Foam it up, Foam it up..

I think I've discovered a new holy grail summer skin product. 

I don't know about you guys, but in the summer, I prefer to wear as little possible makeup as I can get away with, without looking like a gremlin. The only thing about me wearing any makeup, is that I get very self conscious about my skin. If I'm not wearing makeup, it's because I'm confident that my skin looks clear, and clean. 

I live in New York, so starting in about late spring-early summer, the weather starts to warm up and become a bit humid. And when I say late spring, I mean this week. Like right now. 

BTW - I don't know how I'm planning on moving down south when I cant stand humidity in 75 degree weather. Deep breaths..

Anyway...

I found this product about two weeks ago and have been using it twice a day since. It's the Formula 10.0.6 Best Face Forward Daily Foaming Cleanser in the passionfruit and green tea scent. I'm pretty iffy when it comes to cleansers, because I tend to break out from them. This cleanser, on the other hand, has helped to completely clear my skin up, and prevent oils. 

The product description from the bottle reads: " This fresh foaming gel cleanser washes away oil and impurities for a sparkling, clear complexion. Green tea and chamomile pacify while passionfruit balances skin. Your skin looks clean, clear, and healthy everyday." I second that.

If you guys try this, let me know how it worked for you!

Enjoy the beautiful weather this week.

Talk to you soon!

Until then, 

-K.

Flashback Friday - Lip Style

Hey guys, 

So...

I have to admit that I have an obsession with lip products. 

I'm not a huge lipstick person, but I'll try any type of lip balm, gloss, or stain. 

These little pots hold one of the best lip products I've ever tried.

They're called the L'Oreal Hip Intensity Jelly Balms. They are the consistency of a lip gloss, and have the pigmentation of a lipstick. The thing is, they are incredibly hydrating, and work really well on dry lips. They're an older product now, so you may be able to find them in stores randomly, but you're more likely to find them online at sites like All Cosmetics Wholesale, and I've also seen them on Amazon as well.

The colors I have from left to right include : 

1. Succulent : A mauvey-purple/pink, perfect for everyday use.

2. Delectable: A pin-up style cherry red.

3.Ripe: Coral/Orange, the best summer lip color I own.

4.Plush: An essential baby pink.

These colors work really well on most skin tones, and are very long wearing. If I'm not wearing alot of makeup one day, or no eye makeup at all and I'm already running late, I'll use one of these with a tiny bit of concealer under my eyes and I'm ready to go. They're so good to have just to throw in your bag. The best part? Since they're an older product, most websites have them on sale for under $5!

What is your favorite lip product?

Let me know!

Until then,

-K.

NOTD: On Wednesdays, We Wear Pink.

Nail of the Day: Essie Figi

Because on Wednesdays, we wear pink.

Forgive the really terrible picture. It's finals week and as I'm posting this I really should be studying for my fashion history final on the 1920's-1970's.

Anyway...

I am so in love with this color. I initally only purchased it because I had heard so many rave reviews from not only gurus, and bloggers, but also some of my close friends. I'm more of a dark nail kind of girl, but this color looks so good. Your hands look clean and fresh. It's deffinitly a staple polish to add to your collection.

The only thing I dislike about this polish is the fact that you need a couple of coats to really get the true color from it. It tends to be a bit streaky with one and two coats. I didn't use a base, though, so that might help stop the streaking.

This color is perfect for spring and summer, and I think it would look amazing on tan skin!

                                                      Here's a better picture, from google.

Typically Essie nail polishes sell for about $8-$9. If you have an Ulta by you though, you can use your coupons on these polishes! Just a little FYI.

Hope you all are having a good week, and if you're taking finals, my heart is with you.

Best of luck everyone!

Until then,

-K.

My Sneaky Red Lip

I'm a huge fan of a "vintage inspired" red lip. 

But they honestly suck to do.

They never stay in place, and always smugdge onto your teeth, and instead of looking glamourous, and elegant, 

you end up looking like 

this..

This is a perfect example of what not to look like.

My trick is to ignore the obvious product that you would use for a red lip.

What is that you may be thinking? (Or you may still be looking at that picture of Paris Hilton and wondering what went wrong, and if you are it's okay because I am too.)

No red lipstick. 

Yes, I said it. 

I never use red lipstick when I wear red lips.

Think about it...red lipstick is what actually smudges because it's a cream!

Here's my trick..

1.Apply a little tiny bit of lip balm to fill in any dry spots on your lips.

2. Use a red lip liner and outline the lips, and then fill in completely. 

3. Use a balm stain type product over the liner.

*4. If you feel like it, use a tiny bit of red or clear gloss.

Products I use:

Nivea lip butter

Revlon Colorstay liner for lips in Red #675

Revlon Just Bitten Stain in Gothic

A tiny bit of clear gloss

That's all it takes. The liner makes the already longwear balm stain stay in place all day. It's not rocket science, I know, but mastering a beauty trick takes patience. Here's my little trick/gift to you all.

So, don't be afraid to wear a kick ass lip color this summer. 

Brighten up your whole look with a bold pink, coral, or red lip and make a statement.

Let me know if you try this, and let me know how it works for you!

Until then,

Kisses!

-K.

Re-vamped.

Here we go again, 

                                 
When I move, I'm planning on using a trunk that I currently use as a TV stand in my bedroom, as a coffee table in my living room. I saw youtuber HRHCollection's video on how she styles her coffee table, and she uses a tray to ensure the wood on her trunk doesn't scratch. I found this multicolored tray at Pier 1 on clearance for about $12. It was badly damaged, there were paint chips everywhere, and a couple of the bottom strips of wood actually weren't attached. It needed some loving. SO, therefore I couldn't resist...

I'm not sure when I would ever use a rainbow tray. But what sold me on this piece was that even though some of the pieces were a bit shakey, overall it seemed like a sturdy piece. Plus, the bottom is really interesting. I love the cut outs, and it adds a bit to the tray.



 I have a strange obsession for things like this. Knowing that I can make it look brand new was a selling point. Where can you buy a good, sturdy tray for $6? 







I'm not handy, really, at all. For some reason though, I thought it would be easy to completely sand all of the paint off of it. And I tried to.

 I used the 3M sand plaster with an 80 coarse rank and tried to take as much sand as I could off. I smoothed out any imperfections in the wood, and the rest is history.


 This is after about an hour and a half of non stop sanding. It was though, completely smooth and the wood was even. 

I didn't take any pictures during the painting process because knowing myself, my Iphone would have been covered in paint. I used a Rustoleum black gloss spray paint to completely cover the tray.


I let it set for about an hour before spraying a final coat on it. I waited about 2 hours until it was completely dry to ensure that there were no wet spots left. I chose the black gloss because for one, it is very chic now, compared to how obnoxiously colored it was before. Below is the finished product!

I'm really happy with the end result of this. I can't wait to fill it with candles, and vases with fresh florals. I want to buy some coffee table books as well to set inside of this. I can't wait to actually start decorating, but this is a foot in the right direction for me. For now, I'll add it to the stock pile in the corner of my room of things I'm waiting to use.

Hope you're all having a lovely night.

Talk to you soon.

Until then, 

-K.

Top 5 Drugstore Beauty Favorites : April 2013

Hey guys,

So, I am a drugstore makeup junkie. And by junkie, I mean junkie. I can spend hours in the makeup section of Target and not think twice about it. And it's not because I'm cheap, like you may be thinking. Certain products are worth the splurge at stores like Sephora, of course, I'll be the first to admit that. But certain things just aren't worth the money! I have found a couple of products that I have sworn by this month that you guys should know about.

1. Physicians Formula Conceal RX concealer in Natural light : $6-$8
- This stuff is my holy grail. It is THE best concealer I've ever tried. I have really dark circles ( thanks dad) and I use this every morning to cover it up. I've paid $40+ for the Amazing Cosmetics Amazing concealer, and the Conceal RX by Physicians is literally an exact drugstore dupe. The consistancy is extremely thick, and creamy. You literally need a tiny dab for blemishes, and they disapear. You'll fall in love if you deal with the same dark circles that I do.

2. Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder in Natural : $5-$6
- From about 7th grade until my junior year of highschool I used the MAC mineralize skin finish natural, which costs about $20. The summer between junior and senior year, I watched a haul video on youtube, which included this Rimmel powder, and decided to try it. If you're looking for an everyday matte finish powder to set your makeup, or even wear on it's on, Rimmel nailed it. This powder is awesome, and lasts all day. It controls shine on my combo oily skin, and I am obsessed with it. It's super cheap and easily a dupe for the MAC mineralize skinfinish. Apply with a fluffy all over face or kabuki brush, and you're on your way.



3. Nivea Lip Butters : $4-$5

- I couldn't list a specific scent of the Nivea Lip Butter, because I purchased them all and cannot commit to a favorite. I was a lunatic trying to find these when they first came out. I am an avid beauty blog reader, and Fleur De Force, one of my favorite youtubers, posted these a couple months ago. They were released in the UK before they came to the US and they are seriously amazing. I carry the original in my bag at all times, and I don't think I could live without these now! They come in four scents, and I think they're easily comparable to the Rose Bud Salve you can buy in the pots at Sephora.

4. Maybelline Great Lash lots of lashes Mascara in Blackest Black: $4-$6
- I am a mascara freak. I love really really full, thick lashes. If I'm in a rush, and need to get ready super quick, I'll throw on some of the Rimmel powder, curl my lashes, and use this Maybelline mascara. It's the throw back pink and green tube of mascara that we've all grown to love, but with a new type of brush. The tapered tip of the brush gets every single lash and the formula of the mascara allows your lashes to be full without looking flakey, or chunky.

5. ELF liquid eyeliner in Black: $1
- I wear winged eyeliner on a daily basis if I'm getting ready for school or work. I have always used liquid liner and have seriously mastered the tecnique of the wing. And I will admit that. I've been doing it since about 8th grade, so If I didn't have it perfect by now we'd have an issue. I use to splurge on eyeliner, seeing as it was a product I'd always use. I tried the ELF liquid liner after seeing an add for it, and have been hooked. The brush is perfect, and easily controllable. The formula is really opaque, and it dries quickly. The best part? It's $1. What the hell can you buy for a dollar in today's makeup world. The best liquid liner ever.



What are your drugstore picks?
Are you willing to splurge on certain products?
Tell me about it in the comments below!
Until then,
-K.

MOTD : April 20th, 2013

Makeup of the Day

April 20th, 2013

The products above are my everyday, go-to, products. 
Products shown :
-Rimmel Stay Matte pressed powder in translucent
-NYC Smooth Skin Sunny Bronzer
-Maybelline Great Lash Lots of Lashes Mascara in blackest black
-ELF Studio Blush in Fuchsia Fusion
-ELF Liquid Eyeliner in Black
-Maybelline Define a Line Brow Pencil in medium
-L'Oreal True Match Crayon Concealer in fair

Colors used today from the Urban Decay Naked 2 palette:
(yellow tag): Foxy - matte light beige used all over the lid up to the brow bone
(pink tag): Chopper- Copper/bronze shimmer used on 2/3 of lid
(green tag): Suspect - medium beige shimmer used in socket
(blue tag) YDK - Dark rose gold shimmer used all over lid


What are your everyday go to products? Do you change them up occasionally, or stick to your old faithfuls?I have been so in love with my Urban Decay Naked 2 palette since I received it as a gift for Christmas this year. It works so well, and all of the shadows are so pigmented. It is 500% worth the $50. 

Do you want to see any tutorials using the products shown above?
Let me know!
Until then, 
-K.

Vodka and caviar.

Hello again, 

I have this really bad addiction. I've had it for a while, and here I am, finally...explaining myself. I do this thing where I decide my collection isn't large enough, and spontaneously buy ridiculous amounts of nail polish. High end, drug store, doesn't matter to me. I can't help myself. I just can't, okay? Don't judge.

Hey, an addiction could be a lot worse. I could be drinking it or something...hey..then I could be on the TLC show my strange addictions..but then again I'd be dead...

ANYWAY...

Even though I have an absurd amount of polish, there is one that I always fall back on. My old reliable. Old faithful. Every girl needs a classic, staple red polish in their collection.
Mine happens to be OPI Vodka and Caviar. It is legitimately the most perfect red. Not too orange, not too blue. I can wear it year round, and it never gets old. I'm onto my third bottle. Once again, don't judge.

OPI can be a little bit pricey, but for a staple product like this, I'd invest a bit more. It's an everyday, school, work, formal occasion, appropriate polish. It works with any outfit, and it looks nice on any skin tone.
OPI in the US is typically around $8 dollars depending on where you buy it. 

Here's a tip. If your bottle is getting a little bit low, and you really want to use every last drop like I do, take a little tiny bit of acetone based nail polish remover and add it to the bottle. Shake it well, and presto, good as new. 

What's your favorite polish? Do you have a staple color that you turn to? 
Let me know!
Until then, 
-K.





(image credit: from www.google.com/images

)

The stress test.

Oh hey,

Okay, so like I said earlier I'm a girl. I think we have established that.
If you're like me...(which by the way, if you are, I apologize..) and you're in college, it's almost the end!

I'm about 3 pages away from ripping my hair out, and a month away from finals.
So we know what that means right?

Dear mother nature, thank you for realizing how much I have on my plate, and adding skin flare up's just to stress me out even more.

 I'm 20. We freak out over things like this.
 It's normal. And it's okay. And it's gross. I know.

 I have found something this past week that combats these lovely things that appear on your face the morning   of a presentation. Here it is, and I have to give full credit to DulceCandy87 on 
YouTube for presenting this creation sent straight from god to us combination skin girls.

It's an anti-stress dead sea mineral
facial mask, that I have literally used three times and my skin is completely clear.Yes, you're going to look like a smurf for a little while, but in the end it is totally worth it. There is no redness, no bumps, and no zits! I swear, it's a miracle. My skin is considered combination-oily. Thank you Italian genes.

Okay, so here's what you do...well, what I've been doing.

Squeeze about a quarter sized amount into your hand, one for each side of your face...and spread it evenly over your face. Let it set for about 10 minutes. Continue on doing whatever you were doing, and then it's time to rinse. Here's what I found works really well. I take my Up&Up facial scrub for blemishes and blackheads from target, it's basically the St.Ives apricot scrub, just two dollars cheaper, and use about a dime sized amount to scrub off the mask. I think the combination of these two literally went to war with any blemishes on my face from this past week.

I did this twice a week before I went to sleep. I woke up and saw a total difference in my skin, no joke.

Want to hear the best part?
 This is a drug store item. You can find it at CVS, Walgreens, Ulta, and probably Target and Walmart as well for under $5. I told you it was the best part.

All together the scrub and the mask cost about $7. Total score.
I can't talk for all skin types, because like I said I only have one type.

Let me know if you try it!
Until then,
-K.