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10 More Things I Love About MAC

December 30th, 2014 by Karen 26 Comments

10 More Things I Love About MAC

Because a single list of 10 items was nowhere near long enough to fully convey my unbridled MAC passion, here are 10 MORE things I love about MAC.

1. Brun Eye Shadow

I’ve worn Brun in one form or another virtually every single day for the past 10 years.

A dark, satiny blackish brown may sound kind of boring and lame, but this one’s pure genius because 1) it’s dark, but it doesn’t look harsh or stark on the skin, and 2) it’s so versatile!

MAC Brun Eye Shadow
MAC Brun Eye Shadow

Seriously, I use it for almost errrthing. I use it as a brow filler (it’s a great all-purpose filler for brunettes because it’s neutral and not overly warm or red), as a liner when I’m pressed for time and lack the dexterity to be precise with pencils, gels or liquids; or as a dark brown to deepen the outer corners in neutral looks.

Oh! — and you can do the quickest smokey eye ever by just buffing Brun on top of MAC Smolder.

Brun might look like a basic brown, but it’s millions of miles from boring.

MAC Brun Eye Shadow
Fastest smokey eye ever: Brun buffed on top of MAC Smolder

2. Powersurge, Teddy and Costa Riche

Otherwise known as the ultimate eyeliner trifecta. These are my go-to shades from the MAC Eye Kohl line, and I always have at least one of them with me in my purse, unless I’m on a trip and gotta have all three, or risk having a meltdown, LOL! Sounds silly, but it’s true. 🙂

MAC has a ton of beautiful eyeliners, but these are the ones I have backups of backups of at all times.

Deep bronzy gold Powersurge looks epic on lower lash lines, where it adds a little something-something without making my eyes look smaller.

Costa Riche and Teddy are two of the most beautiful brown liners on the planet. Costa Riche is a warm matte reddish brown (I wear it smudged along my lower lash lines all the time), and Teddy is a rich, bronzy reddish brown.

Both of them look amaze-balls with brown, hazel, grey, blue or green eyes.

MAC Costa Riche and Teddy swatches
Swatches of Costa Riche and Teddy on my NC42 skin

3. The Archie’s Girls Collection

That one time Tabs and I got cartoonified by Archie cartoonist Dan Parent for the Archie’s Girls collection…

MAC Archie's Girls

4. Turquatic

Turquatic is a light, refreshing fragrance that everyone I run into and hug seems to love.

Er…now that I think about it, I’m not sure if I’ve ever actually finished a bottle of it because I’m always giving them away!

The last time was with my mom-in-law, when she hugged me and said, “I love that scent you’re wearing!” so I gave it to her right there on the spot.

Official fragrance notes include anemone, lotus, orris and Corsican blue cedar. Unofficial fragrance notes include summer crushes and stolen kisses. 🙂

5. Wonder Woman

Such a fun collection! Also, I will gladly take any excuse to dress up as a superhero and wander around the neighborhood.

mac wonder woman Lipglasses tubes
[Continue reading…]

There are 26 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: MAC Makeup

Gazing Into the Future for a Moment, How Are You (Probably) Going to Do Your Hair and Makeup Tomorrow?

December 30th, 2014 by Karen 24 Comments

There is a 99.9% chance my makeup will look like this…

Seeing as how tomorrow is the very last day of the year…I think it does have more significance that a normal day, since we’re wrapping up 2014 and all!

I want to spend the day feeling good about myself and having fun with El Hub and Tabs. 🙂

I’ll probably do just enough to feel put tougher, but I don’t want to spend half the day futzing with my makeup and hurr (although, admittedly, sometimes I do).

Makeup-wise, I’m thinking easy, polished neutral eyes and a nude lip, like what I wore in the Mia Beauty Braidie post a few days ago.

It’s a look I can knock out pretty quickly (about 25 minutes if I’m focused), and I like the way it looks in the mirror.

If we end up staying in tomorrow night, I may just leave it at that, but if we go out for New Year’s Eve, I dunno… Perhaps I’ll top off my lids with a MAC Pressed Pigment, or add a sparkly Urban Decay Glitter Liner to my lash lines. And/or false lashes and a bold, bright lip.

As for my hair, I’ll be rockin’ the messy, choppy waves.

Most of the time these days we stay in for New Year’s, but we’re trying to get tickets to see a Prince cover band (She wore a raspberry beret! The kind you find in a second hand store!) at a nightclub in San Rafael.

Fun!

It’s very last-minute, so it may not pan out, but I hope it does! If it doesn’t, then I guess we’ll just be playing Prince at home and dancing around the living room. 🙂

Hey, babe! How about you? Gazing into the future for a moment, how are you (probably) going to do your hair and makeup tomorrow?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

There are 24 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Just For Fun

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 353

December 29th, 2014 by Karen 44 Comments

The Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll for December 29, 2014
The Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll for December 29, 2014

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. I hate to shop for…
    For someone who frequents Home Goods so much, I actually hate shopping for home stuff because I’m terribly indecisive when it comes to picking stuff for walls, or for the furniture. It’s just I have this irrational idea that once I get like a pillow I’m gonna be stuck with that pillow for the next 20 years, and I can’t – so I stand there, like I’m literally in the aisle looking at all the pillows, but what if I don’t like this blue seashell pillow when I’m like 55, I’ll still have to look at it till then, and it paralyzes me.
  2. I love to shop for…
    Everything else (other than home stuff), but shoes and makeup and kitty things especially. And coats.

    Basically, I like shopping for anything that will still fit if my weight can fluctuate up and down.

    Oh, and purses.

  3. You have three minutes to freshen up your makeup, so what do you do?
    Well, the first thing I do is fix my wonky right brow, which is shorter than my left brow, so the tail end usually fades throughout the day…

    So I’ll fix my right wonky brow, then I’ll give my lashes a quick curl — but very gently, of course, because I don’t want to pull out any eyelashes. Then I’ll throw on another layer of mascara, and quickly rim my eyes.

    Since I wear nude lips a lot (just because they’re easier for me and I don’t have to deal with lip pencil or whatever), I’ll usually do another layer of whichever nude lipstick or gloss or lip liner I happen to be wearing.

    I kind of like to be a little shiny because I like my skin glowing, but if I have an extra 20 seconds or so, I’ll powder my forehead, which tends to get a little shinier than the rest of my face.

  4. What’s the oldest thing in your closet that you still wear all the time?
    Years ago (I think it was 2007) when I interviewed Paris Hilton, I’d been out of the corporate workforce for a long time, so I had to get an interview outfit. I bought this basic black dress at H&M for like $20 that I still wear.

    It’s black jersey, easy to pack. It’s not really trendy… It’s kind of one of those timeless cuts, got short sleeves, hits right above the knee. I can dress it up, I can dress it down, and it’s stretchy. 🙂

  5. What are some things you’d like to do more of in 2015?
    Mostly, I would like to forgive myself more. I tend to beat myself up mentally for the things I do wrong, and I don’t want to do that so much, so I’d like to forgive myself more.

    I’d also like to exercise more, but I don’t know if that will necessarily translate into doing another half-marathon, but I’d like to sweat more. I’d also like to see my friends more, and develop my friendships more. And I’d like to do more new things.

Le List

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


1. I hate to shop for…
2. I love to shop for…
3. You have three minutes to freshen up your makeup, so what do you do?
4. What’s the oldest thing in your closet that you still wear all the time?
5. What are some things you’d like to do more of in 2015?

It’s the last Monday of 2014!

MONDAY!

I’m halfway through my second cup of coffee and really looking forward to my run this morning, because I did not exercise at all over the Christmas break.

Well, I did exercise my mouth… 🙂 And my tum. By repeatedly shoving lots of sugary things and carby things into them.

How was your weekend? Did you spend it with family or friends? Was it busy? Relaxing?

What about New Year’s? Per usual, I don’t have any plans yet. El Hub and I usually just go out to dinner, then come home and sit around, maybe watch the ball drop at midnight. I keep telling myself to try something new this time, so maybe we will. Who knows?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

There are 44 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Just For Fun

Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 327

December 28th, 2014 by Karen 9 Comments

tabs-memes-2014 064

This post is sponsored by Purina Pro Plan #proplancatpartner. For information about my posting policy, please see my Disclaimer.

Sponsored by Purina Pro Plan Cat

Tim Gunn isn’t the only one in the fashion world with a famous catchphrase (“Make it work!”). Tabs has one as well.

Actually…he has dozens of them. In fact, he’s famous for his quick-witted kitty quips and outrageous statements, and rumor has it that Karl Lagerfeld himself steals his own viral memes from Tabs (who’s thinking about purr-suing legal action).

Here are 12 of my favorite Tabs-isms this year. 🙂

In other news, I’M BAAAACK! We got home from Redding a little while ago, and let me tell you — my roots are excited! Girlfriend has not washed her hair since Christmas-freaking-Eve.

Whoops! Too much info…

I have kitty snuggles to share because Tabs is being extra lover-boy right now. He must have missed me while I was gone.

Anybody else maxing and relaxing at home tonight? I’m going to try to paint my nails…but it’s gonna be hard with a 20-pound tabby rubbing his chin against every available body part.

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[Continue reading…]

There are 9 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Just For Fun, Sponsored Post, Tabs

On Shelves Now: Beauty Books That Caught My Eye

December 27th, 2014 by Karen 17 Comments

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I’m always on the market for new beauty books. I have a few of them at home now (’cause reading is fundamental!). These are currently on my radar screen as new contenders…

Eye Candy: 55 Easy Makeup Looks for Glam Lids and Luscious Lashes, by Linda Mason ($14.95)

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Sometimes I get stuck in eye makeup ruts, and this book’s loaded with inspiration. There’s 55 eye looks. DUDE! That’s a lot.

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Makeup Makeovers Beauty Bible: Expert Secrets for Stunning Transformations, by Robert Jones ($19.99)

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This one is packed with lots of good, in-depth beauty information. Check out the section with makeup for different eye shapes.

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Love, Lashes, and Lipstick: My Secrets for a Gorgeous, Happy Life, by Mally Roncal ($25)

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Mally’s bubbly personality really comes across in the writing in this book, and I dig the cute illustrations.

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Hello Kitty Nail Art, by Masako Kojima ($17.95)

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Granted, I probably don’t have the skill to pull off most of these nail looks, but I want to! Because it’s Hello Kitty!

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Beauty: The New Basics, by Rona Berg ($19.95)

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I really like that the models in this book look like normal women of all ages and ethnicities.

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Everything Eyes: Professional Techniques, Essential Tools, Gorgeous Makeup Looks, by Bobbi Brown ($14.95)

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A whole chapter devoted to makeup for girls with glasses. Yes.

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Do you have any beauty books at home? Which are your favorites (mine’s Makeup Makeovers in 5, 10, 15, and 20 Minutes: Expert Secrets for Stunning Transformations, by Robert Jones)?

There are 17 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Daily Beauty

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

December 27th, 2014 by Karen 298 Comments

Win a $50 Sephora e-gift card from Makeup and Beauty Blog
Win a $50 Sephora e-gift card from Makeup and Beauty Blog

Rise and shine, morning glory! Happy caturday! 🙂 My phone has been blowing up with texts from your nephew at MBB headquarters. Apparently his temporary live-in assistant forgot to prepare the gravy last night, which of course led to a HUGE fight.

If there’s one thing Tabs will not accept from his employees, it’s a failure to adhere to the company’s strict gravy preparation standards. He’ll forgive minor, infrequent violations of the dress code, but gravy incompetence is simply unacceptable.

In other news…it’s been chilly up here in Redding, but at least we have sun. I hope you’ve been having a great week. Good luck in this weekend’s giveaway, and oh! — there are actually THREE other ongoing giveaways you could also enter while you’re here…

  • Comment to Win $86 in Awesomeness From the Sonia Kashuk Holiday 2014 Collection (deadline: Dec. 31, 2014)
  • [SPONSORED] Comment to Win $152 in Fragrances From i smell great and the Maker of CLEAN Perfume (deadline: Dec. 31, 2014)
  • SPONSORED: The Purina Pro Plan Cat Christmas Treats Giveaway (deadline: Dec. 31, 2014)

As for today’s giveaway…

Win a $50 gift card from Sephora

  • 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:
    • Tortoise or hare?
    • What are you doing for New Year’s?
    • What’s your warmest jacket?
    • What are you wearing on your nails?
    • Favorite Starbucks beverage?
    • What’s been your most annoying beauty dilemma this year?
  • You can enter in up to seven ways to boost your chances of winning.
  • The giveaway ends on Monday, December 29, 2014 at 11:59 PM (Pacific Time). 🙂
  • Full terms and conditions are available in the widget.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

There are 298 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Giveaways, Just For Fun

Bright Lights, Food City

December 26th, 2014 by Karen 28 Comments










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There’s a street in the neighborhood where my parents live that goes crazy all-out with the lights (Vegas style), and everybody cruises up and down the street looking at them.

This was my favorite house…

Of course I’d love the over-the-top one. 🙂

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I know you’re honnngray looking at these pics, ’cause I’m hungry too (if you like crab and shrimp, and Filipino food, which I do). This time of the year is when I unshackle myself from the hater that is the My Fitness Pal app, aka calorie counting, and embrace my stretchy pants with arms (and mouth) wide open, which, in other words, means a second and third helping of crab.

Let the holiday gorging begin!

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There are 28 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Daily Photo

Comment to Win $86 in Awesomeness From the Sonia Kashuk Holiday 2014 Collection

December 26th, 2014 by Karen 398 Comments

Win the Sonia Kashuk Holiday 2014 collection
Get some goodies! Comment to win $86 in awesomeness from the Sonia Kashuk Holiday 2014 collection.

***The giveaway is officially closed.*** CONGRATULATIONS, ALESIA AND PRINCESS ANYAIBE! You’re the lucky girls! Check the email addresses you used in your comments, and reply to me with your full name, age and mailing address by Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2015. Happy new year. 🙂

Hmm… That space beneath the tree is looking sadly empty now that Christmas is officially over.

We should totes fix that.

One of my favorite holiday collections this year has been Sonia Kashuk’s ( review right here). She did this luxurious gold and black Chanel-esque art deco theme, and the makeup was to die for, of course.

I got to thinking… You know what? This would be a great one for a giveaway!

The prize…

Four of my favorites from Sonia’s holiday 2014 collection (an $86 value).

Sonia Kashuk Eye Palette in Deco Starlet
The Sonia Kashuk Eye Palette in Deco Starlet ($19.99)
Sonia Kashuk Nude Lip Palette in Jazzed Up Nudes
The Nude Lip Palette in Jazzed Up Nudes ($19.99)
Sonia Kashuk All That Jazz 10-Piece Brush Set
All That Jazz 10-Piece Brush Set, $34.99
Sonia Kashuk Decadence Shimmering Body Souffle
Decadence Shimmering Body Souffle, $10.99

Get it, gurl!

Sonia Kashuk Holiday 2014
Win the Sonia Kashuk Holiday 2014 collection

Two (2) lucky ladies and/or gents will win a prize package with the following…

  • The Eye Palette in Deco Starlet ($19.99): a very Chanel-esque palette with shimmery dark brown, black, gold and beige powder eyeshadows.
  • The Nude Lip Palette in Jazzed Up Nudes ($19.99): a lip palette with five satiny lipsticks in warm and cool nude shades.
  • The All That Jazz 10-Piece Brush Set ($34.99): a set of fabulously fluffy and luxurious full-size brushes that includes a domed powder brush, a flat-top multipurpose brush, an angled duo fiber multipurpose brush, a foundation brush, eyeshadow brush, blending brush, angled duo fiber crease brush, domed pencil brush, synthetic pointed eye liner brush, and a lash/brow groomer.
  • Decadence Shimmering Body Souffle ($10.99): a shimmery golden body lotion.

Le Rules…

They’re easy. Just leave a comment below. About anything.

Seriously, anything at all.

Like, what’s been the coolest conversation you’ve had over the holidays so far? Where are you at this exact moment? Have you seen any good movies lately? Did you receive any awesome beauty booty/loot for Christmas? Did you cook or bake anything you’re particularly proud of for the holidays? What’s been the highlight of the holidays for you so far?

That’s it!

Terms & Conditions
Enter by leaving a comment below about anything at all.

Deadline to enter is Wednesday, December 31, 2014 at 11:59 PM (Pacific). Entrants must enter using a valid email address to win.

The giveaway is open to EVERYONE EVERYWHERE who has reached the age of majority according to their local laws (18 in the United States with these exceptions: Alabama and Nebraska, 19; Mississippi, 21).

Tabs and I (heretofore and, as always, referred to as “T-Money and K-Dawg”) will select two (2) winners at random from the entries left in the comments at the bottom of this post.

Void where prohibited by law.

May the forces of fabulosity be with you (aka, good luck). 🙂

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. Have you already entered these other two giveaways? Because you should… I’m just sayin’.

  • Comment to Win $152 in Fragrances From i smell great and the Maker of CLEAN Perfume (deadline to enter is Dec. 31, 2014)
  • The Purina Pro Plan Cat Christmas Treats Giveaway (this one’s deadline is also Dec. 31, 2014)
There are 398 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Giveaways, Sonia Kashuk

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Welcome to Makeup and Beauty Blog

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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