Laura Mercier

What Makeup Are You Wearing Today?

July 9th, 2021 by Karen 14 Comments

Here’s mine! How about you? Did you keep it casual today or go all out? Something in between?

EYES — MAC Teddy liner; three Laura Mercier Rose Glow cream shadows in Wild Rose, Forbidden Rose and Rose Thorn; Lancôme Le Monochromatic in Ooh La La; Laura Mercier Caviar Mascara, Chanel Boy de Chanel Brows in Black
CHEEKS — Lancôme Le Monochromatic in French Affair
LIPS — Honest Beauty Liquid Lipstick in Off-Duty and Goddess mixed together
BASE — Avene Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF50, Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua in Dore 50 and Hourglass Veil Retouching Fluid in Sand

That’s it for me.

Hmm… I wonder if any of us are wearing the same things today!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. TGIF!

FOTD: Glowing Rose Gold Lids With Black Winged Liner for Anniversary Date Night, Laura Mercier Rose Glow Caviar Sticks, and an Excellent, Affordable Hair Oil by Hask

July 8th, 2021 by Karen 23 Comments

I brought a whole bag of makeup with me to Hawaii last week, and I did not crack it open once…

I know! Pandemic-era K-Dawg continues to amuse me. ? Packing that bag wasn’t for nothin’, though, because I used it yesterday to put on some makeup. We went out to dinner last night to celebrate our wedding anniversary (15 years!), and, yes, I actually painted my face. Then I had to snap a few shots because if ya don’t take a pic (or two) with your cat, then it officially didn’t happen.

FYI, in case you were wondering what 15 years of marriage is like, in a nutshell…it feels like lugging around your husband’s pain-in-the-butt XXL bottle of gluten-free tamari in your Kate Spade purse when you go out to eat sushi (fun fact: soy sauce isn’t gluten-free), but then having so much fun once you get to the restaurant, HA HA HA!

The Warriors Roll from Sushi Tri restaurant in Novato: real crab and avocado topped with spicy mayo, seared salmon, tobiko, crispy fried onion and scallions with unagi sauce

The Pretty Lady Roll with fresh salmon and avocado topped with fresh scallop, ikura, lemon slices and special sauce

Anyway, MAKEUP! I HAZ IT! This look uses a mix of the products from the makeup bag I packed to go on my trip (so, lots of tried-and-true Chanel faves because I’m on a Chanel kick) and some new cream shadow sticks from the recently launched Laura Mercier Rose Glow collection, which, side note, IS GORGEOUS!

The shadows have shimmer, but it’s a low-level glow, not a high-shine metallic frosty finish, and it’s dreamy! The shadows blend like butter, too, so my eye makeup came together in a flash.

All in all, the look took about 20 minutes from start to finish…

laura mercier rose gold swatches — These swatches are Rosie-Pose approved!

I’m really happy with how it turned out, and I’ll definitely wear it again soon.

Before my Hawaii trip fades away to a distant memory, I’ve gotta give a shout-out to these travel-friendly hair oils by Hask I found at Ulta. I originally brought the Argan Oil Repairing Shine and Monoi Coconut Oil Nourishing Shine Oil vials with me because they were super compact and just $2.99 each, but I ended up LOVING them.

They’re great if you’re looking for an oil to apply to freshly washed and conditioned hair and want mega moisture without weight or greasy strands.

FYI, the oils do contain silicones, so keep that in mind if you’re particular about silicone-containing hair care products.

I spent a lot of time last week at the beach and the pool, and my hair would have looked and felt rough if it hadn’t been for these bad gals. Good stuff, and so, so affordable!

Hard to believe that we’re already in full-on summer, isn’t it? Back-to-school is just around the corner, and I’ve already noticed the beach items and swim suits at stores are starting to be replaced by notebooks, pencils, highlighters and book bags. It’s been so long since I’ve lived with the rhythm of a school year, and it’s just sinking in right now that since Connor will be starting kindergarten in the fall, this will be my schedule for the next few years.

Before you go, take a second to let me know what the weather’s like on your end. It’s been comfortable and relatively cool here in the North Bay Area…for now. It’s a dreamy upper 70s, which won’t last but a moment, I know, but I’m enjoying it while I can.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

FOTD: One Lipstick, Two Looks: Laura Mercier Rouge Essentiel Silky Crème Lipstick in Nu Prefere

June 16th, 2021 by Karen 9 Comments

Good morning, fellow makeup lover! Today, my colleague and I are wearing the same lipstick, a creamy pinky brown by Laura Mercier called Nu Prefere, and, quite frankly, I think my colleague’s lewk is so much more interesting than mine. ?

New Laura Mercier Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer

If you’re a Laura Mercier Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer fan, 1) CONGRATS, because it’s one of the best tinted moisturizers out there, IMO. The coverage is even, and it looks like legit real skin. Plus, they’ve just expanded their range to 20 shades!

The one I wear is called Wheat, and it’s the only thing, beyond a touch of under-eye concealer, that I’m wearing as a base in these pics. No setting powder, no smoothing primer, nothing! I think it looks great on its own.

Makeup I’m wearing in this look

EYES: Urban Decay Brow Blade in Dark Drapes, Laura Mercier Caviar Volume Mascara, Laura Mercier Stormy Grey Eyeliner, Clinique Black Pretty Easy Pen, Laura Mercier Eye Colours in Cocoa and Nude Rose, Laura Mercier Indiscretion Face Illuminator
CHEEKS: Laura Mercier Blush in Ginger, Laura Mercier Face Illuminator in Indiscretion
LIPS: Laura Mercier Nu Prefere Lipstick
BASE: Laura Mercier Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer in Wheat

Makeup Connor is wearing in this look

Pixi On-The-Glow Blush in Juicy, Ruby and Fleur
Laura Mercier Nu Prefere Lipstick
Zoeva Eyeliner

It’s going to be a hot one today, so the itinerary at “mama camp” will involve a trip to the pool, where we’ll be wearing PLENTY of sunscreen, of course!

Hope it isn’t too hot where you are.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Makeup Musings: My Makeup Style Is Evolving, and I’m Leaning Into It and Seeing Where It Goes

June 3rd, 2021 by Karen 12 Comments

One of the things I’ve always loved about makeup is the potential to explore so many different paths, and there are so many ways you can change your style and your technique, and just ways to evolve with it. Like, during one stage of your life, maybe you’re wearing full-coverage foundation and false lashes everywhere. Then, maybe 5-10 years later your idea of “dressed up” is wearing mascara and brow pencil, which you only wear to work meetings.

I think there’s something very cool about being able to reinvent yourself, and makeup is here for that. That’s one of the reasons I’ve always loved it.

This idea struck me right after I finished this look with the Tom Ford Disco Dust palette, MAC A Little Tamed Lipstick and Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer. Seriously, my makeup style has changed a lot over the past six months, and I can honestly say that I don’t love doing a complicated base as much as I used to.

Foundations, concealers and the constant quest to create a flawless base — I kid you not — used to THRILL MY SOUL, but now, even when I just wear a little tinted moisturizer, it feels like I’m wearing too much.

I don’t know if it’s because I’ve become more comfortable in my skin, or if it’s because I’ve just gotten so used to putting on some sheer tinted sunscreen and calling it a day, but, at least for now, the thought of layering, mixing and buffing 10 different base products to achieve a skin-like effect isn’t something I want to do.

And you know what? Makeup is cool with that. It’s creative. It’s malleable. There are options. It’s designed to change and evolve with you. A full makeup bag contains endless possibilities.

That said, I’m thinking that maybe it’s time to explore the wide, wide world of tinted sunscreen serums (I’ve got my eye on this one and this one) and sheer BB creams. I don’t know where this is going to take me, but I’m excited to find out.

