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

Don’t Risque Your Lashes to Just Any Old Mascara When You Can Treat Them to New Better Than Sex Mascara From Too Faced Cosmetics

July 1st, 2013 by Karen 30 Comments

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara — Wearing three coats of the new Better Than Sex Mascara ($23) from Too Faced Cosmetics

If “just because it’s [INSERT ANY DAY OF THE WEEK]” is a good enough reason for you to wear sequins and four-inch heels, allow me to introduce you to your next mascara, the new Better Than Sex Mascara from Too Faced Cosmetics.

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara tube — The pink tube, HEART (nice typography, too)

Yeah, I giggle whenever I say the name, like my mom just asked me what mascara I’m wearing and all I can do is grin from ear to ear, giggle maniacally and hold up the pink tube. “Uh-huh-huh-huh-huh-huh…” 🙂

Seriously, the last time I said the word “sex” to my mother was in sixth grade, when I had to get her to sign my permission slip for sex ed, and I still have not recovered from that trauma.

What you need to know

Contains a film-forming polymer for smudge-proof, all-day wear

Includes acacia senegal tree extract to nourish, thicken and lock curls into position

Contains carbon black pigments and peptides for the deepest, most intense black possible

Too Faced says it took them two years to perfect the formula

Specializes in adding lash length and separation

Takes some babying to maintain the curl

Inspired by Marilyn Monroe’s bombshell curves

Speaking of bombshells, that’s how this mascara makes me feel, but conveying that in pics is easier said than done. Sh*t ain’t easy when you’re trying to channel yo’ sexy and trigger a remote control camera shutter at the same time. Get the timing wrong, and this is what happens…

But the mascara, it does a great job, thanks in large part to its cool, curvy brush.

It’s kind of the business.

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara wand — An hourglass-shaped brush, va-va-va-voom!

See how the bristles are longer at the ends than they are in the middle? Like an hourglass?

Little in the middle but she got much back!

Sorry… I really need to stop quoting Baby Got Back in casual conversation.

So, the brush, it hugs the curve of your lid, separating, coating and curling each lash for an absolutely lovely, unique lash look. I’ve been wearing 2-3 coats.

Can you see how my lashes in the middle look a little longer than the ones on the sides?

Neat, yeah? I’m pretty sure it’s the brush.

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara box — Cute box

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Lust in Translation: A Scandal Lust Journey of Glitter, Shimmer and MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Lust

July 1st, 2013 by Karen 9 Comments

MAC Lust Mineralize Skin Finish — Looking more girl next door than lusty, despite wearing MAC’s $30 Mineralize Skin Finish in Lust

Lusty, lusty, lusty.

Don’t even think about wearing MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Lust just to sit in your cube and fill out TPS reports.

Bo-ring!

Save this pink cheek powder for a fun-filled Saturday night instead. Pour yourself into that skintight dress and those frack-me pumps you can barely walk in (but dayum, you know they look good! *snaps*).

As you and your crush sip martinis and get cozy in a quiet booth, he (or she) won’t be able to keep his eyes off of your glistening cheeks, or your smile, which hints at where the night could lead if he plays his cards right.

While we’re at it, let’s assume that your skin is on its best behavior in this scenario, with mellow pores and no dry patches to speak of, since Lust’s mirror-like shine can highlight imperfections. Of course, you don’t have to have skin as smooth as porcelain while you’re getting your swerve on, but to be honest, with Lust, it helps. It’s totally and completely unforgiving, like wearing a rhinestone-encrusted spandex unitard (which is actually quite a feat if you can pull it off).

Lust shines like Ryan Gosling’s eyes in the moonlight… Subtle, it’s not, especially compared to the other MSFs I’ve tried so far from MAC’s Tropical Taboo collection (Adored and Rio), but I think that’s what MAC was going for with Lust. They created a showcase shade.

MAC Lust Mineralize Skinfinish Swatch — Lust on my NC 42 skin

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Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 278

July 1st, 2013 by Karen 46 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 four years. I’ve always enjoyed reading your answers in the comments, and I hope you enjoy reading mine.

Flip-flops or Crocs?
Slippahs, brah! And not just any ol’ flip-flops, because I only wear Reefs. They’re super squishy and mold to your feet after you’ve worn them for a bit. Like walking on fluffy clouds, ahhh! My friend Cindy introduced me to them years ago, and now I can’t wear anything else.

Do you like to drive fast?
No. No. Wave “hi” to me as you zip by me in the slow lane driving like a granny. I have no desire to break speed limits. It doesn’t do anything for me.

Have you ever broken your nose?
Nope (*knocks on wood*).

Can you remember the last time you slept outside?
Gosh, it’s been a long time. Last time was over 10 years ago, I think, when I visited a friend in Montana. Big surprise, I’m not really a “let’s sleep in the wilderness for fun!” kinda person. I lurve mattresses and climate control and indoor plumbing. Plus, whenever I do go camping or sleep outside, somehow I always manage to pick a spot that has lots of little rocks that I don’t feel until I’m trying to fall asleep.

Peplum tops?
Yeah, I think they can be really cute with skinny jeans or shorts. I don’t have one yet, but I want one.

Are you a pink kinda gal/guy?
Sure am! I like all shades of pink, but hot pink is probably my favorite for makeup, clothing and accessories.

I would be the world’s worst ____.
Bus driver. I mean, I can barely drive my Mazda! Plus, I can’t imagine having to be responsible for a huge vehicle that can’t do u-turns, has no side visibility and is filled with people who aren’t wearing seat belts. Oh, and driving that thing in the rain? No thanks.

I’m also pretty sure I’d be the world’s worst cop. “But I didn’t do anything, officer!” My answer: “Ok, I believe you.”

How’s your summer going so far?

It’s been really good. June flew by, didn’t it? I’m looking forward to a few trips this month and August. I’m going to La Jolla in San Diego for a surf trip with Cindy (the gal I mentioned earlier who introduced me to Reefs), up to Redding to visit El Hub’s family, and then to Kauai in August.

A discontinued makeup or beauty product that you still pine for?
Chanel Candy Glow Aqualumiere — the perfect pinkish peach gloss.

Afternoon Starbucks run! What can I get you?
I’ll take a Venti iced green tea, extra sweet, please.

To complete the Monday Poll, just copy the following list, and paste it with your answers in the comments.

Le List

1. Flip-flops or Crocs?
2. Do you like to drive fast?
3. Have you ever broken your nose?
4. Can you remember the last time you slept outside?
5. Peplum tops?
6. Are you a pink kinda gal/guy?
7. I would be the world’s worst ____.
8. How’s your summer going so far?
9. A discontinued makeup or beauty product that you still pine for?
10. Afternoon Starbucks run! What can I get you?

July already, my love! I can’t believe it. I have high hopes for both you and me this month. I think we’re going to do great things and have a blast while we’re at it. This will be a summer to remember. 🙂

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

DAILY PHOTO: One More Row to Go!

July 1st, 2013 by Karen 12 Comments

Three more pans, and my MAC 15-Pan Palette will be officially filled.

Yay, progress!

I’ve had it for two years… Why it’s taken me this long to fill, I have no idea. Probably because of those damned LE collections. I get stimulus overload! Too many possibilities and distractions.

MAC Eye Shadows in Texture, Bronze and Twinks — From the left: Texture, Bronze and Twinks

MAC Eye Shadows in Honesty, Era and Honey Lust — From the left: Honesty, Era and Honey Lust

MAC Swatches from the left: Texture, Bronze, Twinks, Honesty, Era and Honey Lust — From the left: Honesty, Era, Honey Lust, Texture, Bronze and Twinks

I guess I could always blame it on Tabs… He looks guilty about something. 🙂

Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 250

June 30th, 2013 by Karen 15 Comments

Tabs is really worried that his career is taking a terrible turn. No, it’s not that he’s losing jobs to a younger, more ambitious kitty model or that he’s been typecast in the plus-size arena.

Quite the opposite, in fact. He’s getting more modeling jobs than ever. Makeup and beauty (of course), fashion, housewares, pet accessories, food (Friskies, Science Diet, Fancy Feast), consumer electronics, movies, TV. He also just signed a deal with Jaguar, so pretty soon he’ll be promoting cars!

No, the problem isn’t a lack of work. It’s the opposite. He’s overexposed!

And that can spell doom for a kitty model. Some of the brands want a fresh face, so Tabs has been thinking about taking some time off, or maybe moving to Japan for a while (he loves sushi).

We’ll see… Hopefully it doesn’t have to be that drastic.

Which reminds me, have you seen any of the ads Tabs worked on this week? He had kitty modeling jobs for Chanel, Cargo Cosmetics, Dolce & Gabbana, Paul & Joe and MAC.

If you or your cat get a kick out of any of these, please let Tabs know. He loves your comments. 🙂

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7 Ways to Win a $50 eGift Card From Sephora!

June 29th, 2013 by Karen 364 Comments

So late last night the TV kicked on by itself at exactly 3:15 AM, which I know from watching enough horror movies is also the witching hour. I was sound asleep at the time and heard what sounded like one of the real housewives yelling. At first I thought someone had broken into the house, so I woke up El Hub, who grabbed a machete from under the bed and went to check it out. (He keeps all kinds of things under there. Weapons, comic books — you know, the usual.)

Do ghosts like Bravo? I don’t know, I think they might. Because if I were haunting someone, that’s what I’d like. Some Lisa Vanderpump, a little Giggy, a few rattling pots and pans. Good times…

In other news, happy Saturday! 🙂 And you know how we do it around here. I like to start the weekends with a giveaway, you know, something special just because.

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 had a supernatural experience? Do your pets sleep in your bed with you? What face wash have you been using? How do you wear your hair when the weather’s hot? What’s your take on fancy, expensive candles?
You can enter in up to seven ways to boost your chances of winning.
The giveaway ends on Sunday, June 30, 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. MAC fans, want more MAC in your life? How does a $258 cosmetics cornucopia containing 16 of my all-time MAC faves sound? Enter Makeup and Beauty Blog’s Massive MAC Giveaway in up to seven ways, for seven chances to win.

DAILY BEAUTY: A Few Drugstore Beauty Shower Stars I’ve Been Loving Lately From Neutrogena, Dove, Jason, Gud and Aveeno

June 29th, 2013 by Karen 23 Comments

Just some shower products I’ve been using and loving lately…

Dove’s Go Fresh Restore Body Wash in Blue Fig & Orange Blossom ($6) smells amaze-ering and lathers into a frothy bunch o’ bubbles. Totally wakes me up in the morning, too.

And when I shower at night, like after a workout, I’ve been using Jason Calming Lavender Pure Natural Body Wash ($7). It’s not as foamy as Dove’s Go Fresh, but the lavender fragrance totally chills me out and helps me wind down for the night.

I like that Aveeno Positively Smooth Shave Gel ($4.29) rinses clean and doesn’t get my razor all goopy. And they recently changed the packaging so that it no longer leaves a rust ring if you leave it in your shower, hooray!

On days when I conditioner wash, I like Gud’s Red Ruby Groovy Conditioner ($7). It doesn’t weigh my hair down, and the scent smells like grapefruit gummies, om nom nom…

I also keep a tube of Neutrogena’s All-in-1 Daily Scrub ($7) in my shower and use it on my chin, which is my numero uno breakout zone. The scrub contains salicylic acid, which my skin responds well to. I’m on my second tube of this stuff because I love it that much.

Got any drugstore shower product recs for me? What have you been using and loving lately?

DAILY PHOTO: Things Growing in My Garden That I’m Excited to Eat

June 29th, 2013 by Karen 17 Comments

I have a small garden on my living room deck, and most years, I just grow stuff for Tabs to eat (catnip, echinacea, cat grass and zinnia flowers), but this summer I decided to add some veggies and fruit (tomatoes are technically a fruit… I really enjoyed upper division botany.).

The cherry tomato plant is taking off! There must be 50 tiny tomatoes on it as we speak.

Yum! I think I’ll make a lemon fusilli and tomato pasta salad.

I also planted an early girl tomato plant, and it’s coming along, too. Slowly but surely. Only one lonely ripe tomato so far… Hurry up, early girl!

The snap peas and spinach are also well on their way…

Last, but not least, basil! There’s one healthy plant on my deck and one in my kitchen that I got from Trader Joe’s. I see pesto in my future. 🙂

How about you? Do you do much gardening? Do you have any suggestions for getting rid of whiteflies? They’re going to town on Tabs’ catnip!