Lips

Chanel Rouge Coco Gloss: Bold, Bright Summer Shades in the Permanent Collection

July 2nd, 2021 by Karen 3 Comments

What would summer be without bright, juicy glosses?

These vivid vixens reside in the Chanel permanent collection ($32 each), so feel free to fall in love with one all of them. ?

Radian 748 Nectar is a pigmented true coral, and if you’re a coral craver like I am, it’s a must.

Vibrant reddish coral 752 Bitter Orange is another member of Chanel’s coral fam, and it has tiny flecks of golden glitter that make it look amazing on bronzed skin!

Now, if berry shades are more your thing, then add 764 Confusion to your wish list. It’s a bold, cheerful, opaque summer berry.

chanel rouge coco gloss 748 nectar — 748 Nectar

chanel rouge coco gloss 764 confusion — 764 Confusion

chanel rouge coco gloss 752 bitter orange — 752 Bitter Orange

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. TGIF! Sending a sunny hello to you from this side of the Pacific. I took Connor to the beach yesterday, and we were there practically all day long! We would’ve stayed there from sunrise until sunset if she had her way. I had to bribe her with shave ice to get her to leave. ?

Chanel Rouge Coco Gloss: Shiny, Summery (and Natural) Colors in the Permanent Collection

July 1st, 2021 by Karen 9 Comments

chanel rouge coco gloss shiny natural — Your lips but better!

I keep hearing about “the return of lipstick,” as if it actually went away, but what I’m looking forward to is the return of gloss.
Juicy, slick and shiny gloss.

These are a few Chanel glosses, all of which reside in their permanent collection ($32 each), that I’ve been loving on lately.

First, there’s 166 Physical. It’s a coral with subtle golden glitter. If your lips are pigmented like mine are, 166 can look pretty sheer, but I really don’t mind that at all. I actually love how subtle it is on its own, but, if you crave more color, it’s also easy to intensify with a base layer of coral lipstick or lip pencil underneath.

Next, there’s 744 Subtil, which also has major summery vibes. It’s also a coral but has rosier tones (aw, I just said Rosie… I miss my cat!). It’s a little more pigmented than Physical, and I bounce back and forth between the two throughout the day ’cause a girl’s gotta have options. 🙂

Then, there’s 724 Burnt Sugar, which is a golden caramel brown. It works well with classic summer eyeshadow shades like golds, coppers, bronzes and rose golds. If you’re into shades like MAC Teddy or Powersurge, or Tom Ford Spice, seriously, check it out.

Last, but not least, there’s 792 Aphrodite (a.k.a. “the blue gloss”). Admittedly, it looks cray in the tube, but it looks understated in actual looks. Don’t ask me how, but the blue just adds a bit of brightness.

chanel rouge coco gloss 792 744 166 724 — Ooh, la la!

chanel rouge coco gloss 166 physical — 166 Physical

chanel rouge coco gloss 744 subtil — 744 Subtil

chanel rouge coco gloss 724 burnt sugar — 724 Burnt Sugar

chanel rouge coco gloss 792 aphrodite — 792 Aphrodite

Chanel fans, which are your favorite Chanel gloss shades? Mind you, I don’t need any more…but inquiring minds want to know! I mean, it can’t hurt to have a few on my wish list, right?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

3 Summery, Bold and Bright Red Lipsticks From the Chanel Permanent Collection

June 24th, 2021 by Karen 10 Comments

chanel brights top — Bold, bright summer lips by Chanel

I’ve been affectionately calling summery shades like these my “popsicle lipsticks” because they’re juicy, shiny and absolutely delicious…in the figurative sense, of course! You ~~probably~~ won’t find me nibbling these tubes when I’m feeling peckish, haha!

Side note: I think I may have just invented something!

Are you ready for it? Here goes: ice cream that looks like lipstick. ?? Boom. Wouldn’t that be cool? I’d be all over it. MAKE IT HAPPEN, TRADER JOE’S.

Anywho, I’m revisiting my Chanel lipsticks, and these three are in Chanel’s permanent collection. I think they’re all perfect brights for summer.

Rouge Allure Velvet in 43 La Favorite ($40), a reddish coral with a matte finish that has a touch of luminosity, represents something I think Chanel does extremely well: finish. This lippie has je ne sais quoi, and you can build it up or sheer it out. Of course, both ways are super pretty.

Rouge Coco in 472 Experimental ($40) is a warm red with a touch of orange, and it reminds me that I’m a big fan of the Rouge Coco line because of how moisturizing the lippies are. My dry lips greatly appreciate that.

Rouge Allure in 172 Rouge Rebelle ($40) is a bright neutral red with a satin finish, and it works particularly well with warm brown eyeshadow!

chanel summery bold bright lipsticks — I’m on a Chanel kick, as you can see.

chanel brights swatches — Hello, swatches!

chanel rouge coco experimental — Rouge Coco in 472 Experimental

chanel rouge allure rebelle — Rouge Allure in 172 Rouge Rebelle

chanel rouge allure velvet la favorite — Rouge Allure Velvet in 43 La Favorite

Additional makeup worn in this look

BASE: Avene Solaire UV Mineral Multi-Defense Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50+, Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua in 50 Dore, Chanel Le Corrector de Chanel Concealer in 40 Beige, Hourglass Veil Retouching Fluid in Sand
CHEEKS: Chanel Fleurs de Printemps Blush and Highlighter Duo, Chanel Le Blanc Rosy Light Drops
EYES: Chanel Healthy Glow Natural Palette in Medium, Chanel Stylo Ombre et Contour Eyeshadow-Liner-Kohl in Electric Brown, Chanel Hyperblack Liner, Chanel Boy Brow Pencil in Black

It’s a Cruel Summer.

No, I’m not talking about the Bananarama song… ?

Is it just me, or can these girls only barely sing?

I just started watching this young adult-ish mystery show called Cruel Summer, and I blame it for my lack of sleep last night!

It’s about two girls whose lives become intertwined after one gets kidnapped.

The episodes bounce back and forth between 1993, 1994 and 1995, and I’m having all sorts of nostalgia for my ’90s-era wardrobe. I wish I hung on to my oversized overalls, striped knit shirts, baggy Levis and floral dresses, le sigh!

Also, the suspense is keeping me up at night. Note to self: GO TO SLEEP EARLY THIS EVENING. Don’t say I didn’t warn you if you start marathoning it on Hulu (that’s where I found it).

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

3 Playfully Pink Chanel Rouge Allures From the Permanent Collection

June 23rd, 2021 by Karen 7 Comments

chanel rouge allure ink 170 euphorie — Fun with some Chanel lippies!

Chanel. Pink. Permanent!

Thou speaketh magic words to mine ears! Or, should I say “magic words to my lips”? Hmm!

I’ve been wearing lipstick very infrequently over the past few months (sunscreen, however, is a totally different story!), so when I started downsizing my collection in May, I promised myself that the only legacy lipsticks I would keep going forward are ones I absolutely adore.

I’ve gotten rid of most of the dead weight by now and am finally at the point where I actually have to try stuff on to determine if I want to keep keeping it, and these three Chanel lippies are the next ones on deck.

chanel rouge allure 170 91 24 swatches — So pink!

Raspberry reddish pink Rouge Allure Ink in 170 Euphorie ($40) is a lightweight matte liquid lipstick that, for some reason, looks more red in these pics! — but less so in person.

Rouge Allure Velvet in 42 Eclatante ($40) is a bright and summery coral pink with a soft matte finish and like Euphorie it feels light on my lips. It also looks fantastic with black cat eye liner!

Rouge Allure in 91 Seduisante ($40) is a warm pink with a creamy finish, and I can see it being a lovely everyday color.

chanel rouge allure 91 seduisante — Rouge Allure in 91 Seduisante

chanel rouge allure velvet 42 eclatante — Rouge Allure Velvet in 42 Eclatante

chanel rouge allure ink 170 euphorie swatch — Rouge Allure Ink in 170 Euphorie

The rest of the makeup in this look

Lately, I’ve been trying to find ways to wear makeup that work for me… By that I mean that I don’t want to feel overwhelmed by the thought of blending, or, like I’m wearing a sh*t-ton of stuff on my skin. I just want to feel pretty in makeup again, ya know?

I think I’ve finally found a philosophy that works for me (at least for now). I just wear a little bit of eye makeup, coupled with keeping my skin as simple as possible. Then, I incorporate a fun lipstick in a joyful color.

In this look, I’m wearing a lot of Chanel!

For the skin, I started by applying a new tinted mineral sunscreen by Avene called Solaire UV Mineral Multi-Defense Tinted Sunscreen Fluid. It’s fragrance- and oil-free, and the tan tint actually works on my NC42 skin tone. I’ve yet to test it out on a very sunny day, but so far, I’m into it!

Then, I blended a few drops of Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Sunscreen Makeup on my cheeks, my nose and my upper lip; added a few drops of Hourglass Veil Retouching Fluid in Sand under my eyes; and dabbed a golden tan cream blush (Chanel Les Beiges in No 20) on my cheeks.

For my eyes, I started by lining my upper lash line with Hyperblack, Chanel’s long-wearing cream liner in a pot. Next, I swept the golden brown from the Chanel Road Movie quad to give some depth to my lids, and smudged the edges of the liner with the matte navy shade from Road Movie. To finish, I filled in my brows with Chanel Boy Brow in Black and coated my lashes with Laura Mercier Caviar Mascara.

Done! ?

What makeup looks have you been into lately?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. Happy hump day! ?

Try These 3 Bangin’ Bold Red Liquid Lipsticks

February 12th, 2021 by Karen 7 Comments

mac quite the standout feels so grand mac smash — Time for some red!

Check out these crimson cuties. Try one of them. Or, heck, try them all! ?

All of them are MAC liquid lipsticks. If, say, you like to wear warm shades with vintage vibes, may I direct your attention to warm orangey red Quite the Standout? Or, if you prefer deeper reds with subtle blue undertones, take a gander at Feels So Grand. Or, if brighter reds with soft-focus matte finishes rock your boat, there’s MAC Smash.

mac quite the standout — MAC Quite the Standout liquid lipstick. Winged Liner Tee.

mac feels so grand makeup nerd tee — MAC Feels So Grand liquid lipstick. Makeup Nerd Tee.

mac quite the standout winged liner tee — MAC Smash

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S.

Romantic Rose Tones With Brilliant Bronzed Browns

February 3rd, 2021 by Karen 8 Comments

mac chatterbox lmac chatterbox laura mercier roseaura mercier rose — I like this palette of luscious golden browns and dainty, rosy pinks. ?

OK, so, I wore this look yesterday, and doggone it — I felt good about my makeup. The pink blush and lipstick spoke to my soul… You can’t go wrong with springy, romantic rosy pinks. Methinks they’re downright therapeutic. Wearing pink in winter reminds me that we will see the sun again.

mac chatterbox laura mercier rose — Just a little makeup!

I’ve been doing the bare minimum in terms of base for months, but I put a little more polish into this look, and I really like how it turned out.

For starters, I mixed a dab of pearly lotion into a matte, medium-coverage foundation, then applied a thin layer with a skunk brush all over my face. Then, for slightly more coverage, I loaded a tiny, pointy-tipped concealer brush with the most minimal amount of concealer and strategically dabbed it where I have a little extra pigmentation (spots on my cheeks and around my mouth). And those couple extra things took my base makeup to the next level! Dare I say it? — an elegant level. 🙂

mac chatterbox k down havana — Swatches of the key products on NC42 skin

I felt like myself again for the first time in a while.

Yeah…I was wearing lipstick around the house again, LOL! MAC Chatterbox is an awfully pretty, playful reddish pink, and it can be quite bold if you apply a layer straight from the tube. I was in the mood for something more mellow, so I blotted it down, then used my finger to push in whatever lipstick remained to create a beautiful rosy pink stain… I think it’s springy and cheerful, and I love it. MAC Chatterbox, man! Don’t sleep on it.

Speaking of MAC, Powersurge eyeliner with Havana eyeshadow = magic. Layer Havana on top of Powersurge the next time you’re wearing warm browns or bronzes on your lids, and don’t forget to send me a thank you note when you’re done. ?

mac chatterbox laura mercier rose 1 — MAC Havana eyeshadow + Powersurge liner = magic!

Makeup in this look

Base: It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better Foundation + Skincare in Tan 41, Kevyn Aucoin Concealer in Medium 06, MAC Strobe Cream in Pinklite

Eyes:Urban Decay Brow Blade in Dark Drapes, MAC Saddle and Havana eyeshadows, MAC Powersurge pencil liner, Bite Beauty Upswing Mascara, MAC Clear Brow Gel

Cheeks and lips: Laura Mercier Soleil 1 Bronzer, Laura Mercier Rose Blush, MAC Chatterbox lipstick

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Fun Faces of the Day With Chanel Rouge Coco Lipstick in Edith, Jean, Vera and Misia | Ombre Premiere Laque in Desert Wind | Stylo Yeux in Black Wood

December 23rd, 2020 by Karen 13 Comments

chanel rouge coco jean edith swatches — A few fun Chanel lipsticks!

I may or may not have been wearing nude lips for the better part of nine months now, sooooo one could call this a “nude lip rut,” but I intend to break it with these fun Chanel lipsticks…because Chanel makes everything better. ? (Please allow me this fantasy.)

These are a few shades from the Rouge Coco Ultra Hydrating Lipcolour line. They’re $38 each, shiny, moisturizing and vary from medium coverage to opaque. Also, like most of Chanel’s lip products, they have a regal, rosy flavor and scent.

Edith is a fave! It’s an opaque neutral pink that goes extraordinarily well with shimmery taupe shadows like the one I’m wearing here (Chanel Ombre Premiere Laque in Desert Wind).

I’m also a fan of Jean, a hot pink with a purple hint. Like Edith, it goes well with shimmery taupe lids.

For this last lip look, a ’90s-style unblended lip, I layered sheer beige Vera with warm reddish brown Misia, then lined my lips with MAC Burgundy Lip Pencil.

chanel vera misia — Rouge Coco in Vera and Misia (sadly, both appear to be discontinued), along with MAC Burgundy Lip Pencil

The eye makeup

I’m always looking for new eye combos that excite me without exhausting my patience, and the shimmering taupe lid look here only relies on two things, both from Chanel. The shadow is Desert Wind, a cream shadow that comes in a tube with a wand. It’s long-wearing and sets fast, so you have to work quickly to buff out the edges.

I sure do like how wet and glossy it looks. ?

chanel desert wind black wood swatch — Love me some taupe!

As for the liner, it’s called Black Wood, and it’s one of Chanel’s twist-up, long-wearing pencil liners from the Stylo Yeux line. It’s a rich, deep brownish black.

I’ve been looking for a borderline-black dark brown liner because my MAC Coffee pencil is almost finished (TEARS!). I was hoping I could replace it with this liner because I love the long-wearing formula (it also doesn’t irritate my eyes), but I think it leans a little too black to be a dupe.

Mind you, I still like it, and I’m definitely going to keep it in rotation!

But by far the most interesting makeup around these parts lately…

Is the makeup Connor did on this blank face chart…

[Continue reading…]

DIY Eyeshadow: Mixing Bronzer and Highlighter for Effortlessly Glowing Lids (And Another Lazy Girl Glam Look!)

November 17th, 2020 by Karen 9 Comments

lancome skin feels good lazy girl glam eye closeup — Multi-use creams up in the mix!

I stumbled onto this fun way to make your own customized shadow yesterday while I was putting on some makeup to run errands — mix bronzer and highlighter together with a brush, and swish all over your lids. The result? Effortlessly glowing eyes!

I used equal amounts of a multi-use cream bronzer and a highlighter (both by Lancôme), and all I did was dip a tapered blending brush into the pan, swirled everything together on the back of my hand, and then swept the mix on my lids.

lancome skin feels good lazy girl glam eye closeup head tilt final — Lovin’ on the gray eyeliner.

I think this is a cool way to customize your eyeshadow, because you can add more or less of either product, depending on your mood.

Multi-use in the mix

You can easily complete the eye look by curling your lashes and loading up on mascara, which would be super pretty, especially if you used a lengthening and separating mascara to really stretch out your lashes.

I did that here and still felt like something was missing, so I also lined my upper lash lines by loading an angled brush with a shimmery gray cream shadow stick that also doubles as liner.

I love how the gray adds some definition to my eyes but doesn’t look too harsh, and I also love how the gray cream stick isn’t as finicky as a liquid liner or gel. It’s so much easier to control, and you don’t end up with liquid liner running amuck across your lids! ?

lancome skin feels good lazy girl glam eye closeup smile final — A bit of a bold brow, just for fun!

To streamline the look even further, I also used the bronzer and highlighter on my cheeks. Then I used another multi-use cream as a blush and lipstick.

Skin is in

One more item of note — I’ve been really into sheer bases, and the one I’m using here is a new one to me called Skin Feels Good By Lancôme. It’s a tinted moisturizer with SPF 23 and a demi-matte finish, and it comes in 11 shades.

I like it a lot! The tube and pump also make it easy to control, and I never feel like I’m wasting product. The formula feels lightweight too. It’s also pigmented enough to even out the pigmentation on my cheeks but doesn’t look too “made up.”

Good stuff! If you’re into that “no-makeup makeup” look, this is perfect.
[Continue reading…]