Karen

A Weekend With Woodwinked: An Eye of the Day With MAC Woodwinked Eye Shadow and MAC Costa Riche Eye Khol

February 10th, 2014 by Karen 31 Comments

MAC Woodwinked Eye Shadow and Costa Riche Eye Khol

It rained all last weekend, and I only left the house twice — once to get my hair did on Saturday, and then once to run some errands on Sunday afternoon. This is what I wore for the latter, a shimmery gold and warm brown eye look, which I rocked in the rain at Target, Pier 1 and TJ’s. 🙂

I will happily pile multiple eyeshadows on my lids any day of the week, but sometimes you just gotta keep things simple, ya know? — especially on rainy Sundays when you’re just putzing around.

All I did was pat shimmery golden brown Woodwinked, one of my all-time favorite shadows in MAC’s entire permanent line, on my lids with a flat eyeshadow brush, buff out the edges with a domed shadow brush, and then line my lash and water lines with Costa Riche (also from the permanent line). After that, I just smudged out the edges with the same flat brush I used to apply Woodwinked.

Ta-da! Easy peasy, and I think it looks more complicated and fancy than it actually is.

Maybe to dress this up a little, you could pat something gold and glittery, like MAC Reflects Gold or Urban Decay’s Midnight Cowboy Glitter Eyeliner, on your lids.

Which reminds me…UD’s Midnight Cowboy Glitter Eyeliner is on sale right meow online for $9.

Couple that with their Friends & Fanatics 20% off sale going on now (use code FFSPRING14 online), and that’s a pretty sweet deal.

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 309

February 10th, 2014 by Karen 38 Comments

The Creamy Greenie smoothie: kale, spinach, frozen banana, frozen peach slices, avocado, chia seeds, vanilla protein powder and almond milk

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.

What’s your stance on chocolate in breakfast foods?
I’m a supporter, as long as the chocolate isn’t overly sweet. I’ll happily gobble down a semi-sweet croissant or a chocolate-chip pancake with my coffee, yum!

Did you ever collect stamps?
I did when I was a kid. I had albums filled with limited edition U.S. stamps and stamps from around the world, but I can’t remember when I grew out of it… Probably sometimes in my moody tween years, I think, when boys started to seem more interesting.

In hindsight, I probably should’ve stuck with the stamps, LOL! At least for a few more years.

One of your favorite skin-soothing products?
GURL, First Aid Beauty’s Ultra Repair Cream is the shizzle. I use it everywhere — on my face, hands, cuticles — anyplace my skin needs extra moisture.

It’s rich and thick, but not greasy, and it doesn’t give me breakouts. Highly, highly recommended.

Oh, and something else I love for dry skin — Sisley’s Black Rose Mask. Hella expensive, but it works wonders on my scaly bits.

I know I shouldn’t, but I always _____.
Fiddle with my phone before bed. I’ve read that the light from phones and tablets is supposed to interfere with your sleep, but I get sucked in, ya know? Time flies when you’re fiddling with gadgets (usually watching YouTube makeup videos or reading on my Kindle).

It’s a habit I really have to break…

Have you been watching the Olympics?
I’ve watched the opening ceremony and the parade of athletes (for the outfits and the factoids about the different countries) but haven’t actually caught any of the events yet.

I will though. I have been watching the recaps in the mornings.

Do you ever wear glittery eye makeup to work?
Um…yes. Shimmer and sparkle are strongly encouraged here at Tabs the Cat Industries, LLC. Our CEO’s philosophy is “the more bling, the better.”

I might actually have to bust out some bling today — ya know, on account of it being Monday. 😉

A vegetable that makes you cringe?
Okra. Blech! It’s the texture… Not a big fan of slimy things. I don’t mind it so much when it’s fried, but I make a face whenever I see it in a stew or something.

What’s your philosophy on makeup?
Do what you like.

We’re all wearing flowers pinned to our shirts today! Which one would you like to wear?
A gardenia, please.

What are the craziest socks in your sock drawer?
Wow, that’s a tough one… Lots to choose from, LOL!

I have several pairs of crazy cat lady socks, but the craziest ones are a warm pair of black and gray striped socks with gray tabby cats on them. They always make me laugh.

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. What’s your stance on chocolate in breakfast foods?
2. Did you ever collect stamps?
3. One of your favorite skin-soothing products?
4. I know I shouldn’t, but I always _____.
5. Have you been watching the Olympics?
6. Do you ever wear glittery eye makeup to work?
7. A vegetable that makes you cringe?
8. What’s your philosophy on makeup?
9. We’re all wearing flowers pinned to our shirts today! Which one would you like to wear?
10. What are the craziest socks in your sock drawer?

Brrr, it’s cold in here! For a second there I thought we were skipping the wet part of winter and fast-forwarding to spring, but I guess not.

It rained all through last weekend. Not that I mind the rain because we need it, but Tabs is pretty fussy about the whole thing. He’s quite the diva when it comes to wet paws and fur. He hates walking on wet ground, and he takes out his frustrations on me by pretty much doing the exactly opposite of anything I want him to do.

You know… Cats.

In other news, think warm thoughts while I go make us another cup of coffee. You fill out the Monday Poll, and I’ll be right back. Do you take cream or sugar in yours?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 282

February 9th, 2014 by Karen 21 Comments

Haaay! Hello from rainy Novato. Not much to report on this end, aside from Tabs bossing me around, purr usual.

Today he had me hire a film crew so he could work on his sizzle reel. He’s thinking about pitching a reality TV show to Bravo, but he’ll only do it if he can retain complete creative control…

In other news, I may have to start charging this tabby rent soon! He just booked a major TV commercial with a large cosmetics company. The commercial’s supposed to air tonight…so keep your eyes peeled.

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). 🙂

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addicts,

Karen and Tabs

P.S. That’s my new hair in the video. It’s not a big change. Just a little darker. 🙂

P.P.S. Almost time for The Walking Dead premiere! Can’t wait, can’t wait, can’t wait…

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

February 8th, 2014 by Karen 418 Comments

Gonna get mah hair did. 🙂

I’m so excited! I’m getting a trim and my roots done in a few hours. That’s the only fun thing I’ve got going on this weekend, and I’m really just looking forward to relaxing in the chair.

El Hub is worried… He hates when I cut anything off my hair. This morning he said, “You should cherish it,” about the hair. “It’s like a gift! Most men are worried about losing theirs, and then you go and cut it?”

LOL! He was so serious, too. “You shouldn’t cut it!”

In other equally random news, I Bravo TV.

LOVE IT! Some of their shows are just so…entertaining. I know that they’re slowly liquifying my brain, which could be a good or bad thing. I haven’t figured it out yet.

Man, those promos, too — those things crack me up. Like the new one for Shahs of Sunset. I laugh every time that thing comes on…

Right now I’m just going to do a quick run on the treadmill before I get ready to go. I hope you’re having a nice weekend so far. Tabs says “mrow.” 🙂 Good luck in the giveaway.

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:
- What’s your favorite Bravo TV show?
- On a scale of 1-10, how excited are you about The Walking Dead returning this Sunday night?
- Which four eyeshadows would you put into your dream quad (you can mix/match brands)?
- Have you ever been country line dancing?
- What was your favorite cartoon as a kid?
- Who makes the easiest-to-blend eyeshadows?
You can enter in up to seven ways to boost your chances of winning.
The giveaway ends on Monday, February 10, 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

MAC Playful Petal Cremesheen Glass + MAC Shock Value Prolongwear Lip Pencil

February 7th, 2014 by Karen 30 Comments

Pink power! Here’s what ya get when you pair MAC Prolongwear Lip Pencil in Shock Value with MAC’s new Cremesheen Glass in Playful Petal.

Kind of sci-fi up close, isn’t it? Me likey a lot.

P.S. Guess who’s about to make a protein pancake for dinner. 🙂

I know it might sound gross, but it’s totally not. They’re actually very good, and good for you, too (except for the maple syrup, but I’ll use honey instead this time).

I just use a scoop of this protein powder instead of flower to make the batter, add an egg, and mix in some flax seed, almond milk, cinnamon, half a smooshed banana, and that’s it. Makes one big pancake (or two small ones). Super easy.

Milani’s New Delizio Pink and Bella Rosa Baked Blushes Arrive Just in Time for Valentine’s Day

February 7th, 2014 by Karen 21 Comments

Wearing the new Milani Baked Blush in Delizio Pink on my cheeks, and MAC Shock Value Pro Longwear Lip Pencil and MAC Cremesheen Glass in Playful Petal on my lips

I hope El Hub doesn’t get jealous of my Valentine’s Day dates this year.

Yes, girl, “dates,” as in the plural. I’ll be painting the town rosy pink next week with these two new matte Baked Blushes from Milani.

Milani Bella Rosa Baked Blush — Bella Rosa Baked Blush

Both are pretty cool cats, not that El Hub isn’t, but ya know… 🙂 The first one, Delizio Pink, is a cool matte bluish pink, and the second one is matte bluish red Bella Rosa.

These two dudes have the moves!

Milani Delizio Pink Baked Blush — Delizio Pink Baked Blush

They’re smooove, like that guy who orders you a slice of raspberry cheesecake AND a scoop of salted caramel ice cream when you head to the ladies’ loo after dinner because he knows you won’t be able to pick between the two…

Sorry, I’m craving something sweet right now.

Anyway, smoooooove…

With the amount of pigment you get and the soft, fine feel of the powders, I feel like you get a lot of bang for your buck with these. Both of them pack a ton of color yet remain really easy to buff and blend. On top of that, they aren’t patchy or streaky at all. I just use a blush brush and a light hand, and that’s it. Flushed, natural-looking cheeks.

Swatches of Milani's Baked Blushes in Bella Rosa (left) and Delizio Pink (right) — Swatches of Milani’s Baked Blushes in Bella Rosa (left) and Delizio Pink (right)

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Friends Let Friends Wear the New L’Oreal Colour Riche Extraordinaire Lip Colors

February 7th, 2014 by Karen 22 Comments

L'Oreal Colour Riche Extraordinaire Lip Color Swatches in Scarlet Concerto and Blushing Harmony

The power of visualization…

Picture it — we’re at Ulta together standing in the L’Oreal area. We see a display for the new Colour Riche Extraordinaire Lip Colors, and we see that they’re only $10 each and come in 16 shades, which are more like glosses than anything else.

We start doing our makeup tag-team thing, persuading each other with things like, “Yeah, you should TOTALLY get that one,” and “Duuuuude, they’re just like MAC Cremesheen Glasses,” and “Oh-em-gee, only $10? What a steal!” And then we start dropping tubes in our baskets like lipgloss fiends on a bender, mwhahahaha!

But then, at the exact same moment, we both notice Blushing Harmony, a rosy pink that has “everyday purse gloss” written all over it, but — ruh-roh — there’s only one tube left.

I’d let you have it, of course. 🙂 Even though I’d be seriously tempted to keep it for myself. It’s a perfect my-lips-but-better shade.

L'oreal Colour Riche Extraordinaire Lip Color in Scarlet Concerto — L’Oreal Colour Riche Extraordinaire Lip Color in Scarlet Concerto

L'oreal Colour Riche Extraordinaire Lip Color in Blushing Harmony — L’Oreal Colour Riche Extraordinaire Lip Color in Blushing Harmony

L'Oreal Colour Riche Extraordinaire Lip Color Swatches in Blushing Harmony and Scarlet Concerto — Blushing Harmony (left) and Scarlet Concerto (right)

A Coral Lip Combo and Face of the Day With the New MAC A Fantasy of Flowers Mineralize Eye Shadow in Golden Hours

February 7th, 2014 by Karen 18 Comments

MAC Golden Hours Mineralize Eye Shadow from the A Fantasy of Flowers Collection — MAC Golden Hours Mineralize Eye Shadow from A Fantasy of Flowers…

I was chatting with a buddy this morning about springy lip colors (Hi, Agata! Hey, girl!), and it totally put me in the mood for something juicy and coral.

And since you know I’m all about the lip combos… 🙂 Here’s a cute one from the MAC A Fantasy of Flowers collection I stumbled on completely by accident.

MAC Naked Bud Lipstick and Star Quality Cremesheen Glass — Naked Bud Lipstick and Star Quality Cremesheen Glass

Some quick backstory…

One day earlier this week when my lips were painfully parched, I quite literally grabbed the first two things next to me on my desk and threw them on, and they just happened to be sheer nude Naked Bud Lipstick and Star Quality, a bright orangey coral (thank goodness they were lip products, LOL!).

I layered them, too (with the gloss on top of the lipstick, of course), grabbed a mirror and was like, YES! Star Quality’s somewhat sheer, so when it’s layered on top of Naked Bud, you can still see the nude lipstick peeking through, but at the same time you get the juiciness of the orangey coral.

I liked how it turned out, so I did it again today, and I’m sure I’ll be doing it again. These are definitely going into regular rotation right meow. 🙂

MAC Golden Hours on my lids, Tom Ford Liquid Liner on my upper lash line, MAC Smolder on my water lines and Physicians Formula CC Mascara on my lashes

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