Springy, Joyful Taupe and Plum

Today’s minor victory? It has been two full weeks since my second shot, so I’m officially fully vaccinated! To celebrate, I ironed my shirt.

HA HA HA! No, seriously, one cannot embark upon “the after” as a wrinkly mess. I also put on some makeup, since wearing face paint with a crisp celebratory white shirt seemed like the right thing to do. 😊

I did a 15-minute quickie look with taupe lids and plum cheeks using mostly new-to-me makeup from Laura Mercier, Giorgio Armani, Chanel and Clinique, because I’ve been trying to expand my horizons a little with some new products.

First impressions…

Giorgio Armani Lip Power in Confident: This creamy plum lipstick’s cup runneth over with pigment. It’s creamy, lightweight and doesn’t have an obnoxious flavor or scent. I especially like using it as a lip stain.

Chanel Ombre Premier Lacque in Desert Wind: This shimmery liquid shadow dries quickly, so you have to blend with speed and purpose. No time to dilly-dally! It’s also long lasting and quite shimmery.

Clinique Pretty Easy Liner in Brown: I’ve used the black version of this liquid liner for years, and the brown is just as easy to apply. It also lasts all day long.

Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage in 4W: I’m only wearing this dual-ended brightening and camouflaging concealer in this look. No foundation at all. It’s lightweight but certainly covers everything. It also looks and feels natural, but dagnabbit if it doesn’t just slide right off my face, even when I set it with powder.

Do you ever wear taupe lids with plum cheeks and lips? It’s a combo I like to wear all year long, but even more so now because the plum cheeks and plum lip stain feel very springy to me.

Makeup worn in this look

• BASE: Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Brighten & Correct Duo in 4W, Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder
• CHEEKS: Clinique Plum Pop
• EYES: Chanel Boy de Chanel Eyebrow Pencil in Deep Brown, Chanel Ombre Premier Lacque in Desert Wind, Chanel Stylo Ombre Et Contour in Contour Clair, Clinique Pretty Easy Liner in Brown, Laura Mercier Caviar Volume Mascara, Chanel Espresso Liner
• LIPS: Giorgio Armani in Lip Power in 600 Confident

Culinary adventures

Speaking of trying new things, last weekend I gave this vegan coconut rice and chickpea dish a go (got the recipe from Yeung Man Cooking).

Basically, it was just a’ight… I liked it enough to finish, but my eyes didn’t roll to the back of my head or anything.

I’m on a kick to find some great new recipes, so if you have one (or more!) you’ve made recently and love, send ’em my way! Thanks in advance.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen