Kandice's Summer Faves

shout out to my girl Kandice for putting together a summer faves list.  not only that, she was willing to share.  (love ya girl)

Summer Favorites 2010

This summer I have been working on protecting my skin rather than tanning it.

Hoping to help my skin be healthy for the long-run.

After looking for months I found a new website, hapari, to purchase swimwear.

The tankini is long and covers all you need it to!

I LOVE this headband from Athleta!

It's perfect for all summer activities from the pool to the gym.

This bronzer is the perfect mix of color and shimmer.

This chapstick is my favorite!

Added bonus with the SPF 20.

There are the BEST for my girls!

I actually think these crocs are cute.

Super easy to clean after all the summer fun in the dirt.

(I have even put them in the washing machine).

Makeup Tips for Photos

yesterday Kellie and i did a senior portrait photo shoot and afterwards we wanted to do some quick head shots for a promo we are working on.  before we took the photos, Kellie snapped a few of me so that i could get a glimpse of what my makeup looked like.

i was shocked.

that beautiful dSLR of hers captured EVERY imperfection, line, wrinkle, and smear on my face.  i quickly went back into the bathroom to touch up a little bit more.  now, this was done 8 hours after i had originally applied my makeup and i would have had better results had my makeup been fresh (that's the benefit of having a makeup "artist" on set ) (yes a little shameless self promotion).  though i touched up my makeup, there were still imperfections i missed and thanks to Kellie's editing skills, you can hardly tell.

so let this be a quick lesson.  if taking pictures of yourself, snap a few to see what you actually look like through the lens.  your perception of yourself in the mirror and through a lens are very different.  second, it pays to have an experienced photographer.  they know how to capture your beauty, even if there are a few blemishes.

xo
kristie

Blue Belles

according to elle.com, blue eye shadow was once considered a bigger faux pas than a muffin top.  maybe we od'd on it during the 60's and 80's...but as with every trend the color is coming back. blue eye shadow is flattering on nearly everyone, including every skin tone, eye color, hair shade. blue on the eyes has a rather magical ability to brighten bloodshot eyes, perk up sallow-looking skin, and neutralize undereye circles.  it's like having your own plastic surgeon in a tube.

if you are beginning to experiment with eye color, an easy place to start is with eyeliner. swipe a bright blue on your lid and watch as it works wonder.  if you are feeling even braver, try my blue eye shadow tutorial:

check it out here!

to get some inspiration i found a few ladies who do blue just right.

Kate Bosworth likes the swipe.

Christian Dior 2010 Fashion Show

Derek Lam 2010 Fashion Show

just remember that makeup is here for fun, to express yourself and your style.  just enjoy it, and remember you are beautiful. be confident in that knowledge and you can pull off anything.

xo
kristie

Falsies (Eyelashes that is)

Photo Shoot

first i just want to say thanks to everyone for your kind words regarding my grandmother.  she did live a full happy life and as bittersweet as this is, we are so thankful to know she has returned home.

here are a couple shots from our photo shoot this weekend.  once again, Kellie is amazing and so great to work with.

what a cutie.

xo
kristie

Nordstrom Anniversary MAC Brush Set Review

just a quick explanation of what the brushes are and how to use them :)

Quick Fixes

who hasn't gotten ready for a night out/work/church and suddenly found a snag in their panty hose? if you have problems like these the following solutions might help.

DEODORANT SMUDGES: you know those white smears that show up on your black clothes.  use a dryer sheet and wipe that smudge right off.

ROUGH SKIN: you don't need to buy expensive exfoliating products to smooth your skin. just make sure you take a wash cloth in the shower with you and gently rub/exfoliate the areas you want to smooth.  does the same thing for $0.

DINGY NAILS: removed your nail polish only to have stained nails? soak your fingertips in lemon juice and it will act as a natural whitener.

and the easiest quick fix? SMILE. nothing smooths over a mishap like a good sense of humor.

xo
kristie

Summer Foundation

products i used:

bronzer: St. Tropez
foundation: CoverGirl #2
                  Rimmel Lasting Finish "sand"
powder: L'Oreal Natural Finish
highlight: Bare Escentuals "radiance"

MAC Tip

opened up my mailbox this afternoon and found a postcard from MAC.  i have officially joined their mailing list and now receive sweet nothings in the form of postcards.

here's the latest tip:

If you're trying a bright 'pop' of colour on your eyes for the first time, try first basing your eyelid with a neutral colour.  Work a deeper neutral colour through the crease and then lay in your pop of colour on the lid.  This way you'll be wearing the shadow - it won't be wearing you.

good advice, eh? why don't you give it a shot and enjoy the brights of summer?

xo
kristie

Errrr..... Pictures of Me?

a little embarrassed to be posting this right now but the photos were so fun to shoot that i must.  if you want to see more or check out the amazing photographer see her blog HERE.  ally, the feeling is mutual. love you girl.

aaagggghhhh.... dying of embarrassment right about NOW.

xo

kristie

Heat + Humidity = Sweaty Pictures

cute girl Ally and i went downtown today to take some photographs.  as always it was so much fun.  part of me just loved being able to hang with my homegirl, and the other part was basking in the glory of being the only one photographed.  as a mother, i can't remember the last time that has happened.

shout out to ALLY.

stay tuned for the results of that shoot and make sure you enter to win some makeup!

xo
kristie

Makeup Giveaway

who doesn't like freebies?? i thought it would be fun to have a little giveaway action to say THANK YOU to everyone who has been viewing, commenting, subscribing, posting, and linking to my website.  i am loving you all right now so i thought i would show a little love by offering a makeup giveaway.

i have some great products to share so if you would like to enter, just leave a comment.  if you would like more than one entry you can subscribe.  if you would like more than two entries you can link to me.  just be sure to leave a comment for each.

winner will receive:

one bareMinerals eyeshadow and one travel size MAC mascara. 

good luck.  contest ends Friday, July 9th. no late entries. i don't care if your dog ate your homework.

xo
kristie

Silver Blue Makeup Tutorial

products i used:

eyes: L'Oreal HIP blue/navy blue duo
        Revlon quad grey series
        Rimmel black pencil
        Bare Escentuals "queen phyllis"
        Arts & Crafts blue glitter and blue diamonds