Permanent Makeup

a big thanks to my mom for sharing her experience with us.  i love you mom.



xo
kristie

Makeup Tip {Permanent Makeup}

i have had several people ask me about this recently, as well as a family member who had the procedure done (my mom).  with age, your body changes and permanent makeup might be helpful in keeping your eyebrows looking fuller. or perhaps you would like to wake up everyday with a face of freshly applied makeup, this would be the choice for you.

what is permanent makeup?

permanent makeup is a cosmetic technique that uses a form of tattoo to deposit pigment that will enhance eyebrows, eyes, and lips. the idea is to imitate applied cosmetics, or to make these features look natural.

who needs permanent makeup?


permanent makeup is most often used by people who because of medical conditions have lost hair (eyebrows, lashes), or have fair skin (this usually means light hair which may look like no hair at all), old age, alopecia, vitiligo, there are many reasons. many people do it for cosmetic reasons only (imagine not having to draw your eyebrows on everyday...nice) and simply like the aesthetic benefit.

how long does it last? is it permanent?

while it is called permanent makeup its result may last for only a few years. this varies from person to person, depending on your skin type. ultimately, the color will fade over time. natural looking applications usually require touch up before dramatic ones, simply because the color is fairly light to begin with.


i hope this answers some of those questions and if you have any more questions, feel free to ask! stay tuned tomorrow because i have the BEST mom in the world and she made a video of her experience with permanent makeup. i love that woman.

xo
kristie

L'Oreal Telescopic Mascara {Grail or Fail}

a few weeks ago i purchased a new mascara. i have always been loyal to L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara, but this time i decided to try their Telescopic Mascara. the applicator is a tiny little spiky ball, which sounds weird, but is actually genius.

this tiny little applicator (and you know i love all things miniature) applies the mascara directly where you want it, with less incidence of smudging and smearing while applying. from a makeup artist perspective, it is incredible to use when applying mascara on another person. larger wands can be a bit cumbersome, but this wand is precise and perfect.

this product makes my list of Grails and i will definitely be purchasing again. if you're in the market for a new mascara, why not give it a try?

xo
kristie

Fashion Friday {Refashioning}

apparently this trend has been around for a while, i'm just a little slow at picking it up. Refashioning is when you take an item or article of clothing that you already own, and "Refashion" it into something new. For example, my friend Christy had a sweater she no longer wore, so she took it and made some simple cuts, sewed with some yarn and Voila! she had a new winter cap and mittens.

as part of my money crunch theme this week, i thought i would pass on some "Refashioning" websites for you to check out in case you are interested:

- http://www.nikkishell.typepad.com/wardroberefashion/

- http://simpleorganic.net/refashion-repurposing-t-shirts-and-more/

- http://refashionology.com/?p=146

good luck with your refashioning!

xo,
kristie

Happy Thanksgiving

photo courtesy of Kellie Anderson Photography

Happy Thanksgiving!

xo,

kristie

Recent Projects

last week i did a photo shoot with Charlotte Foerschler. we worked with an adorable senior who had the longest legs ever. seriously, America's Next Top Model. i had a lot of fun makuping, hairstyling and chatting with her and her mom.

thanks again "L". you're gorgeous!

i also had a photoshoot with a sweet family by Kellie Anderson. we had fun heading to a local Metro Park and shooting in the leaves, sand, and train tracks.

you know  i love a little self promotion...

thanks "M" family. you guys are awesome!

xo
kristie

Fashion Friday {Family Photos}

confession: my family is taking family photos as you are reading this. this post is a little self serving...sorry.

after doing the makeup for the awesome lady seen in the post below, i was introduced to her photographer Danielle Neil. of course i went creeping through her blog to check out her work and stumbled upon this amazing post What To Wear For Your Family Photo Session. Brilliant. She lays it out in plain terms, how to color coordinate, match without matching, and look your best.

i think too often we get stuck in the idea that family photos are comprised of the entire family, posed, in matching polo shirts, khaki pants, and the boys all have bowl cuts. sound familiar? probably every family picture taken in the 80's embodies this look.

