Video

Ask MBB: Makeup Tools of the Trade for Natural-Looking Contouring and Definition

March 18th, 2014 by Karen 23 Comments

I usually like to wear a little MAC Give Me Sun Mineralize Skinfinish or Guerlain Terra Nerolia Bronzer — just to add some warmth to my skin after applying foundation — and to get a very soft, natural contour.

Here’s what I typically do to contour in this video at the 10:21 mark…

I like that way just fine, but lately I’ve been wanting to try something different — a more defined, contoured look that’s a bit more sculpted, but not scary.

In this episode of Ask MBB, MAC Senior Artist Victor Cembellin weighs in with a few products and tools to get a sculpted, contoured effect that still looks natural.

Products mentioned…

Eek, I am all over that angled brush! It’s at the top of my mile-long MAC wish list.
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Ask MBB: How Do I Stop My Liquid Liner From Creasing?

March 17th, 2014 by Karen 14 Comments

When it comes to liquid liner, to quote the great Mary J. Blige, “No more drama.”

I don’t want any crazy business when I’m tending to my lash lines, and I wager you don’t either.

In today’s installment of Ask MBB, MAC Senior Artist Victor Cembellin, all around cool guy and the dude you wish was your BFF, has the cure for liquid liner madness — also known as creasing.

Products mentioned…

May your liquid liner always be like my tubby tabby’s fangs — razor sharp and feline fierce.

Meow ya later.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. Got a question for Ask MBB? Let your fingers do the talking in the comments down below. 🙂

Ask MBB: How To Get Bold, Full Brows That Still Look Natural

March 11th, 2014 by Karen 13 Comments

In tonight’s very special episode of Ask MBB, the housemates face a crisis of epic proportions…

Wait — wrong intro! Sorry, too much Bravo. 🙂

In this installment, MAC Senior Artist Victor Cembellin goes buck wild for brows — a subject I could seriously discuss for days.

FOR DAYS!

Productions mentioned…

If you’ve ever wanted bold, lush, full brows that still look natural, press play.

Thank you for watching, my friend. I know I don’t say this enough, but I love you. I love you, and I hope you’re having a good night.

Sorry, feeling a little sappy right now. 🙂

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. Got any burning makeup questions for Ask MBB? Leave them for me in a comment down below.

P.P.S. In other news, new cat sighting in my neighborhood. I spotted him on my walk the other day…

Wouldn’t ya know it? The one time I don’t have cat treats in my pocket, a new cat crosses my path. It’s so unfair. #catladyproblems

I’ve named him Lucky, and while he doesn’t know it yet, he is going to be my new kitty BFF. 🙂

A Tour and (Reverse Eyeliner) Makeover at the New Flagship MAC Pro Store at 45 Powell Street in San Francisco

March 10th, 2014 by Karen 47 Comments

OK, fellow MAC zealots, are you ready for a treat?

In this extended play (read: 33-minute-long!) makeup tutorial, MAC Senior Artist for North America Victor Cembellin works his magic on me with a “reverse” eyeliner look at the new flagship MAC Pro Store at 45 Powell Street in San Francisco (phone: 415-402-0658), which just opened its doors late last week.

The video is much longer than my usual 10-minute vids, but it’s jam-packed with Victor’s insider pro tips. I just can’t get over how much useful information he covers!

It’s neat seeing a real makeup master’s technique. Seriously, I could watch this man do circles in the outer corner for days!

The makeover was also a little historic in that it was the first makeover at the new store, and I’m kindasortathrilled to play a tiny part in MAC history. 🙂

The new flagship store is DOPE! Not only do they have everything in both the MAC and MAC Pro lines, but there’s also 45 of the Bay Area’s best makeup artists on staff.

There are stations in the center of the store for makeovers, and for even more personal attention, there’s a private suite in the back for more in-depth makeup training.

Sh*t is crazy! — but in the best possible way. I actually came this close to driving back into the city the next day to play some more, LOL!

The new store is located at 45 Powell Street in San Francisco’s Union Square right next to the cable car turnaround…

I can’t wait to go back!

Products mentioned in the video…

What you see when you first walk into the store — that middle section is where the artists do makeovers, and there’s also a lash bar, and a private makeup room in the back for personalized lessons.

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Ask MBB: Gel or Liquid Outlines for Cat Eyeliner?

March 7th, 2014 by Karen 16 Comments

Still clawing and scratching for a way to work more MRRRROW into your huntress cat eyeliner looks? Today might meow your day. 🙂

This is the first installment in a new video series I’m starting called Ask MBB. If you have a question you’d like to see answered in an upcoming installment (of course, Tabs will help), drop it down below in the comments here or on YouTube.

Today’s installment tackles a question about cat liner technique and when to use a gel or liquid to build out your look.

Products mentioned…

I hope you find it useful. Thank you for watching!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

The Fab 5, Vol. 6: Tom Ford Beauty

March 6th, 2014 by Karen 10 Comments

Hey, hey! It’s another episode of The Fab 5. In this thrilling installment (yeah, right), our heroine shares her top five favorites from the Tom Ford Beauty line…

I know Tom Ford is one of the more expensive lines out there, but if luxury makeup is your idea of beauty nirvana, then sit back, put your bunny slippers up, and hit play.

But even if the pricer stuff isn’t your cup of tea, you still might find a couple things to add to your wish list. You never know.

Products mentioned…

I hope you like. Thank you as always for watching. 🙂

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

An Everyday Neutral Eye Look Using Classic MAC Colors (Permanent Line)

March 5th, 2014 by Karen 9 Comments

Before heading to the dentist today, which is always one of my favorite things in the entire world to do (that’s actually not true at all), I did a neutral look using some classic MAC colors from the permanent line.

When I posted about this look before, a few people asked for a tutorial, so here goes!

It’s just that — uh…it ran a little long.

Dude, I’m sorry, but I ramble. It’s an ongoing struggle. 🙂

Here are the products mentioned in the video…

That’s MAC Blush in Cantaloupe on the apples of my cheeks and MAC Iridescent Loose Powder in Golden Bronze on my upper cheekbones.

Oh, and that’s MAC Plushglass in Fulfilled on my lips.

I hope you like it, and thank you for watching (and for putting up with my rambling!).

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. So earlier at the dentist, I actually did cry. It was supposed to just be a cleaning, but the hygienist said she needed the dentist to look at something in my mouth, and when he came in, he started sharpening his dental tools in front of me!

I was like, uh…no, we’re not going to do this right now.

I guess I just freaked out a little. Anywho, now I have to go back at some point to finish my cleaning.

Have you ever freaked out like that in the dentist’s office?

One Pan of Eyeshadow, A Trio of Looks! A Smokey Plum Eye Makeup Tutorial Trifecta

March 3rd, 2014 by Karen 22 Comments

Are you ready for three ways to work a smokey (or smoky, depending on your preference) plum eye?

Here are THREE different ways to rock the new Clarins Smoky Plum Ombre Minérale Mono Eye Shadow ($21)…or any other eyeshadow you like.

(Click here to watch the video on YouTube.)

The first look is the most casual one, good for daytime. The second is slightly turned up, like for grabbing drinks after work, and the third is a full-on smokey look with lashes, drama and the whole nine yards.

Definitely one for a big night out…or perhaps just to run errands around town, if you’re a diva like that. 😀

I’m using a shimmery purplish taupe shadow in the video, but you could definitely swap that out for another purple or taupe from your collection.

OOH! I think something like MAC Satin Taupe or Shale would look really pretty.

Or, you could skip the purple entirely and go with something like a shimmery bronze, brown, green, gold or blue. Seriously — whatever your heart desires at this moment! The most important thing is that you like it. Whatever it is, you’ll do great. 🙂

Clarins Smoky Plum Eye Shadow — Lashes, BAM! (Yup, this is the third look…)

A smokey plum eye makeup tutorial — A better look at my lids from the final look…

Products mentioned in the video…

Clarins Ombre Mineral Mono Eye Shadow in Smoky Plum ($21)
MAC Eye Kohl in Smolder ($16)
MAC 239 Eye Shader Brush ($25)
MAC 217 Blending Brush ($24)
Katy Perry Lashes in Punk Princess ($6.99)

Thank you for watching! If you give it a try, snap a quick pic and tweet it to me @karenmbb, or tag me at hashtag #makeupandbeautyblog on Instagram. Please!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen