• Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Makeup and Beauty Blog | Makeup Reviews, Swatches and How-To MakeupMakeup and Beauty Blog | Makeup Reviews, Swatches and How-To Makeup

A beauty blog blooming with fresh makeup reviews, swatches and beauty tips from your friendly neighborhood beauty addict

  • Home
  • About
    • About
    • Contact
    • FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
    • Advertising & Media
  • Categories
    • Product Reviews
    • Makeup
    • Skincare & Fragrance
    • Style & Fashion
    • Hair
    • Nails
    • Tips & Tutorials
    • Just for Fun
  • Brands
  • Store

Kick Off Your Shoes in the Open Thread

April 4th, 2010 by Karen 122 Comments

I’m really starting to enjoy these open threads. 🙂 If you guys like, maybe we can make them a permanent thing like the Monday Poll.

Remember, you can chat about anything. Whatever’s on your mind. Last week we covered cameras, beauty products, surfing and cats (among other things)! Do you have any burning beauty questions or movie reviews?? Feel free to share them in the comments.

To kick things off, here are a couple of questions that showed up in my inbox this week:

Where’d I get my green jacket?

The khaki green one I wore in the Milani/MAC FOTD? I found it about a month ago in the junior’s section at Marshall’s, aka my home away from home, and it was a steal of a deal, too, at $16! I haven’t seen it again on the racks since then, but if you want to track it down, it’s by Therapy.

Do I work full time on the blog?

Yes and no. Most of the time it doesn’t feel like work, but I do put in zillions of hours (way more than 40/week). I also still do some freelance writing on the side.

Have you ever tried…?

I stopped by a MAC Pro store last week and on a whim picked up MAC Cream Colour Base in Hush ($16.50). It’s a shimmery, peachy cream base that I’ve also been using as a highlighter. I’ve had Pearl in my stash for a few years, but I wanted to try a new shade. Have you tried any of them before? If so what do you like to wear them with?

Ready, set, go! Hopefully I catch you in the comments. 🙂

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Beauty blog, makeup blog, makeup tips, makeup reviews / Originally published April 4th, 2010

There are 122 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Just For Fun

Previous Post: Sundays with Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 81
Next Post: This Week’s Top Posts

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Molly says

    April 4th, 2010 at 12:51 pm

    . Do you think that Hush or Pearl Cream Color Base would work better as a cheek highlighter for fair skin? I have been trying to decide which one would work better but I am not sure. I love the open thread that you have been doing! It was so fun to read everyones questions and answers last time. By the way your hair has been looking really good in all of the pictures that you have posted this week!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 4th, 2010 at 1:24 pm

      Hi Molly,

      Pearl would probably be a better if you’re very fair. I think it might be just a touch more versatile on lighter skin, ’cause you’ll also be able to wear it as a base beneath shadows to bump up the intensity of the color.

      Oh, and thanks for the nice thought on my hair! It’s been surprisingly well behaved as of late … we’ll see how long that lasts, ha ha ha!

      What have you been up to this weekend?

      Reply
      • Molly says

        April 4th, 2010 at 4:23 pm

        Just finally relaxing! The weather here is amazing this weekend and spring break is finally here!! Yaaay. Happy Easter by the way. Hows your weekend?

        Reply
        • Vanessa H says

          April 4th, 2010 at 4:42 pm

          I’m sitting here after an earthquake lol, rattled, but laughing at what a wuss I am!
          .-= Vanessa H’s last blog post… Sally Hansen Mega Shine Extended Wear Topcoat and an Earthquake =-.

          Reply
          • Karen says

            April 4th, 2010 at 9:04 pm

            Yikes, that’s crazy Vanessa! Are you guys okay?

          • Rengirl says

            April 5th, 2010 at 11:52 am

            Wait – do you live in So Cal? I was taking a nap and I felt the house shake gently for a minute or two. Hubby was out for groceries and did not feel a thing and he convinced me I dreamed the whole thing up.

        • Karen says

          April 4th, 2010 at 9:06 pm

          Happy Easter to you too, Molly. 🙂

          Congrats on making it to spring break! Got any plans?

          My weekend was good… but it went by too fast. I did some cleaning yesterday, watched Hot Tub Time Machine and today I went to my parent’s house for Easter Dinner.

          Reply
  2. sara says

    April 4th, 2010 at 1:25 pm

    I have cream colour base in hush and it dose not show on my cheek as a highlighter i’m nw20.But ido use it under my bluh and it gives my a realllly nice glow
    karen please please help me i need you to teach my how to correct the shape of my upper lip it’s thin.
    by the way thank you for ur tips.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 4th, 2010 at 1:31 pm

      Hi Sara,

      Thanks for your thoughts on Hush! 🙂

      It takes a little work, but you can make your upper lip look a little bigger with a few steps. First “blank” out the color of your lips with foundation or concealer. Using a lip pencil, draw the shape you want just slightly beyond your natural lip line (don’t go too crazy here… the trick is to make it still look convincing). Fill in your lips with the pencil and then top with lipstick … you can also do gloss, but make sure it’s one that’s not slippery and doesn’t go all over the place.

      When you do this, also be sure to keep a compact or mirror on hand and check it throughout the day to make sure everything stays put.. Be extra careful when you’re eating too!

      Reply
  3. Karen says

    April 4th, 2010 at 1:32 pm

    What have you guys been up to this weekend?

    Reply
    • Tiffany says

      April 4th, 2010 at 2:27 pm

      Hey Karen! Today I am just being a lazy bum 🙂

      I just booked a mini trip with the hubby for the end of April so that’s exciting. What has been the highlight of your weekend so far?

      Reply
    • Karen says

      April 4th, 2010 at 2:32 pm

      Jealous! Where are you guys going?

      You’re gonna laugh, but it was watching Hot Tub Time Machine. It was cheesy but sooo fun!

      Reply
      • Tiffany says

        April 4th, 2010 at 2:42 pm

        Hilton Head SC for 3 nights. Woo woo! I wanna see that movie too! I’ll probably wait for it on netflix though.

        Reply
      • Karen says

        April 4th, 2010 at 9:26 pm

        Oh, that should be fun! Mini vacations are the best… you don’t have to do too much to prep for them, and they give you something to look forward to!

        Reply
    • Liliana says

      April 4th, 2010 at 3:25 pm

      I am helping my mom spring clean today. I just found a Carmen Marc Valvo dress that she was gonna give away! snatched it right back up and made it mine 😛

      totally unrelated, i see you got that font you were lemming last week 😛

      Reply
      • Karen says

        April 4th, 2010 at 9:21 pm

        You’ve got a GOOD EYE! That’s Monterey… I’m so obsessed with it. 🙂

        Reply
    • Nina says

      April 4th, 2010 at 5:58 pm

      Friday was shopping and QT w/ my bestie. Saturday was laundry, groceries and Korean food and baking. Today was Easter lunch (just me and the Hubs) and being LAZY!!!!

      Reply
      • Karen says

        April 4th, 2010 at 9:26 pm

        A big fat YAY for being able to be lazy on a Sunday!

        Reply
        • NINA says

          April 5th, 2010 at 11:31 am

          YepyepYAYYYY!!!

          Reply
    • Scientific Housewife says

      April 5th, 2010 at 5:40 am

      I bought the MAC Give Me Liberty of London eyeshadow in Birds & Berries and I can’t wait to try it!

      BTW, The Milani liquid eyeliner works amazing, thanks for reviewing it!

      Reply
  4. Liza says

    April 4th, 2010 at 1:40 pm

    Karen! I can not stop thinking about Rouge Coco. I definitely have qualms about paying $30 for a lipstick, but I have totally bought into the hype. Do you think Rouge Coco is really something new and different and fantastic?

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 4th, 2010 at 1:46 pm

      Hi Liza,

      I really do love them. I’ve heard a few people haven’t had the same sort of moisturizing luck that I’ve had, but I found the Rouge Cocos to be very hydrating and long lasting, things that are pretty darn hard to find.

      Also, I think you can buffer the $30 price if you choose a color you’ll be able to wear often. Maybe something you can dress up or down — like a neutral. 🙂

      Reply
  5. sara says

    April 4th, 2010 at 1:49 pm

    Thank you.You are so sweet.
    Idid enjoy the nice sunny weather here in sweden
    it have been really dark all the winter and the begening of spring.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 4th, 2010 at 2:04 pm

      I hope it works for you! I’ve tried it a few times (just for fun to see if I could get my upper lip to look fuller), and it’s quite easy… just takes a little time.

      The weather is the exact opposite here! Gray, overcast, cold and rainy.

      Speaking of Sweden, when’s the best time to go? I hope to visit someday (love to travel).

      Reply
  6. Cori says

    April 4th, 2010 at 1:52 pm

    This isn’t beauty related and I hope it doesn’t seem creepy, but I have always wondered if you have children. You would be one hip madre! LOL.

    Happy Easter!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 4th, 2010 at 2:02 pm

      Hi Cori,

      Happy Easter to you too! What did you do to celebrate today?

      Not creepy at all. 🙂 Nope, no kids… not unless you count Tabs or El Hub, LOL!

      Reply
  7. Beth says

    April 4th, 2010 at 2:15 pm

    Happy Easter Ladies!

    Is it wrong that I can’t wait for this weekend to be over? In the UK Easter is a 4 day weekend and I kind of can’t wait to get back to the office and be busy again.

    I promised myself I’d actually do something with my blog this weekend and it just didn’t happen. I was going to do a You Tube vid and then remembered that I really need my hair done and I’m so not in a video-able state LOL

    Karen, how do you motivate yourself to update MBB when you’re feeling uninspired? I’m so impressed at your dedication to posting every day (usually more than once!) so any tips you can give me would be much appreciated!

    Bx
    .-= Beth’s last blog post… Smashbox O Glow & O Gloss..and little Dior too =-.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 4th, 2010 at 2:38 pm

      Hi Beth,

      Happy Easter to you too! 🙂

      I think setting a non-negotiable deadline helps. Tell yourself that come hell or high water you’ve got to find a way to get it done! And when you finish, treat yourself.

      Having a regular writing schedule helps too!

      Reply
      • Beth says

        April 4th, 2010 at 2:49 pm

        Thank you…even the words “non-negotiable deadline” scare me!

        You’re totally right though. I have to stop making excuses and do it.
        .-= Beth’s last blog post… Smashbox O Glow & O Gloss..and little Dior too =-.

        Reply
      • Karen says

        April 4th, 2010 at 9:27 pm

        Yeah… it helps to start with something small. You know, maybe say, “This week I’m going to post X amount of things.” Once you clear that hurdle, then set your goals a little higher each time. 🙂

        Reply
  8. Shah'ada says

    April 4th, 2010 at 2:23 pm

    I am having an impossibly frustrating time finding a match in fdtn. I love full coverage and I have olive skin with obvious facial redness (just in my cheeks) that often has MA matching me cool. I currently am wearing EL DW in their most neutral shade and I love it on my face – not pink, feels like it matches, etc. However, in the sun, You can see a pinkish line on my neck. Honestly, I want someone to say it just doesn’t matter if there is a line on my neck lol. Obviously that’s not gonna happen, but what are my alternatives – to give you an idea, I have been matched NC 30, NC 25, NW 30, NW 20 just in MAC in the past month w/o saying anything first!!! My skin is impossible to match :/ Any suggestions?

    PS. I have tried many many brands in several formulas (Lancome, EL, MAC, MUFE, NARS, Revlon)

    Reply
    • Beth says

      April 4th, 2010 at 2:28 pm

      How frustrating!

      Have you maybe tried different foundations for different areas of your face? That might help, although it makes it twice as expensive!
      .-= Beth’s last blog post… Smashbox O Glow & O Gloss..and little Dior too =-.

      Reply
    • Karen says

      April 4th, 2010 at 2:31 pm

      Hi Shah’ada,

      Have you ever heard of Becca foundation? I have similar issues (I get red around my nose) and have had good luck with their line in terms of color matching.

      It can be a hard to find, but I’ve seen it at Neiman Marcus and Becca Cosmetics online.

      http://www.beccacosmetics.com/p15/Stick-Foundation/product_info.html

      Reply
    • Shah'ada says

      April 4th, 2010 at 2:43 pm

      Hm, I have heard of Becca – I will try that line next in my quest!! As for different fdnt for diff parts of my face – I haven’t thought of doing that, but that may be a good idea!! Honestly, I’m just for anything at this point :/

      Reply
      • stephanie says

        April 4th, 2010 at 4:15 pm

        Hi Shah’ada,
        I have had the same problem as you. I’ve been matched NC and NW from 20 to 30 and even 37 in Harrods in London (here ladies sometimes like to look very tanned). I think I’m probably between a 25 in winter and a 30 in summer but it’s never perfect. My skin is also medium with olive undertones and redness. I’ve found the nicest range of shades in NARS range, which is quite large, but, as always, the most important is to have the right advice from the MUA, and I finally found my perfect winter match with their Sheer glow foundation in Santa FE. Hope this will help in your quest of the Holy grail!
        Stéphanie.

        Reply
  9. Jen says

    April 4th, 2010 at 2:47 pm

    Hi Karen!

    I saw How to Train Your Dragon on Friday night. It was sooo cute! D’awww, I want a pet dragon now. Haha.

    Happy Easter!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 4th, 2010 at 9:24 pm

      Hi Jen,

      I felt exactly the same way after I watched that movie. 😀

      How was your Easter?

      Reply
  10. Hyzenthlay says

    April 4th, 2010 at 3:00 pm

    What do you think would be a good lip liner to go with VG Cyndi? I want the color of Cyndi to be as true as possible, but I’ve found that using lip liner really helps me with the shape of my lips.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 4th, 2010 at 3:10 pm

      I’ve been wearing it with MAC Mouth Off (from Too Fabulous)!

      Benefit makes a “clear” lip liner that you might want to check out:

      http://www.benefitcosmetics.com/gp/product/B000QJ9KME/sr=1-1/qid=1270418920/ref=sr_1_1/181-7004421-6887855?ie=UTF8&bcBrand=core

      Reply
  11. AndreaMarie says

    April 4th, 2010 at 3:11 pm

    Yesterday something possessed me to go get backups of Prim & Proper blush, Shell Pearl beauty powder, and Frankly Fresh gloss. Also picked up a Shu Uemura eyelash curler and Faux lipstick. Then went over to Merle Norman to get Lasting Foundation in Cream. It is the best replacement I’ve found for Prescriptives Stay Matte, which I am still mourning!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 4th, 2010 at 9:23 pm

      Hi AndreaMarie,

      I hope you love the Shu curler… it’s one of my can’t live withouts!

      And that’s good to know about the Merle Normal Foundation being a good sub. I know a lot of women are torn up about Prescriptives going out of business. 🙁

      Reply
  12. amy says

    April 4th, 2010 at 3:22 pm

    ohh Hush looks gorgeous, I don’t know why I never noticed it before at my Pro store. Now I want it amongst other things. It looks like the perfect spring colour. Speaking of spring I am really enjoying buying major discounts in boots! Must stock up now for fall and winter or those occasional cold and wet spring days and nights in the Northwest.
    .-= amy’s last blog post… MAC Give Me Liberty of London Eyeshadow Birds & Berries Product Picture, Swatches and Review =-.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 4th, 2010 at 9:22 pm

      Good call on the sales on boots, girl! I should see if I can stock up. 🙂

      Reply
  13. Sally says

    April 4th, 2010 at 3:25 pm

    I know you like Benefit – did you buy Legally Bronze when everyone was frantic to find it?
    Also, I have hazel eyes and feel like I own every red/purple shadow MAC makes, haha. Do you have any suggestions for an unexpected combo to make the green in hazel eyes pop? Thanks!

    Reply
    • sofie says

      April 4th, 2010 at 4:16 pm

      try motif all over the lid, blend in club on the outer third of your lid, and then line and smoke it up with something more matte/warm and dark like sketch, beauty marked, or handwritten. all from mac…it’ll look really pretty!

      Reply
    • Karen says

      April 4th, 2010 at 9:19 pm

      Hi Sally,

      I have most of the things in the kit so I didn’t get it, but it’s a great kit nonetheless!

      As for eyeshadow comobs, have you tried Naked Lunch, Mulch and Satin Taupe? I think those three together could look really pretty on you!

      Reply
  14. Carly Rauh says

    April 4th, 2010 at 3:32 pm

    What do you think of Milani’s HD concealer? Whats your favorite blushes for nc20 skin?
    Thanks!!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 4th, 2010 at 9:21 pm

      Hi Carly,

      I’ve tried the Milani concealer and think it’s just okay. If you have very light circles then it might do you just fine, but mine are dark so it doesn’t really work for me.

      As for blushes, have you tried MAC Pinch of Peach or Peaches? You might also like Benefit Sugarbomb or Coralista.

      Reply
  15. Makeupmorsels says

    April 4th, 2010 at 4:11 pm

    Hey Karen! I have Mac Cream Colour Base in Pearl, and I’ve mostly been using it under eyeshadows to make them look more vibrant. I think mine’s starting to dry out though boooo. Got any Easter plans?
    .-= Makeupmorsels’s last blog post… Happy Easter =-.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 4th, 2010 at 9:13 pm

      Hi Makeupmorsels,

      I love using Pearl as an eyeshadow base! Have you tried it beneath blues and purples? SO PRETTY!

      For Easter El Hub and I had dinner with my parent’s in the East Bay. What did you do?

      Reply
      • makeup morsels says

        April 4th, 2010 at 9:20 pm

        yupp, it amps up all my unpigmented shadows and makes the pigmented ones look even better. ooh fun! lol I sat around eating nutella and planning my raid on CVS when they start having the after-Easter candy sales.
        .-= makeup morsels’s last blog post… Happy Easter =-.

        Reply
      • Karen says

        April 4th, 2010 at 9:28 pm

        OH NICE.

        I have to stay away… I’ve eaten too many Cadbury Mini Eggs. 🙁

        Reply
  16. mkdallas says

    April 4th, 2010 at 4:14 pm

    Totally random comments for the open thread:

    I (truthfully!) have about 80-100 lipsticks/lipglosses. I only wear a handful of them, yet I continue to spend the big $$$ (we’re talkin’ upscale brands for the most part) because I somehow think there’s some HG color out there that will be life-changing, lol. Anyone else got a makeup addiction?

    Continuing with lipglosses (low-end this time)…I think NYX Goddess Of The Night Megashines are the absolute bomb.com. Anyone else think these are awesome? There are 2 shades (Natural & Tanned) that I think are the equal of MAC products.

    Even more random…I am 51, happily married for 16 years, with a child. Looong ago, a bad boy stole my heart freshman year in college. Major first love, but pretty toxic. Needless to say, his issues with substance abuse & infidelity broke us up and I moved on in a major way (after having a serious heartache for quite awhile after). Just heard from him for the first time since 1979 (31 YEARS, people!) via Facebook, where he offered a very sincere amends for all the sad times. No hidden agenda; he’s married, with kid, clean & sober for a decade. While it was nice to get a little closure, getting the message from him was like a bomb going off on my laptop. Facebook is just the craziest thing. Anyone else have a similiar experience?

    Last thought. I got MAC’s Below Ground greasepaint stick and whipped it on in about 2 seconds for church today. Good product, beautiful color, especially if you have lighter brown eyes. That is all, lol.

    Reply
    • Citrine says

      April 4th, 2010 at 4:48 pm

      Haha, you sound like my twin (on the number of lip gloss part) but I am just alright with NYX (because my very first purchase was a total boo). I like to layer the Beige (the one that doesn’t look beige at all) with some lipstick and they ended up looking really nice.

      P.S. I have a cat video of contribute at well

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdoHHK27RMM

      It’s a bit stupid but amusing.

      Reply
      • Karen says

        April 4th, 2010 at 9:03 pm

        Oh gosh, Tabs would NEVER let me scratch his bum like that! He’s a “HANDS OFF MY BUM, WOMAN!” kind of kitty.

        Reply
    • Nina says

      April 4th, 2010 at 5:13 pm

      Thats an awesome story, mkdallas! 🙂

      Reply
    • Nina says

      April 4th, 2010 at 5:14 pm

      That is a nice story, mkdallas. 🙂 Im glad that things all worked out in the end!

      Reply
    • Karen says

      April 4th, 2010 at 9:10 pm

      Facebook is FASCINATING, isn’t it?

      I had a similar run-in — definitely not as intense, just someone I dated for two seconds ten years ago. Yup, he was pretty much the same… so glad I got out of that situation!

      You just reminded me, I need to spend some quality time with Below Ground soon…

      Reply
  17. stephanie says

    April 4th, 2010 at 4:22 pm

    Hi
    Do you know this?
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSE9Qk9wkig

    It’s stupid but i admit I can’t stop laughing watching this.
    And I can’t imagine my cats being so docile!
    Stéphanie

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 4th, 2010 at 9:07 pm

      OHMAHGOSH! That totally made me laugh. I loved seeing the feet at the end, ha ha ha!

      Reply
  18. Nina says

    April 4th, 2010 at 4:23 pm

    Heya Karen and Heya Ladies! Happy Easter!!!

    We were lazy today – made lunch and napped LOL. I got my baking done last night so were good for dessert – made a peach cobbler and some matcha mochi cupcakes.

    I am so not ready for Monday to be here …. and I had a three day weekend at that. Sigh!!!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 4th, 2010 at 9:05 pm

      Sounds like a lovely day, Nina!

      So, are mochi cupcakes like regular cupcakes?

      Reply
      • NINA says

        April 5th, 2010 at 5:13 am

        They are … but the texture is a bit chewier (which im a huge fan of) …. If youve had those mochi balls w/ ice cream in the middle, the texture is is similar but not as sticky.

        They were a hit … esp because the matcha green tea gave it a pretty, green-ish tint too! 🙂

        Reply
  19. Citrine says

    April 4th, 2010 at 4:43 pm

    What a steal! The jacket is too cute!
    .-= Citrine’s last blog post… Sheer Cherry – Red Lips for Chicken and Girl Next Door =-.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 4th, 2010 at 9:04 pm

      Thanks, Citrine! I am all about steals and deals with it comes to clothes. 🙂

      Reply
  20. Jian says

    April 4th, 2010 at 4:49 pm

    This is completely random…but I’ve been wanting to say this to Karen for ages. I SWEAR you look like you’re getting younger as opposed to older, and I’ve been reading your blog for 2+ if I remember correctly.

    I don’t understand!!!

    I hope when I’m older, I can be like you. Whatever you’re doing, its COMPLETELY right!
    .-= Jian’s last blog post… MAC Neon 8 NOTD and Princess-inspired FOTD =-.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 4th, 2010 at 9:02 pm

      Hi Jian,

      Honestly, I think that it’s mostly because I’ve found better concealer and picked up a few new tricks. A great concealer + an illuminating eye cream will shave a few years off!!

      Reply
  21. Summer ♥♥ says

    April 4th, 2010 at 5:18 pm

    hey karen! Love the coat 🙂 I was just wondering, I know you use Urban Decay Primer Potion, and I have one too (not eden, the plain one) And are you supposed to apply shadows when the product has dried, or is still wet? Because after a few minutes it turns completley matte and I can’t apply my liquid eyeliner at all. Maybe I’m using it wrong, I don’t know….

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 4th, 2010 at 9:00 pm

      Hi Summer,

      I think it’s designed to be used when the product is dry. If you’re having trubs with that one I’d consider switching to the Eden version. I’ve tried both and Eden is soooo much easier to use!

      What liquid liner are you using, btw?

      Reply
  22. DonnaN says

    April 4th, 2010 at 5:28 pm

    Heya Karen, hope you are having an exciting Easter!!

    Today was my FIRST makeup day, post-surgery. Since I’ve been resting, I really haven’t had the energy to do my makeup. I did my eyes with Malt and Birds & Berries with a Mylar highlighter and Teddy liner, Shell Pearl cheeks and Color Me Coral lips.

    During Easter dinner at my parents’ (I ate some cottage cheese and V-8 juice), my 4-year old nephew proclaimed at the table…….”Aunt Donna, your eyes are BEA-uti-FUL!!” To which my husband replied, “Hey sport, she’s taken………”

    Haven’t lost the touch to attract a man, girls…….HA!!

    Reply
    • Nina says

      April 4th, 2010 at 5:59 pm

      Both your nephew and husband are so sweet!!! 🙂

      Glad youre feelin better! 😉

      Reply
      • Karen says

        April 4th, 2010 at 8:59 pm

        Am with Nina on this one in that I just let out a big “AWWWW!!!”

        Reply
  23. Ashley says

    April 4th, 2010 at 5:28 pm

    Did anyone else make the mistake of going to the mall today…. when it turns out it’s closed for Easter Sunday?!
    I swear it was Easter Monday’s that the malls were closed but nope! It’s open tomorrow but not today. I wasted half a tank of gas to drive from Vancouver to Seattle only to find out the only shopping I would do is at Sears, Rite Aid & Fred Meyers… Boo 🙁

    Reply
    • Nina says

      April 4th, 2010 at 6:00 pm

      I was thinkin’ of going to Target and maybe Marshall’s and TJ Maxx but laziness got the better of me.

      I seem to remember Target being open on Easter but closing early (like at 5pm…).

      Reply
      • Karen says

        April 4th, 2010 at 8:58 pm

        Yeah, they closed early! Did you ever end up getting any Liberty of London stuff?

        Reply
        • NINA says

          April 5th, 2010 at 5:16 am

          I got the dress that was swirly with a blue halter top thing-o around the neck. Ive not worn it yet though. But its cute! 🙂

          This one: http://www.target.com/Liberty-London-Target-Pleated-Dress/dp/B002WTRZC8/ref=sr_1_49?ie=UTF8&frombrowse=0&searchView=grid5&searchNodeID=1038576%7C1287991011&node=1038576%7C1287991011&sr=1-49&searchRank=target104545&keywords=libert%20of%20london&searchPage=1&searchSize=90&id=Liberty%20London%20Target%20Pleated%20Dress&qid=1270469713

          Reply
    • Karen says

      April 4th, 2010 at 8:58 pm

      The only reason why I knew is ’cause when I was doing errands yesterday I noticed a lot of stores mentioning reduced hours or that they’d be closed. Bummer that you couldn’t get your shopping on! What were you going to get?

      Reply
      • Ashley says

        April 4th, 2010 at 10:12 pm

        I guess the Target I went to was defective (lol!) because it was closed & pitch black inside 🙁
        I was definitely going to get the Liberty of London Duffle & some Physicians Formula stuff because the PF Facebook has a print out for a BOGO Free anything only at Target!

        Here’s the link to the BOGO Free coupon for anyone who hasn’t heard about it by the way:
        http://www.facebook.com/PhysiciansFormula?v=app_10339498918&ref=ts

        Anyway, I plan on going back to Seattle in a couple of weeks but I’ll probably have missed out on Liberty of London & a couple of other sales =(

        Reply
  24. happybadfish says

    April 4th, 2010 at 5:32 pm

    Hey everyone!

    This is what I made for Easter dinner yesterday…
    http://uktv.co.uk/food/recipe/aid/516261
    it was awesome!

    Heading out to watch the dragon movie in imax 3d, if it’s sold out then we are going to see The Hot Tub one.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 4th, 2010 at 8:57 pm

      Hi Happybadfish,

      YUM! That sounds good!

      Did you manage to catch the dragon movie? I bet it would be so fun in 3D.

      Reply
  25. Rebecca says

    April 4th, 2010 at 5:43 pm

    Holy crap, 40 hours a week?? You put my blogging to shame! xD How in the world do you keep yourself from getting sidetracked? Every time I sit down to blog I end up spending most of my time on YouTube or other blogs… although I suppose I can attribute that to my phenomenally short attention span :/

    I hope you had a great Easter! I loved the Tabs “Golden Egg” thing, though I admit I cheated and looked in the comments section 😛
    .-= Rebecca’s last blog post… I am a MASTER PROCRASTINATOR! =-.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 4th, 2010 at 8:56 pm

      Hi Rebecca,

      I usually keep lists of things I need to do, and I try to eliminate distractions (turn off twitter, email alerts, etc). That seems to help a lot in the focusing department!

      How was your weekend?

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        April 5th, 2010 at 4:18 pm

        My weekend was really good! Me and my little brother went out onto the pond in our backyard in our neighbors canoe and there were all these little turtles out there ^_^

        Did you do anything for Easter?
        .-= Rebecca’s last blog post… I am a MASTER PROCRASTINATOR! =-.

        Reply
  26. Sonja says

    April 4th, 2010 at 5:55 pm

    Really love this thread!
    First- 2 make up questions- I need a blush brush. Any suggestions from MAC?
    – Has anyone tried Dior Addict Lip Glow? I’m always on the lookout for colour-changing lip products and this sounds good.

    Other than that, it’s such a long day for me…well, it’s 2.56 so it’s a new day, but you get what I mean.
    It was my first high school reunion, and it’s left me really disappointed. It was dull, formal and everything my class was not (different system here in Europe- we stay in 1 class for 4 years with the same people). And I got all dressed up, and all…and it’s my birthday too (I almost feel this should be written in teeny tiny letters how much I dislike birthdays.)

    Anyway- also, I reached the end of the pan on MAC Patina! Never happened to me before!!

    Reply
    • Amanda says

      April 4th, 2010 at 7:24 pm

      I love Dior addict Lip glow! It’s really awesome….I highly recommend it. It feels great (light and moisturizing), smells great (kinda fruity), has SPF and the color is great. always the perferct, light MLBB pink.

      Reply
    • Andrea says

      April 4th, 2010 at 7:42 pm

      I have the MAC 129 that I always use for blush, I really like it! (Although sometimes it feels very very slightly scratchy on my face.. but not really a big enough deal to switch brushes or anything).
      I also use the MAC 188 for very pigmented blushes, like MAC’s cremeblend blush in Florida, or MAC’s mineralize blush in Intenso (from the Grand Duos collection).

      Other than that though, I haven’t tried any other blush brushes from MAC.

      Hope this helps a bit!

      Reply
      • Karen says

        April 4th, 2010 at 8:54 pm

        Ditto on the 129! The 187 Skunk brush might be a good option, too, as you can also use it with liquid/cream products.

        Reply
        • Sonja says

          April 5th, 2010 at 2:57 am

          MAC 129 it is!!
          And thanks about Dior Lip Glow, will definitely be getting that one, sounds perfect for me!

          Reply
          • Beth says

            April 5th, 2010 at 3:07 am

            I absolutely love Dior Lip Glow. Not cheap, but its super-pretty. Its a lovely texture and the packaging is gorgeous!

            I just kind of half reviewed it alongside Smashbox O Glow on my blog if you need any more info.
            .-= Beth’s last blog post… Smashbox O Glow & O Gloss..and little Dior too =-.

  27. Polish Earthgirl says

    April 4th, 2010 at 6:01 pm

    That jacket is to die for! And that color is too cute with your makeup look in that photo!
    .-= Polish Earthgirl’s last blog post… Color Club Rebel Debutante Collection =-.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 4th, 2010 at 8:53 pm

      Aww, thanks Polish Earthgirl.

      How was your weekend?

      Reply
  28. Rowan says

    April 4th, 2010 at 7:07 pm

    hey Karen!
    Do you think that the Urban Decay summer palette is really worth it? I’m more of a neutral girl myself but the colors look really beautiful

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 4th, 2010 at 8:50 pm

      Hi Rowan,

      I’ve only seen pics and have yet to see it in person. Once I get to swatching it I’ll be able to give you a better answer. But for now… do you currently have similar colors in your stash? If you don’t, it might be worth it as UD makes some great eyeshadows. 🙂

      Reply
      • Rowan says

        April 5th, 2010 at 2:47 pm

        thanks so much! I don’t have any UD shadows so far so that’s great advice

        Reply
  29. Amanda says

    April 4th, 2010 at 7:27 pm

    Happy Easter Karen! I ate a lot of really good meals today. I just ordered mac’ Dirty greasepaint stick and free to be eyeshadow. I’ve been really into corals lately so I’m super excited for the e/s. And I’m still waiting for the coral chanel lippie that is coming out! I think it’s called genial?

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 4th, 2010 at 8:49 pm

      Hi Amanda,

      Happy Easter! I ate a lot of good meals too… I think I might have to go in for round two with some leftovers.

      Ya know, a while back the thought of coral on the eyes would’ve freaked me out, but now I’m really into it. You’ve gotta try Free To Be in your crease. So pretty!

      Have a fantastic week!

