Karen

Unsung Makeup Heroes: Inglot Freedom System Eyeshadows

August 19th, 2013 by Karen 20 Comments

About the Author
The following guest post was written by Monika Wykurz of Rocaille Writes. You can also find Monika on Twitter and Instagram.

When Karen asked me to write about one of my holy grail products, I went straight to my Inglot Freedom System Eyeshadows ($6 each), not only because they are some of the best powder eyeshadows I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with, but also because I have a personal connection to the brand. Being Polish, I’ve known and loved Inglot products since long before they hit the US market. In fact I used their shadows for my high school prom makeup when I still lived in Warsaw.

The Inglot Freedom System Eyeshadows are buttery smooth, creamy, pigmented, long-lasting powder eyeshadows that come in a huge variety of shades and finishes, and they retail for $6 each. You can mix and match the shades as you please and have them arranged in a palette (different sizes available), or you can purchase your pans separately and store them however you like. I tend to keep mine in a large Z-Palette.

My Inglot collection has grown over the years. You see, every year when we visit family in Poland for the holidays, I pop into an Inglot store and have never walked away without at least a couple of their square pans. (Before the squares, I used to buy the round pans, which fit perfectly into my MAC palette, but the shades remain the same no matter the shape.)

The long-running Makeup and Beauty Blog Unsung Heroes series features much-loved permanent collection products from a variety of bodacious beauty brands.

Choosing my favorite shades is a bit like choosing a favorite child, but I wanted to give you a couple of suggestions if you’ve never tried these before. I have three favorite finishes I stick to — Matte, Pearl and Shine. The Pearl finishes have a smooth, metallic finish (similar to MAC Veluxe Pearl), while the Shines tend to be more satin with a lot of shimmer.

If you like neutral warm tones, you can’t go wrong with no. 112, 337 and 402.

If you love taupes and purples, my favorites are no. 153, 344 and 420; and for highlighting the inner corners or as an all-over light wash of color, no. 142 and 397 are simply stunning.

[Continue reading…]

The Wondrous Waimea Canyon and More Tropical Fruit From a Kauai Farmers’ Market

August 19th, 2013 by Karen 13 Comments

This past weekend El Hub and I braved the long, winding drive out to the western side of Kauai to peer down into Waimea Canyon, also know as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific.

First things first, the drive. It’s only 30 miles or so, but the road winds back and forth like a ship on rough seas and, uh, I got a little carsick (just a warning if you have a sensitive tummy like mine). Oh, but the view from the top was well worth a little nausea.

The road to Waimea Canyon ends all the way at the NÄ Pali Coast, on the opposite side of the island from where it begins.

This way to Wai’ale’ale, one of the wettest spots on earth. It’s over to the right of this picture (as one might expect, it was covered by thick clouds).

On the way to the canyon, we stopped by another local farmers’ market, this one in the parking lot of Kauai Community College.

Mountain apples (also known as Malay rose apples) and cucumber

Hmm… I wonder if I can fit one of these breadfruits in my carry-on bag.

Taro root (this is where poi comes from)

Food truck in paradise, the Hanalei Taro & Juice Co.

A veggie taro burger from the Hanalei Taro & Juice Co.

A sculpture on a hill on the Kauai Community College campus

And for you, a yellow hibiscus, my dear!

I’m Monika Wykurz of Rocaille Writes, and This Is My Makeup Life

August 19th, 2013 by Karen 12 Comments

The marvelous Monika Wykurz of Rocaille Writes

The My Makeup Life series asks beauty biz insiders, bloggers, makeup mavens and artists to share their holy grail products, tricks, tips and favorite beauty tools. Is there anyone you would like to see featured in My Makeup Life or questions you think I should ask? Let me know here.

Name: Monika Wykurz
Location: Bellevue, Washington, United States
Day job/current gig: I’m a part-time retail sales associate at a small Northwest beauty supply and salon chain, and a full-time wife.
Hangouts online: rocaille-writes.blogspot.com, Twitter and Instagram
Current favorite product: The Body Shop Honey Bronzing Powder in Fair Matte 02 (the perfect summer glow for pale skin tones!)
Beauty inspirations: Urban lifestyle, rock ‘n’ roll scene in the ’60s and ’70s, San Juan Islands, French Symbolist poetry, So-Cal, Audrey Hepburn, travel photography
One word that best describes your outlook on beauty: Eclectic

What makeup/beauty products can’t you live without?

A good concealer is an absolute must for any skin emergencies, and MAC Studio Finish and Becca Dual Coverage Compact concealers are some of the best out there. I also can’t leave the house without a hint of blush on my cheeks, and Laura Mercier Second Skin Powder Blush in Lotus Pink suits my complexion particularly well. Last but not least, a good brushing of black mascara, like Covergirl LashBlast Volume.

When did you start getting into makeup?

When I was a little girl, I really wanted to follow in my dad’s footsteps and become an actress; I even played a minor part in a Polish movie when I was 12 and remember being fascinated by the make-up artists’ trailer. Then, in my early twenties, I stumbled upon YouTube make-up tutorials when getting ready for a 1930s-themed costume party, and that sealed my interest.

What’s your best beauty time-saving trick?

Mineral foundation! My skin is my greatest insecurity so a super quick application of a powder foundation, like Laura Mercier Mineral Powder SPF 15, does wonders for my self-esteem. I also think that a slick of bright lipstick equals instant glamour.

What’s your favorite beauty tool?

I love the luscious softness of my bdellium tools makeup brushes. I use no. 776 (MAC 217 dupe) for a quick one eyeshadow look and to blend out the crease, no. 995 kabuki to buff in my mineral powder, and no. 975 is my favorite for bronzer. The green and yellow handles always manage to cheer me up!

What’s the best beauty advice you ever received?

The best and most difficult to follow piece of advice I’ve ever come across is to understand that we often are our worst critics. Being a perfectionist, I sometimes really struggle to look past my flaws.â€¨

What’s your skincare routine?

In the a.m., I wash my face with Dermalogica Ultracalming Cleanser and tone with the Ultracalming Mist. I followup with Murad Skin Perfecting Lotion and always wear Devita Solar Protective Moisturizer SPF 30+ when I’m not staying in.

In the p.m., I remove my makeup with Dermalogica Precleanse oil, cleanse with either the same cleanser as in the a.m. or my REN ClearCalm 3 Clarifying Clay Cleanser, tone and apply John Masters Organic Vitamin C Anti-aging Face Serum. I also treat my acne-prone areas with either a prescription retinoid or some good ol’ salicylic acid.

What’s the weirdest thing you’ve tried in the name of beauty?

I think neem oil takes the prize for this one. I’d read that it was amazing for clearing up the skin, but the garlicky chive smell was so pungent that I wasn’t able to use it long enough to see any results.

Do you have a trademark look (hair/styling/makeup)?

My fellow Lipstick Bandits seem to agree that I gravitate toward perfected skin and often wear a peachy pink lip; but overall, I love wearing a winged-out eyeliner and a vibrant lipstick with cool undertones.

Are there any beauty decisions you’ve made that you look back on and ask yourself, “why?!”

I like to experiment with my look and usually embrace the results. I’m definitely not the type of girl to cry at a salon over a cut or color service; however, when I was a teenager and couldn’t find a concealer to match my fair skin, I used to apply a skin tone powder eyeshadow on my spots. Maybe not such a big crime in itself, except that it was a pearl finish…

Highlighted pimples, anyone?

Where are your favorite places to shop?

I purchase most of my makeup from Sephora, but I also love browsing Nordstrom’s beauty counters. For fashion, I tend to shop at H&M and Forever21, although recently I’ve become obsessed with Asos.com. My most loved shoes usually come from Nordstrom as well.

Anything else you want to share?

Apart from being an irrevocable beauty addict, I’m also a huge bookworm. Snuggling on my couch under a soft blanket with a cup of Cream of Earl Grey tea is one of my favorite pastimes! Since summer is typically the season for all sorts of getaways and lounging by the pool, I thought I’d recommend a couple of books I’ve been enjoying — The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley for all mystery lovers, Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami for a bit of magical realism, The Character of Rain by AmÃ©lie Nothomb for language geeks, and lastly The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin for some self-reflection. Happy reading!

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 285

August 19th, 2013 by Karen 29 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 five years. I’ve always enjoyed reading your answers in the comments, and I hope you enjoy reading mine.

One word that describes your hair?
Willful

Do you use a mascara base? If so which one?
Nope! I used one years ago (can’t remember the brand) and didn’t love it enough to keep doing the extra step.

Do you, or have you ever, plucked your eyebrows?
I have. I have weird control issues with other people touching my brows, so no threading or waxing for me.

Three favorite beauty serums, scrubs or potions?
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, Sunday Riley Good Genes and SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Gel

What do you want to do when you grow up?
Still undecided! — but ultimately I want to do something that makes the world better a better place in some way (as cheesy as that sounds).

If you wrote a book about beauty, what would the title be?
The Ultimate Cat Lady’s Guide to Near Purr-fect Beauty, Volumes 1 and 2

What are three things on your to-do list today?
Get a lilikoi-flavored shave ice, go snorkeling on the North Shore and kayak up the Wailua River

What’s your sign?
Gemini

Three great places to shop for makeup online?
I mainly order from nordstrom.com and sephora.com, but occasionally I’ll get something from bloomingdales.com. All of them have great return polices.

What color describes how you feel today?
Teal (it’s the color of the ocean here when it’s really sunny)

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. One word that describes your hair?
2. Do you use a mascara base? If so which one?
3. Do you, or have you ever, plucked your eyebrows?
4. Three favorite beauty serums, scrubs or potions?
5. What do you want to do when you grow up?
6. If you wrote a book about beauty, what would the title be?
7. What are three things on your to-do list today?
8. What’s your sign?
9. Three great places to shop for makeup online?
10. What color describes how you feel today?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Sundays With-out Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 257

August 18th, 2013 by Karen 18 Comments

Dear Tabs,

Good evening, sir. How are you? I hope you’re enjoying your extended stay-cation and the new petsitter. Getting lots of good meow time, I hope? I know how you feel about recharging your batteries.

Things are going well on this end. I miss you, of course. I have to say that I haven’t been getting a lot of downtime here on Kauai, since your kitty cousins have kept me extremely busy. Tortie Girl, TGII, Tabby Mac and Tuxie all send their regards, by the way.

In case you were wondering, yes, I did receive your request for updated profiles on each of the cats for their modeling portfolios. I’ve attached them below. I hope they are up to your standards.

Kind regards,

Karen

Tortie Girl

AGE: 3-4? Really, now, a lady never reveals her true age!
HOMETOWN: Lihue, Kauai, Hawaii
CURRENT OCCUPATION: Headline entertainer at The Barbecue Pits at the Kalapaki Bay Marriott and occasional kitty model for various online publications
THREE WORDS THAT DESCRIBE YOU: Dainty, bossy, diva
FAVORITE HOBBIES: Sunbathing, hunting chickens and playing hide-and-seek
WHAT YOU HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH IN YOUR LIFE: To bring joy to as many people as possible. I’m lucky that I get to do this every day at my job!

TGII

AGE: 3 1/2 and proud of it!
HOMETOWN: Lihue, Kauai, Hawaii
CURRENT OCCUPATION: I’m a cat of all trades. By day, I’m a professional chicken chaser and member of the elite Hide-and-Seek Kitty League of Kauai. By night, I’m the opening act for my sister, Tortie Girl, at The Barbecue Pits at the Kalapaki Bay Marriott. In my spare time, I volunteer teaching etiquette to young cats at the TGII Charm School for Kittens.
THREE WORDS THAT DESCRIBE YOU: Outgoing, friendly, sweetheart
FAVORITE HOBBIES: Sleeping on laps, fitness and traveling
WHAT YOU HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH IN YOUR LIFE: To explore the island, seek out adventure, and to teach the lost art of etiquette to as many young kittens as possible.

Tabby Mac

AGE: 3 1/2
HOMETOWN: Lihue, Kauai, Hawaii
CURRENT OCCUPATION: Like my sister, TGII, I like to keep busy. First and foremost, I’m the official taste tester at the Kapalapki Bay Marriot Barbecue Pits. I also work in security/loss prevention, patrolling the perimeter of the club day and night to enforce our current reign as the kitty family in residence.
THREE WORDS THAT DESCRIBE YOU: Handsome, husky, thug
FAVORITE HOBBIES: Eating, staring down strangers with my piercing green eyes, and running…usually away from people
WHAT YOU HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH IN YOUR LIFE: To protect my tortie sisters by any means necessary, and to never go hungry, no matter what.

Tuxie

AGE: 2-3
HOMETOWN: Lihue, Kauai, Hawaii
CURRENT OCCUPATION: Lone wolf, scholar, researcher. I’m currently conducting a study on a family of three hotel cats and their marketing strategies. Sometimes my aloof nature leads others to think that I’m uninterested, when really, I’m just a sweet, socially awkward cat looking for love.
THREE WORDS THAT DESCRIBE YOU: Loving, misunderstood, outsider
FAVORITE HOBBIES: People watching, napping and writing my memoirs.
WHAT YOU HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH IN YOUR LIFE: Even though I enjoy my alone time, I would love to someday be able to say that I changed the world, or at least the island, through my scientific pursuits. If you’re interested in helping to fund my research efforts, donations of cat treats and tuna are gladly accepted. Please leave them at The Barbecue Pits, care of Tuxie. Thank you.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addicts,

Karen, Tortie Girl, TGII, Tabby Mac and Tuxie

Unsung Makeup Heroes: Guerlain Chamade (164) Rouge Automatique Lipstick

August 18th, 2013 by Karen 20 Comments

Guerlain Chamade (164) Rouge Automatique Lipstick ($35)

About the Author
The following guest post was written by Terive Swerts of BellaChique.com. You can also find Terive on Twitter and Facebook.

Allow me to introduce you to one of my all-time favourite lipsticks — Guerlain Chamade (164) Rouge Automatique Lipstick ($35). I truly love the Rouge Automatiques in general. They’re simply one of my favourite lipstick formulas. Guerlain is definitely a high-end brand, but the Rouge Automatique lipsticks are a great alternative if you don’t want to splurge on the more expensive Rouge G’s. They’re more affordable with arguably better packaging, because let’s be real here, the Rouge G’s are pretty heavy to carry around just like that, especially if you like to carry five of them like I do.

Chamade is a medium pink with a delightful glossy finish. It’s neutral with a slightly warm tone, and on my lips it looks even a bit coral at times. It really is a true pink with a bit of red in it, and that’s the beauty of Chamade. It’s the perfect medium-toned lipstick. When you wear it, you can go either way with your makeup. Go very light on your eyes, and you get a fresh-faced look with a touch of fresh pink on the lips. Or, you can go a bit darker on your eyes and use Chamade applied with your fingers for a lighter touch. You can also build it up to a nice strong pink with some red, or wear it lightly with gloss. Don’t be scared when you see a tube of Chamade looking darker than it really is!

The long-running Makeup and Beauty Blog Unsung Heroes series features much-loved permanent collection products from a variety of bodacious beauty brands.

Chamade is a shade unbound by seasons. You can wear it whenever you want! All year round. It has that timeless factor that I really love. The formula is another great trait of the Rouge Automatiques. They’re moisturising and creamy without being heavy. The finish is like a nice sophisticated shine, not overly glossy. And let’s talk about the wear time! It’s the main reason I favour these over so many other lipsticks. They last pretty long for a formula like this. I usually reapply once a day, but that’s it.

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Covergirl Lipslicks Smoochies Lip Balm in Sweet Tweet 255 Is a Beautiful Bird

August 18th, 2013 by Karen 6 Comments

If Elmer Fudd were a makeup artist he’d say, “Aww, what a sweet tweet!” when he spotted Covergirl’s Lipslicks Smoochies Lip Balm in Sweet Tweet 255.

It’s a great option for gals who like their drugstore lip colors (it’s only $5.99) with extra something-something on the side.

I have a soft spot for these because they remind me of high school. I always carried at least one Covergirl Lipslick in my backpack at all times. 🙂

Sweet Tweet’s a perfect sheer pink for casual makeup days. Its barely-there color and soft, subtle shine are surefire attention-getters, but won’t leave your lips looking overdone.

More deets on Sweet Tweet…

1-2 hour wear time
Lightweight, non-stick formula
Listed as being both unflavored and unscented, but I think they smell and taste kinda waxy. Thankfully, it fades after a few minutes.
Sweet Tweet is of 12 colors in the Lipslick Smoochies Lip Balm line (about $6 each)

I can see myself wearing this on the weekends, or whenever I want to dress down. It might be a good fit for gals who like their lip color on the subtle side, or for teens/tweens just dipping their toes into makeup.

I’m Terive Swerts of BellaChique, and This Is My Makeup Life

August 18th, 2013 by Karen 28 Comments

The terrific Terive Swerts of BellaChique

Name: Terive Swerts
Location: Antwerp, Belgium
Day job/current gig: Makeup enthusiast and assistant to Noodles the Cat
Hangouts online: BellaChique.be, Twitter and Facebook
Current favorite product: Giorgio Armani Maestro Fusion Make Up
Beauty inspirations: music, images, nature, the people I see around me,
films
One word that best describes your outlook on beauty: Fun!

What makeup/beauty products can’t you live without?

Without a doubt my beloved Shiseido Nourishing Mascara Base. It’s great for anyone having issues with curl hold. It also protects your lashes from drying out. My other pick is the Shu Uemura Lash curler because, you see, I need all the help I can get with my puny little lashes.

When did you start getting into makeup?

Well, makeup and I have had a bit of a complicated romance. I first got obsessed with it when I was around 14 years old. (Imagine bronzer, glitter and eye kohl overload!) A few years later, I hit my tom boy stage and suddenly makeup was out of the question. Then around 19 I rekindled my obsession again, got into beauty blogs, foundation and cultivated a slight obsession for lipsticks.

And so it began!

What’s your best beauty time-saving trick?

When rushing I try to pick one feature to highlight, mostly opting for brighter lips like fuchsias to draw attention to one place. I groom my brows, too, and try to make them look polished.

Do not underestimate the power of a well-kept brow!

What’s your favorite beauty tool?

Again, without a doubt, my beloved Shu Uemura lash curler! I’ve tried lots of lash curlers, and it’s my one true love because it lasts forever and doesn’t pinch my eyelids. Just my eye lashes. I also love the curl it makes. Some curlers really crimp lashes in a very unflattering angle, but this one gives a nice round curl. I also really love my good old Tweezerman tweezers. They stay sharp for ages!

What’s the best beauty advice you ever received?

Use sunscreen! My mom never taught me this. She still doesn’t really understand the importance of sunscreen (even though I try to convince her!). We used to live in tropical and sub-tropical climates, and you can see the sun damage over time. I’ve battled with pigmentation spots ever since, and they are incredibly hard to get rid of.

Better to prevent them in the first place.

What’s your skincare routine?

I wake up and do a good cleanse with the Clarisonic Mia 2 and Paula’s Choice Moisturising Cleanser. Then I use EstÃ©e Lauder’s Daywear SPF50.

At night, I do the same cleansing routine and use either Paula’s Choice Skin Recovery Serum, Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Lotion or Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum. Those are the main products I use, but sometimes I throw other things into the mix.

What’s the weirdest thing you’ve tried in the name of beauty?

I guess I’m a bit boring, but I did paint a bandit mask on myself. It was an awesome moment shared with my little bandit kitty!

Do you have a trademark look (hair/styling/makeup)?

Coral lips for sure!

Make that coral everything! I’m a very big believer in coral. Everyone should have it in their stash because it’s just so flattering, fun and pretty!

Are there any beauty decisions you’ve made that you look back on and ask yourself, “why?!”

Yes! I guess I was a confused teen because I got lost in the big world of beauty. I overly tweezed my poor brows into thin little sad lines, and I definitely overdid it on the bronzer. Not just any bronzer, but really dark glittery bronzer! I thought I looked like a beach babe, but I think “Oompa Loompa” was a better choice of words.

Where are your favorite places to shop?

I love the local beauty stores here, but most things I order online because we don’t have the largest selection of brands where I live. Beautybay is my favourite online shop because they have so many great brands, and the shipping is free!