I’m wearing the following pieces in this look…

Tom Ford Disco Dust Quad

Chanel Black Wood pencil liner

Clinique Pretty Easy Pen in Black

Urban Decay Brow Beater Pencil in Neutral Brown

MAC Clear Brow Set

Laura Mercier Caviar Mascara

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer in Wheat

Hourglass Retouching Fluid in Sand

Lancome Le Monochromatique in Ooh La la

Lancome Le Monochromatique in Soiree

MAC Powder Kiss Liquid Lipcolour in A Little Tamed

Have you gone through any major makeup pivots in your life? How has your styled changed lately? When did you start wearing more or less? Did a particular event or moment change your point of view? I’d love to hear about it.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Springy, Joyful Taupe and Plum

May 4th, 2021 by Karen 11 Comments

plum and taupe — Sometimes you just need 15 minutes and some time with makeup

Today’s minor victory? It has been two full weeks since my second shot, so I’m officially fully vaccinated! To celebrate, I ironed my shirt.

HA HA HA! No, seriously, one cannot embark upon “the after” as a wrinkly mess. I also put on some makeup, since wearing face paint with a crisp celebratory white shirt seemed like the right thing to do. ?

I did a 15-minute quickie look with taupe lids and plum cheeks using mostly new-to-me makeup from Laura Mercier, Giorgio Armani, Chanel and Clinique, because I’ve been trying to expand my horizons a little with some new products.

plum and taupe products — A mix of new-to-me items and old faves

First impressions…

Giorgio Armani Lip Power in Confident: This creamy plum lipstick’s cup runneth over with pigment. It’s creamy, lightweight and doesn’t have an obnoxious flavor or scent. I especially like using it as a lip stain.

Chanel Ombre Premier Lacque in Desert Wind: This shimmery liquid shadow dries quickly, so you have to blend with speed and purpose. No time to dilly-dally! It’s also long lasting and quite shimmery.

Clinique Pretty Easy Liner in Brown: I’ve used the black version of this liquid liner for years, and the brown is just as easy to apply. It also lasts all day long.

Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage in 4W: I’m only wearing this dual-ended brightening and camouflaging concealer in this look. No foundation at all. It’s lightweight but certainly covers everything. It also looks and feels natural, but dagnabbit if it doesn’t just slide right off my face, even when I set it with powder.

plum and taupe swatches — Plum lips and cheeks with taupe lids

Do you ever wear taupe lids with plum cheeks and lips? It’s a combo I like to wear all year long, but even more so now because the plum cheeks and plum lip stain feel very springy to me.

Makeup worn in this look

BASE: Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Brighten & Correct Duo in 4W, Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder
CHEEKS: Clinique Plum Pop
EYES: Chanel Boy de Chanel Eyebrow Pencil in Deep Brown, Chanel Ombre Premier Lacque in Desert Wind, Chanel Stylo Ombre Et Contour in Contour Clair, Clinique Pretty Easy Liner in Brown, Laura Mercier Caviar Volume Mascara, Chanel Espresso Liner
LIPS: Giorgio Armani in Lip Power in 600 Confident

Culinary adventures

Speaking of trying new things, last weekend I gave this vegan coconut rice and chickpea dish a go (got the recipe from Yeung Man Cooking).

Basically, it was just a’ight… I liked it enough to finish, but my eyes didn’t roll to the back of my head or anything.

I’m on a kick to find some great new recipes, so if you have one (or more!) you’ve made recently and love, send ’em my way! Thanks in advance.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

A Friday FOTD With Coffee-Colored Winged Liner and Bronze Lids, and New Crocs and Ugg Sandals

April 23rd, 2021 by Karen 14 Comments

You ever go through one of those indecisive periods when every decision you have to make is…extremely difficult? When I do, these episodes can last days, weeks, sometimes months. I’m experiencing one of these spells right meow, and it’s manifesting in multiple ways. Like, I’m currently transitioning all of my shoes to flats (no more heels for this girl), and I couldn’t decide between the Crocs Brooklyn Wedges and the Ugg Kari Sandals, so I ended up buying both. WHOOPS! In my shoe defense, both colors are basic and useful so I know I’ll wear them a lot. (At least that’s what I keep telling myself, hahaha!)

The white soles on the Uggs are makin’ me a little nervous because I can just see myself getting aggravated with every little speck of dirt, but a friend recommended trying a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser to keep ’em looking fresh and clean. We’ll see!

Oh, and it just occurred to me right this second that these kinda look like the slippers that Filipino moms/aunties/grandmas threaten to spank you with when you start acting up, OMG!

If I had a dollar for every time someone threatened to palo me with their tsinelas, hahaha!

Can we talk about how the element of indecision has also crept into my lipstick life?! I originally paired these eyes (coffee winged liner and bronzed lids, which I’m feeling!) with a matte coral because a coral lip is so springy…

mac crossfade april 22 — MAC Powderkiss Lipstick in Crossfade

But I also like how a matte taupe-brown lipstick looks with it too, because it has a slight late ’90s vibe.

maybelline more taupe — Maybelline Ultimatte Lipsticks in More Taupe

Which one do you prefer? The coral or the brown?

jane iredale covergirl base — From the left: Maybelline Ultimatte Lipstick in More Taupe, MAC Powderkiss Lipstick in Cross Fade, Jane Iredale Enlighten Plus Under-eye Concealer in No. 2 and Covergirl Outlast Extreme Wear 3-in-1 foundation in 860 Classic Tan

MAKEUP WORN IN THIS LOOK

BASE: Covergirl Outlast Extreme Wear 3-in-1 foundation in 860 Classic Tan and Jane Iredale Enlighten Plus Under-eye Concealer in No. 2

EYES: Laura Mercier Caviar Mascara, Laura Mercier Eye Basics in Wheat, NARS Isolde Duo (lids), NARS Coconut Grove (eyeliner), NARS Bengali (outer corner), Chanel Espresso Liner, Chanel Boy de Chanel Brow Pencil in Deep Brown

CHEEKS: Laura Mercier Blush Colour Infusion in Chai, Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer in Radiant Bronze Light

LIPS: Maybelline Ultimatte in More Taupe and MAC Crossfade

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. TGIF!!!! ?

Best Day Ever Makeup (I Got My Second Shot!), Plus Mini-Reviews of Revlon ColorStay Light Cover Foundation, Clinique Even Better All-Over Concealer + Eraser and More

April 22nd, 2021 by Karen 27 Comments

I got my second vaccine shot yesterday and, FYI, this Band-Aid is officially the best Band-Aid that ever was or ever will be. After it falls off, I may tuck it away in an envelope so that years from now, when everything is back to “normal” (“air quotes”) and we’re doing things like going to the Catalina Wine Mixer again without feeling creeped out about crowds, I’ll find this Band-Aid and think, “Eww, you’re super gross, Karen,” and “Gosh, I sure was happy that day.”

You know this is one of my favorite movies, right?

This is the most hopeful I’ve felt in a long, long time.

Because I didn’t want to forget how happy I feel, I put on some fun temporary tattoos by Tattly and some makeup to commemorate the day. I’m wearing a mish-mosh of classic NARS eyeshadows (the Cordura and Isolde duos, and Blondie, Biarritz and Abysinnia) and a few new-to-me products for everything else.

I’m wearing a mix of classic NARS and a few new-to-me base, cheek and lip products

Some first impressions

Revlon Colorstay Light Cover Foundation: I (incorrectly) assumed that because this has “Light Cover” in the name, it was a shot-out to sheer coverage, but nope! — it’s a reference to how light this full-coverage matte liquid foundation feels on skin. It’s light as a feather! The coverage of one layer is just shy of full, which is enough to hide red areas, freckles and uneven pigmentation. Then, you can add more layers, which is easy to do because it blends so well, if you want to bump up the coverage to full. For reference, my skin is dry on my cheeks and oily on my forehead, and this foundation handles both areas like a champ. Available in 12 shades, $13.99 each.

Clinque Even Better All-Over Concealer + Eraser: Normally, full-coverage concealers look thick, dry and cakey when I wear them in my under-eye area, so I kind of avoid them, but this demi-matte liquid concealer completely steers clear of fine lines. Even after it dries down, it remains smooth and flexible, which is very cool! I plan to use this as a foundation, actually, because I think it’ll be great for that too. Available in a whopping 42 shades, $26 each.

L’Oreal Shiny Lip Stain in Be Outstanding: This is neato. It’s a long lasting, lightweight, non-sticky liquid lipstick with an ultra-shiny finish. Sort of like an amalgam of every lip product under the sun! This particular one, Be Outstanding, is a rosy brown, but there are lots of other colors to choose from in the line, which, FYI, is BOGO right now at Ulta. Available in 12 shades, $11.99 each.

Laura Mercier Blush in Chai: I love LM’s blushes for their pigment and smooth finish, and this matte rose is one of her prettiest and most natural-looking ones, IMHO. Available in 10 shades, $32 each.

second shot closeup — Temporary tattoos by Tattly

The pandemic and the lockdowns have transformed me into something of a hermit, and I’m still freaked out a little (OK, a lot) about the thought of being among large groups of people, and like…doing things. LOL! I keep reminding myself that this too shall pass, and we’ll be able to do more things very soon. Like, I texted an old friend I used to work with at the bakery and asked her if she wanted to go on a hike in a couple weeks. I’m also starting to mentally psych myself up to go to an outdoor small-group HIIT class at the gym sometime in May!

Part of me still worries that we could backslide if the virus takes a different course, so I keep telling myself not to get too excited about returning to normal life right away…but another part of me also wants to be hopeful.

This past year has changed me so much, and I’m betting it’s changed you too.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

A Polished Daytime Makeup Look With Gunmetal Gray Liner, Lightly Defined Taupe-Brown Lids and a Whole Lotta Laura Mercier ❤️

April 20th, 2021 by Karen 3 Comments

laura mercier 2021 face of the day — Loving this vibe

Fun fact: makeup artist Laura Mercier spent her formative years in France. (Maybe that’s why it’s so easy to picture myself wearing her makeup while getting coffee and croissants?!)

If we were going to meet at a cafe today for a socially distanced lady date (I WANT!), I’d wear this Laura Mercier makeup look, and I’d get an iced latte and a plain croissant. What would you order?

marin coffee roasters — Incidentally, my favorite coffee drink as of late is an iced latte with a single shot from Marin Coffee Roasters.

Laura Mercier is one those lines I keep coming back to, over and over and over again. My love affair with all things LM began before I started MBB (so, we’re talking prehistoric time).

In teen romance terms, we’ve been going steady…for a good 14 years now (here’s Baby Karen mixing and wearing Laura Mercier foundation). I know I can count on the makeup, and whenever I wear it, I truly feel like myself.

I recently restocked on a few oldies but goodies (and a few new-to-me things as well)…

Caviar Volume Mascara: Epic curl, lift and volume. SO GOOD for wimpy lashes that need lots of help.
Eye Basics in Wheat: A beautiful satiny matte cream shadow that you can wear alone as a lid base or as a primer. Fun fact — this used to be called “Basic Color.”
Caviar Stick Eye Colour in Cobblestone and Moonlight: Cocoa is my favorite in this line of cream shadows, and these two are new to me. Cobblestone, I LOVE. It’s a mid-toned matte brown and adds just the right touch of light definition to lids. And Moonlight is a shimmery taupe… I like it, but don’t love it because it’s a little too frosty for my taste.
Inner Eye Definer in Stormy Grey: I hope LM never discontinues this gunmetal gray liner, which I’ve been wearing and loving for 10 years, at least.
Cheek Color in Ginger: The shade Rose is my jam, but I like this sheer matte peachy nude too.
Tinted Moisturizer: OLD SCHOOL, BABY! Lightweight feel with just a hint of tint to even everything out. I mixed Wheat with Tan and set it with Laura’s iconic loose setting powder in this look.
Vanille Gourmande Eau Gourmande: Did you know Laura Mercier makes some beautifully wearable scents too? This one has notes of vanilla, vanilla orchid, vanilla liqueur, bourbon vanilla and vanilla musk, mixed with heliotrope, lily, sandalwood and amber.

laura mercier 2021 flat lay — Current faves!

Do you have any Laura Mercier loves? I wish we could chat about them over croissants in real life!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen