More Sonia K. holiday 2009 coming at ‘cha!

What do you think of her new Classic Palette ($20)?

Shiver me makeup timbers, mateys! I’d walk the plank to get me grubby makeup pirate hands on Sonia Kashuk’s new limited edition Spring Treasures collection!

Aye, methinks Captain Jack Sparrow (that eyeliner-wearing scallywag!) would go to great lengths for the treasures in this five-piece collection of beauty tools and sassy spring makeup.

Hidden Treasure Brush Set, $20

Treasure Chest Bag, $13

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Seriously, let’s just hand Sonia Kashuk the keys to the drugstore makeup queendom already.

SK consistently creates quality makeup able to pass for department store stuff, and the best part is it’s *always* affordable.

Like her $8 Velvety Shine Lip Crayons from last spring…

They’d be almost dupes for Bobbi Brown Lip Crayons ($22) if it weren’t for the fact that they cost a fraction of the price.

Swatches from left to right: Sonia Kashuk Pale Pink, Bobbi Brown Posey, Sonia Kashuk Luscious Pink

Sonia’s lip crayons even feel like their far more expensive Bobbi cousins, with a similar non-sticky texture, opaque coverage and super shiny finish. Plus, like Bobbi’s crayons, Sonia’s last all day without drying out my lips.

Sonia Kashuk Velvety Shine Lip Crayon in Luscious Pink

Sonia Kashuk Velvety Shine Lip Crayon in Pale Pink

Luscious Pink

Pale Pink

Bobbi’s lip crayons do come in a wider selection of colors, though, and I like the faint cooling sensation they produce.

But I’m not sure those make them worth the extra cost…

Sonia Kashuk’s Velvety Shine Lip Crayons come in three shades (Hot Pink, Pale Pink and Luscious Pink). I’ve tried Luscious Pink (a creamy rose) and Pale Pink (a creamy pinkish coral).

I’m totally in love with Pale Pink; it’s almost twins with Bobbi Brown’s Posey, which I wore a few days ago in my look for Ivy League. Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A-to-the-PLUS!

I didn’t see the Velvety Shines available on the Target website, but they should be carried in your local store.

Saturday plans?

It looks like the fog took a day off today here in the Bay Area, so we just might get a sunny day.

No big plans for me other than a run around the neighborhood, and then maybe a trip to the mall to do some window shopping.

I promised myself that I couldn’t have any fun, though, until I got my laundry done, boo! The only clean shirts I have left either have holes in ‘em or look like they’re made out of cat fur.

Four loads o’ laundry, here I come!

What are you up to today?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. For more on Sonia Kashuk’s recent spring makeup line, check out Face Candy’s review here.

Hello, pigment. This is Rose.

Rose is one of three colors in Sonia Kashuk’s Super Sheer Liquid Tint line ($10; available at Target stores nationwide).

One full pump

Sheer isn’t what first came to mind when I tested Rose on my hand. The color looked rich and vibrant — not exactly fitting the Super Sheer name.

Spread it around!

Initially, Rose applies as a dark rosy pink, but her color fades over time…

All rubbed in

How sheer is it?

Within an hour of applying Rose on my cheeks, the color fades to a sheer, barely noticeable pink. Super sheer, indeed!

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Sonia Kashuk is frickin’ *bringing* it in the brush department this spring. Just like the travel brushes in her Hidden Treasures Brush Set ($20), her limited edition Coral Reef Highlighter Brush ($13) performs like a champ and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.

When I want a veil of sheer, shimmery powder or bronzer, Coral Reef handles the job perfectly.

The domed brush head resembles the head on a kabuki brush. It’s a little different than a regular kabuki, though, because the bristles (sooo soft!) are less densely packed, and the brush head feels fluffier.

It lays down sheer layers of color evenly on my skin. I’ve used the brush to apply highlighting powder, bronzer and blush, and it works well with all three types of products. This doll’s a multi-tasking monster.

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If you’re a budget-lovin’ babe who wears cool-toned shadows well, Sonia Kashuk’s got your back. Her new Starry Eyes Palette ($15) for holiday 2009 comes with six cool-toned powder eyeshadows in a mix of glitters and matte.

Exactly what’s inside?

• A shimmery brown with glitter
• Shimmery beige with glitter
• Shimmery taupe with glitter (fans of MAC Satin Taupe eyeshadow, this shade looks like Satin Taupe’s glittery cousin)
• A matte brown
• Matte white
• Matte taupe

I’ve been going through a glitter renaissance of late, and the glitter shadows in this palette are hitting all my right notes. You know how some glittery shadows are just too sheer? How all you can see sometimes is the glitter (but no color)? Well, these aren’t like that at all. All three deliver respectable pigmentation — a nice surprise for gals on Team Glitter.

Speaking of the glitter, I expected it to feel gritty here based on how chunky the bits look in their pans.

But that wasn’t the case. In fact, the particles appear fine — just right, in fact — once they’re applied.

It adds up to a very refined glitter look, if there is such a thing.

Swatches with flash

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Sonia Kashuk Twist of Fate Brush Set, $20

Earlier this decade, Sonia Kashuk reinvented the budget brush market, making drugstore makeup brushes cool. For the holidays this year, she’s taking that budget luxe philosophy another big step forward by introducing a line with twisted faux-sliver handles that won’t break the bank.

But looks aren’t everything, and to find out if Sonia’s new brushes bring the noise, I put ‘em to the test.

The six-piece limited edition Twist of Fate Brush Set ($20, on sale now at Target), Sonia’s premium collection of brushes for the holidays, joins five limited edition holiday makeup palettes and accessories (also on sale at Target).

Sonia Kashuk Twist of Fate

With a black clutch purse to carry them in (one that looks like it could cost more than $20 by itself), these six short-handled brushes will be traveling in style.

• A powder/blush brush
• A foundation brush
• A crease brush
• An eyeshadow brush
• An eyeliner brush
• A brow/lash comb

Pros

• Look expensive
• Brush heads feel soft against my skin and apply/blend product well
• Clutch purse fits everything with room to spare
• Brushes feel lightweight — perfect for girls on the go!
• Fantastic deal; breaks down to $2.86/per item (including the clutch)

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If somebody blindfolded me, slicked the new Sonia Kashuk Ultra Shine Sheer Formula Lip Gloss ($9) on my pucker and then asked me to guess which gloss I was wearing, I would guess an expensive Glossimer from Chanel.

Beauty

Chanel Aqualumiere de ja vu/vu ja de

With its thin, non-stick formula that’s both taste- and fragrance-free, Sonia’s new $9 gloss feels surprisingly like a $27 tube of Chanel Aqualumiere Glossimer.

And the similarities don’t stop with the texture.

The rich (yet sheer) colors and glossy shine of Sonia’s Ultra Shines also make them look like dead ringers for Aqualumieres.

Whisper

Elegant, practical tube

Tubes of Sonia’s new gloss may not wear those vaunted Chanel double C’s, but I think they still look elegant in their sleek silver cap. The tube is compact and practical, too, fitting easily into my favorite Coach Wristlet with room to spare.

Beauty on lips

Are they hydrating?

Ultra Shine has *a lot* going for it, but there is one thing I’d change…

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Hey, ladies, TGIF! I’m feeling pretty good today because the sun is shining, the birds are singing, and my hair is somewhat under control. It looks like it’s gonna be a great Friday.

This morning I was itching for some light, springy colors to reflect my mood, so I busted out the new Sonia Kashuk Freshness of Spring ($20) makeup palette and went to work.

The palette contains seven coordinating pink and purple products for eyes, lips and cheeks:

• A matte pink eyeshadow
• Matte purple eyeshadow
• Light pink glitter eyeshadow
• Creamy reddish pink lipstick
• Creamy rosy pink lipstick
• A sheer light pink gloss
• Matte light pink blush

Sonia even throws in some instructional cards describing how to create her “Freshness of Spring” look.

I liked the lipsticks and glosses right off the bat but was a little wary of the eye and cheek colors. They looked tres pastel to me, and pastels can look “Hello, chalky!” on girls with tan/brown skin.

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Sonia Kashuk Hidden Treasure Brush Set and Bag

For the life of me, I can’t travel light.

I like to be prepared, which is my excuse for overpacking.

The last time I went somewhere on a plane, I thought I’d been good ahead of time and packed what I thought was the bare minimum of makeup and beauty, only to be told at the airport that I’d have to check my bag (and pay the $15 check-in fee) because of weight.

And I thought I’d been so good… Go figure.

Next month, come hell or high water, I’m determined to pack lighter than usual, and it boils down to limiting the makeup and beauty products I bring.

Having to leave things behind feels like cruel and unusual punishment, but I think I can do it with the help of Sonia Kashuk’s Hidden Treasure Brush Set ($20).

Fits in the palm of yo’ hand!

New for spring, the Hidden Treasures Brush set comes with six essential makeup brushes with sassy faux silver handles and a cutie-pie orange and white coral print bag.

The whole clan of Hidden Treasure makeup brushes

These brushes feel much softer against my skin than other travel brushes I’ve tried from MAC and Smashbox, and the long handles fit better in my hand.

Included in the set…

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Like pearls, Sonia Kashuk’s new Classic Palette ($20) looks great either dressed up or dressed down, and it goes with everything!

Classic, with eight neutral shades for eyes, lips and cheeks, joins five other limited-edition holiday sets (remember the Starry Eyes Palette and the Twist of Fate Brush Set?) from Sonia.

The Classic Palette

• A matte light brown eyeshadow
• A matte dark brown eyeshadow
• A matte black eyeshadow
• A matte peach blush
• A shimmery nude lipgloss
• A creamy berry lipstick
• A creamy blueish red lipstick

Added bonus: It comes with four mini brushes, too!

Just gazing at the palette brings to mind a host of makeup looks…

• Maybe a black smokey eye with shimmery nude lips
• Or a brown smokey eye with nude or bold lips
• A simple (neutral) wash of color worn with some really bold lips
• A shimmery beige eye with black cat liner and nude or even bold lips

Creamy berry lipstick

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Sonia Kashuk’s new Creme Blushes are like buttah, baby. These highly pigmented blushes ($8.99 each — hello, bargain!) feel so soft and creamy to the touch that I’m tempted to grab a knife and spread ‘em on toast. I think all three shades are truly bee-yoo-tiful. They pack plenty o’ color for my cheeks and produce a fabulous dewy finish.

Sold exclusively at the House of Tar-ghay (aka Target), these shimmer-free blushes are surprisingly wearable considering how highly pigmented they are. I used a single layer to give my cheeks a natural flush and two layers to creates a bolder pop of color.

I wore two layers of Rosey for my look today.

The three shades, from left to right:

• Rosey: pink-coral
• Petal: cool rose-pink
• Ginger: warm orange-brown

I’ve been wearing these blushes separately for the past few days. To apply them I’ve used Sonia’s Flat Top Blusher Brush ($14.99). The synthetic fiber brush head grabs just enough color and fits nicely onto the apples of my cheeks.

First, I applied foundation followed by a layer of Creme Blush and a dusting of loose powder. I followed it up with a second layer of Creme Blush atop the loose powder.

A layer of powder blush will set Creme Blush, giving it a bit more staying power. On my combo oily/dry skin, Creme Blush by itself lasts about four hours, comparable to how long other cream blushes that I’ve tried have lasted.

To push Creme Blush beyond its limits, I’ll reapply around halfway through the day, swiping a finger across the pan and dabbing and blending a little more product onto my cheeks. The compact comes with a small sponge brush, which certainly works in a pinch, but I ended up throwing mine out because it seemed to cause some streaking.

If I’d tried to use Sonia’s Creme Blushes a few years ago when my skin was oilier than it is now, I doubt I would have liked them as much as I do. They’re emollient-rich, and I have a feeling they would have slid right off my uber-oily skin.

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The giveaway is now closed, and I’m contacting the winner by e-mail. Good luck!

Aloha from the w i d e s t state in the United States when measured from east to west.

Rise and shine, pal ‘o mine. It’s 5:15AM out here right now, not long before dawn, but even in the dark the jungle surrounding my in-law’s condo is filled with deafening birdsong from more species than I can count. I recognize the sound of roosters and doves, but I’m not sure about the rest of them.

Yesterday we spent the day catching up with family and walked around Ala Moana Shopping Center’s 300 stores. It’s pretty much your typical open-air mall experience but on a gigantic scale.

Mom is getting better every day. She’s lost a lot of weight from the chemo and gets tired quickly, but that’s what frequent breaks on mall benches are for.

I hope you had fun at the virtual potluck, but I apologize for El Hub’s behavior and the incident with the tree swing. He had one too many cups of sangria.

But that was then and this is now. There’s no sense crying over spilled punch.

Are you ready for today’s installment of 10 Days of Giveaways?

The prize

One lucky lady will win the following items from Sonia Kashuk (a $43 value):

• 6-Piece Travel Brush Set With Case ($20)
• Powder Brush ($12)
• Mineral Brush Up on Color in Shimmering Rose ($11)

How to enter

Entering is easier than ordering froo-froo drinks at a beach bar.

All you have to do is leave a comment about anything you like — the name of your favorite mixed drink, what shoes you’re wearing today or what your plans are tonight.

I’ll pick the winner at random from among the people who enter by 11:59PM PST tonight.

Boa sorte!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. Like my mother-in-law, Sonia Kashuk has faced breast cancer. You can read about Sonia’s story here.

The giveaway is now closed, and I’m contacting the winner by e-mail. Good luck!

Hot drugstore gloss alert! Sonia Kashuk’s Lip Glossing with No-Feather Pencil ($7.99) creates color-rich, high-shine lips … but there’s a catch (isn’t there always?).

Take a close look at the above picture. See how only half the tube contains gloss? The other half hides a lip pencil, which works a’ight, but it’s not on par with the gloss. If I could, I’d split the tube in half, take the gloss and ditch the pencil, but these two are a package deal, like the Sex and the City girls.

The lipgloss packs intense color and shine; it’s almost hard to believe it’s a drugstore product. I like the light vanilla-lemon fragrance. As far as taste, it’s not a flavored lipgloss. The semi-sticky texture lasts about three hours per application. I have four of the 14 shades, and I LOVE THEM!

• Sassy – shimmery peach
• Precious – creamy coral
• Vivacious – shimmery hot pink
• Scandalous – creamy red

Sassy


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In a perfect world, I’d always have at least 45 minutes to do my makeup. Not because it always takes that long, but because I like being able to take my time and relax.

Unfortunately, the clock doesn’t always cooperate, especially with the holidays approaching fast.

That’s why ’tis the season for makeup shortcuts! I’m always looking for makeup time-savers, and one of my new favorites is Sonia Kashuk’s Twist & Shout Kabuki Blush Brush ($13).

Remember Sonia’s Twist of Fate brush set last week? Well, her new kabuki brush models the same twisted faux silver handle, which, like its sisters, broadcasts every smudgy fingerprint (aargh!), a flaw I can easily forgive.

Why?

Baby, you’re much too fast!

Twist & Shout screams! With it I’m able to apply and blend blush in half the time it takes me with a regular blush brush. Fantastic when I don’t have minutes to spare.

Like a wand, this brush exudes magic. When I rest Twist & Shout’s wide and slightly flattened brush head against my cheek, it covers the entire apple — a large swath of cheek! It’s able to blanket almost my entire cheek with a light-to-medium layer of color in just a couple quick swipes.

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Remember the MAC Cosmetics blue and green face of the day from a few weeks ago? Parrot ($14), a turquoise eyeshadow, and Sprout ($14), a sea green, featured heavily in the look. While I think they’re both fabulous colors, I wanted to find another more budget-friendly option, considering how $28 is a lot to pay for two colors that may not get a lot of regular use. Enter Sonia Kashuk’s Eye Shadow Duo in Double Whammy ($7.99). It offers two very similar blue and green shades for a quarter the price.

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BOW DOWN before the mighty Sonia Kashuk Synthetic Flat Top Blusher Brush. Marvel at its multi-tasking prowess and how it applies blushes and foundations with ease. And don’t be surprised if you find yourself trembling — with glee! — at the cash register. Not only is this brush amazing, but it’s also cheap — $14.99. Holla!

Billed as a cream blush brush, its synthetic fiber head feels like velvet against my skin. Earlier this week when I used it with Sonia’s Creme Blush, it left just the right amount of color on my cheeks without any streaking. Blending with it was also a snap. It removed harsh lines with ease.

The brush is flat on the top of the head, which is not a totally revolutionary design, but it is one I’d never used before.

I couldn’t help but wonder what else I could use this brush with, so I experimented with it this afternoon. I think it also works great with…

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Hi, chicas! I woke up this morning to some Internetz trubs, so until my new friend from Comcast works it out, I’ll be improv blogging from my phone.

I know these pics of the new Sonia Kashuk Spring Treasures collection ($13-20) look kinda Blair Witchy, but I couldn’t wait. I’m testing these out today, and so far so good with the brushes. The heads feel super soft (like Tabs’s fur!).

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Bargain brush goddess Sonia Kashuk’s gone and done it again. Her Synthetic Flat Top Blusher Brush won me over a few weeks ago, and now I can’t live without several of the brushes from her Kashuk Tools line. I’ve been reaching for the Powder Brush ($19.99), Large Eye Shadow Brush ($12.99) and Angeled Eye Shadow Brush ($9.99) so often that I might as well have all three surgically attached to my hand.

Here’s why I love ‘em, and why you might, too.

Kashuk Tools Powder Brush

Use: To apply loose or pressed powder to the entire face
Price: $19.99
Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A

Confession time! I keep this brush on my work desk and periodically rub it all over my face for no reason other than to feel its softness against my skin. It sends me into a state of minor ecstasy. I’ll make ooh, ahh sounds, like when I’m eating dulce de leche ice cream. In general, I try to do this when nobody’s looking, but the other day El Hub caught me and said the act looked “kinda pervy.”

But Sonia’s powder brush has even more going for it than its amazing softness. It applies powder evenly on my skin, powder that doesn’t look caked-on, and leaves a lovely, natural finish I just adore.

If you’re tempted to save a few dollars by purchasing the $11.99 white-handled Powder Brush 01 from Sonia’s other Brush Collection line, resist the urge. I’ve used the white-handled brush, too, and it’s not nearly as soft.

Large Eye Shadow Brush

Use: To apply eyeshadow to the entire eyelid area
Price: $12.99
Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A+

Sonia’s Large Eye Shadow Brush multi-tasks like a mo-fo. The Kashuk brush brigade designed the thick, soft brush (with a slightly rounded edge) to apply eyeshadow over the entire lid — much like the MAC 252 Large Eye Shader Brush ($29). While I absolutely love the MAC 252 for fast, single washes of color over the entire eye, it doesn’t multi-task quite like Sonia’s Large Eye Shadow Brush does.

Not only do I use Sonia’s Large Eye Shadow Brush for color washes but also to apply color to specific parts of the eye, which I can’t really do with the 252. The rounded shape of Sonia’s brush fits nicely into nooks and crannies — ideal for the crease, under the brow bone or in the outer V.

In a pinch, it even works as a blending brush, too.

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Drugstores aren’t always home to great makeup brushes, which is why Sonia Kashuk took so many of us by surprise.

But Sonia’s not the only one making superb yet affordable makeup brushes. Say a warm hello to Eco Tools and their fantabulous 5-Piece Brush Set ($10)!

They’re the softest drugstore brush heads I’ve ever used, even softer than Sonia Kashuk’s. That, coupled with the great price, makes this kit (which includes four travel brushes and a carrying case) a total steal.

From left to right: Eye Shading, Concealer, Powder/Blush and Baby Kabuki brushes

Made from the synthetic fiber, Taklon, Eco Tools brush heads feel both silky AND soft, LOL! — like my favorite fussy tabby’s fur (meow!).

The kit goes on sale next month and comes with the following:

• Baby kabuki brush: While not as dense as my MAC 182 Buffer Brush, this lil’ baby applies powder with aplomb. The small brush head really gets into the nooks and crannies around my nose.
• Powder/blush brush: You can use this brush to apply mineral foundation or face powder. I like to use it as a blush brush (both powder and cream), because the head fits precisely onto the apples of my cheeks.
• Concealer brush: I like the precision of very thin concealer brush heads. This head’s a little too big for my taste, but it still works like a charm, applying Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadows like a pro.
• Eye Shading Brush: A tapered brush great for simple washes of color over the entire lid, for crease work and for blending.
• Cosmetic Bag: Cute and tiny, this cotton and hemp bag carries all four of the kit’s brushes with room to spare.

Eco Tools wants to go green. Their brush heads aren’t made from animal furs, and their brush handles which fit nicely in the palm on my hand (I wish they were longer, though, sigh), are made from sustainable bamboo and recycled aluminum.

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Can you fill in the blank?

You see the “S” is for super and the “U” is for unique.
The “P” is for perfection and you know that we are freaks.
The “E” is for exotic and the “R” is for raps.
So tell those nosy people just to ___________.

(The picture: Sonia Kashuk Bare Minimum Pressed Powder Bronzer, $10)

Hey, girls. It’s Monday and I’m feeling kind of blah, so to improve my outlook on this most dreaded of week days, I tried this really fun blue/teal eye with Sonia Kashuk’s Blue Lagoon Eye Shadow Quad ($9.99).

I used all four colors in the Blue Lagoon Quad, along with MAC Indigo Eye Pencil. Here’s the color map and shade placement I used:

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Good morning, girls. Hope you slept well. I wanted to touch base before running off to the Convention Center.

Each October (admittedly, more now than in past years), I get a few limited-edition breast cancer awareness (BCA) products for myself and to give as gifts to friends and family.

I’m amazed by how much Breast Cancer Awareness Month has changed over the past few years. Like almost everything else in our part of the world, the event’s been heavily commodified and commercialized, but I’m okay with that. If the sight of those little pink ribbons in every nook and cranny of our lives increases our awareness of the disease (even if we don’t always like the way some choose to use it), I think it benefits us all.

So here are four of my BCA favorites of the year. *LOVE* the Foot Petals heart-shaped pad…

Sonia Kashuk Bag Lady Cosmetic Case

How ’bout the print and dual zippers on this pretty pink makeup bag? It’s one of several items from Sonia Kashuk’s Shop Pink Do More collection from breast cancer survivor and beauty genius Sonia Kashuk.

Cute, right? It holds a ton of makeup, and 15% of the purchase price goes to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Where to buy: $12, check your local Target store

Papyrus Blank BCA Notecards

I first spied these cute blank notecards at Papyrus a few months ago.

The colors and designs always bring a smile to my face…

Each box comes with four different illustrations (20 cards total), with 10% of the price going toward The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, and this is something they’re doing not just throughout October but year round.

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Sonia Kashuk Holiday 2009 brushes…review coming soon!

1. Mood:

Positively spunky! It’s gonna be a good week.

2. Have you broken any bones?

Nope. I sprained an ankle running sprints in track when I was 13 (swelled up like a grapefruit, gross!), but that’s the closest I’ve come, knock on wood.

3. Do you have any piercings?

Just my ears. Mum had them pierced at the hospital right after I was born (it’s a Filipino thing).

4. Breakfast?

Toaster waffles, a Morning Star veggie sausage patty and a big cup of coffee.

5. Eyes/lips/cheeks:

I’m being packaging efficient today with the LORAC Silver Screen Palette for all three.

6. Name of your first pet?

Suzy… She was a black and white guinea pig.

7. Current favorite cream blush?

I’ve been deeply obsessed with NARS the Multiple Duo in Orgasm/South Beach ($45) for months.

8. Journey — Cool or cheesy (or both)?

Hella cool! Don’t Stop Believing = one of my favorite songs, evah.

9. Outfit:

I’ve got my jeans set out for the day, but I’m still in my blue and green plaid jammy bottoms, oversize navy blue UC Davis T and gray zip-up sweatshirt. Sexy…

10. Weekly goals:

Maintain a positive outlook no matter what, snap some pictures of my new neighborhood, reach out to friends I haven’t chatted with in a long time, drag El Hub to my favorite Indian food restaurant (I’m craving a dosa, big time!).

Heya, ladies! Happy Monday.

I’m halfway through my gigantic cup of coffee and feeling WHEEEEE! — overwhelming burst of caffeine-fueled joy!

How’s your morning? Before things get too crazy in your day, let me know how things are going on your end of the keyboard.

Le list

1. Mood:
2. Ever broken any bones?
3. Do you have any piercings?
4. Breakfast?
5. Eyes/lips/cheeks:
6. Name of your first pet?
7. Current favorite cream blush?
8. Journey — Cool or cheesy?
9. Outfit:
10. Weekly goals:

Talk to you soon!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

1. Hairy Beast Be Gone! Neutrogena Rainbath Shower and Shave Body Wash

“I was cruising around my ‘hood the other day when I saw the above poster in front of a salon. It conveys how I’ve felt practically *every day* since puberty. Seriously, where does all the hair come from??? It’s like I’m a Play-Doh Mop Top Hair Shop!

The only good thing about being a hairy beast is that it always gives me a valid excuse to try new hair removal accouterments.”

2. Rimmel Gentle Eye Make Up Remover

Being called cheap and easy are compliments if you’re a bottle of Rimmel Gentle Eye Make Up Remover, $7. It removes all of my eye makeup quicker than you can say ‘fierce,’ and it does it without stinging my pocketbook or my sensitive peepers.

3. Kashuk Tools: 3 Bargain Makeup Brushes that Rock

Bargain brush goddess Sonia Kashuk’s gone and done it again. Her Synthetic Flat Top Blusher Brush won me over a few weeks ago, and now I can’t live without several of the brushes from her Kashuk Tools line. I’ve been reaching for the Powder Brush ($19.99), Large Eye Shadow Brush ($12.99) and Angeled Eye Shadow Brush ($9.99) so often that I might as well have all three surgically attached to my hand. Here’s why I love ‘em, and why you might, too.

4. Get Green with L’Oreal, Maybelline and Lancome Eyeshadows

“Ever since MAC Parrot eyeshadow entered my life I’ve been a little obsessed with greens, and I’m not talking collards or peas, girl. Behold my current green shadow crushes.”

5. Olay Definity Deep Penetrating Foaming Moisturizer: No More Sticky Neck

“Lotions tend to make my neck feel sticky (I can’t stand that feeling!), but I don’t want to end up with wrinkled turkey neck. I’ve tested different moisturizers over the years and finally found one that doesn’t cause sticky neck: Olay Definity Deep Penetrating Foaming Moisturizer ($29).”

Happy Hump Day!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen