Karen

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 236

September 10th, 2012 by Karen 39 Comments

the one and only makeup and beauty blog monday poll!

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.

Mood:
Overwhelmed! — and desperately trying to stay calm. I woke up on edge this morning because I didn’t get everything I wanted to get done last weekend.

Geez…and now my heart’s racing after typing that sentence. I better do my deep-breathing exercises!
Back to school! Where is (or was) your favorite place to study?
Back in high school, I did most of my studying in my room. It was quiet, comfy and free of distractions — no computer or phone, believe it or not (this was the early ’90s).

Then in college, I usually alternated between the library and my room. Some late nights, though, I’d go to this quiet 24-hour study room on campus we called “the morgue.” I’ve always been easily distracted, so I need quiet places to study, depending on the subject.

On rare occasions, and only when the subject was math, for some reason, I’d do my homework at a cafe.
Again, how do you feel now about boots with fringe?
Still undecided. I saw a couple of pairs at Target last Friday that I thought could look cute on some people, but I don’t know if I’m one of ’em…

We’ll see. I may change my mind at DSW later today. I’m thinking about making a pit stop there after work because shoes always calm me down…
We’re more than halfway to 2013. What are three things you’d like to accomplish by the end of this year?
Unsurprisingly, most of mine have to do with getting the condo in order. STILL, after more than three years here, I have an unfurnished dining room, so 1), I want to get some frickin’ furniture (YARGH!!), 2) organize my office, thereby making me less prone to fits of rage borne out of disorganization, and 3) get Tabs a new cat tower (one that isn’t falling apart at the seams).
When are at your most/least productive?
I feel at my best from about 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and my worst from about 4 p.m. onward.
If you were a breed of cat, what breed would you be?
A Ragdoll! Fluffy, easy going and built for love? Sign me up. 🙂
Best place to get a cup of coffee in your town?
This will probably sound terribly unoriginal, but Starbucks brews a mean cup ’round here.

Which reminds me — their pumpkin lattes are the bomb dot com! I may have to get one of those today…
Do you watch any late-night talk shows?
I used to, but not so much anymore. I went through a David Letterman phase in college because that’s what EVERYONE I knew watched, but now, truth be told, I’m usually in bed. Plus, I figure if something really funny or interesting transpires, I’ll hear about it the following day online. 🙂
When was the last time you watched a sunset?
I think about a month ago. The windows on one side of our place face west, so I get a pretty good view of the sun falling below some hills off in the distance.

I remember walking into the bedroom upstairs to do something, looking up at the windows and going, “Wow!” The sky was this amazing mix of pink and orange, and it was very comforting, so I just hung out there for a bit and watched.
Weekly goals:
To start tracking my runs on my workout calendar again, to find a new book to read, and to chill-the-eff out, LOL!

Good morning, sweet friend, and happy Monday! How was your weekend?

Mine was relaxing, but that’s partly because I skipped some of my chores… On Saturday, I went to my nephew’s birthday party and visited my parents out in the East Bay. Then on Sunday I just chilled at home and watched, like, eight back-to-back episodes of My Cat from Hell.

I actually cried for the first time ever watching that show! It was the episode with the 23-year-old orange tabby cat named Pump. [Sniffs] Pump wasn’t good with boundaries in the house, and it was interfering with his owners’ home business, so they were contemplating taking him to a shelter. Please tell me I’m not the only person who bawls her eyes out while watching Animal Planet…

If you have a minute this morning, I’d love to hear from you in the Monday Poll.

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

1. Mood:
2. Where is (or was) your favorite place to study?
3. Again, how do you feel now about boots with fringe?
4. What are three things you’d like to accomplish by the end of this year?
5. When are at your most/least productive?
6. If you were a breed of cat, what breed would you be?
7. Best place to get a cup of coffee in your town?
8. Do you watch late-night talk shows?
9. When was the last time you watched a sunset?
10. Weekly goals:

Have a great day. Talk to you soon. 🙂

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 208

September 9th, 2012 by Karen 27 Comments

Dear Tabby is written by Tabs the Cat, commonly regarded as “the world’s first plus-size kitty supermodel.” Founded in mid 2012, it has quickly become the most widely syndicated cat advice column on earth — known for its fresh, feline perspective on lifestyle, fashion and style issues affecting cats and humans.

Model’s career decision is crushing him…

DEAR TABBY: I could really use some career advice, and I couldn’t think of a better expert to ask.

I’m a 21-year-old struggling male model, and I recently received the opportunity to do an, um, “spicy” centerfold spread in a national magazine.

I’m torn. Do I take the risk and try to push my career to the next level, even if it means baring a little skin, or do I pass on the job and wait for a better opportunity?

I remember you mentioning that you did a spread for Playcat magazine a few years back. Did you have any reservations at the time, and do you feel like it helped or hurt your career?

Thanks in advance.
— Handsome and Hopeless

Sultry cat — Playcat magazine, April 2010

DEAR HANDSOME & HOPELESS: Of course I had reservations about the Playcat spread. I think it’s only natural to be a little nervous when you’re baring your tum, but more than that, I was also nervous about what it might mean for my future job prospects.

I didn’t want to end up being known as “that cat” in the kitty modeling world — you know, the one who’ll show off his junk at the drop of a hat.

But it sounds like my situation was a little different than yours. First, I’m a cat. Second, I was already famous before I posed for the magazine. Ultimately, I did it for the fans, and I don’t feel like it hurt my career. As long as it makes people happy, I’ll keep sharing my tum with the world.

You sound like a pretty smart guy. I think you already know what you should do, but my two cents? I say go for it. Opportunities like that don’t come along very often.

As for what the job could do for your career, look at that Kendra gal or Jenny McCarthy. Both of them parlayed similar gigs into bigger opportunities. Good luck!

Start with stripes…

DEAR TABBY: Fashion question for you. I’m a spotted Bengal interested in exploring casual and formal wear, but I’m afraid that the plaid and argyle patterns I’m attracted to will clash with my fur. What are the best ways to wear prints with spotted fur?
— Wondering in Wisconsin

Kitty newsboy cap — Try experimenting with tweed…

DEAR WONDERING: Sounds like you have an amazing coat. Lucky you!

Personally, I’m a big fan of mixing and matching prints, and I always tell patterned kitties to just have fun with it. My personal style philosophy? If you see something and it makes your tail twitch, go for it!

The plaid and argyle patterns both sound great, but if you’re not used to seeing yourself in them, you may be shocked the first time you catch a glimpse of yourself in a mirror. Start slowly by introducing something simple into your wardrobe; I recommend pinstripes — classic, understated and elegant.

Walking woes…

DEAR TABBY: I recently accepted a position as a professional pet assistant working for a sassy 2-year-old stray named Sally. Sally wants my help incorporating daily walks into her fitness regimen.

Problem is, she hates harnesses. I haven’t found one she likes. As soon as she puts one on, she plops down on the ground, rolls around and refuses to walk.

All of the pet assistants in my professional network think that Sally’s a lost cause. What do you think? I don’t want to lose this job.
— Troubled in Tacoma

Leash love — I highly recommend walking…

DEAR TROUBLED IN TACOMA: First, congrats on your new partnership! And I’m glad you decided to take a job assisting a stray. That’s very wise of you. I was a stray once, you know…

I still remember the first time my assistant placed a harness on me. I have to be honest with you, it really freaked me out!

I got used to it, though, slowly but surely. The treats certainly helped. Every time my assistant put my harness on me, she’d feed me a spoonful of gravy or a few pieces of Pounce. She also lavished me with sweet talk and strokes.

At first, I only wore the harness for a few minutes inside the house. We did that a few times to get used to it, and then slowly worked our way up from five-minute trips outside to 10 and 15. Pretty soon I was comfortable and walking around.

Now I really look forward to my walks.

Don’t give up on Sally, Troubled! I think a lot of kitties start at that same exact place, but with plenty of positive encouragement, patience and love, pretty soon you two will be enjoying the great outdoors.
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Two Ways to Win a $50 eGift Card from Sephora!

September 8th, 2012 by Karen 512 Comments

WINNER: The giveaway is closed now, and the winner is Bekah! Congratulations, Bekah! If you entered but didn’t win this time around, keep trying, and click here to enter any ongoing giveaways before you jet. 🙂

A Makeup and Beauty Blog giveaway
Win a $50 eGift card from Sephora

Jackson and Tabs

This morning I awoke to a blood curdling scream!

I bolted straight up in bed when I heard it. “What the hell was that?!”

“I don’t know!” El Hub said, already getting up. “Stay here. Call 911 if I don’t come right back.”

El Hub grabbed a machete he keeps by the bed (yes, a machete) and hurried downstairs.

“What’s going on?!” I shouted after him.

No answer.

“Sweetie? What’s going on?”

I’d thrown off the covers and was sitting up on my knees with my phone in my hands. Then I heard other noises coming from downstairs, quieter sounds, like people laughing?

“It’s okay,” he called back, sounding relieved as he started back up the stairs. “False alarm.”

He stood in the doorway to the bedroom smiling at me. “But it looks like Tabs finally figured out how to turn on the TV.”

I guess he couldn’t wait to start watching the My Cat From Hell marathon I set the Tivo to record, so he decided to chill on the couch and start watching it now.

Or, slightly more likely, he accidentally stepped on the remote control…

The screaming was from a sphinx cat its owners were trying to bathe. 🙂

Tabs just loves watching My Cat From Hell, mostly because of the host, Jackson Galaxy.

He says that Jackson has always been very professional and kind every time they’ve worked together.

Good to know…

I’m gonna go watch the next episode now while I try to calm down… If you haven’t already entered this weekend’s giveaway, it only takes a comment (and for a second entry, a tweet). You could win a $50 eGift card from Sephora.

What folks are saying…

“Hi Karen. Oh my goodness! I can’t believe I won! :O Thank you so much! You, Tabs, and your blog are amazing! Thank you for keeping me updated on all things beauty and more importantly, for keeping me entertained! Keep doing your thing! Thank you again.”
-Jacqueline

“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

“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)

“Never before have I been so pleased to check my email right before bed!!! Thank you so, so much! I truly enjoy your blog and check it almost daily! Thanks again! This made my night!”
-Melissa, Edmond, OK

“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, have you started to see any signs of fall where you live? Do you prefer to paint your own toenails or get them professionally done? Do you have a favorite pair of pajamas? How often do you stretch? When was the last time you wore a cowboy hat? What’s your take on men who wear vests? Who does your hair? — 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/NhE8Mt

The deadline to enter is Sunday, September 9, 2012 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 Bekah! Congratulations, Bekah! If you entered but didn’t win this time around, keep trying, and click here to enter any ongoing giveaways before you jet. 🙂

Shout Out to Hall and Oates!

September 8th, 2012 by Karen 5 Comments

SO excited about the new, limited edition Anastasia Kisses On My List Volume 2 Hydrafull Gloss Set, $30. I really enjoyed last year’s and hope this one is just as good.

The name is also one of my favorite Hall and Oates songs. 🙂

Because your kiss is on my list…

He Looks Like He’s Laughing

September 7th, 2012 by Karen 14 Comments

Rappers Delight in a Plum From the 212: The New MAC Yung Rapunxel Lipstick by Azealia Banks

September 7th, 2012 by Karen 37 Comments

mac yung rapunxel

I can’t rap to save my life, but you already knew this, right? 🙂

Oh, what I wouldn’t give to be able to spit bars on the fly…

Because if I had to battle someone on a street corner, I’d be so screwed!

A rap attack

But hey, I guess if I’m ever overwhelmed with the urge to drop some beats, I could just wear the new MAC Lipstick in Yung Rapunxel ($15) instead.

This creamy deep plum is the product of MAC’s new collaboration with rising New York rapper/singer/lyricist Azealia Banks.

Azealia Banks, 1991

The name, Yung Rapunxel, is also her alter ego.

I’d never heard of her before the lipstick, but I gotta say — I’m diggin’ her style. It kinda has a ’90s house music vibe to it…if Lil’ Kim lived in the house. Or something like that.

As for the lipstick, I like. It’s definitely dramatic, and I think the semi-matte finish goes well with it.

I get the sense that Yung is one of those colors that would look really fab on gals with very light or very dark skin tones.

mac yung rapunxel

mac yung rapunxel swatch
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Longer, Thicker Lashes With the New LORAC Pro Mascara, and a Conversation With My Inner Drag Queen

September 7th, 2012 by Karen 11 Comments

lorac pro mascara review

Karen’s Inner Drag Queen: Time to do it to it, Miss Thang. Get up! I am not about to spend all day and night watching Animal Planet on the couch.

Karen: Okay, but —

Karen’s Inner Drag Queen: Wash your face! Brush your teeth! Remove that hideous scrunchie from your hair! And swipe some makeup on before I start going through glitter withdrawals!

Karen: Dude, seriously — chill! You really need to be nice to me right now because I feel like a drum exploded in my head!

Karen’s Inner Drag Queen: I’m sorry, baby girl, but you know what they say — sometimes you gotta be cruel to be kind. 🙂

And since I’m founder and CEO of our fabulousness, I’m taking the reins. I am not about to let this migraine bring us down. You and I are way too sexy for this crap!

Karen: Okay, okay… I know better than to get in your way.

You’re the boss. What do you want me to do first? Please bear in mind that whatever we do I intend to continue wearing these sweats. That’s non-negotiable.

Karen’s Inner Drag Queen: Wha?!

Karen: Look into my eyes…

Karen’s Inner Drag Queen: Alright, fair enough.

Let’s start with the basics then. Fill in those caterpillar brows first, and then please do something about that whole thing goin’ on over there…

Karen: Where? Over here? Under my eyes?

Karen’s Inner Drag Queen: Mmm-hmm.

…

Karen: All done. Next?

Karen’s Inner Drag Queen: Good. Now give those lashes some love.

Here, use my new LORAC Pro Mascara ($23)…

Karen: Ooh! Cool tube. And it’s huge!

What a cute brush, too. It’s shaped like a tear, aww. And the tip is so pointy! I bet it really grabs lashes in the inner and outer corners.

Karen’s Inner Drag Queen: Oh, yeah. It’s good for black, glossy lashes, way long and thick, and you’re gonna love how easy it is to build up in layers. I’m talkin’ drama! It kinda reminds me of YSL’s Faux Cils like that.

The only thing, though, and you’ll notice this I’m sure, is that you have to dilute the wand first — like, you know, swipe it on something to get rid of the excess; otherwise, it gets hella clumpy!

Karen: Okay, but is it flaky (like you know who)? And what about smears?

Karen’s Inner Drag Queen: Naw, at least not for me. And the separation and curl hold are pretty fab.

Karen: Alright. Let’s do three layers…

lorac pro mascara swatch
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MAC Unsung Heroes: Face and Body Foundation

September 7th, 2012 by Karen 34 Comments

mac face and body foundation

While there are many things I’ll miss about the world after the coming zombie apocalypse — hot showers, modern dentistry and Frosted Strawberry Pop Tarts among them — few losses will be missed as much as MAC Face and Body Foundation, one of my much-loved creature comforts.

I can’t imagine life in the badlands without it…

This sheer-to-medium coverage liquid foundation is just one of those fantastic MAC performers ($33 for the 4-ounce bottle above), and it’s the only foundation I’ve been wanting to wear these days.

mac face and body foundation bottle

Yesterday morning while walking Tabs outside on his leash, we saw that the leaves have started to turn yellow and fall from the trees. There’s also a new chill in the air early in the mornings.

Yup, it’s fall. Or darn near. And now that it is, I feel like it’s time for a more dressed up face look — something less dewy and casual than my spring and summer routine with NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer.

mac face and body foundation swatch
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