Archives 2023

Mmmwaah! Smile by new NARS Audacious Lipstick in Annabella ($32)
It wouldn’t be a big NARS lipstick launch if there weren’t some bad-@ss reds up in the mix.

Oh! NARS does some ah-may-zing reds, don’t they? and there are lots of scintillating scarlets in the new NARS Audacious Lipstick collection ($32 each; 40 shades; available starting September 1).

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Red, she said! From the left, that’s Rita, Jeanne, Lana, Marlene, Carmen (a Barneys new York Exclusive), Audrey and Annabella
Yesterday when we were checking out the corals and hot pinks I pointed out how I felt that NARS did a really good job making each of the colors in this collection distinct, despite some of them appearing very similar at first. look closely, and you see the subtle differences among them. They don’t all just blur together into a hazy fog of reddish pink…

So, if you’re one of those unstoppable makeup fanatics (like myself) who, like the Terminator, will NOT stop until you find your personal red lipstick version of Sarah Connor (for me, it’s a incredibly warm tomato red with strong orange undertones), chances are you’ll find it among the reds in this launch.

Quickly, though, before we get to the reds, have I pointed out that my lips have been dry lately?

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I think I have…but it wouldn’t be a Wednesday unless I pointed out it at least 26 a lot more times, LOL!

So yeah, my lips have been very dry, which is what happens when you kayak on a windy lake for four hours. Of course, after doing this batch of swatches — which you know, took a while — they were in even worse shape.

But despite the currently critical lip sitch, I still think these lipsticks look smooth, which is yet another testament to the audaciously smooth Audacious Lipstick formula.

Now, on to the reds!

If you like warm, orangey reds…

Don’t miss Annabella (a poppy red), Carmen (a geranium red) and Lana (a brilliant orangey red) without taking a closer look.

Of the three, I think Lana is the warmest and the most orange. It’s generally like a creamy MAC lady Danger.

Lana
Lana
For a warm red with less orange than Lana, check out Carmen (slightly redder, less orange) or Annabella (even a lot more red, and less orange).

Carmen (a Barneys new York Exclusive)
Carmen (a Barneys new York Exclusive)
Annabella
Annabella

Super intense, right!? Incidentally, you know you’re hard-core into lipsticks when you contemplate things like the ratio of red to orange.

Now, if you like neutral reds…

Get to know Marlene and Rita.

Rita reminds me of a classic scarlet.

Rita
Rita
While Marlene is a brick red with a hint of brown…

Marlene
Marlene
If you like rich, deep reds with berry and/or plum tones…

Set a date with Audrey or Jeanne.

Audrey
Audrey
Audrey (like an amplified NARS Satin Lip Pencil in Hyde Park) exudes the plummier vibe, and she’s brighter than Jeanne’s rich, deep berry.

Jeanne
Jeanne
I bet any of these reds will be best for fall, and they’ll be here just in time. They arrive September 1 at NARS boutiques, counters and also online.

Within the 40-piece collection, 10 of the shades — Vanessa, Julie, Marisa, Kelly, Carmen, Dominique, Silvia, Vivien, Sandra and Ingrid — are exclusive to Barneys new York stores, but all 40 of them are permanent.

Swatches from the left: Rita, Jeanne, Lana and Marlene
Swatches from the left: Carmen, Audrey and Annabella
If you have a favorite in the NARS classic lipstick line, no worries, because the new Audacious Lipsticks are joining the classics in the permanent line, not replacing them.

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Whew! That indicates Schiap and Dolce Vita aren’t going anywhere.

Your friendly neighborhood appeal addict,

Karen

OK, as soon as I saw this collection, I knew it would be ideal for my pal Pearl. She and I went to art school together and have long because loved collaborating.

We essentially just make pictures and push each other out of our comfort zones. She has remarkable style, and her makeup is typically just mascara and lipstick (if any at all). The limited edition Aveda Indian Sunset collection is ideal for gals like her who don’t typically wear bolder makeup but still want to try out some color.

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Aveda Nourish-Mint sheer Mineral Lip color in sheer Clove $17, Nourish-Mint Lip liner in spring rose $17, Petal Essence single Eye color in Desert Clay, Peach Nectar, Lilac Glow, and amethyst Dawn $15, Petal Essence face Accents in Tesserae and Apricot whisper $24, Petal Essence Eye Definer in Violet blossom and Sea fern $17
The collection includes 11 new shades for eyes and lips, including four shadows — two purples and two orange shades. My favorites are amethyst Dawn (a purple satin) and Desert Clay (a matte, earthy orange), which are the shades I used on Pearl’s lid and outer corner, respectively.

On Pearl’s skin tone, the earthy shades look really natural and completely enhance the sunflower-babe vibe she’s always got going on.

The purples vibrate so lovingly with the warm shades. I put Peach Nectar in her crease and Lilac glow in her inner corner.

This collection is ideal for gals like Pearl because the shadows do the work for you. I call shadows like these slap-and-go, and the sunset shades just go together so well.

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There are also two eyeliners in the range — Violet blossom and Sea fern — and both shades are gorgeous. I used the purple to add a little extra oomph to Pearl’s lash line. 

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Jewel tones like these will flatter anyone. because Pearl doesn’t typically wear makeup, the purple looks softer than black and did much more for the color story much more than brown would have.

The lip liner is a versatile shade that would work under numerous different nude lipsticks, but we chose just the liner. It’s a nude, which is still ideal for my slap-and-dash ladies, but it still complements the shadows. The warmth of the liner pairs with the earthy tones on the eyes, and the hint of pink plays into the soft violet tones as well, creating a cohesive look that isn’t monotonous. 

Overall, I think this is a spectacular collection for the season.

Time to get the show on the road.

Heh! assumption who got out of seeing Fury last night.

Not that I’m absolutely against seeing it, mind you. I like Mr. Pitt, however I wasn’t in the mood for a heavy motion picture with a lot of dudes.

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Instead, I experienced the glory that is The Cheesecake factory Pumpkin Pecan Cheesecake Pie. photo it: a pecan pie with a pumpkin cheesecake layered on top of it as well as two significant dollops of whipped cream on the side…

YES! YES!!

After that we just came home, as well as I took a truly long shower as well as did a body scrub as well as a hair mask. then we enjoyed some TV before bed.

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Today I have half-marathon final details to go to to, like I have to paint my nails as well as straighten my hair, since I’ve found that I like running with directly hair. as well as I have to finalize my music playlist. I understand this: the last three miles will be powered by Bloc Party.

Have a excellent weekend, my friend, as well as great luck in the giveaway. Your nephew states “mroww!”

One (1) Sephora eGift card consisting of $50 sent to the champion by email (international readers, you may opt to get $50 sent by PayPal instead).

Enter utilizing the Rafflecopter widget below.

Open to U.S. as well as worldwide readers.

You need to be 18 or older to go into (or otherwise an adult based on your regional laws).

Your comment can be about anything at all, however right here are some concepts if you’re stuck:

On a scale of 1-10, with 1 being hairless as well as 10 being full-on Sasquatch, exactly how hairy are you ideal now?

Who’s the tallest person you know?

When was the last time you made a toast, as well as what was it for?

What are your initials? (Mine are KTAM.)

Do you like to blend in or stand out?

What do you want? like truly want?

You can go into in as much as seven methods to improve your possibilities of winning.

The giveaway ends on Monday, October 20, 2014 at 11:59 PM (Pacific Time).

Full terms as well as conditions are offered in the widget.

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

Your friendly community appeal addict,

Karen

Running with the big cats!
Naturally, a tabby was the obvious choice to include on the packaging for this new spring palette from Paul & Joe.

Tabs and I approve.

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The palette is the face & Eye color CS palette in Les Flamants rose ($39), one of Paul & Joe’s new spring palettes, and the box is covered in cats.

But what do you expect? It’s Paul & Joe, and their design philosophy falls somewhere along the lines of “MOAR CATS.”

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Les Flamants rose ($39) is part of the new spring Menagerie Collection, an infinitely adorable mix of animals and colors available now with the rest of the launch at Paul & Joe counters and online.

I cannot wait to play with this makeup! The last time I freaked out this hard over a Paul & Joe launch was the cat lady one they did a few years ago.

I hope this one’s just as good. I’m gonna put it through its paces this weekend, woo-hoo!

Paul & Joe Menagerie spring 2015 face & Eye color CS in Les Flamants Roses
Face & Eye color CS in Les Flamants Roses
Face & Eye color CS from the left: Elephanteau (096), Les Flamants Roses (094) and Girafe (095), $39 each

Acutely aware of what seems to be a constellation forming on my chin…
This week, while browsing the web, I came across a post that said that June is Acne awareness Month.

Did you guys know about this? because I, your high oily-ness, did not.

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The post is an interesting roundup from the writers of the site about their acne, and it gave me a fair bit of amusement and some feelings of solidarity, because as someone who writes often about skincare and beauty and is in constant awe of makeup and the skills that people use to apply it, I’m also in constant awareness of my acne.

(Did you just think of mad Eye Moody yelling constant VIGILANCE? because I did. #harrypotternerd4life.)

Getting back to Acne awareness Month…I don’t know exactly how I feel about it. I feel like there are already “awareness” and “appreciation” months for everything nowadays. One could say that it would bring better awareness to taking care of your skin, but wait — September is already national Skin care awareness Month (and may is Skin cancer awareness Month).

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I’ve waxed poetic about my acne before, but it’s been flaring up more than usual lately, especially around my chin. The moisturizers and oils that (ironically) served me well for a few months aren’t helping anymore, and I’m still looking for something to use this summer (Murad has some very helpful articles on their website in honor of Acne awareness Month).

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Acne-wise, the things I struggle with the most are whiteheads, papules, pustules, and the occasional cyst (so, SO attractive).

I would like to think that sometimes I’m less aware of my acne, for my own sake, but when it comes down to it, it’s usually constantly in my awareness. It’s always there because, well, it’s front and center. It’s the first thing I notice when I wake up in the morning and the last thing I address before I go to bed.

Did you know that June is Acne awareness Month? and what do you think of the constant cycle of awareness/appreciation months?

add this blush to your list of “Things of the utmost value That need to Be attended to ASAP,” because we all know that blush is of the utmost importance…and blushes that refuse to sit on top of your skin lookin’ like a heavy, caked-on mess are of the utmost utmost importance.

Yes, that’s a lot of utmosts.

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It Cosmetics CC+ brilliance Ombre blush in Coral Flush takes that time you blushed when you saw your favorite dude from One direction smile at you from across the street (yes, let’s assume this happened) and injects the essence of that into a reddish coral pan tinged with pink.

The color can also be described as “I’m so ecstatic and I just can’t hide it!” because it burnishes cheeks without shimmer or sparkle. It’s also an epically natural-looking beginner’s blush and a no-longer-hidden gem.

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Swatch out for it next time you pounce upon Ulta with your favorite makeup-enabling friend. (Mine is my buddy Marisol… We go there and egg each other on, and it’s a hot, stunning mess!).

PRICE: $24
AVAILABILITY: Permanent, and available now online and at Ulta
MAKEUP and appeal blog RATING: A+

Your friendly neighborhood appeal addict,

Karen

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Just a gentle pointer in case you needed one.

I saw this piece of canvas wall art for $14.99 at TJ Maxx last weekend and couldn’t resist. I’m going to hang it in my kitchen so El Hub and Tabs (and any other poor soul who’s subject to my questionable cooking) can see it when they pass through.

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I feel like the kitchen is the center, the heart of our house, so it belongs there.

Oh, my gosh. Gimme those foamy bubbles every time! They make bath time so much better.

Buuut, I won’t say no to bath salts if there are no bubbly options available. I mostly just like sitting in the tub…although I haven’t taken a real bath since I got pregnant with baby Girl. I’m just a little nervous about slipping or not being able to get out, because my balance has been off.

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I mean, a shower gets the job done, but a bath gets it done so much better. I miss ’em!

The other ish is the whole cleaning the bath/shower thing. My tub is about 30 years old. It has seen better days, if you know what I mean, and the only time I like to take a bath in it is during the few days after I thoroughly clean it.

How about you? Baths with or without foamy bubbles? Inquiring minds want to know.

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Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. TGIF!

You might be wondering, “So what in tarnation is this Monday Poll thing anyway!?”

Well, it isn’t exactly a poll. It’s a lot more of a regularly evolving (devolving?), somewhat random list of questions I’ve been putting out to readers every Monday morning for the past seven years. (It’s like a kickstart for your brain.) I’ve always took pleasure in reading your answers in the comments, and I hope you take pleasure in reading mine.

What’s one thing every woman must do at least once?
Travel by herself (safely and smartly, of course). even if it’s just an overnight jaunt.

I love traveling with other people, too, but there’s something liberating about doing exactly what you want to do, when you want to do it, without having to coordinate your plans with someone else.

Wanna eat carrot cake cupcakes for breakfast and then spend the entire afternoon at a museum dedicated to tabby cat-inspired art? Boom, done.

Bedazzled statement eyebrows: yes or no?
I guess if I were one of Gwen Stefani’s backup dancers, then maybe…but for 99.9% of the scenarios I usually encounter in real life, I’m gonna have to opt for no.

What’s one of the tasks that always seems to be on your to-do list?
“Clean office.”

I feel like I’ve been committing to clean my office for about four years…

I am Sisyphus, and my office is my boulder.

Holiday gifts: what’s your strategy?
To minimize the probability of getting another plastic banana holder for Christmas, straight-up ask for a gift list.

If I don’t get a list, I’ll try to find something fun that reflects the person’s interests (their favorite band, hobby, that kind of thing).

Something in your closet that you love so much that you’d be delighted to have in every available color?
My Zella Live-In Leggings. I have them in black, purple, gray and dark gray, but there’s also a light blue. Karl Lagerfeld himself would need the Jaws of Life to wrest these things from my clutches, mwahaha!

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Your turn. just copy and paste the following questions into a comment with your answers. I look forward to reading ’em!

1. What’s one thing every woman must do at least once?
2. Bedazzled statement eyebrows: yes or no?
3. What’s one of the tasks that always seems to be on your to-do list?
4. holiday gifts: what’s your strategy?
5. Something in your closet that you love so much that you’d be delighted to have in every available color?

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One of my favorite things to do this time of year is open my curtains first thing in the morning to see the Christmas lights on all of the houses in the dawn’s early light.

Aaaaand, it’s raining here again. and it’s gloomy and misty, but that’s OK, because my heart is filled with sunshine and kittens!

Anywho, the Christmas lights. I don’t know why, but seeing them first thing in the morning always brings a smile to my face.

In other news…I did a little a lot more Christmas decorating last weekend.

Nothing too fancy. just one string of white lights around the inside of my office window, where it’s visible from the street; some ornaments on the orange tree in the front yard, so now it’s a Merry Citrus (haha); and I hung a want wreath from Trader Joe’s on the front door, complete with plaid ribbon for flava.

Today, my plan is to do some swatchin’ first thing, then assist the tabby for a few hours, and then take El Hub to the doctor’s office for something called an endoscopy this afternoon, because he’s been having some tummy troubles lately… I’m always a little nervous about medical things (who isn’t?), but I’m just trying to focus on delighted thoughts.

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I hope your Monday got off to a good start. Your nephew says “mrow!” by the way.

Your friendly neighborhood appeal addict,

Karen