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Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 665

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good day be proud how far youve come
You’re doing great! Keep going.

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. High-rise, mid-rise or low-rise pants?

    High-rise always and forever, mid-rise if I’m desperate, low-rise…NEVER. I rue the day low-rise pants came into my life, hahaha!

    2. A drugstore skin care item you swear by?

    CeraVe Healing Ointment is the stuff!

    3. Would you rather have expensive hair care products or expensive skincare products?

    While I would love both, right now I’ll go with expensive skincare please. ?

    4. (Fill in the blank) is the key.

    Communication is the key (because nobody can read your mind, obvs). Sleep is the key. Having comfortable underwear is the key. Coffee is the key. Patience is the key… Seriously, we could be here all day… There are so many key things!

    5. Something you’d like to eat today?

    I’ve had a request from my sous-chef to make her lemon tagliatelle pasta for dinner, and that sounds good to my tummy, so that’s happening later on today.

    6. Which would you rather have — 1) an uninterrupted eight hours of sleep, 2) the laundry folded and put away, or 3) a clean house?

    ALL OF THE ABOVE.

    Ohhhh, but if I have to pick one (BOO), I’ll go with a clean house.

    7. Something unusual that you keep in your purse?

    I don’t know how unusual it is, but I always have some sort of snack food — a protein bar, juice pouch, applesauce, etc. — just in case someone around me gets hungry (I’m mostly referring to myself). Food is the fastest way to thwart crabbiness! You can quote me on that. LOL!

    8. Avocado toast — so good or so gross?

    So good when I’m in the mood for it, but I don’t normally crave it, ya know?

    9. A makeup brand that you’ve been into lately?

    Honest Beauty. I never feel like their makeup is trying too hard, if that makes any sense. It’s just enough to get the job done, which has been my style as of late.

    This week I’m trying their Get It Together Eyeshadow Palette, which I’m excited about because of the very wearable neutrals. They also included a straight-up matte black and beige eyeshadows, which are always super handy to have around. I’m hoping the powders are easy to blend because my blending skills are SHOT!

    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. High-rise, mid-rise or low-rise pants
    2. A drugstore skin care item you swear by?
    3. Would you rather have expensive hair care products or expensive skincare products?
    4. (Fill in the blank) is the key.
    5. Something you’d like to eat today?
    6. What would you rather have — 1) an uninterrupted eight hours of sleep, 2) the laundry folded and put away, or 3) a clean house?
    7. Something unusual that you keep in your purse?
    8. Avocado toast — so good or so gross?
    9. A makeup brand that you’ve been into lately?

    P.P.S. Hello there, my friend, and happy Monday to ya. Just a friendly reminder that you’re capable, courageous and you can totally handle whatever needs to be done. You can and you will! ?

Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 646

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Despite his striking good looks, fashion genius, athletic physique and his successful business empire, Tabs never assumed anything when it came to the ladies. He was always a gentleman, and he never forgot a Valentine’s Day.

He could always tell when I needed extra lurvies.

And I have to say, having known other cats, as wonderful as they are, sometimes they do very “cat” things, where they enthusiastically dole out the purrs and affection when they want something — hint, hint — like cats treats or gravy. Sure, Tabs loved his gravy. He would have bathed in it if he could, but when he stared into my eyes, when he purred on my chest, when he looked up at me from across the room and meowed, I felt real love.

I didn’t feel like it was cat code for “I’ll take some treats, please.”

You know the saying, “he’s a lover, not a fighter”? Oh, yeah, that was Tabs, except that he fancied himself as both.

He wasn’t though. He was just a lover. ?

I miss him extra today… As I look back at his pictures and look into his eyes, I see the unconditional love that I believe was there. Happy Valentine’s Day, buddy. Miss you and love you very much. ❤️

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Saturday Surfing, Feb. 13, 2021

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chanel anthurium
Hello, Saturday!

Hi and happy Saturday, friend! And happy Valentine’s Day weekend.

How are you doing today? I’m pretty good, just sitting here pondering what to paint on my paws this week. I’m leaning toward this fierce red from Chanel called Anthurium.

What do you think? Do you ever wear red nails? I did it for like two years straight in high school when I went through my 1940s phase. Red lips and nails were my thing there for a while, but I don’t wear red nail polish very often now… I still like them from time to time though, especially on short nails. I think it’s very chic.

What’s the plan for today? I hope there’s something on your agenda that makes you feel good. As for tomorrow, no plans for me. It’ll be a home-based pandemic Valentine’s Day, likely involving some chocolate and at least one rom-com on TV.

On that note…onto today’s reading! ?


Look at the eyes, OMG! TOO FUNNY!


Hello, can I do my eye makeup in an elevator?


This is fascinating!


You probably don’t want to go for walk here…


I’m thinking of trying Differin.


When you’re tired of cooking but ya keep doing it anyways…


Adding to my wish list..


I can’t stop looking at her tattoo.


Love


In case you need it


Sing along with me, will ya?


This is cool.


I’m playing this right now.


LEGEND


Speaking of Toni Basil…

Have an exceptional Saturday and Sunday! Sending virtual Valentine’s hugs… May there also be chocolate in your (and my) near future. ??

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Try These 3 Bangin’ Bold Red Liquid Lipsticks

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mac quite the standout feels so grand mac smash
Time for some red!

Check out these crimson cuties. Try one of them. Or, heck, try them all! ?

All of them are MAC liquid lipsticks. If, say, you like to wear warm shades with vintage vibes, may I direct your attention to warm orangey red Quite the Standout? Or, if you prefer deeper reds with subtle blue undertones, take a gander at Feels So Grand. Or, if brighter reds with soft-focus matte finishes rock your boat, there’s MAC Smash.

mac quite the standout
MAC Quite the Standout liquid lipstick. Winged Liner Tee.
mac feels so grand makeup nerd tee
MAC Feels So Grand liquid lipstick. Makeup Nerd Tee.
mac quite the standout winged liner tee
MAC Smash

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S.

One Bronzy Mauve Eye Look, Two Lip Options

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wander beauty wanderess escape palette mac dance with me
One bronzy mauve eye look, two lip options

Looking for an easy eye makeup look that looks better than the bare minimum and works with a wide variety of lipstick colors? If you are, have I got an eye look for you! ? Check out this bronzy mauve…

Yeah, yeah, who’s wearing lipstick these days? Well, I mean, I think a lot of us are. I was chatting with a few gals on Instagram (here’s me, BTW), and it turns out there are a lot of people out there spending a lot of time at home right now (no, really!?), parenting, surviving and hopefully thriving, in, like, full-on bright red lips because they simply miss wearing lipstick. So, before you put your hands on your hips, shake your finger at me and say, “Karen, everybody’s masked up, so lipstick is total and complete nonsense now!” I politely disagree.

We’re still wearing lipstick, y’all. HEAR US ROAR! ?

LOL!

wander beauty wanderess escape palette eye look
A closeup of the eye look

So, back to the eye makeup… Curl your lashes, fill in your brows, and grab the following:

Key eye makeup products

  1. A bronze cream shadow stick
  2. A matte mauve powder shadow
  3. A matte cool brown eyeshadow
  4. A black or blackish brown pencil liner
  5. A shimmery warm champagne shadow

Here’s what you do

  1. Apply and blend the bronze cream shadow all over the part of your lid that moves when you blink (a.k.a. your mobile lid), as well as the crease, diffusing the shadow into a soft gradient as you move up toward your brows.
  2. Layer the matte purplish mauve eyeshadow directly on top of the bronze cream shadow, first using a flat eyeshadow brush. Next, grab a clean tapered or domed blending brush, and soften out the edges. Now, if you want, run the brush along your lower lash line with however much product remains on the brush.
  3. Next, line your lash lines with the black or brownish black pencil. Then, load a pencil brush with the dark cool brown shadow, and soften the liner by running the tip of the brush along the liner’s edge.
  4. Dab a touch of the shimmery warm champagne into the inner corners…
  5. And finish with mascara, false lashes and a shot of tequila (kidding).

If you want, you can also do the following

  1. Optional step 1: Tightline your waterline. Side note — I *always* do this! Makes my lashes look thicker. ?
  2. Optional step 2: Blend some of the cool matte brown eyeshadow in the outer corner for more depth.

Two lip options

I think this works with so many different lip colors because the balance between the warm bronzy shadow base and the cooler mauve and brown tones makes it suitable to wear with neutral, cool and warm lipsticks. I’ve paired it here with a neutral rosy brown lipstick and a warm cranberry red lipstick to give you two options; I also think this look would be great with dark brown, wine or brick shades.

wander beauty wanderess escape palette mac dance with me
The eye makeup with warm cranberry red lipstick
wander beauty wanderess escape palette laura mercier beige intime
Same eyes, but now with a rosy brown lipstick (t-shirt: Mascara & Kitties)

Product links

What I’m wearing

wander beauty wanderess escape palette laura mercier beige intime mac dance with me
Swatches!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

This or That: The Valentine’s Edition

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mac love me lipstick heart
Heart ya!

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 Valentine’s Edition

  • Chocolate or roses?
  • Valentine’s or Galentine’s?
  • Dinner — homemade or takeout?
  • Red or pink roses?
  • Red or pink nail polish?
  • Date night — casual or dressed up?
  • Red lipstick or pink lipstick?
  • Store bought or handmade gift?

Chocolate or roses?

Milk chocolate from See’s, to be specific.

Valentine’s or Galentine’s?

Both. 🙂

Dinner — homemade or takeout?

UGH, did I mention that I’m sick of my own cooking? Takeout, please!

Red or pink roses?

Pale pink would be lovely, thank you.

Red or pink nail polish?

Hmm… Red, shiny and opaque toes and pale pink fingertips.

Date night — casual or dressed up?

Casual for now, but believe me, after our corner of the world opens up, we’re getting dressed up and we’re going OUT.

Red lipstick or pink lipstick?

Matte red and bright, bright, bright!

Store bought or handmade gift?

I would say yes to either!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen ?

3 Steps to a Sheer, Fresh Base (That Looks Effortless)

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laura mercier beige ultimae pyt no bs palette
Waiting on spring!

It’s always kinda amusing to me when I watch a tutorial for “skin that looks like skin,” or “effortless foundation,” and it involves, like, 12 steps to get there!

I know, I know! It comes with the territory of doing makeup. But still. ?

Admittedly, I’m guilty of over-complicating makeup on occasion (*cough* sorry! *cough*), but sometimes I really do just want easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy, and this three-step process to a sheer, fresh base is exactly that.

The goal here? A low-effort base that looks natural and polished, with a few areas of strategically placed slightly dewy (but not shiny) finish peeking through. Please bear in mind that this type of base will not completely cover everything. Yes, we’re purposefully letting lots of actual skin show.

You’ll need…

Three is the magic number here, starting with how much time you’ll need.

About three minutes.

Also, you’ll need the following…

  1. An opalescent, low-shimmer highlighting lotion, ideally one without any bits of glitter in it
  2. A sheer-to-medium-coverage stick or cream foundation that works for your skin type and tone
  3. A synthetic blending brush

The step-by-step

  1. First, dab a few dots of the pearly lotion all over your face, and blend. I like to include a few dots beneath my eyes to lift and brighten that area. After blending all of your dots, wait about a minute for your pearly lotion set.
  2. Apply the foundation you selected wherever you want the highest coverage. Gently press and blend it in with clean fingers (ideally, your fingers should be warm for this, and not freezing cold like my fingers get sometimes). I typically do my cheeks, underneath my nose, around my mouth, and in the center of my forehead. This should take just about another minute.
  3. Gently diffuse the edges of your foundation with the blending brush, seamlessly blending the foundation into your natural skin. The trick is to not lift off and remove too much product here. That is, you do want some coverage, after all, so use a light touch.
  • Optional: dab some concealer under your eyes, and I’d suggest something sheer because a full-coverage concealer will look disjointed alongside such a sheer base.
  • Additional optional step: set your foundation with a sheer powder (I usually skip this step).

Here’s a closeup of the base! As you can see, there are a few freckles on my nose and a few places where a little pigmentation is peeking through above my upper lip and on my cheeks, which I’m totally cool with. Like I said, this is the type of makeup that isn’t meant to fully conceal everything.

laura mercier beige intime pyt no bs palette closeup
Well, hi there!
Fresh skin, olive lids and rosy beige cheeks and lips
See the freckles on my nose?

What to pair this base with

If you want to keep it casual and underdress this base, you could pair it with a combination of brow gel, mascara and eyeliner, but for a little extra polish, you could dress it up like I did here by pairing it with something like a cool-toned olive and taupe on the lids, a matte rosy blush on the cheeks and a light pinkish brown lipstick.

laura mercier beige intime pyt no bs palette swatches
Swatches of the key eye, cheek and lip products
laura mercier beige intime pyt no bs palette products
Featured products I’m wearing on my eyes, cheeks and lips

Product links

What I’m wearing

Additional pearly/low-shimmer highlighting lotion options

Additional stick or cream foundation options:

Synthetic blending brush options:

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. Happy Tuesday! ?

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 664

by 23 Comments

butterfly monday poll
You’ve got this, my friend!

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. Sheer or opaque pink polish?

    Opaque all the way, lady, and hold the shimmer too!

    2. Fruits or vegetables?

    Hmm… I love both dearly, but seeing as it’s still morning and I’m about to have some plain Greek yogurt…I’ll go with fruit. Specifically, berries!

    3. How good are you at confrontation?

    Oh, my gosh, I’m absolutely terrible at confrontation, but I’m…working on it? LOL. I tend to bottle things up until I eventually explode. It ain’t pretty.

    4. Sweatshirt with a hood, or a button-up cardigan?

    I’m going to shock myself (GASP) and go for the button-up cardigan.

    5. Lipstick — warm red or cool red?

    I like both for different reasons, but I’ll go with warm red because I have warm skin tone.

    6. Have you ever climbed a tree only to discover you couldn’t find a way down?

    Nah, girl! I grew up in a neighborhood that was still relatively new at the time, and there weren’t a lot of large, mature trees around to climb.

    7. Oatmeal cookies or chocolate chip cookies?

    Right now I would LOVE a batch of oatmeal cookies with raisins. ?

    8. Strapless bras — love ’em or leave ’em?

    Eff all the strapless bras, I’m so done with them, so leave ’em. MY GIRLS NEED STRAPS!

    9. What show (or shows) are you currently watching?

    Firefly Lane on Netflix. It’s about two best friends and the ups and downs in their relationship. Eh, I think it’s just OK so far… Somehow, though, I’ve gotten sucked in!

    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. Sheer or opaque pink polish?
    2. Fruits or vegetables?
    3. How good are you at confrontation?
    4. Sweatshirt with a hood, or a button-up cardigan?
    5. Lipstick — warm red or cool red?
    6. Have you ever climbed a tree only to discover you couldn’t find a way down?
    7. Oatmeal cookies or chocolate-chip cookies?
    8. Strapless bras — love ’em or leave ’em?
    9. What show (or shows) are you currently watching?

    P.P.S. Happy Monday, friend. How goes it? I hope you got some time to relax over the weekend. I predict that we’re going to have a good week. ?

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