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

Pretty Packaging Alert! Makeup From the Japonesque Color Collection

December 20th, 2013 by Karen 15 Comments

Three pieces from the Japonesque Color Collection, available now at Ulta

Countdown to Christmas! Only four more days, and I have yet to wrap a single gift.

I know!

FYI, your nephew Tabs is not happy about it at all. He asked Santa for an L.V. cat carrier this year and expected to open it early.

Speaking of pretty packaging, aren’t these permanent pieces from the Japonesque Color Collection pretty? They look like pigmented watercolors. Very Shu Umerua meets Monet.

Just add ribbon and voila! They’re ready to gift (or, ya know, keep).

A few thoughts…

Velvet Touch Finishing Powder: Really holds the shine at bay, but I think it might look chalky on darker skin tones.
Eye Shadow Duo in Shade 01: Very, very sheer… We’re talking almost nothing there.
Lip Lacquer in Shade 01: Hello, pigment! This one smells and tastes like buttercream, yum! Too bad it’s also pretty drying.

You can find the entire Japonesque Color Collection now at Ulta stores and ulta.com.

Japonesque Velvet Touch Finishing Powder ($26)

Japonesque Velvet Touch Eye Shadow Duo in Shade 01 (one of 10 duos), $24

Japonesque Color Collection Lip Lacquer in Shade 01 (one of eight shades), $20

Swatches from the left: silver and black shade from the Eye Shadow Duo in Shade 01, Velvet Touch Finishing Powder and Lip Lacquer in 01

Do you have much experience with the Japonesque line? Any favorite products you think I should try?

Chanel Charivari Nail Polish, From the New Chanel Notes de Printemps Spring Collection

December 20th, 2013 by Karen 12 Comments

BOTANY FUN FACT: even though eggplant hangs out with the vegetables in the supermarket, it’s actually a fruit.

Why am I telling you this?

Well, I wouldn’t want you to be unprepared for Final Jeopardy, obvs. 🙂 Also, the new purple polish by Chanel, Charivari, just might be the most perfect eggplant I’ve ever seen.

It’s from the new Notes de Printemps (notes of spring) collection, which comes out next month. If you live near a Nordstrom, check and see if it’s already on counter. I caught a brief glimpse of it when I whizzed through the beauty department earlier this week. Unfortunately, I was running errands and didn’t have time to play. 🙁

From a quick glance, though — beautiful! There are lots of bright, intense pinks, corals and deep purples, along with some gray, ivory, peach and red.

Chanel Notes de Printemps Spring 2014 collection — Shade descriptions and prices of the 20-piece Chanel Notes de Printemps collection

So, Charivari, le eggplant. It seems kind of moody and melodic…like a Cure song in color.

I’m wearing two coats in this swatch, purely out of habit, but a single layer would have been fine.

Chanel Charivari Nail Polish Swatch — Two coats of Charivari

If My Cheeks Could Talk, They Would Tell the MAC Magnetic Nude Extra Dimension Blushes in At Dusk, Autoerotique and Pleasure Model To Stop Futzing Around and Go Permanent

December 20th, 2013 by Karen 18 Comments

Wearing MAC Pleasure Model Extra Dimension Blush on my cheeks

I can see myself clutching these three blushes against my bosom, falling to my knees and screaming “Why? WHY!?” at the top of my lungs.

In this fugue state/daydream, I’m alone at the top of a hill in the pouring rain under an angry sky as thunder booms all around me.

Suddenly, RyGos appears out of nowhere, and when he pulls his shirt up to reveal his chiseled, almost porcelain abs, the clouds above our heads part, the rain immediately stops, and finches following sunbeams down through the opening in the clouds start singing.

Ah… I refuse to believe that this scenario is not entirely possible. 🙂

Anyway, it’s absolute and total crap that At Dusk, Autoerotique and Pleasure Model from the new Magnetic Nude collection aren’t permanent blushes in the MAC line.

The four new MAC Magnetic Nude Extra Dimension Blushes, $25 each US and $29.50 CAN — The three new Magnetic Nude Extra Dimension Blushes, $25 each US and $29.50 CAN

MAC Pleasure Model Extra Dimension Blush, a soft terracotta with pearl and a Satin finish — Pleasure Model Extra Dimension Blush, a soft terracotta with pearl and a Satin finish

MAC At Dusk Extra Dimension Skinfinish Blush, a dirty cool pink with a Satin finish — At Dusk Extra Dimension Skinfinish Blush, a dirty cool pink with a Satin finish

[Continue reading…]

Our Destination: An Extra Dimension of Easy, Shimmery Eye Makeup With the MAC Magnetic Nude Collection Extra Dimension Eye Shadows

December 20th, 2013 by Karen 14 Comments

That’s the new MAC Magnetic Nude Extra Dimension Eye Shadow in Amorous Alloy on my lids, a Natural Flirt on my brow bones and Sweet Heat in the inner corners

It’s cool, I’ll drive. I want you and your blending brush to relax. 🙂

Where are we going, you ask?

Well, it’s quite a journey. We’re going to a different dimension — an Extra Dimension, if you will — where easy shimmer and smokey eyes rule.

No, it’s in our timezone, and we’re not even leaving Earth’s orbit (or going into cryo sleep). We can actually get there in my Mazda. All we have to do is meet at a MAC counter on December 26, because the inter-dimensional highway opens when the five Extra Dimension Eye Shadows from the new MAC Magnetic Nudes collection debut that day.

MAC Magnetic Nude Extra Dimension Eye Shadow — The five new Magnetic Nude Extra Dimension Eye Shadows, $19.50 each US and $22.50 CAN

Sorry in advance if my car is dirty… I don’t have plans to clean it. Also, please ignore the turntables in the backseat (it’s a long story).

MAC Magnetic Nude Swatches, Extra Dimension Eye Shadows from the left: A Natural Flirt, Sweet Heat, Platinum Love, Amorous Alloy and Silver Dawn — Extra Dimension Eye Shadows from the left: A Natural Flirt, Sweet Heat, Platinum Love, Amorous Alloy and Silver Dawn

You might remember first seeing the Extra Dimension Eye Shadows for spring 2012. The relatively new formula combines a cream, liquid and powder shadow in a single pan.

MAC Magnetic Nude Extra Dimension Eye Shadow Review — Additional eye makeup in this look: MAC Bamboo Eye Shadow (lids), MAC Swiss Chocolate Eye Shadow (crease), MAC Teddy Eye Kohl (water lines and lower lash lines), Chanel Inimitable Mascara (lashes) and Covergirl Bombshell Intensity Liner (upper lash lines)

[Continue reading…]

12 Days of Giveaways, Day 3: 7 Ways to Win the Neutrogena Microdermabrasion System (Ends Sunday)

December 20th, 2013 by Karen 106 Comments

Luminous, firmer, younger-looking skin? Sure, why not? 🙂 For today’s giveaway, day three of 12 (have you entered the Day 1 and Day 2 giveaways yet? Do it meow!), Neutrogena kicks your cleansing routine up a notch with their Microdermabrasian System.

It’s all about gentle, and it’s designed to be used at home (a lot less expensive than a spa).

Neutrogena says that after a single use, you’ll see softer, more luminous skin.

“Microdermabrasion System is a simple, convenient at-home system that features single-use puffs and the microdermabrasion applicator. Each puff is pre-dosed with ultra-fine crystals and mild purifiers for the perfect degree of gentle exfoliation. What’s more, the massaging micro-vibrations boost surface cell turnover for firmer, younger-looking skin.”

— neutrogena.com

And ya gotta love beauty products with a motor, woo-hoo! 🙂

Are you ready to put those fingers to work? Let’s do this…

A two-piece prize package featuring the Neutrogena Microdermabrasion System valued at $34 that includes:

One (1) Microdermabrasion System valued at $19.99
One (1) Microdermabrasion System Puff Refills pack valued at $13.99

Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.
Open to U.S. 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:
- When was the last time you had breakfast for dinner?
- Is there someone you look up to?
- Describe your most uncomfortable pair of shoes.
- What would you like for Christmas?
- Sweet or sour?
- What’s a holiday movie you enjoy watching every year?
You can enter in up to seven ways to boost your chances of winning.
The giveaway ends on Sunday, December 22, 2013 at 11:59 PM (Pacific Time).
Full terms and conditions are available in the widget.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S.

These giveaways are running for a few days each in the series, so you still have time to get in on the previous ones if you haven’t already, like…

Before you jet, don’t forget to enter these other ongoing giveaways, too

Things That Made Me Laugh Today…

December 19th, 2013 by Karen 13 Comments

Hey, friend. Sorry if I’ve been MIA today. I had to take some time off to run some Christmas errands, so I’ve been out and about. I was thinking of you, though, ’cause I saw a few things that made me laugh, like this sign…

You know it’s the truth! 🙂 I saw it at some random tchotchke store at the Corte Madera Village mall today, but I know I’ve seen something similar on Etsy.

I also ran into Z Gallerie to see if there were any Christmas ornaments on sale (not yet, darn) and saw this plate, which totally made me crack up.

Then, at Urban Outfitters, this book…

Haha! It makes me think of the time my friend Cindy’s grandma mistakenly turned the channel to MTV and was very confused by the Peaches & Cream video by 112 (she actually asked, “Is this a commercial for fruit?”).

Also, FYI, this is what happens when your husband makes you go to REI to look at knives for the bajillionth time. You notice things…

Highlight those inner corners, Bear Grylls!

Things like how dirty Bear Grylls is on this package for a survival knife… Notice how his face is muddy, but his arm is not?

So weird. It almost looks like he’s doing a Glam Glow mud mask?

And why are the inner corners of his eyes and lower lash lines totally mud-free? Was he purposefully leaving them lighter to brighten his overall look? Because if so, big ups, Mr. Bear Grylls! 🙂 I highlight my inner corners, like, every day. Works like a charm.

Anywho, I hope you had a nice day today. Onward to Friday!

How To Make Your Hair Color Last Longer

December 19th, 2013 by Karen 7 Comments

Ah, fresh roots… Love that feeling. 🙂

I’m still basking in the afterglow of my trip to the salon on Monday and reveling in my new (darker) hair color.

Getting my hair colored is one of my favorite things to do. Almost everyone in my family goes gray early (and I’m not ready for that yet), and I’m also pretty adventurous with my hair. Color for me is a fun way to change things up without having to make a permanent commitment.

Plus, I get to hang out with Alis, a fabulous stylist at A Line Salon in Corte Madera, and a buddy of mine. Alis has been cutting and coloring my hair for several years now, she always gives me good advice. In this video she gives a few tips for things you can do to keep your hair color looking fresh well after you leave the salon.

If you live in the Bay Area, I can’t recommend Alis enough. She’s well worth a trip across the Golden Gate Bridge. Not only is she super nice, but homegirl can seriously cut and color some hair! Without her, I’d have Medusa snakes on top of my head, I kid you not.

Parking at A Line’s really easy, too, and once your hurr is did, you can strut up the street with your new do and celebrate with a slice of pizza at Stefano’s.

Alis books up pretty quickly, so you’ll want to make an appointment at least three weeks in advance — sometimes a month, depending on the season (like right now she’s extra busy). You can reach her through the links below…

Alis on Instagram
A Line Salon (go to the section marked “Stylists” and then to “Alis Dokakis” for more info)
A Line on Yelp
A Line on Facebook

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. I decided to take sort of an admin day today to catch up on a few things. You know how it is — Christmas stops for no woman, and I’m running pretty far behind on my shopping.

I’m proceeding to test the MAC Magnetic Nude collection products while I go about my day and run my errands, and I’ll be posting those reviews soon (but probably not today).

Hope you’re having a good one so far. Are you completely done with all your Christmas shopping?

12 Days of Giveaways, Day 2: 7 Ways to Win the Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Collection (Ends Saturday)

December 19th, 2013 by Karen 118 Comments

It’s day two of 12 Days of Giveaways with Neutrogena, and I’m hoping that this speedy, super-charged skincare prize dares ya to go bare in the new year.

After spending a little time (seven days, to be exact) with this two-piece prize pack, which features products from the Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair line, you just may want to bare some skin.

Neutrogena says that after just one week, you’ll be fast-tracking your way to more even-toned skin with Rapid Tone Repair Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 and Rapid Tone Repair Night Moisturizer, both gentle brightening products ideal for all skin types and designed to improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of dark spots and discoloration.

Accelerated Retinol SA and Vitamin C lead the charge!

“An exclusive combination of Accelerated Retinol SA and Vitamin C boosts surface skin cell renewal to brighten skin’s tone. It also helps revers the look of dark spots revealing noticeably more even, younger looking skin. You will see increased clarity and more radiant skin in just 1 week, and see diminished signs of dark spots and discoloration over time.”

— neutrogena.com

If you’re interested (and I know you are), keep reading for deets to enter down below…

A two-piece prize package featuring the Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair collection valued at $42 that includes:

One (1) Rapid Tone Repair Night Moisturizer valued at $20.99
One (1) Rapid Tone Repair Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 valued at $20.99

Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.
Open to U.S. readers (I’m sorry, international babes. The sponsor is limiting these to U.S. residents only, but I plan to host some giveaways that include you soon.).
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:
- When was the last time you washed your makeup brushes?
- Which Neutrogena skin care products are you using and loving at the moment?
- If you weren’t in your current line of work, what would you like to be doing?
- Have you ever spent the holidays away from home?
- What’s for lunch? 🙂
- Who’s your favorite reindeer?
You can enter in up to seven ways to boost your chances of winning.
The giveaway ends on Saturday, December 21, 2013 at 11:59 PM (Pacific Time).
Full terms and conditions are available in the widget.