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

Blueberry Truffle Me: A Chocolate-Inspired Makeup Look With the New Too Faced Semi-Sweet Chocolate Bar Eye Palette

February 3rd, 2015 by Karen 30 Comments

Too Faced Semi-Sweet Chocolate Bar Palette — A makeup look inspired by blueberry truffles!

Blueberry truffles: health food of the future?

I wish. But seriously, I’m coming down with a cold right now, and I’m pretty sure there are antioxidants in both blueberries AND chocolate, soooo…I should probably be eating way more blueberry truffles.

Here’s a look inspired by one of my sweetest loves, blueberry truffles, and I used the deliciously named Too Faced Semi-Sweet Chocolate Bar palette.

I got the idea for this blue and chocolate brown eye look while doing Valentine’s chocolate-themed makeup “research” at See’s Candies (read: biting into the Blueberry Truffle sample the nice lady at See’s gave me).

Incidentally, I live dangerously close to the Novato Vintage Oaks See’s Candies, and if I hit all the green lights, I can get there in three minutes.

I’m just sayin’.

I was in the early stages of choco-ecstasy (it’s a real thing!) when I saw this look clearly in my endorphin-flooded mind — shimmery blue lids, a warm matte brown crease, blue smudged along the lower lash lines, lashes loaded with mascara, and everything surrounded by a soft, smokey haze.

The first palette I thought of was the Too Faced Semi-Sweet Chocolate Bar ($49), the brand’s new chocolate-scented spring eyeshadow palette.

Excuse me a moment while I open it and take a sniff.

Ah… 🙂
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A Rocking Red Carpet Makeup Look – Plus a CoverGirl & Ulta Giveaway

February 3rd, 2015 by Karen 270 Comments

You know what they say: “Always be prepared…”

…to walk a red carpet with rock stars. 🙂

Because seriously, you never know.

In the event you find yourself alongside ~~the left shark~~ Katy P. as her plus one at a fancy awards show, you need a makeup look with an edge, maybe like this sassy red carpet rock-inspired eye with smoked-out purple liner and cool-toned lids.

Here’s a step-by-step in pics (YouTube tutorial coming later this week, and there’s also a giveaway at the bottom of this post). First, I prepped my skin with some products from Olay, then followed that up with lip colors and eye products from Covergirl (all available now at Ulta)

By the way, Ulta shoppers, from now through February 14, 2015, buy any Covergirl product, and get an extra Covergirl product for 50% off! (BOGO 50% off)

A quick step-by-step red carpet rock-inspired makeup look with pops of pink and purple

First, gotta prep! I started by washing my face with Olay Regenerist Regenerating Cream Cleanser before moisturizing with Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream and Olay Regenerist Intense Repair Treatment.

Olay Regenerist Regenerating Cream Cleanser

Olay Regenerist Intense Repair Treatment

Next, I evened out my skin tone and texture by applying primer, foundation and concealer, then filled in my brows with Covergirl Bombshell Powder Brow Liner in Dark Brown.

Covergirl Bombshell Powder Brow Liner in Dark Brown

Then I dove into the Covergirl Eye Shadow Quad in Notice Me Nudes, applying the colors on my lids. — Then, I applied the Covergirl Eye Shadow Quad in Notice Me Nudes.

UPDATE: Come say hi this Thursday night, Feb. 5, at 8 p.m. EST on Twitter, and we’ll talk about red carpet looks, among other things…very likely cats (use hashtag #ULTAglam). I hope to see you there!

Covergirl Eye Shadow Quad in Notice Me Nudes

To give my eyes more depth and drama, I lined my water and lash lines with a black eyeliner and smudged out my upper lash lines with the darkest shade from Stunning Smokeys, another Covergirl Eye Shadow Quad.

Covergirl Eye Shadow Quad in Stunning Smokeys

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Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 358

February 2nd, 2015 by Karen 23 Comments

The Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll for February 2, 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.

Do you belong to any of those beauty subscription services (Birchbox, Glossybox, Julep Maven, etc.)?
Alas, no. But you’d think I would, me being the beauty junkie I am.

It’s just…I’m kind of uncomfortable with the element of randomness. I know I wouldn’t use 99% of the things in there, and I need to have control over the situation… It’s an issue.

Do you ever stop to compliment strangers on their makeup?
YES! And I think it really freaks them out, especially the guys, but with guys it’s usually just brows.

The last time it happened, El Hub and I were at the movies. A young man was ringing up my popcorn, and I was staring at his eyebrows, which were really full and lush-looking and perfect, so I said, “Dude, your brows are kinda killer,” and he stopped and sort of laughed and was like, “Thanks, I got them waxed at Benefit today.”

El Hub was mortified, but I couldn’t resist. The kid’s brows were amazing!

Bowl cut or mullet?
Oh, gosh… Well, if I have to pick one, I suppose I’ll go with the bowl cut, because at least that way my hair will move with me when I whip my head around, and I like that idea. And it would also accentuate my blush and contouring, if I did some.

No hats either. I mean, if you have a bowl cut, you have to show it off. That’s the rules.

