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

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. Purposefully unblended lip liner – yes or no?

Sure, why not? I rocked it back in the day and still like the look.

2. Did you have a lot of freedom when you were a teenager?

Yes and no. Considering both my parents were immigrants and super strict, I had a decent amount of freedom compared to other kids in the same situation. I was allowed to go to birthday parties and sleepovers when I was in high school, but only if my parents knew the family and there was adult supervision. I was also allowed to go on overnight school trips with the marching band, too.

I couldn’t drive, though, and I didn’t get my license until I was in college. Oh, and there was no such thing as “hanging out” at someone’s house after school for the sake of socializing!

3. Have you ever had a bob haircut?

Yeah, I’ve had various incarnations of a bob since I was 12, and periodically the urge to rock it comes back. It’s definitely not a low-maintenance type of cut for me, though! I have to do a lot to make it work.

4. If you could live anywhere for a month (all expenses paid) in August, where would you go?

I’m tempted to say somewhere that isn’t too hot, but eh, where’s the fun in that? I’d go to Kauai to live on a small farm with goats and chickens!

5. A store you visit often – besides Sephora or Ulta!

Trader Joe’s! I go at least once a week.

Aloha, my friend! We’re on Oahu visiting family and I’m so excited to slather 3,405 layers of sunscreen on myself, ha ha ha! My plan for this trip is to enjoy as much time as I can outside and to try ALL OF THE SHAVE ICE. 🙂

I hope your Monday is going great. Sending you a big hug from across the Pacific!

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. Purposefully unblended lip liner – yes or no?
2. Did you have a lot of freedom when you were a teenager?
3. Have you ever had a bob haircut?
4. If you could live anywhere for a month (all expenses paid) in August, where would you go?
5. A store you visit often – besides Sephora or Ulta!

Happy Saturday to you, my friend. I hope you’ve had a peaceful morning and that you’re feeling calm and happy. I’m already due for my next cup of Nespresso; I’m thinking something with caramel will do the trick!

Have a wonderful weekend, OK?

This week’s reading

• The best makeup of 2023, according to “In Style.”
• Men in Asian countries are cool with wearing makeup: “Compared to the U.S., Asia has welcomed men’s makeup brands more, especially in countries like China and South Korea.”
• Why fragrance lovers need to add the South of France to their travel bucket list. Side note, who’s down to go?
• A list of citrus scents for those (like me!) who love orange and lemon notes.
• Science or magic? How perfume became a tool for manifestation.
• The Juicy-Pang “water blusher” from Korean brand A’pieu looks lovely!
• Blush basics 101.
• Moody nail art for fall!
• Milk nails are a thing.

I’m obsessed with her

Well, now I want toast

Yes please

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Have you ever done a skincare regimen on a plane?

Years ago, I watched a Lisa Eldridge video about the skincare regimen she does when she takes long flights. There’s multiple steps involved, including removing makeup, a face mask, various creams and toners and whatnot. The whole process is pretty intense, but it seems like it would be lovely and comforting, especially on a very long flight.

I’ve always wondered, though, if anyone else has actually done this on a plane ride.

If you have, RESPECT!

I’ve always wanted to do this but haven’t had the guts to actually do the whole kit and caboodle on the plane. I’m not shy at all, but I’m kinda shy about doing skincare in front of strangers. I don’t know; it seems kinda intimate? Maybe that’s just me. LOL!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

How good are you about keeping up your regular beauty routine when you’re on vacation?

These days, I pare everything down to the barest of essentials for skincare, hair and makeup.

Skincare

For my face and body, I’ll do a double cleanse, moisturizer and sunscreen, and if I’m going to be out in the sun a lot, then all of those things will be very gentle — no active ingredients.

This was a lesson I had to learn the hard way, ahhh! I’ll never forget how angry my cheeks and lips were when I piled on a bunch of exfoliators and antioxidants when we were in Hawaii a few years ago. No more of that!

Makeup

For makeup, it really depends on where we’re going. Say for instance, camping by the Russian River, which is what we did last weekend. I knew that I wouldn’t want to bother with putting on or taking off makeup, so I just left it all at home. I wore a hydrating lip balm and that was it!

But if we’re going on a trip where there may be a combo of outdoor things (like the beach) and indoor things (like dinner or a visit to a mall), then I’ll bring minimal makeup. I can get by with tinted moisturizer, brow pencil, mascara, eyeliner, a blush/bronzer duo and gloss.

Yup, I don’t even bother taking concealer on trips anymore, LOL!

I’m telling you, the last few years (especially 2020) changed me. I find that I’m so much happier getting by with a handful of makeup that I know and love.

I wonder sometimes if I’ll ever be the glam traveler that I used to be, but that’s another Beauty Q for another time. 🙂

Hair

OK, hair. So here’s what I’ve learned about growing out your grays and also having crazy @ss cowlicks that stick up at all angles: throwing your hair up in a funban or a ponytail becomes, well, challenging. When I do this, all the grays pop out along my hairline and I feel like it makes my face look severe.

So, if we’re doing a combo outdoor/indoor trip, I’ll do long, side-swept bangs that I blow out with a round brush. For the rest of my hair, I’ll curl a few pieces around my face with a large barrel curling iron.

If it’s anything in the woods like camping, then forget about it. I just put my hair back and live with the crazy, LOL! Or I throw a hat on.

This is all very different from what I used to do 10 years ago. I’d take the whole kit-and-caboodle with me wherever I went.

Isn’t it interesting how our beauty journey can sometimes take these crazy turns?

Anywho, let me know what you do these days. Do you keep your regular beauty routine when you take summer trips? Or do you do a modified, pared-down version of skin, hair and makeup?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

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. One beauty product you always take with you on trips?

Sunscreen!

2. Pick a dessert — ice cream, cheesecake, pie or a fruit salad.

I wouldn’t mind a scoop of ice cream right now.

3. What’ve you been listening to lately?

So much retro music! Mostly ‘80s pop and ‘90s dance music.

4. Have you thought about fall/back to school yet?

Believe it or not, yes. I bought some new shirts for Connor’s school uniform a couple weeks ago. I need to order her a backpack and lunch bag soon, too. I don’t want to be doing it all at the last minute!

5. Do you care much about the Nordstrom sale?

I used to, but now, not really. The things I want are never in stock online, and I’ve had some not-so-great experiences with customer service at Nordstrom in the past year.

6. Would you rather ride an e-bike or an electric scooter?

Hard pass on both (I don’t need to be going that fast), but if I had to choose, I’d go with the bike.

7. How’s your summer going so far?

It’s been a little stressful at times trying to balance working and spending time with Connor at home, but all in all, I’ve had a blast! We’ve met a few new friends in the neighborhood with kids, and I’ve spent some time getting to know some really down-to-earth moms. It’s been really hard to meet people on my wavelength here in Marin (there’s lots of “keeping up with the Joneses”), and I think I’m on the verge of finally making some true friends. I’m trying to keep my expectations in check, but still, I’m hopeful.

Happy Monday, my beautiful friend. Here’s a sweet hug for you, and a wish for you to have a wonderful day.

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. One beauty product you always take with you on trips?
2. Pick a dessert — ice cream, cheesecake, pie or a fruit salad.
3. What’ve you been listening to lately?
4. Have you thought about fall/back to school yet?
5. Do you care much about the Nordstrom sale?
6. Would you rather ride an e-bike or an electric scooter?
7. How’s your summer going so far?