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

The Kristin Perry Dainty Crystal Spike Ear Cuffs Are Warrior Princess-Approved

July 14th, 2015 by Karen 16 Comments

kristin perry dainty crystal spike ear cuff 890

You know what they say: “Ear cuffs are the new studs!”

Wait — is that what they say? Maybe? I hope so.

I’m going through a non-dangly earrings phase, and these extra sparkly Dainty Crystal Spike Ear Cuffs ($28) by Kristin Perry have been a perfect alternative to everyday studs.

This one is just a single cuff for the left ear only, which I like. Makes me feel like a warrior princess or something, and I think a pair of them might be a little too matchy-matchy.

I usually wear it with one of my cat studs on my other ear because…well, I’m a crazy cat lady like that. 🙂

P.S. Oh, my gosh. I’m watching Beaches for the first time, and I may or may not be a little teary at the moment. 🙁

I don’t know what took me so long to watch it. It’s really good!

MAC Unsung Heroes: Prep + Prime Fix+

July 14th, 2015 by Karen 25 Comments

mac fix plus — From the left: MAC Fix+ Lavender, Real Techniques Contour Brush, Fix+ Yuzu, Fix+ Coconut and Fix+ Rose

I am totally fixated on MAC Fix+, and the obsession is so real that I can’t even figure out how many bottles I’ve gone through in my life.

Ten? Twenty??

No, it’s gotta be more than that… I usually get a new bottle about every two or three months.

I know that I talk about Fix+ a lot, but I use it every single day (I even bring a small bottle on trips).

Also known as MAC Prep + Prime Fix+, it’s a refreshing $22 mist in the MAC skincare line that you spray on bare skin or other products to moisturize and set your makeup to help it last longer. It contains water packed with vitamins and minerals and infused with a blend of green tea, chamomile and cucumber. Just spray it directly on your face for a subtle sheen.

I usually use it right when I start applying my makeup to moisturize my skin, and then again when I finish to help my face products last longer.

Starting when I’m bare-faced, before I’ve put anything else on, I spray Fix+ all over my face, where it adds a light layer of moisture and creates a wet surface upon which to more easily blend foundations, tinted moisturizers and BB creams. The end result just looks more natural and “lived in” (particularly if you tend to be heavy-handed with your product application).

After finishing my makeup, when I’m all done with my eyes, face and lips, I spray another misty layer all over my face to mellow out the powdery texture.

And there are also some other things you can do with Fix+, like using it to wet your eye brushes (it intensifies the shimmer and color of powder eyeshadows), to amplify highlights on your cheekbones and to blend foundation.

Yup!

[Continue reading…]

The Bernie Mev “Cuddly” Sneakers: Would You Wear These Shoes?

July 14th, 2015 by Karen 32 Comments

The Bernie Mev Cuddly Sneaker in Multi ($59.95) — The Bernie Mev “Cuddly” Sneaker in Multi ($59.95)

I’m conflicted…

I spotted these kaleidoscopic cuties at Nordies the other day. They’re the Bernie Mev “Cuddly” Sneakers ($59.95).

On the one hand, rainbows and comfort! On the other hand, I’m getting a distinct comfort shoes/lunch lady shoes vibe… Granted, if you wore these, you’d be an incredibly awesome lunch lady rocking the cafeteria in your awesomely colorful shoes.

My first reaction was “no,” but now I’m leaning toward “yes,” because if I’m going to wear “comfort shoes” (air quotes), they sure as heck have to be fun and interesting. And these are both.

Loading ...

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. How are things going? What are you doing today?

Does Too Faced Love Flush Long-Lasting 16-Hour Blush Hit All the Right Notes?

July 13th, 2015 by Karen 39 Comments

too faced love flush blush — ♥ Love is in the air ♥ with the new $26 Too Faced Love Flush Blushes in Baby Love, How Deep Is Your Love, I Will Always Love You, Justify My Love, Love Hangover, and Your Love Is King

The new $26 Too Faced Love Flush Long-Lasting 16-Hour Blushes are named after famous love songs (aw!), and one of them is called I Will Always Love You.

So, of course, I’m wondering which version.

Of the song.

The one by Whitney Houston or the one by Dolly Parton?

[Continue reading…]

Meet Matt(e) Hughes Long-Lasting Liquid Lipstick by theBalm

July 13th, 2015 by Karen 41 Comments

thebalm meet matte hughes 1 — The new Meet Matt(e) Hughes Long-Lasting Liquid Lipsticks by theBalm ($17 each)

“Ladies and lipstick-loving gentlemen, allow me to introduce my friend here. He’s from theBalm, he costs $17, and his name is Matt(e) Hughes Long-Lasting Liquid Lipstick. Go on, Matt(e)! Say hi to everyone.”

[THE SOUND OF CRICKETS CHIRPING…]

“Oops, I’m sorry. You’ll have to excuse Matt(e). He’s not much of a talker on account of him being a liquid lipstick with a matte finish.”

thebalm devoted — theBalm Meet Matt(e) Hughes in Devoted

“Matt(e) and I have been ‘friends’ for a few weeks now 🙂 — yes, ever since he showed up in theBalm’s permanent collection — and, well, I thought you might like to meet him because we’re getting pretty serious…”

thebalm sentimental — theBalm Meet Matt(e) Hughes in Sentimental

“Yup, he’s everything my lips have ever wanted — Adoring (a merlot), Loyal (a deep red), Devoted (a bright red), Sentimental (a warm magenta), Charming (a rich mauve), Honest (a warm coral), Committed (a pinkish nude) and Chivalrous (a warm magenta).”
[Continue reading…]

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 381

July 13th, 2015 by Karen 93 Comments

the makeup and beauty blog monday poll — The Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll for July 13, 2015

You might be wondering, “So what in tarnation is this Monday Poll thing anyway!?”

Well, it isn’t exactly a poll. It’s more of a constantly evolving (devolving?), somewhat random list of questions I’ve been putting out to readers every Monday morning for the past seven years. (It’s like a kickstart for your brain.) I’ve always enjoyed reading your answers in the comments, and I hope you enjoy reading mine.

Denim or sequins?
Sequins all day, errrday, from here to eternity!

I plan to be the chick at the retirement home DJ-ing the’90s hip-hop party dressed in head-to-toe black sequins. 🙂

Have you ever popped a zit…on someone else’s body?!
GROSS! — and yes. I’ve totally done it.

Wearing high heels on a plane: do or a don’t?
At one point in my life, this was a do, believe it or not, but now that I’ve fully embraced the wonders of flats and tennies, I’m all about air travel in my crazy cat lady Vans.

What are three things on your desk right now?
1. The above card given to me by my friend Marisol
2. My kitty cat teacup and saucer
3. And an air plant (her name is Doris)
How do you feel about the return of the fanny pack (otherwise known as “the belt bag”)?
I don’t mind them (as long as they aren’t like the black leather ones all the dads wore back in the day!).

I like the practical aspects. I love the idea of having my hands free and not having to haul around a purse, so if a Chanel belt bag suddenly appears on my hips, I will not say no it.

Your turn. 🙂 Just copy and paste the following questions into a comment with your answers. I look forward to reading ’em!

1. Denim or sequins?
2. Have you ever popped a zit… on someone else’s body?!
3. Wearing high heels on a plane: do or a don’t?
4. What are three things on your desk right now?
5. How do you feel about the return of the fanny pack (otherwise known as “the belt bag”)?

Good morning, sweet pea! If you look outside today and see pigs flying, that’s because I’m sitting here sipping a cup of decaf green tea.

DEE. CALF.

Yeah, I’m trying to wean myself off caffeine because I think it interferes with my sleep — that, and it’s something to do, right? Actually, the transition has been easier than I thought — no headaches after a week! — because the decaf tea I’ve been drinking, Twinings Decaffeinated Green Tea, tastes REALLY good.

Sending you virtual hugs this morning and happy thoughts. 🙂

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 354

July 12th, 2015 by Karen 8 Comments

Dear Tabby is written by Tabs the cat, widely considered “the world’s first plus-size kitty supermodel.” Founded in mid 2012, it has quickly become the most popular cat advice column on earth — known for its fresh, feline perspective on lifestyle, fashion and style issues affecting cats and humans.

Aspiring singer trying to find his voice

The hills are aliiiive, with the sound of MEOW-siiiic!

Dear Tabby,

Oh, my gosh! I can’t even begin to tell you how much I love singing. It’s all I think about. Singing in the morning, singing at night, singing when I’m just walking around the house. It’s my passion.

I’m always singing! — except not around other cats, though, or people, which I know is weird, but I haven’t really done much singing professionally yet because, well…I’m still a kitten, and also because I have pretty terrible stage fright.

Really. It’s very bad, Tabby. It’s so bad that I can’t even meow. I just freeze up and stand there shaking.

Have you ever had stage fright before? I don’t imagine you have, because you’re so famous, but I thought I’d ask anyway. I mean, do you ever get nervous before you perform? If so what do you do?

-A Terrified Tenor

DEAR TERRIFIED TENOR: Anyone who tells you that they never get nervous or afraid in front of groups is either being funny or fibbing. Everyone gets stage fright sometimes. It’s completely natural.

The thing is, it really does get easier the more you perform, and the more you put yourself out there. You start to realize, “Heck, what’s the worst that could happen?” So you miss a note or forget your lyrics or something. Guess what? Even when it does happen, it’s not a big deal. You’ll be fine. And you’ll get better over time if you just hang in there, and chalk it up to practice.

An unlikely friendship

Dear Mr. Tabby,

First, I should say that I’m a big fan of yours, sir. I’m also…

Well this is a little awkward for me, and I’m not exactly sure how to proceed, but basically, I am a member of the canine persuasion. I am what they commonly refer to as “a dog.” But I am also a cat fan, which is what brings me to my reason for contacting you.

See, it’s about my friend Charles, who is an orange tabby cat. He is also the absolute best friend that I have ever had.

As you can probably imagine, this has been a source of drama in our local dog community. Some of my colleagues have questioned my integrity. Some have even gone so far as to question my sanity, but they don’t know Charles like I do. He’s fluffy and funny and exciting, and we have a lot of fun together.

I just don’t want to have to choose between Charles and my canine brothers. Tabby, from what you know about dogs, do you think Charles and I will ever find acceptance, or do you think it’s a lost cause?

-Roof Times

I'm an optimistic tabby — I’m an optimistic tabby

DEAR ROOF TIMES: I wouldn’t call myself a trusting kitty because I’m actually very territorial, but I have known some dogs who were good people.

I’m hopeful that things will get better. The world definitely needs more canine cat crusaders, but I think it all boils down to education. Dogs just need to know that cats aren’t simply playthings that are designed for chasing. We’re also pretty good company once you get to know us.

Maybe you could start by hosting a gathering for local cats and your dog friends. Keep it super low key, and maybe have voluntary muzzles available and designate different areas for cats and dogs while everyone sniffs things out and gets to know each other.
[Continue reading…]

Comment to Win a $50 eGift Card From MAC! (Ends Monday)

July 11th, 2015 by Karen 407 Comments

** THE GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED **
This giveaway is closed, and the winner has been contacted (CONGRATULATIONS, LAUREN!!!), but check back next Saturday for another giveaway.

It’s time to rise and shine, pal o’ mine. Time to get out there and seize the day! — juuuust as soon as I have a cup of something caffeinated, LOL! 🙂

How’s it going so far this weekend/morning? Things are pretty good out here. Tabs hasn’t been outside yet, so he’s fussy, but nothing new there.

Did you do anything fun last night? All we did was go to a movie, that Me and Earl and the Dying Girl. It’s a coming-of-age movie, but it doesn’t deserve to be pigeonholed like that. Highly, highly, HIGHLY recommended. It avoids the cliches that so many other movies in that genre wholeheartedly embrace and isn’t driven by cheesy caricatures or angsty romance. I really enjoyed it.

Other than that, nothing new to report.

Oh! — the baby birds that I told you about that are nesting in the hanging planter on my deck? They grew up! Yup, they left the nest, so it’s a little quieter around here in the mornings without the hatchlings chirping (yes, I miss the baby birds).

I haven’t figured out what we’re doing yet today, but whatever it is, I intend for it to be equal parts relaxing and fun, during the parts that don’t involve, you know, chores and stuff.

Have a great weekend, whatever you’re up to, and I’ll talk to you soon.

One (1) MAC eGift card containing $50 sent to the winner by email (international readers, you may opt to receive $50 sent by PayPal instead).

Enter by leaving a comment below.
Open to U.S. and international readers.
You must be 18 or older to enter (or otherwise an adult based on your local laws).
Your comment can be about anything at all, but here are some ideas if you’re stuck:
- Favorite MAC finish?
- Have you ever been to a rodeo?
- Do you have a nickname?
- Have you ever worn a tiara?
- Have you ever been to a makeup/beauty convention?
- Someone famous in your family (past or present)?
One entry per person.
You must use a valid email address to win.
The giveaway ends on Monday, July 13, 2015 at 11:59 PM (Pacific Time). 🙂

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

The Bernie Mev "Cuddly" Sneakers: Would you wear these shoes?

Aspiring singer trying to find his voice

An unlikely friendship