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Keep Looking Up in the Open Thread

July 11th, 2010 by Karen 127 Comments

Whenever I’m out galavanting with my camera I always check out what’s going on overhead. I must look kinda kooky staring up at the sky or the ceiling sometimes, but there’s a whole world out there above eye level just waiting to be explored. It’s yet another reason to keep lookingup.


Looking up revealed this chandelier at the Legion of Honor in San Francisco…

Isn’t it neat how the perspective at which something is seen from completely changes how it appears?

And that goes for a lot more than sculpture.

Has your perspective on anything — makeup or otherwise — changed this week? Do you like something that you disliked before or dislike something you liked? Big or small, tell me about it in this week’s open thread. 🙂

Makeup and Beauty Blog Open ThreadIf you’re new to the open thread, here it is in a nutshell:

Anything goes! It’s a chat fest where we get together in the comments at the bottom of this post to talk about whatever’s on our minds — makeup, pets, relationships, whatever. For instance, last Sunday some of us shared ideas for fast weeknight meals (thanks, Amber!), among other things. Feel free to reach out to me or to anyone else.

It goes on all day (and night), so stop by if/when you can, and as often as you’d like.

See you there!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Keep Looking Up in the Open Thread / Originally published July 11th, 2010

There are 127 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Just For Fun

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Comments

  1. Sonja says

    July 11th, 2010 at 2:23 pm

    Hello Karen!!
    Hm, nothing new here, I barely wore any make up this week- was on island and couldn’t be bothered(only wore Chanel Genial, which still looks terrible on me). Missed some of your post since I refused to go online there, so I’m catching up now!

    Just finished watching the World cup, so happy Spain won!!!! It was such a terrible match…

    Reply
    • Karen says

      July 11th, 2010 at 2:25 pm

      Hey Sonja,

      I hope you had fun this week. What did you do? Did you get any swimming in?

      Reply
    • Haley says

      July 11th, 2010 at 2:33 pm

      Sonja, you thought the game was terrible?! I thought it was so intense! I would have been happy for either team, since I was really rooting for Germany. Don’t you guys find soccer players SO attractive? I love Torres from Spain!

      And I don’t think my perspectives changed on anything.. But I have a strong appreciation for my clear skin! It makes life so much easier, and I don’t take it for granted at all. I’ve been wearing my new Laura Mercier Oil-free tinted moisturizer with Nars South Beach Multiple paired with Orgasm on top. Stunning paired together, especially with my Benefit Highbeam on the cheekbones. Pretty, glowy skin is all I can ask for in the summer!

      I went to Sephora and the Bay this week and was struggling SO hard not to buy Guerlain’s Meteorite Pearles and Chanel Bikini Peach glossimer. My heart was pushing for it, but my brain won this time, LOL.

      Reply
      • Nina says

        July 11th, 2010 at 3:02 pm

        It was pretty intense, I agree. Both teams were pretty evenly matched, I thought! 🙂

        Torres is hawtness!

        Reply
        • Sonja says

          July 11th, 2010 at 3:16 pm

          Nina&Haley:
          I thought Netherlands played way to rough and lets face it- nothing happened for more than 100minutes- except yellow cards! From all the intensity- I ended up painting my nails for the last 20 minutes and finished only when Spain scored…
          My favorite was Argentina (since my own Croatia didn’t even get in), Spain was my second favorite (Castillas is my weakness, and Alonso too!) By far the most handsome team on this World Cup!!

          Karen:
          I had some friends over and we did nothing but ate Nutella, swam and sat on the bench watching the sea&the yachts&blue sky. It was perfect. If we managed to take a break from our ‘busy’ schedule it was spent on painting nails…A true Dalmatian vacation!

          Reply
          • Nina says

            July 11th, 2010 at 3:28 pm

            Totally agree w/ Netherlands playing rough. That Dutch player who kicked the Spanish player in the chest/ribs – should have totally gotten a red card!!!

            I kept onn bugging the Hubs – no score for 2 hours? Whyyyy??? LOL. He kept on shouting “make a goal already, someoneeeee” …. 😛

          • Karen says

            July 11th, 2010 at 5:32 pm

            Oh, that sounds like my dream vacation! I wish I was there, LOL!

      • Karen says

        July 11th, 2010 at 5:31 pm

        Hey Haley,

        The LM + NARS South Beach + NARS Orgasm is one of my go-to summer looks. Do you have NARS Laguna bronzer? Sometimes I add that into the mix when I want a sun-kissed glow.

        Reply
        • Haley says

          July 11th, 2010 at 5:38 pm

          Don’t have Nars Laguna.. I’m kind of itching to buy it! I already have Chanel, Benefit, and Cargo bronzers, though, and feel guilty buying another one!

          Reply
          • Karen says

            July 11th, 2010 at 5:43 pm

            You’re probably covered then, LOL! Still, it’s a really nice one — it has a golden bronze color to it that’s really pretty. It gives skin a nice toasty look without any orange tones.

  2. Debbie P. says

    July 11th, 2010 at 2:43 pm

    Hello!
    Thanks to this blog my perspective on eyeshadow has finally changed. For so long I’ve been weary of trying new things (I’m a very neutral kind of gal) but then I saw your “Sunday Funday” post and then the “Naked” palette post (I need!!!) Since you have a darker complexion just like I do it’s been a million times easier to find new makeup ideas. I decided to just go for it and ordered the “Sunday Funday” palette. Honestly it sat around for a few days up until today… where I don’t think I’m doing it quite right. Think you’ll ever post a tutorial like you did for “Scene Queen?” Thanks again for the awesome posts. This has officially become my favorite place to visit.

    Reply
    • Tiffany says

      July 11th, 2010 at 4:52 pm

      I second the request for a tutorial for the Sunday Funday palette, because this is the one that I bought!

      Reply
    • Karen says

      July 11th, 2010 at 5:30 pm

      Oooh, okay! I like doing tutorials… will add it to my list for this week. 🙂

      Reply
      • Haley says

        July 11th, 2010 at 5:38 pm

        You should do another one from the Naked palette as well!

        Reply
      • Katie says

        July 11th, 2010 at 6:56 pm

        Yay!! I was just double checking your site to see if you had already done a tutorial for that benefit palate!! So I third that request!!!!

        Reply
      • Karen says

        July 11th, 2010 at 8:02 pm

        I took it out and put it on my desk. Will try to knock one out soon! I love this palette so it should be easy. 🙂

        Reply
  3. DonnaN says

    July 11th, 2010 at 2:54 pm

    On a brighter note, since my surgery at the end of March, I am down 80+ pounds, and I’ve dropped 5 sizes! AND, I’m not done losing!! I’m so looking forward to clothes shopping, especially with Nordies opening in the spring—my mom and I were at the mall today, and I noticed that they are putting in a MICHAEL KORS store….YIPPPEEE!! Oh, and I was equally giddy when I wandered into the Macy’s and found that they NOW carry BOBBIE BROWN!! Guess who’ll be shopping at Macy’s more?? ME!!

    Oh, my beauty question is……how many mascaras (open and in rotation) is appropriate? I need that new navy mascara from Bobbie Brown, so I am trying to justify it—I already just bough Givenchy’s Phenomen’Eyes Water Turquoise and Benefit’s BADGAL Plum.

    Reply
    • Terri says

      July 11th, 2010 at 3:43 pm

      Congratulations Donna!

      That beauty question is a good one (and one that I’ve often wrestled with myself). I think that you need to take into consideration how often you use mascara. I tend not to use it all that often, so I try to have just one lonely little tube open at a time so I don’t have to waste it.

      Reply
      • Haley says

        July 11th, 2010 at 5:54 pm

        Congrats! I just started a health kick today. Hopefully can go in the path you’re on!

        Reply
        • Karen says

          July 11th, 2010 at 8:03 pm

          I’m on one too! I’ve been out of shape for the last year or so and trying to get back on the wagon. The hardest part for me is portion control… I am a small girl, but if left to my own devices I can totally eat, LOL!

          Reply
          • Haley says

            July 11th, 2010 at 8:06 pm

            That’s my exact problem, too! And grazing.. I tend to eat a bunch of junk when I’m bored.

    • Karen says

      July 11th, 2010 at 5:27 pm

      I tend to have a few open at any given time, but I think that’s mostly because I’m a mascara junkie, ha ha. Once I find one I like I’ll keep going back to it over and over again — right now I’m super obsessed with YSL Faux Cils. It’s pricey but great for a dramatic lash look.

      Reply
    • Karen says

      July 11th, 2010 at 5:28 pm

      Oh, and a big congrats on your weight loss! 😀

      Reply
  4. Terri says

    July 11th, 2010 at 3:03 pm

    Based on everyone’s recommendations from last week’s open thread, I purchased some MAC eyeshadows. OMG – I don’t know how I went this long without having them. They are fantastic!

    Reply
    • Nina says

      July 11th, 2010 at 3:28 pm

      What did you get? Share share!!! 🙂

      Reply
      • Terri says

        July 11th, 2010 at 3:38 pm

        I got Soft Brown, Woodwinked, All that Glitters, and Patina (yes, they are all neutrals – I was trying to be somewhat practical and get colors that I could use regularly for work :)). I love the shadows’ textures and all of the different finishes. In fact, I think I like MAC’s shadows better than Chanel’s.

        For my next MAC purchase, I’m hoping to venture out of my neutral comfort zone. Any recommendations?

