(Click here to see the video embedded in this post)

Let’s give a warm, makeup-lurvin’ welcome to the mini-mighty MAC 214 Short Shader Brush ($23), a tool re-released with the new Style Black collection. It’s my latest must-have MAC eye brush.

A total all-star, it gets precious shelf space beside the 217 Blending Brush and 266 Small Angle Brush.

The 214 may not look like much, but, among other things, she’s able to precisely blend and apply eyeshadows and liners along the upper and lower lash lines. The firm, dense natural bristles are really able to pack on the color, and the shape of the head — wide and flat — makes it maneuverable in tight spaces around the base of my lashes.

I love the sharp, precise lines I can make with it.

After lining my eyes with a pencil, liquid or gel liner, I’ll reach for the 214 and wet it with eye makeup remover. Then, I’ll gently run it along the edge of the liner.

CRISP!

While there are less expensive brushes out there, I think the 214’s a worthy tool. It’s just a great multi-tasking makeup brush.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

(Click here to see the video embedded within this post)

I gotta hand it to carnies because that juggling stuff is hard work!

Simply put, the more tasks and projects I try to juggle at the same time, the harder it becomes to maintain a beauty regimen.

All of the time consumers that come with moving, coupled with my regular work, have sapped much of my time and energy for makeup. By virtue of necessity, I’ve had to resort to a lot of super-minimal makeup looks — filled-in brows, dabs of concealer beneath my eyes and now, thanks to MAC, a single layer of mascara.

It takes mere seconds to apply, but a single layer of MAC’s new Zoom Fast Black Lash ($13) gives lashes a dark glossy black finish and extra length. The outcome’s a quick and easy natural lash look with KICK, and it totally fits with a minimal makeup vibe.

If you’re looking for a go-to mascara that adds length and a vibrant, inky black finish yet won’t look totally fake on your lashes, then consider giving MAC’s $13 Zoom Fast Black Lash a try.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. If you’re on the hunt for a new mascara but aren’t moved by this one, Walgreens has a $5 off $25 printable coupon (Yea for drugstore makeup!). Good today and tomorrow only (9/29 – 9/30).

(If you’re reading this in the feed, there’s a video embedded in this post.)

Happy Friday, Sparkle Motions!

Ya know, sometimes it’s the little things that matter most…

This week was a rough one for me (lots of stress eating, yikes!), and I needed a way to unwind. I decided to reward myself with an at-home mani using one of fall’s hottest nail polish colors, gray.

I thought about busting out one my faves from Barielle, Essie or Zoya but felt like a little more bling.

I knew I wanted something in the gray/silver family, and I found my match in Illamasqua’s Nail Varnish in Harsh ($14).

One of the 22 nail colors in Illamasqua’s permanent polish line, it shines on its own or layered on top of other polishes. Although, technically, it isn’t a fall release, I think it fits really well both with the season and my current mood.

Friday night?

I don’t have a lot going on tonight other than maybe a movie and the start of my packing.

What are you up to? Tell me about your makeup today.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Heya, ladies! How’s your Saturday coming along? This comes out of left field, but last night I saw and absolutely loved Pixar’s Up, their latest animated flick. OMG! It’s effing delightful — poignant, breathtaking to see — and it restored some of my faith in humanity. If there are people out there thoughtful and capable enough to make a film like Up… well, anyway, I can’t recommend it enough.

As for today’s video post, it’s just a quick summertime makeup look (click here to see the video) using a few of my favorite products.

Hope you’re enjoying the weekend!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Whether to use a brush or a puff to apply powder depends on the kind of coverage you’d like (click here to see the video).

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen