Just For Fun

Do you usually wear sunscreen during the winter? I haven’t been super great about it for the past couple of years, but this winter I decided to commit because I’m tired of dealing with hyperpigmentation. I also started using a stronger retinol which has made me more sensitive to the sun, so I layer that stuff on, girl!

Lately, I’ve been loving Avene Solaire UV sunscreen. I’m actually on my fourth bottle! Yup, I love it that much (here’s hoping Avene never discontinues it).

I like mixing the tinted and non-tinted versions to create my own customized color. I apply the first layer, wait for it to dry, then I do a second layer. After that second layer sets, I apply makeup on top.

What are your thoughts on wearing sunscreen during the winter months? Are you good about wearing it, or do you skip it?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

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 more or less random questions I’ve been posting on this blog every Monday morning for the past quadrillion years (since 2007).

1. Spiky lashes: your thoughts?

Super cool in magazines, but on me as I’m going about my day? Not so much. I end up looking like I misplaced my lash comb, LOL!

2. Have you ever owned a pair of cargo pants?

Yes I have, and I loved mine back in the day because POCKETS. I owned a full-length tan pair and cropped pair in camo print (OMG), and I wore them all the time.

3. Earrings: hoops or studs?

Small hoops that don’t require a separate latch/earring back.

4. Tote bag or crossbody purse?

Crossbody that’s not too big, not too small, with a zipper (so all my crap doesn’t fall out).

5. How are you doing today?

I feel the best I’ve felt in days! I have a terrible migraine all weekend and it’s subsided, for now.

6. Something good you can do for yourself today?

Go to bed early! The more sleep I can sneak in, the better off I am the next day.

7. Stretchy pants today?

Yes, please. And a comfy sweatshirt, too, because it’s chilly today.

8. Something you’re looking forward to in the spring?

Seeing all the cherry blossoms in bloom!

9. Maroon mascara: yes or no?

Hard pass. I’ve tried it before with a few different brands, and it never shows up on my dark lashes.

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. Spiky lashes: your thoughts?
2. Have you ever owned a pair of cargo pants?
3. Earrings: hoops or studs?
4. Tote bag or crossbody purse?
5. How are you doing today?
6. Something good you can do for yourself today?
7. Stretchy pants today?
8. Something you’re looking forward to in the spring?
9. Maroon mascara: yes or no?

P.P.S. Happy Monday, my beautiful friend! I hope your day has been mellow so far. Let’s have a great week ahead, OK? 🤗

P.P.P.S. Random fun fact, but MBB turned 15 yesterday. Thank you for coming along with me for the ride!

Hi, and happy Caturday!

Oh, and happy National Lash Day too! Yes, we’re celebrating eyelashes now. 🤷‍♀️ My lashes are currently on the hunt for a new mascara, by the way. If you’re happy with yours, please share because Laura Mercier Caviar just isn’t doing it for me anymore (the curl hold isn’t the same for whatever reason).

Lately, I’ve been wearing a layer of Ilia Fullest Volumizing Mascara with a waterproof mascara on top, and while it does the job just fine, I’d prefer to have a one-and-done solution, so let me know if you’ve found anything life changing!

Speaking of lashes, Connor had a mini-meltdown over her eyelashes recently. Hers are long and curly like El Hub’s, and they often get caught in her eyes, which is very uncomfortable for her. When it happens, I either help her use a washcloth or rinse out her eyes with water to get the stuck lashes out.

Anywho, it happened again the other day, and she started talking about cutting her lashes off because they were so bothersome… I shut that down real quick. I think between the “absolutely not” and “you’re gonna poke your eye out,” something may have gotten lost in translation because she just started bawling. I held her in my arms and assured her that it wasn’t always going to be a problem, and that one day she’d be grateful for such lovely lashes. Then we rinsed out her eyes and went about business as usual.

So yeah, happy National Lash Day. I hope you aren’t having a meltdown!

This week’s reading

• Social media influencers are now cloning their pets…
• Debbie Harry on red lipstick: “Red lipstick can be one of the disasters with smearing and bleeding, but then again, these can be intriguing looks to develop. I didn’t always wear red lips, and the shades of red varied according to what I was wearing, my mood, or whatever I had available. I always like shades that had names that implied something wild, tempting, or nasty.”
• Stevie Nicks is still living her dreams. 😊
• Acne is generally regarded differently in Korea than it is in the United States. In Korea, dermatologists focus on hydration and moisture barrier support to prevent blemishes.
• Dog cologne is a thing. 🙄

One of my favorite cat “ladies” is clearly not a minimalist.

If you like fancy things…

I want to do this!

“I don’t like open concepts. Give me a room where I can shut a door.” <-----same

Have a wonderful rest of your weekend. Anything exciting happening on your end? 😃

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

As I live and breathe! There’s now nail polish designed purposefully to be peeled off in two-to-four days.

It’s by a brand called BBx Elsa. Their quick-dry Peelable Nail Polishes cater to those who prefer to switch up their color often.

The polish contains 60% water and is intentionally designed to be peeled off like a sticker. After you paint, you wait two-to-three minutes, then you’re done.

If you want, you can also layer on a top coat, and yes, the polish is supposed to still stay peelable, even with a clear coat on top. There are two sets to choose from with three shades in each set; you can buy them online for $42 each.

I like to paint my nails on the weekend and keeps the same color on for a week, so this concept absolutely blows my mind. I’m sooooo not the target market, LOL!

I do love the fact that the polish dries so quickly, but I can’t see myself reapplying a mani multiple times throughout the week, even if it takes less than five minutes total.

I guess this could be revolutionary, though, if you’re the type of person who gets antsy seeing the same shade on your nails! I have a friend who switches her nail polish often, and so I can see it appealing to those who aren’t keen on committing to the same shade.

What do you think about peelable nail polish? Do you think it’s something that might catch on? And does it hold any “ap-peel” (girl, you know I had to go there) for you?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

1. Old Navy High-Rise Bike Shorts

These are high-rise bike shorts made out of soft jersey material.

I bought a few on a whim to wear underneath dresses in the spring and summer, and they’re fantastic! The material feels good against my skin, and the rise is high enough to keep my tum-tum feeling supported. They’re available in several neutral colors; I bought basic black and two shades of brown.

2. Appointed Notebooks

If you’re into paper goods, I think you’ll LOVE these notebooks. I received one as a gift from my friend Kelly and now I’m obsessed.

Both the cover and the paper inside feel thick and sturdy, so it’s built to last. Plus, you gotta love a monogram!

3. Juice Newton

I’m going through a phase and have been bumping her music for days.

I especially love the part in “Angel of the Morning” when she belts it! Also, her hair in this video is epic.

“Queen of Hearts” will always be my fave, though.

Side note: is it just me, or would “Queen of Hearts” be a fun song for a punk band to cover? I can totally hear it.

4. NARS Kalahari eyeshadow duo

Oldie but a goodie. I’ve been wearing it with MAC Teddy on my lash and water lines.

5. Using resistance bands in leg workouts

I throw a medium or a heavy band on while I do squats, and OH, MAMA. I feel the burn!

The bands make my leg days that much more efficient because they force me to work that much harder, and the next day my legs are sore (in a good way).

What’ve you been loving lately?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

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 more or less random questions I’ve been posting on this blog every Monday morning for the past quadrillion years (since 2007).

1. Who’s your Valentine?

I have the same three every year: El Hub, Connor and Rosie-Pose.

2. Chocolate or flowers?

See’s Candies, please!

3. Red or pink lipstick?

I love both, but today I’m feeling pink.

4. Clogs: yes or no?

Ya know, I used to be a hater, but after my brief stint working in the bakery, now I’m a fan.

5. A song you heard recently?

“Playin’ with the queen of hearts…”


6. Retinol?

Yup. I like the ones by Neutrogena and Avene.

7. Red or pink nail polish?

Flamingo pink!

8. Red or pink eyeshadow?

Red can look editorial and dramatic, but I haven’t been into that sort of makeup lately, so I’ll go with a soft wash of satiny pink.

9. Valentine’s Day: love it or leave it?

LOVE IT!

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. Who’s your Valentine?
2. Chocolate or flowers?
3. Red or pink lipstick?
4. Clogs: yes or no?
5. A song you heard recently?
6. Retinol?
7. Red or pink nail polish?
8. Red or pink eyeshadow?
9. Valentine’s Day: love it or leave it?

P.P.S. Happy Valentine’s day, my sweet friend. Sending you an extra squeeze-y hug today! 🤗