these days family pictures should display your family's personality, character, and personal style. Danielle Neil gives piece by piece instruction on how to do just that.

with the Holidays quickly approaching, most of you are bustling to get that family picture together for your Christmas cards. if you could use ideas on how to best arrange your clothing, head over to Danielle's site and take a look. it is extremely helpful.

wish me luck on our own family photos...hopefully i am not wrestling a child to the ground and begging them to smile.

xo
kristie

Recent Projects

if you're interested, you can check me out at Or So She Says. i was selected to guest post, yay!

i also wanted to share some photos from a recent shoot i worked on. i was able to do makeup for THE Melissa Jones and had a great time working with her and her family. her kiddos are adorable.

this photo courtesy of Danielle Neil Photography

what a good looking family. thanks for sharing the pictures Melissa!

xo,
kristie

A Dozen Hairstyles

here's a video with some ideas for hairstyles. i'm the type that needs a little reminder in hairstyling once in a while, i tend to get stuck in ruts. hopefully this helps provoke a few ideas if you've been feeling the rut recently.



xo
kristie

Sephora Lasting and Perfecting Corrector {Grail or Fail}

there was a reader request a couple weeks ago for a great concealer. there are several concealers i have used, some being better than others. i decided to do a little research and go on a hunt for a concealer that works, and doesn't break the bank.

enter Sephora Lasting and Perfecting Corrector:

this little double ended ninja is fantastic. the wide tip end has a Vitamin E infused formula that provides great coverage. give your under eye circles a few swipes and they are concealed and corrected without that cakey look some concealers can give. as a mother of two, concealer has become an essential for me because i love staying up late, and my kids love waking up early. this concealer's easy application makes it a definite Grail, and something i would hate to live without.


the thin tipped end is designed for spot concealing, such as zits. the color is a red neutralizing tone and the formulation has salicylic acid to aid your fight against those unruly zits. the thin tip is supposed to be for precision application, but i actually prefer to rub a little on my finger and then apply, i think this makes the spot easier to diffuse, rather than a clear circle of demarcation.

the price point for this product is right up my alley. $15 is a small price to pay for a quality concealer. however, if you are interested in a less expensive product, give me a shout and i'll pass on a few suggestions.

xo
kristie

Fashion Friday {Casual Chic}

it doesn't take a lot to look chic, it's more about the attitude and how you present it. chic can be a flowy dress or slim jeans and a white T. whatever your chic, give it your own panache.

here's a glimpse at my Casual Chic:

skinny jeans/jeggings: i know i know, most aren't a fan of jeggings but they are surprising comfortable. and when i say jeggings, i'm not referring to leggings that have a jean print on them, i am referring to the actual jegging, which are jeans that have phenomenal stretch to them.

a roomy jersey constructed top. this is my alternative to the white T. i love a good Tshirt, but throwing on a roomy jersey top has a little more flare while not compromising comfort. just take a look at my closet...roomy jerseys have taken over!

a tote or hobo. i love my big bags. my philosophy with all things is typically, the bigger the better. i love a good bag with lots of space to store my diapers, wipes, makeup essential kit, wallet, gum, cell phone, miscellaneous toys, dental floss, chapstick, (sometimes a video camera), and more. i always think a big bag can be incredibly chic.

sunglasses. even in winter a pair of sunglasses can be utilized. i live in the land of gray skies so i am not wearing these everyday, but it lifts my spirits when the sun is shining and i am cruising through town with my shades on.

my sequin beret. i can hear the groans already. i love this beret. it's casual, it's shiny, and it makes my bedhead look chic. i am one of those 'wash your hair every other day' type of girls and the beret is the perfect solution to "second day" hair. throwing on this beret instantly dresses up my outfit from schlumpy to chic.

these are just a few of my Casual Chic solutions. any additions from you are always appreciated!

xo
kristie

Recent Projects

here are a few pictures from a recent shoot kellie and i worked on together. i had such a great time working with this sweet, beautiful, fun family. i was able to do the gorgeous mother's makeup and the adorable daughter's hair. thanks ladies for allowing me to work with you both!

i can't tell you how much i enjoy my work. i really feel like i great to create and that is an important priority in my life.

what a beautiful family and what a great location!

xo
kristie

Vacation, All I Ever Wanted

last week my family and i went to Cabo San Lucas to enjoy a little R&R. it was everything we dreamed of and more...

the "Blue Demon" and buddy. i have no idea who that man is, he just jumped in the photo

my little cutie

just enjoying a day at "The Office". no seriously, this place was called "The Office"

the birthday boy enjoying his cake. Mexican tradition includes cat ears and "whiskers"

cabs are here! water taxis, dangerous yet alluring

what a fun vacation. we loved spending time with our family and we were so lucky to have this chance. i love my family.

xo,

kristie

How to Apply Mascara {Blushing Basics Series}

here's the latest video in the Blushing Basics Series. next week i will be posting concealer application, as well as my favorite concealers.



xo
kristie

Makeup Tip Monday {How to Choose Eyeshadow}

how to pick an eyeshadow color that works best for you can sometimes seem daunting. a while back i did makeup for a friend of my sister. she had these beautiful Asian eyes and creamy mocha skin. she insisted makeup didn't work for her eyelids, and worse, color was not her friend. after experimenting a bit we tried a turquoise color on her lids. it. was. amazing. i mean it. her eyes looked incredible. most people wouldn't give that color a try, but without trying, you never know what works.

here are a few tips and tricks to help you with that decision. just remember, be inventive, have fun, and don't worry too much about the color.

brown eyes:

go for it - gray, black, navy blue, neutral chocolate brown, hints of red, pink-brown, gray-brown, burgundy, or eggplant. these colors would work as eyeliners as well as eyeshadows. give paler versions of these colors a try if you are using them as eyeshadow.

skip it - if you have brown eyes and olive skin avoid khakis, taupes, and yellow brown. they will tend to bring out the yellow in your skin.

blue eyes:

go for it - fleshy pink (yuck, that is a horrible name, sorry), brown-pink, peachy-pink, mauve, gray, dusty blue, turquoise, black or ALL browns. these are great eyeshadow shades. if you are looking for liners, try: gray, black, brown, navy blue, bronze gold or dark purple.

skip it - if your skin has pink undertones, avoid shadows that are pure pink, i.e. fuchsia. avoid blues that are too strong. this will overwhelm your eye color.

green/hazel eyes:

go for it - peach, light pink, muted pink, mauve, green (bronze, gray, or brown hues), khaki, caramel, gold, ALL browns and grays. if you have an olive complexion stick to cool shades like navy blues, grays, bright mauve, pink, black or eggplants. any navy, deep purple, black, gray,, gold or brown liner will work.

skip it - any green that is not subtle. wearing bright greens will overwhelm your eye color. try a teal or turquoise if going for bright and apply it using a subtle wash.

these are just general rules, not laws. if you have a color you want to try, give it go! you never know how you'll luck unless you try it.

if you are one of those people who are intensely afraid of color, start off easy. just apply color right about the lashes and softly blend up. even the tiniest amount of color will make a statement.

xo,
kristie

L'Oreal Telescopic Liquid Eyeliner {Grail or Fail}

my last video tutorial was How To Apply Liquid Eyeliner. in it i used L'Oreal's Telescopic Liquid Eyeliner. I mentioned that it had the same applicator as the Almay Liquid Eyeliner, PLEASE NOTE: i was wrong! when i began applying the eyeliner i realized it was not a fine point tip but rather like a fine point marker.

this is the second L'Oreal Liquid Eyeliner i have used (the first one i returned, it was a pen with the same tip, only larger). i do not like this applicator. the actual eyeliner is great. their choice of applicator is horrible. the problem is that with this applicator it is nearly impossible to get that precision point to your liquid eyeliner. in my humble opinion, the best part about liquid eyeliner is its precision!

when using the L'Oreal eyeliner it feels clumsy, as if i were using a jumbo marker. when working in an area that small, precision is key and i just don't get that from the Telescopic liner.

i'm sorry L'Oreal but this product was a Fail for me. i still heart you though.

xo

kristie

In The Works

love it when you guys send me ideas/suggestions/requests/e-mails/comments/notes/tips/hellos/reminders/facebook friend requests/pictures/questions (is this overkill yet?) it is every bloggers dream.

here is a list of requests that i am currently working on:

- a good pencil eyeliner

-a good concealer

-Sonia Kashuk brush review/comparison

-applying eyeshadow

-color selection

-easy everyday hairstyles/up dos

thank you to everyone who takes the time to make these requests. to make sure i give you an honest review and recommendation can sometimes take a bit longer because i'll use several products and find one that i really love. other times it falls a few weeks back in my posting schedule.

just know that i am thinking of you, working on it, and really trying to find something for you.

if there is something else missing from this list, please let me know. you guys make this all worthwhile and i want to produce information that you would like to see.

i have also been working with a few makeup companies in reviewing products and testing them out. i am able to do this because of my great followers. if you haven't signed up to become a follower, i would really appreciate it. it's simple, just click the "Followers" link on the right hand side and enter your e-mail. doing this allows companies to see the extent of my readership which in turn makes them more inclined to work with me.

anyways, just wanted to give you guys an update of what's happening here behind the scenes.

xo
kristie

Fashion Friday {Accessories Are Everything}

i recently had a conversation with a girlfriend. she mentioned that she had thrown on a necklace over her tshirt (which was slightly atypical of her). she was simply wearing a tshirt and jeans yet people kept commenting on how great she looked. she told me she thought it had to do with the necklace. i replied "it's all in the details".

from design to art to clothing to makeup, it is the details that bring something to life. fashion doesn't have to be about investing copious amounts of money, rotating your wardrobe, never wearing the same thing twice. it can simply be the details that make you fashionable. sure you are a tshirt and jeans type of girl, but throw on a great belt and you are that much closer to fabulousness. (is that even a word??)

accessories truly are everything. i might be feeling a little dowdy, but as soon as i swipe my favorite pink lipstick i immediately perk up. Rachel Zoe (a celebrity stylist) says "I can do without the newest dress or trousers if I can get my hands on a few accessories to update my wardrobe. Never leave accessories as an afterthought."

next time you're dressing yourself, take a quick second and evaluate how you feel. feeling dowdy? get out that lipstick. feeling dull? add some sequin. feeling like a mom? add some heels. you get the picture.

there is something to be said about looking and feeling your best. they often seem to go hand in hand. the best accessory is a smile. it WILL make or break your look.

xo
kristie

ps. if you didn't already, take a minute to check out my video on how to accessorize. it's always nice to have a fresh perspective.

Miniature Gallery [shu uemura christmas collection 2010 with aya takano]

makeup meets art. i love this.

Photoshoot Pics

http://blushingbasics.blogspot.com/2010/10/local-photographers.htmlhere's a recent photo shoot Kellie and i worked on together. this senior girl was so beautiful and a lot of fun to work with. we shot at this amazing farm where the farmer worked day and night to keep it impeccable, made for a great shoot.

of course we also had fun because Charlotte came along, and don't forget about the sneezing horse....that picture was a gem.

xo

kristie

Makeup Tip Monday {Hair}

shout out to my sister Jordan for passing on this week's makeup tip. thanks Jordy!

ever notice that when you curl you hair you inevitably get those crazy flyaways on top of your head?

okay, maybe it's not that bad, but if you are going for sleek it can definitely throw off your game. the fix is actually quite simple. all you have to do is just take a quick spritz of hairspray then use your curling iron and gently (i mean don't burn yourself!) brush down the flyaways. it should instantly smooth your hair from your part to your curl. if you don't have hairspray, still take a quick second and just run that curling iron over the top of your head, it will still help.

xo

kristie

ps. i love tips and suggestions so please keep them coming!

Costume Contest Winner

congratulations Scottie! while others put up a good fight, Scottie must have some major social networking ;). thanks everyone for participating. it was so fun to see all of your costumes/comments.

contestant number 5, make sure you e-mail me with your info and a MAC card will be on its way!

xo,
kristie