• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Makeup and Beauty Blog | Makeup Reviews, Swatches and How-To MakeupMakeup and Beauty Blog | Makeup Reviews, Swatches and How-To Makeup

A beauty blog blooming with fresh makeup reviews, swatches and beauty tips from your friendly neighborhood beauty addict

  • Home
  • About
    • About
    • Contact
    • FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
    • Advertising & Media
  • Categories
    • Product Reviews
    • Makeup
    • Skincare & Fragrance
    • Style & Fashion
    • Hair
    • Nails
    • Tips & Tutorials
    • Just for Fun
  • Brands
  • Store

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 723

April 4th, 2022 by Karen 25 Comments

Have a good day!

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. How are you feeling today?

    Sore, but otherwise good. We moved everything out of the upstairs main bedroom last weekend to prep for floors and paint, and all I have to say is thank goodness I purged my closet last year. It would’ve been so much harder if I hadn’t done it!

    2. What’s on your nails?

    The last bits of an improv Chanel Purple Ray manicure that I did a few weeks ago before Hawaii.

    3. Something you’re looking forward to this week?

    Oh gosh, sleeping in my bed. We’re on the couch for a few days, and while it’s pretty comfortable, Rosie has been walking all over me all night long and waking me up at all hours. She’s either sleeping on my head, underneath my arm, or between my feet. Poor thing is out of sorts because of all the chaos lately.

    4. Outfit of the day?

    Still in my pajamas: Zella joggers (the best), a light blue tee and my new gray Honolua sweatshirt.

    5. Last movie you watched?

    About 20 minutes of “Power of the Dog” on Netflix on Saturday night.
    Fchan

    6. Body lotion?

    Gosh, did I put on any body lotion last night after showering? I don’t know.

    7. When I grow up, I want to be…

    Less tired. LOL! Or, a freelance copywriter for beauty brands. That sounds pretty nice. 🙂

    8. I can’t live, if living is without…

    My Nespresso machine.

    9. Next on my to-do list?

    Wake Connor up (she’s sleeping in because it’s spring break at school), and get us ready for the day.

    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. How are you feeling today?
    2. What’s on your nails?
    3. Something you’re looking forward to this week?
    4. Outfit of the day?
    5. Last movie you watched?
    6. Body lotion?
    7. When I grow up, I want to be…
    8. I can’t live, if living is without…
    9. Next on my to-do list?

    P.P.S. Hello and happy Monday, my friend. Wishing you a beautiful and productive day! 🤗

There are 25 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Just For Fun

Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 704

April 3rd, 2022 by Karen 3 Comments

One morning before work a few years ago, Tabs was inspecting the company organic cat grass and catnip farm that encircles the corporate campus. He was just strolling along, as he often did, meowing to himself, when he walked up behind one of the feline farming engineers, an orange and white tabby named Sinclair.

Sinclair mustn’t have noticed Tabs walking up behind him because he didn’t stop what he was doing, and what he was doing was eating the merchandise.

Yeah! He was actually devouring the catnip…without written permission! He was practically mowing it down, chomping huge bite after huge bite. It was an historic violation of the Tabs the Cat Industries Code of Cat Conduct.

Now, on the one paw, Tabs could appreciate how much Sinclair loved catnip, because Tabs himself was a huge fan, but not like this. This cat was going too far.

Tabs cleared his throat to get Sinclair’s attention, who was like, “Oh! Um…yeah, hey. Hello, Mr. Tabs. Uh…I was just testing, because this patch seemed a little… We were really concerned about the weevils?”

“The weevils?” Tabs asked incredulously.

“Yeah,” Sinclair fumbled. Tabs was tapping his back paw. An awkward silence hung in the air.

Sinclair was clearly nervous, and his eyes were darting all over the place. He was actually trying to replant some of the broken catnip stalks back in the ground.

Anyway, even though it pained Tabs to have to do it, he fired Sinclair following a full and fair investigation. The company just couldn’t have its own employees eating all the merchandise.

Rosie

Ever since Tabs crossed the Rainbow Bridge, Rosie has taken up the reins as the company’s Chief Horticulturist, and by all accounts she’s been doing a great job. Our catnip, cat grass and Zinnia yields are off the charts!

It’s almost time for the spring planting, and this morning Rosie and I did a full inspection of the grounds.

Everything looks ready to go.

Hopefully this year is a bumper crop.

If we have a good season, Rosie wants to add 20 pounds of fresh cat grass to every employee bonus. 😺

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

There are 3 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Just For Fun, Rosie, Tabs

Saturday Surfing, April 2, 2022!

April 2nd, 2022 by Karen 9 Comments

Have a blooming beautiful weekend!

Hello, and happy Caturday, friend! Ahh, sweet silence. I really didn’t understand how much I loved hearing the quaint sounds of wild turkeys gobbling and leaves rustling in my neighborhood until the cacophony of jackhammering and sawing took over last week.

The construction has been moving along at a quick clip, which on one hand has been great, because most of the downstairs is almost done.

On the other hand, it’s been, to put it mildly, very, very loud. My nerves are shot, homie!

Still lots to go, though.

I’ve got a ton of moving this weekend to do again, so short and sweet Saturday Surfing today. I’ve been reading a lot about perfume lately, so fragrance fanatics, this one’s for you.

This week’s reading

  • Favorite read of the week ——–> “I’m the perfumer who created the scent you love to hate — Abercrombie & Fitch’s Fierce.”
  • How the iris root became one of the most expensive and coveted ingredients on the planet.
  • Did I ever tell you about the time I had a panic attack at IKEA because I couldn’t find any windows or exits? Anywho, another story for another time. They do have a new home fragrance collection, though!
  • The history of Acqua di Parma, one of my favorite Italian fragrance houses.

I’m off to move boxes/do squats for the next 48 hours. If we can empty the entire upstairs successfully before Monday, then there’s a good chance the work will all be done by next Saturday. Cross your fingers and toes for me!

What are ya up to this weekend?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

There are 9 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Just For Fun

Thoughts on Beauty

April 1st, 2022 by Karen 19 Comments

mac teddy woodwinked saddle
Happy Friday, friend!

Hi, friend. Happy Friday! I hope that you’re feeling warm, cozy and calm as the week wraps up.

I was putting on lipstick this morning (shout out to Chantecaille’s new Lip Chic in Willow!), and I realized something. I’ve pretty much put on at least a little bit of makeup almost every day since I was a freshman in high school.

And for the past 15 years, I’ve also wrote or thought about something beauty related almost every day — testing, taking pics and deep diving into countless blushes, mascaras, eyeshadows… It’s been quite a journey, but I think now it’s time to embark on a new one.

Here’s to driving down new roads

[Continue reading…]

There are 19 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Just For Fun

Makeup of the Day With Chantecaille Favorites

March 31st, 2022 by Karen 4 Comments

chantecaille willow lip chic before after
I’m wearing the new Chantecaille Lip Chic in Willow!

I’m on a Chantecaille kick at the moment. Do you have any favorites from the line? I could use your recommendations, because during my next beauty haul, I plan on getting a couple things — a powder blush, for sure, and maybe a foundation?

Anywho, I’m wearing a few staple favorites in this look: Mermaid Eye Mattes in Sylvie (love this all over my lids) and Bee (fabulous for smoking out the outer corners or lining lash lines), and the Cheek Gelee Hydrating Gel-Cream Blush in Happy.

Chantecaille products clockwise from the lipstick: Lip Chic in Willow, Mermaid Eye Matte in Bee, Mermaid Eye Matte in Sylvie and Cream Blush in Happy

I’m also wearing the new Lip Chic shade in Willow. It’s a lightweight, glossy cool pink. The formula has hyaluronic acid for extra moisture.

Love it! It’s elegant but not fussy, which totally suits my makeup vibe right now.

See the beautiful giraffe illustration on the cap? The website and the packaging say the Chantecaille supports the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, although it’s a little unclear if a portion of the proceeds from the product gets donated to the Foundation.

Friday’s just around the corner. Hang in there!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

There are 4 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Chantecaille, Face of the Day (FOTD), Makeup

3 Mostly Beauty Related Things: New Launches from Urban Decay and Laura Mercier

March 29th, 2022 by Karen 11 Comments

Hi, friend. If you need me, you’ll find me surgically attached to my Bose noise cancelling headphones. It’s the only thing saving me right now from a meltdown. Side note: the construction is still happening at my house.

Anywho, three quick things…

1. Urban Decay’s new All Nighter with vitamin C

Their cult-classic makeup setting spray is getting a skin care upgrade. UD added vitamin C, cactus flower water, a subtle lemon scent and bright packaging.

It’s currently not on the UD website, but expect it to be online soon, for about $33.

2. Laura Mercier’s latest Tinted Moisturizer

Speaking of reinvented classics, Laura Mercier’s Tinted Moisturizer now comes in a dewy finish. A soft pearl in the new Tinted Moisturizer Light Revealer imparts a subtle sheen.

It has SPF 25 and is available in 14 shades. A 1.7-ounce tube is $48.

3. Sawyer 20% Insect Repellent Spray

With the contractors going in and out of the house, our windows and doors stay open all day long. Unfortunately there are a ton of mosquitos in Novato right now, and if it wasn’t for this bug spray, I would be devoured by all the insects within striking distance.

It doesn’t have an obnoxious scent, and a little goes a long way. A 3-ounce bottle is $8.50.

How are things on your end? Quiet, I hope!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

There are 11 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Laura Mercier, Urban Decay

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 722

March 28th, 2022 by Karen 25 Comments

monday poll 042516
Have a peaceful Monday

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. Something near you right now?

    A white noise machine, and girlfriend, it’s CRANKING. Our contractor started doing demolition on our floors and between the pounding and the house music blasting downstairs, I’m starting to feel a little cray. It’s almost tolerable when the Dohm Natural Sound Machine is on, though. It used to be Connor’s when she was a baby, and now it’s mine. It’s one of those gadgets I never knew I needed until I had it.

    2. Banana bread or English muffin?

    Freshly baked banana bread with nuts, please.

    3. Which type of movie would you rather watch: a mystery, romance or action flick?

    I’ll take the mystery movie, and it better be suspenseful enough for me to want to fast forward to the good parts.

    4. Three things every beauty lover needs?

    Sunscreen, lipstick and mascara. Each one should be something that you absolutely love!

    5. Which meal would you rather make: breakfast, lunch or dinner?

    I’d pick lunch. For me it would be the lowest level of effort! I’m not awake first thing in the morning, so breakfast is a heavy mental lift, and dinner is too much pressure. LOL! Honestly, let’s just order takeout and call it a day…

    6. Beach or desert?

    Beach because I’m a water baby through and through, although I do appreciate the stark beauty of the desert, and the amazing things the C4 and CAM desert plants can do.

    7. Describe your current outfit.

    Striped navy and white tee, dark blue jeans, long navy sweater, neon orange ankle socks (!) and leopard print slides. We don’t usually wear shoes in our house, but we’ll have to for the next few weeks during construction.

    8. What are you reading?

    “The Girl in the Tower” by Katherine Arden. It’s a historical fantasy novel and the second book in the Winternight Trilogy, which I started reading last month.

    9. Body glitter?

    Back in the day, sure why not? I can’t help but laugh a little because once upon a time, I would’ve had remnants of the weekend’s body glitter on me on Monday.

    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. Something near you right now?
    2. Banana bread or English muffin?
    3. Which type of movie would you rather watch: a mystery, romance or action flick?
    4. Three things every beauty lover needs?
    5. Which meal would you rather make: breakfast, lunch or dinner?
    6. Beach or desert?
    7. Describe your current outfit.
    8. What are you reading?
    9. Body glitter?

    P.P.S. Hello and happy Monday, my friend. I’m channeling all the calming, flexible and good feelings today. If you could please send those vibes my way, I’d really appreciate it. Have a wonderful day! 🤗

There are 25 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Just For Fun

Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 703

March 27th, 2022 by Karen 1 Comment

Tabs may have been tiny compared to jungle cats, but he sure had big cat energy.

He was a tiger! And a lion. And a cheetah. And a jaguar. All wrapped up in one husky package.

As a matter of fact, I’m pretty sure he envisioned himself prancing on the Serengeti whenever he would launch off the softest part of my tum.

All of the animals, including the wild turkeys, are frolicking right now in our neighborhood. Dare I say, they’re channeling their big cat energy too.

Tabs had a very complex relationship with turkeys. On one hand, he wondered how they’d taste smothered in gravy. On the other hand, he knew his limits, and his limits did not include taking down a 20-pound turkey.

Rosie

As for Rosie, she’s small but mighty. Today, and she was looking particularly fetching by the way, she worked out some advanced math in her head regarding how much centrifugal force it would require to take down a turkey. Her calculations determined that the odds were not in her favor.

She’s still got some of that big cat swagger, though. Even though she knew she wasn’t having turkey for lunch, she still showed those big birds who’s boss.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

There's 1 comment on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Just For Fun, Rosie, Tabs

  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Go to page 1
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Go to page 103
  • Go to page 104
  • Go to page 105
  • Go to page 106
  • Go to page 107
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Go to page 1912
  • Go to Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

Welcome to Makeup and Beauty Blog

Welcome to Makeup and Beauty Blog! My name is Karen, and I’m a freelance writer obsessed with makeup.

Makeup and Beauty Blog features daily product reviews, makeup tips and beauty news — like an interactive version of a monthly print magazine, except with occasional pictures of my cat.

Recent Posts

Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 878

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 894

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 893

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 892

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 891

/* real people should not fill this in and expect good things – do not remove this or risk form bot signups */

Social

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Featured Posts

Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 771

Lady Unicorn

Weird Things I Like to Do

brows fill out beforehand

Before You Pluck or Wax Your Brows, You Must Do This

current bare skin status

What’s One Thing That Drastically Changed Your Skin for the Better?

Copyright © 2025 Makeup and Beauty Blog. Get in touch.