      Reply
  30. yiota says

    April 4th, 2010 at 8:17 pm

    oh no! im late on the open thread loll. Its ok, its Easter and im greek so i had the whole lamb with the family kind of party 😛
    i still havent gone for my Mac haul.. maybe tomorrow. I dont have much else to say.. i’ve been really into putting pencil liner on my upper lash line.. i like the little pop of color it brings! Today I had light purple eyeliner (lash line), light green eyeshadow in the outer corner, yellow eyeshadow in the inner corner, a tiny bit of purple eyeshadow in the crease.. looked very spring-y. I was also rocking the Sephora by OPI nail polish color ” Iris I was thinner” 😀

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 4th, 2010 at 8:47 pm

      Hi Yiotra,

      So, I gotta say… in college I had a friend who was Greek and you guys have some ROCKING food. I loved going to her house to eat, ha ha!

      Your spring look sounds pretty. I’ve never tried applying a yellow liner to my upper lash line. Which one are you using?

      Happy Easter!

      Reply
      • yiota says

        April 4th, 2010 at 9:27 pm

        haha.. my mom is known for her food 😛
        I didnt apply yellow liner..it was just yellow eyeshadow. The liner was light purple and looked really nice with the light green. Its actually by a brand called Seventeen that i found in greece!

        Reply
      • Karen says

        April 4th, 2010 at 9:29 pm

        Ooh oops… I should probably get my eyes checked. I swear the internet is making me blind.

        Hmm, now that I think about it, I dunno if I have a yellow eyeshadow. This might give me a good excuse to get one. 🙂

        Reply
        • Amanda says

          April 5th, 2010 at 3:57 pm

          I have 2, and I love them both. Both SHU! so sad they are leaving.

          Reply
  31. Fabienne says

    April 4th, 2010 at 8:29 pm

    What’s your favorite (or top 3) matte black (absolute black–no going blue!) eyeliner? (Ideally under $25)

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 4th, 2010 at 8:46 pm

      Hi Fabienne,

      I have two — MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack and MAC Technakohl liner in Graphblack.

      Reply
  32. Paris B says

    April 4th, 2010 at 9:00 pm

    I loved that jacket as well as your super steal green dress! Happy Easter and yes I can imagine you put in a ton of work on this blog – it shows 🙂
    .-= Paris B’s last blog post… L’Oreal Renewal Lash Serum – A drugstore lash serum =-.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 4th, 2010 at 9:30 pm

      Happy Easter, Paris!

      Did you have a good weekend?

      Reply
      • Paris B says

        April 4th, 2010 at 10:31 pm

        It was an alright weekend – had a small party with friends and dinner on Sunday with the parents
        .-= Paris B’s last blog post… L’Oreal Renewal Lash Serum – A drugstore lash serum =-.

        Reply
  33. noemii says

    April 4th, 2010 at 9:36 pm

    Hi Karen,
    I’ve always been curious ..do you make all of the graphics on your website ? They’re always cool and cute .
    And thanks for responding to my question about the Pearlglide pencil ..i tried it and it’s gorgeous and stays put really well as you said . Designer Purple is so vibrant it actually shows through with my glasses on 🙂
    Right now i’m scouring the internet searching for a name for my new puppy & omg ..i can’t wait for glee to start again 😛
    This open thread you’ve got going on is pretty neat 🙂

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 4th, 2010 at 10:12 pm

      Hi Noemii,

      Yes, I do. 🙂 I wish I had more time to work on art stuff for the site… I need more hours in the day, LOL!

      So glad to hear you <3 Designer Purple. Isn't it so fab?! I'm actually thinking about getting a backup.

      Oooh, so tell me 'bout your new puppy!

      Reply
      • noemii says

        April 4th, 2010 at 11:53 pm

        ooh well, i always enjoy looking at them . I’m not a photoshop/graphics kind of gal . i stick to Lightroom 🙂
        i would want a beauty blog like yours if only to take photographs of the cosmetics [ & free cosmetics wouldn’t hurt either 😉 ]. my photography consists about 98% of close ups of miscellaneous randomness . i’m not sure where that will take me but i shall see someday :]

        well my new puppy is probably one of the most difficult things to photograph ..she’s not particularly photogenic . but i adore her ! she’s so calm and fuzzy and beautiful in a special ugly/cute kind of way . it sounds mean but it’s true :/
        My favorite thing about her is that she has white eyeshadow around her eyes and my other dog, Mindy, has black eyeliner . So Jealous !

        and oh my gosh ..i know i’m so ready to get a backup of that eyeliner & am considering to just get Undercurrent . I’m kind of over the other ones ..
        I’m someone who tends to not use what they like the most be it clothes or makeup so a backup will most def. be good for me ..
        But it’s so silly, why save what you love for later when you may find something better later ! honestly ..

        Reply
  34. caitlyn says

    April 4th, 2010 at 9:56 pm

    Hi Karen,
    I discovered your blog about a month ago and have been reading daily ever since! I love your energy, sense of humor, and upbeat attitude! And of course, all the makeup info is super helpful as well!
    I just recently ventured into the world of makeup and am slowly experimenting and learning how to do things. I’ve found a foundation (Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation in Sand) and blush (NARS Orgasm), but I am completely intimidated about how to do eyeshadow. Because I’ve never done it before and am clueless on how to pick colors. Do you have any advice on how to create an “everyday look” for a newbie? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 4th, 2010 at 10:18 pm

      Hi Caitlyn,

      Yay! I’m so glad to hear you’re enjoying the site. 🙂 Sounds like you are well on your way with your new foundation and blush. 🙂

      With eyeshadow, you might want to start with something easy, like maybe a base and two colors, in neutral tones that flatter your skin. Once you get the hang of that then you can branch out into color. Maybe do something light neutral with a little bit of shimmer over the entire eye (I like MAC Ricepaper), and then a light-to-medium brown/taupe or gray in the crease (I use MAC Soft Brown matte, but other good ones are MAC Soba, MAC Cork, MAC Satin Taupe).

      Do you have eye makeup brushes yet?

      Reply
      • caitlyn says

        April 4th, 2010 at 10:54 pm

        Hi Karen!

        Ooooh, thanks for the specific recommendations! I will head to MAC tomorrow. The thing that I am kind of confused about — if one starts with a base color all over the eye, and then a darker color in the crease…is there supposed to be a third color that goes all the way down to the edge of the lid? Or is the “visible” color only in the crease?

        No eye makeup brushes yet! Do you have a favorite? I was going to look on makeupalley.com for reviews.

        On an entirely different note…I was reading through your archives and found that you are an Aggie alum. So am I! 🙂 I am in my early thirties so I think we might have graduated a year or two apart. I was a Psych major.

        Thanks again!

        Reply
  35. Andrea says

    April 4th, 2010 at 9:59 pm

    Ahh!! I don’t know which to get from the Trip collection online! It’s between the 5 Neutral Eyes palette, and the 4 Bronze Eyes & Cheek palette..

    They are both really pretty but I kind of don’t want to buy both because of the price. I like that I could get a whole look out of the eye and cheek palette, but the shadows in the eye palette are also really gorgeous!

    If anyone has any suggestions or tips I would really appreciate it!

    Thanks 🙂

    P.S. I really like the open thread!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 4th, 2010 at 10:19 pm

      Hi Andrea,

      I’d go for the Eye Palette. I think it’s just slightly more flexible, plus, you can totally bring it on vacay with you!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        April 4th, 2010 at 10:41 pm

        Thank you so much! I’m off to purchase!

        Reply
  36. marisol says

    April 4th, 2010 at 10:39 pm

    You showed up on my Tumbler feed a while back and I just now remembered to tell ya…

    You are the 5th picture down… http://bitterandthirsty.tumblr.com/search/chanel

    How did you like the Hot Tub Time Machine flick?
    .-= marisol’s last blog post… Europe here I come! =-.

    Reply
  37. Marina says

    April 5th, 2010 at 6:45 am

    So do we just chat in this post? 🙂 This week some of my friends on twitter were talking about expensive lipsticks and it turns out the the most expensive is by Serge Lutens and it is $75!!!. What do you (Karen and other girls) think? Would you get it?
    .-= Marina’s last blog post… Happy Easter! =-.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 5th, 2010 at 8:17 am

      Yup, it’s just a post to chit-chat about whatever you’d like.

      That much money for a lipstick is crazy! I don’t know if I could do it. It would have to be really frickin’ amazing.

      Reply
      • Marina says

        April 6th, 2010 at 3:55 am

        Oh cool. I love the idea!!! 🙂

        I also forgot to tell that they are like mini lipsticks and are also refillable. You can check them out the products here http://www.barneys.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-BNY-Site/default/Search-Show?q=Serge%20Lutens

        I know the MUA who has some makeup by SL and she says that the products are absolutely amazing. Oh, they better be for such price!!!
        .-= Marina’s last blog post… Happy Easter! =-.

        Reply
  38. Lindsey says

    April 5th, 2010 at 1:16 pm

    Hi Karen,

    I actually want to know where you got the cute navy and white top in that picture! I’ve been wondering it ever since you first posted this set.

    Reply
  39. Gina says

    April 5th, 2010 at 2:48 pm

    im thinking about trying a tinted moisterizer to try to hide some dark spots (left behind by mean pimples haha). Can you recommend any good ones?? 🙂 hope your monday’s going well Gina
    .-= Gina’s last blog post… yums =-.

    Reply
  40. Rizza says

    April 6th, 2010 at 1:08 pm

    Hi Karen!

    Just wanted to let you know that i love your website! Please continue doing these open threads. I learn so much from them and keeps me entertained when i’m bored at work. Have a good one!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

About Makeup and Beauty Blog

Welcome to Makeup and Beauty Blog
Hi there! I’m Karen, your friendly neighborhood beauty addict, and I’m a Bay Area girl who hoards brown eyeshadow and covets coral lipstick. Every morning, I wake up and say, “I’m going to do something other than a smoky eye today.” Then…I end up doing a smoky eye anyway (most days). When I’m not putting on makeup, taking pictures of makeup or writing about makeup, which I’ve been doing daily since 2007 (!), you’ll find me hanging out with my hubby (“El Hub”), my four-year-old daughter (Connor Claire) and my torbie girl cat (Pretty Girl Rosie, a.k.a. PGR).

SHOP THE STORE


Long Live Lipstick Tee 💄



Blush Is My Crush Tee



Mascara & Kitties Tee



Thank You For Being a Friend Tee



You Hair Me Tee


Recent Posts

duri nail polishes

Saturday Surfing, Jan. 16, 2021

cat lovers pad

5 Things I’ve Been Loving Lately

cerave healing ointment

It’s a CeraVe Jamboree! CeraVe Healing Ointment Soothes Dry, Cracked Skin

yay for berets

9 Reasons to Love Berets

urban decay stay naked threesome top

Unsung Makeup Heroes: Urban Decay Stay Naked Threesome in Naked

Social

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Featured Posts

Lady Unicorn

Weird Things I Like to Do

brows fill out beforehand

Before You Pluck or Wax Your Brows, You Must Do This

current bare skin status

What’s One Thing That Drastically Changed Your Skin for the Better?

red brown smokey eyes tutorial top pic 2

A Glamorously Grungy Makeup Tutorial: Smoky Reddish Brown Eyes and Vampy Matte Lips [MODERATE SKILL LEVEL]

Copyright © 2020 Makeup and Beauty Blog. Get in touch.