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. A piece of advice you would give to someone just getting started in makeup?
Before you pull the trigger and buy that foundation/tinted moisturizer/BB cream or whatever it may be, check to see how it looks on you outside using a mirror, because store lighting can make a product look COMPLETELY different than it looks in sunlight, or the shade, or even a different type of artificial lighting (light soft white bulbs vs. daylight bulbs). It helps to check whether a base product is a good match for your skin when you’re in natural light.
I would also say that you usually don’t have to wear as much makeup as you think.
2. Say something positive about your beautiful body.
My body kicks butt! It can run. It can surf. It continually keeps trying to do yoga, even though downward dogs are like the most challenging thing in the world…
I’m glad it’s healthy, and I appreciate all the thing it does.
3. How much does packaging matter to you?
It matters to a degree. Obviously, I want the product in the packaging to be good, but it’s nice when something also looks pretty sitting on your bathroom counter or when you pull it out of your makeup bag, ya know?
If I had to choose between the same product in not-so-cute packaging and the same product in cute packaging, I’d choose the cute option, for sure!
4. What’s something that you didn’t expect to like but ended up liking anyway?
Peppermint ice cream from Baskin-Robbins (I’ve only seen it during the holidays), because MAN! — it looks so nasty, like Pepto-Bismol ice cream. It tastes really good, though.
5. Someone that you hope is thinking about you today?
My li’l coywolf. I hope she thinks fondly of me.
Mondays are for magic
May a little bit of magic find you today. 🙂 Have a great one, friend!
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. Here are the questions to copy and paste.
1. A piece of advice you would give to someone just getting started in makeup?
2. Say something positive about your beautiful body.
3. How much does packaging matter to you?
4. What’s something that you didn’t expect to like but ended up liking anyway?
5. Someone that you hope is thinking about you today?
Hey Karen!
1. A piece of advice you would give to someone just getting started in makeup?
I’d actually have something similar to say – but it’s about checking make-up application in daylight before going out, rather than when buying stuff in shops. The difference between artificial and natural light can sometimes be shocking… Two situations spring to mind, from very long ago – when I didn’t realize just how much foundation I had put on at home, under a certain type of light. I saw myself outside, and how my pores and face fluff were kinda…coated in dense foundation. It was terrible. The other story is… a bronzy shade of eyeshadow seemed very natural and just *slightly* deeper than my skin tone, so I applied it quite liberally under a golden bathroom light… Ended up seeing myself in daylight, at school, many hours later… The HORROR! Basically my eyelids were orange toned, almost up to the eyebrows. I could not remove it fast enough, and much to my shock, when I asked my best friend why she didn’t tell me about it, she said it was because she assumed I *wanted* to look like that. Nooo………! hahaha!! After such incidents, I’m now paranoid and always go back n forth between bedroom mirror and a window, to make sure everything looks OK. :-/
2. Say something positive about your beautiful body.
Hmm… Getting a bit more into shape with some protein drinks and some exercise. I’m really starting to love the shoulder and arm definition, but more work pending on abs… 🙂
3. How much does packaging matter to you?
Hm, quite a lot actually. Makeup for me is partially about results, but partially about the feeling you get when you’re applying it – for me it has to be a bit of a treat and a moment to pamper myself. So if packaging is too simple, I *usually* am not a big fan.
4. What’s something that you didn’t expect to like but ended up liking anyway?
Erm, is it too embarrassing if I say Bieber? Ha! Was totally dissing him until a few months ago, then some songs came out and I was like…Wait, these don’t actually sound bad…! So there, dirty secret finally out in the open. 😛
5. Someone that you hope is thinking about you today?
My new house guest – I’ve called him Brian. Brian is a mouse, and I am hoping to catch him and get rid of him in a nearby park or something… The sooner, the better, haha! 😉
Hey Lex,
I had the same moment with Bieber, LOL! It happened a while back when I heard a few of his songs on the radio and realized I didn’t hate them. They’re fun for booty shaking, LOL. Not sure how I feel about him as a person but I enjoy his music.
Eeeek! Good luck catching Brian. Maybe go to the hardware store to find a catch and release option?
Yup, that sums up how I feel about Bieber too! As for little Brian, yeah – that’s the plan. Hopefully I can catch him and find somewhere else for him to go. 🙂
I would say get a cat but Tabs is the WORST mouser ever, LOL! We had one once and he basically let it run around. Eventually it left, thank goodness!
Ah, he doesn’t like to do the dirty work – that’s for others to sort out ;-). Awesome questions btw, loved answering them and reading other people’s comments. 🙂
Here is my take on the Monday Poll:
1. A piece of advice you would give to someone just getting started in makeup? As other comments, test things out first before you make a commitment to a product. Also have fun with it but remember, it’s only makeup. You are beautiful no matter what.
2. Say something positive about your beautiful body. Overall, I am happy with my 57 year old body, and so is my husband!!!!
3. How much does packaging matter to you? Somewhat, I tend to go for simple, but elegant. I think that’s why I go for brands like Chanel.
4. What’s something that you didn’t expect to like but ended up liking anyway? Belgian Style Wheat beers. It has been my summer drink, although I need to start cutting back before my 57 year old body gets a beer gut.
5. Someone that you hope is thinking about you today? My son. he is starting a 4 week summer pre-college visual design program at a local college. I kind of suggested it to him since he is interested in that. I am hoping that he appreciates it.
So on Saturday night I escaped to NYC and hung out with my sister sans hubby & son. We got together with some mutual friends, one guy I haven’t seen in about 35 years. We went to this place that has ping-pong tables for rent. It was so much fun. I got back home Sunday morning.
Here’s to Mondays!!!
Hi Jane,
How fun! Glad you were able to have some time with your sis and friends. Was it hot in the city?
1. Play with colors and products with an affordable brand like NYX. Once you find what you like then upgrade. Secondly, follow makeup artists on social media. I have learned so much just by spying on others online!
2. As a weight lifter I’m strong AF. And I have killer muscular arms and back that I’m really proud of.
3. I wish I could say 0% but I know that’s not true! I appreciate creative art but I can tell when companies are using their packaging to hide how small their sizes are and I hate that. I also dislike excessive packaging. Save the planet, people!
4. My husband! Seriously hated his guts when we met.
5. One of the guys I outlifted at the gym today. 😀
That’s cool that you out-lifted a dude! What exercise were you doing?
Once when I was at the gym (this was years ago when I was lifting heavy consistently), someone called me a “small and mighty” (I’m petite, just a little over five feet). It was the best compliment ever.
1. A piece of advice you would give to someone just getting started in makeup?
Be patient! Finding stuff that works, especially complexion products, is super time-consuming. Ask for samples and try products out in various situations (outside, inside, different primers) before buying. Take advice but trust your gut.
2. Say something positive about your beautiful body.
I have a fantastic nose. I used to hate it with a passion (in fact, until about a year and a half ago I wanted a nose job desperately) but now I realize it’s my most distinctive feature and I’d never get rid of it! It’s hard to have an aquiline nose as a kid but now that I’m an adult, I’ve learned to embrace and love it. Besides, it’s a good shape to balance glasses on.
3. How much does packaging matter to you?
Well, of course, I want packaging to be attractive, but the most important thing is that it works well. When people say they don’t care about packaging, I wonder if they mean just how it looks. There have been products that had great formulas but I couldn’t use because the packaging was weird or didn’t work, or got broken easily. So I’d say packaging is extremely important, and not just for aesthetic reasons.
4. What’s something that you didn’t expect to like but ended up liking anyway?
Makeup-wise, or in life? In life, I took a personal essay writing class last fall. I took it mainly because I thought I’d hate it, and lately my decision-making process has been that if I really don’t want to do something, it might be good for me (like going to the doctor, taking a certain class, sending that email, etc., not like going down that dark alley!). I ended up really liking it and finding it very cathartic and decided to be a teacher’s assistant for it the next semester. I was invited to give a little talk to the department about the genre as well.
In makeup, I can’t really think of anything off the top of my head! I only really try stuff I think I’ll like, so stuff is either: I thought I’d like it and I did, or I thought I’d like it and I didn’t.
5. Someone that you hope is thinking about you today?
My cat. I was so excited because I was supposed to go home for two months over the weekend, but I found out I have to stay out at school for the rest of the summer so I won’t get to see her! I’m very upset. I feel like a bad cat mom because I’ve only seen her for about two weeks in total since February, and I’ll only get to see her for a week in August. Once I’m able to get my own apartment, though, she’s moving in with me for sure! I miss her terribly.
1. A piece of advice you would give to someone just getting started in makeup?: Get decent, real brushes (not those little doll brushes they give you in eyeshadow palettes) and invest more in high quality eyeshadows and face makeup. Being able to blend effortlessly will save you a lot of time.
2. Say something positive about your beautiful body.: It can walk long distances and loves to walk.
3. How much does packaging matter to you?: On a scale of 1-10, maybe a 6. It matters more that the packaging is sturdy and protects the makeup. Aesthetics come after that.
4. What’s something that you didn’t expect to like but ended up liking anyway? The TV show CW Reign. It’s a silly show but I wound up getting hooked. I even started collecting jewelry worn by the actors.
5. Someone that you hope is thinking about you today?: The God of Fortune. I need money lol.
Karen, have you tried this recipe?
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/22/travel/escapes/22rNYfood.html
1. A piece of advice you would give to someone just getting started in makeup?
It’s just makeup, at the end you can just wipe it off, also you’re beautiful with and without it.
In addition I’d say to check base products in natural daylight, as many of you said.
2. Say something positive about your beautiful body.
Recently I’ve been sick, but what impressed me was the fact that no matter how weak you’re, your body will fight. So I love having this strong body.
3. How much does packaging matter to you?
A lot, but if the product is really good I don’t care about it.
4. What’s something that you didn’t expect to like but ended up liking anyway?
Bronzer, I always thought that being tan make bronzer useless but it actually make me look healthier.
5. Someone that you hope is thinking about you today?
My family, even though I’m talking with them everyday I miss them a lot. Also I hope Max doesn’t forget me.
1. A piece of advice you would give to someone just getting started in makeup?
Check Youtube for “how-to” videos on any look you want to achieve. Watch them as many times as you need! I did this and I am very confident in my techniques now. Plus, I learned the brand names in the videos!
2. Say something positive about your beautiful body.
I love my face. I may be turning 35 in September but I still pass for someone in their 20s. I love my freckles and I love the fine line in my forehead. I don’t look old; I look wise.
3. How much does packaging matter to you?
It definitely doesn’t matter to me. The less waste the better!
4. What’s something that you didn’t expect to like but ended up liking anyway? I watched the movie The Peculiar Children of Ms. Pereguine this past weekend. I wasn’t sure I would be into it but it was such a cute movie! I loved it!
5. Someone that you hope is thinking about you today?
My 1st wedding anniversary is this coming Sunday!! So I hope my other half is thinking about ways to spoil me heehee!
This is so fun! Here is my take on the questions
1. A piece of advice you would give to someone just getting started in makeup?
Give yourself time to experiment and figure out what you like–start out with drugstore brands because there are some really great options and you can learn things like–hey, I don’t like full coverage foundations, without having spent a fortune on the product. Take your time to see what you like, and then invest in high quality products. And have fun! Makeup is about making you feel happy and beautiful, not about trying to hide or cover yourself up.
2. Say something positive about your beautiful body.
I am working every day to love you more, and I am sorry for the mean things I have said about you, and when I tried to deprive you of food.
3. How much does packaging matter to you?
I am a sucker for adorable packaging, and I know it! That being said, I hate when packaging is either too flimsy or cumbersome. So I want it to be cute but also practical. And I am not going to buy something in an amazing package if the product inside is not also amazing!
4. What’s something that you didn’t expect to like but ended up liking anyway?
Dramatic tv shows like Scandal–but I can’t get enough!!
5. Someone that you hope is thinking about you today?
I lost touch with a friend several years ago but I still think of her often. I hope she thinks of me sometimes too.
irisbeautyspot.wordpress.com
1. A piece of advice you would give to someone just getting started in makeup? Have fun! Go to Sephora and ask about what is popular in their store.
2. Say something positive about your beautiful body. I’m healthy and I’ve been able to maintain my weight for 6+ months!
3. How much does packaging matter to you? I love creative packaging (think Benefit brand). I also like when packaging is not only pretty but useful (built in mirror etc.).
4. What’s something that you didn’t expect to like but ended up liking anyway? Bronzer. 🙂
5. Someone that you hope is thinking about you today? My parents.
1. A piece of advice you would give to someone just getting started in makeup?
Take it slow, and remember that it’s a learning curve! You have to practice it like any other skill.
2. Say something positive about your beautiful body.
Well, it’s currently growing a tiny human, so I’d say that’s pretty amazing. 🙂 (Any tips on finding the energy to work out during your first trimester would be greatly appreciated!)
3. How much does packaging matter to you?
I’d say it’s fairly important, like if I feel I’m wasting product or it’s not travel friendly.
4. What’s something that you didn’t expect to like but ended up liking anyway?
Trader Joe’s sour cream & onion corn poofs. OMG.
5. Someone that you hope is thinking about you today?
My husband. He had to go down to the OC for a funeral without me and it’s always so weird when he’s gone!
1. A piece of advice you would give to someone just getting started in makeup? Have fun, experiment , and you dont have to spend a fortune on high end to look good.
2. Say something positive about your beautiful body.
you need brakes to handle these curves. wham
3. How much does packaging matter to you?
i would say the higher the products cost , the more expect nicer packaging
4. What’s something that you didn’t expect to like but ended up liking anyway?
driving. i am getting the hang of it. i was terrified
5. Someone that you hope is thinking about you today?
my boyfriend.
Happy Monday, Karen! Hope your week is starting up great!
1. A piece of advice you would give to someone just getting started in makeup?
Have fun with it, start with something you’re comfortable in, and add as you want. I believe the best makeup is always worn with a confidence!
2. Say something positive about your beautiful body.
I can still fit in the pair of jeans I have from my teenage years. Now that the 90s style is back, it comes quite handy (and cost-saving) :D. Plus it turned out that I can learn to be flexible (took me at least 7 years of yoga to have my heels touching the ground during downward dog, but I am improving!).
3. How much does packaging matter to you?
Quite a lot, actually. I use more stuff because the packaging feels luxurious (yeah, sometimes I’m shallow), but I don’t mind simple packaging if the product is good.
4. What’s something that you didn’t expect to like but ended up liking anyway?
Distressed jeans, I don’t want to wear them as a teenager, but now it’s actually looks not too bad. Also green juice. I thought it’s going to be absolutely disgusting… but then some actually tasted good and made me want more.
5. Someone that you hope is thinking about you today?
My mom <3
1. A piece of advice you would give to someone just getting started in makeup?
You don´t have to buy it just because it is LE. There is something similar out there.
2. Say something positive about your beautiful body.
I have long, strong legs and am strong enough to carry both my kids up the stairs if needed.
3. How much does packaging matter to you?
Not that much. It has to be functional.
4. What’s something that you didn’t expect to like but ended up liking anyway?
Gilmore Girls. I stayed clear of the show for ages, but now I am sucked all in.
5. Someone that you hope is thinking about you today?
Mr. Loca. Doesn´t hurt to have the husband think of you.
Yes! In a way carrying kids is like weight lifting, haha!
1. A piece of advice you would give to someone just getting started in makeup?
Just because it’s trendy doesn’t mean you should wear it. (The same applies to clothing.) Experiment to find out what looks good on you, what you like, and what fits into your lifestyle. Take a pass on the other stuff.
2. Say something positive about your beautiful body.
I have really smooth, soft, skin that rarely gets blemishes.
3. How much does packaging matter to you?
I prefer function over form, but I won’t complain if something is practical and pretty. 🙂
4. What’s something that you didn’t expect to like but ended up liking anyway?
Like someone said above: Gilmore Girls. I watched the first episode a few years ago and wasn’t impressed. But I tried it again when it first came to Netflix and now my mom and I both love it. #TeamJess all the way!!
5. Someone that you hope is thinking about you today?
My BFF. She’s going through a divorce and I hope she knows I’ve got her back.
Suzanne! Gilmore Girls ROCKS!!! One of my fave shows, ever. Please tell me you watched the four new eps released last Thanksgiving…
Girl, yassss!!! Mom and I watched together, with all our favorite GG snacks. (pizza, Chinese, etc) Both of us had very mixed emotions about it, though. We loved Emily’s storyline, but it’s way past time for Rory to grow up and get over herself. So much was left open-ended; I wonder if there will be more, or if ASP will be too busy with her new series on Amazon.
That’s so sweet. I hope Connor and I can make memories like that when she gets older. 🙂
I have mixed feelings about the ending, too. I was like, “DID THAT REALLY JUST HAPPEN?!”
Random but I just realized Christopher’s baby mama is on the Archie comic re-boot I started watching, Riverdale!
1. A piece of advice you would give to someone just getting started in makeup?
Have fun and experiment. And you don’t have to spend a fortune: There’s some great drugstore stuff on the market.
2. Say something positive about your beautiful body.
People usually think I’m 10-12 years younger than I actually am.
3. How much does packaging matter to you?
It depends on how much I’m paying, but I expect packaging to function and be reasonably sturdy. I love pretty or cute packaging, but I rarely buy an item for that reason only.
4. What’s something that you didn’t expect to like but ended up liking anyway? Greige lip colors.
5. Someone that you hope is thinking about you today?
My hubby
Hi Rachel,
I was surprised by greige lip colors, too. Didn’t think that I would like them at all!
Happy Monday to you, and I hope the weather is nice up your way. 🙂
Happy Monday to you, too. It’s sunny and high 70s today. Absolutely lovely weather. I ran some errands in Portland with hubby this morning, and it was nice to see all the flowers blooming along the roadside and overpasses.
Oh, that sounds perfect! I love Portland on sunny days. It’s so beautiful!
It’s nice here in the North Bay Area too. Warm but not too hot.
Wearing any fun makeup today? I’m doing a natural look because I’m reviewing a Chanel palette with neutral colors.
I went with shimmery gold lids with matte peach crease, coral cheeks, and Nyx Lip Lingerie in Caberet Show. Hubby didn’t want to wait too long on me, so I skipped brights, cat eyes, etc.
Gold lids are always a good thing. 🙂 How are you liking the NYX Lingerie? I have a few tubes on my shelf that I’ve been meaning to wear. Maybe today will be the day!
I had to have some sparkle! 🙂 I really like the Lip Lingeries. They don’t completely dry down all the way, but pretty close. I think the colors are all beautiful and they’re comfortable to wear.
BTW, I received my Connor Claire kitty and palettes tote bag last week, and keep forgetting to tell you how much I like it! It’s sooo cute, and made really well. My son got a black kitten, so it reminds me of her, too. 🙂
Oh, yay! That makes me so happy! I’m glad that you like the tote and hope that you’ll be able to carry some beautiful makeup in it sometime. Or maybe some cat treats? 🙂
What’s the new kitty’s name? Black cats are the best!
The kitty was an owner surrender (twice) from a rescue. My son decided to keep her name, Coco, so as not to confuse her. She was pretty nervous at first, but she’s settled in well now. She’s almost 10 months old now, and she’s a really good cat. Very smart and talkative. The vet agreed with us that she is probably part Siamese.
1. A piece of advice you would give to someone just getting started in makeup?
Experiment.
2. Say something positive about your beautiful body.
My curves are mostly nice.
3. How much does packaging matter to you?
In ways, I don’t like distractions so i actually like very simple packaging most.
4. What’s something that you didn’t expect to like but ended up liking anyway?
NARS Orgasm, i thought it’d be too shimmery.
5. Someone that you hope is thinking about you today?
My besties, who i get to see Wednesday.
Have fun with your besties on Wednesday! What are you guys doing?
Lexington KY, which isn’t far from me, but two are coming from NJ and two from Washington State.
1. A piece of advice you would give to someone just getting started in makeup?
Read the reviews and try some drugstore brands first. That way, you can determine what you like without overspending. Also (at least in the U.S.) if something just doesn’t work out for you, it can be returned. It’s best to hold on to your receipt, and obviously not abuse the system by using up the product. Lastly, make a minor investment in decent, reasonably priced brushes (I recommend Sonia Kashuk, Real Techniques, and/or e.l.f. Studio set).
2. Say something positive about your beautiful body.
It’s gotten me this far, so I must be doing something right.
3. How much does packaging matter to you?
Oh, I’d like to say it doesn’t, but somehow I ended up with Lorac’s California Dreaming eyeshadow palette. It’s definitely not one of their better palettes, but, dammit, it was on sale and the packaging is adorned with a design of tiny cat faces, seashells, butterflies and gemstones.
Adorable!
4. What’s something that you didn’t expect to like but ended up liking anyway?
Well, someONE…Peter Capaldi as the most recent incarnation of Doctor Who. At first he seemed like an odd, somewhat mumbly fit for the role, but he’s really grown on me. I was so sorry to learn that he’s leaving the show. He has imbued the character with great spirit, passion and a lot of heart.
5. Someone that you hope is thinking about you today?
This guy I, uh, *thought* I was dating. It seems that he’s actually ghosting me, which is a pretty classless, unfeeling way to deal with a breakup. I’m too old for this crap!
Happy Monday! I got back from the LP a few days ago and I’m still missing it.
1. A piece of advice you would give to someone just getting started in makeup?
I’d say keep it natural and the drugstore is an awesome place. I wish I could tell my teen self (who insisted on full coverage EVERYTHING) that. Experimenting is a lot of fun (that’s how we learn!), but always something natural to fall back to.
2. Say something positive about your beautiful body.
I’m super proud about how far I’ve come from 2.5 years ago. I was in a really bad place back then fighting disordered eating. I tell nearly 1 ton horses where to go when hand-walking them, and give them directions while being on top on a saddle now. I still struggle sometimes giving an ask, but it’s all about building muscle, and learning to be more assertive.
3. How much does packaging matter to you?
A bit. I travel for my competitions sometimes, so my stuff needs to be sturdy, stay closed and in one piece. Cute is a bonus, but sturdiness is number one.
4. What’s something that you didn’t expect to like but ended up liking anyway?
Turn: Washington Spies. It’s SO ADDICTING.
5. Someone that you hope is thinking about you today?
Vince, the horse I ride and Scooby, the horse I used to ride and see all the time but he’s at the little barn relaxing trying to recover from depression. I know, I could say my nephew, but I know he thinks about me. I never know about horses and I always think about the ones I have unique relationships with. I always think about the horses at my NFP.
1. A piece of advice you would give to someone just getting started in makeup? Don’t be afraid of colors and experiment! If it looks bad, wash it off at the end of the day and keep trying the next day. Have fun!
2. Say something positive about your beautiful body. It’s curvy and sexy.
3. How much does packaging matter to you? I wanna say it’s 50% of the pleasure of using a product. If the formula is amazing but the packaging is crap I will still use the product. If the formula is just ok and the packaging is crap I won’t use it at all. Same thing if the formula sucks but the packaging is very cool or pretty. I just won’t use it.
4. What’s something that you didn’t expect to like but ended up liking anyway? Sephora cream lip stain! I was skeptical because I had bad experiences with the sephora brand 10 years ago. But it seems their products are totally different now. I wanna try more things from them!
5. Someone that you hope is thinking about you today? Nobody. I don’t care if people think about me or not.
1. A piece of advice you would give to someone just getting started in makeup?
Easy does it. Don’t cake it on. Start with just playing up what you like about yourself. Long beautiful lashes? Focus on a great mascara. Gorgeous lips? Keep everything low key and add a popping lip color. Banging cheek bones? Find a great highlighter that draws attention it them. You don’t have to look like a Instagram guru 24-7. Play in to what is already beautiful about you!
2. Say something positive about your beautiful body.
I am grateful that it carried my beautiful babies. I secretly want to do it again.
3. How much does packaging matter to you?
Some. Not a lot. I want the product to blow me away. If it is in great packaging, it’s a bonus! I kind of hate chunky packaging though. Benefit….do you hear me?!
4. What’s something that you didn’t expect to like but ended up liking anyway?
Loreal voluminous lash paradise. Every. Single. Loreal mascara to this point has been a smudgy, flaky mess on me. I have them one more try with lash paradise and it surprised the heck out of me how much I enjoy it!
5. Someone that you hope is thinking about you today?
Hmmm. I don’t really have an answer for this. I would rather they know that I’m thinking of them.