COVERGIRL

7 Ways to Win a $100 Gift Card From Ulta Beauty and $29.97 in Products From the COVERGIRL Bombshell Collection! (Ends Monday, Jan. 13)

January 3rd, 2014 by Karen 420 Comments

You know how in every group of gal pals, each gal kinda has her own role? You’ve got the mother hen, the braniac, the tomboy, etc.

Me? I usually fall into the role of “the funny one,” or “the weirdo writer.”

I always thought it would’ve been fun to be the one all the boys flocked to, aka “the sexy one,” but alas, seduction was never my forte.

I seriously could not seduce my way out of a paper bag. (Remind me to tell you about the time I dove into the ocean without my glasses or contacts on and swam away from a cute guy…who ended up being El Hub.)

Even though I’m not a seductive siren by nature, I still think it’s fun to role-play, especially with makeup. It’s like stepping into someone else’s shoes for a while or playing a character for a day.

Covergirl Bombshell Collection — A few things from the new Covergirl Bombshell collection…

Characters like “The Bombshell.”

Enter COVERGIRL. This spring, COVERGIRL is channeling bombshell beauty with their vampy new Bombshell collection of cream shadows, liquid liners, mascaras, lipsticks and nail polishes in colors designed to tempt and seduce.

Which brings me to this…

You know what I’m about to say, right? 🙂

IT’S GIVEAWAY TIME!!

And mini-tutorial time, too. I’ve joined forces with Ulta Beauty and COVERGIRL this week to bring you a bodacious bombshell giveaway and a sneak-peak at a makeup tutorial I’ve been working on using products from the new Bombshell collection.

To go along with this, I’ll be posting a step-by-step coppery golden eye makeup tutorial to YouTube next week.

By the way, if any of the COVERGIRL makeup in these pictures catches your eye, all COVERGIRL products will be buy one, get one 50% off at Ulta Beauty stores and online at ulta.com from January 5-25, 2014. #ULTABombshelling

A coppery golden eye look with cat eyeliner using the COVERGIRL Bombshell collection…

Applying COVERGIRL Bombshell Shineshadow in Gold Goddess ($8.99)

Applying COVERGIRL Bombshell Shineshadow in Copper Fling ($8.99) — Blending COVERGIRL Bombshell Shineshadow in Copper Fling ($8.99) in the crease

Applying COVERGIRL Cheekers Bronzer in Copper Radiance ($4.99) — Sweeping COVERGIRL Cheekers Bronzer in Copper Radiance ($4.99) into my outer crease ($8.99)

Covergirl Bombshell Intensity Liner in Pitch Black ($8.99) — Lining my upper lash lash lines with COVERGIRL Bombshell Intensity Liner in Pitch Black ($8.99); by the way, I’m also wearing COVERGIRL Outlast Stay Brilliant Glossy Nail Color in Bombshell ($5.99) on my nails

Lining my lower lash line with COVERGIRL Bombshell Shineshadow in Gold Goddess ($8.99)

Coating my lashes with COVERGIRL Bombshell Mascara in Very Black ($11.99)

Applying COVERGIRL Lip Perfection Jumbo Gloss Balm in Cherry Twist ($8.99) on my lips for a daytime look

Switching to COVERGIRL Lip Perfection Lipcolor in Bombshell ($6.99) to turn up the intensity

Now, on to the giveaway!

Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. You can read the full terms and conditions there, but here’s the gist of it: the giveaway is open to U.S. readers 18 and up (you must be an adult according to your local laws) and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, January 13, 2014.

One lucky lady or gent will win…

A $100 Ulta Beauty gift card
COVERGIRL Bombshell Shadowshine Eyeshadow ($8.99, color TBD)
COVERGIRL Intensity Liquid Liner ($8.99, color TBD)
COVERGIRL Bombshell Intensity Mascara ($11.99, color TBD)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

If You Hunger for Lash Volume, Try Covergirl Hunger Games Flamed Out Mascara in Very Black Blaze

October 15th, 2013 by Karen 25 Comments

When it comes to love, luck and lashes, may the odds be ever in your favor.

The new Covergirl Hunger Games Flamed Out Mascara Very Black Blaze has a curved brush — Nice curves…

Not that I see Katniss from The Hunger Games ever obsessing over lash length, separation and curl (hey, that’s my job!). She has more important things to worry about…like survival. But, I like to think that if she ever caught a break from the arena, maybe she’d like the new Flamed Out Mascara in Very Black Blaze ($7) from Covergirl’s Hunger Games collection.

Covergirl Hunger Games Flamed Out Mascara Very Black Blaze before and after pics — Bare lashes on the left, and wearing two coats of Very Black Blaze on the right

The curved brush easily reaches lashes at the roots, while the non-clumping formula quickly increases volume.

Two coats of Covergirl Hunger Games Flamed Out Mascara in Very Black Blaze — Wearing two coats…

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A Fall Berry That Fits All: Covergirl’s Affordable Lipslick Smoochies Lip Balm in Luv U

August 22nd, 2013 by Karen 7 Comments

Covergirl Lipslicks Smoochies Lip Balm Luv U — Wearing Covergirl Lipslicks Smoochies Lip Balm in Luv U ($5.99) on my lips

Complete with a convenient see-through cap, so you can quickly pick it out in a crowd (and won’t have to spend DAYS rifling through the other lippies in your purse to find it), a universally flattering soft shine and sheer coverage, gorgeous and affordable Covergirl Lipslick Smoochies Lip Balm in Luv U goes from the office to date night without skipping a beat.

This berry balm is a snazzy solution to the question, “If I want an effortless lip look, how can I update my makeup bag for fall without breaking the bank?”

Only thing is, you have to be cool with a 1-2 hour wear time. And a waxy flavor and scent, as Luv U has ’em. Luckily, both fade pretty quickly (within about 10 minutes).

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Pair It Up: Kick Your Summer Makeup Repertoire Into High Gear With Matching Lips and Tips

June 13th, 2013 by Karen 27 Comments

Five of summer’s must-have lip and tip combos

This summer inspiration is brought to you by Target. Find more fun and surprises all season long on Target’s #SummerUp Pinterest board.

Lounging languidly beside any pools this summer? Planning any barbecues at the beach? Don’t forget those all-important warm-weather essentials like your swimsuit, big floppy hat, sunscreen, cooler filled with drinks and snacks, and of course, your matching lips and tips. 🙂

Some among us may argue that those last two items aren’t summer fun essentials. Either way, I sure do love bright nails and lips this time of year, especially when they match!

Gotta get that quick burst of color from your fingers as you write your name in the sand, or blow kisses into your camera phone as you snap a quick selfie to send to your sweetie (“Wish you were here, boo!”).

I searched high and low for a few fun, affordable combinations to wear this summer and combed through countless contenders (a tough job, but someone had to do it) to come up with the following five trendsetting color combos.

You don’t have to pay Dolce & Gabbana prices to look fashionable and fab. These five lip and tip pairings are available now at Target stores and online at target.com.

Look 1: Fruit salad

L’OREAL Colour Riche Le Gloss in Peach Fuzz ($5.99) and Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Fast Dry Nail Color in Lickety-Split Lime ($3.80); Xhilaration Neon Floppy Hat ($14.99)

This juicy combo with lime green nails and lush peach lips begs to be worn with umbrella drinks and on lazy days by the pool.

Look 2: Playful purple

Revlon Super Lustrous Gloss in Sugar Violet ($5.99) and COVERGIRL Outlast Saty Brilliant Glosstini in Purple Freeze ($2.99); Mossimo Purple Fedora ($14.99)

Nothing says “fun in the sun” quite like shiny purple tips and shimmery violet lips.

Look 3: Think hot pink

Pixi Tinted Brilliance Balm in No. 1 Unique Pink ($16) and Pixi Nail Colour in Summer Pink ($8); Merona White Floppy Hat ($14.99)

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Red Carpet Beauty Inspired by Claire Danes and Jessica Alba: Get a Glam Look for Less Using Drugstore Beauty Products

February 27th, 2013 by Karen 33 Comments

Claire Danes Golden Globes 2013 Makeup Inspiration — Get red carpet looks for less with COVERGIRL, Olay and Aussie

Chances are the bustling beauty teams that style Claire Danes and Jessica Alba for regal red carpet events won’t be showing up at my doorstep any time soon, because unlike the stars, we mere mortals must fend for ourselves when it comes to getting ready for parties and nights on the town (or nights on the couch with your cat, if you’re also into that). 🙂

No problem. Getting glam doesn’t have to involve a small army of beauty professionals (although, not gonna lie, if a pro prep team suddenly appeared — POOF! — I would NOT turn them away).

Recreating red carpet looks at home can be easy and fun, and with drugstore beauty products, it doesn’t have to break the bank.

I recently gave two of my favorite red carpet looks a try from this year’s Golden Globes — a look Claire Danes wore with smokey eyes and nude lips, and Jessica Alba’s look with brown eyes and tangerine lips — both of which seemed simple and elegant, which I liked.

Gearing up for a big night? If you are, you can get red carpet ready like Claire and Jessica using makeup, hair, body and skincare products from COVERGIRL, Olay, Aussie and Secret.

Who says that going glam is reserved for the stars?

Inspired by: Claire Danes

Oh, Angela Chase. You’ve come so far since Jordan Catalano wrote that song ~~about you~~ about his car…

I absolutely loved the wavy hair, smokey eyes and nude lips Claire recently wore. Hello, stunning!

1. Let the glamification begin: skin and hair

Start by prepping in the shower with a hydrating body wash like Olay Ultra Moisture Body Wash ($5.99), and washing and conditioning your hair with Aussie Aussome Volume Shampoo and Conditioner ($3.99 each).

Even if the paparazzi aren’t currently stalking you, there’s no reason to let ’em see you sweat, so swipe some Secret Clinical Strength Stress Response ($7.99) under those ‘pits, girl!

Okay, time to tame the mane. Apply Aussie Aussome Volume Styling Mousse ($4.99) to wet hair for hold and volume, and either air or blow dry.

When your hair is dry, recreate Claire’s waves by curling the ends with a large barrel curling iron. Then, mist your mane all over with Aussie You Can Shine Spray Gloss ($3) for red carpet shine.

2. Gotta prep

Ready to play with makeup? Me too, but let’s get our skin ready first with face products from the Olay Professional Even Skin Tone Line, and disguise any uneven areas or imperfections by applying a liquid foundation like COVERGIRL Outlast 3-in-1 Foundation ($12.99).

If your skin tone’s similar to Claire’s, try the shade called Classic Ivory. I have a little — okay, a lot! — more of a tan, so something like Classic Tan works for me.

3. Sights set on smokey eyes

Now for my favorite part — the eyes!

Start by applying your favorite eye primer to your lids, curling your lashes and filling in your brows.

Next, for your smokey eyes, line both upper and lower water lines with COVERGIRL Perfect Point Plus Eyeliner in Black Onyx ($5).

With the same pencil, line your upper and lower lash lines; soften the lines by smudging the edges with a flat eye shadow brush.

Now, it’s time to add the smoke!

Load your flat brush with a combination of black and blue shadows, like COVERGIRL Eye Enhancers 1-Kit Shadows in Shimmering Onyx and Sapphire Sparkle ($4.50 each). Combining the shades here adds depth to the smokey effect.

Pat the mix on your lids and barely into the creases. Then, using a domed blending brush, blend away any harsh edges.

To refine your smokey look even more, take your domed brush, and load it with your favorite blush. Something like COVERGIRL Instant Cheekbones Contouring Blush in Sophisticated Sable ($6) should work great for Claire’s look.

Sweep your loaded domed brush into your creases and along your lower lash lines to soften the edges. This helps everything look a little more polished.

Finish up your eyes by applying a few coats of COVERGIRL Clump Crusher Mascara ($6.99).

4. Wrapping it up

From here on out, the rest is cake!

Sweep that same blush, Sophisticated Sable, on your cheeks, apply a nude lip color, like COVERGIRL Lip Perfection Jumbo Gloss Balm in Toffee Twist ($8.99) on your lips, and wrap up with a coat or two of COVERGIRL Outlast Nail Gloss in Forever Frosted ($5.99) on your nails.

Claire Danes Golden Globes 2013 Makeup Look Products COVERGIRL — Products Clockwise from the blue pan in the upper left: COVERGIRL Eye Enhancers 1-Kit Shadows in Sapphire Sparkle, COVERGIRL Eye Enhancers 1-Kit Shadows in Shimmering Onyx, COVERGIRL Jumbo Gloss Balm in Toffee Twist, COVERGIRL Outlast Nail Gloss in Forever Frosted, COVERGIRL Perfect Point Plus Eyeliner in Black Onyx and COVERGIRL Clump Crusher Mascara

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COVERGIRL Clump Crusher Mascara’s Curved Brush Conquers Clumps While Lengthening Lashes

February 20th, 2013 by Karen 52 Comments

In every single picture I’ve taken today, I look like a grumpy piano teacher (see above).

Yes, I know this for a fact! When I was a kid, I took piano lessons (mostly against my will), and every week, my teacher, Mrs. L, would sit there with pursed, tight lips as I pounded away at the keys like a gorilla in a Hello Kitty T-shirt.

Sometimes I’d see Mrs. L frowning out of the corner of my eye, so I’d bang out all the wrong notes on purpose, look up at her, and smile ever-so-sweetly…

Hahaha! Sorry, Mrs. L. 🙂

I’d be cranky, too, if I had to teach a surly, disinterested student clearly counting down the seconds to freedom, but maybe I’d look a little less tense (perhaps cheerful, even) if I were wearing a few coats of COVERGIRL’s Clump Crusher Mascara ($6.99).

COVERGIRL Clump Crusher Mascara Brush — Curved brush!

It landed on drugstore shelves a couple months ago in four “shades” (Black Brown, Brown, Very Black and Black).

The hook/special sauce? The curved brush. COVERGIRL says the little plastic stubs and the shape of the brush help it separate lashes while coating them from root to tip and dodging lumps and bumps.

And when it comes to length and separation, ala long, fanned-out lashes for interested, perky looks, I think Clump Crusher’s great. It doesn’t come with a bunch of bells or whistles, like lash conditioners and vibrating brush wands, but it lengthens, separates and holds curls like a champ. Plus, it’s only $6.99, which isn’t bad at all, especially beside an increasing number of drugstore mascaras in the $10-13 range.

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