For the most part, I think being a woman ROCKS, but the occasional mood swings = not my favorite part of being a girl.
Today I was fine until five, at which time a bit of crankiness crept in (caused by a combination of the weather and my efforts to avoid refined sugar). But instead of unleashing my inner BRAT-A-SAUR, I nipped it in the bud with beauty. 🙂
I started with these NARS blushes, which I’ve had since Christmas but never really played with until now.
NARS Cream Blush in Cactus Flower, $26
Powder Blush in Sin, $26
From there I moved on to…
Eyeko Fat Balm in Strawberry, Minty and Raspberry, $7.50 each
Tarte Natural Lip Stains in Lust (left) and Charmed (right), $24 each
A wee sample of Miss Dior Cherie Eau de Toilette, $62 for a full-sized 1.7 oz bottle
Shu Uemura Egerie Radiant Stick Highlight (left) and Blush (right), $40 each
First row: Eyeko Fat Balm in Strawberry, Minty and Raspberry. Second row: Tarte Natural Lip Creme Pencil in Lust and Charmed. Third row: Shu Uemura Egerie Blush and Highlight. Fourth row: NARS Cream Blush in Cactus Flower and NARS Powder Blush in Sin
It’s amazing how a little bit of makeup soothes the savage beast. 🙂 I felt much better by the end of my mini-swatch/pic fest. I guess the grumpiness worked its way out of my pores like garlic, ha ha.
This week’s reading
Yesterday afternoon El Hub and I had lunch with some friends and hung out with Jules. Jules is half Indian, half Polish, and 100% heartbreaker! She was a little camera shy, though, so you can’t see her awesome gray-blue eyes.
After lunch I stopped by Barnes & Noble to find something to read. It actually came down to a choice between Lauren Conrad’s L.A. Candy (don’t hate; it’s a NY Times bestseller!) and Sara Gruen’s Water for Elephants. I went with my better judgement this time (LOL!) and picked the latter.
I’m only two chapters in but enjoying it so far. The writing’s snappy. Hopefully the ending doesn’t let me down like the last book I read (which I’m STILL quite bitter about).
What are you reading these days? Anything good?
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Hey Karen,
I just started reading again after a looooong period without books (short attention span!) and I highly recommend “Shadow of the Wind” by Carlos Ruiz Zafon. It’s great! It might take a little work to get into it, but it’s worth it!
Thanks for the recommendation, Julie. I’ll look for it next time I pop by the bookstore.
I feel like the internet has definitely messed with my attention span. I hope reading more books improves it again!
Ooh, my sister bought that book and it’s sitting on a shelf now. Maybe I’ll crack it open.
It’s pretty good so far. I’m four chapters in and still liking it! I’m usually very fickle about books too — if I don’t like where they’re going then I usually cut my losses and move on.
Completly agree on the Shadow of the Wind, beautiful book, one of my favorites!
Okay! That’s on the list too!
Hi Karen – I just picked up “Pour Your Heart Into It: How Starbucks Built a Company One Cup at a Time” Such an inspiring story! Makes me appreciate Starbucks event more too!
ooh I read Water for Elephants. I thought it was ok, not great, but not bad either. I’m currently on a Cecelia Ahern kick, I’m reading Rosie Dunne right now 🙂
BTW, girrrrl, you are rocking the waves in that pic! You’re hair looks so shiny, what did you use/do? I suggest doing a hair care post one day (if you haven’t already, i’m forgetting).
Also, that Jules looks adorable! Its funny, she reminds me of that actor from Community, Danny Pudi (he plays Abed, the tall skinny awkward kid) because he’s actually half Polish half Indian too! LOL I saw him on Kimmel one night and he was mentioning how he grew up speaking Polish, and was the only brown kid in Polish sunday school, aww 🙂
Anyway, glad you’re out of your funk, feels good to avoid the brat attack and be positive instead, doesn’t it 🙂
.-= Hafsa’s last blog post… Snow White =-.
I haven’t read anything by Cecelia Ahern… adding her to the list!
Jules is such a cool baby — so beautiful and well behaved. 🙂 Hopefully I’ll get a pic of her smiling one of these days.
As for the hair, I’ve been using a Bioloage hair mask that’s been kicking total ass (will review soon) and a spraying the hell out of it with Straight Sexy Hair Smooth and Protect Spray before curling it with a large barreled curling iron. If that stuff disappears I will cry buckets of tears!
How are you doing, btw? Did you have a good Monday?
Oh i think i have that book, but havent read it yet, now i must get it off my shelf.
I may have to try playing with my makeup next time i get cranky. I ususally just end up spending money i dont have
It helps! 🙂 Next time you feel the cranky feelings bubble up just bust out a few lip glosses.
I just finished The Kite Runner… I highly recommend it if you haven’t already read it! (apparently a lot of people have… I must have been late to jump on that train.)
Now I’m reading The Lovely Bones… also pretty so far– I’m about half way through. I’m ready to see the movie now!
itswhatshewants.wordpress.com
I loved that book. Have you seen the movie? I wasn’t too crazy about it.
Some favorites of mine –
“Pillars of the Earth” and “World Without End” by Ken Follett
“Labyrinth” and “Sepulchre” by Kate Mosse (yes, with an “e” – I can HARDLY wait until the third in this “series” comes out)
They’re all long (I love long books, with in depth stories) . . . Have you read any of them?
Oh my god, I’m crazy angry with HFS as well — all of that wasted time! Grrrr. I’m reading Pride & Prejudice now (one of my all-time favourite plays,) and it’s great.
I’m glad your swatch fest cheered you up, Karen! But I can’t believe you held out that long with cream products (which I’m a total sucker for.) You either have the most self control in the whole world, or you’re secretly very forgetful!
.-= Rae’s last blog post… Finally, a FOTD! Inspiration: Sephora Spring 2010 =-.
uuummm so I read LA Candy & like it. In fact, I already pre-ordered her second book Sweet Little Lies which comes out tomorrow for the Kindle. But in the meantime, I am reading the Historian which so far so good. I’ll be interested in how you like the book you picked out.
That bottle of Miss Dior Cherie is simply precious.
.-= marisol’s last blog post… Showing my Kindle some love =-.
I enjoyed the Historian, and I’m planning to read her new book over spring break!
Good to know! I’ve heard a lot of positive feedback on her books on Twitter & I decided to check it out. It isn’t what I would normally pick out.
.-= marisol’s last blog post… Showing my Kindle some love =-.
I’m glad you went with the latter. L.A. Candy is ABSOLUTE GARBAGE. I hate it, I hate how I kept reading it even though I hated it from the get-go. Don’t you just hate reading a book that you know you’re going to hate when you finish it? Always happens to me!
Btw, garlic coming out of your pits & pores is the absolute worse.
There’s this Vietnamese/Cambodian restaurant behind the building I work in & they serve this amazing deep fried garlic chicken wings. Not even a whole pack of Excel or Dentyne gum can save my breath. I smell like garlic for 5-7 days…
ooooo! i hope you do a reveiw on the tarte lip stains!! i seriously *love* lipstain and these look AWESOME!
about the books: i know you like sci fi, so you should read the hunger games and then catching fire by suzanne collins. they are literally amazing.
Ok, I just realized I posted this on an old page . . . DOH! Anyway, some favorite books of mine (I love long books with involved stories):
“Pillars of the Earth” and “World Without End” by Ken Follett
“Labyrinth” and “Sepulchre” by Kate Mosse (yes, with an “e” . . . I can hardly wait for the third book in this “trilogy” to come out)
Ok, so my computer is just screwed up . . . Sorry about the double post! Guess this is more evidence that I need to get the new 13-inch MBP as soon as it comes out! 🙂
No worries! And I hope you get your computer soon… yay for new technology!
I just read Water for Elephants a week ago. I hope you enjoy it, I thought it was a short, fun read. I’ve been reading a lot of young adult fiction which seems to interest me very much but also turns me off because some things are so “teenager” I can’t stand it. “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins.
Oh, but I just read “The Road” by Cormac McCarthy. It was recommended by many and I thought it was written in an interesting way.
.-= Hana K.’s last blog post… March =-.
dont you love the hunger games??
I really enjoy reading young adult fiction! It’s one of my favorite genres.
My friend and I are reading The Picture of Dorian Gray. I just finished the second chapter, and while it doesn’t seem especially exciting, it’s definitely interesting and far from the fluff I’ve been reading lately.
.-= K’s last blog post… Losing Your Voice =-.
I read that book ages ago — 1998, if I can recall. I remember being intrigued by the discussion we had in class but having to really slog through it.
Heeheehee, nice! I wish I had done that today. Hasn’t been nearly as productive a day as I hoped, but there’s still a good 3 hours of “day” left lol.
And duuuude, I can’t believe you waited so long to play with the NARS! I am so enamored of Cactus Flower but I still haven’t gotten over my fear of creams yet. (But one of these days I really have to kick myself and try the two cream blushes Rae sent me, just hate to with all the scarring on my cheeks currently T_T;). How do you like Sin?! I just got it and it’s gorgeous but sadly the same color as my healing blemishes, LOL.
Jules is so cute!!
.-= Catherine’s last blog post… 2009-2010 Winter Favorites =-.
I like it a lot. It’s nice for a light flush and looks great with purple gloss.
You gotta get over your fear of creams. Trust me, they’re soooo easy!
I’m presently finishing up Deluxe: How Luxury Lost its Lustre – a good read if you like luxury stuff or even if you don’t 🙂
.-= Paris B’s last blog post… Arrive late for a party : Fashionable or Rude? =-.
I hope that book has pictures!
I admit, I’ve been feeling infantile with my books. I just finished “Tuck Everlasting” after I finished the mammoth known as “Memoirs of a Geisha.” I hate to say this but I actually liked the movie better than the book (movie YAY, book-eh). That very rarely happens with me. I usually prefer the book over a movie.
One of my favorite books is “Howl’s Moving Castle” by Diana Wynne Jones. Miyazaki’s version is loosely based off the book and I love both versions. Howl is more hilarious in the book though (particularly when he comes down with a cold).
Tuck Everlasting is a good book. I know it’s for kids but I like it a lot…
I think I live permanently in kid land sometimes. I’m always going back to my favorite books as a kid. That was the first time I read Tuck Everlasting. I think I prefer the movie (I admit, the idea of a ten-year-old having a crush is a little farfetched to me. I remember hating boys at 10).
I swear I will never grow out of reading young adult books. I love them. I’m reading “Betraying Season” by Marissa Doyle. It’s the sequel to “Bewitching Season.” I’m enthralled in it. Magic + upper class English women + Vicotrian era + scandal = Count. Me. In. I think I read the first book in a week (it was a week considering I was also in school). I giggled when I saw the sequel and snatched it before anyone else could check it out of the library.
omg, I LOVE using Cactus Flower blush on darker skintones. Looks intimidating in the pan but amazing on the skin!
.-= Lindsey’s last blog post… The Makeup Show LA 2010 =-.
How do you usually apply it? With fingers or a blush?
I usually dab a bit on the cheek with a small foundation brush and then buff it out with a beauty blender. Sometimes I use fingers, but only if it’s ok with the person I’m doing makeup on 🙂
.-= Lindsey’s last blog post… Two New Lip Tar Swatches! =-.
i don’t think you will be disappointed with the ending of that book . it’s truly a great read . love it ! but then, i Am partial to the old circus life .
also, water for elephants was a new york times #1 bestseller for a very long time i believe which i don’t give two sh*ts for personally 🙂 i didn’t get the book until last year ..wish i’d gotten it sooner . but alas, reading for class takes over leisurely reading 🙁
hope you have a good week !
You have a good week too, Noemii!
Whoever said above it is right, you so have aspirational hair. Jealous!
I’m reading Hilary Mantel’s “Wolf Hall”. I feel like it helps a little that I’m obsessed with all things Tudor otherwise it’s not something I could pick up and put down – it’d be a bit hard for my slow brain to digest piecewise. But I like the visceral writing a lot.
I’m having an unusually good run. Normally the hair is out of control but I think the new Biolage conditioner is helping a lot.
I just recently got into the Tudors after reading Philippa Gregory’s The Other Boylen Girl. 🙂
i love cactus flower. gives me a nice, snow-bunny flush, even on my NC15 skin 🙂
looks a bit scary in the pan though, and pairs nicely with gentle coral tinted lip conditioner in the summer, when i’m more NC20-25 ish!
give tabs a nice biiiiiiige snorgle for me!
.-= ines + cha cha’s last blog post… Quick Update… =-.
Will do, ma’am! Do the same to Cha Cha!
I’m currently reading a biography of Franz Kafka by Michael Murray.
How are you liking it?
Cactus flower is gorgeous! I recently finished The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold. I had a hard time getting through that book because it is very dark and grisly in the beginning. I keep on putting it down after a chapter or two. It got more uplifting as the story progressed but I have to admit that the style of writing and the story was not really something I liked. I also recently read all the Sookie Stackhouse novels but the first one. I read them all out of order because the library has a long wait list on all of them and I just read what is available to me. I think I have been on the library wait list for the first book since last August.
.-= amy’s last blog post… Urban Decay Alice in Wonderland 16 Eyeshadow Palette Product Pictures =-.
I enjoyed the first Sookie novel a lot!
I just finished Deluxe: How Luxury Lost Its Luster. It’s about the evolution of the luxury fashion industry over the last 20 years. I really loved it and learned so much from it about globalization and brand development. It makes you contemplate the real value of “luxury” goods
Also, I hope that Shu comes out with more of these stick blushes because I love the way they look, but I don’t think either of the current colors will work well for me.
.-= Alexzandra’s last blog post… NYFW: Victoria Beckham Fall 2010 =-.
They’d probably function more as highlighters on you. You could pull off both of ’em if you want more of a J-Lo glow…
omg can u get eyeko in america?
You have to order online and they’ll ship to it to you. It’s about $5.50 for shipping, and it can at least 21 days to get to you, so you have to be patient.
You can get Eyeko stuff on cherryculture.com (free shipping over $40.)
LOL, I’m reading Water for Elephants right now too!! 😀
.-= Maggie’s last blog post… February 2010 Favorites =-.
How funny! What part are you on?
I’m reading The World Hums in B Flat at the moment and I’m loving it so far. It’s not as creepy as I had feared from the description. Finally I have a bit of time to read for myself. I’ll put Water for Elephants on my list 😉
.-= Karen B’s last blog post… Anne’s Bronze Frock =-.
It’s nice to have a little time to spend with a book isn’t it? Sometimes I long for the days when I had endless time to just read, sigh.
ooooh I’m envious of all you readers. I’ve never been a reader, and I really need to get to the classics so I don’t come off like an airhead. I love to draw, decorate, sew, anything visual!
And I love to play with make up and will try that the next time I’m feeling blue!
Hi Janet B,
I wish I knew how to sew. I can put on buttons and that’s it!
Cactus Flower is gorgeous! It looks scary in the pan but on the skin it’s lovely.
.-= gio’s last blog post… Product Review: Pupa Luminys Baked Blush #04 =-.
Totally scary in the pan, right? How do you usually apply it — with fingers or a brush?
Water for Elephants is one of my top 5 favorite books of all time!! You’ll love it!
I made it through two more chapters last night (am now on Ch. 4). Just got introduced to Barbara and “her charms.”
I have that book … but am reading Time Traveler’s Wife right now (late on the bandwagon, much?) ….
That baby is precious …. 🙂
I love Time Traveler’s Wife. I’ve read it three times!
I also have Her Fearful Symmetry that you blogged about a while back. I need to settle down this weekend and read long and hard, I think! 🙂
water for elephants was amazing, i remember the husband talking to me while i was reading and i was so not there…completely engrossed in that book! i just started reading dennis lehane (mystic river, gone baby gone, shutter island) and all of his books are great reads…also steig larson (girl with the dragon tattoo, girl who played with fire), he has a kick ass female character that you really just want on your side if you were to find yourself in a sticky situation…ps..i love tabs’ face! he has the cutest nose!
Mystic River is a really great book. Sad, but so skillfully written!
Oh, and Tabs says thank you. 🙂
Would love to see more pics of the Tarte lip stains..the lighter one is really pretty! I’ve been reading up a storm, but just bought one that I’m hating…grrr! Don’t buy “A Dark Matter” by Peter Straub. It sounded similiar to a great murder mystery involving college kids by Donna Tartt called “The Secret History”, but the Straub book is a total hot mess. I hate doing that! Recent good reads are Stephen King “The Dome”, “The Little Stranger” by Sarah Waters (a great creepy English haunted house story), “The Lovely Bones” (2nd reading and really enjoyed it more this time around) and the first 8 Sookie Stackhouse novels, which were quite fun. If you want a GRIPPING scary mystery, read “The Likeness” by Tana French. You won’t be able to put it down!
Thanks for all these recommendations! The Little Stranger and The Likeness sound right up my alley. 🙂
I finished reading Sophie’s World a few days ago, and I’m reading Emma by Jane Austen now. When I got tired of SW, I did some light, chic-flick reading: Shopaholic & Sister, LOL!
Darn that Cactus Flower sho is pretty. The Tarte stain thingys look gorgeous too!
.-= Marce’s last blog post… Look – The Girl with Kaleidosope Eyes =-.
I can’t remember — do you guys get NARS?
Oh, and did you catch some virtual rays at the pool for me yesterday? 🙂
Your goodies all look fab! I got one of the Tarte lip stains and I am digging it.
I love the pic of you snuggling with Julies! Adorable 🙂
UGH, Jules I mean. Sorry!
No worries. 🙂
Which Tarte color did you get? I’m wearing Charmed right now.
I got Enchanted. At first it was very bright, but it settled down nicely. Are you liking Charmed?
I am! At first I thought it might be too light for my pigmented lips but after it mellows out it’s a very pretty rosy pink. 🙂
Oh, I love Water for Elephants! Don’t worry, you’ll like the ending much better than that other book which shall remain nameless.
LOL, it was Her Fearful Symmetry. I wanted to love it because I adored Time Traveler’s Wife, but no dice.
Hi Karen! I don’t think you’re going to like the ending of Water for Elephants but its still a great book! I recently read “The Children’s Hospital” by Chris Adrian – I think you might enjoy it. Its super long though lol. I really want to try the Tarte Lip Stains though but they keep on selling out before I can get them!
Hmm… I’ll brace myself then.
I don’t mind sad endings, actually — I really, really hated the ending to Her Fearful Symmetry only because it was totally and completely dumb! Don’t read it unless you want to be royally annoyed!
LOL – I remember reading your post about that book and the frustration you felt! I’ll steer clear of it 🙂 I look forward to your thoughts on Water for Elephants!
Besides reading, makeup is my favorite past-time! I really suggest the novel “A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius.”
The author, David Eggers, intentionally made the title sound absolutely ridiculous, but it’s a true story about the writer’s parents both getting cancer in the same time period, and he’s left taking care of his little brother. It shows their struggles/bonds and is really funny, yet sad at times. It’s also a national bestseller and got some sort of award. Ah, too much caffeine I’m babbling.
.-= Katie’s last blog post… Spring break starts off today…with the flu. =-.
He lives in the SF Bay Area, didja know that? I’ve read You Shall Know Our Velocity, but still have yet to pick up A Heartbreaking Work. Thanks for reminding me… adding it to the list. 🙂
Those Eyeko fat balms remind me… I really need to get my mitts on those Tarte push-up blushes. They look so pretty in the store and I just want to haul all of it. Have you tried them?
I have. They’re good depending on your skin type. When I’m in oily they just slip right off.
i read water for elephants! i thought it was a good read. from what i remember [i read it like 3 years ago] it has a good ending 🙂
I looove Nars blushes! Though I haven’t quite gotten to learn how to use cream blushes.. I have a few of Nars’ cream sticks. I use powder foundation most of the time, so would I put it under that? If I put it over the powder it gets flaky and weird, but if I put it under it you can’t see the shimmer! sigh…
P.S. I’m a fan of Lauren Conrad so I picked up LA Candy to check it out, and actually I enjoyed it! You have to read it for what it is, it’s just an entertaining story; no life changing philosophical lessons if you know what I mean 🙂 I just bought her second book but haven’t started it yet.
Karen, your hair looks so pretty! I just bought the herbal essences “Tousle me softly” line yesterday so I’m hoping it works for me too! I also love nars blushes, i just recently bought Mac MSF in daft pink, which i like for my fair complexion, but then i also caved and bought sugarbomb! im anxiously awaiting my sephora package when i get home from work today!
as far as books go…
i would say that anything by Jodi Picoult is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. Her books are so poignant. They are all pretty serious books that cover intense moral issues, however I think sometimes it’s important to read books like that which really make you think about how you would react in certain situations. Some of the best one’s from her that I would recommend are “My sisters keeper” (MUCH better than the movie, and has a totally different, and much better ending than the movie), “The Pact,” “Nineteen Minutes,” and “Handle with care.” They are all amazing and she has so many other good ones too!
Oh, I never knew NARS had creme blushes! I wonder how the NARS creme blushes compare to Stila’s convertible colors . . . 🙂
Currently I am reading Pride and Predjudice and Zombies by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith; and I am reading the Jeeves and Wooster series by PG Wodehouse. I quite often have two books on the go at once!
Pride abd Predjudice is my fave novel ever so i just had to read the one with zombies! It’s really funny, I’m really enjoying it.
I hope you enjoy your book, let us know how if it’s a good one!
OMG I like the Tarte Lip stains!!!! btw Water for Elephants is a great book I read it beack when I was 18, two years ago exactly and I loved it!!!!!! ohh ps Water for Elephants is about to become a Major Motion Picture starring(rumored) Robert Pattinson YAY!!!!!!!!!!!
back* I meant, I’m such a clumsy writer xP
Karen,
You will Love Water for Elephants, I did! You look great and very natural hjolding that baby. Just sayin’…..
.-= Cindy (Prime Beauty)’s last blog post… New Bobbi Brown Color Strips =-.
Water for elephants is one of my favorite books. The end will definitely not disappoint!
I just finished reading Ruby by Francesca Lia Block. Granted, it wasn’t nearly as magical as the Weetzie Bat books, but I still liked it. And, judging by the reviews, it seems like I’m the only one that did.
.-= Trisha’s last blog post… Beauty Lingo: Dermatologist Tested =-.
And this is why I love MMB: discoveries. I went to the eyeko site and was appalled. That girly-girly tween stuff sends me running in the opposite direction. If their in-store displays were like their site I’d eye-roll and go. But the strawberry and raspberry swatches look really good, and I love tinted lip balms. Might have to give ’em a go!
Er MBB, no MMB. Clearly my mental battery is flashing it’s last bar.
I LOVED Water for Elephants. I don’t think it’ll disappoint you at all. It’s got some really sad parts but it’s good. I also loved LA Candy and can’t wait to read the sequel. (No shame!)
I’ve read Shadow of the Wind also. It’s a great book! Someone also mentioned Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. It was okay, but I found myself skipping the zombie parts so that I could focus on the original Pride and Prejudice parts. The original is still the best. And the P&P movie with with Matthew MacFadyen as Mr. Darcy was great too! The scene where he strides across the field to tell Lizzy that he loves her just makes me sigh.
Ooh, I have been lusting after those Tarte lip stain pencils! Might have to make a Sephora run this week…
I liked Water for Elephants quite a bit. I enjoyed the ending, hope you will too!
PS – My long-time boyfriend is half Indian and half Finnish. He had blue eyes when he was a little little baby, but they turned brown after about a year. His mom is hoping against hope she’ll have a light-eyed grandchild (I need a rain check on that one (: )!
LOVE the blog!
I would REALLY recommend Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer. Best book I’ve ever read. and I’m a librarian, I’ve read a crazy amount of books. Only book I’ve ever read which catches a ten year olds voice properly, not to mention beautiful and awesomely written.