• 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

Saturday Surfing, July 17, 2021

July 17th, 2021 by Karen 3 Comments

Hi, friend! I just finished checking in with my feelings chart (happy Saturday, by the way). I do this three or four times a day, sometimes even more. Here’s what I do (it’s super easy) I have a “feelings chart” that I found online and saved in the photos on my phone, and I jot down whatever emotions I’m having at that moment — the more specific the better. Why? Well, because when I take the time to note how I’m feeling, and when I do it consistently and often, the steadier my mood in general. Try it sometime!
Anywho, how are you doing on this glorious Saturday? I’m happy to see you here and so happy to say that all this makeup on this flat lay is currently on my face. As far as makeup flat lays go, this one is dainty, nothing too elaborate, but I’ve been eager to wear a little bit of makeup again, so I thought it might be fun to pull out some colors I like to wear and see how they look all together.

I love getting an overview picture of the entire “makeup puzzle,” because I get a better idea of how well the colors play with each other. It’s a fun little exercise if you’re ever in need of some inspiration. Just take out a pretty plate or, in my case, an olive wood cutting board that I got from Trader Joe’s last December, and place all the makeup you want on it until your heart sings. 🤗

This week’s reading

  • Makeup artists swear by these tinted moisturizers and skin tints, so get ready to add to cart!
  • GQ claims that the best makeup for men is the best makeup for anyone, period.
  • Big ups to Helen Mirren, universal treasure and all-around rock star. She wore makeup EVERY DAY during lockdown. DANG, HELEN. I could barely run a comb through my hair. You’re my queen!
  • I’m also stanning Olympic runner Christina Clemons, who says that her bold hair and makeup are her “superpower.”
  • What it’s like to spend 24 hours with French makeup artist Violette. I’m assuming it’s an impossibly chic day!
  • Speaking of Violette, homegirl is having a moment. Not only does she have her own makeup line, but beauty industry sources say she’ll be the new makeup creative director at Guerlain.
  • A nun drops her skincare routine after going viral! Side note: wow, I can’t believe she’s not 30.
  • Dr. Pimple Popper, a.k.a. Dr. Sandra Lee, breaks down cheap versus pricey skin care.
  • Welcome to the era of the skinfluencer.

  • Stuck in my head


    I would eat this for breakfast, no joke.


    Speaking of cake…


    Girl, get up.


    Love this.


    I wanna try!

    I hope you try a little makeup flat lay action of your own this weekend. If and when you do, let me know how it turns out!

    Have a great rest of your day, and talk to ya in a few. I’m off to drop Connor off to ballet because Mom Uber is now my life, ha!

    Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

    Karen

There are 3 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Just For Fun

5 Radiant Summer Skincare Treats From Josie Maran

July 16th, 2021 by Karen 5 Comments

josie maran summer skincare treats
Get head-to-toe glow with Josie Maran this summer.

For some peeps, summer fun means chillin’ underneath a striped umbrella with a fruity drink in hand, and toes in sand…which, yeah, I totally get. I’ve never once in the history of ever said “no” to a beach lounging situation. That’s good summer stuff! 😁

Additionally, for a very specific subset of skincare enthusiasts, including yours truly, summer fun also involves slathering on all the lotions and potions, because right meow’s the time to glow from head to toe, and these five summer skincare products from Josie Maran do just that.

They’re all powered by Argan oil, the star ingredient in all of Josie Maran’s products. Argan oil comes from the kernels of the Argan tree, native to Morocco, and each of these five are cruelty-free and available in Josie’s permanent line.

Pineapple Enzyme Pore Cleaning Cleanser

josie maran pineapple enzyme pore clearing cleanser

This exfoliating cleanser contains pineapple fruit extracts and lactic acid, and I’ve been using it in the mornings.

I kinda love it! Not only does this jelly feel cool and oh-so-refreshing first thing in the a.m., but I’m pretty sure it was made exactly for peeps like me who want to say, “Bye, gurl,” to all the dead cells that’ve overstayed their welcome. $28 for a 5.0-oz. bottle with a pump.

It smells a little like a smoothie (but not overwhelmingly so), feels satisfyingly foamy and makes my face glow. 😊

Ingredients:
Water (Aqua)**, Glycerin**, Decyl Glucoside**, Disodium Coco-Glucoside Citrate**, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate**, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate**, Xanthan Gum**, Ananas Sativus (Pineapple) Fruit Extract**, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil*, Salix Alba (White Willow) Bark Extract**, Althaea Officinalis (Marshmallow) Root Extract**, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe) Leaf Juice**, Fragrance (Parfum)**, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate**, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate**, Phenoxyethanol, Saccharide Isomerate**, Coco-Glucoside**, Glyceryl Oleate**, Ethylhexylglycerin, Lactic Acid**, Citric Acid**, Lactobacillus Ferment**, Sodium Citrate**, Potassium Sorbate**, Sodium Benzoate**, Tocopherol**, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides Citrate**. *Organic **Naturally-derived

Whipped Argan Pro-Retinol Body Butter

josie maran whipped argan pro retinol body butter

If we weren’t totally in the midst of a scary-@ss California drought right now, I would indulge in three baths a day like the queen that I am (totally kidding), just so I could apply this light but powerfully moisturizing whipped body cream…

Did you know that JM and her crew source the retinol from pink algae? Yeah, apparently it’s a thing.

For me, this gentle exfoliating cream smooths my skin without over-drying or causing redness. I’m on my second tub and will surely be getting a third soon. $46 for an 8-oz. jar.

Ingredients:
Water/Aqua/Eau, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil*, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride**, Glycerin**, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil*, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate**, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*, Cetearyl Olivate**, Sorbitan Olivate**, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice**, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Sclerotium Gum**, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil**, Octyldodecyl PCA**, Squalane**, Ethylhexylglycerin, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil**, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Oleosomes**, Sorbitan Isostearate, Medicago Sativa (Alfalfa) Extract**, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Panthenol, Camellia Sinensis (Green & White Tea) Leaf Extract**, Allantoin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Lecithin**, Sodium Benzoate, Quercetin**, Gluconolactone**, Alkanna Tinctoria Root Extract**, Sodium Hydroxide, Potassium Sorbate, Zea Mays (Corn) Oil**, Symphytum Officinale (Comfrey) Leaf Extract**, Beta-Carotene**, Citric Acid, Dunaliella Salina Extract**, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil**, Tocopherol. *ORGANIC **NATURALLY DERIVED

Whipped Argan Oil Face Butter

josie maran whipped argan face butter

JM packed this rich but lightweight face cream with fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamin E, which is music to my ears…and, uh, my face? The whipped texture melts into my skin, then leaves it soft and smooth.

Tinted mineral sunscreens and makeup play well on top of it, too, so yay to that! My jar says “unscented” on the bottom, but you can also find it in a vanilla bean “flavor” (ha). $42 for a 1.7-oz. jar.

Ingredients:
Water (Aqua)**, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil*, Glyceryl Stearate**, Glycerin**, Cetyl Alcohol**, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter **, Dicapryl Carbonate**, Ethylhexyl (Octyl) Palmitate**, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyl Dimethyl Taurate Copolymer**, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride**, Xylitylglucoside**, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice*, Anhydroxylitol**, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate**, Squalane**, Xylitol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Polysorbate-60, Stearic Acid**, Glyceryl Undecylenate, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract**, Xanthan Gum**, Citric Acid**, Lysolecithin**, Tocopherol**, Watermelon (Citrullus Ianatus) Extract**, Phenoxyethanol, Sclerotium Gum**, Ethylhexylglycerin**, Allantoin**, Potassium Sorbate**, Sodium Phytate**, Panthenol**, Sodium Hyaluronate**, Pullulan**. *ORGANIC **NATURALLY-DERIVED

Argan Bright Skin Vitamin C Serum

josie maran vitamin c serum

Designed to erase dark spots, this rich, moisturizing serum contains tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, which many skincare experts consider to be one of the best forms of vitamin C around because of its stability. Along with Josie’s signature Argan Oil, this also has licorice root, rice bran and marshmallow root to soothe and brighten skin. $65 for a 0.85-oz. bottle with a dropper.

Ingredients:
Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil*, Coconut Alkanes**, Oleyl Lactate**, Octyldodecyl PCA**, Dimethyl Isosorbide**, Glyceryl Oleate**, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Isostearyl Lactate, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate**, Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Seed Oil**, Bisabolol**, Squalane**, Pterocarpus Marsupium Bark Extract**, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract**, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate**, Althaea Officinalis Root Extract**, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract**, Dunaliella Salina Extract**, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil**, Aqua (Water)**, Phloretin**. *Organic **Naturally-derived

Argan Liquid Gold Self-Tanning Oil

josie maran argan liquid gold

Shout-out to my body’s melanin, which has powered my tan since I said “peace the eff out” to my mom’s womb. 😂 That said, I’m probably not the target market for this self-tanner, but I wanted to mention it because you may be, and because it smells REALLY good. Like…sexy vanilla-and-apricot good. SO GOOD. $39 for a 4.3-oz. bottle.

Ingredients:
Water (Aqua)**, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Juice*, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dihydroxyacetone**, Argan Oil Isostearyl Esters**, Glycerin**, Caramel**, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Metabisulfite, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract**, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil*, Tocopherol, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil**, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Chlorphenesin, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract**. *Organic **Naturally-derived

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. TGIF! 🤗

There are 5 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Josie Maran, Skin Care

FOTD Candy Colored Bright Blue With Urban Decay Chaos

July 15th, 2021 by Karen 6 Comments

urban decaychaos

Rosie-Pose would like to inform you that she is queen of everything within paw-striking distance, including board games.

rosie pose candyland

That board game above is Candy Land, and, FYI, the artwork in the latest version is…slightly terrifying. (Or is it just me?)

Speaking of candy, the electric blue on my lower lash and waterlines totally reminds me of sweets from my youth. It’s Urban Decay Chaos 24/7 Shadow Stick in Chaos, a vibrant matte blue with a touch of pearl. The formula’s long-wearing and waterproof, and it sets really quickly. You have less than 30 seconds to blend it out, so blend with a purpose, girl!

urban decay chaos

I tried it by itself first, and it looked good, but then I got curious, so I added a layer of shimmery blue and purple from Born to Run, my favorite colorful UD eyeshadow palette of all time. I love the rich jewel tones, and every one of the bold, intense shades is still surprisingly wearable. The mattes and shimmers are easy to blend, too. Whenever I’m in the mood for brights, I reach for this palette, and I love it so much that I have a backup. 😁

urban decay chaos

Now, I’ve worn a LOT of UD over the years, and Born to Run is truly a standout for me, which is why I’m bummed that it appears to have been discontinued. It’s not easy to find anymore; however, I did some digging and found a few online at JC Penney (remember JC Penney!).

urban decay born to run
Urban Decay Born to Run

If you’re ever looking for discontinued UD products, periodically search the sale section on the Urban Decay website. A friend who works in PR for UD suggested this tip, and it’s turned up gold! I found the sadly discontinued Cannonball Mascara there, and I got three tubes! It’s something to keep in mind if you love a particular UD product that’s no longer stocked on shelves.

Anyway, candy. My childhood next door neighbor Karrie and I would ride our bikes to the corner store to buy candies that would probably break my teeth now if I ate them, ha ha ha! Lemon Heads, Boston Baked Beans, and these little hard blue jawbreaker-like candies whose name I can’t recall… I want to call them “blueberry somethings,” but I can’t remember.

We also loved Nerds and the powder dips where you’d get a sugary stick to dip into even more sugar. 😁 We’d gorge on candy right in front of the store, then take our sugar high onto our bikes and ride around the neighborhood for hours.

By the way, about this look I’m wearing, the upper lid has a swish of black liner via Chanel Hyperblack, which I’ve been extra loving lately. It’s similar to MAC Blacktrack but so much better because it’s darker and more intense (so less layering), and it sticks like glue to lash and waterlines. SO GOOD!

Also, the only base products on my skin are tinted moisturizer and concealer, as I’ve been into very minimal skin lately. And lightweight, dewy medium-coverage Aveeno Tinted Sunscreen has been on repeat.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. In TV news, has anyone seen The White Lotus yet on HBO? I watched the first episode the other night and…I’m just…confused. Is it good? Junk? Strange? I just can’t figure it out. I like so many of the actors in it (like Connie Britton rocks), but it’s not what I expected.

There are 6 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Face of the Day (FOTD), Makeup, Urban Decay

FOTD With New Palettes by Pixi, and Finding Joy in Makeup

July 14th, 2021 by Karen 16 Comments

pixi louise roe tina young
Feeling the joy

Today, I joyfully applied my makeup. I thoroughly enjoyed the act of putting on makeup. It was just me, a few things I wanted to try (a couple new Pixi palettes), and absolutely no pressure to overachieve or create something extraordinary, and no difficult-to-reach expectations. It was simply easy and fun.

pixi louise roe tina young
I’m wearing the new Pixi + Louise Roe Cream Rouge Palette on my cheeks and lips (the shade is called Paris) and Pixi + Tina Young Tones & Textures Palette (Sand, Vibin’, Shoutout and Depth) on my lids.

It might not be the edgiest, most interesting or most complicated makeup I’ve ever worn…but you know, I had a spring in my step when I finished, and I felt good about it all day long.

First of all, before I started doing it, I let go of the idea that I had to do it. I didn’t have to do this look or any look today, and letting go of the pressure was liberating.

There seems to be a lot of pressure to go around these days, or is that just me? Every day I feel this self-imposed — and probably completely unnecessary — pressure to be the best version of myself and to push myself past my limits… I know that in some ways, to want to do this is a good thing, but in other ways it’s not all that great.

I’ve been thinking a lot about the pressure we put on ourselves, like the pressure to be the best at so many of the things we do. Best at our job, great partner, best friend, best daughter, best mother, sister, neighbor, best student, best teacher. The pressure to be Insta-fabulous and keep up with other people’s seemingly perfect lives. If there’s some way to put pressure on myself, I will find it, it seems…

pixi louise roe tina young

Like, with putting on a full face, for instance. I wore makeup two whole times (!) last week, and the other day I found myself thinking, “Hmm… Can I do three times this week? Four? HOW ABOUT FIVE? And how do I do better? Should I do an all-matte face, so it’ll read better on camera? Or maybe I should dig out some false lashes because I haven’t done that in a minute. I should really, really should do a colorful look because it’s been a while…” Yadda, yadda, yadda.

Why do I do this? I don’t really know. I finally stopped the spiraling by reminding myself that 1) putting on makeup isn’t something I ever have to do, and 2) if I did put it on, it could be as elaborate or as simple as I wanted. As long as it left me feeling great, then cheers to that. 🥂

pixi louise roe tina young 4 swatches

Because, note to self, it — whatever “it” is in any given circumstance — doesn’t always have to involve going hard at 110% max effort and “taking it to the next level.” There is no shame in modifying your expectations for yourself. If all I can handle is painting my face once or twice a week for no apparent reason at all, then so be it. One can wear black eyeliner with a single eyeshadow (or even no eyeshadow), or just bright lipstick and a tinted moisturizer, and the world will most certainly keep turning.

For now, it’s good enough. And that’s just fine! 😊

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

There are 16 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Face of the Day (FOTD), Pixi

Yummy Things: The New Briogeo Superfoods Mango + Cherry Oil Control & Balancing Shampoo, and a Quick and Easy Healthy Lunch Idea

July 13th, 2021 by Karen 11 Comments

briogeo superfoods mango and cherry
(Almost) good enough to eat

OK, how good does this summer fruit trio sound — mango with cherry and papaya? Yum, right! I would totally smash that in a triple fruit smoothie, which is why it’s funny there’s a line on the Briogeo website for their new mango-cherry-papaya shampoo and conditioner that states, “External use only. Do not eat.” HA HA HA! Gotta make sure the hungry people don’t go eating their hair care products. ?

The Briogeo Superfoods Mango + Cherry Oil Control & Balancing Shampoo and Conditioner are the latest dynamic duo to join the Briogeo Superfoods collection, which is their line of shampoos and conditioners made with yummy-sounding ingredients — apple, banana, coconut, avocado and kale (yes, some people like kale). Like all Briogeo hair products, it’s silicone-free, cruelty-free and vegan, and antioxidants are front and center:

This sulfate-free and silicone-free shampoo and conditioner duo harnesses the power of papaya enzymes to help balance oil production on hair and scalp. The formula also contains antioxidant-rich fruits, vitamins, and nutrients to support healthy-looking hair. The shampoo is formulated with 93% naturally derived ingredients, and the conditioner is formulated with 96% naturally derived ingredients.

— briogeo.com

If you often find yourself with greasy roots (it happens to the best of us), this set could be your jam. I’ve been using both the shampoo and conditioner after super sweaty workouts, and when we’ve had very hot days (of which we’ve had a few lately), and I like them a lot.

The shampoo lathers up into luxurious, creamy bubbles, and my hair feels clean but not stripped after I rinse the product out. The conditioner’s lovely too. It makes my hair feel silky, yet light and bouncy at the same time, and not weighed down.

Oh, and the scent! It smells refreshing, delicious and unironically like a fresh smoothie made from cherries and mango…but I don’t pick up on any papaya notes.

For me, this set is as a once-or-twice a week clarifying treatment, rather than a daily sort of thing. If I use it for too many days back-to-back, my ends start feeling a little dry. But if your roots and scalp tend to build up oil very quickly, you might like using it every day, or every other day.

Briogeo Superfoods™ Mango + Cherry Balancing Shampoo
Water/Aqua/Eau, Cocamidopropyl Betaine*, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate*, Glycerin*, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Lauramidopropyl Betaine*, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Fruit Extract*, Prunus Cerasus (Bitter Cherry) Fruit Extract*, Papain*, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice*, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract*, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil*, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside*, Citric Acid*, Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract*, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Juice*, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Sodium Benzotriazolyl Butylphenol Sulfonate, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride*, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil/Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil*, Panthenol, Litchi Chinensis Pericarp Extract*, Sodium Benzoate, Punica Granatum Bark Extract*, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate*, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Averrhoa Carambola Fruit Extract*, Glyceryl Caprylate*, Polyglyceryl-6 Oleate*, Sodium Surfactin*, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Hydroxide, Fragrance (Parfum), Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol, Beta-Carotene CI 40800*

Briogeo Superfoods™ Mango + Cherry Balancing Conditioner
Water/Aqua/Eau, Glycerin*, Cetearyl Alcohol*, Behentrimonium Chloride*, Isopropyl Palmitate*, Brassica Alcohol*, Cetyl Esters*, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Fruit Extract*, Prunus Cerasus (Bitter Cherry) Fruit Extract*, Papain*, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract*, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil*, Brassicyl Isoleucinate Esylate*, Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract*, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil*, Behentrimonium Methosulfate*, Litchi Chinensis Pericarp Extract*, Cetrimonium Chloride, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Juice*, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride*, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil*, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice*, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil/Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil*, Averrhoa Carambola Fruit Extract*, Citric Acid*, Panthenol*, Punica Granatum Bark Extract*, Potassium Sorbate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Benzotriazolyl Butylphenol Sulfonate, Fragrance (Parfum), Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol, Beta-Carotene CI 40800*
*Coconut, vegetable, or plant derived

The shampoo and conditioner are $28 each for an 12.5-oz. bottle, which breaks down to $2.24 per ounce. You can purchase the two as a set for $49 and save a little bit of money ($1.96 per ounce).

