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

3 Playfully Pink Chanel Rouge Allures From the Permanent Collection

June 23rd, 2021 by Karen 7 Comments

chanel rouge allure ink 170 euphorie — Fun with some Chanel lippies!

Chanel. Pink. Permanent!

Thou speaketh magic words to mine ears! Or, should I say “magic words to my lips”? Hmm!

I’ve been wearing lipstick very infrequently over the past few months (sunscreen, however, is a totally different story!), so when I started downsizing my collection in May, I promised myself that the only legacy lipsticks I would keep going forward are ones I absolutely adore.

I’ve gotten rid of most of the dead weight by now and am finally at the point where I actually have to try stuff on to determine if I want to keep keeping it, and these three Chanel lippies are the next ones on deck.

chanel rouge allure 170 91 24 swatches — So pink!

Raspberry reddish pink Rouge Allure Ink in 170 Euphorie ($40) is a lightweight matte liquid lipstick that, for some reason, looks more red in these pics! — but less so in person.

Rouge Allure Velvet in 42 Eclatante ($40) is a bright and summery coral pink with a soft matte finish and like Euphorie it feels light on my lips. It also looks fantastic with black cat eye liner!

Rouge Allure in 91 Seduisante ($40) is a warm pink with a creamy finish, and I can see it being a lovely everyday color.

chanel rouge allure 91 seduisante — Rouge Allure in 91 Seduisante

chanel rouge allure velvet 42 eclatante — Rouge Allure Velvet in 42 Eclatante

chanel rouge allure ink 170 euphorie swatch — Rouge Allure Ink in 170 Euphorie

The rest of the makeup in this look

Lately, I’ve been trying to find ways to wear makeup that work for me… By that I mean that I don’t want to feel overwhelmed by the thought of blending, or, like I’m wearing a sh*t-ton of stuff on my skin. I just want to feel pretty in makeup again, ya know?

I think I’ve finally found a philosophy that works for me (at least for now). I just wear a little bit of eye makeup, coupled with keeping my skin as simple as possible. Then, I incorporate a fun lipstick in a joyful color.

In this look, I’m wearing a lot of Chanel!

For the skin, I started by applying a new tinted mineral sunscreen by Avene called Solaire UV Mineral Multi-Defense Tinted Sunscreen Fluid. It’s fragrance- and oil-free, and the tan tint actually works on my NC42 skin tone. I’ve yet to test it out on a very sunny day, but so far, I’m into it!

Then, I blended a few drops of Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Sunscreen Makeup on my cheeks, my nose and my upper lip; added a few drops of Hourglass Veil Retouching Fluid in Sand under my eyes; and dabbed a golden tan cream blush (Chanel Les Beiges in No 20) on my cheeks.

For my eyes, I started by lining my upper lash line with Hyperblack, Chanel’s long-wearing cream liner in a pot. Next, I swept the golden brown from the Chanel Road Movie quad to give some depth to my lids, and smudged the edges of the liner with the matte navy shade from Road Movie. To finish, I filled in my brows with Chanel Boy Brow in Black and coated my lashes with Laura Mercier Caviar Mascara.

Done! ?

What makeup looks have you been into lately?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. Happy hump day! ?

5 Things I’ve Been Loving Lately

June 22nd, 2021 by Karen 12 Comments

1. Trader Joe’s Nourish Shower & Bath Cleansing Oil with Almond Oil

The body care section at Trader Joe’s has been FIRE ? lately. Case in point: Nourish Shower & Bath Cleansing Oil with Almond Oil, which is the TJ’s dupe for the fancy schmancy $25 L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil. It’s a rich, thick hydrating oil that turns into a milky wash when it comes into contact with water, and I think you’ll love it if 1) you have dry skin, or 2) if you wear lots of sunscreen and you despise the elbow grease required to remove it, or 3) a combination of the two.

The key to making the most of it, I’ve found, is to rub a small blob of it on my skin while my skin’s dry before I get into the shower or bath. That way, I can fully work in the product without it washing off immediately. Then, when I get into the shower, that’s when I like to build it up into an aromatic, almond-scented moisturizing milk. I use a soft wash cloth to gently exfoliate my skin, but hands and bath poofs work too.

