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

Natural, Yet Complex, Is the Glow I Get From These New Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blushes

January 27th, 2014 by Karen 60 Comments

Wearing the new Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Diffused Heat ($35) on my cheeks

Opportunities abound for clever wordplay with the name of these new Ambient Lighting Blushes by Hourglass.

Think about it…

You [Ambient Lighting Blush] light up my life.

These Ambient Lighting Blushes are turning me on!

Stealing the spotlight this spring? These six new Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blushes, yea!

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush compact — The sleek compacts…

Unfortunately, however, because 1) my brain cells are moving at the speed of belly button lint today, and 2) I feel slightly less creative than an amoeba, I am unable to partake of said wordplay.

Instead, this is the best I can do: issue a grave warning…

DO NOT get within five feet of these things — don’t do it! — unless you plan to bring at least one of them home right then and there, because these things are more charming than the Borg, and by that I mean that resistance is futile.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blushes in Radiant Magenta (left) and Diffused Heat (right), $35 each US and $41 CDN

Because only half of my neurons are firing today (if that), I was going to say that these blushes melt into my skin like butter, but then I thought, “Good grief, Karen! Is that the best you can do?”

No, I think not.

Picture this: your work crush grabs you by the shoulders when no one is looking, presses you up against a file cabinet, kisses you squarely on the mouth, and then quietly, nonchalantly, walks away without saying a word.

That — that right there. That natural flush on your cheeks? That’s the kind of flush these Ambient Lighting Blushes can create.

Hourglass Radiant Magenta Ambient Lighting Blush — Radiant Magenta, so pretty!

So, what are they, and how do they work?

Well, I’m glad you asked. 🙂

[Continue reading…]

Eyeko Eye Do Liquid Eyeliner: Purrfect for Cat Ladies and Crying Insomniacs

January 27th, 2014 by Karen 10 Comments

Oh, black cat eyeliner, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways…

One…

Wait — I’d much rather talk about this in a video review. Here’s a look at a new liquid liner I’ve been using a lot lately, $19 Eye Do Liquid Eyeliner by Eyeko.

This jet-black collaboration between Eyeko and British it-gal Alexa Chung is designed to be worn on lash and/or water lines.

Press play to hear how it fares throughout the day, and if Eye Do sounds like something you’d like to try, it’s available now at Sephora and online.

Thank you, as always, for watching. 🙂

In other news, how’s your Monday coming along? I’m hanging in there, but I feel like my brain only half turned on today. Don’t you hate it when that happens? I’m working at about 50% brain efficiency right now.

Words. Difficult. String. Together.

Big sigh… It happens sometimes (often on Mondays), and when it does, I just try to go with the flow. I mean, what else can you do?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

My Lady Date Last Weekend, Complete With Ulta Mini Haul

January 27th, 2014 by Karen 15 Comments

Going on a combination lunch and makeup date with a friend is one of the best ways to recharge ye olde batteries, I must say.

I mean, you’re combining two amazing things — three, actually — food, friends and makeup. That’s a perfect recipe for battery charging fun, right there.

I went on one last weekend with my buddy Marisol. We started at Sol Food in San Rafael for lunch (I had the shrimp po’ boy and fried plantain chips again), and then, full and happy, headed over to a new Ulta store a couple miles away.

Marisol wanted a tube of Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser, but unfortch, they were sold out (she did end up finding a tube later at Target). I executed a three-piece mini haul with Ulta Baked Eyeshadow Trio in Wall Street, Ulta Lip Crayon in Coral Kiss and Maybelline ColorSensational Lipstick in Make Me Pink.

The Maybelline Make Me Pink, I picked up because it was the color Marisol was wearing. I saw it on her lips and thought, “Have to have it!” 🙂

Do you live around here? Have you been to that new Ulta store yet off 101 in San Rafael?

It’s…BIG! And everything’s all shiny and new.

Did you do any makeup shopping at Ulta or anyplace else last weekend? Inquiring minds want to know…

Another shot of Maybelline ColorSensational Lipcolor in Make Me Pink

From the left: Ulta Lip Crayon in Coral Kiss, Ulta Baked Eyeshadow in Wall Street, Maybelline ColorSensation Lipcolor in Make Me Pink — Ulta Lip Crayon in Coral Kiss, Ulta Baked Eyeshadow in Wall Street, Maybelline ColorSensation Lipcolor in Make Me Pink

Swatches of Ulta Lip Crayon in Coral Kiss, Ulta Baked Eyeshadow in Wall Street, Maybelline ColorSensation Lipcolor in Make Me Pink — Swatches of Ulta Baked Eyeshadow in Wall Street (far left), Maybelline ColorSensation Lipcolor in Make Me Pink and Ulta Lip Crayon in Coral Kiss

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 308

January 27th, 2014 by Karen 43 Comments

I took the new Hourglass Ambient Blushes out for a spin last weekend… Review coming soon!

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 sing in the shower?
Sometimes, when the rhythm moves me and I have a song stuck in my head. Aren’t showers the *best* places for improv American Idol auditions? I can definitely hit higher notes in the shower than I can in real life.

Gold or silver jewelry?
How about both? That way I don’t have to choose. 🙂

If you were competing in the Winter Olympics, in what event would you compete?
Snowboarding! Not that I do it very often. At all. But I think it’s probably the event I’d have the most aptitude for (which isn’t saying much).

Too bad I can’t stand the cold or being in the snow! Yup, there’s that.

Would you rather plan a party, or go to a party?
Ya know, I like the idea of being one of those gals who effortlessly organizes fun and interesting dinner parties, but, to be honest, I’d rather just go as a guest, relax and enjoy myself.

Ketchup or mustard?
Ketchup, all the way. And a grilled cheese sandwich to dip into it.

What are you most stressed out about this week?
Well…at the moment, everything, LOL! I’m overwhelmed. I just don’t know how I’m going to finish everything I need to finish, but what’s new? It seems like that comes with the territory on Mondays, doesn’t it?

Would you characterize your weekdays as structured or flexible (or something else)?
Both. I do have tasks, like responding to emails; taking pictures at certain times of day (to chase the sunlight); setting up camera equipment, flashes and light reflectors; keeping batteries recharged; and producing series posts like the Monday Poll and Sundays With Tabs. But I also have a great deal of flexibility over how I choose to handle my posts, like whether I tell a poem or a story, or focus on the pictures, or something else.

I’m at my silliest when…
I’m chillin’ with my boys, El Hub and Tabs.

What did you have for breakfast this morning?
A smoothie made with almond milk, frozen blueberries, a banana, spinach (sounds gross, but I couldn’t really taste when it was all blended in) and vanilla protein powder. It was very fibrous and filling, LOL!

What are three things you always have with you?
My love for cats (and other animals), my wedding ring and a makeup bag filled with lipsticks and glosses. 🙂

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 sing in the shower?
2. Gold or silver jewelry?
3. If you were competing in the Winter Olympics, in what event would you compete?
4. Would you rather plan a party or go to a party?
5. Ketchup or mustard?
6. What are you most stressed out about this week?
7. Would you characterize your weekdays as structured or flexible (or something else)?
8. I’m at my silliest when…
9. What did you have for breakfast this morning?
10. What are three things you always have with you?

A grungy hair and sweat pants greeting to you on this lovely Monday morning! 🙂

Please forgive the coffee breath, and yes, I do still have to shower, so you might want to remain an arm’s length away… (Sorry!)

Ever have one of those Monday mornings? Yup, I’m havin’ one.

The neurons aren’t firing the way they’re supposed to, and I’m not sure what to do. Doopdado…

I think this is where a second cup of coffee comes in. Can I get you one? A hot cup of Kona blend? It’s pretty yum.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 280

January 26th, 2014 by Karen 9 Comments

Big disappointment this year. Poor Tabs… With the Super Bowl coming up, Tabs had hoped to land a few choice commercials to air during the big game, but his agent didn’t send out his demo reel early enough.

Needless to say, Tabs is on the market for a new agent (let me know if you know anyone).

It’s a shame, really, if you think about it. Having played professionally for the Mill Valley Wildcats (he played tight end) before getting into kitty modeling, Tabs is positioned perfectly to promote products to the cat-loving football crowd.

Oh, well… At least it wasn’t a total bust. Tabs did land one Super Bowl commercial on his own, without any help from his agent, I might add, that will air next weekend during the game. I’m posting a first look for you down at the bottom of this entry, but please don’t pass this around. This is only because you’re a big fan. I really shouldn’t be sharing it this far ahead of the game, but I don’t think my boss would mind…

Who is Tabs the Cat? About six years ago I befriended a stray, flea-bitten tabby cat with a bad case of worms. I could see he’d fallen on hard times, but his profound knowledge of high fashion and department store cosmetics led me to believe that he was more than meets the eye. We became fast friends, and now he’s actually my boss (and a successful kitty model). 🙂

[Continue reading…]

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

January 25th, 2014 by Karen 540 Comments

Rise and shine, morning glory! It’s time to get up.

The crows are cawing, the neighborhood hounds are hounding, and there’s a tabby with hopeful eyes quietly begging for gravy and/or table scraps.

Yes, it’s going to be a beautiful day. 🙂

Did you do anything fun last night? Go out to dinner or see a movie? We ended up staying in and watching Cate Blanchett embrace her cray-cray in Blue Jasmine (here’s the trailer on YouTube).

Wow, what a performance! I’m serious, just call the Academy and have them ship the Oscar to Cate’s house already (I don’t know, though. She’s going up against Meryl for August: Osage County, so we’ll see.). Girl’s got mad skillz.

I thought the movie overall was…pretty good. It’s heavy, and almost more of a character study than a regular plot with a beginning, middle and end, but I enjoyed it. It’s neat to see someone at the top of their craft.

And speaking of creatures at the top of their craft, Tabs says “mrow!” He wants us to get on with this weekend’s giveaway, so we better oblige. It’s not a good idea to get on a fussy tabby’s bad side.

Good luck, and have a great day, no matter what you’re doing. Thank you for stopping by.

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:
- Do you ever take baths at home (or just showers)?
- Have you ever been sledding?
- What’s your favorite social network (Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, etc.)?
- What are you doing this weekend?
- Favorite pair of socks?
- What’s the best makeup remover?
You can enter in up to seven ways to boost your chances of winning.
The giveaway ends on Monday, January 27, 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

Moisture-Loving Lips Will Love, Love Me Dew: Laura Geller Beauty’s New Love Me Dew Moisturizing Lip Crayons

January 24th, 2014 by Karen 17 Comments

I can’t wait for tomorrow!

Saturday needs to hurry up and start already because I’m going to Ulta to play with makeup. 🙂

So excited, so excited!

My friend Marisol and I have a lunch/makeup date. First, we’re going to Sol Food, that Puerto Rican place I mentioned (gotta get my fried plantain chips!), then to Ulta afterward.

I’m definitely going to check out Laura Geller’s new stuff. I’ve only tried a couple of her things — some baked eyeshadows and these new Love Me Dew Moisturizing Lip Crayons — but I like everything I’ve tried. Her stuff reminds me of LORAC, which is a good thing to be reminded of, ya know? It’s pretty and elegant, with just enough glamour.

If you have dry lips like I do, you might want to try the Love Me Dews. They’re lightweight and light in pigment, but they’re not light at all in moisture.

“A juicy way to love your lips! Infused with vitamin E, Love Me Dew features an ultra-hydrating, conditioning formula with a luxurious balm-like texture. Shiny color wears comfortably – never dry or sticky! This convenient chubby stick never needs sharpening and is perfect for touch-ups on the go.”
— ulta.com

They’re available now for $16 each in six shades — Lychee Glace, Watermelon Cooler, Purple Currant, Dragon Fruit Sorbet, Cranberry Glaze and Plum Freeze — at Ulta stores and online.

Laura Geller Love Me Dew in Purple Currant — Purple Currant

Laura Geller Love Me Dew in Lychee Glace — Lychee Glace

Laura Geller Love Me Dew in Plum Freeze — Plum Freeze

Laura Geller Love Me Dew swatches from the left: Purple Currant, Lychee Glace and Plum Freeze — Swatches from the left: Purple Currant, Lychee Glace and Plum Freeze

Whee! Can’t wait, can’t wait, can’t wait… 🙂

OCC’s Creamy, Intense Cosmetic Colour Pencils Just Might Inspire Hue

January 24th, 2014 by Karen 17 Comments

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Colour Pencils — The new Cosmetic Colour Pencil line by Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics

I feel like I’ve been battling with liner all winter long, like this is Westeros and they’re the White Walkers north of the Wall, but it’s mostly just that my skin has been drier than the Atacama, and it’s getting sooo old.

I haven’t been able to wear the long-wearing gel liners I was wearing and loving last spring and summer (they’re too drying), and the only pencils my lash and water lines are tolerating have been the MAC Eye Kohls…

Until now.

These soft, creamy Cosmetic Colour Pencils by Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics actually remind me a lot of my beloved MAC Kohls. They glide along my lash lines like gold medal figure skaters across fresh ice.

Ah…

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Colour Pencils from the left: Anime, Grandma, Hoochie, Pennyroyal, Pool Boy and Sybil — From the left: Anime, Grandma, Hoochie, Pennyroyal, Pool Boy and Sybil

These pigmented pretties, some of which are approved for use on lips and body, while the others are for lips, body and eyes, come in 12 shades, all of them matte. The triple threats (eyes, lips and body) are clear Anti-Feathered, peachy brown Pennyroyal, blackened midnight brown Sybil, true black Tarred, true white Feathered and aquatic blue Pool Boy.

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Colour Pencils from the left: Anti-Feathered, Black Dahlia, Feathered, NSFW, Tarred and Trick — From the left: Anti-Feathered, Black Dahlia, Feathered, NSFW, Tarred and Trick

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Colour Pencils Swatches of the shades you can wear on your lips, eyes and body (left to right): Anti-feathered, Pennyroyal, Sybil, Tarred, Feathered and Pool Boy — Swatches of the shades you can wear on your lips, eyes and body (left to right): Anti-feathered, Pennyroyal, Sybil, Tarred, Feathered and Pool Boy

Warm beige Trick, vibrant neon pink Anime, true red NSFW, blackened red Dahlia, coral Grandma and vibrant magenta Hoochie are the ones that just like lips and body…

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Colour Pencils Swatches of shades you can wear on lips and body (left to right): Trick, Anime, NSFW, Black Dahlia, Grandma and Hoochie — Swatches of shades you can wear on lips and body (left to right): Trick, Anime, NSFW, Black Dahlia, Grandma and Hoochie

[Continue reading…]