hair or makeup?
I’m better at makeup.
2. Loose waves or pin straight?
See, my hair until a few years back was naturally pin straight, couldn’t hold a curl for the life of me. I’d go to bed with wet hair and wake up with it pin straight, humidity had no effect. Now it’s naturally a bit wavy but I can’t sleep with wet hair and have to put more effort in.
I like loose waves but I hate having to work at doing my hair.
3. A scent you like wearing when the weather warms up?
Chance Eau Tendre
4. What’s your secret to a successful manicure?
Letting someone else do it ?
5. The three makeup products you’re currently using the most?
Nars Soft Matte concealer, Bobbi Brown Long wear brow gel, Clinique High Impact Mascara.
6. What does your pillowcase look like?
Toile patterned cotton
7. Last thing you bought online?
A small thing of an Oribe anti humidity spray from Sephora.
8. Ballerina bun or French twist?
My hair doesn’t really do either of these well!
9. What do you put on your pancakes?
Strawberries and whipped cream.
Isn’t it interesting how hair changes as one gets older? Are you liking your natural waves?
They’re pretty but they definitely take more work!
For sure. In my experience more waves = thirstier hair. Do you currently use a leave-in conditioner?
I do, but it’s not one I’d repurchase. It’s by Verb, and the product itself is okay, but the packaging is terrible. I’m looking at one by Kristin Ess.
1. Hair or makeup?
I will take freshly washed hair if I have to choose.
2. Loose waves or pin straight
My natural hair is in loose waves so that’s what I roll with! I used to blow it out every day and I don’t miss those days!
3. A scent you like wearing when the weather warms up?
Replica Beach Walk
4. What’s your secret to a successful manicure?
I only do a proper manicure when I have lots of time. I take time in between coats and go as carefully as possible so I guess my secret is time!
5. The three makeup products you’re currently using the most?
Glossier boy brow, Kosas revealer concealer, Tower 28 cream blush in magic hour.
6. What does your pillowcase look like?
Right now it’s an off-white that matches the sheets I got for Christmas (I think the brand is sheetz?). They’re really soft and never wrinkle. I also have 2 pillows with white Ugg faux fur cases.
7. Last thing you bought online?
On the subject of manicures-a lavender polish and a cuticle serum from Sundays.
8. Ballerina bun or French twist?
I really prefer a low bun. But I probably have the length for a ballerina bun at this point.
9. What do you put on your pancakes?
I like butter, strawberries and/or blackberries and just a touch of real maple syrup. I don’t like a lot of syrup. Often I’ll use honey. In the fall I’ll take them with some sautéed apples with cinnamon and walnuts. Now I really want some pancakes!!
Hi Megan,
I used to blow dry my hair straight everyday, too. I used a round brush and industrial-strength blow dryer that I bought through my salon (this was before the T3 era). Don’t miss those days at all!
1. Hair or makeup?
Hair, today. Makeup, tomorrow.
2. Loose waves or pin straight?
Loose waves.
3. A scent you like wearing when the weather warms up?
Flora by Gucci Gorgeous Gardenia.
4. What’s your secret to a successful manicure?
Having it professionally done!
5. The three makeup products you’re currently using the most?
Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Liquid Face Sunscreen SPF 50, Lancome Lash Idole and Banana Boat Ultra Sport Sunscreen Lip Balm SPF 50.
6. What does your pillowcase look like?
It’s light pink. Two other pillows are covered in snow leopard faux fur. Both the pink sheet set and the faux fur comforter set were from Target.
7. Last thing you bought online?
A braided belt for my dad.
8. Ballerina bun or French twist?
French twist. Ooh la la!
9. What do you put on your pancakes?
Real maple syrup and more butter than is advisable.
Hi Susan!
How are is that Banana Boat Sunscreen Lip Balm? I’m on the hunt to find one that I like. I’m currently using the Sun Bum one and it’s OK.
I love it! It has been a staple item in my purse for years. It’s not the most emollient, but doesn’t smell or taste any particular way. It gives the lips a slight amount of slickness, is relatively easy to find in brick-and-mortar stores, and sells at a fair price.
I’m going to track it down! Both my Sun Bum ones have a very strong smell and taste, and I’d like to have a balm up in the mix for the days when I don’t want to smell like a tropical fruit salad. LOL! Thank you for the heads up.
Might I suggest a Target run? Not that you need an excuse…
That’s where I get mine. 🙂
Happy Monday!
. Hair or makeup? Makeup. My hair doesn’t do anything I want, anyway.
2. Loose waves or pin straight? I love loose ways, but my hair is naturally pin straight and hates to hold a wave or curl.
3. A scent you like wearing when the weather warms up? Elizabeth Arden White Tea.
4. What’s your secret to a successful manicure? Getting it done at a salon.
5. The three makeup products you’re currently using the most? Lip balms, Too Faced Cocoa Powder Foundation in Fair, and a Frankenstein mix of setting powder bits and samples.
6. What does your pillowcase look like? Rusty red cotton. If my hair color comes off a little when it’s fresh, it doesn’t show.
7. Last thing you bought online? I ordered the new Glamlite Red Velvet Cupcake Palette.
8. Ballerina bun or French twist? My hair is too fine to stay in either style.
9. What do you put on your pancakes? Sugar free “maple” syrup and butter. Berries of any kind of I have them handy.
Happy Monday to you too, Rachel!
1. Hair or makeup? Makeup since my hair looks OK when I just run a brush through it—no styling products or tools necessary.
2. Loose waves or pin straight. My hair is pin straight. I love loose waves for special occasions, but they only last a few hours and then my hair is back to straight ?
3. A scent you like wearing when the weather warms up? Izia La Nuit. Although it’s called La Nuit (the night), something magical happens in the warmth of the sun so I wear it when I’m going to be out and about. For me, La Nuit is perfect for le jour! ?
4. What’s your secret to a successful manicure? I don’t get manicures but I do rub my nails and cuticles with almond oil to keep my nails flexible and my cuticles soft
5. The three makeup products you’re currently using the most? Sisley’s loose powder in Irisée, Westman Atelier’s highlighter in Nector, Sisley’s powder blush in Coral. Everything else changes day by day.
6. What does your pillowcase look like? They’re sky blue.
7. Last thing you bought online? This morning I purchased Skin Medica Lytera. It was on sale so I purchased a back up.
8. Ballerina bun or French twist? I actually prefer a low chignon, but if I want to get my hair completely off my neck, I go for something along the lines of a French twist.
9. What do you put on your pancakes? Nothing. I don’t like pancakes.
Hi Karen! Happy Monday! Or tired, if you’re me. I had horse lessons and then I catsat my neighbor’s FOUR cats. I am so exhausted that I had to say no to Bree’s weekly dog walk with her friends cuz, girl, I ain’t got any energy.
1. Hair or makeup?
On a daily basis, hair. I just do not put on makeup anymore. It’s way too much hassle. I’m still surprised that when I need to put on makeup, I actually remember how to do it. ?
2. Loose waves or pin straight.
I would love nothing better than waves. I would KILL for waves. Alas, my hair is straight and my executive dysfunction @$$ will not go through the trouble of trying to achieve waves.
3. A scent you like wearing when the weather warms up?
I don’t wear perfume. I basically stick to a peppermint essential oil (helps with inflammation), CBD cream and Tiger Balm.
But, oh, how I love using Pacifica’s coconut body wash in the summer. Coconuts…
4. What’s your secret to a successful manicure?
Don’t wear one when you work with horses.
5. The three makeup products you’re currently using the most?
When I wear make up, Pacifica has this new brow gel that’s killer, Tarte mascara and Lanolip lip balm (I recently ran out. Need to get some more.)
6. What does your pillowcase look like?
It’s a now slightly faded cotton quilt pattern that needs to be washed. I’ve had zero energy to wash my bed sheets.
7. Last thing you bought online?
More bearded irises for my garden.
8. Ballerina bun or French twist?
When my hair was longer, bun. Hair is currently too short for buns or twists.
9. What do you put on your pancakes?
Depends on my mood. I will either slather on Nutella OR put a tiny bit of (real) butter on them and drown them in REAL (not that icky fake stuff) maple syrup.
1. Hair or makeup? Hair, I look like a witch if it’s not tidy.
2. Loose waves or pin straight? Waves, I don’t feel like myself with straight hair.
3. A scent you like wearing when the weather warms up? Nest’s Citrine, a light floral.
4. What’s your secret to a successful manicure? Use a base coat! Take your time. Cap your tips with top coat.
5. The three makeup products you’re currently using the most? Sunblock, the ELF micro eyebrow pencil, and a highlighter from Essence. I don’t like a lot of makeup in the Summer.
6. What does your pillowcase look like? It’s dark blue and made of t-shirt material.
7. Last thing you bought online? The TikTok shower head. Love it.
8. Ballerina bun or French twist? French twist. It’s not so tight and severe.
9. What do you put on your pancakes? Mrs Buttersworth syrup, a ton of butter, and powdered sugar.
1. Hair or makeup? Before the pandemic I would have said makeup. But when I couldn’t get a cut this past year and my hair got long and unruly and I hated it, I’d have to say hair.
2. Loose waves or pin straight – Loose waves
3. A scent you like wearing when the weather warms up? Something with vetiver in it.
4. What’s your secret to a successful manicure? Cuticle oil, really moisturizing hand cream, no polish, just a buff.
5. The three makeup products you’re currently using the most? Brow gel, brow pencil, tinted lip balm and sunscreen.
6. What does your pillowcase look like? Like my sheets. I tried a silk pillowcase once. It was the middle of winter and while it started out cool, it heated up quickly and retained the heat from my body. Couldn’t deal with that. I need a cool pillow.
7. Last thing you bought online? A brow pencil from Shu Uemura. I like the cool undertones.
8. Ballerina bun or French twist? If my hair was long, I’d go with French Twist. Very chic and sophisticated.
9. What do you put on your pancakes? I put berries on my waffles, don’t really like pancakes, unless they’re potato latkes.
1. Hair or makeup? Makeup. I always feel more put together when I’m wearing it!
2. Loose waves or pin straight? Loose waves, definitely!
3. A scent you like wearing when the weather warms up? I don’t bother coordinating my fragrances to the weather-I just wear whatever scent I want whenever I want.
4. What’s your secret to a successful manicure? I don’t have the patience to do it, so I guess my secret is have someone else do it?
5. The three makeup products you’re currently using the most? Marc Jacobs Enamored lip glosses, L’Oreal Voluminous Deep Burgundy mascara, Tarte Amazonian Clay blushes.
6. What does your pillowcase look like? OMG! *blushes* I have 3 pillows and they all have different cases. One’s the gray leopard print that came with my sheets, one’s a vintage Bill Kliban pillowcase of a cat walking while wearing 4 red sneakers, and *blush intensifies-glad I’m already wearing pink blush today!* the third’s a promo freebie Phillowcase-based on a plot point from Modern Family season 4-that Target included in the early release of the DVD set!
7. Last thing you bought online? Over the past couple months I’ve been working on collecting the Raya and the Last Dragon merchandise that’s caught my eye. I most recently bought shopDisney’s human form doll (I’ll probably end up customizing her) and dragon plush versions of Sisu the dragon-she’s slated to arrive tomorrow.
8. Ballerina bun or French twist? French twist.
9. What do you put on your pancakes? Butter and syrup. If I’m at IHOP, I like their blueberry syrup on a plain pancake.
First off thank you thank youth am you Karen for both the photo and quote on your post today as well as your hug and smile and reminder to be patient with ourselves today – it is the Tuesday after our long weekend and cold and rainy and going to work with the extra load to manage is so much harder after a long weekend! I saved your post for today as our long weekend return Monday for something fun to brighten my day and it Did!!
1. Hair or makeup? Hmmm this is tough I love makeup but wish I was better with hair too, I’ll say hair!
2. Loose waves or pin straight
Mine is pin straight so waves are my fav. If only I could make them last
3. A scent you like wearing when the weather warms up? Replica Beach Walk or Tom Ford Eau de Soleil Blanc
4. What’s your secret to a successful manicure? Not doing one! I pick it off as soon as I see a chip and I am too hard on my hands
5. The three makeup products you’re currently using the most? Jane Iredale mineral foundation powder, Bite upswing mascara and MAC Powder Kiss Liquid Lipcolour in Fashun Emergency
6. What does your pillowcase look like?
Grey floral. I am so bad with using my fav one until it is faded and moving on to another
7. Last thing you bought online? A Necklace I have been eyeing on a blogger
8. Ballerina bun or French twist? French twist – classy and easy to do on the go
9. What do you put on your pancakes? Maple syrup or Saskatoon Berry syrup if at a local restaurant serving it up mmmmm
1. Hair or makeup? Hair. I can go makeup free but if my hair isn’t done…I’m sad.
2. Loose waves because that is my natural hair.
3. A scent you like wearing when the weather warms up? I have loads of summer scents…it depends on my mood for the day. There’s Vanille Abricot from Comptoire sud Pacific that is great for when I want something fruity or just straight up Passionfruit if i’m feeling that…
4. What’s your secret to a successful manicure? Make sure you don’t let it touch water for 12 hours!
5. The three makeup products you’re currently using the most? Suntegrity tinted sunscreen, Tower 28 cheek tint in peach and Ilia Blue light filter mist.
6. What does your pillowcase look like? Grey silk.
7. Last thing you bought online? A date night dress for when that is a thing again and a mustard colored long sleeve top.
8. Ballerina bun or French twist? French twist for sure. Buns hurt my head.
9. What do you put on your pancakes? I don’t like pancakes….