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7 Ways to Win a $100 Gift Card From Ulta Beauty and $29.97 in Products From the COVERGIRL Bombshell Collection! (Ends Monday, Jan. 13)

January 3rd, 2014 by Karen 420 Comments

You know how in every group of gal pals, each gal kinda has her own role? You’ve got the mother hen, the braniac, the tomboy, etc.

Me? I usually fall into the role of “the funny one,” or “the weirdo writer.”

I always thought it would’ve been fun to be the one all the boys flocked to, aka “the sexy one,” but alas, seduction was never my forte.

I seriously could not seduce my way out of a paper bag. (Remind me to tell you about the time I dove into the ocean without my glasses or contacts on and swam away from a cute guy…who ended up being El Hub.)

Even though I’m not a seductive siren by nature, I still think it’s fun to role-play, especially with makeup. It’s like stepping into someone else’s shoes for a while or playing a character for a day.

Covergirl Bombshell Collection — A few things from the new Covergirl Bombshell collection…

Characters like “The Bombshell.”

Enter COVERGIRL. This spring, COVERGIRL is channeling bombshell beauty with their vampy new Bombshell collection of cream shadows, liquid liners, mascaras, lipsticks and nail polishes in colors designed to tempt and seduce.

Which brings me to this…

You know what I’m about to say, right? 🙂

IT’S GIVEAWAY TIME!!

And mini-tutorial time, too. I’ve joined forces with Ulta Beauty and COVERGIRL this week to bring you a bodacious bombshell giveaway and a sneak-peak at a makeup tutorial I’ve been working on using products from the new Bombshell collection.

To go along with this, I’ll be posting a step-by-step coppery golden eye makeup tutorial to YouTube next week.

By the way, if any of the COVERGIRL makeup in these pictures catches your eye, all COVERGIRL products will be buy one, get one 50% off at Ulta Beauty stores and online at ulta.com from January 5-25, 2014. #ULTABombshelling

A coppery golden eye look with cat eyeliner using the COVERGIRL Bombshell collection…

Applying COVERGIRL Bombshell Shineshadow in Gold Goddess ($8.99)

Applying COVERGIRL Bombshell Shineshadow in Copper Fling ($8.99) — Blending COVERGIRL Bombshell Shineshadow in Copper Fling ($8.99) in the crease

Applying COVERGIRL Cheekers Bronzer in Copper Radiance ($4.99) — Sweeping COVERGIRL Cheekers Bronzer in Copper Radiance ($4.99) into my outer crease ($8.99)

Covergirl Bombshell Intensity Liner in Pitch Black ($8.99) — Lining my upper lash lash lines with COVERGIRL Bombshell Intensity Liner in Pitch Black ($8.99); by the way, I’m also wearing COVERGIRL Outlast Stay Brilliant Glossy Nail Color in Bombshell ($5.99) on my nails

Lining my lower lash line with COVERGIRL Bombshell Shineshadow in Gold Goddess ($8.99)

Coating my lashes with COVERGIRL Bombshell Mascara in Very Black ($11.99)

Applying COVERGIRL Lip Perfection Jumbo Gloss Balm in Cherry Twist ($8.99) on my lips for a daytime look

Switching to COVERGIRL Lip Perfection Lipcolor in Bombshell ($6.99) to turn up the intensity

Now, on to the giveaway!

Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. You can read the full terms and conditions there, but here’s the gist of it: the giveaway is open to U.S. readers 18 and up (you must be an adult according to your local laws) and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, January 13, 2014.

One lucky lady or gent will win…

A $100 Ulta Beauty gift card
COVERGIRL Bombshell Shadowshine Eyeshadow ($8.99, color TBD)
COVERGIRL Intensity Liquid Liner ($8.99, color TBD)
COVERGIRL Bombshell Intensity Mascara ($11.99, color TBD)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

The New Hydrating MAC Huggable Lipcolour Collection Gives Dry Lips a Big Hug

December 18th, 2013 by Karen 16 Comments

Well, I love hugging smug thugs who snuggle pugs that play on rugs, BOOM!

And you wonder why my rap career never took off…

Hardy-har-har. 🙂

Ah, the things that pop into your head when you’re trying to think of clever ways to work the word “hug” into your blog posts…

You know, hug? As in the brand-spankin new MAC Huggable Lipcolour collection?

Interestingly, MAC didn’t call these lipsticks, which makes sense to me, as they don’t seem much like lipsticks at all. Rather, they remind me of intensely pigmented, hella moisturizing lip balms.

Dry lips say what now…?

Yup, the 12 Huggable Lipcolours have a completely new gel-based formula, and they make their big debut January 2nd at all North American MAC locations and internationally the same month (in all countries outside Asia).

MAC claims the formula makes them mega moisturizing and capable of leaping tall buildings in a single bound!

Wait — no, that’s not right. It’s supposed to help the shiny finish last up to six hours.

Lots of colors here to choose from. I see some wearable nudes, pinks, corals and a sprinkling of richer wines, plums and deep reds.

These are, like, the ultimate purse lip balms. The moisturizing formula totally kicks dry lip flakes to the curb, and applying them couldn’t be easier. We’re talking so soft and buttery that they practically melt when you run them across your lips.

In fact, I’d say they border on being a little too soft, so don’t go dropping one on a hard surface, you cute clumsy-pants, lest you be S.O.L. like yours truly (notice that a few of them have chips on their sides, le sigh…).

As for the hugging, yeah, they really do hug the surface of my lips. No weird patchiness or propensities to settle into my fine lip lines. Just a smooth block of semi-transparent coverage with megawatts of shine.

MAC Touche Huggable Lipcolour, a light beige with a cream finish — Touche Huggable Lipcolour, a light beige with a cream finish

MAC Fresh & Frisky Huggable Lipcolour, a soft neutral peach with a cream finish — Fresh & Frisky Huggable Lipcolour, a soft neutral peach with a cream finish

MAC Cherry Glaze Huggable Lipcolour, an orangey red with a cream finish — Cherry Glaze Huggable Lipcolour, an orangey red with a cream finish

MAC Out for Passion Huggable Lipcolour, a soft warm rose with a cream finish — Out for Passion Huggable Lipcolour, a soft warm rose with a cream finish

MAC Fashion Force Huggable Lipcolour, a cool coral with a cream finish — Fashion Force Huggable Lipcolour, a cool coral with a cream finish

MAC Love Beam Huggable Lipcolour, a mid-tone warm pink with a cream finish — Love Beam Huggable Lipcolour, a mid-tone warm pink with a cream finish

MAC What a Feeling Huggable Lipcolour, a mid-tone cool pink with a cream finish — What a Feeling Huggable Lipcolour, a mid-tone cool pink with a cream finish

MAC Feeling Amorous Huggable Lipcolour, a mid-tone fuchsia with a cream finish — Feeling Amorous Huggable Lipcolour, a mid-tone fuchsia with a cream finish

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Mesmerizing Molten Metallics Bare All in the New MAC Magnetic Nude Collection, Coming to Counters December 26

December 17th, 2013 by Karen 50 Comments

I NEED MORE EYES!

And cheeks and lips.

LOL! Maybe then I wouldn’t look so cray-cray.

Because I couldn’t wait to try on the gorgeous new MAC Magnetic Nude collection (coming out December 26), I’m wearing two different eye looks at the moment, my cheeks don’t match, and my lip color is split down the middle.

I look like the Joker’s evil sister. 🙂

And that’s why I didn’t make an appearance in this video.

Here’s a tabletop look at the new Magnetic Nude collection (and a super quick look at the new Huggable Lipcolours and two new MAC False Lashes).

Also, if you happen to be YouTube averse, or if they block it at the office, here are some pics…

10,000-Foot Overview of the MAC Magnetic Nude Collection

26 pieces, limited edition
Available at MAC counters, stores and online December 26 through February 6, 2014; launches internationally some time in January
Lots of metallics and nudes, also a strong rose gold vibe
In the release, skin is radiant, eyes are metallic and smokey, and cheeks and lips are subtle and sexy
Here are 23 of the 26 pieces; the items not shown are Opulash Mascara in Bad Bad Black, the 128 Split Fibre Cheek brush and the 235 Split Fibre All Over Eye brush

Here are pics and swatches. I’ll be posting looks and reviews over the next few days…

MAC Magnetic Nude collection product pics

MAC Magnetic Nude Extra Dimension Eye Shadow — The five new Magnetic Nude Extra Dimension Eye Shadows, $19.50 each US and $22.50 CAN

MAC A Natural Flirt Extra Dimension Eye Shadow, an iridescent light pink with a Metallic finish — A Natural Flirt Extra Dimension Eye Shadow, an iridescent light pink with a Metallic finish

MAC Sweet Heat Extra Dimension Eye Shadow, a soft peachy pink with a Metallic finish — Sweet Heat Extra Dimension Eye Shadow, a soft peachy pink with a Metallic finish

MAC Silver Dawn Extra Dimension Eye Shadow, a dirty grey mauve with a metallic finish — Silver Dawn Extra Dimension Eye Shadow, a dirty grey mauve with a metallic finish

MAC Amorous Alloy Extra Dimension Eye Shadow, a deep terracotta copper with a Metallic finish — Amorous Alloy Extra Dimension Eye Shadow, a deep terracotta copper with a Metallic finish

MAC Platinum Love Extra Dimension Eye Shadow, a bright clean silver with a Metallic finish — Platinum Love Extra Dimension Eye Shadow, a bright clean silver with a Metallic finish

The three new MAC Magnetic Nude Fluidlines, $16 each US and $19 CAN — The three Magnetic Nude Fluidlines, $16 each US and $19 CAN

MAC It's Physical Fluidline, a brown with purple pearl and a Pearl finish — It’s Physical Fluidline, a brown with purple pearl and a Pearl finish

MAC Our Secret Fluidline, a metallic brown with reddish pearl and a Pearl finish — Our Secret Fluidline, a metallic brown with reddish pearl and a Pearl finish

MAC Chilled Fluidline, a frosted white gold with a Pearl finish — Chilled Fluidline, a frosted white gold with a Pearl finish

The four new MAC Magnetic Nude Extra Dimension Blushes, $25 each US and $29.50 CAN — The four new Magnetic Nude Extra Dimension Blushes, $25 each US and $29.50 CAN

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Glow On With Yo’ Bad Self! Bobbi Brown Heralds 2014 With the Nude Glow Collection

December 17th, 2013 by Karen 18 Comments

Six of the 10 pieces in the new Bobbi Brown Nude Glow Collection, coming January 2014

So, last night El Hub and I were having dinner at this Puerto Rican place we like called Sol Food in San Rafael (YUM! Any Bay Area girls been there?) when he asked what I wanted to do for New Year’s.

“Hmm…” I said. To be honest, I hadn’t given it any thought. I forgot that we’re barely two weeks from the end of the year.

Can you believe it? 2014 already?

So, I have no clue what to do for NYE, but even if we end up staying home and just watching the ball drop on TV, there will be sparkly makeup up in the mix. Of that, you can be sure. 🙂

Bobbi Brown may be able to help, too. She says that her new Nude Glow makeup collection is like sparkly jewelry for your everyday wardrobe.

Yeah…I can get behind that.

The release hits counters in January with 10 pieces, including eyeshadow quads, sheer lipsticks, nail polishes and new shimmer bricks (aka, Brightening Finishing Powders) — all limited edition.

The theme, like we’ve been seeing a lot lately, is look brightening. The pieces are designed to instantly, easily enhance your skin tone and brighten your look, and get you gorgeously glowing for early 2014.

The Bobbi Brown Nude Glow collection includes…

Limited Edition Eye Palette in Nude (Shades: Dove Grey Eye Shadow, Ballet Pink Sparkle Eye Shadow, Nude Eye Shadow and Cement Sparkle Eye Shadow), $44

Limited Edition Eye Palette in Crystal (Shades: Porcelain Eye Shadow, Opal Sparkle Eye Shadow, Mica Sparkle Eye Shadow and Angel Pink Eye Shadow), $44

Limited Edition Eye Palette in Bronze (Shades: Gold Bar Sparkle Eye Shadow, Amber Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow, Toast Eye Shadow and Rich Bronze Eye Shadow), $44

Limited Edition Sheer Lip Colors in Pink Rose, Pink Flush and Pink Gold, $28 each

Limited Edition Nail Polishes in Pale, Ballet Pink Glitter and Bronze Shimmer, $15 each

Limited Edition Brightening Finishing Powder (Shades: Brightening Nudes, Porcelain Pearl and Bronze Glow), $50

Let’s see… “Luminous” is the best word I can think of to describe these pieces. The eyeshadow quads and sheer lipsticks all have that radiant, glowing quality that Bobbi does so well. Sparkle features prominently, but it’s not, like, club glitter, if ya know what I mean. Everything here, even the silver packaging (LOVE IT, but it’s a paint to keep clean), looks luxe and expensive to me.

Here’s a quick peek at six of the 10 pieces. Let me know if something here catches your eye…

Bobbi Brown Nude Glow Collection Sheer Lip Color — Sheer Lip Colors from the left: Pink Flush, Pink Gold and Pink Rose, $28 each

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For Spring, Too Faced Went Cocoa for Cosmetics! The New 11-Piece Too Faced Haute Chocolate Spring 2014 Collection Is Here

December 10th, 2013 by Karen 39 Comments

Baby, it’s cold outside. How ’bout some Haute Chocolate? The new 11-piece cocoa-crazy Too Faced Haute Chocolate collection should satisfy that sweet tooth. 🙂

All of the pieces are new. We’re talkin’ two cocoa-themed palettes, five sweet shades of lipstick, two frosted blushes and two brow defining products to keep your look sweet come spring, and in classic Too Faced fashion, the feminine, wearable collection also features a perfect pinch of sass.

Eyes and brows stay relatively neutral, while brighter pops of pink, peach, coral and berry brighten lips and cheeks.

As for timing, you won’t have to wait long to get your chocolate fix because all of these pieces, except for the Chocolate Bar Palette, arrive online December 12. The Chocolate Bar, a Sephora exclusive, goes on sale a week later on December 19.

Here are pics and swatches of the entire release! More detailed reviews to follow…

Too Faced Something About Berry Sweethearts Perfect Flush Blush — Sweethearts Perfect Flush Blush in Something About Berry, $30

Too Faced Peach Beach Sweethearts Perfect Flush Blush — Sweethearts Perfect Flush Blush in Peach Beach, $30

Too Faced Candy Bar Pop Out Makeup Palette — Candy Bar Pop Out Makeup Palette, $25; for use with iPhone 5 only

Too Faced La Creme Lipsticks Haute Chocolate Spring 2014 — La Creme Lipsticks from the left: Bon Bon, Jelly Bean, Lollipop, Pink Chocolate and Taffy, $22 each

Too Faced Instant Attitude Brow Lift — Instant Attitude Brow Lift, $20

Too Faced Bulletproof Brows Universal Brunette — Bulletproof Brows in Universal Brunette (one of two shades; the other one is Universal Taupe), $30

Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette — Chocolate Bar Palette, $49

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Laura Mercier’s 17-Piece White Magic Holiday Collection Promises To Brighten Spirits While It Illuminates Lips and Lids

November 18th, 2013 by Karen 12 Comments

Laura Mercier Flamingo Creme Smooth Lip Colour, Twilight Caviar Stick Eye Colour and Gunmetal Smoke Tightline Cake Eye Liner — Wearing a few pieces from the new Laura Mercier White Magic Collection: Flamingo Crème Smooth Lip Colour Twilight Caviar Stick Eye Colour and Gunmetal Smoke Tightline Cake Eye Liner

I’m really hoping to feel some holiday magic this year because last Christmas was a blur. You know all the fun (sometimes frantic) things that come with the holidays, like spending time shopping for meaningful gifts, carefully wrapping presents (as opposed to just slapping things together with tape) and decorating the tree? Last year, everything I did was last-minute. This year, I want to take the time to really savor the holidays and make them a priority, you know? Life is too short.

That magic I mentioned? — there’s actually some happening now over at Laura Mercier counters, where the White Magic holiday collection is available.

Laura Mercier White Magic — Five of the 17 pieces from the White Magic collection

The 17-piece limited edition launch heralds the holidays with shimmery pastels, illuminated skin and shiny, glossy lips.

When I look at these products, I think of the word, “glow.” But not in a bronzed, beachy way. I’m thinking more in terms of regal, otherworldly winter ice queens riding silent sleighs across snow-covered fields…

White Magic is one of those collections with a healthy dose of shimmer and pastel.

Ya know, I do like pastels, and I think a little shimmery white or baby blue on the lids close to the lash lines can look very artsy, particularly with thick cat liner, but generally, with my tan and warm skin tone, I think they get a little lost on me. But I think they can look phenomenal on gals with lighter skin, and on younger women (shimmer isn’t always so forgiving on mature skin).

The collection isn’t all pale colors and shimmer, though. There are moments in which darker, more intense colors break through, and those are the ones that make me do grabby hands. 🙂

Like Mocha Myth lipstick, which is like an updated version of the classic ’90s brown lip…

Laura Mercier Mocha Myth Crème Smooth Lip Colour, $26 — Mocha Myth Crème Smooth Lip Colour ($26)

It’s a dark, neutral reddish brown — totally something someone could have worn back in 1994 with a plaid shirt, hoop earrings, jeans and Timbaland boots, except that back then, the lipsticks were almost always matte. This one’s smooth, comfy and creamy, with a metallic finish that seems fresher. I bet it would look striking on gals with darker skin tones, especially as an everyday lip shade. And it’s great for dry lips.

Laura Mercier Flamingo Crème Smooth Lip Colour, $26 — Flamingo Crème Smooth Lip Colour ($26)

Pinkish purple Flamingo lipstick also caught my eye. (It’s referred to as Girly on Laura’s website… Not sure if that’s a typo.) It’s a lot like one of my favorite MAC lipsticks, Syrup, except that Laura’s is slightly sheerer and more pink.

Now, I know that a purple-toned lipstick might sound a little scary, but it depends. Find the right one, and you can use it as a nude lippie. I think the pink in this one makes it wearable and flattering.

Laura Mercier Twilight Caviar Stick Eye Colour — Twilight Caviar Stick Eye Colour ($26)

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Pics and Swatches of the MAC Nocturnals Mini Gloss and Mini Tinted Flavoured Lip Conditioner Kits

November 1st, 2013 by Karen 16 Comments

MAC Stroke of Midnight Collection — A smattering of delightful delectables from the MAC Stroke of Midnight and Nocturnal holiday collections, available now online, and coming to MAC counters and stores November 7

In case you weren’t sure which of the four Mini Lip Kits from the new MAC Nocturnals collection to get (or which ones not to get), here are some pics and swatches to hopefully help.

For reference, I’m a MAC NC42.

The collections include three Mini Gloss Kits (in Coral, Nude and Pink) and one Mini Tinted Flavoured Lip Conditioner Kit, all of them arriving to MAC stores and counters November 7 (although they’re available now online). 🙂

Let me know if you’re planning to get any of these or if you already have.

I’m all about the Coral…

MAC Nocturnals Mini Gloss Kit in Coral ($32.50 US and $38.50 CAN)

MAC Cremesheen Glass in Night is Young, a bright red cream — Cremesheen Glass in Night Is Young, a bright red cream

MAC Cremesheen Glass in Star Quality, a bright orange coral — Cremesheen Glass in Star Quality, a bright orange coral

MAC Cremesheen Glass in On the Scene, a pink with pink and white pearl — Cremesheen Glass in On the Scene, a pink with pink and white pearl

MAC Dazzleglass in Moth to Flame, a sheer neutral beige with violet pearl — Dazzleglass in Moth to Flame, a sheer neutral beige with violet pearl

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Zombie Enthusiasts and Nail Nerds Unite! The Bohemian Republik Zombie Collection Nail Polishes Are About To Trigger a Pigment Feeding Frenzy!

October 31st, 2013 by Karen 18 Comments

The Zombie Collection by Bohemian Republik — The Zombie Collection…by Bohemian Republik

Between the The Walking Dead — which my Sundays revolve around, no joke! — and the post-apocalyptic entertainment currently killing it in movie theaters and bookstores, I think it’s safe to say that zombies, like rose gold and kale, are having a moment.

And everyone’s getting in on the undead action, including the beauty world. Feast your eyes on Bohemian Republik’s new five piece Zombie Collection…

Boulder, Colorado-based indie nail polish line Bohemian Republik wants to be known for…

Their formula — which is free of formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate, toluene and camphor

Being cruelty-free, vegan and not tested on animals (paws up from Tabs)

Being made in the USA

If you hunger for glitter and pigment like a zombie craves brains, you’ll want to get to know this five-piece collection, which reminds me of a Frankenstein-ian combination of products from Essie, Deborah Lippann and China Glaze.

Bohemian Republik Zombie Collection Gangrene — Gangrene

Gangrene, a creamy kiwi, is my favorite one here. Bright and vibrant, it’s also easy to apply, super smooth and not too thick nor thin.

It’s just right…

I’m wearing two coats in the swatch to keep all the pics in this post consistent, but I’m sure I could have gotten away with one.

The brush attached to these polishes is on the narrow side, which actually makes the polishes easy to apply. None of the brush fibers splay out, either, or do other funky things, and that’s great; however, I do wish it was a little easier to get nice, crisp edges with it at the base of my nails. By no means is it difficult, but it’s not quite as easy as OPI, if you know what I mean.

Bohemian Republik Zombie Collection Decay — Decay

I don’t think these pics do justice to glittery Decay. In real life, and particularly in full sun, Decay comes to life! The semi-transparent bronzed gray base pulsates with gold and teal shimmer.

There’s something so MAC Club Eyeshadow about it…the way it flickers from bronzed gray to gold to teal…

Very, very cool. I’m wearing two coats in this swatch, by the way.

Bohemian Republik Zombie Collection Feeding Frenzy — Feeding Frenzy

Feeding Frenzy — I love this creamy blood red’s clever name. Like Gangrene, the formula is extremely smooth and easy to wield. I’m wearing two coats here, but one would have worked fine.

As far as the color itself, I like it, but it’s not altogether original, I guess in terms of blood red shades, but I think it would look really cool as part of a half-moon mani with this next shade…

Bohemian Republik Zombie Collection Gray Matter — Gray Matter

Gray Matter! — also known as the color of wet cement. Or brains…

I have to say, Bohemian Rebulik’s creams are shockingly consistent. Like the others, this one’s streak-free, comes loaded with pigment, and lays down lots of color in every coat. I’m wearing two in this swatch.

Gray Matter also gives back. For every bottle of Gray Matter purchased, Bohemian Republik donates $1 to the Musella Foundation for Brain Tumor Research & Information.

Bohemian Republik Zombie Collection Pandemic — Pandemic

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