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

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 794

August 14th, 2023 by Karen 14 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. Pick a hairstyle – a shag or a bob?

Long bob for this girl. I had one once and it looked OK; it was hella high maintenance so I didn’t keep it up. Hard pass on the shag because it would definitely look like a mullet with my wavy outer layers and straight inner layers, LOL!

2. Did you go to any fairs this summer?

There were several county fairs in our neck of the woods, but we didn’t go to any of them this year because nowadays I don’t like to get hot or dusty unless I absolutely have to. We’ll take Connor to one eventually just so she can experience carnival rides, fair food, etc.

3. A product in your hair routine that you’ve been using and loving?

Bumble and bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil is so good! It softens and smooths rough ends and adds shine without feeling heavy or greasy, and a little goes a long way.

4. Have you started thinking about Halloween at all?

Oh my goodness, believe it or not, yes. I went to Michaels on the weekend and the place was already exploding with Halloween decor. Connor also asked if we could start looking for a costume. (Someone wants to be a cat this year.)

5. Spicy or mild?

Mild if we’re talking about heat levels in food. Spicy if we’’e talking about my cattitude, HA HA HA!

Good morning and welcome to the week, my friend! I’m feeling mellow this morning and savoring these last few bits of summer before school starts. Just around the corner are dance practices, school events, birthday parties, homework and driving Connor all over town to all the events.

It’ll be another busy and sweet season in our lives. Everyone tells me these years go by in the blink of an eye, so I’m going to enjoy it.

I hope this week brings you good things and plenty of joy.

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. Pick a hairstyle — a shag or a bob?
2. Did you go to any fairs this summer?
3. A product in your hair routine that you’ve been using and loving?
4. Have you started thinking about Halloween at all?
5. Spicy or mild?

Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 773

August 13th, 2023 by Karen 1 Comment

Tabs

Rosie wants to start a new neighborhood cat band, and believe it or not, I’m finding myself experiencing Déjà vu.

You see, once upon a time, Tabs asked me to audition neighborhood cats for a new cat band called “Meow.”

It was supposed to be a fusion of classic rock, house music and ’70s disco divas.

(You know Tabs.)

I could never see the vision quite as clearly as he could, but he was a marketing genius, so I didn’t question him.

Anyway, we had barely started the auditions when the whole plan fell apart. It fell apart because Tabs realized that he wasn’t willing to share the stage with any other cats. Our kitty neighbor, Harris, was extremely disappointed because he was really interested in playing drums in the band. 🙁

Harris

Speaking of Harris, I’ve been spending a lot of time with him lately, because I’ve been cat sitting for him while his human assistant is out of town.

I assured Rosie that I would not conspire with the enemy (she and Harris don’t get along), but after she saw these pics, she has her suspicions…

Harris and I talked about his musical endeavors today. Turns out he’s an accomplished cat musician, and he’s in between gigs at the moment.

I brought this up with Rosie because she’s, coincidentally, been thinking about starting — wait for it — a neighborhood cat band herself!

Is this a phase all cats go through?? I don’t know.

Rosie

Rosie actually plays keyboard. In fact, she recently listened to a Ted Talk about how to be more academically successful, and it suggested pursuing artistic hobbies, specifically music.

Even though she and Harris haven’t seen eye to eye in the past, she’s decided to make peace with him in the pursuit of academic excellence.

I can’t wait to go to one of their shows, although something tells me I’ll be in charge of the merch. 🙂

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Saturday Surfing, August 12, 2023!

August 12th, 2023 by Karen 1 Comment

Happy Saturday, beautiful friend. Well, I gotta pat myself on the back because I made a pact with myself on Monday to put on a little makeup every day, and I actually did it!

It was a small self-care act that did me some good, and in the process, I was reminded by my pan of Laura Mercier Chai blush just how lovely it is to wear some color on your cheeks.

Chai, by the way is a powder blush, but I’ve been turning it into a cream blush with a very simple tweak!

I run a blush brush across the pan, and then mix the blush powder on the back of my hand with MAC Strobe Cream to create a cream blush.

Try it sometime with your favorite blush and liquid highlighter, and let me know how it goes!

This weekend is the first weekend I’ve had since June when I haven’t felt like there was something urgent on the horizon to tend to. I mean, I do have a few items left over from camping last weekend to put away; seriously, why does that last camping trip of the summer take so much out of me?

Other than organizing Connor’s items for the new school year, which I ordered last month to avoid doing back-to-school stuff last minute, I don’t really have a lot to tend to today. The thought of a Saturday that’s open to possibility is making me almost short circuit. What even is free time? LOL!

What are you up to this weekend? I hope you’re enjoying the last bit of summer.

This week’s beauty reading

I’m currently on a blush kick, which is why I’m taking note of Allure’s 13 best blush sticks for a lit-from-within glow.
While we’re on the subject of blush, here are some liquid blushes to consider.
Some blush for medium and deep skin tones.
Of course Chanel would be on this list of best blushes of 2023!
The best blushes for dry skin? I’m so there.
Apparently I need to be manifesting a writing gig with Rare Beauty, because Selena Gomez has reportedly sold $70 million in blush.
Stained glass blush is a thing.

OK, now I want all of ’em

A makeup look for those who like to keep it simple

Lots of steps which I probably wouldn’t do, but I enjoyed watching the process

I think I’m going to need that brown shadow

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Makeup of the Day Featuring a New Loose Eyeshadow from Chanel Fall 2023

August 10th, 2023 by Karen 10 Comments

Wearing (and loving!) Sycomore, a new loose eyeshadow from Chanel Fall/Winter 2023

I feel really good in this eye makeup, and the best part about it is it took very little time and effort to pull it together.

Apparetly that’s my makeup mantra now, ha!

I’m wearing a couple tried-and-true workhorses (a brown long-lasting gel liner from Hourglass and a plum shadow stick from Laura Mercier) and a new loose eyeshadow from Chanel, Ombre Premiere Libre in 402 Sycomore, a pearly warm golden beige.

It’s one of six loose eyeshadows launching this month in the Chanel Fall/Winter 2023 collection, and it’s just so lovely!

From Chanel PR:

OMBRE PREMIÈRE LIBRE Loose Eyeshadow Intense, Longwearing Colour

A longwearing shadow that delivers intense effects in a single swipe. Each of the 6 shades recalls the raw tones of nature, illuminated by sunlight. The creamy ultra-fine powder texture makes it easy to apply — just dab or press onto lids with the flexible sponge applicator. $40.00

If “swipe-and-go” is your style, I think you’ll like it.

Chanel Sycomore on my lids, Laura Mercier Rose Thorn on the outer corner and smudged on my upper lash line, and Hourglass Cave eyeliner on my waterlines

It comes in a small tube with a stubby sponge applicator which deposits the perfect amount of loose shadow. I pat and swipe the sponge onto my lids exactly where I want the color; it’s very easy to precisely go where you need to, which I love. Then, I use a tapered blending brush and my fingers to diffuse the edges.

It’s similar to a MAC Loose Pigment in that you get a lot of color intensity with a small amount of product, so you don’t have to sit there and build a bunch of layers.

However, I think what kicks the Chanel version up a notch is that the powder isn’t as messy as a MAC Pigment; the Chanel version is loose enough to easily blend, but it’s not so loose that it lands on your cheekbones, your white shirt, your cat’s fur and everything else in sight.

Cheeks are Laura Mercier Chai powder blush mixed with MAC Strobelite cream (I mixed the powder into the lotion on teh back of my hands and applied with fingers); lips are Ilia Color Haze PIgment in Temptation with a little bit of Biossance lip balm on top

I wore Sycomore yesterday without any eye primer and it stayed on all day. If you’re looking for feel-good eye makeup that’s long-lasting, polished and elegant, I think Sycomore is it!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Summery Raspberry Lips and a Lil’ Liquid Liner Flick

August 9th, 2023 by Karen 6 Comments

To flick, or not to flick: that is the question.

Is it just me who automatically assumes that wearing black liquid liner involves a flick at the outer corner? I’ve been wearing Rare Beauty black liquid liner lately and for some reason, that little flick just feels right!

By the way, I did manage to exchange the leaky pen for a new one at Sephora last week, but get this! The nice salesperson who helped me said her clients have had issues with it not because of the leaking problem but because it dries out quickly. Sigh. We’ll see. I’ve used it a few times, and so far it’s been alright.

I wore it with a flick yesterday and paired it with raspberry lips – MAC Beet Lip Pencil topped with Biossance Lip Balm. I’ve been thinking non-stop about this cute look and wanted to give it a try.

Anywho, I’ve been going through a “pass on the powders” phase lately, so it’s been ages since I’ve worn powder blush.

Yesterday I took out MAC Blushbaby (an oldie but goodie) thinking that it would pair nicely with the raspberry lips, and even though I blended a couple thin layers on my cheeks, I still felt like I was wearing too much. I ended up buffing it down right before taking these pics.

I think eventually I’ll do powder blush again because it’s one of my favorite things. It’ll probably be in the fall (!), though, when the weather gets crisp again and wearing a layer or two of face paint feels right.

You know what, though? I’m going to focus on the fact that I wore makeup all day long, and for two whole days in a row, LOL! My neighbor stopped by yesterday after dinner and she commented on how she liked my eye makeup. I actually forgot that I had liner on until that moment. It was a nice compliment and it made me excited to wear makeup again.

Speaking of exciting things, I caught a glimpse of the new Chantecaille fall collection yestesrday, and my heart went thump-thump-thump when I saw the dark brown eyeshadow.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chantecaille (@chantecaille)

So pretty, right?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Summer Beauty Buddies: Dior Backstage Concealer

August 8th, 2023 by Karen 4 Comments

I’m wearing Dior Backstage Concealer (and a few other things) in this look

It’s handy to have a full coverage concealer around, even if you don’t like wearing anything close to a full coverage base.

I bought a lovely full coverage liquid Dior Backstage Concealer in 4W at Sephora on a whim a few months ago because I liked the ever-so-slightly pearl finish and the creamy consistency.

Side note, apparently buying makeup “on a whim” is my new beauty philosophy, ha!

Anywho, while I’ve only used it a handful of times, it’s certainly delivered the goods. Lately I’ve had some uneven patches and post-inflammatory dark spots (I’m breaking out from hormones and stress, such a lovely combination), and the concealer does a fabulous job of disguising both.

If you’re searching for a concealer that hides errrrrthang without looking heavy, try the Dior!

I’m wearing it with Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Primer and Rose Inc Skin Enhance Tinted Serum in these pics.

I applied Laura Mercier Primer as a base, and then I mixed the Dior and Rose Inc Serum together and applied the combo all over my face with my fingers, concentrating on my chin and around my lips. After the base dried a little bit, I grabbed a fluffy face brush and buffed everything together for a seamless look.

Then, I took a tiny, pointed concealer brush and painted the spots where I wanted extra coverage, and softened the edges with a finger to remove any harsh lines.

If you want a full breakdown of all the makeup, please let me know in the comments

At this point one could dust a little powder on to set everything, but lately, whenever I wear powder, I just feel like I have too much product on my face, and the first thing I want to do is take everything off. I guess this is what happens when you go from wearing ALL THE THINGS to NONE OF THE THINGS, which leads me to the face primer from Laura Mercier.

One could easily skip it to save a step, but I feel like if you’re going to opt out of a setting powder at the end, prepping with a primer at the start really does help to anchor all your base makeup to your face. I have combo skin and it seems to really help the makeup stay on all day, especially on my oily spots.

OK, while we’re still on the subject of makeup, I told myself at the start of the week that I’m going to wear a little bit everyday this week and take a pic of whatever ends up on my face, even if it’s not the most camera-ready look. And if the makeup looks pretty much the same bronzed look all week long, I’m just gonna lean into it, LOL! I think it’ll help put an extra pep in my step.

Hope everything is well with you, and that your week is off to a nice start. If you want to tell me something good that’s happened to you lately, I’m all ears!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 793

August 7th, 2023 by Karen 16 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. Tie dye or acid wash?

Tie dye with lots of white space! Ideally with one or two soft pastels – pink and mint green, preferably.

2. Last time you felt inspired to do makeup?

Ooh, last night I stumbled onto an effortless summer glamor tutorial on Instagram by a model named Jessica Clements that I thought was lovely! Just enough makeup to make things interesting but not so much that the look was heavy or overworked.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jess Clements (@jessicaclements)

3. What are 3 products in your current makeup rotation?

Supergoop Sunset shimmer eyeshadow, Rose Inc Skin Enhance Luminous Tinted Serum (seriously the best for sheer coverage and summery skin!) and Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Blush in Corsica.

4. What did your high school backpack look like?

It looked exactly like this! It was a woven multi-colored backpack with thin black straps which dug into my shoulders every time I wore it because I overloaded it with books. I suffered for fashion. Why it never occurred to me to get a better fitting bag, I don’t know.

5. Ice coffee or iced tea today?

Iced tea, please, with ice and a splash of lemonade. It’s gonna be a hot 90 degrees out here today and I’m already melting.

Hiya and happy Monday! We’re back from camping on the Russian River. It was our last trip of the summer, and although I feel a little sad to see this sweet season of family time and outdoor adventures come to an end, I’m also very, very tired – from all the to-do lists, the packing and unpacking, the traveling back and forth, the meal planning… Do you feel this way or have you ever felt this way, too? It’s very bittersweet. And exhausting. LOL!

I hope the rest of your Monday treats you kindly. May something good happen to you today!

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. Tie dye or acid wash?
2. Last time you felt inspired to do makeup?
3. What are 3 products in your current makeup rotation?
4. What did your high school backpack look like?
5. Ice coffee or iced tea today?

Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 772

August 6th, 2023 by Karen Leave a Comment

Hi, friend. Today’s installment is a reprint because we went camping this weekend! And, dude…I’m tired. Camping is hard work! Tons of fun, but lots of work before and after. I mean, you gotta clean everything from the cast-iron skillet to the long metal forks for the campfire s’mores, and then you have to pack everything away so it’s good to go for next time, but yeah, I wish Rosie was my assistant instead of the other way around. 🥱

Hello, my loves. Aloha!

Even though I was born and raised here in Marin County, California, I consider myself a local boy because of my strong ties to Hawaii. One of my assistants is from there, and I try to visit the islands often. I love the welcoming aloha spirit, the diversity, the climate and the fresh seafood.

This tutorial is a celebration of color inspired by a favorite local treat called shave ice. Not “shaved ice,” but “shave ice.” Something to wear next time you’re feeling tropical and sweet.

Mahalo nui loa,
Tabs