My biggest makeup/beauty achievement was lastly getting back into makeup after not being extremely thinking about it throughout most of 2016, as well as also, with that, figuring out that I might do my makeup in a fairly short amount of time (it is possible!).

Because prior to last year, I’d always had it in my head that in order to do gorgeous makeup — as well as I understand that gorgeous is a subjective term — however in order to do amazing brows, eyes, base makeup as well as lips, it had to be this complicated, time-consuming process that needed two hours at a minimum, since that’s exactly how long it always took me.

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But early last year I checked out something by Sir John (@sirjohnofficial), who’s one of my makeup heroes. He does these understated, elegantly natural however simultaneously glam looks that strike my mind, as well as he stated that one of the things that assisted his occupation early on was the truth that he was quick as well as might get makeup on the designs extremely quickly.

So, basically, every time I put on makeup last year, I provided myself 15-20 min max to do whatever the look was, whether it was something fundamental to go to the library for story time, or glam with lashes as well as everything. I provided myself 20 minutes, as well as that was my cutoff.

I discovered that I still have a great deal to learn, however now I can do a great deal of makeup in 20 minutes. much more than I might before.

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A few things truly helped. The very first thing, as well as I believe it’s the biggest thing, is that I discovered to look for chances to integrate products, as well as to view products perhaps in a method that you don’t usually see them traditionally utilized in YouTube videos, where it’s all step by step, where you do foundation first, then you do concealer, then powder, as well as you put whatever around your face.

So now when I want to wear heavier coverage, sometimes I’ll mix my concealer into my foundation to save myself a step, instead of applying them both separately.

Also, I discovered that bronzer is surprisingly flexible. I discovered that I can just utilize bronzer on my cheeks to warm up my skin, add some structure, even though I’m not a huge contouring person, as well as then I can avoid the blush. Bronzer goes a long way, as well as I likewise embraced utilizing bronzer as a crease color, which I understand I’ve talked about before, as well as MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in provide Me Sun! is my present fave as well as has been for a long time. They have a satin finish, so they show some light as well as don’t look flat, which likewise means that you don’t have to spend permanently as well as a day blending them, as well as they don’t look super powdery or heavy. Plus, a pan will last you FOREVER. I’ve had my pan of provide Me Sun! for years, as well as I’ve barely put a dent in it.

Hourglass likewise makes one called hourglass Ambient illumination Bronzer in Radiant Light that’s a small bit shinier than the MAC Mineralize Skinfinishes, so when I want to look additional glow-y as well as healthy, that’s the bronzer I use.

Also in the time-saving vein, however with a great deal of complex looks, gradients are a huge offer — the shifts from one color into the next, light to dark, that type of thing. A great deal of the time, you’ll see them done utilizing a multi-step process, with great deals of private eyeshadows seamlessly mixed into each other. One thing I discovered last year as well as do all the time now is that you can utilize the exact same black pencil that you tightline with, as well as run it along the top of your lash line… I only do it halfway, from the outer corner to the midpoint. I’ll do a thin line — not as well much, since if I do as well much, it’s as well much to contend with. then I’ll smudge the edges with a brush. Then, I’ll take a cream shadow or a creamy pencil in a different color — something lighter, like a taupe, gold or bronze — as well as do a thick line all the method across the top lash line, from the inner corner to the outer corner, so it’s layered on top of that black. then I’ll blend whatever together with my finger, as well as I’ll have that look of that gradient without a great deal of challenging doohickery.

Note: If you aren’t a neutrals person, you can likewise do this with colors. Like, you might do a darker purple for your liners, as well as then a lighter purple for your cream, so black doesn’t have to be in the picture. It’s more about the idea of utilizing a darker liner with a lighter, creamier pencil or eyeshadow.

What are you biggest appeal goals for 2018?

I’m still nowhere close to being Sir John, however I would like to be able to do my own level of glam looks in theexact same amount of time he can do his.

Oh, gosh, I’ve tried it a few times… I can’t do it yet, however that doesn’t mean I can’t get there. I want to be able to do the looks he does on stars as well as posts on Instagram, however I want to do them on myself in 20 minutes, haha.

I don’t understand if that’s possible. That’s a superhuman amount of time, however perhaps 30 minutes? I want to be able to do appears like that in 30 minutes (!). That’s one of my goals for 2018.

I likewise want to discover exactly how to do some different hairstyles, instead of always falling back on the exact same beachy waves, like perhaps more things with braids… That’s all I have on that a person so far.

Oh, as well as this one’s so minor, however I’ve never been able to work it out. I’d like to figure out exactly how to apply private false lashes (it’s truly hard!), since I prefer the look. I believe it looks more natural than doing a full strip. I’ve attempted it before (and I failed, LOL!). I don’t understand what I’m doing wrong, so that’s one of the things I want to figure out.

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How about you? What was your biggest makeup/beauty achievement of 2017, as well as what are your biggest appeal goals for 2018?

Your friendly community appeal addict,

Karen

All four shades from the collection on my nails… new trend? No.
I feel the requirement to talk about some nail polish today, so let’s talk about this adorable collection, Essie resort 2016.

If you understood me a couple of years ago, you most likely would have understood about my outrageous polish addiction. Like, the addiction was real. I had a shelf covered with hundreds — yes, hundreds — of bottles.

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I’ve because downsized to my present nail polish collection, however those were the days… I would paint my nails a different color practically everyday of the week, not even kidding. I even got truly great at design, however alas, infants came as well as time got short, as well as sleep ended up being much more important.

The Essie resort 2016 Collection
I am so, so ashamed to admit that I’ve only painted my nails perhaps when over the last six months (!). That is just ree-dic as well as so unlike me, so when my finest good friend texted me the other day to go get my nails finished with her, I jumped at the chance.

I likewise did something truly different — I got acrylics! — as well as had them do the almond shape. I’ve always admired almond shaped nails however never believed to try them myself. Turns out, I like them! There’s just something so feminine about long nails, although I am having the hardest time typing this post. You win some, you lose some, I guess.

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In honor of my new nails, I’m using the new Essie resort Collection for 2016.

All of these colors are so up my alley. I’ve never, ever been one to timid away from bright colors. In fact, they’re what I gravitate toward, as well as these are gorgeous! as well as really quite unique!

Normally when I get new nail polish colors the ones I choose to get aren’t as well special compared to the polishes I already have, however a few of these are distinct as well as unlike anything I own.

From delegated right: Taj-Ma-Haul, Dehli Dance, Going Guru, Nama-Stay The Night

These all have a cream finish, implying that there’s no shimmer in them, which makes them even much more ideal for summer, as well as they’re offered now for $8.50 apiece.

Let’s review the particular colors now as well as exactly how they apply!

Going Guru

Going Guru
Going Guru is one of those distinct shades I was speaking about. There are lots of minty eco-friendlies out there, however this isn’t one of them. It’s much more of a pastel green, much more yellow-y than blue, as well as I like it. It’s very fresh as well as different, however the formula is a bit iffy on this one. It’s quite sheer as well as takes at least three coats for an opaque finish, however it’s nothing that can’t be worked around.

Taj-Ma-Haul

Taj-Ma-Haul
Unique shade #2 right here — Taj-Ma-Haul is a truly great soft terracotta orange. It’s something so different as well as would look remarkable on anyone. It’s bright as well as fun without being as well crazy, ya know? The formula’s likewise great. two coats as well as you are covered.

Dehli Dance

Dehli Dance

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Dehli dance is a creamy bubblegum pink. in some cases I see blue undertones in it, however other times I practically see a bit of coral. I believe this would look remarkable on toes with a adorable pair of sandals! The formula is common as well. It just takes two coats!

Nama-Stay The Night

Nama-Stay The Night
Okay, I like this so much! Nama-Stay The night is just so amazing. It reminds me of Popsicles for some reason… who understands why. It’s the most beautiful mid-toned cream blue, not to mention that it applies opaquely in one swipe. You might completely get away with utilizing one coat, however I typically utilize two for great measure.

I can’t choose which color is my favorite! Also, sneaky peaky of my bathroom!
I am so pleased with every single color in this release. They will be well loved. Which color is your favorite, as well as what have you been using lately on your nails?

urban Decay naked Illuminated Trio (coming soon for holiday 2016)
Emerging like a bedazzled butterfly from a mirrored chrysalis, a highlight SO sparkly and SO shiny that it borders on metallic has been one of the hottest makeup trends over the past couple of years. If you’re a fiend for mirror-like shines, you might want to get the new urban Decay naked Illuminated Trio on your cheekbones, ASAP.

Urban Decay naked Illuminated Trio
With three new shades of UD’s hella shiny highlighting powder, this limited edition $36 holiday set, coming soon for holiday 2016, is all about the bling.

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First, there’s Pyrite, a golden champagne…

Next, Oasis, a cool-toned taupe with silver glitter.

Finally, Twilight, a shimmery, iridescent pink.

All three shades have a highly reflective finish, and they’re also pretty easy to blend on top of either bare skin or makeup.

The urban Decay naked Illuminated Trio: swatches
I’ve worn urban Decay’s naked Illuminating powders before, and I like how striking they can look, particularly when you’re standing next to a bright light source (like a cam flash), and I can find ways to make them work for me, even with my current big pore situation…but it takes some finagling, and I’m at a point where I don’t really have the patience hop through too lots of hoops.

How did I get here? lack of sleep mainly, LOL!

Honestly, at least for now…I want easy highlights, and I want subtle highlights, so please me a pan of hourglass Ambient lighting Powder in Radiant Light before you go. thank you!

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Your friendly neighborhood appeal addict,

Karen

P.S.

It’s been a minute considering that I’ve used this much color! It felt SO great though. I was influenced by a photo I saw of design Ruby increased on metropolitan Decay’s web site using purple winged liner with matching sparkly purple lips.

So I took the concept as well as ran with it. I’m using a great deal of metropolitan Decay in this look, including their Afterdark Eyeshadow Palette.

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The metropolitan Decay Afterdark Palette

Products in the mix

Eyes: MAC Minted Eye Kohl (as an eyeshadow base on my lids), metropolitan Decay Afterdark combination (a mix of Lounge as well as fringe on my lids, Scene on the inner crease, change in the inner corner as well as Druggie smuged along the lower lash line), metropolitan Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in packed (inner part of upper as well as lower lash line), metropolitan Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Vice (winged liner as well as outer part of lower lash line), MAC Technakohl liner in Take the Plunge (water lines), metropolitan Decay Cannonball Mascara (lashes), MAC Brun Eyeshadow as well as benefit prepared set brows (brows), Ardell infant Demi Wispies (false lashes)

Cheeks: hourglass Ambient illumination Bronzer in Radiant Bronze Light (cheekbones), Tom Ford sheer Highlighting Duo in shows Gilt (highlight)

Face: metropolitan Decay Rehab makeup Prep hot Springs Hydrating Gel (primer), Sephora bright Future Gel Serum Concealer in Pecan Pie (worn as a foundation on my cheeks, around my nose as well as mouth, center of forehead, chin as well as jaw), Sephora bright Future Gel Serum in Eclair (underneath eyes), NARS Light Reflecting pressed setting Powder (to set my under-eye concealer), MAC Mineralize Skinfinish natural in medium golden (on my forehead, the sides of my nose, as well as around my mouth as well as chin)

Lips: metropolitan Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Vice (all over lips) as well as MAC Lipstick in Heroine (center of lips)

How ’bout you? What makeup did you wear today?

Your friendly community appeal addict,

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Karen

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P.S. For the record, I don’t usually wear this much makeup on a Wednesday, however I was feeling adventurous!

P.P.S. except for a quick walk, though, I quite much only used this around the house, haha.

Sometimes, you know, when I see my tabby, and I see that his eyes are a little cloudier than they once were, or I notice that he’s been sleeping upstairs the entire afternoon, or he groans a little when I pick him up and give him a hug, it occurs to me that nature is cruel.

Because with as much as we love our pets, and with how purely and unconditionally they love us back, it seems like a cruel twist of fate, doesn’t it? — that they don’t live as long as we do?

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Tabs is getting up there in years. We think he’s between 11-12 now. He’s still a world-renowned kitty supermodel, but the signs of aging have appeared. It seemed like all of a sudden one day his eyes weren’t as bright as they used to be, and he started napping (and turning down more kitty modeling jobs) more than he used to.

He still plays like a boss, of course, and has his spunky kitten moments, but they don’t happen quite as much as they used to.

I notice now when I think he’s having a really good day, and he’s been having them a lot lately.

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I think it’s because of a couple of things (but I’m not sure). First, we’ve been doing more high intensity play sessions together. Also, he’s been getting a can of wet food, with some water added for extra gravy, every single night for a few months.

I mean, we’ve always played together. A lot. and he’s always gotten wet food, but they used to be more in spurts. Some days we’d play a full hour, but then not play as much the next day. and with his wet food, some days he’d get two cans of the good stuff (his favorite wet food is ZiwiPeak Venison & Fish, but it’s imported and pricey), but then maybe just one can of Sheba Turkey Pâté the next day. and he’s generally always supplemented his diet throughout the day with crunchies.

Now, though, I’m noticing that he’ll basically wait all day long without filling up on his dry food just save up his appetite for his gravy dinner, and whether it’s that or the extra play sessions or the holiday spirit or something else, he seems more like his younger kitten self.

Basically, he’s having a really good December. He’s purring more, playing more, cleaning more, meowing more, and his fur seems more luxurious, too.

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I hope he has a wonderful Christmas, because he’s a wonderful cat.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

MOAR CORALS! From the left, MAC Lipsticks in Nippon, Koi Coral, shy Girl, Ravishing and hot Tahiti
Did you really think I could stop at five?? GIRL, YOU SO CRAZY!

It’s completely normal for a MAC coral enthusiast to have at least 10 lipstick options in rotation at any given moment…

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Right…?

UGH, keep telling yourself that, Karen. Seriously, I’m only one or two tubes away from an intervention.

YES! These corals (like these from earlier today) are in the MAC permanent line. one of them, Ravishing, is an old fave I’ve been wearing for years, but the other four are pretty new to my personal coral kingdom, like Koi Coral, a creamy, marvelously moisturizing peachy nude coral Cremesheen that happens to share part of its name (albeit with a different spelling) with one of Connor Claire’s nicknames (“Coywolf,” which in some cases gets shortened to “Coy”).

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I think of her whenever I wear it.

Mmm, I’m tasting that signature MAC vanilla flavor on my lips best now. It tastes like coming home, and it feels like everything is best again with the world…

Anyway! Diversion much, Karen?

Also in this batch — shy Girl, and oh, my gosh! So nice. It’s a creamy, dreamy peachy beige coral I just recently found through MAC Fruity Juicy.

I mean, it’s been around a while, but I forgot it was in the permanent collection. It practically functions as a nude.

Nippon is another peachy coral, but it’s less beige than shy Girl. like Koi Coral, it’s also a Cremesheen, so it’s creamy and mega moisturizing. It’s like a drink of water for dry lips.

1. Ravishing

Ravishing
2. Koi Coral

Koi Coral

3. Nippon

Nippon
4. shy Girl

Shy Girl
5. hot Tahiti

Hot Tahiti
And then there’s hot Tahiti! It’s a reddish coral with MAC’s Glaze finish, a finish that I feel doesn’t get the love it deserves.

The Amplifieds, Mattes and Cremesheens get heaps of adoration, but I hardly ever see the Glazes getting their props. I think they should, because they’re just as moisturizing and creamy as the Cremesheens. They might not be as pigmented, but with darker colors like hot Tahiti, that can be a good thing, ’cause you don’t have to be as precise.

I also like that they look “worn in” when you apply them. remember when I was talking about the Milk makeup Lip colors the other day and said that they look like you’ve been wearing them for hours best after you apply them? The MAC Glazes are like that, too, except their finish is creamy instead of matte.

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Anyway, just a few much more corals for your consideration! and don’t forget that the MAC Lips Lips Lips promotion is still going (ends June 25th). You get a totally free full-sized lipstick with any two lip product purchases.

Your friendly neighborhood charm addict,

Karen

Tabs has been testing some new in-home exercise devices from the natural Pet Company.

It’s called The natural Pet business feline toys Collection, as well as it’s only $13.95 at Amazon, which is A great deal cheaper than Tabs’ monthly 24-Hour Feline physical fitness membership.

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It’s truly fantastic as well as simple to use! The devices comes preassembled, as well as whatever is made of natural materials like wood, sisal as well as feathers.

Tabs is method more thinking about these toys than a lot of of the toys we get from PetCo, as well as it’s a fantastic deal, too. You get a ton of stuff for barely $14.

It even includes its own elegant recycled storage system that resembles a cardboard box, of which Tabs is a fan.

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He provides it two extremely enthusiastic paws up. Highly, extremely recommended.

Your friendly community beauty addict,

Karen

permanently filling out my brows, dude.
Hmm, let’s see… determine here, tilt head there… perhaps a six? Or seven?

No, I believe that’s as well high. I’ll state five, since they’re symmetrical in some ways, however they’re inconsistently symmetrical, if that makes any type of sense.

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They’re on the exact same horizontal plane. I mean, they both begin on the inner side at around the exact same area, however things begin to get a bit wonky toward the outer tail.

My ideal brow is a totally different shape than my left, too. The ideal one is shorter by at least a quarter inch, as well as the arch is somewhat higher, so whenever I fill in my ideal brow, I have to take it out additionally than my left.

I likewise have to kind of “do things” to the arch…

I’ve been doing these bit techniques when I fill in my brows for so long that they aren’t a huge offer anymore, however it took me a long time to really figure out which brow was thicker than the other one as well as exactly how in a different way they were shaped.

One thing that assisted was taking pics of myself for MBB. I’d look at them on my computer screen as well as be like, “What’s up with my ideal brow!?”

Well, a) it was/is shaped differently, as well as b) my ideal brow always looked darker since I was pressing harder on that side when I was applying my brow products.

Seriously, I only pertained to recognize this in the past four or five years, so when I state that it took a while, it truly did take a while.

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Anyway, scale of 1-10, exactly how even are your brows?

Your friendly community appeal addict,

Karen