2. Trader Joe’s Hydrating Hyaluronic Body Gel Cream

This is SO GOOD that I bought a backup bottle! I like how quickly this unscented gel cream absorbs, but don’t get it twisted… It might feel light, but it packs a major moisturizing wallop. I highly suggest applying this after showering with the Cleansing Oil! You’ll feel like you just spent the day at a spa.

3. Trader Joe’s Low Fat Lemon Yogurt

Try not to be weirded out by the bright yellow color, because as far as lemon-flavored yogurts go, this one’s tops. It isn’t too sweet or tart, has a wonderfully rich texture, and it tastes like dessert. YUM!

4. My Meyer Lemon Tree

Speaking of lemons, remember the Meyer Lemon tree I got last year? Well, IT FINALLY HAS TINY LITTLE LEMONS ON IT! Every time I walk by it, the little lemons are bigger and bigger. I’m not expecting a bumper crop of lemons, though, because the plant isn’t in a huge pot, but I’ll take what I can get.

5. Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Kids Mineral Sunscreen

I bought this bottle of Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Kids Mineral Sunscreen for Connor (she starts camp this week and will be having many outdoor adventures), but I like it so much that I’m thinking of getting a couple bottles just for myself. She has trouble with sunscreen stinging her eyes, and this physical, mineral-based sunscreen, which has zinc oxide 21.6% as the active ingredient, is the only one that doesn’t seem to bother her.

Most mineral sunscreens usually take FOREVER to rub in, but this one absorbs quickly, WHICH I LOVE, and although the white/purplish cast is kinda intense at first, after 10 minutes you can’t really see it.

It’s extremely water resistant (a huge plus!), so you need to use either an oil-based cleanser or some type of cleansing balm to fully remove it. On me, I’ll use the TJ’s Cleansing Oil, and for Connor’s little kid skin, I use just the tiniest bit of Avene XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cleansing Oil.

What have you been loving lately?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 683

June 21st, 2021 by Karen 12 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. Who makes the best lipstick?

Personal opinion? MAC and Chanel! I know their shade families, formulas, finishes, and their lippies don’t get funky as quickly as some other brands do. Also, I just like how they feel on my lips.

2. Three pieces of makeup you wear often?

The Urban Decay brow pencil, Laura Mercier Caviar Mascara and Clinique Pretty Easy Liquid Liner.

3. A lesson you learned early in life?

There won’t always be someone around to help you, so you’re going to have to figure out how to do/get it yourself if you want something.

4. A lesson you learned later in life?

Building upon my answer to the previous question, it’s *totally OK* to ask for help, and it is NOT a sign of weakness. Asking for help actually takes a lot of courage since it’s been stigmatized in our society, but it takes strength to lean on other people. The truth is, no one does it alone, despite what many people like to claim. No one makes it alone. No one succeeds alone, so don’t ever be afraid to ask for assistance.

5. Jell-O: delightful or disgusting?

Delightful! Especially with a touch of whipped cream. My favorite flavor is Strawberry.

6. The movie that most traumatized you as a child?

Salem’s Lot. Why young children were allowed to watch this at our babysitter’s house on a random Tuesday afternoon, I WILL NEVER KNOW. I wasn’t afraid of the dark before seeing that movie, but after I watched it, I ended up sleeping with a night light for years.

7. What’s one of your pet peeves about purses?

I can’t stand when a purse is too deep. Ugh! It’s too hard to find anything, and I always end up having to dump the contents onto the floor or a table to find small things like my keys.

It’s aggravating as all hell!

8. What are you reading right now?

The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes.

9. Lace or ruffles?

Ruffles, in moderation. I love how lace looks, but it’s too itchy!

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. Who makes the best lipstick?
2. Three pieces of makeup you wear often?
3. A lesson you learned early on in life?
4. A lesson you learned later on in life?
5. Jell-O: delightful or disgusting?
6. The movie that most traumatized you as a child?
7. What’s one of your pet peeves about purses?
8. What are you reading right now?
9. Lace or ruffles?

P.P.S. Hello, friend! Sending you a big virtual hug on this beautiful Monday morning. I hope you feel calm, organized and ready to take on the week. We can do this, OK? I’ve got your back, girl. ALWAYS. ?

Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 664

June 20th, 2021 by Karen 5 Comments

Rosie loves Pride Month, just like Tabs did. Tabs wore his rainbow business tie to every important meeting, both to show his support for the LGBTQ community, and because he deeply believed in the positive power of rainbows.

