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Just For Fun

Saturday Surfing

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Driving into Milan

Buongiorno, signorina! To quote many American toddlers during football season, “Touchdown!” Greetings from Milan. 🙂 I’m just getting settled in my hotel, but I couldn’t let a little jet lag and delirium (Italy is 9 hours ahead of the U.S. West Coast) stand between me and the Web. Are you ready for today’s intercontinental installment of Saturday Surfing?

I’ve only been in the city for a few hours, so I haven’t had a chance to explore very much, but the surrounding area is an interesting mix of rural houses, open tracts of land and high-rise buildings.


Lots of green!


…juxtaposed with random buildings like this one named after El Hub, ha ha!


A Milan street


See the rooftop garden across the way?

One of the first things I noticed here was how fashionable folks are. Within the span of 5 minutes, I saw a guy in leather pants with a well sculpted mohawk, another dude in a full-length faux fur, and a woman wearing a pair of crazy sky-high leopard print shoes.

Being fashion challenged myself, I feel like I stick out like a sore thumb, but hey, what can ya do? I just smile and hope for the best. 🙂

Have a great day today, and I’ll catch up with you soon. I think I need a quick nap…

Eh, it can wait a few minutes. Surf’s up!

Random Bright Spots

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Have You Ever Finished a Bottle of Nail Polish?

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chanel jade chanel jade rose
Oh, Chanel Jade, how you tempt me…

In Sunday’s open thread Beth asked a logical follow-up question to Have you ever finished a bottle of perfume? (two thirds of us have).

She wonders…

Has anyone ever finished a bottle of nail polish? I love nail polish and buy it all the time. But I never finish a bottle before it gets too thick and gloopy. Even my high end ones… I don’t polish constantly, but I do almost always keep it on my toes and at least a few times a month on my nails. Anyway, just curious!

Now that you mention it, Beth, I don’t think I ever have finished a bottle of polish (but I have had to discard a few that gave up the ghost to the gloopy monster). Wow, did I just say that?

There is one shade that I could potentially polish off (ha!) someday — Chanel Jade, released as a limited edition color back in fall 2009.

After a year, I’m about a fourth of the way through the bottle, and I love it just as much today as I did the day we met (it was love at first sight).

I can easily see myself getting to the bottom of Jade and shedding a tear crying a river.

Have you ever finished a bottle of nail polish?

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Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Today I Got Malled, and I Liked It: A Mini Monday Swatchfest

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Mall much?

She’s alive! ALIVE!

Barely.

What I anticipated would be a quick trip into the city today to renew my passport turned into an all-day affair. There I was, stuck in San Francisco without a laptop or a good camera (the horror!). That’s why I’ve been MIA, but I’m back now, holding my brand-spankin’ new passport above my head triumphantly.

Victory is mine!

While the gubment worked on my passport, I killed a couple hours at the mall.

Trish McEvoy The Power of Beauty Fall Collection

trish mcevoy the power of beauty collection beauty emergency card for eyes side

Do you know Trish (McEvoy)? I’m pretty new to her line, but I hear the vibe’s a lot like Bobbi Brown.
[Continue reading…]

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Sept. 20

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Trying to break in the Blanche Boots; apparently El Hub isn’t the only one who hates them

  1. Mood:

    2. I’m running ragged this morning (have an appointment in the city), but I guess it’s good to get an early start.

  2. Growing up, I never thought I’d ______.

    3. …blog, live in a place called Novato, or have hairy knuckles and toes.

  3. Are you an organized person?

    4. In some ways, I think so, but not when it comes to my desk. I can always find important paperwork because I keep that kind of stuff in file cabinets.

  4. What’s the last book you finished?

    5. Mockingjay, the third and allegedly final book in The Hunger Games love series. What an emotional wringer, but sooo worth it, *tears*.

  5. Did/do you have a favorite teacher?

    6. Oh, Ms. Hartunian…you were the shizz! She was my fourth grade teacher, and the only person — aside from my husband — who encouraged me to write for a living. I’d love to tell her how much she helped my confidence and how much it meant to me (on the off chance you’re reading this, Ms. Hartunian, thank you. 🙂 )

  6. Complete this bumper sticker: I’d rather be ______.

    7. …winning the lottery.

  7. What’s your biggest time waster?

    8. Pointless worry about things that are out of my control. I do it so much, you’d think I enjoy it!

  8. Something you refuse to eat?

    9. Calamari. It’s so chewy, like seafood gum, blech!

  9. Uber-dark lips — yay or nay?

    10. Yes, but I have to be in the right mood (they’re high maintenance).

  10. Weekly goals:

    11. Over popcorn last night, it occurred to me that I really should take better care of my body. I say this every week (le sigh!), but I really have to start getting to bed earlier and laying off the junk food. It all starts tonight!

What’s up, buttercup? Are you ready for fall? It gets here Wednesday, which means this is our last Monday Poll of the summer. That feels weird to say… Doesn’t it seem like we were just talking about summer plans?

I’m sad to see summer end, but I am looking forward to fall, especially Halloween and Thanksgiving because, ya know, the food. 🙂

Okay, it’s that time again. Are you ready for this?

Let me know what you’re up to this week by completing the Monday Poll (it’s easy). Just copy the following list, and paste it with your answers in the comments.



1. Mood:
2. Growing up, I never thought I’d ______.
3. Are you an organized person?
4. What’s the last book you finished?
5. Did/do you have a favorite teacher?
6. Complete the following bumper sticker: I’d rather be ______.
7. What’s your biggest time waster?
8. Something you refuse to eat?
9. Uber-dark lips — yay or nay?
10. Weekly goals:

Here’s to a fantastic fall!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Sundays with Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 105

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WINNER: Linda! For her caption, “Wow. I’ve never seen you without makeup before.” It’s funny because it’s true, LOL!

Makeup and Beauty Blog Caption Contest

  • $25 (U.S.) sent via PayPal to the winner’s PayPal account.

  • 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 caption in the comments for the picture at the top of this post, preceding it with the word CAPTION:
  • Second, you can enter by following me @karenmbb and tweeting a different caption, preceding it with the words @karenmbb CAPTION:

  • The deadline to enter is Wednesday, September 22, 2010 at 11:59PM PST.
  • Entrants must have a valid email address and PayPal account to win.
  • A maximum of two 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).
  • Tabs and I (heretofore referred to as “the judges”) will select our favorite caption (1 winner) from all of the caption contest entries that are either left in the comments at the bottom of this blog post or addressed to @karenmbb on Twitter.
  • The decision of the judges is final and binding.
  • All entries become the property of Makeup and Beauty Blog (specifically Tabs) and will not be returned.
  • The winner will be announced here within 48 hours of the deadline.
  • If the winner cannot be contacted or does not respond within three (3) days, an alternate winner may be selected at the sole discretion of the judge(s).
  • Void where prohibited by law.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. The deadline to enter is this Wednesday, September 22, 2010 at 11:59PM PST. Please don’t forget to include the words “@karenmbb CAPTION:” (without the quotes) if you enter on Twitter. That makes it easier for me to find your entry. 🙂

WINNER: Linda! For her caption, “Wow. I’ve never seen you without makeup before.” It’s funny because it’s true, LOL!

Talk Like a Pirate in the Open Thread

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Cap’n Tabs of Makeup an’ Beauty Blog

Shiver me timbers, me hearty! Today be International Talk Like a Pirate Day, arrr!

Ahoy, an’ it be also Sunday, matey, which means t’ weekly open thread. If ye feel like talkin’ like a pirate, be me guest, but no worries if ye prefer not t’ indulge in t’ seaworthy vernacular. Davey Jones knows I can only keep t’ up fer five minutes, tops.

Makeup and Beauty Blog Open ThreadIf you’re new to the open thread, here it is in a nutshell:

It’s adventure on the high seas! — but without the plank walking or scurvy. We lasses man the comments and chat about anything and everything — beauty, TV (looking forward to any fall shows?), books, jobs, pets, boys, travel, cooking, whatever!

It runs all day and night, so stop by whenever you can, and as often as you like.

Don your favorite, grandest eye patch and peg leg, and I’ll be seein’ ye soon, arrr!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. Seriously, though, you do not have to talk like a pirate in the comments, unless you really want t’.

The Weekly Roundup: Posts You Might Have Missed

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Makeup and Beauty Blog Weekly Roundup

You know the song, Everybody’s Working for the Weekend? I can’t remember the artist, but whoever they are, I think they should rename the song and call it Everybody’s Working on the Weekend. Might as well. I mean it’s true. Whether it’s school, work at the office, driving the kids to jiu-jitsu, getting that oil change, paying bills, making breakast, going grocery shopping — all we do is work!

Well ptooey on that. I’ve had it. Right now, ladies, this time is yours. You know all the things you had to deal with this week, and you did it without any casualties or the credit you deserve. So right now, for the next couple minutes, this is your special time, and I want you to eff anything that stands in your way — I’m serious — eff ’em! 🙂

I know how much you like makeup (great minds think alike), so here’s a sampler platter of posts from the past week, kinda like hors d’oeuvres for your beauty-loving soul.

Urban Decay 24/7 Jackpot KitURBAN DECAY 24/7
JACKPOT KIT

But seriously (in a matter of speaking), don’t most of UD’s holiday releases include a couple of shout-outs to stoners (ala their Smoke Out Kits)?

Unless I’m overlooking something obvs, Mary Jane’s MIA this time around. Well, there is the kit itself… 24/7 Jackpot ($39) — heh, I said pot.

Either way, Jackpot brings beautifully rich, blinged-out liners to the holiday makeup table, and if you’re new to Urban Decay, I think you’re in for a treat. Read more…

Benefit Girl Meets PearlBENEFIT GIRL
MEETS PEARL

I’m going to ask you for a favor, young lady, and I’d like you to just do it for me as a friend. Please? I need you to channel Elmer J. Fudd while you speak the name of Benefit’s new highlighter out loud.

Are you ready? Okay, it’s called Girl Meets Pearl ($30).

Ha ha!

Okay, so maybe I’m too easily amused, but at least my skin’s glowing while I laugh maniacally by myself in the corner. Viva la Girl Meets Pearl!

New for fall, it’s a creamy highlighter that contains light-reflective pigments to give skin a pearly shimmer.

Application’s a cinch — easier than downing a pint of Haagen Daz on the couch. Using either my fingertips or a skunk brush with synthetic fibers (more absorbent natural fibers could produce a heavier look), I’ll apply it to bare skin or atop makeup for a warm, golden pink glow.

Doesn’t it remind you of Benefit’s That Gal? If it does, that’s because they’re both wearing similar outfits (party foul!). Read more…

MAC Venomous Villains Dr. Facilier Face of the DayMAC VENOMOUS VILLAINS
MAGICALLY COOL LIQUID POWDER

Don’t tell Tabs (shh!), but I managed to sneak in a little pre-weekend playtime at lunch today (my original plan was to hit up the Whole Foods salad bar, but I fed a different hunger instead) with more devious delectables from the upcoming MAC Venomous Villains collection.

I thought it might be fun to take Magically Cool Liquid Powder in Cajun out for a spin, so I grabbed it and a few other goodies from Dr. Facilier’s color story and put them to work.

I really liked yesterday’s smokey look, but I had to run a couple of errands this afternoon, so I aimed for something a little daytime friendlier this time around, with a purple, brown and peachy golden eye partnered with bronze cheeks and peachy pink lips. Read more…

Benefit Magic Ink MascaraBENEFIT MAGIC
INK MASCARA

Just in case you were wondering, the answer is yes, you may replace the words to the Lil’ Kim/50 Cent joint, Magic Stick, with the name of Benefit’s new liquid liner, Magic Ink ($20).

For reasons unknown even to me, I’ve taken to singing this while I line my lids with Benefit’s new jet-black liner, and I’m pretty sure it’s driving my cat cray-cray.

For the record, it’s kinda hard to apply liquid eyeliner, even a smudge-proof one like this, while singing (try it sometime!), but in this case, I think the applicator has something to do with it.

Magic Ink comes with a thin, flexible brush a lot like the brush that comes with NYX Studio Effect Liquid Liner but less firm. Read more…

9 Things: You Deserve a Shout-OutYOU DESERVE
A SHOUT-OUT

There’s a lot of awesomeness in the world, but very little of it gets the recognition it deserves.

Like, when was the last time you gave big ups to your orthodontist? I know that without mine I’d still have a snaggle tooth, so I’d like to say thank you, Dr. Chong, and give you a shout-out. Thanks to you and to all of the people, places and things that make my life better.

Things like frozen broccoli, ponytail holders, two-ply toilet paper — all of you deserve a shout-out!

The idea’s catching on. Shout-outs went viral on Twitter this week (LOL!), with inspired tweeters giving props to everything from single parents, to mix tapes, Snuggies, brow waxers and Santa Claus. Read more…

MAC Venomous Villains Mineralize Eye ShadowsMAC VENOMOUS VILLAINS
MINERALIZE EYE SHADOW IN SHE WHO DARES

How the heck did this happen? Someone tell me, please. Heads are gonna roll! How did we get halfway through September so fast? I demand an answer!

Before you know it, it’ll be fall, then winter, then FLASH! — it’s 2049 and I’m retiring from the blog to live out my golden years in Boca with my harem of cats!

God help me…

But maybe I’m getting ahead of myself. Maybe I should just try and focus on the good things about the end of this month, like the upcoming release of MAC Venomous Villains and how much I Mineralize Eyeshadow duo in She Who Dares ($21).

I think I might even like She Who Dares more than I like to shave my big toe, which is oddly, a lot. One of two Mineralize Eyeshadows in the Maleficent color story (the other being My Dark Magic), it makes short work of smokey eyes.

On one side of She Who Dares, a blackish myrtle with flecks of green glitter; on the other, a blackish sapphire with flecks of blue glitter. Both are quite sheer in pigmentation (semi-transparent), which I like with colors this dark because it makes it easier to find my sweet spot building the colors with layers. Read more…

Rimmel Volume Flash Max Curve MascaraRIMMEL VOLUME
FLASH MAX BOLD CURVES MASCARA

When I heard that Rimmel designed Volume Flash Max Bold Curves mascara ($7) to boost lash volume by 1,400% (OOH!) and lift by 70% (ahh…), it was like teasing a dog with a piece of bacon.

Released earlier this summer in a single shade called Black, Volume Flash Max Bold Curves sports a fancy-shmancy brush built with something called “Perfect Fit technology.”

LOL! It seems like every week there’s a new phrase being coined. Perfect Fit’s flexible bristles were shaped to fit lashes perfectly and coat them for maximum lift and volume, and the mascara’s formula, enriched with keratin and collagen, strengthens lashes, getting them ready for serious volume-boosting action. Read more…

Gucci Guilty Eau de ToiletteGUCCI GUILTY
EAU DE TOILETTE

I admit it. I have a guilty Gucci conscience, and I’ve had it for years.

It all started with Gucci Envy back in 1999. I was a young 20-something lass living it up in San Francisco, you know, working for the weekends, and I wore Envy almost every day until my sketchy kleptomaniac roommate swiped the bottle from my room (I guess it really did cause some envy).

That’s around the time I moved, and when I did, I changed more than apartments and roommates; I also changed fragrances, switching to Gucci Rush.

I remember it well because I rushed (haha!) to Sephora to buy a bottle of it on my lunch break the day it came out. Read more…

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Saturday Surfing

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Hi, good lookin’. How’s it going? What are you up to this weekend? I’ve been living it up leisure-style today. First, I slept in, then I caught up on Project Runway, and now I’m watching Cats 101 on Animal Planet (I want a munchkin!).

Some days, like today, I just feel like letting my mind wander, you know? I’ve been watching the tube, surfing the web, reading and hanging out with Tabs and loving EVERY MINUTE OF IT! I almost wish today would never end, le sigh…

Speaking of web surfing, you know what we do on Saturdays, right? Last one in the water is a rotten mascara.

Random Bright Spots

New in Beauty


This makes me wanna dance!


Speaking of dancing, this kid’s got skills!


You best believe I’m in love, baby!

Enjoy the rest of your Saturday!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

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