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 more or less random questions I’ve been posting on this blog every Monday morning for the past quadrillion years (since 2007).
1. Mineral or chemical sunscreen today?
Chemical filters today; the mineral ones have not been playing well with my skin lately. (Too drying.)
2. Which ’80s trend would you revisit right meow: big hair, oversized shoulder pads or bright, contoured blush?
Big hair for sure, but I’d like to update it in some way to make it modern. I’d use less crunchy styling products (oh gosh, remember how crispy everyone’s hair was?) and skip the spiral perm.
3. Something nice that happened last weekend?
We went on a short overnight family trip to Sacramento to cheer Connor on at a dance competition. I really enjoyed it. Family time at this age (she just turned 7) is the best!
4. Last piece of makeup that impressed you?
Caviar Shadow Stick in Strapless by Laura Mercier! It’s a gorgeous shimmery golden taupe I bought on a whim last week.
5. Are you ready for summer?
Yes and no. We had a long, wet winter, and I’m tired of being cold, so I’m looking forward to being warm again. At the same time, though, I’m not ready for it to be blistering hot every time I step outside my door, LOL! I’m definitely looking forward to being outside and going camping. I can’t wait to spend time with the Coywolf, too.
6. Rate your current makeup skill from 1 to 10 (with 10 being off-the-charts incredible).
Hmm, overall? I guess about a six or a seven if we’re talking strictly everyday wearable makeup, LOL! I’m deeply out of practice when it comes to makeup for photography and creative looks, though.
7. Pick one: an amazing wardrobe of clothes that fit great or a hair stylist who knows your hair well and cuts it perfectly?
While a holy grail stylist would certainly come in handy, I’m so sick of wearing the same five shirts over and over again. I’d take the clothes on the condition that I wouldn’t have to spend the time shopping for them.
8. What shall we do on a Friday night — karaoke or dancing?
Girl, let’s do both!
9. Where is the best place in your town for lunch with a friend?
There’s two places that I like – Blue Barn for their salads and fries, and Creekside Bakery for their avocado toast, which is purr-fection!
10. What’s on your lips today?
Good old NARS Dolce Vita, but in the crayon formula. I prefer the lip crayon over the lipstick these days!
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. Here are the questions to copy/paste with your answers in a comment. Talk to ya soon.
1. Mineral or chemical sunscreen today?
2. Which ’80s trend would you revisit right meow: big hair, oversized shoulder pads or bright, contoured blush?
3. Something nice that happened last weekend?
4. Last piece of makeup that impressed you?
5. Are you ready for summer?
6. Rate your current makeup skill from 1 to 10 (with 10 being off-the-charts incredible).
7. Pick one: an amazing wardrobe of clothes that fit perfectly or a hair stylist who knows your hair well and cuts it perfectly?
8. What shall we do on a Friday night — karaoke or dancing?
9. Where is the best place in your town for lunch with a friend?
10. What’s on your lips today?
P.P.S. Happy Monday, my friend. My heart is so full today from spending the weekend with Connor and El Hub, and so I want to pass that happiness on to you. I hope your Monday is filled with plenty of love and joy! Sending you good vibes today and for the rest of the week.
Happy Monday
1. Mineral or chemical sunscreen today? I use both, though my preference is to use mineral as often as possible. I have one that is a combo.
2. Which ’80s trend would you revisit right meow: big hair, oversized shoulder pads or bright, contoured blush? None of those trends do it for me. I lived through it once and see no need to go back there.
3. Something nice that happened last weekend? My son’s Ad Lab class won the district 2 AAF competition in New York beating out some other colleges. They now qualify for the regional competition.
4. Last piece of makeup that impressed you? The new Laura Mercier Real Flawless Foundation (or whatever it’s called). It feels so nice on the skin.
5. Are you ready for summer? A bit. I need a new bathing suit and I think I’m going to invest in a bathing cap for lap swimming.
6. Rate your current makeup skill from 1 to 10 (with 10 being off-the-charts incredible). I am probably a 7. I’ve been cutting back on lots of products and feel that I still haven’t mastered eyeliner.
7. Pick one: an amazing wardrobe of clothes that fit perfectly or a hair stylist who knows your hair well and cuts it perfectly? I’d go for an amazing wardrobe that fits perfectly. I can always pull my hair back.
8. What shall we do on a Friday night — karaoke or dancing? Let’s do both!
9. Where is the best place in your town for lunch with a friend? On a good day, my backyard deck. If we were going out, Houdini’s pizza.
10. What’s on your lips today? Bobbi Brown Crushed Oil-Infused Gloss in Love Letter. It seems that I am reintroducing myself to Bobbi Brown makeup, like the gloss and the cream shadow sticks. Maybe because me local Ulta has stocked up on some products and Chanel has gotten wat to expensive and I seem to be having issues with fragrance. I also like Laura Mercier, but my local Ulta never has what I want in stock.
So only one month left until graduation. These four years seem to have flown by.
Be well.
Happy Monday!
So excited for your son (and for you, what an accomplishment to get him there). What will you be doing to celebrate graduation?
1. Mineral or chemical sunscreen today? I use both. My favorite for my face right now is Sun Bum Glow 30.
2. Which ’80s trend would you revisit right meow: big hair, oversized shoulder pads or bright, contoured blush? Big hair….I have been embracing my waves lately (I prefer to straighten, but it takes so long)
3. Something nice that happened last weekend? Spent time with some good friends and family
4. Last piece of makeup that impressed you? Colourpop Super Shock Shadow in Ritz. I have not tried any eyeshadows from this brand before, and I really liked it. I also used a sample size of Rare Beauty mascara and really liked it.
5. Are you ready for summer? I prefer Spring & Fall temperatures…but my kids love summer so I’m ready😋
6. Rate your current makeup skill from 1 to 10 (with 10 being off-the-charts incredible). 6
7. Pick one: an amazing wardrobe of clothes that fit perfectly or a hair stylist who knows your hair well and cuts it perfectly? Clothes…I hate picking out and trying on clothes
8. What shall we do on a Friday night — karaoke or dancing? Dancing…I can’t sing
9. Where is the best place in your town for lunch with a friend?
10. What’s on your lips today? I have the same as you on! Nars Dolce Vita (Crayon Pencil) with a MAC gloss on top
1. Mineral or chemical sunscreen today? Caombo
2. Which ’80s trend would you revisit right meow: big hair, oversized shoulder pads or bright, contoured blush? Shoulder pads. Let’s hear it for looking like a linebacker. Lol
3. Something nice that happened last weekend? Dear Husband took me out for dinner Friday evening and then got take away both Saturday and Sunday for dinner. I love to cook, but sometimes you need a vacation.
4. Last piece of makeup that impressed you? SUQQU Melting Powder Blush. Sadly discontinued because they’re having difficulty sourcing the ingredients.
5. Are you ready for summer? Oh heck no. I’m never ready for summer. I’m already sweating and running the A/C. I loved this past winter. I only wished it was a tad bit colder.
6. Rate your current makeup skill from 1 to 10 (with 10 being off-the-charts incredible). Somewhere between 1-3. Other than a face tint and mascara, I haven’t been wearing much. It’s been hard to enough to blend out out my blush so it doesn’t look patchy and I’m still masking indoors so wearing lipstick seems too much.
7. Pick one: an amazing wardrobe of clothes that fit perfectly or a hair stylist who knows your hair well and cuts it perfectly? I want both!!! But I’d take the wardrobe in a nano second. Clothes fitting perfectly without tons of alterations? What is this dream?
8. What shall we do on a Friday night — karaoke or dancing? Dancing.
9. Where is the best place in your town for lunch with a friend? Shiok! Singaporean Kitchen.
10. What’s on your lips today? An SPF 26 lip balm I bought to try in Japan. It was 400 yen (approx $3US) and I wish I had ripped open the duty free bag and tried while still there, I would have stocked up.
1. Mineral or chemical sunscreen today?
Always mineral, the one I reach for the most is Elta MD spf 46. It’s light and layers well under makeup, never settles into lines. Really great product!
2. Which ’80s trend would you revisit right meow: big hair, oversized shoulder pads or bright, contoured blush?
I love big hair.
3. Something nice that happened last weekend?
My weekend is during the week, so it’s just starting, but it’s really beautiful and sunny out and that makes me happy!
4. Last piece of makeup that impressed you?
Victoria Beckham Beauty stick blush. I got the shade Playground which is super versatile and wears all day. Super happy with it.
5. Are you ready for summer?
Omg, yes! This winter was sooo long and cold and rainy and dark, ugh.
6. Rate your current makeup skill from 1 to 10 (with 10 being off-the-charts incredible).
A solid 5, lol. I haven’t really been inspired to do much more than just evening out redness, blush, some kind of vague eye definition, maybe a colorful lip if I’m feeling *fancy*
7. Pick one: an amazing wardrobe of clothes that fit perfectly or a hair stylist who knows your hair well and cuts it perfectly?
Definitely the wardrobe option.
8. What shall we do on a Friday night — karaoke or dancing?
Right now, neither. An interesting dinner sounds more appealing.
9. Where is the best place in your town for lunch with a friend?
I love Tay Ho in downtown Oakland for delicious Vietnamese food.
10. What’s on your lips today?
Gucci liquid matte in Goldie Red. I love the color but I wish it lasted longer. Also don’t love that it’s heavily fragranced.
I’m noting your lunch spot! 🙂 I always love a good Vietnamese food place.
1. Mineral or chemical sunscreen today? Chemical, although I do like both.
2. Which ’80s trend would you revisit right meow: big hair, oversized shoulder pads or bright, contoured blush? Big hair! I miss big hair.
3. Something nice that happened last weekend? I got a job. I wasn’t planning on getting a job, but I got a wild hair the other day and applied at a hotel. I got the job. I haven’t worked in 20 years, I am a stay at home mom, so this is going to be weird.
4. Last piece of makeup that impressed you? The Elf Halo glow, I don’t like a lot of coverage, but I do like glowiness.
5. Are you ready for summer? YES! I’m in northern Michigan, I can’t wait for Summer. It doesn’t get stupid hot here, and it’s time for sunshine.
6. Rate your current makeup skill from 1 to 10 (with 10 being off-the-charts incredible). Five. For the basics. I like a simple casual look.
7. Pick one: an amazing wardrobe of clothes that fit perfectly or a hair stylist who knows your hair well and cuts it perfectly? Clothes. I can put my hair in a pony, but it’s hard to find the right fitting clothes.
8. What shall we do on a Friday night — karaoke or dancing? Both! Always both!
9. Where is the best place in your town for lunch with a friend? The Beechwood Cafe actually seasons their food, and Matt’s has delicious pizza.
10. What’s on your lips today? Just the Laneige lip mask. It’s dry here and I need the moisture.
Yay for your Laneige Lip Mask!
1. Mineral or chemical sunscreen today? The chcmical ones flare my eczema. Mineral today – Anderson Family Farm Goat Milk Mineral Sunscreen.
2. Which ’80s trend would you revisit right meow: big hair, oversized shoulder pads or bright, contoured blush? Having entered the workforce in the 80’s some of those photos of my attire in those days make me cringe. I could use some big hair, just hold the hairspray.
3. Something nice that happened last weekend? I was at this music event and a lady I was introduced to couldn’t believe I had a 45-year-old daughter. Yay, sunscreen!
4. Last piece of makeup that impressed you? YVES Bare Look Tint. Sheer, not shiny but not matte either, doesn’t break me out.
5. Are you ready for summer? I enjoy the quiet of the winter in the neighborhood but am so ready to not shovel snow.
6. Rate your current makeup skill from 1 to 10 (with 10 being off-the-charts incredible). 5.
7. Pick one: an amazing wardrobe of clothes that fit perfectly or a hair stylist who knows your hair well and cuts it perfectly? Hair stylist – I’m perfectly fine in exercise pants and a Fishers Finery T 95% of the time.
8. What shall we do on a Friday night — karaoke or dancing? Dancing!
9. Where is the best place in your town for lunch with a friend? Mediterranean Grill in LaGrange IL.
10. What’s on your lips today? GXVE Screen My Phone Calls.
1. Mineral or chemical sunscreen today?
Mineral, always. Chemicals give me rashes.
2. Which ’80s trend would you revisit right meow: big hair, oversized shoulder pads or bright, contoured blush?
Shoulder pads. I love a good shoulder pad moment.
3. Something nice that happened last weekend?
I had no migraine?
4. Last piece of makeup that impressed you?
Those jelly eye shadows from ColourPop. But I have a love/hate relationship with them. Some are great. Some want to dry and shrivel up into nothingness.
5. Are you ready for summer?
YEEEEEEEEES. And no. I need to get bug spray for the Goose.
6. Rate your current makeup skill from 1 to 10 (with 10 being off-the-charts incredible).
I don’t know anymore. Can’t remember the last time I had to do real makeup. Maybe 4? 5?
7. Pick one: an amazing wardrobe of clothes that fit perfectly or a hair stylist who knows your hair well and cuts it perfectly?
I’m lucky in that I have a hairstylist that knows my hair well and cuts it well. I’m 80% percent there on the wardrobe. I’d kill to have the wardrobe done.
8. What shall we do on a Friday night — karaoke or dancing?
Karaoke. I’ve gotten bad at singing though.
9. Where is the best place in your town for lunch with a friend?
Daily Dose is right near my house but so many good places.
10. What’s on your lips today?
Just lip balm today.
1. Mineral or chemical sunscreen today? Mineral
2. Which ’80s trend would you revisit right meow: big hair, oversized shoulder pads or bright, contoured blush? Oh jeez, none of the above
3. Something nice that happened last weekend? Warriors won but in the most stressful way possible lol
4. Last piece of makeup that impressed you? Chantecaille lip chic (I got 2 colors) from the wild meadows collection. So pretty and moisturizing!
5. Are you ready for summer? Been ready for a while now but I’m enjoying spring
6. Rate your current makeup skill from 1 to 10 (with 10 being off-the-charts incredible). Probably 3. I like a very minimal look
7. Pick one: an amazing wardrobe of clothes that fit perfectly or a hair stylist who knows your hair well and cuts it perfectly? Hair stylist. Mine moved away and she’s proving to be irreplaceable
8. What shall we do on a Friday night — karaoke or dancing? Karaoke
9. Where is the best place in your town for lunch with a friend? Buona Forchetta for their wood fired pizzas
10. What’s on your lips today? Chantecaille lip chic in Carpathia
1. Mineral or chemical sunscreen today? Mineral, got the Kosas and Olehenriksen from Sephora sale and so far liking them both
2. Which ’80s trend would you revisit right meow: big hair, oversized shoulder pads or bright, contoured blush? Big Hair
3. Something nice that happened last weekend? Visited Caramel by sea town on Saturday and the weather was perfect
4. Last piece of makeup that impressed you? Charlotte Tilbury Blush wand, so easy to blend and with good stay power.
5. Are you ready for summer? Oh yea after the long wet winter in Bay Area I am longing for some warm days
6. Rate your current makeup skill from 1 to 10 (with 10 being off-the-charts incredible). hmm just a 5 I guess, I am not too experimental
7. Pick one: an amazing wardrobe of clothes that fit perfectly or a hair stylist who knows your hair well and cuts it perfectly? Amazing wardrobe, my hair always has its mind of own so guess no hair stylist can ever tame it.
8. What shall we do on a Friday night — karaoke or dancing? I have two left feet and can’t ever catch a note, but between may be will enjoy karaoke
9. Where is the best place in your town for lunch with a friend? Bay Area has town of places, my current fav is Teleferic Barcelona love their tapas and cocktails
10. What’s on your lips today? Laniege sleeping mask I use it has a lip balm
1. Mineral or chemical sunscreen today?
Chemical.
2. Which ’80s trend would you revisit right meow: big hair, oversized shoulder pads or bright, contoured blush?
Big hair.
3. Something nice that happened last weekend?
Enjoyed a phone call with my sister, whose birthday was Saturday. We’re in different time zones so don’t talk as often as we’d like.
4. Last piece of makeup that impressed you?
L’Oreal Telescopic Mascara.
5. Are you ready for summer?
No, I’m barely ready for tomorrow.
6. Rate your current makeup skill from 1 to 10 (with 10 being off-the-charts incredible).
My skills are rusty. 3.
7. Pick one: an amazing wardrobe of clothes that fit perfectly or a hair stylist who knows your hair well and cuts it perfectly?
Let’s go with the amazing wardrobe.
8. What shall we do on a Friday night — karaoke or dancing?
Karaoke.
9. Where is the best place in your town for lunch with a friend?
There’s an elegant inn on the edge of the huge local park. The inn has a porch that overlooks the walking trails and stream. It’s quite lovely and the food is good.
10. What’s on your lips today?
Nothing at all.
1. Mineral or chemical sunscreen today?
Unfortunately mineral sunscreen, SuperGoop Zinc Screen. I like the finishes of chemical better, but alas they make my eyes feel like I rubbed hot chili oil in them, always. I do like the Zinc Screen though it’s a winner.
2. Which ’80s trend would you revisit right meow: big hair, oversized shoulder pads or bright, contoured blush? Well I am still a Texas girl so the bigger the hair the closer to god.
3. Something nice that happened last weekend? Went to the beach and my son just had the best time splashing in the waves, nothing makes my heart sing more.
4. Last piece of makeup that impressed you? Westman Atelier Blush I’m Cuchette. It’s the perfect color for me, blends like a dream I can’t stop wearing it.
5. Are you ready for summer? Yes, but please no 120 degree days, no fun!
6. Rate your current makeup skill from 1 to 10 (with 10 being off-the-charts incredible). I would say a six. I am in a rut eyeshadow wise but, I am upping my base game, I want to see how natural but put together I can get, I think it’s working!
7. Pick one: an amazing wardrobe of clothes that fit perfectly or a hair stylist who knows your hair well and cuts it perfectly? Clothes, hair can be wild and free.
8. What shall we do on a Friday night — karaoke or dancing? Absolutely both, throw in a late night taco run and we are truly LIVING.
9. Where is the best place in your town for lunch with a friend? I like Luna in Campbell for Mexican, Slice of New York pizza is the best, and Hue in San Jose for truly authentic and unique Vietnamese.
10. What’s on your lips today? New lip combo! NYX lip liner in Peekaboo Nude with Maybelline lifter lipgloss in Sun, it’s a dupe for Fenty gloss bomb💕
1. Mineral or chemical sunscreen today?
Mineral all the way. I ❤️ pipette, tower 28 and Ilia tinted sunscreens. Speaking of sunscreen, I’ve recently convinced my 3rd grader to apply sunscreen daily!
Sorry your skin is reacting to chemical SPF.
2. Which ’80s trend would you revisit right meow: big hair, oversized shoulder pads or bright, contoured blush?
Not really any of those trends. Though my new blazer has shoulder pads but they are very subtle.
3. Something nice that happened last weekend?
Enjoyed a mommy daughter date!
4. Last piece of makeup that impressed you?
Maybelline full n soft…always does over any that mascara I’ve tried.
Also love Sephora brand lipsticks that a friend gifted me. I would have never thought to buy it. It’s the kind with the really cute card board tubes.
5. Are you ready for summer?
Yes and no. Mostly yes.
6. Rate your current makeup skill from 1 to 10 (with 10 being off-the-charts incredible).
A 10, why not? I’ve got an easy routine that makes me feel good and confident.
7. Pick one: an amazing wardrobe of clothes that fit perfectly or a hair stylist who knows your hair well and cuts it perfectly?
Wardrobe
8. What shall we do on a Friday night — karaoke or dancing?
Dancing
9. Where is the best place in your town for lunch with a friend?
Zupas or Kneaders
10. What’s on your lips today?
Blistex simple and sensitive chapstick
Have a wonderful week!
1. Mineral or chemical sunscreen today?
Mineral
2. Which ’80s trend would you revisit right meow: big hair, oversized shoulder pads or bright, contoured blush?
Big hair.
3. Something nice that happened last weekend?
My kids thanked their dad and I for a nice trip in The Berkshires.
4. Last piece of makeup that impressed you?
A contour and highlight stick from Nyx.
5. Are you ready for summer?
Always! Bring the heat!!
6. Rate your current makeup skill from 1 to 10 (with 10 being off-the-charts incredible).
Eight. My cat eye is still a LOT of trial and error. But I can put together a great eye shadow combination.
7. Pick one: an amazing wardrobe of clothes that fit perfectly or a hair stylist who knows your hair well and cuts it perfectly?
I wear wigs so my hair is always perfect. That leaves the other option. Besides, I love clothes much more than hair.
8. What shall we do on a Friday night — karaoke or dancing?
I am a Dancing Queen.
9. Where is the best place in your town for lunch with a friend?
So technically it’s brunch but The Farmer’s Daughter is a bright and sunny spot for good stuff I enjoy but don’t have the time to make. There is a great selection of boozy drinks to make moms less agitated. It is a sentimental spot because I ate there with a good mom friend who later moved from MA to TX.
10. What’s on your lips today?
Colourpop Lux Liquid Lip
1. Mineral or chemical sunscreen today? Mineral sunscreen. Would prefer to leave the chemicals behind these days.
2. Which ’80s trend would you revisit right meow: big hair, oversized shoulder pads or bright, contoured blush? Neon lipsticks (fuschia). The Flashdance look. One shoulder ripped sweatshirt with a tank underneath
3. Something nice that happened last weekend? Had a nice hair blow out.
4. Last piece of makeup that impressed you? L’Oreal Paris Visible Lift foundation
5. Are you ready for summer? I love the Fall best! Gets too hot in the Northeast and too humid!
6. Rate your current makeup skill from 1 to 10 (with 10 being off-the-charts incredible). 8 – I used to work for Lancome and teach color analysis and makeup application years ago.
7. Pick one: an amazing wardrobe of clothes that fit perfectly or a hair stylist who knows your hair well and cuts it perfectly? I have a great pair of cropped pants that make me look slim and thin! Navy blue.
8. What shall we do on a Friday night — karaoke or dancing? Dancing. If I sang karaoke, everyone would leave the premise
9. Where is the best place in your town for lunch with a friend? a small mom and pop pizza shop
10. What’s on your lips today?Nyx butter gloss over Pillow Talk lipstick by Charlotte Tillbury
1. Mineral or chemical sunscreen today? Mineral all the way. A lot of chemical sunscreens break me out.
2. Which ’80s trend would you revisit right meow: big hair, oversized shoulder pads or bright, contoured blush? Big hair all the way, already have it without much effort. No fan bangs though.
3. Something nice that happened last weekend? One of DH’s pledge brothers and his son visited on their way through town. It was the first nonfamily visitors we’ve had since the pandemic started.
4. Last piece of makeup that impressed you? I finally got a Pat McGrath Matte Trance lipsticks. Great formula although since it’s a dark red, I need to go get some lipliner.
5. Are you ready for summer? Not really, but getting there. Need to finish mulching, have the driveway sealed (can’t do that since the mulch is on the driveway), and clean/oil the outdoor furniture.
6. Rate your current makeup skill from 1 to 10 (with 10 being off-the-charts incredible). Not much higher than a 2. Lips, no problem. Mascara and basic liner, no problem. Everything else is either something I don’t wear, something I’m not good at, or something that I feel like a jackass in.
7. Pick one: an amazing wardrobe of clothes that fit perfectly or a hair stylist who knows your hair well and cuts it perfectly?
8. What shall we do on a Friday night — karaoke or dancing? Probably karaoke.
9. Where is the best place in your town for lunch with a friend? There are a few good places and one great place (House of William and Merry).
10. What’s on your lips today? Just Nuxe Reve de Miel balm, although I finally had to switch over to the new formula and it’s probably only 75% as good. Still better than anything else I’ve tried that’s still available. The old Prada balm in the ampoule box was just as good but it was discontinued long ago.
Skipped #7 – The wardrobe for sure. If I got desperate with my hair, I’d just cut it myself. It’s curly so it’s more like hedge trimming than anything else.