Karen

The MAC Colour Rocker Collection Swatches and Tempered Two-Toned Lips

February 1st, 2017 by Karen 16 Comments

mac colour rocker carmine rouge breathing fire — Toned-down/tempered lips with the MAC Colour Rocker Collection Lipsticks in Carmine Rouge (my upper lip) and Breathing Fire (bottom lip)

So I was flipping through a magazine last weekend (I think it might’ve been Allure…) and saw a picture of two models wearing two-toned lips.

NEAT!

What are two-toned lips?

It’s where you wear different colors on your top and bottom lip, and if you pick colors that are closely related, it’s an easy way to do subdued, toned-down, but still edgy look.

Here are some examples with shades from the new MAC Colour Rocker Collection of limited edition MAC matte lipsticks that launched last week ($17 each), and there are also some swatches down below.

Two-Toned Lip Tip #1: Choose two shades that are slightly different in intensity and/or color

Here’s the thing: If you want easy, it helps to use two shades that are similar but aren’t exactly the same. If they’re too dissimilar, they go from low-key and edgy to full-on edgy, and then you have to work that into your entire look.

In the pic above I’m wearing MAC Colour Rocker Carmine Rouge (the red shade) with Breathing Fire (the pink), and I think they’re both similarly intense. I mean, if you saw me from across a room, you might not even be able to tell I was wearing two different colors on my lips, but bam! — up close? Whoomp, there it is.

mac colour rocker darling clementine forbidden sunrise — MAC Colour Rocker Lipstick in Darling Clementine (upper lip) and Forbidden Sunrise (bottom lip)

Same thing with Darling Clementine (the darker orange on my top lip) and Forbidden Sunrise (the slightly lighter orange on the bottom). The colors are similar enough to make the whole effect subtle.

Two-Toned Lip Tip #2: Wear the lighter color on the bottom for a plump-looking pout

If you wear the lighter color on the bottom, I think it makes your lips look slightly fuller (don’t ask me why though).

mac colour evening buzz flatter me fierce — MAC Colour Rocker Lipsticks in Evening Buzz (upper lip) and Flatter Me Fierce (bottom lip)

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What’s a Beauty Trend You’ll Never, Ever Do Again?

February 1st, 2017 by Karen 16 Comments

Circa 2010 — super skinny brows, and Tabs as a wee baby cat of four or five years

I know that one should never say never…but as it pertains to super skinny brows, I’m 100% sure I’m never going there again.

Been there, done that, don’t need to do it again, LOL!

I had them from about my early-20s until my mid-30s, which is more than enough skinny brow action for this lifetime. For being as narrow as they were, they were surprisingly high maintenance. I was forever plucking those thin arches, man!

When I finally decided to grow them back out a few years ago, it took almost an entire year, and now that they’re big and bushy again, I plan to keep them that way.

Of course…now that I’ve said that, super skinny brows are sure to come back in style, haha! But even if/when they do, I’m going to pass next time.

How about you? What’s a beauty trend you tried but vow to never, ever do again?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Try This Hair Hack to Boost Color and Deep Condition at the Same Time

January 31st, 2017 by Karen 17 Comments

Mix a color-boosting conditioner and a hydrating hair mask to ramplify (ramp up + amplify) your hair color and deep condition yo’ mane at the same time.

I mean, why couldn’t I have discovered this genius tip years ago!? MIND BLOWN! I wish I could take credit for it, but I can’t. Shout-out to Chelsea from the comments for showing me the light!

Needs more moisture! PLEASE!!

I’ve tried quite a few hair color-boosting conditioners over the years, and even though I love how rich and refreshed my hair color looks after using them, they haven’t been moisturizing enough on their own. Consequently, I like the results, but I don’t use them consistently because I’d just rather skip right to a hydrating conditioner. My hair needs the extra moisture.

But by mixing a color conditioner and a mask, I get the best of both worlds — moisture AND rich color.

I’ve been doing this for the past couple weeks every Sunday night, which is when I take a longer shower to do the “special sauce” things I like to do to get ready for the week.

Get into the mix

After I’m done washing my hair (which, seriously, is such a job #longhairstruggles), I grab Aveda Clove Color Conditioner, and mix it with Pai-Shau Supreme Revitalizing Mask in the palm of my hand (about a 50/50 blend). Then I rake it through my hair from roots to ends.

Next, I comb through my hair using a wide-toothed comb (I love this pink one I got from Sephora years ago), just to make sure I’ve coated everything. At that point, if I still feel like my ends need more moisture, I’ll work in another dollop of the hair mask.

Buns and claw clips FTW

(Note: The following step is totally key if you have long hair!)

Then I put my hair up in a bun, and clip the bun into place with two hair claw clips.

Here I’ll do other things for a few minutes while I wait for the conditioner to do its thing, like maybe exfoliate, daydream, shave, or go to town on my heels with this foot cheese grater thingamabob I have.

Then I take the bun out, rinse away the conditioner, and run a comb through once more to further de-tangle. And when I’m done, my dark chocolate locks look extra chocolatey, shiny and conditioned. 🙂

Color conditioner recs?

I do like Aveda’s Color Conditioner (the shade I use is Clove), and Chelsea told me that she likes DPHue Color Boosting Gloss + Deep Conditioning Treatment, which I think I’m going to try after I finish my tube of Aveda. But do you have any color conditioner recommendations? Please let me know, because I’m on the market for a new one to love.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Would You Ever Go Beauty Dumpster Diving?

January 31st, 2017 by Karen 28 Comments

First of all, this is a legit thing. It’s a real trend. After stores close…under cover of darkness, resourceful beauty lovers are getting into their cars, driving out to stores like Sephora and Ulta, and going scavenging in dumpsters for beauty products.

Who knew?

I had no idea! — but it’s a big deal on YouTube, where people post videos of themselves going out to these dumpsters and dumpster diving for makeup. Then they share their hauls in videos.

Sometimes the products are brand new and completely untouched, but sometimes they aren’t. Companies discard products for a variety of reasons, from broken packaging to customer returns to expiration dates and inventory control.

Sometimes the items are sabotaged by employees before being thrown out to discourage dumpster diving. It’s called “souping,” and some dumpster divers go through a process to recover these destroyed products before they end up in landfills (props for resourcefulness). It’s fascinating!

I mean…I can see the appeal. It’s kind of like a treasure hunt worth potentially thousands of dollars in beauty products, and it’s also slightly dangerous and exciting.

But there are risks. Dumpsters are almost always on private property, so it could be trespassing. There could also be used syringes, old food and other health risks mixed in with the products (ugh!). The items might also be expired or subject to a recall. You can’t always tell.

I don’t think I’d do it at this point in my life…but I can’t say that I wouldn’t have considered it when I was 15 or 16 years old. If my friends had wanted to dig through the Sephora garbage on a Friday night to see if there were any unused Urban Decay palettes up in there, hmm… That would have been hard to resist. I don’t know.

Would you ever go beauty dumpster diving? Or have you done it before? Let me know!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 460

January 30th, 2017 by Karen 31 Comments

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 NINE (!) 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. Can you wear white without getting it dirty?

Only if the baby isn’t around and I have Shout Wipes or a Tide Pen on me.

So I guess the answer’s no. ?

2. What are you wearing on your nails?

One of the Republic Nail Frida Kahlo polishes. I don’t the name of the shade (I think it might be called FKN.37). It’s a super pigmented sky blue cream with excellent wear time.

I wish it wasn’t LE.

Oh, and also OPI Topcoat.

3. Bath or shower?

Shower. But I’ll probably change my answer after I win the lottery and buy myself a claw-foot tub.

4. What foundation are you wearing at this very moment?

Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish in Beige set with MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural powder in Medium Golden. It’s just easy, natural and chill, which are what I’m in the mood for today.

5. How would you feel if your best friend started wearing your favorite perfume?

If my BFF started wearing Byredo Parfums Gypsy Water, which is my current favorite scent, I’d be a little weirded out by it, but I wouldn’t say anything beyond, “Hey, I know that scent.” At least I’d know what to get her for her birthday.

Happy Monday

Hi, sweatpea! Good morning. I hope you slept well. What are you up to this week? El Hub is starting a new job in a few days, so that’s the most exciting thing on my agenda.

I hope something extra nice happens to you this week, and I hope it happens at exactly the right moment. ?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. Here are the questions to copy and paste…

1. Can you wear white without getting it dirty?
2. What are you wearing on your nails?
3. Bath or shower?
4. What foundation are you wearing at this very moment?
5. How would you feel if your best friend started wearing your favorite perfume?

Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 434

January 29th, 2017 by Karen 6 Comments

My dearest loves of my life,

Spring is around the corner, and as I sit here atop my tower, I’m thinking about the new couch my assistant plans to purchase.

Mmm… I can’t wait. I’m already dreaming about digging my claws into its untouched fabric, leaving my scent on the pillows and luxuriating upon every cushion.

I wonder if the couch will be classified as “forbidden.” I’m hoping that it will be because that just makes my defiance all the sweeter.

I’ve also heard whispers of the carpet being replaced on the stairs… We’ll see about that. For now, the stairs remain my personal playground and the primary location where I sharpen my claws. I’ve consulted my attorneys about this, and I’m waiting for a callback as to whether I will need to pursue legal recourse.

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Would You Consider Seeing a Dermatologist Online?

January 28th, 2017 by Karen 18 Comments

The look on your face when you realize that you can have an appointment with a dermatologist online

A few years ago, I had an appointment to see a highly recommended dermatologist about some hormonal chin acne. I remember that when I called to book the appointment, the earliest one I could get was in a month, and even though the appointment was at an inconvenient time of day for me, and I didn’t want to wait that long, I still took the appointment because I was desperate to see someone.

Anyway, I’d forgotten that on the day of my appointment, the street in front of my house was going to be repaved. I realized it when I walked outside and saw huge construction vehicles everywhere. I couldn’t even pull my car out of the garage.

Uh, oh.

I remember calling the dermatologist’s office up and telling them, “I’m very sorry about this, and I know it’s last minute, but I’m having transportation issues. I won’t be able to make it today. Is there any chance I could get on the list to see the doctor within the next two weeks if someone happens to cancel?”

My chin acne situation had gotten terrible by that point, and I didn’t want to wait another month for a new appointment.

The receptionist just started straight-up laughing at me. Laughing at me. Geez, I thought, was I ever going to see this doctor?

Eventually, I did, but it took a very long time. Seriously, it was like three months before I actually got in, and when you have horrible hormonal chin acne, that’s an eternity.

This is why the idea of online dermatology services like YoDerm seem really appealing to me.

I didn’t know this until recently, but it’s a thing now. You can see a dermatologist online. You don’t even have to go to an office!

Take YoDerm, for instance. It’s an online dermatological service specializing in three issues — acne, wrinkles and lashes (Latisse). Instead of visiting their doctors in person in an office, you consult with them online.

You hop on their site, fill out your medical information, snap a few pictures of your face and pay $59 for a consultation. Then a board-certified dermatologist reviews everything, makes a diagnosis based on your pictures and info, and outlines a treatment plan. If it involves a prescription, they send it to a nearby pharmacy for you to pick up.

In most cases, they’re able to do this within 24 hours, so it’s fast. And convenient. You don’t even have to leave your couch.

If something like this had been available a few years ago when I was desperate to see a dermatologist for my acne, I might’ve considered it, at least for a first opinion.

Still, I have reservations… I mean, you only have one face, and I’m a little nervous about being diagnosed without seeing someone in person. I guess I’m old-school like that. When I go to a dermatologist’s office (and I’ve seen a few), I like to interact with them and ask lots of questions.

I’m curious, though. Plus, $59 for a dermatology consult ain’t bad.

Would you consider doing an online dermatology appointment, or have you had one before? What do you think?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. Happy Saturday, my friend. What are you up to?

I Found My Dream Shoes! The Vans Asher Printed Slip-On Sneaker, a.k.a. “The Makeup Vans”

January 27th, 2017 by Karen 15 Comments

Don’t hate me because I had to share my dream shoes with you. If you’re reading MBB, chances are you’re a makeup junkie too, and I doubt you’re walking around barefoot when you go to Sephora “just to look around.”

So, since I’m assuming that you’re a makeup lover who also wears shoes, I thought you might feel the need (yes, need) TO OWN SHOES WITH A MAKEUP PRINT ON THEM. 🙂

That’s what I told myself when I walked out of DSW with these makeup print Vans ($49.95) the other night. “I gotta get these so I’m not walking around barefoot at Sephora!”

Solid logic?

Probably not… But I couldn’t leave without them.

I’m dying over the print! There are lipsticks, an eyelash curler, A KABUKI BRUSH, liquid liner, mascara and…what is that? Is that a pot of Chanel cream shadow?? Or maybe MAC Fluidline from the side? There’s also a pan of blush, bottles of nail polish and, OMG, pearls! There are even pearls!!!

Seriously, this could be the greatest print that has ever graced a pair of Vans.

Oh, and it’s also available online in a sassy high top style and, yes girl, they’re hella cute.

I should probably start dropping Valentine’s Day hints for El Hub.

Anywho, the thing about Vans…they aren’t the lightest shoes. They’re canvas with a stiffer sole and low arches. I have several pairs, and if you need arch support like I do, it helps to slip an insert into those bad boys before you go cruising around town with your cat.

This particular pair runs big. I tried both the 7s and the 6 1/2s, and the 6 1/2s fit a little bit better, but I left with the 7s because I like the extra wiggle room for my loooong monkey toes.

If I wear them without socks, the heel slips out, but yeah, they fit fine with socks.

Just FYI again, but Vans are a heavier tennis shoe, so if you’re used to wearing lighter shoes like TOMS slip-ons or Keds, it’s going to feel like your feet are clomping down — Clomp! Clomp! Clomp! — at first. You’ll get used to them.

Oh, and not that you needed another excuse to go completely cray over these, but they should go with a lot of outfits.

Yeah, that might just be me trying to justify an impulse purchase… It’s true, though! They’re neutral, so they go with everything.

Get thee to DSW ASAP if you want to make your makeup shoe fantasies come true. I’m not gonna stop you. 🙂

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen