Hi, ladies. 🙂 I’ve been working my way through a neutrals makeup phase for the past couple of weeks — you know, light pinks, peaches, beiges, the whole nine yards — and brights have been decidedly MIA.
But today they’re back in a BIG way. My inspiration? These crazy Jonagold apples I got from Trader Joe’s.
Nuts, right? I could play volleyball with these things (not that I’m any good with projectile sports)!
Aren’t they the most lovely shades of red? They made me want to bust out my tube of MAC Utter Fun Lipstick ($14), a similarly vibrant but creamy reddish pink.
By itself I think it’s a little bright for daytime (at least for moi), so I paired it with a quieter (shhh!) purple and gold eye with a hint of shimmer using MAC Mineralize Eye Shadow in It’s a Miracle ($20), MAC Rubenesque Paint Pot ($17) and MAC Power Surge Eye Kohl ($15), hoping to bring the whole look down a notch or two.
To complete the look and add a light flush to my cheeks, I applied one layer of matte peachy pink NARS Amour Blush ($25).
I really like how it turned out — bright, but not *too* bright.
Awfully bright, though, LOL! 🙂
How was your day? Were you as busy as I was? Didn’t it seem like this week flew by with a quickness?
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Christina says
Super cute! And I love that the apples were your muse.
Yes, busy… Thursdays are my marathon teaching day, so super fun. I *just* got home (it’s nearly 10 on the east coast). But tomorrow is slower… my books might actually get packed. 😉
Are you going to be able to slow down for the weekend?
Karen says
Hi Christina,
I have still yet to unpack mine. 🙁 They’re all lonely in the garage!
This weekend shows no signs of mellowing. I’m gonna get a Christmas tree, visit with some college friends in S.F. and start/finish (!) Christmas shopping.
What are your plans? Doing anything exciting?
Shiny says
Wow your hair looks super sleek and glossy! I like the new look!
Today was a pretty big day…. my best friend since I was 3 got married! It was more of a legal thing than a big to do for now… but I’m kind of stunned by the whole thing (in a really good way).
Karen says
Hi Shiny,
Wow, that’s awesome! I know the feeling you talk about well. You know that you’re moving through a new phase in life when events leave you feeling stunned (but in a good way).
And you’re so lucky to have a friend you’ve known for so long. That’s a real treasure. 🙂
Sheila says
Wow that actually looks kinda of fuchsia on the lip.
Karen says
Hi Sheila,
It’s more red in real life… must be a monitor thing.
ezzie says
whoaa, those apples are crazyy!
hahaa, the shot of the lippie looks gaw-geous!
btw, i’m lovin your new do’ ^_^
that reminded me, i really need a trim too 😛
Karen says
Hi Ezzie,
Trims are always good (keeps the split ends away!).
Hope you’re having a fab day!
Diana Kim says
Your pictures are super cute! and those are HUGE apples. nom nom nom. I am in love with the pop of bright color on the lips. Super fresh! 🙂
Karen says
Hi Diana Kim,
The apples are really yummy — so sweet and crisp! The only thing is that they’re almost *too* big to eat by oneself. 🙂
Molly says
Lovely! A bit weird when I first read this post, because I did the same basic makeup scheme today! UD fishnet and a sparkly dark purple ’round the eyes, and Sephora red wine stain with Viictoria’s Secret Mirror Mirror gloss in plum wine and french kiss on my kisser.
Karen says
Great minds, Molly! 🙂
I wonder if we’ll be makeup twin again today, LOL! Have a great Friday!
Kajal Couture says
I am just loving the new do!!! Its wonderful that you went out of your comfort zone and into the bright lips arena…power to ya girl!
.-= Kajal Couture’s last blog post… Bliss Body Wash and Lotion – Super Deal at Costco =-.
Karen says
Hi Kajal Couture,
Bright lips rule! 🙂
Lorena says
Loving the new haircut!!
Karen says
Hi Lorena,
Thank ya! How are you today? Is your Friday going well?
wehkwas says
normally i wasn’t going to say anything. but your haircut its friggin awesome. not that it brought you down before but your hair now its just like suits you completely and you look put together and dare i say even rich?
Karen says
Hi Wehkwas,
Thanks! I needed some “put together” in my life. Now if I could only get some rich… LOL!
Elle says
You look smokin’ hot, Miss Karen! I love the haircut! I love Utter Fun. I actually got a back-up, which I never do anymore. But it’s just the perfect not-too-cool/not-too-warm pinky red. and it bightens up my face, which is something I am in desperate need of lately. 🙂 It also looks really nice with a golden gloss over it. I really like it with Gold Rebel.
Karen says
Hi Elle,
I will have to try that! Do you prefer a warm or a cool gold with it?
Elle says
Definitely a warm gold. 🙂 I find it tones it down a bit, but adds a gorgeous shimmer. So pretty.
Megan says
Karen I love the new hair!
Karen says
Megan!
It’s been forever since I’ve “seen” you here. 🙂 How are things going? Is your place all decorated and fixed up? How are things with your boyfriend? Good I hope!
shontay says
Utter Fun is one of my fave Mac lipsticks ever! I really wish it was permanent. Work that hair karen!
Karen says
LOL, Shontay!
How are things with you? Did you have a good week?
Babybubblz says
Luv the new hair!! A change is always nice =)
Karen says
Thanks Babybubblz!
How’s your day going so far?
amy says
That is a cute look. Your new hair cut makes you look fresh and youthful.
.-= amy’s last blog post… Medusa’s Makeup Kabuki Brush: Hot Pink Galore! =-.
Karen says
Hi Amy,
Those are both always good things. 🙂
What’s new with you?
L says
Very cute — and I adore the new haircut!
Karen says
Hi L,
How goes it? Hope your day is going well!
Jasmine says
Your haircut looks great!!!
Karen says
Hi Jasmine,
Happy Friday and thanks! 🙂
Nina says
I love the new haircut!
Karen says
Hey Nina,
🙂 Aww, thank you! How are ya doing today? Is your Friday going well?
mill says
hi karen your hair looks great!! the plain glossy black is amazing
Karen says
Hi Mill,
Thanks! My grays are happy to be covered, LOL! I wish the camera picked up the highlights more… I have a few on the top and they didn’t really register in this pic.
Hope you’re having a good one!
Tavia says
Hi Karen! I have to say it’s for the first time when I don’t care about your makeup because your hairstyle is GREEEEEEEEAT. You are really changed (and for the best) and you look amazing. I like the color from your lips….goest well with those big apples 🙂
.-= Tavia’s last blog post… Orly Metal Chic – Metallic Matte 2010 Spring Collection =-.
Karen says
Hi Tavia,
Thanks girl! Have a great Friday!
Livia says
I love it!! The lipstick looks great on you 🙂 xxx Livia
.-= Livia’s last blog post… BLOG SALE!! Deals for U ♥ =-.
Karen says
Hi Livia,
Have you tried this shade yet? I love it so much I wish it was permanent.
amy says
I love your new ‘do pretty girl!
Karen says
Hi Amy,
🙂 How are ya? Got any plans for the weekend?
Deirdre says
I am a long-time silent reader, but I must say how gorgeous your new haircut is — it really suits you! Keep up the good work, I love your blog.
Karen says
Hi Deirdre,
🙂 Thanks! Now the only trick is trying to get it to look that way again! I sometimes have trubs re-creating the salon style at home. Does that ever happen to you?
Have a fantastic Friday!
gio says
That’s a beautiful lip color and it looks great on you! I love your haircut too, you look gorgeous!
.-= gio’s last blog post… Online Store Review: Cocktail Cosmetics =-.
A. Rose says
LOVE the new cut! You also just reminded me to start wearing red lipstick more…especially now that it’s holiday season! 🙂
Ditte says
Beautiful make-up and love the new hair-do 🙂
Amanda says
wow, those are the BIGGEST apples I have ever seen! crazy. That lipstick is really pretty….and actually in pictures here it doesn’t look like bright at all. 🙂 I’m actually doing something similar today-only stila kitten eyeshadow, mascara, tarte flush gel on cheeks, and mac strawberry blonde lipglass, which is feel is kinda bright too.
Basak says
Your new cut is lovely Karen!
Kate & Zena says
This is so pretty. I’m still getting used to your new hair cut. It’s so different.
I want to pack my bags and go to Texas for the winter. It’s so freaking cold where I live! It doesn’t help that it snowed last night! It’s 27 degrees outside! 17 if you factor in the windchill!!! Brrrrrrrrr. Even Zena is wearing her puffy jacket!
Rebecca says
Such a cute look! I love the lipstick. And damn, those apples are huge!
.-= Rebecca’s last blog post… Sephora Lip Glosses – Review & Swatches =-.
Kelsey says
very pretty eye makeup. I love red lips!
.-= Kelsey’s last blog post… Beauty Products I’m Currently Using =-.
Cheska says
Love the whole look! But I can’t take my eyes off that lipstick. I’m a sucker for reds and sparkle and this lipstick is such a beautiful combination of both! I’m just wondering, is Utter Fun Lipstick part of the MAC permanent line, or is it limited edition? Thanks! ^_^
Marisol says
You always look great & take good pictures but this is my favorite series of them. You look fantastic!
.-= Marisol’s last blog post… Gals Guide meet up =-.
Crystal Hatch says
I’m sick of cookies and cheeseballs!