How’s it goin’, ladies? Are you having a good weekend so far? Doing anything fun? I am SO GLAD the sun came out again today. With yesterday that makes two whole days in a row! We’ve been seeing a little more of it lately… It’s beginning to feel like spring.

Today I’ve got sun and eyebrows on my mind, specifically Benefit’s $20 High Brow pencil. Have you seen it before? Here’s a quick look in this video.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Episode 4 Link:

• Benefit Hi Brow ($20)

I’m still kinda fired up after the excitement of last month’s Olympic Games… There was something epic about it all, ya know? — about seeing top athletes chase big dreams. It was like watching the journeys of the heroes in Greek myths!

Olympic athletes train hard to reach the games, and for some, like US speed skater Allison Baver, there are times when the goal seems out of reach. After shattering her leg in a race last year (she collided with teammate Katherine Reutter), Allison underwent intensive rehab to make it to Vancouver, where she and her speed skating teammates earned a Bronze Medal in the 3000m relay.

I chatted with her this morning and learned that she’s not just a bad-ass on the ice. Allison also loves makeup! And she’s a total girly girl. She credits her positive attitude with helping her stay focused and shared a few of her favorite makeup and beauty tips.

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Heya, ladies. Guess which blog just turned three years old. Yup, that’s ancient in internet years! MBB’s officially a senior citizen.

Sorry about the hiatus from video, but I’m gonna do them more often now. Here’s a quick tip I learned from makeup artist Billy B, who explained that moisturizers are good for more than just moisturizing.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Last week I asked you about your favorite beauty tools and mentioned a couple of mine. Here are 10 of our favorites among favorites — the beauty tools we can’t live without.

1. Tweezerman Tweezers

An Allure Best of Beauty winner nine years running, the Tweezerman just might be the finest general purpose tweezer in the world! Whether you’re an eyebrow artist or the girl next door, the Slant Tweezer’s ($20) perfectly aligned, hand-filed tips will grab every hair, every time. Available in classic stainless steel finish, Signature Red, Neon Pink, Blooming Lilac and Khaki Gold.

TIP: Tweeze in the direction your hairs grow to keep from breaking strands. Tweezing is also easier after a hot shower, or you can use a warm washcloth to open pores. To close pores when you’re finished (and reduce redness and irritation), rinse with cold water.

2. MAC 239 Eye Shader Brush

I like everything about the MAC 239 ($24.50). It’s soft and dense (just like Tabs!), and shades and blends eyeshadows like a dream. The head is tapered and rounded, with smooth, firm fibers that deposit lots of color. It’s one of the beauty tools I’m not sure I could (or would rather not) live without.

TIP: You can use it to apply powders AND creams, and when you’re done using it, if you don’t have time for a thorough brush cleaning with brush cleaner or a gentle shampoo, you can wipe the bristles down with a Wet Ones Wipe.

3. Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler

The Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler ($19) is practically iconic! — a legendary beauty tool, perfectly balanced and precise like a ninja’s sword. The shape of the curling surface, frame length, ergonomic handles and hinge help it to deliver the right amount of pressure to delicate eyelashes. Amazingly enough, it also suits just about every eye shape out there.

TIP: Curl before applying your mascara to reduce the risk of pulling out or breaking your lashes, and here’s a tip to get a natural lash curl.

4. MAC 217 Blending Brush

An everyday brush for shading and/or blending color or cream products. With fine, densely packed fibers and an oval head, the MAC 217 ($22.50) will take your makeup game to the next level.

TIP: A super versatile brush you can even use as a crease brush or to apply/blend cream or liquid products (like concealer).

5. Clarisonic Skincare Brush

Heavy duty hardware like the Clarisonic ($195), a gentle, sonic micro-massager (ala the Sonicare Toothbrush), removes makeup better than anything I’ve ever used before. Gentle enough to use twice/day, it also helps reduce oily areas, dry skin patches, blemishes and the appearance of visible pores, fine lines and wrinkles.

TIP: If you’re gonna pick one up, shop at a store with a good return policy (like Sephora) because it may take a couple weeks to see results (and they’re HELLA expensive). You want the option of being able to take it back if you need to.

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Good morning, ladies. Yes, the rumors are true. In a little more than 12 hours, we’ll close the book on 2009 forever and begin a new chapter titled “2010″, a brand-spankin’ new year filled with promise and hope for us all.

With a lead like that, it feels like I should do something special tonight, LOL! Ya know, it’ll be special, no matter WHAT — even if I end up just spending the night home with the two men in my life (El Hub and Tabs). So far my plans involve the three of us, a couch, Hulu and perhaps a glass (or three) of something bubbly.

What about you? What’s on your dance card tonight? While I think I’m staying in, I still have designs on my New Year’s makeup, and I’m thinking about something with fireworks.

Like…

Makeupgeek: Magnificent Sparkles

MichellePhan: Glamorous Salute to 2010

QueenofBlendingMUA: Glitter Eyes

pixiwoo: Deeep Purple

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