Poor El Hub… Homeboy just doesn’t get the relationship women have with their shoes.
Of particular difficulty for him: why I have so many pairs in black.
Over the years we’ve been together I’ve spent hours explaining the differences to him between finishes, heel types and shades (greenish black is so totally NOT brownish black), but it just doesn’t compute. He simply doesn’t get it. Having spent his formative fashion years at Miller’s Outpost and Mervyn’s, all he sees is a big ole’ pile of the same black shoes.
His grasp of makeup is a little better than his fashion sense, though, so when I sat down to explain nude lippies to him I think some of it got through.
“They’re like the black shoes of the lipstick world,” I said. “At first glance they look the same, but when you look more closely you see just how different they really are.”
I think he even gets my current may-jah NARS obsesh, NARS Lip Gloss-Lip Stain Gloss Duo in Stolen Kisses and Pampa ($28).
Lip Stain Gloss in Pampa beneath Lip Gloss in Stolen Kisses
It’s my double-sided secret weapon for brownish pink nude lips! On one side — Stolen Kisses Lip Gloss, a creamy brownish pink with a hint of silver shimmer. On the other — Pampa Lip Stain Gloss, a moisturizing, long-wear lip stain in a shimmery golden brown. Both colors look great paired together or used apart.
Lip Gloss Stain in Pampa
This is one of the lip duos I turn to when I want warm smokey eyes. Stolen Kisses and Pampa play well together with shimmery black and gold looks (Stila Golden Girl) or shimmery brown/bronze ones.
Lip Gloss Stain in Pampa
Lip Gloss in Stolen Kisses
Swatches from left to right: Pampa, Stolen Kisses
A fool-proof way to inject some color into my life without drawing too much attention to my lips. 🙂 I’m crushing hard!
Cat guilt 101
Ever since he decided to adopt me, Tabs has been an indoor/outdoor kitty, working the night shift outside and coming home for breakfast and petting. But with our move, we’re planning to take away his freedom (for his own safety). Indoor kitties generally live longer than outdoor ones do, but I can’t get over these feelings of cat mom guilt, le sigh.
Other than that, I’m chugging along just fine. How are things on your side of the keyboard?
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Hey Karen,
really cute post.Men are so clueless when it comes to shoes, but especially makeup. Poor tabs, no more outdoors. Maybe you can walk him? LOL dogs can take walks, so why not walk with tabs outside or is he just to cool to stroll with you now?
I really love the pampa and stolen kisses. The colors are beautiful. Do they stain for you, though? They always wore like regular glosses for me. I’m heading out to buy some of the new mac collection, Trend f/w. My nordstroms has it out for sale now, but I had to check in on one of my fave blogs first. 😉
I can totally relate to your shoe issue here…Great post.
On the subject of turning Tabs into a indoor kitty: Maybe you should consider getting him a kitty BFF, I have 3 indoor cats, and I’m sure they don’n miss the outdoors as much since they have each other to play with while I’m not at home.
Thumbs up for keeping Tabs inside. Especially right at the beginning of your move, before he learns that NOW THIS IS HOME, letting him roam free would really put him in danger of getting lost in a serious way.
Also, love the gloss duo. Are there good options for lighter complexions in this line?
NARS lip glosses are probably one of the few items ilike from this brand. this look suits you so well and very natural too.
Karen you are so bad for my wallet! I really want this now!
.-= Kajal Couture’s last blog post… Back from India and a cure for sweat =-.
Great post, Karen!
And does he understand all the makup thing?:)
I hope that Tabs will feel himself ok being all time inside.
.-= Marina’s last blog post… Holiday 2009 and Spring 2010 Makeup Collections by Lancome =-.
Hi Marina,
Sometimes he gets a glazed look when I start gabbing about the difference between eyeshadow finishes, LOL!
I hope Tabs will still be the same kitty, too. I’m gonna try my best to keep him mentally happy in the house. We’ll see.
Great post! Men are clueless about shoes and makeup. My boyfriend doesn’t understand why I have so many pink lipglosses. I tried explaining the differences to him but he doesn’t get it, he thinks they are all the same.
The lipgloss duo looks very pretty on you!
.-= gio’s last blog post… QOTW: What do you think of limited edition products? =-.
Hi Gio,
LOL, can’t they see why a blue-based pink is soo completely different from a yellow-based pink? HELLO!
I don’t think most men “get” the whole shoe or makeup or purse thing. My hubbie calls mascara eyeliner and calls foundation BASE. Drives me bonkers.
I always had indoor/outdoor cats also until I moved into my house 7 years ago. At the time I had a female Tabby named Tigger and she loved the outdoors. But she was tragically hit and killed by a car on the road behind our back fence one day (where people drive fast and it’s really busy). So the next three cats I got (my current ones) only go out when I am with them to watch ’em. I felt really guilty for a long time about it, but they do live longer, stay healthier and don’t need shots as often. Just get him tons of toys and gravy! 🙂
.-= Kelly’s last blog post… Urban Decay Nail Polish – Apocalyptic for Holiday 2009 =-.
Hi Kelly,
I’m sorry that happened to Tigger. I can’t even begin to imagine how heartbreaking that must’ve been.
It’s good that your current kittehs stay safe inside. When you take them out do you put ’em on a leash or anything? Do they ever try to bolt?
I think Tabs will do okay. My dad had the same guilt complex, and he bought a leash for his kitten and now takes her outside frequently himself. Maybe that’s something to consider? =)
Hi Jenna,
I’m actually thinking of getting him a harness. I have a feeling he’s gonna hate it, but maybe if I bedazzle it or something to make it more blingy…
Hey, isn’t your trip to Barcelona coming up?!
I like better the Lip Gloss in Stolen Kisses, I love the natural brown shade and its shimmery. It’s a color that will look great on my lips. As for Tabs, I feel pity, he will get bored in the house. I know indoor cats live longer, but I prefer a short and exciting life than a long boring life, and don’t forget cats have 9 lives 🙂
.-= Tavia’s last blog post… Review – La Prairie Age Management Eye Repair =-.
Hi Tavia,
So true! I think he might’ve used up a few. Before he came to live with me he was a stray… I’m pretty sure he thinks he’s a thug, so he gets into a lot of fights.
Wow. The lipstain looks soo lovely on its own. Tell me about boos not understanding ‘girly things.’ I once went into a whole schpill on the different kind of jeans their uses when I helped him shopping once. He kindly shut up and let me work my magic. They are his favorite jeans to wear btw 😛
.-= Stephie’s last blog post… My Lips like Buttah! =-.
Hi Stephie,
HA! El Hub is the exact same way. I bought him some jeans from Lucky and at first he just didn’t understand the concept of different rinses, rises, etc. Now he wears them all the time!
Wow, I love the lip stain! It’s pretty under the gloss too, but I’m more of a matte-lip gal 😉 It’s definitely got that sultry look that works with a smokey eye.
And I completely know what you mean about cat-guilt – both my cats have been indoor since I first got them (I live in the woods, so there’s too many coyotes, Fishers etc. running around for them to be safe outside). My oldest cat is fine with it – he’s actually afraid to go out, LOL! However my younger one is always staring longingly out the window, and I always feel so bad for confining her to the house!
.-= Rebecca’s last blog post… School, Stress, Comfort Food and Flowers =-.
Hi Rebecca,
Yes, MATTES! I’ve rediscovered my love for ’em. Have you tried the MAC Mattenes? They’re awesome.
Part of the reason why we’re keeping Tabs inside is that there are TONS of coyotes around our new place. I know it’s safer for him, but oh, the guilt.
I just hope he adjusts easily and retains his same happy disposition.
Did it take long for your cats to acclimate? Like, were they crying and bolting for the door at first?
I love Nars Stolen Kisses, I haven’t be wearing this in a while and I love the texture of Nars lipglosses. Thanks for reminding about this forgotten gem. My kitty has always been an indoor cat, there are just too many cars in around and in the last couple of years there are coyotes lurking around. She just turned 13 in August and she is still kicking and fiesty! She definitely knows how to manipulate me too! It is true that boys do not get purses, shoes, clothes or makeup LOL!
.-= amy’s last blog post… FOTD MAC Starflash Smoke & Diamonds, MAC Copperplate and The Balm Shady Lady Sexy Stacey Shadows =-.
Hi Amy,
I like them too. Which colors are your must haves? I’m all about Supervixen and Sweet Revenge.
Your kitteh sounds like a gem! What kind of cat is she, and how did she come into your life?
The vet says Tabs is just a plain ole’ American Shorthair, but I’m convinced he’s got Ragdoll in him!
My favourites are: Stolen Kisses, Orgasm, Scandal and Sunset Strip. I adopted my kitty Angel from my a friend of my mom’s friend when she was about 2 months old. She is mostly domestic breed but I think she has a bit of Maine Coone in her. She looks just like one except smaller and cuter. She is very spoiled because she sleeps on beds and couches. I can never bear to deny her that.
.-= amy’s last blog post… FOTD MAC Starflash Smoke & Diamonds, MAC Copperplate and The Balm Shady Lady Sexy Stacey Shadows =-.
Yeah it was totally devastating. She died 1 day before her 8th adoption Bday 🙁
They are pretty good actually. They are more concerned about eating grass than trying to get away. Squirt stays very close to the inside door, she’s a scardey cat. Chewy will try to climb trees so I watch him closely. I thought Sam was too fat (LOL) to jump any fences BUT just this week he quickly hopped the fence into our front yard!! Guess I gotta watch his hefty bootie better now also!
.-= Kelly’s last blog post… Urban Decay Nail Polish – Apocalyptic for Holiday 2009 =-.
Hi Kelly,
Oh, that’s tear-your-heart-out sad. I’m so sorry! 🙁
I think eventually Tabs and I will have to do supervised visits outside — probably with a harness at first (a blinged out one, of course).
And isn’t it so funny watching chubby cats spring?!? Seriously, it’s so priceless to see those big bellies in the air.
Hey Karen! I am intrigued by the idea of a lip gloss stain! Looks gorge! Good luck with Tabs and the move 🙂
Ahhh its very hard making an outdoor cat into a full time indoor one, but if saftey is concerned, then its not something you can help. All mine have been raised as indoor ones so they are used to it! My uncle has one who had to be made indoor – apparently he sits by the door and tries to sniff in some outdoor air!
.-= Rowena’s last blog post… DSC_0185 =-.
Purdy! I would definitely make Tabs an indoor cat. At my mom’s house, I use to hear the raccoons get the cats all the time. It was such a horrible sound and I felt so bad for them.
.-= Marisol’s last blog post… SoCal Visit =-.
Awww! I love that photo of Tabs. Right now, I’m sitting with my Tigger, who looks a lot like Tabs! He’s purring and tapping his tail 🙂
Like the gloss a lot….Think it would be good for a lazy day out where I don’t feel like putting on too much makeup.
.-= Vonvon’s last blog post… Chanel Good Enough To Eat?? And Pressies From A Friend =-.
Also, don’t feel too guilty. Tiggy was a stray when my family adopted him and he went from outdoor-only to indoor-only. We live right near some very busy roads; there was no way we’d ever let our kitties outside and risk being hit by all the cars. He did try to bolt when he was first getting used to it, but he got acclimated pretty quickly and hasn’t tried in years. The screened-in porch is good enough for him now! He’s a very happy boy 🙂
Speaking of kitties bolting, a funny story about one of my old cats (may he rest in peace) — when he was young, he always wanted to go outside. He’d never been outdoors (other than the porch) and would try to run out the door to check out all of the neat little squirrels and birds. We always managed to stop him, until one day, he finally made it outside. It was winter, and there was a good amount of snow on the ground. He made it a couple steps out onto the front stoop, and he turned around to look at us, with the snow entirely covering up his legs (it was funny because it looked like he just had a floating torso). He then looked down in sadness and trudged back in the house, never to try to escape again. I am so glad it was so gross outside. What if he’d made it out on a beautiful spring day? Talk about perfect timing…
Love this combo! It looks so much different on than in the tube. Love the idea of a gloss to “wet-up” the stain too. They are dry, I don’t care what anyone says!
You’re doing the right thing with Tabs. He’ll get over it. Just stay strong Sista!
.-= Stef’s last blog post… Raffle for the Rescues – over $4000 in prizes! =-.
You know I don’t know if I would have given the lipgloss a second look if I hadn’t seen your swatches! They are lovely.
.-= Megan’s last blog post… Hang ‘im from the yardarm =-.
Hi Megan,
These are very pretty glosses! I hope you try ’em. 🙂
Another idea for Tabs — a brand called Kittywalk sells little enclosures (or you could order a big tent or something). You could put the enclosure out in your yard, and you wouldn’t have to worry about him running into the street. 🙂
Karen,
You are like a million shades darker than me, and I would seriously kill for your lovely skintone. I have been searching for my perfect pinky-nude lip for YEARS and still haven’t managed to get it right. Looks like you nailed it here — I think this is my favorite lip look I’ve seen on you yet. It’s just so, so perfect. Totally fab. And I’m totally jel.
Wanna come pick out a color for me next??
.-= Kristen’s last blog post… Straight From the Runway, Fall’s Biggest Beauty Trends =-.
Ever since my first cat disappeared while outside, I’ve always kept my cats inside. Don’t worry, Tabs will be fine. But keep an eye on him– he’ll try to get out any chance he gets because that’s what he’s used to. He’ll adjust. A move is tough on everyone at first. Good luck!