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Lancome

Fresh, Feel-Good Wearable Makeup With Sparkling Champagne Lids (Just One Product!), and Peach Cheeks and Lips

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lancome ombre hypnose erika f k smile
Fresh and sparkling lids, nude lips and cheeks with minimal products. Here’s my shirt!

I went to a candy store yesterday, and this is the makeup I had on while engaging in a deep discussion with my loved ones about popcorn-flavored jelly beans.

Seriously, why do people get so worked up about popcorn jelly beans? I think they’re absolutely delightful and will go so far as to call them my favorite flavor. Everyone else around me thinks they’re gross. Where do you stand on this OBVIOUSLY VERY IMPORTANT MATTER?

(Side note: I didn’t actually end up choosing the jelly beans as my treat though. I went with an old classic instead, the Cadbury Fruit and Nut Bar).

cadbury fruit and nut bars
My fave since I was a child!

Raise a glass to shimmery champagne shadows

This is a one-and-done eye makeup look with a single shimmery cream champagne shadow stick worn as liner and eyeshadow. If you don’t have one of these already in your makeup arsenal, I highly recommend finding one you like ASAP.

The champagne shade adds brightness and shine to lids, and in my experience, it’s one of those colors that instantly perks up your face, especially if you look like you haven’t been sleeping well (which has been me lately).

If you can find a champagne stick that works as a liner *and* a shadow, then that’s even better. The one I’m using here is a long-wearing one by Lancôme called Ombre Hypnose Stylo in Erika F.

lancome ombre hypnose stylo erika f graphite
Shimmery cream shadows by Lancôme
lancome ombre hypnose erika f graphite swatches
I’m wearing Erika F.

The Hourglass Sunset trio

To keep the look easy and fresh, I blended a trio of sheer cream products onto my cheeks. I used the Hourglass Sunset Trio, which has a cream bronzer, blush and highlighter, all tucked conveniently into one compact. It used to be part of the permanent collection, but then Hourglass discontinued it, and this season they brought it back. It’s expensive at $62, but it’s SO GOOD (here’s a review if you’re interested).

hourglass illume sunset trio
OH, HAI, GORGEOUS!

Then I lined my lips with nude liner and dabbed a peachy pink gloss on top. (Oh, and yes, I ended up blotting the gloss off before I left for the candy store because I didn’t want it to transfer onto my mask).

lancome hypnoselancome hypnose erika f closeup erika f closeup
This look is quick and elegant.
lancome hypnose erika f hourglass usnset trio swatches
Makeup worn in this look
blush is my crush gloss is my sauce
Blush Is My Crush Tee ($34).

Makeup worn in this look

This will kick your butt!

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DIY Eyeshadow: Mixing Bronzer and Highlighter for Effortlessly Glowing Lids (And Another Lazy Girl Glam Look!)

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lancome skin feels good lazy girl glam eye closeup
Multi-use creams up in the mix!

I stumbled onto this fun way to make your own customized shadow yesterday while I was putting on some makeup to run errands — mix bronzer and highlighter together with a brush, and swish all over your lids. The result? Effortlessly glowing eyes!

I used equal amounts of a multi-use cream bronzer and a highlighter (both by Lancôme), and all I did was dip a tapered blending brush into the pan, swirled everything together on the back of my hand, and then swept the mix on my lids.

lancome skin feels good lazy girl glam eye closeup head tilt final
Lovin’ on the gray eyeliner.

I think this is a cool way to customize your eyeshadow, because you can add more or less of either product, depending on your mood.

Multi-use in the mix

You can easily complete the eye look by curling your lashes and loading up on mascara, which would be super pretty, especially if you used a lengthening and separating mascara to really stretch out your lashes.

I did that here and still felt like something was missing, so I also lined my upper lash lines by loading an angled brush with a shimmery gray cream shadow stick that also doubles as liner.

I love how the gray adds some definition to my eyes but doesn’t look too harsh, and I also love how the gray cream stick isn’t as finicky as a liquid liner or gel. It’s so much easier to control, and you don’t end up with liquid liner running amuck across your lids! 😬

lancome skin feels good lazy girl glam eye closeup smile final
A bit of a bold brow, just for fun!

To streamline the look even further, I also used the bronzer and highlighter on my cheeks. Then I used another multi-use cream as a blush and lipstick.

Skin is in

One more item of note — I’ve been really into sheer bases, and the one I’m using here is a new one to me called Skin Feels Good By Lancôme. It’s a tinted moisturizer with SPF 23 and a demi-matte finish, and it comes in 11 shades.

I like it a lot! The tube and pump also make it easy to control, and I never feel like I’m wasting product. The formula feels lightweight too. It’s also pigmented enough to even out the pigmentation on my cheeks but doesn’t look too “made up.”

Good stuff! If you’re into that “no-makeup makeup” look, this is perfect.
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Using the Multi-Use Le Monochromatiques by Lancôme for Today’s Lazy Girl Glam: Daytime Golden Brown Smokey Eyes, Coral Cheeks and Lips

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lancome le monochromatique k french affair down
Lil’ bit of smoke

It’s Friday the 13th! IN THE YEAR 2020! Seriously, good luck to us all… 🤪

Side note: are you superstitious? I like to think of myself as not overly superstitious, but when given a chance to maximize my luck by knocking on wood or putting coins underneath my doormat on New Year’s Eve (it’s a Filipino thing), I’ll do it. And if there’s ever something that looks sketchy, like a doll made with button eyes and hay with hella needles stuck to it, or an old glass bottle filled with teeth! — there’s ABSOLUTELY NO WAY I’m touching it.

lancome le monochromatique k french smile
Watch out for those ladders and black cats!

On that somewhat weird note…here’s today’s face of the day, which is kinda related to luck because I was lucky enough to stumble onto these fabulous multi-use pans from Lancôme. Have you heard of the Le Monochromatiques? They’re in the permanent line. They’re these creamy multi-use products in chic black compacts with clear tops (which I love, by the way, because I can quickly find the exact color I need), with a bouncy soft texture, and you can wear them on your lids, lips and cheeks. They blend like a dream!

lancome le monochromatique
So chic!
lancome le monochromatique swatches
I’m an NC42 in MAC, by the way.

I’ve been really into what I like to call “lazy girl glam” lately, which are looks that rely on multitasking makeup and incorporate a subtle element or two of glamour (like a hazy smokey lid or glowing cheek highlights), but, like, toned down enough so I feel comfortable wearing them to run errands. I purposefully give myself 15-20 minutes to do everything from start to finish; that way I don’t get tempted to pile more stuff on my face, LOL!

Anyway, the Le Monochromatique line is fantastic for this type of look. Here I used the matte coral shade French Affair as a blush and a lipstick. Next, I dabbed a little bit of pearly champagne Eclat on my upper cheekbones and in the inner corners of my eyes as a highlighter (you can also use it as a eyeshadow). Then I swept a bit of matte brown Ooh La La (which doubles as a bronzer) on my lids atop a black pencil for soft, daytime smokey eyes.

lancome le monochromatique k french affair
When you’ve got 12 pounds of hair you might as well do something with it, hahah!

Besides looking effortless — I love how these creams don’t look too thick or obvious — I love how you can use them in so many different ways. I plan on mixing the brown and the champagne on my eyes next to see what happens.

I do my hair toss, check my nails…

Makeup worn in this look

  • BASE: Lancôme Skin Feels Good in Tan
  • CHEEKS: Lancôme Le Monochromatique in French Affair (blush), Eclat (highlighter)
  • LIPS: Lancôme Le Monochromatique in French Affair
  • EYES: MAC Smolder liner, Lancôme Le Monochromatique in Oh La La, Laura Mercier Caviar Mascara, Urban Decay Brow Beater in Neutral Brown

Speaking of black cats

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An Autumnal FOTD With Orange, Warm Brown, Red and Copper (Mostly MAC Makeup)

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mac marrakesh lipstick

If you require makeup inspiration, might I suggest looking at your doorway?

Wait — hear me out. That’s where I’ve been finding “inspo” for looks all week long. First, Samantha the ghost bride was my muse. Now it’s the fall leaf garland that hangs on my doorway.

Back when Coywolf was a tiny toddler with teeny pig tails!

I wore this subtle smokey eye with a warm orangey reddish brown lip to preschool pickup yesterday (I took the lipstick off before I put on my mask though) because I was feelin’ fall. The leaves are starting to fall in my neighborhood, and although it’s been climbing into the 70s for a few days, there’s a chill in the air first thing in the morning.

mac marrakesh lipstick

Been thinking a lot about ’90s makeup and so I went with a subtle version of a ’90s-style unblended lip liner in this by pairing a dark burgundy liner with matte orangey reddish brown lipstick. I wanted the liner to be present but not overly obvious… You can kinda see it from some angles more than others, but it’s there!

mac marrakesh swatches

mac marrakesh lipstick eye closeup

By the way, this lipstick, MAC Marrakesh, is one of those orangey reddish brown that deserves more love! It’s a matte lippie in the permanent collection, and it’s loaded with vibrant, lush pigment. If you like MAC Chili (which is similar, but redder) or MAC Paramount (also similar, but browner and redder), then I think you’ll like Marrakesh too.

You can wear it with any and all of your warm brown eyeshadows, like MAC Saddle or Soft Brown; it also pairs well with peachy browns like Amber Lights and bronzy browns like Antiqued. For matching eyeliners, try MAC Teddy or Costa Riche (which is what I’m wearing here)!

Makeup Worn in this look

  • EYES: MAC Costa Riche liner (buffed all over lids and applied to lash and water lines); MAC Eyeshadows in Brown Down (outer v and upper lash line as eyeliner), Havana (outer lid) and Sweet Heat (inner lid), Urban Decay Brow Beater Pencil in Neutral Brown, Laura Mercier Caviar Mascara
  • CHEEKS: MAC Gingerly Blush, MAC Give Me Sun Mineralize Skinfinish Natural
  • LIPS: MAC Burgundy Lip Liner, MAC Marrakesh Lipstick
  • BASE: Lancome Skin Feels Good Hydrating Skin Tint in Tan

School pics!

Coywolf started preschool just in time to take school pics this year.

If you look closely, you might be able to see her painted nails!

In other news, do you have any plans this weekend? Happy early Halloween to you. We’re taking Connor to a pumpkin patch tomorrow (she’s dressing up as Rapunzel), and then on Sunday I’m going to bake all the pies for Pie Quest 2020. Thank you for your baking tips for the crust, by the way (you can find them in the comments here, if you’re interested). If all goes well with the pumpkin pie, then the next pie I’m going to tackle is pecan pie, and then apple pie, because LOOK!

Did you know that such a gadget existed?! I had no idea.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. TGIF!

5 Things I’ve Been Loving Lately

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1. Vanilla notes (and Lancôme La Vie Est Belle and Idôle)

Isn’t the smell of vanilla so comforting and cozy? I’ve been feelin’ vanilla lately but haven’t wanted to wear anything that smells too much like vanilla. I just want something a little bit vanilla. Like, as much as I love baking, I don’t necessarily want to walk around smelling like cake batter or Play-Doh. You know what I’m sayin’?

Lancôme La Vie Est Belle and Idôle recently caught my nose eye because both have notes of vanilla.

lancome la vie est belle idole
LOVE

La Vie Est Belle is a warm gourmand scent (a.k.a. a foodie fragrance!) with vanilla, iris (YES), patchouli and praline notes, and Idôle is a floral with notes of citrus, rose, jasmine and white musk layered over a vanilla base.

I hadn’t smelled them in person before they arrived at my doorstep, and I don’t know if it was just dumb perfume luck, but I love them! The vanilla is there, but it’s subtle, and both scents are so feminine and long-lasting, too.

I’ve been telling everyone I know who loves perfume about them!

2. Casabella Waterblock Gloves

casabella waterblock gloves
Your paws (and your manicure) will thank you.

You know you’ve crossed into the land of “Adulting Really Hard” when you have a favorite pair of cleaning gloves…but hey, I’ve tried every single brand under the sun, so let me just save you from a lifetime of cleaning glove misery — the Casabellas are THE BEST.

They’re the thickest ones I’ve found, so they’re sturdy and don’t fall apart quickly. I hand wash my dishes in very hot water, and a pair of this will last a good six months, whereas the other cheaper, thinner gloves might last three months, tops.

The Casabellas are also longer up the sleeve than most cleaning gloves, so less water and soap drips into your gloves, which is NOT my favorite thing. These keep my hands and arms dry, dry, dry!

They also have a handy lip at the end of the glove, which also stops water from sneaking in as well.

I bought this pair at a local hardware and gardening store called Friedman’s up in Petaluma, but they’re also available online.

3. The chalk drawings on the sidewalk in front of Trader Joe’s

trader joes pumpkin chalk drawings
Chalk art!

It’s all about the little things, right? When I’m standing outside in line, waiting to shop at Trader Joe’s in the socially distanced line — which is never really that long; five minutes at the most — they have these chalk drawings on the sidewalk to tell people where to stand. The drawings are either a cheerful play on words or some sort of seasonally-related scribble like these pumpkins. I appreciate that little touch because it gives me something to look at while I’m waiting. Always brings a smile to my face. 🙂

So thank you to whoever does these drawings every single week… You’re such a treasure!

4. Colorful bowls from Costco

I bought this set of super shiny bowls on a whim last weekend, and I loooove them. The brand is Laurie Gates, and you get six stoneware ceramic bowls for $21.
We’ve been using them for soup, pasta, cereal — seriously, everything. You could probably even use them as serving bowls.

The outside of the bowls are all the same beautiful beige color, but when you look inside, each bowl has a different color and pattern. Everyone in our family has already picked out their favorite. Connor loves the red one, I love the green one, and El Hub loves the blue one… They’re all super cute and fit nicely in my hand.

Oh! — and they’re also deep, but not obnoxiously deep, so when I’m eating cereal or soup, liquid is less likely to splash over the edge.

5. Cleaning tips from Vanesa at Amaros Cleaning on Instagram

MIND BLOWN! Vanesa and her husband run their own housekeeping company in Texas, and she shares very helpful tips and shortcuts on how professionals clean appliances, surfaces and areas of a home. I’ve learned so much from her feed, and yes, I used the vacuum tip to clean my stove the other day and it totally worked! 😁

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. TGIF! 🎈

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