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Just For Fun

Sundays with Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 120

January 2nd, 2011 by Karen 11 Comments

Your Makeup and Beauty Blog Horoscope for January 2011
Disclaimer: Tabs is NOT a certified astrologer…but he does read Susan Miller, a lot.

Your Makeup and Beauty Blog Horoscope for January 2011

Capricorn (December 22-January 19)
Now, more than ever, caring Capricorn, you know what must be done. Act with a sense of purpose, and start the year off right. The New Moon Eclipse in Capricorn will help you focus on your positive qualities, no matter what challenges rise to meet you. Saturn in Libra could signal obstacles at work, but you’re stronger than you often realize and will overcome each and every one. With your nose to the grindstone this month, keep your at-work beauty kit fully stocked with quick pick-me-up products, like a new toothbrush, a luxurious hand cream and/or a new lipgloss or two — little things to cheer yourself up on particularly hectic days.

Aquarius (January 20-February 18)
Mars and the Sun will shine upon your sign later this month, awesome Aquarius, filling you with confidence, energy and strength. Utilize their power to tackle new challenges. Now would also be a great time to start an exercise class or a workout regimen. Pick up some new workout clothes and waterproof makeup, and if weather permits, consider running, cycling or walking outside to help you get fit.

Pisces (February 19-March 20)
With so many forces influencing the sign of Capricorn this month, choose your path wisely, pretty Pisces. The goals you set for yourself this month should be solid and achievable. Reward yourself for each small victory with a new nail polish or gloss, or save up and treat yourself with a bigger beauty splurge at the end of the month.

Aries (March 21- April 19)
Begin the year dressed for success, alluring Aries, and choose a work-friendly makeup palette. With help from the Sun, Mercury, Mars and Pluto traveling through Capricorn and your Career Sector this month, expect to make major strides at work.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)
Prime that pucker, tempting Taurus. Keep your lips exfoliated, and buy a new lipgloss in your favorite date night shade, because Venus in Scorpio promises an exciting romantic adventure. Expect a highly charged month filled with wanton desires and passion!

Gemini (May 21-June 20)
If your regular makeup rotation feels stale, gorgeous Gemini, make room in your makeup bag for fun this month. Two words: new colors! 🙂 Neptune in Aquarius are enhancing your creativity, so take a chance on a few shades from a makeup line you’ve never worn before.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)
You’ll could be busy at work this month, charming Cancer. Your career will keep you on your toes, and you may have the chance to travel or participate in outside meetings. Before you leave for your trip, consider replacing your old makeup bag with something stylish, streamlined and cute. You’ll appreciate having something nice in which to store your beauty treasures while you travel.

Leo (July 23-August 22)
A whirlwind approaches, lovely Leo, and you’ll be extra busy at work. Not to worry — with the New Moon Eclipse in Capricorn, you’ll also be hyper-organized and productive. Consider adding a long-wearing foundation to your beauty routine, since you might find yourself working long hours, and treat yourself to a stylish low-maintenance haircut (one that’s both professional and pretty).

Virgo (August 23-September 22)
Relaxation is the name of the game for you this month, vivacious Virgo. Book a deep-tissue massage, sip relaxing herbal teas, and perhaps stock up on calming essential oils, because the planets are trekking through your Romance and Creativity Sector, and that means you may feel pressures in both parts of your life. Be mindful of taking time out of your schedule this month for necessary rest and relaxation.

Libra (September 23-October 22)
This month you’ll be crossing your tees and dotting your eyes, lovely Libra, as the January 4 New Moon Eclipse in Capricorn will help you stay organized. If you’ve been thinking about overhauling your makeup or beauty stash, don’t delay. Take stock of your inventory, and if you find glaring gaps in your collection, now is the time to fill them in.

Scorpio (October 23-November 21)
Take care, sweet Scorpio, as Venus in Scorpio through January 7 will put your emotions on overdrive. It means more passion in your life and a greater ability to express your feelings, but it also means you may be more sensitive and emotional than usual. Keep your favorite date night makeup on hand, just in case, but also invest in a waterproof mascara, too. You never know when you might feel like shedding a few tears (hopefully, they’ll be tears of joy!).

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)
You’re going to have a great month, stunning Sagittarius. 🙂 As Venus moves into Sagittarius on January 7, your cup of love connections will runneth over! Interpersonal relationships will improve, and as the Sun and Mars move into Sagittarius later in the month, you’ll feel more confident, optimistic and alive! Express this newfound energy with a bright new lipcolor, perhaps in a va-va-voom shade of red, orange or pink.

May the stars be with you,

There are 11 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Just For Fun Keywords: tabs

Makeup and Beauty Blog’s Best of 2010

January 2nd, 2011 by Karen 13 Comments

Makeup and Beauty Blog's Best of 2010

Greetings, cosmetics comrade! Put one woman in a room with mounds of makeup, a camera and a cat, and you get Makeup and and Beauty Blog’s Best of 2010. This morning I looked back through some of my favorite posts of the year. Here’s one final farewell to 2010, in case you missed any of the beauty blogginess along the way. 🙂

Sections…

  • High-End Head Turners
  • Drugstore Gems
  • Tuts & Tips
  • Tabs the Cat
  • 9 More Things

High-End Head Turners

It’s Official: I’m Getting Naked with Urban Decay This Fall

MAC Venomous Villains: 101 Things You Didn’t Know

5 Days of Chanel Rouge Coco: Bonjour, Mademoiselle!

Time Balm Concealer Blows Dark Circles Away

Glow on with Your Bad Self: Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Blush

I Flipped My Lid Over the New Benefit Bella Bamba Face Powder

Joining the Dark Side with the Bobbi Brown Black Velvet Collection

Dolce & Gabbana, Milan Fashion Week, Summer 2011: Show Review, Interview with Pat McGrath

Clarins Is Going for Baroque with the Barocco Holiday 2010 Collection

Chanel Mat Lumiere Soft Matte Makeup with SPF 15 Helps Combo Skin Face the Day for $54


[Continue reading…]

There are 13 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Just For Fun Keywords: best of 2010

Two Ways to Win a $100 eGift Card from Sephora!

January 1st, 2011 by Karen 1,178 Comments

  • WINNER: The giveaway is closed now, and the winner is June! Congratulations, June! If you entered but didn’t win this time around, keep trying, and click here to enter any ongoing giveaways before you jet. 🙂

Win a $100 Sephora eGift card from Makeup and Beauty Blog

Have you heard the news, babes? It’s 2011! Happy New Year! It looks like we made it.

So, did you celebrate the pants off of 2010 last night? Come on, please don’t spare the details. 🙂 El Hub, Tabs and I actually rang it in with a whisper at home. I know, I know — boring. We had a glass of wine at a little place not far from here, and then shared a pizza (all of us but Tabs) at our favorite joint in San Rafael before getting home around 10. I think I may have even fallen asleep before midnight, but when the clock struck 12, I awoke to the booms and cracks of fireworks far off in the distance. I leaned over, kissed El Hub, and then fell back to sleep.

Today I think I owe the day to my hubby and Tabs, so I won’t be around very much. I couldn’t leave you hangin’ though. The start of a brand new year deserves to be celebrated with at least a little pomp and circumstance, am I right?

Trumpets, please!

(DUN DUH DUH DUHHH!)

I wish I had one of these cards for every single person reading right now, but I hope this particular one goes to a good home (yours perhaps?).

If you’re an international reader, or if Sephora’s just not your cup of tea, no problemo. The winner may elect to receive $100 sent to them by PayPal instead. If you win, just let me know which prize you prefer.

A Makeup and Beauty Blog Giveaway!

  • One (1) Sephora eGift card containing $100 sent to the winner by email (or $100 sent by PayPal instead).

  • There are two ways to enter, and you can do both of them for two chances to win. First, you can enter by leaving a comment at the bottom of this post, a comment about anything at all. How would you describe last year, do you have any goals for 2011, what would you get from Sephora if you won the giveaway, are you a good kisser — you get the idea.
  • Second, you can enter by following me on twitter Twitter @karenmbb and retweeting (RT) the following message:
    • Follow @karenmbb and RT to Win a $100 eGift Card from Sephora! http://bit.ly/eMP6tB

  • The deadline to enter is Sunday, January 2, 2011 at 11:59PM (PT).
  • Entrants must enter using a valid email address and/or Twitter account to win.
  • A maximum of two (2) entries per person — one within the comments at the bottom of this post, and a second entry via Twitter addressed to me @karenmbb.
  • Contest is open to individuals of any country who have reached the age of majority according to their local laws (18 in the United States with these exceptions: Alabama and Nebraska, 19; Mississippi, 21).
  • Sephora eGift Certificates can only be redeemed online and are not valid in stores or available for purchase or redemption in Canada. The winner may opt to substitute the Sephora eGift card prize for $100 sent directly to their email address by PayPal.
  • Tabs and I (heretofore referred to as “T-Money and K-Dawg”) will select one (1) winner at random from the entries either left in the comments at the bottom of this blog post or addressed to @karenmbb on Twitter.
  • The winner will be announced here within 48 hours of the deadline.
  • Void where prohibited by law.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

  • WINNER: The giveaway is closed now, and the winner is June! Congratulations, June! If you entered but didn’t win this time around, keep trying, and click here to enter any ongoing giveaways before you jet. 🙂
There are 1,178 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Just For Fun Keywords: giveaway

Happy New Year!

December 31st, 2010 by Karen 32 Comments

Happy New Year!

It just hit midnight on the East Coast of the U.S., so…HAPPY NEW YEAR! 🙂

Sending you all love and good wishes for a very fulfilling, healthy and prosperous 2011.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addicts,

Karen and Tabs

There are 32 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Just For Fun

What’s Your Skin Care Routine? Here’s What I’m Doing Now

December 31st, 2010 by Karen 80 Comments

I’ll tell you mine if you tell me yours. 🙂 Every so often I’m asked about my skin care routine, and because I make little adjustments to it all the time, I thought I’d share the process and products I’m using now.

Heya Milkmaid21!

(Love your Twitter handle, BTW)

Although I try new skin care products and techniques all the time, I find myself returning to many of the same core products and tactics over and over again, especially when my combination dry/oily/acne-prone skin goes ballistic.

My Skin Care Routine: The Abridged Version

In the morning…

  • Philosophy Purity Made Simple
  • Clinique Mild Clarifying Lotion
  • Korres Quercetin & Oak Eye Cream
  • Clarins HydraQuench Cream or Clarins HydraQuench Cream SPF 15
  • MAC Strobe Cream
  • Smashbox Photo Op Under Eye Brightener
  • Laura Mercier Oil-Free Foundation
  • MAC Pro Longwear Concealer
  • MAC Prep + Prime Powder
  • MAC Blot

In the evening…

  • Philosophy Purity Made Simple
  • Clinique Mild Clarifying Lotion
  • Clinique Even Better Dark Spot Corrector
  • Korres Quercetin & Oak Eye Cream
  • Clarins HydraQuench Cream

Then, one or two nights a week…

  • I’ll use the Clarisonic MIA
  • Retin A (on the days I use it, I’ll skip using both the Mild Clarifying Lotion and the Even Better Dark Spot Corrector; for more on this, see Your Skin Care Cheat Sheet: Retinols and Retinoids)

My Skin Care Routine: The Unabridged Version

[Continue reading…]

There are 80 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Just For Fun, Makeup, Makeup Tips/How To, Skin Care Keywords: howto

Cast Your Vote for Best Makeup or Beauty Product (Overall) of the Year

December 30th, 2010 by Karen 55 Comments

Cast your vote for the best overall makeup or beauty product of 2010

And now, ladies, it’s that time in the show when Hugh Jackman and Halle Berry, lookin’ hotter than any two people should be allowed to look, take the stage to announce the biggest award of the evening…

Best Makeup or Beauty Product of the Year!

LOL! 🙂

What was your pick for the overall Best Makeup or Beauty Product of 2010? Be it drugstore, high-end, hair care, fragrance, lip product, palette or tool, which product gets your personal People’s Choice Award in the overall Makeup and Beauty category? It can be a product you already voted for in the drugstore, makeup collection or skin care categories, or it can be something that didn’t quite fall into one of those three (a fragrance, hair care product, shadow quad, lippie or anything else).

This one’s a toughie, isn’t it? I can’t decide. I loved so many things — Panthera Mascara, MAC Pro Longwear Concealer, NARS Pro Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base, Benefit Bella Bamba, Urban Decay Afterglow Glide-On Cheek Tint… The list goes on and on!

Which makeup or beauty product stood out to you as the overall best of the year? Cast your vote in the comments.

Make sure I don’t miss your vote by including it at the top of your comment like so: VOTE: Makeup or Beauty Product. That’ll make it easier for me to tally the entries and share the results. After you’ve made your nomination, let me know why you picked that one product over everything else.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. And if you haven’t already, don’t forget to cast your vote for Best Makeup Collection of the Year, Best Skin Care of the Year and Best Drugstore Product of the Year. Let your voice be heard!

There are 55 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Just For Fun Keywords: best of 2010

Cast Your Vote for Best Drugstore Product of the Year

December 30th, 2010 by Karen 75 Comments

Cast your vote for the best drugstore product of 2010

Drugstore beauty kicked bargain booty in 2010, and the greatness covered the gamut from affordable makeup to skin care to hair products to tools. NYX, Sonia Kashuk, Rimmel, NYC and wet N wild were just a handful of 2010’s affordable overachievers, and they made this bargain huntress dance her “I’m saving MONEY!” dance more than a few times this year (looks like a cross between the robot and the snake).

With big budget retailers like Target expanding their cosmetics departments, the definition of drugstore continues to change. Traditional drugstores like Rite Aid, CVS and Walgreens have bargain competition now, and that’s great news for us.

If your fave budget beauty product came out in 2010, give it your vote. Which drugstore product (Target counts too!) stood out to you as the best of the year? Tell the world in the comments. 🙂

Make sure I don’t miss your vote by including it at the top of your comment like so: VOTE: Drugstore Product. That’ll make it easier for me to tally the entries and share the results. After you’ve made your nomination, let me know why you picked that one product over everything else.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

There are 75 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Just For Fun Keywords: best of 2010

Cast Your Vote for Best Skin Care Product of the Year

December 29th, 2010 by Karen 43 Comments

Cast your vote for the best skin care product of 2010

Skin care products continued to flood the market, counters and store shelves in 2010 because, well, great skin is always in. A few rose to holy grail status, but most quickly faded into the vast nadir of beauty product oblivion.

Two of my top skin-tastic products of the year — Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector (reduces dark spots to even skin tone on the face, hands and chest) and Korres Quercetin & Oak Eye Cream (I apply a layer of this rich, hydrating superstar beneath my eye makeup) — are now fixtures in my daily skin care routine.

Which one is my favorite? Hmm…that’s a toughie, but I have to go with my little angel from Korres.

Now it’s your turn! Which new skin care product rocked your skin and your world this year? Drugstore or department — doesn’t matter, just as long as it debuted in 2010. Cast your vote in the comments. 🙂

Make sure I don’t miss your vote by including it at the top of your comment like so: VOTE: Skin Care Product. That’ll make it easier for me to tally the entries and share the results. After you’ve made your nomination, let me know why it got your vote.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

There are 43 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Just For Fun Keywords: best of 2010

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

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