Just For Fun

Saturday Surfing, Jan. 15, 2022

January 15th, 2022 by Karen 7 Comments

Good morning and hello, Caturday! Today’s clothing-related question for you — have you ever gone to a store, tried something on and loved it so much that you didn’t want to take it off? And then, because you loved it so much, you bought it right then and there before walking out of the store actually wearing it?

That’s only happened to me once, and it was recently with this sherpa jacket from Athleta.

I’ve been desperately needing some warm sweaters and tops, so I made myself shop for stuff I don’t actually hate. 👍

Normally, I find reasons to be annoyed by most items of apparel, but this is so warm and so soft, and just the right weight to keep me toasty both indoors and outdoors. It’s neither too loose nor too formfitting, either, and not only do the pockets easily fit my phone, but they also have zippers (!), so my crap doesn’t fall out.

Good news, it’s on sale now!

If you’re on the market for something warm, snuggly and cozy, I highly recommend it. It’s made my world so much better, and whenever I wear it, I almost like getting dressed.

This week’s reading

Favorite story of the week —> How makeup and hairstylists worked on transforming leading actors in recent films like “Dune,” “The Eyes of Tammy Faye,” “Being the Ricardos” and more.
Allegedly, these are the budget-friendly makeup products even beauty snobs love.
All about the humectant urea and what it can do for your dry skin.
Do skincare products that supposedly “boost circulation” actually do anything?
Hey, insomniacs! Soon you might be able to buy a perfume to help you catch some z’s.
Does your skin really need all those skin care products?
Outdoor cats are using $500 Starlink Satellite Dishes as heated beds.
The FDA approves first-ever arthritis pain management drug for cats.
Oh, great, now I want this carpet rake…

New skin habits to try in 2022

How to adopt a commanding presence

Drop that knowledge, please.

How to survive a no-buy or low-buy

So satisfying…

More moisture, please.

It’s gonna be a bright, sunshiny day.

How’s your weekend going so far? Miss you. I hope you get some time to relax! 🤗

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Beauty Hacks on the Fly to Tame Frizzy Hair

January 14th, 2022 by Karen 2 Comments

Did I really just tame my crazy mane with deodorant spray and hand cream?

Ahh, the weird and wonderful things we discover when we’re pushed to do beauty improv on the fly!

This morning I was asked to jump on an unexpected video call for work at the last minute, and so of course, I’d just finished exercising and hadn’t showered or combed my hair. (Isn’t that always the case, though?)

I didn’t have much time to get ready, so I wiped my face and body with a damp washcloth, changed out of my sweaty workout clothes, sat down at my computer and then turned on the video camera. That’s when I realized just how crazy my hair looked, LOL! Leave it to the camera to always reveal the brutal truth.

Anyway, no one was on the call yet, and I figured I had a minute or two at the most. So, I took down my ponytail, raked my fingers through my hair and looked at what products I had on my desk. Then, I grabbed an organic spray deodorant and hand cream to do some improv hair stying.

First, I sprayed my hair all over with the deodorant spray to take down the overall frizz a notch (this particular deodorant is packed with essential oils, which I guessed would help with that). Then, I used a tiny bit of hand cream as an improv styler my bangs, baby hairs and ends to tame the flyaways.

And you know what? It actually worked out!

Was it the smoothest and most sophisticated hairstyle? Hell, no. But at least I looked somewhat presentable.

It’s so funny how a time crunch can lead you to discover the most random beauty hacks, hahah!

Can you remember the last time you had to do beauty improv on the fly? This was by far one of my most creative attempts.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. TGIF! I hope your Friday was smooth sailing.

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.

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 711

January 10th, 2022 by Karen 15 Comments

So…what is the Monday Poll?

Excellent question! It isn’t, contrary to its name, an actual poll, like with little clicky buttons. It’s just a list of more or less random questions I’ve been posting on this blog every Monday morning for the past quadrillion years (since 2007).

1. When’s your next hair appointment?

Goodness gracious, who knows! I was hoping to get a good chop in sometime in February because my hair’s been feeling really heavy lately, but I think I might wait until March to be on the safer side.

2. A beauty-related thing you’ve been loving?

Ooh, layering multiple face moisturizers. It’s the only way I’ve made it this far through winter. Dang, my skin is dry!

3. Something that you’d be happy to have for dinner tonight?

If a big bowl of pho were to miraculously appear, I wouldn’t mind it at all.

4. What’s the first thing you’d buy if you were to rebuild your makeup collection from scratch?

Mascara, for sure. It makes such a big difference in how awake I look!

5. On a scale of 1-5, how important is flavor and scent to you when it comes to your lip products?

Solid five, and then some. LOL! If it smells funky or tastes weird, I won’t have anything to do with it. I’ve gotten a lot pickier about flavor and scent in the last few years…

6. Brow bone or cheek highlight?

Brow bone highlight. A subtle one, though, so nothing overly frosty or shiny. Just a tiny bit of matte blended in underneath the arch of my brown to lift my hooded lids a touch. It makes a difference!

7. Is it weird for you to wear colorful eyeshadow?

Right now it kinda is. But if I got back into the habit again, it wouldn’t be at all.

8. How are you feeling today?

Pretty good overall, but a little lonely. Mondays are always a shock to my system because with Connor in school and El Hub at work, so the house is eerily quiet. It’s great for concentration but I miss having my people around.

9. Lemon bars or brownies?

Lemon bars today. I’d love something a little sour and a little sweet.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. Here are the questions to copy/paste with your answers in a comment. Talk to ya soon.

1. When’s your next hair appointment?
2. Something that’s you’ve been loving, beauty wise?
3. Something that you’d be happy to have for dinner tonight?
4. What’s the first thing you’d buy if you were to rebuild your makeup collection from scratch?
5. On a scale of 1-5, how important is flavor and scent to you when it comes to your lip products?
6. Brow bone or cheek highlight?
7. Is it weird for you to wear colorful eyeshadow?
8. How are you feeling today?
9. Lemon bars or brownies?

P.P.S. Good morning, beautiful friend! Please be extra gentle with yourself this week. 🤗

Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 692

January 9th, 2022 by Karen 3 Comments

I found the most bananas thing on the interwebz today.

Side note: speaking of bananas, one of my favorite Tabs kitty modeling campaigns in the history of forever — Smith & Cult.

While I was casually browsing the internet for Rosie (she had me look up some math-related proofs she’s working on), I found a subreddit dedicated solely to Rosie Pose with collages of her doing — I’m not exactly sure what. I want to think they’re related to her scientific pursuits, but they also vaguely remind me of Dungeons & Dragons book covers.

Apparently Rosie is a cultural icon. (It’s always the quiet ones.)

Rosie

Oh — something else happened this week. Rosie started getting fan mail! A few kittens from around the world have sent her pictures and proofs of the math they’re working on. I must say, they’re speaking her language. She’s been thrilled.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Saturday Surfing, Jan. 8, 2022

January 8th, 2022 by Karen 3 Comments

Good morning and happy Caturday to ya! Rosie and Whiskers, her favorite stuffie, say hello.

So…I’ve been trying to chill with the limited edition stuff, because I’m trying to keep my makeup collection relatively small and tidy, but ooh! — the new Chanel Spring-Summer 2022 collection has been hitting me with all the feels.

I particularly love the colors in the quad…

Are you more of a permanent collection kinda girl, or do you prefer limited edition?

This week’s reading

If you’re into minimalist makeup like I am, you might want to check out these brands!
They’re all about the French-inspired makeup lewks in the second season of “Emily in Paris.” Side note: have you seen this show yet?
Here’s how to germ-proof your makeup bag.
OK, so, now I want this $13 gadget from Amazon which allegedly removes a crazy amount of pet fur from your clothes.
Can dryer sheets help your hair game? Inquiring minds want to know…
Why you might want to consider folic acid for thinning hair and hair loss.
Yes, please, to all the hair masks for a luscious, glossy mane.
Is hair recyclable, too?
Every dude who’s a celebrity is now releasing a nail polish line.

I haven’t gone out to eat in SF in a really long time.

Legend.

In case you ever wondered…

My morning jam

Who will win this game?

How interesting!

Ooh!

Whatcha got going on this weekend? I’d originally planned to have lunch with a friend on Sunday, but then Omicron happened! So, I’ll be laying low here at home and doing some much-needed decluttering instead.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 710

January 3rd, 2022 by Karen 18 Comments

So…what is the Monday Poll?

Excellent question! It isn’t, contrary to its name, an actual poll, like with little clicky buttons. It’s just a list of more or less random questions I’ve been posting on this blog every Monday morning for the past quadrillion years (since 2007).

1. A place you’ve traveled that you’d like to revisit again?

Definitely Cambria, which is located in the central coast of California. I went a couple years ago for my birthday, and it’s just so beautiful down there! I could easily spend all day at Moonstone Beach collecting rocks and checking out the tide pools.

2. What makeup are you wearing today?

I had a video call early this morning, so I did a quick face with the following:

MAC Brun (brows)
Ilia Gel Liner (to tightline and on my upper lash line)
Laura Mercier Caviar Mascara (lashes)
Ilia Eye Tint in Fresco (lids)
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer in Wheat (cheeks and around my mouth)
Hourglass Veil Retouching Fluid in Sand (under eyes)
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Medium Golden (forehead, down the sides of my nose and on my chin)
Ilia Color Haze Multi-Use Pigment in Temptation (cheeks)
Ilia Lip Oil in Tahiti (lips)

3. Knee high or ankle socks?

UGH, honestly neither if it wasn’t so darn cold here right now. Socks are the enemy! Since it’s quite chilly, though, then knee highs, because they keep my ankles warm.

4. What’s for lunch?

Not sure yet, but Connor’s with me today (it’s her last day if Christmas break), so we’ll probably make sandwiches together. I try to involve her with making meals when I can! Gotta start those life skills early.

5. Are you a turtleneck person?

I’m slowly realizing my answer to this is no. I used to like them, but now I really don’t like the feeling of fabric wrapped too tightly around my neck.

6. Burritos or burgers?

I don’t really prefer one over the other, so as long as I get the veggie option, it’s all good. Today I’ll go with a veggie burger, though, so I can eat the fries!

7. Who does your nails?

Me, myself and I!

8. Have you taken your holiday decorations down yet?

The tree ornaments will be put away by the end of the day! I’ll keep the tree up until Thursday so Rosie-Pose can enjoy sitting underneath for a few more days. 🙂

9. Blue, brown or purple mascara?

Ooh, let’s go with blue.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. Here are the questions to copy/paste with your answers in a comment. Talk to ya soon.

1. A place you’ve traveled that you’d like to revisit again?
2. What makeup are you wearing today?
3. Knee high or ankle socks?
4. What’s for lunch?
5. Are you a turtleneck person
6. Burritos or burgers?
7. Who does your nails?
8. Have you taken your holiday decorations down yet?
9. Blue, brown or purple mascara?

P.P.S. Good morning, beautiful friend! I hope your first Monday of the new year has been treating you sweetly! 🤗

Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 691

January 2nd, 2022 by Karen 3 Comments

Climate change is real, and Tabs the Cat Industries, LLC is doing something about it.

It’s a common misconception that Elon Musk’s SpaceX pioneered VTOL (vertical takeoff and landing) rocket technology with the Falcon 9, but it was actually Tabs who came up with the original idea.

We built the prototype right in front of the office here and launched it.

NASA was so impressed they awarded Tabs with an honorary astrophysics PhD.

Rosie

When Rosie took the reigns as the company’s new CFO (Chief Feline Officer) two years ago, she brought a wealth of scientific and engineering know-how with her, as she was an accomplished scientist in her own right.

Her research into climate change pointed her to a startling discovery. Humans and cats aren’t the only ones at risk from climate change. Turkeys are too! — and sooner or later, that will become a big problem for cats.

Rosie knew she had to do something about it, so she built upon Tabs’s rocket technology to design a spacecraft capable of sending large numbers of turkeys to space. This way, even if Earth becomes inhospitable, turkeys will survive on Mars, and therefore hungry cats will still have something to look forward to.

The plan is still being fleshed out, but here’s the gist of it: a group of brave cats led by Rosie will send 500 turkey volunteers to Mars. Once there, they’ll work together to terraform the Martian atmosphere and build a sustainable turkey community.

It’s a bold idea!

Hopefully it works.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen