I understand that you’re not “technically” meant to curl your lashes after you apply your mascara, as well as that nearly everybody pooh-poohs the idea…but I do everything the time. as well as I vow that it absolutely works! You just have to be exceedingly careful.

I do it since my lashes are like small twigs, directly as well as thin, as well as they struggle to hold a curl when I utilize a lash curler, particularly when I couple that with a durable mascara formula, or one that just doesn’t have firm hold.

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When I do curl after mascara, a few things help…

Like making sure that my lashes are totally dry before I utilize the curler. That method the lashes don’t stick as much to the clamping surface.

I likewise — as well as I understand this seems silly however I’m just gonna state it anyway — provide El Hub or any individual within my instant vicinity a heads-up, like, “I’m curling my lashes now, so please don’t make any type of unexpected movements.”

It’s just that with the pranksters in my family, you never understand when someone’s going to jump out from behind a corner as well as go “Blaaa!”

It occurs a lot, as well as I’d rather noise a bit kooky than inadvertently rip out my lashes while I’m curling them…and that is a bigger danger when you curl them after applying mascara.

I’m likewise just very, extremely careful. I don’t press down as well difficult on the clamp, as well as I utilize easy, gentle pressure to prevent breaking lashes or pulling them out. I’m speaking extra, super-duper careful.

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I wouldn’t suggest this for everybody or say, “Oh, yeah, totally! This is the very best way!” however it’s just what I do, as well as for me it works.

A frequently debunked appeal myth/product that you vow really works?

Your friendly community appeal addict,

Karen

If Sonia Kashuk’s latest combination might talk, it would whisper wonderful nothings…to your lids.

“Hello, my darling. You’re looking lovely tonight.”

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“My, what lovely lashes you have. They’re so rich as well as curly.”

“In a word, stunning. You have the curviest crease I’ve ever seen.

In a mix of matte as well as shimmers, the six subtle white, beige as well as taupe shades that comprise Sonia’s wonderful Nothings Eye combination ($14.95) whisper a story about color.

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“We’re perfect for highlighting brow bones,” they say, “among our other talents.”

This wonderful nothing is looking for like at Target stores as well as on the internet at target.com.

Shh… Hush now.

The new MAC Red, Red, Red collection nail Lacquers ($10 each)
I’m undecided at the moment…but I think I’ve narrowed it down to one of the three shades in the new MAC Red, Red, Red collection (available now at Nordstrom for $10 each).

Down below on my nails that’s Rouge Combustion (#1 – the sparkly pinkish red); Red, Red, Red (#2 – the creamy orangey red); and Impassioned (#3 – the warm bright pink).

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What do you think?

My “trying to decide what to wear” swatches from my pointer finger down: 1) Rouge Combustion; 2) Red, Red, Red; and 3) Impassioned

What should I wear on mah nails?

1. Rouge Combustion

2. Red, Red, Red

3. Impassioned

4. Something else…

View Results

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MAC Red, Red, Red Collection nail Lacquers from my pointer finger down in Rouge Combustion; Red, Red, Red; and Impassioned
How ’bout you, babe? What are you wearing on your nails on this (most likely) cold and wintry morning?

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Your friendly neighborhood appeal addict,

Karen

P.S. TGIF!!!

Tony Moly and more at urban Outfitters
OK, a totally unexpected turn of beauty events happened at urban Outfitters last night.

And I wasn’t even expecting to walk in the store because, well, not gonna lie…sometimes that store stresses me out.

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My BFF Jen and I joke around about how we both walk through urban Outfitters with an ol’ biddy scowl because we can’t handle seeing all of the high-waisted ’90s clothes coming back in style.

IT BURNS MY EYES!

But that’s neither here nor there.

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Anyway, I was craving my favorite tostada salad from Blue Barn last night, so El Hub and I drove down to the Corte Madera mall. After the salad, which I would totally eat again right now for lunch if I could, we popped into urban Outfitters to peruse their weird books and cat stuff.

I have no idea when this happened, but their beauty section has gotten really interesting! They have a bunch of brands I’ve never seen anywhere else, like this cute Korean line called Tony Moly.

I mean, how could you NOT want to know what the panda on the Tony Moly Panda’s dream Eye makeup Eraser is saying??

I asked the gals on Instagram, and thanks to my pal Yeobocakes from Hawaii (SHOUT-OUT TO ALL THE local girls ON OAHU!), I’m told that said panda is saying, “An vital for the panda who wants to be a polar bear.”

Of course! It makes perfect sense now…

I may or may not have done a little beauty hauling.

By the way, the nice gal at the register mentioned that if you have the urban Outfitters app on your phone, you can scan it in the store and get 10% off beauty purchases right meow.

Tony Moly Panda’s dream Eye makeup Eraser, $14

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Tony Moly Cacao Hand Cream, $11

Tony Moly Fruit Hand Cream, $10

Tony Moly Fruit Hand Creams, $10
Tony Moly Panda’s dream Hand Cream, $11
Tony Moly at urban Outfitters
Kocostar Hair Therapy, $8
The Gnarly Whale beach Waves Hair Spray, $14
I don’t yet know if any of this stuff is any good…but I’ll know soon enough!

Sure is cute, though.

…and you walk out with a bag full of things you have deemed “necessities.”

The plan was to run in, get cotton swabs, as well as run out.

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I really go with these things quite fast. I utilize them to blend the edges of my eye makeup (especially liner on my bottom lash line), to apply lash glue to false lashes (I break them in half as well as utilize one of the damaged ends without the cotton swab), to repair the edges of my lipstick…so numerous things.

Since I was already there at Ulta, I figured I may also pick up a few other things I was likewise running low on…

And then came the other “Ah, may as well!” purchases, like a 1-inch barrel curling iron, which I’ve desired for a while to do tighter curls…

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And these false lashes by Eyelure, which were purchase one, get one 50% off…

And one NYX Jumbo Pencil in Milk (I like these as a base for bright eyeshadow).

Yup, I’ll be best in as well as out! just gotta get one thing. That’s what I always say…

only one long training run left before the half marathon next week! I think I finally got the chafing under control, thanks to the CW-X Running Bra and good old-fashioned Vaseline, and I’m going to try out the neat-looking Roo sport fitness Pouch, a small belt-less pouch with a magnetic fastener for carrying your cell phone, ID, credit report card and, in my case, two Tri Berry GU energy Gels, today on the treadmill.

But first! — Gilmore girls and giveaways.

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I am so hooked on that show it’s ridiculous. I don’t want to go anywhere or do anything else. I just want to sit on the couch viewing Gilmore girls and fantasize about living in the town of stars Hollow. I could have breakfast and coffee at Luke’s Diner and then go shop for makeup at stars Hollow charm Supply, LOL!

See, I told you. Ridiculous.

Well, that’s it for me. good luck in this weekend’s giveaway, and hopefully I see you in the comments or on Twitter and Instagram today. have a terrific caturday, my friend! good luck!

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One (1) Sephora eGift card including $50 sent to the winner by email (international readers, you may opt to receive $50 sent by PayPal instead).

Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.

Open to U.S. and international readers.

You should be 18 or older to enter (or otherwise an adult based on your local laws).

Your comment can be about anything at all, but here are some ideas if you’re stuck:

What’s your favorite fictional town (town from a TV show, book or movie)?

Have you ever painted a room or a piece of furniture yourself?

Best indie or up-and-coming makeup brand?

Are you going to dress up this year for Halloween? Do you have your costume figured out?

Have you ever slept on a waterbed?

Honestly, have you ever pet a penguin (I’d be amazed if anybody says yes to this!)?

You can enter in up to seven ways to increase your chances of winning.

The giveaway ends on Monday, October 13, 2014 at 11:59 PM (Pacific Time).

Full terms and conditions are available in the widget.

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

Your friendly neighborhood charm addict,

Karen

as well as by “gunk,” I indicate all of that nasty stuff that develops up between the teeth of your lash comb — the mascara, eye liner, eyeshadow, feline hair (don’t judge)…

I utilized to clean my lash comb with makeup wipes. I’d run them up as well as down the teeth of the comb to whisk away any type of gunky leftover makeup, as well as it worked well enough, I guess…because it got out a lot of of the gunk, however I’d still see bits as well as bobs method down in there between the teeth.

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I don’t do that anymore, though, since I’ve discovered a much better solution.

A toothbrush!

It hit me (the idea, not the toothbrush) after this publish about kitchen area tools. I was wondering exactly how the heck I was going to clean the small bit teeth on my new julienne tool, as well as Sandra, one of the gals who comments on MBB (hi, Sandra!), pointed out that toothbrushes are excellent for getting in between small spaces.

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Hmm…

If they’re great sufficient to clean julienne tools, why not lash combs?

So I grabbed a crusty lash comb (ewww… TMI, I know), an additional toothbrush that I had in my shower room cupboard as well as some eye makeup remover. then I wet the toothbrush head with the makeup cleaner as well as cleaned my lash comb with it, just like I clean my teeth. Up as well as down, left as well as right, as well as around in bit circles.

Voila! It eliminated every last morsel of leftover makeup — including the stuff stuck between the teeth.

Note: if you try this at home, I suggest utilizing a toothbrush with rigid bristles.

And, obvs, please don’t reuse the exact same toothbrush to clean your teeth (gross, dude!).

Oh! This likewise works well with gnarly brow combs.

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Your friendly community appeal addict,

Karen

P.S. delighted Thursday, my friend. exactly how are things going today?

5 things You should understand about MAC Upward Lash Mascara ($22)

You may feel compelled to say, “ONWARD as well as UPWARD!” to your lashes every time you open the tube — as well as yes, it is completely typical to talk to your lashes (well…).

The compact clean may remind you of other compact things, like kittens! You may even begin to think, “Hey! I should get one more kitten or two, or 12.”

The glossy black surface makes my lashes look precisely like the fur of this black feline in my community that I’ve been trying to befriend for, like, ages. Bribing the community cats with treats usually works, however this feline is smart to my tricks.
Oh, well. Sooner or later, I’ll wear her down.

Your (and by “your” I mean “my”) present MAC mascara love, prolonged Play Gigablack Lash, will begin to question if your three-year like affair is over since you haven’t reached for it in days.
Reassure it by stroking it gently. try not to look like a pervert.

Friends may error your tube of Upward Lash for an XXL tube of MAC Lipstick, since doesn’t it look like one?!
OMG! Can you imagine?

Anyway, feel free to toy with their emotions by saying, “Yes, it’s a giant tube of MAC woman Danger.”

MAC Upward Lash Mascara ($22)
The nitty-gritty details about MAC Upward Lash

The latest mascara to be added to the MAC long-term line, it’s $22 as well as offered now on the internet as well as at MAC stores as well as counters in a single shade called Upward Black.

It does it all, quickly adding remarkable lift, volume, curl as well as separation while providing lashes a glossy, black finish.

The clean head is weird! It’s little — about half the size of a basic mascara clean head — as well as the bristles are nubby as well as spiky like Chanel le volume de Chanel, only smaller.
WARNING: Be cautious not to poke your eye out (I almost did the very first couple times).

It’s a fantastic mascara for quick length as well as volume, particularly at the base. Lashes begin thicker at the roots as well as taper out, looking long, stretched as well as lifted, as well as it only takes one coat. The results are that dramatic.
But the thing is, the clean isn’t perfect for getting great lash separation. It likes to herd my lashes into groups of two or three, resulting in spiky lashes, as opposed to extremely separated lashes that look like a feather.

The very first few times I ran this mascara with my lashes, the clean touched the skin behind my lashes as well as left a great deal of product on my lids, so you may want to location an index card or a finger back there while you method as well as get utilized to it.

The formula is simple to remove, as well as I haven’t noticed any type of flaking or smudging.

I such as this mascara. I do. The look is bold, remarkable as well as fast, in that I don’t have to sit there applying layer upon layer…

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The only thing is the brush… It’s different, so while you’re getting utilized to it, it may leave a little mess behind. If you like spiky lash looks that are dark as well as glossy with great deals of length, lift as well as volume, provide MAC Upward Lash a try.

PRICE: $22
AVAILABILITY: Permanent, as well as offered now on the internet as well as at MAC stores as well as counters
MAKEUP as well as beauty blog RATING: B/B+ (I’m partial to lashes that look more feathery, however sometimes I like spiky lashes too)

Your friendly community beauty addict,

Karen

From the left: Coral, Violet and Magenta
If you’re matte as hell, and you’re not gonna take it anymore! — and by “it,” I indicate lipsticks with a flat matte finish, then check out LORAC’s line of long-wearing pro Matte Lip colors ($16 each).

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Available in 12 shades that range from nude to vibrant, they’re incredibly fancy-schmancy. They have a lovely, finessed matte finish that looks like a plush piece of expensive velvet, and a twist-up pencil idea that makes them easy to use for lining and filling in your lips.

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The three I’ve tried — Coral, Violet and Magenta — easily last through drinks and snacks. wear time is excellent.

Look for the pro Matte Lip colors now at LORAC counters and online.

From the left: Coral, Violet and Magenta

Swatches clockwise from the bottom: Magenta, Coral and Violet

wearing the new Giorgio Armani fall 2014 fade to Grey Eyeshadow Palette, $88 (!)
Words one does not expect to hear at a Giorgio Armani appeal counter: “Where’s, like, the dollar menu?”

Because everything is pricey! — like this new $88 eye palette from Giorgio Armani’s fade to Grey fall 2014 collection.

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That’s a lot of glow, yo.

The sleek, elegant black packaging houses two absolutely stunning eye luminous shimmer shadows, side by side — one, a warm, shimmery golden peach, and the other a purply taupe-ish grey.

On lids, these shadows are like Buzz Lightyear, reflecting light to infinity and beyond. The incredibly shiny finish makes my eyes look BIG, doe-eyed and bright, and the effect is even a lot more pronounced when I incorporate a dramatic mascara, like Armani’s new Black Ecstasy, which I’m wearing here.

With a MAC Lipglass for scale
I’m also wearing Giorgio Armani Cheek fabric in Daybreak on my cheeks and NARS velvet Lip Pencil in Anse Soleil on my lips
When I’m wearing these shadows, because of how shiny and shimmery they are, I feel like I must also wear something matte to balance things out, add depth and keep things interesting. For these pics, that’s a matte warm brown, which I’m wearing in my crease.

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Without that matte, I dunno… I just feel like the shimmer is a little much, you know?

PRICE: $88
AVAILABILITY: available now online and at Giorgio Armani appeal counters
MAKEUP and appeal blog RATING: B+ (Ouch! That price though.)

Your friendly neighborhood appeal addict,

Karen