So…what is the Monday Poll?
Excellent question! It isn’t, contrary to its name, an actual poll, like with little clicky buttons. It’s just a list of five more or less random questions I’ve been posting on this blog every Monday morning for the past quadrillion years (since 2007). I love reading your answers, and it helps me get my week off to a good start. ?
1. Your thoughts on colorful eyeliner?
Love it. Love wearing it. I do tend to gravitate toward darker jewel tones like green, navy, purple and the occasional burgundy, rather than more adventurous “out there” colors like true red, lime green or neon yellow… Way back in my yonder days, I used to love a shot of bright teal on my upper lash line, but the last few times I tried it (and this might all be in my head), I felt like it looked…like I was trying too hard.
2. Warm reds or cool reds?
Cool reds please! The ones that border on fuchsia.
3. Are you able to now (or have you ever been able to) do a backflip?
Oh, hell no.
4. Is face powder/setting powder a non-negotiable for you?
It was for me in my 20s, a.k.a. back in my oily skin days, but I try to skip it when I can now. If you can get away without it, I say skip it or use the absolute least amount.
One less thing to do…
5. Something you recently learned that you like?
I don’t mind kale chips…as long as someone else makes them. When I make them at home, though? Two words: soggy leaves.
Colorful liner week?
Hi, friend. ? Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
OK, can we talk hair for a sec? — because I’m looking at myself in the mirror now, and all I see are half a dozen scraggly gray hairs sticking straight up at crazy angles, and I think I need some help getting through this part of the growing-out-the-gray process…
I’ve heard that everyone who grows out their grays hits a point when they think their hair looks completely ? bananas for a while, and I’m officially at that point.
Ugh…
I’ve reached the multiple ??? bananas point… I cried about it half the day yesterday.
I know, I know, it’s just hair, but this is a big change for me, and I’m struggling with it, because right now when I look in the mirror, I don’t feel like I’m seeing myself.
Lying awake in bed last night, I kept reminding myself that it’s just a phase. How can I can get through it gracefully? Then it occurred to me… How about bright pops of color? Some gals who grow out their gray tweak their makeup to go with their new hair, so maybe a colorful liner instead of the neutrals I’ve been wearing the past few months might help? Maybe a green or blue cat liner would distract me from staring at those white hairs.
So that’s my makeup plan. Anyone down to embrace colorful liner with me this week?
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. Question time! Here they are to copy/paste with your answers in a comment. Talk to you soon.
1. Your thoughts on colorful eyeliner?
2. Warm reds or cool reds?
3. Are you able to now (or have you ever been able to) do a backflip?
4. Is face powder/setting powder a non-negotiable for you?
5. Something you recently learned that you like?
1. Your thoughts on colorful eyeliner?
Also a big fan! So much easier and more controlled way to incorporate color. I like colorful eyeshadow but I need a plan and have to really commit to the look. So that’s a lot more effort. ?
2. Warm reds or cool reds?
Honestly, either one! I feel like an advantage of being really pale for me is just about any red works.
3. Are you able to now (or have you ever been able to) do a backflip?
Nope. I’m too much of a cautious control freak. I tried gymnastics as a little one but even then I couldn’t let go. Ballet was a much better fit, until pirouettes en pointe. And it’s probably for the best I didn’t advance far enough to partnering because I think that would not have gone down well either. ?
4. Is face powder/setting powder a non-negotiable for you?
I much prefer to skip it when I can as well. I really can’t stand a sticky base though so if it never sets I will use powder everywhere. The NARS Light Reflecting Setting Powder Pressed applied with a damp sponge is my favorite. It goes fast but sets so well and doesn’t look heavy like loose powders often do on me. Or suck the moisture out of my face.
5. Something you recently learned that you like?
I’m coming up empty. No recently learned, but recently remembered how much I like soup! Ha.
So I totally feel you on the growing out gray hair thing. What I did the first time was use a deposit only hair color (in that case Punky Colour) that toned the bulk of still dyed hair a bit cooler + darker and put a little color into my white roots. It washes out pretty fast but helped the initial transition for me. Later on I used a blue gloss treatment thing that helped again tone down the orangey dyed parts vs my cool brown roots.
Come full circle, my hair was fully grown out. Then I had baby #3. And almost all that white hair around my face fell out. And it straight up felt like I was starting the entire process over again. Not to mention how thin the hair around my hairline was I was this close to busting out a box of color. I talked myself out of it but I am thinking about trying Keracolor color + clenditioner to add a little color without commitment that’s a little less of a hassle compared to a tub of color from Punky.
Happy Monday! First of all, I give you a TON of credit for embracing your natural hair. I could absolutely not do it. I start to get itchy just thinking about when my roots are 1/8″ – which is why I obsessively color at home. It’s a big change so don’t be too hard on yourself. Did you already try the demi-permanent route so it’s more gradual? I haven’t seen any grays in your pictures so this is probably the time to transition. I’ve seen people with longer hair who’ve done it and had about 4″ of natural regrown (salt and pepper) and then the rest of their hair the solid “brown” that they’d been coloring it. That’s a tough look to pull off. 🙁 Though, you look great with your hair pulled up, so you could probably work it! 🙂
1. Your thoughts on colorful eyeliner? I’m too self conscious for it. Like bold lipstick. If I’d always worn it, I don’t think it would be a big deal but, since I never have, people always do a double take.
2. Warm reds or cool reds? Cool, pls!
3. Are you able to now (or have you ever been able to) do a backflip? Can I count off a diving board? I’m counting it. Yes.
4. Is face powder/setting powder a non-negotiable for you? No, I try to avoid powder. I feel like it’s clogging my pores.
5. Something you recently learned that you like? Oh, gosh, not kale chips. HAHA! I’m sure I’d end up with soggy leaves, too. I’ll go with Diet Root Beer. I usually only drink Cherry Coke Zero for soda but have been switching it up with Diet Mug on occasion, since it’s caffeine free. Speaking of… how is El Hub doing with the GF? Well, I hope! 🙂
1. Your thoughts on colorful eyeliner? I love colorful eyeliner! When used correctly (or incorrectly, it’s all about experimenting) it can add something to a boring neutral look and, for me, gives me a boost of confidence.
2. Warm reds or cool reds? I use both on the lips but I do lean towards more of the cool blue toned reds.
3. Are you able to now (or have you ever been able to) do a backflip? Not on land, but in a pool? Heck yes.
4. Is face powder/setting powder a non-negotiable for you? It is a non-negotiable. Sometimes it is just to control my oil but all the time it is to help keep my face in place as I’m running about.
5. Something you recently learned that you like? Mixing a face cream with a few drops of Argan oil in the AM and Tarte Maracuja oil in the PM. I was so nervous that this would break me out like no tomorrow but it has really made my skin look healthier and more hydrated than it has ever looked.
I love that you do this post, now I can’t wait for next week’s Monday Poll because this is a genius idea!
1. Your thoughts on colorful eyeliner?
I love it, honestly I need to wear it more often. It’s the easiest way to add a twist on your look with very minimal effort.
2. Warm reds or cool reds?
Cool to neutral please!
3. Are you able to now (or have you ever been able to) do a backflip?
When I was little to early teens I could. Once my boobs and butt got to a certain size I was too worried about hitting myself in the face. I didn’t do it for several years and then failed at it.
4. Is face powder/setting powder a non-negotiable for you?
I’ll set if I have too but if I’m only wearing makeup for a few hours I wont.
5. Something you recently learned that you like?
The music of Shooter Jennings. I’m not a country gal but it’s got enough folk/blues/indie rock to make it really fun to put on. Thanks Netflix!
Have you considered wearing a headband or scarf, Jackie O style during this weird phase? I think you could totally pull off the look.
I’m leaving my hair be, and I also start having grey hair here and there, baby hairs which I grey, but I think I haven’t yet hit that phase you mentioned because they’re hardly noticeable. I think pops of colour is a great idea!
1. Your thoughts on colorful eyeliner?
I only wear colored eyeliner very rarely I use black!
2. Warm reds or cool reds?
Warm reds for me, especially those muted brick reds I love so much.
3. Are you able to now (or have you ever been able to) do a backflip?
Never in a million years…
4. Is face powder/setting powder a non-negotiable for you?
It is not and never has been. I’m a dry skin gal, powder makes me look 102 years old.
5. Something you recently learned that you like?
I really like toasted pumpkin seeds as a snack!
1. Your thoughts on colorful eyeliner? Love it! The darker ones, like you, I feel like it looks like I’m trying too hard if I wear anything too bright. I don’t wear black eyeliner well, I’m terrible at tightlining but I love the look so much.
2. Warm reds or cool reds? Both really, but probably more cool toned reds because I feel they make my teeth look whiter. #coffee
3. Are you able to now (or have you ever been able to) do a backflip? HAHAHAHAHA, no.
4. Is face powder/setting powder a non-negotiable for you? Nope. Don’t use it. The older I get, 43, the less oily and more dry I am.
5. Something you recently learned that you like? Netflix. We’ve had it forever, and it’s always been fine. But I never really thought about it. Their programming has improved so much, and I watch more Netflix than network tv!
My grays are comin’ in strong – I swear every new picture of me there’s way more. I just turned 30, so I’m guessing my hair will be almost all silver in the next 5-10 years. I’m kind of hoping they’ll be easy-ish to dye with vivid colors, but they’re pretty coarse and wiry so I have my doubts.
1. Your thoughts on colorful eyeliner?
The most colorful I get is a plum or eggplant, otherwise I stick to dark brown or black!
2. Warm reds or cool reds?
Warm reds – cool reds make me look sickly.
3. Are you able to now (or have you ever been able to) do a backflip?
I was able to off a diving board when I was a kid, but probably because I didn’t need to stick the landing, LOL.
4. Is face powder/setting powder a non-negotiable for you?
Absolutely. I wear BareMinerals’ bareskin pressed powder either over my foundation or alone most times I leave the house.
5. Something you recently learned that you like?
The gluten-free pasta at Aldi – it doesn’t leave a weird filmy taste in my mouth (the Target one with corn in it does, blegh!!) and the texture is “right.” Now I just want to eat pasta every night…so maybe discovering that wasn’t the best thing.
Hi Karen! Today is my momma’s birthday! Mine and Bree’s are 10 days away. I will be 30 (or, as I call it, my second 3rd birthday) and Bree will be 5!
1. Your thoughts on colorful eyeliner?
I love a very rich pigmented BRIGHT colored eyeliner. They’re in short supply though so I just use wet bright eyeshadow as bright eyeliner (the trick to wearing bright eyeliner well I find is to tightline your eyes with super black eyeliner.)
2. Warm reds or cool reds?
Cool! I love blue-toned reds!
3. Are you able to now (or have you ever been able to) do a backflip?
Ha ha ha ha…no.
4. Is face powder/setting powder a non-negotiable for you?
No, not really! I just preferred to sweat it off?
5. Something you recently learned that you like?
I really, really, REALLY love to canter over poles. It’s a bloody addiction. At the same time, the minute I heard Abby (the horse I rehabbed) had come back from where she was vacationing for rest and her owner was looking to put her under saddle again, I was ready to drop learning to jump.
I’m stuck between two worlds – rehab and jumping. I’m not sure which I love more and they are so different that I really need to pick one!
1. Your thoughts on colorful eyeliner? YAAAASSS!!
2. Warm reds or cool reds? COOL 😉
3. Are you able to now (or have you ever been able to) do a backflip? HELL NO
4. Is face powder/setting powder a non-negotiable for you? NAH, I HAVE DRY SKIN. PASS.
5. Something you recently learned that you like?
I LEARNED THAT EVEN THOUGH I LOVE MAKEUP, I AM STARTING TO LIKE SIMPLE LOOKS MORE AND I AM STARTING TO BUY LESS QUANTITY AND LOOK FOR MORE QUALITY. ( MAKEUP WITH SKIN CARE BENEFITS, GOOD INGREDIENTS,ETC).
PS. hang in there! I was also not feeling my hair this morning, or atleast it was my first wash after my haircut this weekend, and you know how the first wash is – UNPREDICTABLE. So in case my hair went crazy, I popped an army green eyeliner on my lids, and loaded up on mascara to make my eyes pop.
hair turned out ok, but I am glad I added that touch before I ran out the door 🙂
maybe your makeup needs to be in complementary colors to your new ahem hair color? ya know how you get a tan over the summer and u have to find a new foundation, concealer and the whole ball of wax? it can throw off your whole makeup game! and maybe you haven’t found the right makeup look to complement your new hair color and that’s ok! have fun experimenting 🙂
Have you thought about dying HALF your grays? Then over the next ten years or so, strategically letting more grow in? I’m doing that and it looks/feels natural without being as shocking as suddenly having a ton. I feel age appropriate without going overboard. I think your silvers are very elegant, btw. In 20 years you’ll look great, and lots of new makeup to try with silver hair! You can’t change the texture of grey, but maybe having a little less of it for now will feel more manageable.
1. Your thoughts on colorful eyeliner?
Colorful on others!
2. Warm reds or cool reds?
Always cool. My skin is super warm toned.
3. Are you able to now (or have you ever been able to) do a backflip?
We had a trampoline when I was s kid, before they had safety nets. The only trick I couldn’t do was a backflip. I tried to psyche myself up to give it a go dozens of times. I finally tried and landed at a weird angle half off the trampoline. Never tried again! Spotters and a coach probably would have helped.
4. Is face powder/setting powder a non-negotiable for you?
Hardly ever use it, except in Boston in August. Eeeew hot and still air on the T!
5. Something you recently learned that you like?
Lizzo’s song Juice – thank you, Karen!! Also the documentary film They Shall Not Grow Old by Peter Jackson. I saw it today. It’s moving and educational and horrible and edifying and squirmy and anazing all at once.
Have a happy week! Hope you’re feeling comforted today.
1. I love bright eyeliner because I think it looks stunning when done right. I once went to Sephora and the salesgirl had lime green liner and coordinated shadow. Looked AMAZING!
2. Cool reds. I have a yellow/peach undertone so the warms look like crap on me.
3. Backflip…. NO! Not even a cartwheel sadly.
4. No to face powder. I wear concealer, mascara, sometimes eyeshadow. Always colored lip gloss or balm because I have hella dry lips. What seeing powder would you wear with Nars radiant creamy concealer? My under eye area is neither too dry mouth too oily.
I have a few grays here and there, so I yank them out but I am slowly starting to think I may need to conserve those hairs for the day I hit menopause though I’m currently 36. My mom had me at 37 and my bro at 39 and she was not a vain woman but would dye her hair because she didn’t want us to be ashamed of the fact that she was older than all the other moms at school. I have seen older women at the store who use pastel colors on their gray hair and I think that’s pretty but they have a light base color to begin with unlike you and me.
Happy Monday!
1. Your thoughts on colorful eyeliner? I love it! All the colors, but especially purples, blues/teals, greens, and olive. I have somewhat hooded eyes, so usually they are a pop of color on the lower lashline, or as a big wing.
2. Warm reds or cool reds? Eyes — both. Lips — I favor cool to neutral, but I look good in warms, too, and wear them sometimes. I rarely wear red blush, but I tend to go cool with that.
3. Are you able to now (or have you ever been able to) do a backflip? No. I swear I’m the most non-kinesthetic person on the planet.
4. Is face powder/setting powder a non-negotiable for you? Yes, as I have oily skin.
5. Something you recently learned that you like? Thai food, as long as I ask for mild spiciness.
“The Hummingbird Project” trailer. Check it out. Salma Hayek’s character. You’ll want all of your hair silver NOW. 😉
1. Your thoughts on colorful eyeliner? I like blackened colors (love Sisley’s blackened metallic eyeliners) but nothing bright.
2. Warm reds or cool reds? I can wear either so long as the shade has some transparency to it. At my age, a fully opaque or matte shade is far from flattering.
3. Are you able to now (or have you ever been able to) do a backflip? No.
4. Is face powder/setting powder a non-negotiable for you? As the last step in a full makeup application, I like a very light dusting of a super fine finishing powder because it pulls everything together. Guerlain Météorites is my go to.
5. Something you recently learned that you like? I’ve become addicted to a Russian appetizer called Ikra. Its a blend of eggplant, red bell pepper, onions, tomato, and seasonings cooked until it is the consistency of a velvety dip.
One thing I try to do is still style my hair cute even though I have grays. There is no rule that says you can’t wear sparkly barrettes or hair ties if you’re gray! Plus when I dress up my hair I like that it looks intentional. I feel like it says, “yeah bitch, I’m rocking gray hair and I look fabulous!”
1. Your thoughts on colorful eyeliner? – I’m all for it! Yesterday I wore the Dominique Cosmetics Latte palette and used the teal shadow for eyeliner on my lower lashes and loved how it turned out. I almost always use shadow as my eyeliner, especially for the lower line.
2. Warm reds or cool reds? Honestly, I’m not a fan of reds. I love how they look on other people but when I try it, I think it looks horrible!
3. Are you able to now (or have you ever been able to) do a backflip? Nope, never.
4. Is face powder/setting powder a non-negotiable for you? I’m an oily skin gal so, yup. I need it. My favorite has been the Too Faced Peach Perfect powder.
5. Something you recently learned that you like? Well you turned me onto Lizzo and I’m really digging it!
I’ll do the bright eyeliner challenge with ya! I’m game.
1. Your thoughts on colorful eyeliner?
-I am like you, I prefer the deeper jewel tones. I have Mac Siahi (I should wear it again) but I was just looking at the Shiseido navy gel liner yesterday. I think I’ll splurge on it!
2. Warm reds or cool reds?
-hmm, that’s a hard one… I guess warm.
3. Are you able to now (or have you ever been able to) do a backflip?
-nope.
4. Is face powder/setting powder a non-negotiable for you?
-oh, I must. My skin is oily!!
5. Something you recently learned that you like?
-cool toned neutral eyeshadows. I have not worn them in a while and I wore them a few times this weekend and it looked really nice!
1. Your thoughts on colorful eyeliner? Love it. My first foray into color makeup was actually green mascara. I rock a purple liner these days too.
2. Warm reds or cool reds? Ok, should I be into cool reds? I always thought that with my skin tone, warm reds would look better…
3. Are you able to now (or have you ever been able to) do a backflip? NOPE.
4. Is face powder/setting powder a non-negotiable for you? I dislike putting powder on my face. It makes me look too done up.
5. Something you recently learned that you like? Sexy bras. It was never a thing for me but after breastfeeding for a year, my boobs have changed and I like treating them well after they fed my child
1. Your thoughts on colorful eyeliner? i like it but i dont think i would wear it.
2. Warm reds or cool reds? cool red on my lips
3. Are you able to now (or have you ever been able to) do a backflip? nope. i am stiff as a board
4. Is face powder/setting powder a non-negotiable for you? no. only in the summer is it like non negotiable
5. Something you recently learned that you like? snapseed filters. lol
1. Your thoughts on colorful eyeliner? I like it on other people, too scared to do it on myself
2. Warm reds or cool reds? warm reds
3. Are you able to now (or have you ever been able to) do a backflip? nope
4. Is face powder/setting powder a non-negotiable for you? no, I can go on and off it
5. Something you recently learned that you like? Adding oil directly to my foundation. My skin is on the dry side and this is soo good!!!