Chanel

Checking In: Chanel Faves, Birthday Gifts to Myself and GO Dub Nation!

June 17th, 2022 by Karen 5 Comments

Hey, friend. TGIF and happy FRI-YAY!

No joke, I could crawl into bed right now and sleep for three days straight. My deadlines haven’t been playin’ lately! I’m so glad we made it to the end of the week.

Last week I mentioned last week I was going to buy myself a gift for my b-day. I ended up with a Kelty Cabana shade tent, a 100% spur-of-the-moment purchase from our local sporting goods store, Sports Basement.

I can safely say this is the first time I’ve bought outdoor equipment for myself on my birthday, LOL! You know what, though? I’ve always wanted a shade tent for the beach and for camping, and I’m so glad I finally did it. This one is relatively simple to assemble and pack, too. I think with practice, I can easily do it myself.

As you can see, Connor loves it! I can’t wait to take it on all our outdoor adventures this summer.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a birthday without a few beauty products. I’m still on a big hair kick, so to maximize volume and add moisture to my mane, I bought Bumble and Bumble’s Invisible Oil Shampoo and Conditioner for dry hair. Both contain six lightweight oils to hydrate, detangle and reduce frizz (among other things). I also grabbed a bottle of Alterna Caviar Foam Conditioner to use as a co-wash.

I’m currently on a Chanel kick, which seems to happen a few times a year, especially in the summer, go figure.

In these pics, I’m wearing the go-to Chanel makeup “uniform” I’ve been rocking all week: Vitalumiere Aqua Foundation (SO GOOD) on my skin; Les Beiges Cream Blushes in No. 22 and No. 20 layered together on my cheeks; and Electric Brown Eyeshadow-Liner-Khol topped with Liquid Eyeshadow in Desert Wind on my eyes. I’ll try to take more pictures soon to give you a better idea of the colors and textures, however I can safely say these pieces look great in-life and in phone selfies! Super easy to use, too.

And, oh my gosh, last but not certainly not least, I’ve gotta give a shout-out to the Warriors, aka the 2022 NBA Champions.

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Did you watch the game last night? I had absolutely NO CHILL until the last two minutes, LOL!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Checking In: A Chanel Blush Brush Haunting, and a Jewel-Toned FOTD With Purple Lids!

June 14th, 2022 by Karen 12 Comments

This blush brush is still one of my favorite tools. I used it this morning to apply a wash of bronzer. Then, I promptly hid it from Rosie-Pose before she could get a hold of it. 🙂

I will totally get to these purple lids in a second (BECAUSE PURPLE), but first, can we pleeeeease talk about the latest mystery to unfold on this end of the keyboard — a mystery also known as “The Haunting of Casa MBB”?

Don’t worry, there’s nothing terribly sinister afoot (I’m not splashing buckets of holy water on things left and right, in case you’re wondering!).

I’ve been gently “haunted” for the past few weeks by my favorite Chanel blush brush, which has been disappearing and reappearing all over the house in the most random places. I’ve found it on my bed, in the hallway, on the middle of the stairs, on the kitchen floor.

Last week I found it smack dab in the middle of living room, just sitting there on the carpet right in front of the couch.

Hmm… ?

I just assumed that Connor had grabbed it and played with it and forgot to put it back, but when I asked her about it later she said, “No, mama, I have my own brushes.” (Hahaha! She totally does!)

Now, this brush just so happens to be one of my favorite blush brushes because it’s super soft, and the brush head fits perfectly on top of the apples of my cheeks and underneath the hollow of my cheekbones, so I can use it for blush and bronzer. The bristles are also perfectly floofy, so it blends like a dream.

I thought, if an otherworldly entity/spirit has been obsessing over it, I completely understand.

But it ended up not being due to a makeup brush-loving ghost. The disappearances were in fact due to a cat.

YUP! Look who I just found outside my office doing her “hunter’s mewl.” It’s this cute little growl/grumble Rosie Posie does whenever she stalks and hunts one of her soft toy balls and she wants to show off the riches of her spoils.

I went into the hallway to investigate and give her the usual attention she likes after she catches her prey (“Oh, good job, Rosie-Pose! You’re such a good mouser. Look how well you stalked your toy!”), and that’s when I caught her red-handed (red-pawed?) with my Chanel brush in her mouth.

Mystery solved!

I guess from this point forward, this brush will have a special hiding place…inside a drawer!

(QUICK UPDATE: Later in the day, I also caught her dragging my NARS blush brush around, so she appears to be expanding her hunting horizons.)

Jewel-toned purple lids

OK, so let’s talk purple lids. Now, this might look a little familiar to ya because I’ve been doing variations of this look using the same neutral colors in the crease, inner corner and lash lines, but with different jewel tones on the lids. First, green, and then blue, and now purple!

Find your core

This totally wearable look relies on finding a core group of matte brown and beige eyeshadows for your crease colors. Once you find ones you like, then you can just keep them on standby, and then quickly swap out the jewel tone on your lids with other colors to create different looks!

I’ve been using the same set of warm browns and beiges in this series…

Beige matte shadow base: NARS Tinted Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base in Light
Beige shadow: MAC Mylar
Light warm matte brown shadow: MAC Soft Brown
Mid-toned warm matte brown shadow: MAC Saddle
Dark mate brown shadow: MAC Brun
Bronze pencil: MAC Teddy

For the purples, I’m wearing a shimmery purple called Guilt Trip, a dark purple called Drift (both are from the Urban Decay Born to Run Palette) and a dark purple UD pencil called Empire.

The foundation, powder blush/bronzer and lipstick are the same products I recently used in a 10-minute makeup look in this It Cosmetics Foundation review (which I’m also wearing in this pic, by the way).

As you can see, I’m pretty stoked about this look, and I’m excited to wear makeup again! 🙂

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Summer Makeup Shout Out! Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Ultra-Light Skin Perfecting Sunscreen Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15

June 10th, 2022 by Karen 4 Comments

chanel summery bold bright lipsticks — That’s Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua in the middle AKA perfection!

Happy Friday, friend! Thank you so much for the birthday wishes and sweet notes. You made me feel very special.

So, I gotta call out my new favorite base as of late, Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua. It’s a sheer liquid foundation that’s lightweight and effortless with just a touch of pore blurring. It offers a little more coverage than a tinted moisturizer or a skin tint, but less than a full-on foundation, so skin still looks like skin.

From chanel.com:

Product
With a soft, water-light texture and light-to-medium coverage, the tiniest drop of this hybrid fluid foundation creates a natural-looking glow. Skin looks refined and feels refreshed, for an exquisite makeup experience.

Composition
“High Definition Light” pigments help ensure the complexion looks even, natural and radiant. Hyaluronic Acid maintains moisture and SPF 15 provides UVB protection.

How to Apply
Shake before use. Gently pat, dab or stipple with brush onto entire face — or key areas— and blend from the center of the face outward.

Best part? It’s super easy to apply. I blend a few drops on bare skin with my fingers, and I’m done! If I want a little more coverage on my cheeks and around my mouth, I’ll wait a minute or so for that first layer to dry, and then I’ll apply a second layer.

It’s Chanel, so it has a floral scent, which I like, however if you’re not into scented makeup, know that it fades pretty quickly.

By the way, I’m usually an NC42 in MAC, and my Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua shade is 50 Dore.

What summertime makeup bases do you like? I’m happy with this one and Laura Mercier, but ya know… It’s good to have options.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

5 Things I Love About Liquid Eyeshadow

January 13th, 2022 by Karen 5 Comments

ilia saie september 202 -k2 — From the mascara wand: Saie Mascara 101, Ilia Color Haze Multi-Use Pigment in Temptation, Ilia Clean Line Gel LIner in Dusk and Ilia Liquid Powder Chromatic Eye Tint in Fresco

1. The packaging’s cute.

Plus, if by some weird coincidence one needed to defend themselves using solely the contents of a makeup bag, I feel like chucking an Ilia Liquid Eyeshadow with all my might would do more damage than a pan of MAC Soft Brown, ya know? There’s some weight to those tubes!

rare beauty by selena gomez sephora — Rare Beauty Liquid Eyeshadow in Nearly Neutral

2. You have SO many options.

You can keep it simple and just wear a single liquid shadow shade as is on your lids, or you can make things deliciously complicated by layering other liquids, creams, pencils or powder shadows on top, aka, the story of my life. How many times have I said to myself, “K-Dawg, we’re just going to use this matte liquid taupe and call it a day,” only to have it turn into a whole thing with cat liner, three shades in the crease and a smudged lower lash line? TOO. MANY.

wander beauty exquisite eye liquid shadow swatches — I went through a phase when I was really into these liquid shadows by Wander Beauty

3. The liquid doe foot applicators.

Seriously, why is the sensation of a doe foot on my lid so soothing? It’s like having a tiny bunny paw lovingly caress my face. I’m also very grateful for the precision that doe foots offer now that my lids are getting more hooded seemingly by the second. I have to be very careful with where I place my color these days, and a doe foot from a liquid shadow offers more control than a brush loaded with powder shadow.

chanel desert wind black wood swatch — Love me some taupe! That’s Chanel Desert Wind liquid eyeshadow, by the way.

4. Eye primer? What even is that?

As someone who’s enthusiastically worn eye makeup for most of her life, I’ve gotta say, in the last 10 years, liquid eyeshadows have just gotten better and better in terms of wear time. I remember in the ’90s and early Aughts how it would just disappear from your lids into some mysterious makeup black hole. Now, there’s so many long-wearing liquids that last from morning ’til night. It’s glorious!

5. There are so many finishes and colors to choose from!

Matte, satin, shimmer, and oh, all of the brights, neutrals and everything in between. The possibilities are endless!

What do you love about liquid eyeshadow, and which ones are your favorites? My go-to shades as of late are Ilia Fresco (a satiny taupe) and Rare Beauty Nearly Neutral (a warm pinkish beige).

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. Hey, friend! How’s it going? I’ve been deep in a project at work with a deadline that’s just around the corner (this Friday), so I’ve been glued to my chair. Things have been OK on this end, although I’m having major 2020 flashbacks right now because Omicron’s surging in our neck of the woods. We’re doing all the things we used to do ’round this time two years ago–anticipating school shutting down, ordering groceries online, avoiding busy places, desperately searching for paper towels… Same sh*t, different year. Sigh. We’re living in a unique time in history, that’s for sure!

Stay healthy, stay safe, stay fabulous.

A Little Chanel Les 4 Ombres Tissé Vendôme Eyeshadow Quad Love

December 28th, 2021 by Karen 7 Comments

chanel tisse vendome — Chanel Les 4 Ombres Multi-Effect Quadra Eyeshadow in Tissé Vendôme ($62)

Quick shout-out to a quad I’ve been loving lately! — Chanel Les 4 Ombres Tissé Vendôme.

I wear the two browns and the beige the most, and the lighter golden taupe-brown has a sheen finish. It’s fantastic for simple, elegant washes of color on the lids.

You can buff the darker brown (which also has a sheen finish) into the corners for depth, but I usually like to keep it simple and wear it as a liner, applied with either a wet or dry angled brush.

The satiny beige comes in handy for soft, subtle highlights on the brow bone and inner corner.

That coral shade is actually pretty handy too! Pair it with coral or peach blush or lipstick. I like to blend it onto the mobile part of my lid (the area that moves when you blink) to highlight that area and bring it out a bit more (helps my eyes look less hooded).

chanel tisse vendome swatch — For reference, I’m an NC42.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Checking In: Lemons, MOAR Chanel and a Standout Red Lipstick by MAC

December 17th, 2021 by Karen 9 Comments

Never in my life have I been this excited about citrus, ever! My Meyer lemon tree is poppin’ off!

She’s got so much ripe fruit on her right now. Later on today I’m going to pick some lemons so I can make lemon pasta tonight.

Maybe lemon bars are in the future, too, although truth be told I wouldn’t mind finding a new lemon desert to love. If you have a lemon dessert recipe that will change my life, please let me know.

OK, so do you see the color of this blue pot from my lemon tree? It totally reminds me of that blue Chanel nail polish I’ve been drooling over. I think that’s a sign telling me I need it in my life.

Yesterday, I put it in my cart and have been dancing around the check out button furiously, so to speak.

I also figured that while I was at it, I might as well put some other things in my cart!

Next thing you know, there’s a jar of New Moon in there (it’s on backorder, boo) and a tube of Dimensions de Chanel Mascara. I was also going to throw in couple Stylo Yeux eyeliners (you know, the twist ups), but I’ve been really happy with the dark brown Ilia liner I’ve been using lately, and I’m toying with the idea of actually finishing it. GASP, I KNOW!

chanel 50 nero metallo mascara — My favorite Chanel mascara

I was just about to add a stick of the $40 Boy de Chanel brow pencil (from the line marketed to men) that I love when I noticed there is also a “ladies” version available. After some quick sleuthing I realized, 1) they both have a similar ingredient list, 2) both pencils hold the same amount of product and 3) the women’s version costs less — it’s $33! So, yeah. I love ya, Boy de Chanel, but if this haul happens, I’m gonna go with the slightly more affordable version.

If (when?) I actually pull the trigger — and I might because my will power is really starting to break down — then I should add a lipstick or two into the mix, right? Maybe a new red? Chanel does some incredible reds.

Oh, speaking of red lipstick, I put a warm red on my baby for the first time ever! I used MAC Quite the Standout on Coywolf for her dance recital last weekend.

I did this lip freehand without any lip pencil or a lip brush, and I have to say, I think I did OK! The girls in her group danced to “Candy Cane Lane” by Sia, which is why they were all dressed up like sweet little candy canes.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. TGIF! What’s going on for the weekend? Are you doing any last-minute shopping? I SURE AM!

Checking In: Swooning Over Chanel Nail Polish, Briogeo Hair Oil and Needing a Nap…

December 16th, 2021 by Karen 6 Comments

Not that I need another Chanel nail polish because, side note, I’m trying to keep my beauty collection streamlined on all fronts, buuuuuut I saw this navy blue stunner on Chanel’s beauty community Instagram feed and swooned! It was a fainting couch moment, trust.

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It reminds me a little of the shade Orage from certain angles but brighter and slightly less moody.

Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in Orage, $27

While we’re on the topic of trying to keep things streamlined, this morning I was cleaning up the little vanity area in my bathroom and debated whether or not I was going to keep this bottle of Briogeo Don’t Despair Repair Strengthening Treatment Oil. I got it a while back, and it’s a little tricky to use.

ilia liptick lip oil briogeo hair oil — A little Sephora pit stop

I bought it partly because I like the flowers and partly because I like the idea of having a non-silicone hair oil, but eh, it’s just OK. I have to be very careful with the amount I use, because no joke, one drop too many, and my hair ends up super greasy and flat. Not cute!

I’ve found a way to make it work by mixing a couple drops into a leave-in conditioner (my go-to is Odele’s at the moment), but the difference in my hair really isn’t significant, so I probably won’t be buying it again. I’m still on the hunt for a hair oil without silicone, so if you have one to recommend, let me know.

Another thing I discovered while I was cleaning out my vanity — this tiny little jar of LANEIGE Water Sleeping Mask. I got it from Sephora last June as a free birthday gift, and I’ve had it for months but haven’t touched it, so today, after my shower, I used it to moisturize my body. LOL! I figure it’s better than just letting it sit there.

birthday haul 2021 — Well, hello there Rosie-Pose!

And you know what, my skin feels pretty soft. I might just put it on my face. LOL!

I hope everything on your end is well. Things are good here, just a little busier than usual. I had a slew of deadlines at work this week, and that coupled with all the holiday stuff Connor has going on (a recital last weekend and a Christmas performance last night), I’ve been going hard from one task to the next.

Are you feeling the holiday spirit yet? For Christmas this year, I’m thinking of asking Santa to give me a five hour block to myself so I can take a nap! Now that would be a Christmas miracle.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

I’m Road-Trippin’ Over the Chanel Road Movie Les 4 Ombres Eyeshadow Palette

December 1st, 2021 by Karen 3 Comments

This Chanel quad was first released in 2017 and has since been added to the permanent collection. It’s one of my favorites to this day!

Holy highway, Thelma & Louise! I just realized that I don’t have a favorite road movie!

How’s that even possible? I’m such a movie fiend.

Oh, well. Thank you, Chanel Road Movie eyeshadow palette, for that realization.

Hmm… What about Speed starring Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves? It’s not really a road movie, but I love that cheesy classic (Thelma & Louise is another great one, of course).

Colors of the California coast

Road Movie ($62) is one of two limited edition quads in the Chanel Travel Diary Fall Collection that were inspired by colors of the California coast, and I can definitely see the colors of the state along the coast between LA and Big Sur.

There are deep, oceanic navy blues and teals in this eye quad, but let’s get real — the water is usually darker, murkier and scarier than we ever see it in makeup, LOL!

The quad also has a satiny golden brown, which is a powder shadow version of Memory, the cream shadow in this collection, and a matte tan that looks like golden Cali sand.

chanel road movie eyeshadow palette — That’s Road Movie on my lids and lash lines, Chanel Palette Essentielle in Beige Intense (from the Travel Diary Fall Collection) on my cheeks, and Chanel Rouge Coco in Experimental on my lips (also from Travel Diary).

Packed with pigment

Powerful pigment isn’t the first thing I think when it comes to Chanel quads. The brand usually pulls back on the pigment — but not too much — which makes it easier for mere mortals like me to blend them and sheer out the edges. That’s one of the reasons I love Chanel shadows so much for everyday looks. They’re juuust pigmented enough.

This quad? Road Movie has Make Up For Ever-caliber color. The shadows are intensely pigmented, especially the blue and teal, but they’re still surprisingly easy to work with.

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