Have you ever given your pets a Valentine’s Day gift or card?
I’m almost ashamed to say this, but I don’t think I have; however, Tabs has given cards to El Hub to show his love and appreciation.

But for me to get a card from Tabs, it would have to mean that El Hub got the card on his behalf, which has yet to happen.

How’s your comedic timing?
Well, my life is a comedy of errors, so I think it’s pretty good! 🙂

No, really, I think it’s decent.

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

1. Do you belong to any of those beauty subscription services (Birchbox, Glossybox, Julep Maven, etc.)?
2. Do you ever stop and compliment strangers on their makeup?
3. Bowl cut or mullet?
4. Have you ever given your pets a Valentine’s Day gift or card?
5. How’s your comedic timing?

Ugh, I have weekend hangover…

Not because we partied hardy or anything, but I had such a fun, relaxing weekend, and I’m a little sad to see it go.

But that doesn’t mean today can’t also be good.

Whatever you’re up to, I hope things are going well and that your nails aren’t chipped. 🙂

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 332

February 1st, 2015 by Karen 10 Comments

Sunday, Sunday, Sunday! It’s Super Bowl Sunday, and your nephew is totally stoked. He can’t wait to see if Katy Perry includes any cats in the halftime show, because as you know, she’s a big time cat lady.

I hope so. I mean, nothing goes better with football than cats. 🙂

In today’s very special edition of Sundays With Tabs…Tabs talks about his past as a professional feline football player, the best modeling poses, accessorizing for success and personal hygiene.

Seriously, though, my favorite part of the Super Bowl is usually the commercials and the snacks (veggie burger dogs!). As you know, Tabs has actually starred in a few award-winning commercials of his own.

OK, let’s get this party started! Have a blast today, and if you have any other questions you’d like me to ask ~~his majesty~~ Tabs in his next exclusive interview, leave them here in the comments.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. Go Pats!

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

January 31st, 2015 by Karen 370 Comments

It’s a beautiful day out Novato way! The sun is shining, and I don’t see a cloud in the sky. Does this mean I’ll be doing something outdoors today? Time will tell…

I hope you did something fun last night. We did end up seeing that movie, A Most Violent Year, and boy! — it makes New York look pretty rough in the ’70s and ’80s. Good movie. Jessica Chastain rocks.

In other news, are you ready for the Super Bowl tomorrow?? El Hub is handling our meal plan, which he’s EXTREMELY excited about, involving something he calls “a burger dog.”

I don’t know if anyone else calls them that, but it’s basically — and his eyes light up when he describes it — a hamburger in the shape of a hot dog, served on a hot dog bun.

I’m like, OK…but mine will be a veggie burger dog. 🙂 And we’ll have it with potato salad and chips.

Super Bowl! Katy Perry is doing the halftime show (along with Missy Elliott!), so that should be fun. Your nephew cat is also excited. From what I understand, he’s rooting for the Mill Valley Wildcats… Stay tuned for his pre-game analysis tomorrow.

Good luck in the giveaway, and have a great weekend. Do something fun.

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).

Enter using the Rafflecopter widget 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:
- On average, how long does it take you to do your makeup during the week?
- Best blanket?
- Do you have a fireplace or wood stove at home?
- Fruit or vegetables?
- Sunrises or sunsets?
- Your favorite pair of pants that aren’t jeans?
You can enter in up to seven ways to boost your chances of winning.
The giveaway ends on Monday, February 2, 2015 at 11:59 PM (Pacific Time). 🙂
Full terms and conditions are available in the widget.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Latest Shoe Obsession: These Leopard-Print Flats From DSW

January 30th, 2015 by Karen 21 Comments

There’s nothing like a new pair of shoes to make you feel like you conquered the world, and these are my newest pair. And I love them, love them, love them! They’re my reward for making it to the end of the week in one piece.

Hey, sometimes you just gotta reward yourself for crossing the finish line. 🙂

What are you up to tonight? If it’s high energy fun, I will be with you in spirit, but me — I’m kind of tired today, so I’m gonna take it easy and grab some dinner.

I may or may not be going back to Super Duper again because I’m craving that veggie burger hardcore… Maybe this time I’ll actually snap a picture of it before I inhale it. After that, the movies to see A Most Violent Year.

Have a great night, whatever you’re doin’.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

The New Dolce & Gabbana Shimmer Glow Winter Collection: A Perfect Fit for Your Favorite Suit of Fancy Armor

January 30th, 2015 by Karen 22 Comments

Wearing the new Dolce & Gabbana Shimmer Glow the Winter Palette collection on my eyes, cheeks and lips — Wearing the new Dolce & Gabbana Shimmer Glow winter collection on my eyes, cheeks and lips

Chain mail chic.

Picture ScarJo riding a white warhorse while hoisting Dolce & Gabbana’s banner and rocking a custom-tailored suit of chain mail.

LOL! And looking hot, because I can’t imagine her ever looking awkward in armor, but anyways! That’s the feeling I get from the seven-piece Shimmer Glow winter collection, which was, fittingly, inspired by armor (or armour, depending on your POV).

Cool-toned chain mail grays and gunmetals feature prominently, as do varying levels of shimmer and shine, but because this is Dolce & Gabbana, the total package still seems seductive, sultry and gloriously wearable.

The collection’s crazy gray lipstick (Moon 69) perfectly embodies the idea.

I mean just look at it — there are 50 shades of cray in that tube! Expect advanced future human-robot babe hybrids to be carrying something like it to da club in the year 2115.

Interestingly, even though it looks cool and cold and tough in the tube, it’s shockingly wearable. Yes, it starts a little gray and nuts, obviously, but because it is quite sheer (it’s mostly sparkle, actually, with very little gray pigment), it mellows out on your lips, eventually becoming something you could comfortably wear to your grandma’s house without her looking at you disapprovingly and muttering, “Kids today!”

Similarly, the Smooth Eye Colour Quad in Smokey Eyes Dust 103 ($60) also exudes chain mail (it houses a light shimmery, silvery bluish gray; a medium matte gray; a dark blackish gray; and a single cool-toned shimmery, lemony beige). The two shimmers bring high-fashion glow and shine, while the mattes keep the quad grounded.

The seven-piece Dolce & Gabbana Shimmer Glow the Winter Palette collection — The seven-piece Dolce & Gabbana Shimmer Glow winter collection

Dolce & Gabbana Smooth Eye Colour Quad in Smokey Eyes Dust 103 — Smooth Eye Colour Quad in Smokey Eyes Dust 103

Dolce & Gabbana Shimmer Powder — Shimmer Powder

I usually prefer warm color temps to cool, but I don’t shy away from grays (see: the Hourglass Visionnaire Duo in Prism).

These particular shades, though, I feel are a tad too cool for my skin… I think they’ll work better on Knights of the Cool-Toned Table.

That said, the powders themselves are lovely. Dolce & Gabbana’s eyeshadows blend so well that they’re almost too easy to blend. If you, like me, tend to over-blend sometimes, I feel ya dawg. Refrain; otherwise, you’ll end up with muddy lids.

As for the new Shimmer Powder, it’s almost exactly like Chanel Illusion D’Ombre in Fantasme. Same spongy texture, same fine flecks of glitter, same raison d’être (use it as a highlighter, or like a glittery topcoat for your eyeshadow). Just pat it directly on your skin with fingers.

In the pot, the two look almost identical, but on skin, Dolce & Gabbana’s Shimmer Powder conveys more of its straight-up silvery white glitter than Fantasme, which also has pieces of pink and green micro glitter.

I like both…but I think I prefer Fantasme. It just looks a tad warmer (due to the pink) and works a bit better for me.

Dolce & Gabbana Shine Lipstick in Moon 69 — Shine Lipstick in Moon 69

Dolce & Gabbana Shine Lipstick in Angel Rose 167 — Shine Lipstick in Angel Rose 167

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The New Mr. Write (Now) Eyeliner Pencils by theBalm: This Mr. Right Is Not a Commitment-Phobe

January 30th, 2015 by Karen 25 Comments

theBalm Mr. Write (Now) in Brian B. Beige, Jac B. Bronze, Bill B. Mocha, Wayne B. Olive, Raj B. Navy, Vince B. Charcoal, Dean B. Onyx and Scott B. Bordeaux — The new Mr. Write (Now) Eyeliner Pencils by theBalm ($17 each)

Mr. Write (Now) is not the kind of guy to hit it and quit it.

Um…can I say that on the blog?? I dunno, that might be kind of rude.

Let me try again…

Will you ever meet Mr. Right? Absolutely! In fact, Mr. Write is ready to meet you right now.

OK, that was better. 🙂

Don’t be surprised if you find yourself wanting to commit to this new line of twist-up eyeliner pencils by theBalm. Make a note in your diary to meet one of these guys next time you’re near a counter. They’re available in eight $17 shades, with some of them mattes and some of them shimmers (incidentally, they have a built-in sharpener hidden in the bottom of each pencil).

I was surprised my eyes didn’t freak out when I wore Jac. B Bronze on my water lines this week, because they can usually only tolerate MAC Eye Kohls this time of year. My skin gets very sensitive when the air is cold and dry.

Now, as one might expect of an eyeliner pencil called Mr. Write (Now), these guys will not sneak off without buying you breakfast. They want to stick around (nine+ hours). None of them, and that includes Jac B. Bronze, who I’m wearing on my lower lash lines in these pics, are commitment-phobes.

In fact, these long-lasting twist-up liners are so heavy-duty that I have to use an oil-based makeup remover with them. The formula also dries very quickly, so if you plan to do any smudging, don’t dilly-dally.

theBalm Mr. Write (Now) Swatches clockwise from the upper left: Brian B. Beige, Jac B. Bronze, Bill B. Mocha, Wayne B. Olive, Raj B. Navy, Vince B. Charcoal, Dean B. Onyx and Scott B. Bordeaux — Clockwise from the upper left: Brian B. Beige, Jac B. Bronze, Bill B. Mocha, Wayne B. Olive, Raj B. Navy, Vince B. Charcoal, Dean B. Onyx and Scott B. Bordeaux

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