Taking it Back to the Old School

Sometimes it’s fun to visit your roots. I’m feeling nostalgic today, so here’s a compilation of a few classic Makeup and Beauty Blog posts.

Work those high heels at the club with these Tips for Making High Heels Comfortable.

Got lash envy? Here are a few MAC tips and tricks for perfect lashes.

A little self-promotion never hurts.

It’s time to start Christmas shopping. Pick up a few gifts for your family, then pick up a few MAC Favorites from Allure Magazine’s Reader’s Choice Awards for your bad self.

Remember MAC Sheer Mystery Powder?

Ha! I actually brought a tube of Rimmel After Dark Lipglass to the club last night.

The Beauty Blog Network Hotties are in the House

But wait! There’s more beauty to be had with the best o’ the week from The Beauty Blog Network!

15 Minute Beauty Fanatic – Christine Tries out Sara Happ’s Lip Scrub
A Touch of Blusher – Foundation Face-Off: Chanel & SUQQU
All Lacquered Up – Check out Essie’s Winter Collection Before It Hits Stores
Beauty and Fashion Tech – Beauty and Fashion Tech Looks at the New MAC Holiday Collection and Provides Swatches
Beauty and Personality Grooming – Facial scrubs for dry skin
Elke Von Freudenberg – Elke finally (gulp) loves pink lipstick
Etailers Mall, The Blog – Sarah features the Deadly Kiss Choker from After Dark Jewelry.
Makeup Moxie – Customized Clinique Happy Photo Bottles
Musings of a Muse – MAC Formal Black 2006 vs MAC Antiquitease 2007 with Photos and Comparisons
Mystical Beauty’s Musings – The Body Perfumery Gloss Me! Hair Serum Review
Savvy Skin – Laser Hair Removal – Worth Another Chance?
Temptalia - Antiquitease: Royal Assets & Heirlooms Review & Swatches
The Life of A Ladybug - Toya’s ode to Kevyn Aucoin
Makeup Loves Me – Lancome’s Color Fever Gloss in Volcanic Pink
And just in case you missed it (oh no you didn’t) my post from earlier in the week covering Makeup Trends from LA Fashion Week and Tips from Smashbox Makeup Artist Lori Taylor.

Booty Short Stress

I report with a touch of sadness that last night’s pole dance class did not happen. Our instructor never showed up (BOO) so all of my booty short stress was all for naught. We ended up going to get suishi and then to a club called Suede. For the record, it’s hard to dance with cat ears on.

Club cuties

How was your Saturday night? Did you go to any pre-Halloween parties? ‘Twas a fun night but now I’m exhasuted. I think I’m gonna chill out for the rest of the day.

Enjoy your Sunday!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

I went to the Bliss Spa at the W Hotel in San Francisco to get a pedicure yesterday, and all I have to say is the place effing rules.

I briefly thought about keeping it as a secret and not blogging about it, but then I’d be doing all women with jacked-up feet in the SF Bay Area a serious disservice.

Here’s the “after” picture of my feet post-Hot Milk and Almond Pedicure ($65.00), the most popular pedicure on the Bliss spa menu. I almost put up the “before” pic of my feet, but decided to spare humanity the horror.

Where to begin? First of all, the entire place is pretty, comfy and very modern chic. The white and blue surroundings set a hip, yet relaxed tone.

But it’s when you sit your bum down in the nail chair when the real fun begins.

First they bring you snacks: cheese and crackers and even brownies if ya want. Note to file: I like any place that brings me queso.

Second, they’ve got TV’s positioned on the wall right above the nail-tech’s head, so you can watch any episode of Sex and the City that you want. You just pop on some headphones and then bam, you’re hanging with Carrie and the girls.

Can I just say I really appreciate this touch? Believe it or not, beauty blogging requires plenty o’ networking and socializing, so I spend a lot of time in person or on the phone with industry people. And although I love the social aspect of the business, I also appreciate having downtime to myself.

So when I go get my nails done or my hair did, I view the time as “my” time. I don’t want to have to make small talk about god knows what. I lurve that I can just put on the headphones at the Bliss spa and just enjoy the experience of having my toes done without having to interact. To be able to just sit and not feel “on” is the ultimate form of relaxation for me.

Save Your Feet, Save the World

The pedicure treatment was fantastic. It lasts an hour, and includes a hot foot soak in steamed whole milk with moisturizing almond oil; an exfoliating scrub on your lower legs and feet; and a super mega session with a foot cheese grater thingy. It’s described on the Web site as “a fierce diamond-sided flexible fiberglass callus fighter,” and it’s no joke. The nail tech removed what looked like a half a pound of grated Parmesan from my feet.

After all of this soaking, buffing and scrubbing, the end result was a pair of feet smoother than a politician trying to get elected to office.

The nail tech did a great job with the dark, vampy shade I picked out. The final result looked deep and dark, shiny (she used a Seche Vite topcoat, my personal fave) and very pretty.

The color selection on hand at the spa consists of Essie polishes, which tend to be a bit more conservative in color, so if you’re a crazy color polish person then bring your own.

If you forget to bring flip flops they give you a temporary pair. Don’t plan on hoofing it anywhere far though, because the bottoms are kind of thin. If you bring your own flip-flops the staff gives you a cute lil’ bag to store your shoes in.

They do spa parties here, too. I’m going to force my friend J-Money to go in the name of “research” for her bachlorette party festivities. I also think that I’m going to go here by myself often, as a treat after a long day of meetings or shopping in downtown SF. I can’t wait to go back!

The Bliss Spa San Francisco is located on the fourth floor of the W Hotel at Third and Howard. They are open 7 days a week from 9am-9pm. Call (415) 281-0990 to book an appointment.

Tonight I’m heading to the City with some girlfriends. We’re taking a pole dancing class together, oy. Although the pole dancing class doesn’t really have me stressed out (I’ve got good upper body strength), I’m pretty stressed about having to wear BOOTY SHORTS to class. Allegedly they help one’s thighs grip the pole. Umm… for me booty shorts were 20 pounds and 10 years ago. Ugh.

Afterwards we’re doing a girl’s night out with dinner and drinks, and then dancing. Most of the clubs in SF will be doing a Halloween-themed night so we’re going to dress up in cute costumes before we go out. I’ve got some cat ears, which is costume enough for me!

I hope you’re having a fantastic weekend so far and that you’ve got fun plans for tonight.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Twenty-four hours. One beauty blogger. Three random acts of beauty.

Random Act of Beauty: October 24, 2007, 11:37 a.m.
I go to a local burrito joint hungrier than a hippo, and I find out after I order my food that they only take cash. I’m short $1.50 and the walk to the atm seems farther than a trek through the Sahara. Plus my stomach is rumbling like crazy.

I dig through the cusions and crevices of my car and I find nickels, dimes and pennies. When I add them all up, I find that I have exactly one dollar and fifty cents. Yes!

Random Act of Beauty: October 24, 2007, 5:35 p.m.
I finally find sunblock that doesn’t leave my neck feeling sticky, Shiseido’s Ultimate Sun Protection SPF 55 for Face & Body, at my local Macy’s Shiseido counter.

That’s it on the right in the funny shaped bottle. The formula is a thin liquid that spreads easily and absorbs quickly. It has a nice smell and the finish is matte, so my neck doesn’t feel sticky and gross after application.

On the left is the Face version. It’s incredibly moisturizing and so far hasn’t broken me out.

Before I leave the counter with these goodies the nice Shiseido lady hooks it up! In addition to the gift-with-purchase, she gives me a generous handful of extra samples. Yes!

October 24, 2007, 8:50 p.m.
I finally get enough time to sit my bum down to watch the newest episode of I Love NY 2. I admire one contestant, Buddha, and can’t help but think of El Hub.

Smile? Check. Muscles? Check.

Spaghetti strap tank top?

I thank the stars above that El Hub has the good enough sense to not sport this fashion faux pas. Yes!

And while I’m at it, I also thank jeebus I’m not on a reality TV show looking for love amongst closet psychos, like The Entertainer. Yes!

Any random acts of beauty happen to you lately? Please say yes!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Makeup Trends from Los Angeles Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and Tips from Lori Taylor, Smashbox Makeup Artist

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Los Angeles was last week. So maybe you weren’t hanging with Paris Hilton in the front row at the shows this year … but hey, neither was I! We’ve always got next year to look forward to, right?

This year Smashbox sponsored the makeup. To absolutely nobody’s surprise, the flawless skin trend we saw at the San Francisco and New York shows was a big theme this year on the L.A. runways, too.

Want to get the look at home? Here are a few tricks from Smashbox makeup artist Lori Taylor, who was nice enough to share a few backstage tips with Makeup and Beauty Blog.

What was the biggest makeup trend we saw at the LA shows this year?


Perfect and Flawless skin. During the shows we used tons of High Definition FX Foundation and Function 5 Self Adjusting Foundation. Also, smoky eyes of colors such as metallic green and purple. And bright lips with lipstick, not gloss!

What tips can you give women who want to re-create these looks at home?

Apply a sheer wash of color on the eye in black or brown, and then use metallic burgundy; soft, sheer purple; or taupe metallic shades. Use a ton of mascara and a liner in color. For the lips use a velvety lipstick or a sheer color.

When you’re working backstage, what are your can’t-live-without Smashbox products?

High Definition FX Foundation, Function 5 Self Adjusting Foundation and Photo Op Under Eye Brightener. We were all fighting for it backstage!




What is your favorite part about doing makeup for runway shows?

I love the fast and chaotic pace as well as the responsibility of being the head makeup artist.

Least favorite part?

My least favorite part is that I’m not so much hands on anymore. Once I create the look the other artists take over.

A pic of Lori Taylor with Smashbox Founders Dean and Davis Factor

Toner-o-Rama with DHC Rose Toner and Clinique Mild Clarifying Lotion

I like to blog about whatever beauty and skin issue is plaguing me at the moment. The big problem du jour right now is my skin. I’ve been breaking out and getting dry patches…so NOT cute.

When my skin goes nuts it means it’s time to review my skin regimen. I just switched to a cleanser which I’m starting to really love, Philosophy’s Purity Made Simple. The next step? Finding a complementary toner that both moisturizes and fights the good fight against pimples.

(Side note: I don’t believe that you have to stay with one skin care line, because IMHO that’s just marketing-schmarketing. I always end up using a mix of brands because I haven’t found a line that I love enough to be solely devoted to.)

Toner…Not Just for Copy Machines

Toners are liquid products that you use after you cleanse your face, and you apply it with a cotton ball to your face and your neck. The purpose is to take off the last traces of makeup and prep the skin for moisturization. Some toners also have other benefits, like fighting zits (yes!) and moisturizing (yessss!). I must confess; I’m not always an avid toner user. Sometimes I don’t feel like my skin needs it and sometimes I’m just plain lazy. If I can skip a step I’ll leave it out, ya know?

But when my skin is going nuts like it is now I’ll make the extra effort to really baby it. Here are two toners that I’ve been test driving: DHC Rose Toner and Clinique Mild Clarifying Lotion.

DHC Rose Toner Smells Divine, Fights Zits Like a Champ

DHC Rose Toner is lovely-smelling toner made from distilled damask rosewater for ladies (and gents) with blemish-prone skin.

The benefits:

- calms overactive, stressed complexions
- controls excess oil
- tightens pores
- all-day oil control

What I liked about it:

- smells fantastic, like I’m wandering around in Oprah’s rose garden
- cute packaging!
- excellent oil control

What I didn’t like about it:

- dried out my skin

When I was younger my skin was really oily, breakout prone and tougher than Tina Turner on a world tour. If I was ten years younger then DHC Rose Toner would be right up my alley. The dry patches on my face are a new thing for me, so unfortunately this toner was a little too drying to use over my entire face. However, Rose Toner did a fantastic job of drying up my zits. I’m going to use it as a spot treatment in the future, rather than an all-over toner.

You might like it if:

- you have younger, oilier skin that can tolerate stronger toners
- need lots of oil control

A 3.3 fl. oz bottle is regularly $21.00, but is on sale for $15.50 until November 30, 2007 on the DHC Web site.

Also … a lil’ birdie told me that there’s a full Rose skincare line available in Japan but not in the US. It’s a DHC best seller and apparently the entire line is phenomenal. I’m crossing my fingers and hoping that they make it available in the US soon!

Clinique Mild Clarifying Lotion, Where Have You Been All My Life?

Before I buy new skin care products, I read other beauty blogs and check sites like makeupalley.com first. I like to do background research on a product because it gives me a good idea of what it does and whether or not it might work for me.

I got the idea to try Clinique Mild Clarifying Lotion from the skin care board on makeupalley.com and all I gotta say is PRAISE JEEBUS! This stuff is the sh*t!

Clinique Mild Clarifying Lotion is a gentle exfoliator that contains salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid. It’s moisturizing, doesn’t have an offensive smell and is so far doing a great job of clearing up my skin.

The benefits:

- exfoliates skin
- moisturizes, yet doesn’t leave a weird, sticky film behind

What I liked about it:

- texture (it’s thicker than a regular liquid toner but not as thick as a gel)
- doesn’t leave my skin feeling tight
- doesn’t contain alcohol
- has salicylic acid, which penetrates skin to exfoliate pores
- very gentle
- doesn’t break me out

What I didn’t like about it:

- absolutely nuthin’! Love, love, love all around

You might like it if:

- you have combo skin
- you need a non-drying salicylic acid treatment
- you have sensitive, acne-prone skin

I wanted to add a salicylic acid (BHA) treatment to my daily skincare routine because I’ve read that for some people, the combination of benzoyl peroxide with a BHA works wonders to keep skin pimple-free.

How do these two work to keep breakouts at bay? BHA is a chemical exfoliant that keeps pores clear, and benzoyl peroxide kills acne bacteria present in the pores. So far this combination has been working for me quite well. My pimples are starting to clear up, and my skin doesn’t feel as dry and tight.

If you go to the Clinique counter to buy this don’t let the MUA talk you into any other toner. I went in after work one day and I hadn’t blotted in a few hours so my skin looked really oily. The makeup artist tried to push the “oily skin” toner on me. I’m glad I stuck to my guns because Mild Clarifying is a new skincare staple. I love, I love!

A 6.7 oz bottle is $11.00, available at Macy’s, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s and Sephora.

But Paris Says the Stars are Blind…

I’ve been having a weird few days.

Weird as in:
- I go to the local Punjabi Burrito place (I’m so not kidding) in Marin to buy a Punjabi Burrito and find out when I get to the counter that they don’t take credit cards; it’s cash only. And of course I only have five bucks on me and the Punjabi Burrito costs $7.50. And of course I’m hungry enough to start gnawing on my arm.

Weird as in:
- Every night for the past few days I’ve been waking up at 3:00. No rhyme, no reason. The clock hits 3:00 and there I am. Ready to knit, do calculus, build a better mousetrap, blog. You name it, I can do it at 3:00 in the morning because I’M WIDE AWAKE.

Weird as in:
- Random neighborhood cats have been wandering into my apartment. The weather’s been hot so I’ve been leaving the front door open when I write. The cats come in. They sniff around the random beauty products strewn across the floor. They meow. They leave. They always leave. I feel cheap and used.

I dunno, maybe it’s mis-alignment of the planets or perhaps something is in retrograde.

Anyway, I hope that your week’s been going well and that it’s going by fast. Hey, at least we’re halfway there!

Rock on…it’s all we can do!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Earthworm. Dirt. Fig Leaf. Wait, did I make a wrong turn somewhere? Is this gardening 101? Nope! These are just a few of the unique scents in the Demeter Fragrance Library, a fragrance company that creates unusual scents from everyday life.

“The whole idea behind Demeter was to bottle those great scents of nature that people don’t really think about,” says Mark D. Crames, chief executive officer. “We appreciate them when we are outside, but we don’t necessarily think about them as being wearable fragrances. And we set forth to show that those things are beautiful in their own right.”

There are hundreds of scents in the library, ranging from easily wearable (Baby Powder, Angel Food, Jasmine) to not-so-easily wearable but still fun (Funeral Home, Lobster, Play-Doh.)

The amazing thing about the fragrances is that they always hit the scent on the nose (pardon the pun), and each scent is an accurate replica of the original smell. When I got a first whiff of one of the newer scents, Crayon, it reminded me of being a kid, opening up a fresh box of crayons, and spending hours with my coloring books.

Another new scent, Pure Soap, is also delicious. It smells just like a freshly showered husband (or boyfriend!)…ahhhh, yummy.

The time to create a scent from start to finish varies, says Crames. Some scents take a matter of weeks, while others take months or years. Sometimes it’s a matter of fine tuning the scent to appeal to an adult nose, like in the case of creating Banana Flambe, one of the more challenging scents. “Banana by it’s definition tends to be a more child-like scent,” says Crames. “To get a banana that was adult-oriented was hard.”

Other times it’s a matter of chemistry. Two scents that the company has been working on for years, Puppy’s Breath and Baby’s Head, are still in production because of this issue. Natural scents often involve large, organic molecules, which are difficult to replicate, says Crames.

Stuff those stockings: Demeter saves your butt just in time for the holidays

Demeter’s got some delish fragrances for the holidays, including a new scent called Egg Nog. And if you’ve got stockings to stuff, head on over to their Web site, because they’ve got an exclusive offer where you can purchase HUMUNGOUS MINIS (a full ½ oz of fragrance) of any of the scents for a mere five duckets. Can’t decide? Pick up one of my three faves: Thunderstorm, Gingerale or Kahala Hawaiian Surf.

It was so beautiful here in the Bay Area today; I hope you were able to catch some sun. I’m off to the gym right now to lift weights and hopefully burn off the gelato I ate for lunch!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen