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

What’s currently on yours?

Since I found out that I would be laid off and my last day at work will be next Monday, I’ve been going back and forth between all the feels — stress, anger, acceptance and weirdly enough, relief, to name just a few.

A list of simple self-care is much needed for me today:

• Wash face
• Brush teeth
• Fix hair
• Wax ‘stache 🙂
• Put on cute top and pants
• Paint nails
• Put on a little makeup
• Put on earrings and a necklace
• Work out
• Write just for fun
• Drink water
• Eat enough protein (side note: I didn’t realize until I was an adult how critical this actual is, OMG)
• Plan tomorrow
• Do three job search tasks (they can be small ones)
• Text a friend

I’m holding on to hope, though and letting the universe know that we’re all ready for all the good things it has in store for us.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

So…what is the Monday Poll?

Excellent question! It isn’t, contrary to its name, an actual poll, like with little clicky buttons. It’s just a list of more or less random questions I’ve been posting on this blog every Monday morning for the past quadrillion years (since 2007).

1. Werewolf of vampire?

Either situation sounds dire. If I had to choose one, though, then I’d probably go with werewolf. At least you could still see the sun, and you don’t have to eat blood.

2. Did you go to a public school or a private school?

I went to public school from kindergarten through high school. College, too. It was OK, I guess. I feel like I could’ve used more attention and guidance. (I was a quiet kid.)

3. Last thing you baked?

I made two loaves of banana bread last night. One for El Hub, and one for a friend who needed cheering up.

4. Pumpkin spice latte: yes or no?

My usual answer to this would be yes, but as of right now, I still haven’t had a single pumpkin spice latte. My taste buds have not been loving on sweet drinks lately. Weird!

5. Your halloween costume?

I have a pair of panda ears that have been in rotation for the last couple of years. I’ll probably go with that!

6. Do you get a lot of trick-or-treaters?

In our immediate neighborhood, no. We live up a steep hill, plus there’s not a lot of kids. In my town, people tend to drive to certain neighborhoods that are designated as trick-or-treating hot spots.

7. What’s the most stressful thing about makeup for you right meow?

This is going to sound comical, but mascara is still really annoying to me! I went to Sephora yesterday, and out of sheer desperation, I bought a tube of an old-school fave of mine, YSL Faux Cils. I really hope it’s as good as I remember.

8. Lancome or Clinique?

Hmmm. Clinique. The makeup is generally sheerer, so I don’t have to fuss too much with blending, and my skin gets along with their skin care.

9. Have you started holiday shopping yet?

Girl, no… I should really start soon, though. I’m determined to not do anything last minute!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. Here are the questions to copy/paste with your answers in a comment. Talk to ya soon.

1. Werewolf of vampire?
2. Did you go to a public school or a private school?
3. Last thing you baked?
4. Pumpkin spice latte: yes or no?
5. Your halloween costume?
6. Do you get a lot of trick-or-treaters?
7. What’s the most stressful thing about makeup for you right meow?
8. Lancome or Clinique?
9. Have you started holiday shopping yet?

P.P.S. How’s your Monday going so far, friend? I hope this week treats you with kindness! 🤗

Hiya, friend. I hope your weekend is off to a nice start.

It’s been unusually quiet on this end, I know. I haven’t been feeling super great because I found out that company I was working for is having some troubles, and that a bunch of us won’t be there for much longer — myself included. I’ve been taking this week to process and feel all the feelings.

Anywho. If you happen to know anyone hiring a beauty copywriter, please let me know! I’m here.

On a more cheerful note, something that made me smile this week was this pumpkin that Connor painted. See the blue eyeshadow, pink lipstick and purple blush? I think it’s a gentle reminder from the universe that makeup is supposed to be fun. 🙂

This week’s reading

• Another day, another funny TikTok trend.
• Black makeup artists on championing diversity and pay equality in the beauty industry.
• Chanel makeup artists on the products they use on famous clients.
• Hermès newest unexpected product in its beauty lineup — “Cabriole,” a fragrance for kids.
• Cher has a new line of perfumes.
• Oh, and there’s also a new Whitney Houston perfume.
• The return of the Lipstick King.
• Why do black cats have a reputation for evil?
• Do you know any of the San Francisco corner store cats?
• Want to know if your cat loves you?
• Skin care tips from a dermatologist.

Taking notes!

Talk to me.

Time to have some pumpkin seeds.

I’ve been really into hair videos lately!

Weekend vibes.

I’ve been trying to treat myself with sweetness and kindness all week long, so today, after we take Connor to the zoo, I plan to hit up either Nordstrom or Sephora for a pick me up. Maybe a nice mascara will be involved?

Have a great rest of your day. Sending you a hug!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

So…what is the Monday Poll?

Excellent question! It isn’t, contrary to its name, an actual poll, like with little clicky buttons. It’s just a list of more or less random questions I’ve been posting on this blog every Monday morning for the past quadrillion years (since 2007).

1. Red, black or wine nail polish?

Let’s go with a dark wine with subtle shimmer.

2. What’s the best Halloween candy?

Mini Snickers all the way!

3. What’s the worst Halloween candy?

A hard pass to all things licorice.

4. Pumpkin pie or pumpkin seeds?

Pumpkin pie, please, with a buttery and flaky crust. Oh, and don’t forget the whipped cream!

5. Do you believe in ghosts?

I think they pop by every once in a while to say what’s up.

6. With whom did you go trick-or-treating with when you were a kid?

I remember my dad taking me quite a few times. I honestly can’t remember my brother coming with us, though, ha ha ha! There were also a handful of times I went with the neighborhood kids.

7. Red, berry, wine or plum lipstick?

Matte red, baby.

8. Pears or figs?

Pears, so I can make a pear crumble!

9. Is it cold yet in your neck of the woods?

Most people probably wouldn’t consider mid-70s cold, LOL. It’s been chilly enough at night and in the morning to need a sweater, and to me, that’s cold.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. Here are the questions to copy/paste with your answers in a comment. Talk to ya soon.

1. Red, black or wine nail polish?
2. What’s the best Halloween candy?
3. What’s the worst Halloween candy?
4. Pumpkin pie or pumpkin seeds?
5. Do you believe in ghosts?
6. With whom did you go trick-or-treating with when you were a kid?
7. Red, berry, wine or plum lipstick?
8. Pears or figs?
9. Is it cold yet in your neck of the woods?

P.P.S. Here’s a hug and a “Happy Monday” for ya, my friend. Hang in there, OK? You are capable and smart, and you know what needs to get done. You’ve totally got this. 🤗

Hiya, friend. It’s a cool, crisp autumn morning here in my neck of the woods, which makes it a purr-fect time to light one of my favorite fall candles — Yankee Candle Cinnamon Stick. It’s a warm, spicy scent that’s smells like delicious baked goods, and I like it because it’s sweet but not too sweet. Do you have a certain scent that you bust out this time of year?

This week’s reading

• Speaking of Yankee Candles, there is now there is now something called the Yankee Candle Index.
• As someone who 1) lives with a cat and 2) occasionally fries fish on the stovetop, I am very interested in reading what experts have to say about how to make your home smell amazing all the time. (Hint: candles are involved.)
• Ever wonder what is an oud actually is in perfume?
• Byredo has a new scent called Eyes Closed, which includes notes of candied spices and papyrus (HUH?).
• Ooh, Olive & June’s new quick-dry polishes look so good!
• Spooky and chic accessories for those seeking Halloween hair vibes.
• “Companies Beware: Grey Hair Rising.”
• Sephora enters the U.K. and exits Russia.

I’m so intrigued.

How fun!

Talk to me.

Because I’m always looking for ways to improve scheduling.

I really gotta bake a pie ASAP.

In my head, I’m the fifth Golden Girl.

I doubt it. LOL!

Pretty and easy.

Well, I’m headed out to go get my hair cut; I’m way overdue for a trim and so my layers have been extra wonky lately. Can’t wait!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen