Karen

A Closer Look at the NARS Last Resort Collection Temporary Tattoos and Tahiti Bronzer

March 9th, 2015 by Karen 16 Comments

As far as fake tattoos go…I gotta say, the new NARS temporary tattoos are LEGIT. If you want to get all tatted up to scare your mom or surprise your friends, they’re well worth the $35.

I wore them to brunch last weekend, and the first thing my BFF Cindy said was, “Good gawd, woman! How could you get all inked up without telling me!?”

Ha! 🙂 Cindy has known me for 25 years (give or take), and she knows that 1) I’m terrified of needles, and 2) I’m one of the last people in the world who would ever get a tattoo (I’m too fickle and would guaranteed change my mind after it’s too late), so the fact that these temporary tats fooled her says something.

It says that these things look real!

They’re still around, by the way, and that’s after three days, during which I had two sweaty workouts and took three showers.

I’m on day four now, and they’re just beginning to look a little long in the tooth (they’re fading and starting to slightly peel), so I’ll probably take them off later tonight.

After what I’m wearing in these pics, I still have quite a few left from the four sheets, but I’m saving them for my next trip home.

My mom is gonna freak out, HAHA! 🙂

Joining the temporary tats in the NARS Last Resort collection is a new (“air quotes”) bronzer called Tahiti Laguna ($59). “Air quotes” because it’s basically just good, old golden shimmery tan NARS Laguna, but in a big pan with a tiny Ita brush.

And also a couple of moisturizing beauty oils, which I’ve yet to try.

I do love the color of the bronzer (I’m wearing it in these pics to warm up my skin), but sometimes I get a little Laguna overload…

Both the NARS tattoos and Tahiti Laguna Bronzer are available now online and at NARS boutiques and Sephora. They also arrive at NARS counters April 1.

[Continue reading…]

First Impressions of the MAC Eye Shadow X 15 Warm and Cool Neutral Palettes From the Eyes on MAC Collection

March 9th, 2015 by Karen 8 Comments

Just a quick look and some thoughts on the new 15-pan Warm Neutral and Cool Neutral X 15 eye palettes from the Eyes on MAC collection (both are available now for $85 each).

More pics and swatches coming soon.

As always, thank you for watching. I hope you’re having a spectacular day so far. 🙂

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 363

March 9th, 2015 by Karen 32 Comments

The Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll for March 9, 2015

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.

How do you feel about black lipstick?
I think it can look really freaking cool if it’s done in a certain way. I mean, it’s makeup, so you can do anything you want and wear black lipstick however you feel, you know, but for me, I like it when it’s just that strong black lip, and everything else is kept minimal. Maybe lots of lashes, a filled in brow and just super minimal skin.

I think it can be very chic, but it has to have the right elements to go with it, and you kind of have to be dressed to suit the black lip, too, because if you’re wearing a black lip and a pink polo shirt, it can be pretty jarring.

Clothing-wise, I’d probably mirror the same aesthetic as the makeup, with very clean lines, something like a black simple shift, or like a black tank top and skinny black jeans.

Do you know any guys who wear makeup?
I know a few makeup artists who wear tinted moisturizer and concealer and brow gel and stuff, but in my everyday life, I can’t say that… Oh! — of course I know guys who wear makeup! Yes, I follow a few of them on Instagram. They do their thing, and I like that.

Crimped hair: yes or no?
Having leftover visions of bad crimped hair from the late ’80s and early ’90s, buuut I think if you do it in moderation, like a little bit of crimping here and there, it can add some textural interest to the hair.

What’s the first thing you do when you get home?
Let’s see…I open the door, and Tabs is usually at the door, and I say, “What up, play-uh!?” and then I give him pets, because if I don’t pet him right away, he throws a fit. Then I take off my shoes, set my purse down and take off my jacket. Then I sit at the base of the stairs and pet Tabs some more, because he’s kind of a diva that way.

Are people surprised when they find out you’re into makeup?
Sometimes they are. It really depends on what makeup I’m wearing. If I’m wearing full-on ba-bam! eyes, lips, cheeks, highlight and bronzer that day, then people aren’t surprised, but when I’m usually out and about, like at the grocery store or the dentist, most of the time I’m wearing a toned down version of full makeup.

I guess most of the time when I do meet strangers and they don’t know what I do, they’re kind of like, “Oh, that’s interesting…” And then they ask for recommendations. Usually. 🙂

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

1. How do you feel about black lipstick?
2. Do you know any guys who wear makeup?
3. Crimped hair: yes or no?
4. What’s the first thing you do when you get home?
5. Are people surprised when they find out you’re into makeup?

Today might be a three-cup-of-tea day for me… I’m so sleepy right now!

Daylight Savings Time and all…

Hopefully it’s been a nice Monday for you so far. What did you do this weekend?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 337

March 8th, 2015 by Karen 12 Comments

Dear Tabby is written by Tabs the cat, widely considered “the world’s first plus-size kitty supermodel.” Founded in mid 2012, it has quickly become the most popular cat advice column on earth — known for its fresh, feline perspective on lifestyle, fashion and style issues affecting cats and humans.

Handling an unwanted gift with grace

DEAR TABBY: OK, I don’t want to sound ungrateful, but frankly, I’m lost. Tabby, my assistant — good chap, calm temperament — well, his parents sent over a gift for the office the other day. Yeah, it’s the ugliest cat tower I’ve ever seen.

Very nice gesture, yes, but not only does it seem inappropriate coming from the parents of my employee, but aesthetically it’s — well, it’s just not my style.

Tabby, at your office, have you ever had to deal with anything like this? This is a first for me, and I’m not sure how to proceed.

— Appalled in Appalachia

DEAR APPALLED: Funny you mention this because, yes, I have had something very similar happen to me before, but it was a piece of exercise equipment.

I’m very close to my assistant’s parents, and one year they gave me one of those long sticks with the large green ball at the end of the string. You know the ones I’m talking about.

So I’m exercising with it one day, and bam! — the ball smacks me square in the face.

I’m like, is this thing broken? I don’t know, but I got rid of it fast.

The next day my employee asked me where it went, but I didn’t want to hurt her feelings, so I just purred and played dumb.

The truth is, I batted it under the couch.

Tact is a tough concept for a lot of cats, and my collar goes off to you for taking it into consideration. I think this is one of those situations, though, that could easily escalate if it isn’t handled properly.

The problem with a cat tower, of course, is that you can’t just brush it under the rug. Literally. It’s huge. It’s there. So you have to deal with it head on.

You’re going to have to tell your assistant something like, you know, I like the cat tower, but I just can’t have it in the office, and then make something up. Tell her that there’s a clause in the contract you have with your interior decorator that expressly prohibits beige cat towers. That way you protect her feelings while getting rid of the tower at the same time.
[Continue reading…]

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

March 7th, 2015 by Karen 459 Comments

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

Good morning, good morning!

I hope you’re having a nice morning so far, and if it hasn’t been all that, maybe a cup of tea will help. I have one last bag of Trader Joe’s Vanilla and Cinnamon Black Tea, and you can have it if you want. Or I can make you something else. Chocolate macadamia nut coffee, or some spiced chai? Just let me know.

With all of these drinks in the house, I could open up a cat cafe of my own. With one cat!

Now that you’re here and kind of relaxed (hopefully), take a second to please enter this weekend’s Sephora e-card giveaway. All it takes is a comment and a smile. 🙂

I hope you’re up to something fun today. I’m heading to my friend’s house for brunch a little later this morning, and I’m very excited because she’s a gifted cook. Like, she has the gift. Sometimes when you eat her food, you want to cry.

Sometimes you also want to cry when you eat my food, but for completely different reasons. Haha.

Good luck in the giveaway. I’ll talk to you soon.

One (1) Sephora 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:
- What’s the next makeup brush you want to get?
- Who’s the funniest person you know?
- Have you ever gotten a speeding ticket?
- Do you ever listen to audiobooks?
- Last time you went on a rant? What was it about?
- Chocolate or gum? (If I have to pick one or the other, I pick chocolate.)
One entry per person.
You must use a valid email address to win.
The giveaway ends on Monday, March 9, 2015 at 11:59 PM (Pacific Time). 🙂

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Find Spring Nail Inspiration in Your Jewelry Box: A Colorful Manicure With the New ORLY Color AMP’D Nail Polishes

March 6th, 2015 by Karen 10 Comments

Before you paint your nails this weekend, raid your jewelry box.

No, seriously! You can find lots of inspiration and color combination ideas betwixt the shiny baubles, necklaces, bracelets and earrings.

That’s what I did today. Then I painted my paws with a few cute, colorful spring shades from ORLY’s new Color AMP’D line (available online now at target.com and coming exclusively to Target stores starting March 8).

What do ya think? Do my nails go with this Neon Spray necklace by Kristin Perry?

Methinks they do. 🙂

[Continue reading…]

NARS Last Resort Collection Temporary Tattoos and Tahiti Bronzer [VIDEO]

March 6th, 2015 by Karen 12 Comments

I can only imagine what my mom would say about my current state of tattoo-ness.

“Tattoos are for sailors…”

That’s probably what she’d say, and then insert disapproving frown [HERE].

But I’m kind of liking being tatted up! — albeit it’s a temporary thing with these new NARS temporary tattoos. I feel like a different person.

Just another quick video. I’m also wearing the new Tahiti Bronzer. Both are from the new Last Resort Collection, available now at Sephora.

As always, purr usual, thank you for watching. 🙂

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

MAC Haute & Naughty Waterproof Lash Is a Good Monday Through Fri-Yay Mascara

March 6th, 2015 by Karen 20 Comments

MAC’s new Haute & Naughty Waterproof Lash mascara ($22) made it through the “AVOID EMOTIONAL TRIGGERS” dates on my calendar with flying colors, so it’s alright by me.

Yes…there really is a 10-day block of time highlighted in red on the calendar that I share with El Hub, and there really is a note on it (in all caps) that says, “AVOID EMOTIONAL TRIGGERS.”

I consider it a courtesy alert for my husband, so that he knows to prepare for possible PMS-induced mood swings, and thus stay outta my way…lest he suffer the consequences.

Haha! Kidding. 🙂

Kind of.

OK, not really.

I’ll be going along, doop-da-doo, happy as a lark with a clam, until out of nowhere — BOOM! — I’ll see a commercial about adoptable kittens or read a sad story on Facebook, and just like that, I’ll start crying.

Hence the need for waterproof mascara like Haute & Naughty Waterproof Lash.

Like the other day, I was thinking about the first time I met Tabs (it was about eight years ago) when it occurred to me that he’s not going to be around forever…

*sniffs*

I burst into tears! My baby cat is getting older. 🙁

Waterproof Lash is MAC’s latest addition to their Haute & Naughty Lash mascara line, and it’s available in a single shade, a deep glossy black called Shockproof.

Like MAC’s other Haute & Naughty line mascaras, depending on how you twist off the cap, you can load the brush in one of two ways, with either more (in this case, twisting it off from the sparkly section) or less (twisting it off from the dark blue section) product. Load the brush with extra product for thicker, fuller lashes, or with less product for less volume, but better length and lots o’ separation.

I like to create a lash cocktail, starting with two layers for length and separation, followed by a final layer with the thicker application to add some drama for yo’ mama.

The result is noticeable, but not cray (no spider lashes!), criss-crossing lashes with fullness at the base.
[Continue reading…]