The $59.50 Make Up For Ever Studio Case Looks Like Something for Pros, But It Has a Lot of Help for Beginners Inside

Make Up For Ever Studio Case ($59.50)

The intimidation factor with Make Up For Ever’s Studio Case ($59.50) is high…

If I were unable to tell the difference between a domed brush and a shader brush, or the words “lid” and “crease” made me immediately think of mason jars and those ubiquitous pressed khaki pants worn by tech dudes, I may have just cruised right by the sleek black Studio Case and thought, “That is some scary sh*t.”

But not “scary” as in The Taking of Deborah Logan, which scared the living bejeezus out of me, but scary as in daunting as all hell ? as in, you can only be allowed in its presence if you wear a brush belt around your hips at work.

So professional-looking, yo!

The question is, does one require an advanced certificate from the Tabs the Cat School of Makeup Artistry (est. 2007) to beat major face with this kit?

No, I don’t think so… Not after seeing it up close.

In fact, the products in the case are surprisingly user-friendly, thanks, in part, to the way MUFE organized the 12 shadows (you can also pop the palette out of the case if you want).

Natural, Bold, Smoky or Chic… Take your your pick!

The colors are arranged by recommended look into four columns ? Natural, Bold, Smoky and Chic. On top of that, MUFE includes a look booklet with clear, detailed instructions. The booklet with all the looks

To hold your hand through the process and make it even easier, MUFE included a book with clear, detailed instructions on how to get each of the looks.

12 x 0.024-oz. Artist Shadows in Natural (M-530, S-516, I-544), Smoky (M-122, ME-108, M-100), Bold (D-236, D-926, I-218), and Chic (I-524, D-826, ME-828) A 0.01-oz. Artist Liner in Matte Black (M-10) Step-by-step guide

As someone who occasionally needs a few hits from her asthma inhaler when faced with too many eyeshadow options (PANIC! TOO MANY COLORS!), palettes like these, with around 12 or so colors, are right in my sweet spot. There are enough colors for an almost limitless number of looks, but not so many colors that I short circuit trying to figure out what to do.

Swatches of the Natural shades on the far left, the liner in the middle, and the Smoky shades on the far right

The standouts here for me are the Smoky, Chic and Bold eyeshadow shades, which, I’m tellin’ ya, winter in Pigment City. For attention-getting holiday looks, look no further than these shades, and the step-by-step booklet, which I think is better than most, shows you exactly where to put each one.

The Bold shades on the far left and the Chic shades on the far right

As for the three eyeshadows in the “Natural” column, I haz trubs. Once I get them on my lids and start blending, the colors pretty much look the same. Gals and guys with medium and deeper skin tones may feel the same way (I’ve ended up primarily using these shades as boring ol’ highlighters, bah).

Wearing the shades from the “Chic” row

Also, prepare yourself for fallout. But it’s not too bad. It’s not a torrential downpour of fallout. Just a light drizzle.

Incidentally, yes, it’s still raining here.

The Make Up For Ever Studio Case won’t be around forever, but it is available online now and at Make Up For Ever counters.

PRICE: $59.50
AVAILABILITY: Limited edition, available now at Make Up For Ever counters and also online
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: B+/A-

I have come to the conclusion that the HomeGoods chain of house/home stores is basically my nirvana.

One recently opened nearby in San Rafael, and I’m already a regular there! My latest discount acquisitions: a jar of fancy fish seasoning, a set of fall plates, a farm house key-shaped decoration for the kitchen that doubles as a bottle opener, a kitchen utensil holder with a chevron pattern, and a cute Christmas bird.

And the prices are GOOD (like Marshall’s).

The biggest bummer I’ve found is if you see something you like, you can’t dilly-dally and go home to think about it, because the store’s inventory changes all the time. If you see something you want, you gotta move!

Do you ever go to HomeGoods? It’s kind of amazeballs, right?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

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LOOK: Inside Carrie Underwood And Mike Fisher's $2.2-Million Ottawa Home

Former Ottawa Senators player and fan favourite Mike Fisher and his wife, country singer Carrie Underwood, are selling their west Ottawa home for $2.2 million. (Paul Rushforth Real Estate Inc.)

Former Ottawa Senators player and fan favourite Mike Fisher and his wife, country singer Carrie Underwood, are selling their west Ottawa home for $2.2 million.

The custom-built single-family home at 1135 Spruce Ridge Road has five bedrooms and five bathrooms. It also features a garage, patio and fireplace, according to the listing last updated on June 13.

Fisher and Underwood had the home built on an 11-acre lot, surrounded by trees, in 2010. But Fisher was soon traded to the Nashville, where Underwood often lived, in the spring of 2011.

According to the listing from Paul Rushforth Real Estate Inc., the home features "a romantic master bedroom with a closet space thought to be conceivable only by imagination."

There is also an enclosed porch with its own fireplace, a fully finished lower level with a wine cellar, home theatre, wet bar, home gym and locker storage, according to the listing.

Fisher continues to play in Nashville, where he admittedly wanted to live after marrying Underwood, with his current contract ending in 2015.

Rushforth posted a YouTube video in mid-April showing a tour of the home. You can watch it below.

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Inside 'Anna Nicole'

Lifetime's "Anna Nicole Smith" biopic is right around the corner, and the network has finally released photos of the TV movie chronicling the tragic life of the former Playboy model.

Agnes Bruckner will be portraying Smith, and the "Craigslist Killer" and "Private Practice" actress couldn't be more excited for its debut, tweeting about it almost daily.

#AnnaNicole is back! June 29th on #Lifetime lifetimetv #teamagnes #annanicolesmith instagram.com/p/Z-oPgMqpBR/

? Agnes Bruckner (@agnesbruckner1) May 31, 2013

Check out photos of Bruckner as Smith below:

"Anna Nicole" debuts on June 29 on Lifetime.

What do you think of Bruckner as Smith? Can she pull it off?

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"The Bachelor," ABC Status: Likely to be renewed Why: While ratings may have dropped, "The Bachelor" will likely see another season on ABC as tabloids and viewers still care about the comings and goings of contestants.

"Body of Proof," ABC Status: Canceled Why: ABC is keen on this Dana Delany drama, but the ratings for the show's third season couldn't save it.

"Castle," ABC Status: Renewed Why: Strong ratings and a dedicated viewership keep "Castle" on the schedule.

"Dancing With the Stars," ABC Status: Likely to be renewed Why: The series is hurting in the ratings ... by "DWTS" standards. It's still a strong player for ABC, but the new season hasn't premiered yet.

"Don't Trust The B---- In Apt. 23," ABC Status: Canceled Why: ABC pulled the low-rated comedy from it schedule and the stars took to Twitter to announce the cancellation.

"Family Tools," ABC Status: Canceled Why: This ABC comedy had a May 1 premiere date and that was the first of many bad signs.

"Grey's Anatomy," ABC Status: Renewed Why: America still loves McDreamy and the goings on at Seattle Grace Grey Sloan Memorial.

"Happy Endings," ABC Status: Canceled Why: Always the bubble show, never the surefire renewal hit. "Happy Endings" has suffered from many ratings ailments, including bad scheduling (it moved to Friday night) and lack of promo. But this ahmahzing show has some serious fans that are determined to keep it around on another network (a la "Cougar Town.")

"How To Live With Your Parents (For The Rest Of Your Life)," ABC Status: Canceled Why: The ABC comedy starring Sarah Chalke had a late midseason debut and though its ratings were decent, it still couldn't save the comedy.

"Last Man Standing," ABC Status: Renewed Why: Viewers still love Tim Allen and the show has been performing well on Friday nights.

"Last Resort," ABC Status: Canceled Why: ABC killed the Shawn Ryan drama in late 2012.

"Malibu Country," ABC Status: Canceled Why: "Malibu Country" had been performing well on Friday nights, but the ratings took a dip and there was also showrunner switches that are never a good.

"The Middle," ABC Status: Renewed Why: Now in its fourth season, "The Middle" is still pulling in more than 8 million viewers an episode as the anchor of ABC's Wednesday comedies.

"Mistresses," ABC Status: Too soon to tell Why: The drama, which is based on the UK series of the same name, just got a Monday, May 27 premiere date. Though the scheduling struggle doesn't bode well, the ABC drama does have Alyssa Milano and "Lost" alum Yunjin Kim leading the foursome.

"Modern Family," ABC Status: Renewed Why: A fan favorite and Emmy darling, "Modern Family" will be back and will make ABC lots of money in syndication.

"Nashville," ABC Status: Renewed Why: Critical acclaim doesn't always equate to rating success, but ABC still believes in this Connie Britton-fronted drama despite the numbers.

"The Neighbors," ABC Status: Renewed Why: One of the few "hits" of the season, "The Neighbors" has found an audience and kept it pretty steadily week after week (much to our dismay).

"Once Upon a Time," ABC Status: Renewed Why: A ratings hit in its second season, "Once Upon a Time" will be back for a third season full of fairytale adventures.

"Private Practice," ABC Status: Ended Why: The "Grey's Anatomy" spinoff said goodbye in January 2013.

"Red Widow," ABC Status: Canceled Why: The show had a late February debut on ABC and the ratings were abysmal.

"Revenge," ABC Status: Renewed Why: "Revenge" has fallen out of critical favor and seen lower ratings in its new Sunday night home. Though it lost its creator Mike Kelley as the showrunner, it will return for a third season, considering the sad state of ABC's dramas.

"Rookie Blue," ABC Status: Renewed Why: The Canadian co-production will return for a fourth season on ABC during the summer of 2013.

"Scandal," ABC Status: Renewed Why: Shonda Rhimes has another hit on her hands. Now in its second season, "Scandal" has benefited from word-of-mouth and has been rising in the ratings (even recently beating out its lead in "Grey's Anatomy"). A likable star -- Kerry Washington -- and continued buzz keep "Scandal" on the schedule.

"Suburgatory," ABC Status: Renewed Why: The series started Season 2 off strong in the ratings, but its audience has slowly eroded. Still, the show will be back for a third season.

"Zero Hour," ABC Status: Canceled Why: The Anthony Edwards vehicle debuted to 6.3 million viewers with a 1.3 rating in the key 18-49 demographic, making it the least-watched premiere for a scripted series in ABC's history. Things only got worse from there.

"2 Broke Girls," CBS Status: Renewed Why: CBS renewed "2 Broke Girls" in March of 2013.

"The Amazing Race," CBS Status: Renewed Why: As an Emmy and fan favorite, "The Amazing Race" has been a strong player for CBS.

"The Big Bang Theory," CBS Status: Renewed Why: Now in its sixth season, "Big Bang" is reaching series-high ratings. Even up against reality powerhouse "American Idol," "The Big Bang Theory" has been delivering with crazy high numbers in the 18-49 demographic, beating out what was once Fox's juggernaut.

"Blue Bloods," CBS Status: Renewed Why: The Tom Selleck-fronted police drama is a strong ratings performer for CBS on Fridays.

"Criminal Minds," CBS Status: Renewed Why: As one of CBS's strong procedural players, the series has been steady in the ratings and will likely be renewed to help anchor a night and launch a new drama.

"CSI," CBS Status: Renewed Why: Of the two "CSI" shows on the air, "CSI" is the stronger player in the TV landscape. The show is nowhere near its earlier ratings, but Ted Danson signed on for more and the show will be back.

"CSI: NY," CBS Status: Canceled Why: The ratings from this "CSI" spinoff have faded over the years.

"Elementary," CBS Status: Renewed Why: One of the very few freshman series hits during the 2012-2013 TV season, CBS is very keen on this modern-day take on Sherlock Holmes. The audience has been steady and the network even gave it the post-Super Bowl timeslot.

"Golden Boy," CBS Status: Canceled Why: CBS certainly has a handsome star at the front of this cop drama, but its late season entry hinted toward CBS's confidence in the show.

"The Good Wife," CBS Status: Renewed Why: A former ratings champ, "The Good Wife" has slipped to series low ratings on Sunday nights. Blame football overrun, fan-detested storylines or too many guest stars, but "The Good Wife" has star power and critical praise, plus its nearing a good syndication sweet spot.

"Hawaii Five-0," CBS Status: Renewed Why: In March, CBS announced "Hawaii Five-0" received an early renewal along with several of its other popular programs.

"How I Met Your Mother," CBS Status: Renewed Why: CBS handed out a ninth and final season to this comedy with the entire cast returning. Expect to meet the mother, finally.

"Made In Jersey," CBS Status: Canceled Why: CBS pulled the plug on this legal drama very early on in the season because of low ratings.

"The Mentalist," CBS Status: Renewed Why: "The Mentalist" has fallen to mediocre ratings -- by CBS standards -- but it was nonetheless renewed in March of 2013.

"Mike & Molly," CBS Status: Renewed Why: The ratings are down a little bit from last year, but Melissa McCarthy's star continues to rise.

"NCIS," CBS Status: Renewed Why: CBS reached a deal with series star Mark Harmon in early 2013, keeping the No. 1 show in America around for a Season 11.

"NCIS: LA," CBS Status: Renewed Why: Viewers love their "NCIS," in any form. The ratings have been strong and the network is producing a backdoor spinoff pilot for this spinoff show. A full night of "NCIS" could be in CBS's future.

"Partners," CBS Status: Canceled Why: Low ratings and unfavorable reviews led to the early demise of this CBS comedy.

"Person of Interest," CBS Status: Renewed Why: The series has developed a nice-sized audience, bigger than its first season.

"Rules of Engagement," CBS Status: Canceled Why: This comedy has been on the bubble since it premiered ... yet it made it to Season 7. It's finally time to say goodbye.

"Survivor," CBS Status: Renewed Why: A strong player for the last 13 years, "Survivor" will be back. But due to its most recent premiere ratings, we might not see it during the fall season, though a midseason or summer return -- with some new gimmick -- is definitely in the cards for the reality series.

"Two and a Half Men," CBS Status: Renewed Why: CBS always wanted another season of this bawdy hit, it was just a matter of getting its stars to sign back on. Though Jon Cryer and Ashton Kutcher will be back for a Season 11, the "half" man Angus T. Jones remains up in the air.

"Undercover Boss," CBS Status: Renewed Why: The show is enjoying life in syndication and its Season 4 numbers are better than most of its third season.

"Unforgettable," CBS Status: Uncanceled Why: CBS canceled the Poppy Montgomery drama last season ... and then revived it! Season 2 premieres Sunday, July 28.

"Vegas," CBS Status: Canceled Why: Despite star power, the series wasn't a breakout hit in the ratings. CBS previously canceled "Unforgettable" (then uncanceled it) last season when it was doing about the same as "Vegas."

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