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Bumble and Bumble Surf Infusion Oil and Salt-Infused Spray Waves Hello to Volume and Goodbye to Crispy Hair

June 22nd, 2015 by Karen 28 Comments

bumble and bumble surf infusion
Bumble and Bumble Surf Infusion oil and salt-infused spray for soft, touchable waves

I love beachy wave sprays, but I do NOT love that crispy thing that many of them do to mah hurr.

Beachy waves = yes. Crunchy hair = nooo.

Apparently, I am not alone in this tale of beachy woe because Bumble and Bumble whipped up a solution. Their new Surf Infusion oil and sale-infused spray coaxes coifs into shiny, beachy waves without “dat crunchy feeling.” This is compared to most of the beachy wave sprays I’ve tried, which leave behind a matte finish and hair that feels a tad gritty.

bumble and bumble surf infusion
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There are 28 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Bumble and Bumble, Hair, Product Reviews

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 378

June 22nd, 2015 by Karen 40 Comments

makeup and beauty blog monday poll
The Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll for June 22, 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.

  1. Walk me through your everyday concealer process.
    My concealer process changes a lot because the state of my skin is different from one day to the next, and honestly, if I went through every little detail this would be a three-volume version of The Monday Poll (NO JOKE!). Buuuuut, here’s the gist of it to give you an idea…

    After I apply primer and some type product to even out the tone of my skin (BB cream, tinted moisturizer or foundation), I grab a full-coverage concealer (usually something with a thicker consistency, like a cream, stick or something creamy in a pan) for the areas of my face that don’t involve my under-eyes. (Does that make sense?) I typically grab two shades so I can mix them to match whatever color my skin is at the time. Then I conceal the specific areas where I want more coverage — around my nose, my mouth, my chin and my cheeks. I try to apply as little product as possible because I don’t want it to look heavy.

    I’ll then move onto concealing my dark circles. I grab a different concealer — one that’s thinner with a liquid consistency, and usually a shade or two lighter than my natural skin tone — to disguise the dark parts (otherwise known as “my zombie zones”) underneath my eyes.

    With both the face and under-eye concealing, there’s a ton of buffing and blending so that I can get the concealer to look as skin-like as I can.

    Aaaaaaand when all of that business is done, I set everything with a bit of powder.

    I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: it takes a village.

    If you have specific questions about the process, please feel free to ask in the comments below (after you answer the poll, of course!). 😉

  2. Would you rather carry a designer bag or wear a pair of designer shoes?
    This is tough. I’m less likely to lose a pair of designer shoes, and because I’ve tried on uber pricey heels before just for kicks, I know that my feet like how they look and feel in those fancy-schmancy shoes, not gonna lie.

    But the thought of rocking a classic black Chanel bag is oh-so-tempting.

    Yeah…I’d go with the bag, but only if I could have one that I could wear every single day and can dress up or down. Practicality, ya know.

  3. What are your five favorite stores right now?
    Trader Joe’s (because hello, food), LOFT (otherwise known as the “TMMN” store or “Take My Money Now” store due to the fact that they have sales every five seconds), Ann Taylor (again, great sales, and I like that they have a petite section), Homegoods (but you already knew this of course!) and Nordstrom (because they have a little of everything).
  4. What was your favorite movie when you were a kid?
    “Nobody puts Baby in a corner.”

    I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve watched Dirty Dancing, but I’m guessing that it’s in the mid-thousands. OMG, I KNOW! It was my favorite movie to watch when I was a kid, even though I had absolutely no idea what was going on with the more adult story lines. All I knew was that I loved the music, and I loved the dancing (still do), and I especially loved the scene where Patrick Swayze takes Jennifer Grey’s character out to the lake and tries to teach her lifts. SWOON!

  5. Do you think you’re more book smart or people smart?

    Neither — I’m cat smart. Haha! Um, well, I got decent grades in school, so I guess you could say I’m more book smart.

Le List

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

1. Walk me through your everyday concealer process.
2. Would you rather carry a designer bag or wear a pair of designer shoes?
3. What are your five favorite stores right now?
4. What was your favorite movie when you were a kid?
5. Do you think you’re more book smart or people smart?

Hey, hey, happy Monday! I’m off to a late start because I decided to switch things up and go for an early morning walk. Actually, the truth is, I heard through the grapevine (otherwise known as El Hub) that there was a cute white kitty hanging out on the hill, so I wanted to see if I could find her and make friends.

I didn’t find her, but I did see some turkeys…

Not as exciting as a cuddly cat, but I’ll take whatever suburban wildlife I can get.

This day’s starting to look like I’m going to need a third cup of tea, so I’m off to fire up the kettle. Have fun filling out the poll, and don’t forget to smile today. 🙂

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

There are 40 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Just For Fun

Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 351

June 21st, 2015 by Karen 14 Comments

tabs-you-must-choose-june-2015

Serving up uncomfortable decisions since 2007!

We haven’t done a YOU MUST CHOOSE post in…I can’t even remember when the last one was. Tabs feels that we should rectify that ish with a special Tabs Edition. 🙂

Sooo…what is YOU MUST CHOOSE?

It’s just a game I used to play at work with my BFF Naaman when we got really bored. You present two really messed-up scenarios and make your friend choose between the two, mwahahahahaha!

Choices like…

Would you rather have an unlimited gravy supply or unlimited outside time?
YOU MUST CHOOSE!

Would you rather be feared or loved?
YOU MUST CHOOSE!

cat-feared-or-loved

Would you rather be an awesome mouser or an amazing birder?
YOU MUST CHOOSE!

tabs-bird

Would you rather hang out with Garfield, or hang out with Morris?
YOU MUST CHOOSE!

Would you rather be blessed with a luxurious, fluffy tum or a luxurious fluffy tail?
YOU MUST CHOOSE!

tabs-fluffy-tum
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There are 14 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Just For Fun, Tabs

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

June 20th, 2015 by Karen 392 Comments

** THE GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED **

This giveaway is closed, and the winner has been contacted (CONGRATULATIONS, KATHERINE!!!), but check back next Saturday for another giveaway.

Win a $50 Sephora eCard from Makeup and Beauty Blog
Win a $50 Sephora eCard from Makeup and Beauty Blog

Goood morning, glory! Rise and shine! 🙂 You’re going to have a wonderful day.

I hope you slept well. I feel like I could have slept longer, but you know how it is when you work for a demanding feline employer. The early cat catches the bird. The tabby alarm clock woke me up early because we have to get out there on patrol. It’s bright and sunny this morning, so who knows how many cat intruders have infiltrated the perimeter of the hill…

Oh! — that movie last night? Inside Out? What an amazing movie, animated or otherwise. From this one (part-time) adult’s point of view, I thought it was brilliant. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a movie more thoughtfully present joy, depression, fear, anger and general adolescence, at least not in a way as entertaining as this. I kept thinking, “Holy crap! That’s really what it’s like!” when they’d show one of the characters overjoyed or depressed. Highly recommended for children of all ages. I think it’s right up there with Pixar’s best.

In other news, are you doing anything for Father’s Day tomorrow? My brother and I are taking my dad out to lunch, but I’m not sure where yet. My dad is kind of picky when it comes to food, so we’re going to let him pick the restaurant. Chances are it’ll be something involving charred meat, and I’ll just go with the flow… Hopefully there will be some semblance of veggies involved.

Good luck in the giveaway, my friend. Have a great weekend, and I’ll talk to you soon.

sephora-giveaway-prize-2015

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

sephora-gift-card-small-2015

sephora-giveaway-rules-2015

  • 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:
    sephora-giveaway-heart-2015

    • Who’s the toughest person you know?
    • Do you have a good imagination?
    • What’s your go-to lazy day makeup look?
    • How old were you when you got your first cell phone?
    • Which would you use more: a good eyeshadow quad or an amazing 10-pan palette?
  • One entry per person.
  • You must use a valid email address to win.
  • The giveaway ends on Monday, June 22, 2015 at 11:59 PM (Pacific Time). 🙂

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

There are 392 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Giveaways, Just For Fun

Estee Lauder Modern Muse Le Rouge: A Feminine Fragrance for Chicks Who Get Sh*t Done

June 19th, 2015 by Karen 17 Comments

estee- auder modern muse le rouge

GIRL. If there’s one thing Estee Lauder does better than well it’s the fragrant stuff. They’re scent-sational. I’ve been wearing them for most of my adult life — Pleasures, Sensuous, Private Collection, Bronze Goddess and Modern Muse.

They have so many light and easy-to-wear fragrances! They don’t give me headaches (which happens sometimes with heavier fragrances), don’t overpower the room, and whenever I wear an Estee Lauder scent, inevitably, someone will ask me or comment about it.

Estee Lauder recently came out with an updated version of their already marvelous Modern Muse. It’s called Modern Muse Le Rouge, and mmm! *sniffs wrist* — I can’t get enough of it.

Modern Muse Le Rouge is a fruity floral oriental — feminine, full and daring, but still approachable. In other words, it doesn’t aggressively get up in your grill.
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There are 17 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Estee Lauder, Fragrance

A Friday Date Night Face of the Day With Some Classic MAC Eyeshadows (Saddle, Wedge, Brun, Mulch and More)

June 19th, 2015 by Karen 20 Comments

mac saddle mulch wedge

I’m counting down the seconds to date night tonight with El Hub. We’re going to watch the new Pixar movie, Inside Out, which I’m very excited about because I’ve read great reviews. Plus it takes place in the San Francisco…Bay Area represent! 🙂

mac saddle mulch wedge

I was in the mood to wear a little makeup tonight, but I wasn’t in the mood to think too hard (such is the case most Fridays), so I fell back on a classic combo of neutral MAC Eye Shadows from the permanent line that I always like wearing — Saddle and Wedge on my lids and in the crease, Brun and Mulch in the outer corners, Ricepaper to highlight the inner corners and brows, and Feline Kohl on my water lines.
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There are 20 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Face of the Day (FOTD), MAC Makeup, Makeup

Skin Care Spotlight: Sunday Riley Charisma Creme and Ceramic Slip Cleansers

June 19th, 2015 by Karen 8 Comments

sunday riley ceramic slip-

Sunday Riley’s Good Genes Serum was one of the things that rescued my chin from a bad bout of hormonal acne a couple years ago, so even though her plant-based skin care stuff is kind of expensive, I keep an open mind about her products because of the good things Good Genes did for my chin.

At SpaceNK a while back with my friend Mary (who has amazing skin), I was just getting into my usual “Good Genes saved my life!” spiel when Mary said that she had a great experience with the Sunday Riley face cleansers.

That’s all it took! I started using their Ceramic Slip and Charisma Creme Cleaners later that day, and now I know why Mary raved.

Ceramic Slip

Ceramic Slip, a gel-based cleanser with French clay, is for normal and combo skin. The clay is supposed to tighten pores and remove impurities, while vitamin C ester is supposed to make your pores, wrinkles and discoloration less noticeable.

I have sometimes oily, sometimes dry combination skin, and on the days when my skin is oilier, my face loves this stuff. When I wash with it in the morning, more skin feels tighter, and my pores don’t appear to be as “in yo’ face.” My skin also doesn’t feel dry or uncomfortable after using it.

A 4.25-oz. bottle costs $45, which, I know, is expensive for a cleanser, but you can stretch it out. I shake the bottle, then dole out half a pump for my entire face, massage that in (it doesn’t foam up), and then rinse with water.


Ingredients
-Refined French Green Clay: Tightens pores, removes impurities, and infuses skin with vital minerals.
-Vitamin C: Helps reduce the appearance of large pores, wrinkles, and discoloration while stimulating collagen growth.
-Black Pepper: Stimulates circulation for naturally warming cellular revitalization.
-Sandalwood: An anti-microbial agent that helps with skin irritation, inflammation, allergic conditions, and eczema; promotes radiance.

Jasmine, Frankincense.

FYI, the scent is something you’re probably either going to love or hate… I call it grassy and earthy, and I like it, but you might want to get a sample first to see how you feel about it.

$45 for a 4.25-oz. bottle. Available now at SpaceNK, Sephora and online.
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There are 8 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Product Reviews, Skin Care, Sunday Riley

Fans of Frost and Bright Color Will Break Hearts Wearing the LORAC Alter Ego Eye Shadow Palette in Heartbreaker

June 19th, 2015 by Karen 20 Comments

lorac alter ego heartbreaker
LORAC Alter Ego Eye Shadow Palette: Heartbreaker ($24)

HeartbreakerI wonder if Sasha Fierce (Beyonce’s not-so-secret alter ego/identity) would like LORAC’s new Alter Ego Eye Shadow Palette in Heartbreaker ($24).

I’m guessing she would…and it wouldn’t surprise me to also find out that she insists that every item in her makeup bag have the exact same hot pink packaging.

Heck, that’s what I’d do if I were Sasha! 🙂

This limited edition summer season palette of 10 powder shadows is available now exclusively from Ulta.

Within the hot pink packaging (LOVE IT) you’ll find a surprising number of colorful eyeshadows…

  • A satiny tan
  • A satiny peach
  • A shimmery reddish plum
  • A shimmery bronze
  • A satiny warm beige
  • A shimmery bright blue
  • A frosty gray
  • A frosty light blue
  • A shimmery deep purplish brown
  • A frosty light blue

I’d probably wear one or two of the colorful shades together, and then ground them by working in a combination of the tan, peach, beige and/or bronze.

I think you could totally incorporate more than two of these colorful shades in the same look, of course, but for me, between the shimmer and the frost, and with the intensity of the pigments, it could easily turn into a whole lotta look, you know? If you like wearing a lot of color on your eyes and you’re completely comfortable with high-shine frosts and shimmers, you could do it up with this palette and go shimmer/color crazy!

Considering the amount of shine here, the shadows are easy to work with, and they range from moderately to highly pigmented. I haven’t noticed any problems with fallout, either.

lorac alter ego heartbreaker
LORAC Alter Ego Eye Shadow Palette: Heartbreaker

lorac alter ego heartbreaker
LORAC Alter Ego Eye Shadow Palette: Heartbreaker

[Continue reading…]

There are 20 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Eyes, LORAC, Makeup, Palettes, Product Reviews

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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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