Karen

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 704

November 22nd, 2021 by Karen 17 Comments

Beatrice and Karen in Tahoe — Do you wanna build a snowman?

So…what is the Monday Poll?

Excellent question! It isn’t, contrary to its name, an actual poll, like with little clicky buttons. It’s just a list of more or less random questions I’ve been posting on this blog every Monday morning for the past quadrillion years (since 2007).

1. Cantaloupe or honeydew?

Honestly, neither, but I’ll go with cantaloupe. 🍈

2. What’s your least favorite chore?

I hate, hate, hate washing dishes. It’s so tedious and never ending.

3. On a scale of 1-10, how burnt out are you?

At this moment, I’m super relaxed. 😴 It’s our last day in Tahoe, so I’ll say -2. But before this trip, I was a solid 5.

4. Have you ever lived someplace where the air is really dry?

Yeah, I think Davis was pretty dry, although I was so young at the time that my skin could handle everything. Now, though, I’ve gotta have some humidity. Not just for my skin, but for my sinuses… That was my Mariah Carey moment for the day.

5. Do you do any snow sports?

No because it doesn’t really snow where I live in the Bay Area, but if we lived in a cold place, I would probably enjoy snowshoeing and snowboarding on the bunny slope.

6. What muffin is the grossest breakfast muffin?

I will have nothing to do with a bran muffin. They’re so dry! I don’t think I’ve ever had a decent bran muffin in my entire life.

7. Is your skin stressing you out right now?

Yes, girl. I’m mentally relaxed in Tahoe, but my skin is 1,000% on edge. It’s dry and I’m breaking out.

8. You have two minutes to put on makeup; what do you do?

Basically, what I do before any video call, ha ha ha! I fill in my brows. That takes about one minute. And then I curl my lashes and put on MAC Velvet Teddy Lipstick.

9. Hot cocoa or hot apple cider?

Hot apple cider please!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. Here are the questions to copy/paste with your answers in a comment. Talk to ya soon.

1. Cantaloupe or honeydew?
2. What’s your least favorite chore?
3. On a scale of 1-10, how burnt out are you?
4. Have you ever lived someplace where the air is really dry?
5. Do you do any snow sports?
6. What muffin is the grossest breakfast muffin?
7. Is your skin stressing you out right now?
8. You have two minutes to put on makeup; what do you do?
9. Hot cocoa or hot apple cider?

P.P.S. Good morning, glory! Rise and shine, pal o’ mine! Have a wonderful week, friend. 🤗

Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 687

November 21st, 2021 by Karen 2 Comments

Tabs always made fun of my penchant for roses. He would say, “Roses are for saps,” and he was all about narcissus. Allegedly, it was because he liked the lines and the color palette. The white and the orange looked particularly fetching against his fur. But some cats whispered in the shadows that it was because he was a narcissist. 😹

Of course, they didn’t really know the true Tabs because he was the type of cat who would talk smack about your love for roses, but then he’d send you, like, three dozen roses if he found out you were feeling down. (They were usually pale pink, by the way, in case you were wondering.)

Rosie

All of the cats I’ve assisted have had a surprising amount of depth. Rosie, as you know, is somewhat of a cat genius. In fact, are you aware that during her free time she works with an environmental group of cats up here in Tahoe who fight against climate change. Yup, she advocates for the local mountain lion population, helping to study their genetic diversity…and she also skis. Side note: she’s not very good at it, but poor thing, she tries. 🙂

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Saturday Surfing, Nov. 20, 2021!

November 20th, 2021 by Karen 3 Comments

connor lime — Throwback to 2017, Connor’s first and only time seeing snow

Hello, friend! 🤗 Good morning to you, and happy Saturday. It’s a brisk November morning here in Novato, California.

It’s still early, but we’re getting ready to head out of dodge for a few days while Rosie and her favorite pet sitter hold down the fort here at Tabs the Cat Industries, LLC. We’re heading to Lake Tahoe to frolic in the snow!

It’s been more than a decade since I’ve been to Tahoe during the snowy season, so it should be interesting. I loathe being cold (I’m more of a beach person), but I really want for Connor to see snow and have a fun experience playing in it. I’m also really looking forward to ice skating and sledding.

Neither El Hub nor I ski (very well), but we all might take a lesson just for fun…

How are things on your end of the keyboard?

This week’s reading

AHA products for brighter, clearer skin, in case you were thinking of exfoliation!
Jennifer Garner’s nighttime skincare routine is $50. Side note: for real?
If you happen to have 50K around, here’s how to create a bespoke scent, step by step.
Supermodel Iman gets personal.
How to buy perfumes for other people.
Supposedly these are the best perfumes for sensitive noses.
Meet Midas, the ear-resistable Turkish cat with four ears.
Black Friday sales at Nordstrom!
Lisa Eldridge spills her five secrets to no-makeup makeup.

This kitty’s meow reminds me of my sweet tabby boy.

Interesting

The docs are in.

This is so pretty.

Rosie-pose sleeps with me every night.

How many of these hairstyles did you rock back in the day?

I hope things are going well on your end. Please send warm vibes!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Ilia Lipstick in Rococco and Lip Oil in Tahiti

November 19th, 2021 by Karen 4 Comments

ilia tahiti rococco — Fun with Ilia lip products!

Why snag one Ilia lip product when you can snag two? I enthusiastically believe this needs to be added to a fortune cookie. Don’t you? 😁

I picked up the Lip Oil in Tahiti and the Lipstick in Rococco a while back, and I love how lightweight and comfy Tahiti feels. You get the shine of a lipgloss without the stickiness, and it barely feels like anything at all.

ilia tahiti lip oil — Ilia Lip Oil in Tahiti

ilia lip oil in tahiti — Ilia Lip Oil in Tahiti

That said, I do wish it was a bit more moisturizing, because after wearing Tahiti all day, I’ll often need to apply a thick layer of soothing lip balm before bed.

It sure is pretty, though. If your lips aren’t as dry as mine, it might be better for you than for me, especially if you love shiny corals.

As for rosy brown Rococco, what a gem! If you like pigmented, long-lasting lipsticks with a hint of shine, check it out.

ilia rococco lipstick — Ilia Lipstick in Rococco

Oh! — and if you’re picky about scents or flavors, FYI, both of these lip products smell and taste very faintly of vanilla, but it’s a barely there situation and not overpowering at all. I’ve been getting a few migraines lately, and strong fragrances bother me when my head is acting up, but I can wear either of these without incident.

ilia lipstick in rococco — Ilia Color Block Lipstick in Rococco

I’ve heard rumors that Ilia does a pretty good Black Friday sale, so if that’s on…I’m definitely getting another lipstick or two.

Hope things on your end of the keyboard are good. I’m hanging in there. Lots of meetings and deadlines, per usual. Thankfully, lipstick makes everything a little better. 😘

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. TGIF! 😺🎈🤗✨😸

A Daytime Look With Shimmering Taupe-Gold Lids, Bronze Liner, Peachy Cheeks and a Pink Stained Lips

November 18th, 2021 by Karen 5 Comments

jane iredale solar flare fotd products — Feeling like a fancy lady in Jane Iredale!

One of the things I love most about Jane Iredale makeup is how I still feel like “me” when I don it, but just a little more put together version of myself. I had a bunch of meetings yesterday (three hours in front of that tiny camera), and I wore this look with shimmering taupe-gold lids, bronze liner, peach cheeks and a lovely pink lip stain.

A few quick thoughts on the Jane Iredale items…

Eye Shadow Kit in Solar Flare: Blends flawlessly! I like how my eyes look defined but not overly done. The shimmer on these powders is more intense than I expected (could be a good, or a not-so-good, thing, depending on how your lids do with frosty finishes).
GreatShape Contour Kit in Warm: I’m wearing the peach and tan shades on my cheeks, and the beige shade as a highlight on my upper cheekbones and underneath the arch of my brows. Like the eye kit, the powders blend seamlessly. I bet this kit could also double as an eyeshadow palette in a pinch. Lovely!
Lip Stain in Forever Pink: OH! SO! GOOD! It’s a lovely, lightweight and long-wearing stain that feels oh-so-moisturizing on my dry lips. Apparently, you can also wear it as a blush?! I can’t wait to try that ASAP.
PureLash Lash Extender & Conditioner: A lash primer you layer under mascara. I didn’t really see a big difference from it…but I’m going to try it with a few other mascaras, just in case.
Longest Lash Mascara in Black Ice: I did a couple coats on top of the primer, and my lashes didn’t look as big and curly as I usually like… I ended up layering Laura Mercier Caviar Mascara on top to bump up the volume.

How do you usually feel after long meetings? I get really antsy… My body REALLY wants to move after sitting for a while. In fact, after my video calls were done, this is how I felt! 😁

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Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. Happy Thursday! 🤗

Take Your Pick: Eyeshadow Palettes or Eyeshadow Singles?

November 17th, 2021 by Karen 19 Comments

ilia the necessary eyeshadow palette cool nude — The Ilia Necessary Eyeshadow Palette in Cool Nude, a palette I bought earlier in the fall

Don’t laugh, guys, but I’ve turned into the person who maps out a detailed plan for how her makeup collection will look in the next year!

A little backstory before I get to today’s question/topic. I finally purged all that old makeup I’d been holding onto for way too long, and now’s the time, I feel, to be more intentional about what I keep on hand. I really want this next iteration of my collection to be thoughtful and useful. I want to love everything. No dead weight!

Anywho, this got me thinking about eyeshadow, and whether or not palettes or singles are the way to go.

What do you reach for more often, and what’s more useful for you? Is it a palette? Or a bunch of individual singles? I’m curious to know your thoughts.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes With Brown Sugar Pecans and Cream Cheese Frosting 🧁

November 16th, 2021 by Karen 6 Comments

This recipe is one of my favorite things to make and eat during the holidays. I hope you give it a try!

🧁🧁🧁🧁🧁

Let’s discuss the struggle.

The eternal Thanksgiving struggle.

You see, it’s real, it’s totally legit, and it’s deadly serious.

It typically manifests toward the end of the meal (when your shirt is covering the top of your jeans because you’ve just unbuttoned them), and you’re sitting there wondering, “Hmm…do I conclude this carbfest with a slice of pumpkin pie, or do I go with the pecan?”

Truly, it is one of life’s most difficult decisions…

If you, too, have faced this challenging predicament, then this cupcake recipe is for you. It’s a Frankenstein of fall flavors that combines the beautifully balanced spiciness of a perfect pumpkin pie, with the glorious greatness of brown sugar pecans — toasted first, then incorporated into the batter.

And as if that weren’t tantalizing enough, a cream cheese frosting tops it all off!

Also, as a full-time employee in the Crazy Cat Lady Department, I decorated mine with sprinkles and cute kitty fondant cutouts, but you could sub the cats for leaves or turkey shapes (that should also work).

In the cupcake world, there are two major categories of cupcake batter — oil-based and butter-based. Butter-based batters tend to be a little more complicated and finicky (mainly with regard to how far you’ve melted your butter) than oil-based batters. Basically, with oil-based batters, you just dump and mix! Also, oil makes it easy to end up with a melt-in-your mouth texture. No dry cake here! So, this recipe uses an oil-based batter.

You don’t need any special equipment either. Just a couple of mixing bowls and a whisk, and heck, if you don’t have a whisk, you can use a fork.

If you want to bake Thanksgiving cupcakes but don’t want something too complicated, this is the recipe for you.

Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes With Brown Sugar Pecans

DESCRIPTION
This melt-in-your mouth pumpkin cupcake has a subtle kick of spice for a festive addition to your Thanksgiving table! Studded with brown sugared pecans and finished with a cream cheese frosting.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 3 hours

Yield: 12 cupcakes

INGREDIENTS

For the brown sugar pecans:

1 cup finely chopped pecans
2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
3 tablespoons light brown sugar

Dry ingredients for the batter:

1 cup (125g) cake flour (spoon & leveled)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Wet ingredients for the batter:

1 and 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1/2 cup (120ml) grapeseed oil (any neutral tasting oil, like canola or vegetable oil, works too)
2 large eggs
3/4 cup (150g) packed light brown sugar
1 cup (225g) canned pumpkin puree
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the frosting:

8 ounces (224g) full-fat block cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
3 cups (360g) confectioners’ sugar (you may need to add a 1/4 cup if you prefer a stiffer frosting)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt

For the decorations:

Fall-colored sprinkles (I got mine at Micahels)
Orange or other fall-colored fondant (I bought premade fondant at Michaels)
Cat shaped cookie cutter

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Steps to prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C). Line 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners, and set aside. Roll out your orange fondant, and then cut out 12 cat shapes with your cookie cutter. Allow to air dry for at least 30 minutes, or take a blow dryer and dry them using the cool setting until they harden; set aside for later.

2. Toast the pecans
Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Chop pecans into small pieces. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar and chopped pecans. Toss to coat. Spread the pecans evenly on the cookie sheet, and bake for about 7 minutes, or until they’re toasted. Set aside to cool.
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Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 703

November 15th, 2021 by Karen 14 Comments

happy monday waterfall pond — Have a peaceful day, my friend!

So…what is the Monday Poll?

Excellent question! It isn’t, contrary to its name, an actual poll, like with little clicky buttons. It’s just a list of more or less random questions I’ve been posting on this blog every Monday morning for the past quadrillion years (since 2007).

1. Pop-Tarts or Eggo Waffles?

I’m an Eggo Waffles kinda gal.

2. Rain coat or umbrella?

Rain coat, but only if there’s a big hood!

3. Who do you love chatting with about makeup?

Anyone who’ll listen to me prattle on, LOL!

4. When was the last time you took a nap?

Yesterday afternoon, right after lunch, and it was glorious.

5. What are your Thanksgiving traditions?

There’s gotta be two pies — one pumpkin, and one pecan. Otherwise I will lose my sh*t!

6. Last time you wore a bright red lipstick?

Um, mid-October, I think? I’m on a rosy brown lipstick kick right now.

7. Have you ever fallen out of a tree?

No, thank goodness. I have fallen off the monkey bars, though.

8. White eyeliner or black eyeliner?

Black, although I do love a hit of white liner on the lower waterline every once in a while.

9. Hair up or down today?

Down. I can’t deal with anything tugging at my brain right now, LOL!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. Here are the questions to copy/paste with your answers in a comment. Talk to ya soon.

1. Pop-Tarts or Eggo Waffles?
2. Rain coat or umbrella?
3. Who do you love chatting with about makeup?
4. When was the last time you took a nap?
5. What are your Thanksgiving traditions?
6. Last time you wore a bright red lipstick?
7. Have you ever fallen out of a tree?
8. White eyeliner or black eyeliner?
9. Hair up or down today?

P.P.S. Have a beautiful Monday, beautiful girl! 🤗 Thank you for being a good friend. Love you extra today!