So…what is the Monday Poll?
Well, it isn’t exactly a poll. It’s more of a constantly evolving (devolving?), somewhat random list of questions I’ve been putting out to readers every Monday morning for the past 10 (!) years. (It’s like a kickstart for your brain.) I’ve always enjoyed reading your answers in the comments, and I hope you enjoy reading mine.?
1. What’s on your nails?
I’ve got a fresh coat of Chanel Coquillage (from the summer collection) on my fingers, but the Smith & Cult Bitter Buddhist on my toes is two weeks old.
I have a bad habit of wearing my pedicure polish longer than I should… I swear, my toenails look like vampire talons right now, and it’s NOT cute.
Too much info?? Maybe? Like that’s ever stopped me before. 🙂
2. A recent beauty-related find worth mentioning?
The IT Cosmetics Naturally Pretty Palette, which has some great easy-to-blend matte shadows (review coming this afternoon!), and since my time management skills have been less than nonexistent lately and were totally WHACK last week, I need all the help I can get. I’ve been using this palette for single shadow lids, then adding a colorful liner.
3. A recent non-beauty-related find worth mentioning?
GIRL, you get in your hoopty right now, and drive to TJ’s to grab yourself a bag of Heavenly Villagio Marzano Tomatoes.
They are SO good. They’re like tomatoes that graduated summa cum laude. They’re about the size and shape of Brazil nuts and flavorful like homegrown tomatoes.
Mmm…
I had to stop myself from finishing the whole bag like grapes in one sitting. Even the Coywolf is obsessed.
4. What was the last beauty or skin care product you got at a drugstore (or at Target or Walmart)?
It was some Burt’s Bees lotion I got for baby girl.
5. Write a nice note to yourself about this week.
Karen, I know you’re a little tired today (I got the Monday blues), but you’re doing great. Be patient with yourself, hang in there, and remember that many tasks seem daunting at the very beginning, but they usually get easier as you go along.
May the force be with you, and may your mani stay shiny and your liner stay smudgy. I hope the universe sends ya some good news this week. Or, en lieu of good news, I hope it sends you chocolate.
Have a good one, friend! 🙂
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
1. I’m not sure what polish is malingering on my nails, but it’s OPI In The Navy on my toenails.
2. Korean Beauty! Get on the train and you won’t want off. I’ve been focusing on Toners and Essences. It’s made a huge difference to my dehydrated skin.
3. Whatever that new Brazillian coffee is at TJ’s. YUM. I really needed to get some, but my hubby said no until I finish up what I have already. I’m not a huge coffee person, maybe twice a week at most so it’s gonna be a while.
4. I get Alba’s body lotion in maximum moisture and several of my hair care items from Whole Foods. I’m not a fan of the smell of the body lotion but it’s the best for many reasons. It’s got glycolic and lactic acid in it and it’s pretty lightweight but moisturizing like something heavier. It’s perfect for dry feet and shins. It’s also great for preventing body acne.
5. Get more sleep. Everyone’s problems aren’t yours to fix. Remember to go to Sephora and return those Bite Prismatic Pearl glosses since they made your lips peel. Don’t forget to RICE after workouts. You’re the best, thanks for all you do to take care of your family, friends, and neighbors. Be more kind to yourself.
Have a good week, Erin! That coffee sounds yummy!
1. What’s on your nails?
Sinful Colors nail polish in “Lie-lac.”
2. A recent beauty-related find worth mentioning?
It Cosmetics Illuminating Concealer. It doesn’t crease and provides medium coverage to my undereye bags.
3. A recent non-beauty-related find worth mentioning?
Nestle Mate Butter Pecan Coffee Creamer! I didn’t like it at first, but the aftertaste is nice. It’s like a scoop of ice cream in your coffee.
4. What was the last beauty or skin care product you got at a drugstore (or at Target or Walmart)?
I purchased Dickinson’s Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner
5. Write a nice note to yourself about this week.
Dear Lupe.
Everything will fall into place. You’re where you are meant to be. Focus on some self care this week and don’t stress yourself out so much.
Hi Lupe,
That cream sounds delicious! What coffee do you usually drink? I’m all about Peet’s and Dunkin’ Doughnuts these days.
I have to give the Dunkin Donuts one a try! I usually drink Nescafe or Folgers coffee.
Hey Karen, so here’s mine:
1. What’s on your nails?
OPI Nail Lacquer in ‘Over the taupe’, with some Chanel Le Top Coat in Black Metamorphosis over it. Loving Black metamorphosis so much these days! Want to wear it with anything and everything! Nothing on toes. Then again, I never bother with my toes…too much work!
2. A recent beauty-related find worth mentioning?
Hm, I think the Tom Ford blush in Gratuitous – may have mentioned it here before. It just seems like the more time passes, the more obsessed I get with it! Probably need to get more eyeshadows to match that plum shade.
3. A recent non-beauty-related find worth mentioning?
Found a jar of ‘coconut & almond butter’, from a company called Meridian. It is so delicious…! Planning on having a jar on my desk at all times from now on.
4. What was the last beauty or skin care product you got at a drugstore (or at Target or Walmart)?
Probably a soap? Haha. It’s Le petit marseillais, the one with shea butter. Smells amazing.
5. Write a nice note to yourself about this week.
Clearly, this should be: ‘Try to get more done and stop day-dreaming about make-up!’ At least until a sale hits at Harvey Nichols on Thursday. 😉
Hi LK,
Hope you had a great weekend! Did you hear anything about the job yet?
Hey Karen! It was a weekend mostly sitting around, browsing stuff online, and reading in bed. In my books, that’s a pretty good weekend. 🙂
As for the job… It’s a bit weird. They have always been super slow to send me updates (waited a few weeks after applying to get an interview invite, then they were a bunch of days late sending me the stats exercise I was supposed to do before the interview). Now, unsurprisingly, they told me I’d hear back about the outcome on Friday / Monday, but here we are on Tuesday with no news… :/
Not sure what to make of all this. They seem like an awesome team, but this is a bit strange. Then again… that’s probably why they need to hire extra help. 🙂 We shall see.
You can count on a tsunami of makeup shopping and comments over here if I *do* get the job. 😉
Waiting is the worst part, ugh. I hope you get it. Fingers and toes crossed! Maybe give them a call to nudge things along?
Glad you’re enjoying your plum blush, by the way! For some reason I always associate plum with autumn makeup, but technically yeah, one could wear it all year round. I should take mine out for a spin soon (it would go great with all the purple liner I can’t stop wearing, ha!).
Been debating whether to nudge them, vs. leave it alone a while longer, to not seem way too eager. Hmm. If there is no news by Wednesday / Thursday. definitely gonna chase it up. Aw man. It’s like some makeup. There is a lot of hype and you really want to love it, but then you give it a go and it’s all a bit disappointing.
Ha, been so into this plum blush, that the seasonal side of it never even crossed my mind. I shall keep wearing it in blatant disregard of that, for SS17. 🙂 Ya know, I’m thinking of also grabbing a TF Honeymoon palette during the upcoming sale here on Thursday. In pictures it looks like the dark shade in it is kinda plummy. Might work with the TF blush. Any ideas what else I should check out on the day? 🙂
And speaking of the purple liner, recently got the Chanel Stylo Yeux in Purple Chock. After I swatched it in the shop, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. Had to go back and get it! It’s a warm shade of purple, with tiny pink glittery bits in it. Have you tried this one?
1. What’s on your nails?
Not a damn thing. My toes aren’t even painted! I plan on going to the store later to buy a new color for them though…
2. A recent beauty-related find worth mentioning?
I’ve been really loving the LongSexyHair shampoo, conditioner, and leave-in!
3. A recent non-beauty-related find worth mentioning?
American Eagle Super High Rise Jeggings! I have a really long torso and an abnormally high rise, making it almost impossible for me to wear jeans. These come almost to my waist with an 11 inch rise (which just goes to show how abnormally high my waist is).
4. What was the last beauty or skin care product you got at a drugstore (or at Target or Walmart)?
I picked up an Alba Botanica cleanser. I used to use their moisturizer and mask years ago, so I picked them up on Amazon.
5. Write a nice note to yourself about this week.
Chelsea,
You took this week off of work so take it easy. Take a lot of naps, read some books, hug the animals.
Love,
Chelsea
Hi Chelsea,
Ahh, you’re the second person to mention those AE Jeggings. I hear they’re life changing!
So what’s the plan for your week off? Just chilling at home?
That’s the plan for right now! We had originally planned to go spend time with my parents, because my dad had his knee replaced last week, but that’s not possible. I had already told all my clients I’d be gone, so I’m staycationing.
1. I’m giving my fingernails a break, so just some Bliss Kiss Simply Pure hydrating oil. I cracked the tube open to get the last few drops just now! On my toenails (I need to redo them, too lol) China Glaze Shocking Pink.
2. I’ve been all about the Glamglow Supermud Clearing treatment mask this week 😉
3. ha! Gotta add those tomatoes to the TJ’s list! I’ve got food on the brain right now, so gotta recommend the TJ’s chicken fettuccine alfredo that saved my butt at dinner time this weekend!
4. Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch lotion sunscreen, spf 50 babyyyy! Love the way it smells and it’s not greasy and doesn’t have a crazy white cast.
5. Dear Galaxia, Mommin, wife’n, and homemakin ain’t easy, but you have a lot to be grateful for. Keep smiling and take care of yourself! Do that workout, sip your coffee hot, let him watch some extra PBS Kids and play with makeup! You got this!
Happy Monday, Karen!
Hi Lex,
I need to try that Hawaiian Tropic sunscreen! Do you use it just on your body? Or can you also use it on your face?
I use it on my face, too! It’s light weight and not too greasy looking…I don’t know if I’m supposed to, though lol I have been liking the Benefit sunscreen for my face, too!
Happy Monday, Karen! I hope you had a nice Mother’s Day. I did.
1. What’s on your nails?
NexGen gel nails in S32 Maine (cobalt with silver and holographic microglitter).
2. A recent beauty-related find worth mentioning? Medusa’s Make-up Blush in Georgia Peach is gorgeous. Who needs Too Faced peach stuff? And I might be mildly obsessed with the UD x Basquiat Gold Griot Eyeshadow Palette. 😉 I’ve been using it nearly every day since I got it, and I haven’t even tried the Tenant one yet (!).
3. A recent non-beauty-related find worth mentioning? Nothing new to most people, probably, but I tried Bubble Tea for the first time Friday. Coconut flavor. Super-yummy and fun.
4. What was the last beauty or skin care product you got at a drugstore (or at Target or Walmart)? Burt’s Bees Facial Cleansing Towelettes with White Tea Extract from Target. They smell like heaven.
5. Write a nice note to yourself about this week.
Rachel,
You’ll get through the drama with the toxic friend. You did the right thing. This, too, shall pass.
Love,
Yourself (and love yourself)
Hi Rachel,
What?! I can’t believe you haven’t dug into Tenant yet. The brights are so you. So glad that you are loving Gold Griot, though. It’s such a great palette.
What did you guys do for Mother’s Day? We were lucky to have everyone come do us. My in-laws drove down from Redding, and my family drove across the bridge from the East Bay. We went to brunch at a cute restaurant called Chalet Basque and had a great time.
That’s nice that everyone came to you for Mom’s Day. It’s such an ordeal to travel with a baby. So much stuff to take with you. We had a pretty laid back day. My hubby and younger son took me to dinner at a local Italian place. My older son is visiting hubby’s family for the week, but he called me Sunday.
I’ll get to Tenant soon enough! lol I need to try those blues and greens.
1. What’s on your nails?
Nothing on my fingernails. My toes have some red color from OPI that’s from a pedicure back at the end of March. Yikes! It’s finally warming up again, so I’m going to try and get in for another pedicure this week. My feet need some profressional help!
2. A recent beauty-related find worth mentioning?
This is a new one for me – L’oreal Brow Stylist Definer. My brows can be a real pain to work with and this is the first product I’ve found in a while that helps give a natural, but polished look.
3. A recent non-beauty-related find worth mentioning?
This was a little while ago, but I got the Overdrive app on my phone. It allows me to check out digital books from my local library. Sometimes there’s a wait for popular titles, but it notifies you via email when it’s ready to download. It’s great for travel.
4. What was the last beauty or skin care product you got at a drugstore (or at Target or Walmart)?
Simple Micellar Water. I’ve been using it in place of makeup remover wipes.
5. Write a nice note to yourself about this week.
Hang in there and don’t get overwhelmed by all the stuff that needs to be done. Take time to relax and enjoy the weather.
Happy Monday! Hope you had a great Mother’s Day weekend. 🙂
Hi Ruchita,
I hope you had a nice Mother’s Day weekend, too (because being a cat mom totally counts). I’m intrigued by the Brow Styler because I’m on a mission to find a good drugstore brow product. Gonna add it to my list.
RE: books. Have you read any good ones lately?
1. What’s on your nails?
Nothing in fact I need to get a mani (or at least trim them at home).
2. A recent beauty-related find worth mentioning?
I found this blog called Simple Skincare Science because of Beautiful with brains blog, and he has a really interesting article about how probiotics work to help skin (and also commented about the relationship between the gut flora and our brain); so I decided to bit the bullet bought a cheap bottle of probiotics and after a month of using them I can say it has helped with my acne. Now I’m a believer and recommend them to everybody.
3. A recent non-beauty-related find worth mentioning?
I bought three pairs of Old Navy shorts and I really like them, specially the ones with built in flex, they feel like nothing. I guess I’ll only buy pants with that kind of fabric because I have big thighs and pants without lycra are awful to use.
4. What was the last beauty or skin care product you got at a drugstore (or at Target or Walmart)?
Nivea Face sunscreen, gets the job done without being overly oily and it’s cheap, which is great because we need to use a generous amount and reapply.
5. Write a nice note to yourself about this week.
Life is crazy, isn’t it Efra? You know that there’s stuff where you can’t nothing but wait; so keep moving in all the possible ways; everything will get to its place.
Also this week you need to work hard, so move gurl and get everything you need done I know you can finish all on time. I love you don’t forget that.
Now in other stuff: happy Mother’s day Karen, I hope it was a great one; here is celebrated on May 10th so we celebrated before you did.
Hi Efrain,
Believe it or not I know about the May 10th date for Mother’s Day. I have a friend who is Mexican and she mentioned she was taking her mom out that day. What did you and your sis do with your mom?
So, I’m totally with you on pants needed lycra/stretch. I mean, I hate pants in general (all about yoga leggings), but if I have to wear pants, you better be sure those suckers are going to stretch.
It’s interesting how what you eat can affect skin, huh? For me it was dairy. When I cut it out entirely my skin completely cleared up.
At Alisson’s school the students played the guitar and sang for the moms at noon, and the school gave them cake; after that we went to a buffet in the city center. Also we gave her a Dermawand, because she was always asking to get one, now she’s a happy woman and I hope it helps to reduce wrinkles. What about yours?
I can’t understand how people look for pants 100% cotton, I just can’t unless they’re really wide but them I don’t look great on them. I’m with you about yoga pants/leggings or joggers.
I saw an improvement when I stopped drinking milk; however it’s been impossible to quit cheese. I’m trying and now it has been easier because Alisson simply can’t eat dairy so we’re eating less than normal. Also alcohol and sugar make my skin go bonkers.
When you break it down, it’s basically all sugar. It does make a huge difference cutting it out. I find that the more veggies and fruit I eat, the better my skin looks too (and the better I feel).
1. What’s on your nails?
Nothing 🙂
2. A recent beauty-related find worth mentioning?
Chanel Gel Touch Foundation- just amazing!
3. A recent non-beauty-related find worth mentioning?
New local fruit shop – the most fresh fruit ever!
4. What was the last beauty or skin care product you got at a drugstore (or at Target or Walmart)?
Boots Tea Tree Peel off Mask, it is great for skin prone to break outs!
5. Write a nice note to yourself about this week.
Have fun this week girl-‘you’re still on holiday! Maybe stop eating so much though…
Hi Eleni,
I’ve heard the Gel Touch is great. I hope to try it soon! Enjoy your vacation.
1. What’s on your nails?
Nothing! I need to give myself a pedi tonight, and I think I’ll go for a fuchsia.
2. A recent beauty-related find worth mentioning?
The Lancome liquid eyeshadow from their summer collection. The one I have (Bronze something) is a breeze to apply and it looks perfect for summer, shiny but not over the top metallic.
3. A recent non-beauty-related find worth mentioning?
I got a dress from hiking brand Merrell at an REI garage sale and I’ve been wearing it at least once a week since then! It’s the perfect casual sweatshirt dress with holes for the thumbs, but it has a very flattering shape that makes it classy enough for work. You’d never be able to tell it’s from a brand that makes outdoor gear! And it was like 20 bucks at the sale.
4. What was the last beauty or skin care product you got at a drugstore (or at Target or Walmart)?
The Ecotools powder brush.
5. Write a nice note to yourself about this week.
Oh my, I have a lot going on this week, I’m flying to NYC tomorrow for work and I’ll be there until Sunday, with 2 events I’m basically entirely responsible for… And both of my flights are overbooked, the airline sent me a kind offer to volunteer not to fly…
So, just take one day at a time, do your best, and everything’s gonna be alright. Don’t forget to breathe and look up at the skyscrapers.
Hi Lulle,
Good luck at your work events! I’m sure you’ll do great. Keeping my fingers crossed that everything goes smoothly for you.
1: the question should be what’s under them (dirt) instead of what’s on top (nothing)
2: super cute headband my sister gave me for my birthday.
3: huge planter for only $15 at Aldi!
4: Erm, I get all my beauty stuff from Walmart! Just picked up some heavenly smelling Suave conditioner.
5: just breathe.
Hi Jaclyn,
You can get some good beauty things at Walmart, especially when there’s a sale, woo-hoo! Hope your Monday was good. Enjoy the rest of your week!
1) Nothing, I”m in the middle of a foot peel so my toes need to be bare and i pretty much never do anything to my finger nails.
2) False lashes, I know I’m late on the game, but I’ve discovered ardell and eylure lashes and I’m into it. I always thought they were only worth my time for big events. Now I think they’re great for pretty normal days.
3) Extra Toasty Cheez-its. They’re not powdery like some of the flavored ones, so a simple clean cracker snack, but with just a little more flavor than original.
4) I grabbed a replacement pixi double cleanse from target today, it’s sooo good! Also more of the aforementioned lashes, ardell demi wispies and curvys.
5) You’re nailing the work stuff, and keeping up your self care, you’ll catch up on housework later, girl!
Hi Breyerchic04,
If you haven’t tried them already, the Baby Demi Wispies by Ardell are the best!
BTW I thought of you last Friday when I was at Sephora and looking at the Lancome Matte Shakers. 🙂 Are you still loving yours?
1. What’s on your nails? Tokyo A Go Go Gelish Color, I love it, I’m obsessed.
2. A recent beauty-related find worth mentioning? OGX Moroccan Oil Products, I love them!
3. A recent non-beauty-related find worth mentioning?
Hmm… Voss Sparkling Water, I’m obsessed.
4. What was the last beauty or skin care product you got at a drugstore (or at Target or Walmart)?
All the OGX Moroccan Oil stuff. 🙂
5. Write a nice note to yourself about this week.
It will be over soon! LOL
Hi Lydia,
Hang on! It’ll be Friday soon enough.
1. What is on my nails? NOTHIN! I have, over the last two years, learned that not even gel nail polish lasts very long when you work with horses. You’ll get chips the minute you go say hi to your horse; it’s a curse.
2. A recent beauty-related find worth mentioning? The Jean-Michel Basquiat for Urban Decays eyeshadow palette in Tenant. Like, OMG, the colors. It’s like a more wearable Electric palette. I’m still working with it, but I *had* to get it. You know me and color.
3. A recent non-beauty-related find worth mentioning? Speaking of Trader Joe’s…Trader Joes Tandoori Garlic Naan. Sooooooo good, especially if you warm it up a little and put some margarine on it.
4. What was the last beauty or skin care product you got at a drugstore (or at Target or Walmart)? La Roche Posay eye makeup remover. I’m not too thrilled with it. I miss my Clinique.
5. Write a nice note to yourself about this week.
Don’t let Vince’s bad behavior from yesterday get to you! All horses have bad days and next time, you know what to do when he’s being aggressive about his hooves being cleaned.
1) What’s on your nails?
Nothing. I’ve been taking hair & nail vitamins every day to help my hair grow out faster. My nails are growing out so fast I’d be doing a mani 2-3 times every week.
2) A recent beauty-related find worth mentioning?
Everyone probably knew about this but me: Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner. It’s true love. I never thought such eyeliner bliss would happen to me.
3) A recent non-beauty-related find worth mentioning?
These crazy-good stainless steel cups from Sam’s Club. They’re 2 for $20. Water stays ice cold for hours.
4) What was the last beauty or skin care product you got at a drugstore (or at Target or Walmart)?
Maybelline Baby Lips.
5) Write a nice note to yourself about this week.
Little Bit graduates from Elementary School this week. Slow down and reflect on all the precious memories you’ve shared. And acknowledge the fact that, despite all your faults and the times you’ve said or done the wrong thing, you are an amazing aunt.
1) What’s on your nails? California Coral by Essie.
2) A recent beauty find worth mentioning? Digging for Gold lipstick by MAC cosmetics. Great colour. Also, Lovefresh Coffee sugar scrub. Just fabulous!
3) A recent non-beauty find worth mentioning? A great pair of yoga pants from Aerie (purchased on-line).
4) What was the last beauty or skin product you got at a drugstore. Sally Hansen nail polish in “Bow to the Queen.”
5) Write a nice note to yourself about this week.
You can’t control the outcome of everything. Just trust that everything will work out exactly how it is supposed to. Learn to relax and let life happen…
1. What’s on your nails?
Nothing, they’re bare. But not for long. I think I’ll be painting them blue.
2. A recent beauty-related find worth mentioning? My daughter made me a lip balm. She took a mint EOS, I don’t like that brand for me, it’s too waxy, and she melted it down with some coconut oil and petroleum jelly, and popped it back into the round EOS container. It’s fabulous!
3. A recent non-beauty-related find worth mentioning?
Silver metallic shoes with light up soles. I’m trying to decide if they’re going to make my almost 42 year old self look amazing or desperate.
4. What was the last beauty or skin care product you got at a drugstore (or at Target or Walmart)?
Nail polish remover.
5. Write a nice note to yourself about this week.
Dear Stef, you’ve got a big week ahead of you, make sure you get enough sleep, caffeinate enough, and take pictures! You are a great friend, supporting so many of your people this week!