WINNER: The giveaway is closed now, and the winner is Kylie! Congratulations, Kylie! If you entered but didn’t win this time around, keep trying, and click here to enter any ongoing giveaways before you jet.

A Different Makeup and Beauty Blog giveaway each day for 12 days, sponsored by Neutrogena

Two things I saw yesterday while doing last-minute Christmas shopping at the mall…

A woman with a “COEXIST” bumper sticker on her car completely losing her sh*t in the parking lot. That’s how bad it was out there. There were a TON of people out shopping, and I kid you not, it took us more than an hour just get out of the parking lot!

The woman who started road raging was trapped in the parking lot with us and thousands of other people. I felt for her, but no one could do anything about it. There were so many cars jamming up the rows, trying to either find parking or make it to the exits, that she couldn’t back her car out. We were in one of the cars stuck in the row next to her, and at one point, she started yelling at no one in particular and shaking her fists in the air while I watched her through our windows and It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year played over the car radio… It was like some weird scene from a Judd Apatow movie.

El Hub getting props for his vehicular dance moves. Trapped in the mall parking lot, we started going a little stir crazy in the car after a while, singing off key and dancing in our seats. El Hub was doing the robot when a dude driving in the opposite direction made eye contact with him. The dude smiled awkwardly and gave us the “whassup” nod before cracking up. I laughed for a good five minutes after that…

What do either of these events have to do today’s giveaway? Nothing, really. But I hope one of them made you smile. Even if it was only for a second.

That’s one of my favorite things about the holidays…finding joy in the littlest things.

Little things like the awesome skin care products that comprise the prize in today’s Neutrogena giveaway.

That’s right! It’s day 9 of 12 Days of Giveaways on Makeup and Beauty Blog (NOTE: click here and scroll down the page to enter any other ongoing giveaways).

One (1) Neutrogena Allure Best of Beauty gift basket valued at $83 and filled with the following goodies:

• Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Sunscreen Stick SPF 60 ($8.99)
• Neutrogena Wet Skin Sunscreen Spray SPF 50 ($10.99)
• Neutrogena Naturals Lip Balm ($2.99)
• Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Night ($20.99)
• Neutrogena Make-Up Remover Cleansing Towelettes ($6.99)
• Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash Pink Grapefruit ($7.49)
• $25 American Express Gift Card

• There are two ways to enter, and you can do both of them for two chances to win. First, you can enter by leaving a comment at the bottom of this post, a comment about anything at all, like, what body products are in your shower right now? Do you have a favorite lip balm? What’s your nighttime skin care routine? Do you ever wear multicolored nails? Are you doing any last-minute shopping today? What does your Christmas stocking look like? What’s your go-to waterproof mascara? — you get the idea.
• Second, you can enter by following me on Twitter @karenmbb and retweeting (RT) the following message:
  • Follow @karenmbb and RT to Win a Neutrogena Allure Best of Beauty Gift Basket! http://bit.ly/UnkqBA

• The deadline to enter is Tuesday, December 25, 2012 at 11:59 p.m. (PST).
• Entrants must enter using a valid email address and/or Twitter account to win.
• A maximum of two (2) entries per person — one within the comments at the bottom of this post, and a second entry via Twitter addressed to me @karenmbb.
• Contest is open to individuals in the United States who have reached the age of majority according to their local laws (18 in the United States with these exceptions: Alabama and Nebraska, 19; Mississippi, 21).
• Tabs and I (heretofore referred to as “T-Money and K-Dawg”) will select one (1) winner at random from the entries either left in the comments at the bottom of this blog post or addressed to @karenmbb on Twitter.
• The winner will be announced here within 48 hours of the deadline.
• Void where prohibited by law.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. There are two other ongoing giveaways you may want to enter while you’re here (if you haven’t already). Just click the following links, and they’ll take you right to ‘em.

1. Two Ways to Win a Neutrogena Holiday Survival Kit Gift Basket (an $81 Value) — Closes Sunday, 12/23/12 at 11:59 p.m. PST
2. Two Ways to Win a Neutrogena Winter Skin Rx Gift Basket (a $127 Value) — Closes Monday, 12/24/12 at 11:59 p.m. PST

WINNER: The giveaway is closed now, and the winner is Kylie! Congratulations, Kylie! If you entered but didn’t win this time around, keep trying, and click here to enter any ongoing giveaways before you jet.

WINNER: The giveaway is closed now, and the winner is Nicole Hunn! Congratulations, Nicole Hunn! If you entered but didn’t win this time around, keep trying, and click here to enter any ongoing giveaways before you jet.

A Different Makeup and Beauty Blog giveaway each day for 12 days, sponsored by Neutrogena

One of my favorite holiday memories is from a trip El Hub and I took to visit his family on Oahu. It was a couple days after Christmas at the Ala Moana Shopping Center, the largest open-air shopping center in the world. Weather-wise, it was a typical December day in Hawai’i Nei, sunny, about 80 degrees with light trade winds, and the mall was packed!

I remember how lots of the local kids (and some of the adults) were all bundled up for winter. There were kids in hoodies, thick sweaters, ski hats (the kind with the flaps that go over your ears) and some even wearing Uggs.

LOL! I guess wherever you are, even in the tropics, winter will find you.

Heck, it always finds me, as do winter skin trubs. Even with our mild seasonal swings out here in the Bay Area, I still wrestle with winter skin challenges every year, like breakouts, dry skin, flaky skin — the whole shebang.

If your face needs some babying this winter, you’ll definitely want to enter today’s Neutrogena gift basket giveaway. The basket is brimming with products to soothe and repair fussy winter skin.

Yup, it’s day 8 of 12 Days of Giveaways on Makeup and Beauty Blog (NOTE: click here and scroll down the page to enter any other ongoing giveaways).

One (1) Neutrogena Holiday Survival Kit gift basket valued at $127 and filled with the following goodies:

• One (1) Neutrogena Microdermabrasion Kit ($19.99)
• One (1) Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Night ($20.99)
• One (1) Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Serum ($20.99)
• One (1) Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Eye Cream ($20.99)
• One (1 Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser ($8.99)
• One (1) Neutrogena All-in-1 Acne Control Facial Treatment ($10.49)
• One (1) $25 American Express Gift Card ($25)

• There are two ways to enter, and you can do both of them for two chances to win. First, you can enter by leaving a comment at the bottom of this post, a comment about anything at all, like, do you struggle with seasonal skin changes in winter? What’s your favorite heavy duty moisturizer? Is there a cleanser you’re loving at the moment? When was the last time you got a haircut? What are you doing this weekend? Do you prefer colorful or clear/white Christmas lights on your tree? What’s your warmest pair of socks? How often do you wear primer? — you get the idea.
• Second, you can enter by following me on Twitter @karenmbb and retweeting (RT) the following message:
  • Follow @karenmbb and RT to Win a $127 Neutrogena Winter Skin Rx Gift Basket! http://bit.ly/Yyw0fQ

• The deadline to enter is Monday, December 24, 2012 at 11:59 p.m. (PST).
• Entrants must enter using a valid email address and/or Twitter account to win.
• A maximum of two (2) entries per person — one within the comments at the bottom of this post, and a second entry via Twitter addressed to me @karenmbb.
• Contest is open to individuals in the United States who have reached the age of majority according to their local laws (18 in the United States with these exceptions: Alabama and Nebraska, 19; Mississippi, 21).
• Tabs and I (heretofore referred to as “T-Money and K-Dawg”) will select one (1) winner at random from the entries either left in the comments at the bottom of this blog post or addressed to @karenmbb on Twitter.
• The winner will be announced here within 48 hours of the deadline.
• Void where prohibited by law.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. There are two other ongoing giveaways you may want to enter while you’re here (if you haven’t already). Just click the following links, and they’ll take you right to ‘em.

1. Two Ways to Win a Glitterball Gia Cosmetics From Kate Spade — Closes Saturday, 12/22/12 at 11:59 p.m. PST
2. Two Ways to Win a Neutrogena Holiday Survival Kit Gift Basket (an $81 Value) — Closes Sunday, 12/23/12 at 11:59 p.m. PST

WINNER: The giveaway is closed now, and the winner is Nicole Hunn! Congratulations, Nicole Hunn! If you entered but didn’t win this time around, keep trying, and click here to enter any ongoing giveaways before you jet.

WINNER: The giveaway is closed now, and the winner is Brooke! Congratulations, Brooke! If you entered but didn’t win this time around, keep trying, and click here to enter any ongoing giveaways before you jet.

A Different Makeup and Beauty Blog giveaway each day for 12 days, sponsored by Neutrogena

The holidays were so much easier when I was a kid. Back then I had a totally different kind of to-do list…

1. Gorge on candy canes, other sweets
2. Sleep in every day over break
3. Find “Santa’s” secret cache of presents in the house
4. Pretend to be surprised about said presents on Christmas morning

Every year, to find the presents we knew were hidden somewhere in the house, my little brother and I systematically moved through all of the rooms and closets like trained Army rangers. Sometimes, we’d even reverse engineer the presents that were already under the tree, delicately removing the tiny strips of tape and unfolding the corners of the wrapping paper until we could confirm the contents, and then we’d return everything to its pristine condition without leaving behind so much as a trace (we were never caught).

Gosh, I miss that! Adults always tell kids to enjoy it while it lasts, but it usually falls on deaf ears…

Nowadays, the holidays are a high-traffic, high-stress whirlwind of errands and activities. I try to have as much fun as I can (and consume as many candy canes and TJ’s Dark Chocolate Stars as humanly possible), but still. When did we get so busy over the holidays?

If this is also a busy time for you, you’ll definitely want to enter today’s giveaway for a Holiday Survival Kit from Neutrogena.

Yup, it’s day 7 of 12 Days of Giveaways on Makeup and Beauty Blog (NOTE: click here and scroll down the page to enter any other ongoing giveaways).

One (1) Neutrogena Holiday Survival Kit gift basket (valued at $81) filled with the following:

• One (1) Neutrogena Healthy Volume Mascara ($7.49)
• One (1) Neutrogena Healthy Skin Primer Broad Spectrum SPF 15 ($12.99)
• One (1) Neutrogena On-the-Spot Acne Treatment ($5.99)
• One (1) Neutrogena Shine Control Pressed Powder ($11.99)
• One (1) Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Oil-Free Cleansing Wipes ($7.49)
• One (1) Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisturizer SPF 35 ($9.99)
• One (1) $25 American Express Gift Card ($25)

Holiday stress and your skin

“Holiday stress always raises our cortisol (or ‘stress hormone’) levels. We often neglect our usual skincare routines during this busy time and indulge in high-glycemic index foods which can increase stress-related skin breakouts. Keeping your skin clean is key. If you are strapped for time and acne-prone, try Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Oil-Free Cleansing Wipes. They remove make-up and daily build-up and won’t aggravate acne-prone skin.”

– Dr. Erin Gilbert, Dermatologist and Skin Expert

• There are two ways to enter, and you can do both of them for two chances to win. First, you can enter by leaving a comment at the bottom of this post, a comment about anything at all, like, what was the first Neutrogena product you can remember using? When was the last time you purchased a drugstore beauty product (and what did you get?)? Do you remember the make and model of the first car you ever drove? Do you have a powder in your purse right now? How long does it take you to get ready before a night on the town? How are your holidays coming along so far? What are you wearing on your cheeks? Do you prefer shimmery or matte bronzers? — you get the idea.
• Second, you can enter by following me on Twitter @karenmbb and retweeting (RT) the following message:
  • Follow @karenmbb and RT to Win an $80 Neutrogena Holiday Survival Kit Gift Basket! http://bit.ly/UdIENs

• The deadline to enter is Sunday, December 23, 2012 at 11:59 p.m. (PST).
• Entrants must enter using a valid email address and/or Twitter account to win.
• A maximum of two (2) entries per person — one within the comments at the bottom of this post, and a second entry via Twitter addressed to me @karenmbb.
• Contest is open to individuals in the United States who have reached the age of majority according to their local laws (18 in the United States with these exceptions: Alabama and Nebraska, 19; Mississippi, 21).
• Tabs and I (heretofore referred to as “T-Money and K-Dawg”) will select one (1) winner at random from the entries either left in the comments at the bottom of this blog post or addressed to @karenmbb on Twitter.
• The winner will be announced here within 48 hours of the deadline.
• Void where prohibited by law.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. While you’re here, take a moment to enter these other ongoing giveaways (if you haven’t already). You can’t win unless you try.

1. Two Ways to Win a bareMinerals Light Show Palette for Your Eyes, Lips and Face [6 WINNERS] — Closes Friday, 12/21/12 at 11:59 p.m. PST
2. Two Ways to Win a Sweetshoppe Stripe Small Natalie Cosmetics Case From Kate Spade — Closes Friday, 12/21/12 at 11:59 p.m. PST
3. Two Ways to Win a Glitterball Gia Cosmetics From Kate Spade — Closes Saturday, 12/22/12 at 11:59 p.m. PST

Good luck!

WINNER: The giveaway is closed now, and the winner is Brooke! Congratulations, Brooke! If you entered but didn’t win this time around, keep trying, and click here to enter any ongoing giveaways before you jet.

WINNER: The giveaway is closed now, and the winner is Katrina! Congratulations, Katrina! If you entered but didn’t win this time around, keep trying, and click here to enter any ongoing giveaways before you jet.

A Different Makeup and Beauty Blog giveaway each day for 12 days, sponsored by Neutrogena

I’ve been wearing my roasty, toasty Zella Galaxy Hoodie pretty much every day, all day, for weeks, except for when I want to mix it up in blog pics, or absolutely, positively have to wear something else.

It’s the first thing I grab before heading downstairs to make breakfast every morning (sorry, Tabs).

I’m smitten…

It’s just so sleek and stylish, and I love the little details, like the thumbholes in the sleeves. Hello, cozy! Wherever I am, I’ve got built-in gloves.

I love this dang sweatshirt so much, and I want you to have one, too.

Today, to kick off a series of 12 amazing holiday giveaways kindly sponsored by Neutrogena (thanks, Neutrogena!), I’m giving one away.

Check back tomorrow and each of the 10 days after to enter a different giveaway for a different one of my favorite things, like gift baskets filled with Neutrogena products, bags by Kate Spade (YUP!) and even more goodies from Zella.

It’s 12 Days of Giveaways, y’all. Details to enter down below.

• One (1) Zella Galaxy Fleece Hoodie from Nordstrom in your choice of size and color (you can see the options here) valued at $58.

• There are two ways to enter, and you can do both of them for two chances to win. First, you can enter by leaving a comment at the bottom of this post, a comment about anything at all, like, what do you wear to work out in? Do you have a favorite hoodie, sweater or sweatshirt? Have you finished (or started) your holiday shopping yet? What’s one of your favorite things about the holidays? When was the last time you got a haircut? Best red lipstick for this time of year? Describe a makeup look you wore (or plan to wear) to a holiday party this year. What makeup are you wearing right now? — you get the idea.
• Second, you can enter by following me on Twitter @karenmbb and retweeting (RT) the following message:
  • Follow @karenmbb and RT to Win a Zella Galaxy Fleece Hoodie from Nordstrom! http://bit.ly/Zv1gfR

• The deadline to enter is Sunday, December 16, 2012 at 11:59PM (PT).
• Entrants must enter using a valid email address and/or Twitter account to win.
• A maximum of two (2) entries per person — one within the comments at the bottom of this post, and a second entry via Twitter addressed to me @karenmbb.
• Contest is open to individuals in the United States who have reached the age of majority according to their local laws (18 in the United States with these exceptions: Alabama and Nebraska, 19; Mississippi, 21).
• Tabs and I (heretofore referred to as “T-Money and K-Dawg”) will select one (1) winner at random from the entries either left in the comments at the bottom of this blog post or addressed to @karenmbb on Twitter.
• The winner will be announced here within 48 hours of the deadline.
• Void where prohibited by law.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

WINNER: The giveaway is closed now, and the winner is Katrina! Congratulations, Katrina! If you entered but didn’t win this time around, keep trying, and click here to enter any ongoing giveaways before you jet.

Wearing Neutrogena MoistureShine Gloss in Copper Power on my lips

Currently on my list of things I can’t get enough of…

1. Nude heels

For the longest time I was all about black shoes because I thought, hey, they go with everything, right? These days, I’m all about nudes. Nude heels, nude sandals and — oh! I’m think I’m gonna need to find a pair of nude boots by fall.

Basically, if it’s in a nude color, goes on my feet and appears to make my legs look longer (as nude shoes are wont to do), I’m there.

2. Cat stickers

I always use the tabby ones first. One of these days I’m going to make some Tabs stickers. That would be rad to the Nth degree, for real! Of course, there would have to be several stickers showing off his husky tum (of course).

3. Smiles

My mum
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