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Just For Fun

Saturday Surfing

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Hey, homie. How was your evening? Did you do anything fun? El Hub and I stayed in and rented Roman Polanski’s The Ghost Writer, but I fell asleep about halfway through (it’s kinda sloooow).

Today I’m heading down to San Francisco for a photography class, and I’m hitting the road in a few, but before I go I’d love for us to catch a few waves together.

Grab your board! Come on, let’s go. 🙂


This song makes me hyper!

Enjoy your Saturday. I’ll see you in a few. 🙂

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Have You Ever Used a Special Cream or Lotion to Lift, Firm or Smooth Specific Body Parts?

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Various creams and lotions for lifting, firming and smoothing specific body parts have been around for years (hello, Clarins Bust Beauty and Nivea Good-Bye Cellulite Cream), and while I doubt that any over-the-counter cream will make the dimples on my thighs disappear, I’m not against trying anything once. 🙂

I’ve been testing two new products lately, one from Nude and one from Lush: Nude Advanced Probiotic Skincare Smoothing Body Refiner ($70) and Lush Lovely Jubblies Breast Cream ($25).


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Comment to Win Cargo Multi-Mix Bronzer [10 WINNERS]

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Looking for a flexible bronzer to bestow a natural glow? Take a gander at Cargo’s liquid Multi-Mix Bronzer ($28).

The universally flattering shimmery golden brown comes in a handy travel-friendly tube. Mixed with your favorite foundation, face moisturizer or tinted moisturizer, Multi-Mix’s benefits go beyond simply giving a healthy glow to your mug. Cargo added Vitamin E to the formula to condition and nourish the skin, but they left out oils and paraben.

If you think you might like to give Cargo Multi-Mix a try, keep reading because it’s giveaway time! 🙂

THE PRIZE

(Winners randomly selected)

TEN lucky ladies (or gents) will each win one (1) Cargo Multi-Mix Bronzer, a flexible shimmery liquid bronzer suitable for all skin types (a $28 value).


Swatches of Cargo Multi-Mix on NC35 skin: unblended (left) and blended (right)


Wearing Cargo Multi-Mix Bronzer

TO ENTER

Entering is easy. Just answer the following question in the comments (no worries; there are no right or wrong answers):

“How do you feel about bronzer?”

My answer: I can’t live without it! I use it almost every day to add a warm glow to my skin and to contour my cheeks.

RULES

The giveaway is open to US and international readers. 🙂 Please, one entry per person, and don’t forget to leave a valid email address in the comment form so I can reach you if you’ve won.

I’ll choose the winners at random from the entries received by 11:59 p.m. PST on Friday, August 6, 2010.

Good luck!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Stila, Too Faced and TheBalm: A Wednesday Sephora Swatch-O-Rama

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stila too faced the balm sephora swatch o rama

I got a nice surprise when I stopped by Sephora after work today. Sometimes the store near my house takes a while to put new stuff out on their shelves (they also had holiday items out until MARCH), so I couldn’t believe my eyes when I spotted fall makeup from Stila, Too Faced and TheBalm (YES!).

Were they just a mirage? I wondered. I pulled out my camera to capture the photographic evidence. 🙂

Stila Long Wear Lip Color ($22)

stila long wear liquid lip color

stila long wear liquid lip color
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Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Aug. 2

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  1. Mood:

    2. Not too shabby, tabby. 🙂 Great for a Monday!

  2. Do you have anything other than keys on your keychain?

    3. I sure do. A big silver “K” and two tiny stuffed creatures — one’s a ghost with a clover coming out of his butt, and the other’s a lemur wearing a green t-shirt.

  3. If you could take today off and do whatever you wanted to, what would you do?

    4. Sprawl out on the couch with a good book.

  4. Are you wearing any jewelry right now?

    5. My wedding ring and a silver Tiffany bracelet.

  5. What’s one thing you only recently realized about yourself?

    6. I’d like to work as a fashion photographer or photojournalist, but at this point in my life both ideas seem kinda far-fetched…

  6. Do you have a website or a blog? If you do, please share its name with me, the address and what topics it covers.

    7. I’m guessing you know my answer to this one already…

  7. Do you ever wear sunglasses?

    8. Yes, but only when I’m wearing contacts. I’m not a big fan of prescription sunglasses.

  8. Do you mostly shower in the morning or at night?

    9. Mostly at night unless I exercise early in the day.

  9. Three things you couldn’t (or wouldn’t want to) live without?

    10. Tea, moisturizer and my boys (El Hub and Tabs)… Oops! I guess that’s actually four things.

  10. Weekly goals:

    11. Stay mindful of the time I spend on tasks, try to eat extra servings of fruits and veggies (fiber is your BFF!), prepare at least one vegan meal, and remember to smile.

Guess what? After spending most of last weekend either ignoring or biting me, Tabs has again deemed me worthy of his presence. Shocking, I know. He’s in my lap, purring up a storm and chirping contented little meows. We’ll see how long it lasts, heh.

Okay, I believe that’s enough crazy cat lady nonsense for one morning. 🙂 Let’s get down to more important things like what you’re doing this week. Please fill me in by filling out the Monday Poll. It’s pretty easy — just copy the list below, and paste it with your answers in the comments.



1. Mood:
2. Do you have anything other than keys on your keychain?
3. If you could take today off and do whatever you wanted to, what would you do?
4. Are you wearing any jewelry right now?
5. What’s one thing you recently realized about yourself?
6. Do you have a website or blog? If you do, please share its name with me, the address and what topics it covers.
7. Do you ever wear sunglasses?
8. Shower in the morning or at night?
9. Three things you couldn’t (or wouldn’t want to) live without?
10. Weekly goals:

It’s the beginning of a new month, friend. What do you say we make it a good one?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Sundays with Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 98

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Get your beauty horoscope
Disclaimer: Tabs is NOT a certified astrologer…but he does read Susan Miller, a lot.

August 2010

Aries (March 21- April 19)
Good news from Venus, lovely Aries! Think about a mani/pedi and getting your hair done did in the latter half of the month, when Venus unites with Mars. That makes it a great time for a date with someone special. If you’re attached, plan for August 20-21; single ladies, shoot for the 20th or 28th.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)
Mars is in your corner, dear Taurus, cheering you on, and that means this will be a good month to work on your fitness (you’ll see good results!). You might invest in a new waterproof mascara and/or a long-wearing gloss to look your best at the gym.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)
Rent a few movies, get some take out, and plan a stay-at-home spa weekend from August 7-8, beautiful Gemini. Venus and and Uranus are dueling that Saturday, which could mean ma-jah drama! Spare yourself from it by staying out of the way.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)
Venus and Mars are positioned extremely well for you this month, Cancer! Get some pretty things for the homestead on August 20, and consider investing in some stylish makeup organizers and/or brush holders (or maybe a fancy mirror to beautify your vanity!).

Leo (July 23-August 22)
It’s your time to shine, birthday babe! August 9th’s new moon will fill you with energy and enthusiasm, so slip into a shade of lipstick that makes you feel (and look!) powerful. Why? Because it’s going to be a fantastic day!

Virgo (August 23-September 22)
Pack a makeup bag with your favorite low-key vacation beauty essentials, sweet Virgo, because with the new moon on August 9 falling into your house of privacy, it’s going to be an ideal time for a mellow, relaxing vacation. Find a quiet place to relax with a good book, and spend some time really concentrating on you.

Libra (September 23-October 22)
Work it, boo! With Mars in Libra this month, you’re going to look smokin’ hot for weeks (six of them). Consider trying out some new smoldering eye makeup looks perhaps.

Scorpio (October 23-November 21)
Um, don’t forget to shave your legs on August 24, lovely Scorpio. 🙂 The full moon could ignite your love life, bringing with it a day (and night) to remember.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)
This will be a great month to take a trip (particularly from the August 9 new moon onward), sweet Sagittarius, but be meticulous about the makeup, brushes and beauty goods you pack. Neptune and Mercury will try to make you forgetful, and you don’t want to lose your favorite stuff!

Capricorn (December 22-January 19)
Mars and Venus are embracing in your career sector this month, cute Capricorn, and will beam over an outstanding day for career progress. The blast hits on August 20; VIPs will notice you, so make sure your hair and makeup look flawless!

Aquarius (January 20-February 18)
It’s prime time you cleaned out your beauty stash, adorable Aquarius. Mercury will be in retrograde in your home sector from August 20 to September 12, making it a great time to take stock of your belongings (something valuable but long forgotten might turn up). Organize, organize, organize!

Pisces (February 19-March 20)
That Guerlain or Chanel palette you’ve been eyeing belongs in your hot little hands, pretty Pisces. 🙂 The new moon in your career house on August 9 may bring with it a new assignment that should pay very well.

May the stars be with you,

Grab a Seat and Stay for the Open Thread

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The workweek is looming before us (NOO!), but we’ve still got plenty of time left for fun. Put on your stretchy pants, twist open a fresh jar of Nutella (I’ll bring the spoons), and grab a seat — the Open Thread starts now!

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

During the week we mostly talked about makeup and beauty, but today anything goes. The open thread’s kinda like we’re grabbing coffee and catching up, except that we’re behind our keyboards instead of a table at Starbucks. 🙂

It takes place in the comments section at the bottom of this post, and it can be about anything and everything — what’s new in your life, things on your mind and, of course, makeup and beauty are obvs fair game. Got a new skin care product you’re loving? — do tell (don’t make me beg!). Planning a vacation? — share the deets. Trying to figure out whether you should date that cute vampire or the werewolf? — Haha! I’m way too excited about True Blood tonight!

If you’re shy, you can always talk to me, but feel free to reach out to one another, too (everyone here is cool!).

The open thread goes on all day (and night), so stop by and chill if/when you can, and feel free to pop back in and out as you’d like.

A few possible conversation starters…

  1. What drugstore beauty products do you find yourself repeatedly recommending to friends?
  2. Where did you grow up?
  3. What music have you been listening to lately?

And for no particular reason at all (beyond the fact that he’s gorgeous), here are a few random pics of Tabs…


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The Weekly Roundup: Posts You Might Have Missed

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The Makeup and Beauty Blog Weekly Roundup

Because I watched the latest Star Trek movie again last night (BEST OPENING 9 MINUTES IN SCI-FI MOVIE HISTORY!), I was thinking about doing something Star Trek-inspired for the black-and-white roundup pic at the top…but I thought I might be the only person in the world who’d appreciate the randomness of it, LOL!

How’s it going today? What’s shakin’ in your neck of the woods? I’m just over here loading up on tea and reading some gossip blogs.

Speaking of that, do you have a favorite one? Mine’s pinkisthenewblog.com because I like my celeb news on the light side, ya know? Nothing too snarky or mean.

On Sundays I like to wrap up the week with a quick look back at some of the things we talked about in the worlds of makeup and beauty (and also spend a few hours playing/practicing with Photoshop).

What was the best beauty news you got this week?

EOS Evolution of Smooth Shave CreamEOS EVOLUTION
SHAVE CREAM

My bad luck in the crap shoot that is genetics = totally your gain. Why else would the powers that be bestow upon me a dense thicket of body hair if not to serve as a guinea pig for all of (hairy) womankind?

Peep the latest episode in the epic struggle between Karen and all forms of hair removal technology — this bottle of EOS Evolution of Smooth Pomegranate Raspberry Shave Cream.

I picked it up at Target last week when the cute pink bottle caught my eye (it was also on sale for $2, down from the regular $5). Read more…

Becca Glossy Lip Tint in MimosaBECCA GLOSSY
LIP TINT

Ever since an “incident” about a decade ago involving free cosmopolitans (long story short, but I hadn’t eaten anything beforehand and weighed 98 pounds at the time), I haven’t been a big boozer, but I am a total lush (as you well know) when it comes to makeup.

I can’t restrain myself around colors like Becca Glossy Lip Tint in Mimosa ($23). Seeing how I only just recently got wind of shimmery golden bronze Mimosa, it might be a little premature to declare it “The best Becca Glossy Lip Tint evah.”

But I’m still doing it. 🙂

Like Becca’s other Glossy Lip Tints in Frappe, Colada and Cherry Bomb, Mimosa lavishes lips in wet, glossy color, but it’s even more pigmented and hydrating on the lips. As a matter of fact, with Mimosa I haven’t felt the need to start with a layer of lip balm worn underneath. Read more…

Smashbox Masquerade PaletteSMASHBOX MASQUERADE
PALETTE

Friends, citizens, insomniacs, lend me your eyes; I come to bury complicated eye looks, not to praise them. Put down that Sleepytime Tea for a second, Caesar, and take a look at the new Smashbox Masquerade Eye Palette ($35) — enemy of complicated eye looks everywhere!

You don’t have to be an aeronautical engineer to put together fly looks with this palette of nine powder shadows in neutral and jewel-toned shades. In it, Smashbox cleverly placed complementary colors in three horizontal rows, basically taking the guesswork out of color matching. It’s a breakthrough of epic proportions, yo! — particularly for lazy chicks and insomniacs (oh, hai!) like me. Read more…

Smashbox Masquerade Collection for Fall 2010SMASHBOX MASQUERADE
COLLECTION FALL 2010

I’m as happy as a kid at the front of the deep fried Twinkie line at the county fair. Girl, grab your ball gown and bedazzled mask, and prepare to be lured by a Smashbox Masquerade.

Available online now, Masquerade’s a small but comprehensive fall release with seven limited-edition pieces dressed in sophisticated indigo blue packaging. Pink, gold and peach shades softly light up lips and cheeks, and rich browns and beiges — along with a sprinkling of jeweled shimmery greens and blues — smolder on the eyes.

I think there’s something scary seductive about this collection. When I read the color story, I felt the shades drawing me into a fantasy that starred detailed satin ball gowns and glittering masquerade masks. I think the collection’s much prettier and softer than last year’s Reign, which had a cool edginess to it, but some of the colors in Reign weren’t the easiest ones to wear (two words: red eyeshadow). Read more…

TRESemme Heat Tamer SprayTRESEMME HEAT
TAMER SPRAY

Seriously, where would we be without our friends to show us the beauty light? I imagine we’d bumble our way through the beauty-sphere, eventually finding the best stuff on our own, but isn’t it nice when a buddy offers a heads up about something truly great (and cheap!)?

To wit: my pal Marisol recently turned me on to TRESemme Heat Tamer Spray ($5), and HELLO! — talk about bomb-@ss drugstore beauty finds.

I’d been seeing it on shelves for months but wasn’t compelled to give it a try until Marisol’s recommendation.

TRESemme designed the spray mist to protect hair from heat damage, to tame frizz and to add shine.

It’s a breeze to use… Just spritz on wet hair before blow drying, curling or flat ironing (it can also be used on dry hair). Read more…

Estee Lauder Blue Dahlia CollectionESTEE LAUDER
BLUE DAHLIA COLLECTION

Do you ever just stop and stare up at the sky as it changes colors at dusk? As the day slinks away? Doesn’t it look like someone’s cranking up the saturation on everything? Okay, yeah, so it might sound kinda boring, but you gotta do it every so often.

Estee Lauder Creative Makeup Director Tom Pecheux says that’s the kind of light — the colors that emerge at the moment day turns to night — that inspired the company’s new Blue Dahlia collection (have you seen the 1946 movie of the same name?). Read more…

Orly Manicure Keeper Nail Necessities KitORLY NAIL
NECESSITIES KIT

What follows is a brief cautionary tale…

Neglect your mani/pedi long enough, and your fingers and toes may turn to eagle talons. It’s true. I speak from experience. I’ve neglected my nails to the point where I could carve hearts in trees, bluh!

Enter the Lori Greiner by Orly Manicure Keeper Nails Necessities Kit ($18), a handy (ha!) three-piece set of goodies designed to make at-home manicures easier. You get a bottle of Rubberized Basecoat to bump up the wear time of your polishes, a bottle Smudge Repair to smooth over any nail polish mistakes (I always make at least one) and a small bottle of Fast Dry Drops to cut down the drying time of polished nails. Read more…

Estee Lauder Blue Dahlia Nail PolishESTEE LAUDER
BLUE DAHLIA POLISH

An inky blackish blue with a whisper of deep purple, Blue Dahlia Pure Color Nail Lacquer ($18) looks like a midnight summer sky on tips and toes. One of two polishes in EL’s fall 2010 collection, (the other’s called Surreal Violet), it makes me long for late-night adventures and broken curfews, and it’s yet another reason I’ve joined the Blue Dahlia bandwagon.

The shine? Otherworldly. If I were a super heroine, I’d deflect laser beams with Blue Dahlia’s luminous shine.

The thick texture (almost like molasses!) might not appeal to girls who prefer thinner consistencies, but it’s not exactly goopy. As long as I’ve taken my time to apply it slowly, I’ve been able to lay down smooth streaks of color from nail base to tip. Read more…

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

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