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A beauty blog blooming with fresh makeup reviews, swatches and beauty tips from your friendly neighborhood beauty addict

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Amika Dry Shampoo Is Awesome | Important Lessons on Aging

April 17th, 2024 by Karen 6 Comments

Winner, winner, chicken dinner!

Love this stuff

My main criteria for dry shampoo is how my day-two roots feel after a few sprays. If they’re stiff and coated in a thick layer of crusty powder, forget about it! I prefer lightweight sprays that virtually disappear into the hair yet still manage to soak up any jankiness.

For years my go-to has been Oribe dry shampoo, which I think is great at doing this, but you know. Sometimes it’s nice to have dry shampoo choices, especially one that isn’t $52 (!) for a bottle.

Enter the $28 Perk Up Dry Shampoo by Amika. It just takes a few shots to oily roots to, well, perk ‘em up!

I really like this a lot. I only have to use very little, and the spray is so fine, so there’s no need for me to massage any excess product into salt-n-pepper hair.

It soaks up all the excess oil, too, without that heavy, thick feeling.

Bonus, I like the faint floral scent. Everything triggers migraines for me these days, and this is subtle enough to not.

If you’re looking for a new dry shampoo to add to your rotation, try it.

Listen to this ASAP

I’m on a Mel Robbins Podcast kick these days because her shows teach me so much good stuff! Here’s one that I found truly enlightening on menopause. I don’t know much about it, but I’d like to learn as much as I can as I move into the later stages in life. This episode covers what it is and how it’s often dismissed by the medical community, and it offers some good tips on how you can keep your body strong and healthy as it changes when you get older. I found it really helpful.

Please give it a listen if you have a chance.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

There are 6 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Amika, Hair, Product Reviews

A Marvelous Makeup Cleanser and 3 Game-Changing Things for Better Mornings

April 16th, 2024 by Karen 2 Comments

I liked this!

I really wanted the Oat Cleansing Balm makeup remover by the Inkey List to smell like a freshly baked oatmeal cookie. Alas, it’s more like uncooked oatmeal when you first open the packaging. Kinda earthy. I don’t mind it!

This balm is a first cleanse which removes all your makeup, even waterproof. I’ve heard good things about it, but what interested me the most was the affordable price. For a pretty substantial 5-ounce tube, it’s a mere $13. You know I love a good deal!

I’ve been using it for the past few days to remove my, quote unquote, work face, which isn’t really complicated in the makeup department but does involve long-wearing eye make up products, including a water resistant mascara and a gel liner that hangs on for dear life. Side note, Rare Beauty is where it’s at, man!

Oat Cleansing Balm melts them both right off, but FYI, you like to wear liner on your waterline, I’d advise using an additional eye makeup remover, because I’ll get this temporary cloudy haze in my eyes. (That happens to me sometimes with certain cleansing balms.)

Considering the amount you get for the price, I don’t mind it. This is a great deal.

I’ve been binge listening the Mel Robbins podcast, which I stumbled onto while browsing through Spotify.

In the span of two days I’ve learned SO. MUCH. STUFF. And it’s useful!

I’ve been looking for solutions to help me not be so freaking tired all the time. Seriously, if there is a way to find even just the tiniest bit of extra energy, I’ll try it, which is what led me to this particular podcast about three things you can do to have better mornings.

Anyway, I’ve been trying these things for the past few days, and my goodness. I think it might actually work!

Oh, not gonna lie, I was terrified to try water before coffee in the morning because I love coffee so much. It’s been four days now, and I’m still standing and functioning! Anywho, give it a listen.

Have a wonderful Tuesday!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

There are 2 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Product Reviews, Skin Care, The Inkey List

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 827

April 15th, 2024 by Karen 10 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 more or less random questions I’ve been posting on this blog every Monday morning for the past quadrillion years (since 2007).

1. Charlotte Tilbury or Westman Atelier?

I love both, but currently, I’d go with Westman Atelier.

2. Have you ever used a fake ID?

Nah. I was too much of a rule follower to really care about one, and back in the day, even if I wanted one, I’d have no clue about where to start.

3. Would you rather ride a motorcycle or go skinny dipping?

Honestly both sound like nightmare scenarios for me. Um, I guess skinny dipping? At least that way, I’d come out of the situation in one piece and with no broken bones.

4. Lip brush or an angled eye brush?

Angled eye brush. I’d get more use out of it!

5. Something nice you can do for yourself today?

Honestly, go to bed early tonight. Oh, and make sure I eat enough protein; it really does make a difference in my energy levels and mood.

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. Charlotte Tilbury or Westman Atelier?
2. Have you ever used a fake ID?
3. Would you rather ride a motorcycle or go skinny dipping?
4. Lip brush or an angled eye brush?
5. Something nice you can do for yourself today?

P.P.S. I hope you have a wonderful Monday. Things will work out for you today; I just know it!

There are 10 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Just For Fun

Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 808

April 14th, 2024 by Karen 3 Comments

Bold tiger. Sex symbol. Cat stud. When it came to kitty modeling, Tabs dominated. He pretty much invented the field of feline supermodelry.

I mean that posture, those angles, that uncanny ability to strike a pose anywhere.

Bam!

Look at that.

But we all know that wasn’t all. Tabs was also a business genius. He did his own books, even created his own business plan. I was his personal assistant, but he made all the big decisions.

Rosie

Rosie definitely has the smarts to run the company. She’s been a great CFO of Tabs the Cat Industries, LLC since she took over. She’s actually increased profits every quarter so far. 😊

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

There are 3 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Just For Fun, Rosie, Tabs

Saturday Surfing, April 13, 2024!

April 13th, 2024 by Karen 2 Comments

Hello, Saturday!

Good morning and happy Caturday. Rosie’s been stuck to me like glue all morning! She would like to wish you a wonderful day, and she also wants to remind you that weekends are the best times for cuddles and extra treats. 🙂

What are your plans for the day? I’m going to do some reading with Rosie-Pose on the couch, and then some laundry. Girl, laundry sure is devoted, isn’t it? It is always there. I keep hoping that it will break up with me, but no. LOL!

This week’s reading

  • Serena Williams has a new beauty brand called WYN.
  • Chicago friends, legendary makeup artist Bobbi Brown is opening a new store in your neighborhood for her Jones Road brand.
  • Sugar plum fairy makeup is a thing.
  • How to carry out a French skin care routine.
  • Bath & Body Works launched a new line of designer perfume dupes.


I’m going to try this


I see a few of my favorites


I love her

Have a great rest of your weekend!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

There are 2 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Just For Fun

More Thoughts on Shopping at Sephora in 2024

April 11th, 2024 by Karen 7 Comments

Having a good makeup day

I was at Sephora yesterday to get a few things from the savings event (more on this in a second) and the experience was a little better than the last time I was there. I got to chatting with a very nice salesperson about his favorite things in the store, and our conversation reminded me of a few things.

There’s always nice, fun people out there that make beauty interesting and fun.

You just have to run into them; that seems to be the key!

I often find myself these days feeling like I’ve seen it all before. I’ve been writing about beauty since 2007 (!), and sometimes it feels like nothing really surprises me. But when I get to chatting with other people about cool things we love, that spark, that lightness I used to feel all the time whenever I got into beauty talk mode with someone who knew the language of makeup, I feel it again.

I left the store for the first time in a long time with a spring in my step.

This leads me to a Q for you.

What makeup is working for you in the store these days?

This is question I asked the salesperson yesterday (hi, Jeron!). I’d love to hear about what’s working for you, if you’re up for it.

Here’s my list. I’m wearing everything in this pic!

  • Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Skin Foundation in Warm 8
  • Hourglass Veil Retouching Fluid in Sand
  • All kinds of stuff from Rare Beauty: Brow Harmony Precision Pencil, Perfect Strokes Liner in True Brown, Perfect Strokes Matte Liquid LIner and the Black Mascara
  • Supergoop Shimmershade Cream Eyeshadow in Sunset
  • NARS Blushes in Deep Throat and Lustre (I mix them together)
  • Laura Mercier Loose Powder

This visit was better than my last because there was a variety of different age groups in the mix.

Maybe it was because the savings event brings out people out of the woodwork? I don’t know. I do know that while there were the usual handful of children swooning over Drunk Elephant (I mean, I could pop off on the irresponsibility of beauty brands marketing to children, but alas, I’ll save you from that rant today), there were also several people who represented different groups across the board. It was refreshing.

So, Sephora, if you’re listening, please…

It was nice to chat with a variety ladies and gents about the products they love; whatever you can to make everyone feel welcome, please, do that and then some.

Also, invest in your employees who work on the sales floor. They have the power to really make someone feel good, and we need more of that in the world in general.

Last but not least…

This is what I ended up getting!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

There are 7 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Just For Fun

Lip of the Day: The Newly Reformulated MAC Maximal Velvet Teddy, Eclipse Adventures and What’s for Lunch

April 9th, 2024 by Karen 7 Comments

First things first, I’m not mad at the newly reformulated Velvet Teddy Maximal Lipstick by MAC. I know!

I thought I’d be grumpy about it after taking Sweet Deal for a spin last week and feeling underwhelmed by the experience, but the wear time on Velvet Teddy 2.0 is almost as good as the original, and it’s less drying on my lips.

If Velvet Teddy is a frequent flyer in your makeup rotation, don’t worry. This new version does alright.

Secondly, I totally forgot to mention the eclipse when I was writing the Monday Poll yesterday morning. I didn’t remember it until I saw a couple of telescopes and various eclipse-related accoutrements on campus.

I was oddly thrilled by the low-tech things, including the shadows created by the colander and by the eclipse glasses.

Did you catch it at all yesterday? I hope you did because even though we didn’t get totality here in Northern California, it was still very cool.

Last but not least, a totally random question. What’s for lunch today? I’m mostly asking on behalf of my tum. LOL!

I’ve been coming home for lunch lately, and to save time, I usually set aside some leftovers or make a sandwich the night before so I can just walk through the door and gobble something down. I didn’t do that last night, though, so I have no lunch plans yet. I need some inspo!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

There are 7 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: MAC Makeup, Makeup

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 826

April 8th, 2024 by Karen 9 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 more or less random questions I’ve been posting on this blog every Monday morning for the past quadrillion years (since 2007).

1. Bowling or tennis?

Bowling because I could go and hang out in the arcade. LOL!

2. Have you ever taken a cruise?

Nope. A cruise seems like it could be fun, though, if you go with a good group. If you’ve ever done a fun one, please let me know about it!

3. Do you stick to one hair product line, or do you like to mix and match?

I tend to mix and match these days. I have stuck to a single product line in the past, though, and I’ve found that my hair likes Oribe and Bumble & Bumble.

4. Pet strollers: yes or no?

Sure, why not?

5. A habit that makes you feel like you’re taking good care of yourself?

Getting enough sleep. I definitely feel better when I go to bed early!

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. Bowling or tennis?
2. Have you ever taken a cruise?
3. Do you stick to one hair product line, or do you like to mix and match?
4. Pet strollers: yes or no?
5. A habit that makes you feel like you’re taking good care of yourself?

There are 9 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Just For Fun

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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.

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Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 878

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 894

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