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

Spring Is Almost Here!

March 10th, 2014 by Karen 13 Comments

Spring is right around the corner, babe! Out here in Northern California we’re in that in-between stage, where it’s not exactly warm, but not exactly cold, either.

It’s winter-ish, or spring light. I can go outside in jeans, a sweater and flip-flops for a while, but once the sun goes down, the temperature drops.

Still, I can smell spring in the air…and it’s doing a lot for my soul! Everything smells fresh and clean and different — new and green, like the everything is waking up after a long sleep.

We got a lot of much-needed rain over the past week (hence the pics of raindrops in the cobwebs), but not today.

Last weekend I pulled on my (still favorite) Zella hoodie, grabbed my camera and went outside for a quick walk, and it was beyond nice not having to bundle up under 15 layers.

I’m also starting to hear baby birds chirping. 🙂

Yay! Spring is almost here!

MAC Unsung Heroes: MAC Warm Soul Mineralize Blush

March 10th, 2014 by Karen 38 Comments

I love the way I feel with MAC Warm Soul Mineralize Blush on my cheeks…

I feel good, and by “good” I mean that feeling you get on a sunny day when you’re out walking in just jeans and a t-shirt, or “good,” like when you and a friend share dessert someplace on a lazy afternoon, and you both know each other so well that neither of you really feels the need to talk just to fill the space.

Comforting, natural and effortless. That’s how I feel with Warm Soul on my cheeks. It’s as if it was always meant to be there — like it was just waiting for me to find it, and when I did, the puzzle pieces fit.

Is it weird to feel this kind of connection with a golden beige powder blush?

If it is, I can’t say I care. 🙂

Warm Soul is the blush I’ve been waiting for — the one that works with errrrthing, that doesn’t get in the way of whatever eye or lip makeup I happen to be wearing, and yet has enough to stand on its own two legs when all I want to do that day is lightly fill in my brows, curl my lashes and apply a little concealer and gloss.

MAC Warm Soul Swatch on NC42 skin — Warm Soul on my NC42 skin

That’s how I wore it yesterday when El Hub and I made a last-minute Target run before The Walking Dead (which I thought was awesome, BTW).

I had less than five minutes to get ready. Only enough time for minimal makeup (“Brows, lashes, lips,” to quote Jeremy Renner) and to sweep Warm Soul on my cheeks.

Gotta love not having to do any elaborate blending or having to deal with any patchiness. Just a few swipes on each cheek, and it’s all good.

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Spotted at Saks: Cute Miu Miu Handbags

March 10th, 2014 by Karen 16 Comments

I’m not really in the market for a new spring bag, because I’m still really happy with the Poverty Flats Perforated Satchel I picked up last year, but that does not stop me from looking. 🙂

I definitely had to stop and snap some pics when I spotted these cute Miu Miu handbags at Saks Fifth Avenue in SF last Friday.

LOVE that stitching. And those zippers. And the gold hardware. And the bling, too, of course. Plus, the leather was crazy soft!

If I had my dream accessories budget (as in no budget, LOL!), I’d love to have one of these on my arm when I went to brunch or afternoon tea…

They were all, uh, well out of my price range, but Saks does not (yet) charge for admiring.

Speaking of Miu Miu and cat ladies who lunch, have you seen their Cat-Print Mary Jane Ballet Flats?? They’re the ultimate in fashionable cat lady footwear.

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 313

March 10th, 2014 by Karen 55 Comments

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.

Have you ever had personalized stationary?
I have! I got myself some really cute notecards with matching envelopes from minted.com a while back. I like writing handwritten notes to people (and myself), and you can’t beat the personal touch.

I always thought it would be something nice to have, but I didn’t realize how much I’d like it until I had it in my paws.

If you had to choose one or the other to be stuck with for a year…would you rather have a bad mullet or a Ron Burgundy mustache (you can trim either one, but they’d grow back overnight)?
Oh, good grief… I don’t know, the mustache? I would happily wax and shave the ‘stache with religious zeal because I know I could not deal with the bad mullet.

Could. Not. Deal.

Especially with my wavy hair?!

Oh, hell no. Gimme the Ron Burgundy ‘stache please.

When was the last time you flew in a helicopter?
Um, never? I haven’t had the opportunity, but I think I’d probably do it for a cool nature tour or something. I’m not averse to the idea.

Can you do a headstand or a handstand?
Nope, neither one, unless I’m underwater, in which case I can do a handstand.

Does that count? 🙂

Have you ever applied your makeup in secret?
Oh, yeah, totally. My parents were very strict when I was in my tweens, and I wasn’t allowed to wear a stitch of makeup…so of course I wore it anyway, LOL!

I secretly applied it in the girls’ bathroom in middle school every morning, but I didn’t wear a lot. Just some purple liner and frosty pink lipstick.

What’s a song you listen to when you want to “psych yourself up”?

Nikka Costa’s can’tneverdidnothin’ always does the trick.

Belly-baring outfits: yea or nay?
It depends on whether I’ve been working out consistently and how bloated I’m feeling that day, LOL! It’s mostly “yea,” I guess, as long as it’s a tasteful amount of belly being bared.

Describe your perfect weekend hideaway.
Oh! A beach house somewhere on the North Shore of Oahu right next to a secret surf break with easy, rolling waves perfect for beginners.

What do you remember about your first crush?
Hmm… I think it was Brian in the first grade. I actually wrote “I love Brian” on a piece of paper and left it in my room, only to have my mom find it, who then told my dad, but they couldn’t read my writing, so they thought I’d written “I love Brandon” instead.

For the rest of that year and for years after, they made fun of me, but they’d say, “Oooh, Karen loves Brandon.”

I think they thought they were being cute and funny, but I did not.

Would you rather wear a scarf or a tiara?
Gimme that tiara! And please incorporate some extra bling while you’re at it. 😉

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. Have you ever had personalized stationary?
2. One year with a bad mullet, or a Ron Burgundy mustache?
3. When was the last time you flew in a helicopter?
4. Can you do a headstand or a handstand?
5. Have you ever applied your makeup in secret?
6. What’s a song you listen to when you want to “psych yourself up”?
7. Belly-baring outfits: yea or nay?
8. Describe your perfect weekend hideaway.
9. What do you remember about your first crush?
10. Would you rather wear a scarf or a tiara?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 286

March 9th, 2014 by Karen 13 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.

Cat contemplates closet living

DEAR TABBY: I realize that this may be kind of an odd question, but I was wondering… Do you think it might be possible to set up permanent residence in a closet?

I ask because I’ve found one in the home I’m currently occupying, and I’m enjoying it very much. It’s filled with piles of comforting clothes, several pairs of stinky shoes (my favorite!), and it’s just nice and quiet and dark.

I feel safe in there, and it’s peaceful, unlike my previous residence.

Let me explain…

Before I moved into this closet, I shared an apartment with a family that barely paid any attention to me at all. Feeling unfulfilled, I left that situation to live off the land in the woods behind the complex.

For a while, I enjoyed getting in touch with my wildcat side, but that didn’t last long. I soon learned that some cats are fit for life on the road, but it’s just not my style.

So I took up temporary residence at a bed and breakfast/cat shelter in the area, sharing a condo with several other kitties. I liked the steady meals and the friendly staff, but I still felt like something was missing, you know?

Before long, the proprietors of the establishment placed me in something they called “a forever home” with a nice lady named Denise, with whom I’m living now.

Please understand — I’m not complaining. I like Denise. She’s a competent assistant, fully capable of opening cans of gravy and tending to my whims and needs. It’s just that…I don’t know her very well. I’m also shy, and I don’t feel ready to give my heart to somebody that I’m not sure will still want me around in a few months.

Tabby, do you think it’s crazy of me to live in this closet forever? I’m sure that I could find a way to have my mail forwarded and my meals delivered here, in which case I’d never have to leave. What do you think?

—Hiding in Houston

DEAR HIDING: It sounds like you’ve faced some tough challenges over the past few months, and I commend your wherewithal.

Before we tackle the closet issue, however, let me first say that I think it’s natural to be a little shy around a new assistant. Change like that can be discombobulating, and it’s purr-fectly normal to feel unsure about a new living arrangement. It’s understandable that you’d seek out someplace dark, safe and quiet.

But while closets are wonderful for respite, there’s still a whole, wide world out there in the house to explore. Think of all the birds and neighborhood cats you could watch through the living room windows, or the fun games you could play with Denise.

Imagine how nice it could be to relax with her on the couch. Let me tell you — there are few things in this world better than reclining on a couch while your assistant gives you a deep-tissue kitty massage.

I urge you to live in the moment, let go of your past, and leave the closet for a while.

Take the leap! — and live your life to the fullest.

Fashionable or faux pas?

DEAR TABBY: Is it appropriate to wear a black leather harness/collar to an afternoon tea party?

I recently procured one by McQueen, and I’m very excited about wearing it. I’m just afraid that it might be inappropriate for the venue.

—Fashionably Forward-Thinking Feline in Fort Lauderdale

DEAR FORWARD-THINKING: I believe in wearing what you want, when you want to wear it, so I say go for it!

With that said…I also believe in putting your best paw forward. Will there be press at the event? If so, you may not want to be known in the gossip blogs as the cat who wore black pleather to a tea party.

First impressions count. I love daring collars as much as the next high-fashion feline, but in this case, not knowing the potential for media coverage, I’d advise you to save it for another time. Maybe the next time you and your friends go clubbing?

Think paws-itively! Now you have an excuse to go shopping for a new outfit. Visit my friend Karl over at Chanel, and tell him I sent you. He’ll treat you right.
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7 Ways to Win a $50 eGift Card From Sephora! (Ends Monday)

March 8th, 2014 by Karen 403 Comments

Hello there, sleepy head. Someone slept in this morning. 🙂

Did you sleep well? Have any good dreams? Did you dream of rainbows and unicorns, or pegasus perhaps?

I don’t remember if I had any dreams… I conked out when I went to bed (at like 9:30) last night.

You know how I drove into the city yesterday, right? It was for a couple of beauty events that I’ll tell you about soon (I just have to prep the pictures and videos first), but I was there for a total of about 12 hours, and it was like when you spend the day traveling. Miles of walking, not really having a home base to return to or a place to kick your sore feet up and wash your face. Plus, the huge crowds and always being a little hungry and dehydrated.

It was fun, and I love San Francisco…but I also love coming home.

I’m not sure what I’m doing yet today. I’m still trying to figure that out. I’d like to prep those MAC posts I mentioned, but I’d also like to just sit on the couch, LOL!

Sorry. Your girl’s still a little tired.

I hope you have a nice weekend lined up. Because I was negligent in my pet assisting duties yesterday, Tabs is insisting that I take him for an extra long walk. Be back soon. Good luck in this weekend’s giveaway. 🙂

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:
- Have you ever used an airbrush makeup system (like Temptu or something else)?
- Bright, colorful eyeliner? Yes or no?
- Do you prefer men with facial hair or without?
- Current non-celebrity man/woman crush?
- Favorite glittery product right now?
- Have you ever taken a makeup class?
- You just found out you won the MEGA Millions $270 million jackpot!!! What are you going to do first?
You can enter in up to seven ways to boost your chances of winning.
The giveaway ends on Monday, March 10, 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

Like Lip Product Lycanthropes, These New Bobbi Brown Art Sticks Combine a Lipstick and a Liner in One Chunky Crayon

March 7th, 2014 by Karen 18 Comments

Makeup pop quiz question 1: Is it a lipstick, a lip liner or just a good ‘ol-fashioned excuse to pretend we’re back in eighth-grade art class?

Answer: D, all of the above. The new Bobbi Brown Art Sticks ($26 each) are all of those things!

Spotted these chunky lip crayons at Saks Fifth Avenue in the city this afternoon. They’re like lipstick lycanthropes — part lipstick, part liner, 100-percent pure chunky stick pencil fun.

And pretty convenient tools if you like to streamline, am I right?

Not that I’m prepared to ditch any of the 3,646 lip products I regularly tote around with me throughout the day, but still. It’s nice to know that if I could streamline my lip product situation if I ever needed to.

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These 13 New Laura Mercier Lip Glace Shades Are Getting Me in the Mood for Spring

March 7th, 2014 by Karen 10 Comments

Calling all Laura Fans! Be on the lookout for these 13 new Lip Glace shades…

Lots of new Lip Glace lurve over at Laura Mercier right now.

I’m still here in the city, and one of the places I visited a little while ago was the Laura Mercier counter at Neiman Marcus in Union Square, where I spotted these 13 juicy new luscious Lip Glace lipglosses (Lip Glaces?) — all of them recent additions to Laura’s permanent line.

Top row from the left: Chocolate, Garnet, Poppy, Daiquiri, Tulip, Azalea and Cosmic; bottom row: Black Cherry, Orchid, Wildflower, Pink Pop, Nectar and Bare Baby

That colorful display up there stopped me in my tracks.

Now, I know that winters here in the Bay Area are pretty mild compared to winters in other parts of the U.S. and the world…but I don’t care. I’m still completely over it, and these colors are putting me in a warm-weather mood.

I think I squealed a little too loudly at the counter when I was swatching one of the creamy, bold brights. It was Pink Pop. I’ve definitely got my eye on that one, for sure…

And maybe also Daiquiri and Nectar. Those two deserve a happy home in my makeup bag, haha!

Yes, you know me all too well. 🙂

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