Here’s a goofy-but-it-totally-works makeup trick from a big ol’ crybaby (that would be me). 🙂
Any time I do anything that involves doctors or needles, as was the case today for the flu shot I received, I’m guaranteed to shed a few tears…unless I plan ahead of time and wear a smokey eye. Sounds weird, I know, but when I’m wearing smokey eyes, the fear of streaky makeup helps me fight the urge to cry.
Today’s day-friendly smokey eye comes courtesy of the new Bobbi Brown Party Eye Palette ($45). It’s a more muted, neutral version of the purple look I wore last week.
Cheeks: Chanel Orchid Rose Blush; Lips: Bobbi Brown Metallic Lip Color in Pretty Pink mixed with Metallic Lip Color in Plum from the Party to Go Palette
Smile through the fear!
Oh, and it actually worked! I didn’t cry (but I was shaking like a leaf), thanks to the fear of streaky makeup and a nurse who was really nice. 🙂
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Crystal says
You look so pretty in the photos!
Karen says
🙂 What makeup are you wearing today, Crystal?
gio says
You look gorgeous, Karen!
Karen says
Thanks, hon!
Andrea says
You look great! And calm!
I’m pretty bad with needles too, they still seem to hurt for me.
What do you think of this palette overall? I wasn’t particularly interested in it at first but you’ve caught my attention!
Karen says
Hi Andrea,
I really like it. The colors are much more lively on the skin than in the pan (the shimmers especially stand out), and the shadows don’t crease or fade. How extensive is your shadow collection? If you’re just starting out this might be a good one to add to the mix.
Andrea says
I’m growing my collection, I’d say my neutrals are fairly substantial although I don’t own any colours similar to that deep eggplant one.. I really like the idea of easy small palettes like this one though! I’ll have to check it out in-person.
Advah says
I remember doing that one especially bad breakup – carefully applied black liquid liner is the only thing that’d keep me from crying all through my classes!
This is such a pretty palette and I love that it comes with a proper brush. Those colours look great on you, I especially like the lighter shade underneath your eyes!
Karen says
It totally works, right? Sometimes makeup just helps carry you through…
Anywho, what colors are you rocking today?
Advah says
No makeup, I got up WAY too late! 🙁 But lately it’s been lots of MAC’s Vapour shadow with BBrown’s Graphite liner. I bought them recently and it makes me feel very polished. Although I wish Vapour was slightly lighter; I love the lavenderish colour but it’s almost the same as my skintone..
Karen says
Ya know… I don’t think I have Vapour. Do I need it?
Also — it looks like it might be closely related to Phloof. Have you tried it? It might be an option if you want something lighter.
Advah says
YOU DO. I had a look at Phloof (drool) and it does look a lot like Vapour, but more pigmented. I wanted a shadow less opaque to make a neutral eyelid, but the shadows look different in the daylight than in the store! Might have to test Phloof for real – and I bet Vapour will be looovely on you!!
Vonvon says
Nice FOTDs!
Karen says
Thank you!
Chris25 says
I love this daytime smokey eye. 🙂
Karen says
Thanks, Chris. I know you like neutrals and had the feeling you’d be digging this.
What makeup are you wearing today?
Chris25 says
Right now, concealer & NYX Syclia lipstick. I kept it simple because I was running errands this morning. I’ll be pulling out my Kat Von D Ludwig palette for a look I’ll wear to tonight’s class. 🙂
Joyce says
Most of the time, I fight the urge to cry because I don’t want to ruin my makeup. lol
Karen says
It’s a good motivator, LOL!
Susan says
Good for you for getting your flu shot! And you looked lovely doing so, according to these photos 🙂
Karen says
Thank you, Susan! Have a nice day. 🙂
Julia says
I got my flu shot last week and the next day bought the exact same Bobbi Brown palette. I know it’s important to be vaccinated, but I’m a wimp so a bribe always helps me get through it. I thought the pink in the corner had a little too much glitter for me, but the rest of the colors are gorgeous.
Karen says
Hi Julia,
Bribery always helps. 🙂 What do you think of the dark brown matte in this palette? At first I thought it was just okay, but once I got it on my skin I really liked it. It looks like a brownish taupe on my skin…
Glad you were brave and got that flu shot!
Christy says
LOL You are too funny! What a great neutral palette!
Karen says
It’s gorgeous, yeah? Are you a Bobbi fan, Christy?
Melissa says
“Smile through the fear” ha ha I love it! These Bobbi Brown palettes are gorgeous. I really enjoyed your look from last week too.
Karen says
Thanks, Melissa. 🙂 What makeup are you rocking today? Got any Bobbi on?
Melissa says
I wish! I need to pick some of her stuff up! I’m rocking Too Faced today – all from the Enchanted Glamourland collection from last year. I practically needed physical restraints from buying more last weekend at Sephora. They have 3 new collections and all are amazing! Oh and Tarte has that new jewel box thing that I almost pulled the trigger on too. Have you seen it? I honestly just have no space left in my drawers! Where do you store everything girl!?
Katy says
Karen I think this is the prettiest smokey eye I’ve ever seen you wear! The brown looks beautiful! I may have to go and investigate this palette now haha 🙂
Karen says
Hi Katy,
So let’s talk about that brown! It turned out to be a really nice surprise — when applied lightly to the crease it looked more like a taupey brown on my skin. Love it!
Are you a Bobbi eyeshadow fan? I love how they stay on FOREVER and don’t crease.
Katy says
I’m a huge BB fan! Have you ever tried her metallic eyeshadow in burnt sugar?? It’s my absolute favorite! I find that it works for all seasons and it would be stunning on you.
Kim says
I’m so proud of you! That’s some beautiful makeup and smart psychology. 🙂 I don’t like giving blood. That needle is too big for my taste and it always takes 5 tries to find my wiggly veins (which then pump about 1 drop per hour). I don’t cry but I definitely talk. A lot. And fast. HAHA!
Quick question for you: my friend has a sun-stache that she wants to get rid of for our party in a couple of weeks. I said her best bet is probably to go with a full coverage foundation instead. Do you agree and what would you recommend? She has oily skin and is acne prone, but really only needs to wear it for the one night. Thanks! 🙂
Karen says
Just sent you a quick email, Kim!
BTW, you’re so brave to give blood. It’s something I know I should probably do, but I’m terrified of that needle, dagnabbit!
Kim says
Oh, thanks! I’ll check it out.
I really don’t like it either and feel the same way about the needle. They have blood drives here at work, though, so I try my best to participate. I’m sure the poor nurses would prefer that I didn’t after listening to me babble. 🙂
Quinctia says
To be honest, I get injured more by the finger prick for the iron test (I don’t know how diabetics test their blood all the time) and the nurses squeezing the blood pressure cuff up ridiculously high than I do from the actual blood donation.
My blood pressure is naturally rather low, though, and the last time I donated I nearly passed out, so I haven’t really wanted to donate since then.
Kim says
I think about that too (the finger prick); it always seems to hurt for a while after! I find the blood donation is better if the nurse waits until the alcohol dries from the swab (though “you’ll feel a little pick and burn” is definitely an understatement!). Also, drinking a boatload of water helps to plump my veins. Still, that thing is like a knitting needle, darn it! HAHA!
Millie says
So pretty, Karen! Love your hair too. Did you use a curling iron? One day you should do a video tutorial of how you do your hair.
Karen says
Hi Millie,
Yup, I did. I have naturally wavy hair that tends to have a lot of poof. 🙂 Here I let it air dry naturally, then I used a Revlon large barrel curler on the upper layers (curling the hair outward, not inward).
Do you have a large barrel curling iron? They’re really great to have around, especially if you have longer hair and love a curly/wavy look.
Sherry says
Thank goodness I’m not the only one who freaks out over needles! I also can’t take the sight of blood. You look just lovely with this palette.
Karen says
You’re not alone, Sherry! We can be big cry babies together. 🙂
Swatch And Learn says
Hehe, I’m the same way – not about flu shots, but about resisting the urge to cry better when I have my eye makeup done. 😛
If I watch a sad movie and I’m wearing eye makeup that isn’t waterproof, I will hold back those tears!
Karen says
Hey, whatever works, right? 🙂
Alison says
Karen, what a gorgeous look! After I got the naked palette I promised myself I’d hold off on eye shadow purchases. But, these Bobbi looks of late are too good to pass up! Maybe I’ll reward myself at the end of the month like you did with those fierce boots.
Karen says
Hi Alison,
As you know I’m all about bribery when it comes to goal setting. Is there something you’d like to achieve in the next few weeks? Use this palette to get you there! 🙂
Nina says
i love it, Karen. you look adorable!
sayin hi from my staycation! 😀
Karen says
Hi Nina,
Fun, fun, fun! Are you just chillin’ at home with the fur kids? They make the best vacation partners.
Nina says
yes they do! it seems like they know that the `rents are on staycation and theyre so chill.
we went to the mall to get my watch resized. im going to try and wear watches again. then we had a late lunch and coffee. now were just chillin’. 🙂
Karen says
When the parents are home and happy it means the fur kids get extra treats. 🙂 It’s a universal truth!
Sounds like you had a perfect day. Do you have tomorrow off, too?
Nina says
yes i do! i am ashamed to admit, i just got up LOL. 🙂
im working a little bit now but im going to have a lazy rest of the day!
treats — remnds me we need to do a petco/petsmart run later. we’re out of wet food and of course, temptatiojns.
Marie says
I always laugh like a maniac during shots. I’m sure it’s a coping mechanism but it’s so funny…
Karen says
I’m sure it helps lighten the mood, too. 🙂 It’s a lot better than crying! Plus, your makeup doesn’t get messed up.
Kajal Couture says
Karen you are glowing in these pics! What is your current foundation and skincare routine?
You have me dreaming about this and the sparkle palette….I am trying to hold back but let’s see how that goes in the next couple weeks.
Karen says
Thanks, love! I’m wearing good ol’ Chanel Mat Lumiere and MAC Careblends Pressed Powder.
How are things with you?
Jen says
What a coincidence! I had my flu shot today, too. I usually do OK but this time, for the first time ever, the nurse didn’t have me sit down. She gave me the shot while I was standing up. This might sound weird, but I think it hurt more because of it! LOL
Karen says
I was watching the people in front of me and they were standing up! Maybe I looked extra terrified, which is why the nurse offered me a seat. Is your arm throbbing?
Jen says
Yes, my arm is aching – still! – and it’s a day later! I’m sure it’ll feel better soon.