“I use a technique one of the doctors suggested. I start with the simplest things I know to be true and work toward the more complicated. The list begins to roll in my head…” – Katniss Everdeen, Mockingjay
My name is Karen. I am 36 years old. My home is in Novato, California, also known as District 12. I have read the The Hunger Games twice. I am counting down the minutes to the midnight premiere of the movie tonight. I will be wearing makeup inspired by Katniss and Cinna as I chomp down on popcorn in the middle of the night. 🙂
Cinna’s trademark simple golden eyeliner was my jumping off point for this look, and then I tried to imagine what Katniss might look like if she were out hunting in the woods on a summer day. For that, I added bronze cheeks and a nude, slightly shiny lip.
On my eyes: MAC Eye Shadow in Soba and NARS Eyeshadow in Cyprus on lids; MAC Super Slick Liquid Eye Liner in Pure Show and Urban Decay Heavy Metal Glitter Liner on the upper lash line; Dolce & Gabbana Khol Pencil in True Black on the upper waterline; MAC Eye Kohl in Powersurge on the lower lash line and waterline; Urban Decay Cannonball and Buxom Amplified Lash on upper and lower lashes
NOTE: If you haven’t read the books yet, don’t worry. Like all most of my obsessions, this one (probably) won’t last forever. 🙂
But if you have read the books, aren’t they great!? I’ve always believed that science fiction ultimately isn’t about robots and aliens, even in stories where they appear. It’s about how ordinary people react in extraordinary circumstances. In The Hunger Games, I admire how the main character, Katniss, just a regular girl, rises to the challenges before her. She learns to face her fears and becomes stronger for others.
Cheeks: MAC Face Powder in Flower Fantasy and NARS Blush in Madly; Lips: bareMinerals Marvelous Moxie Lipgloss in Spark Plug
I wonder if I’ll ever need to step up to the plate (whatever kind of plate that might be)… If I do, I hope I can be strong for myself and for others.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty tribute,
Karen
I saw the movie at 6 today! It was a lucky thing that we got the movie a day earlier than in the US 😀 I was wearing one of the t-shirts they sell at Hot Topic (totally felt like a teen again) and a smokey/gold eye. I hope you enjoy it, it’s awesome <3
Hi Solangel,
What does your t-shirt look like?
Oh! It has the Mockingjay pin emblem on fire, like in the promo poster. I really like it, it gives of a neat effect in picture 🙂
You make a gorgeous tribute – but glad to know that we won’t lose you to the arena! Check you out wielding a bow & arrow!! I’m in the process of reading the 3rd book. Enjoy the movie! I look forward to seeing it soon.
Hi Kristi,
Thank you! I hope you like the movie. I enjoyed it very much.
LOVE it!! I can hardly wait to see it tomorrow!
Have fun, Tracy! 🙂 Are you going to wear a Hunger Games inspired look?
Just drove by our theater and it is PACKED!! Hubby and I have tickets for tomorrow night. I can’t wait! I think I’m going to bring out my inner Effie. And Team Buttercup!
Nice! What makeup are you going to wear?
So awesome!!! Makeup looks perfect…but I’m wondering, where did you get that bow & arrow?!?!
I rented it! I wish I could say I had one just sitting around the house…
I was really hoping it was just something you had lying around, or that perhaps you were a closeted archery champion.
I have a bunch of Amazonian and Masai bows and arrows in my house from my travels – strange, but handy should things ever deteriorate into a futuristic dystopian scenario. I’d be all set.
I’m going to wait until the tweens start to thin out and then go see the movie – though all this talk is making me want to reread the first book again. Am I the only one that really didn’t like the third?
Funny that you mention that. I’m halfway through the third one, and earlier this week I was thinking that I prefer the first two.
That’s so cool that you have bows and arrows around your house. Do you know how to use them?
Friendly neighborhood beauty tribute, haha!
Have fun at the movie tonight. I’m going this weekend. So excited!
Have fun, Jen! Will you be dressing up?
Just wore a bit of gold eyeliner– I think Cinna pulled it off better though! I loved looking at all of Effie’s crazy makeup and manicures.
LOL!! I love how into character you got, Karen! You actually got a bow & arrow to boot! I haven’t read the Hunger Games yet. I thought I’d get to it before the movie but apparently I didn’t. Ho hum! Now which should I do first? Book or movie? 😛
Hi Paris,
Read the book first if you can. The motives of the characters in the movie will be more clear if you already have the backstory.
I also want to know where you got the bow and arrow.
LOL, I rented it!
In high school we had hunter safety as a part of P.E. class. We used a bow and arrow as part of the lesson. I wonder if they still do that. The world as changed a lot since than.
I went to see the movie and loved it. I would call it bittersweet.
Question: did you already have that awesome bow & arrow??
LOL, I rented one. Although I kinda want one of my own now…it may come in handy when the zombie apocalypse arrives.
I forgot to mention how fab you looked when I commented last night. 🙂
I saw the movie last night (I don’t know why but we always get the big blockbusters a couple of days before the US… not that I’m complaining) and it was awesome. I went with my classmate who’s as big a HG fan as I am. We did each other’s makeup as well. I totally rocked an Effie-look. Hehe.
Nice! Were either of you wearing a pink wig?
Nope, no pink wigs. But on me she did a fuchsia eye (with a very clean cut crease). It looked SO fierce with my green eyes. And I did a purple-pink eye on her. We looked like quite the pair. We got quite some looks. 🙂
For the next one i want to wear these Paperself lashes. They look like the ones Katniss wore in the final interview. I immediately had to think of them
http://www.paperselfstore.com/product/small-peacock
I saw those! They looked really cool. What did you think of the yellow dress in the final interview? For some reason I imagined it being less…fluffy, LOL!
Yes, I thought it would be a bit more streamlined. Actually I thought the shape on the fire dress would’ve been nicer. Or something similar.
She looked like a cream puff. A very pretty cream puff but a cream puff nonetheless.
Peeta on the other hand… That BLUE! Looks so amazing on him. I much preferred it to the red/black suit.
I love your take on Katniss. I have to ask where did you get the bow and arrow? Is that real? You take authenticity to a whole ‘notha level! Kudos to you.
I wish I could say that I just have a bow and arrow laying around the house, but alas, no. I rented it!
When I was 15 my Dad gave me a bow and arrow set for Christmas. I was very confused since I gave no indication at all that I was interested in archery. It was red, not at all cool like Karen’s bamboo set.
That’s a random but cool gift. I wonder why he decided to give it to you. Did you ever learn how to use it?
Archery was something he was interested in (but never tried), so therefore I should learn it. Accomplishment through another maybe? Yes I did learn how to shoot the bow.
I’m really loving the hunger games inspired pics with the bow and arrow, you look super fierce!! 😉
Hi J.Q.,
Thanks hon! 🙂 Are you going to watch the movie?
You look gorgeous, love it!
Thanks, Gio!
*squeee!* I love it! I’m also going a Hunger Games look when I see the movie on Saturday. I’ll be doing a “girl on fire” homage — yellow/red/orange with a hint of purple and black.
NICE! I saw a few people dressed up in Hunger Games-related gear. You’ll have a blast people watching!
I’ve seen it last wednesday! I haven’t read the book or books, but the movie is just.. I LOVE IT! Tension for the beginning till the end. Of course there are people dying in the movie, so yes, I cried. Lenny Kravitz was very realistic as Cinna, it didn’t bothered me he was in it. And I really like how they styled the Capitol citizens.
I’m so glad that we, in our country, always get to see the huge movies first
Hi Stephanie,
Yah, the styling for the Capitol folks was neat. I loved all the bright colors and how they contrasted against the stark tones from the outer districts.
How did you have a bow and arrow in your house? lol, how was the movie?
Hey Milly,
The movie was SO GOOD! Have you read the books yet?
You look beautiful, Karen! Enjoy the film! I hope to see it soon, too 🙂
Hi Marina,
You’ll have to let me know what you think about it after you watch it. We can compare movie notes. 🙂
You just have an outfit and a prop for everything, don’t you? lol. You go from Wonder Woman to a tribute flawlessly. Love it.
Hi Cassy,
Thanks, girlfriend! Hmm, maybe I should wear my Wonder Woman outfit and walk around with that bow and arrow…
Looking so fierce Karen! Love the gold, it really suits you very well! I have to confess that I didn’t read the books, so I’m a bit clueless about it, hihi :).
Hi Teri,
Read the books if you get the chance! The movie will make more sense if you do.
I’m halfway through the 3rd book but it’s so addictive. Looking forward to see the movie today. well that is if I can beat the crowds off!
Hi Naomi,
Have fun watching the movie today, and get there early! I showed up 45 minutes before the film started and barely got decent seats.
u look so bad a$$ yet gorgeous! haha. love the look 🙂
Thanks, Yelena! 🙂 Happy Friday!
Oh, I love your face of the day and hope you loved the movie. I’m also laughing at what your neighbors were likely thinking when they looked out and saw you on the back deck with your bow and arrow. Or if you greeted the fireman looking for a donation at your door with it in hand. HAHA!
Hi Kim,
The movie was great! I was afraid at first that it was going to go the Twilight route, but I was very happy with how it turned out. I think fans will appreciate how true they stay to the story and the fast pacing.
And LOL — my neighbors are so used to seeing me in weird getups. Weaponry seemed normal compared to the Wonder Woman costume!
I’m so excited now – thank you! One more hour and I’m out of here and prepping for my HG viewing this evening. It goes without saying that I will look nowhere near as chic as you did. 🙂
That is too funny. Our Relay for Life team is the Wonder Women and at our benefit last weekend we all wore matching WW costume shirts. When I got home, the Hubs was like “wow, did everyone look that dorky?”. Why, yes, thanks… we all did! HAHA!
EEK! I can’t wait for you to watch it. I hope you do a little something special for the movie. Maybe some extra glitter? Oh! And keep an eye out for the nails… there’s some flashy manicures.
I haven’t read it but I love the way you really get into things!
Hi Marian,
I hope you pick up the books soon. The first one’s a fast and enjoyable read. If you can, get your hands on it before you watch the movie.
Happy Friday!
I just finished the last book. I can’t wait to see the movie! Maybe I’ll have to rock one of the CG Hunger Games nail polish colors to the theater!
You must! I wore agro last night!
Wheee Hunger Games!!! I might drag myself out of the house to see it on Sunday, but I’ve been SO tired and SO busy!
Love the look. Where did you find your bow and ensemble? WOW!
LOL, that’s my Zella jacket. You might remember it from last week’s outfit of the day.
https://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/just-for-fun/outfit-of-the-day-vol-6-layered-by-the-bay/
Ooo yeah, now that rings a bell! Works super well with the theme!
*raises fist for Team Buttercup* If he was sent into the arena as a tribute, I’d totally be his sponser and send him tuna (much better than entrails) via silver parachute.
Haha, El Hub and I were talking last night about how we’d volunteer as tributes if Tabs got picked during a reaping.
“I VOLUNTEER AS TRIBUTE FOR TABS THE CAT!”
The Hunger Games would be very “boring” if cats were sent in because they are immune to physical damage. That’s some World of Warcraft logic for you. >_> Maybe they’d be teachers like Haymitch?
Maybe…or maybe they’d throw in some mutated cats?!
Love your makeup Karen!! And omg you look nothing like 36. Share your anti aging/skincare tips please? 🙂
I’m watching the movie this Sunday – going to be my first time ever watching it in a gold class cinema here in Singapore! Can’t wait!!!
Hi Hiddy,
If you haven’t already start by wearing sunscreen every day. Don’t forget to put it on your neck and hands, too. I think drinking lots of water and getting enough sleep helps a ton. I’ve found that for me, exfoliating products w/BHA’s (salicylic acid) help too. Some people like products w/retinoids or glycolic acid!
Have fun at the movie this Sunday. Who are you going with?
were going on Sunday … we just dont have the time today and tomorrow.
but zomg Karen … and a bow and arrow = awesome!
Hi Nina,
I might actually go on Sunday to watch it again, LOL! Try to get there early if you can. We had Fandango tickets and got there 45 minutes before the movie and it was super packed.
What are you up to this weekend, besides the movie?
Girl you look so kick ass! Love the blush. It’s a great color on your skin tone.
Thanks Tupou! 🙂 That’s the magic of NARS Madly at work!
I think Tabs should be playing the Buttercup role.
He auditioned for the role but didn’t get a call back!
Maybe its because he doesn’t have the right look. Buttercup is described as a scruffy yellow cat and Tabs is a husky brown Tabby.
Get ready to be surprised when you see Buttercup in the movie.
As long it isnt another Spot situation like on Star Trek. Remember Data’s cat? It starts off looking like a long haired Somali cat but appears as a yellow tabby later in the series. Spot also has gender confusion. The crew refers to Spot as “he” and “she” at different times.
Great look Karen…I love the books and can’t wait to see the movie. Happy Hunger Games!
Happy Hunger Games…and may the odds be ever in your favor!
Ohmygosh Karen! Is that really your bow and arrow?!
LOL, naw. I rented it. It’s funny, so many readers just automatically thought I’d have a bow and arrow sitting around the house, go figure.
Your outfit looks cool, even though I’m not sure what you’re wearing. Is it a top and a vest?
Hi Barbara,
It’s a jacket with removable sleeves. Here’s a closer look:
https://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/just-for-fun/outfit-of-the-day-vol-6-layered-by-the-bay/
I started to read through all the comments to see if you answered but gave up so here’s my question – what’s Team Buttercup? I read all three books quickly at least a year ago and I try as hard as possible to forget all but the outline so that way the movies are even better for me. BTW total radness of the bow and arrow – I did read that comment!
Buttercup is Prim’s cat. 🙂
LMBO I should have known talking to a cat lady! But alas my focus is usually on makeup even if I have two dogs that I love dearly!
*raises fist again for team Buttercup*
Love your Hunger Games Tribute. I started reading the Hunger Games Trilogy because you recommended it on your blog a few years ago. Now fast forward 4 years later, I have read the series 4 times and being a dork, I even have the audio version in my itunes/ipod. Can’t wait to see the movie soon.
Loved your look (and super cool bow & arrow), Karen! I did the gold eyeliner, attempted the Katniss braid and made my own t-shirt! Totally felt like a kid again 🙂 Did you love the movie?!?
And I used the China Glaze HG polishes for my mani of course 😉
Awesome makeup & outfit Karen – I hope you enjoyed the movie! The books are better, but the movie was very well done. Can’t wait for Catching Fire!
i saw the movie- loved it! havent read the books yet, but will. i love your look karen! 😀
Love the makeup!!! I haven’t read the books yet, but I am sooo intrigued. I suppose I might start reading them, everyone is so hooked…
By the way… If you ever start practicing archery… Don’t EVER draw the bowstring like that. You could get hurt. Trust me, I’m an archer and I know how painful it is when the string slashed your arm ^^. Also, your string arm shouldn’t be in that position, it should be completely folded against your chest so that the string touches your nose and your mouth ^^.
Now I want to grab my bow and create a nice arrow-looking eyeliner makeup to wear to my training!! <3<3<3<3