mineral make up

Review & Swatches: Secret Kisses Lipsticks : Makeup Geek

2012-02-14T12:04:00.001-08:00

Review & Swatches: Secret Kisses Lipsticks : Makeup Geek

Review & Swatches: Secret Kisses Lipsticks

Posted: 14 Feb 2012 11:27 AM PST

Secret Kisses is a company offering “35 exclusive lipstick colors”, “10 exclusive shades of lip gems” and “8 exclusive flavored lip candy glosses”.

Personally I found their website a bit annoying, since there is absolutely nothing describing the products, except the names.
I received 6 of their lipsticks, 3 lip gems and one lip candy (review of the glosses and lip candy coming later) to review :

Here’s my thoughts and swatches of the lipsticks:

SUNSHINE:

You are my sunshine, my only sunshine..

Well, unfortunately this isn’t my sunshine :/ Texture is a bit runny (but kinda dry at the same time) and it isn’t opaque enough to cover my lips.
I kinda like the color though, it’s kinda pale yellow.

Rating: 3 out 5
Product: 3 out of 5
Quality: 2 out of 5
Price: 2 out of 5
Would I buy again? No, I don’t think so.

ROSE GOLD:

Nude pink.

This one has the best texture. It’s opaque, it’s easy to apply, the color is nice.
My only problem is that I think you can find a cheaper dupe for this color.

Rating: 4 out 5
Product: 4 out of 5
Quality: 4 out of 5
Price: 3 out of 5
Would I buy again? Maybe

ROCKSTAR:

I love purple. I know I have mentioned it before, but I say it again. I love purple.
And I love this lipstick!

This isn’t the most opaque, but a few coats give you a nice result. Also, the texture seems to be a bit runny, but I forgive it because I love this color so much.
It’s really screaming purple <3

Rating: 4 out 5
Product: 4 out of 5
Quality: 3 out of 5
Price: 4 out of 5
Would I buy again? Yes.

KISS IT:

Hot pink warning!
I think this is one of the easily dupable colors, at least I’ve seen many hot pink lipsticks that have this same kinda blue metallic sheer in them.
This applies easily, looks nice, BUT it stains my lips.

Rating: 3 out 5
Product: 3 out of 5
Quality: 3 out of 5
Price: 2 out of 5
Would I buy again? No, I don’t think so.

ELECTRICITY:

Whii, blue lipstick!

Certainly not the most wearable color out in public, but I like these, they’re fun to use in crazy looks or photoshoots.
This is quite opaque, slightly metallic bright blue. What’s interesting is that this one didn’t stain my lips unlike many other blue lipcolors I’ve tried.

I have tried some blue lipsticks and the best is still OCC’s RX, this one may get to second or third place.

Rating: 4 out 5
Product: 4 out of 5
Quality: 4 out of 5
Price: 3 out of 5
Would I buy again? Maybe.

18 KARAT:

Looks nice in the tube, but I’m sorry to say that this was the worst of the bunch.

This is almost exactly the same stuff I had when I was a child, I had these superhyper cheap glitter lipsticks that scraped the lips, left glitter everywhere and broke easily.
This may not be as dry as the ones from my childhood, it actually has some clear lipstick (is there a such thing as clear lipstick? ) so it doesn’t feel all awful, but still.

Secret Kisses advises to rub it on a paper towel before using it the first time, but it didn’t help for me. They also advise to try it with mixed some other lipstick, but to tell you the truth, I didn’t manage to do it. Either the glitter wiped the colored lipstick away, or the glitter didn’t show at all.

Rating: 2 out 5
Product: 2 out of 5
Quality: 2 out of 5
Price: 1 out of 5
Would I buy again? No.

Overall opinion:

There’s quite a large range of quality within the products. There are lipsticks I would buy and tell my friends to buy, and there are lipsticks I wouldn’t recommend for anyone. They are also a bit pricey, in my opinion.
A positive side is that they really have large range of colors. And the tubes are nice, since you can see the color straight away.

Secret Kisses lipstick might be for you if:

If you’re looking for bold shades
If you’re willing to spend some money
If you’re willing to take risk

Price: $14.99

Where to Buy:
http://secretkisseslipstick.com/

Makeup and Beauty Blog - Update

2012-02-14T11:40:00.001-08:00

Makeup and Beauty Blog - Update

Wise Words From Candy Hearts
Baby, It’s Cold Outside: Makeup to Last Through Rain, Sleet or Snow
Rimmel Glam Eyes HD Eyeshadow
My Dry Lips Love Moisture Rich L’Oreal Colour Riche Balm SPF 15
Sometimes, Swipe-and-Go MAC Mineralize Concealer Is the Way to Go for Me

Wise Words From Candy Hearts

Posted: 14 Feb 2012 10:27 AM PST

“Shake it.”

Copyright Karen of Makeup and Beauty Blog: Makeup Reviews, Beauty Tips and Drugstore Beauty Finds | Read the full article

Baby, It’s Cold Outside: Makeup to Last Through Rain, Sleet or Snow

Posted: 14 Feb 2012 03:00 AM PST

This post is part of a series sponsored by Walgreens.

Yesterday I wasn’t quite singin’ in the rain, but I did hum as I walked in it.

Yep, it’s been raining here in Northern California (Sunday night was even stormy!), and I’ve been doing my best to stay dry. I’ve been mostly successful at it, too, except for an incident yesterday…

I had to brave the elements to run a few errands, and when I walked under an awning outside, one of those streams of 33-degree almost-freezing water shot straight down the back of my top.

I could have screamed! And I almost did, but I talked myself down by thinking about some of my favorite makeup for inclement weather.

Products like…

1. Maybelline Full ‘N Soft Waterproof Mascara, $8.49

A friend of mine who works for a high-end makeup brand turned me on to this budget bad boy. We were commiserating one afternoon by email about our short, stumpy lashes when she confessed her love for Maybelline’s Full ‘N Soft Waterproof Mascara.

It’s also become a flake-free, smudge-resistant favorite of mine, thanks to sweaty yoga workouts and rainy days. Not only does it plump and lengthen, it also keeps my curled lashes lifted all day long.

2. Rimmel Exaggerate Waterproof Eye Definer, $7.49 each

Rimmel’s Eye Definers have superhuman strength, because once they latch on to my lash and water lines, they don’t let go!

Clockwise from the gold shade on the lower left: Precious Gold, Purple Shock, Deep Ocean and Emerald Sparkle

I love the fun, funky shades, but Rimmel also included a couple of conservative colors for good measure (like black and brown).

3. L’Oreal Infallible Eyeshadows, $7.99 each

Not quite a cream or a powder, these spongy new potted shadows feel soft to the touch. Waterproof, sweatproof and crease-resistant, too, the Infallible Eyeshadows are also easy to apply with a finger, which makes ‘em prime candidates for rainy days when I’m in a rush.

From the left: Golden Sage, Perpetual Purple, Iced Latte, Continuous Cooca, Sultry Smoke and Eternal Black

4. Revlon Cream Blush in Rosy Glow, $9.99

I like to apply this sheer pink cream blush beneath my powder blushes when I know I’m heading out in the rain. Rosy Glow gives the staying power of other cheek products a boost.

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Read the rest of Baby, It’s Cold Outside: Makeup to Last Through Rain, Sleet or Snow (265 words)

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Rimmel Glam Eyes HD Eyeshadow

Posted: 13 Feb 2012 11:59 PM PST

Rimmel Glam Eyes HD Eyeshadow in English Rose, $5.69. Available now at drugstores, Ulta and online.

Copyright Karen of Makeup and Beauty Blog: Makeup Reviews, Beauty Tips and Drugstore Beauty Finds | Read the full article

My Dry Lips Love Moisture Rich L’Oreal Colour Riche Balm SPF 15

Posted: 13 Feb 2012 10:00 PM PST

Sheer lippies are sure having a moment right now, aren’t they? Drugstores have been downright brimming with ‘em lately. Especially moisturizing ones like the Maybelline Baby Lips and Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butters. I must spot a new sheer lipstick, gloss or balm at the drugstore every time I visit.

L’Oreal is even getting in on the game with a new line of unflavored, unscented, super sheer hydrating balms with SPF.

Available in eight non-sticky, barely there colors for $7.99 each, the new Colour Riche Balms deliver luminous lips with a tinge of tint and SPF 15.

And they are loaded with moisture. I mean gallons of it! According to L’Oreal, they’re supposed to keep lips quenched for a full eight hours.

Now, I don’t know about eight hours…but after switching back and forth between Caring Coral and Pink Satin both days last weekend, my lips feel great. They haven’t been this smooth and soft since the beginning of winter.

The Colour Riche Balms remind me of the Revlon Lip Butters, which I think pack a little more pigment, but I prefer the texture of these. They seem — I don’t know — more elegant? And slightly slicker and smoother, almost like Dior’s $28 Addict Lipsticks.

Caring Coral on the left and Pink Satin on the right
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Read the rest of My Dry Lips Love Moisture Rich L’Oreal Colour Riche Balm SPF 15 (287 words)

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Sometimes, Swipe-and-Go MAC Mineralize Concealer Is the Way to Go for Me

Posted: 13 Feb 2012 04:57 PM PST

Even when I’m just running a quick errand out to Target for dish soap or to Petco for takeout (Tabs usually orders the Fancy Feast Tuna or Turkey in gravy), I always try to remember to apply at least a smidgen of concealer before I leave the house.

Because you just never know… That friendly person in line at the Starbucks might hold the keys to your dream job; you might even cross paths with that dumb@ss turd-monkey who broke your heart in high school (FYI: you were always way too cute for him).

Because “you never know” is a mantra of mine, I like to keep a couple of different swipe-and-go concealers close. Lately, one of them has been MAC’s new liquid Mineralize Concealer ($19).

It’s perfect whenever I don’t have a lot of time to deal with brushes and buffing, like when I’m in a rush to make it to yoga class or to Starbucks for emergency tea/coffee — basically, times when all I really need/want is a little makeup to take the edge off, so to speak.

And MAC Mineralize is like concealer stretchy pants, and by that I mean it’s comfy. It might not last as long, look as formal, or provide as much coverage as MAC Pro Longwear, so it’s not something I wear often to take pics, but I think it’s comfortable, lightweight and brightening, and there are times when those really hit the spot.

If you like MAC Select Moisturecover, that might be another reason to give Mineralize a try. I find them both to have similar formulas — moisturizing, with semi-opaque coverage — but Mineralize seems a tad more concentrated and pigmented to me. Because of that I think it offers a little more coverage and seems to latch on to my skin a bit better.

Just as another point of difference, Mineralize has a brush tip applicator, versus the doe foot that comes with Select Moisturecover.

A few other observations about MAC Mineralize Concealer…

I like that it steers clear of my fine lines and doesn’t stand out or appear heavy on my skin
I find that I have reapply about halfway through the day, but a little does goes a long way, so this particular tube should last me a few months (more or less)
Available in the following 15 shades: NW15, NW20, NW25, NW30, NW35, NW40, NW45, NW50, NC15, NC20, NC30, NC35, NC42, NC45 and NC5

MAC Mineralize Concealer swatches from the elft: NC20, NW25, NC35 and NC42
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Read the rest of Sometimes, Swipe-and-Go MAC Mineralize Concealer Is the Way to Go for Me (272 words)

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Copyright Karen of Makeup and Beauty Blog: Makeup Reviews, Beauty Tips and Drugstore Beauty Finds | Read the full article

We Heart You, Makeup Geeks – 20% Off Sale! : Makeup Geek

2012-02-13T12:05:00.001-08:00

We Heart You, Makeup Geeks – 20% Off Sale! : Makeup Geek

We *Heart* You, Makeup Geeks – 20% Off Sale!

Posted: 13 Feb 2012 09:03 AM PST

Hi MUGs!

To celebrate Valentines week, we here at the Makeup Geek Store wanted to say a special thanks for all your support and for making Makeup Geek such a great place.

We also wanted to share a coupon code that will kick off the biggest sale we've ever had here. The code "WELOVEMUGS" will get you 20% off in the checkout . This is good for everything in the Makeup Geek Store and is valid until Friday, February 17^th.

This is the perfect time to give the Makeup Geek eyeshadows a chance if you haven't already and stock up on more colors for those of you that have already started your collection.

As an added bonus, we decided to make some signs and take some pictures of them to share with you – hope you enjoy them!

Marlena

Nick - Business & Technology Manager

Alex - Store Operations Manager

Mariella - Customer Service & Community Moderator

Michael - Store Operations & Comedic Relief

Andrea - Product Reviewer

Brittany - Store Operations & Community Outreach

Amber - Store Operations & Creative Assistant

Kata (aka Jangsara) - Amazing Artist and Makeup Geek Contributer

Pig - Photography Assistant

Makeup and Beauty Blog - Update

2012-02-13T11:08:00.001-08:00

Makeup and Beauty Blog - Update

Driftwood
Sundays with Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 178
The MAC Vera Collection Plushglasses Are Making Me Smile
The Weekly Roundup: Posts You Might Have Missed

Driftwood

Posted: 13 Feb 2012 10:33 AM PST

Copyright Karen of Makeup and Beauty Blog: Makeup Reviews, Beauty Tips and Drugstore Beauty Finds | Read the full article

Sundays with Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 178

Posted: 12 Feb 2012 09:00 PM PST

Is pet assisting right for you?

If you’re considering a career in the exciting, fast-paced world of celebrity pet assisting, let me tell ya — it’s not all glitz and glam.

Sure, there are advantages, like travel. One week it’s Paris to “get the gravy situation in order.” Next week it’s Napa Valley for fresh organic catnip.

But for all its perks, you do have to sacrifice a lot…

First, you can kiss your weekends goodbye, because celebrity pet employers basically own your @ss. And yes, I speak from experience.

Today was supposed to be my first Sunday off in weeks, and I had plans to go for a hike before catching a late movie with El Hub.

As often happens, I had my hand on the doorknob when I received a text from Tabs. In it, he said it was “of the utmost importance” that I organize his vast collection of accessories by color and ribbon width, and it absolutely, positively had to be done by tonight.

Big surprise.

He also insisted that I take some pics of him to give to his stylist, who then, after checking with our focus group, would color coordinate his outfits for the upcoming awards season.

So I’ve basically spent my entire afternoon with a diva kitty supermodel wrapped in a rainbow of ribbons.

Le sigh!

Here’s a look behind the scenes at some of the outtakes…

(...)
Read the rest of Sundays with Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 178 (271 words)

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Copyright Karen of Makeup and Beauty Blog: Makeup Reviews, Beauty Tips and Drugstore Beauty Finds | Read the full article

The MAC Vera Collection Plushglasses Are Making Me Smile

Posted: 12 Feb 2012 04:00 PM PST

Wearing MAC Plushglass in Pretty Plush on my lips

I’m alive…ALIVE!!

The tingle from my MAC Plushglass reminds me that I’m alive.

I’ve always been more of a MAC Lipglass kinda girl, but I have been quite enjoying the Plushglasses from the new MAC Vera collection this week.

Like the Lipglasses, they have MAC’s signature vanilla flavor and scent, but in a thinner, less sticky formula.

They also have a little bite to ‘em — a slight bee-sting sensation that’s supposed to plump your pout. Of course, I can’t see a difference in the size of my lips with them on, but when it comes to lip plumping products in general, I almost never can. Gimmick or not, the effect appears to be subtle, though, and the slight sting subsides on me after about 10 minutes.

I was a little busier than usual this week and felt like I was always running behind. But three of the five MAC Vera Plushglasses — Pretty Plush (a soft pink with white pearl), Fashion Fanatic (a creamy pale pink) and Confetti (an orange coral with pearl) — helped me get through it and were never far from my side. At least one of the three was either in my purse or a jacket pocket at all times.

MAC Plushglass in Fashion Fanatic

MAC Plushglass in Confetti

Plushglasses from the left: Confetti, Fashion Fanatic and Pretty Plush
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Read the rest of The MAC Vera Collection Plushglasses Are Making Me Smile (112 words)

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Copyright Karen of Makeup and Beauty Blog: Makeup Reviews, Beauty Tips and Drugstore Beauty Finds | Read the full article

The Weekly Roundup: Posts You Might Have Missed

Posted: 12 Feb 2012 12:05 PM PST

Next time you make it out here to the San Francisco Bay Area, see if you can squeeze in a meal at one of the cute little restaurants on SF’s Claude Lane. It’s a small area with a European vibe (plenty of outdoor seating) a little off the beaten path about two blocks from Union Square. Just a couple of quaint cafes and restaurants, but I think it’s well worth checking out.

I had dinner there the other night at a spot called Gitane with my girlfriends from college, Christine, Eleanor and Mary Anne.

My first real job after college was at a company about one block away from the restaurant, and as I was walking from where I’d parked to meet the girls, I passed a few familiar haunts.

Back when I had that job, I was in my early 20s and very unsure of where I was headed in life or what the future held. I never could have imagined I’d ever be sitting at a desk in the town of Novato with a chubby tabby cat on my lap as I typed something like this to you…

It’s just weird! But also cool.

As I got closer to the restaurant the other night, I wondered, should I find myself walking down these same streets 10 years from now, what will I be up to then? Will I have children? Will I run into any old friends and share stories about how little Paul or Alexandra love art and music, but my parents think they should both be doctors? Or will I not have children? And will I be okay with that decision?

I don’t know… I just hope that wherever I am and whatever I’m doing, I’m happy. And you are, too.

A few beauty posts that caught my eye…

Hmm… Maybe this will help me stop dressing like a teenage skater boy: How to organize your closet in 6 easy steps — The Glitter Guide
These DIY teacup candles are too cute! — Everything Fabulous
I absolutely LOVE this: 10 ways to celebrate yourself — Positively Present
If you’re like me and always losing bobby pins, you might appreciate this super simple bathroom organizing tip — Super Woman
25 clever ideas to make life easier — The Daily Buzz
I’ve been listening to Whitney all morning while reading this reprint of an interview from 1993 that she did with Rolling Stone… RIP, Whit — Rolling Stone
The new YSL Vinyl Candy Palette looks like so much fun — Glitter Geek
A glowy and fresh professional work makeup look — Lisa Eldridge
Becca channels sultry for winter with Balearic Love — Makeup4all
I’m always looking for makeup storage ideas, and this one looks great for lipstick — Makeup and Macaroons

MAKEUP MONSTER: LINER LAMIA

DESCRIPTION: Long, long ago, a powerful evil sorceress/former makeup artist created Liner Lamia to guard her makeup counter while she was away, but a small number of the mischievous creatures escaped! Tentacled gremlins with eye liners for arms, they really just like to mess up makeup.
FREQUENCY: Rare
SPEED: Fast
ARMOR CLASS: 7
SPECIAL ATTACKS: Liner Lamia prefer surprise attacks over frontal assaults, typically striking while their victims are distractedly applying their makeup — for instance, while driving.

They are deathly afraid of mirrors.

SPECIAL DEFENSES: Nil
INTELLIGENCE: Medium
ALIGNMENT: Chaotic neutral
SIZE: Small (3′ tall)

Make Up For Ever's New La Bohème Eye Shadow Palette

Make Up For Ever’s Two New Rouge Artist Natural Lipsticks

The Dolce & Gabbana Khol Collection

MAC Vera Collection Pics and Swatches

MAC Shop and MAC Cook Collection Pics and Swatches

The Paul & Joe Face & Eye Color Palette in Purr-Fect

Be Catwalk Ready Right Meow With Paul & Joe Spring 2012

Paul & Joe Kitten Collection Nail Polishes

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Copyright Karen of Makeup and Beauty Blog: Makeup Reviews, Beauty Tips and Drugstore Beauty Finds | Read the full article

Makeup and Beauty Blog - Update

2012-02-12T11:27:00.001-08:00

Makeup and Beauty Blog - Update

LCN Nail Polish
L’Oreal Colour Riche Balm
When Basic Just Won’t Do, There’s MAC Pearlglide Intense Eye Liner in Black Line
They Left Their Paw Prints on My Heart, But I’m Still Gonna Knead a Little More From Paul & Joe’s New Lipstick Cs

LCN Nail Polish

Posted: 12 Feb 2012 03:00 AM PST

LCN Nail Polishes, $7.50 each. From the left: Petal Perfect, Azure Blue, Sun Yellow, Mango Tango and Heat.

Available now online.

Copyright Karen of Makeup and Beauty Blog: Makeup Reviews, Beauty Tips and Drugstore Beauty Finds | Read the full article

L’Oreal Colour Riche Balm

Posted: 11 Feb 2012 11:46 PM PST

L’Oreal Colour Riche Lip Balms, $7.99 each. That’s Caring Coral on the left and Pink Satin on the right.

Available now at drugstores, Ulta and online.

Copyright Karen of Makeup and Beauty Blog: Makeup Reviews, Beauty Tips and Drugstore Beauty Finds | Read the full article

When Basic Just Won’t Do, There’s MAC Pearlglide Intense Eye Liner in Black Line

Posted: 11 Feb 2012 09:10 PM PST

That’s it! I’m drawing a line in the sand!

Oh…did I say sand? I meant, “on my lids and lash lines,” and I’m using MAC Pearlglide Intense Eye Liner in Black Line ($15) to do it.

OBSESSED!

That’s how I am about Black Line. It’s one of seven Pearlglide Intense Eye Liners in the new MAC Vera collection, and it’s my undisputed runaway favorite of the bunch.

Vera marks an encore performance for the Pearlglide clan. Their look-at-me-shimmer and rich, intense colors have played limited engagements in previous MAC collections before, but, much to my delight and the delight of many MAC fans, rumor has it they’re being added to the permanent line this time around.

Described as a deep black with golden pearl, I think Black Line is much more interesting and lively than that. Sometimes, when I catch myself in the mirror with it on, I see a blackened khaki with greenish golden glimmer and think, “Is that still Black Line on my eyes?”

Last night I wore it out to dinner with the girls in what I thought turned out to be a nice spin on a clean, classic eye. First, I applied a wash of neutral shadow all over my lids with MAC Soba, then a bronze liner along my lower lash and water lines with MAC Powersurge, and then used Black Line to line my upper lash lines.

Pearlglide Intense Eye Liners Industrial, Petrol Blue, Black Swan and Black Line
(...)
Read the rest of When Basic Just Won’t Do, There’s MAC Pearlglide Intense Eye Liner in Black Line (74 words)

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They Left Their Paw Prints on My Heart, But I’m Still Gonna Knead a Little More From Paul & Joe’s New Lipstick Cs

Posted: 11 Feb 2012 03:00 PM PST

Wearing Paul & Joe Lipstick C in Meow

For all the grumbling I do about Tabs’ diva behavior, I have to say, he can be quite the charmer. To the best of my knowledge, since I don’t travel with him when he’s away modeling on location, except for the Edward Scissorpaws Incident, for which he’s still on probation, he’s never raised a paw against a human.

Always quick to show love, he’s the mellowest, most affectionate cat I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing.

(And he must know we’re talking about him because he just rubbed his chin against my leg, aww!)

I’ve been hoping that Paul & Joe’s lovely new Lipstick Cs (with the kitty paw pattern on the tubes) would evoke that same easy, breezy, cool cat style. The three $20 kitty-themed matte lipsticks were recently released with the limited edition Collection Sparkles launch.

Pinkish beige Sex Kitten, pinkish brown Meow and coral Catwalk look so cute, casual and comfy in their tubes that, I have to admit, I had dangerously high hopes. I expected all three to climb my metaphorical cat tower and make their way into my regular rotation of lipsticks. I mean, what could be breezier than a simple nude lip?

Obviously, the packaging’s off the chain. I love the wee paw prints scaling up the length of each bullet and how the graphic designs on the tops and bottoms of the packaging line up perfectly.

Lipstick C in Catwalk, Meow and Sex Kitten

Swatches from the left: Sex Kitten, Meow and Catwalk
(...)
Read the rest of They Left Their Paw Prints on My Heart, But I’m Still Gonna Knead a Little More From Paul & Joe’s New Lipstick Cs (272 words)

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Copyright Karen of Makeup and Beauty Blog: Makeup Reviews, Beauty Tips and Drugstore Beauty Finds | Read the full article

Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette Review : Makeup Geek

2012-02-11T12:02:00.001-08:00

Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette Review : Makeup Geek

Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette Review

Posted: 10 Feb 2012 01:18 PM PST

Since everyone has been requesting looks with this newest Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette, I finally decided to break down and buy it to review. Yes yes, I know I’m a bit late on it!

The first one was such a huge hit, that I knew this one would be the same… I definitely like the case on this one better (sturdier to travel with), but I’m not a big fan of the mostly cool toned colors. Don’t get me wrong, the colors are still gorgeous and have amazing pigmentation and blend-ability. I just find it harder to pull off some of the gray tinted colors as they make me look a bit tired.

My favorite colors are “Busted”- a purple brown color, and “YDK”- a metallic taupe. Just like the original Naked, there’s a great variety in textures- 4 matte/satin finish and 8 metallic finish. The case is very sturdy and well made but not as creative as the original palette. I still prefer this packaging though as I travel with mine often and this metal case doesn’t get beat up rattling around in my suitcase

What I love:

The quality of the eyeshadows- very pigmented, smooth, and easy to blend
The variety of colors and finishes
The sleek metal case holds up well for travel
Has a mirror so you can apply makeup on the go
Very well made and well thought out palette

What I hate:

There are too many cool colors that are difficult for more mature skin to pull off (grays and cool colors can emphasize bags under the eyes)
Wish it would have included a mini eye primer instead of lipgloss so I could have an all in one eye kit

Overall, the quality is amazing and the packaging is great- I really don’t have many complaints at all! I realize that the price for this is steep, but I truly feel it’s a great investment for a palette that you will use everyday. If I had to choose between this or the original Naked Palette, I would choose the original one as the colors suit me better. I feel that in general, warmer colors are more flattering for most people. I also feel there’s a little more variety in colors with the original than in this one.

Here is a look using this palette: Sexy and Romantic for Valentine’s Day

Here is my review of the original palette: Urban Decay Naked Palette Review

Rating: 4 out 5
Product: 5 out of 5
Packaging: 5 out of 5
Quality: 5 out of 5
Price: 4 out of 5
Would I buy again? Yes

Price: $50

Where to Buy: Sephora . Amazon . eBay

Naked 2 Swatches:

Naked 1 Swatches:

Naked 2 Swatches:

Makeup and Beauty Blog - Update

2012-02-11T11:21:00.001-08:00

Makeup and Beauty Blog - Update

Two Ways to Win a $50 eGift Card from Sephora!
L’Oreal Infallible Eyeshadow
L’Oreal Nail Colour Riche
Go From Rushing to Ready in 10 Minutes Or Less With MAC Vera’s New Pearlmatte Powders
I’m Still Fawning Over the Paul & Joe Kitten Collection, Today With a Twist on an Ombrè Manicure

Two Ways to Win a $50 eGift Card from Sephora!

Posted: 11 Feb 2012 08:52 AM PST

Rise and shine, morning glory! I hope you had a wonderful week. No complaints out here. Last night I even spent a little time shopping — online, for things to help me with one of my New Year’s resolutions.

Yup, I’m still on a mission to stop dressing like a 15-year-old skater boy (a hard habit to break, apparently), and I found a couple of pricey possibilities at Anthropologie.

What do ya think of this romper and trench?

Leifsdottir Scattered Wing Romper on the left ($168) and Tulip-Hem Trench on the right ($298)

Cute, yeah? I really the romper, but I don’t know… Sometimes I wonder if things like rompers have an upper age limit that I might have passed.

I also love the jacket, but I wish it came in a different color. I’d have this one covered in makeup and cat hair in about a hot minute.

OOH! I came across a new designer (well, new to me) on the Nordstrom site that I wanted to ask you about. Are you familiar with Presley Skye? She (he?) has these soft, flowy dresses in colorful, springy prints (can you tell I’m ready for spring?).

Presley Skye Silk Kimono Sleeve Faux Wrap Dress on the left ($138) and Print Crêpe de Chine Dress ($138) on the right

Those dresses look so comfy, and if I’m smiling this much just looking at pictures of ‘em, I can only imagine what wearing one would do to me.

Is it spring yet?

No? Well, at least it’s giveaway time.

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, how do you feel about rompers? What’s one piece of makeup you own but never wear? Do you like lipglosses that tingle? Can you do a pushup? What’s your latest drugstore beauty crush? Twinkies or Snowballs? — 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/ygeQiN

The deadline to enter is Sunday, February 12, 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

Copyright Karen of Makeup and Beauty Blog: Makeup Reviews, Beauty Tips and Drugstore Beauty Finds | Read the full article

L’Oreal Infallible Eyeshadow

Posted: 11 Feb 2012 03:00 AM PST

L’Oreal Infallible Eyeshadows, $7.99 each.

Available now at drugstores, Ulta and online.

Copyright Karen of Makeup and Beauty Blog: Makeup Reviews, Beauty Tips and Drugstore Beauty Finds | Read the full article

L’Oreal Nail Colour Riche

Posted: 10 Feb 2012 11:59 PM PST

A few new shades from the L’Oreal Nail Colour Riche line, $5.99 each.

Available now at drugstores, Ulta and online.

Copyright Karen of Makeup and Beauty Blog: Makeup Reviews, Beauty Tips and Drugstore Beauty Finds | Read the full article

Go From Rushing to Ready in 10 Minutes Or Less With MAC Vera’s New Pearlmatte Powders

Posted: 10 Feb 2012 10:30 PM PST

Wearing MAC Pearlmatte Powder in Flower Fantasy on my cheeks

Maybe it’s a lunar phase or astrological anomaly — the unfortunate kind, like two planets in simultaneous retrograde (wait, is that even possible?) — but whatever the reason, I’ve been running behind every morning this week.

I haven’t had more than 10 minutes to put on my makeup before I’ve had to rush out the door to make it to one place or another on time…

I haven’t taken it lying down, though! In my push not to be tardy, I’ve been grabbing a handful of products over and over again, including the new MAC Vera Pearlmatte Powders ($28 each), of which there are two, both of them limited edition and available now as part of the MAC Vera collection.

Each one contains three powders in matte and pearl finishes. The colors can be worn separately, or swirled together and used as a sheer highlighter/blush with a slight sheen.

Since they’re both fairly sheer, I don’t have to worry about blending out the edges (not much, at least), and I love the whisper of color they lend to my cheeks.

Makes them great for no-makeup makeup looks.

Pearlmatte Face Powder in Flower Fantasy, $28

Pearlmatte Face Powder in Sunday Afternoon, $28
(...)
Read the rest of Go From Rushing to Ready in 10 Minutes Or Less With MAC Vera’s New Pearlmatte Powders (131 words)

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I’m Still Fawning Over the Paul & Joe Kitten Collection, Today With a Twist on an Ombrè Manicure

Posted: 10 Feb 2012 06:39 PM PST

The other day, I sat down to do some nail swatching and tried to remember the last time I wore the same shade of nail polish on all 10 of my fingers or toes.

I totally drew a blank.

A month ago…? Or was it further back than that?

Lately, I’ve just been really into multi-colored manis, two-tone nails, glitter layers and ombrè effects. Now, when I wear the same color on every fingertip, I feel like I’m kickin’ it old school.

Today I planned to paint my nails with one of the three new Nail Enamels from the limited edition Paul & Joe Kitten Collection, but then the fickle ombrè bug attacked…

Four fingertips later, I was applying the second color. A few after that, I was applying the third.

See how they go from darkest to lightest from my left hand to my right? Just a different take on ombrè nails. Those shades are hot pink Manekineko, rosy pink Kitten Claws and peachy beige Tigress ($14 each).

Nail Enamels in Kitten Claws, Tigress and Manekineko

(...)
Read the rest of I’m Still Fawning Over the Paul & Joe Kitten Collection, Today With a Twist on an Ombrè Manicure (53 words)

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Copyright Karen of Makeup and Beauty Blog: Makeup Reviews, Beauty Tips and Drugstore Beauty Finds | Read the full article

Sexy and Romantic Valentine Look : Makeup Geek

2012-02-10T12:04:00.001-08:00

Sexy and Romantic Valentine Look : Makeup Geek

Sexy and Romantic Valentine Look

Posted: 09 Feb 2012 10:59 PM PST

Face:

Benefit Porefessional Face Primer (Amazon) (eBay)
Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Foundation (Amazon) (eBay)
Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat Radiant Touch Concealer (for under the eyes) (Amazon)
MAC Studio Finish Concealer (for blemishes) (Amazon)
Urban Decay Cream Blush – Score (Amazon)

Eyes:

Note: If you would like to use Makeup Geek Eyeshadows instead, see the inexpensive alternatives below or get the Valentines Day Kit and save $4 on the set
Urban Decay Primer Potion (Amazon) (eBay)
Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette (Amazon) (eBay)

Verve
YDK
Half Baked
Busted
Tease

MAC Eyeshadow – Samoa Silk (eBay)
Bobbi Brown Gel Liner – Black (Amazon) (eBay)
Ardell False Lashes – Fairies (Makeup Geek Store)
Duo Lash Adhesive – Black (Amazon) (Sephora)
Palladio Liquid Liner – Black (Makeup Geek Store)
Tarte Gifted Mascara (Tarte)

Lips:

Lancome Lipstick – Pink Preview (Lancome)
NYX Lipgloss – Nude Pink (Amazon) (eBay)
Urban Decay Eye Pencil – Yeyo (Amazon) (eBay)

Tools:

MAC 239 Brush (Amazon) (eBay)
MUG Small Crease Brush (Makeup Geek Store)
MUG Outer V Brush (Makeup Geek Store)
Sonia Kashuk Bent Liner Brush (Makeup Geek Store)
Beauty Blender Egg (Makeup Geek Store)

Inexpensive Alternatives:

Get 4 Makeup Geek Eyeshadows for this look for $19.99
Palladio Eye Primer (Makeup Geek Store)
Makeup Geek Eyeshadow – Unexpected (Makeup Geek Store)
Makeup Geek Eyeshadow – Gold Digger (Makeup Geek Store)
Makeup Geek Eyeshadow – Bada Bing (Makeup Geek Store)
Makeup Geek Eyeshadow – Pretentious (Makeup Geek Store)
Makeup Geek Eyeshadow – Shimma Shimma (optional) (Makeup Geek Store)
Black Gel Liner (Makeup Geek Store)

Makeup and Beauty Blog - Update

2012-02-10T11:19:00.001-08:00

Makeup and Beauty Blog - Update

It Was Love at First Blush for These Kittens: The New Kitten Collection Blusher Sticks From Paul & Joe
MAC Mineralize Concealer
Sunbathing
The Paul & Joe Face & Eye Color Palette in Purr-Fect Is Perfect for Soft Green Smokey Eyes
Now There’s a Smooth Cat: The Paul & Joe Face & Eye Color Palette in Siamese Please

It Was Love at First Blush for These Kittens: The New Kitten Collection Blusher Sticks From Paul & Joe

Posted: 10 Feb 2012 09:00 AM PST

Wearing Paul & Joe Blusher Stick in Minou on my cheeks and Glamour Puss on my upper cheekbones

Apparently, the recipe for shifting one’s crazy cat lady levels from relatively normal to full-on insane calls for kitties, blush, top hats and bow ties. Thank you, Paul & Joe, for unleashing this knowledge unto the world! Now, armed with your new Blusher Sticks ($28 each), I can realize my true CCL potential.

Part cream blush, part art project, these three Blusher Sticks — matte pink Minou, matte orange Catfight and shimmery beige Glamour Puss — just might be the cutest pieces of makeup I have ever seen.

Released with the new Paul & Joe limited edition Kitten Collection, available now on counters and online, each stick is about the same size as a lipstick.

Blusher Sticks from the left: Minou, Catfight and Glamour Puss

Minou

Glamour Puss
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Read the rest of It Was Love at First Blush for These Kittens: The New Kitten Collection Blusher Sticks From Paul & Joe (296 words)

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Copyright Karen of Makeup and Beauty Blog: Makeup Reviews, Beauty Tips and Drugstore Beauty Finds | Read the full article

MAC Mineralize Concealer

Posted: 10 Feb 2012 07:44 AM PST

My dark circles and I can’t wait to take the new MAC Mineralize Concealers ($19 each) out for a spin.

The new line of liquid concealers arrives at MAC counters, stores and online in North America February 16 and internationally sometime this month.

Find them in the following shades: NW15, NW20, NW25, NW30, NW35, NW40, NW45, NW50, NC15, NC20, NC30, NC35, NC42, NC45 and NC50.

Copyright Karen of Makeup and Beauty Blog: Makeup Reviews, Beauty Tips and Drugstore Beauty Finds | Read the full article

Sunbathing

Posted: 09 Feb 2012 11:09 PM PST

Notice the paws propped up against the wall. LOL!

Copyright Karen of Makeup and Beauty Blog: Makeup Reviews, Beauty Tips and Drugstore Beauty Finds | Read the full article

The Paul & Joe Face & Eye Color Palette in Purr-Fect Is Perfect for Soft Green Smokey Eyes

Posted: 09 Feb 2012 08:17 PM PST

Wearing Paul & Joe Face & Eye Color in Purr-Fect on my eyes

Much like Paul & Joe’s Face & Eye Color palette in Siamese Please is a smooth operator, Purr-Fect is one cool cat.

The three thrilling cool-toned shades in this $36 palette don’t just walk. They strut! With a mossy greenish gray, a shimmery forest green and a glazed beige with a sheen finish, it’s my favorite, and probably the most dramatic, of the three feline fabulous Face & Eye palettes from Paul & Joe this spring.

Purr-Fect is one of three new Face & Eye Color palettes in the new limited edition Paul & Joe Collection Sparkles release for spring 2012.

I love wearing soft smokey greens on my eyes, so Purr-Fect’s a perfect fit my makeup style.

As for wearing these powders on my face and cheeks? Hmm… Perhaps the glazed beige, but I looked pretty creepy in green blush the last time I checked.

Purr-Fect

(...)
Read the rest of The Paul & Joe Face & Eye Color Palette in Purr-Fect Is Perfect for Soft Green Smokey Eyes (129 words)

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Copyright Karen of Makeup and Beauty Blog: Makeup Reviews, Beauty Tips and Drugstore Beauty Finds | Read the full article

Now There’s a Smooth Cat: The Paul & Joe Face & Eye Color Palette in Siamese Please

Posted: 09 Feb 2012 04:42 PM PST

Renowned for their affectionate, social nature and intelligence, Paul & Joe Face & Eye Color palettes in Siamese Please ($36) enjoy being with people.

Often they bond strongly to a single person and are sometimes described as “extroverts.” These palettes, like the cats from whence they get their name, are typically active and playful, even on adults, and are often found playing on the eyes and face.

One of three new Paul & Joe Face & Eye Color palettes in the limited edition Collection Sparkles release for spring 2012, Siamese Please contains three seal-point inspired shades — a pigmented shimmery bronze, a brownish taupe with silver glitter and a sheer matte beige.

In this look, I’m wearing all three shades on my eyes (the bronze on my lids, the beige along my brow bone and the brownish taupe along my upper and lower lash lines), but I’d also like to try wearing the bronze as a blush and the matte beige as a highlighter for my cheeks.

Siamese Please is one of three new Face & Eye Color palettes in the new limited edition Paul & Joe Collection Sparkles release for spring 2012.

Like the powders in the Kittycat Face & Eye Color palette, these vary in intensity, with the shimmery bronze and brown colors applying with the most pigment, and the matte beige with the least.

Siamese Please

(...)
Read the rest of Now There’s a Smooth Cat: The Paul & Joe Face & Eye Color Palette in Siamese Please (90 words)

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Makeup and Beauty Blog - Update

2012-02-09T11:15:00.001-08:00

Makeup and Beauty Blog - Update

This Kittycat Sparkles in Purple, Pink and Beige: The Paul & Joe Face & Eye Color Palette in Kittycat
Add One Cup of Lipstick
Purr, Kitty, Purr
The Shop MAC and Cook MAC Collections Are Serving Up Fun Colors for Spring
Butterflies, Blooms and MAC Vera Collection Pics and Swatches

This Kittycat Sparkles in Purple, Pink and Beige: The Paul & Joe Face & Eye Color Palette in Kittycat

Posted: 09 Feb 2012 11:13 AM PST

I swear on my husky tabby’s orange tum that my cat lady heart broke a little when I finally took my brushes to Paul & Joe’s new Face & Eye Color palette in Kittycat ($36).

Kittycat is one of three new Face & Eye Color palettes in the new limited edition Paul & Joe Collection Sparkles release for spring 2012.

And I suppose this may be a little too much information…but while I did my eyes this morning with Laverne’s — yes, I’ve taken to calling her Laverne — shimmery reddish purple and matte pinkish beige shades, I pretended to pet her chest, back and tail with my brush, speaking to her in the same high-pitched voice normally reserved for Tabs.

Kittycat

“Look at you, Laverne!” I said with my inside voice out loud. “Look at your pretty purple tail! I’m petting your sides now and your little paw…”

A few quick observations about Laverne, also known as the Paul & Joe Face & Eye Color palette in Kittycat

The three shades vary in intensity, with the shimmery reddish purple packing the most pigment, the peachy pink shade (which has just the slightest sheen) depositing a little bit less, and the matte pinkish beige delivering the least.
The purple’s prominent flecks of silver glitter exhibit some fallout, especially when I’m working quickly and rushing through a look. I don’t think it’s bad, though.
I still really like the matte pinkish beige, despite it applying rather sheer. Smooth and buttery, it blends seamlessly into the other shades and still looks very elegant on its own. For a simple, fresh look, I’ve been applying it all over my lids, curling my lashes and then adding lots of mascara.
If you plan to wear the peachy pink shade as a cheek color, try it with a small, pointed blush brush for greater control. A larger blush brush might pick up the darker purple of Laverne’s “fur.”
The words “Paul & Joe” in the upper right corner are an overspray. Now, after taking my brush to it, my pan just says “Pau.” LOL! Yes, I’m too easily amused.
All three shadows blend without fuss or muss.
The powder has a light floral fragrance, which to my nose smells a little like carnations.

(...)
Read the rest of This Kittycat Sparkles in Purple, Pink and Beige: The Paul & Joe Face & Eye Color Palette in Kittycat (94 words)

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Copyright Karen of Makeup and Beauty Blog: Makeup Reviews, Beauty Tips and Drugstore Beauty Finds | Read the full article

Add One Cup of Lipstick

Posted: 09 Feb 2012 03:00 AM PST

Stir until thoroughly blended.

Copyright Karen of Makeup and Beauty Blog: Makeup Reviews, Beauty Tips and Drugstore Beauty Finds | Read the full article

Purr, Kitty, Purr

Posted: 08 Feb 2012 11:59 PM PST

If you look closely at the pans in the new Paul & Joe Face & Eye Colors (from the limited edition Collection Sparkles), you’ll notice that the kitties all have their eyes shut. Tabs makes the same face when he’s purring, aww!

The Face & Eye Color palette in Purr-fect pictured above, $36, available now at Paul & Joe counters and also online.

Copyright Karen of Makeup and Beauty Blog: Makeup Reviews, Beauty Tips and Drugstore Beauty Finds | Read the full article

The Shop MAC and Cook MAC Collections Are Serving Up Fun Colors for Spring

Posted: 08 Feb 2012 06:53 PM PST

Whew! Chef Tabs has been running me ragged in the kitchen today. He wouldn’t allow me to post these pics of pieces from the new Shop MAC and Cook MAC collections until he felt they were plated just right.

Geez, cat wins one Quickfire on Top Chef, and he thinks he’s the next Richard Blais…

The limited edition launches are available now online and arrive in stores and on MAC counters tomorrow.

Eye Shadow X4 in Shop & Drop, $38

Eye Shadow X4 in Call Me Bubbles, $38

Eye Shadow X4 in Colour Added, $38

Lipsticks clockwise from the light pink shade in the lower left: Naughty Saute, Innocence Beware, Dish It Up and Quick Sizzle, $14.50 each
(...)
Read the rest of The Shop MAC and Cook MAC Collections Are Serving Up Fun Colors for Spring (130 words)

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Copyright Karen of Makeup and Beauty Blog: Makeup Reviews, Beauty Tips and Drugstore Beauty Finds | Read the full article

Butterflies, Blooms and MAC Vera Collection Pics and Swatches

Posted: 08 Feb 2012 04:29 PM PST

Just a few NC 42 swatches and pics of the new limited edition MAC Vera collection, which comes in for a landing on MAC counters, in stores and online in North America February 16 (and internationally next month).

“Brilliant butterflies, flashy florals and gorgeously geometric graphics… A colourful collaboration between MAC and the artist known worldwide as Vera, who merged fine arts with linens, murals, textiles and silk scarves in her punchy, painted patterns. Now in shades plucked straight from her most lavish prints, MAC Vera embraces the luxe, lighter-than-air spirit that delivers the kind of startling, look-at-me-statement that defines what it means to be an instant classic.”

– MAC Cosmetics

Let me know what you think. Does it brings out your inner butterfly (or your inner grouch)?

Pearlmatte Face Powder in Flower Fantasy, $28

Pearlmatte Face Powder in Sunday Afternoon, $28

Plushglasses from the left: Confetti, Fashion Fanatic and Pretty Plush, $19.50 each

Crushed Metallic Pigment X4 in Strawberry Patch, $34
(...)
Read the rest of Butterflies, Blooms and MAC Vera Collection Pics and Swatches (72 words)

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Copyright Karen of Makeup and Beauty Blog: Makeup Reviews, Beauty Tips and Drugstore Beauty Finds | Read the full article

Red Hot Valentine’s Day Look w/ Makeup Geek Shadows : Makeup Geek

2012-02-08T12:05:00.001-08:00

Red Hot Valentine’s Day Look w/ Makeup Geek Shadows : Makeup Geek

Red Hot Valentine’s Day Look w/ Makeup Geek Shadows

Posted: 08 Feb 2012 09:28 AM PST

Youtube Video Link | Petja’s Youtube Channel

Hi MUGs! We've been doing a slow roll-out of our new user-submitted Idea Gallery system and we've had a lot of great looks submitted (you can submit your own looks here). One look that we recently posted on the Makeup Geek Facebook page received a lot of great feedback. Lots of people were asking for a tutorial for this look, so we contacted he makeup artist, Petja, and she was nice enough to let us post the video she created for this look. We hope you enjoy it!

Face:

Sleek Makeup Blush – Scandalous
Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Foundation – 52 (eBay)
Bourjois Healthy Mix Concealer (Amazon) (eBay)
Chanel Loose Powder

Eyes:

Makeup Geek Eyeshadow – Bada Bing (Makeup Geek Store)
Makeup Geek Eyeshadow – Razzleberry (Makeup Geek Store)
Makeup Geek Eyeshadow – Cinderella (Makeup Geek Store)
Makeup Geek Eyeshadow – Cocoa Bear (Makeup Geek Store)
Makeup Geek Eyeshadow – Chickadee (Makeup Geek Store)
MUA Black Eye Pencil
No7 Mascara (Amazon) (eBay)
Too Faced – Shadow Insurance (Amazon) (Sephora) (eBay)
MAC Paint Pot – Quite Natural (Amazon) (eBay)

Lips:

NYX Megashine Lipgloss – Juicy Red (Amazon) (eBay)

Makeup and Beauty Blog - Update

2012-02-08T11:27:00.001-08:00

Makeup and Beauty Blog - Update

Dolce & Gabbana’s New Brood of Bold Eyeliners Look Pretty Khol to Me: The Dolce & Gabbana Khol Collection
Green Is Good
You Cheeky Monkey!
Be Catwalk Ready Right Meow With Paul & Joe Spring 2012
Notes to Self

Dolce & Gabbana’s New Brood of Bold Eyeliners Look Pretty Khol to Me: The Dolce & Gabbana Khol Collection

Posted: 08 Feb 2012 10:27 AM PST

Is it just me, or is it getting khol in here?

Must be the new 11-piece Dolce & Gabbana Khol Collection for eyes and nails, available now at Saks Fifth Avenue stores and saksfifthavenue.com.

Five brand new eyeliners headline the launch. Promising potent pigments and a soft texture, the five $29 Intense Khol Eye Crayons are designed to handle fancier effects like flicks and wings just as well as they tackle clean lines and smudging.

Nail Lacquers from the left: Wild Green, Peacock, Chocolate, Dahlia and True White, $20 each

Khol Pencils in True White, Chocolate, True Black, Peacock and Dahlia, $29 each

Smooth Eye Colour Quad in Femme Fatale, $59
(...)
Read the rest of Dolce & Gabbana’s New Brood of Bold Eyeliners Look Pretty Khol to Me: The Dolce & Gabbana Khol Collection (171 words)

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Copyright Karen of Makeup and Beauty Blog: Makeup Reviews, Beauty Tips and Drugstore Beauty Finds | Read the full article

Green Is Good

Posted: 08 Feb 2012 03:00 AM PST

The limited edition Lancome Vert Tendresse ($49), from the spring 2012 collection.

Available now at Lancome counters and also online.

Copyright Karen of Makeup and Beauty Blog: Makeup Reviews, Beauty Tips and Drugstore Beauty Finds | Read the full article

You Cheeky Monkey!

Posted: 07 Feb 2012 11:09 PM PST

Cheeky Monkey Cosmetics Nail Polishes, $15 each. From the left: BFF, Free Love and Vixen. Available now online.

Copyright Karen of Makeup and Beauty Blog: Makeup Reviews, Beauty Tips and Drugstore Beauty Finds | Read the full article

Be Catwalk Ready Right Meow With Paul & Joe Spring 2012

Posted: 07 Feb 2012 09:00 PM PST

Cat lady problems! I spent the better part of my nine lives today hemming and hawing (and caterwauling even) over whether I could bear to ruin the pretty designs and patterns on the lipsticks, blushes and powder pans in Paul & Joe’s new feline fabulous cat-themed collection for spring 2012.

Every single piece in the limited edition launch, which marks Paul & Joe’s 10-year anniversary in cosmetics and skincare, is like catnip for CCLs! — a purrfect little piece of kitty cat art.

The release is divided into two parts. Part One: Kitten Collection. Part Two: Collection Sparkles.

The eight-piece Kitten Collection hums (or is that a purr?) with a matte pressed face powder, three stick blushes, three nail polishes and a waterproof gel liner while the six-piece Collection Sparkles pounces! — despite its awkward name — onto lips, eyes and faces with three lipsticks and three powders for faces and eyes. And the whole shebang is available now on Paul & Joe counters and also online.

Hmm… I don’t know how Tabs feels about waiting, but I think I need one more night with these pretty kitties before I take my brushes to ‘em.

From the left: Face & Eye Colors in Purr-Fect, Kittycat and Siamese Please, $36 each

From bottom to top: Purr-Fect, Siamese Please and Kittycat

From the left: Purr-Fect, Siamese Please and Kittycat
(...)
Read the rest of Be Catwalk Ready Right Meow With Paul & Joe Spring 2012 (205 words)

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Notes to Self

Posted: 07 Feb 2012 04:01 PM PST

(...)
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Makeup For Hazel Eyes : Makeup Geek

2012-02-07T12:06:00.001-08:00

Makeup For Hazel Eyes : Makeup Geek

Makeup For Hazel Eyes

Posted: 07 Feb 2012 06:50 AM PST

Face:

Yves Saint Laurent Concealer – Radiant Touch (Amazon)
MAC Creme Blush- Lilicent

Eyes:

Kit: Get 4 Makeup Geek Eyeshadows for this look for only $19.99
Too Faced Shadow Insurance (Amazon) (eBay)
MUG Eyeshadow – Shimmermint (Makeup Geek Store)
MUG Eyeshadow – Poison Ivy (Makeup Geek Store)
MAC Pigment – Vanilla (Makeup Geek Store) or Makeup Geek Shimma Shimma Eyeshadow (Makeup Geek Store)
MAC Eyeshadow – Femme Noir or Makeup Geek Eyeshadow – Envy (Makeup Geek Store)
Loreal – Voluminous Black Mascara (Amazon) (eBay)

Lips:

Bobbi Brown Lipstick - Peony

Tools:

MAC 239 Brush (Amazon)
NYX Smokey Eye Brush
Beauty Blender (Makeup Geek Store)

Samples of hazel eyes in various eyeshadow colors:

Photo compliments of Elisa Dalfiume

Photo compliments of Joanna

Photo compliments of juddde

Makeup and Beauty Blog - Update

2012-02-07T11:32:00.001-08:00

Makeup and Beauty Blog - Update

I’m Matte About Make Up For Ever La Bohème Aqua Eyes in Gypsy
Paul & Joe Kitten Collection Nail Enamel
A Crazy Cat Lady Calendar
Make Up For Ever’s La Bohème Collection for Spring 2012 Lets Lips Take Baby Steps With Two New Rouge Artist Natural Lipsticks
Light Up Your Eyes and World With Make Up For Ever’s New La Bohème Eye Shadow Palette

I’m Matte About Make Up For Ever La Bohème Aqua Eyes in Gypsy

Posted: 07 Feb 2012 10:41 AM PST

Why, yes. The silky smooth texture and all-day wear time (both on my lash and water lines) of Make Up For Ever’s new $18 Aqua Eyes in Gypsy are rocking my hot pink argyle socks off, but that’s not what I love most about this limited edition liner.

The fresh brewed coffee color of this rich matte brown makes it neutral enough to work with the cool and warm colors in my shadow stash, and I think that’s pretty sweet. Greens, blues, golds, bronzes, beiges and even purples — Gypsy digs ‘em all — and it even works well as a base for smokey eye looks with black and/or gray.

Aqua Eye Pencil in Gypsy and the La Bohème palette
(...)
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Paul & Joe Kitten Collection Nail Enamel

Posted: 07 Feb 2012 03:00 AM PST

Meow! I can’t wait to paint my paws with the new Paul & Joe Kitten Collection Nail Enamels ($14 each).

From the left: Kitten Claws, Tigress and Manekineko. All three are available now online at Beauty Habit.

Copyright Karen of Makeup and Beauty Blog: Makeup Reviews, Beauty Tips and Drugstore Beauty Finds | Read the full article

A Crazy Cat Lady Calendar

Posted: 06 Feb 2012 11:00 PM PST

It’s like this kitty desk calendar was made for just crazy cat ladies! I found it at Paper Source.

Copyright Karen of Makeup and Beauty Blog: Makeup Reviews, Beauty Tips and Drugstore Beauty Finds | Read the full article

Make Up For Ever’s La Bohème Collection for Spring 2012 Lets Lips Take Baby Steps With Two New Rouge Artist Natural Lipsticks

Posted: 06 Feb 2012 09:00 PM PST

Hard to believe now after 20-some-odd years of wearing lipstick that there was a time when I was actually kind of afraid of the stuff.

Before walking home after the spring dance in junior high, I was one of those girls frantically removing forbidden eyeliner and Lip Smackers in the bathroom, but by freshman year, I’d gotten the OK from Mom to start wearing makeup legitimately.

My first fully authorized lipstick was a tube of Clinique Raspberry Glacè, and while I was thrilled to have my very own tube of “fancy” lipstick, I couldn’t just apply it straight from the tube… No, I thought that made it look too opaque and heavy, which drew too much attention to my braces, so I was forever dabbing and blotting Raspberry Glacè to get that lightly stained lip look I liked so much.

Now, if the two new limited edition Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Natural Lipsticks from the La Bohème Spring collection ($19 each) had been around back then, I probably would have tucked Raspberry Glacè away into the recesses of my Liz Claiborne purse and opted instead for either reddish coral Folk or peachy beige Bohème for touch-ups at my locker between classes.

Both of these sheer, slick and hydrating lipsticks apply with a gossamer veil of color and shine and have a classic powdery rose flavor and scent that I like. For gals who fear the look of heavy, thick lipsticks (like I did at one time), I fancy them in a way as lipstick training wheels.

Limited edition packaging!
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Read the rest of Make Up For Ever’s La Bohème Collection for Spring 2012 Lets Lips Take Baby Steps With Two New Rouge Artist Natural Lipsticks (259 words)

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Light Up Your Eyes and World With Make Up For Ever’s New La Bohème Eye Shadow Palette

Posted: 06 Feb 2012 05:10 PM PST

High up on my list of things to do this week: dreaming big dreams — no matter how silly or far-fetched they might seem.

Because you never know. Casting those crazy ideas out into the ether could be the spark that sets in motion a chain of events that leads to one or more of them coming true.

Of course, a few of my big dreams would have to be related to makeup, right? — like traveling around the world while wearing the colors in the new limited edition Make Up For Ever La Bohème Eye Shadow Palette ($39).

And since we’re talking about BIG dreams, I’d want to wear each of the six baked shadows in this free-spirited palette while exploring a different far-flung corner of the world, and I’d start in Costa Rica with Lagoon Green.

This shimmery teal would be the perfect color to wear out to dinner with my BFF Cindy after a day spent playing in the surf.

From there, we’d zip out across the Pacific to the Garden Isle with mossy Vegetal Green, which I’d love to wear while searching for secret waterfalls on Kauai.

Then, and this one would require passing through quite a few time zones, I’d wear Beige on my lids while hiking the hills around Provence with my favorite wide-angle lens, and silvery violet Parma Purple while El Hub and I ate our way through Rome.

Next, silvery peach Coral and I would tour the Taj Mahal (always wanted to go), and then head back home to hopefully wear shimmery reddish bronze Brown out with you to lunch.

Afterward, maybe we could even do some window shopping, and you could take us to some of your favorite places to play with makeup in your town.

I know, I know. Such a crazy dream, but even if it never happens, at least I can still mimic the same sparkle in my eyes that I get when I’m traveling, since MUFE added high amounts of pearl to these baked shadows (which have a new formula just added to the line) to give skin a luminous, almost metallic finish.

The La Bohème Eye Shadow Palette and Aqua Eyes in Gypsy (also from the La Bohème collection)
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Read the rest of Light Up Your Eyes and World With Make Up For Ever’s New La Bohème Eye Shadow Palette (137 words)

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Valentines Day Weekly Challenge : Makeup Geek

2012-02-06T12:06:00.001-08:00

Valentines Day Weekly Challenge : Makeup Geek

Valentines Day Weekly Challenge

Posted: 06 Feb 2012 11:20 AM PST

Youtube Video Link

Happy Valentines Day Muggies!

Valentines day is almost here! So to celebrate we are doing a Valentines inspired weekly challenge! Be creative Muggies and as always have fun!

Here's the scoop on this challenge:

Challenge begins Monday, February 6th and ends Friday, February 17th at midnight EST
Create your best Valentines look
Post photos of your look here in the forum
Only 1 look per person, and the work must be your own
Winner will be announced Monday, February 20th
Prize will be the fun Kenneth Cole Travel Bag Set
Two winners chosen: 1 for best look, and 1 at random, so everyone has a chance to win!
This challenge is open to anyone of any age and from any country

Makeup and Beauty Blog - Update

2012-02-06T11:46:00.001-08:00

Makeup and Beauty Blog - Update

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 206
Lancome La Roseraie
Jouer SPF 15 Lip Sheers
Sundays with Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 177
Brushes and Bodies Are Buzzing Over Burt’s Bees $5 Mango & Orange Energizing Bar

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 206

Posted: 06 Feb 2012 10:27 AM PST

Keep looking up…

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:

Well, I’m on the cusp between fussy and glad. I’ve been fighting a cold since yesterday and still feel a little run down, so I’m gonna try to take it easy today.

How do you feel about teal eyeliner?

I feel great about it. Not so much now in the middle of winter, but definitely in the spring and summer, especially paired with orange lips.

The name of a perfume you own but never wear?

Chanel No. 5. I received a bottle as a gift some years back, and I’ve always liked the scent, but I still don’t quite feel like it fits me yet. I keep it, though, because I seem to like it more and more every year.

Have you ever noticed…

…all of the ads catering to cat ladies in Real Simple magazine? Seriously, it’s almost like every other page has something to do with kitty litter, wet food or removing cat hair from the couch.

I guess their readership includes a high percentage of cat ladies (myself included, haha!).

A scent that reminds you of your teenage years?

Bath & Body Works Juniper Breeze… I must have gone through 50 gallons of that stuff.

Where’s your favorite place to nap?

Either downstairs on the couch or upstairs on the floor in my office (next to Tabs, of course).

Funny, but I just realized that I never actually nap in my bed.

What’s the best thing about Mondays?

I like the idea of Mondays as a fresh start.

How’s your hair today?

Not bad. I straightened it yesterday and haven’t washed it yet, so it isn’t frizzy, which is good, and my bangs are behaving (I’m thinking about growing them out).

What’s the most important thing you look for in a lipgloss besides color?

Moisture. I need a ton of it because my lips get very dry.

Weekly goals:

I’m tempering my ambitions this week, so I just want to take it easy, get plenty of rest, and keep this cold at bay, if possible.

How about you? How are you doing this morning? Did you have a good weekend? I hope you were able to carve out some “me” time for yourself (it’s important).

Tabs is sitting here next to my desk watching the birds in the oak tree outside the window and purr-chirping up a storm!

I wish I felt a little better right now and we could all hang out today and do something fun (like a museum, a makeup counter or a movie), but since technology hasn’t quite gotten us there yet, for now at least, the Monday Poll will have to do.

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

1. Mood:
2. How do you feel about teal eyeliner?
3. The name of a perfume you own but never wear?
4. Have you ever noticed…
5. A scent that reminds you of your teenage years?
6. Where’s your favorite place to nap?
7. What’s the best thing about Mondays?
8. How’s your hair today?
9. What’s the most important thing you look for in a lipgloss besides color?
10. Weekly goals:

Let’s take a couple of deep, cleansing breaths together, babe. In and out. In and out. Ah…

All together now, “Today is the start of a great week.”

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Copyright Karen of Makeup and Beauty Blog: Makeup Reviews, Beauty Tips and Drugstore Beauty Finds | Read the full article

Lancome La Roseraie

Posted: 06 Feb 2012 03:03 AM PST

Lancome La Roseraie, $42. Available now at Lancome counters and online.

Copyright Karen of Makeup and Beauty Blog: Makeup Reviews, Beauty Tips and Drugstore Beauty Finds | Read the full article

Jouer SPF 15 Lip Sheers

Posted: 05 Feb 2012 11:00 PM PST

A few Jouer SPF 15 Lip Sheers, $22 each (available now online). Review coming soon!

Copyright Karen of Makeup and Beauty Blog: Makeup Reviews, Beauty Tips and Drugstore Beauty Finds | Read the full article

Sundays with Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 177

Posted: 05 Feb 2012 09:00 PM PST

Wow, what a game, right? Kittybowl 2012 was off the hook! I can hardly believe it. Our husky tabby finally won a championship! And talk about Cinderella stories, too. A kitten from the mean streets of Mill Valley grows up dreaming of fashion and football, gets traded to the Novato Tigers, and then wins both the game and the MVP?

See, dreams really do come true.

I just got off the phone with him (he says to say “meow”). Apparently, that sack he took in the second quarter looked worse than it really was. He says he’s doing fine, and he’s getting ready to go out and celebrate with the rest of the team.

He also wanted to remind me to order his championship collar in size XXL (of course).

I swear, that cat is amazing. Not only is he a professional athlete, actor and philanthropist, he’s also a world-renowned kitty supermodel! And here are some pics from his portfolio this week.

(...)
Read the rest of Sundays with Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 177 (106 words)

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Brushes and Bodies Are Buzzing Over Burt’s Bees $5 Mango & Orange Energizing Bar

Posted: 05 Feb 2012 03:18 PM PST

Initially, I brought home this $5 Burt’s Bees Mango & Orange Energizing Body Bar from Target 1) because I can always use a little extra energy, and 2) because I thought it kinda looked like food, ha!

I ended up liking the invigorating citrusy scent so much that I started using it to clean more than mah bod.

When I used up the last little slivers of my bar of Becca Brush Soap, I grabbed Burt’s Mango & Orange bar on a whim, using it to clean a couple of skunk brushes that I’d used with a bright blush and a MAC 239 brush crusted over with concealer.

As luck would have it, Burt’s invigorating body bar worked wonders on the brushes, removing all of the funk from their stinky ferules and the gunk from the handles and brush heads themselves.

I’d like to shake the little hand of the bee who developed this bar and thank him/her for doing such a great job. Not only do I think it’s one heck of an energizing, moisturizing body bar, it’s also one of the better brush cleansers I’ve used in a while.

And fast, too. It cuts through hard-to-remove products like dried foundation just as quickly as Becca’s Brush Soap does and rinses without putting up a fight. After air drying, my brush bristles feel soft, clean and malleable, not crunchy or stiff.
(...)
Read the rest of Brushes and Bodies Are Buzzing Over Burt’s Bees $5 Mango & Orange Energizing Bar (132 words)

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Review: Too Faced Tinted Beauty Balm : Makeup Geek

2012-02-05T12:03:00.001-08:00

Review: Too Faced Tinted Beauty Balm : Makeup Geek

Review: Too Faced Tinted Beauty Balm

Posted: 04 Feb 2012 10:08 PM PST

There seems to be this rave of new products out in the makeup world: Beauty Balms. Not really a foundation, not a primer, or a moisturizer- it’s an all in one super product that eliminates several steps to your makeup routine.

When I first applied this, it felt like a silicone primer mixed with a tinted moisturizer. It applies very smoothly and feels amazing on the skin. For me, it didn’t have enough coverage to act as a foundation and it was so shiny that it emphasized my pores. I used mine as a primer and it worked well in giving me a dewy finish, but on its own it was just way too shiny (it would be great for super dry skin).

Supposedly it can work as a tinted moisturizer, primer, spf, and skincare complex (promotes cell health and skin’s elasticity)

What is it?

A multi-benefit BB cream that tints, primes, nourishes, prevents, and protects skin in one easy step.

What I love:

The silky smooth texture
The extra moisture needed by my winter parched skin
The coverage was better than most tinted moisturizers
When I used as a primer, it gave my skin a dewy finish
Is nice having skincare properties included, making this a multi-tasker

What I hate:

The shiny formula emphasized my pores
Not really sure how to include this in my makeup routine except for “no makeup days”

Overall, the quality of this product is good- it’s very consistent with most Too Faced products. If you are looking for something quick and easy to use that has slight coverage, this would be a great product for you. BUT, if you have oily skin at all, this would make you look way too shiny.

Rating: 4 out 5
Product: 3 out of 5
Packaging: 5 out of 5
Quality: 4 out of 5
Price: 4 out of 5
Would I buy again? Not sure…

Price: $32

Where to Buy: Sephora . Amazon . eBay

Makeup and Beauty Blog - Update

2012-02-05T11:37:00.001-08:00

Makeup and Beauty Blog - Update

The Weekly Roundup: Posts You Might Have Missed
YSL Rouge Pur Couture
Just Can’t Get Enough
Spring Has Sprung Like a Lilac Blossom Thanks to Pacifica French Lilac Body Butter
A Quick Look at the Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips Custom Eye Enhancing Shadow & Liners in Casual, Smoky and Fashionista

The Weekly Roundup: Posts You Might Have Missed

Posted: 05 Feb 2012 09:52 AM PST

Rise and shine, morning glory. I hope you slept well. Did you have any dreams? Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about dreaming big and told a friend of mine who’s very accomplished and encouraging about things like that. She says that people should reach beyond the stars! — even for things that seem totally outrageous and impossible — because when it comes to those dreams, in the process of reaching for the stars, you never you know where you’ll land.

Here are a couple of the things I’ve been dreaming about lately (please tell me yours in the comments).

The Cannes Film Festival For some unknown reason, I’ve become super obsessed with the idea of going to the Cannes Film Festival in France someday. Now, to attend, you’re supposed to have ties to the movie industry, which I don’t, so I have no idea how I’d ever actually get my foot in the door, but I’m trying to figure it out. I love movies, and I think it would be a blast to go.

Makeup school Also related to movies, I came across a school called Cinema Secrets through a video by Melissa Street, a movie makeup artist who’s been in the biz for 20 plus years. In it she talks about the school’s overall makeup curriculum, as well as their expertise in special effects. Now, the school’s in LA, so for me it wouldn’t exactly be a quick commute. The course I’m interested in taking is also six weeks long, so it’s still just a dream, but hey, you never know…

Have you taken the time to dream big lately? What are some of the things you’d love to do if you had absolutely no restrictions in the world?

A few beauty posts that caught my eye…

A movie makeup artist explains how she got started — Epic Makeup
I kinda want to wear black lipstick thanks to this post — Jazzi McG
Create big, luscious doll lashes with this step-by-step tutorial — Beautyzine
3 key things a blogger should do in their free time — Sherry Blossom Beauty
Kelly checks out the new MAC Mineralize Skincare Charged Water line — Vampy Varnish
The font freak in me loves this mani — We Heart This
If you’re feeling kinda crafty this weekend, there’s this super cool Crayon DIY project that I’ve been dying to do — Whatever…
The 100 best books of all time, according to Wikipedia — Wikipedia
DIY Beauty: Make Your Own Cream Eyeshadow — Beautiful with Brains
Have you ever tried anything from Rain Cosmetics? — Beauty in New York City

MAKEUP MONSTER: FOUNDATION FIRBOLG

FREQUENCY: Rare
SPEED: Slow
ARMOR CLASS: 10
SPECIAL ATTACKS: Foundation Firbolgs are a sub-species of Hill Giants obsessed with wiping all foundation off the faces of the earth.

Wielding giant foundation brushes they fashion from tree trunks and Griffin fur and using their keen sense of smell, they patrol remote mountain passes and strip mall parking lots, hunting for foundation wearers. When they find them, Foundation Firbolgs use their giant brushes to wipe away all traces of foundation before releasing their victims, in most cases unharmed.

SPECIAL DEFENSES: Nil
INTELLIGENCE: Medium
ALIGNMENT: Evil
SIZE: Huge (13′ tall)

Unexpected Encounters and the LORAC Unzipped Palette

Laura Mercier's Gel Lip Colour in Dollface Is Here

Hourglass Hidden Corrective Concealer

MAC Unsung Heroes: Eyeshadow in Club

Physicians Formula Eye Enhancing Shadow and Liner in Nude

Laura Mercier Crème Cheek Colour in Innocent Peach

MAC Viva Glam Ricky Martin and Nicki Minaj

New Burberry Body Mist Welcomes Spring

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Copyright Karen of Makeup and Beauty Blog: Makeup Reviews, Beauty Tips and Drugstore Beauty Finds | Read the full article

YSL Rouge Pur Couture

Posted: 05 Feb 2012 03:00 AM PST

A few of the new YSL Rouge Pur Couture Gloss Stains ($32 each, available now online).

Review in two shakes!

Copyright Karen of Makeup and Beauty Blog: Makeup Reviews, Beauty Tips and Drugstore Beauty Finds | Read the full article

Just Can’t Get Enough

Posted: 04 Feb 2012 11:00 PM PST

I’ve been spraying this stuff like it’s going out of style. Smells so good!

The new L’Eau de Chloe, $65. Available now at department stores, Sephora and also online.

L’Eau de Chloé

“L’Eau de Chloé is elegance injected with a modern twist. It’s an utterly innate sense of chic with the fresh feeling of springtime pastels, light dresses, and rose petals.

This smooth and comfortable fragrance is a totally addictive floral mix. Made with 22 percent natural rose water, the scent is fresh, carefree, and feminine with a delicate and lively mix of rose, floral notes, and green outdoorsy notes.”
- Sephora.com

Notes: Grapefruit, Cedrat, Peach, Violet, Rose Petals, Natural Water of Rose, Cedarwood, Patchouli, Amber.

Style: Free. Spontaneous. Feminine.

Copyright Karen of Makeup and Beauty Blog: Makeup Reviews, Beauty Tips and Drugstore Beauty Finds | Read the full article

Spring Has Sprung Like a Lilac Blossom Thanks to Pacifica French Lilac Body Butter

Posted: 04 Feb 2012 10:00 PM PST

Apparently, my deal with El Hub not to buy any more Pacifica Body Butters until I finish the tubes in the bathroom is officially null and void.

Poor guy actually asked, “Who needs four bottles of body butter?”

Uh, I do.

Of course, it’s not entirely my fault…

Okay, it is, but I’m still blaming French Lilac ($18).

Even though it’s technically the middle of winter, my heart has moved on to springy scents, and French Lilac’s moisturizing body butter is hitting all the right notes. I fell for the shower gel a while back and like the body butter just as much.

Light and delicate, French Lilac’s official fragrance notes include lilac, magnolia leaves, heliotrope, ylang-ylang, hyacinth and nectarine, but I detect more of the lovely lilac on my skin than anything else.
(...)
Read the rest of Spring Has Sprung Like a Lilac Blossom Thanks to Pacifica French Lilac Body Butter (78 words)

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A Quick Look at the Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips Custom Eye Enhancing Shadow & Liners in Casual, Smoky and Fashionista

Posted: 04 Feb 2012 03:00 PM PST

Making a drugstore run today? If you are, can I come? If you’re planning to check out the four new $10.95 Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips Custom Eye Enhancing Shadow & Liners palettes while you’re there, these pics and swatches may help.

Casual, Smoky and Fashion will be chillin’ in the beauty aisle with Nude, the fourth palette in the line (here’s a look at Nude from earlier this week).

Casual

Smoky
(...)
Read the rest of A Quick Look at the Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips Custom Eye Enhancing Shadow & Liners in Casual, Smoky and Fashionista (118 words)

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Makeup and Beauty Blog - Update

2012-02-04T11:07:00.001-08:00

Makeup and Beauty Blog - Update

Two Ways to Win a $50 eGift Card from Sephora!
My Cat Wears NARS
Pixi Turned Target Into a Magic Kingdom With the New Disney Pixi PixiGlow Collection
A Tribute to The Hunger Games! The China Glaze Capitol Colours Collection

Two Ways to Win a $50 eGift Card from Sephora!

Posted: 04 Feb 2012 08:28 AM PST

They’re what I like to call “brain cheese.”

Ya know, brainless B-movies that border on unwatchable, but you end up watching them anyway because you’re not in the mood to think.

I had some brain cheese the other night in the form of SyFy’s Rise: Blood Walker (starring Lucy Liu!). It’s the usual “You turned me into a [INSERT PRETERNATURAL CREATURE HERE], and now I want my revenge!” flick.

Like a Lifetime movie…except with vampires.

Anywho, during one of the commercial breaks, I saw a promo for the new season of Face Off, SyFy’s special effects makeup reality show.

I didn’t watch the show last season, but I heard it was good. If you saw it, what did you think? Is it worth using my telekinesis, like in Chronicle, which I saw last night (OMG!), to program the DVR with my mind??

Oh, yes, CHRONICLE! Brain cheese need not apply, not unless we’re talking about Caciocavallo Podolico, which’ll set you back about $650/pound. I thought it was smart, thought provoking, thrilling, different and really well filmed (LOVE the flying scenes). One of my favorite sci-fi movies in years.

It’s a superhero/villain origin story of sorts about three high school friends who, through mysterious means, acquire the ability to manipulate objects in their environment with their minds. Telekinesis.

Okay, now, maybe from that description…it doesn’t sound very smart or different, but that’s just the dressing. What happens before and after that is the yummy salad.

I was worried about the cinematography before going in because I’d read that it was filmed in a style called “found footage,” like The Blair Witch Project and Cloverfield, where the characters are supposedly filming themselves with home video cameras, but while the camerawork in those two movies seemed a little gimmicky and clumsy to me, I thought it blended beautifully into the story in Chronicle.

Speaking of beauty, don’t we usually have a giveaway on Saturdays? Of course we do. So let’s get on with it then.

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, who’s your favorite character from a sci-fi book, TV or movie? Have you ever auditioned for a play or film? If you had a superpower, would you tell anyone? Do you wear makeup when you go to the movies? Capes on costumes: cute or tacky? Will you be my valentine? — 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/A9ItMq

The deadline to enter is Sunday, February 5, 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

Copyright Karen of Makeup and Beauty Blog: Makeup Reviews, Beauty Tips and Drugstore Beauty Finds | Read the full article

My Cat Wears NARS

Posted: 03 Feb 2012 11:00 PM PST

Copyright Karen of Makeup and Beauty Blog: Makeup Reviews, Beauty Tips and Drugstore Beauty Finds | Read the full article

Pixi Turned Target Into a Magic Kingdom With the New Disney Pixi PixiGlow Collection

Posted: 03 Feb 2012 09:00 PM PST

Fellow pixies, nixies, fairies and sprites, someone is tinkering with makeup at Target.

Dreamy drugstore line Pixi collaborated with Tinker Bell over at Disney HQ to create the new PixiGlow six-piece release of makeup for eyes, lips, cheeks, faces and nails.

Exclusive to Target, the limited edition launch doesn’t arrive in stores until next month, but it is available now online.

Unlike many of Disney’s makeup collaborations, the packaging for PixiGlow is fairy-ly subtle, but if you look closely, you’ll notice Ms. Bell protecting each piece and box.

“In collaboration with Disney, we created a unique Tinker Bell collection that captures the fresh-faced, glowing, and timeless beauty of both a Disney icon and the Pixi brand by reinforcing that makeup simply enhances and perfects your natural beauty.”

–Petra Strand, creator of the Pixi makeup line

Even if you prefer more daring Disney packaging, I think there’s some pretty good stuff here to like…

From the left: Fairy Dust, Magic Tink Tint, Straight On 'til Morning Liner and Catching Shadows Crayon

Clockwise from the sponge-tip applicator: Fairy Dust, Magic Tink Tint, Straight On 'til Morning Liner and Catching Shadows Crayon
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A Tribute to The Hunger Games! The China Glaze Capitol Colours Collection

Posted: 03 Feb 2012 04:15 PM PST

So maybe limited edition nail polish collections and sci-fi teen fiction trilogies make unlikely bedfellows, but just like Greasy Sae’s mice meat, pig entrails and tree bark stew, something about this one just works.

China Glaze pays tribute to the tributes of The Hunger Games with the new Capitol Colours Collection, which catches fire on shelves at Sally Beauty and Ulta stores, and beauty salons early next month.

Playing with these polishes was almost like reading the books. I couldn’t put ‘em down! — and as I let the 12 polishes ($7 each) parade across my fingertips this afternoon, I wondered which ones Cinna would choose for Katniss…

From the left: Riveting, Electrify and Luxe and Lush

Hook and Line, Stone Cold and Smoke and Ashes
(...)
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Makeup and Beauty Blog - Update

2012-02-03T11:20:00.001-08:00

Makeup and Beauty Blog - Update

Oil Doesn’t Stand a Chance Against Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Full Coverage Foundation with SPF 15
La Bohème
Silky Orange Lusciousness!
I’ll Be Your Gypsy With the New Make Up For Ever La Bohème Collection
Ricky Martin and Nicki Minaj Join the MAC Viva Glam Fam

Oil Doesn’t Stand a Chance Against Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Full Coverage Foundation with SPF 15

Posted: 03 Feb 2012 10:28 AM PST

The Amazon is a vast tropical river basin filled with astonishing animals and prehistoric plants. Freaky!

But apparently the clay there only comes in eight different shades…

Tarte recently released a new foundation to go with their new Maracuja Divine Shine Lip Glosses, Amazonian Clay Blushes, Maracuja Blush & Glows and Bright Side eye brightener, and like some of their other products, it contains Amazonian clay.

Available now at Sephora stores and sephora.com, new Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Full Coverage foundation with SPF 15 ($38) comes in a modest eight shades.

The foundation has been one of things I’ve been really looking forward to trying from Tarte’s spring line, not just because it gets several five-star reviews on the Sephora website, but also because I already heart Tarte’s Smooth Operator Natural Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 20 and their Pressed Powder.

Tarte says that adaptability makes Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Full Coverage special. Designed for all skin types, it’s supposed to hydrate dry patches on the skin while simultaneously absorbing excess shine and oil.

This, I figured, had the makings of a major win!

My main concern? — would I be able to find a matching shade?

Well, not exactly… Tan, the shade that comes closest to my NC 42 skin, isn’t a perfect match. It’s a tad too light and peachy, and consequently looks a little ashy on me, but I still wanted to test the product’s other claims, so I wore it around the house.

Ingredients in Tan: Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate Butylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Mica, Dimethicone, Silica, Phenoxyethanol, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Stearic Acid, Aluminum Hydroxide, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Caprylyl Glycol, Phytantriol, Hexyl Laurate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Sodium Chloride, Hexylene Glycol, Lysine, Tocopherol, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Nylon-12 Fluorescent Brightener 230 Salt, Polyvinylalcohol Crosspolymer, Kaolin, Magnesium Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Zinc Chloride, Sodium Hyaluronate, Potassium Sorbate, Iron Oxides.

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Read the rest of Oil Doesn’t Stand a Chance Against Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Full Coverage Foundation with SPF 15 (257 words)

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La Bohème

Posted: 03 Feb 2012 03:00 AM PST

A shot of a couple pieces from the new Make Up For Ever La Bohème collection, available now at Sephora stores, Make Up For Ever Boutiques and online.

Copyright Karen of Makeup and Beauty Blog: Makeup Reviews, Beauty Tips and Drugstore Beauty Finds | Read the full article

Silky Orange Lusciousness!

Posted: 02 Feb 2012 11:15 PM PST

I know you wanna pet that tum.

Copyright Karen of Makeup and Beauty Blog: Makeup Reviews, Beauty Tips and Drugstore Beauty Finds | Read the full article

I’ll Be Your Gypsy With the New Make Up For Ever La Bohème Collection

Posted: 02 Feb 2012 10:00 PM PST

Does thunder only happen when it’s raining? Do players only love you when they’re playing?

Excellent questions…but I don’t know. What I do know is this: if I spend any more time with the new Make Up For Ever La Bohème collection, I might turn into 1977 Stevie Nicks!

Which would be kinda cool.

But first…where’d I put my Rumours eight-track? Oh, there it is! Right next to that flowing maxi dress.

The four pieces in the new 1970s-inspired collection of makeup for lips and eyes showcase some of the soft colors, bold prints and flowing fabrics that recently made waves on runways for spring 2012.

Carefree romantic rebels, check this out: the limited edition launch, which just twirled into Sephora stores and Make Up For Ever Boutiques, spotlights eyes with MUFE’s first-ever baked eyeshadow palette, La Bohème ($39), and a new matte brown Aqua Eye Pencil ($18) called Gypsy.

Lips also loosen up with two new Rouge Artist Natural Lipsticks — one, an iridescent peachy beige called Bohème, and the other, a reddish coral called Folk ($19 each).

I have reviews and looks lined up, but here are a few pics to whet your appetite…

Okay, the shimmer and soft texture of the baked eyeshadows? WOW! Something tells me that palette’s gonna be a must-have.

Aqua Eye Pencil in Gypsy and the La Bohème palette

Rouge Artist Natural Lipsticks in Bohème (left) and Folk (right)

Limited edition packaging!
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Ricky Martin and Nicki Minaj Join the MAC Viva Glam Fam

Posted: 02 Feb 2012 02:29 PM PST

Viva la Vida Glam, Barbz! The new Ricky Martin and Nicki Minaj for MAC Viva Glam collection just danced onto my desk, and I’m in the mood to celebrate.

Both the yellowish pink Viva Glam Nicki Lipstick ($14.50) and the clear Lip Conditioner ($15) just feel so springy and fun! Plus, like all Viva Glam products, 100% of the proceeds of Viva Glam Nicki and Lip Conditioner sales go to the MAC AIDS fund, which helps women, children and men living with HIV/AIDS.

With just one tube at a time, millions have been raised since the program’s start in 1994. Gotta love that.

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Makeup and Beauty Blog - Update

2012-02-02T11:09:00.001-08:00

Makeup and Beauty Blog - Update

Grace
Sometimes I Take Pictures That Look Like This
She’s a Sweet Peach: Laura Mercier Crème Cheek Colour in Innocent Peach
Wet Your Brushes If You Plan to Get Nude: The $10.95 Shimmer Strips Custom Eye Enhancing Shadow & Liner in Nude

Grace

Posted: 02 Feb 2012 03:00 AM PST

Shiseido Shimmering Rouge in BR304 Grace, $25.

Available now at Shiseido counters and online.

Copyright Karen of Makeup and Beauty Blog: Makeup Reviews, Beauty Tips and Drugstore Beauty Finds | Read the full article

Sometimes I Take Pictures That Look Like This

Posted: 01 Feb 2012 11:15 PM PST

Copyright Karen of Makeup and Beauty Blog: Makeup Reviews, Beauty Tips and Drugstore Beauty Finds | Read the full article

She’s a Sweet Peach: Laura Mercier Crème Cheek Colour in Innocent Peach

Posted: 01 Feb 2012 09:01 PM PST

I haven’t been on a first date in years, but in the event that time travel becomes a reality and El Hub and I get the chance to have ours all over again, I’m adding Laura Mercier’s Crème Cheek Colour in Innocent Peach ($22) to my “Best Blushes to Wear on a First Date” list.

Sweet and Breezy are this blush’s middle names (yep, it has two of them). It’s a creamy peach blush fit for a sunny Saturday afternoon — perfect for coffee and chocolate croissants at the farmers’ market with your crush.

Swipe and blend a couple layers on the apples of your cheeks, add your favorite mascara, juicy lipgloss, skinny jeans, a tank top and some Chucks (maybe leaving your hair in a messy bun), and that boy (or girl) won’t stand a chance.

And have I mentioned how easy it is to apply? Shoot, a gal could probably do it hanging upside down from monkey bars…which is basically my nightmare scenario.

SIDE NOTE: Once when I was a kid, I did fall from some monkey bars while I was hanging upside down… Honestly, I can’t really recommend it.

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Wet Your Brushes If You Plan to Get Nude: The $10.95 Shimmer Strips Custom Eye Enhancing Shadow & Liner in Nude

Posted: 01 Feb 2012 04:11 PM PST

Do you remember A Night at the Roxbury with Will Ferrell and Chris Kattan? Gawd, that movie, as dumb as it is, still cracks me up.

It occurred to me this morning while I was playing with the Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips Custom Eye Enhancing Shadow & Liner in Nude ($10.95), a new 9-pan palette from Physicians Formula.

What if Nude was a woman at the Roxbury sandwiched between those two goofballs as they did their rapid-fire dry-hump schtick? I wonder how long it would take before she slapped them both.

Dressed in pinkish beige and black lace, Nude doesn’t just look like a lady. She expects to be treated like one, too.

You can’t just walk up to her and expect her to give up the goods. Not a chance. She’ll respond to a gentleman’s advances, sure, but she has to be approached in a certain way.

One of four new $10.95 palettes in the new Physicians Formula Universal Looks collection (remember Smoky, Fashionista and Casual from earlier this week?), Nude bares all with nine shimmery neutral shadows in shades of beige, brown, taupe and black.

Applying the shadows with a dry brush lends a softer look, while a wet brush intensifies the pigments, shimmer and overall glam.

Mix and match the shadows to create your own look, or follow the three-step tutorials on the box for natural, playful or dramatic eyes.

First things first, I love Nude’s packaging, colors and price, but after spending some time with the palette, I’m not completely sold…

Maybe it’s a matter of how my skin responds to these pigments, but I feel like I have to do a lot to help them be their best.

It’s not that they exhibit any fallout, because they don’t — like nada, zip, zero. The formula’s kind of amazing in that respect, but after trying a bunch of different brushes and application methods, the two techniques that delivered the best, most consistent results were 1) to apply a single shade on my lids with a wet brush head (basically, not having to blend them), and 2) using them along my lash lines.

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Read the rest of Wet Your Brushes If You Plan to Get Nude: The $10.95 Shimmer Strips Custom Eye Enhancing Shadow & Liner in Nude (318 words)

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Review: Maybelline Color Tattoo Cream Eyeshadows : Makeup Geek

2012-02-01T12:02:00.001-08:00

Review: Maybelline Color Tattoo Cream Eyeshadows : Makeup Geek

Review: Maybelline Color Tattoo Cream Eyeshadows

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 09:27 PM PST

When I first saw these creamy eyeshadows at my local CVS, my first thought was “look at all the pretty colors!” These remind me so much of MAC’s paintpots back in the day when they had colorful ones. (not sure why they stick to just the boring colors now- *sigh*)

What are they?

Colorful cream eyeshadows that come in 10 shades and last up to 24 hours.

What I love:

The rich pigmentation and vibrant colors
Fair price
Apply easily and do not feel sticky
Fun names (not a big deal, but still well thought out )

What I hate:

Purple color does not show up well
Not enough neutral shades

I must say that I’m VERY impressed with these cream eyeshadows- especially for the price. Even the packaging is the perfect size- it’s easy to get my fingers into

The only downside is that if you try to blend the shimmery colors too much, the color starts to disappear. However, the matte colors are incredibly pigmented and blend very well. I really don’t have much negative to say about these eyeshadows! Good job Maybelline.

Rating: 5 out 5
Product: 5 out of 5
Packaging: 5 out of 5
Quality: 4 out of 5
Price: 5 out of 5
Would I buy again? Yes (except the purple one- it sucks.)

Price: $6.99

Where to Buy: Most drugstores . eBay

Makeup and Beauty Blog - Update

2012-02-01T11:40:00.001-08:00

Makeup and Beauty Blog - Update

Burberry Body Mist Welcomes Spring Early With Rose Petals, Iris and a Signature of Sandalwood
Strips of Smoky Shimmer
It’s the Truth
For Minimal Coverage in This Universe and Others: Hourglass Hidden Corrective Concealer
MAC Unsung Heroes: Club Eyeshadow

Burberry Body Mist Welcomes Spring Early With Rose Petals, Iris and a Signature of Sandalwood

Posted: 01 Feb 2012 11:05 AM PST

Ah, spring…

It’s getting closer by the minute. Yesterday I noticed a tree on my street, which doesn’t usually bloom until April, already has flowers on its branches, and this morning on the Today Show the hosts were saying that much of the country has been having an unseasonably warm winter.

But it’s not all good. They say it’s confusing some crops and bird migrations.

I think it’s also confusing my sense of smell. This winter, I’ve been reaching for the heavier perfumes I tend to wear this time of year less often than usual, and opting for lighter, fresher fragrances like the new Burberry Body Mist ($50) more often instead.

I almost wore out the original Burberry Body last fall, and I like this new, limited edition spin on the scent just as much.

It seems more dainty and delicate than its sibling, yet still retains the rosy, feminine feel that made the original Burberry Body a hit with me.

Burberry Body Mist

“Dive into a sensation of green freshness with the fruity accents of peach and the sensuality of freesia. This fragrance blooms with light floral notes of rose petals and iris, gently combined with the captivating signature of sandalwood. The cashmeran base blends with soothing vanilla, amber, and musk to reveal the unique character of this seductive woman. A new way to experience Burberry Body, this mist is formulated without alcohol and can be used all over the body and hair.” – Sephora.com

Top notes: fresh green absinthe, peach and freesia

Middle notes: Rose absolute, iris and sandalwood

Base notes: wood cashmere, creamy vanilla, amber and musk

It reminds me of a lighter version of Lancome’s rosy Tresor, but with stronger notes of iris and freesia, and I think it’s just so girly and sweet that it compels me to don a pink dress, pearls and heels.
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Strips of Smoky Shimmer

Posted: 01 Feb 2012 03:00 AM PST

The new Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips Custom Eye Enhancing Shadow & Liner in Smoky, $10.50. Available now at drugstores.

Would you rock these shades?

Copyright Karen of Makeup and Beauty Blog: Makeup Reviews, Beauty Tips and Drugstore Beauty Finds | Read the full article

It’s the Truth

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 11:00 PM PST

Am I the only person who does this? Hmm…

Copyright Karen of Makeup and Beauty Blog: Makeup Reviews, Beauty Tips and Drugstore Beauty Finds | Read the full article

For Minimal Coverage in This Universe and Others: Hourglass Hidden Corrective Concealer

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 09:00 PM PST

I like to think that right now in an alternate universe “Alternate Universe Karen” is sitting and typing at her desk with a cup of Annie’s Cheddar Bunnies next to her keyboard.

And, also on that parallel plane, Alternate Universe Karen is having a kick-@ss hair day, and she does NOT have a chocolate stain on the left thigh of her stretchy pants. While we’re at it, let’s dial down the intensity of her dark circles a few notches, ya know? Just because we can.

Here in this universe, however, earlier today, I did have a cup of Annie’s bunnies next to my keyboard. In fact, I planned to eat them after finishing this post, but then a cat (let’s call him Tabs) covertly consumed most of them before I could intervene.

Here in this universe today, my hair is also frizzy, and I do have a chocolate stain on my stretchy pants. Thankfully, it’s from See’s, and not some nasty, two-bit, bottom-of-the-barrel chocolate, because if I’m gonna be walking around the house with chocolate on my pants, at the very least it should be good.

Oh, and per usual, my dark under-eye circles are the deep hue of a ripe eggplant.

Alternate Universe Karen has had it much better today…

She eats her cup of Cheddar Bunnies and whips her Victoria’s Secret hair while her well-behaved cat marvels at her pristine, chocolate-free pants.

And since her dark circles only require minimal coverage, she uses Hourglass Hidden Corrective Concealer ($32) and sees spectacular results.

Previously only available in three shades, Hourglass recently added three more for spring (in Fair, Natural and Tan).

Alternate Universe Karen wears the one called Sand.

Swatch of Sand
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MAC Unsung Heroes: Club Eyeshadow

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 05:11 PM PST

Hmm… Clubbing used to be a lot less complicated.

The last time I went clubbing, let alone wore MAC Club Eyeshadow ($15) out to a club, was at least a year ago. And it’s funny — I used to be able to just roll out of the house around 10, get to the club by 11, and then dance until the wee hours in 4-inch heels, no problem. Sometimes, we’d even go out for fries afterward.

Now, though? Whole different story.

It seems like right around the time I hit 30, the prep work involved in staying out past 10 doubled.

Now, on those rare occasions when I do go out dancing, I try to carbo load the night before, take a power nap in the afternoon, slip some inserts into my heels (so my arches won’t hurt), and throw a Lara bar into my purse to eat on the way home (since my tum can’t handle late-night greasy food like it used to).

See what I mean? Complicated.

But one thing that hasn’t changed is my mad love for MAC Club…although nowadays I’m wearing it to the movies and grocery stores, and not out to clubs to go dancing (at least not often).

Club was one of the first colors I fell in love with at MAC, and I’m so glad we met. If I’d judged this nondescript reddish gray-brown book by its cover — by the way it looks in its pan — I might have never given it a chance.

And that would have been a shame.

On skin, I think MAC Club looks downright multidimensional, as if someone had pressed all of the colors of a peacock’s feather into a single eyeshadow. One minute, it’s a gunmetal gray with teal highlights; the next, a bluish chocolate brown with an iridescent green glow.

And beyond Club’s dynamic personality, it also loves layers. I like that I can coax different things out of it, like green, by wearing it atop green pencils or cream shadows, and teal, by wearing it with — you guessed it! — teal.

Easy to dress up or down, sometimes I’ll layer it on top of black liner for a quick smokey eye, or, for a twist on a traditional cat eye, I’ll wet an angled brush like the MAC 266 with some Fix+, sweep it across the pan, and apply Club wet along my upper lash lines.
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Fresh Tinted Lip Treatment Review : Makeup Geek

2012-01-31T12:02:00.001-08:00

Fresh Tinted Lip Treatment Review : Makeup Geek

Fresh Tinted Lip Treatment Review

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 08:07 PM PST

In my quest of hydrating my parched and chapped winter lips, I found this tinted lip treatment that actually keeps my lips super soft! I used to use my beloved Bourjois Night Lip Balm, but since they quit selling in the US (boo!), I had to find an alternate product.

Now I admit this little tube is not cheap, but it’s been the only thing keeping my lips from feeling like sandpiper every night. They come in 5 different colors for just a slight tint on the lips. The one I bought was “Plum” as it had the most color…

What I love:

Very emollient formula that doesn’t feel greasy
Slightly tinted color for those “no makeup days”
Smells and feels amazing!

What I hate:

The price.

I realize that $22 is WAY too much for a chapstick basically, but if you have super dry lips and want something with a little color then these lip treatments are quite nice. I’m not sure if I would buy any more just because I hate spending that much, so I will continue my quest for something cheaper It is an amazing product though and Fresh did a great job with their product!

Rating: 4 out 5
Product: 4 out of 5
Packaging: 5 out of 5
Quality: 5 out of 5
Price: 1 out of 5
Would I buy again? If it were cheaper…

Price: $22.50

Where to Buy: Sephora . Amazon . eBay

Makeup and Beauty Blog - Update

2012-01-31T11:36:00.001-08:00

Makeup and Beauty Blog - Update

A MAC Must!
Purr-Chirping on a Monday Afternoon
Unexpected Encounters and the LORAC Unzipped Palette
Have No Hot Pink Fear, Laura Mercier’s Gel Lip Colour in Dollface Is Here

A MAC Must!

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 03:00 AM PST

MAC Club eyeshadow, you’re my everything.

Copyright Karen of Makeup and Beauty Blog: Makeup Reviews, Beauty Tips and Drugstore Beauty Finds | Read the full article

Purr-Chirping on a Monday Afternoon

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 11:45 PM PST

This afternoon, Tabs watched birds while I wrote. I love his purr-chirp face.

Copyright Karen of Makeup and Beauty Blog: Makeup Reviews, Beauty Tips and Drugstore Beauty Finds | Read the full article

Unexpected Encounters and the LORAC Unzipped Palette

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 09:00 PM PST

It must’ve been my second or third year in college. I was studying at the library one afternoon and went to take a bathroom break.

When I walked into the ladies’ room, I saw a girl crying at the sink. And these weren’t dainty little sniffles, either. They were primal, hit-you-in-the-gut kind of sobs that happen when your future has taken an unexpectedly sh*tty detour.

She looked at me, and I remembered that I had some tissue in my purse, so I took them out and offered them to her.

And then we hugged.

She clutched me tightly and cried in my arms for 10 minutes, barely saying a word. I just held onto her, and over and over again told her that she was going to be okay.

When she finished crying, I wet some paper towels with cold water to make an improv compress for her eyes, which was something my mom used to do when I was little.

As she began to regain her composure, we hugged again, and even though I didn’t know her name or what had happened, I tried to comfort her, to reassure her that she was strong enough, and she was going to get through it. And then I left to give her some privacy.

I never saw her after that, and to this day I wonder what happened to her, and if things turned out alright.

That was many years ago, but something about the LORAC Unzipped palette ($40) brought the memory back.

Some people will probably see this palette of 10 powder shadows and think of Urban Decay Naked, Naked 2 and the many spinoffs they inspired.

I can certainly see why, but — maybe it’s because of shade names like Unconditional, Uncensored and Unspoken — this palette also reminds me of that day, and days like it, when strangers unexpectedly walk in to find us emotionally stripped, unzipped and raw.

If I should ever find myself sobbing at the sink in a public restroom, I wonder if anyone out there would offer me a shoulder to cry on and maybe a few comforting words.

I hope so…

Swatches from the left: Undercover, Unbelievable, Unattainable, Unconditional and Unbridled
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Have No Hot Pink Fear, Laura Mercier’s Gel Lip Colour in Dollface Is Here

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 02:48 PM PST

The scenario: weekend brunch with the girls. After a short stack of banana pancakes, three cups of coffee and two solid hours spent laughing, chatting and catching up, it’s time for a quick touch-up before heading out. If you happen to pull hot pink Laura Mercier Gel Lip Colour in Dollface ($22) from your purse, what happens next could sound a lot like this…

BFF: “Ooh!”

You: “I know, right? It’s Laura Mercier’s Dollface lipstick.”

BFF: “LOVE the color, but I dunno… Do you think I could ever wear something that bright?”

You: “Oh, yes! For sure! It’s way more bark than bite. It looks super bright in the tube and goes on like a really sheer, shiny hot pink, but when it mellows out it looks like a lip stain.

“I like it… I don’t like having to reapply it every hour or so — that’s kind of a pain — but it’s very hydrating, and my lips are dry, so it’s great for that. Oh, and it tastes and smells a little like vanilla, which I like.

“Here, wanna try? I promise I don’t have cooties. Wipe the tip on that napkin over there… And use my mirror.”

Next thing you know, grocery shopping at Trader Joe’s after brunch gets put on the back burner, and you and your girls are making a beeline for the nearest Laura counter so they can pick up Dollface, too.

Yes, I speak from experience.

Beyond its uncanny ability to inspire sudden changes in plans, Dollface also possesses the power to seduce wearers into thinking that it, and the rest of Laura’s Gel Lip Colours, are among the slickest, lightest weight, most comfortable lipsticks you and your lips have ever kissed.

Dollface doesn’t just feel smooth. It feels smoove…like that time you “accidentally” ate that bowl of buttercream frosting you were supposed to use for the cake you baked and then, as you licked the smooth, rich frosting from your lips, realized that — holy wow! — there was a ton of butter in that.

Again, I speak from experience.

And maybe I’ve watched way too much Masterpiece Theater lately, but I think there’s also something very Downton Abbey about Dollface, especially after about 20 minutes, when it settles down and the shine gives way to a soft, pink stain with a careless whisper — wait, did I just say “careless whisper?” — of sheen. I can totally see the Crawley girls wearing it whilst sipping tea, or perhaps while touring the gardens on a hazy spring day.

Seriously, does the sun ever come out on that show?

(...)
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Makeup and Beauty Blog - Update

2012-01-30T11:17:00.001-08:00

Makeup and Beauty Blog - Update

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 205
She’s a Fashionista
Self Portrait
Sundays with Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 176
Tarte Maracuja Blush & Glow Could Use a Dash More Blush and a Tad Less Glow

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 205

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 09:57 AM PST

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:

Optimistically mellow…

Flashback time! We’re going all the way back to the winter of 2002. Do you remember where you were and what you were doing 10 years ago?

That would have made me 26, so let’s see… I was four months into a new job working in the legal department at a big public utility and living with a roommate in San Francisco’s Richmond District (five minutes away from the beach!).

It was the happiest I’d been in a while. I finally had a steady job again and a great roommate after working a string of temporary gigs and living in less-than-ideal situations. And things got even better a few months later when I met El Hub.

Are you naturally athletic?

Good gawd, no. Not when it comes to projectile sports. I was the person in P.E. who’d run away from the ball whenever it was thrown in her direction. In my defense, part of it was because I was nearsighted but didn’t really figure it out until I was 16.

I’m okay when it comes to running, but that’s about it.

Three makeup or beauty-related things you’ve been loving lately?

Anything and everything moisturizing, like Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Tiger Lily, Laura Mercier Gel Lip Colour in Dollface and Pacifica French Lilac Body Butter (in LOVE with this since I picked it up at Sephora on Saturday).

Three other things you’ve been loving lately?

My pink and black plaid Victoria’s Secret pajamas (complete with matching slippers), the nice weather we had last weekend, and Celestial Seasonings Sleepytime Vanilla Tea.

Are you more of an introvert or an extrovert?

It depends. I’m more of an extrovert, but I withdraw when I’m tired or sad.

Something you feel too old to wear?

Let’s be honest here. Sh*t happens, and yes, there are some things I feel too old to wear, like short shorts, mini skirts and anything with tons of ruffles and/or zippers…

Do you blog? Why or why not?

I do! I do it because I enjoy writing, photography, makeup, being theatrical and whimsical, and getting to know interesting people like you.

What’s the least amount of sleep you can fully function on?

Six hours. Anything less and I’m a foggy-headed grumpy goat.

Weekly goals:

Email and call a couple of old friends to say hi, go through the stack of magazines piling up in the living room, and try a new recipe or two.

Hey, hey, happy Monday! I hope you had a nice, relaxing weekend, friend. As usual, mine wasn’t long enough, but I was able to go for a long hike on Saturday with El Hub, and I still feel recharged from that.

There’s just something about spending time outdoors that always perks me up, ya know? I went to this place near my house called the Indian Valley Open Space Preserve. If you’re ever in the area with some time on your hands, there are some beautiful trails, even a tiny waterfall (home to a bunch of salamanders, El Hub excitedly pointed out!), and a number of friendly horses and horseback riders.

I don’t know how ready I am yet for today, but I’ll hang tough if you do. Please take a minute to touch base and say hello in today’s Monday Poll.

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

1. Mood:
2. Flashback time! Do you remember where you were and what you were doing 10 years ago?
3. Are you naturally athletic?
4. Three makeup or beauty-related things you’ve been loving lately?
5. Three other things you’ve been loving lately?
6. Are you more of an introvert or an extrovert?
7. Something you feel too old to wear?
8. The least amount of sleep you can get by on?
9. Do you blog? Why or why not?
10. Weekly goals:

Jeez, last Monday of January already? Let’s make it a day to remember.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Copyright Karen of Makeup and Beauty Blog: Makeup Reviews, Beauty Tips and Drugstore Beauty Finds | Read the full article

She’s a Fashionista

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 03:00 AM PST

The new Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips Custom Eye Enhancing Shadow & Liner in Fashionista, $10.50. Available now at drugstores.

I’m feeling that pop of yellowish green in the middle. How ’bout you?

Copyright Karen of Makeup and Beauty Blog: Makeup Reviews, Beauty Tips and Drugstore Beauty Finds | Read the full article

Self Portrait

Posted: 29 Jan 2012 11:11 PM PST

Copyright Karen of Makeup and Beauty Blog: Makeup Reviews, Beauty Tips and Drugstore Beauty Finds | Read the full article

Sundays with Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 176

Posted: 29 Jan 2012 10:00 PM PST

Back from Vietnamese food for din-din, and now I’m freshly showered and ready to watch the next episode of my latest TV obsession, Downton Abbey!

“…my latest TV obsession.” I must type that phrase at least five time a week.

Anywho, Tabs finally talked me into giving it a try, and I’m so glad I caved because it’s 10 shades of great. It’s filled with royal politicking and machinations, just like life with Tabs.

The reason he wanted me to watch it is because he’s actually a guest star on the show. Yep, he plays a groundskeeper in a few of the episodes who takes care of the family’s extensive 4-acre zinnia garden.

I’m just about to fire up the next episode, so I gotta run. Feel free to hit me up in the comments if you’d like to Downton Abbey dish.

But first! — highlights from Tabs’ kitty modeling work this week. He had shoots with Essie, Burberry, Tarte, Estée Lauder and Hourglass.

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Copyright Karen of Makeup and Beauty Blog: Makeup Reviews, Beauty Tips and Drugstore Beauty Finds | Read the full article

Tarte Maracuja Blush & Glow Could Use a Dash More Blush and a Tad Less Glow

Posted: 29 Jan 2012 04:48 PM PST

Wearing Tarte Maracuja Blush & Glow in Sunlight on my cheeks

Aha! I knew I’d seen this unusual suspect before…

Tarte’s new Maracuja Blush & Glow line of tint and highlighter duos has been giving me major déjà vu. They look and feel awfully similar to a couple of my tried-and-true loves from NARS, namely the Multiples ($39) and Illuminators ($29).

Available now at Sephora stores and online for $32, each Blush & Glow comes with a Tarte Tint at the tip and a Luminizer in the tube.

Maracujá oil comes from passion fruit seeds, and Tarte added it to the Maracuja Blush & Glows. They say it delivers a high dose of essential fatty acids and vitamin C to the skin when applied.

As similar as I think these are to the Multiples and Illuminators, I wouldn’t call them dupes. Their counterparts over at NARS do seem to pack a little more pigment and feel a tad smoother to me, but after giving all three Blush & Glow shades a try, I will say this: they’ve got game.

The Tint tip performs like a cream blush on bare skin or atop foundation, while the illuminating Luminizer, aka a liquid highlighter, bestows a shimmery glow to the tops of cheekbones, along brow bones or when added to foundation.

Shimmery champagne Candlelight appears to be the neutral babe in the bunch; cool-toned shimmery pink Moonlight should work well for gals who like the way they look in cool-toned pinks; and Sunlight, a warm shimmery peach, is just begging to play with warmer skin tones and tans.

I gave each of them a try on bare skin and then atop foundation, and I thought they did much better with foundation. On bare skin, the colors skipped town after about an hour, but they held their grown for 5 hours on top of foundation.

Part of me loves natural-looking cheeks, and that’s the part that adores the subtle glow I get from these duos. I also like how I can apply and blend them with my fingers. It’s just nice not having to use a brush, and it saves time for more important things, like emergency trips to See’s Candy, Target, Trader Joe’s and Petco (Tabs has been all about dried catnip lately) — or other times when I need to look presentable in a rush.

Tarte Maracuja Blush & Glow from the left: Sunlight, Candlelight and Moonlight

From the left: Sunlight, Candlelight and Moonlight
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