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

Take Your Cat Lady-Ness to the Next Level With Foreign Language Feline Magazines

April 1st, 2014 by Karen 16 Comments

Do you aspire to be the craziest cat lady of them all? Take your cat lady-ness to the next level by reading foreign language cat magazines.

Ideally, your magazine of choice should be plump with pictures of cats and contain speech bubbles (which you may or may not understand).

Profiles pages dedicated to individual kitties in their respective workplaces are great, too.

Obviously, cute kitten pics are a must. 🙂 Extra bonus points for sad tabby kittens, as they are (arguably) the best.

Your magazine may also include step-by-step instructions on how to construct clothing for your cat.

Consider crafting this custom couture outfit for your precious kitty, since those “One Size Fits All” cat costumes at Petco are a total joke.

Last, but not least, if there are any cartoons of cats dressed as ninjas, be sure to point them out to your husband while you “read” your magazine at night. 🙂

P.S. Anyone out there understand Japanese?? I would sure love to know what the title of this magazine is, LOL!

MAC By Request Is Rocking Retro Makeup Now

April 1st, 2014 by Karen 17 Comments

The MAC By Request Collection — The new MAC By Request Collection, available now exclusively at maccosmetics.com

Gooooooooood evening, makeup fiends and fans!

It’s me, your friendly neighborhood beauty addict DJ K-Dawg, broadcasting live from KMAC radio (a division of Tabs the Cat Industries LLC) in Novato, where we play all the hits from the ’90s, 2000s and today.

Tonight we’re goin’ waaaaaay back and kickin’ it old-school.

That’s right! Tonight it’s all about retro jams. The request lines are open, so call —

Oh! That was quick. We already have our first caller.

DJ K-DAWG: “Hello, you’re live on the air at KMAC with DJ K-Dawg. What’s your name, sweetheart?”

DIESEL: “Diesel. I’m a cool grey frost eyeshadow.”

MAC Diesel Eye Shadow — Diesel Eye Shadow, a cool gray with a frosty finish from the Colour Abstractions/Additions collection (1997)

DJ K-DAWG: “What up, D? What can I do you for? Do you have a request?”

DIESEL: “Well, I’d like to give a shout-out to the alumni from the MAC Class of ’97 — especially my homegirl Fiction. She’s a muted green with shimmer. Hey, Fiction! I’M ON THE RADIO! We made our debut in the Colour Abstraction/Additions collection together.”

DJ K-DAWG: “Aww. That’s sweet. What song would you like to dedicate, Diesel?”

DIESEL: “Can I dedicate Say You’ll Be There by the Spice Girls?”

DJ K-DAWG: “OOH! You sure can. That’s one of my favorites. Thanks for callin’, D!”

MAC Fiction Eye Shadow, a shimmery muted green with a frost finish from the Colour Abstractions/Additions collection (1997)

DJ K-DAWG: “OK, let’s take another caller… Caller, you’re live on the air with DJ K-Dawg and KMAC! What’s your name?”

BUTTERSCOTCH: “Hey, K-Dawg?! This is Butterscotch Eye Shadow. Remember me?!”

MAC Butterscotch — Butterscotch, a matte warm beige from the Circa Pre collection (1990)

DJ K-DAWG: “GURL, my brow bones never forget an awesome matte warm beige. Circa Pre collection back in 1990, right? Dayum, it’s been a minute! How are you?”

BUTTERSCOTCH: “Excellent! Can I give a shout-out to all my MAC fiends and plug a new collection I’m in called MAC By Request?”

DJ K-DAWG: “Oh, that’s right! You’re one of the six retro MAC shades that were voted on by MAC fans to come out of retirement.”

BUTTERSCOTCH: “Yup, we’re back, b*tches, and we’re better than ever!”

DJ K-DAWG: “So cheeky, Butterscotch! I always loved that about you. MAC fans, Butterscotch is referring to MAC By Request, the new limited edition collection of three powder Eye Shadows, three Lipsticks and three (new) Lipglasses are available exclusively at maccosmetics.com.

The Lipsticks and Lipglasses are available now, and the Eye Shadows arrive April 3.
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Clinique High Impact Extreme Volume Mascara and a Good Morning Routine Just Might Make for a Great Frickin’ Day

April 1st, 2014 by Karen 22 Comments

This post is first and foremost a review of Clinique’s High Impact Extreme Volume Mascara ($19.50)…

…but before we get to that, I just need to say, DUDE. Seriously, if you are not a morning person, I get it. I totally get it. Weekday mornings?! Ugh, mine are almost always rough — rough like that sketchy off-brand toilet paper El Hub always buys, even though I’ve told him about a billion times that “Charmin Ultra Soft is the only way to go.” (Note to self: stop asking that man to buy toilet paper.)

When my alarm sounds, I open my eyes and start mentally ticking off the things I want to do that day (good grief, why is that list always so hella long?!). Oftentimes, even before I get out of bed, a sense of panic has set in…

But ya know, gotta get up. Gotta get going. Can’t hide under the covers, as tempting as that sounds sometimes.

You know how it is. Some mornings you’re faced with a choice — a choice between indulging your inner grumpy goat and letting her wreak havoc, or doing everything in your power to have a GREAT FRICKIN’ DAY!

I usually shoot for the latter (not always successfully, mind you), and most of the time when things work out fairly well, I seem to have followed a morning routine very similar to this one:

I get out of bed right when the alarm goes off, versus hitting the snooze button and falling back to sleep. If I hit the snooze, even if it’s just for 10 more minutes, I may get up feeling groggy.
I have my first cup of coffee and quickly get a little food in my tum
I get my booty in motion by either walking or running on the treadmill for at least 20 minutes, during which time I’ll listen to some upbeat music and/or mull over what I want to accomplish that day.
I primp and do whatever I can to feel cute — taking a shower, fixing my hair, applying makeup (this morning I filled in my brows, applied under-eye concealer, some High Impact Extreme Volume Mascara on my upper and lower lashes, and lipgloss) and picking an outfit that isn’t likely to be 1) mistaken for workout wear or 2) ratty pajamas.

More often than not, when I follow this routine, I have a pretty good day.

How about you? What’s your “good day” morning routine like? 🙂

Now, on to Clinique’s High Impact Extreme Volume Mascara…

Clinique’s High Impact Extreme Volume Mascara has actually been on counters for a while, but I only just recently gave it a try. With its oversized brush, it’s designed for dramatic lashes with extreme thickness and volume, and safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. It’s also available in two shades — 01 Extreme Black, which is the color I’ve been wearing, and 02 Black — both available now at Clinique counters and clinique.com.

So, my natural lashes? Well, let’s just that they don’t stop traffic. They probably wouldn’t even stop a slow-moving Radio Flyer Red Wagon, LOL! They’re mediocre at best — not too long, thick, full, nor curly. Just…there.

Mascara is an everyday must for me, and the more extreme, the better. So, yeah, I was all over this stuff as soon as I read the name on the tube — Clinique High Impact Extreme Volume Mascara.

Clinique High Impact Extreme Volume Mascara Brush — Long, oversized brush with small, stubby bristles

What’s the lash look?

Two or three coats deliver thick, glossy fringe, without any clumps or crispiness, but I’d be hesitant to call the look, “extreme.” More like “lush, but not dramatic. Like something I’d wear if I wanted a natural look, but FYI: my idea of natural lashes is what a drag queen would wear on her day off. 🙂

Also, it doesn’t lift a lash curl as much as I usually like, but since it isn’t billed as a lash-curling mascara, that’s no big whoop.

Staying power and removal?

As long as I don’t rub my eyes or futz with them, I get about 8-10 hours without a smudge or flake.

That’s good.

Removal’s also easy. I don’t even have to use a separate eye makeup remover. My regular, and always dependable, Neutrogena Gentle Cleanser and warm water does the trick.
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A Walking Dead Walk-On! See You in Season 5!

April 1st, 2014 by Karen 45 Comments

I'm going to be on The Walking Dead! — I’m going to be on The Walking Dead!

I had a feeling I’d get turned into a zombie sooner or later, but I honestly didn’t think it would be this soon! As in this summer! In Georgia! ON THE WALKING DEAD!

Oh, please let me be in a scene with Daryl Dixon’s biceps…

That may or may not have been the first thought that went through my mind when I got a call last night out of the blue from AMC.

Apparently, one of the bigwig writers on the show, Angela Kang, likes reading beauty blogs (seriously, who knew there were so many makeup-loving zombie fanatics out there?!), and she got wind of our little #zombiebeautylove Twitter party during the finale.

@karenmbb Got my kettle corn and fruit punch! lol #zombiebeautylove

— Tiffany Anne (@CraziMomOf2Boys) March 31, 2014

@karenmbb I know, right! They'd be able to cover up all those bruises with Studio Fix or something! # zombiebeautylove

— bluey529 (@bluey529) March 31, 2014

So she invited me to be an extra on the show!

See!? Dreams really do come true.

I still can’t believe it… I’m going to be a zombie on The Walking Dead, but that’s actually just the icing on the cake. I’m also going to be getting a behind-the-scenes look at the makeup department and see first-hand how they turn someone into a zombie, which I’m really, REALLY excited about.

You can bet that’s gonna be a fun post.

I have no idea if I’m going to be in any scenes with any of the main actors, but you know me — I will do everything in my power to make it happen. 🙂

@themegfisher @karenmbb Hahhaa Ricksanity !!

— Stephanie L (@Steeph_xx3) March 31, 2014

If you have any questions you’d like me to ask — just on the off chance I’m actually able to ask them — let me know in the comments.

I’ll see you in season 5! WOO-HOO!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

MAC Patentpolish Lip Pencil Swatches and a Break in the Storm

March 31st, 2014 by Karen 23 Comments

It has been gloomy, wet and gray here all day today, both outside my house and inside my head.

CRANKY! — with a capital B for BRAT. That’s what I’ve been today.

Not even swatching all 12 of the new MAC Patentpolish Lip Pencils could cheer me up, which is like…unfathomable.

I mean, hello! — they have names like “Pleasant,” “Fearless” and “Revved Up,” and just look at how bright and shiny they are. Oh, yeah, and supremely moisturizing.

I just felt cooped up, tense and scatterbrained this afternoon. At one point I turned on Milli Vanilli’s Blame It on the Rain and listened to that for a while…

Didn’t help, so I just sat in my chair and pouted. 🙁

And then, finally, there was a break in the storm we’re having (which, incidentally, laid waste to my deck garden), and I saw sunshine outside. Sweet blue skies and sunshine, rejoice!

I pulled on my Zella hoodie, a pair of tennies and told Tabs, “BRB.” Then I went for a walk.

Just walked around my circle, down the big hill, then up the street and back. I looked for cats but didn’t see any. I also made myself look at random things — everything — really closely, like at the glistening wet asphalt and the rain drops hanging from the pine needles overhead and the lavender bushes along the side of the road and how they all lean the same direction together like choreographed dancers.

And then I felt better.

Better about everything.

Isn’t that weird? I spent hours today unsuccessfully trying to will myself to feel better (it’s nothing, really, just one of those days), and Mother Nature did it in 10 minutes.

That’s some powerful stuff right there. 🙂

In other news…here are swatches of the 12 new MAC Patentpolishes on my NC42 kisser (they’re $20 each US, $24 CDN).

I reviewed them last week but didn’t swatch all of the colors, so here goes. Maybe if you’re trying to decide among them, the swatches will help.

The MAC Patentpolishes are available online now at maccosmetics.com and coming April 3 to North American MAC counters (internationally this May).

MAC Patentpolish Lip Pencil in Sultana, a dark grape — Sultana, a dark grape

MAC Patentpolish Lip Pencil in Berry Bold, an orangey red — Berry Bold, an orangey red

MAC Patentpolish Lip Pencil in Teen Dream, a bright coral-orange — Teen Dream, a bright coral-orange

MAC Patentpolish Lip Pencil in Pleasant, a rosy pink — Pleasant, a rosy pink

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The Clinique Cheek Pop Blushes: Making Cheeks Pop With Vibrant, Easy-To-Build Color One Layer at a Time

March 31st, 2014 by Karen 23 Comments

SUNDAY NIGHT, 6:06 P.M., MY LIVING ROOM COUCH — I’m gobbling Peanut M&Ms by the handful and gulping Riesling. It’s all I can do to cope.

(If you joined me on Twitter last night, then you know why.)

It’s nothing makeup-related, and certainly nothing related to blush. In fact, the couple layers of Clinique’s Cheek Pop Blush in Ginger Pop ($21) I applied early in the day are helping to calm my rattled nerves. Ten hours after applying, the satiny coral color is still going strong, sans streaks, and with only minimal fading.

The problem: more zombies.

*** SPOILER ALERT (SORT OF) ***

Not even 10 minutes into The Walking Dead Season 4 finale, and I’m wondering if I have enough chocolate to make it through the hour. I contemplate sending El Hub out to get more.

Beads of sweat glisten on my forehead. I unzip my Zella hoodie to cool down but promptly zip it back up. I might need to use it as a security blanket.

A band of brutal marauders descend on Rick, Carl and Michonne, and the story takes a dark, dark turn…

I pop some more M&Ms and gulp the wine realizing that this can’t end well. I hug myself tightly and rock back and forth. “Oh, no! Oh, no! Oh, no!”

The head marauder has Rick in a headlock while the others surround them. I think, I don’t know if I’ll be able to watch the show anymore if something (else) terrible happens.

OMG, DID THAT REALLY JUST HAPPEN?!?

I’m screaming through a mouthful of half-chewed bits of M&Ms for what seems like an eternity, but is really just 10-15 seconds.

When the show cuts to commercial, I grab my asthma inhaler, just in case.

Think happy thoughts, I tell myself. Puppies. Kittens. Flowers…

Flowers! — like the ones on these pans of Clinique Cheek Pop Blushes. 🙂

I close my eyes and concentrate on the Cheek Pops, which look exactly like the daisies I’m growing on my deck. My pulse slows as I focus on the easy-to-apply creamy powders.

I feel…better, even as the show resumes after the commercial break. I’m glad that we live in a world free of zombies (for now), where we can contemplate things like blush on our couches, because I’m pretty sure I’d be picked off early in zombie-land. I think I’m too gentle for that world. Too soft.

Then I think, hey, at least I’ll have a fabulous blush on my cheeks when it happens, and everything’s better when you’re wearing a great blush…

The Clinique Cheek Pop Blushes: 10,000-Foot View

What’s the marketing mumbo-jumbo?

Clinique claims that these silky powder blushes, which are part of a new line, look natural and virtually powder-less on cheeks. The four shades stay true on the skin, and should cover options for most every skin tone. While vibrant in their pans, they apply sheer, but can be built up in layers to reach your desired level of intensity.

And the final verdict?

You know the MAC In Extra Dimension Blushes that MAC, for some insane reason, only releases in limited edition collections? They’re MAC’s line of unfathomably smooth cream-powder-liquid hybrids that apply flawlessly and last a cray-cray long time (8-10 hours without having to touch up)?

Well, I’ve long wished that MAC would make them permanent, and in a way I guess my wish came true because now there’s something similar at Clinique!

We are talking about some seriously bomb-@ss blushes, yo.

Based on their similarities, I wouldn’t be surprised if Clinique and MAC shared secret formulas (they do have the same parent company, so who knows?).

Looking, feeling and behaving like clones, the Cheek Pops could easily pass for In Extra Dimension dupes, with the same satiny finish and silky, easy-to-blend formula — not to mention a pretty kick-@ss wear time (I get from 10-12 hours).

Fantastic for effortless, natural-looking cheeks — and they’re versatile, too. I can easily build them up in layers when I want to wear something intense and brighter.

So what do you think?

I love ’em! Highly recommended.

Clinique Cheek Pop in Ginger Pop — Ginger Pop, a coral

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Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 316

March 31st, 2014 by Karen 40 Comments

The Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll — Have a lovely day.

You might be wondering, “So what the heck is this Monday Poll thing anyway?”

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

Do you stretch?
Not nearly enough. I think I’d do it more often if I were naturally flexible, but I can’t even touch my toes.

Are you currently enrolled in any classes or training for anything?
Nope, although I’d really like to take a martial arts class this summer.

I’ve been saying that FOR YEARS, but I really want to make it happen this year.

Puppies or kittens?
Yes, please. 🙂 Unfortunately, because of my employment contract with Tabs the Cat Industries LLC, I’m contractually obligated to say, “Kittens, all day, every day!”

Do you have any cat-themed makeup?
Of course! When Paul & Joe did their cat collection, I went a little crazy…

Do you think you’d make a good ninja?
I think I’d make an adequate ninja as long as I didn’t have to beat anybody up. If I were only required to slink around while wearing all-black outfits, then heck, yeah.

What’s your least used makeup brush?
I don’t remember the name, but I can describe the shape (I have one by Sonia Kashuk and one from NARS). It’s an eyeshadow brush with an angled, wedge-shaped head. I only use it when all of my other eye brushes are dirty.

Are you more cute or sultry?
Oh, gawd, definitely more cute. I’m so not sultry… My friend Jen’s the sultry one.

Have you ever worked a job where you received tips?
I have, actually. I played flute in a handful of church performances back in high school that my band teacher arranged. He was a professional musician on the side and booked me for gigs he wasn’t able to make.

Who wants to run a cat cafe!?
I do! I do!

Have you ever won a medal or trophy for something?
Yes, but they were always, like, trophies for participating. I got some for band things and piano recitals.

BONUS: Do you have any stuffed animals or dolls from your childhood?
Yup, Charmie the bunny still lives with me, but most of my stuffed animals live with my parents. My mom is always threatening to get rid of them, but she never has (thank you, Mom!).

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

1. Do you stretch?
2. Are you currently enrolled in any classes or training for anything?
3. Puppies or kittens?
4. Do you have any cat-themed makeup?
5. Do you think you’d make a good ninja?
6. What’s your least used makeup brush?
7. Are you more cute or sultry?
8. Have you ever worked a job where you received tips?
9. Who wants to run a cat cafe!?
10. Have you ever won a medal or trophy for something?
11. BONUS: Do you have any stuffed animals or dolls from your childhood?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. What’s the most important thing to you personally today? Whatever it is, do some of that. 🙂

Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 289

March 30th, 2014 by Karen 9 Comments

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

A red carpet quandary

DEAR TABBY: Exciting news, Tabby! Last night I found out that a film I recently worked on, 300: Rise of an Empire, is going to have a big red carpet premiere IN HOLLYWOOD, and I’m going to walk the red carpet!

As you may have guessed, I work in the film industry — but not as a cat actor or anything. I’m more of a behind-the-scenes kitty, primarily working in security (I hunt rodents on the set).

I’ve been doing it a few years, but this will be the first major event I’ve attended.

I’m a little nervous because I have absolutely no idea what to wear! Would a glitter-encrusted collar be appropriate? With or without bells? Or should it be something more subtle? I don’t want to stick out like a sore paw.

Help!

—Hapless in Hollywood

DEAR HAPLESS: How funny! I’m actually going to be at that same event! One of the fight choreographers on the new 300 also worked with me on Spider Tabs. If you see me there, please come up and introduce yourself. I would love to meet you.

As for your question, for red carpet events, I generally stick to classic kitty wear. Collars with simple lines and elegant touches in neutral shades like black or beige, coupled with a few tasteful details like diamonds and/or Swarovorski crystals, always works. Simple and timeless. Something like that would still look good 50 years from now.

Not that there’s anything wrong with current trends like a brightly colored glittery collar. That could totally look fierce. If you’re sure you can pull it off, go for it, but if you have any doubts at all, classic always works. You don’t want to end up on somebody’s Worst Dressed List (remember the Bjork swan dress?).

I have a litmus test when it comes to my event outfits. If it looks like something a cat James Bond would wear, do it. Hasn’t failed me yet (knock on wood!).

One last tip: if you can, book an appointment way in advance with a professional fur stylist for the day of the event. I’m paws-itive you could handle your own styling, but having a pro take care of it for you means one less thing to worry about.

A cat in pursuit of a lifelong dream

DEAR TABBY: I’ve decided to pursue my lifelong dream of competing as a professional kitty bodybuilder, and I remembered reading in your World’s Sexiest Cat interview for People magazine that you adhere to a strict diet and workout regimen when you’re preparing for major roles. Do you think I should start growing my own organic cat grass and juicing, or should I cut my carbs and increase protein from seafood? I’m not sure where to start. What foods work best for you when you’re bulking up for a role? And what are your favorite exercises?

—Fitness Fan in Florida

DEAR FITNESS: Congrats for pursuing your dream! That first step is always the toughest.

As for nutrition, well, when I have to bulk up for a role, my personal trainer ups my gravy and protein intake — especially turkey. In addition to plyometric exercises (lots of jumping), I do a lot of yoga to prepare myself mentally and help with focus. It’s always important, but even more so when you’re competing. Eye of the tiger and all, you know.

Keep me posted on your progress, and don’t forget to take some before and after pics. Perhaps you’ll send me a ticket to your first pro event? Hint-hint. I’d love to go.

An appropriate gift for a host family?

DEAR TABBY: I work as a medical researcher, and I’m conducting a study on Japan’s cat cafe culture — specifically any relationship between cat cafes and lowered stress levels in humans. Next fall I head overseas to live and work in Japan, and when I first arrive, I’ll be staying with a host family, with whom I’ll be living until I acclimate and find a place of my own.

I’d very much like to bring them some kind of small present, something to say “thank you for welcoming me into your home.” What do you suggest?

—Traveling Researcher in Riverside

DEAR TRAVELING: That’s very thoughtful and classy of you. A small token sets the stage for a smooth visit.

I’ve stayed with host families overseas a number of times, and I always like bringing gourmet cat treats from home — things my hosts may not have easy access to over there.

What about swinging by your favorite artisanal catnip shop before you leave, or do you know of anyplace near you that makes organic, locally-sourced kitty treats? Once you’ve decided on a gift, wrapping it up makes it a little more practical and special. Your hosts will be able to re-purpose a ribbon, say, and be able to play with it after they finish the treats.

Oh, and don’t forget the thank you card!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addicts,

Karen and Tabs

P.S. I had a blast with you in The Walking Dead Twitter party tonight. Thanks for keeping me company during the show. I still haven’t completely recovered from that scene with Rick about Carl, and I’m not sure I ever will. HOLY LOSING YOUR SH*T, BATMAN!

What a great show!!!