Skin Care

Origins Original Skin Cleansing Makeup Removing Jelly With Willowherb

January 22nd, 2018 by Karen 5 Comments

origins original skin cleansing jelly — Origins Original Skin Cleansing Makeup Removing Jelly With Willowherb ($23 for a 3.4-oz bottle)

Good luck trying to resist singing Bootylicious while you’re taking off your makeup with this.

Because…

I don’t think you’re ready for this jelly.
I don’t think you’re ready for this jelly.
I don’t think you’re ready for this…
‘Cause my body too bootylicious for ya, babe.

I’m probably the only person on earth who hoped Origins Original Skin Cleansing Makeup Removing Jelly With Willowherb would smell like popcorn jelly beans, which are my favorite flavor, a fact that my brother, the family’s resident jelly bean enthusiast, thinks is totally cray (he also assures me that disliking popcorn jelly beans is a thing), but alas…it’s unscented.

The “jelly” in the name refers to the texture, because this stuff looks and feels like a hair gel, but not a sticky one like the Depp you used for that extra crispy crunch in your spiral perm back in the day. 🙂

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10 Ways to Work MAC Fix+

January 16th, 2018 by Karen 23 Comments

There are so many ways to use Fix+ (officially, MAC Prep + Prime Fix+) beyond the standard makeup setting spray procedure.

I love Fix+ and use it daily to prep my skin, and I’m so into it that I even bring a mini bottle with me when I travel.

MAC recently added three new Fix+ “flavors”…

OK, they aren’t really flavors. Just different scents with the same Fix+ formula as the original, which is still my favorite, BTW (has a white floral/green tea scent). Now there’s also Coconut, Lavender and Rose.

Spraying Coconut ? on my face right now…

Ah… I love it.

I don’t know if you’ve ever used Fix+ before, but if you haven’t, give it a try. It’s weirdly much better than water, and it doesn’t leave splotches. You can use it as a setting spray or as a moisturizing skin prep spray to wet your skin before doing your skin care, but those aren’t even half the things it’s good for.

Here are 10 more ways to work MAC Fix+…

1. You can spray it on your hair!

Yes, that’s right. You can spray it on wet hair to loosen tight knots. Or, if you have naturally curly hair, spray it on your hair while it’s wet or dry to kick up your curls.

2. As a body moisturizer/refreshing body spray

You can also use Fix+ on your bod. Store it in the fridge, then spray it all over your arms, torso and legs for a cool, light, refreshing layer of moisture.

3. Intensify your brows

For an intense brow look, load an angled brush with your favorite brow powder, and then spray it with Fix+. Apply that directly to your brows and watch out!

4. Conversely, use Fix+ to mellow out an overly intense brow application

If you accidentally apply too much brow pencil and make your brows too dark, dampen a spoolie with Fix+, and run it through your brows to take down the intensity a few notches.

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What’s (Still) on Your Skin Care Wish List?

January 9th, 2018 by Karen 56 Comments

I noticed in the comments on the last Monday Poll that a lot of gals really want to focus on skin care this year, which got me thinking that 1) I’m not the only one! And, 2) I need to update my spring skin care wish list. 🙂

Not to toot my own horn…but I think I’m pretty good about taking off my makeup every night, then washing my face and moisturizing, but as far as my overall skin care diligence, I could do much, much better, like when it comes to exfoliating and using (*GULP*) sunscreen, and diligently using anti-aging serums.

I know, I know! — I used to be a sunscreen zealot, but somewhere between Exhausted Ave. and Sleepless Blvd. I fell off the wagon (there was a loud thump!), so I want to get back on it.

Unfortunately, one of the side effects of that is spending hours reading about skin care online and chatting with other gals about skin care products they like, and then compiling a new skin care “wish list.”

Yes, I realize that Christmas just passed, and a list this length is all sorts of ridiculous, but this is how I amuse myself. 🙂

My skin care wish list is ever growing (these are for the Spring Santa!). It currently contains mostly anti-aging products (toners and treatments), but there are also some moisturizers, cleansers and sunscreens on it.

Dear Spring Santa,

Here’s the edited, pared-down version…

The anti-aging products, i.e. the toners and treatments

Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid ($29)
This salicylic acid toner is at the top of my list. I know so many gals who swear by it for general anti-aging, and for evening their skin tone and clearing blocked pores. My skin does well with BHAs, so l’d really like to try it. I just found out that Nordstrom sells the line, and they do have that generous return policy…
Biologique Recherche P50 1970 Lotion ($62)
This cult classic toner was my Christmas present to myself, but it hasn’t officially arrived yet. I ordered it from Rescue Spa, and now I’m waiting with baited breath!
Paula’s Choice Resist C15 Super Booster ($49)
I’m still looking for a less expensive alternative to SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, which is a vitamin C serum I love…but it’s $165!

I’ve heard good things about Resist C15 and hope to try it, but I need to finish a bottle of Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum first.
DHC CoQ10 Lotion ($47)
They call this a lotion, but it’s really a toner. It’s filled with compounds for 30+ skin, like alpha AHAs, Coenzyme Q10, antioxidants, hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, and I’ve heard good things about it..
Prescription Retin-A (price varies)
I’ve had prescriptions to products containing different levels of Retin-A over the years, but I always stopped and started and stopped using them because I couldn’t handle the peeling.

Well, I’ve decided that I want to try them again this year, and I’m just gonna power through it.
Obagi Nu Derm (price varies)
This multi-step hyperpigmentation and anti-aging treatment is available from dermatologists. I had a friend who used it years ago, and it completely evened out her skin tone and transformed her skin — seriously, she looked like she had baby skin! I’ve been wanting to try it for a while, but it’s expensive.

It’s hard to nail down an exact price online, but it seems to be in the $300-400 range (!). So this is a long-term maybe/possibly want.

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Unsung Makeup Heroes: Clinique Take The Day Off Makeup Remover For Lids, Lashes & Lips

January 3rd, 2018 by Karen 32 Comments

clinique take the day off makeup remover lids lashes lips — This $19 classic always delivers.

Dear Universe/Siri,

How many of these have I purchased over the last 10 years?

20 bottles? 25 bottles…? Clinique Take The Day Off Makeup Remover For Lids, Lashes & Lips ($19) is by far the best eye makeup remover I’ve ever used, and I’ve repurchased it MANY times.

Everything melts under its liquid gaze, and I mean everything, from industrial-strength waterproof mascaras, to long-wearing liquid and gel liners, and even waterproof cream shadows. Anything you can throw on your lids, no matter what makeup apocalypse it’s made to withstand, this takes it out.

When I soak a square of Shiseido Facial Cotton with a small amount of Take the Day Off, that square dissolves every shred of makeup with a couple gentle swipes. It works shockingly well, but that’s not even my favorite thing about it.

Well, I mean…it is, but it wouldn’t matter if this stuff hurt my eyes. Thankfully it doesn’t. Many other eye makeup removers make me tear up, but this doesn’t bother my peepers one bit.

What’s an unsung makeup hero? For me, it’s an oftentimes underrated makeup morsel, a permanent collection product that scoots under the radar screen of many makeup lovers but regularly rocks my world. The long-running Unsung Heroes series features some of my favorites.

It’s a multitasking powerhouse, too, because you can also use it on your lips to erase any traces of long-wearing lipsticks. Plus — bonus! — it doesn’t taste funny or weird.

(I don’t know why, but this is a THING for me. I don’t like it when makeup removers that you can also use on your lips taste funny. Go figure.)

I also like that I can pretty much find it everywhere. I usually get mine at Sephora, but you can also find it at any ol’ Clinique counter.

This bottle I just picked up should last me about six months, based on past experience, and I’m an “eye makeup every day” person.

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Origins Ginger Soufflé and Smoothing Soufflé Whipped Body Creams, and Gloomaway Grapefruit Body Wash: 3 Body Treats to Beat the Winter Blahs

December 28th, 2017 by Karen 23 Comments

origins ginger souffle — Pick-me-ups for chilly mornings

I like ginger snaps, but I ❤️ Ginger Soufflé. Specifically this Ginger Soufflé, because I don’t have to actually cook it, LOL!

This soufflé is a winter staple I’ve been using off and on for years. It’s a Whipped Body Cream, and it’s $35 from Origins.

I’m a twice-a-day body moisturizing person — once in the morning, and once again before bed — and I’ve gotten back in the habit of slathering myself with Ginger Soufflé. The fresh, zingy (but not too spicy) lemon and ginger notes pick me up, and on chilly mornings, every little thing helps get ye olde engine going, ya know?

It’s packed with rich, moisturizing plant oils (olive, grape seed, rice bran and apricot kernel), but since it’s whipped, it still feels light and fluffy. It absorbs quickly and easily, too. It just takes a few quick rubs, and yes, this is totally important, ’cause nobody puts Baby in the corner, and nobody wants to put Karen in a cold bathroom, half naked and rubbing lotion on her legs for 10 minutes first thing in the morning…

I’m just sayin’.

The consistency is similar to Josie Maran’s airy Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter. It isn’t as dense as Kiehls Creme de Corps Whipped Body Butter, for reference.

Sometimes I swap it for another Origins fave, Smoothing Soufflé (also $35), which, like Ginger Soufflé, is also rich but fluffy and loaded with plant oils, but it smells like mint instead of ginger. (For the record, Smoothing Soufflé smells absolutely nothing like toothpaste to me. It’s more like a cup of freshly brewed peppermint tea spiked with orange peel.)

Ginger is my cozy scent, but minty Smoothing Soufflé is better when I need an extra energizing kick, like after a workout.

Speaking of that…I started doing a sweaty core workout in the mornings (because sometimes you just gotta get it over with and move on with your life, hi), and before I do the whole body cream thing, I lather up first with Gloomaway Grapefruit Body Wash ($25) while I’m still in the shower. It smells exactly like a fresh grapefruit, and the bubbles cheer me up. You can also use it as a bubble bath if you wanna #treatyoself.

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Tom Ford Winter Soleil Collection: Soleil Blanc Body Oil

December 22nd, 2017 by Karen Leave a Comment

tom ford soleil blanc body oil — For when you’re feeling super fancy. This bad boy is from the new Tom Ford Winter Soleil collection, , on counters and online now.

Bora Bora. Bali. St. Barts. Novato, California.

Um… what?

Tom Ford Soleil Blanc Body Oil has got me like, “I don’t even care what you say, this tiny hamlet on the edge of Marin County IS a tropical destination!” As any $74 body oil should.

This one’s from the new Winter Soleil collection, and the amber, gardenia, caramel and vanilla notes radiating off my skin temporarily eases the freezing pins and needles in my toes.

Yes, dude, it DOES get cold in California. It’s been below freezing at night!

Soleil Blanc feels thinner and less hydrating than my usual fancy-schmancy tropical body oil, NARS Monoi Body Glow II, which is $59 and also has a prominent gardenia note, but Tom’s oil smells cozier, richer and deeper to me…and the scent lasts much longer on my skin.

It smells sooooo good, but you’ll probably need to also use it with a heavy moisturizer if you’ve got le legs de lizard like me.

If you’re in full-on treat yourself mode, just stay away, ’cause one sniff will tempt you. Or…you could just give in and risk your frugal, emoji-happy mother texting you the following sentence: “Who needs a $74 body oil? Really? ? ? ? I know your skin’s really dry, but stop being silly. ✋ ? ”

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Kate Somerville Tight’N Cryogenic Tightening Gel Keeps It Cool

December 15th, 2017 by Karen 20 Comments

I’ve finally found something cooler than the other side of the pillow, and it’s Kate Somerville Tight’N Cryogenic Tightening Gel.

And it literally might be the coolest thing I’ve ever used, ever, because it’s like sticking your face into an industrial strength freezer… But it’s also $125, and I’m still deciding whether it’s a necessary step, or one of those skip-able skin care bells and whistles.

Like carrot cake, this new skin tightening foam is weird and wonderful at the same time. You’re supposed to use it as the last step in your skin care routine, both in the morning and at night.

When you push the pump, a white fluffy foam shoots out, which then starts crackling loudly, like crinkling paper or a bowl of Rice Crispies when you pour milk into it.

You apply it with your fingers to your face and neck, avoiding your eyes, nose and mouth.

That’s when the cooling begins, and you feel your skin getting colder and colder and colder…

It’s not painful or anything, but it feels *cold*, and numbing, like somebody’s rubbing ice cubes on your face after the dentist injected you with Novocaine.

And your skin stays like that — really, really cold — for a long time. Thirty minutes or so. It’s fascinating! And so, so, weird.

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Makeup and Beauty Blog’s Holiday Beauty Gift Guide

December 14th, 2017 by Karen 10 Comments

Beauty gifts for everyone on your list, including yo’ self. That’s the Clarins Tonic Candle ($75), by the way, which will make your home smell like a spa.

I think the best holiday gifts are the ones you’re tempted to buy for yourself, so if you happen to “accidentally” keep a few things that were originally meant to be gifts for peeps on your list, well, far be it from me to deny you some fabulous holiday beauty booty. 🙂

From stocking stuffers to full-on luxury treats, I’ve rounded up my faves below for friends, family, frenemies and, let’s get real — yourself.

MAC Mini Pigments, $10 — Technically, these aren’t under $10, but they’re close. Has anyone in the history of all MAC-kind ever finished an entire jar of MAC Pigment, ever? These minis should last ~~you~~ your gift recipient a long time, and they don’t cost an arm and a leg. Try Blue-Brown or Tan!
Urban Decay Vice Liquid Lipsticks, $9 — These long-lasting, pigmented liquid lippies are usually $18 each but are 50% off right now.
Topshop Bunny Veil Headband, $9.99 — For your glam friend who’s all about the extras and/or doesn’t leave the house without some form of animal accessory on her person. I’d actually love this for myself, even though I have no idea where I’d wear it.
OPI Love OPI XOXO Nail Lacquer Duo w/ Cosmetic Bag, $9 — This set’s marked down from $18. What a steal for two full-sized bottles and a bag. OPI has one of the longest lasting lacquer formulas around, and that red and deep plum would look good all year long.
MAC Mini Lipglass Kit, $10 — This adorable stocking stuffer comes with three minis.
Ardell Mini Faves Lash Lookbook + Duo, $10 — Ardell does bad-@ss budget lashes that look luxurious and feel comfy, too! This kit has three pairs.

mac pigments — Mini MAC Pigments, $10 each

OPI Love OPI XOXO 4 Pc Mini Set, $7.35 — OK, so, sometimes I have trubs painting my paws with mini polishes, but I could make it work for this price. Originally $14.50, this set comes with a red, black, dark purple and charcoal in OPI’s signature long-wearing formula.
3 Pack of EOS Hand Lotion, $5.97 — These cute and non-greasy EOS hand lotions easily fit into a purse or pocket. I know because I went through a phase where I was stashing them everywhere.
Soap & Glory Hand & Foot Gift Set, $7.99 — I almost just wrote “Hoof & Foot Gift Set…” 🙂 But don’t worry, this hydrating set for hands and feet is for people. Not horses.
Kristin Ess Signature Shampoo + Signature Hair Conditioner Set, $10 — Yo. So this lady cuts L.C.’s (as in Lauren Conrad’s) hair, and her aesthetic is on point. I haven’t tried these products yet, but I REALLY, REALLY WANT to based on the chic packaging alone. If someone gifted this to me, I’d assume it was from Nordstrom or SpaceNK.
Kristin Ess Reconstructive Moisture Mask + Leave-In Conditioner Set, $10 — Another snazzy looking Kristin Ess hair set.

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