- WINNER: The giveaway is closed now, and the winner is Amy! Congratulations, Amy! If you entered but didn’t win this time around, keep trying, and click here to enter any ongoing giveaways before you jet. 🙂
Tabs is such a creature of habit, and if something forces him to break one of his regular patterns, he gets very fussy. Every morning, as long as I’m awake before dawn, he requires at least 5 minutes of lap-time lurvies to set the tone for the day, and if I’m busy, incoherent, or just not paying close enough attention to my petting, he’ll grumble, mumble and nibble at my elbows and hands as if to say, “You’re doing a terrible job.”
He also does this thing I call “the circuit,” which he does throughout the day, where he sprints down the hallway (slipping and sliding, because the floor is tiled), through the dining room, the kitchen and then to the living room and back to the hallway almost to where he started. And he always runs in the exact same direction every time, counter clockwise.
At Nordstrom the other day, I realized that I do a circuit, too. With makeup counters. And I’ve been running pretty much the same route for, oh, eight years!
It always starts at MAC, and then I sprint to Chanel and Laura Mercier, and then around the perimeter of the department to Clarins, Clinique, Shiseido, YSL, Dior, Estée Lauder, Bobbi Brown and Trish McEvoy, before finishing at Lancôme (sometimes out of breath!).
I also do a circuit at Sephora, where I start on the right side of the store and work my way around counter-clockwise (it just feels right).
What folks are saying…
“Shut the front door! OMG Karen, you have made my day. 🙂 I’m sick in bed with the flu and this has just cheered me up immensely!!!!!!!! BTW, I’m the one that sent you that pic of my pug in a wig a few weeks back LOL! Thanks again, honestly, I’m beyond giddy right now.”
-Angel“Oh my goodness! Thank you so much Karen (and Tabs, of course)! I really appreciate this! I’d been eyeing the Anastasia brow pencil in Strawburn to match my red hair!”
-Chelsea (and Jiji the kitten and Quincy the bunny)“Never before have I been so pleased to check my email right before bed!!! Thank you so, so much! I truly enjoy your blog and check it almost daily! Thanks again! This made my night!”
-Melissa, Edmond, OK“Hi Karen. Oh my goodness! I can’t believe I won! :O Thank you so much! You, Tabs, and your blog are amazing! Thank you for keeping me updated on all things beauty and more importantly, for keeping me entertained! Keep doing your thing! 🙂 Thank you again.”
-Jacqueline“Hi Karen. Thank you so much, I’m so excited, I’ve never won anything before. My name is Hana … I just turned 25 (today is my birthday!) Yay! Thank you.”
-Hana
- One (1) Sephora eGift card containing $50 sent to the winner by email (international readers, you may opt to receive $50 sent by PayPal instead).
- There are two ways to enter, and you can do both of them for two chances to win. First, you can enter by leaving a comment at the bottom of this post, a comment about anything at all, like, do you have a circuit/pattern you follow when you visit the beauty department? What was the first counter you ever visited? What’s on your current beauty lemming list? Have you ever worked at a makeup counter? Do you have allergies (because I do)? What’s your favorite eye primer? — you get the idea.
- Second, you can enter by following me on
Twitter @karenmbb and retweeting (RT) the following message:
- Follow @karenmbb and RT to Win a $50 eGift Card from Sephora! http://bit.ly/IFdvza
- The deadline to enter is Sunday, April 15, 2012 at 11:59PM (PT).
- Entrants must enter using a valid email address and/or Twitter account to win.
- A maximum of two (2) entries per person — one within the comments at the bottom of this post, and a second entry via Twitter addressed to me @karenmbb.
- Contest is open to individuals of any country who have reached the age of majority according to their local laws (18 in the United States with these exceptions: Alabama and Nebraska, 19; Mississippi, 21).
- Sephora eGift Certificates can only be redeemed online and are not valid in stores or available for purchase or redemption in Canada. International winners may opt to substitute the Sephora eGift card prize for $50 sent directly to their email address by PayPal instead.
- Tabs and I (heretofore referred to as “T-Money and K-Dawg”) will select one (1) winner at random from the entries either left in the comments at the bottom of this blog post or addressed to @karenmbb on Twitter.
- The winner will be announced here within 48 hours of the deadline.
- Void where prohibited by law.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
- WINNER: The giveaway is closed now, and the winner is Amy! Congratulations, Amy! If you entered but didn’t win this time around, keep trying, and click here to enter any ongoing giveaways before you jet. 🙂
My first make up counter experience was Clinique – my mom took me when I was 14!
I have HORRID allergies which has totally been a stumbling blog for me makeup wise this season!
Let’s hope the pollen calms down a bit in the near future!
♥ Jessica
i have a circuit pattern at Sephora too. I start at Bare Escentuals, move through Clinique then to the back to check out hair/face products and then up through fragrance
I am also a creature of habit and find myself making the same rounds for makeup counters, and stores I circle at the mall. Lol.
I hope I win! I’ve had such bad luck lately 🙁 say hi to Tabs for me (and my two little kitties) haha!!
I need to head yo my mac countet and get superb, glorify,reel sexy lipstick and watch me shimmer lipstick!
Skin79 BB Cream is on my lemming list right now.
My first make up counter experience was two years ago at Sephora! The first time I ever bought high end makeup 🙂
On my lemming list – Clarisonic Mia!
Yay, happy Saturday Karen and Tabs! I hope your allergies are getting better! I don’t really do a circuit, but I always check out Guerlain and Dior. Sometimes Clarins too! Our MAC stores are stores, not counters, and there isn’t one in my city. Otherwise I’d visit it way more!
Thanks for the giveaway!
I always go clockwise at sephora. It just feels natural 🙂
My first time at a makeup counter was with MAC, and I was fifteen! Ironically, the look I wanted was more like Bobbi Brown’s neutral/professional look. But I still enjoyed the experience (:
Karen, thanks so much for the opportunity. I would love to win and pick up a few items on my shopping list at Sephora. I’m thinking Nars and Dior for sure!! Thanks again!
I think the first counter I visited was a Clinique counter, for a makeover when I was about 13 or 14. Tweeting too!
Aah, I love your Tabs stories! I usually hit Sephora first, then Nordie’s.
I previously didn’t have allergies, but out of nowhere this year I seem to have developed them! It’s horrible.
I think the first makeup counter I visited was clinique. I love hearing your stories about Tabs. Have a great day
currently on my beauty wishlist is bright orange lipstick by MAC, some dazzleglasses for summer, Soft and gentle MSF and truth and light magically cool powder! all summer essentials in my mind!
I think the f first beauty counter I ever visited was clinique!
Jazz is warming up my lap now. He likes to “borrow” my lap, hehe.
The first department store counter i ever visited was MAC, only because the guy stopped me and put studio fix on my face and i was hooked! 12 years later I still wear this powder 🙂
Sibila sends her purrs to Tabs. She’s considering modelling now that she’s got plenty of free time and her hair is in tip top condition.
My first makeup counter experience was at sephora a few years ago when I bought myself a brown eyeliner from the clearance rack i was pointed to and i felt like the coolest girl around!
I just realized I always go counter-clockwise at Sephora too! Never thought about it before, but it’s every time:)
I have sudden, terrible eye allergies – on both coasts – I think my eyes have aged about 10 years in 6 months from all the rubbing, I’ve found one tiny bottle of drops that seems to work for now, so I’m going to buy a case worth!
I don’t have a specific pattern of visiting the beauty departments- most of the time I head straight first for a brand/product I’m intrigued with, or need to restock, then I work from there 😛 Though when I really don’t have anything to check out or restock, I’ll usually head for the more “well-known” brands like Chanel or Dior first, unless it’s Sephora then I usually head to Urban Decay first.
My skin doesn’t have any specific allergies that I know of, at least not internally, but it does react quite badly to alcohol and/or mineral oil. ANYTHING with alcohol (Organic or not) or mineral oil (Or *Gasp* worse, both) will definitely trigger big red angry spots 🙁
I’m graduating on the 22nd April (The convocation ceremony) and am starting an intensive beauty regime in an attempt to look my best on that day! 😀 Wish me luck!
hello! i just had a mary kay facial & make up session. the colours match my skin, but i think their mineral make up irritates my skin. *sigh* and it’s a better price point than my current make up. —-the hunt for good make up, with a reasonable price, continues……
have a lovely weekend!!!!!
My first makeup experience was with Body Shop! I was looking for something to fill in my eyebrows with.
Hope you have a wonderful weekend!! 😀
Currently lemming after the new UD eyeshadow in Mushroom! I could never make myself buy I palette just for this shade so I am super excited it is coming out as a single! Just have to wait for them to get to Sephora…
My first visit was to Clinique — my mom took me for my 13th bday, sort of a “Welcome to Your Teens” present. 🙂
I think the first counter I ever visited/bought stuff from was Urban Decay in middle school
I just bought a Korres liquid lipstick yesterday at Sephora. I got it on sale for only $7. Such a steal!
My favorite eye primer is from Trish McEvoy.
Thanks for this giveaway! When I visit Sephora, I usually start with brands that I love (such as Clinique and Urban Decay) and then move on to exploring new products. Hope you are having a good weekend! Love your name, btw 😀
Happy Saturday 🙂
Have a great weekend, Karen!
Weekend finally! And the weathers going to be pretty nice too, yay 🙂
I always start with shoes, muddle my way through clothes for me and then ooh and ahh over clothes for my girls 🙂
Nope, I hit the counters and Sephora like a gnat. Flitter here, flitter there, then back over here.
When I visit Sephora I usually stop at MakeUpForever first then to Urban Decay, Benefit, Tarina Tarantino then check out new perfumes and lastly skincare.
I woke up to my kitten mewing in my face for her morning pets. If she doesn’t get them right away, she starts to get demanding!
I really want to get the mufe cream hd blushes, I swatched it in the store and I can’t stop thinking about it!
Happy Sunday! I try to be orderly when I’m shopping in a beauty department, but I find that I always end up visting some counters twice, missing others, etc. Thanks for the giveaway! 🙂
My ciruit depends on what I’m planning to buy that day. i usually do research of the product im purchasing and any competitive brands around that. so ill grab what I am sure of, then walk aroung to get a good look at the competitors, ask, etc. just in case. Once I’ve made my decision, ill start from that point and walk around the perimeters/aislesof makeup..though that doesn’t mean it’s a strict one. I may end up going back for something that’s caught my eye a minute ago. 🙂
Fave eye primer is urban decay’s!
The first counter I ever visited was the Clinique counter. I think I was 14. Before that, I had only ever been exposed to drug store makeup. I was in love with what I saw. Nowadays, I’m more of a NARS and MUFE fan =)
I do rounds at sephora online. I start by going thru all my favorite brands then I go back and see what’s new then editors pick. The closest sephora is an hour away so I do a lot of review reading (thank you) and hunting the beauty items online.
Venturing out to an estate sale this afternoon. It’ll probably be more like a yard sale but I’m hoping to find some unique treasures.
You said we could comment anything so
FLUFFY KITTIES:)
The first counter I ever visited for myself was Clinique.
My favorite primers are the Urban Decay because they are in different shades for different primers or for a base for eyeshadow. I also love YSL Lip products.
Just started following your blog/website! Absolutely in love so far! 🙂
I have allergies too, when I go to stores I usually just kinda wander around and I don’t really have a game plan unless there is something I know I am going to buy.
I don’t really have a pattern when shopping beauty — I usually go for the first thing that catches my eye!
Clinique was my first counter experience. Ahhhh memories.
Painting my nails on a rainy saturday morning
It’s my favorite time of the week-giveaway time 🙂 My favorite eye primer is Urban Decay Primer Potion! Honestly, I think it works so well that I haven’t tried a lot of other ones. I have never worked at a make up counter although I’d love to. Somehow though I can’t justify quitting my job as interpreter (which I love) to do so. Maybe one day 🙂
My first “high-end” purchase was Urban Decay Primer Potion. I still remember being so excited to finally try it out.
My first counter experience was Estee Lauder, back in the day when Clinque was THE makeup brand to use. Always had to be a little different. Thinking this summer I even might revisit my love affair with White Linen as my scent. Feeling nostalgic 😉
My first makeup counter was MAC. Gotta love all that eyeshadow they have on display!
I do the same thing in Sephora, except I start at the left side of the store and go clockwise!
My allergies are making it impossible for me to want to do any kind of makeup right now. 🙁
I go the right at Sephora too. I loop from the right side around the left then up the middle. The first counter I went to was Chanel.
I think the first counter experience I had was buying perfume for my mom’s birthday. We got her j.lo glow (gah, how dumb we were back then). She also didn’t like the smell.. I think we got sucked in by the packaging and her fame. We still have half a bottle left (or full) in our linen closet. Haha.. Mistakes happen.
I also do a circuit! It depends if my fav brands start on the left or the right but I always go in a circuit once I’ve started. I’m really psyched because I’ve finally another girl in my area who’s nice, interesting and a fellow VIB at Sephora. We’re heading out for our first shopping trip on Sunday…really excited to make a new friend!
My first counter experience was Clinique!
That is hilarious you’ve noticed you have a circuit. Come to think of it, I probably do too when I’m makeup shopping. Mine always starts at MAC too and then Chanel.
I have hay fever every year at April/May. It can be really annoying sometimes because I love to be outdoors!
This is so nice of you! I’ love to try some of the new products in the NARS summer collection.
I haven’t ever worked at a makeup counter, but I did work at Sephora for a while. It wasn’t a very fun company to work for, unfortunately (and the particular store wasn’t too hot either). Now I work for LUSH – it’s like night and day, LOL. LUSH is a blast.
I don’t think I really have a circuit, actually. My cat definitely has a crazy-time circuit, though! Run through the living room, scramble up to the top of the cat tree, jump off the cat tree, out of the living room, into the bedroom, down the hall, into the office, back to the living room, repeat. She’s bananas.
I’m really lemming perfume right now- and Fresh perfumes are at the top of my list.
Beauty lemming: Clinique’s Runway Coral lipstick, can’t wait til May!
When I go to Sephora I always know if I’m buying something, I need to research every purchase!
Currently lemming NARS blush in Liberte! Can’t wait!
I do the same circuit at Sephora! In Nordstrom I just sort of wander though. I don’t get to either place often though, they are both a 40 minute drive away. My first makeup counter experience was at Estee Lauder. I felt so glamorous!
My first beauty counter was a Clinique one when I was about 12 years old!
I had a dream last night that I won a small percentage of the lottery so maybe this is a sign that I’ll win this! I haven’t been to Sephora in months….even the .com version. So this would be awesome!
I’ve never formally stopped at a beauty counter, its so intimidating!
My little rescue Bischon does a ‘circuit’ too – running full speed thru the halls (same route each time) and sliding on the wood floors. Occasionally sliding right into the doors/walls!
Rainy Saturday has led me to wash all of my makeup brushes today – so needed. Has me itching to go buy some new products now…
Tweeted about the giveaway ~ twitter name: @kimpcole
I’m pretty sure that the first makeup counter I ever visited was Clinique. But I imagine that’s true for a lot of people!
Ou ou pick me pick me!
My first makeup was from Avon because mama was an Avon lady. Im allergic to anything and everything, genetics, papa & mama both have allergies to different stuff so i got it all baby! (Sigh)
I go down the left side of the store and weave back and forth til I reach the front of the store. LOL Thanks for the giveaway !!
I’ve been trying out the UDPP (yea, I’m a little late to the game) since my previous eye primer had been creasing on me lately and I love it! I have no idea why I’ve been holding out on the UDPP. -____- Darn me for justifying why I don’t need to buy pretty things!
I don’t exactly have a circuit. I guess if I’m at Sephora I tend to check out Urban Decay and then YSL and then Illamasqua and then wander aimlessly around the store until I’ve accumulated about twice as much stuff as I had planned on buying, at which point I hit up the clearance bins and try not to think about how much money I’m spending while I’m checking out.
I never realized it before but I do have a mall circuit, going to certain stores first, and always ending up at the food court at the end.
Picturing you doing the circuit made me giggle out loud!
I’ve been in dire need for a haircut but cannot find it in myself to drop a fifty!
I hate going to makeup counters. Not entirely sure why, but I haven’t had the best experiences with them. My first counter experience was with MAC, and I was talked into buying a very dark purpley red lipglass that was just…. very bad on me.
Its my birthday and ill ship if I want to … shop if I want to…
I’m allergic to dust! When it starts flying I start sneezing.
I cannot wait to zumba today! #obsessed
My first counter was probably Clinique, too. I was using their skincare way before I started using any colored cosmetics!
This is my comment about anything at all! 🙂
I’m so excited that I’m gonna see you today!!!
I think the older i get the more allergic i become to stupidity and rudeness:).
My first makeup counter was MAC. My allergies have been acting up so bad lately. Right now its at its worse cause my sinus hurts and I gave a dry throat and eyes :/.
I really want the NARS collection!!
LOL abt doing a circuit of the makeup counters! I meander more than do a specific circuit depending on what I’m looking for that day. But I do make my way to all counters before leaving! My first counter visit was Clinique – they looked far less intimidating than the ladies at EL, Lancome, etc.!
I feel for you on the allergy front – pollen seems to be unusually bad this year. We didn’t have a hard winter in KS this year – wonder if that is affecting spring pollen production?
As much as I love the warmer weather, my allergies are taking a toll on me !
I never use eye-primer. Such a slacker, ha…
That cat commercial earlier today? That was pure magic. I wish that’s how the world really was!
My allergies have been killing me!
I used to go to the Benefit counter everytime lol
I used to use Urban Decay primer potion, but it’s so hard to blend colors over it that I can’t anymore.
The first counter I’ve ever went to was MAC.
Ohhhh, I am totally lemming Butter London laquers. I have seriously been to Nordstrom every weekend for the past month drooling over the pretty colors and convincing myself I don’t already own a color like that. Then I walk out of there going “Did I really just drop $80 on nail polish!!!’. I need an intervention!!!!!
I need a Naked Palette so badly! This is the perfect sized gift card!
I have allergies and its terrible but I have learnt to live with it:) I would like to buy the Clarisonic Mia with the gift card:) Thanks Karen
I’m excited for the new NARS collection!
Fave eye primer is Shadow insurance, Too faced.
Thanks
Clarisonic Mia is on my wishlist.
my first trip to a makeup counter, and the result of my first delving into the beauty blog community, was to get Popster tinted lip conditioner from the MAC Hello Kitty collection
Lol – I thought I was the only one who did circuits in sephora and at the counters!! Hmmm….. wonder if that counts as circuit training? Lol at Tabs – my kitty runs like she’s being chased by invisible demons and I just wait for her to hit the tile….. she goes slip slidin’ away! 😀
love your blog and lurk here all the time – thanks for the chance to win a GC!!
I love love love Urban Decay’s eye primers. Both the original and sin. Sin is this wonderful champagne color that can be used as a primer or all by itself. It’s that amazeballs!
Fave eye primer is e.l.f
Since discovering Sephora, I have pretty much ignored department store makeup counters!
My favorite eye primer is Too Faced Shadow Insurance.
I have sever allergies to furry pets and outside stuff. 🙁 Very heartbreaking to not have any animals!
I like anything super colorful, especially when it has a lot of glitter. 🙂
The first counter I visited was the Estee Lauder counter with my mom, and she sweetly purchased my first lipstick for me, a bright pink called Cinema Pink. I loved it! Now, I’m more of a Nars and MAC woman, although EL has some bangin summer glosses I’ve got my eye on!
I have a love/hate relationship with technology today 🙁
My earliest make-up counter encounter was when i was about 5 and my mom brought me along when she browsed lancome.
Spending the next 36 hours filming videos and tracking the tornado outbreak in the plains. This’ll be interesting.
I had a makeover at Elizabeth Arden’s counter when I was 12.
My first venture into the makeup area was MAC but I definitely go to them all now! I love sephora because of the different products available in one store!! It’s like a candy land! Thanks for the opportunity to win!
my fav eye primer is the f.y.i primer from benefit but i think its been discontinued 🙁
On my first trip to a makeup counter i went straight for the eyeshadow counter.
I have been trying desperately to stick to short lists when I go into Sephora, but almost always start at right side & end up with what on my list & then some!!!!!! :/
Currently lemming the Sephora + Patone blushes and the Illamasqua skin base foundation.
Thanks for this awesome opportunity, Karen! 🙂
Right now, I’m thinking about superstitions since yesterday was Friday the 13th. I’ve never really been one to believe in superstitions.
I love Sephora, but rarely get to go to the store since the closest is 2 hours away. Sephora online is awesome!
My first makeup counter experience was with my mom at estee lauder. I don’t venture into dept stores anymore thanks to sephora. I like browsing on my own and I do lots of reading about products before trying and buying. Plus they give awesome sample sizes and are helpful if I need assistance!
My mom took me to Clinique to get my makeup done for prom! I think that might have been the first time I bought makeup…
i like elf eye primer, its good and sooooo cheap!
Cats are adorable, I’m assuming that’s why people like to look like them all the time 😉
Come to think of it I do have a routine I sorta go through when I’m in the cosmetics dept! It mostly depends on how the department is set up, but when I go in a Nordie’s I usually look at MAC first, then Chanel/Trish, Clinique, Bobbi Brown and then from there kind of wander around to see what else some of the brands they have offer lol. In Sephora I just start on the right side and work all around and finish on over to the left!
My first trip to a counter was with my mom to Lancome I believe. She left me keep the little free gift when she bought a perfume!
i totally have a set route at ulta and sephora!
Thank you for all of the Giveaway opportunities!
I have no organized circuit when I browse Sephora, but I should! I just wander aimlessly through the aisles based on what I want to look at and then whenever I think of something, I go look for it again..but I really do hate the organization of Sephora’s D:
I usually start my circuit by turning left and making a loop through the makeup portion. Then, I hop to the back and look at skincare.
i wish there were edward bess stuff at Canadian sephora stores that way i can try before i buy!
i just opened my bedroom window. my cat has since been sitting in the hallway staring at it, but won’t come hop up there. i don’t get it. cats are strange.
My first Sephora experience was about 4 years ago when I was on my high school senior trip in New York City. Ever since that moment I have been OBSESSED 🙂
I go to the makeup counter/store unless I really have to because I can end up looking at everything and buying only a handful of things!
Love your blog! Helps so much.
I don’t have a circuit, it’s more of what catches my eye. I like sparkly things and large displays. Oh, and seeing a big sign for gifts with purchase always catches my attention!
For me it’s so disorganized when I go through Sephora , I bounce from one display to the other !
My fist encounter at the beauty counter was clinique. I wanted makeup for my senior prom. I left with a liquid foundation and heavy setting powder, which in hindsight, was too dark, too heavy, and aged me lol
My hair is in dire need of some hair masques. It’s starting to resemble straw. It doesn’t help that it’s straw colored :s
Would love to try the Ojon products from Sephora.
â¤â™¡â™¥ PICK ME!!! I LOVE SEPHORA =) â¤â™¡â™¥
One of my good friends actually bought me the lipstick that is out of stock EVERYWHERE from MAC’s Reel Sexy Collection, Heroine. I’m wearing it right now, and it’s gorgeous! SO happy she satisfied that lemming for me.
No pattern — I just look at all the pretty!
I miss having a cat
My first make up experience was with Clinique. My mom took me when I was 15 to get my first set of make up!
My first makeup counter was MAC. Before that, I’d always steal my mom’s gift with purchase palettes and brushes from Lancome, but the MAC stuff always caught my eye. Their foundation still doesn’t work that well on me, though–right now I’m using Make Up For Ever. Still love their eyshadows and lip stuff though!
my first counter experience was at MAC my mom took me and I didn’t but anything lol
Right now, I really want Illamasqua’s Hussy blush and a new foundation–not sure which one I want yet, though.
We had a freak hailstorm/snowstorm followed by a gorgeous double rainbow on Thursday. Freak April British weather or what?! 🙂
Hi Karen – hope you and Tabs have a great weekend. I’m from San Francisco and it’s nice that it looks like the thunder stopped, finally. It kept making me think Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams”.
I’ve been major hauling again. Can’t wait to get my goodies in the mail. =)
I really want illamasqua’s rude blush!
I am allergic to KITTEH dander, but I have 3 wonderful kittehs anyway.
I don’t have allergies to anything or anyone I’ve encountered thus far.
My first make up counter experience was Clinique and after that MAC store – love love love <3
i always go to the counters in nordstrom and it takes ages to leaveeeee
I’ve been wearing orange lipstick for a while now, and now it seems everyone wants to too! It kinda sucks, but is nice that people are branching out. :]
Urban Decay Naked2 is on my lemming list!
First makeup counter was Clinique since that’s all my mother uses.
The first make-up counter I went to was Clinique.
Need some new perfume1
The first makeup counter I ever visited was Estee Lauder, and boy did I get in trouble for coming home wearing lip gloss!!! It was the beginning of my cosmetic obsession. I have worked at SEVERAL cosmetics counters :))
My first makeup counter was Benefit when I was about ten. The sales girl wasn’t very good at finding makeup for medium/olive skin tones, so my friends and I ended up looking a bit clownish, but I really just sat in awe of all the products.
Lovely weather today!
I wish I had enough self discipline to run
🙁
Hi Karen and Tabs!
No circuit for me today. But it did feel like a treadmill I couldn’t get off. Sometimes just getting around NYC can be a challenge! Hoping to change my luck with this giveaway!
Thanks for all you do:)
I think my first counter was Estee Lauder because my mom has always worn a lot of E.L.
MAC did my makeup for Prom. I remember the lipstick was Twig and it was the only time I’ve ever looked soft and fresh after a MAC visit, lol.
The first makeup counter I ever visited was Clinique. I think I purchased Black Honey lip gloss. Next, was Sephora. I couldn’t believe what I saw. It was like a Winter Wonderland of makeup..lol
My Mac tres cheek blushers finally shipped! Now I just need to get over this gross cold I have so I can feel motivated to beautify and enjoy some of this spring weather!
I make the same circuit at Sephora too but ever since my new bout of hormonal acne, I might have to change it up by beelining to the skincare section!
I need a circuit at the gym 😉 On an unrelated note, I can’t find the Sephora jelly lip balms in San Jose! So frustrated. Have a great weekend!
My first counter was Clinique. I still have a soft spot for their lipsticks 🙂
I have allergies that would take down an elephant. Even Claritin can’t touch them some days, and that’s the best of all the options I’ve tried. The past few days have been though the roof, thanks to the winds we’ve been having. Thank goodness for Visine and concealer!
My first makeup experience was at MAC, and I’ve loved it ever since!
I have enough allergies for all of us! Tissue boxes are my best friends during this time of the year :/
The first time I went makeup shopping by myself was at the Lancôme counter. I felt like such a grown up at 16! I too usually go clockwise at Sephora- you never know what you could find that you didn’t know you needed!! : ) Oh and I have a complete obsession with Too Faced bronzers!!!
Caviar Manicure please!! 🙂 Love your new hair!
I’ve bought so much makeup lately, thanks to your reviews!! Can’t wait to try my caudalie haul from sephora!
I always check the YSL counter first, whether I’m at Nordstrom or Sephora. It’s my favorite brand 🙂
I have a Mac store really close to home so I prefer going there because it is so much better than Nordstroms and Sephora, great service and excellent products!!!
Happy Saturday. 1st make-up counter experience I think was lancome. Ever since I discovered Sephora no need for department store counters.
I check everything out first on Sephora’s website and then I head to the store with my list.
My kitty used to run a circuit when he was a kitten. He didn’t quite have control over his feet yet though, so he would go tumbling and rolling down the hallway. That’s how he got his name, Marbles!
I have a huge beauty lemming list right now too… The NARS summer collection has some great stuff, I still want more of the Sephora + Pantone stuff… The list goes on!
Thinking about adopting two cats from a cat shelter, not so sure what my two darlings at home would say.. 🙂
It’s warming up again in the Bay Area and I’m having trouble picking out a new moisturizer w/ SPF that’s SLS, paraben, fragrance, etc free. D:
I just reorganized my make up collection and it feels good! 🙂 Happy Saturday!
i’m so A.D.D i got all over the place when i first enter sephora!
I’ve been shopping for some new nail polishes. I’d love to get some bright colors for the summer!
I am pathetically broke and would love this!
Whenever I go to Sephora I always end up running around aimlessly… I get so intimidated by the sheer amount of makeup! 😀
The first beauty counter I went to was Clinique when I was about 13 or 14. My mom took me during Clinique Bonus Time, and I’ve been hooked on makeup ever since!
I have done some free lance work at a beauty counter in a depatment store in the Southeast!!!! Was SOOO much fun!!! Would def do it agian!!!:)
Allergies are insane this spring. I need Allegra and Flonase daily and nasal spray and an air purifier just to get by!
First counter I ever visited was Clinique….I think most of my friends started there so I wanted to check it out. ^_^
Have a great Saturday!
I think Clinique was the first counter I visited, but Benefit was shortly after that.
I love this blog and it’s really cool to read the comments from people who have won, maybe someday, I win .
Whenever the spring comes, my eyes itch a lot… I hate it!
So many things I like on Sephora’s website, and so few of them available in Canadian stores!
Yep, I have a similar circuit at the downtown Santa Rosa Macy’s. Enter from the mall, start at MAC on the right, then work my way counter clockwise. Every time.
Spring means lots of Benadryl for me!
YAYYYYYY i want it 🙁
My first counter experience was with Clinique. My aunt took me when I was 15 because my mother doesn’t really wear make up. I certaintly took after my aunt in the make up department. 🙂
The first makeup counter I visited was Estee Lauder at Valentines day of 2003. I was 12 years old, and my mom bought me a beautiful light pink lipstick as a Valentine’s Day present. I completely finished the product but still have the lipstick because it means so much to me..who knew an innocent lipstick purchase would turn a little girl into a lifetime of makeup obsession?!
I don’t have a pattern when I visit a beauty store. I just wander around but I try to look at the new stuff first.
I always start on the right side of Sephora too! then work my way around the makeup, stop by the skincare and end with a fabulous spray of some new perfume. I went there today to pick up my birthday gift! It’ll be my golden birthday this month, 23 on the 23rd. 🙂
The first counter I ever went to was Diane Von Furstenburg in the 70s. Does anyone remember her very extensive line? It was wonderful…and very popular at the time. She made the debut of a perfume, “Tatiana”, which was named after her daughter.
I gave blood this morning. I do 90% of my Sephora shopping online.
It is sweet of you to do this giveaway! My first makeup counter experience was Clinique and I think I was in my early twenties when I started getting “serious” about looking cute and taking care of my skin. I remember the moisturizer was great and the loose powder was my fav. OH and I used to jump on the “gift with purchase” deals that they had!! lol Blessings~
right now on my beauty list I have Urban Decay eye pencils, Laura Mercier lip stains, and Laura Gellar Baked products!! 🙂
tweeted -https://twitter.com/#!/steffers516/status/191260792241405952
Tomorrow is my husbands birthday! While he’s out celebrating while playing in a paintball tournament, im home having some much needed me time 🙂
The first makeup counter I ever visited was Clinique, sometime when I was in high school. And I’m still a huge fan of the Almost Lipsticks 🙂 Happy weekend!
Sick with sniffles today 🙁 But trying to keep positive!
The first counter I ever visited was Clinique during my freshman year in college and my first purchase was Black Honey.
I am addicted to Sephora! Especially now that they have a Nail Bar in most of the stores that I visit.
So that’s where I start first…..I take my old polish off and then use the cuticle cream wipe off with Sephora make-up remover wipes and I’m good to go. Then comes the selection of my nail polish which is harder than you think. Then I get my Fresh lip scrub and exfoliate my lips and put my Jack lip balm on. Then it’s off to check out any new cosmetics brand that I haven’t tried.
It’s a lazy Saturday. A $50 Sephora eCard would sure cheer me up. . . my kitties said to say “Hello’ to Tabs.
LOL! This made me realise I’m very patern-y/circuit-y in general when I go shopping. At H&M: I always start on the right side, work my way to the back, then come back at the front of the store, go to the left, etc.
At Sephora: I always hit Benefit first, then Too faced, the Kat Von D, and I always finish in the skincare section 🙂
Thanks Karen 🙂
Just drinking coffee and catching up on my blog reading- starting with MBB 🙂
Have a great weekend everyone!
I like it when my lips match my nails.
What was the first counter you ever visited?
Clinique, when I was 18 my mom bought me the 3-step face regimen.
Yeah in Sephora i usally go right to left and I have to scan everysingle items pretty much before i can go lol. I know MAC like the back of my hand so i always know where ot look for what i want there.
just baked homemade pop tarts!
Thinking it is time to visit Mac again… I go there way too often! The artists now recognize me it’s bad 🙂
The first counter I ever visited was either benefit or MAC
Thanks for the giveaway =) I have my eyes on the Guerlain Pucci brush. Precious!! Lord of The Rings Gollum voice he he. Have a great weekend!
clinique was probably the first makeup counter I ever visited — In high school!
I’m currently lemming a couple of Becca items. Hmmm I wonder why? 😉
Happy Saturday! Retiling floors on this beautiful day
I don’t have a usual circuit in stores, but I pretty much always visit Ulta-Sephora-Nordstrom (in that order) when I’m out shopping for beauty items!
I worked at the Prescriptives counter once, but quit because the other makeup counter coworkers were so snooty.
Can’t stop thinking of that Nars’ Anardana nail polish (drools a little bit)…
The first counter I ever went to was Clinique, with my mom. She’s a big fan of their skincare.
Favorite eye primer: NARS eye primer. Amazing. Just bought my second tube. I’m hooked!
I think I just started having allergies this year, yippee! Congested with coughing, fun stuff. Thanks for the giveaway, Karen! Hope you and Tabs have a good one, circuit running included 🙂
I don’t have a “circuit” for beauty departments, but I definitely have them for my local library, Target, or Wal-Mart, haha!
Have a lovely weekend!
BANANA!
I have horrible (pollen) allergies. Claritin usually works but I sneeze about 20 times in a row EVERY morning. I used to be allergic to cats but since I got my 2 furbabies awhile back, I became immune. 🙂 Why can’t one get immune to pollen after so much exposure??!!!
Zena sends many lovins to Tibbers and you!
Lancome at 15 🙂
Hannds down my favorite eye primer is Urban Decay’s. It’s the only one I’ve ever tried, but it’s so amazing I would never try anything else!
I don’t usually have a specific route I go on, I usually visit whatever I was there for first, and then sort of browse around the entire store. The first counter I ever visited was a MAC Counter when I was a freshmen in High School. I used to work at a Chanel counter inside of Macy’s, that was fun! I totally have allergies, in the fall and spring time I’m jacked up on benedryl. It totally sucks.
The first beauty counter I ever went to was the Clinique counter!
My birthday is tomorrow so I would seriously love this. All I’ve been wanting lately is tons and tons of makeup! And clothes >:] I wish there were that many counters at my local mall… It’s pretty old and rundown so we only have the more popular, established brands (Chanel, Dior, Estée Lauder, Clinique, etc). I’d LOVE a Benefit, NARS, or Laura Mercier counter!
I luckily only have fall allergies.
I have no particular pattern when I hit up Sephora. Although I tend to stick to the cosmetics.
My first beauty counter experience was with Dior for a black eyeliner pencil!
I just bought a Tarina Taratino jewel palette in Dreamy and its soooo soft and the colors just pop.
My favorite eye shadow primer is Too Faced Shadow Insurance
Some items on my current beauty product wishlist include the new NARS tinted moisturizer, Bare Escentuals Exfoliating Cleanser and a new creme blush from Tarte!
I LOVE going into Sephoras. To me, it is magical.
I don’t do a route- but now that I think about it, it makes sense! I walk around Sephora as in a dream, stopping to look at some lipsticks, then remembering something you recommend on MUBB & looking for that, get way-laid by a display of blushes, etc.!
I need to get myself to a Clinique counter STAT! Running low on my redness reduction powder, which is muy importante.
My dearly departed cat, Frido Kahlo Kitty, had a circuit that consisted of sitting on your lap, turning around and warping his paws around your neck (kitty hugs!) and trying to lick your eyebrows ( he thought they were fur that needed grooming! Seriously) RIP Frido *sniff* sweetest cat that ever lived..
My lemming is Naked 2. I want it soo bad, lol
The first counter I ever visited was Clinique…seems like that’s true for a lot of us.
I head straight for the cosmetics department when I go shopping, then make myself dizzy by turning from one counter to another. It drives my sister nuts…she says I’m like an out of control kid in a candy store. I can’t help it, I don’t want to miss anything!
Dickens says “Meow” to Tabs.
Clinique was my first makeup counter!
Wow, my first makeup counter was Bourgese, I miss it, glad I can still troll for their nummies online 🙂
My first counter was Revlon. I worked in a drugstore in high school and loved trying on all the new shades.
My favorite eye prime is Urban decay primer 🙂
I would love this gift card to buy a luxurious moisturizer!!
Can Tabs get me an introduction to the MGM Lion?
I would love to work at a make-up counter, but I’d go broke of course…
The first counter I ever visited was the MAC Counter at Nordies & it seems like I never left 🙂
I really want to try the new Nars collection! 8)
NARS exhibit A!!! I”ve been wanting in for ages!!1 🙂
I definitely have a circuit when I’m at Target! Counter clockwise through the store starting with clothes and ending in the pet section for treats for my baby. Thanks for a chance at a giveaway!
Happy Saturday!
My favorite MAC lipstick of all time is Del Rio. It is the first one I ever bought waaaaaay back and I get complimented all the time when I wear it 🙂
I’m catching up on MBB entries instead of packing for my move in 2 weeks.
The eye primer included in Sonia Kasiuk’s palettes is my favorite, the one included in Wet n’ Wild’s palette is my least favorite.
Just an FYI – you are spot on your review of superb by Mac . Love it!!!!
In terms of shopping strategy, if the store is Sephora, I usually head for the Nails Inc display first, to peruse what the current color options are (had fantastic results with their fall 2011 special collection). Next up is the display for whatever brand I’m needing to purchase an item from. My usual ones are Korres, Ole Henriksen (love their vitamin C serum), First Aid (one of their cremes is great for preventing windburn when I cycle), and Murad (sulphur acne treatment creme and mask have helped reduce breakouts a LOT). I’ll browse many other sections, though, and am partial now to the Sephora-brand body butter–it’s been great for me. I always find something there that I love in terms of makeup, no matter what brand.
Thanks for another great giveaway opportunity, Karen! 🙂
At Sephora, I usually head to Nars first, and then Urban Decay. Lately Ive started loving Laura Mercier as well 😀
<3
Well, no beauty department here where I live…. only a beauty isle at my local drugstore. But I looove going to the drugstore and brows for nail polishes!!
Hey Karen… I love to read your blog!! I have been following you for a few years now and I just can’t get enought of the beauty banter!! I am a lipgloss junkie and i love all the color swatches and pics you post… they make picking out a new lippie so much easier. And you just gotta love Tabs!! Hope you’re having a great weekend!!
I’ve been wanting to try the tarte full-coverage foundation!
My first makeup encounter was a tube of brown Great Lash mascara.
Perfume counter…no matter what store I’m in, I usually start at the perfume counters+displays. I love perfumes – the fragrances, the packaging – the romance of it all. I think it has something to do with how my dad would always get my mom tons of gorgeous perfumes as gifts.
I could do with more…hint hint 🙂
I got my first “real” lipstick from the Bourgese counter, a dark brownish red that – on further reflection – was an awful shade for a 16 year old…
I love life!
I’m currently project 10 pan-ing. Would love to use this gift card for my wish list items once I’m done!! Thx 🙂
I’m glad I’m not the only one with patterns! Target, Sephora, Macy’s, the mall…it’s always the same route with me!
Hey Karen!
Dude, I’m absolutely loving the new hair. I’m due for a cut soon too and I might, just might, use the shape you’ve got going as an inspirational starting off point.
I totally have an mu circuit. I tend to first hit up the Bobbi Brown counter, then the Nars counter, then the Burberry counter, then I catch a whiff of the Jo Malone corner; I then switch stores, and traipse gently through MAC and finally, I peruse Chanel’s offerings. By then, I’m either tired or just simply too embarrassed by the haulage to continue.
I’m lusting after the Nars TM at the moment. As soon as I hit send, I’m going to comb your archives in the hopes that you’ve reviewed it. I tried a sample and it was the boom-diggity. I only got to try it for a day though, my bro stole the rest of the sample to even out his skin tone for a hot date. Little brothers!!!
Oh, I’ve been wanting Nars eyeshadow duo in Kalahari but it’s a bit pricey for me right now.
When I go into Sephora I usually start with whatever is on my right hand side and walk my way around the store counter clockwise. I do that when grocery shopping too.
Hi Karen! Thanks so much for the giveaway! I was actually hired to freelance for MAC 2 years ago but I’ve never actually worked a minute in my life at one of their counters. Why they hired me, I don’t know.
I’d love to win! Please pick me! 😀
My first makeup counter was Clinique! 🙂 I was told they were the best for sensitive skin.
I definitely have a pattern when I go to a MAC or Sephora store, but not a geographic pattern; I first look at all of the eyeshadows, then the lip products, then the cheek and face products. It makes no sense as I end up going around the store like ten times, but I can’t help it I feel like a kid in a candy store! I gotta drool over everything! 🙂
It’s a rainy gloomy Spring weekend north of the boarder. Spending time with the parents. Miss the cat terribly 🙁
I always have a little mini-circuit that I do when I visit Macy’s. I go straight to the MAC counter, then towards the LUSH cosmetics section, and then back to the parking lot. I get in, I get out. LOL
The beauty product I’m lemming for is MAC Whisper of Gilt. Passed it up so many times until I saw it used as an eyeshadow! So gorgeous and now I have to hunt it down! Argh! It’s driving me crazy! I need to have it!
i’ve been dying to try the new YSL stains!
I heart this website!
Would loooove a new fragrance!
I use NYX primer usually
First counter is clinique! Have no circuit…always walk around randomly 2 or 3 times…
I do a circuit at the grocery store
When I go to the stores I always go straight to the blush tester. It’s the one make-up thing that I feel I need numerous shades of. For foundation, lipstick and eyeshadows I have my staples and not drawn to them when in stores.
I’m lemming for the Sephora + Patone Blush Duo 🙂
Thanks to your blog I am now hooked on using milk of magnesia as primer! It is THE best thing ever! And just picked up Laura mercier tinted moisturizer at sephora today, it’s almost summer here!
I do have circuits in any store. When buying from Ulta for example I start at the drug store brands and move my way around the store! I do the same a sephora. I like looking at all the new products out there! Plus I love how you can try the products in these store (And Target too!)
I haven’t really ever visited a makeup counter for myself!
I wanna win this gift card so I can finally get my hands on the Naked palette!
first counter…clinique
Lancome for me – then Clinque – Then Chanel – then I was in trouble
My first high end makeup counter was NARS. I bought lip gloss in Sand piper, I still have it but after a week of using it the gloss started smelling like burnt plastic. Not the best scent to have lingering so close to my nose *sigh*
My favorite new eyeshadow combo is vex and club
first counter was clinique foundation!
favorite eye primer by Nars
I remember the “computer” they used to have at Clinique counters, where you moved the levers to determine your skin type; I always thought that was cool.
Speaking of cool, I just had a dish of mint Oreo ice cream — yum!
i love lip products 😀 😀 😀
I’m lemming the too faced summer palette! So pretty.
Love sunny weekends, makes me happy 🙂
I just tried the new boscia black peel off mask and it was AWESOME! Just like peeling glue off my fingers when I was little:)
Love the blog so far!! New reader but def continuing! My beauty circuit is always left to right in whatever store I’m in. Crazy but works for me! Lol
I love NARS smudgeproof e/s primer. And can’t wait to try tarte’s new face primer – i’m hoping it helps fill in some fine lines i have started to notice. 🙁
My new favorite cookies: Cadbury Fingers! Eat them!
c’mon 🙂
MUFE foundation is something im dying to dry!
My first job out of high school was working for Sally Beauty Supply in south FL… The most popular shade of lipstick was a bright orange color named ”Mars” and the old ladies loved it– it was the most asked about product. Easily. And looked terrible on everyone. Not a surprise… I don’t know what those ladies saw when they looked in the mirror…
I want to try the new MUFE Aqua Shadow 🙂
My first-ever counter was Clinique. I remember going there with my mom for my first-ever lipstick purchase.
The first counter I ever visited was Mac! I feel very blessed to have a mom that wanted to help teach me how to properly apply makeup. 🙂 Here’s my tweet too: https://twitter.com/#!/ohheynicolle/status/191347153162080256
Thanks Karen!
I’ve found that I’ve scaled down in makeup since my teen years. My first real foundation was a super heavy clinique one (one of those “Oh God Why” moments looking back) and now I only use a mineral powder. Go figure 🙂
I remember the first “real” eyeshadow….it was MAC. I saw the girl wearing a green eyeshadow that was so crazy to me….but I had to have it. It was MAC Swimming! I literally giggled all the way home! I immediately put it on for dinner, where I was called a “hooker” by my mother in law!!!! LOL!
I have allergies in my eyes. It can be pretty annoy at times.
Allergies have not been kind this year. I’ve been sticking with Too Faced primer for awhile. I think UD is better, but TF works as long as I need it. I don’t really need my eyeshadow to last 20 hours or anything.
We are house hunting! And do it’s fun, it’s very difficult too because they are lots of things to decide… Location? Or better House? It’s been like 2 months of stress..
My first makeup counter was MAC and favorite eye primer is UD primer potion
Not sure what counts as my first counter, I’ve followed my mom to Lancome and Estee Lauder counters when I was young, my mom would buy night creams and such for gifts with purchases. My first makeup purchase from a counter was MAC though (about 1 year ago), I bought a pot of concealer.
Karen, I read your blog every day. You come up with the best topics!!!!! And someday I hope to win a contest and gift card to my favorite store. When I go to Sephora I shop left to right and back around a few times. I like to go there after work when I’ve had a stressful day — I call it connecting to the Mother Ship. By the time I leave, I have found my Zen again.
I’m using a lot a Lancôme products now but am thinking of going back to clinique. Their stuff always looks and feels so clean!!!
Me, me!!! 🙂
i want u sephora! 🙂
I actually remember my first counter
Ooo sorry forgot to finish. I actually remember my first counter experience. My mother took me to Lord & Taylor and we visited Lancome. She purchased me two items: one was this amazing small bottle of flecks of glitter which I still have and the other I can’t remember. It was a good first experience considering I became a makeup artist years later 😀
i really feel like baking nowadays. I only just discovered ur blog, but I LOVE it xD thnks for the giveaway
I know which counter was my first but can’t remember the name.. Oh it was Prescriptives! I don’t know if they still exist.. They used to have a counter at my local The Bay
I’d never thought about it before, but I definitely have a Nordstrom “circuit.”
My current makeup obsession is the Hada Labo BB moist cream, the Heroine Make liquid liner, and Cover Girl purple tube!
Life gave me a lemon today. No seriously, a guy in a t-shirt that says “Life” gave me a lemon today!
Clinique was the first counter I went to right before my prom. I think I got blue eyeshadow. *cringe*
Got an amazing hair cut 2day! I feel amazingly beautiful…
First makeup counter experience was Clinique. Hard to find much for me there these days, though…they had a gift with purchase yesterday and I left empty-handed because I only use a few
of their products now and I’m all stocked up.
My first counter experience was with Clinique….i felt so grown up trying on makeup by myself.
I usually start out with a circuit but I’m easily distracted so I end up wandering all over the store.
I always find something new I want to get after a sale (like the VIB, lol), dilemma really
I still don’t have Naked 2! I am on a no buy and that’s what I would get!
I actually don’t have a circuit – I don’t do department store counters very often, and only for MAC. At Sephora I usually make runs by brand displays to see if the new stuff on the website is in yet, then I settle down and look.
My fierce wildcat will sit on my arm and reach a paw over the blankets to tap (and occasionally claw a bit if I’m not fast enough) me to let him out in the mornings.
I thankfully have no allergies. It makes life so much easier. You really don’t want to hear my lemming list; it’s way too long, but I just got my order today from Silk Naturals and I’m in love with the company all over again! They’re amazing. AMAZING.
Hearts to you and Tabs!
I start off with Sephora first, then Mac, then Bobbi Brown. But I adore Mac cosmetics.
The only counters I visit in a department store is MAC and Urban Decay!
I don’t have a circuit. I either go in with a mission or wander through until something catches my eye.
My first “counter” experience was a Clinique counter in a PX on a military installation. I was looking at blushes, and spotted a pretty peachy/pink. I asked the rep if the shade was comparable to NARS Orgasm, and she said, “I don’t know what that is.” I walked away without buying anything. If you’ve never heard of that kind of beauty icon, you probably can’t help me anyway.
I usually start at the eyes hadows, mostly because i don’t usually wear anything other than lip balm on my lips, the first make up counter i ever went to was urban decay back in the mid ninties when i was in High School. No allergies for me make-up wise, I am allergic to mango pollen, and the sap. I can eat the fruit thou.
I love to cruise the MAC counter. I have recently broadened my scope to Estee Lauder. Loving their Day Wear foundation. Holds up well in Texas’ sticky heat.
Would love to win the Sephora card so I can continue my birthday month. April is the best!
I’ve never been to any of the dept. Store makeup counters.
But I take sooo long looking at all the stuff at ulta and sephora!
Crappy evening but hoping for a better Sunday!
My Unzipped palette came in the mail yesterday. I’ve been playing in it all day long!
I have the same pattern/route I take whenever i visit my local Target. It always starts with the clothes and ends at the makeup section. 🙂
I usually head to the MAC counter first.
The slot machine in your post makes me want to go to Vegas!:) Sun and fun baby!
had a great day outlet shopping!
I’m really wanting to visit a mac counter soon to pick up some eyeshadows!
I think my first makeup counter I ever went to was probably Urban Decay. It was love at first sight. 🙂
The first counter I’ve ever visited was Revlon to buy my mom a mother’s day gift! I was only 10 at that time.
On my current lemming list are the Meteorites and blush from the Pucci Geurlain collection.
I got a sample of MAC strobe cream this weekend on your recommendation! I haven’t tried it all over the face yet because I am afraid of a breakout, but it is beautiful to add dewiness to the cheekbones.
Today I went to target I got the new sonia kashuk brush set for summer and I’m very excited about it.
I think my first visit was to a Clinique counter. Got the whole line of face cleaning products. Ahh memories.
today i went to buy the limited edision mac blush in pink cult and there was only one left…i left for 5 min and someone bought the blush!! but luckily i searched online and finally got my hands on the pink cult blush. This totally made my day =)
My first makeup counter visit was when I was 13. My mom took me to Clinique for a makeover so the artist could show me how to apply age appropriate makeup I guess. Still remember the lip gloss I got ‘Air Kiss’- this was way back in the day when the gloss came in the pot with the clear top and Clinique green trim. I am currently obsessing over when the new Chanel collection will be available- the bronzer looks gorgeous. Hope you and Tabs are having a great day!
My favorite eye primer is the regular Too Faced Shadow Insurance. I have really oily lids, and nothing but this works. The original UDPP, Sin, Eden, TFSI Candlelight, Benefit Stay Don’t Stray, and the ELF primers all crease like heck. And don’t even get me started on “creaseless” cream shadows! *sigh* I haven’t tried the NARS primer (way spendy) but I hear it is also really good.
Too Faced powdered bronzer in Milk Chocolate. Lemming.
I love Urban Decay’s primer for pressed eyeliners and Lime Crime’s eye primer for loose shadow.
I do have a routine when cosmetic shopping! I usually hit MAC first then Sephora then Nordstrom. It just works for me! I am a sucker for eyeshadows, then I look at palettes and facial skin creams. 🙂
I do 2 laps at Sephora. I always go back for seconds!
My first counter was probably Estee Lauder. I used to go there with my mom when I was little. I would get so excited when the sales associate would give me the testing wands (clean ones of course) to play with.
My allergies are killing me. I love spring but do not like all the sneezing!
My first counter was hard candy (back when they were a higher-end line) . My allergies are ridiculous, mainly because I’m asthmatic -on 3 different medications right now 🙁
I love love love sephora, but get totally overwhelmed in the store, so I deffs prefer shopping online lol
Watching Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy!
Karen, I want your haircut!
I just started developing seasonal allergies within the past few years… 🙁 Apart from that, I do have a nonlethal peanut allergy, but it does mean no PB&Js or anything cooked in peanut oil for me!
I have the same routine everytime I go to my local drug store…
I want Nars Lhasa and its all your fault! lol 🙂 Have a great Sunday and thanks for this giveaway.
I generally know what I want to buy so I go that counter straight and generally don’t look at other ones to avoid temptation!
I just bought a mac lipstick. I love it! It’s my favorite one 🙂
I’m allergic to sunblock 🙁
oh, i have major dust allergies! But the funny thing is, for the past 3 years I’ve been living in Kuwait which is famous for its dust storms! We dont have a lot of greenery here, and its mainly dust everywhere.. but I have no allergies here at all! I’m not sure if I’ve just finally grown out of my allergies, or I’m not allergic to “Kuwait” dust! hehe
i want a lipstick by mac called costa chic
I really want to try a bold lipstick!
Happy Sunday! 🙂
xoxo
I’m reeeeaaally susceptible to hayfever allergies 🙁 I get hayfever all the time.
Happy weekend! 🙂
My current beauty lemming – Dior amber diamond and a Shiseido
Lippie.
Lemming bronzer / a skin – tone correcting serum!
Too Faced Shadow Insurance
Have a great weekend 🙂
My first makeup counter was Clinique and I let them talk me into a 3-step skin care system that was all wrong for me. I was afraid to go near the Macy’s beauty department for a few years afterwards.
My mom took me to the Clinique counter when I was twelve for my first “real” makeup
I don’t have a particular pattern. Usually I have a specific item in mind, go there first, then do a quick browse on the way to the checkout 🙂
I’m on a hunt for Wet N Wild’s I Heart Matte!
The Clinique counter
Another one whose first makeup experience was at the Clinique counter.
The first beauty item I bought was Clinique Black Honey Almost Lipstick
I love the MAC counter. Great value, wonderful colors, excellent products.
I do like it when cats nibble at you though! It’s like a sign of affection. :3
Products are fab, thanks!
Just ordered some cat eye stencils from Beth Bender Beauty and can’t wait for them to come in!!!
My first beauty counter was Clinique!
My kitteh is attempting to prevent me entering by sitting across my arms – I think she wants to win for herself! 😀
Not a beauty counter, but I do remember the first time I visited Sephora. I was around 8 years old, and I recall absolutely falling in love with Urban Decay, Tony&Tina, and Hard Candy. Especially loved the nail polish from all three brands!
My favorite shade of lipstick is red.
Please pick me…I want to try the new Dr. Brandt’s BB cream!
I have spent So. Much. Money. this week. I had to buy conditioner, and on my way home I saw a magazine so I bought it even though I know that magazines always have the same recycled content in practically every issue. I decided that after my vacation I wouldn’t spend as much money (I bought so much stuff while I was away!) but clearly I can’t stop spending money when I know I should save for all the fun I’ll have this summer.
OH CRAP I just found out that one of my favourite singers is performing near me. Time to start saving money again.
Hi karen
I’m lemming the new NARS Summer 2012 blush and shadow trio along with Estee Lauder invisible fluid makeup.
I am allergic to some perfumes.
I went to Ulta yesterday to pick up some Layla Holographics with my 20% off coupon. They didn’t have them yet at this location. Broke my heart. I had to console myself with some new Jack Black lipbalm and the mini-set of the NY Ballet OPIs.
That’s amazing that Tabs actually WAITS for you to get up…one of my three monsters likes to walk across my pillow, AND head, purring, in the middle of the night for lurvies. She’s not my favorite at 3AM!
Ha! I do the same thing at Sephora 🙂
Chloé perfume is my new obsession<3
Allergies and primer, yes and yes. . . most primers make my eyes water uncontrollably, no matter how careful I am to not get them too close to my lash line. The only one that doesn’t is MAC Paint Pot, and while I didn’t like Painterly, I do enjoy Bare Study. Have a great weekend, Karen.
So we finally figured out why Tabs lounges on the yoga mat (because he gets his workout running around the house like a madman). Oh Tabs, when will the world understand you?
Too Faced is my favorite primer but I’m trying out Nars now!
I wish someone would volunteer to clean my brushes for me… Tabs?!?
When shopping at Nordstrom, I always stop by Nars first. Then I will stop by other counters only if my eye is caught by something in the current display. If I’m shopping at Sephora, I don’t have much of a system/pattern.
Hi Karen and Tabs!
The first beauty counter I ever visited was Clinique because that was what she used but when I started making my own money my first lipstick purchase was Origins. I slowly delved into other lines and it’s been a slippery slope ever since! 🙂
Would love to feed my makeup addicition!
Hey Karen! I’m wicked excited – even at the thought of a gift card. I’m super cheap, so sephora is always a bit nerve wracking but that doesn’t stop me from logging on every day! I’m especially interested in the new nars collection!
Now that I have read this blog perhaps the madness shall stop, though comical shopping with me for beauty products in any store can be a hysterical experience. In reference to the beautiful feline it is as though I channel a youthful creature first bounding into the store like the world is placed at my feet, greeting the workers with smiles and looking on wide eyed as first I am suckered into makeovers or samples of products. Once that is finished I balance line a furry ninja scoping out new collections, the best deals and things I have watched reviews for online. I know what you and Tabs are thinking, it is like a kitten let loose in catnip heaven. RAWR! *Giggles.* By the time this adventure is over I am wide eyed, smitten and purring on the inside with happiness towards my purchases. Of course anyone who accompanies me is probably in need of a stiff drink after, but hey I always treat them to one and a lippy of their choice. I am a good friend. *Snickers.* Next time I am amongst the glorious products I shall try to use your methods and spare my friends. Xoxox
I’m on the lookout for a great concealer to cover my dark circles and make me look (actually) awake! 😉
I haven’t worked at a makeup counter although I have thought it would be great to take a makeup artistry class. Everything I currently know is from Youtube tutorials and I have never had anyone watch me apply makeup and give feedback.
No current lemmings for once. I need to look around online!
Thank you for the giveaway Karen! =)
Clinique was the first counter I visited.
The first counter i visited was MAC but over the years its been estee lauder. Love Double Wear!!
I’m lemming hard for Clarins crystal lip balms!
I hope I win this one! I recently started getting into make up and nail polish, and this would really help! I love your blog!
First off, I have never won a giveaway and it would really be so nice to win a Sephora gift card. I recently have become obsessed with nail polish and make-up. After years of being au natural, I have decided that “I’m Worth It!” and it’s so much fun and a big change to be caring for myself. Did I say how fun it is?
Thanks for this opportunity!
Paula
I really do like your site.I am very new to make up but older and I get a lot of ideas from you. thanks so much
I don’t have allergies but I have horrible migranes! I was in bed all day yesterday with one.
The worst part is they make me so nauseous!
Nice makeup shopping route!
The first counter I ever visited was Shiseido — about 10 years ago (I was probably 15 at the time) and my mom, bless her heart, was the one who started my whole makeup loving addiction. She would take me from counter to counter while she looked at makeup and skincare and I picked up on all the things I needed to know. I still have that Shiseido eye shadow palette from my first visit- Taffeta Taupe. Though it’s rather rough looking now, and I have long hit pan on it. I keep for the sentimental value. 🙂
Hace you girls tried the ysl glossy stains? They are AWSOME!
Hope you’re having a good weekend, Karen! 🙂
Currently using the UD primer potion. :3 Looking forward to trying out the NARS one once I run out. XD
I’m a newly obsessed follower of your lovely blog via Jenny Sue Makeup. I’d love to be entered for the gift card – thank you!!
MAC was the first counter I ever visited! I used to be too nervous and would only shop from them online!
Follow me on twitter! @esthercollins
Ooh I could certainly use some things for my upcoming wedding!!
I’ve been waiting over a year to treat myself to the Edward Bess Daydream Bronzer. I’m finally graduating from college in 3 weeks and believe this is just such an occasion where I can make this justification! I’ve heard that EB is now on sephora.com, so this is great timing!
Looking to get some bare minerals moisturizer!
i start right and go counter clockwise at sephora too!!! IDK why?! lol.
favorite primer as of now is UDPP in original naked color. 🙂 no allergies thank goodness.
Only one more week until summer break for me!
It’s finally sunny here in N.Cali!
I dont really have a particular routine when I am perusing makeup counters/stores. Im actually kind of all over the place. A routine does sound a little bit more efficient though. And surprisingly as much as I love makeup now I did not officially wear makeup for the first time until my senior prom. I went to prom my junior with not a lick of makeup on. lol But my senior my best friend did my makeup and she was a regular MAC shopper so the eyeliner, the little bit of shadow, and the lilttle bit of blush I wore were all from MAC and they were all hers. After that, the first thing I ever bought from MAC was their clear lipglass. And I actually worked there before I joined the Army in 2010 hoping that once I come back from Kuwait I can move to my new city and work for them again! lol
yes please:)
I do the exact same circuit at Sephora!
I love makeup : )
I have all year around allergies.
melodyj(at)gmail(dot)com
I’m having a blast wearing purple lipstick lately. A little crazy looking on my skintone, but fun!
Ooh, I’m eyeing that hot roller set in your links round-up.
Lemming a new spring perfume-any suggestions?
While I have been very interested in trying Nars Pro Prime, my hands down favorite is simply Mac Painterly Paint Pot. It seems kind of old school – but I have super dry skin on my eyelids and it definitely works the best.
I am trying really hard to stay away from the beauty counters these days, too much temptation, too little budget…
hi karen! I love reading your posts, especially your drugstore makeup ones! My favorite beauty counter hands down in Benefit cosmetics! 🙂
i think my favorite beauty product (right now) would have to be lip stain! i love how it just stays and stays through anything, even (especially) eating.
When I go to Sephora, my first “stop” is always the MUFE section, followed by either Benefit or Urban Decay! When I go to Nordstrom, it’s always a toss up between Nars and MAC.
i always make a bee line for the new perfumes haha but unfortunately i’m allergic to most of them so sephora and nordstroms are usually my go-to because of the sample availability :] !! I’m actually allergic to something in MAC lipglosses which makes me sad because that one lipgloss, evolution revolution, that you made for the bloggers collection was SOOO beautiful and exactly what I was looking for! and i had to refrain from buying it hahaha
I usually make a beeline for the nail polish, wherever that is.
I am dying to pick up a few more Buxom blushes!
This weekend passed so quickly, I can’t believe it.
The first make-up counter I bought from had to be mac or benefit. I visited both and bought stuff the same day so can’t remember which one was first lol. I still have a fondness for both brands. I’ve always been intimidated by the even higher end brands but I’m working on that.
I’m a lefty so I usually go left whenever I go in a store. Which is great, because in my Sephora, that’s where Benefit is which is my favorite brand to start with, followed by Urban Decay which is right next to Benefit. So pretty much the store was set up perfectly for me. 🙂
I am still a sucker for MAC paint pot primers. I use Painterly daily, but Bare Study was my first. However, I’m currently giving ELF’s Nude primer a shot, for only a dollar at Target? If it works…HECK YES! I’m also really interested in trying Urban Decays primer potion. As you can tell, I’m obsessed with makeup…Rehab? No thanks! 🙂 Favorite brands? NARS and MAC 🙂 Love your blog!
Allergies: trees, weeds, grasses, cat, dog, house dust, dust mites, most synthetic fragrances (I think it’s the synthetic musk that really sets me off – sad, since it’s near ubiquitous). Kleenex is my best friend.
Ooh, whenever I go to Sephora it’s always: Benefit, Urban Decay, Tarte, and then everything else at random. Benefit just sucks me in with their adorable packaging, I can’t help it. Right now I’m really lemming Eye Bright; I was wanting Coralista, but I recently tried Bella Bamba and in addition to just looking awful on me (too pink!), it broke me out a bit. Boo.
My first ever makeup counter was Clinique. I still use some of their products!
love to win for wifey poo
I am a late bloomer. I didn’t start shopping at department store counters until my mid-20s. I had been too afraid of what the products would cost, and I was too embarassed to ask the attendants for help. Talk about a prison of my own design. Thank god I got over it. Now, I won’t last a week without buying something. The people at the MAC and Chanel counters are so nice. I am so sorry it took so long for me to discover them.
The last two times I’ve been in Sephora or Ulta, I just can’t stop swatching all of the Tarte Amazonian Clay products. . .but do I really need another blush or mascara or anything at all really? Yes indeedy. I believe I do!!!
My current beauty lemming list: Dior Diorskin Nude Tan Healthy Glow Enhancing Powder in Sunset, Laura Mercier Sheer Crème Color in Copper Glow Veil, YSL Terre Saharienne Collector Bronzer in Tanned, and the Gucci Flora by Gucci Gorgeous Gardenia Eau de Toilette. Want these SO bad!!!
the first makeup counter I’ve ever been to was clinique, to get my makeup done… never again!
i just just painted my nails lapis of luxury by essie, perfect for spring 🙂
id love to win for my sweet amazing girlfriend 🙂
Eating chocolate eggs, yum yum yum.
My first Sephora visit….when I was 7! Back then, my oldest sister (in her 20’s then) lived in the same house as me, and I would always tag along on her errands. We would be shopping every weekend! She always made her stop at Sephora on our mall trips.The second I first entered Sephora, I was amazed. The bright colors! The mix of designer perfumes in the air! The swarms of women talking, laughing, swatching. I had never seen makeup in so many colors. The rainbows of eye shadow, eyeliner, blush, nail polish, and lip products. Back then, lip gloss was my thing. As we made our way around the store, I was lost in a world of beauty. Even though I was so young, I couldn’t wait to wear makeup. When we were at checkout, the nice lady asked my sister if she wanted to use her points to buy a mini pink cherry-ish flavored lip gloss. My sister decided to save her points for a bday gift special, but the lady put one into the shopping bag anyway. “Oh, here’s one anyway,” she said with a wink. As we were leaving the beauty paradise, I couldn’t wait ’till the next Sephora visit. I used the lip gloss everyday until it ran out.
Many years later, I am still amazed when I walk through the doors of Sephora. Whenever I’m there, I swatch the rainbows of colors, but I usually leave empty-handed, since I can barely afford anything in there. If I do ever get the money, I’ll have to have somebody with me, since who knows how crazy I’ll get while Sephora shopping.
When I go shopping for makeup, I just go to what I need first. Then usually I go to new collections that just came out 🙂
My first makeup counter was Benefit… I miss their creme blushes in the little tubes!
Every time I go to a store like Sephora (even if I know what I came in for) I always get distracted and get drawn to something not on my list! When I go there with my mom, she always has to remind me we can’t stay forever! 🙂
tweeted @DonnaJustine
https://twitter.com/#!/DonnaJustine/status/191729489737289728
Even when I need to be stricter with my budget, I always wear the same makeup! Priorities!
I would love to win.
I’m 34 wks pregnant!
I am usually drawn to eyeshadow or nail polish first in the beauty store.
I’m happy for warmer weather and brighter colors.
No way! My friend calls me C-Dawg for my “thug” name haha.
Sephora rocks because they will make you a fragrance sample. I like to try before I buy!
Fave eye primer would be UDPP all the way
There’s still time 😉
Pulp-free orange juice is not the bomb ):
I have a horribly long work day tomorrow, have to be awake in five hours and I can’t sleep!! I’m shocked I let this weekends drawing slide past me until the last hour.
The first counter I ever went to was Clinique. These days I usually shop online at Sephora vs. at a counter.
I hate Monday’s!
I would love to win this one day!!!!
I went to Coachella this weekend had such a great time!