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.
- Fresh Soy Cleanser
- Paula’s Choice BHA
- Lilfox Kalahari Serum, Aloha Youth Serum and Laurel Skin Sun Serum (got these all from a recent Beauty Heroes box)
- Kate Somerville Anti Bac (always and forever)
- Elta MD Clear Sunscreen, which I’m testing this week
1. Black liquid liner or brown pencil liner?
I’m equally passionate about both (hello, Clinique Easy Liner and MAC Coffee), so this is a very difficult choice for me…but I’m going to have to go with brown pencil, and here’s why: if I want to, I figure I can make the brown pencil look darker by layering a black or dark brown eyeshadow on top, whereas with the black liquid eyeliner, you can’t really make it lighter.
You know what I’m saying? It’s easier to go from lighter to darker than from darker to lighter.
2. Skincare products you put on your face this morning?
Here we go!
3. For tonight, cooking at home or eating out?
I actually don’t mind cooking at all, but I REALLY don’t love the washing dishes part, so tonight, I’d rather go out to eat… We probably won’t, because it’s a school night, but I gotta admit that it’s nice when someone else does all the work!
4. What foundation do you wear when you need your makeup to last?
Estée Lauder Double Wear! — because you can’t go wrong with the O.G.
5. Velvet or lace?
Velvet, because it’s soft, it keeps me warm, and it doesn’t itch!
600 Mondays
G’morning, sweet girl! 😊
As this is the six-hundredth installment of the Monday Poll, that means that we’ve started approximately 11 years (!) of our Monday mornings together. 😺🙌
That’s over a decade of silly ramblings and, of course, pictures of cats.
Can you believe it’s been that long?? Sometimes it feels like I blinked, and BAM! — here we are. So many changes, big and small, both about lipstick and life…
It’s been fun, hasn’t it?
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. Here are the questions to copy/paste with your answers in a comment. Talk to ya soon.
1. Black liquid liner or brown pencil liner?
2. Skincare products you put on your face this morning?
3. For tonight, cooking at home or eating out?
4. What foundation do you wear when you need your makeup to last?
5. Velvet or lace?
P.P.S. To quote the The Golden Girls again on this lovely morning, as I hope I’ve told you often over the years, thank you for being a friend. ❤️
Chelsea says
November 11th, 2019 at 10:06 am1. Black liquid liner or brown pencil liner?
I wear brown liquid most days but I’ll go for brown pencil! Black just looks a bit harsh on me.
2. Skincare products you put on your face this morning?
Bioderma Sensibio Gel Cleanser, Bioderma Tonique Sensibio toner, Clinique Smart Repair night cream for dry combination skin (testing this)
3. For tonight, cooking at home or eating out?
Cooking at home! It’s snowy here so once I get home I’m not leaving 😹
4. What foundation do you wear when you need your makeup to last?
I only own one foundation so probably my Clinique Even Better.
5. Velvet or lace?
I’m wearing lace tights right now but I love both! Probably lace.
Karen says
November 12th, 2019 at 5:43 amGirl you know I love me some Clinique!
Kim says
November 11th, 2019 at 10:25 amOh, my gosh, really?! 600? Congrats – that’s awesome!!! 🙂 Happy 600th Monday!
1. Black liquid liner or brown pencil liner? Brown liner for sure. And smudged/lightened as soft as possible. Dark and bold around my aging eyes ages me even more, so black and liquid are both out.
2. Skincare products you put on your face this morning? I’m glad you’re testing the Elta. I’ve seen good reviews and am interested in your take! For me it was CeraVe foaming face wash and moisturizer.
3. For tonight, cooking at home or eating out? We just ate out last night but I could be happy ordering in every night. HAHA! Unless we’re traveling for the boys’ sports, it’s cooking at home every day, though. And it will be tonight!
4. What foundation do you wear when you need your makeup to last? I guess I’d just stick with the Tarte BB cream but maybe put a primer on first, or mixed in?
5. Velvet or lace? Definitely velvet. Preferably black.
Karen says
November 12th, 2019 at 5:42 amI know! The math shocked me, too. Can’t believe that we’ve been meeting here for that long. 🙂
Divina says
November 11th, 2019 at 10:49 am1. Brown ✏️ because I’m an old lady and because there are different types of brown making it more flexible.
2. Andalou Meyer 🍋 + C creamy cleanser, followed by Ancient Greek Remedy’s mix of “Organic Blend of Olive, Lavender, Almond and Grapeseed oils with Vitamin E. Day and night Moisturizer for Skin, Dry Hair, Face, Scalp, Foot, Cuticle and Nail Care,” followed by Elta MD clear sunscreen. On weekends I use Biore Sarasara UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence Sunscreen SPF50+ PA+++.
3. I want to eat at home but I will likely eat out because … lazy.
4. Estée Lauder Double Wear foundation
I love the Elta sunscreen! I have it on subscription from Dermstore and you can use Ebates now Rakuten so it is a little cheaper that way.
Megan says
November 11th, 2019 at 11:01 am1. Black liquid liner or brown pencil liner?
Brown pencil for me. I like a soft, smudgy effect.
2. Skincare products you put on your face this morning?
Cerave hydrating cleanser, laniege cream skin toner, Elta MD clear. I’m on my second bottle. I like the sun protection and it doesn’t leave me greasy like some moisturizers with SPF. Will be interested to know your thoughts!
3. For tonight, cooking at home or eating out?
Little bit of both. I’m meeting a friend for happy hour after work. Snacks will be involved but I’m sure I’ll want to cook something more substantial when I get home.
4. What foundation do you wear when you need your makeup to last?
It’s been so long since I’ve worn a true long wearing foundation. I’ll be reading responses for recs.
5. Velvet or lace?
I love little touches of lace. But this time of year I’m all about velvet. I’m wearing an olive green cardigan with velvet trim today.
Congrats on 600 Monday polls! Always a great way to start the week.
Karen says
November 12th, 2019 at 5:40 amThanks, Megan! I’m happy to hear you enjoy them. 🙂 Have a wonderful week!
Karen says
November 12th, 2019 at 5:40 amOoh, thanks for the tip, Divina! I’m really loving the sunscreen so far. It layers so well under makeup!
Efrain says
November 11th, 2019 at 11:09 am1. Black liquid liner or brown pencil liner?
I’m not good with liquid liner and also I agree that a brown pencil liner is more versatile.
2. Skincare products you put on your face this morning?
– HA lotion from Miniso
– Nivea Moisturizing face cream.
– La Roche Posay Anthelios AC sunscreen (I don’t love it but will finish it).
3. For tonight, cooking at home or eating out?
For us is more important the lunch, and on weekdays is almost always at home.
4. What foundation do you wear when you need your makeup to last?
MAC Studio Fix, I may be oily but the foundation sticks to my skin.
5. Velvet or lace?
I’ve only worn velvet, but I choose lace because I’m sure I’ll feel expensive (I just hope I don’t get itchy).
CONGRATS on 600 polls. Actually I’m really happy with seeing that you started a new job, you’re kicking ass in the gym and are an amazing mom. So keep going Karen.
Karen says
November 12th, 2019 at 5:41 amYou keep going, too, Efrain! You’re doing great!
Sylvia says
November 11th, 2019 at 11:15 amCongrats and thanks for your blog! I don’t remember exactly when I discovered the beauty world, and your blog, but it’s been at least five years!
1. Black liquid liner or brown pencil liner? If i’m wearing liner brown pencil. My fantasy self used black liquid liner, but real world be only pencil and rarely.
2. Skincare products you put on your face this morning? Aveeno Ultra Calming Hydrating gel cleanser. Timeless Vitamin C serum, and sunscreen.
3. For tonight, cooking at home or eating out? eating at home, but lucky me doesn’t have to cook or do the dishes.
4. What foundation do you wear when you need your makeup to last? Double Wear! It’s the best for lasting and I finding it very easy to adjust the coverage and add glow by mixing it with glowy products, but still keeping the lasting power.
5. Velvet or lace? Lace, it’s just so beautiful.
Suzanne C says
November 11th, 2019 at 11:23 amCongratulations on 600! I haven’t been here for them all, but I’ve loved every one I’ve been here for.
1. Black liquid liner or brown pencil liner?
Brown pencil. I am awful with liquid liner.
2. Skincare products you put on your face this morning?
None. I have a cold, so skincare hasn’t been high on my list of priorities.
3. For tonight, cooking at home or eating out?
Well, I’m not cooking or going anywhere. My people are welcome to do what they want. I think I work hard enough to feed them the rest of the time; I’ve earned a break for sickness.
4. What foundation do you wear when you need your makeup to last?
Dior Backstage, the current love of my foundation life.
5. Velvet or lace?
Velvet. Lace is too fussy for me.
Karen says
November 12th, 2019 at 5:37 amThank you, Suzanne! I’m always happy to see you stop by on Mondays. Have a wonderful week!
Jade says
November 11th, 2019 at 11:44 am1. Black liquid liner or brown pencil liner?
Black liquid liner, but only on the outside edges for me, and as close as I can get to the lash line.
2. Skincare products you put on your face this morning?
Clinique foaming rinse off cleanser then vitamin c serum from the ordinary and Clinique moisturizing gel with the uneven skin tone cartridge mixed in.
3. For tonight, cooking at home or eating out?
I will be cooking at home but I’d rather be eating out.
4. What foundation do you wear when you need your makeup to last? Lancôme teinte idols, but just got the double wear and will be trying that.
5. Velvet or lace?
Lace! Even though it’s itchy as all hell.
Congrats on 600!!
Karen says
November 12th, 2019 at 5:37 amThanks, Jade! 🙂
Savannah says
November 11th, 2019 at 12:23 pm1. Black liquid liner or brown pencil liner?
Neither? I wear gel only. I have a black and a brown/black. The latter does enhance the green in my eyes but the formula is quite dry (Bobbi brown) which makes me hesitant to try more colours.
2. Skincare products you put on your face this morning?
None. If I put serums or moisturizer before makeup, my makeup slides right off. I only layer skincare at night.
3. For tonight, cooking at home or eating out?
Eating out I guess at my sister in laws place, ha!
4. What foundation do you wear when you need your makeup to last?
My skin only tolerates powder so just the Mac studio fix powder foundation. It lasts about 4 hours before some shine starts to peek through. Just blot and re-powder.
5. Velvet or lace?
Lace!
Melissa says
November 11th, 2019 at 12:34 pm1. Black liquid liner or brown pencil liner? Brown when I actually use eyeliner
2. Skincare products you put on your face this morning?
BeautyCounter Countertime oil face wash with Josie Moran Argan powder scrub. Countertime face essence and eye cream. Elta MD sunscreen
3. For tonight, cooking at home or eating out? Home
4. What foundation do you wear when you need your makeup to last? Right now I have one from Tarte – I think it’s the face tape one. I don’t even know – that’s how often I use it
5. Velvet or lace? Velvet – lace is to fussy for me
Diana says
November 11th, 2019 at 2:12 pmCongrats on 600!
1. Black liquid liner or brown pencil liner? The darkest Brown tones I wear now. I love a brown pencil with Bobbi Brown Black Scotch (dark Brown with bronze glimmer) gel liner over it
2. Skincare products you put on your face this morning? I used philosophy purity minute mask, Josie Maran Argan hemp face oil and Charlotte Tilbury Magic eye cream.
3. For tonight, cooking at home or eating out? Tonight im cooking, but ask me anytime to eat out and I’m in the car 😊
4. What foundation do you wear when you need your makeup to last? I hate how full coverage foundation feels, so it’s really how well i set my c.c cream with powder
5. Velvet or lace? I wore today Velvet black leggings today.
Karen says
November 12th, 2019 at 5:36 amThanks, Diana! It’s crazy to me that the poll has been going on for over a decade. Thank you for filling it out today, and have a great week.
Erica says
November 11th, 2019 at 3:04 pm1. Black liquid liner or brown pencil liner? Brown. Black is too harsh and I rarely wear it. Brown is a must!
2. Skincare products you put on your face this morning? Cerave cleanser. La Roche Posay Double Repair Moisturizer SPF 30.
3. For tonight, cooking at home or eating out? Cooking at home or rather, eating up left overs
4. What foundation do you wear when you need your makeup to last? Loreal Infallible. MAC Pro Longwear Nourishing. Bare Minerals Matte.
5. Velvet or lace?
Lace. It’s so pretty if done right. Esp if it’s Victorian inspired…LOVE!
Janet Shepherd says
November 11th, 2019 at 4:27 pm1. Black liquid liner or brown pencil liner?
I don’t use liner often, but when I do its brown pencil.
2. Skincare products you put on your face this morning?
Swisse cream cleanser
Only Good day cream
Mecca To Save Face sunscreen
3. For tonight, cooking at home or eating out?
Home cookin’ 😊 Its taco Tuesday here today.
4. What foundation do you wear when you need your makeup to last?
I only own 2 foundations lol, but the L’oreal True Match seems to last pretty well on me. I generally don’t wear makeup for super long periods though, so I’m no expert.
5. Velvet or lace?
Lace, but it has to be soft, not scratchy. Velvet is nice, but living in Australia we don’t seem to have cold enough weather to wear it comfortably.
Sharona Chandra says
November 11th, 2019 at 5:33 pmCongratulations on 600!
I used to follow you years ago and now I’m glad I’ve found you again 😊
– Brown pencil, almost always. So versatile and flattering on my aging skin.
– Maelove glow maker serum, Cerave hydrating hyaluronic serum, Supergoop SPF40 and Charlotte Tillbury Magic cream.
– At home tonight and most nights, cooking (and clean up after) is my de-stressor!
– Same! Estée Lauder Double Wear 😊
– Lace!
Karen says
November 12th, 2019 at 5:35 amThanks for filling out the poll today, Sharona. Have a great week!
Susan C. says
November 11th, 2019 at 6:11 pm1. Black liquid liner or brown pencil liner?
Brown pencil please.
2. Skincare products you put on your face this morning?
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Aging Perfector, SPF 20. That’s it, and I threw it on before my Target yogurt run. Of course, they were out of my favorite flavor but somehow yoga pants, workout tees and a velvet jacket managed to fall into my cart. Strange how that happens!
3. For tonight, cooking at home or eating out?
Cooking at home, I guess. Really, I’d like takeout. I’d love it if someone would pick up something yummy and sit and eat with me, but that’s not going to happen.
4. What foundation do you wear when you need your makeup to last?
Hmm, I don’t often run into that situation, but if I did NYX Total Control Drop Foundation topped with Benefit Hello Flawless Powder Foundation on the T-zone should do the trick.
5. Velvet or lace?
Velvet — see Target run above!
P.S. Happy 600th Polliversary!
Karen says
November 12th, 2019 at 5:35 amThank you, Susan! I hope you had a wonderful Monday.
SJ says
November 11th, 2019 at 7:05 pm1. Black liquid liner or brown pencil liner?
Black liquid liner looks like A MESS on me, so we’re going with brown pencil even though I don’t usually wear that either. But I could work with that!
2. Skincare products you put on your face this morning?
I didn’t wash my face last night, so I double cleansed with Hada Labo oil cleanser, then CeraVe foaming fash wash, then did my morning Timeless Vitamin C serum, followed by the ever-important sunscreen: Purito Centella something something… I’m starting to see why Asian beauty followers keep saying that Asian sunscreens are so much better than U.S. ones. This is so easy to pat in without any residue.
3. For tonight, cooking at home or eating out?
Heating up leftovers lol. Windchill is something like 0F right now, I am not going anywhere I don’t need to.
4. What foundation do you wear when you need your makeup to last?
Since I don’t wear foundation all the time, I only have two, and the one I wear when I need it to last (13 hours is probably my max in makeup) is Urban Decay Naked Skin. As long as I use primer, powder, and setting spray, it lasts well enough, lol.
5. Velvet or lace?
Hmm, I don’t know. Lace can be itchy but is gorgeous. Velvet is not really my thing. Sensory issues can be a drag. Eh, we’ll go with lace. I wear lace shawls a bunch, so it’s not entirely out of the ordinary for me.
Eileen says
November 11th, 2019 at 10:28 pm1. Black liquid liner or brown pencil liner? I really like your reasoning behind choosing a brown pencil, Karen, so I’ll say brown pencil, too.
2. Skincare products you put on your face this morning? First up was Tatcha’s Rice Polish Enzyme Cleanser in the Gentle formula followed by Bioderma’s Hydrabio toner. Next was a mixture of Jack Black Protein Booster Serum with Fresh Seaberry Skin Nutrition Booster. After that absorbed, I applied Tatcha’s Dewy Cream. Last, but definitely not least, was Jack Black Oil Free Sunscreen.
3. For tonight, cooking at home or eating out? I cooked an early dinner at home. I wanted to watch the CNN Town Hall with Biden which started at 6:00 pm here in California.
4. What foundation do you wear when you need your makeup to last? I don’t have a special foundation for that. I find my physical sunscreen acts as a primer and keeps my foundation du jour in place especially when I use a finely milled finishing powder like Clé de Peau’s. Mind you, I have dry skin and don’t have to worry about excessive oil causing my foundation to slip away.
5. Velvet or lace? I’ve always loved velvet for its soft, sensual feel.
Stephanie Smith says
November 12th, 2019 at 6:19 pm. Black liquid liner or brown pencil liner? Brown pencil liner. I’m not great at liquid liner, and I love black eyeliner on everyone except me.
2. Skincare products you put on your face this morning? The Ordinary Buffet serum and an SPF moisturizer from Olay I think.
3. For tonight, cooking at home or eating out? Cooking at home, in fact I’d better get on that. I prefer to cook at home, it’s cheaper and healthier, and the hubs has been doing dishes lately!
4. What foundation do you wear when you need your makeup to last? I hate foundation. Hate it. I totally prefer natural skin. It always looks like makeup and it rubs off, I just hate it. If I want a little coverage, I’ll wear a little Bare Minerals, but that’s it.
5. Velvet or lace? Hmmmm, I had a pair of velvet pants in high school, Class of ‘93!, and I still dream about them.