Archives September 2022

just say no to chips.
Back in 2008, The new York Times tried to make chipped nails a thing.

Yeah…I’m not about that life. I’m all for purposefully messy hair (fun buns 4 life!), but a messy mani gets a hard PASS. I’ll take my manicures neat and tidy, thank you very much, with a side of “no chips on tips, please.”

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There are a couple things that make it simpler to live a chip-free nail life, like 1) finding a base and top coat that can endure everyday life (for me, those are currently the Smith & Cult Base coat and Essie Gel Couture Topcoat) and 2) taking a few preventative steps to reduce the possibility of chips at the suggestions of my nails, which is where I always get them first.

Here are three things that help keep my nails looking freshly painted all week long:

1. Don’t forget to tip

First, before you paint a layer of polish, paint underneath the suggestions of your nails, and then run the brush along the suggestion (holding your nail horizontally, brush the polish on the vertical part of the tip).

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Wait about 30 seconds before applying your first legit coat.

Why do this, you might ask? Well, because doing it this way covers your suggestions in an extra protective layer, so as your nails bang about throughout the week, your suggestions have an extra layer of armor on them.

Taking this tiny extra step makes all the difference in the world for me. I see fewer chips when I paint my nails.

2. Do a three-day refresh

“Siri, remind me to do another layer of topcoat in three days.”

I typically keep the same polish on my nails for a week, and three days is typically the ideal time to freshen up my manis with another topcoat layer.

I mean, you could do one daily, or every other day (I have pals who do that), but if I do too numerous topcoat layers, it becomes counterproductive because my polish starts to get thick, and then I’m tempted to peel it off when I get out of the shower.

Note: using a good quick-drying topcoat makes you much more likely to actually sit down and do this! Sally Hansen has one called the Insta-Dri top coat that’s only five bucks and sets in a minute, but best now I’m really into Essie Gel Couture top coat overall. It’s very shiny, and it takes about 10 minutes to dry.

3. Do the double-glove

Before you put a pair of gloves on to do anything — wash dishes, garden, work with power tools — put on a pair of latex gloves first, and slip your real gloves on top.

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Yes, this is extra and completely next level, but it’ll help your manicure look terrific longer. someone in the comments suggested it, and when I’m wearing gloves, I think it does make my polish last longer.

Your friendly neighborhood charm addict,

Karen

how to play

Pick one or the other for each of the questions below, and copy/paste your answers in the comments. Can’t wait to see your picks! Mine are provided below.

This or That: The Back-to-School appeal Edition

First day of school: do you plan your outfit ahead of time, or wing it at the last minute?

Bold lips on the first day: yes or no?

If you said yes to bold lips, which would you rather wear: red or pink?

Do you start off the school year with a absolutely new hairstyle, or do you keep the one you currently have?

For picture day, do you wear your hair up or down?

For picture day, do you wear your glasses, or do you take them off?

What’s a lot more crucial for your daily mid-morning touchup: powder or lipgloss?

What’s a lot more crucial for a daily afternoon touchup: hairspray or dry shampoo?

Pick one: Caboodle or makeup bag?

On the first day of school, would you rather wear a new pair of shoes that you haven’t broken in or a comfortable pair of very well-worn shoes you love?

Perfume or fragrance on the first day: yes or no?

Paint your nails for your first day: yes or no?

First day of school: do you plan your outfit ahead of time, or wing it at the last minute?

I’d plan it ahead of time. In fact, I’d plan out every outfit for each day of the whole week!

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Bold lips on the first day: yes or no?

I’ve absolutely done it before, so my answer is yes.

If you said yes to bold lips, which would you rather wear: red or pink?

Red, but with stipulations. It would have to be matte to minimize the probability of it smearing all over my teeth and face.

Do you start off the school year with a absolutely new hairstyle, or do you keep the one you currently have?

Keep the one I have. I’d save the dramatic change for the middle of the year to maximize the impact, ha!

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For picture day, do you wear your hair up or down?

Down, no doubt! wearing it up just seems like an invitation for something to go extremely wrong. I absolutely know my mane, and even if I cemented every stray hair into place with an updo, something would find a way to spring out.

For picture day, do you wear your glasses, or do you take them off?

I could go either way, but eh…I’d probably take ’em off so my winged liner could be recorded for posterity.

What’s a lot more crucial for your daily mid-morning touchup: powder or lipgloss?

Lipgloss.

What’s a lot more crucial for a daily afternoon touchup: hairspray or dry shampoo?

Hit those flat roots with some dry shampoo, baby!

Pick one: Caboodle or makeup bag?

Caboodle. Vintage. Pink and mint green.

On the first day of school, would you rather wear a new pair of shoes that you haven’t broken in or a comfortable pair of very well-worn shoes you love?

Back in the day, I would’ve suffered for terrific shoes.

Perfume or fragrance on the first day: yes or no?

Sure, why not?

Paint your nails for your first day: yes or no?

Definitely, yes, and survey says it would be a last-minute mani completed ideal before bed the night before.

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Your friendly neighborhood appeal addict,

Karen

P.S. Howdy, neighbor. I’ve got back-to-school on my mind ideal now because Connor’s first day of kindergarten is tomorrow, and I’m already feeling all the feels.

Seems like her first day of preschool was just yesterday. Her little pigtails…

missing this thug a great deal today!
Lately, I’ve been listening to podcasts about monetary literacy, as well as consequently, I’ve been believing about exactly how people handle their beauty budgets.

I checked out in an article just recently that states on average, women spend $313 a month as well as guy spend $244 on beauty products. I’m not truly surprised at those amounts, though, seeing exactly how it’s simple to go there if you’re buying at locations like Sephora.

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Anywho, I’m trying to be more purposeful with the beauty products I buy, as well as so I’m taking stock of my costs habits. I’ve noticed that I tend to do one of three things:

1. Restock, then pick up extras

When I run out of something, I’ll go in to Sephora or Target for a restock, as well as while I’m there, I’ll usually pick up a few additional things that weren’t originally on my listing since YOLO.

2. stress shopping

If I’ve had a rough day, I’ll buy beauty products that usually aren’t on my wishlist for some immediate gratification.

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3. Sale shopping

OH, GOSH. This is my Achilles’ Heel. If I can get a lot of products on sale, I have no issue splurging, even if it’s for things that I technically don’t need.

I’m believing about producing a set beauty budget plan per month, however you know… There’s something about those unscripted beauty buys when I requirement a pick me up. Sigh.

I’m curious to understand exactly how you handle your beauty budget.

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Like, do you prefer to buy makeup only when you run out of something? Or do you have a set monthly budget plan for beauty products, as well as you pick up whatever you’re fancying at the moment? Or are you the type of person who purchases products on a whim? let me understand in the comments.

Your friendly community beauty addict,

Karen

High school, 1993, when I was an avid Clinique 3-stepper
It wasn’t really anything I thought about when I was younger. I would just wash my face with whatever soap was around, and then I’d remove all the suds with a washcloth… pretty standard stuff for an elementary and middle school-aged girl. I don’t think I even used face lotion (GASP). and sunscreen? What the heck was that?

But when I was 12, I started breaking out, and that’s when I started a skin care routine.

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Granted, it wasn’t great! I remember going to the dermatologist and the doctor giving me a really drying benzoyl peroxide soap called PanOxyl bar, which was so stinky and drying, and it bleached all of my t-shirts and towels… That was pretty much the extent of my first skin care routine. ?

My routine finally got “official” in high school when I started doing the Clinique 3-step process.

Do you remember the light green plastic soap case that came with the bar soap? I remember taking that thing all over — on band trips, to sleepovers. That soap was my jam back in the day. I wonder if it still comes with the soap. Hmm…

Anyway, I continued that routine through college, which was when I *finally* started using a sunscreen. It was one by Oil of Olay. I used it because that’s what my mother used, and it was affordable for my student budget.

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How about you? At what age did you start having a skin care routine?

Your friendly neighborhood charm addict,

Karen

So good I scrape out every last drop!

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Because of acne I’ve…

Invested a small fortune in the magic that is Kate Somerville Anti-Bac Clearing lotion (I will certifiably lose my sh*t if this is ever discontinued).

Gotten a cortisone shot in a enormous pimple on my chin 24 hours before leaving for Toronto for the MAC Bloggers’ Obsession Collection collaboration.

Gone to bed with thick dots of stinky white benzoyl peroxide cream on my face.

Forgotten about said benzoyl peroxide dots and answered the front door, half asleep in all my dried white goo glory.

Changed the part in my hair in an attempt to strategically hide behind it like a curtain (although, let’s get real, I wasn’t fooling anybody).

Woke up in the middle of the night to go look in the mirror and contemplate whether to pop THOSE PIMPLES.

Popped a zit (or two or three) during the witching hour.

Interviewed every Sephora associate in the skin care section to find out the things that people with acne buy typically (this is how I found AmorePacific treatment Enzyme peel Cleansing Powder, which worked terrific for me when my chin acne was at its worst).

Felt like cattle in a dermatologist’s office. I can’t tell you how many times I felt like my concerns were dismissed by doctors.

Bought things I didn’t need because my pimples made me feel bad about myself. ?

Had such an intense allergic reaction to prescription acne medication that my eyes became swollen shut.

Cancelled a date.

Endured emotional anguish caused by hurtful comments — but the worst ones weren’t from strangers; the worst ones were always from pals and family.

Bought ProActiv from a kiosk in the middle of the mall (I was a fan of the cream and toner for a while). The kiosk had a picture of Adam Levine on the side, and I came *this close* to taking out a pen and drawing a mustache on him a few times, ha ha!

Filled up an entire drawer with concealers and setting powders in order to find the holy grail combo of cover-up.

Experienced my self-esteem lowering.

Learned how to be more patient with myself.

Figured out creative workarounds to ease the temptation to pop pimples (side note: bribing yourself totally works).

Never gone to sleep without taking off my makeup and washing my face.

Defaced bathroom stall walls with notes for other women, including the following: “You are so much more than what you see in the mirror.”

Become cautious about putting new skin care products all over my face… patch tests all the way.

Learned to cherish the days/periods of life when my skin is clear.

Learned to have more empathy for myself and for others.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

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Karen

This week’s mantra. Repeat it as numerous times as necessary!

So…what is the Monday Poll?

Excellent question! It isn’t, as opposed to its name, an actual poll, like with bit clicky buttons. It’s just a listing of five much more or less random concerns I’ve been publishing on this blog every Monday morning for the past quadrillion years (since 2007). I like reading your answers, as well as it assists me get my week off to a great start. ?

1. On a scale of one (minimal) to 10 (maxed out), exactly how feisty are you feeling today?

I’m a solid 5.8 on the feisty scale.

2. pick one: orange creamsicle or a vanilla ice cream popsicle dipped in chocolate?

Orange creamsicle, as well as make that two please. One for me as well as one for me! I just like those things.

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3. An instrument that talks to your soul?

Oh, for sure the cello. I can’t play it (YET), however one of these days I’m gonna make that dream a reality.

4. Pizza with or without crushed red pepper?

WITHOUT. difficult pass on the red pepper!

5. Swimming at night: are you in, or are you out?

Depends. Totes indeed if it’s in a heated pool as well as we’ve got lots of towels as well as warm drinks on standby for when we get out. as for night swimming in the ocean, ya know, as much as I like the ocean, I’m not in like with the concept of swimming in the ocean at night (too numerous jellyfish!), so I’ll state no to that. It just seems like the beginning of an episode of Unsolved Mysteries that I would choose not to star in.

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6. Are you into grilling/barbecuing?

Sooooo in like with eating grilled food, however I’m not really into standing at the grill, as outside terminate makes me nervous!

7. Elevator or stairs?

Stairs, baby! Race you to the top.

8. A charm product you completed recently?

I just completed a big bottle of CeraVe deal with wash, so, note to self: gotta stop by Ulta to get a fresh bottle.

9. What’s your hair style today?

It’s on the unruly side today, so I have it up in a untidy bun. It’s getting as well long, as well as I requirement to get it cut ASAP.

Your friendly community charm addict,

Karen

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P.S. right here are the concerns to copy/paste with your answers in a comment. speak with ya soon.

1. On a scale of one (minimal) to 10 (maxed out), exactly how feisty are you feeling today?
2. pick one: orange creamsicle or a vanilla ice cream popsicle dipped in chocolate?
3. An instrument that talks to your soul?
4. Pizza with or without crushed red pepper?
5. Swimming at night: are you in, or are you out?
6. Are you into grilling/barbecuing?
7. Elevator or stairs?
8. A charm product you completed recently?
9. How’s your hair today?

P.P.S. It’s a gorgeous day, as well as you as well as I are going to make the most of it. I just understand it. sending a huge squeeze-y hug your way.

1. My So Called Life on Hulu

Oh, Angela Chase as well as all her teen drama!

I utilized to like this show back in the day, as well as what’s fascinating to me now, enjoying it as a full-blown adult, is the parents… DANG. They look *really* young! I keep in mind enjoying this show as a teen/young adult as well as the parents looking, like, you know, routine parents — the people who would send you to your space as well as ground you if you got as well sassy.

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And oh, the ’90s fashion. All the high-waisted denim as well as the floral dresses! It makes me desire I would’ve saved a lot more of my ’90s wardrobe.

I like to picture where Angela, Rickie as well as Rayanne ended up in life… maybe they Zoomed together during quarantine? LOL!

2. Chanel Ultra Le Teint Ultrawear All-Day comfort perfect surface Foundation

Well, this foundation from Chanel is just lovely! It’s a full-coverage, soft matte foundation that feels comfy as well as lasts all day. I like exactly how natural it looks on my skin, exactly how it doesn’t feel heavy as well as exactly how quickly it blends. It’s likewise offered in 30 shades.

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A full-coverage matte foundation that lasts all day
3. The soundtrack to Kipo as well as the Age of the Wonderbeasts

So, I’ve really never enjoyed a full episode of this animated show, only bits as well as pieces since it’s always on at our house. El hub as well as Connor are consumed with it! The parts I’ve seen are humorous as well as extremely clever, so ultimately I’ll enjoy it, however for now I’m all about the music. The soundtrack is truly good. Catchy as well as absolutely dance-able, as well as full of tunes I desire were on the radio, however for unknown reasons are not.

4. universal thread Sleeveless knit Dress

I just got this $20 gown from Target in black, as well as I’m ecstatic to wear it to the pool as well as the beach when the weather condition gets warmer. very first of all, 20 bucks! Second, it’s 100% cotton, as well as the cotton feels good, too. It’s soft, fairly thick, as well as it skims the body nicely.

5. The front tuck as well as the half tuck

While we’re on the subject of clothes, I’ve been using my button-up (button-down?) tee shirts such as this lately, as well as all I have to state is why didn’t I find this sooner?

I feel like I absolutely look taller as well as leaner when I wear my tee shirts this way. let the front tuck as well as half tuck modification your life, babe!

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Your friendly community appeal addict,

Karen

P.S. TGIF!

I’m wearing MAC
My thoughts on pink eyeshadow? I’m into it. I have been ever considering that high school. My very first pink (because you never forget your first!) was a dainty pale pink frost — Seashell Pink, by Clinique — which I loved to wear from lash line to brow bone when I was a teenager.

I know.

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But wait, it gets better…

Sometimes I added a little bit of shimmery bright blue in the outer corner. ?

Later in high school, when I really started experimenting, I buffed my favorite pink blushes on my lids. One was Clinique new Clover, otherwise known as “the blush in nearly every gift-with-purchase ever given out at the Clinique counter.”

In college, I was all about the mauve-pinks, and again, Clinique. The color was Fawn Satin, which used to be sold as an eyeshadow single in the ’90s. (Fun fact! Both Seashell Pink and Fawn Satin are still around, and they’re sold together in a duo.)

Even today, I still wear all o’ the pinks. When I wear neutral looks, I like to use a pale pink eyeshadow like MAC Malt as highlight placed in the center of the lid, underneath the arch of the brow (just a little), and also in the inner corner.

Bright pinks? Yeah, them too, especially on the lids, and always, always with a black liner. A couple faves: MAC Sushi flower and MAC Girlie.

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And you? What are your thoughts on pink eyeshadow?

Your friendly neighborhood appeal addict,

Karen

Bite Beauty’s new $25 Upswing extreme Longwear liquid eyeliner is quite good!
This product does not bite.

There, I stated it. ?

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Bite’s new $25 matte black liquid liner has flower power. (Side note: I just threw up a double-peace sign.) By flower power, I don’t indicate in the “Let’s come together as well as like one another, man!” way. I’m referring to enthusiasm fruit flowers.

It’s the not-so-secret component in this “clean” (air quotes) formula to stop smudging, transferring as well as flaking.

Also, keep in mind when “carbon black” was the most popular thing in eyeliner as well as mascara? So lots of products boasted about being “carbon black.” Well, this liner is really carbon black-free (I’m honestly not sure if that’s a great or poor thing).

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The liner has a long wand with a flexible, thin brush, which broke my heart a bit when I very first saw it since I normally do much better with pen-style liners. For whatever reason, they’re just much easier for me to hold as well as much easier to execute a wing or a infant kitten flick with. just a personal preference.

I’m fine utilizing this wand along the lash line, as well as I can draw thin, exact lines with it there, however when I get out to the wing with it, I’m a mess. I can ultimately get there, however it needs cleaning up the edges with a Q-tip as well as some makeup cleaner to get a chiseled edge I like. So there’s that.

The liner itself is truly beautiful, though. It’s a deep, dark true black without any type of blue or red undertones, as well as each layer is intensely pigmented.

The formula likewise glides as well as dries in about a minute, which is great as well as quick, so it doesn’t transfer up into my lids when I blink.

I haven’t used it for a full 12-hour period yet, however I have used it from soon after dawn till dusk, as well as it does just fine. No flaking or fading in that time.

If you’re great with a wand applicator as well as trying to find a “clean” product in the $25 range, put it on your listing of possibilities to try.

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FYI, sincere Beauty’s liquid liner is comparable. It likewise has a wand with a versatile tip, a likewise rich black color without any type of odd undertones, as well as it’s $9.99. That said, the appeal Beauty one is a smidgen darker as well as smoother, IMO, as well as consequently a bit much easier to use, however both are rather good.

Your friendly community appeal addict,

Karen

great to the last drop
I’ll be the very first to admit that part of the reason I’m asking this today is since I wished to take a photo of my empty jar of By Terry Baume de increased Lip care ($60), which I’ve had permanently as well as only just finished. ?

I was hoping Santa would decrease off one more jar, however I assumption he didn’t get the memo.

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Last few empties…

By Terry Baume de increased Lip Care

Joico wetness Co+Wash (Side note: I just completed the last of the three bottles I’ve been hoarding considering that this got discontinued, as well as yes, I’m a unfortunate panda. ?)

Chanel dimensions de Chanel Mascara

How ’bout you?

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Your friendly community appeal addict,

Karen

P.S. T.G.I.EFFFFF.