Karen

MAC Guo Pei Collection: Fall 2015

September 15th, 2015 by Karen 29 Comments

Years from now, in the distant future, when historical beauty buffs/artistic archeologists look back on MAC’s 2015 limited edition releases, the award for Best Dressed Collection could easily go to MAC Guo Pei.

This one is a beauty! — and the packaging is also unusual for MAC. The compacts, lipsticks, brushes and glosses are all wearing fabric accents with floral flourishes (there’s even a cute little lady bug on the print) and have details like real stitching on the fabric sides.

mac guo pei night sky — MAC Guo Pei Eye Shadow X 4 in Night Sky

mac guo pei morning light — MAC Guo Pei Eye Shadow X 4 in Morning Light

mac guo pei zenith ethreal orchid brave red — MAC Guo Pei Lipsticks in Zenith, Ethereal Orchid and Brave Red

Unfortunately, the designer treatment also results in one of the more expensive MAC collections around. The two eyeshadow quads are — brace yourself for it — $70 each (!).

Yes, that’s crazypants.

Thankfully, the shadows are up to par for MAC. Unlike the shadows in some of MAC’s other limited edition quads and palettes, which for me are sometimes hit or miss (some feel harder than usual and aren’t as pigmented as their permanent collection counterparts), these are of comparable quality to the shadows in the permanent line.

Thank goodness for that.

All of the shadows in the two quads swatch beautifully, and I haven’t had any problems with blending, skipping, fallout or patchy/uneven application.
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5 Fabulously Affordable Fall Lipsticks

September 14th, 2015 by Karen 28 Comments

I have a tabby by my side (as opposed to on my lap — what’s up with that?), and I’m wearing a snuggly long-sleeved sweater and long pants to keep away the unseasonably fall-like chill outside.

I’m also wearing layers, as weird as that sounds, but it’s brisk and overcast outside. The leaves have even started to fall, and I’m seriously contemplating socks (toe oppression!).

Technically, it may not be “that time of year” yet, but I’m definitely getting a fall vibe.

There’s no way I’m ready for El Niño or the cold weather fall entails, but I do feel full-on ready for fall makeup, like these five fabulously affordable fall lipsticks that are all less than $10 each.

1. L’Oreal Colour Riche Collection Exclusive in Blake’s Red ($8.99)

Blake, as in Lively, the lucky lady with the long, luscious blonde hair (and, um, Ryan — oh, what’s his name? Not Gosling! Ryan Reynolds, how dare I?! — Ryan Reynolds’ baby mama). L’Oreal Colour Riche Collection Exclusive in Blake’s Red is her red addition to the L’Oreal Colour Riche Collection Exclusive line.

Blake’s Red is a beauty of a neutral red, neither too warm nor cool, with an opaque demi-matte finish, and it won’t just work through fall. This one will also carry you through the holidays.

I love this lippie with classic fall looks, and it suits a wide range of skin tones. Wear it with a simple cat eye for something vintage, or a black or gray smoky eye (a la Robert Palmer’s Addicted to Love video), or metallic golden lids.

SO PRETTY!

Because it’s by L’Oreal, it has their very strong floral flavor and scent (both fade quickly), which folks seem to either love or hate. I don’t mind it at all.

It’s available now online for $8.99 and at drugstores and Ulta.

2. Revlon Super Lustrous Lipcolor in Toast of New York ($7.99)

This is so old-school, you guys! I wore this color back in the day, and it’s making a comeback again.

I feel like there have been an overabundance of dark browns with almost grayish undertones lately, and I like that look on some people, but I feel like it looks a little macabre on me. THIS kind of brown has a little yellow in it, and I think it makes it more wearable. The matte finish also has a hint of a shine to it.

It’s available now online for $7.99 and at drugstores and Ulta.

3. COVERGIRL Star Wars Limited Edition Colorlicious Lipstick in Dark Purple 50 ($6.99)

Do you think this lipstick is on the dark side or the light…? Ooh, Star Wars reference! Where’s my light saber, Tabs?! 🙂

This dark purple berry is a classic fall color. It’s from the new limited edition COVERGIRL Star Wars collection, and it has a creamy finish.

It’s also flexible. You can wear it as a stain by applying one layer, then blotting, or build it up like I’ve done here. I’m wearing three layers, so it looks a little vampy.

It’s available now online for $6.99 and at drugstores.
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MAC Studio Waterweight SPF 30 Foundation

September 14th, 2015 by Karen 42 Comments

mac studo waterweight foundation — MAC Studio Waterweight Foundation from the left in NC15, NW22, NC35 and NC50

MAC Studio Waterweight SPF 30 Foundation ($33). I’ve been daydreaming about and looking forward to this one for what feels like ages, and not just because I’m a water-baby at heart, but also because it’s a serum formula, and I absolutely do not ever want to go back to the time when most formulas looked and felt heavy, caked-on and obvious (perish the thought!). Serum foundation formulas usually feel lightweight and slippery (the good ones), like you’re slipping into a fine silk chemise, ooh-la-la. You do feel something when you’re wearing them…but it isn’t annoying or obvious.

Serum foundations also excel at pore blurring and disguising fine lines and little imperfections. So yeah, since those are among my daily adversaries (the struggle is so real), I was all over this one.

MAC Studio Waterweight is a bonafide serum foundation, and if you like natural-looking, moisturizing medium-coverage foundations with lightweight formulas, put it on your iPhone Notes list of products to try ASAP.

First things first, the finish.

GAW-GEOUS.

I’m gonna call it a sheen, but I wouldn’t go so far as to call it dewy, because it isn’t shiny at all. It’s more refined than that, and velvety. Very natural looking.

As one of those lucky ladies with combination skin, I really appreciate that. My skin just can’t make up its mind! It’s oily on my forehead, dry on my cheeks and acne-prone along my jawline and around the edges of my forehead.

Oh — and there are also noticeable pores and fine lines up in the mix.

mac studo waterweight foundation dropper — MAC Studio Waterweight Foundation from the left in NC15, NW22, NC35 and NC50

I’ve been wearing and testing Studio Waterweight in shade NC42 for a few days, and I’m very happy with it. In many ways, I like it more than Dior Diorskin Nude Air Serum, which I used a ton this summer.

Other than the big difference in price (Diorskin Nude Air is $53 versus $33 for MAC Waterweight), Waterweight also comes in three times as many shades (25 shades versus eight, most of which have peach or pink undertones).

mac studio waterweight ingredients 2 — Active ingredients…

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Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 340

September 14th, 2015 by Karen 32 Comments

You might be wondering, “So what in tarnation is this Monday Poll thing anyway!?”

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 seven 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.

Are you currently using any serums?
Yes! I’ve got two in rotation at the moment…sort of, except for not right at this second, because I ran out of one of them and need to replace it ASAP. But when I do, I’ll have two in rotation again. The first is Clarins Double Serum Complete Age Control Concentrate, which I use mostly for hydration and to even out my skin tone. I’ve gone through two big bottles of it, and I still love it. The second is good ol’ Skinceuticals CE Ferulic, another anti-aging serum which I’ve been using for years because it’s high in antioxidants and helps my skin texture.

What was a game-changing makeup product for you?
I really wasn’t into lash primers AT ALL before I met Estee Lauder’s Little Black Primer. Basically, I thought they were a waste of time and money, but Little Black Primer totally changed that. Now I feel like it’s a necessity for me and my lashes. Whenever I use it under mascara, it kicks things up several notches. My lashes look longer, curlier and more lush. I just finished a tube (Why does it seem like I always run out of batches of beauty products at the same time? It’s so weird…) and need to replace it ASAP.

Do you have a favorite pair of boots?
YES! I love boots, which is a little funny because I’m all about toe freedom in spring and summer, but I don’t mind confining those bad boys when it gets cold.

I have a pair of sassy suede olive green boots by Fergie (as in the singer! — Fergalicious) that I’ve worn for the past few seasons. They’ve held up well, and they’re my favorite pair to wear in fall, although I don’t know how much use I’m going to get out of them this year because they have also have a heel, and I keep noticing that my lower back gets all wonky when I wear high heels. Baby Girl has been keeping me in flats these days.
Do you do oversized rings?
On a daily basis, no, because I can’t type with ’em! They’re too heavy and distracting, but I do like to wear a tasteful cocktail ring on special occasions.

Have you ever had a disaster with bangs?
Honestly, when have my bangs not involved a disaster? It seems like every time I get bangs something goes awry. I have wavy hair, and the shorter it is, the more unruly it gets. All of my bangs disasters have come about because of this. You’d think I would have learned this lesson by now, but noooo. There’s one variety of bangs I can handle, and that’s the side sweep. I love me a good side sweep…

Your turn. 🙂 Just copy and paste the following questions into a comment with your answers. I look forward to reading ’em!

1. Are you currently using any serums?
2. What was a game-changing makeup product for you?
3. Do you have a favorite pair of boots?
4. Do you do oversized rings?
5. Have you ever had a disaster with bangs?

Hi! Helloooooo! *waves from my desk in Northern California* 🙂 Happy Monday to ya. I think that today will be the day when I get my first fall pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks (decaf, of course). It’s actually overcast and cool outside right now. Are you in?

And P.S., I won’t refuse to split a brownie with you. Just putting that out there.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 363

September 13th, 2015 by Karen 48 Comments

I know that you know a lot about Tabs through his modeling, philanthropy and other endeavors — his fabulous life — but here’s a look behind the glam at what it’s really like to live with Tabs on a day-to-day basis.

I worry sometimes that he’s older than I always thought he was

I mentally prepare myself — scratch that. I keep trying to mentally prepare myself for the day when I wake up, and I don’t have Tabs there to greet me.

I can’t even handle the thought… It makes me so sad. 🙁

A few months ago, we took him to the vet for his regular checkup, and the vet said, “I think he may be a little older than we initially thought he was…” His eyes aren’t as bright as they once were, and he’s starting to slow down. He’s also getting ornerier, and he sleeps more during the day.

I worry that I might not have the time I thought I’d have with him, and I know that seems very greedy of me and self-centered, but I can’t help it. I just want my companion to live forever.

I think about collecting his whiskers…

A couple weeks ago I found one of his little whiskers — I call ’em little whiskees — while cleaning the living room, and his whiskees are interesting in that they aren’t all white. Some of them are black, and some of them are black with little sections of white.

I picked it up, and I walked up to El Hub and asked, “Do you think it would be too crazy cat lady if I saved all of Tabs’s whiskees?” because I’d been thinking about how when he finally goes to cross the rainbow bridge, I won’t have anything of his with me, and El Hub said, “Yes, that would be very crazy cat lady of you.”

So I threw it out…but you know what? I’m gonna start collecting his whiskees anyway, and then when he finally goes away, I’m probably going to spread his ashes on the hill behind us, because he loves being outside.

I feel guilty sometimes when I see outdoor kitties lounging around

Oh, Tabby, I wish you could be the outside cat that I know you see yourself as, always running around, chasing things and lounging about.

When I see kitties outside, especially at the end of the day enjoying the sunset or napping, I wish Tabs could have that same luxury, but I know that it’s probably safer for him to spend the evenings indoors. Where we live here in Novato, there are wide open spaces with coyotes (we see them a lot) and other predators around.

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Comment to Win a $50 eGift Card From MAC! (Ends Monday)

September 12th, 2015 by Karen 370 Comments

** THE GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED **
This giveaway is closed, and the winner has been contacted (CONGRATULATIONS, LISA!!!), but check back next Saturday for another giveaway.

On your next trip to San Francisco, you can take a cable car right to the front door of the Powell Street Pro Store @maccosmetics at 45 Powell Street and then have @pinkberryswirl down the street for desert! What. A. Day. #makeup #noms #pinkberryobsession

A video posted by Karen (@karenmbb) on Sep 12, 2015 at 7:16am PDT

Good morning, sweet girl (and boys). I’m sitting here with a rumbly tummy, which I never do on Saturday mornings, because I am trying to get out of the house ASAP, and I’m running a little late.

I’m going to another one of those Sephora classes at the store down the street, this one called Correct and Conceal, which sounds right up my alley.

I hope you had a fun Friday night. Yes, I did end up playing that D&D-ish game with El Hub, and you know what? I was entertained. I did not totally hate it, and El Hub was really good at being, I guess, the game master and telling a story.

Who knew? That man surprises me every day.

My character is a 17-year-old girl named Bijou, and when I told El Hub that’s what I wanted to name her, he said, “You really want to name this girl Bijou?” and I said, “Yes, her name is Bijou.” And she has a winged cat with navy blue feathers.

Of course. Of course she does. 🙂

One (1) MAC eGift card containing $50 sent to the winner by email (international readers, you may opt to receive $50 sent by PayPal instead).

Enter by leaving a comment below.
Open to U.S. and international readers.
You must be 18 or older to enter (or otherwise an adult based on your local laws).
Your comment can be about anything at all, but here are some ideas if you’re stuck:
- Best work party ever?
- How often do you wear waterproof makeup?
- A boring yet necessary beauty essential?
- Have you ever seen a mirage?
- What are your lucky numbers?
- A product you’re currently lusting after?
One entry per person.
You must use a valid email address to win.
The giveaway ends on Monday, September 14, 2015 at 11:59 PM (Pacific Time). 🙂

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

H&M Cat Lady Clothes, Clothes for Cat Ladies in Training and Maternity Stuff, Too

September 11th, 2015 by Karen 44 Comments

We are cat ladies; hear us ROAR!

Or at least meow… Meeeeeow!

I was really feelin’ the cat lady love at the San Francisco Union Square H&M store yesterday, where I was perusing the maternity section, but it was hard to concentrate because I kept getting distracted by things like this adorable outfit with a navy blue top and tiny short-shorts.

It has cats all OVER it!

Look at it styled on this mannequin with a taupe purse and black booties (the picture at the top). If I wasn’t so round at the moment, I’d be all over it.

They also had a white short-sleeve tee with a little pocket in the same print, but the fabric felt a little scratchy.

Super cute though.

Eventually, I focussed long enough in the maternity section to find this…

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The SF MAC Powell Street Store: Studio Waterweight Application Tips, Zuca Bags, Haute Dogs and a Viva Glam Miley 2 Lip Combo

September 11th, 2015 by Karen 16 Comments

For Bay Area beauty junkies (and visiting makeup lovers), a trip to the San Francisco MAC Powell Street Pro Store (45 Powell Street, right down by Union Square) is a must, because when it comes to beauty shopping, it’s an iconic stop, tantamount to visiting the Golden Gate Bridge, Pier 39 or Lombard Street… When you’re in SF, if your schedule permits, you gotta do it!

I stopped by yesterday to check out the new MAC Studio Waterweight Foundation and get some application tips.

Studio Waterweight reminds me a little of my beloved Dior Diorskin Nude Air Serum. It comes in a bottle with a dropper and has a consistency on the thinner side of the spectrum. It just recently arrived on counters, so it’s super new.

I talked to a very sweet makeup artist named Hannah (Hi, Hannah!) at the store — here she is right here — who recommended tapping and blending it on the skin with something like a wet MAC Pro Performance Sponge (MAC’s version of the BeautyBlender).

The Studio Waterweight release also features a super soft synthetic face brush with short, compact bristles and a slightly angled head called the 196 Slanted Flat Top Brush.

Oh, my gosh! — the bristles are SO soft. Hannah said that if you use this brush instead of a sponge, it helps to alternate short strokes with a stippling motion for the most natural-looking skin.

I’m testing Studio Waterweight today and through this weekend and will have more to say about it soon…but my first impression? Very silky and lightweight, which I’m excited about.

Of course I also had to wander around while I was the store (of course), and I spotted these MAC travel bags with matching mirrored compacts that say “MAC San Francisco.”

How cute are these!? Wouldn’t it be fun to travel and collect different MAC bags like these in different cities? That’s something I’d like to do.

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