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Two Ways to Win a $50 eGift Card from Sephora!

June 18th, 2011 by Karen 521 Comments

  • WINNER: The giveaway is closed now, and the winner is Amanda! Congratulations, Amanda! If you entered but didn’t win this time around, keep trying, and click here to enter any ongoing giveaways before you jet. 🙂

Win a $50 Sephora eGift card from Makeup and Beauty Blog
Rise and shine, morning glory! And give it your all, too, because I sure could use a little help this morning in the rising and shining departments, if you know what I mean. I feel like I had too much coffee and tea yesterday, and now I have a caffeine hangover, or something like that. I’m not sure there is such a thing, but I feel like my brain cells aren’t awake yet. “Sure, you can get up, girl, but we’re sleeping in!”

Please bear with me today if I say something that doesn’t quite make sense, or if I go off on weird tangents.

Well, weirder than usual. 🙂

Oh, speaking of tangents, El Hub and I did go to that movie last night, Super 8. In a word: fascinating! Not so much the movie itself, although I did enjoy it, but just how authentically Steven Spielberg it feels. He produced the film, but J.J. Abrams directed, and in many ways it seems like a tribute to Spielberg’s ’80s movies like E.T. and Raiders of the Lost Ark — sort of a throwback to the Golden Age of movies with the spectator as a wide-eyed child, overwhelmed by sound and spectacle, people frantically running around, and lots of fast camera close-ups on faces during big revealing scenes. I grew up on a steady diet of that stuff, so it was fun and, at times, nostalgic to see another talented director faithfully imitate the style so well.

In the film, a group of middle-school friends circa 1979 are making a low-budget movie of their own, a zombie flick, and low-budget doesn’t do justice to their resources. All they really have is a commitment to making a good picture and their own belongings to use as props. Plus, the town they live in as the backdrop, and it’s while filming one scene that they decide to use a passing train to enhance their movie’s “production value.” Of course, that’s when something BIG happens and the story starts rolling. They find themselves caught in the middle of a catastrophic train crash with secret Air Force cargo, etc. etc. [INSERT ALIEN HERE].

I think the movie itself feels maybe a tad too long in the second half, but I really enjoyed it. Highly recommended, especially if you fondly recall Steven Spielberg’s older movies.

Hmm…

Okay, so I know that none of that had to do with makeup or beauty. See, I warned you about me today. 🙂

While I go try to get my brain cells out of bed, please stick around for a bit. It’s…

A Makeup and Beauty Blog Giveaway!

Win a $50 eGift card from Sephora

  • One (1) Sephora eGift card containing $50 sent to the winner by email (or $50 sent by PayPal instead).

  • There are two ways to enter, and you can do both of them for two chances to win. First, you can enter by leaving a comment at the bottom of this post, a comment about anything at all, like, have you ever helped friends film a low-budget movie? What’s the first movie you can remember going to see? Which actress strikes you as having consistently the best makeup? Have you ever thought about working as a movie makeup artist? Describe the most elaborate/theatrical makeup look you ever wore and what it was for (a big date, Halloween, a play) — you get the idea.
  • Second, you can enter by following me on twitter Twitter @karenmbb and retweeting (RT) the following message:
    • Follow @karenmbb and RT to Win a $50 eGift Card from Sephora! http://bit.ly/kSa1Oa

  • The deadline to enter is Sunday, June 19, 2011 at 11:59PM (PT).
  • Entrants must enter using a valid email address and/or Twitter account to win.
  • A maximum of two (2) entries per person — one within the comments at the bottom of this post, and a second entry via Twitter addressed to me @karenmbb.
  • Contest is open to individuals of any country who have reached the age of majority according to their local laws (18 in the United States with these exceptions: Alabama and Nebraska, 19; Mississippi, 21).
  • Sephora eGift Certificates can only be redeemed online and are not valid in stores or available for purchase or redemption in Canada. The winner may opt to substitute the Sephora eGift card prize for $50 sent directly to their email address by PayPal.
  • Tabs and I (heretofore referred to as “T-Money and K-Dawg”) will select one (1) winner at random from the entries either left in the comments at the bottom of this blog post or addressed to @karenmbb on Twitter.
  • The winner will be announced here within 48 hours of the deadline.
  • Void where prohibited by law.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

  • WINNER: The giveaway is closed now, and the winner is Amanda! Congratulations, Amanda! If you entered but didn’t win this time around, keep trying, and click here to enter any ongoing giveaways before you jet. 🙂
There are 521 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Just For Fun Keywords: giveaway

5 More Highly Recommended Sports Bras

June 17th, 2011 by Karen 32 Comments


Let’s go for a run! (I’m not wearing a stitch of makeup in this pic, eek!)

The Lululemon Athletica 50 Rep Bra continues to rock my socks, among other things, but like everything great, it may not satisfy my needs forever, which is why I really appreciate all of the awesome sports bra recommendations you left in the comments earlier this week.

I thought it might be handy to round them up in one place with links, just in case you’re on the market for a new sports bra.

And if you already own one that you’re happy with, please share the make/model. As a resource, this particular list is lacking in budget bras. Maybe there just aren’t very many good inexpensive ones out there, but if you happen to know of any, please pass ’em along. 🙂

1. Royce Impact Free Sports Bra ($50)

Royce Impact Free Sports Bra

The Royce Impact Free Sports Bra is built to provide maximum support for larger sizes. Reader Nekosan says it’s, “Totally. Awesome. It actually comes in 28 and 30 band sizes, too!”

“This sports bra by Royce is styled in cotton rich fabric. Offering maximum support, it has dual layered cups with a wide concealed underband. With padded straps for comfort, its seamless inner cups wick away moisture. It fastens with velcro and hooks.” – figleaves.com

2. Title Nine 3-Reasons Support Bra ($44)

Title Nine 3 Reasons Support Bra

Reader Hyzenthlay recommends the Title Nine 3-Reasons Support Bra, saying “They are expensive, but it’s hard to find a good sports bra when you’re a D-cup (or larger!).”

With adjustable straps and a back closure for a custom fit, it’s another model designed to provide maximum support, even in high-impact activities like running.

“There are at least 3 reasons to buy this bra: First, it is the most popular bra for both our employees and our customers. 2nd: the super-support keeps D and DD cups from bouncing, even in high impact activity. 3rd: this bra will keep you cool and dry, with wicking fabrics throughout. Adjustable straps and back closure make for a close-to-custom fit. By Moving Comfort. 32-40 C-DD” – titlenine.com

3. Moving Comfort Juno Bra ($52)

REI Moving Comfort Sports Bra

Looking for a racer back option? The Moving Comfort Juno Bra fits the bill. It has a racer back design and shouldn’t slip off your shoulders.

Reader E says it doesn’t only look cute under a tank top. It’s also comfortable as all heck. She “…ran a marathon in it a few months ago with no hitches.”

“The Moving Comfort Juno sports bra offers supportive comfort during aerobics, trail runs, climbing, gym sessions and other high-impact activities. Soft polyester/spandex fabric wicks moisture away from skin; mesh insets offers cooling ventilation. Lower elastic band keeps bra secure without stifling skin underneath. Seam-free interior cups increase comfort. Front straps adjust using a concealed rip-and-stick closure. The fabric of the Moving Comfort Juno sports bra features an antimicrobial treatment that helps reduce odors.” – rei.com

[Continue reading…]

There are 32 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Beauty Tips

MAC Bloggers’ Obsessions Eyeshadow Swatches

June 17th, 2011 by Karen 38 Comments

Last batch of swatches — the four Eyeshadows from the MAC Bloggers’ Obsessions Collection. Can I just say that Tabs is mad as hell right now? I’ve been swatching all morning and haven’t taken him out for his usual walk, so he’s been biting my elbows and swiping my feet. Ah, to live with a diva kitty…


Eyeshadows from the left: Sparkle, Neely, Sparkle; Parisian Skies, Hocus Pocus and Jealousy Wakes

For more on the MAC Bloggers’ Obsessions collection, check out…
  • MAC Bloggers’ Obsessions Collection Lipglass Swatches
  • The MAC Bloggers’ Obsessions Collection: MAC Evolution Revolution Lipglass
  • 12 Ways to Wear MAC Evolution Revolution Lipglass
  • Go Behind the Scenes at the MAC Cosmetics Production Facility and Estée Lauder Companies Canadian Innovation Centre
  • MAC Bloggers’ Obsessions Swatches and Pictures


Eyeshadow in Jealousy Wakes with Lipglass in Evolution Revolution


Eyeshadow in Hocus Pocus with Lipglass in All of My Purple Life
[Continue reading…]

There are 38 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: MAC Makeup Keywords: mac

MAC Bloggers’ Obsessions Collection Lipglass Swatches

June 17th, 2011 by Karen 93 Comments

Lip swatches of the five Lipglasses from the MAC Bloggers’ Obsessions Collection. Please excuse the hair! I took the world’s fastest shower before taking these pics and have absolutely no idea what’s going on with the birds nest on top of my head.

For more on the MAC Bloggers’ Obsessions collection, check out…
  • The MAC Bloggers’ Obsessions Collection: MAC Evolution Revolution Lipglass
  • 12 Ways to Wear MAC Evolution Revolution Lipglass
  • Go Behind the Scenes at the MAC Cosmetics Production Facility and Estée Lauder Companies Canadian Innovation Centre
  • MAC Bloggers’ Obsessions Swatches and Pictures


All of My Purple Life


Caqui
[Continue reading…]

There are 93 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: MAC Makeup Keywords: mac

MAC Bloggers’ Obsessions Swatches and Pictures

June 17th, 2011 by Karen 33 Comments


Clockwise from lower left: Lipglass in Evolution Revolution; Lipglass in Caqui; Lipglass in Sonoran Rain; Lipglass in Nitro:Licious 2046; Lipglass in All of My Purple Life; Eyeshadow in Sparkle, Neely, Sparkle; Eyeshadow in Parisian Skies; Eyeshadow in Hocus Pocus and Eyeshadow in Jealousy Wakes

Super quick look at the upcoming MAC Bloggers’ Obsessions collection which launches exclusively online on June 21.


Lipglasses from the left: Evolution Revolution, Caqui, Sonoran Rain, Nitro:Licious 2046 and All of My Purple Life


Eyeshadows from the left: Sparkle, Neely, Sparkle; Parisian Skies; Hocus Pocus and Jealousy Wakes
[Continue reading…]

There are 33 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: MAC Makeup Keywords: mac

Two-Buck Chic: Have You Tried $2 Essence Eyeshadows Before?

June 16th, 2011 by Karen 57 Comments

And here I thought the most fun I could have for $2 would come from a bottle of Two-Buck Chuck. 🙂

Oh, but that was before I met these Essence Eyeshadows. They come in 18 colors across three different finishes (matte, shimmer and holographic), and each will set you back a mere $2.

The different finishes have varying levels of pigmentation, with the shimmer and holographic shades generally depositing more color than the mattes.

Here’s a quick look at six of them. Right now I’m on the fence about these, but I’m really interested to hear what you think.


Back to Khaki


Mystic Purple
[Continue reading…]

There are 57 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Drugstore Beauty Finds, Makeup, Product Reviews Keywords: essence

You’ll Find This Green Room at the Intersection Where Topshop Meets Tiffany’s

June 16th, 2011 by Karen 31 Comments

topshop green room

Biggie, Biggie, Biggie, can’t you see? Tiffany blue, you hypnotize me.

Sorry, Notorious (RIP), but I had to go there. When it comes to those little Tiffany blue boxes, I have to pay tribute one way or another, either by butchering a rap classic, or by letting out a high-pitched noise otherwise reserved for stripy kitties.

I can’t help it.

There’s just something about that Tiffany blue… Perhaps it’s the tantalizing treats that often hide inside the boxes, or maybe it’s just a perfectly balanced blueish green — a blend of all my hopes and dreams, with a dash of romance and wondrous possibility. Whatever the reason, the color strikes a chord with me, and it gives my heart palpitations.

I have a strong feeling that my fascination with it explains why I want to wear Topshop Nails in Green Room ($10) every day FOR THE NEXT 10 YEARS. It’s one of 15 new Topshop Nail shades recently added to the line for spring and summer, and as of this very moment, I think I might love it more than Nutella (and, dude, that’s a lot).

I contend that if one were to melt down 100 Tiffany blue boxes, assuming for a moment that such a thing was possible, and pour the liquid into a nail polish bottle, Green Room is the color they’d get.

topshop green room
[Continue reading…]

There are 31 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Nails, Product Reviews Keywords: topshop

MAC Colourizations: I’m Seeing Double

June 16th, 2011 by Karen 6 Comments





















MAC Colourizations

Eyeshadow duos play a big role in the upcoming MAC Colourizations collection, a 17-piece collection for eyes launching on August 4 in North America and sometime in the same month internationally.

PRO PALETTE EYE SHADOW X 2 (Pre-filled duos), $25.00 U.S./$30.00 CDN
Double Feature 1: a bright yellow gold (veluxe pearl) and a pinked-up chrome purple (frost)
Double Feature 2: a bright lime (veluxe pearl) and a frosty deep grey (frost)
Double Feature 3: a mid-tone teal (matte) and a deep chocolate (satin)
Double Feature 4: a deep forest green (veluxe pearl) and a mid-tone ochre brown (matte)
Double Feature 5: a pale frosty peach (frost) and a dark brown with green pearl (frost)
Double Feature 6: a light grey taupe (matte) and a mid-tone bronze (veluxe pearl)
Double Feature 7: a bright fuchsia (frost) and a cool black (satin)
Double Feature 8: a mid-tone orange (frost) and a deep navy (satin)

TECHNAKOHL LINER, $15.00 U.S./$18.00 CDN
Graphblack: a rich graphic black
Photogravure: a soft black with brown undertone
Purple Dash: an intense aubergine
Auto-de-blu: an amethyst
Uniform: a deep khaki green with gold pearl
Jade Way: a pure emerald green with frost

ZOOM LASH, $15.00 U.S./$18.00 CDN
Zoomblack: a rich black

BRUSHES
222: a tapered blending brush ($29.00 U.S./$35.00 CDN)
275: a medium angled shading brush ($24.50 U.S./$29.50 CDN)


Double Feature 1


Double Feature 2


Double Feature 3


Double Feature 4


Double Feature 5


Double Feature 6


Double Feature 7


Double Feature 8


Graphblack


Photogravure


Purple Dash


Auto-de-blu


Uniform


Jade Way


Zoomblack


222


275

There are 6 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Daily Photo Keywords: mac

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