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.
- What’s a makeup brand you’ve been into lately?
Hourglass! - Dresses, skirts or pants?
Dresses when it’s warm, pants when it’s cold. - Do you like pastel nails?
I do. 🙂 Shiny, opaque pastel nails, please. - Describe one of your typical makeup looks for work?
Typical? That’s not exactly the word I’d use to describe what I usually wear to work. As I work from home, my neighbors have seen quite a few interesting things through my office window over the years — Wonder Woman, Marge Simpson, Katy Perry, Katniss Everdeen and a whole ton of stuff involving a chubby tabby cat.I always seem to get caught/noticed when I’m testing multiple products at the same time, which I do a lot, I’ll be sitting at my desk with, say, cat eyes and a bright cheek on one side of my face and smokey eyes and bronzer on the other.
If I had a nickel for every time the postman saw me looking completely insane (I’d have a LOT of nickels)…
- Rainbow suspenders?
Um, no. Not unless I’m starring in Office Space, and they’re holding my 25 pieces of flair. - What was the highlight of your weekend?
Sunday, from start to finish. Sunday was an A+ day. I slept in, made breakfast (pancakes, and eggs over easy), and then El Hub and I went for a long hike around the Indian Valley Open Space Preserve here in Novato.It was so sunny and warm and just felt great to be outside.
- If you had to make a major life change, would you prefer to ease your way into it and take baby steps, or dive in all at once?
All at once. I’d rather just get it over with. - Where were you in 1999?
I was in my early 20s, living in San Francisco and working as a legal assistant at a law firm.Not one of my favorite years… I felt like I was in constant upheaval, starting with the move to the city, living with roommates I didn’t know before moving in with them, working at a job I didn’t particularly like. Bluh.
- What’s something you’re grateful for today?
Sunshine! It makes everything better. - Write yourself an nice note.
Karen, “Remember, one thing at a time. Don’t give up. You can do it.” 🙂
To complete the Monday Poll, just copy the following list, and paste it with your answers in the comments.
Le List
1. What’s a makeup brand you’ve been into lately?
2. Dresses, skirts or pants?
3. Do you like pastel nails?
4. Describe one of your typical makeup looks for work?
5. Rainbow suspenders?
6. Highlight of your weekend?
7. Do you prefer taking baby steps or diving in all at once?
8. Where were you in 1999?
9. Something you’re grateful for today?
10. Write yourself a nice note.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
1. What’s a makeup brand you’ve been into lately? Rouge Bunny Rouge
2. Dresses, skirts or pants? Lately I’ve been loving dresses and skirts a lot, they are very feminine.
3. Do you like pastel nails? Sometimes, usually blue or mint.
4. Describe one of your typical makeup looks for work?Defined eyes and baby pink lips.
5. Rainbow suspenders? NO.
6. Highlight of your weekend? I had a wonderful weekend, seeing so many of my amazing friends, I’d say.
7. Do you prefer taking baby steps or diving in all at once? I know that sometimes baby steps would be a wiser decision but…
8. Where were you in 1999? At school.
9. Something you’re grateful for today? my family!
10. Write yourself a nice note. baby, don’t let negative things take you down 😉
Hi Marina,
Amen to not letting negative things bring you down! 🙂
BTW — saw a great movie this weekend called Side Effects. Channing Tatum’s in it! Watch it.
Happy Monday 😀
1. What’s a makeup brand you’ve been into lately? MAC. I’ve been buying a lot of their lipsticks and blushes lately.
2. Dresses, skirts or pants? Pants, I can’t stand dresses or skirts lol
3. Do you like pastel nails? Yes! It looks quite cute and clean.
4. Describe one of your typical makeup looks for work? Well I work from home (writing), but I usually just wear a simple cat eye with a light pink lip.
5. Rainbow suspenders? Noooo!
6. Highlight of your weekend? I ate at Red Lobster and almost got plowed over by an inebriated man. Fun times!
7. Do you prefer taking baby steps or diving in all at once? Diving in all at one. I’m not a very gray person.
8. Where were you in 1999? I was in middle school, which brings back very horrific memories…
9. Something you’re grateful for today? My liter of Diet Coke. I am very tired but this perks me up 😀
10. Write yourself a nice note. Min – “Go out for a walk today. It’s warm. And by warm I mean 34F…”
Hi Minsooky,
Happy Monday to you too. What MAC lipsticks and blushes have you purchased?
1. What’s a makeup brand you’ve been into lately?
Thanks to Birchbox and Glossybox, I’ve just started using products from The Balm, and I really like the brand so far!
2. Dresses, skirts or pants?
I love pants and like skirts. I have nothing against dresses, but they always feel a bit too formal for everyday.
3. Do you like pastel nails?
I love pastel nails 🙂
4. Describe one of your typical makeup looks for work?
I work in higher education, so I’m pretty conservative with my makeup. I typically wear foundation or BB cream, blush or bronzer (right now, I’m loving The Balm Hot Mama), a neutral shadow, and an understated lipstick. I sometimes use mascara, but I can take it or leave it.
5. Rainbow suspenders?
I wouldn’t wear them, but I think they look cute on other people.
6. Highlight of your weekend?
I had a low-key weekend, but sleeping in on Sunday was pretty divine!
7. Do you prefer taking baby steps or diving in all at once?
It depends on what it is. I tend to be a worrier, so both approaches have their benefits and limitations. Baby steps can help me get acclimated to an idea bit by bit, but then I get comfortable with a certain level and am loathe to move on. Diving in all at once is scary, but there is no time to be scared because there is too much to do!
8. Where were you in 1999?
I was spending the last year of my teens in college and living with my brother in Nashville.
9. Something you’re grateful for today?
I am so thankful for my job, which I love. Even though I miss my old city and my friends, I am very grateful for the opportunities I have been given!
10. Write yourself a nice note.
“It will all get done, just do it a step at a time.”
Hi sweeks1980,
TheBalm is super cool! And they’re from the Bay Area. 🙂 Have you tried their concealer yet? It’s great for the under-eye area.
Hi Karen,
I hope you are having a good Monday! I haven’t tried their concealer, but I am in desperate need of a good one (my under-eye area has been giving me fits lately). Thanks for the tip – I will definitely check them out!
Sweeks1980 (aka Terri)
1. What’s a makeup brand you’ve been into lately? Mac, always and forever. I would kill to get my hands on Tarte products, but they can’t be purchased or shipped to France, not even through internet.
2. Dresses, skirts or pants? Dresses, more flattering on my body type.
3. Do you like pastel nails? They’re my favorites. Always feminine.
4. Describe one of your typical makeup looks for work? A classic cat eye, darkened crease, a nice nude or pink or peach lipstick, good amount of blush too.
5. Rainbow suspenders? Are you kidding?
6. Highlight of your weekend? I was super sick while I was visiting my mom this weekend and she took care of me like good old times. It had been a while.
7. Do you prefer taking baby steps or diving in all at once? Diving in all at once! I just love the way it feels, so free.
8. Where were you in 1999? In the 5th grade. We moved to a new apartment, much closer to the sea. My mother had been going through heavy surgery, I had to live with my grandfather for a while.
9. Something you’re grateful for today? I’m grateful for all the love I’ve always received. It allowed me to be confident in who I am, never have to prove myself.
10. Write yourself a nice note. Stop spending so much money. You’ll thank me later.
Hi Laura,
Yay, another MACaholic! 🙂 What are your favorite MAC nude/peach lippies?
I love Hue, Modesty, and Viva Glam V. These last two match my natural lip color perfectly so it’s very natural and polished.
Why no Tarte in France? I’m so curious….
I don’t know! They just won’t ship there! Not even through other unofficial websites! Such a disappointment!
That’s so strange! But it’s FRANCE so it’s ok, there have to be many other things to makeup for not having Tarte! 😉
1. What’s a makeup brand you’ve been into lately?
– Hourglass; I don’t have much of their stuff, but i’ve been researching and reading up on it a lot lately. Will be heading to Sephora in a bit… 🙂
2. Dresses, skirts or pants?
– all 3…mostly pants tho.
3. Do you like pastel nails?
– when i’m tanned, yes…
4. Describe one of your typical makeup looks for work?
– neutral neutral neutral. i’m in the corporate environment, so i can’t exactly paint my eyelids green.
5. Rainbow suspenders?
– no thank you.
6. Highlight of your weekend?
– tending to my boyfriend who slipped on ice and fell. he does the shuffle when he walks now & i tried super hard not to laugh. 🙂
7. Do you prefer taking baby steps or diving in all at once?
– diving in all at once. get it over and done with.
8. Where were you in 1999?
– starting high school and not having a clue as to what makeup was….for some reason, i thought glitter eye makeup was cool back then.
9. Something you’re grateful for today?
– my skin!!!
10. Write yourself a nice note.
– have patience for boyfriend and try not to lose it when he whines and complains about how useless he feels. meanwhile, i’d love to stay home for a week ANY DAY. 🙂
HAPPY MONDAY!!
Hi Bonita,
Happy Monday to you too! What’s on your Hourglass wish list? Let me know if you need any recs!
1. What’s a makeup brand you’ve been into lately? NARS. I’m pretty hopped up on the eye primer right now.
2. Dresses, skirts or pants? (sweat)pants! 🙂
3. Do you like pastel nails? I do – I’m a fan of sheer pink.
4. Describe one of your typical makeup looks for work? Tarte Smooth Operator, NARS orgasm blush, UD Whiskey liner and YSL Faux Cils masacara. Oh, and Clinique brow keeper in honey.
5. Rainbow suspenders? Not unless I’m dressing up as Mork from Ork (nanu, nanu). hee hee!
6. Highlight of your weekend? Some of my best friends FINALLY have a baby (adoption); it’s been many, many years of waiting for them. That’s probably the highlight of the year!
7. Do you prefer taking baby steps or diving in all at once? All at once for me, too.
8. Where were you in 1999? Same job and same guy (though not married yet and working in a different building). It was a good time. 🙂
9. Something you’re grateful for today? That it’ll be a 3 day work week!
10. Write yourself a nice note. Dear Kim, your skin and hair have been looking pretty good lately. And, you don’t look old enough to be a Grandmother, despite what that stranger in Target said. HAHA!
Hi Kim,
OMG — sweat pants! I should’ve added that as an option since it deserves its own special category. Random, but you know what I realized the yesterday? Whenever I wear yoga pants, I’m never actually doing yoga. HAHAHA!
And woo hoo to a three-day work week. 🙂 What’s the reason? Are you going on vacay?
On a similar note, I’m usually not sweating when I’m wearing my sweat pants. HAHA!
The fellas have a hockey tournament in Lake Placid from Thursday through Sunday so we’re staying there for the weekend. It’s about 1.5 hours away so just the right distance to be a pain to drive back and forth. 🙂
I’ll be out in Anaheim next week for work so I’m happy about that. It’s not vacation but anytime I get to walk in the ocean a little, is a good time. 🙂
1. What’s a makeup brand you’ve been into lately?
Too Faced. I really like their eyshadow palettes.
2. Dresses, skirts or pants?
Dresses in warm weather – I could wear them 5 days a week b/c it’s great to deal with just one piece of clothing. I do an even mix of skirts and pants in fall/winter.
3. Do you like pastel nails?
Yep! Reminds me of spring.
4. Describe one of your typical makeup looks for work?
A taupe-y eyshadow, black liner and mascara for the eyes. Some bronzer, foundation and lip gloss. Pretty basic, but I’m usually running late in the morning.
5. Rainbow suspenders?
Hm, I think I’ll pass. 🙂
6. Highlight of your weekend?
Sleeping in on Sunday.
7. Do you prefer taking baby steps or diving in all at once?
Baby steps.
8. Where were you in 1999?
Finishing up my last year of college and planning my wedding in June of that year.
9. Something you’re grateful for today?
Having no meetings this afternoon for work.
10. Write yourself a nice note.
Stay motivated, but remember to take some breaks and don’t be hard on yourself if you don’t get everything done.
Hi Ruchita,
Oh please tell me you have the new Too Faced Boudoir Eye palette! It’s so, so beautiful.
Hope you had a nice weekend. Did you do bake anything yummy?
I don’t have the Boudoir one yet. I’m still working my way through an older one that came out last fall – the In Your Dreams palette. I’m trying to be good and use up most of that before buying a new one. 🙂
No baking this weekend, but I made pancakes and eggs too. It’s nice to have a relaxing breakfast on the weekend!
1. What’s a makeup brand you’ve been into lately?
Rouge Bunny Rouge! Loving their eyeshadows… would love to try their lipsticks and foundations next!
2. Dresses, skirts or pants?
Likewise- dresses when it’s warm, pants when it’s cold.
3. Do you like pastel nails?
Well it doesn’t look too bad on me but I dig holo/shimmery/glittery nails more.
4. Describe one of your typical makeup looks for work?
Foundation, eyeshadow (Depending on my mood it can be ANY colour, my workplace has no restrictions), eyeliner, lip balm. Nothing out of the ordinary I guess 🙁 Sad.
5. Rainbow suspenders?
I wouldn’t mind- if my pants and top were plain it could add some colour LOL!
6. Highlight of your weekend?
Being able to rest rest rest! Especially after having came back from 1 month+ of work.
7. Do you prefer taking baby steps or diving in all at once?
I think it depends on what, but usually I like to get it all over and done with ASAP!
8. Where were you in 1999?
I would have just started high school… still all young and innocent and naive I guess 😛 Oh and I distinctly remember hating my hair… I was growing it out. Straight hair was in and my hair was wavy, so it was a huge pain.
9. Something you’re grateful for today?
Being able to get out of the house and do some retail therapy, even just for a while!
10. Write yourself a nice note.
“It’s OK – you can do it. People can see that you’re trying your best.”
That’s cool that you don’t have any makeup restrictions at your workplace, Stephanie. Are you in a creative field?
1. What’s a makeup brand you’ve been into lately?
ArtDeco. Their mineral eye pencil is one of the rare ones I’ve tried that doesn’t make my eyes itch, and it stays on for 8 hours or more.
2. Dresses, skirts or pants?
Mostly pants. They tell me I can rock a skirt just fine, only I believe that if I’m wearing a skirt, I really need a nice blouse, tasteful jewelry and good makeup to go with it, and I’m often just too lazy.
3. Do you like pastel nails?
I like them just fine… just not on my own nails.
4. Describe one of your typical makeup looks for work?
Concealer, light foundation, brown mascara (I’m blonde) and beige eyeliner on the lower waterline. It looks natural, only better, and makes me look awake and perky even when I’m not.
5. Rainbow suspenders?
I only know one woman who could pull those off, and she ain’t me.
6. Highlight of your weekend?
The winter wonderland outside!
7. Do you prefer taking baby steps or diving in all at once?
I’m with you there. Let’s get it over with!
8. Where were you in 1999?
3rd year of High School, doing the International Baccalaureate. It was totally different from “ordinary” high school, and I liked it a lot.
9. Something you’re grateful for today?
The adorable tabby sleeping contendedly in my lap right now, making those cute little sleepy cat sounds.
10. Write yourself a nice note.
Take it easy, Eva. You deserve a bit of a break now and then.
Hi Eva,
Aww, everything’s better with a tabby on your lap. What’s your kitty’s name?
Her name is Iza, and her hobby is sleeping and imitating a sofa cushion. 🙂
http://www.flickr.com/photos/69697524@N03/8507206421/
1. What’s a makeup brand you’ve been into lately? Dior. Playing with the Diorshow Mono eyeshadows specifically!
2. Dresses, skirts or pants? Pants! Though I can be convinced to wear a cute maxi every now and then. I don’t like my pasty white legs and I hate self-tanner more.
3. Do you like pastel nails? Only if there is a but of shimmer, otherwise it just looks too flat to me (on my hands that is).
4. Describe one of your typical makeup looks for work? I work at home, so I’ve been known to be working a face mask when I’m working! I never got out in public without a bit of makeup, at least tinted moisturizer and my eyebrows done.
5. Rainbow suspenders? Only if I can dance like Steve Urkel(sp?) and I can do it in front of my daughter’s friends.
6. Highlight of your weekend? Bah! I wake up very early Saturdays to get the household going, breakfast for the humans and cats, and then take my daughter to ballet in the a.m. and this Sunday she had an Irish dance performance which meant another early morning to curl her long hair in ringlets! Most Sundays though, my Hubby and daughter knows to let me sleep in.
7. Do you prefer taking baby steps or diving in all at once? Depends. I’m a planner and list taker when it comes to my own tasks, I take baby steps to get it done right. It’s a waste of time to do things quick, only to find a mistake and have to start over. However, my Hubby and daughter are procrastinators at home and if there is a crisis, you need to step away while I work like a efficient tornado or you’ll get swept away!! I’m the most creative at resolving things when I am a crazed banshee.
8. Where were you in 1999? The year my Hubby and I married. After buying a house together a few years before, my then-future MIL (and one of my best friends) tried to knock some sense into her former confirmed bachelor son! We were together almost 11 years in ’99, so I guess she thought it was about time her son did something!!
9. Something you’re grateful for today? After my Hubby was away for the week on a business trip and my daughter was on a mid-Winter break, I am grateful that they left for work/school without panic, forgetting something, and on time today!
10. Write yourself a nice note. “Breathe in and breathe out… Then go sit down and drink your coffee hot for a change!” 🙂
Hi Rose,
That’s cool that you work from home. What do you do?
1. What’s a makeup brand you’ve been into lately?
Lorac and Chanel!
2. Dresses, skirts or pants?
Dresses and pants (and leggings). I don’t tend to wear many skirts for some reason. I wear shorts in the summer too.
3. Do you like pastel nails?
Not on me – My fingertips and toes are always pretty red, and pastels just accentuate that.
4. Describe one of your typical makeup looks for work?
BB cream, Concealer, Meteorites-esque powder, brows, mascara, and brown eyeliner.
5. Rainbow suspenders?
YES. My dad wears them (and I buy him other novelty suspenders too).
6. Highlight of your weekend?
We hosted an Oscars party at the university – stressful, but fun.
7. Do you prefer taking baby steps or diving in all at once?
Dive in!
8. Where were you in 1999?
Going to middle school in northern Michigan, probably getting into mischief with my BFF Heather.
9. Something you’re grateful for today?
That the event we planned was over!
10. Write yourself a nice note.
Only a few days until Spring Break, Only a few days until Spring Break… we can make it!
1. What’s a makeup brand you’ve been into lately? Bobbi Brown
2. Dresses, skirts or pants? Pants, and lately dresses with leggings and boots.
3. Do you like pastel nails? Very sheer more nude.
4. Describe one of your typical makeup looks for work? Concealer, light make-up or just powder, strong eye brows, smudged eye liner, mascara, lip gloss or lipstick.
5. Rainbow suspenders? Never
6. Highlight of your weekend? A musical with my mum and my aunt, it was really fun, great dancing
7. Do you prefer taking baby steps or diving in all at once? Diving into it and then start swimming
8. Where were you in 1999? Working on my first job after university and not that happy
9. Something you’re grateful for today? Spending time with my family.
10. Write yourself a nice note. Be patient, there is plan B.
Have a great week everyone!
1. What’s a makeup brand you’ve been into lately? NYX – cheapy, but love it.
2. Dresses, skirts or pants? pants – denim to be exact.
3. Do you like pastel nails? – yes. i love all colors of nails!
4. Describe one of your typical makeup looks for work? since i’m a mua, there’s no typical look! i love to push the envelope every day.
5. Rainbow suspenders? no thanks.
6. Highlight of your weekend? being at home with my kids after being in vegas for 4 days without them. a slower pace at home with no casinos was nice!
7. Do you prefer taking baby steps or diving in all at once? probably baby steps??
8. Where were you in 1999? a carefree college student who didn’t realize how easy i had it!!
9. Something you’re grateful for today? to have today!!
10. Write yourself a nice note. you’re a good mom – even if it sometimes feels like you aren’t doing everything right, if you love your kids unconditionally, they’ll be alright.
1. What’s a makeup brand you’ve been into lately?
NYX. They released a whole bunch of eyeshadow sets that are affordable *and* with colors that make me swoon.
2. Dresses, skirts or pants?
Pants, usually. When all of my pants are in the laundry I go for skirts. When the weather is nice I try to rock a skirt.
3. Do you like pastel nails?
I need some pastel nail polish colors before I can confirm/deny.
4. Describe one of your typical makeup looks for work?
Face – Skinfood Peach Sake BB Cream, MAC Mineral Powder
Eyes – Kat Von D eye primer, Benefit Most Glamorous Nudes set
Lips – Revlon Kissable Lip Balm
5. Rainbow suspenders?
Nope.
6. Highlight of your weekend?
Shopping in San Jose. Nice to take in different sights for a few hours.
7. Do you prefer taking baby steps or diving in all at once?
Baby steps. It’s hard to learn how to juggle when the balls are just thrown at you.
8. Where were you in 1999?
A stupid tomboy teenager.
9. Something you’re grateful for today?
I can afford to buy lunch today when I totally forgot to bring mine, again.
10. Write yourself a nice note.
Power through! OVER 9000!
I’ve thought about getting the Skinfood Peach Sake BB Cream, do you like it?
Overall, yes I do. It balances out my combination skin and light to medium coverage. That’s basically just the right amount of coverage for a day/work look. A tiny bit dewy in finish but nothing that a good powder can’t cover up. I need 1-2 pumps for my face.
Keep in mind Skinfood and a lot of Korean brand BB creams tend tend to whiten or ‘highlight’ your skin. Having a flawless pale face is still considered the peak of beauty in Asia.
Happy Monday everyone!
1. What’s a makeup brand you’ve been into lately?
Maybelline has had some fun stuff lately that I have been loving! Color Tattoo Metals are amazing!
2. Dresses, skirts or pants?
Skirts are my fave, dresses for summer, but pants are practical.
3. Do you like pastel nails?
I adore pastel nails!
4. Describe one of your typical makeup looks for work?
Two coats of mascara, a flush of blush, usually I forget eyeshadow, and always a bold lip in either berry or fuchsia.
5. Rainbow suspenders?
In a music video maybe?
6. Highlight of your weekend?
Getting a new perfume! Lady Gaga’s Fame. Yum!
7. Do you prefer taking baby steps or diving in all at once?
I think I should take baby steps but I seem to dive in.
8. Where were you in 1999?
I was 7 years old so probably in school or at my cottage.
9. Something you’re grateful for today?
The wonderful roommates I live with.
10. Write yourself a nice note.
“Dear self, put a smile on, you’re doing alright.”
Thanks for this Karen!
1. What’s a makeup brand you’ve been into lately?
Milani! I only have a lip liner from that brand, but I’ve been stalking their website and shelves at Wal Mart, and reading their reviews. I’ve been trying to limit my makeup purchases, but with the brand’s pretty colors and quality, it’s been really hard!
2. Dresses, skirts or pants?
Pants!! But I can’t wait for the weather to warm up so I can wear my dresses and skirts!!
3. Do you like pastel nails?
I love em!
4. Describe one of your typical makeup looks for work?
I work at a call center (I won’t say the name) and it’s a business-casual environment. I’m always wearing something, whether it’s neutral browns or something bold and bright–anything that looks fun and bright and happy. Then I figure out the blush and lip colors that would coordinate.
5. Rainbow suspenders?
Naaah, just not my style!
6. Highlight of your weekend?
Shopping with two of my coworkers on Friday! That was a lot of fun. 🙂
7. Do you prefer taking baby steps or diving in all at once?
All at once! I guess it’s much more thrilling that way. 😀
8. Where were you in 1999?
I was in junior high, loving marching/concert band and in being in love with the Backstreet Boys AND N Sync.
And quick note, I worked as an assistant for two lawyers until last September, this was for a year and a half. Not one of my favorite times either!
9. Something you’re grateful for today?
Following my last comment, I’m grateful to have switched from a job I hated to a job that.. well, it’s not the greatest job either, but it has a much friendlier and welcoming environment.
10. Write yourself a nice note. You’re doing fine, darling! Just keep doing your best!
1. What’s a makeup brand you’ve been into lately?
Well, haven’t bought anything new in a while, but I have been shopping my stash. I usually wear UD a lot, but I’ve recently been rediscovering my Tarte and BE eyewear, and Lorac lippiess.
2. Dresses, skirts or pants?
Love Dresses! So easy and breezy and pretty without effort. But- I do wear pants more.
3. Do you like pastel nails?
I haven’t found a color I’m too fond of just yet.
4. Describe one of your typical makeup looks for work?
I didn’t used to have a typical look but I’ve been more neutral at work so I’ve been coming up with standbys. One is a brighter inner corner color to make me look awake (like Tarte Ecru Hibiscus or UD Naked), then a neutralish/soft shimmer base color on the lid (like Tarte firewheel or UD Suspect) and then a brown on the crease for definition (like UD Buck or Tarte Buttercup). Finish with a dark brown liner on the lashline and mascara. Easy lips with Korres lip butter and nude or light pink cheeks
5. Rainbow suspenders?
Ahh no
6. Highlight of your weekend?
The look on my 10 year old cousins face when he experienced his birthday gift from my hubby and me: His first broadway play Spider Man Turn off the Dark.
7. Do you prefer taking baby steps or diving in all at once?
I’m a dive in type of girl
8. Where were you in 1999?
14 and a freshman in HS!!!
9. Something you’re grateful for today? Shallow but fun: my long strong fingernails that are donning a red & gold self done mani
10. Write yourself a nice note.
Dear Ru- no one is perfect. And those who expect you to be are unrealistic. Do your best and forget the rest.
1. What’s a makeup brand you’ve been into lately? I have been using a lot of Shiseido lately.
2. Dresses, skirts or pants? Pants! Skinny jeans, to be exact. I live in them.
3. Do you like pastel nails? Depends. I like bright or dark colors more, but it’s not that I hate pastels.
4. Describe one of your typical makeup looks for work? A smokey eye in work-appropriate colors (so no bright green or orange :-P), a healthy pink flush on the cheeks, and little or no color on the lips.
5. Rainbow suspenders? What?
6. Highlight of your weekend? Facetime with my mom on Sunday morning, I guess. A bit sad, I know, but I really missed her and felt so homesick that talking to her on the iPad was my highlight 🙂
7. Do you prefer taking baby steps or diving in all at once? I always dive in all at once, I can’t help it.
8. Where were you in 1999? Gosh, ummm, somewhere in my hometown in Belgium, being a slightly awkward 12-year-old I guess 🙂
9. Something you’re grateful for today? Having the best boyfriend in the world.
10. Write yourself a nice note. Melissa, you will get that apartment, stop worrying. Tomorrow you will get that phone call, it will be alright.
1. What’s a makeup brand you’ve been into lately?
Hmmm… Benefit, I guess.
2. Dresses, skirts or pants?
Depends! I love (and wear) them all for different reasons.
3. Do you like pastel nails?
Sometimes. I tend to like warmer pastels, like yellows and corals and pinks.
4. Describe one of your typical makeup looks for work?
Foundation (bareminerals), basic eyeshadow (like benefit’s creaseless creme in RSVP), sometimes a smudge of liner or dark shadow on the outer half of my lash line for some definition, and mascara. If I’m feelin fancy I’ll throw on some blush and gloss.
5. Rainbow suspenders?
No thanks!
6. Highlight of your weekend?
Eating tons of Spanish food! Nom nom.
7. Do you prefer taking baby steps or diving in all at once?
Oh geez. Neither, lol! I’m not a fan of change at the moment. There are benefits to both, I think. Different solutions for different situations.
8. Where were you in 1999?
I was in Ukraine! Out with my family doing some singing as a pre-teen 🙂
9. Something you’re grateful for today?
My husband and his hugs.
10. Write yourself a nice note.
Heya girly, keep your chin up! You know you’re loved, so take a deep breath and keep on chugging along.
1. What’s a makeup brand you’ve been into lately?
Urban Decay <3
2. Dresses, skirts or pants?
Depends on the ocassion: Dresses and skirts for nights out or formal events and pants for everyday 🙂
3. Do you like pastel nails?
Yes! In fact I'm going to do a pastel manicure today on my nails 🙂
4. Describe one of your typical makeup looks for work?
A soft shimmering pink (like UD Sin) on the lid, a matte medium brown shadow (UD Buck) mixed with a cranberry kind of color on top of the brown (MAC Cranberry), winged eyeliner, my LM Full Blown Volume Mascara and white eyeliner (NYX White e/l) on the waterline.
For face my Revlon Colorstay Whipped Creme Foundation, Tarte Dollface Blush and as for lips a little bit of EOS Lipbalm topped with a "my lips but better" kind of color liptsick.
5. Rainbow suspenders?
No, thank you!
6. Highlight of your weekend?
Watch the Academy Awards 😀
7. Do you prefer taking baby steps or diving in all at once?
Taking baby steps because if it's all at once I may not achieve it.
8. Where were you in 1999?
At Elementary School 😀 or playing barbies 🙂
9. Something you’re grateful for today?
Living another day.
10. Write yourself a nice note.
Be consistent in all that you want girl!
1. What’s a makeup brand you’ve been into lately? MAC MAC MAC I buy other stuff but I always come back to MAC
2. Dresses, skirts or pants? Pants or Skirts. My boobs are too big for dresses and I hate it 🙁
3. Do you like pastel nails? I love them but when I go and try to get them done I never get what I wanted. Maybe I like them on others better than on me.
4. Describe one of your typical makeup looks for work? My makeup looks are cyclical. Today I’m wearing Nars Coconut Grove on the lid and a vanilla highlight. I’ll probably wear this combo for a week and then switch it up. I don’t know why I do that but I do.
5. Rainbow suspenders? Ummm No Mork.
6. Highlight of your weekend? Losing the 4 day old iPhone I just got and finding out I wasn’t carrying insurance for it. My 3 y/o has now lost my iPhone and my iPod and I can only blame myself. iPhone 5 here I come….
7. Do you prefer taking baby steps or diving in all at once? Dive on in. There are going to be growing pains either way, may as well get it over with.
8. Where were you in 1999? Taking care of a 5 and 1 y/o at almost 26. Tech stocks were up and I had a lot of money in the bank – you’d NEVER know it now LOL
9. Something you’re grateful for today? Tax refunds!!!
10. Write yourself a nice note. Maria, You’re Good Enough, You’re Smart Enough, and Doggone It, People Like You!
1. What’s a makeup brand you’ve been into lately?
Mac, lately i’ve been into Mac lipstick’s esp purples
2. Dresses, skirts or pants?
Dresses(maxi), Skirts
3. Do you like pastel nails?
Yes, I love pastel colored polishes, stocking up now;
4. Describe one of your typical makeup looks for work
Neutral/Nude look w/a pop of color on the lips;
5. Rainbow suspenders?
No lol i’m not into suspenders lol;
6. Highlight of your weekend?
7. Do you prefer taking baby steps or diving in all at once?
I say dive right on into it;
8. Where were you in 1999?
I was living in Dallas, Tx working @BUMC
9. Something you’re grateful for today?
Today i’m thankful for the activity of my limbs;
10.Write yourself a nice note.
I want you to know that it’s okay to ask for help;
1. What’s a makeup brand you’ve been into lately?
L’Oreal for their TruMatch concealer pencil and Shine Caresse glossy lipstains — really lovely products.
2. Dresses, skirts or pants?
Pants. Skirts and dresses are OK when I work in a office, but pants are more practical for when you have stuff to do — like haul tables or work with wiggly children.
3. Do you like pastel nails?
Love them. Add a bit of sparkle and I like them even more.
4. Describe one of your typical makeup looks for work?
Fairly neutral… BRTC Gold Caviar BB Cream, Maybelline Dream Bouncey blush in Rose Petal, Maybelline Barely Branded all over lid with Urban Decay Mushroom in the crease, Cailyn gel eyeliner in grey, L’Oreal TruMatch superblendable concealer pencil in N123 and L’Oreal Shine Caresse glossy lipstain in Nude.
5. Rainbow suspenders?
Only if I’m getting paid $100 to appear in “character”
6. Highlight of your weekend?
Brunch at BJ’s with my hubby. We had coupons. It was really nice to have a date afternoon.
7. Do you prefer taking baby steps or diving in all at once?
I’m a diver.
8. Where were you in 1999?
Austin, TX. I was a secretary for UT’s Astronomy Department where hubby had a post-doc. And my henna business was getting very busy in the summers. We still had both kitties that we’d adopted when we had lived in England.
9. Something you’re grateful for today?
So much! But mainly good health that enables me to enjoy all other blessings.
10. Write yourself a nice note.
“Patience is a virtue… just breathe and things will happen when they are meant to happen.”
1. What’s a makeup brand you’ve been into lately? Urban Decay ( 3 palettes ! )
2. Dresses, skirts or pants? Pants
3. Do you like pastel nails? Oh yes, I purchased Dior Tutu and I have many pastel polishes in fact
4. Describe one of your typical makeup looks for work? A Chanel JC blush (so long wearing and subtle ) and a good classy lipstick A Rouge Coco, a Nars one for example
5. Rainbow suspenders? lol no !
6. Highlight of your weekend? It was too cold to have one ! really cold I mean ( today some snow flakes flying in the wind well I hope the spring will soon knock at my door ! )
7. Do you prefer taking baby steps or diving in all at once? Neither I fear
8. Where were you in 1999? Where was I ? Somewhere here in the Bordeaux area I guess
9. Something you’re grateful for today? My dad’s kindness
10. Write yourself a nice note. You’re beautifullllll
1. What’s a makeup brand you’ve been into lately?
UD… boring answer probably… =P
2. Dresses, skirts or pants?
Pants, I have problems to behave “properly” with skirts and dresses
3. Do you like pastel nails?
Yep
4. Describe one of your typical makeup looks for work?
Shine neutral eyeshadow and blue eyeliner
5. Rainbow suspenders?
Nop
6. Highlight of your weekend?
Have a gret coffe time with my dear geek boy
7. Do you prefer taking baby steps or diving in all at once?
Depends on the subject… diving in did not work nicely last time =(
8. Where were you in 1999?
I was 17, so… probably enjoying myself with my friends (nightlife at mode 100%)
9. Something you’re grateful for today?
Just grateful for be here with so lovely family
10. Write yourself a nice note.
Dear Adri: Don’t give up! Just sit and work hard!!! P.S. Stop eating all this food!
Karen you are absolutely FAB. I love your blog.
1. What’s a makeup brand you’ve been into lately? A mix between Bobbi and Estee and Nars. I’m new to the premium makeup game.
2. Dresses, skirts or pants? Dresses, ideally. But some days jeans/trousers are a must.
3. Do you like pastel nails? Yes.
4. Describe one of your typical makeup looks for work? Coral cheeks and lips.
5. Rainbow suspenders? Yes, yes, why not.
6. Highlight of your weekend? None.
7. Do you prefer taking baby steps or diving in all at once? I dive in all at once, though I know that baby steps is better.
8. Where were you in 1999? Final year of secondary school.
9. Something you’re grateful for today? Bobbi’s BB Cream: the final word in my search for the perfect base.
10. Write yourself a nice note. “Hang in there.”
1. What’s a makeup brand you’ve been into lately? Urban Decay! My Glinda palette is supposed to come this week!
2. Dresses, skirts or pants? I wish I could were skirts so I will say pants
3. Do you like pastel nails? When spring comes I love to bust out my mint greens, pale pinks, and lavenders!
4. Describe one of your typical makeup looks for work? Stila Kitten all over my lid, MAC Fluid Line in Dipdown, Black-Brown mascara, Hervana blush, and Rimmel Airy Fairy on my lips
5. Rainbow suspenders? hell yes!
6. Highlight of your weekend? Dinner at Paravicci’s with my bf for my bday 🙂
7. Do you prefer taking baby steps or diving in all at once? Baby steps
8. Where were you in 1999? 8th grade
9. Something you’re grateful for today? good friends 🙂
10. Write yourself a nice note.
Laurina, you are awesome and dont let other tell you otherwise!
1. What’s a makeup brand you’ve been into lately?
Senna cosmetics.
2. Dresses, skirts or pants?
Dresses, they’re beautiful and feminine.
3. Do you like pastel nails?
Yes, they’re very cute.
4. Describe one of your typical makeup looks for work?
Just a simple neutral look with brown eyeliner and pink lips.
5. Rainbow suspenders?
Nope.
6. Highlight of your weekend?
Spending some quality time with my boyfriend.
7. Do you prefer taking baby steps or diving in all at once?
Definitely taking baby steps!
8. Where were you in 1999?
In high school.
9. Something you’re grateful for today?
Sunny weather.
10. Write yourself a nice note.
Don’t be so hard on yourself. You’re doing fine!
1. What’s a makeup brand you’ve been into lately? rban Decay and Benefit, my go-to brands. And I just discovered Fresh’s lip balms, they are pricey, but worth it!
2. Dresses, skirts or pants? Shorts! When it’s warm. Pants in the winter.
3. Do you like pastel nails? Yes! But they have to be opaque and shiny.
4. Describe one of your typical makeup looks for work? I am a stay at home Mom, so I don’t have a “work” look. If I have to clean up to go out, it’s usually a moisturizer with SPF, a golden eye, whatever eyeliner I choose for the day because any color goes, mascara, cheeks, and a light lip. Nothing too drastic, that gets saved for going out. I like a natural look during the day, natural but better!
5. Rainbow suspenders? If it would embarrass my kids, heck yeah! Why not? Life’s too short!
6. Highlight of your weekend? I felt human enough after being waylaid by this awful awful flu, to actually go to Target!
7. Do you prefer taking baby steps or diving in all at once? Diving in all at once, rip the band-aid off, go big or go home!
8. Where were you in 1999? I was 24, working for a property management company, I had been married for three years, it was a nice time. Easy, simple, I had a lot of fun in 1999!
9. Something you’re grateful for today? That I didn’t die of the flu!
10. Write yourself a nice note. Dear Stef, you sure have made a great family for yourself, you are a loyal and trusted friend, and your hair is rocking today! I love you!
1. What’s a makeup brand you’ve been into lately? Tarte
2. Dresses, skirts or pants? Pants but dresses is a second runner up.
3. Do you like pastel nails? Loveee especially with a tan
4. Describe one of your typical makeup looks for work? Mascara, brown/neutral eyeshadow, pink cheeks, and gloss. Just a clean look.
5. Rainbow suspenders? No thanks
6. Highlight of your weekend? Saturday. I started by 3rd grad class and it went by super fast. It was actually a really great class and I’m looking forward to the next 4 weeks.
7. Do you prefer taking baby steps or diving in all at once? At first I would say baby steps but I think it’s better to just dive in and deal with what comes.
8. Where were you in 1999? I was in my first year of college and loving my new found freedom lol
9. Something you’re grateful for today? An impromptu day off from work.
10. Write yourself a nice note. Dear Suri, your good at your job and you should be proud of the work you do. Your helping many people and children, and no matter what you are doing what needs to be done. Keep going girl, you’ll be alright. xoxo
1. What’s a makeup brand you’ve been into lately? Lately I have been into Urban Decay.
2. Dresses, skirts or pants? Pants.
3. Do you like pastel nails? No.
4. Describe one of your typical makeup looks for work? Mascara.
5. Rainbow suspenders? Yes
6. Highlight of your weekend? Going out to dinner with my boyfriend 🙂
7. Do you prefer taking baby steps or diving in all at once? It depends on what it is.
8. Where were you in 1999? I was a freshman in high school.
9. Something you’re grateful for today? My family!
10. Write yourself a nice note. Don’t stress.
1. What’s a makeup brand you’ve been into lately?
~NYX, Laura Mercier, and Dior. You really got me into Laura Mercier stuff! I love the eyeshadow in African Violet, and I love the liner in Stormy Grey. New faves!
2. Dresses, skirts or pants?
~I love a good pantsuit – I think it’s very professional looking. Victoria’s Secret has affordable suits and I’ve gotten my 2 suits from them and they fit great and I didn’t pay an arm and a leg. I do enjoy skirts and dresses though from time to time, it’s fun to wear something different than my norm.
3. Do you like pastel nails?
~They are ok, but I would personally paint my nails in either neutrals like Nars Orgasm or something fun and bright.
4. Describe one of your typical makeup looks for work?
~For the new career stuff, very neutral and natural – BB cream, Nars Orgasm blush, neutral eyeshadow, brown liner (either Laura Mercier in Stone Slate or Brown Copper, or UD Bourbon), and one coat of black mascara. Depending on how much time I give myself and what I feel like for my current job in the ER, it’s either no makeup or liner, mascara and lipgloss. I used to do fun, bright looks but it’s too much work in the morning especially since I like to sleep in a little bit.
5. Rainbow suspenders?
~Fun for some people but not for me.
6. Highlight of your weekend?
~Working with nice coworkers – made my weekend at work more fun.
7. Do you prefer taking baby steps or diving in all at once?
~Depends on the situation. If I have time to take the baby steps and do it right, I will. Otherwise, I can dive in and learn from it. I’m pretty flexible but if given the option I will take several small steps.
8. Where were you in 1999?
~Training horses and starting middle school, I believe.
9. Something you’re grateful for today?
~Signing up for the Fredericksburg Historic Half marathon. Very excited to get on a training program that’s not as ADD as mine have been and have a goal to shoot for.
10. Write yourself a nice note.
~You are making the right steps for your career. Be patient and know that when it’s the right time, you will get in. Don’t let rejection or letdowns get you down. Keep fighting and you will get there! And remember, make a setback a comeback!
