Morning Dew
Cosmetics Connoisseur Laura Mercier Cooked Up Something Surprisingly Complex With the New Baked Eye Colour Palette in Free Spirit
This — THIS! — is one of the reasons I love Laura Mercier. First time I saw her new $48 Baked Eye Colour Palette in Free Spirit, I thought, “There’s no frickin’ way I’ll be able to pull that off.”
I thought the colors were way too cool for me, and that the pastels would appear chalky and entirely unwearable on my warm skin tone.
But then I started playing…
And, like she does so often, Laura came through. 🙂 Again, she found a way to make seemingly safe shades interesting, unusual and, I think, totally wearable.
At first glance, these colors might not get your heart pounding, but give ’em a chance. Dig a little (NOOO! — not literally into the pans, of course!), and you might just find something surprisingly beautiful hidden within something so seemingly subtle.
It happened to me with this palette.
A couple of its pastels do seem pretty typical, like the lightest blue, Soft Cloud. It’s pretty much your run-of-the-mill shimmery blue.
And then there’s Pink Tutu, the light pink on the far right — a competent but uninspiring shimmery pink. Neither one will set any records for originality, and you can probably find dupes from other lines.
Oh, but the remaining three shades — the dark blue on the far left, and the two darkest shades guarding the center — they hold the keys to this palette’s true power.
My favorite’s the one in the middle, Satin Ribbon, a gorgeous coppery bronze with blackened undertones.
SO BEAUTIFUL! It makes my head spin. And so complex. If you wet your brush first before applying it on your lids, the copper tones come out to party, looking rich and bright. I didn’t expect something like it from a palette with pastels.
Bare Yoga, seated to Satin Ribbon’s right, also blew me away. It’s my second favorite of these colors. Despite how basic it looks in the pan and when swatched dry, this mauve really grooves when you start buffing, revealing a purply brown personality. I love the way it looks blended into the crease with Satin Ribbon on my lids.
And then there’s Blue Zen, the darker blue on the far left, and the Clark Kent of this palette. A mild-mannered mid-toned blue by day, he flexes his stormy gray muscles when faced with buffing.
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Minty Fresh! Urban Decay’s New Lip Junkie Lipglosses in Obsessed, Flushed and Trashed
If you choose to wear one of the three new $19 Urban Decay Lip Junkie Glosses in Flushed, Obsessed or Trashed, you’ll probably still want to brush your teeth in the morning (and your tongue…to get rid of that fuzzy feeling), but if you do happen to forget, at least your breath will smell great! 🙂
Or rather, your lips will taste minty fresh, because all three of these are mint flavored and fragranced to the extreme! — and it’s a good mint, refreshingly like toothpaste.
For the record, Urban Decay thinks they taste and smell like “wedding mints,” and okay, sure, I get that (but they also remind me of my tube of Sensodyne).
New for spring, and newly added to the Lip Junkie Lipgloss line, these triplets are all cool-toned shades of pink with varying degrees of pigment from sheer to medium.
The Lip Junkies are Urban Decay’s cooling, plumping glosses that last a surprisingly long time. With them, I get anywhere from 4-5 hours, which is pretty good for a lipgloss, and yet despite lasting as they do, they don’t suck all of the moisture from my lips.
They’re billed as non-sticky, but I dunno about that. When I whip my hair back and forth (I whip my hair back and forth), stray strands do get stuck in the gloss, which is kinda thick and heavy.
It doesn’t bother me, but I guess it is something to think about. For a truly non-sticky UD gloss, though, you might want to try one of the Lip Loves instead.
If you’re cool with the slightly thick, sticky texture, I think any of these three would go great with the rest of Urban Decay’s new spring releases, like the new Naked Basics Palette, especially if you’re going for a primarily neutral, natural look, because they’re all rather quiet pinks, not at all bright or obnoxious (not that I don’t think there’s a time and place for that).
If you’re interested in low-key, natural makeup looks, these should be great for that.
And more, like the Ammo palette. You could do a bold eye look with the brights, and then balance it out with a sheer pink on your lips.
Definitely Obsessed definitely has me obsessed. It’s my favorite of these three. It’s darker than Flushed, so I can really see it on my lips, and warmer than Trashed, so I think it suits my warmer NC42 skin tone well.
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Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 253
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.
- How are you feeling right now?
You know, I’m feeling great. My weekend was so relaxing. I had the slumber party with Jen and Cindy on Saturday night, and on Sunday afternoon when I got home, I just hung out with El Hub and Tabs around the house and puttered. Did small life things that had to get done — cleaned the house a little, went to the grocery store. Then we just watched some TV. But the whole entire weekend, overall, did a lot for my mental health. I feel happy and chill and just really great about the week ahead. - What’s on your plate for today?
Well, I’ve got a ton of writing to do first thing this morning, but that should be fun. After that, makeup pics in the afternoon.Hopefully by the late afternoon I have some time for more cleaning around the house. I don’t know what happened! At some point between Christmas and New Year’s, all hell broke loose, and the place is a total mess. I’m going to try to do a little cleaning and straightening each day to hopefully make some progress on it by the end of the week.
- What’s one of the main things you consider when contemplating a lipgloss purchase?
How it smells/tastes. Those are big for me. If it smells or tastes funny, I know I won’t use it. It has to have a yummy flavor (or no flavor at all). Same goes for scent.If it has that popular plasticky taste or makes my tummy churn, then no can do.
- At what age did you feel like you finally became the person you were meant to be?
The girls and I were actually talking about this on Saturday night. You know when you have a slumber party, and you turn out the lights, but you don’t go right to sleep? That’s what we did, and this was one of the things we talked about in the dark. 🙂I feel like for me…it happened in my late 20s and early 30s. I think it just took me a long time to grow up. I mean, I’m still growing up, but I took some decent strides around that time.
- What’s your midnight snack of choice?
GURL, I know I probably shouldn’t be snacking at midnight, but when I do, and I feel like something savory, I go for popcorn. Ohmigosh! — my new thing right now is this salty, olive-oil-flavored pre-popped stuff they carry at Trader Joe’s. It’s like, the later it is, the better it tastes!And when I’m in the mood for something sweet, I usually go for ice cream.
- Are you the type of person who’d jump into a heated outdoor pool on a cold, overcast day?
At one point in my life I was, but now I’m a big, frickin’ baby. Unless somebody is standing at the edge of the pool with, like, a thick robe and a bunch of towels ready for me when I get out, I won’t do it. I just don’t like to be cold. - What’s one thing you recently discovered about yourself?
I don’t know if I should be admitting this, but when I’m in a hurry and there’s cat hair all over my face, I’m capable of taking the lint roller and rolling it over my cheeks and forehead… - Think about where you were 10 years ago. What’s one thing you miss about that time in your life?
Let’s see: 10 years ago I was 27, working a 9-to-5 and living in the city. I miss a couple of things from that time, like living in San Francisco. I loved the energy, and there was always something interesting to do.I also miss having more time. I miss those long stretches where I didn’t really have anything to do, and I could do whatever I wanted to. These days, it feels like I’m always doing something, planning something or thinking about something.
- Slumber party time! What do your jammies look like?
Pink and black plaid. Button down. Flannel. Long sleeves. 🙂 - What are your goals for the week?
I think I also had this goal last week, and that’s to be off the computer each night by (iPhone doesn’t count).Since I made it to Trader Joe’s last night, I also want to make some healthy meals for dinner, and I’d really love to paint my toenails… Maybe something dark and sparkly.
If time permits, I’d love to clean up my office, too. The floor is like an ocean of clutter in there, and I’d like to take Tabs out for a few short walks while it’s sunny, so he can get some fresh air.
To complete the Monday Poll, just copy the following list, and paste it with your answers in the comments.
Le List
1. How do you feel right now?
2. What’s on your plate for today?
3. What’s one of the main things you consider when shopping for a lipgloss?
4. At what age did you feel like you finally became the person you were meant to be?
5. What’s your midnight snack of choice?
6. Are you the type of person who’d jump into a heated outdoor pool on a cold, overcast day?
7. What’s one thing you recently discovered about yourself?
8. Think about where you were 10 years ago. What’s one thing you miss about that time in your life?
9. Slumber party time! What do your jammies look like?
10. What are your weekly goals?
Happy Monday! I hope your hair’s behaving today (and I’m saying this because mine has been crazy lately).
Mine hasn’t settled since I got it cut and colored a couple weeks ago… It’s in that early, awful phase where getting it to behave is like herding cats.
