So…what is the Monday Poll?
Excellent question! It isn’t, contrary to its name, an actual poll, like with little clicky buttons. It’s just a list of five more or less random questions I’ve been posting on this blog every Monday morning for the past quadrillion years (since 2007). I love reading your answers, and it helps me get my week off to a good start.
1. Liquid or powder foundation?
Oh, liquid. For sure. Ideally, Estée Lauder Double Wear or MAC Studio Fix (which is my fave liquid foundations at the moment), but anything I can mix a little Strobe Cream into will do.
2. A perfume you loved “way back when”?
In college (so this was the ’90s), I went through an intense Gap “Grass” phase that lasted a solid six months, and then right after graduation, I was all about Victoria’s Secret Heavenly for I can’t even remember how long (it was a while).
Lots of other fragrance phases, too, of course…
3. Lipgloss or liquid lipstick?
Hmm… That’s tough choice, because there are so many long-lasting, comfy liquid lipsticks available now (Hello! — Honest Beauty), but when it comes down to it…the convenience of gloss — the convenience of being able to slick a lipgloss on my lips wherever and whenever I want to, gives gloss the win for me.
4. How successfully do you think you could pull off a bowl cut?
Not at all successfully, HA HA HA! It would be 50 shades of cray up in there, I kid you not. My wavy hair tends to go big if left to its own devices. Plus, the shorter I cut it, the unrulier it becomes.
Seriously, if I had a bowl cut situation, it would not go well!
5. If you could appoint anyone in the world to clean your makeup brushes, who you would choose?
This is a very difficult decision, because how does one choose between Keanu Reeves and Sir John?? ?
OK, in all seriousness (not), I’d have to go with Sir John, because perhaps he could teach me his wise makeup ways while he swished the dried up foundation from my Real Techniques buffing brush.
The secret to getting stuff done
At long last, I’ve figured out the secret to productivity! It’s…(drum roll please) PUTTING ON A FACE MASK.
(You think I’m joking, but I’m totally not.)
If you absolutely need to sit your booty down to research bathroom paint (satin or semi-gloss?) or to balance your checkbook, but you’d rather be chillin’ in bed looking at cat pics on your phone, here’s what you need to do, in five easy steps:
- Wash your face
- Exfoliate
- Slather on that face mask
- Set your timer for 15 minutes
- Do the damn thing
Next thing you know, you’ve gotten your project underway, and after you’ve rinsed off your mask, you’re ready to tackle the rest.
I may or may not have just done this, by the way, ha ha ha!
Happy Monday to you, friend. ?
Just a quick reminder, in case you need to hear it today: You’re brave, you’re tough, and you’ve got this.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. Question time! Here they are to copy/paste with your answers in a comment. Talk to ya soon!
1. Liquid or powder foundation?
2. A perfume that you worn and loved in the ’90s?
3. Lipgloss or liquid lipstick?
4. How successfully do you think you could pull off a bowl cut?
5. If you could appoint anyone in the world to clean your makeup brushes, who you would choose?
Erica says
1. Liquid or powder foundation? I use a liquid most often so I say liquid. Currently Loreal Infallible Fresh Wear, Clinique Beyond Perfecting & Bobbi Brown BB Cream. BUT I have enjoyed powder. In particular Bare Minerals Matte Mineral Foundation and I found it surpringly easy and effortlessly to use!
2. A perfume that you worn and loved in the ’90s? I have a few since the 90s was the end of elementary, middle school, high school and beginning of college for me. I remember using and loving Exclamation, Navy, Elizabeth Arden Sunflower and Red Door, Calvin Klein Eternity and CK One, Chanel No. 5 (my sis bought me a small bottle)
3. Lipgloss or liquid lipstick? Why discriminate? I love and use both. Bare Minerals probably has my fav liquid lip formula as does Lime Crime. And I love lip glosses by MAC, Fenty and ABH
4. How successfully do you think you could pull off a bowl cut? My hair is coarse, thick and wavy. Plus it has cow licks. I need layers for it to lay right. Otherwise it gets unruly! Is a bowl cut a thing? I hope not?
5. If you could appoint anyone in the world to clean your makeup brushes, who you would choose? Gerard Butler? Might as well watch someone divine and Scottish while he washes my brushes?
Suzanne C says
1. Liquid or powder foundation?
Liquid! I am now so in love with Dior Backstage Face & Body, both foundation and primer.
2. A perfume that you worn and loved in the ’90s?
I remember liking Cool Water for quite a while.
3. Lipgloss or liquid lipstick?
Liquid lipstick- I’ve always hated gloss. I literally just took Honest Beauty’s liquid lipstick in Happiness out of my mailbox and am wearing it right now. Initial thoughts: love the color! The formula is a little sticky, but it’s only been about 15 minutes.
4. How successfully do you think you could pull off a bowl cut?
No. The horror.
5. If you could appoint anyone in the world to clean your makeup brushes, who you would choose?
George Clooney. I feel that, not only would he be gorgeous while doing it, he would manage to also be hilarious while doing it. Which is the perfect combination in a makeup-brush-cleaning-man.
I love to set a timer when I’m stalling on a project. It helps me to think, “Ok, I only have to work on this thing for 10 minutes”. Then I usually just finish the thing anyway. I hadn’t thought to add in a skincare bonus.
Barb says
1. Liquid or powder foundation? – Liquid. Almost done with my Estee Lauder Doublewear in Fresco. I’ve tried powder foundations a few times and they always look too cakey on me.
2. A perfume that you worn and loved in the ’90s? – I remember the Gap Grass phase too! I used to love that!
3. Lipgloss or liquid lipstick? – I want to love lip gloss but I can’t. I’ll stick to liquid lipstick.
4. How successfully do you think you could pull off a bowl cut? – Good God, no!
5. If you could appoint anyone in the world to clean your makeup brushes, who you would choose? – Wow, this one is tough – there are so many people. I’m going with Ryan Reynolds. I feel like he’d have me cracking up the whole time and he’s gorgeous to look at!
Barb says
I just remembered a few other perfumes I loved in the 90’s – Tommy Girl, Lauren and Pleasures.
Ewa says
1. Liquid or powder foundation?
Definitely liquid. I’ve never been into the super matte powder look, and now that I have a few lines here and there I think it would look terrible. I’ve been really liking the new Pat McGrath foundation.
2. A perfume that you worn and loved in the ’90s?
Prescriptives Calyx (I just found out it exists as a Clinique fragrance!), Tresor, Sugar by Fresh (which I still love) as well as a few other Fresh scents that have been discontinued.
3. Lipgloss or liquid lipstick?
I can’t stand gloss, too sticky and well…glossy.
4. How successfully do you think you could pull off a bowl cut?
I think I could do it! I have thick, curly hair and would just really emphasize the texture and make it big and fluffy.
5. If you could appoint anyone in the world to clean your makeup brushes, who you would choose?
Wayne Goss. He would do an excellent job and I would mine him for information while he worked.
FeyFrau says
1. Liquid or powder foundation?
Liquid!
2. A perfume that you worn and loved in the ’90s?
Poison. Oh wait, that was 80s… Chanel No. 5.
3. Lipgloss or liquid lipstick?
Lipgloss.
4. How successfully do you think you could pull off a bowl cut?
Nope. Only Karen O.
5. If you could appoint anyone in the world to clean your makeup brushes, who you would choose?
No one; esp. as a makeup artist, I didn’t want anyone else touching mah tools. With a bottle of Cinema Secrets Brush Cleaner, I’m good to go on my own. =D
Happy Monday, Tough, Brave, Got It, Girl!
ericca says
1. Liquid or powder foundation? liquid foundation
2. A perfume that you worn and loved in the ’90s? i didnt wear perfume during the 90s . i only remember ck1 but i never wore it, i remember ck1 and clinque being advertised , i was 16 by 1999.
3. Lipgloss or liquid lipstick? lipgloss
4. How successfully do you think you could pull off a bowl cut? like the one on dumb and dumber , no , clutch my pearls
5. If you could appoint anyone in the world to clean your makeup brushes, who you would choose? pat mcgrath, she would be so awesome.
Christine says
1. Liquid or powder foundation?
Liquid fo’ sho. I’m so said Benefit discontinued Big Easy because it was a liquid-to-powder finish, but now I’ve been all about Colourpop’s no filter Stix.
2. A perfume that you worn and loved in the ’90s?
Do body sprays count? Because it was warm vanilla sugar from Bath & Body Works. If it wasn’t the 90s it was close enough to the 90s.
3. Lipgloss or liquid lipstick?
Liquid lipstick – it dries and my hair doesn’t get stuck!
4. How successfully do you think you could pull off a bowl cut?
Looking at 4th grade me, not successfully at all.
5. If you could appoint anyone in the world to clean your makeup brushes, who you would choose?
How about ANY mua… Because I know they’ll do it right!
Kellie says
1. Liquid or powder foundation?
For years and years I was always powder foundation only, but once I hit 30 I have been liquids all the way. I find that they just tend to sit better on my drier skin. My fave right now is the It Cosmetics illuminating CC cream. It has SPF 50, which I like to layer over my sunscreen in the summer for more protection!
2. A perfume that you worn and loved in the ’90s?
I loved Tommy Girl back then. And oh! Gap Grass was so amazing. Sometimes I wish they would bring it back!
3. Lipgloss or liquid lipstick?
Lipgloss. My lips are so dry, most liquid lipstick ends up looking awful.
4. How successfully do you think you could pull off a bowl cut?
God no. That would be terrifying.
5. If you could appoint anyone in the world to clean your makeup brushes, who you would choose?
Hmm….I don’t know that I would want to give anyone that chore!
Rachel Runyan says
1. Liquid or powder foundation? Usually liquid. If the temperature gets to 85°F or higher, powder.
2. A perfume that you worn and loved in the ’90s? Vanilla Fields. It was affordable, smelled nice, and my husband wasn’t allergic to it.
3. Lipgloss or liquid lipstick? Liquid lipstick. I usually prefer strong color.
4. How successfully do you think you could pull off a bowl cut? Not at all! My face is too heavy and round. My head would look like a beach ball on a neck.
5. If you could appoint anyone in the world to clean your makeup brushes, who you would choose? No one. I’m way too picky to have anyone else do it.
Efrain says
1. Liquid or powder foundation?
Liquid, I still need to find one that has my shade and doesn’t look heavy. Right now my foundation love it’s also Studio Fix but by its own and about powder foundations, I remember liking the Studio Fix with Strobe cream or a luminous primer underneath, I’m still debating myself whether or not try NC41 to see if it also matches.
2. A perfume that you worn and loved in the ’90s?
I’m too young for this questions unless we talk about baby perfume that everybody uses in Mexico. https://www.amazon.com/Baby-Magic-Mennen-Cologne-Colonia/dp/B004OZ36WG
3. Lipgloss or liquid lipstick?
Liquid lipstick, I don’t own enough glosses.
4. How successfully do you think you could pull off a bowl cut?
It won’t happen with my curly hair.
5. If you could appoint anyone in the world to clean your makeup brushes, who you would choose?
I mean I’m unsure if many hot guy knows how to do it correctly, so I can only think in Makeup artist Julien Rol or Hindash, so I get eye candy and clean brushes.
Tatiana says
1. Liquid or powder foundation? Does cream count? I like Chantecaille Future Skin and it’s not really a liquid. I also use Armani Silk and I’ve been trying the Dior Forever Glow. So definitely not powder.
2. A perfume that you worn and loved in the ’90s? Hmm. The 90s? That would be YSL Opium, Guerlain Samsara and L’Artisan Thé Pour Un Ete.
3. Lipgloss or liquid lipstick? I don’t like lipgloss and I only own one liquid lipstick (EL by Violette Poppy Sauvage), so I guess liquid lipstick.
4. How successfully do you think you could pull off a bowl cut? Let’s be real here. Only children under 5 look good in bowl cuts. So that leaves the rest of us not looking so hot.
5. If you could appoint anyone in the world to clean your makeup brushes, who you would choose? Since George Clooney is already cleaning Suzanne C’s brushes, I guess Klay Thompson. It’ll give him something to do while he recuperates from his knee injury and maybe I could get him in the same room or gym with Dear Daughter and see where that goes. But to be honest, I’d only let him clean the inexpensive synthetic ones.
Karen says
LOVE IT! While Klay is visiting you, I may pop in and ask if he wants to go surfing!
Tatiana says
Wait! Klay surfs? I did not know this. I know he loves to golf. Actually I wonder if his family will do their benefit golf tournament this year and where it’ll be. Last year it was at the Lake Merced golf course.
Karen says
Oh my gosh, yes! He’s an interesting dude. Read this article on him:
https://www.slamonline.com/nba/klay-thompson-cover-interview/
Jennifer Osborn says
Karen,
You’re brave, you’re tough, you’re creative, you’re an excellent mom–of both human and feline–and you’ve got this. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Your faithful servant, aka reader
Jennifer
Karen says
Thank you, Jennifer! ❤️
Let’s all have a great week!
Stephanie Smith says
1. Liquid or powder foundation? I use Bare Minerals, so powder. But I very rarely use foundation, it’s just not for me.
2. A perfume that you worn and loved in the ’90s? Lady Stetson, when I was in high school, Class of ‘93 rules! Oh I loved it! I don’t even know if they still make it, but it was everything!
3. Lipgloss or liquid lipstick? Lipstick, glass is too shiny and sticky for me. Even if it says it’s not sticky, it’s sticky.
4. How successfully do you think you could pull off a bowl cut? I have a teeny head and curly hair, I would look like a hot mess!
5. If you could appoint anyone in the world to clean your makeup brushes, who you would choose? Chris Hemsworth, just because he’d look good doing it, topless and wet!
Savannah says
1. Liquid or powder foundation?
Powder, definitely. Mac studio fix. But I do remember liking how it wore and photographed (Mac studio fix liquid) but I think it broke me out a bit. When I get married I’ll most likely opt for this anyways, even if only for one day.
2. A perfume that you worn and loved in the ’90s?
-I was but a wee babe then, but I do remember a Ralph Lauren (the blue one) in middle school, that everyone went ape over (myself included.) I also remember a VS Heavenly phase of my own, too! Ha ha!
3. Lipgloss or liquid lipstick?
-lipgloss! I’d wear Mac delight cremesheen glass in a heartbeat if I could!
4. How successfully do you think you could pull off a bowl cut?
-mmmmm, gunna go with not.
5. If you could appoint anyone in the world to clean your makeup brushes, who you would choose?
-Lisa Eldridge.
Karen says
Ahh, love your answer to question 5, Savannah! I just might pick her too. We could chat about makeup and cats.
R says
1. Liquid – 100%
Current faves: Kosas Tinted Face Oil and MAC Studio Fix. I also love Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk and Power Fabric, but the price increase (in Canada, anyway) really turned me off. So, naturally, I’m currently sampling Pat McGrath Sublime Perfection, lol.
2. Grass, OMG, I totally crushed hard on GAP Grass. I also loved H2O+ “Muriel”.
3. I tend to avoid both lipgloss and liquid lipstick, because I find neither very comfortable. However, I do really like Pat McGrath Lust Lip Gloss — I find it nicely moisturizing, and not too sticky. Also comes in so many beautiful colours.
4. Rocked a bowl cut when I was 5 years old — even with my flawless skin, and tight jawline, it was a disaster.
5. Maybe one of my nieces. Keep them out of trouble, and help them to develop good brush cleaning habits during their formative years, lol.
CL says
1. Liquid. I haven’t found a powder foundation that doesn’t look too dry on me.
2. Probably “Cashmere Mist” if it’s that old. Not sure.
3. Lipgloss, unless at work, then a liquid lip that stays put all day is best.
4. No. I had short hair at age 8, never again!
5. I think a serious oil painter or acrylic painter would do the best job in thoroughly cleaning the brushes. They know how important clean brushes are, and the process is basically the same for art brushes and makeup brushes.
Karen says
Hi CL,
Speaking of Cashmere Mist, the deodorant version of that scent is so good! It has a cult following (and I’m in it, ha ha).
Have a great rest of your week!
Susan C. says
1. Liquid or powder foundation?
Liquid for everyday, powder if I’m in a rush.
2. A perfume that you wore and loved in the ’90s?
Cabotine de Gres was my signature scent.
3. Lipgloss or liquid lipstick?
Lipgloss. My lips have been craving moisture lately, and many liquid lipsticks seem to be drying. Lipgloss it is!
4. How successfully do you think you could pull off a bowl cut?
Oh dear…with my round face, it would probably make me look like a less-shiny bowling ball.
5. If you could appoint anyone in the world to clean your makeup brushes, who would you choose?
I’ll go with Carson Kressley. When he’s done, he can give my closet a quick makeover while discussing Saddlebreds.
Eileen says
1. Liquid or powder foundation? I have dry skin so I like a moisturizing liquid. My two faves are by Clé de Peau and La Met.
2. A perfume that you worn and loved in the ’90s? That would be Scheherazade by Jean Desprez.
3. Lipgloss or liquid lipstick? I like a little bit of lipgloss; just enough to make my lips look moist.
4. How successfully do you think you could pull off a bowl cut? You’re kidding, right?!?
5. If you could appoint anyone in the world to clean your makeup brushes, who you would choose? Hmmm . . . I can’t really think of anyone. I clean my brushes every week and have never thought of it is a chore.
Kate & Bree says
1. Liquid or powder foundation?
I love liquid, but I’ve yet to find one that’s silicone-free that isn’t $5,000 or full-coverage. Yuck, I hate feeling like I’m wearing layer of cake.
2. A perfume that you worn and loved in the ’90s?
I didn’t wear perfume.
3. Lipgloss or liquid lipstick?
Gloss.
4. How successfully do you think you could pull off a bowl cut?
I couldn’t…we tried.
5. If you could appoint anyone in the world to clean your makeup brushes, who you would choose?
A makeup artist?
Michele DiCola says
Tube Hourglass foundation . Blue Mercury stylist matched me up and I got the stick too !
Tourjour Moi . I loved this until I used it up . Too strong for today’s use !
I love all my MAC lipglasses . Perfect colors and application .
I would look like one of the Three Stooges w a bowl cut ?
I would hire George Clooney to clean my brushes ( Ha Ha Amal )
Kim says
Happy Tuesday! Have you tried Hanacure? I’m a year late to that party (or knowing there was a party, to be more precise) but it sounds interesting! 🙂
1. Liquid or powder foundation? Definitely liquid and the sheerer/slicker, the better.
2. A perfume that you worn and loved in the ’90s? Poison and LouLou. And I still love the smell of both. But, you know me. Stuck in the 90s. HAHA!
3. Lipgloss or liquid lipstick? Gloss.
4. How successfully do you think you could pull off a bowl cut? It would be a total success. If I was doubling for Pete Rose or Moe from the 3 Stooges. HAHA! It would actually be terrible in the bangs area because of all my cowlicks.
5. If you could appoint anyone in the world to clean your makeup brushes, who you would choose? You! You’re the most makeupy gal I know. 🙂
Andrea Darst says
I just have to say two things: Heavenly is still my go-to fave fragrance, and always semi-gloss for bathrooms! xoxo
Adeliana says
1. Liquid or powder foundation?
My choice is liquid but at the moment I am using powder foundation daily as I never normally wear base but I am getting through all of my SPF’s before repurchasing my favourite one and having to cover the shine on a daily basis- the only thing I have time for is powder (IT cosmetics).
2. A perfume that you worn and loved in the ’90s?
So many, Givenchy – Fleur d’Interdit , Gaultier – Classique, Mugler – Angel, Dior – Dolce Vita, Cacharel – Lulu Blue and Coty’s – Exclamation!
3. Lipgloss or liquid lipstick?
Lipgloss, I can’t do the cat butt mouth with a liquid lip but overall I would always go for a cream or satin lipstick.
4. How successfully do you think you could pull off a bowl cut?
It would be hideous ! Nobody can pull off a bowl cut.
5. If you could appoint anyone in the world to clean your makeup brushes, who you would choose?
I’m not sure I would want anyone to clean them for me, I wouldn’t mind cleaning mine alongside Stacey from Aceface beauty, I’d love to have a natter about all things make up, beauty and life stuff in general.
Blanca says
Hi! I always trust Karen’s reviews and it surprised me that she likes Mac Studio Fix Fluid, as I think it’s quite heavy. I’m thinking about giving it a go… Could anyone tell me if it looks natural on the skin and if it settles into fine lines?
Karen says
Hi Blanca,
I always mix mine with equal amounts of MAC Strobe Cream in Pinklite. It thins it out and gives me the perfect amount of coverage. I never wear it on it’s own — too heavy! But when you mix it with Strobe Cream and set it with a little bit of Mineralize Skinfinish Natural it’s HEAVEN. Let me know if you have any other questions, happy to help!
Blanca says
Thank you so much for replying! I’ll try it that way. Your recommendations always work so well for me! The most recent is the sharpener tip – so simple and effective! Thanks!