A half marathon! Woo hoo! You go, girl!
1. What’s a makeup brand you’ve been into lately?
Nars. I just got the lip pencil and gloss from the BLKR collection, and am loving them.
2. Dresses, skirts or pants?
Almost always skirts or dresses, I could count the number of times I wore pants in the last year on one hand.
3. Do you like pastel nails?
Love them, but I have to admit that I just discovered this love very recently after trying Butter London’s Candy Shop colors.
4. Describe one of your typical makeup looks for work?
Although I could literally wear anything, I’m very basic. Clinique Redness Solutions foundation, Dr.Hauschka volumizing mascara, Nars G-Spot on my cheeks, and a bright lipstick-today it was Stila Color Balm lipstick in Gemma.
5. Rainbow suspenders?
Love them, on children and big burly dudes.
6. Highlight of your weekend?
I have a non traditional weekend(tues,wed,thurs), but I enjoyed watching the Oscars on Sunday.
7. Do you prefer taking baby steps or diving in all at once?
All in!
8. Where were you in 1999?
Living in Brooklyn, going to school for photography. It was great for the most part, except for a bad relationship I had a hard time getting out of. But it was a very fun, creative, exciting time in my life.
9. Something you’re grateful for today?
That I’ve had the perseverance to go on. I know this sounds dramatic, but I’ve had an incredibly difficult last six months and at times I just didn’t know if I would make it.
10. Write yourself a nice note.
It’ll be ok, just let the sun shine on your face for a bit.
1. What’s a makeup brand you’ve been into lately? Nars! Love the new light reflecting pressed powder!!
2. Dresses, skirts or pants? Pants…although, I would like to try and dress more feminine.
3. Do you like pastel nails? Yes!!!! Especially mint green and pale pink!
4. Describe one of your typical makeup looks for work? Foundation or bb cream, powder to set, blush, a wash of eyeshadow (right now I love shimmery green), mascara and a nude gloss.
5. Rainbow suspenders? Um…..no.
6. Highlight of your weekend? Having a movie/ bed sleeping day with the hubs!
7. Do you prefer taking baby steps or diving in all at once? All at once….I hate change and need it to be over as quickly as possible!
8. Where were you in 1999? 8th grade/freshman year in high school. I actually remember it being a really exciting and fun time! Hung out with my BFF Mary every day! Good, simpler times.
9. Something you’re grateful for today? My husband….and Kleenex. I have a nasty cold!
10. Write yourself a nice note. Hang in there lady. Things are looking up.
1. What’s a makeup brand you’ve been into lately? Hourglass, too! Those Ambient Lighting Powders look amaaaaaaaazing!
2. Dresses, skirts or pants? Dresses, for sure. I know dresses are associated with, well, dressing up and all but they’re great for a lazy college student trying to look nice XD All you got to do is put on your dress, accessorize, flip flops, then you’re out the door!
3. Do you like pastel nails? As long as they give a nice streak-free finish, I’m in!
4. Describe one of your typical makeup looks for work? Hah, my actual work is home-based so I don’t normally wear makeup for it. But, when I need to look professional, I go for a “not wearing makeup” makeup look 😛 That’s where the Urban Decay Naked Eyeshadow Palette has my back.
5. Rainbow suspenders? Hmmmm… I’m not really a suspenders kinda gal. Though, I don’t mind thick-framed glasses.
6. Highlight of your weekend? SAN FRANCISCO. Such a gorgeous city, Karen! ;___; I’m bummed that I wasn’t able to do much sightseeing or meet up with you! I pretty much arrived late Friday night, attended a LGBTQI Health Forum at UCSF and did a little clubbing on Saturday, then went home Sunday morning. Still, what I was able to do and see was absolutely amazing and I definitely want to go back for some real touring around. Hopefully then, we can grab that cup of coffee 😀
7. Do you prefer taking baby steps or diving in all at once? I like to dive in all at once. I used to take baby steps but sometimes you just need to take that huge plunge so that things can happen.
8. Where were you in 1999? I was in 3rd or 4th grade and taking a ton of dance classes and math tutoring.
9. Something you’re grateful for today? I’m ridiculously grateful I was able to take a midterm on Friday (instead of today) before the road trip. It was a tight studying squeeze but I knew I would’ve been too exhausted to do any real studying during or after SF. I was able to sleep in a little more before my 9 am class and it even ended early! Hooray!
10. Write yourself a nice note. Christina, try try try to not overwhelm yourself and stop being so self-critical! You’ve made it this far and that’s something to be proud of!
1. What’s a makeup brand you’ve been into lately?
Too Faced! They have won me over with their cute packaging, I recently acquired the Glamour to Go palette and the Shadow Bon Bons set (based partially on your review of the palette!) and I’m really loving both of them.
2. Dresses, skirts or pants?
Pants, pants, pants. Dresses are perfect for hot weather and summertime, but I’m from Boston, so right now is solidly pants-only weather for me. I’ve never really gotten the hang of wearing skirts…
3. Do you like pastel nails?
I bite my nails (ack!) so mine are very short and usually look much better in darker colors. Love pastels on other people’s nails, though!
4. Describe one of your typical makeup looks for work?
I am a student, so I can have a bit more fun with my makeup. Makeup looks this week have ranged from none at all to a full face. Normally I wear my YSL Teint Eclat foundation, TF Lashgasm blackest black mascara, Madison Street Beauty (Etsy all-natural mineral makeup line) rosy blush with gold flecks, MSB aloe setting powder, and I’m good to go!
5. Rainbow suspenders?
Nope nope nope.
6. Highlight of your weekend?
Getting a new haircut! 🙂 Looking forward to next weekend when I travel to SF for spring break!!
7. Do you prefer taking baby steps or diving in all at once?
Diving in, although sometimes I just can’t bring myself to do it
8. Where were you in 1999?
I was 6 :O
9. Something you’re grateful for today?
I’m extremely grateful for my college scholarship and lack of student loans.
10. Write yourself a nice note.
Hello! Hang in there and don’t get too stressed out! Only a few more days until vacation!