Rosie has also always been a supporter of Pride, and this month she’s taking her support to the next level with her very first DIY rainbow rose collar. ?

Rosie Rainbow Rose ?️‍?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Saturday Surfing, June 19, 2021! ?

June 19th, 2021 by Karen 1 Comment

Guys, it is SO HOT! Except for brief excursions outside the house, I hunkered down this week because of the heat. It topped 100 a couple days and was almost that hot yesterday, which for this area, especially for this time of year, is hotter than usual.

To cool down, we spent a little time at the neighborhood pool too, seeing as how Connor and I cannot resist a body of water (we’re both water babies to the core).

I’m hell bent on taking sun protection seriously from now on, so I’ve become the lady who wears a full-on ensemble to the pool. The other day one of Connor’s friend’s curiously looked me up and down before asking if I was wearing a swimsuit underneath my leggings and swim shirt, haha! (The answer was yes.)

For the record, I’m not actually wearing “official” swim leggings, but because necessity is the mother of invention, I repurposed these old Senita workout leggings into swim pants…

The top is made specifically for water wear, though. It’s by Altheta and I love it! It covers my bum and has pockets and thumbholes, so I can cover up my hands, too.

This week’s reading

Anybody want to try the inner corner pop with me?
A short version of makeup’s long history.
Drag makeup’s influence on mainstream beauty
In case you need some bright makeup inspiration (I know I do!)
Ever wonder why cats make biscuits? Or why kitties like to swat at things?
Sunscreens for darker skin tones.
I’m curious about these olfactory sculptures!

Yum.

I spend most of my time staring at their skin, LOL.

Spill all the secrets, Brad.

I love me an empties video.

It’s complicated.

Welcome to my eternal struggle.

Makeup tutorial, but make it ’80s

Got two minutes?

I’ve been listening to this all week long.

Well, I’m off to go put on another layer of sunscreen now! (Ha.) Happy Juneteenth to you. How was your week? What are you doing this weekend? ?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

This or That: The Skincare Edition, Part II

June 18th, 2021 by Karen 5 Comments

sunday riley kat burki malin goetz — Skin (care) is in

How to play

Pick one or the other for each of the questions below, and copy/paste your answers in the comments. Can’t wait to see your picks! Mine are listed below. ?

This or That: The Skin Care Edition, Part II

Benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid?

AHA or retinol?

What’s a bigger concern for you: pores or pigmentation?

Skin care treatments: laser or chemical peel?

Tik Tok skin care trends: love ’em or leave ’em?

Enzymes or acids?

Face masks: exfoliating or moisturizing?

Fillers: yes or no?

For your bod: exfoliating lotion or exfoliating scrub?

Would you rather receive a ton of mini skincare samples from a brand you like, or a full-size skin care sample from a brand you’ve never heard of before?

For sunscreen reapplication, would you rather have a brush-on powder sunscreen (like the one by Colorscience) or a cream-to-powder compact (like the one by Avene)?

How often do you reapply sunscreen during the day: once, twice or three times (a lady! Sorry, I couldn’t help myself)?

Benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid?

Even though it’s such a pain in the @ss because it’s drying and stains towels and clothes (UGH), I gotta go with benozyl peroxide, because if I skip it, my pimples go into party mode and start taking over my face. SO RUDE!

AHA or retinol?

Retinol. Seems to irritate my face less.

What’s a bigger concern for you: pores or pigmentation?

Pigmentation, please go away. I will not have any more of you!

Skin care treatments: laser or chemical peel?

I’ll take a gentle chemical peel, please.

Tik Tok skin care trends: love ’em or leave ’em?

Love watching other people attempt them, but for myself, I’ll leave ’em.

Enzymes or acids?

Enzymes, in a face mask! Got my eye on this one by Jan Marini, by the way.

Face masks: exfoliating or moisturizing?

Moisturizing, because the exfoliating ones make my face feel like it’s about it fall off, LOL!

Fillers: yes or no?

Currently, no. I really want to keep it that way because I have all kinds of inner angst about the societal pressures placed on aging women, and in my heart of hearts I want to FIGHT THE MOTHER EFFIN’ POWER in any small way I can. (“Don’t tell me what to do, beauty industry!”) Buuuuuut, if I’m completely honest with myself, I’m not totally ruling it out for the future. Right now I’m still giving myself the permission to walk through that door if I want.

For your bod: exfoliating lotion or exfoliating scrub?

To quote TLC, “I don’t want no scrubs.”

Would you rather receive a ton of mini skincare samples from a brand you love, or a full-size skin care sample of a brand you’ve never heard of before?

I’ll take the mini samples, and if I can make a request, SkinCeuticals would be great!

For sunscreen reapplication, would you rather have: a brush-on powder sunscreen (like the one by Colorscience) or a cream-to-powder compact (like the one by Avene)?

Cream-to-powder, since the brush-on-powders tend to make skin feel dry and itchy.

How often do you reapply sunscreen during the day: once, twice or three times (a lady! Sorry, I couldn’t help myself)?

If I’m spending most of the time inside the house, then twice, but if I’m spending lots of time outside, then three or more.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. TGIF! ?

Makeup Looks of the Day: Soft and Smokey on My First Makeup Client, and Runway-Ready Avant Garde Glitter

June 17th, 2021 by Karen 13 Comments

glittery avant garde soft smokey top — Serving “lewks”

Technically, I don’t know if you can call Connor “my first makeup client,” since no monetary compensation occurred for my beauty services, HA HA HA!

We did each other’s makeup yesterday, and to absolutely nobody’s surprise, I did a wearable soft and smokey look on Connor. Adding to that, can I just say how much easier it is to do makeup on eyes that 1) aren’t heavily lidded and 2) aren’t my own? Blending eyeshadow is like night and day!

For her eyeshadow, I used the Honest Beauty Get It Together Eyeshadow Palette, which is still my current go-to favorite eye palette. I didn’t think I could love it even more than I already do, but after seeing it on her skin, I’m convinced that this is a palette everyone can wear.

Oh, and tangent — my friend recently told me that she was shopping on the Honest Beauty website when she saw someone familiar…

Does this mean that Jessica Alba and I are connected in “a six degrees of Kevin Bacon” sense? I wonder!

Anyway, back to the makeup. I told Coywolf that she had free artistic reign to do whatever she wanted, and so that’s how I ended up with this runway-ready look with ALL THE GLITTER.

The stick she’s holding in the pic is the new Pixi Beauty On-the-Glow Blush stick, by the way, and you can wear it on cheeks and lips.

Early on in the process. I feel like this could be a look you’d see in Allure!

While she was piling product on my face, I mentioned that makeup artists often use their fingers to paint on their model’s faces, and she took this info and ran with it…

Here are our final looks! Let me know which one you would wear. ?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

FOTD: One Lipstick, Two Looks: Laura Mercier Rouge Essentiel Silky Crème Lipstick in Nu Prefere

June 16th, 2021 by Karen 9 Comments

Good morning, fellow makeup lover! Today, my colleague and I are wearing the same lipstick, a creamy pinky brown by Laura Mercier called Nu Prefere, and, quite frankly, I think my colleague’s lewk is so much more interesting than mine. ?

New Laura Mercier Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer

If you’re a Laura Mercier Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer fan, 1) CONGRATS, because it’s one of the best tinted moisturizers out there, IMO. The coverage is even, and it looks like legit real skin. Plus, they’ve just expanded their range to 20 shades!

The one I wear is called Wheat, and it’s the only thing, beyond a touch of under-eye concealer, that I’m wearing as a base in these pics. No setting powder, no smoothing primer, nothing! I think it looks great on its own.

Makeup I’m wearing in this look

EYES: Urban Decay Brow Blade in Dark Drapes, Laura Mercier Caviar Volume Mascara, Laura Mercier Stormy Grey Eyeliner, Clinique Black Pretty Easy Pen, Laura Mercier Eye Colours in Cocoa and Nude Rose, Laura Mercier Indiscretion Face Illuminator
CHEEKS: Laura Mercier Blush in Ginger, Laura Mercier Face Illuminator in Indiscretion
LIPS: Laura Mercier Nu Prefere Lipstick
BASE: Laura Mercier Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer in Wheat

Makeup Connor is wearing in this look

Pixi On-The-Glow Blush in Juicy, Ruby and Fleur
Laura Mercier Nu Prefere Lipstick
Zoeva Eyeliner

It’s going to be a hot one today, so the itinerary at “mama camp” will involve a trip to the pool, where we’ll be wearing PLENTY of sunscreen, of course!

Hope it isn’t too hot where you are.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen