Makeup and Beauty Blog | Makeup Reviews, Swatches and How-To Makeup

Happy Saturday, my friend. How’s your weekend going so far?

I got my last print issue of “Allure” in the mail earlier this week, and I’m a little bummed about it. I know they’ll still be online, but there’s something about waking up on a Saturday morning and drinking a cup of coffee while flipping through the pages of a magazine, ya know? Side note: What’s going on with Jennifer Aniston’s bra? I mean, it’s Chanel and all, but still. LOL!

Anyway, it’s a rainy day here in the Bay Area, and my day so far has been spent running errands in the drizzle. In a little bit, I’ll be taking Connor to a dance performance with her dance team. Yup, it’s official… I’m a dance mom now!

What are you up to?

This week’s reading

• 10 gift sets for the skin care junkie in your life.
• Who is Augustinus Bader?
• “Skin care isn’t an exact science.”
• Just in case you wanted a nail polish that will let you know if your beer is cold enough. *shrugs*
• Would you do a bedazzled pedicure?
• The ultimate natural hair gift guide.
• OK, I totally want the cat hair clips.
• Check out all these great red lippies! WANT!
• Expensive haircare could be replacing lipstick as a recession indulgence.
• For the gals who love brown mascara.

Talk to me, doc.

Where to save and where to splurge.

Note to self.

How to find your undertone.

This looks good!

I hope everything is well in your neck of the woods. Talk to you soon, OK?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

1. Baked Lemon and Ricotta Cheese from Trader Joe’s

This cheese should come with an addiction warning, OMG! It tastes kinda like a lemony cheesecake but not as sweet, and it’s fantastic with sliced apples or pears. Truth be told, if left unchecked I could easily eat a wedge on its own in a single sitting. It’s really that good! I bought one on Monday and finished it yesterday, and yes, I’m going back for more today. LOL!

2. Avene Xera Calm AD

When my skin is dry and going nuts, it’s the only thing that makes it feel better. I use it all over — face and body.

2. “Only the Lonely” by The Motels

I heard this song while I was driving the other day and remembered how good it is! Even if you’re not a fan of ’80s music, watch the video for the makeup alone. The blush is classic ’80s. Legendary!

4. Topshop Faux Leather Leggings

So warm! So comfy! So versatile!

I bought a pair at Nordstrom during the Anniversary sale, which feels like a million years ago. Anyway, they’re flattering, especially on petites, and dress up or down easily. I’m actually contemplating buying a second pair; I love them that much.

5. 7-Layer Dip

I’m still recovering from Virus Fest 2022, and food still tastes hella wonky! The things I usually like are too strong or have a funky texture… It’s weird. Anyway, 7-Layer Dip is one of handful of dishes that actually taste good. This recipe is a winner for our fam. It includes homemade guacamole, but I use pre-made to save time and effort. Plus, I swear every time I go to the grocery store lately, all the avocados are hard as rocks. I can never seem to find any ripe ones!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. What’ve you been loving lately?

A lot? A little? Not any at all? Or are ya somewhere in between?

For the past few weeks, I’ve been doing the absolute bare minimum. After doing skin care, I fill in my brows with pencil (Anastasia Brow Wiz 4 Life), curl my lashes, and then I plop on a couple coats of YSL Faux Cils. It’s enough to get me through the day, LOL!

If I look extra tired, which has been the case lately, then I’ll dot a little bit of under my eyes and set with powder. For the past few months I’ve been using Hourglass Veil Retouching Fluid, but I’m thinking about switching to YSL Touche Eclat! Even though it’s been several years since I’ve worn Touche Eclat, I’ve really been into revisiting old tried and true favorites from back in the day to see if I still like them, and for the most part they’re still solid performers. I guess they’re classics for a reason!

I’m looking forward to putting on a little bit more makeup now that I’m starting to feel better (like what I’m wearing in the look at the top). I’m thinking a little bit of blush and lipstick will do me a whole lotta good.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

So…what is the Monday Poll?

Excellent question! It isn’t, contrary to its name, an actual poll, like with little clicky buttons. It’s just a list of more or less random questions I’ve been posting on this blog every Monday morning for the past quadrillion years (since 2007).

1. Mittens or gloves?

Gloves, although I rarely wear them. I’d much rather just stick my hands into my pockets!

2. A holiday treat that you like?

Pass the pecan pie, please.

3. A holiday dish that you dislike?

When I was kid, every New Year’s Eve, my mom would make a Filipino chicken and rice stew called arroz caldo, which I absolutely loathed.

4. Something you’re grateful for today?

Well, I woke up this morning for the first time in two weeks, and I didn’t feel completely terrible, so I’m grateful for that!

Also, I’m grateful for Amy’s Frozen Meals, especially the Palak Paneer. Those lil’ frozen means helped us get through the last couple weeks of being sick.

5. Your favorite way to spend an afternoon?

An easy hike outdoors on a clear, crisp day. LOVE.

6. Your current skin situation?

UGH, I’m breaking out! And the skin around my nose is super dry.

7. A strange food combination you enjoy?

Eggo Waffles topped with creamy peanut butter and raisins.

8. Quick, grab a lipstick! (Don’t overthink it.) What color is it?

MAC Velvet Teddy for neutral vibes or Dior 999 for a pop of red.

9. Do you wanna build a snowman?

Sure, why not? I’ll bring the carrot nose.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. Here are the questions to copy/paste with your answers in a comment. Talk to ya soon.

1. Mittens or gloves?
2. A holiday treat that you like?
3. A holiday dish that you dislike?
4. Something you’re grateful for today?
5. Your favorite way to spend an afternoon?
6. Your current skin situation?
7. A strange food combination you enjoy?
8. Quick, grab a lipstick! (Don’t overthink it.) What color is it?
9. Do you wanna build a snowman?

P.P.S. Happy, happy Monday, beautiful friend! Let’s have a healthy and productive week, OK? 🤗

Hello and happy Saturday, beautiful girl.

Look what I found randomly sitting in a tree last week — a painted rock! I took Connor to the pediatrician and this purple rock was tucked into a tree that was right in front of my parking space. Could it be a sign from the universe? I like to think so.

What are you up to today? Although I’m not feeling 100%, I’m doing much better in terms of energy, so I’m going to catch up on all the things I put off last week. Groceries, cleaning, buying area rugs I don’t totally hate (LOL), job searching… Yup, I’m still looking for a new gig, so if you know of anyone needing a copywriter, send them my way, please!

This week’s reading

• In case you were wondering what a cosmetic chemist uses in her her skin care routine.
• If I can manifest a one-story house with a white picket fence in Kailua, why can’t others manifest their way to clear skin?
• The 100-year mystery of missing perfume heiress Dorothy Arnold!
• Ever wonder what florals are featured in the most iconic perfumes?
• If you’re ready to dive into the (seemingly) mysterious world of online perfume shopping, you’ll want to read this.
• These nail polish colors were created to pop on darker skin tones.
• A pro manicurist’s tips for avoiding chips.
• In Indigenous cultures, hair holds a significant purpose.

Add to cart?

CHILLS.

You had me at one eyeshadow!

This was weird and wonderful.

Did I really just watch this, LOL!

I hope your weekend is filled with fun, friends and fabulous nail polish. I’m going to do a manicure today, so I’ll have fresh paint for the week ahead.

Miss you!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Happy Thanksgiving, friend. Guess what? This girl is giving herself lots of grace today. I’m not entertaining or cooking or really doing much. We’re going to continue to recover from last week, and that’s it. Oh, and side note if you missed it — everyone in our family got REALLY sick with a bad respiratory virus last week, and we’re only just starting to feel better.

Yesterday Connor and I felt well enough to go for a walk in our neighborhood. The leaves are all changing colors and the last of the fall fruit are on the trees.

We like to say that our house is a girls’ club (El Hub is an an honorary member, LOL), and pink roses represent our club. Here’s a rose for you because you’re a member of girls’ club, too!

Have a happy and joyful day. Sending you a big hug if you need it.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen