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Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, July 11

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  • You might be wondering, “So what the heck is this Monday Poll thing anyway?”
    Well, it isn’t much of a poll. It’s more just a constantly evolving (devolving?), somewhat random list of questions I’ve been putting out to readers every Monday morning for the past three years, which I guess makes this somewhere around Vol. 176. I’ve always enjoyed reading your answers in the comments, and I hope you enjoy reading mine.
  1. Mood:

    2. Feisty and determined!

  2. Wearing flip-flops to work: yea or nay?

    3. Yea for the commute, as long as they aren’t faded, torn up or covered in sand, and the feet should be in pretty decent shape — no crusty heels or tow-up pedicures, please. Nay for the actual workplace, though, unless you work at the beach, which would then be totally awesome.

  3. Do you remember the last outdoor concert you went to?

    4. I think it was Jordan Sparks (of American Idol fame) performing after an Oakland A’s game in 2009, and I thought she was great (whatever happened to her?).

  4. I’m secretly terrified of…

    5. …getting trapped in an elevator, dark caves and porcelain dolls with scary glass eyes (I swear they come alive at night!).

  5. One day, I’d really like to…

    6. …feel like I’m in complete control of my life. Sometimes, I feel like I’m just along for the ride, if that makes any sense.

  6. I’d like to sing a duet with ____.

    7. Madge! Of course. And our background singers would be a divalicious chorus of really, REALLY hot drag queens with voices like angels. 🙂

  7. Have you ever tried to hide a tattoo with makeup?

    8. Nope. I don’t have any tattoos, although I do consider getting a small one from time to time.

  8. Things you say/sing to your pet all the time:

    9. Being a full-on, bat sh*t crazy CCL, I talk to Tabs almost as much as I talk to anyone else, saying things like…

    “Gravy, Gravy Crockett!” I actually sing this one to the tune from the Ballad of Davy Crockett. “King of the wild frontier.”
    “Who’s mommy’s precious little baby cat?” (LOL! For real.)
    “Show me your tum. SHOW IT TO ME!”

  9. Do like the taste of raw cookie batter?

    10. Um, yes. I know you’re not supposed to and all, but it’s just so darn tasty. For what it’s worth, I take small bites.

  10. Weekly goals:

    11. Make some respectable headway on my summer reading list, prepare an actual dinner every night (versus microwaving something frozen), and spend at least 30 minutes/day playing with Tabs.

You better WORK! I continue to be amazed by the pet models sending in pics of themselves posing with MAC Evolution Revolution Lipglass. There’s a lot of undiscovered talent out there.

Watch out, Gisele…


Both Bella and her mom, reader Kaleigh, love EvRev


Enzo, who lives with Jen, expertly works his angles


Rocky (shown above) and Jazz (pictured below) love to show off for Chris


Work it, Jazz!

If you catch your cat (or dog/hamster/ferret/betta fish or other furry friend) modeling with your tube of EvRev, send me a pic by e-mail to karen at makeupandbeautyblog dot com, or via Facebook or Twitter. They just might appear in future MBB pet modeling jobs. 🙂

Now, on to the Monday Poll!

  • To complete the Monday Poll, just copy the following list, and paste it with your answers in the comments.



1. Mood:
2. Wearing flip-flops to work: yea or nay?
3. Last outdoor concert you went to?
4. I’m secretly terrified of…
5. One day, I’d really like to _____.
6. I’d like to sing a duet with ____.
7. Have you ever tried to hide a tattoo with makeup?
8. Things you say/sing to your pet all the time:
9. Do like the taste of raw cookie batter?
10. Weekly goals:

I hope your week gets off to a great start. Something tells me it will. 🙂

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Dinner, 07.10.11

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Tonight’s menu…

  • Shrimp rolls: I used this recipe for lobster rolls but substituted the lobster with shrimp since I happend to have a one-pound bag of frozen, uncooked, deveined shrimp from Trader Joe’s in my freezer. It made enough for four rolls (two filled me up).
  • Baby red potato salad: Here’s the recipe. I prefer the sweeter taste of yellow bell pepper, so I used that instead of green. I also used regular mustard instead of dijon. I loved the taste and texture of this dish, but it was a little too onion-y for me, so next time I plan on scaling back on the red onions and using chives instead of scallions for a milder taste.
  • Heirloom tomato salad with basil and kalamata olives: So easy and tasty (here’s the recipe)! The recipe suggests leaving the olives whole, but I chopped ’em up. El Hub loves red onions, but I ended up picking ’em out since I like a sweeter salad.


Shrimp rolls


Baby red potato salad


Heirloom tomato salad

Sundays with Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 147

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After having worked with most of the big brands in the makeup and beauty biz over the past few years, Tabs has his favorites. From the perspective of a world famous kitty supermodel, some companies are just easier to work with than others, and MAC is one of those companies.

Why? Because they know how to treat the talent. Simply put, they know what it takes to bring out the best in their kitty models — the lurvies, the gravy, the petting.

Like method acting, it’s all about motivation. You can’t just put a cat in a Spider-Man costume and tell him to go out there and make magic happen. It takes more than that. MAC knows it. Tabs knows it. And that’s why they’ve worked together more than 30 times since 2008.

Here’s a look at some of that body of work… 🙂

2011


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Don’t Khol Me Crazy About This New Eye Pencil from Guerlain

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I love a good taupe liner. They’re a subtle, yet still different enough, alternative to basic black and brown, and that’s why I thought I’d fall for Guerlain’s new Eye Pencil in Khol Me Jungle ($30), one of three new shades for fall (there’s also one in navy and one in ebony). Not just because it’s a delicious taupe — a dark grayish brown — but also because of its totally awesome name.

Khol Me Jungle? Seriously, isn’t that great? 🙂


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The Weekly Roundup: Posts You Might Have Missed

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Makeup and Beauty Blog Weekly Roundup

Good morning, young lady. Rise and shine. It’s going to be a beautiful day. 🙂

So what did you end up doing last night? Something fun, I hope. After cleaning the entire house from top to bottom, I rewarded myself with a Chipotle veggie burrito and a trip to the mall. At the MAC store I resupplied a few essentials that were running low — the Eyeshadows in Restrospeck (love it with Soba and Sable) and Concrete (my go-to brow filler), and Lipglass in Spite (been wearing it since the ’90s).

Then, back at the home, I took the Tabinator for a walk around the neighborhood and watched some weird French movie called Caché on TV. Juliette Binoche was in it, so I figured how bad can it be? In it, a family is being stalked by someone who keeps his/her identity hidden. The stalker videos the family going about their daily lives, even from inside their own home, and then sends copies of the tapes to them, as if to say, “Neener neener, I see you! And I’m totally crazy.”

I liked it, but I couldn’t relate to the main characters, especially the main husband dude. He’s weirdly passive about the whole thing for the longest time, like doopdadoo, we’re being stalked. What’s for dinner, hun?

Anywho, how are you doing? Was there a highlight of the week for you? Something good at work or school? Or maybe a nice break from the daily grind? How about with your hair or makeup? Did you try anything new? I’ve been playing a little more with some bolder eye looks lately, and that’s been a lot of fun.

Here’s one last look at a few of the things we dished about on the blog. Hope you have a great morning, and I’ll be back soon. Just gotta refill my coffee and finish watching The Millionaire Matchmaker with Tabs (he keeps rolling his eyes).

The Weekly Roundup: Posts You Might Have Missed

Essence Gel Eyeliner Swatches FOR THE PRICE, THESE $3.49 ESSENCE GEL EYELINERS
HAVE MAC FLUIDLINE WHIPPED

Essence continues to rock me like a hurricane (and take the drugstore makeup world by storm). What fab, little steals these pigmented, long-wearing Gel Eyeliners are! They come in three shades — matte black Midnight in Paris, shimmery taupe London Baby and shimmery purple Berlin Rocks — and cost a mere $3.49 each.

The fluffy texture of this shoestring wedding of whipped mousse and $15 MAC Fluidline doesn’t hold these back at all. In fact, with the Sonia Kashuk bent brush, I find them surprisingly easy to apply, and since they’re also quick drying — like, in less than a minute — I finish lining with them in less time than it takes to say, “Ben McKenzie is hot!”

Well, ya know. 🙂 Read more…

TIGI Catwalk Session Series Salt Spray TIGI CATWALK SESSION SERIES SALT SPRAY
DELIVERS BEACHY WAVES FROM A BOTTLE

I must have been born a water baby because I could spend all day at the beach. I’m serious, get me in the ocean, and I’m a happy girl.

Rather, get me in a warm ocean, and I’m a happy girl.

I vividly remember the last time I was in the water at a warm beach because it was also the day I saw some of the best beachy waves I’ve ever seen. It was the day after Thanksgiving last November, and we were visiting El Hub’s parents in Hawaii. We spent quite a chunk of that trip chasing sea turtles, so to speak, flapping in our flippers and snorkels.

We’d just climbed out of the water to take a short break, which meant people watching and nomming on local snacks (coconut balls and Pass-o-Guava juice, anyone?). I was watching a group of kids build a giant sand castle on the shore, and one of the girls involved in its construction had a perfectly tousled, messy mop of pure, casual awesomeness on her head. She must’ve only been about seven or eight, but I remember thinking, “Hot damn! I wish my hair looked like that!” Read more…

MAC Colourizations Collection MAC COLOURIZATIONS PRO PALETTE EYE SHADOW X 2
YOU CAN’T EASILY POP IN AND OUT OF THIS DOUBLE FEATURE

The very first time I walked up to a MAC eyeshadow display case, my eyes rolled back in my head. Not because of eyeshadow ecstasy, mind you; this was years ago, and at the time I didn’t know Soft Brown from chocolate delight. No, looking down at those rows of sleek, little pots, as beads of perspiration formed on my brow, I was utterly and completely overwhelmed.

What I could have used back then was something like the new MAC Pro Palette Eye Shadows X 2 ($25 each US; $30 in Canada). Designed to take the guesswork out of choosing which eyeshadows to pair by teaming two coordinating colors together in a cute lil’ palette (and eliminating what was a major source of makeup stress for me way back when), these eight duos dance onto MAC counters with the new Colourizations Collection August 4 in North America, and internationally, some time next month. Read more…

Essence Multi-Colour Blush ESSENCE MULTI-COLOUR BLUSH
IS WEARING STRIPES TO THE PARTY BUT CAN’T STAY FOR LONG

If something has stripes, I’m usually totally into it, but when it comes to these $2.49 Essence Multi-Colour Blushes, well, let’s just say that their cute stripes and great price are just about the best things they have going for ‘em.

I give the two available shades, pale pink Fashionista and pale peach How Cute Is That, major points for looking cute on a budget, but their knees buckle beside the performance of rock stars from the Essence line, like the fantastic Gel Eyeliners.

I wore light pink Fashionista to the beach the other day, and even though I like the natural-looking cheek flush and subtle sheen it lends, the look just doesn’t last. The effect had all but vanished in less than three hours. Read more…

It's the simple pleasures 9 THINGS
SIMPLE PLEASURES (SUMMER AND OTHERWISE)

You know what they say, right? “It’s the simple things.” The simple pleasures, like sleeping in, an ice-cold Coca Cola on a hot day, a new tube of lipstick, a good hair day, a tender kiss, a comforting smile, a good hug, a stranger holding open the door, a few words of encouragement.

What are some of the simple pleasures you’ve been enjoying lately? Here are some of mine, in no particular order (I can’t wait to hear yours).

1. Lounging by the pool. My favorite part of last weekend wasn’t the plate of killer fries I had with that delicious veggie burger at the mall (although it was delicious). Nope, last weekend nirvana took the shape of my bum parked in a lounge chair by the neighborhood pool.

And I didn’t do any web surfing, blogging, tweeting or texting at all while I was there. Instead, I resisted the urge to plug in and just tried to focus on my thoughts for a while. Read more…

Tarte for True Blood PaletteTARTE FOR TRUE BLOOD
EYE SEE VAMPS EVERYWHERE GOING CRAZY FOR THIS PALETTE

Well polish my coffin and pour me another cup of that True Blood, Team Tarte, because I’d like to raise my glass! Y’all obviously sunk your teeth into the new limited edition True Blood Palette ($52). I’d stake my life on that.

But seriously, the effort Tarte put into developing this palette shows in the clever little details, like the words “Open After Dark” scrawled across the cubby that conceals the mini primer, mascara and eyeliner, and the lace threading through the grommets on the cover (er, those better not be silver!).

Saucy!

A little drawer for a set of fake fangs would’ve been the icing on the cake. After all, undead wannabes wear makeup, too, but I guess you can’t appease all of the fangbangers all of the time… But you can appease some of them some of the time, especially when you arrange the shadows in a palette in a logical way. Read more…

Tarte for True Blood Lipsurgence TARTE FOR TRUE BLOOD LIPSURGENCE NATURAL LIP TINT
DELIVERS RED LIPS WITHOUT THE BITE

Vampires aren’t known for their flexibility (their restricted diet, won’t work daytime hours, religious intolerance, etc.), but the new Tarte for True Blood LipSurgence Natural Lip Tint ($24) is. It’s one of the most flexible reds I’ve come across in a really long time.

The crayon/pencil tip makes this medium-coverage, iridescent red a cinch to apply. The color’s easily buildable, too, making it workable in a variety of occasions and looks from demure to dramatic.

I haven’t figured out why Tarte chose to give it a faint minty flavor and scent (um, how does mint relate to vampires?), but I like the way they’re executed; I think both of them are refreshing (again, vampires?) like gum.

Now that I think about it, I can’t think of a more appropriate, better taste and scent… Garlic is certainly out. Read more…

MAC Colourizations Double Feature MAC COLOURIZATIONS COLLECTION
THIS DRAMATIC DOUBLE FEATURE STARS A TEAL AND BROWN EYE

Okay, so you how when you’re in the mood to do a dramatic eyeshadow look, and you start with just a few colors, but the next thing you know you’ve got, like, 10 different shades all up on your lids?

Welcome to my world, chica.

I don’t know what it is, but when I see all of those lonely pans looking up at me hopefully, I can’t help myself. A little bit of this one here, a tiny bit of that one there. OOH! A dash of this one to accentuate everything else. 🙂

Sometimes I wonder if I have some kind of medical makeup condition that compels me to use four different browns in the crease. Read more…

Dolce & Gabbana Summer 2011 Caramello DOLCE & GABBANA ITALIAN SUMMERTIME LIPSTICK
SWATCHES AND WORKING WITH DEMANDING CATS

Seriously, if I don’t start getting some recognition from my boss, I just might go apesh*t. Don’t get me wrong, I love working for Tabs. Being his executive assistant/gravy chef has been an amazing experience, but he refuses to acknowledge any boundaries between my work and personal life.

Last night I literally had one foot out the door when he stopped me.

“Meow!” he said, knowing full well that El Hub and I had reservations for dinner.

“But it’s our anniversary,” I replied. I pleaded with him, but he just stared back at me, expressionless, as if to say, “And?” He told me dinner would have to wait until I finished swatching these new lip products from the Dolce & Gabbana Italian Summertime Collection, available now at Saks stores and also online.

Apparently, he got an e-vite from Domenico and Stefano to spend the weekend at their villa on Lake Como in Italy, and he wanted the swatches to help him decide which lip colors he should wear for the trip. Read more…

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

How to Combat Oiliness

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Sam

Written by Sam

Listen up, lieutenant. We’ve been getting our butts kicked by shine lately, and enough’s enough. Are you ready to take the battle to the enemy? It’s time to combat oiliness with the help of today’s guest post from Sam.

How to combat oiliness and shine

You peek up above the lip of the trench to scout around for a split second and then duck down again. The cool earth clings to your palms, collects under your nails. You pull your fingerless gloves on a bit tighter, their frayed edges straining against your joints. You listen and hear only the faint creaking of antiquated boards that serve as walkways, doors and handholds in this subterranean lair.

A sudden scream shreds the silence, immediately followed by a deep, guttural roar from somewhere up ahead.

It’s time. You spring from your trench, balancing yourself on the muddy edge, and finally see what you’ve only till now known as a legend. It’s giant. Amorphous. Greased rainbows slither across its filmy skin. Smokey tendrils swirl within its core, the damped sunlight seemingly refracted by its odd composition. A slick trail extends behind it; a viscous, dark eschewal of this awful thing. And you know its name. OIL.

If You Have Naturally Oily Skin

It’s time to take the battle to the enemy. Oily skin is both a blessing and a curse, but that truth no longer justifies inaction. Even though your comrades with oily skin generally develop wrinkles later in life than those with dry skin and often retain more of their skin’s elasticity over time, they must also deal with makeup meltdown, large pores and potentially horrid acne. The large pores and blemishes can be concealed, but it’s relatively difficult to keep that viscous, dark eschewal at bay until the sun disappears behind a distant crest and sleep overtakes you.

Before you charge in recklessly, you need to establish a proper base of defense. The first line comes from the use of a mattifying agent prior to the application of your foundation, which will prevent or lessen oil production throughout the day. It may sound strange, but Phillips’ Milk of Magnesia is a spectacular sebum stopper (here’s some more info on it). Just apply about a capful with a disposable cosmetics sponge after your moisturizer and sunscreen, and allow it to dry.

Dry Skin

But perhaps you’re waging the war on a different front. If your home front — your skin — is dry and arid, instead of oily, where the harsh sun glints off of the filmy sheen left by the legendary beast, recall your basic training. Check every product you use on your face to see whether it is oil or water based.

Do you remember that experiment from elementary school? The one where you mixed oil and water together in a beaker and watched them slowly separate? Well, putting both oil and water based products on your face is essentially the same thing. It could cause even the best, most long-wearing products to detach from the skin and separate into their base components, some of which could appear as blotches of shine. It’s true: even dry skin can fall to the dreaded greasy smear.

But maybe you’ve been careful not to mix oil- and water-based products yet still struggle with shine. Another common cause of shine on non-oily skin can be due to the use of products containing silicone in combination with more aqueous ones. When mixed, water causes silicone to curdle (essentially becoming a sort of plastic). As the silicone microscopically clumps and collects in minuscule spheres, it can reflect light in various and unappealing ways, thereby allowing the OIL MONSTER to prevail.
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