So…what is the Monday Poll?
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. What did you do for your makeup on the first day of the year?
Instagram brows.
Just kidding. 🙂
I went to early brunch in the city yesterday, so I didn’t go all out. I did sort of a modified version of my usual, with primer, an Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick (which is so bomb), and I set it all with Clinique Uplighting Illuminating Powder, which has a bit of shimmer, and you can use it as a highlighter all over your face.
Then, I did an entirely too complicated cheek routine. I applied Kjær Weis Cream Blush, then a little Make Up For Ever Pro Light Fusion Highlighter and a touch of MAC Gingerly Sheertone Blush on top of that.
For my eyes I used the Chanel Tissé Poésie Quad, because there’s a golden taupe in there that I love.
Then I tightlined with Chanel 88 Noir Intense, added a layer of NARS Audacious Mascara on my upper lashes (I didn’t bother with the lower lashes because I was in a hurry), and used MAC Brun Eye Shadow on my brows.
I went with NARS Audacious Lipstick in Apoline for my lips, and then I finished with a little bit of NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer in Macadamia underneath my eyes.
Hmm… It looks like a big deal now that I’ve typed everything down, but it didn’t take long to do. I think it took about 15 minutes.
2. What’s one of your goals this year?
I really want to make myself more accountable for finishing projects. I start a lot of them that I don’t finish, so I’m gonna attack it old school.
My goal for the next eight weeks is to eat healthy, but if I bite off more than I can chew and set a goal for like six months, I think it’ll be overwhelming.
But I think I can handle eight weeks. To track my progress, I’m going to print out a monthly calendar and put a little star sticker on each day that I eat healthy, and for every ‘x’ amount of stars, I’m going to reward myself with something, because let’s get real… For self-motivating myself, bribery works.
3. What two eyeshadow brushes do you use the most?
I use a fluffy domed brush like the MAC 217 and a tapered blending brush like the MAC 224.
They aren’t necessarily always those two specific brushes, but I like those shapes.
I like dense domed brushes for precisely putting color exactly where I want it on my limited lid space, and also for feathering out the edges.
Both of those brushes are my go-tos.
4. Your current favorite YouTube channel?
This is probably because I’ve been thinking about eating healthy…but I’ve been watching a lot of a channel called Fit Men Cook.
It’s great! It’s this guy in Texas named Kevin, and he does lots of easy, healthy meals using ingredients that are easy to find. And he’s a character.
Plus, his recipes are usually also things that El Hub likes.
5. What are your top two Make Up For Ever products?
Now that I think about it…I use a lot of MUFE products, but my top two are the Step 1 Skin Equalizer Primer (the one in the dark grey tube). I use that almost every day. And I also use their Mist & Fix Setting Spray almost on the daily.
Coffee makers?
Can you recommend a good one? — because the one I have is driving me bananas. Every morning it makes me swear under my breath (or, not under my breath), but it was a gift, and I feel kind of guilty about not liking it…but I can’t take it anymore.
It’s a five-cup Black & Decker. First, it doesn’t shut off automatically when I remove the pot while it’s brewing, so if I forget and just grab it, coffee pours onto the machine and the counter. With this one, you’re supposed to wait until it finishes brewing, but I didn’t have to wait with my old one. It would just stop when I pulled out the pot.
And it doesn’t matter how careful I am, there’s something about that pot… It literally dumps coffee.
Anywho…
Today is sort of a holiday last hurrah around here, and I’m kind of melancholy about it. It feels like we’ve been in holiday mode for the past two months since Halloween, doesn’t it? I’m a little sad to see the holidays end, but I’m also ready for a new beginning.
How are you doing today? I hope your 2017 gets off to a fantastic, fabulous, epic start.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. Here are the questions to copy and paste…
1. What did you do for your makeup on the first day of the year?
2. What’s one of your goals this year?
3. What two eyeshadow brushes do you use the most?
4. Your current favorite YouTube channel?
5. What are your top two Make Up For Ever products?
1. What did you do for your makeup on the first day of the year?
Moisturizer. It was a super low key day.
2. What’s one of your goals this year?
To not second guess my sense of style to fit in, dress on instinct!
3. What two eyeshadow brushes do you use the most?
MAC 239 and 224 (or another brush I have that is very similar to 224).
4. Your current favorite YouTube channel?
GlamLifeGuru Tati and Sacconne Jolys.
5. What are your top two Make Up For Ever products?
Rose Gold Shadow stick thing may be teh only one i have.
No advice on coffee makers – I don’t drink it! I have a heart condition and hate the taste. I can taste the coffee in anything.
1. What did you do for your makeup on the first day of the year?
I have a sinus infection, and stayed home in my pajamas all day. I didn’t even wash my face in the morning, let alone do makeup! I did do a sheet mask last night though.
2. What’s one of your goals this year?
Eating real meals. I like home-cooked meals, but I’m not a very good cook, and I don’t particularly like to cook, so I eat a lot of pizza, cereal, and takeout. I’m trying to work on that. Zack just bought me a pressure cooker, so maybe that will help.
3. What two eyeshadow brushes do you use the most?
MAC 217 and an Urban Decay brush from their old line that says it’s a blending brush. I ended up picking up a second MAC 217 when they had a sale before Christmas.
4. Your current favorite YouTube channel?
Oh god, my YouTube history is embarrassing. I’ve been looking at videos of updates for this season’s Shadowhunters (starts tonight!), Whose Line is it Anyway clips, and old clips from The Vampire Diaries. So I guess Shadowhunters TV?
5. What are your top two Make Up For Ever products?
I love my Nudes You Need eyeshadow palette – I have to force myself to use other palettes because I love it so much. My Naked palette is getting jealous, but the MUFE one is so good. Their pencil eyeliners are good too. Their setting spray had too much fragrance for me to like it. But I’d definitely buy more eyeshadow palettes from them!
1. What did you do for your makeup on the first day of the year? Very little! I used Josie Maran Light Arian oil, then Urban Decay One and Done, filled my brows in with a bit of Benefit Brow Pencil, and topped off with a Bare Minerals matte nude lipstick.
2. What’s one of your goals this year? Move more, be outside more. I’m 41, I just want to make sure my body is strong and healthy for the next 41 years, and I think that comes from being outside.
3. What two eyeshadow brushes do you use the most? I have no idea the brand, but one is a fluffy angled brush, and one is long and fluffy for blending.
4. Your current favorite YouTube channel? Wayne Goss, he’s hilarious and easy on the eyes. He does makeup tutorials. I also really like Post Modern Jukebox, they take new music and make it sound old. They feature the clarinet quite a bit, and I was a clarinet player and both my daughters play it.
5. What are your top two Make Up For Ever products? I have never used MUFE. I can fix that!
1. What did you do for your makeup on the first day of the year? Chanel CC creme in SPF 50, mixed Beige 10 and Beige 20 for the right level of light/dark. That’s it. Wanted it for the SPF since we went for a walk.
2. What’s one of your goals this year? Stay alive…well just keep on working out at the gym and try to lose another 5 to 15 pounds. Get rid of my sugar addiction, because I’m pretty sure it’s killing me.
3. What two eyeshadow brushes do you use the most? Shu Uemura synthetic #10 or #12 to lay down color. Edward Bess fluffy crease brush to blend out edges.
4. Your current favorite YouTube channel? Karima McKimmie because she is so darn sweet. I also like Lisa Eldridge and Get The Gloss when they have Mary Greenwell tutorials.
5. What are your top two Make Up For Ever products? Uh, I use one of the primers. Either the smoothing one or the moisturizing one, I think. I still use some of the old aqua liners…I like the gray one and the plum/purple one (think the #’s are 14 and 22)
Can’t help you on the coffee maker. I usually either walk downtown for a cup of cappuccino from the Venetian coffee place or make cold brew concentrate that I keep in a jar in the fridge. When I want coffee, I’ll mix one part concentrate with 4 parts water/and or milk. Coffee makers are too much fuss for me as I’m the only coffee drinker in the house and I don’t drink it everyday anymore.
Hope you have a fantastic 2017!
1) What did you do for makeup the first day of the year?: Just a bit of concealer and lipstick.
2) What is one of your goals this year?: Get a new job.
3) What two eyeshadow brushes do you use the most?: Revlon All Over Eye brush and Sephora blending brush.
4) What is your current favorite YouTube channel right now?: Eve Pearl.
5) What are you top 2 MUFE products?: Aqua Eyes pencil eyeliner and their Copper Pink lipstick.
1. What did you do for your makeup on the first day of the year?
I haven’t worn a full face yet! Just lips lately and maybe a swipe of mascara.
2. What’s one of your goals this year?
Get back into Pilates!
3. What two eyeshadow brushes do you use the most?
RT Bold Metals crease brush I think it’s called and the RT Buffing Brush that’s part of their eye set.
4. Your current favorite YouTube channel?
Mostly funny news like Last Week Tonight and The Daily Show. I of course watch yours and occasionally Pixiwoo and Lisa Eldridge. Ruth Crilly and Caroline Hirons are also a hoot.
Oh and Screen Junkies!
5. What are your top two Make Up For Ever products?
WaterBlend Foundation and their nourishing primer. I’m pretty into their shadows as well.
As for Coffee, I’m in the market myself. I think I’m going to get one of the nicer Cuisinart ones. I have one now that is ok (also a Cuisinart but it’s been through 3 moves including 2 international ones) but it’s on its last legs and I want to get a nice grinder too. I think I’m going to go with the Bodum for the grinder.
Get the slippers and a Cuisinart coffee maker. Auto shut off, pause and serve and it doesn’t drip when you pour.
1. What did you do for your makeup on the first day of the year? Nothing at all cause it was a sunday. But I am excited to do something new today.
2. What’s one of your goals this year? Move into my new apartment and make it beautiful.
3. What two eyeshadow brushes do you use the most? Two very old but lookin brand new eye brushes from OCC. They have no names or numbers but one is a flat shader brush and the other is a fluffy blending and slightly pointed brush.
4. Your current favorite YouTube channel? I love watching le verseau et his cool asmr videos. Very relaxing and funny.
5. What are your top two Make Up For Ever products? I don’t use their products anymore besides some brushes. They don’t have products that get me excited like they used to. They became sorta boring and behind trend. Not innovative enough. I used to live for their waterproof eye pencils but now the formula feels like it could be improved.
Hi Karen,
I used my usual makeup : eyeliner Chanel noir, blush Chanel- Jouer contrast , profound , eyeshadow – Chanel 268 candeur et experience , and newest Smashbix lip in Fig . And my Wet n Wild highlighter all over to set my face .
My one and only goal is to loose weight . I picked up a few pounds after my hospitalization.
I use a flat blush and and thin eyeliner brush .
I haven’t found a YouTube channel yet, but I watch various things like cooking , crocheting , knitting , how to channels !
My favorite makeup forever is their make up remover. Their ultra HD concealer is pretty good too !
Happy New Year ???
1. What did you do for your makeup on the first day of the year?
I went for a walk, then my son and I stayed in and played Scrabble. But I wanted to try out my new Urban Decay After Dark eyeshadow palette, and use colors that I usually don’t, so in addition to primer (Hourglass Mineral Veil + Smashbox hydrating undereye + MAC Prep+Prime eyeshadow), BB cream (Dr.Jart Black Label), contour (Kevyn Aucoin Light), blush (Hourglass Ethereal), and setting/finishing powder (Hourglass Ambient Lighting Dim Light) and spray (Urban Decay Chill), I did my eyes with Alter, Supersonic, and Backfire (shades with orange and reddish purple in them) from the Afterdark palette and Kjaer Weis Cloud Nine and Grace (for browbone and crease/blending), then finished with brow gel (Chosungah) and mascara (Hourglass), and also tried my new Make Up For Ever Acrylip in Dark Purple.
2. What’s one of your goals this year?
I’m getting back on track with daily walking. Made it out today in the cold rain 🙂 Starting with a goal of 5000 steps/day at least 5 days a week, working up to 10,000.
3. What two eyeshadow brushes do you use the most?
Make Up For Ever #236 Large Precision Blender Brush, for applying eyeshadow primer (or cream shadow over large areas) and for blending; MUFE #228 Medium Precision Shader Brush for packing eyeshadow (powder or cream) on lids.
4. Your current favorite YouTube channel?
I actually haven’t been watching any recently. I’m more of a reader than a video-watcher!
5. What are your top two Make Up For Ever products? Their brushes and their eyeshadows 🙂
Coffeemakers: we’re currently using a French press, but for automatics we like the large Cuisinart ones. They use cone-shaped filters instead of flat ones, and I think that makes a better cup of coffee. Plus, you can buy a replacement carafe if the glass breaks. And they do stop dripping coffee while you pour yourself a cup!
Happy New Year to you and yours! I just got home from work and immediately changed into my jammie pants. It’s so cold here (30s) which I’m not used to nor do I like. I miss my rain. Anyhow–here are my answers:
1. My sister-in-law forgot to tell me that she needed me to watch the girls yesterday so I was makeup-free and unshowered as I had to rush over to her place. I was not thrilled to start out my new year that way. Oh well!
2. One of my goals this year is to finish writing and then rewriting the memoir I’ve been working on in order to have other people read it. I’m less concerned about publishing than I am about simply completing the manuscript.
3. The two makeup brushes I use the most are a “C” brush by E.L.F. for sweeping on neutral eyeshadows and Real Techniques Expert Face Brush. I adore the RT brush because as a general rule, I only use pressed powder on my face (matte Rimmel for the win!) and this brush allows me to buff on the product in no time.
4. I don’t have a fave channel but I can find Muppet show clips in no time flat to share with my nieces!
5. I have to admit I have yet to try MUFE but I ogle their products every time I visit Sephora. I’d love recommendations from anyone who might read this.
One of my other goals this year is to read more books outside of my comfort genre so I’ve been asking my Facebook friends and family and have already added many to my library wish-list on my Kindle. There are some genres I just can’t stand and some with which I’m less familiar.
Oops! You asked about eyeSHADOW brushes and I spaced it! The other eyeshadow brush I use the most is also by E.L.F. and is essentially a lowercase “C” brush that I use to lay down color on my lower lid when doing a smokey eye.
Also, I use a French press so I don’t have a coffeemaker recommendation but I wish you luck!
Happy New Year!
1. What did you do for your makeup on the first day of the year? I’ve been sick, so I didn’t do any. 🙁
2. What’s one of your goals this year? To continue socializing more. I got pretty isolated while raising my kids. This past year I’ve been making more friends, including some in my area. I’ve also been trying to do more fun things like events and concerts, whether with friends or my hubby. I other words, trying to have a life outside my now-grown children.
3. What two eyeshadow brushes do you use the most? 1) Real Techniques Base Shadow Brush because it fits my crease perfectly. (I have slightly hooded, very deep-set eyes.) 2) MAC 217 or similar for packing shadow on my lid.
4. Your current favorite YouTube channel? I actually have barely watched YouTube the last couple months.
5. What are your top two Make Up For Ever products? All of the Artist Shadows (the best eyeshadows EVER) and HD Cream Blush in 410 (Coral). Honorable mention to Artist Plexi-gloss in Beetle.
Hi,
Thank forgot to say I have a Black and Decter coffee maker and s keurig !
Michele
1. What did you do for your makeup on the first day of the year?
My usual MUFE Ultra HD foundation and Maybelline Age Rewind Concealer, with ABH Buon Fresco in my crease, all over the lid, and under the lashlines, and a little bit of Bobbi Brown Flame (a warm red blush) and Dior Healthy Glow Awakening blush (bright, bright pink) mixed on my cheeks. It sounds like an intense blush combo for someone as fair as me but if you’re really light handed it looks like the most natural color! I had a busy day, I went into the city to run some errands and then after I went to a party-slash-rock show at a friend’s house. Five+ hours of playful mosh-pitting/head-banging later, my makeup was pretty worse for the wear, but I had a great time and I got to catch up with a lot of friends I haven’t seen in ages.
2. What’s one of your goals this year?
Well, at the end of the year, I’ll be applying to graduate schools! So I guess I really need to get my ducks in a row and start thinking about my future. I pretty much know what I want to do and where I want to apply, but I need to start reaching out to professors to ask if they need any help in their labs and to ask for advice. Oh, I also need to finally learn how to drive.
3. What two eyeshadow brushes do you use the most?
Wayne Goss 18 and 03 brushes! Most days those are actually the only ones I use. I tend to blend a light-medium shadow quite far out under my lower lashes, so the 03 is perfect for that as well as crease work. The 18 is just a great all-around lid color brush, the perfect size to get about a third of my eyelid in one press, which is what I like.
4. Your current favorite YouTube channel?
I’m a big fan of Jackie Aina. I feel like she’s one of the few YouTubers who still put out instructional videos (i.e., new techniques, new tips) as well as relatively unique looks and tutorials. I feel like a ton of big-deal YouTubers have just been putting out the same two or three tired, overdone makeup looks just with slightly different shades, and not doing anything new or innovative at all. I also love Stephanie Nicole for her honesty and how much research she puts into every single video she does. She doesn’t post a ton since she has a full-time job (in the beauty industry) but what she does post is great, super informative and worth watching.
5. What are your top two Make Up For Ever products?
Ultra HD foundation! Absolute favorite foundation right now. Every time I put it on I’m a bit skeptical because it looks like it’s going to sink into my pores or not blend or do something wonky, but a few minutes later it’s settled and looks totally texture-less and flawless! I also really like their Artist Eyeshadow formula.
Mr Coffee. I had a B & D & hated it. You can get the frills Mr for 40. at Target, or basic one, most everywhere, for less than 20. I just buy the basic ones, when they finally die, buy another. Makes a great cup of joe. Buy good filters, not generic. I buy both Maxwell House & fancy beans/grounds. It all tastes great.
1. What did you do for your makeup on the first day of the year?
Since I had a 6+ hour drive to look forward to, I kept it super simple. Sunscreen, Almay SmartShade Anti-Aging makeup, L’Oreal Visible Lift blush, Revlon Illuminance Creme eyeshadow, Milani brow pencil, Clinique High Impact mascara. When traveling I don’t bring anything I would mind leaving behind. ?
2. What’s one of your goals this year?
Minor goal? Shopping my stash! I keep saving the “good stuff” for later…
Major goal? Buying a house and moving out of this rental condo!
3. What two eyeshadow brushes do you use the most?
Sonia Kashuk small eyeshadow brush, and Sonia Kashuk fluffy blending brush are two of my faves.
4. Your current favorite YouTube channel?
I visit YouTube mainly to access David Bowie videos, but have also enjoyed makeup tutorials by Zabrena or Wayne Goss.
5. What are your top two Make Up For Ever products?
Hmm…I haven’t explored the brand much, in part because I like my colors to have actual names. (Whereas TheBalm, Nars and Kat Von D get extra points for creative naming.)
1. What did you do for your makeup on the first day of the year?
Errrr, let me think… I think I wore Coastal Scents Sundried and Chocolatier.
2. What’s one of your goals this year?
Settle.
3. What two eyeshadow brushes do you use the most?
Sigma E55 Eye Shader and MAC 221 Tapered Blending Brush.
4. Your current favorite YouTube channel?
YOURS! 😀
5. What are your top two Make Up For Ever products?
The Peacock eyeshadow and the color adjusting drops.
1. What did you do for your makeup on the first day of the year?
Vicks vapor rub. I am getting over a cold
2. What’s one of your goals this year?
Use up my skincare or atleast touch every product
3. What two eyeshadow brushes do you use the most?
flat and a crease brush
4. Your current favorite YouTube channel?
OMG put of all 300 subscriptions I would say heyclaire because she had awesome editing and I like how her handwriting is incorporated.
5. What are your top two Make Up For Ever products?
Camoflauge cream in orange and their lipstick.
1. What did you do for your makeup on the first day of the year?
Vicks vapor rub. I am getting over a cold
2. What’s one of your goals this year?
Use up my skincare or atleast touch every product
3. What two eyeshadow brushes do you use the most?
flat and a crease brush
4. Your current favorite YouTube channel?
OMG put of all 300 subscriptions I would say heyclaire because she had awesome editing and I like how her handwriting is incorporated.
5. What are your top two Make Up For Ever products?
Camouflage cream in orange and their lipstick.
1. What did you do for your makeup on the first day of the year? Blush, mascara, and a little lip gloss.
2. What’s one of your goals this year? To not allow myself to get upset by trivial stuff!
3. What two eyeshadow brushes do you use the most? The all over one and the one for the crease.
4. Your current favorite YouTube channel? I like to use YouTube to look at videos. I can’t get enough of George Michael’s video/song “Everything She Wants.” So good!!
5. What are your top two Make Up For Ever products? I have only tried the lipstick and the mascara. They were a birthday gift from Sephora.
PS: Get those adorable cat slippers. Your daughter and cat will LOVE them.
1. What did you do for your makeup on the first day of the year? I didn’t leave the house so I just moisturized.
2. What’s one of your goals this year? To end 2017 with a stocked emergency fund. I’m so good at saving for retirement but my emergency fund is always a sad state of affairs and I’m so much more relaxed when I’ve got a certain cushion in there.
3. What two eyeshadow brushes do you use the most? I don’t wear a lot of eyeshadow so I just have one Bobbi Brown eyeshadow brush.
4. Your current favorite YouTube channel? yogabycandace!
5. What are your top two Make Up For Ever products? Makeup Forever Ultra HD Foundation, which I wear daily, unless I’m staying home. Also, love, love, love their Artist Plexi-Gloss. I keep multiples of #201–the purse, the car, the office 🙂
Happy New Year! Two days late, of course! I hope you all had a fantastic Christmas and got a little R&R. 🙂
1. What did you do for your makeup on the first day of the year? I DIDNT DO MY MAKEUP. I STAYED IN MY PJS ALL DAY AND WATCHED MOVIES WITH MY FAMILY.
2. What’s one of your goals this year? TO GET A NEW JOB. I HAVE BEEN COMMUTING 30 MIN ONE WAY AND I COUKD BE COMMUTING 5MINS . IM DEF WORKING ON THAT ONE THIS YEAR.
3. What two eyeshadow brushes do you use the mmost? Mac 217 and pencil brush (not sure the #)
4. Your current favorite YouTube channel? Freestufffinder
5. What are your top two Make Up For Ever products? Their blushes and HD powder
I have a Krups one that I love. Recommended!
Noted. Thanks Rachel! If I have to use this coffee maker one more day I’m gonna go NUTS!
Happy New Year!
if you’re willing to shell out a little more moolah for coffee, the Bonita bv1900ts 8-cup or bv1500ts coffee brewers are both excellent choices