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

Kristin Ess Has a Line of Hair Styling Tools at Target, and It Includes Something for Cray-Cray Cowlicks

December 18th, 2018 by Karen 18 Comments

kristin ess hair appliances — Dear Kristin Ess, you are speaking my language with all that white and rose gold.

Dude. Target on the weekends before Christmas is freakin’ Battle Royale, especially if you park your booty in the middle of the aisle to take some pics of these hair styling tools from Kristin Ess.

(No joke, I was almost run over at least three times.)

The line is from Lauren Conrad’s hair gal, and some of the products are available at Tar-ghay now. I’ve tried a few of them so far, and overall…I think they’re OK.

I do like how these look, though, with the white and pale rose gold accents. It’s very T3-esque. The products range from $50 to $100, which is on the high side for Target.

The line includes a hair dryer, a few different curling irons, a flat iron and a very intriguing thingamabob for roots.

It’s the Texture Taming Root Control Iron, and it’s $55. In concept, it sounds like *the* answer to all my crazy hair woes…

“Ever wonder how to control all those baby hairs/edges that are too short to make it into your flat iron? Or those curly roots you can’t quite get to? That’s what this is for! It’s called a root control iron and it changes EVERYTHING. You can effortlessly smooth hairs around your hairline, or at the nape of your neck, and easily tame frizz, cowlicks, and unruly bangs by directing them with this comb/iron hybrid.”

— kristinesshair.com

And here’s a video of Kristin herself using the tool…

Texture Taming Root Control from Kristin Ess on Vimeo.

Um…WANT. My cowlicks and baby hairs have gone next level cray since I started growing out my grays, and unless I douse myself in hairspray, they stand up every which way, and I look like I’m walking around with a current of electricity pulsing through me all day, every day.

Have you tried this? The reviews on the Target site make it sound hit or miss, so I’m not sure if I’m going to take the plunge…but MAN I REALLY WANT TO.

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Product Spotlight: Wander Beauty Nude Illusion Liquid Foundation

December 17th, 2018 by Karen 31 Comments

wander beauty nude illusion liquid foundation review — Lightweight, looks natural and lasts a looong time = my new foundation crush!

You guys, I found the BEST foundation, and, GASP! — it’s full-coverage.

I KNOW! Who am I…? What happened to Karen??

I almost never wear full-coverage because full-coverage usually means full-effort. You’ve gotta blend and stipple and buff and blend and blend so that your skin doesn’t go all cake-face. But with this liquid foundation by Wander Beauty, I literally do a 60-second slapdash job with my fingers, and my skin looks even-toned and natural.

Wander Beauty is an up-and-coming makeup line you can find at Sephora (and also on the Wander Beauty website). Their whole shtick is makeup for the busy makeup-lovin’ lady-on-the-go, or really anyone who likes put-together makeup but doesn’t have all the time in the world for complicated looks. (Remember Bobbi Brown before Bobbi left? It’s kinda like that, but with more of an emphasis on the whole travel angle.)

And that pretty accurately describes the payoff for Nude Illusion Liquid Foundation. Effortless, simple, elegant. You can put it on in a moving car while you’re half-asleep. A one-ounce tube is $40, and it comes in 12 different shades for all skin types.

wander beauty nude illusion first thing in the morning — Here’s shade “Tan” in natural light right after applying it in the morning.

I put it on this morning, then took pictures of it throughout the day. First thing this morning, I swiped and dotted the foundation all over my face with the large doe-foot (it’s similar to the applicator that comes with my beloved Neutrogena Hydro Boost). Then, I blended it in with my fingers and — surprise! — that was that. Didn’t even have to buff it down with a Real Techniques buffing brush or anything. I just left it as is! No powder, no nothing. It looks natural and lasts all day long.

wander beauty nude illusion lunch — And here it is in outdoor lighting right after lunch (about four hours later). Still looks fresh!

The finish? I love it. It’s satiny, so a little bit of light reflects off the skin, but it’s not full-tilt dewy like Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter or MAC Face and Body.

Come to think of it, this is very much like NARS Velvet Matte Skin Tint, but with more coverage. Bottom line: It’s matte with a low-key pearl and looks very skin-like and just plain gorgeous. Plus, bonus — it also blurs pores ever-so-slightly.

wander beauty nude illusion late afternoon — Later in the afternoon (with my copilot bossing me around) in indirect light in the car

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Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 555

December 17th, 2018 by Karen 27 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. Candy canes or gingerbread men?

Candy canes…but only the traditional red and white ones.

2. Mittens or gloves?

Because I usually have the cat or the baby with me when I’m out and about, I’m going to have to go with the practicality of gloves…although I do like mittens, too, because I like having all of my fingers enclosed together in one snug space. I feel like it keeps my hands warmer for some reason.

3. Try any new beauty products lately?

Yes! A couple things from the Wander Beauty line — the Nude Illusion Liquid Foundation and the Wanderess Chill palette, which has (GASP!) cool-toned browns and neutrals.

4. Road trip or plane ride?

I can’t believe I’m saying this, because I’ve always appreciated how much faster you can get places on a plane, but right now, at this point in my life, I prefer a good road trip.

I like having control over when and where you can stop and that you don’t have to deal with strangers in your space. Plus, the last time I was on a plane I felt really claustrophobic for the first time ever.

5. Walk me through the steps you take to fill in your brows.

Short and sweet these days:

First, brush a little bit of clear brow gel through them, and wait for it set.
Lightly draw in a minimal amount of hairs to fill out the gap in my left brow and the tail of my right.

Really, that’s it!

Pink angel kitties and pickles

Good morning and happy Monday to ya, friend! Hope you’re healthy and happy on this beautiful day. ? I actually woke up feeling somewhat human (and not like a walking brick of snot) for the first time in days this morning, and I’m in a really good mood because of it.

Yesterday I forced myself out of the house and ventured to Target, and while I was there I wandered into the holiday section. Man…the holiday section had some slim pickings. I was hoping to get a new tree topper and maybe a few ornaments, but all that was left were these weird decorations, like the sad pink angel kitty at the top of the post (why does she look so depressed?) and things like pickle ornaments… Can you fathom why anyone would decorate their tree in shiny pickles? Am I missing something here? LOL!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. Question time! Here they are to copy/paste with your answers in a comment. Talk to you soon.

1. Candy canes or gingerbread men?
2. Mittens or gloves?
3. Try any new beauty products lately?
4. Road trip or plane ride?
5. Walk me through the steps you take to fill in your brows.

Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 532

December 16th, 2018 by Karen 6 Comments

I think the only animal, cat or human, who can pull off a sequined red bomber jacket and a snow white rose collar together while taking a casual Sunday morning stroll is Tabs, obviously.

I mean, maybe Elton John could pull it off. Maybe. But I don’t know… Tabs has a special gift for working the flashy and the sweet and putting it all together so that he looks just as great cruising the streets of Novato as he looks on the cobblestone pathways of Milan.

Oftentimes, people will ask me if he’s actually an Italian cat, and I’ll be like, “No, he’s from Mill Valley, California, but he does dress like he’s European.”

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Saturday Surfing, December 15th, 2018

December 15th, 2018 by Karen 14 Comments

Good mornin’ and happy Caturday ? to ya.

Quick question: Have you ever wished that you could crochet for the sole purpose of being able to make a handmade sweater for your cat?

If yes, then you will totally get why I want this book I saw at Barnes and Noble!

I wonder how long the cats on the cover actually had those sweaters on…because Tabs would have slipped out quicker than a cheetah chasing dinner.

Anywho…if you’re looking for a gift for your favorite crazy cat lady, I think this would be purr-fect.

I’m taking it easy today because, once again, I caught a bug. ? Yup, I made it cold-free for three weeks, so I guess it was time, LOL! Everyone tells me that the first year of preschool is the hardest because kids bring home everything, so everyone is sick all the time, and they weren’t kidding.

Oh, well. I’ve heard it tapers off around April, so fingers and toes crossed I make it till then, ha ha!

Now I’m off to go eat the hearty breakfast El Hub made for me and Connor. Pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon and clementine orange slices. And suck on another Cold-EEZE.

While I do that, here’s some easy reading (like easy listening) to help you get your weekend off to a good start.

There’s a new drugstore beauty brand in town backed by Covergirl called Full Spectrum, and it’s marketed specifically for “women of color” — a term that has always made me pause a few beats…seeing as how there are A LOT of different skin tones, undertones and color temps out there, but that’s another rambling for another day.

The line does have a wide shade range — 20 shades of matte liquid foundation, 12 shades of powder foundation and six shades of concealer. And they have a good mix of eye, lip and cheek products, too. You can find it at Ulta.
MBB reader Jane asked me the other day how I felt about buying beauty products from stores like Marshalls.

Well, as you know, I love a good discount, but I don’t regularly buy beauty products from discount stores on the off chance that they may have been diverted products. Yes, there’s a moderate chance that that shampoo or conditioner you’re eyeing could be counterfeit, diluted, expired or could have a discontinued formula that’s been deemed unsafe to use.

Here’s how you can spot whether a product has been diverted.
“It’s holiday,” says makeup artist Nick Barose. “You’re not supposed to be looking natural.” Nick paints celeb faces (including Lupita Nyong’o and Gugu Mbatha-Raw), and here’s his step-by-step guide to adding glitters and metallics to your makeup this holiday season.
Some people might think this is kind of an odd thing to want to smell like…but I’ve actually always wanted a perfume that’ll make me smell like an old church.
This French fragrance brand is betting that wealthy customers will drop between $1.5 million and $20 million for a customized bottle of perfume, and I’m like SRRSLY!? Y’all can’t just buy a bottle of Byredo Gypsy Water at SpaceNK?
True or false: Your genes matter more than your skin care routine.
David Lee Roth (yes, that guy who wore spandex and colorful footwear and had big, teased hair out to here in the ’80s) has a new skin care line. Fun fact: Did you know he’s a licensed EMT in New York City? And that his voice spans five octaves?
Why does your cat lick her fur where you just petted her?
7 ways to tell if your cat is mad at you

They look like they’re having so much fun!

Just move on up!

An old fave

Someone make this for me, please!

Stop by and say hi. 🙂 I’ll be chillin’ on the couch today.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Fresh Friday: This K-Beauty Brand Is All About Bite-Sized Beauty

December 14th, 2018 by Karen 9 Comments

kaja makeup sephora — A few pieces from Kaja, a new K-beauty line made in partnership with Sephora

“Fresh Friday” is a new MBB series where we explore products from new beauty brand (and veteran brands that are new to me). Let’s discover new makeup!

Two pressing life-related conundrums:

So…when did 7:30 p.m. become late for me? Because I swear, 7:30 is the new midnight now. When the clock strikes 7:30, I turn into a pumpkin!
Am I the only person who assumed that because Kaja Beauty refers to their products as “bite sized,” they’d be teeny and tiny for travel?

From Sephora:

“We create bite-sized beauty packed with Korean innovation that once you experience, you’ll want to share. It’s packaging as beautiful on the outside as our product is on the inside – feel-good formulas made for everyone, all skin types and skin tones.”

How cute is this line? I think their bite-sized hook is a little confusing though, since all of it looks pretty full-sized in person.

kaja beauty bento bouncy shimmer eyeshadow trio — Beauty Bento Bouncy Shimmer Eyeshadow Trio in Toasted Caramel

Kaja is a new Korean beauty line that launched last (this?) fall exclusively at Sephora, and here’s a fun fact for ya: Apparently, Kaja means “Let’s Go” in Korean!

kaja beauty mochi pop bouncy blush — Mochi Pop Bouncy Blush in Atmosphere

The brand has a Milk-meets-Glossier vibe, with a pinch of Too Faced cuteness, and while there’s a decent helping of eye, cheek and lip products, the line’s relatively minimalist when it comes to foundation… In other words, you aren’t going to find 20 million foundation shades a la Fenty here. For face makeup, they have one primer, one color corrector and a handful of concealers.

Yup, that’s it! No powder or anything else.

The concept is a fresh-faced, dewy complexion with a kiss of color and glitter on lids, cheeks and lips.

I definitely feel like it’s a line that skews to a younger makeup crowd, like teens and early 20-somethings, but even if that’s way beyond your age group (HELLO, ME), it can be fun, fast and fabulous for quickie looks…which is every day of my life lately, ha!

kaja beauty cheeky stamp blendable blush — Cheeky Stamp Blendable Blush in Bossy

Standout: The Cushy Vibe High-Pigment Lip Stains

I’ve tested a few of the products so far, and I dig the Lip Stains ($18). They’re REALLY good. They come five bold colors (blue-red, wine, mauve, plum and purple) and have a light whipped texture that glides right over your lips.

Don’t be fooled by the fact that they feel light as feathers, either, because they last a long time. I put Chiffon (the raspberry shade) on my lips in the morning a few days ago thinking I’d need to reapply after lunch, but after two cups of coffee, three glasses (OK, more like jugs) of water, snacks AND lunch, it stayed on my lips and continued to last for practically the whole day.

kaja swatches — Swatches from the top: Cat Nap Brightener, Don’t Settle Concealers, Bossy Blush, Atmosphere Blush, Toasted Caramel eyeshadow; Cushy Vibe High Pigment Lip Stains in Silk Robe, Chiffon and Velvet and 2’s Company Nude Lipstick & Liner Duo in Desert Rose

Also worth your time: Mochi Pop Bouncy Blush

The cream-to-powder blushes ($19 each) are also standouts because they’re like more affordable Chanel Joues Contraste blushes. I’ve been wearing Atmosphere, a rosy shade similar to Chanel Pink Explosion, and it has that gorgeous tell-tale semi-transparency that you’ll find over at Chanel.

Now, let me say for the millionth time that sheer blush ain’t a bad thing, especially if you don’t want to spend hella days blending out the edges, and/or your ultimate makeup fear in life is walking around with clown cheeks.

Take-home message: These look very natural on the skin, don’t appear obviously powdery, and they’re long-lasting as well.

But how about those cream blush stamps?

Kaja’s cushion blushes are very cute; I’ll give them that. Each blush has a ❤️ heart-shaped stamp in the cap, which you dip into the cushion, stamp on your cheeks, and blend.

Fun! I like it on bare skin because, like the Mochi blushes, it’s sheer and allows my skin to peek through. But when I wear it on top of foundation or concealer, it breaks up my face makeup… I don’t wear it often, although you’d think I would because it feels very silicone-y and slippery to the touch. Plus, it blurs pores like a mofo.

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Unsung Makeup Heroes: Revlon Colorstay Crème Eyeshadow in 715 Chocolate

December 13th, 2018 by Karen 11 Comments

revlon colorstay creme shadow 715 espresso — Crazy for Chocolate

What’s an unsung makeup hero? For me, it’s an oftentimes underrated makeup morsel, a permanent collection product that scoots under the radar screen of many makeup lovers but regularly rocks my world. The long-running Unsung Heroes series features some of my favorites.

What’s that Christmas carol that goes, “‘Tis the season for creams, fa la la la laaaa, la la la laaaa!”? Creams are a “go-to” for gaggles of makeup lovers when it’s cold outside, but Revlon Chocolate is an “all-year” obsession for me.

Formally known as Colorstay 175 Crème Eyeshadow in Chocolate, it’s a drugstore secret treasure at just $6.99, and if you don’t have excess time to spend on your makeup but still like to wear a little somethin’, it will be your ? jam.

I’ve been wearing it a lot since I started growing out my grays, because the way my grays are growing out now, they don’t look purposeful yet because they don’t go from root to tip. It just looks like I missed my last two coloring appointments and can’t get my life together, so if I don’t wear at least a little eye makeup, I look disheveled. So Chocolate has been coming to my rescue.

Chocolate’s from Revlon’s long-wearing Crème Eyeshadow line, and if you haven’t tried these potted shadows before, you gotta get on that. They’re like the MAC Paint Pots, but cheaper, and slightly creamier.

Granted, they’re less pigmented than the Paint Pots, but I think that’s one of their selling points because that sheerness makes it easier to blend out the edges.

Perfect for “I’m already late! Gotta get this makeup on LIKE NOW!” looks.

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The Misery of Makeup Pencil Sharpeners…

December 13th, 2018 by Karen 25 Comments

Say “hello” to the destroyer of every single decent makeup bag I’ve ever owned, and the poltergeist that haunts the inner pocket of my current mom purse, which, once upon a time, housed six pristine lipstick tubes and an asthma inhaler.

*waves hi* ?

Since this makeup pencil sharpener exploded, everything — and I mean everything — all of the lipsticks, the inhaler and the lining of that inner pocket — is now smeared with chunks of black eyeliner, glitter and nude lip crayon, and everything else I ever sharpened in this sharpener since the dawn of time.

This particular makeup pencil sharpener happens to be from Make Up For Ever, but ya know…it doesn’t appear to matter what brand they are, because if I’m carrying around a makeup sharpener, rest assured! — it’ll explode in my purse.

You might think that after all the years pencil sharpeners have existed, some intrepid makeup-loving inventor out there would have discovered a way to improve upon the seemingly simple technology, or at least figured out a way to keep sharpeners from opening unexpectedly in your makeup bag.

Why, makeup gods, why!? Why hasn’t someone built a better mousetrap?

Oh, sure, I’ve tried workarounds — wrapping them with rubber bands, placing them in a clear plastic bag BEFORE sticking that bag into my makeup bag. Inevitably, however, those little bits of liner and crayon end up on everything and everywhere.

I saw in one of her videos that Sam from Pixiwoo keeps her Urban Decay sharpener (the purple one, which I have, and which is very good, but it still opens…) in the box it came in to prevent it from bursting open, which is GENIUS. But even she said the method isn’t foolproof, because hers still opens.

Shoot, even while I’ve been sitting here typing at my desk with my pencil sharpener beside me, little pencil shavings have fallen out over the last few minutes.

HOW? WHY?

Oh, and does anybody actually clean these things? They always get so dirty, but even when I try to clean the brown or black eyeliner bits from the blade before, say, sharpening a pink lip liner, I still get dark bits of liner on everything.

The misery of makeup pencil sharpeners is one reason I’m all about “the twist-up life” these days… You know why I love the Chanel Stylo Yeuxs so much? Yup, because I don’t ever have to sharpen the tip with a sharpener!

I need to know if anyone out there has ever found the mother of all makeup pencil sharpeners, because if you have, PLEASE do us all a solid and let us know.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen