Category Make-up

Seeing scarlet!
Right now, nothing makeup-wise really scares me, and I’ll try any color — lip, cheek, eyeshadow, whatever. I’ll try it at least once… Black lipstick, red eyeshadow, you name it, I’ll give it a go, but I do have to say that red eyeshadow was absolutely terrifying when I first started using it. There were many, many failed attempts, and more than once I ended up looking like a I had been crying for weeks! It took me a while to figure out a few tricks to make it work (layering it with a bronze liner, or wearing a black pencil on the waterline really helps).

Now I’m more comfortable with it and feel like I can kinda-sorta pull it off.

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That said, is red eyeshadow my first choice for colorful eyes? No. It is not. Gimme a jeweled purple or blue any day! but I do at least feel like I kinda-sorta know what to do with red.

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How about you? What makeup colors currently scare (or used to scare) the living crap out of you?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

things change, however my like for neutrals always stays the same. ?
I state this every December, however where did the year go?? has it truly been a year? I worked as a legal assistant at a legislation firm in my 20s, as well as one of the lawyers stated something I still remember. He stated that time moves quicker as you get older, as well as I didn’t comprehend it at the time, however I absolutely get it now. Nowadays, it feels like I go from task to task to task up until I pass out. then I get up as well as do everything over again. then I look up as well as it’s December, as well as one more year has passed!

Anyway, my life (and my makeup) altered in rather a few methods this year…

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The greatest modification occurred in the spring, when my wonderful kid Tabs crossed over to the rainbow bridge.

I’ve lastly gotten to where I can believe about him without feeling a sharp pain in my heart… There’s still sadness, however it’s somewhat much easier to bear. I really, truly miss that thug, as well as I still have days when I truly desire I might hold him as well as odor the fur on his “delicious stomach meat” just one a lot more time, however it’s getting better.

We took out our Christmas designs last weekend, as well as I discovered his Christmas stocking as well as got a bit teary… I’m going to hang it up as well as put in a can gravy for Christmas so his spirit will understand that his people still like him as well as believe about him during the holidays.

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(That may be the craziest feline woman thing I’ve ever written.)

I hope he’s okay with quite woman Rosie — who moved in with us in October — sharing our space. She’s a sweet, dainty torbie woman who suddenly pranced into our lives last October. It’s a different type of like than I had for Tabs, for sure, yet it makes my heart feel a bit fuller understanding that our house is a risk-free location for one more abandoned kitty that would’ve otherwise stayed a stray.

Another huge modification that likewise occurred just recently — I started working part time as a baker at a bakery. It’s a odd pivot for somebody who’s been composing about makeup steadily daily for the last 13 years (!), I know, however when the chance opened up, I got the exact same tingly feeling that I had when I started MBB. It’s a move, my gut tells me, that will cause lots of great things (both figuratively as well as literally).

This autumn Connor likewise started going to preschool five days a week, from Monday with Friday (she’s going to be four in March; can you believe it?). I miss her like crazy — some days it’s so intense that I physically ache, which most likely seems nutty, however it’s true — however she’s flourishing in school, as well as it felt like the ideal time for the both of us to begin learning, bit by little, exactly how to spread our wings on our own.

So this has been the most time I’ve had to myself in five years, as well as it’s been a (welcome) shock to the system.

OK, makeup wise, I still like me some neutrals. That hasn’t changed, ha ha! as well as it most likely won’t, either. What has changed, though, is that I’ve quite much stopped using false lashes (thanks, Lash Boost!). I likewise seldom do looks that include challenging blending these days. I mean, I’ll still go full glam on occasion, like when every other full moon, however a lot of days I’m doing a a lot more pared-down style, which takes me 10 minutes. 15 max. as well as I’m fine with that.

That’s where I am in this season of life, however who knows? perhaps someday I’ll get back to doing everyday incredibly intense looks with shading as well as lashes as well as all the steps. I do still like the artistry of it all.

How about you? exactly how has your life as well as your makeup altered in 2019?

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Your friendly community appeal addict,

Karen

P.S. TGIF!

Mantra for the week

So…what is the Monday Poll?

Excellent question! It isn’t, contrary to its name, an actual poll, like with bit clicky buttons. It’s just a listing of five 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. Is it as well early to put up Christmas decorations?

Man…it utilized to make me truly crabby to see Christmas designs up at stores as well as stuff as well as on homes before Halloween, however now I’m type of like, “Eh, let ’em live.” It’ll be Thanksgiving in actually (OK, figuratively) the blink of the eye, so if somebody wishes to put up their Vegas-style lights already, I’m not gonna hate. It makes my world brighter, so I’m great with it. I will, however, be waiting up until the week before Thanksgiving to put up my Christmas designs around the house.

2. Skin care or hair care?

Homie, don’t make me choose! — however seeing as exactly how I usually put my hair up as well as back since it’s part of my gown code at the bakery, I’ll pick skin care… I’ve been all about moisturizing potions lately.

3. hot chocolate or hot tea?

Mmm… seeing as exactly how I discuss my wonderful tooth often, you may believe I’d lean more toward hot chocolate, however I really prefer hot tea.

Basically, I’m picky about my hot chocolate. I don’t like when it doesn’t taste chocolaty as well as all you can taste is sugar, as well as I likewise don’t like when there isn’t any type of milk in it, so you don’t get that feeling of milk finish your tongue (I know, such a weirdo). likewise not my fave: when the marshmallows are as well big, or when there are as well many marshmallows… point is, I’m truly picky about my hot chocolate, as well as I’m less picky about tea (just please leave the bag in there for at least five minutes).

4. What’s the best/worst thing about “adulting”?

The finest thing? being able to make decisions for myself (good or poor ones) as well as understand that they’re 100% my decisions, since there wasn’t a great deal of that happening in my household growing up (Asian tiger parents as well as all).

And the worst thing? UGH, when you discover yourself in a circumstance where all of your choices are sh*tty, LOL! So like you have to pick between the least sh*tty option… That sucks! Oh, as well as paying bills, of course. Oh, as well as understanding that you have to “adult” for the rest of your life since there’s no turning back!

5. Are you the type of person who needs a listing when you go grocery shopping, or do you like to wing it when you get there?

Girl, please. provide me a list; otherwise, I’ll throw all kind of nonsense into my cart as well as promptly fail to remember to buy all of the important things.

Sing it loud

Heya! Monday is the very best day… Yes, I just sang that out loud, I hope you know, as well as I’m doing it since I’m trying to psych myself as much as have a excellent week.

You gotta do what you gotta do, right?

Also, after the fires as well as power outages last week…this week has to be better! Heck, I’m just happy to be in my home once again as well as able to turn on the lights… It’s the bit things, really.

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How are you doing this morning? Did you turn all your clocks back?

Your friendly community beauty addict,

Karen

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

1. Is it as well early to put up Christmas decorations?
2. Skin care or hair care?
3. hot chocolate or hot tea?
4. What’s the best/worst thing about “adulting”?
5. Are you the type of person who needs a listing when you go grocery shopping, or do you like to wing it when you get there?

P.P.S. In situation somebody hasn’t told you lately, you’re take on as well as you’re tough.

Pizza!
Earlier this summer the drugstore nail polish brand SinfulColors unveiled a line of polishes that look and smell like snacks — doughnuts, cheese puffs, pizza, chocolate cake and tacos.

OK, sure, scented nail polish isn’t revolutionary, but dang! — props for creativity!

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That said, as much as I like Taco Tuesdays and Cheetos, I *cannot* handle my nails smelling like a crispy beef taco with sour cream (because I’m assuming guac is extra). Or pepperoni nails? BARF! I give the savory scents a hard pass.

And the sweet scents, too, despite my sweet tooth. I just can’t take my fingertips smelling like a glazed doughnut. ?

How about you? how do you feel about snack scented nail polishes? To what degree would it depend on the snack?

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Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. TGIF! ?

I feel so lucky to have been able to work with one of the most renowned figures in feline fashion history. Tabs was a fiercely stylish feline who cared just as much about his coat as he cared about his accessories.

He was likewise the very first feline to make inexpensive fashion-forward feline felt merchandise for the masses, thanks to his big distribution offer with Target. He was a legend in the feline fashion community. He truly was.

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His beautiful Glistening Gourd Pumpkin travel backpack is still the bestselling feline accessory of all time.

And his Wicked Whiskers Wizarding Hat is still a preferred among kittens.

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Tabs brought confidence, cattitude as well as swagger to whatever he touched.

Your friendly community beauty addict,

Karen

have a trendy week!

So…what is the Monday Poll?

Excellent question! It isn’t, in contrast to its name, an actual poll, like with bit clicky buttons. It’s just a listing of five a lot 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. What’s something you state a lot?

I’m 100% guilty of overusing the word “seriously,” both in print as well as in person, as well as when I’m mom-ing quite hard, I likewise say, “Make great choices,” and, “Please utilize your listening ears,” a lot.

2. exactly how tall are you?

I tower over my minions at a staunch 5 feet one inches.

Pretty sure I’m shrinking, too.

3. What are you marathoning ideal now?

Anne with an E on Netflix. When it very first came out, I didn’t want anything to make with it since I have such fond memories of the Anne of eco-friendly Gables series from the ’80s, however I’m happy I provided it a chance. even though it’s darker than the old series (it *really* spells out all the poor things), it still has a sweetness about it.

4. Which would you rather online without — mascara or eyeliner? (Side note: In this scenario, you have to select one or the other. “Neither” is not an option!)

UGH, this is hard, man… I assumption if I had to provide one up, it would be eyeliner.

5. What makes you happy?

Coffee with milk as well as honey very first thing in the morning

Light, melt-in-your mouth cakes as well as cupcakes

Having a feline on my lap

Feeling warm as well as risk-free in my house

Clean floors

Just in situation you haven’t seen a feline in a gown in a while…

Here ya go!

This bit number belonged to Coywolf back in the day, however she graciously made a decision to share it with her kitty feline infant sister. ?

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It’s a holiday right here in the U.S. today (Martin Luther King Jr. Day), as well as lots of people have the day off from work. Whatever you’re up to, I hope it’s going well.

Your friendly community appeal addict,

Karen

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P.S. I ended up sleeping in this morning as well as got a grand overall of nine hours (!) of sleep, however honestly, I felt truly sluggish when I got up, like I might have slept at least three hours more.

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Interesting factoid, however did you understand that oversleeping can make you feel even a lot more tired? I had no idea!

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

1. What’s something you state a lot?
2. exactly how tall are you?
3. What are you marathoning ideal now?
4. Which would you rather online without — mascara or eyeliner? (Side note: In this scenario, you have to select one or the other. “Neither” is not an option!)
5. What makes you happy? ?

keep looking up (because at a specific point, it’s scarier to look down, LOL! That rope was high!)

So…what is the Monday Poll?

Excellent question! It isn’t, contrary to its name, an actual poll, like with bit clicky buttons. It’s just a listing of five 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. What’s your preferred Thanksgiving side dish?

Oh, simple question. all of them? I might happily nosh solely on the fixin’s as well as straight-up avoid the turkey.

But if I have to pick one…it’s mashed potatoes.

Buttery, creamy, silky mashed potatoes with an obnoxious amount of gravy!

2. What time did you get up this morning?

According to my unholy jack@ss of an alarm clock, it was 5:45, however PGR (Pretty woman Rosie) believed it would be fun to climb onto my head as well as turn on her purr machine at 5, so I’ve been up since 5.

Does anyone else online with a furry buddy who gets up at obnoxious hours?

3. select a lipstick color: orange or brown?

Brown! — however not as well brown. A pinkish brown would be ideal.

4. Something you requirement to surface by the end of the day?

YARGH, I requirement to pack for a trip. We’re heading to Hawaii tomorrow to spend Thanksgiving week with El Hub’s side of the family.

Purr usual, I’ve left the packing as much as the last day, however I’m determined to have whatever done by noon… That method I’m not stressed out as well as throwing random crap into my luggage at the last minute.

5. Who’s the very best cook in your family?

In my prolonged family, hmm… Well, most likely my godmother. She lives in the Philippines, as well as homegirl can throw down in the kitchen. Her oxtail soup moves me to tears, no joke! In my instant family, most likely me as well as my brother. We can both comply with a recipe, as well as we both have a general comprehending of the timing as well as components in a dish.

San Francisco Spartan adventures

The Spartan race in SF on Saturday was BONKERS, as well as I mean that in the very best possible way. It was truly fun, challenging, as well as I may just do one again.

I suggest it 100% if you ever get a possibility as well as the urge. The one I did was in Oracle Park stadium in SF, however they have them in neat places around the country.

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In situation you have no concept what I’m taking about, Spartans are group running races with extra challenges peppered along the course. The one I did was a “Stadion Sprint,” which was three miles interspersed with 20 obstacles, as well as since it was in a stadium, there was great deals of going up as well as down stairs, which I’m okay with (I don’t mind doing stairs), however there were numerous dicey moments when I was truly high up in the nosebleed seats, as well as I keep in mind believing to myself, “Karen, please don’t fall. It’s a long method down.”

The most difficult parts for me were the challenges including heights. I’m not afraid of heights per se…but the challenges with a height aspect were extremely much off the ground. like the rope climb, OMG! I made it to the top as well as rang the cowbell, however as I was inching my method up, I keep in mind looking down as well as thinking, “Geez, I’m further from the ground than I am from the top, so I should most likely just keep going up before something horrible happens.”

I believe it was 12 feet up? Whatever it was, IT WAS HIGH.

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Also, hoisting myself up as well as over the challenges with high wooden walls was challenging. I believe the greatest one was eight feet off the ground.

I believe those walls are why I keep discovering these weird bruises on my arms…

Oh, as well as that pyramid thingy with the ropes! That was likewise surprisingly nerve-wracking, once again since of the height element.

Overall, it was a fun day, as well as if you ever have the possibility as well as any type of inkling of desire, I would extremely suggest it, particularly if you can do one with a team. I did it with a lot of people from the gym, as well as all of us applauded each other on.

Have a fantastic rest of your day!

Your friendly community beauty addict,

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Karen

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

1. What’s your preferred Thanksgiving side dish?
2. What time did you get up this morning?
3. select a lipstick color: orange or brown.
4. Something you requirement to surface by the end of the day?
5. Who’s the very best cook in your family?

Tabs utilized to have a roommate, however they had a falling out.

His name was Sushi, as well as he was a flamboyant, magnificent betta. He was likewise an accomplished aquatic model.

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Before they ended up being friends, Tabs examined Sushi from afar. He took notes on posing as well as general fabulousness, trying to fracture the code to ending up being a world-famous supermodel.

Tabs wished to discover whatever about modeling, as well as Sushi was a pro.

This went on for months. Tabs had excellent respect for Sushi as well as what he’d accomplished in the aquatic modeling world, however there was something else…

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Over time, the nature of their connection changed, as well as Tabs couldn’t describe why. He discovered himself getting hungrier as well as hungrier…for knowledge, as well as he figured out that the only method he might genuinely comprehend modeling would be to digest whatever Sushi had to offer.

To get his mind as well as body working in unison, Tabs started a extensive physical fitness regimen focusing on plyometrics, likewise understood as jump training, with the goal of being able to jump up onto the hutch where Sushi resided in his fishbowl.

Tabs believed that if he might work eye-to-eye with Sushi, Tabs might tap into the tricks of the modeling world…

Of course, in hindsight we understand this concept was flawed…

Tabs ended up being consumed with Sushi as well as discovering a method onto the hutch. He trained relentlessly, day as well as night, stretching, leaping, reaching as well as climbing.

This continued for weeks until, one day, or must I state one night, I was walking down the stairs when I saw Tabs perched on top of the hutch with a paw reaching into Sushi’s fishbowl!

“No!” I exclaimed, “Tabs! get down!”

Immediately, he jumped down onto the carpet, looking confused, aghast, as well as a bit guilty perhaps.

Things were never the exact same between Tabs as well as Sushi after that. They stopped speaking about modeling as well as stopped hanging out. They even stopped satisfying for lunch. Oh, they lived together for a while longer, however they never spoke again.

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To this day, we don’t understand precisely what occurred or why the connection soured. It’s a mystery. absolutely unexplainable. ?

Your friendly community appeal addict,

Karen

feeling the spirit!

So…what is the Monday Poll?

Excellent question! It isn’t, in contrast to its name, an actual poll, like with little clicky buttons. It’s just a list of five a lot more or less random questions I’ve been posting on this blog every Monday morning for the past quadrillion years (since 2007). I love reading your answers, and it helps me get my week off to a good start. ?

1. candy canes or roasted chestnuts?

Roasted chestnuts. No doubt!

2. What’s a lot more crucial to you — mascara or brow pencils?

Ooh! — this one’s brutal. I would say that both are crucial to me (LOL) and needed for me to feel like a real live girl…but if you’re making me pick one…then mascara all the way. When, like me, you don’t have a deep crease, mascara works wonders to open up the eyes.

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3. Last holiday motion picture you watched?

I enjoyed a humorous motion picture on Disney+ called Godmothered last weekend! It’s about an inexperienced rookie fairy godmother who’s figured out to become the best godmother she can be, so she goes rogue to help a Boston mommy and her family find their “happily ever after” over the holidays.

4. Concealer or blush?

I’ll take all the blush please.

5. foundation or lipstick?

TOUGH! I’d opt for lipstick, I guess, even though we’re all sheltered in place until January, and nobody but my immediate fam-bam will see it.

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Hey, at least I can wear it around the house. That makes me happy.

6. straight or wavy hair?

Although I love how tidy straight hair looks, it’s such a chore to get my hair to look that way. Seriously, it involves, like, three days of development planning! So I’ll opt for wavy hair, considering that mine already has lots of natural waves, and it’s much easier to deal with.

7. Egg nog or holiday fruitcake?

BLAH to either, but I guess I could do holiday fruitcake if I had a big cup of coffee or hot chocolate to wash it down…

8. Last series you marathoned?

Virgin River season 2 on Netflix is where it’s at, babe!

9. What color are you socks today?

I’m wearing light gray ’80s aerobics instructor-style thick socks (it’s cold here today). They’re all scrunched up around my ankles!

Your friendly neighborhood appeal addict,

Karen

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

1. candy canes or roasted chestnuts?
2. What’s a lot more crucial to you — mascara or brow pencil?
3. Last holiday motion picture you watched?
4. Concealer or blush?
5. foundation or lipstick?
6. straight or wavy hair?
7. Egg nog or holiday fruitcake?
8. Last series you marathoned?
9. What color are you socks today?

P.P.S. hey there and delighted Monday, my dear friend! ? I hope you’re feeling calm and centered today. I’m trying my best to wrap up everything I need to do for Christmas (no waiting till the last minute here… NOPE!). sending you a big hug and happy vibes today.

baby winged liner, bare skin and big smiles. Sweatshirt: thank You for Being a Friend.
I do, primarily through slightly darker patches on my cheeks, and I also have freckles. My upper lip can also get dark, and when it’s in full force, I look like I have a mustache!

Overall, my hyperpigmentation has actually been a little better than usual. It’s been better because I got back on track with a skin care routine last month that includes a Vitamin C serum, retinol cream and sunscreen (YES).

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For a while there I wasn’t doing much skin care for my face — just pimple cream and moisturizer. It was just, ya know…2020. The whole…all of it. I didn’t have enough energy left over to take care of myself. Seriously, there were a few weeks there when I had to set reminders to brush my hair! ?

I’m a little better about things now, like doing something about hyperpigmentation, and it sure feels good to be taking care of my skin again.

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How about you? Do you have hyperpigmentation, or have you ever? Inquiring minds want to know.

Your friendly neighborhood charm addict,

Karen