Source: makeupandbeautyblog.com

watch mad max beyond thunderdome in divx Today I got all science fair on my MAC Fresh Green Mix Eye Shadow Duo, swirling the two shades together and working with a combination of wet and dry brushes to create this look.

Get up in Fresh Green’s Mix

For this look, I thought it would help to prime my lids with a color close to my natural skin tone. I chose MAC Paint Pot in Layin’ Low.

The final color I wanted was a combination of both shades in the Fresh Green Mix duo, so I mixed them together with Sonia Kashuk’s Large Eye Shadow Brush.

Then, I swiped the brush against the back of my hand to unload some excess shadow before using it to apply the new color to my lid area and just into the crease.

With a bottle of MAC Fix+ to make the shadow color more radiant, I wet a MAC 239 brush and swirled it around in the pan to load it with shadow. I applied the color to the area closest to my lash line. I wanted the green to look like it’s fading as it travels from the lash line up into the crease.

Next, I added MAC Alum, a shade of grey, into the crease using a MAC 217 — a soft, fluffy blending brush fabulous for both applying and blending color.

• download black sheep online

Following MAC Alum, I dusted the pink from Dior’s Earth Tones palette onto the brow bone to contrast with the grey.

I don’t always get enough sleep and didn’t last night, so I added MAC Vex in the inner corners of my eyes. It’s a good brightener. If you don’t already own it, then hustle your booty to the MAC counter ASAP. It’s a super pretty shade and seems to change colors in the light, flashing from pink to grey to green.

To further define my eyes, I lined the lower lash line with a grey pencil liner, in this case MAC Dig It Eye Kohl.

I wrapped it up with two coats of shadow and was out the door!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Source: makeupandbeautyblog.com

More Holiday Wish List 2007 – Elizabeth Arden Mediterranean Perfume

It’s been months since I’ve gone surfing and I miss being in the ocean. Just looking at the blue packaging and bottle for Elizabeth Arden’s Mediterranean perfume makes me feel like I’m in Hawaii, sitting on my board and waiting for the next wave to come and carry me away.

Aside from the beautiful bottle and packaging, the best part about this perfume is that the scent isn’t too heavy or cloying. Mediterranean is described on the Elizabeth Arden Web site as a “radiant woody floral.” Imagine a hybrid between the best parts of Fresh’s Lemon Sugar perfume and Covet.

When I spray it on I get an initial burst that’s lemony and white floral. It then dries down to a light, black tea scent. On me Mediterranean smells gender neutral and not overly feminine or sweet.

If you have a girlfriend, sister or mom who likes perfumes that aren’t too sweet then she’ll love this. It would also be a great gift for a friend who loves beachy scents but doesn’t like strong “tropical” notes like pikake or tuberose.

The 1.7 fl oz bottle you see in the pic above is $47.50, but for the holidays Elizabeth Arden’s got a special set that includes the 1.7 fl oz Eau de Parfum Spray, Body Lotion and a wee Eau de Parfum replica for $52.00. Don’t you love the extra goodies in gifts sets? I sure do.

A Holiday 2007 Face of the Day with Clinique’s “Happy & Bright” Makeup

Here’s a face of the day I did with Clinique’s Holiday 2007 “Happy & Bright” makeup. What do you think?

I used the pink shade farthest on the left all over the lid, then the peach shade to highlight the browbone and inner eye. I put the lighter brown shade in the crease and used the darker brown on the far right to line the top and bottom. Then I finished it off with two coats of BECCA The Ultimate Mascara in Black.

On the cheeks I used the lightest touch of MAC’s Dollymix blush with Clinique Fresh Bloom Allover Colour in Peony layered on top.

I finished the look off with Raspberry Glace Different Lipstick and Camisole Full Potential Lipglass on the lips.

I really love these colors. They are buildable and pretty much mistake proof. My next Clinique Holiday 2007 mission: use the Pink Truffle quad to create a gentle smoky eye!

Weekend Reading Just For You

Your weekend isn’t over yet! Here’s the latest beauty buzz from The Beauty Blog Network.

15 Minute Beauty Fanatic – Christine Explains how Antioxidants Work
A Touch of Blusher – All About Japanese Cosmetics
All Lacquered Up - All Lacquered Up Reviews OPI’s Holiday in Hollywood Dazzling Darks & Neutrals
Beauty and Fashion Tech – Beauty and Fashion Tech Looks at the New MAC Holiday Collection and Provides Swatches
Beauty and Personality Grooming – Homemade rich nail cream
Etailers Mall – The Blog – PlumSmoke
Face Candy – Bridal Beauty
Makeup Moxie’s Beauty Blog - Makeup Moxie Reviews Cover Girl Lashblast Mascara
Musings of a Muse - The Muse’s First Look at the Sephora 2007 Catalog
Mystical Beauty’s Musings – How do you feel about your makeup talking to you?
Savvy Skin - Skimpy Thinning Eyebrows
SugarShock – Fragrance Notes: Factory Girl
Temptalia - MAC Curiositease Review, Swatches, and Photos!
Makeup Loves Me - Refreshing Facial at Fresh

And oooh girl, I know you didn’t miss Makeup and Beauty Blog’s MAC Holiday 2007 Curiositease Lip Sets: What to buy, What to pass up!

A Few More Random Thangs Currently Up in My Grill

Because the world is constantly moving toward randomness…here are few tidbits that have crossed my radar in the last few days.

In definance to all the laws of the universe, somehow Christian Bale came SECOND PLACE to Wentworth Miller in Entertainment Weekly’s Ultimate Hottie Poll, BOO!

That’s okay, I’ll comfort you, Chris

I saw this kid dancing on “The Soup” and I laughed for about 10 minutes straight. I kept rewinding and laughing, rewinding and laughing. He’s my hero.

Not that I need any more TV in my life, but Torchwood on BBC is FANTASTIC. Tivo it, yo!


What’s My Motivation?

Today I was in an infinitely better mood then yesterday because last night I slept twelve hours. No joke. Every moment of sleep was like manna from the heavens. Ahhhh!

In between working it out at the gym and watching the Colts and Patriots game (that Tom Brady is HAWT!) I thought of all the stuff I have to get done this week that I just don’t want to do.

“Hmmm,” I thought, “What’s the ultimate form of motivation? What’s gonna make me want to go the extra mile to get all this craptacular crapola done?”

The answer? C to the H to the A to the N to the E to the L.

The reward for finishing my first project…

And the second…

And the third…

The moral of this story? A little Chanel bribery goes a long, long way.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Source: makeupandbeautyblog.com

Curiositease, Part Deux!

I hate to be your pusher but you know you love it, you need it, you want it… okay get your mind out of the gutter, dirty birdy. I’m talking about the MAC Curiositease Holiday 2007 collection, which drops on November 15. If you’ve got some holiday shopping to do, then put the Softsparkle Eye Pencils, Warm Pigments and Glitter and Cool Pigments and Glitter sets on your list!

A Fab Gift For Your Teenager or Your Fave Party Girl

Got a teenage daughter, a girlfriend who loves to hit the clubs or a fellow makeup junkie that can’t get enough sparkle? These sets are great gifts for the glitter girl in your life!

If you really want the rad mom o’ the year award spring for *both* the warm and cool Pigment and Glitter sets. Each $29.50 set contains five jars of Pigment and Glitter. Don’t be put off by the small jars, because there is plenty of product here (a lil’ bit of pigment goes a long way). Buy both sets and your lucky girl will get a good amount of product, 10 colors to work with, and two pretty keepsake containers to store them in.

Still rocking it out at the club? You need your wing-woman to look as cute as you, so give your best clubbing buddy the Softsparkle Eye Pencils ($29.50), which are perfect for your late nights on the town together. The five pencils are all wrapped up in cute Curiositease packaging. Just put a bow on top and then give that bad boy to her!

MAC Curiositease 5 Softsparkle Eye Pencils – $29.50

MAC Curiositease 5 Warm Pigments and Glitter

MAC Curiositease 5 Cool Pigments and Glitter

I Don’t Shop at Wet Seal Anymore, Yo

I like these sets but don’t love them as much as the Curiositease Lipglass and Lustreglass sets. My biggest issue is that it’s too sparkle motion for my 32-year old ass. I’m bitter, I don’t wear midriff-bearing shirts and I have not purchased anything from Wet Seal since the 90s. Glitter in large doses does not speak to my soul. (I’m just kidding about the bitter part. Kind of.)

Anyway, if you’re thinking about purchasing one of the sets for yourself then I’d recommend the Cool Pigment and Glitter set. The colors were the most exciting and vibrant, especially Forest Green and Naval Blue.

Today is a WONDERFUL FRIDAY! It’s my first day off in two weeks, no joke. I spent the day writing, relaxing, and I even had the chance to go to yoga class, hooray! I really do hope that on this gorgeous afternoon you get the chance to go out, soak up some sun and work what your momma gave you.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Source: makeupandbeautyblog.com

Okay, ladies (and gents). Here’s the first of several upcoming posts featuring MAC Holiday 2007. Are you ready for this jelly?

The two-minute skinny on MAC’s Curiositease Limited Edition lip collections for Holiday 2007:

If you’re looking to *ahem* economize, then skip the Plushglass set. The Plushglasses are lip plumpers, which means tingly, which means OUCH! I don’t wear plumpers because I haven’t got time for the pain, and I haven’t got room for the pain. Plus, the Plushglasses are much more sheer than the Lipglasses and Lustreglasses, and it takes more work to get a good pop of color.

If given the choice of only one set I’d go with the 5 Warm over the 5 Cool Lipglass and Lustreglass set. The warm colors are easier to wear by themselves, and both the Lipglasses and Lustreglass formulations have fab color payoff. (Plus, they don’t sting my lips like bees, oy!) The only difference between the two is that the Lustreglasses feel slightly thinner to me and have a brush, not a doe foot applicator. I especially hearted Bada Boom and Pink Grapefruit in this set! Trust me. Your lips will heart them too.

Each is $29.50 USD and they drop on November 15th. Mark your calendars!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

5 Plushglass – $29.50

5 Cool Lipglass and Lustreglass – $29.50

5 Warm Lipglass and Lustreglass – $29.50

Source: makeupandbeautyblog.com

Trick or Treat! This year I’m the short, brown, non-alcoholic version of AMY WINEHOUSE.

Here’s what I used to get the look:

Eyes:
MAC Blacktrack Fluidline (LOTS AND LOTS OF IT!)
MAC Plushlash in Plushblack
MAC Shadow in Woodwinked all over lid
MAC Concrete in brows
MAC Select Moisturecover Concealer

Cheeks:
MAC Mocha blush
MAC Dollymix blush

Lips:
MAC Cremestick liner in Red Enriched
MAC Lipstick in Dubonnet

Hair:
Garnier Fructis Full Control Hairspray
Streekers Instant Liquid Hairclolor in Yellow

I haven’t done big hair in about 15 years so I hope that this massive bird’s nest on top of my head stays put for the rest of the day.

What did you dress up as? Whatever it is I hope it’s cute!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. I gotta give some blog love to my husband (aka El Hub), who, in an ironic twist of fate, is at the dentist having his first cavities drilled today! Be strong, baby!

Source: makeupandbeautyblog.com

Taking it Back to the Old School

Sometimes it’s fun to visit your roots. I’m feeling nostalgic today, so here’s a compilation of a few classic Makeup and Beauty Blog posts.

Work those high heels at the club with these Tips for Making High Heels Comfortable.

Got lash envy? Here are a few MAC tips and tricks for perfect lashes.

A little self-promotion never hurts.

It’s time to start Christmas shopping. Pick up a few gifts for your family, then pick up a few MAC Favorites from Allure Magazine’s Reader’s Choice Awards for your bad self.

Remember MAC Sheer Mystery Powder?

Ha! I actually brought a tube of Rimmel After Dark Lipglass to the club last night.

The Beauty Blog Network Hotties are in the House

But wait! There’s more beauty to be had with the best o’ the week from The Beauty Blog Network!

15 Minute Beauty Fanatic – Christine Tries out Sara Happ’s Lip Scrub
A Touch of Blusher – Foundation Face-Off: Chanel & SUQQU
All Lacquered Up – Check out Essie’s Winter Collection Before It Hits Stores
Beauty and Fashion Tech – Beauty and Fashion Tech Looks at the New MAC Holiday Collection and Provides Swatches
Beauty and Personality Grooming – Facial scrubs for dry skin
Elke Von Freudenberg – Elke finally (gulp) loves pink lipstick
Etailers Mall, The Blog – Sarah features the Deadly Kiss Choker from After Dark Jewelry.
Makeup Moxie – Customized Clinique Happy Photo Bottles
Musings of a Muse – MAC Formal Black 2006 vs MAC Antiquitease 2007 with Photos and Comparisons
Mystical Beauty’s Musings – The Body Perfumery Gloss Me! Hair Serum Review
Savvy Skin – Laser Hair Removal – Worth Another Chance?
Temptalia - Antiquitease: Royal Assets & Heirlooms Review & Swatches
The Life of A Ladybug - Toya’s ode to Kevyn Aucoin
Makeup Loves Me – Lancome’s Color Fever Gloss in Volcanic Pink
And just in case you missed it (oh no you didn’t) my post from earlier in the week covering Makeup Trends from LA Fashion Week and Tips from Smashbox Makeup Artist Lori Taylor.

Booty Short Stress

I report with a touch of sadness that last night’s pole dance class did not happen. Our instructor never showed up (BOO) so all of my booty short stress was all for naught. We ended up going to get suishi and then to a club called Suede. For the record, it’s hard to dance with cat ears on.

Club cuties

How was your Saturday night? Did you go to any pre-Halloween parties? ‘Twas a fun night but now I’m exhasuted. I think I’m gonna chill out for the rest of the day.

Enjoy your Sunday!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Source: talkingmakeup.com

This season MAC Cosmetics Kids Helping Kids program brings to us greeting cards, gift cards, and wrapping paper designed by MAC’s young artists.  Everything you need for seasonal greeting!

Proceeds from sales of MAC Holiday Kids Helping Kids collection will go to MAC AIDS Fund to help support pediatric AIDS organizations around the world.  Available at all MAC locations from November 15.  Cost: $6-$10. 

Source: talkingmakeup.com

MAC is just a genius in coming up with amazing makeup collections in such a short period.  Is this why we are so in love with MAC?  The new MAC Royal Assets takes us a bit back in time with its gilded antique-inspired compacts, destined to become collectors items. 

You can find two type of gilded compacts in this collections: silver compact with cream porcelain plaque royal crown motif and gold compact with cream porcelain plaque royal crown motif.  MAC Royal assets is available from October 18 in all MAC locations, $22.50-$36. MAC Royal Assets Makeup Collection includes the following goodies:

Royal Assets: 6 Cool Eyes
Royal Assets: 6 Smokey Eyes
Royal Assets: 6 Warm Eyes
Royal Assets: 6 Metallic Eyes
Royal Assets: 3 Pink Lips
Royal Assets: 3 Red Lips
Royal Assets: 3 Tan Lips
Royal Assets: 3 Coral Lips,
  

Source: makeupandbeautyblog.com

Hell-to-the-Yah! #1: Uppity Fluidline from the MAC Antiquitease Limited Edition Collection

Everyone and their mamma is buzzing about the Antiquitease release, and for good reason. It’s sparkly. It’s pretty. And it reminds me of the Solid Gold Dancers.

Even though I’ve been hopelessly devoted to Blacktrack for the last three months, I find myself jonsing for the gold colored Fluidline, Uppity (yellow gold with gold pearl). Why do I need gold eyeliner? Where will I wear gold eyeliner? These questions are irrelevant. I can’t wait to dip my 209 into this. I think that it just might be better than eating a dozen hot, fresh Krispy Kreme doughnuts. Maybe.

Hell-to-Yah! #2: Mission: KIMMORA LEE SIMMONS

I see dead people … okay not really. I see fried chicken. And Kimora Lee Simmons.

The other night I got about 2.5 seconds of sleep because I had a burst of creative energy between 11:00 and 3:00 am. I usually have fleeting creative moments in the shower or when I’m brushing my teeth (weird, I know), so when it comes on full blast I cannot deny its siren call.

At 2:15, just as I was in the middle of brainstorming story ideas, I hallucinated a plate of Kentucky Fried Chicken, complete the with biscuits, mashed potatoes and gravy and that weird but tasty sweet corn. Then I had a very clear, very precise revelation:

Someday, somehow I am going to meet KIMORA LEE SIMMONS. And I’m going to interview her.

I’ve caught a few episodes of her show, Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane this past week and for some reason I just think she’s kinda cool.

Sure she makes unrealistic demands on her people and seems to always be on the verge of bitching someone out. But I see her as having vision and not settling for less. And have you seen her closet? I’d consider giving up my firstborn up for the shoes and Louis Vuitton luggage alone.

I don’t know when it’s going to happen or how I’m going to do it but this is now one of my missions in life.

Kimora, watch out, girl! One of these days we’ll be talkin’ shop!

Hell-to-the-Yah! #3: Brown Round Toe Boots by Rebels

After searching high and low, I finally found a pair of boots that truly move my soul. I saw these brown Rebel boots on Zappos and I knew from the first glance that they were the boots for me…sigh! Whether or not they are practical in the rain remains to be determined. But who cares, they’re hot. I love you Zappos!

Hell-to-the-Yah #4: Halloween!

Out of the fall holiday trifecta (Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas) my favorite of the bunch is Halloween. It’s fun, non-denominational and of course, there is the gorging of the candy. Mmmm, Snickers.

This year I’m going to dress up as the hot mess chanteuse known as Amy Winehouse. I’ve got the beehive hair and cat eye covered but the tattoos, well…that’s an issue where I’m still working out. Hopefully I’ll find a bunch of cool temporary ones at the Halloween store this weekend.

Are you dressing up this year? What’s your costume?

Hell-to-the-Yah #5: Feeding My Inner Beast O’ Laziness … with Anti-bacterial Wet Ones

The fab makeup artist to the stars and Billy B. gave me my newest favorite makeup tip. When he’s working on several clients he’ll wipe his brushes between gigs with Anti-Bacterial Wet Ones wipes, which clean and disinfect brushes quickly and thoroughly and don’t leave a weird film on the brush heads.

And holy effing crap! These wipes are like gold for cleaning your brushes. If you don’t always have the time to do a thorough brush cleaning at the sink (or if you’ve got lazy beast tendencies like your truly) then these will save you from a life of dirty birdy brushes.

Woo hoo! We made it! Sometimes I think that we should all get an award for just making it to Friday without losing our minds. Now if only that reward involved copious amounts of Chanel …

Have a fantastic weekend! Drive safe in this rain, okay?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Source: makeupandbeautyblog.com

Newest MAC Obsession: Cremestick Liners

Product: MAC Cremestick liners
Use: A long lasting, retractable lip, creamy lip liner
Price: $14.00
Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A+

MAC Cremestick liners, where have you been all of my lipgloss life?

For many years I thought Subculture was the epitome of all lip liners. Little did I know there were other kinder, gentler options like Pink Treat, Honey B. and Beurre.

Cremestick liners …

- Glide on smoothly
- Don’t tug on my lips
- Are rich and highly pigmented
- Don’t dry out my lips
- Are easy to use and are great for really getting into the lip corners
- Are retractable so they don’t have to be sharpened (“YES!” says the lazy beast beauty blogger!)

Pink Treat, a recommendation from my girl Christine from Temptalia.com, is my favorite out of the three, followed by Honey B. next and then Beurre last.

I like combo-ing Pink Treat with Soft & Slow lipglass (a soft rose with gold pearl from the Smoke Signals collection) and have been using this on my lips every day for the last week.

It’s an easy, natural and pretty pink lip for minimum makeup days:

- Line with Pink Treat Cremestick liner, making sure to define the corners of the lips to get good definition
- Soften the line with your fingertip (or a lipbrush, whichever is handy)
- Apply 1 coat of Soft & Slow lipglass
- Run out the door!

I am looking forward to adding more Cremestick liners to my collection. On my wish list right now are:

- Mother Pearl (sheer yellow gold)
- Softwood (coral-brown)
- Gingerroot (flesh pink)

Are you a Cremestick fan? What’s your favorite combo?

Ease My Pain, Please! Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Working with MAC Matte2 Shadows and Mattene

MAC Senior artist and all around makeup p.i.m.p. Louise Zizzo always hooks me up with the best MAC tricks.

After bemoaning my Matte2 application misery she offered the following tips for working with the shadows and Mattene lipsticks. She even offered fave her combos, too. Rock on, Louise. Rock on.

Matte2 101: Louise Saves Me From Myself

What shadow bases can you recommend using with Matte2 shadows which will keep the matte texture (while minimizing glitter/sparkle) on the eye but still give a good base to grab the color?

These Shadows are amazing because they are extremely silky which means they do grab easily to the skin, I have found the paint pots in neutral shades and no frost or simply concealor dusted over with powder.

Many of us who remember matte shadows from the 90s recall having a difficult time blending. Can you please give a few of your favorite blending tips when working with Matte2?

The key is to make sure when ever you are using these shadows or any matte shadows is you need to make sure you have a nice powdery base to put them on other wise they will grab patchy. I really recommend using softer brushes to apply these like the #224 and gradually build up to the intensity you desire, don’t press hard use a light touch and these look absolutely amazing.

Can you recommend an easy day eye look for makeup novices who want to use Matte2 shadows?

Oh my gosh the best everyday combo…
Base – Blanc Type
Crease – Tete-A-Tint
Liner – Handwritten ( you can also use this to deepen the crease in the corner)

Work that Mattene 101: Louise Breaks it Down

What is your favorite neutral color lip/eye combo with the Mattene and Matte2?

The above shadow combo and then I love, Flattering with spice lip pencil

How about your favorite bright combo lip/eye combo?

I love the cherry red lip and classic eye using…

Lips – Cherry pencil & Classic Dame
Eyes – Blanc Type – Tete-A-Tint and Black Track Fluid Line

Also I have to add my favorite smokey eye combo

Eye Lid- Satin Taupe
Brow Highlight – Blanc Type
Crease – Handwritten and a touch of Typographic in the corner
Smoulder on the inner rim of eye
Lots and Lots of Plush Lash in Black

Do you prep the lips with anything before using Mattene?

No need because they glide on like silk!

If you have problems with bleeding my fool proof and must have product is the clear brow finisher used around the edge of the lips, it works wonders.

Midget MAC LIVES!

There’s something about this season of I LOVE NY 2 that begs for serious print diarrhea.

As usual, my hydrophobic homeboy MIDGET MAC comes through once again. Despite his inability to swim, he managed to survive a brush with death (via a defective frog floatie) and even wins a date with Miss NY!

That dumb-ass Tailor Made!

I gotta admit that he did work it when he brought NY those shoes. I’d be won over by a man bearing a pair of Manolos. I can’t lie; I’m easy that way.

I liked how his ex said that he was a workaholic, because I admire a man with a strong work ethic. However, I can’t stand anyone who would let me trample all over them, and Tailor Made has DOORMAT written all over his moisturizing mask face.

And last but not least, there’s IT. Words cannot express how I feel about this fool. Isn’t his mamma ashamed? RUN, NEW YORK, RUN!

The rain continues on here today and so of course does the boot shopping. I’m still looking for a pair of cute rain boots and the quest hasn’t been easy. Oh Zappos! Be good to me!

Anyway, aren’t you glad it’s Wednesday? We’re that much closer to Friday! How’s your day been so far? Have you been productive? Are ya slacking? Whatever you’re doing I hope that it’s getting you closer to your goals.

Stay dry…

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen