Just For Fun Reviews, Swatches and Pictures on Makeup and Beauty Blog

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Just For Fun

Two Ways to Win a $50 eGift Card from Sephora!

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  • WINNER: The giveaway is closed now, and the winner is Amanda! Congratulations, Amanda! If you entered but didn’t win this time around, keep trying, and click here to enter any ongoing giveaways before you jet. 🙂

Win a $50 Sephora eGift card from Makeup and Beauty Blog
Rise and shine, morning glory! And give it your all, too, because I sure could use a little help this morning in the rising and shining departments, if you know what I mean. I feel like I had too much coffee and tea yesterday, and now I have a caffeine hangover, or something like that. I’m not sure there is such a thing, but I feel like my brain cells aren’t awake yet. “Sure, you can get up, girl, but we’re sleeping in!”

Please bear with me today if I say something that doesn’t quite make sense, or if I go off on weird tangents.

Well, weirder than usual. 🙂

Oh, speaking of tangents, El Hub and I did go to that movie last night, Super 8. In a word: fascinating! Not so much the movie itself, although I did enjoy it, but just how authentically Steven Spielberg it feels. He produced the film, but J.J. Abrams directed, and in many ways it seems like a tribute to Spielberg’s ’80s movies like E.T. and Raiders of the Lost Ark — sort of a throwback to the Golden Age of movies with the spectator as a wide-eyed child, overwhelmed by sound and spectacle, people frantically running around, and lots of fast camera close-ups on faces during big revealing scenes. I grew up on a steady diet of that stuff, so it was fun and, at times, nostalgic to see another talented director faithfully imitate the style so well.

In the film, a group of middle-school friends circa 1979 are making a low-budget movie of their own, a zombie flick, and low-budget doesn’t do justice to their resources. All they really have is a commitment to making a good picture and their own belongings to use as props. Plus, the town they live in as the backdrop, and it’s while filming one scene that they decide to use a passing train to enhance their movie’s “production value.” Of course, that’s when something BIG happens and the story starts rolling. They find themselves caught in the middle of a catastrophic train crash with secret Air Force cargo, etc. etc. [INSERT ALIEN HERE].

I think the movie itself feels maybe a tad too long in the second half, but I really enjoyed it. Highly recommended, especially if you fondly recall Steven Spielberg’s older movies.

Hmm…

Okay, so I know that none of that had to do with makeup or beauty. See, I warned you about me today. 🙂

While I go try to get my brain cells out of bed, please stick around for a bit. It’s…

A Makeup and Beauty Blog Giveaway!

Win a $50 eGift card from Sephora

  • One (1) Sephora eGift card containing $50 sent to the winner by email (or $50 sent by PayPal instead).

  • There are two ways to enter, and you can do both of them for two chances to win. First, you can enter by leaving a comment at the bottom of this post, a comment about anything at all, like, have you ever helped friends film a low-budget movie? What’s the first movie you can remember going to see? Which actress strikes you as having consistently the best makeup? Have you ever thought about working as a movie makeup artist? Describe the most elaborate/theatrical makeup look you ever wore and what it was for (a big date, Halloween, a play) — you get the idea.
  • Second, you can enter by following me on twitter Twitter @karenmbb and retweeting (RT) the following message:
    • Follow @karenmbb and RT to Win a $50 eGift Card from Sephora! http://bit.ly/kSa1Oa

  • The deadline to enter is Sunday, June 19, 2011 at 11:59PM (PT).
  • Entrants must enter using a valid email address and/or Twitter account to win.
  • A maximum of two (2) entries per person — one within the comments at the bottom of this post, and a second entry via Twitter addressed to me @karenmbb.
  • Contest is open to individuals of any country who have reached the age of majority according to their local laws (18 in the United States with these exceptions: Alabama and Nebraska, 19; Mississippi, 21).
  • Sephora eGift Certificates can only be redeemed online and are not valid in stores or available for purchase or redemption in Canada. The winner may opt to substitute the Sephora eGift card prize for $50 sent directly to their email address by PayPal.
  • Tabs and I (heretofore referred to as “T-Money and K-Dawg”) will select one (1) winner at random from the entries either left in the comments at the bottom of this blog post or addressed to @karenmbb on Twitter.
  • The winner will be announced here within 48 hours of the deadline.
  • Void where prohibited by law.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

  • WINNER: The giveaway is closed now, and the winner is Amanda! Congratulations, Amanda! If you entered but didn’t win this time around, keep trying, and click here to enter any ongoing giveaways before you jet. 🙂

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, June 13

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  • You might be wondering, “So what the heck is this Monday Poll thing anyway?”
    Well, it isn’t much of a poll. It’s more just a constantly evolving (devolving?), somewhat random list of questions I’ve been putting out to readers every Monday morning for the past three years, which I guess makes this somewhere around Vol. 173. I’ve always enjoyed reading your answers in the comments, and I hope you enjoy reading mine.
  1. Mood:

    2. I had a bout of the post-vacation blues early this morning, but I feel energized and ready now. “Coach, put me back in the game!”

  2. Have you ever owned a record player?

    3. I remember having a kids one when I was around five that I would use to play my Winnie the Pooh records. I loved that thing to pieces. It had a hard blue plastic case with a white handle. So stylish.

  3. Do you plan your makeup looks at the start of each week, or just wing it?

    4. I may plan a look with an outfit if I have a special event to go to, but most of the time I just wing it.

  4. Can you think of a lipstick color that makes me you feel spicy?

    5. Lately, Dior Favori 752. Whenever I wear it I feel like I’m ready to bring the heat, LOL! It’s an arresting red with a punch of pink.

  5. Describe your favorite summertime dress.

    6. This black Mimi Chica Ruffled Dress I got from the junior’s section at Nordie’s. It’s machine washable (dry cleaning is the bane of my existence) and super flexible. I can easily dress it up by throwing on a cardigan, jewelry and heels, or dress it down by slipping it over a swimsuit and sliding into a pair of flip-flops.

  6. Do you keep a journal?

    7. I do, but I don’t write in it nearly enough.

  7. Your favorite makeup brush at the moment?

    8. The MAC 224! It’s SO GREAT for under-eye concealer.

  8. Last time you jumped rope?

    9. I usually have a pretty good memory, but I honestly can’t recall. I think I picked one up at a sporting goods store a few years ago and jumped for a minute in the aisle, but that may have also been a dream. The last time I jumped rope for longer than a minute was probably back on a playground some time in the ’80s (YIKES!).

  9. Are you a heavy or a light sleeper?

    10. As a kid I could sleep through earthquakes and thunderstorms, but I’m a much lighter sleeper now. I’ve gotten to the point now where I keep a pair of earplugs and a blindfold on my nightstand, just in case.

  10. Weekly goals:

    11. Pay some extra attention to Tabs, run at least four times (since I haven’t exercised since last week), prepare a couple of healthy dinners, and plan a weekend trip over Fourth of July (to give myself something to look forward to).

Heavens! I’m still totally reeling from last night’s episode of Game of Thrones. I went to bed thinking about it and woke up this morning with the ending still on my mind.

No spoilers here, I promise, but if you did watch it, can we dish in the comments? I did NOT expect that ending, and part of me wants to believe it didn’t actually occur.

Okay, enough about lords, knights and royal intrigue. As much as I enjoyed my short jaunt to Vancouver, I’m happy to see you again. It’s always great to come home. 🙂

If your Monday isn’t too crazy, take a second to say hello in the Monday Poll. I’d love to hear how you’ve been.

  • To complete the Monday Poll, just copy the following list, and paste it with your answers in the comments.



1. Mood:
2. Have you ever owned a record player?
3. Do you plan your makeup looks for the week or wing it?
4. A lipstick color that makes me you feel spicy?
5. Describe your favorite summertime dress.
6. Do you keep a journal?
7. Your favorite makeup brush at the moment?
8. Last time you jumped rope?
9. Are you a heavy or a light sleeper?
10. Weekly goals:

Throw your hands up in the air, and wave ’em around like you just don’t care! Oh, and have a spectacular week while you’re at it. 🙂

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Sundays with Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 143

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I always miss Tabs like crazy when I’m on the road, but this time, before leaving for Vancouver, I took preventative measures. Not only did we keep in touch remotely via the Skype Tabby Cam, but I also loaded a few pictures of him on my laptop before I left.

Yeah…you know you’re a full-blown cat lady when you get a call in your hotel room from the front desk because of reports of loud meows coming from your room.

Um, yeah, that’s just me Skyping my cat.

But I’m not ashamed. Fellow cat ladies, stand proud! 🙂

What’s the craziest cat lady thing you’ve ever done?


[Continue reading…]

Two Ways to Win a Tube of MAC Cremesheen Lipstick in Crosswires

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  • WINNER: The giveaway is closed now, and the winner is Heidi! Congratulations, Heidi! If you entered but didn’t win this time around, keep trying, and click here to enter any ongoing giveaways before you jet. 🙂

Wait — did we just get our wires crossed? If that tube of hotness up there is MAC Cremesheen Lipstick in Crosswires ($14.50), I think we did.

But in the best possible way. 🙂

This creamy pinkish orange lippie looks faboo complementing cat eyes, and it’s been one of my favorites for years. Try it on its own, or layer it beneath peachy pinks like NARS Orgasm Lip Gloss or MAC Evolution Revolution Lipglass (eight more days!).

A Makeup and Beauty Blog Giveaway!

Win a MAC Viva Glam Gaga Lipstick

One lucky lady will win…

  • One (1) tube of MAC Cremesheen Lipstick in Crosswires (a $14.50 value).

  • There are two ways to enter, and you can do both of them for two chances to win. First, you can enter by leaving a comment at the bottom of this post, a comment about anything at all, like, what’s your current favorite lipstick? List the books you’d like to read this summer. What’s your favorite item in your wardrobe? Do you use a lip brush? — you know how this works.
  • Second, you can enter by following me on twitter Twitter @karenmbb and retweeting (RT) the following message:
    • Follow @karenmbb and RT to Win a Tube of MAC Cremesheen Lipstick in Crosswires http://bit.ly/mdYrpx

  • The deadline to enter is Monday, June 13, 2011 at 11:59PM (PT).
  • Entrants must enter using a valid email address and/or Twitter account to win.
  • A maximum of two (2) entries per person — one within the comments at the bottom of this post, and a second entry via Twitter addressed to me @karenmbb.
  • Contest is open to individuals of any country who have reached the age of majority according to their local laws (18 in the United States with these exceptions: Alabama and Nebraska, 19; Mississippi, 21).
  • Tabs and I (heretofore referred to as “T-Money and K-Dawg”) will select one (1) winner at random from the entries either left in the comments at the bottom of this blog post or addressed to @karenmbb on Twitter.
  • The winner will be announced here within 48 hours of the deadline.
  • Void where prohibited by law.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. I had a great time here in Vancouver, but it’s time to head back to Cali. I’m on my way to the airport now, so I’ll catch you in a few. Have a great morning. 🙂

  • WINNER: The giveaway is closed now, and the winner is Heidi! Congratulations, Heidi! If you entered but didn’t win this time around, keep trying, and click here to enter any ongoing giveaways before you jet. 🙂

Two Ways to Win the NYX Nude on Nude Eyeshadow and Lip Palette (a $25 Value)

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  • WINNER: The giveaway is closed now, and the winner is Amanda! Congratulations, Amanda! If you entered but didn’t win this time around, keep trying, and click here to enter any ongoing giveaways before you jet. 🙂

nyx nude on nude palette

Hi, cutie pie. I hope your weekend got off to a good start. Here’s a little something that could make it sweeter — makeup from NYX (some call this one a dupe for the Urban Decay Naked Palette).

Today’s giveaway prize, the NYX Nude on Nude Eyeshadow and Lip Palette, plays up eyes and lips with a whopping 20 powder eyeshadows and 10 lip colors.

Just imagine the possibilities… 🙂

A Makeup and Beauty Blog Giveaway!

  • One NYX Nude on Nude Eyeshadow and Lip Palette (an $25 value).

nyx nude on nude palette case

nyx nude on nude palette ingredients

nyx nude on nude palette open

nyx nude on nude swatches with the flash

nyx nude on nude palette swatches lipsticks and glosses

  • There are two ways to enter, and you can do both of them for two chances to win. First, you can enter by leaving a comment at the bottom of this post, a comment about anything at all. Tell me all about your favorite NYX product, your Saturday night plans, your first car, your prom date, or the last thing you prepared for dinner — you get the idea.
  • Second, you can enter by following me on twitter Twitter @karenmbb and retweeting (RT) the following message:
    • Follow @karenmbb and RT to Win the NYX Nude on Nude Eyeshadow and Lip Palette (a $25 Value) http://bit.ly/kdl8Rp

  • The deadline to enter is Sunday, June 12, 2011 at 11:59PM (PT).
  • Entrants must enter using a valid email address and/or Twitter account to win.
  • A maximum of two (2) entries per person — one within the comments at the bottom of this post, and a second entry via Twitter addressed to me @karenmbb.
  • Contest is open to individuals of any country who have reached the age of majority according to their local laws (18 years of age or older in the United States with these exceptions: Alabama and Nebraska, 19; Mississippi, 21).
  • Tabs and I (heretofore referred to as “T-Money and K-Dawg”) will select one (1) winner at random from the entries either left in the comments at the bottom of this blog post or addressed to @karenmbb on Twitter.
  • The winner will be announced here within 48 hours of the deadline.
  • Void where prohibited by law.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

  • WINNER: The giveaway is closed now, and the winner is Amanda! Congratulations, Amanda! If you entered but didn’t win this time around, keep trying, and click here to enter any ongoing giveaways before you jet. 🙂

Beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia

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Welcome to Vancouver, British Columbia

Ah, Vancouver. Only two days here, and I’ve already fallen in love with you.

Despite the sun having been a little shy while we’ve been here, it hasn’t been cold. Nothing a windbreaker or a light jacket couldn’t handle, and Vancouver’s friendly residents provide more than enough warmth to keep the chill away.

There’s a lot to see and do here. Yesterday El Hub and I visited Granville Island and its large public market. A 2-minute ferry boat ride connects the small island, which is home to dozens of shops, a few art galleries, restaurants and a huge indoor public market filled with local noms, to the rest of Vancouver. I’m 99.9% sure I even saw — no kidding — Carrie Anne Moss buying some cheese. OMG, Trinity!

After the market, we biked around Stanley Park, a huge urban park bordering downtown Vancouver (like New York’s Central Park), and chatted up locals and tourists alike. The people seem friendly and unguarded here. Back in the city, thousands of fired up Canucks fans were on their way to bars and restaurants to watch the game. On the sidewalk, I heard a voice behind me. “Karen?” It was MBB reader Jen (what up, girl!?). We spent a good 10 minutes just shooting the breeze on a street corner. It’s such a small world.

The city attracts people from many different countries, and the diversity is evident everywhere you turn. Just walking down the street you overhear countless accents and languages. I think that’s so cool.

Haven’t really had a specific plan while I’ve been here other than to relax, take some pictures, eat, relax and eat some more… So far, mission accomplished.

Vancouver Stanley Park
It’s an epidemic! The locals have Stanley Cup Finals fever. Someone actually swam out to this statue of a woman sitting on a rock and put a Canucks jersey on her. Awesome!

vancouver rooftop tree
See that huge tree up on that building?

Vancouver Granville Island Public Market
Touring Granville Island and its huge public market

Vancouver Granville Island Public Market

Vancouver Granville Island Public Market

Vancouver Granville Island Public Market

Vancouver Granville Island Public Market

Vancouver Granville Island Public Market

Vancouver Granville Island Public Market
[Continue reading…]

Two Ways to Win the Urban Decay Urban Bride Set (a $42 Value)

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  • WINNER: The giveaway is closed now, and the winner is @cupidgirl21483! Congratulations, @cupidgirl21483! If you entered but didn’t win this time around, keep trying, and click here to enter any ongoing giveaways before you jet. 🙂

Urban Decay Urban Bride

Here comes the bride, all dressed in white. And purple. And silver!

I guess you could say this gal isn’t your humdrum bride to be; she’s got a naughty side (an edge, so to speak) because she’s dressed in Urban Decay. 🙂

This wedding themed-kit’s relatively new to stores (it launched last month to coincide with the release of the Bridesmaids movie). It comes with a healthy serving of makeup and body products to keep you looking and feeling fly on the any big day.

Places, everyone! Cue the music! Get ready to walk down the aisle in three, two, one…

A Makeup and Beauty Blog Giveaway!

One lucky lady will win the Urban Bride by Urban Decay set (a $42 value), which comes with six products for face, eyes, lips and body… the following products:

  • Razor Sharp Ultra-Definition Finishing Powder (Travel Size) — A translucent setting powder. Urban Decay says it diffuses fine lines. Does it work? Well, I’m testing it now, and you’ll be the first to know.
  • Eyeshadow Primer Potion (Full Size) — The O.G. Primer Potion. It puts a lock on shadows, keeping them looking fresh for hours.
  • Supercurl Curling Mascara (Travel Size) — Curl those stick-straight lashes, young lady, with this glossy black mascara.
  • Lip Junkie Lip Gloss in Midnight Cowboy (Travel Size) — A sheer nude gloss. Can be worn alone or atop your favorite lipstick.
  • All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray (Travel Size) — Party till dawn with a few spritzes of this travel-friendly setting spray.
  • Marshmallow Sparkling Lickable Body Powder (Travel Size) — WARNING: You may be compelled to spontaneously lick your arms like when you wear this stuff because it really does taste like marshmallows!


Here are the products beside an iPhone for scale…

  • There are two ways to enter, and you can do both of them for two chances to win. First, you can enter by leaving a comment at the bottom of this post, a comment about anything at all, like, what was the last Urban Decay product you fell in love with? What would your dream wedding be like? What outfit are you wearing today? What do you want to be when you grow up? — let your imagination run wild!
  • Second, you can enter by following me on twitter Twitter @karenmbb and retweeting (RT) the following message:
    • Follow @karenmbb and RT to Win the Urban Decay Urban Bride Set (a $42 Value) http://bit.ly/jvws4H

  • The deadline to enter is Saturday, June 11, 2011 at 11:59PM (PT).
  • Entrants must enter using a valid email address and/or Twitter account to win.
  • A maximum of two (2) entries per person — one within the comments at the bottom of this post, and a second entry via Twitter addressed to me @karenmbb.
  • Contest is open to individuals of any country who have reached the age of majority according to their local laws (18 in the United States with these exceptions: Alabama and Nebraska, 19; Mississippi, 21).
  • Tabs and I (heretofore referred to as “T-Money and K-Dawg”) will select one (1) winner at random from the entries either left in the comments at the bottom of this blog post or addressed to @karenmbb on Twitter.
  • The winner will be announced here within 48 hours of the deadline.
  • Void where prohibited by law.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. TGIF!

  • WINNER: The giveaway is closed now, and the winner is @cupidgirl21483! Congratulations, @cupidgirl21483! If you entered but didn’t win this time around, keep trying, and click here to enter any ongoing giveaways before you jet. 🙂

Two Ways to Win a Tube of Benefit They’re Real Mascara (Before It Arrives in Stores)

by 448 Comments

  • WINNER: The giveaway is closed now, and the winner is Veronika! Congratulations, Veronika! If you entered but didn’t win this time around, keep trying, and click here to enter any ongoing giveaways before you jet. 🙂

Not the type of gal who likes to wait (neither am I)? Well, here’s your chance to win the newest member of the Benefit team before it launches next month.

Jet black They’re Real mascara promises beyond-belief (ala, “Yes, they’re real. Thank you for asking.”) length, separation, curl hold, volume and lift — basically, the whole shebang if you like big, bold lashes.

I like it, particularly the dark, rich color and multi-function brush. The staggered bristles do seem to help it in the volume department, and the spiky tip is pretty good for detailed work. I think the finished lash look actually resembles the one I get from MAC Studio Fix BoldBlack Mascara — jet black and lightweight, yet it looks thick, with a moderate increase in length, coupled, however, with a slight tendency to relax the curl from my lash curler.

If you’d like to preview a tube before it officially hits stores, read on, Benefit babe!

A Makeup and Beauty Blog Giveaway!

Ready for Benefit brows?

One lucky lady (or gent) will win:

  • One (1) tube of Benefit They’re Real Mascara (a $22 value) before it launches in-stores this July

Two coats leave my lashes looking thick and dark, and it stays put all day long without flaking or smudging. On top of that, it remains easy to remove.

benefit theyre real mascara

benefit theyre real mascara

benefit theyre real mascara

benefit theyre real mascara

benefit theyre real mascara brush


Before (top) and after two coats (bottom)


Before (left) and after two coats (right)

  • There are two ways to enter, and you can do both of them for two chances to win. First, you can enter by leaving a comment at the bottom of this post, a comment about anything at all, like, what was the very first mascara you ever tried? What do you look for in a mascara? Have you ever accidentally sent an email to the wrong person? How many plants do you have in your house? Who’s going to win the Stanley Cup? — you get the idea.
  • Second, you can enter by following me on twitter Twitter @karenmbb and retweeting (RT) the following message:
    • Follow @karenmbb and RT to Win a Tube of Benefit They’re Real Mascara http://bit.ly/k6TUua

  • The deadline to enter is Friday, June 10, 2011 at 11:59PM (PT).
  • Entrants must enter using a valid email address and/or Twitter account to win.
  • A maximum of two (2) entries per person — one within the comments at the bottom of this post, and a second entry via Twitter addressed to me @karenmbb.
  • Contest is open to individuals of any country who have reached the age of majority according to their local laws (18 in the United States with these exceptions: Alabama and Nebraska, 19; Mississippi, 21).
  • Tabs and I (heretofore referred to as “T-Money and K-Dawg”) will select one (1) winner at random from the entries either left in the comments at the bottom of this blog post or addressed to @karenmbb on Twitter.
  • The winner will be announced here within 48 hours of the deadline.
  • Void where prohibited by law.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

  • WINNER: The giveaway is closed now, and the winner is Veronika! Congratulations, Veronika! If you entered but didn’t win this time around, keep trying, and click here to enter any ongoing giveaways before you jet. 🙂

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