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 11 (!) 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. You get the chance to play either the hero or the villain in a major motion picture. Which role do you choose?
Ooh! Villains usually have better hair and makeup and costumes. And snappier one-liners. But I’d go with the hero because I’m going to go ahead and assume that the movie is gonna be a blockbuster hit, and I’d prefer to not have strangers who can’t distinguish between me and the character yell at me in public for no good reason.
Deep down in my heart, though, I’d always wonder what it would have been like to play the ? villain, because that would have been the role I REALLY wanted…
2. What’s the last beauty-related thing you did?
I just trimmed my fingernails with a nail clipper, and I don’t have the words to accurately describe the sheer magnitude of my relief right now. I cannot STAND it when my nails are even a micrometer too long. Short, short, short is the only way I can make it through life.
3. Would you rather eat nothing but raw celery for a week, or plain, cold tofu? (And you have to pick one. You can’t choose “neither.”) Note: Keep in mind that you can’t dress up your food, either. No accouterments like peanut butter, cream cheese, sauces, salt, pepper, spices, and no blending it into oblivion in a Vitamix. Nothing. Just plain old celery or cold-@ss tofu.
Eeegh. OK…I’d go with the tofu. I think I’d still be hungry all the time, but I’d probably be less hungry than I would be eating nothing but celery.
4. If you could choose to do anyone’s makeup in the world, whose makeup would you do?
Hmm… It’s still early, and I haven’t had enough coffee yet, so I don’t feel particularly profound or philosophical right now, but I’ll say…Pat McGrath? The one time I met her, she seemed pretty nice, so I’m thinking that she could tell me all the stuff I was doing wrong (or right), so it would be a good learning opportunity.
5. Would you rather walk around all day long wearing uncomfortable underwear (to clarify, this would apply to both your bra and your undies), OR with a really annoying pebble inside your shoe?
Blergh, the underwear I guess… I can deal with ill-fitting bras and underwear, but a pebble in my shoe? OH, HELL NO. I can’t do it!
Happy Monday
Well, looks like I’m busting out the waterproof mascara because it’s raining here in Nor Cal (this one by MAC is my fave, by the way).
You have a good day today, ‘k?
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. Here are the questions to copy and paste with your answers in a comment:
1. You get the chance to play either the hero or the villain in a major motion picture. Which role do you choose?
2. What’s the last beauty-related thing you did?
3. Would you rather eat nothing but raw celery for a week, or plain, cold tofu?
4. If you could choose to do anyone’s makeup in the world, whose makeup would you do?
5. Would you rather walk around all day long wearing uncomfortable underwear (to clarify, this would apply to both your bra and your undies), OR with a really annoying pebble inside your shoe?
1. Hero for the exact same reason you mentioned! Isn’t it crazy how actors who play heroes are treated better in real life than actors who play villains? It’s so messed up! If possible I would like to play a morally ambiguous hero, kind of like Luke Skywalker in the latest Star Wars film. I like fully developed, relatable characters.
2. It’s the third cold rainy day in a row so I slapped on my hot pink lipstick the counter the gloomy mood outside!
3. This question is so mean! ? I pick tofu because of the protein, but oye, that would be a tough week!
4. Kat Von D only so I can meet her. My second choice is Trump. Surely even I can fix his face.
5. I’ll go with the underwear because I’ve endured bad undergarments before so I know I can handle it. Women’s underwear can be so messed up sometimes!
1. You get the chance to play either the hero or the villain in a major motion picture. Which role do you choose?
You’re totally on point re: villain costumes and makeup. But I pick the hero because I want to do good for the world.
2. What’s the last beauty-related thing you did?
I’m in the middle of cutting and filing my nails! They get long so fast.
3. Would you rather eat nothing but raw celery for a week, or plain, cold tofu?
Buh these are both terrible choices! Tofu.
4. If you could choose to do anyone’s makeup in the world, whose makeup would you do?
Oh god, I’m not sure if I want to pick someone very talented or someone easily impressed, LOL. Lisa Eldridge is my favorite, so maybe her? But I’d kind of like a redhead to do makeup on since that’s what I’m used to…
5. Would you rather walk around all day long wearing uncomfortable underwear (to clarify, this would apply to both your bra and your undies), OR with a really annoying pebble inside your shoe?
Underwear because I’ve been there, done that :p
Hi Karen! Over the weekend I went with 14 people to Dim Sum in Boston’s Chinatown. It was wonderful. We all dressed in red and celebrated the Chinese New Year. Two of the women at our table spoke Chinese so this made things easier. Fun!
You get the chance to play either the hero or the villain in a major motion picture. Which role do you choose? I would choose the hero.
2. What’s the last beauty-related thing you did? I got my eyebrows waxed last week at a salon I just adore.
3. Would you rather eat nothing but raw celery for a week, or plain, cold tofu? I’m reminded of the skit in Portlandia where the guy had to make celery more marketable/attractive! I’d chose tofu but man that would be tough without sauces.
4. If you could choose to do anyone’s makeup in the world, whose makeup would you do? I would choose my good friend Sandra. She’s got dark hair and hazel eyes.
5. Would you rather walk around all day long wearing uncomfortable underwear (to clarify, this would apply to both your bra and your undies), OR with a really annoying pebble inside your shoe? I could never do the pebble!
1. You get the chance to play either the hero or the villain in a major motion picture. Which role do you choose? Villain. I get tired of being good all the time.
2. What’s the last beauty-related thing you did? Worked on a brand profile article for the magazine I write for.
3. Would you rather eat nothing but raw celery for a week, or plain, cold tofu? Ugh. Tofu, for the protein. I’d cut it into little chunks and swallow it whole.
4. If you could choose to do anyone’s makeup in the world, whose makeup would you do? Lady Gaga. She would up for any look, and she seems like a really nice person.
5. Would you rather walk around all day long wearing uncomfortable underwear (to clarify, this would apply to both your bra and your undies), OR with a really annoying pebble inside your shoe? Uncomfortable underwear. I can deal with that. A pebble in my shoe would hurt my feet and my back.
You get the chance to play either the hero or the villain in a major motion picture. Which role do you choose?
A hero for the same reasons. And hope I get another movie to play a villain twin.
2. What’s the last beauty-related thing you did?
Had my bangs trimmed yesterday. Luckily my salon does them for free
3. Would you rather eat nothing but raw celery for a week, or plain, cold tofu?
Cold tofu that I would pretend was cheese.
4. If you could choose to do anyone’s makeup in the world, whose makeup would you do?
I would attempt to on Wayne Goss just to hear his accent and have a laugh ?
5. Would you rather walk around all day long wearing uncomfortable underwear (to clarify, this would apply to both your bra and your undies), OR with a really annoying pebble inside your shoe?
I would take the pebble. Can’t stand either but hate waiting to rip off uncomfortable undergarments, feels suffocating. At least the pebble when I sat down, i could take off my shoe.
1. You get the chance to play either the hero or the villain in a major motion picture. Which role do you choose?
The hero. I’ve always wanted crowds rooting for me!
2. What’s the last beauty-related thing you did?
My morning skincare routine. I don’t have any makeup on yet!
3. Would you rather eat nothing but raw celery for a week, or plain, cold tofu?
I’d go for tofu for the protein content. I’d lose too much muscle mass after one week of celery, and with the effort I’m putting in gaining muscle these days I’m not having that!
4. If you could choose to do anyone’s makeup in the world, whose makeup would you do?
I’m not really into doing anyone’s makeup but mine. It took me years to understand how to work with my own features, and I don’t really know how to deal with other people’s face and eye shapes, skin types… So no one really. I did my sister in law’s wedding makeup but it was a low pressure job. She never wears makeup so it was very very natural.
5. Would you rather walk around all day long wearing uncomfortable underwear (to clarify, this would apply to both your bra and your undies), OR with a really annoying pebble inside your shoe?
That really depends on the shape of the pebble. If it’s a round, polished pebble I’ll take it. If it has pointy edges I’m not sure. I can’t stand uncomfortable panties though.
Hope you have a beautiful week Karen! Here winter finally decided to start and we’ve had cool days and a bit of rain. I’m fine with that, I can make soup every day!
Hola, Karen! 🙂
1. You get the chance to play either the hero or the villain in a major motion picture. Which role do you choose?
Oooh… I feel like I might pull off the villain a little better. It would feel more like play and less like I need to project a moral ideal, if that makes sense!
2. What’s the last beauty-related thing you did?
Put on some lipstick & lipgloss in an attempt to blend the two, lol! I think it worked out. (NYX butter gloss in peach cobbler + Sephora #lipstories in off-limits, which I’m still totally obsessed with.)
3. Would you rather eat nothing but raw celery for a week, or plain, cold tofu?
Oh lordy. I’d prefer the celery, but I think the tofu might actually be a better choice, sustenance-wise.
4. If you could choose to do anyone’s makeup in the world, whose makeup would you do?
Hmmm…. I’m tempted to say someone famous, but then being that close to a famous person’s face might be a little much lol! That being said, though… maybe Amanda Palmer? I think both she and I would be chill and have a good time. And we could talk about music and being artists and all that good shiznit 🙂
5. Would you rather walk around all day long wearing uncomfortable underwear (to clarify, this would apply to both your bra and your undies), OR with a really annoying pebble inside your shoe?
Ugh… uncomfortable underwear, I think. Less likelihood for blisters!
Hi Karen ,
1 I would love to play a villain since I am a hero in real life ! Just kidding . I think the makeup would be better for a villain . Like blood or scars or black and blue marks .
2 I just did the gel powder in my nails and let me tell you it’s the money I ever spent on my nails !
3 Hm I think celery cause tofu needs too much doctoring up .
4 I think Bobbie Brown because she doesn’t wear enough .
5 I’m gonna go w pebble in shoe because I absolutely cannot tolerate a bra at all !
1. You get the chance to play either the hero or the villain in a major motion picture. Which role do you choose? A villain! It sounds so much fun and I have a dark side to my personality that I would love to explore and have fun with.
2. What’s the last beauty-related thing you did? I just applied a sheet mask an hour ago. So soothing.
3. Would you rather eat nothing but raw celery for a week, or plain, cold tofu? Tofu doesn’t have much flavor so I’ll go with that.
4. If you could choose to do anyone’s makeup in the world, whose makeup would you do? No idea. Maybe a beauty guru who could teach me a few things in the process like Jaclyn Hill or Kandee Johnson.
5. Would you rather walk around all day long wearing uncomfortable underwear OR with a really annoying pebble inside your shoe? A pebble in my shoe is annoying but bearable.
Hi Laura,
Ahh, sheet masks are so relaxing! Which one did you use? And have you ever tried the famous SK-II one? I’ve used it before and it really is all that great!
1. You get the chance to play either the hero or the villain in a major motion picture. Which role do you choose?
Villain! Can’t pass up rocking a cool wardrobe and makeup.
2. What’s the last beauty-related thing you did?
I did my morning skincare routine. Cleanser, toner, and moisturizer.
3. Would you rather eat nothing but raw celery for a week, or plain, cold tofu?
I’ll take the celery!
4. If you could choose to do anyone’s makeup in the world, whose makeup would you do?
Rihanna’s! I always love her makeup. I feel like she can pull anything off.
5. Would you rather walk around all day long wearing uncomfortable underwear (to clarify, this would apply to both your bra and your undies), OR with a really annoying pebble inside your shoe?
I’ll go with the pebble! Hopefully it isn’t pointy!
Hi Lupe,
Ahh, great choice! I have a friend who’s actually done Rihanna’s makeup, believe it or not! 🙂
1. You get the chance to play either the hero or the villain in a major motion picture. Which role do you choose? Villain!
2. What’s the last beauty-related thing you did? My makeup this morning, that counts, right?
3. Would you rather eat nothing but raw celery for a week, or plain, cold tofu? Probably tofu.
4. If you could choose to do anyone’s makeup in the world, whose makeup would you do? Angela Gossow’s
5. Would you rather walk around all day long wearing uncomfortable underwear (to clarify, this would apply to both your bra and your undies), OR with a really annoying pebble inside your shoe? Probably pebble
Hi Marina,
Yes, of course it counts! 🙂
Hope you’re doing well. It’s been a while since we’ve chatted, yeah?
I was actually thinking that I’ve been answering these questions for like 9 years now, hard to believe.
And I am! Thank you. How about yourself? x
Yeah, it’s crazy. The time goes by fast, doesn’t it? I still can’t believe the blog turned 11 last week (I didn’t really celebrate it as 11 is kind of a meh birthday, I suppose).
Things on this end are good! The baby’s 2nd birthday is on Friday and so I’m just getting things ready for her party. I’m also trying to launch some new products for the connorclaire.com store. So I’ve been busy, but all is well.
Anything new with you?
1. You get the chance to play either the hero or the villain in a major motion picture. Which role do you choose?
No one wants me acting at all!
2. What’s the last beauty-related thing you did?
Used an acid toner, and I’m currently letting it sit before anything else.
3. Would you rather eat nothing but raw celery for a week, or plain, cold tofu?
Tofu but they both sound awful. I need spice, warmth, and variety.
4. If you could choose to do anyone’s makeup in the world, whose makeup would you do?
Someone who needs to go a little softer and a little more natural, I’m not sure who right now.
5. Would you rather walk around all day long wearing uncomfortable underwear (to clarify, this would apply to both your bra and your undies), OR with a really annoying pebble inside your shoe?
Pebble!
Hi Breyerchic,
So, I’m on a mission to find a great acid toner. Which one are you using?
1. You get the chance to play either the hero or the villain in a major motion picture. Which role do you choose?
Villain all the way! So much more fun and frankly, you could portray Mother Teresa and there would be people who were rude about your performance. Might as well play a really juicy role.
2. What’s the last beauty-related thing you did?
I took off my makeup after I got home.
3. Would you rather eat nothing but raw celery for a week, or plain, cold tofu?
Tofu- I really, really hate celery.
4. If you could choose to do anyone’s makeup in the world, whose makeup would you do?
In line with question #1, I’d love to do some movie villain makeup.
5. Would you rather walk around all day long wearing uncomfortable underwear (to clarify, this would apply to both your bra and your undies), OR with a really annoying pebble inside your shoe?
I’d choose the pebble. I can work around that, but I do. not. do. uncomfortable bras.
Well that rain didn’t last long, did it? Or did it rain more up your way? We got about 2 hours worth down this way. Hoping it rains some more.
1. You get the chance to play either the hero or the villain in a major motion picture. Which role do you choose? Villian. They have more fun.
2. What’s the last beauty-related thing you did? Used my Nail Tek crystal file to smooth the edges of my nails and put Bite Beauty lip balm on.
3. Would you rather eat nothing but raw celery for a week, or plain, cold tofu? I’d like to eat both. I actually like plain, cold tofu (well as long as it’s fresh, from the San Jose tofu company) But I’m gonna have to go with celery for the crunch factor. I always feel more satisfied if there’s major chewing and crunching going on. Cookies and cakes over ice cream and shakes.
4. If you could choose to do anyone’s makeup in the world, whose makeup would you do? No idea
5. Would you rather walk around all day long wearing uncomfortable underwear (to clarify, this would apply to both your bra and your undies), OR with a really annoying pebble inside your shoe? Uncomfortable undies. If there’s even a thread out of place in my socks or shoes, it drives me batty and I have to stop and fix it.
Wow this is the hardest challenge yet!!!!
1. You get the chance to play either the hero or the villain in a major motion picture. Which role do you choose?
Hero of course, girls rock!
2. What’s the last beauty-related thing you did?
The as seen on TV charcoal mask ! It was like a pore strip for your whole face! Gross and satisfying!
3. Would you rather eat nothing but raw celery for a week, or plain, cold tofu?
DAYUMMMMM! tofu is nasty doh, so celery
4. If you could choose to do anyone’s makeup in the world, whose makeup would you do?
The Rock! So he could be staring at my cleavage or an hour!
5. Would you rather walk around all day long wearing uncomfortable underwear (to clarify, this would apply to both your bra and your undies), OR with a really annoying pebble inside your shoe?
Undies, Im miserable if my feet feel any pain!
. You get the chance to play either the hero or the villain in a major motion picture. Which role do you choose? The hero, because if it was a hit, I know I would get to be in the sequel, and hopefully I would not be killed off!
2. What’s the last beauty-related thing you did? lightened my eyebrows with one of those at home bleaching kits.
3. Would you rather eat nothing but raw celery for a week, or plain, cold tofu? celery – at least it is crunchy.
4. If you could choose to do anyone’s makeup in the world, whose makeup would you do? Maybe Jennifer Aniston, so I could see up close if her skin is really that perfect, and ask her how she gets it so glowy.
5. Would you rather walk around all day long wearing uncomfortable underwear (to clarify, this would apply to both your bra and your undies), OR with a really annoying pebble inside your shoe? uncomfortable underwear, cause at least I would be able to walk!
by the way, Karen, since you closed your blog today by mentioning waterproof mascara, do you have an inexpensive eye makeup remover you can recommend to removing waterproof mascara? I love the Lash Paradise I bought, but I accidentally bought the waterproof version, and it is a real beotch to get off.
Thanks!
hero or the villain: hero
last beauty-related thing: put on pink neutrogena lip gloss
raw celery for a week, or plain, cold tofu: celery is one of my favorite crunchy foods…but wow, would I get hungry…so, tofu.
choose to do anyone’s makeup in the world: my mom’s
uncomfortable underwear OR with a really annoying pebble inside your shoe? pebble, you could just favor one foot and limp a little, and no problem sitting down…but how would you sit and work with undie issues??
1. You get the chance to play either the hero or the villain in a major motion picture. Which role do you choose?
Oh, that’s tough. Even though I’m pretty goodie goodie in some ways, I think I’d choose Villain!
2. What’s the last beauty-related thing you did?
I got haircut yesterday which turned out to be a major style change because my stylist heard “bob” when I said “lob”. Needless to say I’m not pleased.
3. Would you rather eat nothing but raw celery for a week, or plain, cold tofu?
Tofu!
4. If you could choose to do anyone’s makeup in the world, whose makeup would you do?
Oh, I’m not sure. Someone with a real chameleon face like Cate Blanchette would be awesome.
5. Would you rather walk around all day long wearing uncomfortable underwear (to clarify, this would apply to both your bra and your undies), OR with a really annoying pebble inside your shoe?
Pebble! I think I could ignore it more!
1. Villain, due to the better lines and usually more interesting wardrobe, makeup, and hair.
2. Put on lip balm.
3. Celery, because I like the crunchy texture.
4. Probably Jennifer Lawrence, because her eyes are even more hooded than mine. (Also, her pupils are so large I think she must be on Adderall. I’d ask her about that.)
5. The underwear, because a pain in the foot with each step would be unendurable.
1. You get the chance to play either the hero or the villain in a major motion picture. Which role do you choose? Probably the villain, because these roles often are more interesting.
2. What’s the last beauty-related thing you did? I was in London about a week ago and I did a make-over at Charlotte Tilbury. She has a gorgeous shop at Covent Garden, and I love her website. But unfortunately it was just okay. The make-up artist was head over heels on these products “that’s my favourite”. But he said this on every product, so after the third, I didn’t believe him.
The make-over at Nars on Kings Road – I just walked in – was totally different. I was looking good and rested (after a day of shopping and running around) and the new make-up is really great.
3. Would you rather eat nothing but raw celery for a week, or plain, cold tofu? Tofu, because I HATE celery.
4. If you could choose to do anyone’s makeup in the world, whose makeup would you do? I’m okay at doing my own make-up, so I won’t dare to do someone else’s make-up.
5. Would you rather walk around all day long wearing uncomfortable underwear (to clarify, this would apply to both your bra and your undies), OR with a really annoying pebble inside your shoe? The pebble, because you could stop and shake out the shoe.
Have a good week everyone!
Happy late Monday/early Tuesday! I had to take Bree to the “scawy pwace” (the vet) to get a pawdicure and she was not happy with me. She gave me the, “I can’t believe you DID THAT!” face for three hours, especially since I had to share with everybody that she has learned to play! She was like, “Oh my gaaaaaaawd, I just wanna go home!”
1. You get the chance to play either the hero or the villain in a major motion picture. Which role do you choose?
Hm, that’s hard because I don’t ultimately believe in heroes or villains. I think we both are a bit of both and that’s why I love the Batman universe so much. So many people see him as a hero, but the every day heroes often see him as a villain in modern day universes, alongside the Joker. I also love the new Star Wars universe for this. This idea of hero and villain being twisted on itself is something I love. I’d love to be one of those characters who you can’t help but debate between if they are a hero or a villain. They are often some of the characters that just have a divided fan base (hate to love or love to hate.)
2. What’s the last beauty-related thing you did?
Wash my face. Ahhhhh, fresh face and moisturizer.
3. Would you rather eat nothing but raw celery for a week, or plain, cold tofu?
I cannot, cannot, cannot ingest soy because my lupus does not like soy (a little bit like in chocolate is okay. Soy curds? No.), so celery. And I HATE celery. It’s so…flossy.
4. If you could choose to do anyone’s makeup in the world, whose makeup would you do?
I’d like to do Natalie Portman’s or Jennifer Lawrence’s as they would probably just go with it even if it was terrible. Ha ha ha.
5. Would you rather walk around all day long wearing uncomfortable underwear (to clarify, this would apply to both your bra and your undies), OR with a really annoying pebble inside your shoe?
A pebble, because I’ve sadly done it before. I have done uncomfortable underwear and let me tell you, when you have lupus, the last thing you want to wear is underwear that is uncomfortable. The inflammation isn’t worth going around with wires or straps digging in or poking, lace itching, or the band digging in or choking you in terms of your bra. I’ve just cried at the pain. An uncomfortable pebble I barely think about when I’m horseback riding. I often change my shoes (or take them off) after riding so annoying pebble is but a nuisance for but a few hours. [You are talking to someone who did the Special Olympics one year with a sprained ankle and another with a migraine and four hours of sleep. A pebble is but a tiny annoyance.]
1. You get the chance to play either the hero or the villain in a major motion picture. Which role do you choose? The Hero. As much as I think there are great villains, I’m always wanting them to be redeemed. In my heart, I’m a hero loving kind of gal. 🙂
2. What’s the last beauty-related thing you did? Bought some beauty products. HAHA! I had to pick up a new curl spray and, while I was on Amazon, figured I’d try a version of the Japanese mascara from Saturday’s post (the volumizing waterproof version).
3. Would you rather eat nothing but raw celery for a week, or plain, cold tofu? Thanks for the great choices, friend. 😉 I’d go with the celery.
4. If you could choose to do anyone’s makeup in the world, whose makeup would you do? I’m definitely not going to be profound here. I think I’d pick my non-makeup wearing friend. That way, even if it doesn’t turn out great, she won’t know the difference – or care.
5. Would you rather walk around all day long wearing uncomfortable underwear (to clarify, this would apply to both your bra and your undies), OR with a really annoying pebble inside your shoe? I’m going to pick the pebble but I’m going to cheat and say that I’ll shake it into the area between my toes where it will be the least irritating. I couldn’t handle being poked by underwire and having underwear riding into my nethers all day.
1. You get the chance to play either the hero or the villain in a major motion picture. Which role do you choose?
If there’s a good backstory and maybe I see the error of my ways at the end, playing the villain would be so much fun. 😉
2. What’s the last beauty-related thing you did?
I just trimmed my nails too – I’m so with you on keeping them short! I don’t know how women who type all day can stand them long. Mine have been more brittle since the baby and I’m terrified of accidentally scratching her with a broken nail.
3. Would you rather eat nothing but raw celery for a week, or plain, cold tofu?
Ick, tofu so at least I’m not starving.
4. If you could choose to do anyone’s makeup in the world, whose makeup would you do?
Amy Poehler. I’ve been on a Parks & Rec binge and I want to be besties with her.
5. Would you rather walk around all day long wearing uncomfortable underwear (to clarify, this would apply to both your bra and your undies), OR with a really annoying pebble inside your shoe?
Probably the uncomfortable underwear. What woman hasn’t had to deal with that? 🙂