Have a great week, okay? I hope something nice and unexpected happens to you. 🙂
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
A View of the Bay
I stayed at the Claremont Resort in Berkeley with my high school friends, Jen and Cindy, over the weekend, and our room had a view of the SF Bay. See the Golden Gate bridge on the right and San Francisco on the left?
Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 225
A RELAXING TIME: PART 3
by Tabs the Cat
Tabs hissed and growled at the thing on the other side of the door, throwing decorum out the window. Sure, it was rude and not very neighborly of him, but he and dogs had never gotten along very well. He thought they were always so…pushy, and clumsy.
That was the thing about dogs, he thought. They had no respect for personal space.
Tabs could hear it sniffing loudly outside, conducting reconnaisance. Tabs knew about their keen sense of smell, and knew that this one probably already knew that Tabs was alone in the shed, terrified, a little on the plump side and wearing Coco Mademoiselle.
“Meeeeooowww,” he groaned, using his office voice. Who the hell is that? “Mrow!” Go away, or I’m calling the police!
No answer, and the sniffing sound stopped. Seconds passed, and Tabs wondered if his threat had worked to scare away the dog.
He got to thinking that he should look for an escape route in case the dog had a key to the door. It seemed unlikely, but Tabs wasn’t sure. The dog was probably a local, after all, and probably knew this area. Maybe it had even watched Tabs arrive.
The thought terrified Tabs, and his tiny heart started pounding. Frantically, he looked around the room again, his fearful eyes barely taking the time to focus.
There was the solitary window, which was shut, and quite small, and at least five feet off the frozen floor. The walls were vertical wooden slats, the ceiling corrugated sheet metal, and the ground was a solid slab of ice, except for the small fishing hole cut in the center.
He looked at the hole for a moment, listening to the lake water jostling within it, then to the now silent generator and rapidly cooling electric heater, his two bags beside the heavy wooden chair by the hole in the ice, a tall stack of wooden crates that he presumed were empty, and then at the workbench pushed up against one of the walls.
Nothing. No ways in or out, except for the door.
He trained his night vision on the door again and focussed his ears like parabolic radar dishes, scanning for the slightest sound…
And then the world exploded. There was a terrible crash against the door, coupled with ceaseless, thunderous barking. The noise caused Tabs to jump three feet in the air, and he landed awkwardly.
The crashing continued, over and over, and the door shuddered. The whole shack shook violently, and the metal roof clanged and buckled. Tabs cowered on the ice, shrinking against the floor, as his wild, wide eyes darted to and fro.
Tabs had never heard barking like that before. It was liquid, visceral fury. No, this wasn’t a dog, Tabs realized. This was a monster.
When the creature struck the door again, the door swung open.
Everything went completely silent as time stopped. What Tabs saw standing before him in the doorway was — at that moment he recognized it and remembered seeing one when he worked as an extra on HBO’s True Blood. The monster was a werewolf, and right then it leapt.
Instinctively, Tabs rolled to his left, sliding on the ice as the creature’s jaws snapped inches from his head. Momentum carried the large beast forward, and it careened into the wooden crates, unable to stop on the ice.
The crates tumbled down, shattering, and appeared to bury the creature beneath them, but Tabs didn’t hesitate. As soon as he regained his footing, he raced toward the open door, snapping up his Chanel overnight bag on the way, and sped out onto the dark, frozen lake.
— TO BE CONTINUED —
If you enjoyed this little tale and would like to see Tabs continue the story, let him know in the comments. 🙂 And now, here are some pics from Tabs’ ever-growing kitty modeling portfolio.
Slumber Party and Spa Day at the Claremont Resort
A few pics from the weekend slumber party/spa day at the Claremont resort with my high school buddies, Jen and Cindy.
Two Ways to Win a $50 eGift Card From Sephora!
WINNER: The giveaway is closed now, and the winner is Aurora! Congratulations, Aurora! If you entered but didn’t win this time around, keep trying, and click here to enter any ongoing giveaways before you jet. 🙂
SLUMBER PARTY!
Today’s the day! I’ve had these plans for about three months now, and I’ve been counting down the days (and seconds). I’m heading with my friends, Jen and Cindy, who I haven’t seen in months, to the Claremont Hotel over in nearby Berkeley for a girls slumber party and spa day.
I picked the aroma therapy massage, which is supposed to de-stress you…
Perfect! — because Tabs has been working me to the bone.
Even though it was a short week, I feel like I got quite a few things done. I tried some new things in my writing process, like using different tech tools, like my phone, and trying to get out a bit more, out to the counters to hang out with the makeup artists and see some of the new stuff for spring.
I’m really excited about spring, both the makeup and the weather. I’m so over wearing thermals…
I hope your week went well and the year got off to a good start. Let’s see if we can’t make it a little better this weekend with a bangin’ Sephora giveaway for a $50 eGift card.
I love Sephora! I could get lost there for hours (and have on many occasions). Whenever I’m in the store, I always know it’s time to go when El Hub walks in, stands around me and just sort of hovers… Sometimes he breathes very loudly, too. That’s my non-verbal cue to hurry up. 🙂
What folks are saying…
“What a lovely surprise it was to see your announcement (after completing one of many exams/papers/projects I have this crazy week)! The eCard will definitely ease expenses for this broke, beauty-obsessed college student. Thank you, Karen and Tabs!!”
-Katie“Thanks so much, Karen. Just in case you were wondering what I got with it, I decided to go with the Clarisonic Mia–I’ve been wanting it for years now, but have never purchased it because of the price. Your eCard helped me finally buy it! I look forward to using it. Thanks again!”
-Jane“Shut the front door! OMG Karen, you have made my day. 🙂 I’m sick in bed with the flu and this has just cheered me up immensely!!!!!!!! BTW, I’m the one that sent you that pic of my pug in a wig a few weeks back LOL! Thanks again, honestly, I’m beyond giddy right now.”
-Angel“Thank you SO much Karen! OMG! Wishes really do come true! I can’t believe I won! You have no idea how much this will help me through the holidays. I’ve been an avid fan of your blog for the past two years. Your witty and creative entries, informative makeup information, and beautiful photos have kept me hooked. I look forward to more of it. Goodness, you’ve
seriously just made my week and it’s only Tuesday night!”
-Zharlynne“Oh my goodness! Thank you so much Karen (and Tabs, of course)! I really appreciate this! I’d been eyeing the Anastasia brow pencil in Strawburn to match my red hair!”
-Chelsea (and Jiji the kitten and Quincy the bunny)“Hi Karen. Thank you so much, I’m so excited, I’ve never won anything before. My name is Hana … I just turned 25 (today is my birthday!) Yay! Thank you.”
-Hana
- 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).
- There are two ways to enter, and you can do both of them for two chances to win. First, you can enter by leaving a comment at the bottom of this post, a comment about anything at all, like, when was your last slumber party? What did you do at slumber parties when you were a kid? Do you shave/wax your legs in winter? Do you sleep on your back, side or tummy? Do you have any discolorations on your skin, and if so, do you have any tips to cover/conceal them? Have you ever had your bangs accidentally cut too short (I have!)? — you get the idea.
- Second, you can enter by following me on
Twitter @karenmbb and retweeting (RT) the following message:
- Follow @karenmbb and RT to Win a $50 eGift Card from Sephora! http://bit.ly/ZoWNM7
- The deadline to enter is Sunday, January 6, 2013 at 11:59PM (PT).
- Entrants must enter using a valid email address and/or Twitter account to win.
- A maximum of two (2) entries per person — one within the comments at the bottom of this post, and a second entry via Twitter addressed to me @karenmbb.
- Contest is open to individuals of any country who have reached the age of majority according to their local laws (18 in the United States with these exceptions: Alabama and Nebraska, 19; Mississippi, 21).
- Sephora eGift Certificates can only be redeemed online and are not valid in stores or available for purchase or redemption in Canada. International winners may opt to substitute the Sephora eGift card prize for $50 sent directly to their email address by PayPal instead.
- Tabs and I (heretofore referred to as “T-Money and K-Dawg”) will select one (1) winner at random from the entries either left in the comments at the bottom of this blog post or addressed to @karenmbb on Twitter.
- The winner will be announced here within 48 hours of the deadline.
- Void where prohibited by law.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
WINNER: The giveaway is closed now, and the winner is Aurora! Congratulations, Aurora! If you entered but didn’t win this time around, keep trying, and click here to enter any ongoing giveaways before you jet. 🙂