“May your hair reach the highest of heights, may your heart be filled with love and laughter, and may your eyes remain richly rimmed with black liner, forever and eternity.”
I’m seriously thinking about making that my new standard goodbye…like a makeup nerd’s version of “live long and prosper.”
Way better than a boring old “see ya!” or “peace out,” right? 🙂
Speaking for myself, I’d love to get a greeting like that. I mean, black liner well wishes? I’ll take that.
Black liner’s one of those things that I hope never goes out of style. If it’s good enough for cats and Cleopatra, then hell! — it’s good enough for me. And it deserves a spot in my makeup bag.
These days, Guerlain’s new deep, rich matte black $37 Khol Me Kajal pencil in Noir Volcanique (“Black Volcano”), from the brand’s Terra Ora summer collection, has been keeping me company, both as a liner and an eye shadow (it doubles as both).
The crayon-shaped tip is fixed — doesn’t twist up or down — so you just use it down to a nub.
You probably could try sharpening the tip, but I wouldn’t recommend it (I actually tried and mangled the tip).
The pencil formula itself feels hard to me, and yet, surprisingly, the liner glides along my skin, almost like a gel.
Along my lash lines and lids (as an eye shadow), it wears like a long-wearing gel liner, lasting from dawn till dusk without migrating. Along my water lines, however, it does need a bit of babying at first (like me first thing in the morning, haha). To lock in the color, I’ll apply a layer, wait for it to dry, and then add a second layer. Doing that I’m good for at least 5-6 hours.
I love it for smudgy, messy, causal looks, and because it lasts so long, it’s low maintenance. No need to worry about it smearing or skipping town after a few hours.
I just wish I could sharpen the tip…
Unlike the limited edition Terra Nerolia and Terra Ora Bronzers, Khol Me Kajal will live in the permanent line, so if you don’t pick it up when it arrives in May with the rest of the Terra Ora collection, you’ll have time to change your mind.
PRICE: $37
AVAILABILITY: Coming this May to Guerlain counters and also online
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: B+
Easy meals
I’ve been all about improv meals this week because — surprise! — I’ve been too lazy to cook, and I desperately need to go grocery shopping.
Today I made one of my favorites, an improv Trader Joe’s creation I like to call my (TJ’s) “Thai Shrimp Gyoza and Spinach Soup.”
Ever have Chinese soup dumplings…? It’s like a lazy girl’s version of that. Quick, easy, not too expensive (TJ’s prices are great) and filling.
To make it, just pour Trader Joe’s Vegetable Broth into a pot, and bring to a boil.
Then, drop in a handful of Trader Joe’s Shrimp Gyoza (I usually do about 5, which comes to around 250 calories). Turn the heat down to medium-high, and let that cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the gyozas are cooked all the way through.
Right before serving, add a handful of spinach, and stir until it wilts.
All done!
Improv meals for the win. 🙂
Speaking of winning, you did a great job today. I hope you’re having a nice night (did you catch The Voice?). See you tomorrow.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Oh, wow! You’re gorgeous, Karen! Wish I could do this makeup on myself!
Wow! I also had the Thai Shrimp Gyoza for dinner tonight! I browned, then steamed a handful of them and served it over baby spinach and drizzled on some of TJ’s Sesame Soy Ginger dressing. Great minds think alike!
This is the best makeup look on you Karen! Absolutely stunning! Love the shadow and lips as well. Not a huge black liner fan but if I can look like that, I’m buying.
I think it’s inspired by traditional kohl liners, and you’re supposed to use it sideways and twist as you go along, if that makes any sense? That way it will retain a cone-like tip and you won’t need a sharpener. You look gorgeous, by the way.
I’m contemplating wether to invest in a Guerlain or the Too Faced 16h bronzer. Which would you recommend for a healthy summer glow?
Gorgeous look on you!
The kajal looks really nice but the pointy tip scares me a bit.
Aww I wish we had Trader Joe’s here in Norway. Actually I also wish we had Whole Foods. I was in Seattle last year and I had the chance to eat their cooked meal, and it was so delicious. It didn’t even cost much (compared to Norway) but was so nutritious. I actually felt so good after eating dinner there.
You look amazing Karen. I’m not sure how, but every year, you look younger and younger 🙂
Looks beautiful on you! I’m surprised that it lasted that long on your waterlines…whenever I think of the kajal liners, I always think of super soft, super smudgy pigmented color that lasts about an hour 😛
I love the way this looks!
Liner gorgeous makes me want to travel to the nearest Guerlain counter… although there is not a nearest one. BUT liner?! What is that Lipstick!?! Seriously, Karen what is that stunning lipstick/gloss combo you are weariing!
Always a pleasure reading your blog;) Thank you!
This is a really classic, yet exotic look! And speaking of liner, my Whiskey, Bourbon and Demolition came in. I love Bourbon (thanks for the rec!) but I’m finding Demolition to be a little darker than I’d hoped. I’ll have to use it smudgingly. 🙂
I’m going to say something incredibly shallow: I want this if just for the packaging! There is something SO sexy about it! I can just imagine myself holding it ahhhh 😉
Wow this is really nice. And I love this makeup on you! I miss Trader Joe’s! They don’t have one where I live now, but we are supposed to be getting one this year!!!
You look amazing in that photo, Karen! Totally gorgeous. I’d love to see a how-to for your hairstyle, too 🙂
Forget that makeup ! I’m heading to Trader Joes to make this soup !!
Monica
You look stunning here Karen (more than usual!). Love the hair on you!
Beautiful look on you! Also love the meal tip. Yum, Trader Joe’s here I come!
Mine is on its way from Sephora, I can’t wait to it to get here! Kind of disappointed about not being able to sharpen it though =/
Hi Krystle,
The pencil is pretty hard so I think that it should at least keep its shape for a while. What else did you snag from SEphora?
Gurl, why aren’t you in Vogue??
I wish we had Trader Joe’s in Canada! I get so jealous hearing about all the neat stuff there.
I ask myself the same question, haha. Anywho, I wish you guys had TJ’s too! They have so many affordable tasty treats. 🙂
How’s your week going?
Do you prefer this kajal or the POWDER kohl? 😀