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

Hey friend! We made it to Caturday, woo hoo! In the spirit of all things fabulously feline, here is Rosie wearing a sparkly gymnastics leotard to brighten up your morning.

Speaking of bright things, I’ve been trying to push myself just a little with makeup. Yesterday I wore a lil’ slice of shimmery green liner (Urban Decay 24/7 eyeliner in Freak) for a tiny peek of color on my lids.

I started by lining my upper lash lines with a black gel liner and an angled brush, and blending a single shimmery shadow cream stick, Laura Mercier Strapless, on my lids for a touch of definition. Then I traced the edge of the black liner with my green pencil. Easy peasy!

I paired it with minimal skin and lips because 1) that’s how I roll these days, and 2) it’s been really hot, and just the thought of full-on base was suffocating. I might try it in the future with a more photo-friendly foundation, etc., but I think there’s something very cool about minimalist skin with some color on the lids.

Anywho, I’m going to try it with some other colors soon. I hope you give this liner a go!

This week’s reading

• “The over-40 demo has seemingly been poised to make its way to the forefront of the beauty industry for a few years.”
• These are the allegedly the 11 best waterproof makeup products of 2023, and now I want to try that Victoria Beckham shadow stick.
• Flashing back to the era when Demeter had us smelling like every food imaginable!
• Get a glimpse behind the perfume-making scenes at Chanel’s Grasse fields.
• “While the average person may not consider spritzing on perfume to be witchcraft, Little says there’s an inherent magic when it comes to scent.” Side note: I’m gonna buy some roses and a rose-based perfume ASAP.

Love a smokey eye

Add to cart

Yes to all these cakes

Sigh, I need to go clothes shopping

Enjoy the rest of your day and have a wonderful weekend!

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. Mineral or chemical sunscreen today?

Chemical filters today; the mineral ones have not been playing well with my skin lately. (Too drying.)

2. Which ’80s trend would you revisit right meow: big hair, oversized shoulder pads or bright, contoured blush?

Big hair for sure, but I’d like to update it in some way to make it modern. I’d use less crunchy styling products (oh gosh, remember how crispy everyone’s hair was?) and skip the spiral perm.

3. Something nice that happened last weekend?

We went on a short overnight family trip to Sacramento to cheer Connor on at a dance competition. I really enjoyed it. Family time at this age (she just turned 7) is the best!

4. Last piece of makeup that impressed you?

Caviar Shadow Stick in Strapless by Laura Mercier! It’s a gorgeous shimmery golden taupe I bought on a whim last week.

5. Are you ready for summer?

Yes and no. We had a long, wet winter, and I’m tired of being cold, so I’m looking forward to being warm again. At the same time, though, I’m not ready for it to be blistering hot every time I step outside my door, LOL! I’m definitely looking forward to being outside and going camping. I can’t wait to spend time with the Coywolf, too.

6. Rate your current makeup skill from 1 to 10 (with 10 being off-the-charts incredible).

Hmm, overall? I guess about a six or a seven if we’re talking strictly everyday wearable makeup, LOL! I’m deeply out of practice when it comes to makeup for photography and creative looks, though.

7. Pick one: an amazing wardrobe of clothes that fit great or a hair stylist who knows your hair well and cuts it perfectly?

While a holy grail stylist would certainly come in handy, I’m so sick of wearing the same five shirts over and over again. I’d take the clothes on the condition that I wouldn’t have to spend the time shopping for them.

8. What shall we do on a Friday night — karaoke or dancing?

Girl, let’s do both!

9. Where is the best place in your town for lunch with a friend?

There’s two places that I like – Blue Barn for their salads and fries, and Creekside Bakery for their avocado toast, which is purr-fection!

10. What’s on your lips today?

Good old NARS Dolce Vita, but in the crayon formula. I prefer the lip crayon over the lipstick these days!

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. Mineral or chemical sunscreen today?
2. Which ’80s trend would you revisit right meow: big hair, oversized shoulder pads or bright, contoured blush?
3. Something nice that happened last weekend?
4. Last piece of makeup that impressed you?
5. Are you ready for summer?
6. Rate your current makeup skill from 1 to 10 (with 10 being off-the-charts incredible).
7. Pick one: an amazing wardrobe of clothes that fit perfectly or a hair stylist who knows your hair well and cuts it perfectly?
8. What shall we do on a Friday night — karaoke or dancing?
9. Where is the best place in your town for lunch with a friend?
10. What’s on your lips today?

P.P.S. Happy Monday, my friend. My heart is so full today from spending the weekend with Connor and El Hub, and so I want to pass that happiness on to you. I hope your Monday is filled with plenty of love and joy! Sending you good vibes today and for the rest of the week.

Good morning and happy, happy Caturday! I went to Sephora yesterday afternoon to return the Charlotte Tilbury concealer (’twas too light, just as I suspected), and to the surprise of absolutely no one, I ended up grabbing a few things.

Well, I legitimately “needed” (air quotes) another tube of Hourglass Retouching Fluid for my under-eye area. And a new mascara. And a couple Sephora Collection eyeliners. And the most beautiful golden taupe Laura Mercier Cream Shadow Stick called Strapless.

I’m looking forward to playing. 🙂

This week’s beauty reading

• This goat milk–powered line is Ulta’s skin care brand of the year.
• Apparently skin care culture can fuel addictive behaviors.
• Another day, another cray-cray TikTok trend! Hint: this one involves beef tallow.
• Derms say that these cheap versions of expensive skincare products work just as well as the $$$$ stuff.
• A new study says gray hair happens because of stuck stem cells.
• The mechanics of curls, according to science.
• If you’re dealing with hair loss, consider getting more of these nutrients.
• Big perfume brands want to turn dudes who love fragrance into skinthusiasts.
• What does the moon smell like?
• Taylor Swift’s cats — a deep dive.

Talk to me, Dr. Alexis.

Um, does anybody else want one of these masks now?

LOVE this makeup!

An entire look with just 6 products? Yes, please.

Someone please make this for me.

Peep the eyebrows.

What are you up to this weekend? Whatever it is, I hope you get to spend some time outside.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen