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Just For Fun

This or That: The Holiday Beauty Edition, Part II

December 22nd, 2020 by Karen 8 Comments

this or that holiday beauty edition christmas tree gifts
Part deux!

How to play

Pick one or the other for each of the questions below, and copy/paste your answers in the comments. Can’t wait to see your picks! Mine are listed below. ?

This or That: The Holiday Beauty Edition

  • Santa leaves you a food-scented holiday candle. ? Would you rather have one with notes of candy cane, gingerbread cookie or hot cocoa?
  • What would you rather find under the tree ? — a Sephora gift card or an Ulta gift card?
  • Favorite skin care brand or an advent calendar with polishes from your favorite nail brand?
  • Cozy robe with matching slippers or cozy, baggy sweats?
  • Matching your makeup to your ugly Christmas sweaters — yay or nay?
  • Which gift would be more thrilling — laser hair removal, or microblading for your brows?
  • Which would you rather find in your stocking — your favorite mascara or a tube of your favorite lip balm?
  • Silver pedi or gold pedi?
  • Red eyeshadow or green eyeshadow?

Santa leaves you a food-scented holiday candle. ? Would you rather have one with notes of candy cane, gingerbread cookie or hot cocoa?

Gingerbread cookie…preferably more ginger and less cookie.

What would you rather find under the tree ? — a Sephora gift card or an Ulta gift card?

ULTA!

Favorite skin care brand or an advent calendar with polishes from your favorite nail brand?

Ooh — wait! A nail polish calendar would be fun. Plus, I could share the polishes with Coycoy and Rosie.

Cozy robe with matching slippers or cozy baggy sweats?

The cozy, baggy sweats please.

Which gift would be more thrilling — laser hair remova,l or microblading for your brows?

Yikes, both sound like they’d hurt…so neither? LOL!

I guess I’ll go with microblading. I’d add a few hairs to the tail of my right brow, and that’s it.

What would you rather find in your stocking — your favorite mascara or a tube of your favorite lip balm?

I’ll take a tube of either Laura Mercier Caviar Mascara or Chanel Dimensions Mascara.

Silver pedi or gold pedi?

A cool-toned glittery gold would be nice.

Red eyeshadow or green eyeshadow?

Believe it or not, I had to pause on this one because I don’t mind red eyeshadow, but green is overall so much easier for me, so I’ll go with an olive green.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen ?

There are 8 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Just For Fun

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 657

December 21st, 2020 by Karen 21 Comments

happy holidays bow on plate final
How I wrap presents in 2020

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 five more or less random questions I’ve been posting on this blog every Monday morning for the past quadrillion years (since 2007). I love reading your answers, and it helps me get my week off to a good start. ?

    1. Brow pencil, brow powder or brow gel?

    OH, SNAP, it’s another seemingly impossible makeup choice, LOL! I’m going with brow pencil… A skinny, twist-up one (like Urban Decay Brow Beater) because I think fine tip pencils create more realistic-looking brow hairs. Also, I think pencils last longer than powders and gels, so there’s that.

    2. Eau de parfum, eau de toilette or scented body cream/lotion?

    Eau de parfum, and I like to spray them into the air and run through the fragrant fog. 🙂 This morning I ran through a few spritzes of Idôle!

    3. Fill in the blank — I like big _____ and I cannot lie!

    I like big butts and I cannot lie… OK, Sir Mix-a-lot! No, really, I like big cats. ? The bigger and fluffier and chonkier the better!

    4. Scrunchies or claw clips?

    Scrunchies 100%. They don’t give me headaches or leave weird bends in my hair. I can wear them to bed, too. Also, SUPER CUTE! The velvet ones are my favorite at the moment.

    5. Press-on fingernails or press-on toenails (side note: yes, this is a thing)?

    I’ll go with the press-on fingernails, but I’m going to have to take them off after an hour because they’ll start driving me nuts if I don’t.

    6. These are a few of my favorite things: _____ (list at least three).

    Nail polish that dries fast, coffee with half and half first thing in the morning, having a clean desk, snuggling with Connor and listening to lullabies before she falls asleep at night, feeling organized, having enough food in my fridge to last at least a few days (am I the only person who feels anxious when the fridge is empty)?

    7. Something on your to-do list today?

    Write out a step-by-step list of things I need to do to reorganize my linen closet… I just bought a bunch of new bath towels (um, do you want me to review them?!), and so now I want to keep them organized neatly in my closet!

    8. What are the names of the animal members of your family?

    Rosie Posie (a.k.a. Rosie Pose, a.k.a. The Pose) is my current kitty boarder. Previous to Rosie taking up residence, I lived with Tabs the Supermodel Kitty and Sushi the betta fish (RIP, my buddies).

    9. A movie that always makes you laugh?

    Frickin’ Step Brothers with Will Ferrell. THIS DUMB-A$$ MOVIE! It is so ridiculous, but every time I watch it, I cry so hard that tears run down my face. ?

    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. Brow pencil, brow powder or brow gel?
    2. Eau de parfum, eau de toilette or scented body cream/lotion?
    3. Fill in the blank — I like big _____ and I cannot lie!
    4. Scrunchies or claw clips?
    5. Press-on fingernails or press-on toenails (side note: yes, this is a thing)?
    6. These are a few of my favorite things: _____ (list at least three).
    7. Something on your to-do list today?
    8. What are the names or the animal members of your family?
    9. A movie that always makes you laugh?

    P.P.S. Good morning, sweet girl! ? Just a couple Mondays left in 2020 — can you believe it? We’re almost to the finish line, and, FYI, you’re doing amazing. Keep it up!

There are 21 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Just For Fun

Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 638

December 20th, 2020 by Karen 13 Comments

This thug and his low-hanging belly… It certainly complemented his poinsettia collar purrfectly.

The collar is a statement collar, and it takes a certain type of cat to really pull it off because it’s so substantial, and so was Tabs.

We get a little nostalgic around here this time of year because we miss our tabby… ? He was such a presence, and I’m pretty sure he and Santa were tight. ?

I took the collar out today because I was thinking about Tabs, and Rosie curiously came by and sniffed it, so I thought, “Hey, you deserve to feel beautiful on your walk today. Let’s put this on you and see what adventures we can have.”

Have a very Rosie Christmas

There was no tree climbing today; however, there was lots of exploring, peaceful contemplation and all around cuteness. I told her not to feel pressured. She didn’t have to pose for the camera, but if she felt like strutting, just go for it.

I wonder sometimes if she can sense Tabs when she wears his old collars. They certainly bring out a different side of her.

https://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/rosie_christmas-2020.mp4


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There are 13 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Just For Fun, Rosie, Tabs

Saturday Surfing, Dec. 19, 2020

December 19th, 2020 by Karen 6 Comments

cocobaby did my makeup
Her smize, though!

Well, this is probably the best makeup I’ve worn in weeks.

Possibly months.

This is what the first day of Christmas break looked like ’round these parts. First, Coycoy did my lewk, and when I asked her to break down the essentials she said, “It’s bold. It’s fashion. It’s a mustache.” ?

Then she did her own FOTD.

cocobaby putting on makeup

cocobaby unblended lip

cocobaby putting on brows

Seriously, how did this child figure out that unblended, over-drawn, ’90s style lip on her own?! LOL! I will never know.

On that note, this week’s reading!

  • Because swatching is on lockdown, many beauty lovers have been relying on selfie technology to virtually “try before you buy.”
  • Speaking of selfies…Google launched a new AR (augmented reality) feature on Search so holiday shoppers can “try on” lipsticks and eyeshadow from home.
  • My makeup spirit animal, Sir John, put his signature makeup spin on a bunch of Barbie dolls, and the results are all sorts of fabulous.
  • The ancient town of Kannauj is the perfume capital of India.
  • In case you were looking for a new nail polish line to try…
  • There’s also this one (hint: it involves one of the members of the Backstreet Boys)!
  • Bakuchiol is a buzzy skin care ingredient that’s supposed to be a comparable alternative to retinol.


I may or may not have just added everything in this video to my wishlist.


This look is super pretty.


YUM


When two worlds collide!


Because I’ve watched all the episodes of The Crown and I neeeeeeed MOAR

How’s it going?! What are your plans for the day? Rosie and I have some wrapping (rapping?) to do while El Hub and the Coywolf go for a hike, so that’s my day. How about you? I hope all is well.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

There are 6 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Just For Fun

Can You Remember the Very First Thing You Bought From MAC?

December 16th, 2020 by Karen 22 Comments

mac lipsticks at union square store
First MAC lipstick love: Paramount!

My first tube of MAC Paramount happened circa 1995.

It was at the Arden Fair Mall in Sacramento, and the counter was just a tiny little stand right next to the entrance.

I remember the sales associate talking me into Mahogany Lip Pencil to go with Paramount Lipstick and me being, like, “SURE, GIRL, RING ME UP!” And I paid cash from money I’d saved working retail over the holidays that year… Little did I know that that small tube of Paramount would send me on a crazy, wild makeup ride that would someday take me to MAC headquarters in Toronto years later (craziness) and also lead to me make my very own MAC Lipglass.

I wish I had kept that first tube!

urban decay starfire
Wearing Paramount and Mahogany
mac powell street store sept 2015
I miss this place! Oh…Connor is in my belly in this pic!

How about you? Can you remember the first thing you ever bought from MAC?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

There are 22 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Just For Fun, Makeup

This or That: The Holiday Beauty Edition

December 15th, 2020 by Karen 17 Comments

Mystery Makeup Holiday Giveaway
The holiday edition!

How to play

Pick one or the other for each of the questions below, and copy/paste your answers in the comments. Can’t wait to see your picks! Mine are listed below. ?

This or That: The Holiday Beauty Edition

  • What would you rather find in your stocking — a new eyelash curler or a fancy new curling iron?
  • Red nails or green nails?
  • Silver eyeliner or gold eyeliner?
  • You’re attending a holiday Zoom party with some friends tonight. Do you wear a bold lip or a bold eye?
  • Matching your makeup to your ugly Christmas sweaters — yay or nay?
  • You’ve been very good this year, so Santa’s rewarding you with some beauty indulgences. Yes, you can treat yo’ self! So, what do you find under the tree? Makeup, skin care, a new fragrance or hair goodies? (Pick three!)
  • False lashes or glitter shadow?
  • What would be more thrilling — a new set of makeup brushes or a new set of manicure/pedicure essentials?

What would you rather find in your stocking — a new eyelash curler or a fancy new curling iron?

I wouldn’t mind a new Surratt lash curler. ?

Red nails or green nails?

Dark forest green with a cream finish please!

Silver eyeliner or gold eyeliner?

Normally, I’d say gold, but since the phrase “WHAT THE HELL” has been on repeat in 2020, I’m gonna go with the silver… A silvery taupe would be nice.

You’re attending a holiday Zoom party with some friends tonight. Do you wear a bold lip or a bold eye?

Bold lip, girlfriend!

Matching your makeup to your ugly Christmas sweaters — yay or nay?

I’m going to give this a solid “yay.” Might as well go all the way!

You’ve been very good this year, so Santa’s rewarding you with some beauty indulgences. Yes, you can treat yo’ self! What do you find under the tree? Makeup, skin care, a new fragrance or hair goodies? (Pick three!)

Ooh, thanks Santa! I’m going to go with skin care, makeup and hair goodies.
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There are 17 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Just For Fun

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 656

December 14th, 2020 by Karen 21 Comments

have a joyful day poll holiday
Feeling the spirit!

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 five more or less random questions I’ve been posting on this blog every Monday morning for the past quadrillion years (since 2007). I love reading your answers, and it helps me get my week off to a good start. ?

    1. Candy canes or roasted chestnuts?

    Roasted chestnuts. No doubt!

    2. What’s more important to you — mascara or brow pencils?

    Ooh! — this one’s brutal. I would say that both are important to me (LOL) and necessary for me to feel like a real live girl…but if you’re making me pick one…then mascara all the way. When, like me, you don’t have a deep crease, mascara works wonders to open up the eyes.

    3. Last holiday movie you watched?

    I watched a HILARIOUS movie on Disney+ called Godmothered last weekend! It’s about an inexperienced rookie fairy godmother who’s determined to become the best godmother she can be, so she goes rogue to help a Boston mom and her family find their “happily ever after” over the holidays.

    4. Concealer or blush?

    I’ll take all the blush please.

    5. Foundation or lipstick?

    TOUGH! I’d go with lipstick, I guess, even though we’re all sheltered in place until January, and nobody but my immediate fam-bam will see it.

    Hey, at least I can wear it around the house. That makes me happy.

    6. Straight or wavy hair?

    Although I love how tidy straight hair looks, it’s such a chore to get my hair to look that way. Seriously, it involves, like, three days of advance planning! So I’ll go with wavy hair, since mine already has lots of natural waves, and it’s easier to deal with.

    7. Egg nog or holiday fruitcake?

    BLAH to either, but I guess I could do holiday fruitcake if I had a big cup of coffee or hot chocolate to wash it down…

    8. Last series you marathoned?

    Virgin River season 2 on Netflix is where it’s at, babe!

    9. What color are you socks today?

    I’m wearing light gray ’80s aerobics instructor-style thick socks (it’s cold here today). They’re all scrunched up around my ankles!

    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. Candy canes or roasted chestnuts?
    2. What’s more important to you — mascara or brow pencil?
    3. Last holiday movie you watched?
    4. Concealer or blush?
    5. Foundation or lipstick?
    6. Straight or wavy hair?
    7. Egg nog or holiday fruitcake?
    8. Last series you marathoned?
    9. What color are you socks today?

    P.P.S. Hello and happy Monday, my dear friend! ? I hope you’re feeling calm and centered today. I’m trying my best to wrap up everything I need to do for Christmas (no waiting till the last minute here… NOPE!). Sending you a big hug and joyful vibes today.

There are 21 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Just For Fun

Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 637

December 13th, 2020 by Karen 10 Comments

Tabs liked his Christmas trees full and lush…and now that I think about it, they were often shaped like him, with a very round, robust bottom.

He always insisted on being the one to pick out the tree for the house, and I think his list of criteria for acceptable trees included making sure the branches were low enough for him to hide under so that he could launch a sneak attack and swat at your ankles.

It’s been a year and half since Tabs crossed the rainbow bridge, and I’ve held on to his stocking. I put it up again this year, and even though he physically can’t be with me on Christmas, he still gets a sprig of fresh catnip.

Rosie’s been excited about the upcoming holiday too. Cats are funny… She also likes to hide under the tree, but I think it’s more of a relaxing experience for her than it was for Tabs. She’ll stare up at the branches dreamily, rather than vengefully swatting at your legs as you walk by.

I’m surprised she has yet to try climbing the actual tree, since all she wants to do when we go outside is climb trees.

Now that I’ve said that out loud, though, I think I may end up regretting it. How much do you wanna bet that tree is getting tipped over soon?

It’s a very Rosie Christmas

She went outside today wearing a very festive silver collar with matching silver hat. Her style is usually a little bit lower key than Tabs’ was. I think she’s enjoying her time in the limelight, and yes, while we were out there she climbed a tree. ?

She’s sitting on my lap right now, rubbing her cheeks against my shoulder and looking up at me oh-so sweetly… I think it’s because she wants Temptations treats for Christmas, and this is her way of letting Santa know that she’s been a very good cat this year. ?


[Continue reading…]

There are 10 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Just For Fun, Rosie, Tabs

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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.

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