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

If You Had To Pare Your Morning Makeup Down to Just Five Products (Brushes and Tools Notwithstanding), What Would They Be?

December 13th, 2013 by Karen 46 Comments

I thought this was going to be an easy question to answer, but then I got down to the nitty-gritty details and WHAT!? I mean, seriously, how could I ever NOT wear bronzer?

No. No way.

But, I guess if through some cruel twist of galactic fate, I absolutely couldn’t use more than five products to do my morning makeup…here’s what I’d choose.

1. Concealer

Obvs. To cover up those dreaded dark circles.

2. A dark brown powder eyeshadow

Something like MAC Brun, which I’d use to fill in my brows and could also use as an eyeliner in a pinch — with this cruel scenario being one such pinch.

3. Mascara

To thicken my lashes and help me create more of a wide-awake look. Even a single coat makes a big difference for my eyes.

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Why Does Grumpy Cat Get a Gund?

December 13th, 2013 by Karen 12 Comments

Tabs sent me out on a reconnaissance mission this afternoon to find out what his nemeses has been up to.

Tabs was none to pleased with my report…

It seems that Grumpy Cat now has a Gund stuffed toy version of himself.

Tabs LOST HIS SH*T! — but personally, I don’t blame him. I feel like the world would be a much better place if there was a Tabs plush toy instead, but then again, I’m also T-Money’s number one fan.

The Grumpy Cat Gund is available now at Urban Outfitters for $24…but please understand that Tabs will know if you cross over enemy lines and will exact his wrath accordingly. 🙂

Swell Stocking Stuffers: Cute Cat, Bunny, Unicorn and Elephant Jewelry Holders from Urban Outfitters

December 12th, 2013 by Karen 10 Comments

To quote my current favorite commercial, “Cray-cray ADORBS!”

I came across these cute jewelry holders at Urban Outfitters this afternoon ($12-14 each, also available at urbanoutfitters.com) and thought they’d make really cute stocking stuffers.

Perfect for rings and bling. 🙂

P.S. Random, but I just had to say how much I FRIGGIN’ LOVE THIS COMMERCIAL!

Today I Got Naked at the Mall and Had My Favorite Salad in the World

December 12th, 2013 by Karen 16 Comments

The New Herbal Essences Naked Collection…

What’s shakin’, bacon? How’s it going this afternoon?

Yeah…I’ve been waiting all afternoon to use that phrase up there in the title of this post. 🙂 “Today I got naked at the mall and had my favorite salad in the world.” (Explanation to follow.)

Ah, the joy of being easily amused…

Over lunch today I stopped by the mall to do some Christmas shopping and saw the most awesomely rand-o cat lady gift at Urban Outfitters.

Note the use of the word “literally” in the name.

From the packaging: “will not fit chunky kitties.” Sorry, Tabs!

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How To Fill in Your Eyebrows With Eyeshadow

December 12th, 2013 by Karen 23 Comments

I have to say — OOH! Filling in brows is exciting stuff for me. Isn’t it for you?! 🙂

Kidding. You don’t have to answer that. If it isn’t exciting for you, I totally understand, but I get fired up when mine are filled. I feel like I sit a little straighter and stand a little taller (which isn’t really too hard when you’re only 5’1″).

Call me CRAZY BROW LADY!

With so many different brow fillers bursting on the beauty scene over the past couple years, gals (and dudes) have so many options. In this video, I go back to an old-school favorite of mine — filling in my eyebrows with eyeshadow.

I think I always end up coming back to this method because it’s so easy to do. You can dial it up to diva or keep it natural-looking — whatever suits your mood. And once you get the hang of it, you can do it pretty quickly, too. No muss or fuss.

Products mentioned in the video…

MAC Eye Shadow in Brun ($15)
The Laura Mercier dual-ended angled brush with the spoolie I used in this vid is from a holiday kit a few years back. Here’s a similar brush from her line, the Double Ended Eye Brow Brush ($34)
Anastasia Clear Brow Gel ($22)
MAC Chromographic Pencil in NW25/NC30 ($16)
MAC 214 Short Shader Brush ($25)

I tried to relax a little more in this video (“tried” being the key word here), but what’s funny is what you actually can’t see in the shot. I had my asthma inhaler on the table next to me because sometimes when I get really anxious, I have a hard time breathing. So I had it there just in case…like a security blanket.

Oh, and the candle burning behind me is supposed to promote relaxation. It’s the Rest Candle by Marie Todd, and it has a lavender, vanilla and peach scent. I dunno if it actually worked…but hey, at least the room smelled good. 🙂

Anywho! Onward to our brows…

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. Thank you for watching!

Citrusy Lush Celebrate Hand and Body Lotion Is Hosting a Hydration Holiday Hootenanny

December 12th, 2013 by Karen 15 Comments

I tell you what — I’d have a BIG reason to celebrate if Lush ever decided to make limited edition Celebrate Hand and Body Lotion permanent, because it’s the absolute best scent I’ve ever sniffed from them, hands down.

Citrusy and fresh, like a walk through a grove of blossoming orange trees (or the aroma wafting from a mimosa on Sunday morning), I can’t even begin to describe just how yummy this smells to me… I wish there was a scratch-and-sniff plugin for computer screens.

Oh, and it’s insanely good for dry skin! The shredded carrot cuticles on my toes (sorry, TMI, I know!) disappeared when I started using it on the regular.

Lush Celebrate Hand and Body Lotion — Celebrate!

Being so rich and decadent, Celebrate does leave behind a slightly greasy feel, but for me the scent and how good it makes my skin feel more than make up for it.

If your skin needs heavy-duty hydration, this is the stuff. 🙂

I just might cry the day I hit the bottom of this tub. Oh, if only it were permanent…

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Light and Shadow

December 11th, 2013 by Karen 7 Comments

Right before I jumped on the treadmill this morning I noticed these shadows on the walls and thought they looked really cool…

Just goes to show ya, there’s beauty all around you, even on the walls next to a closet filled with towels.

You just have to keep your eyes open to it. 🙂

Santa’s Lip Scrub by Lush: Apparently, Santa Has Good Taste

December 11th, 2013 by Karen 19 Comments

Well this stuff is just plain cool.

I think I can safely say that I’ve never seen anything like it before. I don’t know…maybe cherry preserves? It’s by Lush, and it’s called Santa’s Lip Scrub.

I like Lush’s Sugar Lip Scrubs, but this one has a yummy cola flavor and the cutest little hearts, which — get this — are totally edible!

You just rub the scrub all over your lips to exfoliate them. Then — YES! — just lick your lips clean.

Follow-up with your favorite gloss, balm and/or lipstick.

A 0.8-ounce jar costs $8.95, and you can find it now at Lush stores. It looks like it’s currently sold out on lushusa.com, but if you’re interested, you might want to check back in a few days.