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 NINE (!) 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. 🙂
1. Which do you prefer: cool-toned red lipsticks or warm-toned red lipsticks? And do you have a particular favorite one?
Girl, don’t make me choose! It’s too hard!!!
OK, um…I’ll go with warm-toned red lipsticks, because my skin tone is warm, even though I also like wearing cool-toned colors.
As for a favorite one, that would be none other than MAC Lady Danger. It’s warm with an orangey undertone — a little sassy, a little vintage.
Add winged liner, and you could be kickin’ it with a pack of ’50s greasers, hangin’ with Audrey Hepburn’s party crowd in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, or jammin’ with a present-day rockabilly girl gang. Everything goes.
I will say this, though, about cool-toned reds: MWAHH! I love them, especially on warm-toned skin. There’s just something about the contrast of, like, a bluish red on warm skin that makes it look more…3D and dramatic. Sometimes warm reds can kind of blend into warm-toned skin, ya know?
I dunno… It really depends on my mood, I guess.
2. How readily do you blush?
Not readily, ’cause I’m a cool customer (haha, in my mind), but I’ve been told by friends that I blush easily.
3. If you could live forever in a particular decade, which decade would you choose and why?
I definitely wouldn’t pick the ‘80s, because even though I love ‘80s music…the big hair was just too problematic.
And no to the ‘70s, as well, because I can’t remember them.
And the early 2000s? Hello, super low-rise jeans! No, never again.
So, I’ll go with the ’90s, partially because I’ve been feeling nostalgic for them lately. I did a lot of growing up in that era. Things seemed simpler then…
Gosh, that sounded so cliché, haha! But things were simpler for me back then, and I like the music and the fashion, although I’m not crazy about the makeup… There was A LOT of brown and matte. It bores me to tears, but I grew up wearing it.
They weren’t my favorite makeup decade, to be honest.
4. (FILL IN THE BLANK) changes everything.
A good cat.
Money (to quote Cyndi Lauper!).
Your attitude.
A comfortable bra.
5. Wearing sequins during the day: a do or a don’t?
Definitely a do. Hell, go for head-to-toe sequins! Why the hell not? I love sparkles.
If I had my way, everybody would be wearing sequins every day, all day long. I think it would make the world a happier place. If Blanche Devereux can work it, why can’t you?!
But seriously, I think for most people, the key for daytime wear is to go with just one sequined piece at a time, like sequined skinny jeans with a plain white shirt. I’d totally rock that right now.
Note to self: look for a sequined jacket.
About that pic at the top…
Somebody at Cost Plus World Market gets my sense of humor because the kitchen towel in the top pic made me crack up SO hard. I must have looked like a crazy person standing there laughing in the store in front of the towels.
Hey, a good laugh is a great way to start the day, right? 🙂
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. Here are the questions to copy and paste…
1. Which do you prefer: cool-toned red lipsticks or warm-toned red lipsticks? And do you have a particular favorite one?
2. How readily do you blush?
3. If you could live forever in a particular decade, which decade would you choose and why?
4. (FILL IN THE BLANK) changes everything.
5. Wearing sequins during the day: a do or a don’t?
LOL, I love that towel!
1. Which do you prefer: cool-toned red lipsticks or warm-toned red lipsticks? And do you have a particular favorite one?
Cool-toned red lipsticks are easiest for me to wear, with my very cool undertones, but warm reds can look good, too, if they’re deep enough. My favorite red lipstick is probably NARS Cruella, which is kind of funny ‘cuz I’m mostly not crazy about matte lipsticks, but something about that color is just right for me.
2. How readily do you blush?
Oy! When you have rosacea, you turn red over *everything*!
3. If you could live forever in a particular decade, which decade would you choose and why?
For music and fashion, 1965-1975 — when I was young, of course, lol! Not so much for makeup, though. For makeup, I think I would pick now, because of the freedom to wear whatever the h*ll you like. I only wish the cosmetic companies didn’t seem to have it in for people with cool undertones like they have for the past few years. Every foundation is too yellow, too peach, or too pink (except some Dr.Jart+ BB creams). I’ve actually started mixing a drop of blue pigment from Make Up For Ever in with my foundation.
4. (FILL IN THE BLANK) changes everything.
I’m with you on a good attitude and a great-fitting (and comfortable, if there is such a thing in 32G… ) bra. Money can change a lot, but not everything.
I’d add:
someone to love and take care of, even if it’s just a plant
having some great music on
being in good health
fresh air and sunshine
5. Wearing sequins during the day: a do or a don’t?
Rock on! I actually don’t think I’ve ever worn sequins, oddly enough. I’m going to have to remedy that deficiency!
Hey Fran,
Foundation is the ultimate challenge, isn’t it? I’m curious to know if there’s any lines out there that you feel do better in terms of foundation for cool-toned ladies and gents. I’d love to know just so that if someone asks me in the future I can send them in the right direction!
Happy Monday to you, and hi to Marya and Sonya.
P.S. A few posts back you asked about whether or not I thought that Hourglass would re-issue Prism. I don’t think they will, unfortunately. If I ever find anything close to that blue I’ll let you know. I’ve been looking for years for something similar.
Foundation is really tough! The only product I know of that’s ‘ashy’ enough for me right out of the tube (and it tells you something when warm skin tones are called ‘golden’ and cool ones are referred to as ‘ashy’) is Dr.Jart+ Black Label Detox BB Beauty Balm. Laura Mercier used to make one called ‘Rose Beige’ that was close, but the current iteration no longer is. My NW20 MAC foundation is more peachy than I am; the Cover Fx ‘cool’ tones are too pink for me; their neutral tones actually look better on me than the ‘cool’ ones do. I really don’t understand why anyone thinks that pink/red is a cool color! We’re all shades of ivory/beige/tan/brown; brown is a mix of red, yellow, and blue (at least when we’re dealing with pigments, as in makeup). They seem to forget that blue is part of the equation. Blue is the coolest color. Pink is not even close! I think a lot of people with olive skin tones have similar troubles with current lines. There are a lot of foundations I haven’t tried because of my need to wear mineral sunscreen at all times, so there could be something out there that I haven’t found yet, but I do sample a lot of products. Ever since Coco Chanel got a tan, we’ve been thinking that ‘pale’ means ‘unhealthy-looking’, when really a tan is just sun damage in the skin! And we all look more golden with a tan, even if we have cool undertones. I think that’s the basis of the ‘warm is good, cool looks ashy, unhealthy, horrible’ aesthetic. But it annoys me.
Sorry for the rant…
I love my new Rouge Bunny Rouge eyeshadows. Haven’t actually tried the gloss yet — hoping that ‘moving around’ bit will work with all my crinkles and wrinkles. Soon! Later this week, I hope (thinking maybe laundry day is a good day to try a risky new makeup idea, lol… )
Also loving my new MAC Plum and Smoky eye kits 🙂 the plum does have enough grey/lavender in it to look good near my eyes — used the Tailor Grey in/on my crease/hood with that. Used RBR Trumpeter Koel with the Smoky kit — both worked great 🙂
First of all, that towel is AWESOME!!!
OK, now I can get to the questions…
1. Which do you prefer: cool-toned red lipsticks or warm-toned red lipsticks? And do you have a particular favorite one?
Mmmm, warm-toned in summer and cool-toned in winter. Man, choosing a favorite is just too hard… Maybe (MAYBE) the Tarte LipSurgence Matte Lip Tint in Fiery (which I think has been discontinued).
2. How readily do you blush?
I NEVER blush. I think my face is missing a few capillaries, LOL!
3. If you could live forever in a particular decade, which decade would you choose and why?
I’ll go with the 2000s – the late 2000s, to be precise. It’s when I went to college, when I lived in Berkeley, when I graduated, when I had so many hopes and dreams for the future, and had SO. MUCH. FUN.
4. (FILL IN THE BLANK) changes everything.
A bold lipstick changes everything!
5. Wearing sequins during the day: a do or a don’t?
I’m not sure I’ve ever even worn sequined anything, but, I mean, why not?
I hope you have a great week, Karen!
Hi Carolina,
I hope you had a great week too!
P.S. I have a soft spot for the late ’90s because that’s when was just about finished with college. Had a lot of fun my last year (although the makeup situation was a HOT mess).
1. Which do you prefer: cool-toned red lipsticks or warm-toned red lipsticks? And do you have a particular favorite one?
Warm-toned reds for life! I don’t like cool-toned red lipsticks on me (redhead). I don’t have a particular favorite, although Maybelline Craving Coral is one I have on hand and like.
2. How readily do you blush?
You know, I don’t actually know! I don’t think anyone’s ever told me.
3. If you could live forever in a particular decade, which decade would you choose and why?
I don’t even know. I don’t really remember the 80s, I was very young through the 90s, and the 2000s have their issues. Maybe I’ll stay where I am (but not 2016, this year has been cray)
4. (FILL IN THE BLANK) changes everything.
You’re so right on a comfortable bra. Totally not worth wearing ones that itch or don’t fit. Also, finding exercise / movement you love.
5. Wearing sequins during the day: a do or a don’t?
Do! As long as they’re not itchy!
Hi Chelsea,
I have absolutely NO patience for ill-fitting bras (or underwear for that matter). If it’s uncomfortable in any way FORGET IT!
Oh, and you’re totally right about finding exercise that speaks to you. When I was younger I pretty much hated every PE class because I’m terrible at group sports that involve flying objects. It wasn’t until I was older and started running on my own that I realized that I like exercising. Took a while to get there but I got there!
I hate running and group sports! I also discovered later that I have a heart condition that makes a lot of cardio really hard for me. But circus, hula hooping, and yoga, those are my things.
1. I think cool. They make my teeth look less yellow than the warm ones. I have 2 favorite reds in my vanity from the drug store: Rommel matte 505 burning lava, and Milani matte confident. I’d love to get my hands on the “meet Matte Hues”, Jeffery Star or TooFaced brands but they are currently priced out of reach.
2. I’m pretty much a prude, so anything slightly scandalous gives me away.
3. Oh wow, this is rough. I’d say the 20’s but I realize I have a romanticized view of that decade and may like it less than I think I would!
4. A good mascara/a cathartic cry session/a loyal girlfriend/maybe all 3 together changes everything.
5. Do and DONE! haha. Happy Monday.
Happy Monday to you, too, Jaclyn!
1. Which do you prefer: cool-toned red lipsticks or warm-toned red lipsticks? And do you have a particular favorite one?
In general I prefer cool-toned colors in makeup as orange blush and lipstick look funny on me, even though I’m warm-toned, in fact I think I’m too warm-toned so I can’t rock really warm-toned makeup.
2. How readily do you blush?
Not much if isn’t with blush I don’t look blushed.
3. If you could live forever in a particular decade, which decade would you choose and why?
Although I think the world is crazier I like this decade.
4. (FILL IN THE BLANK) changes everything.
Happiness, friends/family, money and love.
5. Wearing sequins during the day: a do or a don’t?
Why not? But I have to admit I haven’t found a men’s blazer with sequins that doesn’t look burlesque.
Until my friend read aloud the towel I didn’t understand the joke LOL.
Hey Efrain,
I think more men should wear sequins! It would make the world a much more interesting place.
I totally understand what you mean about cool-toned reds. The contrast with warm skin can look super cool. Have you had the chance to try MAC Russian Red or Ruby Woo? They’re classic cool-toned shades.
1. Which do you prefer: cool-toned red lipsticks or warm-toned red lipsticks? And do you have a particular favorite one?
Warm-toned for sure! I love orange reds and coral reds.
2. How readily do you blush?
When I’m stressing about something I tend to flush. But I guess that’s not the same as blush?
3. If you could live forever in a particular decade, which decade would you choose and why?
So tough! I don’t think I can answer this question (yet)… I want to see first what is yet to come 🙂
4. Love changes everything.
5. Wearing sequins during the day: a do or a don’t?
Suuuuure, why not, right? 🙂
Yes, sequins during the day all the way!
Hi Karen, this is my first time doing the monday poll EVER, yaaaaay!!! Before starting, I just have a quick question: would you agree to do the “how I did my makeup in high school challenge”? (I miss you on YouTube btw ???).
1. Which do you prefer: cool-toned red lipsticks or warm-toned red lipsticks? And do you have a particular favorite one?
–> definetely cool-tonedred lipsticks. I am a huge fan of those, particularly Mac russian ref and ruby woo.
2. How readily do you blush?
–> I have no idea ? (LOL)
3. If you could live forever in a particular decade, which decade would you choose and why?
–> I would love to live in the 1920’s. I love the way women were dressed up ?. So classy!!!
4. (FILL IN THE BLANK) changes everything.
–> love, shopping, money, bffs
5. Wearing sequins during the day: a do or a don’t?
–> a do!!!!
Hope you have a wonderful day so far. xxx
Hi Raph,
LOL, you don’t want to see how I did my makeup in high school! Actually now that I think about it, it wasn’t that bad (that would come later, HAHA!). I wore a lot of matte browns because that was the thing at the time. I’ve been trying to get back on the video train but it’s been a challenge balancing everything with the baby. I’m hoping to get back to doing Youtube soon!
Thank you for filling out the Monday poll today. I’m so glad you decided to join in! Have a great rest of your day, ‘K?
1. Which do you prefer: cool-toned red lipsticks or warm-toned red lipsticks? And do you have a particular favorite one? Cooled toned. My favorite is MAC ruby Woo. So sexy
2. How readily do you blush? umm not anymore. blushing is for young teenage girls.
3. If you could live forever in a particular decade, which decade would you choose and why? I always say the 50s with the horn rimmed glasses and the big skirts. However I always remember it was not cool for blacks in the fifties, so now I am going to say the future.
4. (FILL IN THE BLANK) changes everything. SEX
5. Wearing sequins during the day: a do or a don’t? A dont.
Hi Ericca,
Ruby Woo is classic. BTW, I love ’50s style too (don’t think I’d want to live in that decade, though).
1. Which do you prefer: cool-toned red lipsticks or warm-toned red lipsticks? And do you have a particular favorite one?
I’m ultra-light with pink undertones, so blue-based red all they way. My fav is the classic MAC Russian Red. I’m so pale that I could never rock a red lip until I discovered that shade.
2. How readily do you blush?
I do blush, but it takes a lot these days. I used to embarass so easily. 21+ years of being an aunt has pretty much killed that. You can’t really be too ‘delicate’ with kids around.
3. If you could live forever in a particular decade, which decade would you choose and why?
The 80’s, especially the early part of the decade, because my grandparents were still alive. Plus, I was a big bangs Jedi.
4. (FILL IN THE BLANK) changes everything.
A comfortable pair of shoes.
5. Wearing sequins during the day: a do or a don’t?
A don’t. I’m pretty low-key, so that would just be weird for me. But other people can definitely pull it off.
My current favorite kitchen towel has a whisk on it and says Whip it, Whip it good.
Hi Suzanne,
MAC Russian Red rocks! Did you know Madonna wore that shade back in the day?
P.S. Your kitchen towel, LOL!
1. Which do you prefer: cool-toned red lipsticks or warm-toned red lipsticks? And do you have a particular favorite one?
Cool, and my absolute favorite to wear all the time is the sheer Hot Tahiti. Also love NARS Cruella.
2. How readily do you blush?
I have no idea.
3. If you could live forever in a particular decade, which decade would you choose and why?
1990s! The culture and tv was fantastic, most of the modern conveniences that I need existed but it was a little simpler. Of course I was 4-13 in the 90s, so that may influence it.
4. (FILL IN THE BLANK) changes everything.
Mascara!
5. Wearing sequins during the day: a do or a don’t?
Do if it’s like an aplique on a shirt but not a full on sequin skirt or dress!
1. Which do you prefer: cool-toned red lipsticks or warm-toned red lipsticks? And do you have a particular favorite one?: Warm-toned. I love NARS Audacious lipstick in Leslie.
2. How readily do you blush?: Pretty readily. I get embarrassed by lots of things.
3. If you could live forever in a particular decade, which decade would you choose and why?: The 90s. I would still have 80s music and films while being able to enjoy 90s grunge and new episodes of “Frasier”.
4. Time/education/compassion changes everything.
5. Wearing sequins during the day: a do or a don’t?: In my world it’s a do, baby!
Hellooooo! I’m back from the Special Olympics! I’m still so tired! My overgrown dog (aka draft horse named Vince) was very well-behaved.
1. Which do you prefer: cool-toned red lipsticks or warm-toned red lipsticks? And do you have a particular favorite one?
Cool-toned because while I tend to run cool-toned.
2. How readily do you blush?
Pretty easily.
3. If you could live forever in a particular decade, which decade would you choose and why?
I love the fashions of the 50s, but I wouldn’t want to live in that decade. There was no freedoms for women and people with special needs were treated horribly.
As much as I loved 90s television and 90s lifestyle, I really like living in this decade. Research about Autism was very minimal before 2005 as it wasn’t high on the agenda to study, hippotherapy is covered by most insurances and is more advanced (it was JUST starting in the 90s), and bullying and minority issues are at the forefront.
4. (FILL IN THE BLANK) changes everything.
Compassion
Time
A silly dog
A horse
5. Wearing sequins during the day: a do or a don’t?
Depends on the amount. I love some sequins!
1. Which do you prefer: cool-toned red lipsticks or warm-toned red lipsticks? If I have to chose, warm. And do you have a particular favorite one? Max Factor Creme Rouge 537 is my perfect red. I’m not sure if they still make it. Other favorites are Urban Decay Mrs. Mia Wallace, 69, and F-Bomb; Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Redrum; and MAC La Vie En Rouge.
2. How readily do you blush? Very readily. Social awkwardness is my middle name. Plus, I’m so very fair-skinned.
3. If you could live forever in a particular decade, which decade would you choose and why? The 80s, because it had such spectacular music. The fashion and makeup was so fun, too.
4. (FILL IN THE BLANK) changes everything. Love
5. Wearing sequins during the day: a do or a don’t? Definitely a do.
1. Which do you prefer: cool-toned red lipsticks or warm-toned red lipsticks? And do you have a particular favorite one?
I like both, I prefer a neutral toned one. Something that’s kinda in between.
2. How readily do you blush?
I have Rosacea!
3. If you could live forever in a particular decade, which decade would you choose and why?
90’s? the music was good!
4. (FILL IN THE BLANK) changes everything.
Perspective.
5. Wearing sequins during the day: a do or a don’t?
Depends on how much you wear!
1. Which do you prefer: cool-toned red lipsticks or warm-toned red lipsticks? And do you have a particular favorite one?
Hmm I guess I’ll have to say warm-toned, because I like reds with a hint of brown. Leaning bordeaux I guess is a better description, but not a super blue bordeaux. Okay I suck at describing colors…
2. How readily do you blush?
Not too much. Which is a good thing because I already have a lot of redness in my cheek, so if I blushed easily I’d be constantly looking like a tomato… I do get VERY red-faced as soon as I exercise though, like, people look at me funny at the yoga studio!
3. If you could live forever in a particular decade, which decade would you choose and why?
Probably the 90s for the music and the alternative, rebellious but not too much kind of movement that was going strong at that time. I really don’t miss that decade of my life – things were actually much more unstable for me then – but the culture, fashion and music of that time had a tremendous influence on my personality.
4. (FILL IN THE BLANK) changes everything.
A good night of sleep.
Finding the right partner.
A cup of Earl Grey tea.
Being around friends.
5. Wearing sequins during the day: a do or a don’t?
A don’t for me, I’m pretty classic and conservative when it comes to fashion. Probably boring actually, but that’s how I feel good!
Hope you have a great week, Karen!
1. Which do you prefer: cool-toned red lipsticks or warm-toned red lipsticks? And do you have a particular favorite one?
I prefer both! I can’t choose one.
My faves are MAC Lady Danger and Kat Von D Outlaw
2. How readily do you blush?
I don’t think I’ve ever blushed. Seriously.
3. If you could live forever in a particular decade, which decade would you choose and why?
I prefer the present, even if it is harder and bleaker-looking than the past. I gotta stay present.
4. (FILL IN THE BLANK) changes everything.
A good bra
Moving overseas
Money
Finding the perfect life partner
A good meal
A good cup of tea, hot or iced
5. Wearing sequins during the day: a do or a don’t?
Do! Sparkles all day, eeerday!
1. Which do you prefer: cool-toned red lipsticks or warm-toned red lipsticks? And do you have a particular favorite one?
Very hard to choose! I lean neutral to cool, and I like how blue-based lipsticks make teeth look brighter, so logically I pick cool. But my favorite “I’m so glam” red lipstick is slightly warm toned. Forgot the name, but it’s a Dior.
2. How readily do you blush?
So easily! Can’t keep my emotions to myself!
3. If you could live forever in a particular decade, which decade would you choose and why?
I liked wearing frosty shadows and glitter in the early aughts, so 2000s.
4. (FILL IN THE BLANK) changes everything.
A good sleep
5. Wearing sequins during the day: a do or a don’t?
I think a cool sequins jacket would be cool!
1. Which do you prefer: cool-toned red lipsticks or warm-toned red lipsticks? And do you have a particular favorite one? I love Mac Riri woo, although it’s really Ruby woo. It looks great on everyone and it’s a powerful red, bold and strong. Makes me feel sexy everytime I wear it.
2. How readily do you blush? Not readily no.
3. If you could live forever in a particular decade, which decade would you choose and why? The 50s! So much opportunities and fun, cool looks and music.
4. Self confidence changes everything.
5. Wearing sequins during the day: a do or a don’t? A total do. I wouldn’t but I think it looks great.
1. Which do you prefer: cool-toned red lipsticks or warm-toned red lipsticks? And do you have a particular favorite one? Warm-toned lipstick because my skin has a warm undertone. Recently I tried to make my own lip balm tinted with alkanet root: http://www.sewhistorically.com/victorian-natural-tinted-alkanet-lip-balm-recipe
2. How readily do you blush? I never blush.
3. If you could live forever in a particular decade, which decade would you choose and why? The Edwardian era or the 1920s because so many things were new then which are normal for us today: telephone, movies, vacuum cleaner etc.
4. Health changes everything.
5. Wearing sequins during the day: a do or a don’t? A do