Speaking of yummy things…I made a delicious lunch yesterday, if I do say so myself, and it took less than five minutes. Caribbean-style brown rice with black beans, pan-fried halloumi cheese made with avocado oil, and sauteed spinach.

I apologize for the severe lack of food styling, LOL! I was ravenous, and I also now have the bad habit of eating while still standing up in the kitchen. I don’t even bother to find a seat anymore. #momlife

halloumi cheese

I’ve been eating meatless meals lately, and this one was fast and filling. First, I warmed up a pre-made packet of Caribbean-style brown rice with black beans in the microwave. FYI, it’s not too spicy (I’m a wimp), and you can find it at Target by Good & Gather. Good & Gather also makes a ton of different pre-made microwaveable rice and grains side dishes in packets, and they’re all pretty good IMO.

good gather brown rice

Then, I sautéed a few big handfuls of fresh spinach coated with avocado oil spray in a nonstick pan. When the spinach wilted, I took it out, topped it with lemon pepper, and reused the same pan to fry the halloumi cheese. The spinach, avocado oil spray and halloumi cheese are all from Trader Joe’s.

Have you ever tried halloumi cheese? It’s a semi-firm cheese made from a mix of goat’s and sheep’s milk (occasionally, cow’s milk is also up in the mix) that hails from Cyprus, and it’s a favorite in Greek cooking. It’s similar to mozzarella in texture but has a high melting point, so you can fry or grill it without it turning into mushy goo. It’s great for getting some protein into a meatless meal, so if you see it at TJ’s or someplace else, grab it!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

There are 11 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Briogeo, Hair, Product Reviews

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 686

July 12th, 2021 by Karen 43 Comments

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 five more or less random questions I’ve been posting on this blog every Monday morning for the past quadrillion years (since 2007). I love reading your answers, and it helps me get my week off to a good start. ?

    1. Sandwiches — crust on or crust cut off?

    Totally depends on the bread… Generally, I like the crust, but only on fresh bread. If it’s past its prime, ugh, forget about it. Cut those crusts off, please. ?

    2. V-neck tee or scoop neck tee?

    V-neck in black or white with a loose fit.

    3. Choose one brightly colored eyeshadow: shimmery orange, matte pastel lavender, glittery pink or pearly teal?

    I’ll go with the pearly teal! I’d wear it with very thin black liner on the upper lash and water lines, and then I’d pile on the mascara for DAYS.

    4. How do you feel about hairstyles that purposefully look wet?

    Cute on other people who are wearing a very specific lewk, but totally impractical on myself for real life situations.

    I need to be able to put my hair up on a whim, man!

    5. Something that you’d like to start collecting?

    I would love to have a small collection of antique art deco era jewelry. The geometric shapes and pave settings do a lot for my soul, and I’m not even really that much of a jewelry person.

    I would also love to collect original paintings!

    6. Have you ever flat ironed your hair while it was wet?

    So, I’ve done a lot of hair experiments (including ironing it on an ironing board with an actual iron back in the ’90s), but I’ve never flat ironed it wet. I wore my hair straight for years, but when I straightened it, I always used a hairdryer and a round brush.

    7. How many times did you put on makeup last week?

    Three whole times, YES!

    8. What do you want on your bagel today?

    I would love it toasted with a nearly obnoxious amount of plain cream cheese. ?

    9. Favorite place to buy clothes?

    Banana Republic is my go-to at the moment. Their clothes are more on the classic than trendy side, which fits my vibe lately, and their petite sizes usually fit me pretty well. Plus, they’re normally always in stock.

    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. Sandwiches — crust on or crust cut off?
    2. V-neck tee or scoop neck tee?
    3. Choose one brightly colored eyeshadow: shimmery orange, matte pastel lavender, glittery pink or pearly teal?
    4. How do you feel about hairstyles that purposefully look wet?
    5. Something that you’d like to start collecting?
    6. Have you ever flat ironed your hair while it was wet?
    7. How many times did you put on makeup last week?
    8. What do you want on your bagel today?
    9. Favorite place to buy clothes?

    P.P.S. It’s another start to a beautiful week, my sweet friend! We’ve totally got this. ?

There are 43 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Just For Fun

Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 668

July 11th, 2021 by Karen 3 Comments

Today we got a respite from the heat. The high was only something like 85 degrees, which was downright brisk by standards lately. A couple days ago we were pushing 100.

Tabs didn’t mind the heat at all. He actually loved it. He would always find a sunny patch wherever he was and languorously lounge, which must not come as a surprise, since he was such a big fan of lounging.

He also loved summer fashion, of course.

And he always loved wearing a little color on his claws.

Summer Rosie

Rosie inherited some of Tabs’s wardrobe when she took over as CFO (Chief Feline Officer) of Tabs the Cat Industries, LLC, and her current favorite outfit is her sunflower collar charm.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

There are 3 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Just For Fun, Rosie, Tabs

Saturday Surfing, July 10, 2021

July 10th, 2021 by Karen 3 Comments

hello saturday with urban decay
Have a colorful weekend!

I haven’t been wearing a lot of color on my eyes lately, but on my arm? That’s another story, ha!

These pretty eye makeup brights are by Urban Decay. Do you recognize any of them?

The hello in dark purple, the green hearts and the black outlining the hearts are Glide-On Eye Pencils — Psychedelic Sister, Freak and Zero. The blue is Chaos, a shadow stick. And the lighter purple lines are a powder shadow called Free Bird.

I’m thinking of doing an ombre-style winged liner soon, with the green in the inner corner, the blue in the middle and the purple on the outer half and wing. Maybe tightline with the black? Or maybe not. Decisions, decisions…

Whatcha got going on today? It’s blazing hot here in the North Bay Area, so you’ll find me indoors enjoying the fans and air conditioning.

This week’s beauty reading

  • Just in case you need some neon eye makeup inspiration this weekend.
  • The beauty game in ancient Egypt was lit.
  • Brace yourself! In-store free food and makeup samples are coming back. Side note: How does this make you feel?
  • Your step-by-step guide to ’60s eye makeup.
  • Lazy ladies, unite, for now we can outsource washing our makeup brushes to a machine.
  • Here’s a list of cream stick products for those who love twist-up makeup.
  • 13 pregnancy-safe skincare products.
  • Rodan + Fields is getting sued.
  • Do people want to actually buy a product called Snake Oil sold by a self-professed “scammer”? Seriously, what is this mess?
  • Here are a bunch of new skincare products launching this month.
  • PCA stands for pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, and it’s a hydrating ingredient used in skincare.
  • A Dubai salon paints microchips onto customers’ fingernails, which can then be used as digital business cards.
  • Robots are painting nails now. ?


More for your wish list


You had me at hyperpigmentation, Dr. Dray.


Someone make this for me, please.


These things, too, please.


Old-school fave


Selfie secrets


Should you ever find yourself with dinner rage


I thought this was interesting.


Hey, docs

Have a wonderful rest of your weekend, and don’t forget to reapply that sunscreen!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

There are 3 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Just For Fun

  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Go to page 1
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Go to page 134
  • Go to page 135
  • Go to page 136
  • Go to page 137
  • Go to page 138
  • 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.