• 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

Just For Fun

Wearing Grey Lipstick on the Subway in New York Gave Me a Confidence Boost That Has Lasted for Days

May 24th, 2016 by Marcella Yakalis 22 Comments

MAC Halsey and Sephora Collection Liquid Eyeliner
Wearing MAC Halsey and Sephora Collection Liquid Eyeliner while sporting my public transit “perpetual gaze…”

I didn’t grow up in a big city, and getting used to riding public transit here was very difficult for me.

Dealing with massive numbers of anxious people in very close quarters is not something I enjoy doing. Sometimes it can be very stressful for me, and it can also make you feel incredibly invisible at times, which is sometimes for the best…depending on how I feel.

But I’ve been wanting to see what would happen if I called more attention to myself.

I regularly take the subway, and I’ll often ride the bus when I’m just going between neighborhoods close to home. Over the last few weeks, I’ve been experimenting with wearing bolder colors while I’m out, and that includes while I’m riding public transportation.

Calling attention to myself has never been something I’ve been comfortable with. I’m very unlike my astrological sign that way. As a Leo, I’m supposed to be an attention seeker. I’m supposed love being on center stage — dramatic, creative, and outgoing.

In some ways, I think that fits me, but not in terms of me being outgoing. I think I’m a contradiction in the way I present myself — how I dress, choice of clothing, style of hair, choice of makeup.

By choosing bolder colors these past few weeks, I’m trying to be more “present” in my own world. Even if I’m the only person who notices, someone is still noticing and appreciating, right?

From top to bottom MAC Versicolor Lip Stain in Perpetual Holiday, Maybelline Vivid Matte Liquid Lipstick in Berry Boost, Manic Panic Lip Locked Lipstick in Mystic Heather and MAC Halsey
A selection of my color choices over the last few weeks, from top to bottom: MAC Versicolor Lip Stain in Perpetual Holiday, Maybelline Vivid Matte Liquid Lipstick in Berry Boost, Manic Panic Lip Locked Lipstick in Mystic Heather and MAC Halsey

[Continue reading…]

There are 22 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Guest Post, Just For Fun, Lips

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 424

May 23rd, 2016 by Karen 56 Comments

052316-monday-poll-1

You might be wondering, “So what in tarnation is this Monday Poll thing anyway!?”

Well, it isn’t exactly a poll. It’s more of a constantly evolving (devolving?), somewhat random list of questions I’ve been putting out to readers every Monday morning for the past eight (!) years. (It’s like a kickstart for your brain.) I’ve always enjoyed reading your answers in the comments, and I hope you enjoy reading mine.

  1. What’s the newest article of clothing you’re currently wearing?
    LOL! My underwear. My mom got me a six-pack of undies last time she went to Costco. They’re basic black and cotton — no frills or lace or anything fancy at all. But they’re super comfy.

    Oh, and I don’t know if this is just something my parents do, but my mom will call me, like, 10 times from inside the store to ask if I need — whatever it is — a case of coconut water, a large rotisserie chicken, a 192-pack of diapers for Connor, a new sweatshirt, a box of 200 batteries, what have you. It’s so funny and cute!

  2. What’s the newest piece of makeup you’re currently wearing?

    Urban Decay Vice Lipstick

    A creamy pinkish nude called Urban Decay Vice Lipstick in Naked (coming out in June). It’s moisturizing and — I know this sounds a little odd — but I can wipe it off easily.

    Why, exactly, is this important?

    Well…because when I kiss Connor, I don’t like to leave makeup on her, and I usually remove whatever I’m wearing on my lips before I shower her with kisses. Lipgloss is too sticky and takes a while to remove, as do mattes and long-wearing liquids, so I’m all about creamy lipsticks that I can wipe off just like *that*.

  3. What do you find irresistible?
    I wish I could say something interesting like “home decor,” because maybe then I’d have more than two pictures up on my walls and lamps I don’t despise, but alas, no. This homegirl is all about the shoes.

    GIMME ALL TEH SHOES!!

    It’s been a lifelong struggle…

  4. Is life fair?
    My inner optimist really, really wants me to say “Yes, life is fair,” but it’s hard to ignore the voice of my (often annoying) inner realist who says that, no, it isn’t. This is something that took me a long time to accept/figure out.

    All we can do is the best we can. That’s all we can do.

  5. Teacher or student?
    Hmm… This is a tough one! I do like teaching and helping people, and I love that feeling when you see someone figure something out that you’ve had a hand in helping them with, but I also really enjoy being a student (I was an old-school nerd back in the day).

    I could happily spend all day sitting in a classroom learning, seriously, whatever.

    So I guess I’ll go with “student.”

monday-poll-le-list-spring-2016

Your turn. 🙂 Just copy and paste the following questions into a comment with your answers. I look forward to reading ’em!

1. What’s the newest article of clothing you’re currently wearing?
2. What’s the newest piece of makeup you’re wearing today?
3. What do you find irresistible?
4. Is life fair?
5. Teacher or student?

Heya, sweet girl! Happy Monday to you. I’m wiping my brow as I type this because this morning I had a moment of panic when El Hub said the following terrifying words: “The electricity is out.”

Terrifying because I had not yet made my coffee.

“Buuuuuut, how am I gonna make coffee?!” That was the first thought that crossed my mind.

Thank goodness the power wasn’t out long… I’m on my second cup now, so I feel almost human.

Huzzah! Three cheers for coffee! 🙂

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

There are 56 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Just For Fun

Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 399

May 22nd, 2016 by Karen 22 Comments

tabs-cat-beach-body-ready-top

Dear friends and felines,

It’s time to pack up the cooler and the sunscreen, because we’re going to the beach!

Actually, you’re going to the beach. I’ll be going to my beach houses in Ibiza, Miami and Waikiki. Stop by if you’re staying in Kahala, South Beach or Cannes.

I can’t guarantee I’ll be relaxing, because the paparazzi follow me everywhere… Some famous cats pretend that they don’t like having their picture taken, but you know, I’m not gonna lie — I love it. It gives me a chance to show off my fit bod, which, by the way, I’ve been working on for the last month and a half.

tabs-cat-beach-body-ready-2

tabs-cat-beach-body-ready-3

I mean, you know I’m always ready to show off these curves, but I want to be extra ready to flaunt it by June. I was given this perfect physique for a reason, and it is my duty to share it with the world.

I’ve been training rigorously to get my tum, my bum and my tail beach ready, and because I’m a cutting edge kitty, I don’t go for old-school exercises. I’ve hired the most forward -thinking personal trainers in the business. One of them, this guy named Teddy, works with Stephen Curry.

Yes, the Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors. Actually, Stephen introduced me to him.

tabs-cat-beach-body-ready-1

tabs-cat-beach-body-ready-10

[Continue reading…]

There are 22 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Just For Fun, Tabs

Leave a Comment for a Chance to Win a $50 Sephora E-GIFT CARD! (Ends Monday)

May 21st, 2016 by Karen 249 Comments

** THE GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED **

This giveaway is closed, and the winner has been contacted (CONGRATULATIONS, LISA!!!), but check back next Saturday for another giveaway.

sephora-giveaway-angora-rabbit-05-21-16

Baby barking — it’s the latest craze sweeping the nation, you know. Connor Claire has figured out how to bark out orders and shout to announce her displeasure throughout the day. “Eh!” That’s what she does now. When she wants to be picked up or just wants to stare at me and I walk out of her view for a few seconds, that’s what I hear. “Eh!” Over and over. “Eh! Eh!” Like she’s a baby crow, haha.

Good morning, friend! How are you? What did you do last night? Since I’m stuck in baby jail, I need you to help me out. Did you go out to dinner this week? Have you seen any movies? Have you been to the beach? Or the mall? Or Target? Old Navy? Downtown? In other words, have you done anything at all outside of your house? Because, you know, if you have…chances are you’ve been leaving the house a lot more often than I have.

Heck, I don’t think I’ve opened the front door since Thursday. (The struggle is real!)

I gotta get out of the house. Maybe a stroll around the mall in Corte Madera… I’m still mastering the art of loading and unloading the stroller from the car, though. My little Mazda is…little. So NOW I see what the big deal is about minivans. Yup, now I get it.

Good luck in the giveaway, and have a great weekend. Talk to you soon.

sephora-giveaway-prize-2015

  • One (1) Sephora eGift card containing $50 sent to the winner by email (international readers, you may opt to receive $50 sent by PayPal instead).

sephora-gift-card-small-2015

sephora-giveaway-rules-2015

  • Enter by leaving a comment below.
  • Open to U.S. and international readers.
  • You must be 18 or older to enter (or otherwise an adult based on your local laws).
  • Your comment can be about anything at all, but here are some ideas if you’re stuck:
    sephora-giveaway-heart-2015

    • Your current favorite kicks?
    • What’s your favorite picture of yourself?
    • How often do you use a hair dryer?
    • Dinner theater: yes or no?
    • Have you ever played soccer (aka real football)?
    • What do you have set as your internet homepage?
  • One entry per person.
  • You must use a valid email address to win.
  • The giveaway ends on Monday, May 23, 2016 at 11:59 PM (Pacific Time). 🙂

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

There are 249 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Giveaways, Just For Fun

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 423

May 16th, 2016 by Karen 56 Comments

monday-poll-may-16-2016

You might be wondering, “So what in tarnation is this Monday Poll thing anyway!?”

Well, it isn’t exactly a poll. It’s more of a constantly evolving (devolving?), somewhat random list of questions I’ve been putting out to readers every Monday morning for the past eight (!) years. (It’s like a kickstart for your brain.) I’ve always enjoyed reading your answers in the comments, and I hope you enjoy reading mine.

  1. When was the last time you went all out with your makeup?
    I think it’s been about two weeks… Or has it been three? Funny how time gets all mushy when you’re doing hard time in baby jail.

    I did a bright blue lid with warm browns in the crease. Foundation, concealer, brows, lashes and lips (frame the face!). It was the most elaborate eye makeup I’d worn since pre-Connor.

    I didn’t recognize myself in the mirror either. I was like, that can’t be me because she doesn’t look like a freshly turned zombie (it was me though).

  2. What was the last goofy thing you did?
    Dude! Every single day of my life is a series of goofy things strewn together one after another! The last one involved a song which I sang to Connor while I changed her diaper. It included various silly references to poop.
  3. When was the last time you checked a social network, and which one was it?
    It was Facebook about 20 minutes ago. I watched a video about how people don’t interact with each other as much anymore due to smartphones…and then I thought about how funny it would be to be watching this video on my phone in a public place while not interacting with anybody. 🙂
  4. How do you feel about full-coverage foundation?
    Different now than I did a few months ago. I think full coverage looks great in photographs, and I like to wear full coverage for pics, but it’s a lot of look for everyday life. At least, lately for me, but this has been a relatively recent development. I haven’t been wearing a lot of makeup lately, and I’ve started getting accustomed to seeing myself without it.

    Even so, in the times I have put on a little extra makeup over the past few weeks, I felt like I was wearing a ton.

    Does that make any sense at all?

    Anyway, I go through phases like this every once in a while. They usually last a few months, and then I’m back to doing the full-coverage thing.

  5. Should you trust your instincts?
    Yes, always! Because whenever my gut is telling me to do something, or not do something, and I don’t go with my gut, it always comes back to bite me in the butt.

    Your gut knows… That’s all I’m saying.

monday-poll-le-list-spring-2016

Your turn. 🙂 Just copy and paste the following questions into a comment with your answers. I look forward to reading ’em!

1. When was the last time you went all out with your makeup?
2. What was the last goofy thing you did?
3. When was the last time you checked an online social network and which one was it?
4. How do you feel about full-coverage foundation?
5. Should you trust your instincts?

Have a wonderful week, my friend. May fortune smile upon you.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

There are 56 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Just For Fun

Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 398

May 15th, 2016 by Karen 40 Comments

tabs-karen-chair

A Love Letter to My Cat (yes, you read that correctly)

Dear Tabs,

Hello, my sweet kitty friend. I know that even though we see each other every day (as we have for pretty much the past 10 years), things haven’t been the same lately, now that you’re a “big brother” to baby Connor Claire.

tabs-watching-connor

It probably seems like she’s always in my arms, or on my lap, or somehow otherwise up in the mix, and that when you try to snuggle with me (like the time she was breastfeeding and you tried to sneak onto my lap to make biscuits), it seems grossly unfair when I say, “No, Tabs, not now.”

I see you slinking away, sadly. I hear your tiny kitty sighs and meows.

tabs-bed

Honestly, I can’t blame you. Things have changed a lot over the past two months, both for you and for me, more than they have in the previous nine years we’ve spent together. It’s been quite a shock to both of our systems.

But I wanted you to know that even though our familiar daily (and nightly) patterns have changed, you’re still my special tabby baby boy, and now I cherish the quiet moments we have together even more, when it’s just you and me again, like last night, when I woke up at 3 and saw you curled up next to me, sleeping soundly.

tabs-corner

Or, right now as I’m typing this with you napping in the corner next to my chair, and with me at the keyboard tap-tap-tapping away. How many hours have we spent just like this, my sweet friend? Hundreds? Thousands? I know that soon you’ll wake up, hop up on my desk, and rub your cheeks against my face before draping your body across my left forearm as I continue to type. You’ll start to purr and stare out the window and occasionally blink contendedly.

tabs-karen-desk

[Continue reading…]

There are 40 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Just For Fun, Tabs

Leave a Comment for a Chance to Win a $50 Sephora E-GIFT CARD! (Ends Monday)

May 14th, 2016 by Karen 258 Comments

** THE GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED **

This giveaway is closed, and the winner has been contacted (CONGRATULATIONS, SUSAN!!!), but check back next Saturday for another giveaway.

Sephora giveaway!

“Who? Who?” the owl asked outside my window today. “Mrrrrrowwwwww!” answered the interested tabby on the windowsill.

Rise and shine, morning glory! Happy Caturday!

So…Tabs has been all about his new employee’s Fisher-Price Rainforest Melodies and Lights Deluxe Gym lately, even though I keep shooing him away from it because I don’t want him tearing it apart.

He’ll reluctantly walk away only to sneak back a few minutes later. It could be the only thing in the middle of the floor, and of all the places to plop down, he’ll plop down right there.

Cats

Cats…

What are you up to this weekend? Do you have any plans? I’m getting a haircut this afternoon, and I’m very excited about it! Whatever you’re doing, I hope you’re doing something fun.

sephora-giveaway-prize-2015

  • One (1) Sephora eGift card containing $50 sent to the winner by email (international readers, you may opt to receive $50 sent by PayPal instead).

sephora-gift-card-small-2015

sephora-giveaway-rules-2015

  • Enter by leaving a comment below.
  • Open to U.S. and international readers.
  • You must be 18 or older to enter (or otherwise an adult based on your local laws).
  • Your comment can be about anything at all, but here are some ideas if you’re stuck:
    sephora-giveaway-heart-2015

    • What’s your favorite cat-themed accessory?
    • Best quality makeup brand for the money (best value)?
    • Do you SCUBA?
    • Have you ever walked a runway?
    • Did you have braces?
    • Do you know any men who wear makeup?
  • One entry per person.
  • You must use a valid email address to win.
  • The giveaway ends on Monday, May 16, 2016 at 11:59 PM (Pacific Time). 🙂

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

There are 258 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Giveaways, Just For Fun

Are You a Makeup Collector?

May 11th, 2016 by Carolina Braina 42 Comments

KIKO Gossamer Emotion Creamy Lipstick 130 Black
I got the KIKO Gossamer Emotion Creamy Lipstick in 130 Black simply because I wanted to have a black lipstick in my collection

The other day, Marcella shared with me and the rest of the MBB-gang a Buzzfeed article on a rainbow highlighter, asking if we’d ever wear it.

Since I don’t even use traditional one-color highlighters that much, I said that I probably wouldn’t wear it, but it would be something cool to have.

Which got me thinking…

Am I a makeup collector?

Well, to a certain extent I undoubtedly am.

I mean, I’m not the type of collector that would get a product and never use it to preserve the design embossed on the pan. To me makeup is something to touch, test, and play with. So I guess that if I really got that rainbow highlighter, I would somehow use it, at least a few times.

But I definitely am a collector in the sense that sometimes (ahem… most of the time) I buy makeup products simply because I want to have them in my collection. Which doesn’t mean that I won’t use them. It just means that I don’t need them.

At this point I could go off on a major tangent and tell you that when it comes to makeup nothing is really needed. I mean, it’s not like makeup is one of the basic human survival needs, right? But when I say that I need something in relation to makeup what I actually mean is that I’ve finished a product, like mascara or foundation, and need to replace it.

Yeah, that’s what I classify as a need.

So, going back to what I was saying before, I often buy new makeup products even if I don’t need to replace anything, which I guess makes me a collector.

I’m pretty good at keeping my foundation, mascara, concealer, and highlighter stash very streamlined, but I definitely have more than I need in all the other product categories, with lipsticks being my most purchased items.

Makeup Collection
I didn’t actually need any of these products, but I got them because I liked the packaging, or because my collection was lacking a specific shade, or because I wanted to have at least one thing from a certain brand

Please, excuse the rambly post, but I don’t get many chances to chat about these types of things in the real world. Well, I mean, sometimes I do tell my partner (AKA Mr. Page) about my makeup musings, but 10 seconds into my monologue, he starts staring into nothingness, and I can clearly picture a cymbal-banging monkey inside his head à la Homer Simpson.

So please, bear with me and tell me… Are you a makeup collector? Or do you only buy things you really need? And what’s your most purchased type of product? 🙂

Carolina Braina


Hey, ladies (and gents), it’s Carolina here, reporting live from Bologna, Italy, to bring you the latest and greatest in beauty from the good ol’ continent! For an extra dose of that timeless Italian glam with a touch of humor and self-irony (because, you know, laughter is the best makeup), come say hi at carolinapage.eu and Instagram.

There are 42 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Guest Post, Just For Fun

  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Go to page 1
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Go to page 297
  • Go to page 298
  • Go to page 299
  • Go to page 300
  • Go to page 301
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Go to page 651
  • 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.