        Reply
        • Nina says

          July 11th, 2010 at 3:41 pm

          I love green eyeshadow so id say get Humid, and if youre up for a black eyeshadow, Carbon. With the neutrals that you got, a bit of Carbon in your outer v would make your eyeshadows stand out! 🙂

          As for the blues, I personally like Nehru.

          Must not forget Woodwinked though. Its a neutral too but so versatile and so pretty! 🙂

          Reply
          • Terri says

            July 11th, 2010 at 3:50 pm

            Thanks for the recommendations! I was looking at Humid earlier today – it is a gorgeous color. I’ll have to check out Nehru as well; I haven’t attempted blue eyeshadow since middle school :).

            Using Carbon with the neutrals is a great suggestion. Even though I love makeup (and even worked at The Body Shop one sad holiday season), I’m woefully inept at applying it or coming up with ideas for it.

          • Nina says

            July 11th, 2010 at 4:59 pm

            Oh i was also gonna say – if you feel youre not ready for a matte black shadow, a gray one also works. I like Print – its an awesome gray shadow that blends like a dream and goes along with lots of other colors.

        • Tiffany says

          July 11th, 2010 at 4:57 pm

          great choices! for brighter colors, maybe check out goldmine, gorgeous gold, and creme de violet.

          Reply
          • Terri says

            July 11th, 2010 at 5:01 pm

            Thanks Tiffany! I’m in the market for a good purple shadow, and I’ll definitely check out goldmine and gorgeous gold as well.

    • Karen says

      July 11th, 2010 at 5:24 pm

      Woot on all your new colors!

      Glad to hear you picked up Woodwinked — it’s one of my staples and I always, ALWAYS travel with it.

      Dunno what your matte situation is, but you might also want to check out Soft Brown, Brownscript, Brule and Bamboo. I never leave home w/out ’em. 🙂

      As for color, a few to consider are Expensive Pink, Humid, Swimming, Freshwater, Electric Eel and Vex!

      Reply
      • Haley says

        July 11th, 2010 at 5:29 pm

        On the topic of MAC eyeshadows, does anyone have any recommendations for a taupe/beige/champagne shadow? I bought All that Glitters and find it almost too bronzey for me–so if anyone knows of a less bronze version of that, PLEASE let me know! Thanks

        Reply
        • Karen says

          July 11th, 2010 at 5:41 pm

          A few for you…

          Satin Taupe
          Shroom
          Ricepaper
          Phloof

          As for a champagne shade, do you have Benefit Creaseless Cream shadow in RSVP? It’s shimmery champagne.

          Reply
          • Haley says

            July 11th, 2010 at 5:47 pm

            I actually have RSVP, I just wanted something a bit less pink!

          • Karen says

            July 11th, 2010 at 5:51 pm

            Ah, got it. You’ll want to check out Shroom and Ricepaper, for sure!

      • Terri says

        July 11th, 2010 at 5:39 pm

        Thanks Karen! Your recommendations in your Unsung Heroes posts were very helpful when I started picking out colors.

        I’m starting to become a fan of matte shadows, and I love that MAC offers so many options in matte. I’ll definitely check out all of your recs after my next payday 🙂

        Reply
        • Karen says

          July 11th, 2010 at 5:47 pm

          Yay! Glad to hear you found some you like.

          Mattes are really great. They add texture, depth and photograph really well. Definitely check out Soft Brown! It looks great in the crease w/Woodwinked on the lid.

          Reply
  5. Nina says

    July 11th, 2010 at 3:04 pm

    Ive realized this week that I can get away with concealer and an MSF Natural for everday use. Its a relief not to put anything heavy, liquid or thick on my face because it has just gotten so hot here in Houston.

    I also fell in love with MSFs all over again this week w/ the release of In The Groove. Today im wearing concealer + Revlon Photoready Powder and MSF in Comfort as a blush. When I dont have anything else on my face, Comfort really warms up my face! Love love!

    Reply
    • Terri says

      July 11th, 2010 at 3:55 pm

      I completely agree that lighter = better when it’s hot. It has been miserable here in Boston, and I can only imagine what it’s like in Houston right now. I’m currently working with students in a school that is partially air conditioned, and I’ve not been wearing a lot of makeup at all.

      What is MSF? You’ve piqued my curiosity…

      Reply
      • Nina says

        July 11th, 2010 at 4:36 pm

        Mineralized Skin Finish – a MAC product thats pretty versatile. Some can be used as a highlight while some can be used as a blush/ bronzer. Its pretty awesome.

        They also have an MSF Natural which is like a setting powder. 🙂

        Reply
        • Karen says

          July 11th, 2010 at 5:19 pm

          I’ve been using Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Medium as a setting powder for concealer. I like it a lot!

          Reply
      • Nina says

        July 11th, 2010 at 4:38 pm

        Oh and yep super hot here. We had a week of rain but that didnt really cool things down just made it more humid. Today its in the high 90s. So … the less makeup I wear, the better my skin feels.

        Reply
    • Karen says

      July 11th, 2010 at 5:20 pm

      How are you liking that Revlon Photoready Powder? I haven’t worn drugstore powder in a while, so I’m curious to know what’s good!

      Reply
      • Nina says

        July 11th, 2010 at 5:28 pm

        Im surprisingly liking it … the foundation/highlight powder I havent tried. I read somewhere the highlight powder was a dud so ill probly pass on that. I might give the liquid foundatioin a whirl.

        Id say the powder is comparable to the MSF Natural. Not as great but a passable version. I mostly use it during the weekends and during the day when I need a touch up … with the heat here it feels wasteful to keep on using the MSF. 😀

        Reply
      • Karen says

        July 11th, 2010 at 5:46 pm

        I’ve heard good things about the foundation, but haven’t gotten around to trying it.

        Good to know that there are some good drugstore powder options. 🙂 It’s been a while since I’ve used drugstore powder as an everyday powder — I used to be all about Coty Airspun and Cornsilk back in the day!

        Reply
        • Nina says

          July 11th, 2010 at 5:52 pm

          I still see Cornsilk around … at BIg Lots! So curious about it because I remember my sister raving about it …

          Reply
          • Karen says

            July 11th, 2010 at 6:03 pm

            It was SOOO GOOD when I was a super oily teen. I remember it totally sucking up the oil and it never broke me out.

          • Nina says

            July 11th, 2010 at 6:28 pm

            Oily girl here too!

  6. Kiran says

    July 11th, 2010 at 3:58 pm

    Hey everyone,

    I currently have an empty MAC palette that I’m looking to fill with some staples. Any suggestions? Also I’m also looking for a really nice copper/bronze and a rich blue. I thought you guys would be awesome help.

    Reply
    • Nina says

      July 11th, 2010 at 4:42 pm

      Woodwinked for sure! 🙂 As for the others, it would really depend on your skin tone and preference …

      Im NC35 and love Expensive Pink, Gorgeous Gold, Shroom, Nylon and of course, Woodwinked. 🙂

      Reply
    • Karen says

      July 11th, 2010 at 5:18 pm

      Hi Kiran,

      Ditto on the colors Nina mentioned. A few others to consider:

      Mulch
      Expensive Pink
      Ricepaper
      Naked Lunch
      Arena
      Honesty
      Satin Taupe
      Brule
      Soft Brown
      Soba
      Plumage
      Deep Truth

      Reply
  7. Glosslizard says

    July 11th, 2010 at 4:16 pm

    Arrrgh! There’s so much amazing stuff coming out and I’ve already blown my budget for this month! On the bright side, I blew it on the Chanel Enigma quad! I am SO in love! Kinda lusting after MAC Candlelight MSF though…..

    Reply
    • Karen says

      July 11th, 2010 at 5:11 pm

      By Candlelight is really amazing. Not to be your makeup pusher, but you won’t regret it!

      Reply
  8. Jessica says

    July 11th, 2010 at 4:27 pm

    I feel like ALL my friends are getting married/having babies lately. I know I’m only in my early twenties and we’re all in our first few years out of university and this is when these things start to happen…

    But oh my lord I’ve got the ITCH like nobody’s business! Every time I hear of someone else getting engaged (even if its someone I don’t really know) I get this little pang of jealousy in my chest like I wish it were me!!

    I love my BF so much, and we live together and its fantastic. I know we’re going to get married, its just a matter of when. I’m getting a serious case of the COME ON ALREADY’S!!!!

    /immaturity

    Reply
    • Karen says

      July 11th, 2010 at 5:10 pm

      Hi Jessica,

      You’re lucky to have found somebody great! Don’t worry… just give it time. 🙂 You’ll get there!

      Reply
  9. Tiffany says

    July 11th, 2010 at 4:49 pm

    Actually my perspective on eyeliner changed this week! In the past I have always thought I looked funny with my lower waterline lined, but then I thought maybe it’s just because I look different and I’m not used to it. So I’m trying to experiment more with eyeliner!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      July 11th, 2010 at 5:02 pm

      It took me a while to dig this look too. Do you have MAC Powersurge liner? I really like it along the lower lash line. It adds a little something, but it isn’t as harsh as brown or black liner.

      Reply
      • Tiffany says

        July 11th, 2010 at 5:09 pm

        That’s a good idea – maybe next time I should try something less harsh than black. I don’t do well with kohl’s though – I feel like they irritate my eyes and I do better with creamier pencils, KWIM? I like the powerpoints, and UD’s liner’s…

        Reply
        • Karen says

          July 11th, 2010 at 5:13 pm

          Yeah, I do! Def. try some softer shades — gray, brown, bronze, khaki, gold. They add subtle oomph.

          Reply
          • Haley says

            July 11th, 2010 at 5:33 pm

            I tried some eyeliner on my waterline yesterday, and remembered why I don’t like it! Makes my eyes look too small, and also reminds me of elementary school when kids are first starting to wear makeup. Wish i could work it, though!

  10. Karen says

    July 11th, 2010 at 4:57 pm

    Hey ya’ll!

    I just got back from the movies — saw Predators with El Hub! Surprisingly, I liked it. I found Adrian Brody very, um, pleasing to look at.

    What’ve you been up to?

    Reply
    • Nina says

      July 11th, 2010 at 5:00 pm

      Adrian Brody has the perfect lanky, laidback look. <3

      Reply
    • Karen says

      July 11th, 2010 at 5:01 pm

      He’s super beefy in this movie! Like, abs and arms and everything. Apparently he put on 30 pounds of muscle for the role. He looks completely different!

      Reply
      • Nina says

        July 11th, 2010 at 5:05 pm

        Hawtness! 🙂

        Reply
        • Karen says

          July 11th, 2010 at 5:07 pm

          It’s a totally different look… but your eyes will be okay with it, ha ha!

          Reply
          • Nina says

            July 11th, 2010 at 5:09 pm

            Im sure it will. The Hubs has been saying he wants to watch this so … yay! 😀

          • Karen says

            July 11th, 2010 at 5:13 pm

            This is the perfect excuse to go to the movies, heh!

    • Tiffany says

      July 11th, 2010 at 5:05 pm

      I told you there was some man candy! 🙂

      Reply
      • Karen says

        July 11th, 2010 at 5:06 pm

        Yeah, I was kinda shocked to see him look so different. I can’t believe he put on so much weight… the guy’s a vegetarian, so it must’ve been challenging.

        Reply
  11. Terri says

    July 11th, 2010 at 4:58 pm

    Has anyone tried Clinique eyeshadows lately? I used to use them, but they always seemed to disappoint me (I never got good coverage or staying power from them). However Karen’s preview pics of the Fall 2010 line make me want to give Clinque shadows another shot. Any input?

    Reply
    • Karen says

      July 11th, 2010 at 5:04 pm

      I think they’re great beginner shadows! If you want something super pigmented (a la MAC) then you might not find them vibrant enough.

      I do like them for days when I need something that I can blend really fast. I’ll always have a soft spot for them since they were my first eyeshadows!

      Reply
    • snoopysteph says

      July 11th, 2010 at 6:03 pm

      I love Clinique’s eyeshadows because most of them are pretty foolproof. You can just slap some on and be out the door (which I always need!). I love their pink chocolate palette, strawberry fudge, lucky penny, and sparkling sage!

      Reply
      • Karen says

        July 11th, 2010 at 8:06 pm

        Those are all great colors. Do you have a fave combo? I wore Seashell Pink/Fawn Satin all throughout college:

        http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2994197

        Reply
  12. Karen says

    July 11th, 2010 at 4:59 pm

    P.S. Does anybody know if True Blood is on tonight?

    Reply
    • Nina says

      July 11th, 2010 at 4:59 pm

      I think its off for 2 wks. 🙁

      Reply
    • Karen says

      July 11th, 2010 at 5:00 pm

      NOOOOOOO…

      Reply
    • Tiffany says

      July 11th, 2010 at 5:02 pm

      should be a new one tonight – called 9 crimes. episode 28. woot!

      Reply
      • Nina says

        July 11th, 2010 at 5:05 pm

        Yayyyy. Where did I read that its off for 2 wks?

        Reply
      • Karen says

        July 11th, 2010 at 5:05 pm

        I am starting to go through True Blood withdrawal!

        Reply
        • Haley says

          July 11th, 2010 at 5:34 pm

          Just looked on my TV, and oh baby, its ON! Woot woot! I’m having TB withdrawal 🙁 Miss Eric, hehe.

          Reply
          • Haley says

            July 11th, 2010 at 5:35 pm

            And oops, didn’t read your comment, Karen. Seems like we’re in the same boat!

          • Nina says

            July 11th, 2010 at 5:40 pm

            Eric is my vamp too. <3

          • Karen says

            July 11th, 2010 at 5:43 pm

            What, no love for TEAM BILL?

          • Tiffany says

            July 11th, 2010 at 5:51 pm

            No way! Team Eric all the way!!!

          • Haley says

            July 11th, 2010 at 5:52 pm

            Not a fan! Eric has this strong sex appeal goin on… p.s 9 more minutes til its on, yay! Well.. at least where I live.

          • Nina says

            July 11th, 2010 at 6:28 pm

            Bill is a bit too genteel for me … 😀

  13. Amber says

    July 11th, 2010 at 5:47 pm

    Hi Karen! I’ve had the laziest weekend ever and it’s good. I am still in my pajamas, may not even shower today.

    Do you know whether UD’s Naked palette going to be permanent? I hesitated and now it’s sold out everywhere.

    I wore dramatic liquid eyeliner last night and loved it. I seldom do this because 1) I have a hard time getting it right, and 2) I love it on other people but then when I put it on I worry that I look like Amy Winehouse! I think I need some gel eyeliner so I can do this more often without as much fuss.
    .-= Amber’s last blog post… For the love of brown butter =-.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      July 11th, 2010 at 5:49 pm

      Hi Amber!

      Ooh, those pajamas-all-day Sundays are THE BEST!

      As for UD Naked, I heard from their PR that it is supposed to be perm. 🙂

      And YAY for your dramatic liner liquid liner look. I love the look of a crisp line. What liquid liner did you use?

      Reply
      • Amber says

        July 11th, 2010 at 6:03 pm

        I used an ancient tube of L’Oreal Lineur Intense. It mostly sits forgotten at the bottom of a pile of eyeliners! Controlling that long, skinny felt tip is really difficult for me for some reason.

        Which gel liner would you say has the best durability?
        .-= Amber’s last blog post… For the love of brown butter =-.

        Reply
        • Nina says

          July 11th, 2010 at 6:17 pm

          On the drugstore side of things – I like LOreal HIP’s gel liners. They stay put and id say its almost a true black/true brown.

          Ive read good things about the Maybelline and the WnW gel liners too. 🙂

          Reply
          • Amber says

            July 11th, 2010 at 7:11 pm

            Thanks Nina! I’ll have to hit Target and see what I come up with.
            .-= Amber’s last blog post… For the love of brown butter =-.

        • Karen says

          July 11th, 2010 at 8:08 pm

          If you can find it at Sephora give LORAC’s Front of the Line Pro liquid liner a try. It’s seriously THE BEST liquid liner out there! I used to have trouble w/liquid liner and it’s the only one that I can use.

          As for gel liners, I highly recommend MAC Fluidlines and the Sonia Kashuk Bent Liner Brush!

          Reply
    • Haley says

      July 11th, 2010 at 5:57 pm

      Try Bobbi Brown’s gel eyeliner! It’s a staple in my collection, and it works SO much easier than liquid eyeliner, in my opinion.

      Reply
      • Amber says

        July 11th, 2010 at 6:04 pm

        Thanks! I am definitely going to try a gel.
        .-= Amber’s last blog post… For the love of brown butter =-.

        Reply
      • Liza says

        July 12th, 2010 at 5:22 am

        I second this! And it lasts all day and night.

        Reply
  14. Haley says

    July 11th, 2010 at 6:02 pm

    So, any big plans this summer for anyone? I’m hoping to go visit Montreal with my sister in August. Such a gorgeous city!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      July 11th, 2010 at 8:09 pm

      I was really hoping on to go on vacay, but I don’t think it’s going to happen. The summer is just going by too fast! I don’t want it to end…

      Reply
  15. snoopysteph says

    July 11th, 2010 at 6:12 pm

    Hi Karen! My weekend started out pretty crazy – someone crashed their car into the front of my office! I was up at 7am yesterday morning dealing w/ that….thankfully nobody was working at the time and now we have a (free) excuse to beautify our office front & waiting area. The crazy part is that the driver ditched the car and fled the scene after it happened – but my assistant’s mother was doing laundry at the laundromat across the street and witnessed the whole thing! I’m confident the police will find her.

    Anyway, I’ve been working my way through my new Benefit goodies that I picked up last month and I’ve fallen head over heels with their creaseless cream shadows. I love them so much, in fact, that I picked up 3 more shades since I bought birthday suit. I actually like them better than MAC paint pots because I feel like those are a tad dry in comparison. I also reeeeeaallly like dandelion, hoola, and sugarbomb!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      July 11th, 2010 at 8:14 pm

      Um, how crazy is that? Sadly I think people crashing their cars into offices happens more often than you’d think. I’ve actually seen it a couple of times. It’s too bad it happened, but yay for having the excuse to spruce things up a bit! 🙂

      Speaking of the Benefit Creaseless Creams, I’m gonna have to break down and buy Busy Signal. I swatched it at Sephora two weeks ago and I still can’t get it out of my head! Do you have that one yet?

      Reply
      • snoopysteph says

        July 11th, 2010 at 9:03 pm

        I think you’re right when you say that it’s a common occurrence for cars to crash into buildings! A friend of mine had a car crash into her office just last Tuesday!

        Nope, I don’t have that shade – but I have my eye on Strut & Stiletto! I have an appointment at my local Benefit boutique on Tuesday to get my eye lashes & brows tinted….I might have to convince myself to pick up another one (or two). 🙂

        Reply
  16. Nina says

    July 11th, 2010 at 6:25 pm

    Hey Karen,
    I definitely started liking something I dislike before, lip palettes! Normallly I hate all kinds of palettes but I found out that the lip palettes are convenient for someone like me who throws a lot of lippies in her bag (though never got to use them) and when I grab a smaller bag for the day, it’s just overkill. So I started saving up a little bit, because I want a Bobbi Brown palette and hopefully when I get one, it will be my first BB 🙂 And I like her brushes, who knows, maybe my hand will just slip onto some angled eyeshadow brush too, haha 😀

    Reply
    • Karen says

      July 11th, 2010 at 8:29 pm

      Oh, nice! Her lip palettes are great — they have a LOT of useful colors, and you can even mix and match the shades to create your own shade! 🙂

      I’ve never tried BB’s brushes before! If you find one you <3 you need to tell me about it!

      Reply
  17. Karen says

    July 11th, 2010 at 6:29 pm

    Once again I’m making dinner in the middle of the open thread. What are you having? I’m making portobello mushroom ravioli and steamed spinach w/a touch of lemon juice.

    Reply
    • Nina says

      July 11th, 2010 at 6:41 pm

      We tried to be good w/ sweet potato fries and turkey patties (both cooked in the oven). Had a bit of the macaroni salad on the side as well. Hubs had his w/ the buns, I didnt bother. 🙂

      Your dinner sounds YUM!

      Reply
    • DonnaN says

      July 11th, 2010 at 7:29 pm

      Oh, I miss pasta……a sad state of events that my husband is half-Italian and I can no longer tolerate *ANY* type of pasta…..sounds YUMMY!!

      Reply
    • Amber says

      July 11th, 2010 at 7:53 pm

      We finished ‘breakfast’ around 2 or 3 (Mark made biscuits, bacon, and eggs) so we are just scavenging tonight. I made a fruit smoothie and Mark is planning to have some fake meat.
      .-= Amber’s last blog post… For the love of brown butter =-.

      Reply
    • Steph B says

      July 11th, 2010 at 8:20 pm

      My fav summer salad is spinach with a hot vinaigrette to just wilt it, pine nuts, and sliced peaches. You could throw some bacon in it too.

      Reply
      • Karen says

        July 11th, 2010 at 8:23 pm

        That sounds NOM! How do you make the hot vinaigrette?

        Reply
        • Steph B says

          July 12th, 2010 at 4:39 pm

          Crisp some bacon and use the leftover grease for the oil. Add olive oil if you need more (or just use olive oil if you aren’t in the mood for bacon — as if there could be such a time). Saute some shallots in that and then add your acid — lemon juice, wine, vinegar, whatever you want. Wisk good and then take it off the heat and toss in the spinach. The residual heat will just wilt the spinach. Sprinkle on some pine nuts and sliced peaches. Fab. u. lous.

          Reply
          • Karen says

            July 12th, 2010 at 4:43 pm

            That sounds so yummy and easy. Do you think it might work with turkey bacon?

            I’ve never had peaches in a non-fruit salad before, but I bet the sweet contrasts nicely with the savory bacon & shallot flavors.

          • Steph B says

            July 13th, 2010 at 4:16 am

            It would definitely work with turkey bacon. Sometimes I skip the bacon and just use some smoked salt when I saute the shallots to give a similar depth of flavor.

  18. mkdallas says

    July 11th, 2010 at 6:50 pm

    Well, I just pulled the trigger and ordered my 1st MAC MSF in By Candlelight, thanks to your comments on it, Karen. In the past, I’ve steered clear of these because even though I have pretty good skin for an old fart, I worry that too much shimmer is going to look dorky, like I’m trying to look like a teenager. I’m one of those people who sort of has to try one of every hot new item, so I will look forward to checking it out. On other haulage, I got one of the new Korres liquid lipsticks (in Natural, which is actually pretty dark and may get exchanged for a lighter shade), a Dior lipstick in Beige Rita and a MUFE lippie in 501-Beige. Can you tell I’m going thru a nude lip phase? The thing I like about nude lips is you can really tweak them to your perfect shade depending on the gloss you layer on top. I’m also having an issue which I hope you and/or some of the readers here can help me with. I have been trying like crazy to line my waterline but everything just fades off, even waterproof Urban Decay & MUFE pencils. Should I be putting the liner right on top of the waterline (which is what I’ve been doing) or closer to the actual lashes (right at the edge of the waterline)? Or am I using the wrong pencil and if so, what brand will actually stay put? Help, please! Give Tabs a squeeze for me.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      July 11th, 2010 at 8:27 pm

      The Tabs has been squeezed! Oh, and he just let out a little chirp.

      I tend to line right on top of the waterline and along the edge. It sounds like you might need to try a different type of pencil. I’ve had good luck w/MAC Technakohls and the Cargo Plant Love Eyeliners. The Plant Love ones are hard to find in-stores, but they’re fantastic. They stay all day and don’t irritate my eyes.

      http://www.cvs.com/CVSApp/catalog/shop_product_detail.jsp?skuId=789854&productId=789854&WT.mc_id=Shopping_Feed_Products_Google_Free_Listing

      Can anybody else weigh on some long-lasting liners for the waterline?

      Reply
  19. Haley says

    July 11th, 2010 at 7:30 pm

    True Blood tonight was SO good. This show is just getting better and better!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      July 11th, 2010 at 8:22 pm

      I can’t wait!

      I really, REALLY hope something good happens to Tara soon. I miss the ass-kicking Tara!

      Reply
  20. yvette says

    July 11th, 2010 at 7:39 pm

    hi everyone! love the blog karen. i have been searching your archives to find a perfect raspberry gloss, without shimmer. any suggestions, anyone? i’m literally thinking the color of a raspberry, between a red and a pink.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      July 11th, 2010 at 8:22 pm

      Hey Yvette,

      Hmmm, if you don’t want shimmer you might want to check out the MAC Cremesheens. Loud & Lovely might work for you — it’s a bluish pink, and kinda raspberry-esque.

      Another option might be to have a shade custom made for you. Three Custom Color can whip up a lipgloss in the shade of your dreams from scratch!

      http://www.threecustom.com/product.php?productid=18838&cat=253

      Reply
  21. Steph B says

    July 11th, 2010 at 8:17 pm

    I’m coming around to eyeliner pencils. I prefer the thin, clean line I get from gel liners but picked up a few pencils to play with new colors more affordably. Now that I’m playing with them, I find I really like them. Plus, I love that I can get a bit of shimmer without going over the top.

    Had a great weekend with a few friends visiting, kickass barbecue, and a successful new blueberry muffin recipe. We are having a great blueberry season.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      July 11th, 2010 at 8:30 pm

      Can I just say that sometimes the open thread makes me really, really hungry? Now I want barbeque and blueberries.

      Reply
  22. Emily says

    July 11th, 2010 at 9:25 pm

    I’m dealing with a tough breakup (that happened yesterday) after a relationship of almost 2 years. I’m in college and me and my … ex, i guess… are going abroad to very different places (me: france, him: australia) starting in august for a semester. that’s reason number one for the breakup (we’ll be apart for 6 months), and also i’m his first long-term girlfriend, and as he said, he didn’t expect to come to college and immediately start a 2-year-long relationship. so he wants to be able to date other people to see what’s out there, i suppose.

    any advice from you ladies? i would really appreciate the help. : )

    -Emily

    Reply
    • Karen says

      July 12th, 2010 at 7:02 am

      Hi Emily,

      I’m sorry to hear about this. It’s very hard breaking up with someone who your life has become so intertwined with. I know it’s different for everyone, but for me, what would always happen is I’d feel like utter and total crap for a while; then, slowly but surely, I learned how to live my life without the other person. Every day it would hurt less and less, then one day I’d wake up and I knew life would be okay without them. Some breakups took me a few weeks to get over, some a few months, and one took years.

      I think sometimes it helps to have distance from where your relationship took place, so the fact that you’ll be in another country might help. Give it time, trust in yourself, and remind yourself every day that you are strong. You once lived your life without this person and can do it again.

      Reply
  23. Amber says

    July 11th, 2010 at 9:53 pm

    Karen, I just had to listen to the double rainbow song two more times and it is your fault, but now I think I can finally go to bed.
    .-= Amber’s last blog post… Smoothie of the week- when good strawberries go bad =-.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      July 12th, 2010 at 7:04 am

      Double rainbow all the way across the sky!!

      LOL…

      Reply
  24. inaya says

    July 12th, 2010 at 1:06 am

    hey karen! legion of honor looks like an amazing palace. I was wondering if the By Candlelight is dupable with the shimmery side of happy together blush duo on NC 32-35 skin? how long would the shimmery side of that blush last if used on a daily basis but sparingly? oh and lastly is soft and gentle msf comparable to by candlelight?

    Reply
  25. irini says

    July 12th, 2010 at 4:01 am

    hello everybody!totally irelevant,but why do i always have trouble with myself,even when life is great?

    Reply
  26. Eva says

    July 12th, 2010 at 12:06 pm

    Hi Karen,
    just wanted to say thanks for sharing those beautiful pics with us!

    Reply

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