You might be wondering, “So what in tarnation is this Monday Poll thing anyway!?”
Well, it isn’t exactly a poll. It’s more of a constantly evolving (devolving?), somewhat random list of questions I’ve been putting out to readers every Monday morning for the past seven years. (It’s like a kickstart for your brain.) I’ve always enjoyed reading your answers in the comments, and I hope you enjoy reading mine.
- How do you feel about black lipstick?
I think it can look really freaking cool if it’s done in a certain way. I mean, it’s makeup, so you can do anything you want and wear black lipstick however you feel, you know, but for me, I like it when it’s just that strong black lip, and everything else is kept minimal. Maybe lots of lashes, a filled in brow and just super minimal skin.I think it can be very chic, but it has to have the right elements to go with it, and you kind of have to be dressed to suit the black lip, too, because if you’re wearing a black lip and a pink polo shirt, it can be pretty jarring.
Clothing-wise, I’d probably mirror the same aesthetic as the makeup, with very clean lines, something like a black simple shift, or like a black tank top and skinny black jeans.
- Do you know any guys who wear makeup?
I know a few makeup artists who wear tinted moisturizer and concealer and brow gel and stuff, but in my everyday life, I can’t say that… Oh! — of course I know guys who wear makeup! Yes, I follow a few of them on Instagram. They do their thing, and I like that. - Crimped hair: yes or no?
Having leftover visions of bad crimped hair from the late ’80s and early ’90s, buuut I think if you do it in moderation, like a little bit of crimping here and there, it can add some textural interest to the hair. - What’s the first thing you do when you get home?
Let’s see…I open the door, and Tabs is usually at the door, and I say, “What up, play-uh!?” and then I give him pets, because if I don’t pet him right away, he throws a fit. Then I take off my shoes, set my purse down and take off my jacket. Then I sit at the base of the stairs and pet Tabs some more, because he’s kind of a diva that way. - Are people surprised when they find out you’re into makeup?
Sometimes they are. It really depends on what makeup I’m wearing. If I’m wearing full-on ba-bam! eyes, lips, cheeks, highlight and bronzer that day, then people aren’t surprised, but when I’m usually out and about, like at the grocery store or the dentist, most of the time I’m wearing a toned down version of full makeup.I guess most of the time when I do meet strangers and they don’t know what I do, they’re kind of like, “Oh, that’s interesting…” And then they ask for recommendations. Usually. 🙂
Your turn. 🙂 Just copy and paste the following questions into a comment with your answers. I look forward to reading ’em!
1. How do you feel about black lipstick?
2. Do you know any guys who wear makeup?
3. Crimped hair: yes or no?
4. What’s the first thing you do when you get home?
5. Are people surprised when they find out you’re into makeup?
Today might be a three-cup-of-tea day for me… I’m so sleepy right now!
Daylight Savings Time and all…
Hopefully it’s been a nice Monday for you so far. What did you do this weekend?
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
1. How do you feel about black lipstick?
Love it! I have MUFE #50 and OCC Black Tar lip pencil, and I wish I could be more bold and use it more often (I used it as part of a “Punk Cinderella” look for Halloween, and unfortunately didn’t do a very good job, so I’ve been shying away from trying it again myself).
2. Do you know any guys who wear makeup?
Yep! More power to ’em, in my opinion.
3. Crimped hair: yes or no?
Eh… Not really. I used to do the whole “sleep in wet braids” thing, but crimping is a whisker too much for me.
4. What’s the first thing you do when you get home?
Cuddle my cat! Prince Jacko Boy von Pufferpants Plumey LeMatou (or Jack for short). He gets swooped up and smooched and cuddled until he decides he’s had enough and latches on to my arm with his shark-like fangs.
5. Are people surprised when they find out you’re into makeup?
Nope! Everybody knows I practically live at Sephora and MAC, so they’re never surprised, lol. (I have surprised some makeup artists when they find out how much I know about stuff, though!)
6. Hopefully it’s been a nice Monday for you so far. What did you do this weekend?
Work! I had opening shifts at my shop on both Saturday and Sunday, so I had to wake up early. It was a bit of a mess, the construction season has started so our transit system is out of whack, plus shark week started this weekend (and I forgot my painkillers), so it was… unpleasant. Thankfully I’ve got afternoon shifts for the rest of the week!
Jules, your cat has an AWESOME name. What does Jack look like (besides the shark-like fangs)?
Oh, I hear you. That darned Spring Forward is just a killer. 🙁
1. How do you feel about black lipstick? I think it can be a really important part of some people’s style and it suits them. I’m not sure I’d wear it even on Halloween and on a dare, combined. 🙂
2. Do you know any guys who wear makeup? No, not anyone I know in real life.
3. Crimped hair: yes or no? No, thank you. Curl and wave are my preferred textures.
4. What’s the first thing you do when you get home? Put my purse/backpack/groceries/whatever down and take off my shoes and coat. After that, the sky is the limit. It depends who is home and what needs doing.
5. Are people surprised when they find out you’re into makeup? Totally. I’m so boring and conservative in my makeup (and almost never wear any color on my lips and eyes) that people are seriously stunned that I can carry on a good makeup conversation. All thanks to you, of course! I recommend your blog far more than any products/brands since my experience is much more limited. 🙂
Hey Kim!
How was your weekend? Did you guys to go the State Tournament?
Happy Monday!
This weekend we chilled and got a lot done….ogled supersport motorcycles (track bikes) in Romney, WV. Even when you own great bikes, it’s still fun to go bike shopping just to sit on different ones!
1. How do you feel about black lipstick?
~I think it can be very chic and elegant but if worn in the right context. I was used to seeing it on a lot of goth people and sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn’t. I think I like it as a runway look more.
2. Do you know any guys who wear makeup?
~I know a few. Guys in rock bands tended to wear black eyeliner a lot (and some of them looked better than some women in it), and one guy who did some modeling could rock any makeup look and make it look masculine and ethereal. He’s probably one of the best artists and makeup artists that I have had the privilege to know through my school years.
3. Crimped hair: yes or no?
~I’m with you on some pieces here and there – it’s making a comeback in ponytails and braids on the runway (at least what I’ve seen in the magazines). I prefer to do braids, run a flatiron over them, and set them with sea salt spray. Right now I’m loving an argan oil sea salt spray by Organix.
4. What’s the first thing you do when you get home?
~It depends. If hubby left dishes in the sink, or I left them in the morning, I like to clean stuff up. I feel like I can’t think straight or start cooking until stuff is clean and put away. If I’ve been shopping, I like to unpack and look over what I bought before I sit down. If I was out for a run, I like to sit back with a cup of ice water and check Facebook or my fave blogs 🙂 .
5. Are people surprised when they find out you’re into makeup?
~Some people are because I spend a lot of time in workout clothes or looking sporty in general (hair in a ponytail or French braid, those Under Armour headbands….). But I do like to wear makeup at times when working out or doing yoga because I like to feel like a girl.
Enjoy the weather out there! It’s in the 50’s here in MD…feels like a heat wave to us after the past several weeks.
1. How do you feel about black lipstick?
I love black, because, let’s face it, there is no new black. It’s very hard to pull it off as a lip shade without looking like a goth teenager though.
2. Do you know any guys who wear makeup?
Not that I know.
3. Crimped hair: yes or no?
Really tightly crimped with an iron, no, I just don’t like it. Something looser achieved by braiding is a little better.
4. What’s the first thing you do when you get home?
Say hello to kitty.
5. Are people surprised when they find out you’re into makeup?
Yes! I very rarely do a full face or really bold makeup – that’s usually for going out with my hubby so other people don’t see it. I have a lot of zero makeup days, especially if I have to get up early (I’m so not a morning person…).
1. How do you feel about black lipstick? Very 90s 🙂
2. Do you know any guys who wear makeup? Not personally.
3. Crimped hair: yes or no? No.
4. What’s the first thing you do when you get home? Usually eat something 🙂
5. Are people surprised when they find out you’re into makeup? Nooooo, it’s pretty obvious 🙂
1. How do you feel about black lipstick?
Yes! Not often, but I generally do what you suggest when I go for it: big lashes, filled in brows, simple skin. I follow those rules whenever I wear any nontraditional color I’m not 100% comfortable with.
2. Do you know any guys who wear makeup?
I love @mannymua and @patrickstarrr on IG… I dont know any in real life tho!
3. Crimped hair: yes or no?
Nope… I’m still traumatized from my crimped-hair yearbook photo from elementary school…
4. What’s the first thing you do when you get home?
Pet my dog! Then my cat, cuz he gets jealous haha
5. Are people surprised when they find out you’re into makeup?
Not usually… I’m almost always got either some crazy eyeshadow or a bright lip on!
Happy Monday!
1. How do you feel about black lipstick? I like it, if it’s good quality. I think it can look very classy when done right. A lot of brands’ blacks are patchy. I also love blackened reds and purples. I wear Nyx Wicked Lippie a lot since it came out: It’s a dark gunmetal gray with a hint of blue-green sheen. It give a black lipstick vibe without being black.
2. Do you know any guys who wear makeup? Not since the 80s. I still have a weakness for guys in eyeliner. I see lots of guys in nail polish. I think it’s great, if guys want in on the beauty action.
3. Crimped hair: yes or no? I never liked it.
4. What’s the first thing you do when you get home? Hang up my coat, drop my purse and keys off at my desk, go pee, and get a drink.
5. Are people surprised when they find out you’re into makeup? Never. lol
*The Nyx color is Coldhearted.
I love the color you have on, Karen. Is that dark purple Too Faced Villain? Or something else?
OMG, what lipstick are you wearing on that picture? Looks a lot like MAC’s Cyber. I actually love a very dark lipstick, almost black, but I probably wouldn’t wear a true black lipstick (except for a costume party).
I have a lot of guy friends who wear makeup, and they are fabulous. Gay mostly, but I know some HT men who like rock ‘n roll and wear black eyeliner. I have met a few guys who wore corpse painting to perform with their Black Metal bands.
I think crimped hair would look awesome with the bo-ho, modern-hippie style clothes which are so popular right now. But I don’t really have a lot of patience to style my hair, so I usually go for what’s practical and quicker.
When I get home, I throw my (heavy) purse on the table, take off my shoes and sit down to rest!
And finally, people can see I’m into makeup, because even if my everyday skin look is very light (usually just concealer), I wear many bold lip colors on a daily basis. Like, strong, vibrant and pigmented purples, reds, pinks, magentas, etc. 🙂
*The Nyx color is Coldhearted.
I love the color you have on, Karen. Is that dark purple Too Faced Villain? Or something else?
1. How do you feel about black lipstick?
Not for me
2. Do you know any guys who wear makeup?
Yes. I actually dated a guy back in 97 who wore eyeliner. He was very Adam Ant
3. Crimped hair: yes or no?
Been there, done that in the 80s. All I can remember is a certain scent that went along with my crimped hair. It wasn’t exactly a burning smell but it kinda smelled like plastic. Either way it probably wasn’t a good thing.
4. What’s the first thing you do when you get home?
Bags down, shoes/coat/hat/gloves/scarf off, pet the 2 fur babies, change into PJs, prepare dinner and turn on Roku to catch up on YouTube videos.
5. Are people surprised when they find out you’re into makeup?
Sort of because I have pretty clear skin so most people tell me I don’t need it. I only wear base in the center of my face just to even things out. What they are surprised about is how much I actually know about beauty stuff in general. I’ve walked into Sephora asking about a product that they didn’t even know they carried.
1. How do you feel about black lipstick?
TOTALLY ON BOARD. I love it, and I find it works well when the rest of my makeup is simple. I also love it when my eyes are crazy bright colors. It anchors the look, I think.
2. Do you know any guys who wear makeup?
Yup! I freelance at MAC, though, so they’re not exactly a rare breed 🙂 One of my coworkers actually does the SICKEST drag makeup ever.
3. Crimped hair: yes or no?
Noooooooooooooo. I tried once, and I just ended up looking like pre-makeover Anne Hathaway in The Princess Diaries.
4. What’s the first thing you do when you get home?
Pet the dogs, because they act like they’ve been starved for attention for years. Phoebe likes to climb on top of me and have me hold her like a baby while she licks my face. She’s beyond spoiled.
5. Are people surprised when they find out you’re into makeup?
Yes. I work in a very professional environment, so my makeup is usually toned down. If I run into them on my free time, they’ll be surprised at the makeup I wear.
1. How do you feel about black lipstick?
Love it, but don’t own it.
2. Do you know any guys who wear makeup?
Not in real life, but I always encourage my guy friends if they’re interested.
3. Crimped hair: yes or no?
Yes.
4. What’s the first thing you do when you get home?
Take off jacket (or everything, honestly).
Put down my bag.
Wash my hands.
5. Are people surprised when they find out you’re into makeup?
Oh yes. I don’t wear it often anymore. My honey snuggles it off my face in all directions… how does everyone else deal with that?
1. How do you feel about black lipstick?
I like it in editorial shoots, but can’t think of a way I could rock it in my everyday life.
2. Do you know any guys who wear makeup?
Not in person, just via YT or Instagram.
3. Crimped hair: yes or no?
No. Brings back memories of my perm gone horribly wrong when I was 18…
4. What’s the first thing you do when you get home?
Take of my shoes while trying to stop Little Bean from running back out to tackle the stairs on her own.
5. Are people surprised when they find out you’re into makeup?
That depends where they meet me. They aren’t if we meet at a party for example, but if anyone at work finds out, they never really believe me. But these are mostly man, who wouldn´t recognize the perfect smokey eye if their life depended on it, so…
My weekend was sleep-deprived. We returned late on Friday, and the Jet-Lag has had Little Bean waking up at around 3:30 am so far. But we are working on it. Aside from that, it was dominated by laundry. Can you imagine how much laundry accumulates if three people travel in a Campervan for 6.5 weeks straight? It is insane.
1. How do you feel about black lipstick? Karen, you look awesome in black lipstick, plus that pose is amazeballs. I can make up the storyline just from your look! But on me, not so much. I look like a corpse.
2. Do you know any guys who wear makeup? I know some men MUAs who do, but even my gay male friends don’t except for Halloween. Too bad coz I think it’s cool
3. Crimped hair: yes or no? On others yes, on me no.
4. What’s the first thing you do when you get home? Take off my boots
5. Are people surprised when they find out you’re into makeup? Yes decidedly so.
1. How do you feel about black lipstick? I like the look, but I am so pale, I’m afraid I’d look WAY goth! 😉
2. Do you know any guys who wear makeup? Nope
3. Crimped hair: yes or no? Back in the ’80’s, yes, but not now.
4. What’s the first thing you do when you get home? Kick off shoes and pet the plethora of cats (Simba, Tazz, Bagheera, Jamila and Jack) usually while I’m trying to use the bathroom. tmi? 😉
5. Are people surprised when they find out you’re into makeup? No, cuz Sephora is a candy store to me!
ps. LOVE the black cat ring!! Where did you find it?
1. How do you feel about black lipstick?
Friggin’ love it. At least on others. I don’t think it’d complement me, though I’ve never tried it. I do, however ADORE MAC Cyber + Nightmoth. I’d wear it everyday if I coukd. I also agree that everything else needs to be kept minimal so one could pull it off, without looking like they’re trying out for the Adams Family 🙂
2. Do you know any guys who wear makeup? No, I dont. Not personally. But I do love make makeup artists who can apply makeup to themselves & others, namely me 🙂 I think a man who knows makeup has a certain sensibility that he brings to the makeup table.
3. Crimped hair: yes or no? No. Just no. Please, no. Visions of Salt n Peppa + asymmetrical bobs + shaved signs with designs + crimped hair = why would anyone bring crimped hair back
1. How do you feel about black lipstick?I want it so bad. This brings me back to my younger days when I was all black everything. I think its so chic
2. Do you know any guys who wear makeup? Yes,one in real life. He wore concealer like MAC studio fix
3. Crimped hair: yes or no? Since I am African american, yes. The crimped hair after plating it is gorg. Crimp hair from a crimp iron not so much
4. What’s the first thing you do when you get home? Say hello to ajax my cat and apologize for all the things I have not done while he bosses me around. Then we watch tv
5. Are people surprised when they find out you’re into makeup? Yes. I don’t wear makeup all the time. So when I say I do or actual wear it ppl are like wow. They are even more blown away that I blog about it
A portion of my answer was redacted !*#%!!!~* but I had a wonderful weekend. We almost adopted a Bijon named Sacha (how fierce is that name?!!) but someone beat us to it. Now the kiddos ask for a puppy around the clock, “daddy, if I’m good at school today can I get a puppy?” My poor brother has NO IDEA the little (cute/adorable) monsters he’s created 🙂
1. How do you feel about black lipstick?
I love it. I prefer to do shades of off black though with purple or blue mixed in!
2. Do you know any guys who wear makeup?
Yes, quite a few!
3. Crimped hair: yes or no?
Maybe not on me but fine for everyone else!
4. What’s the first thing you do when you get home?
Take off my bra or bladder my pup!
5. Are people surprised when they find out you’re into makeup?
Yes, actually! I don’t wear makeup daily and I always go shopping for it bare-faced in case I want to play with samples or have someone work on my face for me at a counter. Just because I don’t wear it everyday doesn’t make me a novice but they always assume!
1. How do you feel about black lipstick?
Your pic looks so chic but I think i’d always come off looking crazy. I got the OCC Black Dahlia (actually a deep purple) and majorly lightened it up with their shimmery white lip tar and it looked fabulous….about as dark as I get with my ghostly skin!
2. Do you know any guys who wear makeup?
Yep. An old co-worker who used to do drag pageants and he was so awesome. Nurse by day and fashionista by night ;). You gotta love when you can talk to your male co-worker about shaving your legs lol.
3. Crimped hair: yes or no?
Nah but it still looks cool.
4. What’s the first thing you do when you get home?
Put down the keys and purse and change into the comfy pants!
5. Are people surprised when they find out you’re into makeup?
Sometimes. I’ve had similar experiences at Sephora where people are surprised when I know my brands and the specifics on their products. I think I need to work there part time to pay for my addiction.
Weekend – We had a mellow weekend (extended by snow). Got my son out to play and a great lunch at our fav spot: Texas Roadhouse.
1. How do you feel about black lipstick? Why not? If you are feeling it, rock it! Personally though, it’s not for me, I like a natural look.
2. Do you know any guys who wear makeup? Nope. And trying to get my husband to put on an SPF moisturizer is like pulling teeth.
3. Crimped hair: yes or no? Yes! I loved it when I was 14, and I love it now!
4. What’s the first thing you do when you get home? Put my purse down, let the pug in, and grab a water.
5. Are people surprised when they find out you’re into makeup? Yes! Mostly because I don’t wear a lot, but I have a lot! Lol!
Hi Karen and Tabs! That cat ring on your index finger is awesome!!! Could you do a post with a close up and some deets. Pretty please
Hi Colleen,
It’s by Betsey Johnson and it’s from a few years back. Here’s a few more pics:
Betsey Johnson Black Cat Ring: Meow!
Tuesday Beauty Tips: Step Up Your Style Game with a Nordstrom Personal Stylist
Thank you so much for responding to my comment!Happy Monday!
1. How do you feel about black lipstick? Not for me
2. Do you know any guys who wear makeup? Yes, my hairdresser
3. Crimped hair: yes or no? no
4. What’s the first thing you do when you get home? kiss my cats
5. Are people surprised when they find out you’re into makeup? no, I’ve kept it a secret from everyone but my husband, son and mother.
1. How do you feel about black lipstick?
I have one
2. Do you know any guys who wear makeup?
yeah I use to know a guy in my class when I was still studying you could notice his mascara but later he come out
3. Crimped hair: yes or no?
what is that?, will google that later.
4. What’s the first thing you do when you get home?
great the pups or the rooster, depends who pop up first 🙂
5. Are people surprised when they find out you’re into makeup?
yes. I am very low key at work, so yes they are surprised.
Karen Hi, love that cat earring where is it from?
1. How do you feel about black lipstick?
I really like it but it’s hard to use I would say the same recommendations you said but also with highlighter in rosy tones instead of using blush in order to prevent look washed out.
2. Do you know any guys who wear makeup?
Apart of me only some makeup artist but I think I’m above the normal guy who uses makeup because on normal days it’s powder foundation, brow pencil and blush, but for parties or meetings the list it’s large (well considering I don’t use eye makeup only flesh colored pencil in the waterlines and lipbalm on lips).
3. Crimped hair: yes or no?
Nope I don’t really like it.
4. What’s the first thing you do when you get home?
If Max it’s outside pet him, if not take off my backpack and sweater, say hi to my family and pet Max.
5. Are people surprised when they find out you’re into makeup?
Yep, really surprised but they get even more surprised if I retouch or apply makeup in front of them *priceless*
University is killing me, I haven’t finish to read your posts (many times I only read them on weekends) that’s why I haven’t commented in a while.
Hi Karen! 363 is my favorite number!! I’m especially excited to be answering this Monday’s blog!!
1. How do you feel about black lipstick?
It’s not for me. I would totally wear it for special occasion, but in any case, more power to those who rock it!
2. Do you know any guys who wear makeup?
Not really. I remember back to the time I first had my eyebrows waxed. He wore makeup. I loved it!
3. Crimped hair: yes or no?
Noooooooo. I am imagining my poor hair, thick and plentiful being worked on for this thing called crimping. Nooo I don’t like!
4. What’s the first thing you do when you get home?
Take off my shoes by the door, take a few steps and take off my socks. More steps and drop my bag. – Essentially I just drop everything.
5. Are people surprised when they find out you’re into makeup?
No. I tend to go bold on lips or eyes, and I’m always wearing eye makeup. Love it!! 😀
1. How do you feel about black lipstick?
It looks fantastic in editorials and on the runway. IRL is tough.
2. Do you know any guys who wear makeup?
Just the lovely beauty vloggers I follow!
3. Crimped hair: yes or no?
Being a child of the 80s, its a solid no. ::shudders::
4. What’s the first thing you do when you get home?
Usually change out of my work clothes. Hopefully into my workOUT clothes. 😉
5. Are people surprised when they find out you’re into makeup?
Perhaps more surprised that I want to talk so in-depth about it? 🙂