• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Makeup and Beauty Blog | Makeup Reviews, Swatches and How-To MakeupMakeup and Beauty Blog | Makeup Reviews, Swatches and How-To Makeup

A beauty blog blooming with fresh makeup reviews, swatches and beauty tips from your friendly neighborhood beauty addict

  • Home
  • About
    • About
    • Contact
    • FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
    • Advertising & Media
  • Categories
    • Product Reviews
    • Makeup
    • Skincare & Fragrance
    • Style & Fashion
    • Hair
    • Nails
    • Tips & Tutorials
    • Just for Fun
  • Brands
  • Store

Makeup

The MAC A Novel Romance Collection Lipsticks: Yield to Love, Good Kisser!

July 31st, 2014 by Karen 23 Comments

MAC Lustre Lipstick in Myself, a soft shimmery nude beige
MAC Lustre Lipstick in Myself, a soft, shimmery nude beige

I’m kinda getting into this whole romance novel thing (maybe I’ll actually read the one I got the other day!), like, by lustily posing for pics and tussling my hair.

My pout likes it, too. It got to try the six lipsticks from the MAC A Novel Romance collection yesterday.

The four pink and rose shades, which look like something you might find in a MAC late winter/early spring launch (see: MAC A Rose Romance… So old school!), and two deeper, more traditional fall matte shades in plum and deep red, almost seem like they belong in different collections.

My first impression? They seemed worlds apart, like the protagonists in an epic love story.

Of course, one of them has to be from the wrong side of the tracks, and their relationship is forbidden (it always has to be forbidden), and just when it seems like they’ll never be together, BAM! — somehow things work out.

MAC Lustre Lipstick in Myself, Cremesheen Lipstick in A Novel Romance, Matte Lipstick in Good Kisser, Matte Lipstick in Hearts Aflame, Matte Lipstick in Lingering Kiss and Cremeshee Lipstick Yield to Love (online exclusive)
From the left, that’s Lustre Lipstick in Myself, Cremesheen Lipstick in A Novel Romance, Matte Lipstick in Good Kisser, Matte Lipstick in Hearts Aflame, Matte Lipstick in Lingering Kiss and Cremesheen Lipstick Yield to Love (the one online exclusive).

Like our intrepid lovers, something also brings these six lipsticks together, and that something is the quads.

Seriously, it’s actually kind of neat. I feel like you can wear any of the lipsticks from this collection with any of quads, and they’ll look great. They mix and match perfectly.

You already heard how I want to ride off into the sunset on a chestnut-colored mare with the rosy shade, Yield to Love, and the bright pink shade, Good Kisser, so let’s move on to the other characters in our story… 🙂

MAC Cremesheen Lipstick Yield to Love (online exclusive)
MAC Cremesheen Lipstick in Yield to Love (the online exclusive)
MAC Cremesheen Lipstick Yield to Love (online exclusive), a mid-tone rose
Cremesheen Lipstick in Yield to Love (the online exclusive), a mid-tone rose
MAC Matte Lipstick in Good Kisser
Matte Lipstick in Good Kisser
MAC Matte Lipstick in Good Kisser, a mid-tone fuchsia
Matte Lipstick in Good Kisser, a mid-tone fuchsia

Hearts Aflame and Lingering Kiss are the two rather traditional fall shades. Technically, both have a matte finish, but they don’t look flat, at least to my eye. I see them as flirty with a kiss of shine that makes them interesting and gives them dimension.

MAC Matte Lipstick in Hearts Aflame, a mid-tone brick red
Matte Lipstick in Hearts Aflame, a mid-tone brick red

[Continue reading…]

There are 23 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Lips, MAC Makeup, Makeup, Product Reviews

Now Testing Laura Mercier Smooth Finish Flawless Fluide Foundation: Will It Blur the Line Between Real Skin and Makeup?

July 30th, 2014 by Karen 25 Comments

Laura Mercier Smooth Finish Flawless Fluide

I’m busting’ out the air quotes for this one.

“Natural-looking finish.”

“Liquid-light formula.”

“Blurs the line between real skin and makeup.”

Seriously, there was no conceivable way I was going to be able to walk away from this display in Sephora yesterday for the new Laura Mercier Smooth Finish Flawless Fluide foundation ($48 for a 1-oz. tube) without taking one of them with me.

I mean, I tried. I told myself, “Step away, Karen. Just slowly step back, and then turn to the left and walk.”

But it didn’t happen. I guess it wasn’t in the cards.

Laura Mercier Smooth Finish Flawless Fluide

I don’t know if I’ve mentioned this (of course I have), but I’ve been a little obsessed lately with finding a new foundation. I want one that gets me as close as possible to flawless, natural-looking coverage that doesn’t look heavy on my skin…or like I dunked my face into a wedding cake.

Laura Mercier Smooth Finish Flawless Fluide

Laura Mercier Smooth Finish Flawless Fluide

[Continue reading…]

There are 25 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Face, Laura Mercier, Makeup

Honey, Let Your Lips Do the Popping With the Pigmented Marc Jacobs Beauty Kiss Pop Lip Color Sticks

July 30th, 2014 by Karen 10 Comments

Marc Jacobs Kiss Pop Color Sticks
The Marc Jacobs Kiss Pop Lip Color Sticks, $28 each

Well I’ll be a tabby’s uncle… Chrome crayons.

Why didn’t I think of that!?

Seeing these Marc Jacobs Beauty Kiss Pop Lip Color Sticks ($28 each), it’s as if my Terminator-lovin’ makeup dreams have come true.

If Skynet ever asks to use my likeness for a fashionable T-1001 model, you better believe robot Karen will have at least one of these on her person-like chassis at all times.

Marc Jacobs Kiss Pop Lip Color Stick (2)

How awesome are these?? See the colorful tips? Each ones goes with its respective lip color.

Marc Jacobs Kiss Pop Lip Color Stick (3)

Essentially, these Kiss Pop Color Sticks are long-wearing lipsticks with a pencil tip. New to the Marc Jacobs Beauty permanent line, they’re $28 each.

Marc Jacobs Kiss Pop Lip Color Stick (4)

[Continue reading…]

There are 10 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Lips, Makeup, Marc Jacobs

Urban Decay’s Perversion False Lashes in Trap Might Lure You Into Thinking That You Could Wear Them To Buy Cat Food

July 29th, 2014 by Karen 7 Comments

Urban Decay Perversion False Lashes in Trap
Urban Decay Perversion False Lashes in Trap

If you think you’re going to wear Urban Decay’s new Perversion Lashes in Trap ($15) to Target to buy cat food without having people really, really stare at you, you are mistaken. Because these lashes look completely cra-zay-zy in real life.

Urban Decay Perversion False Lashes in Trap

I mean, they look great in pics! They’re definitely dramatic…which makes sense; that is what the new Perversion Lash line is all about.

If you’re going out clubbing or have a big night on the town or if you just landed that job as a full-time dominatrix (*cracks whip), then yeah. Awesome lashes.

But for, like, real life kind of stuff, nuh-uh. I look downright insane with these on, like I should be hanging out with Britney when she shaved her head, and attacking cars with an umbrella.

Trap is one of three new $15 Perversion Lash styles, all permanent members of the UD line.

Urban Decay Perversion False Lashes in Trap

It’s weird… Whenever I wear Trap and post pics, I usually get some nice comments, and I think it’s because of the length of the lashes, especially the bundles around the center.

I think they make my eyes look wider, like that doe-eyed thing to the Nth degree, which I like. Too bad they’re about as comfortable as a pair of six-inch pointy high heels a half size too small.

Urban Decay Perversion False Lashes in Trap

[Continue reading…]

There are 7 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Eyes, Makeup, Product Reviews, Urban Decay

Giving Thanks for an Epic Summer Glow With the Dolce & Gabbana Smooth Eye Colour Quad in Tangier

July 29th, 2014 by Karen 10 Comments

Dolce Gabbana Tangier Eyeshadow Quad
Wearing the new $60 Dolce & Gabbana’s new Smooth Eye Colour Quad in Tangier and dreaming about corn…

Mashed potatoes, gravy, biscuits, buttered corn…

CORN! Mmm, corn.

I’m trying to get a grip on myself, but my body is acting of its own accord (*tummy rumbles*). Every time I open the new Dolce & Gabbana Smooth Eye Color Quad in Tangier, I immediately think “Happy Thanksgiving!”

Dolce Gabbana Tangier Eyeshadow Quad
The Dolce Gabbana Smooth Eye Colour Quad in Tangier

It’s not my fault. It’s the orange, man. Seeing it there next to that brown and gold, and I momentarily forget that it’s not fall. I feel like busting out my boots with the fur (with the fur) and jumping into a pile of autumn leaves.

Funny thing is, it’s not a fall quad. Tangier is one of two limited edition quads in the new Dolce & Gabbana Summer Glow collection, available now at counters and online.

With its rich amber and gold, it’s perfect for sexy screen siren looks, whether now in the summer, or later in the fall.

Sixty bones is a lot for an eyeshadow quad, but at least this one is remarkably easy to use. I’ve been wearing it for the past few days, and I’m surprised. I can’t believe how easy it’s been to incorporate into casual and dressy looks — even that cray-cray matte orange.

Dolce Gabbana Tangier Eyeshadow Quad swatches

For these first pics I tried to think outside the box, so I’m wearing it in the crease with a hazy orange smokey eye.

Only semi-cray. 😉

Dolce Gabbana Tangier Eyeshadow Quad

Dolce Gabbana Tangier Eyeshadow Quad

But I’ve also used the quad in more causal ways. Like, the other day I buffed the light peach, which has just the perfect amount of sheen so it isn’t too shimmery, from my lash line up to my brow bone, blended the matte brown into the crease, and then lightly dusted the shimmery gold in the inner corners, before finishing with a bit of black liner and mascara.

Dolce & Gabbana Tangier Eyeshadow Quad
A casual daytime look! Lips are MAC Impassioned Lipstick and cheeks are Chanel Malice

[Continue reading…]

There are 10 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Dolce & Gabbana, Eyes, Makeup, Palettes, Product Reviews

Looking for a Polished Party Quad? Chanel Les 4 Ombres Quadra Eyeshadow in Tissé Vénitien Fits the Bill

July 28th, 2014 by Karen 32 Comments

Chanel Les 4 Ombres Quadra Eyeshadow in Tissé Vénitien
Wearing Chanel Les 4 Ombres Quadra Eyeshadow in Tissé Vénitien

Fact: Chanel’s new Les 4 Ombres Quadra Eyeshadow in Tissé Vénitien ($61) will not be tardy for the party.

No way. She’ll be right on time.

Chanel Quadra Les 4 Ombres Eyeshadow in Tissé Vénitien
Tissé Vénitien, from the new Chanel Les 4 Ombres Quadra Eyeshadow Collection

This quad dazzles with shimmering greens — one of which, the metallic light greenish platinum on the left, is the star of the show for me — and a quiet dash of pink.

Chanel Les 4 Ombres Quadra Eyeshadow in Tissé Vénitien

The greenish platinum sparkles like the desert sky at midnight during a new moon, yet amazingly, it isn’t obnoxious. For a party ready look in mere seconds, I like to use my finger to apply it to the center of my lids.

Chanel Les 4 Ombres Quadra Eyeshadow in Tissé Vénitien

Tissé Vénitien is one of the new Chanel tweed-inspired quads with the baked formula.

Like the others, it’s supposed to cover all the bases for an eye look from start to finish, but with that, I have to disagree. I feel like you also need at least one matte up in the mix to contour with, and also to contrast with all of the shimmer here; otherwise, it’s sparkle overload.

Chanel Les 4 Ombres Quadra Eyeshadow in Tissé Vénitien

[Continue reading…]

There are 32 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Chanel, Eyes, Makeup, Palettes, Product Reviews

Experience Unknown Pleasures (Like Whiter Teeth) When You Wear the New Fall/Winter 2014 Lip Tars From Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics

July 28th, 2014 by Karen 36 Comments

OCC Lip Tar in Vain
OCC Lip Tar in Vain ($18)

Through some weird illusionary makeup magic/trick of light, blue lip products are supposed to make your teeth look whiter, but I dunno… Do my teeth look whiter in these pics? I’m wearing OCC’s new Lip Tar in Vain.

I seriously cannot tell; all I see are those blue lips.

They’re just so…blue.

OCC Lip Tar in Vain
Wait — I can’t tell. Can you see my teeth in this pic?? 🙂

OCC explores the boundaries between light and shadow in their fall/winter 2014 Unknown Pleasures collection. Vain is one of the six new $18 Lip Tars in the release.

OCC Unknown Pleasures Collection Lip Tars f rom the left: Covet, Lament, Manhunger, Technopagan, Vain and Pagan
OCC Unknown Pleasures Collection Lip Tars from the left in Covet, Lament, Manhunter, Technopagan, Vain and Pagan

Most of the time when liquid lipsticks dry down, they form an impermeable film on my lips, which is usually long-wearing (yay!), but also very drying (boo!).

Unlike run-of-the-mill liquid lipsticks, which tend to bleed my lips of every milliliter of moisture like Edward Cullen on a bender, the Lip Tars stay wet from start to finish, so they don’t form a drying film.

But the wet texture also leads these to scoot beyond my natural lip line, so it helps to be mindful of rubbing your lips together, especially with the darker shades.

OCC Lip Tar in Covet
Lip Tar in Covet
OCC Lip Tar in Lament
Lip Tar in Lament
OCC Lip Tar in Technopagan
Lip Tar in Technopagan

[Continue reading…]

There are 36 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Collections, Lips, Makeup, Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics, Product Reviews

Urban Decay’s Fast Easy Sexy Partial False Lashes Are Exactly What Their Name Implies

July 25th, 2014 by Karen 12 Comments

Urban Decay Instaflare
Wearing Urban Decay’s new Fast Easy Sexy Partial False Lashes in Instalure ($15) on the outer corners of my upper lash line

I’m keeping Urban Decay’s new Fast Easy Sexy Partial False Lashes ($15) on metaphorical makeup speed dial for the next Monday morning when I’m feeling blah and need an easy pick-me-up. These will definitely hit the spot, since they’re so quick to use and easy to apply.

Urban Decay Fast Easy Sexy Partial False Lashes

When you and/or your lashes need a lift, and you either don’t have, or don’t want to spend, the time dealing with the drama that often accompanies false lashes, partials like Fast Easy Sexy are great.

I’m a big fan. 🙂

Urban Decay Fast Easy Sexy Partial False Lashes box back

I call them starter falsies, since the shorter band makes them much easier to manipulate and control.

Perfect for fledgling false lash aficionados, or anyone who wants an easier fancy fringe.

Urban Decay Instalush
Instalush

These three new styles from Urban Decay are like lightning in a bottle. I can apply any one of them in less than a minute.

Urban Decay Instaflare
Instaflare

Because they’re not as wide as full-size false lashes, I don’t have to trim them at all to fit, and ’cause they already have a blackened band, I can also skip the extra step of having to darken the band with liner.

Urban Decay Instalure Falsies
Instalure

And I think they just dramatic enough to get the job done.

Urban Decay Instalush
Instalush

[Continue reading…]

There are 12 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Eyes, Makeup, Product Reviews, Urban Decay

  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Go to page 1
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Go to page 204
  • Go to page 205
  • Go to page 206
  • Go to page 207
  • Go to page 208
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Go to page 502
  • Go to Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

Welcome to Makeup and Beauty Blog

Welcome to Makeup and Beauty Blog! My name is Karen, and I’m a freelance writer obsessed with makeup.

Makeup and Beauty Blog features daily product reviews, makeup tips and beauty news — like an interactive version of a monthly print magazine, except with occasional pictures of my cat.

Recent Posts

Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 878

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 894

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 893

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 892

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 891

/* real people should not fill this in and expect good things – do not remove this or risk form bot signups */

Social

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Featured Posts

Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 771

Lady Unicorn

Weird Things I Like to Do

brows fill out beforehand

Before You Pluck or Wax Your Brows, You Must Do This

current bare skin status

What’s One Thing That Drastically Changed Your Skin for the Better?

Copyright © 2025 Makeup and Beauty Blog. Get in touch.