Christmas Goodies

what a fun time of year. i am having the time of my life traveling to and from my family's homes and visiting for the holidays. our Christmas was spent with family and friends and our New Year's looks to be just as fun!

this week has been a bit hectic but i wanted to post some of the exciting things i received for Christmas:

my new camera. yippee! thanks to all of my awesome family members who went in on this gift!

my new Urban Decay Book of Shadows. i have been a bit obsessed with using this little darlin'.

vaseline sent me this awesome jar to post about and in return i have received some fun business opportunities.

my new Sperry's. thanks to my sis and LAST CHANCE. the most amazing store on earth.

those are just a few of the fun things that showed up this year. i hope your Christmas goodies were exciting as well.

another thing that is good/bad about the holidays is the incredible after holiday sales that happen. just when you thought you couldn't spend any more money unbelieveable deals pop up. in fact, i just spent the day shopping with my sisters and we brought home some sweet deals.

in case you are in the market for some sweet beauty deals, SEPHORA is offering 20% OFF all Sale items until Jan. 3rd, with code: EXTRA. now would be the time to snag that brush set you have been eyeing but didn't receive in your Christmas loot (or perhaps that Book of Shadows?! it's amazing)

whatever you do, i hope you are having fun doing it, because i sure am. Happy Holidays everyone!

xo,
kristie

New Years Makeup Tutorial

here is a Beauty Blog Backtrack of the post i wrote for tatertotsandjello. thanks for sticking with me through my lack of holiday posting. between car accidents and holiday travel my posting has been a bit erratic :)

with New Years Eve approaching i am sure many of you have fun plans for celebration. i have put together a tutorial using these products:

to create this look:

 

up close:

all products were purchased at Target for less than five dollars! you too can look like beauty pro without spending like a beauty pro :)

here is the video tutorial:

applying makeup can be fun and New Years Eve provides us with a great excuse to experiment with styles and colors. i hope you all have a great holiday!

xo,

kristie

Happy Holidays

i can't believe Christmas is already here! this year seemed to fly by and i am afraid i don't see any sign of it slowing down. is there a direct correlation between aging and the speed of life? both seem to increase so quickly.

this last week i had a very scary reminder of what the true meaning of Christmas is. my brother and his sweet little family came to town for a holiday visit. my children and i picked them up from the airport and on the way home hit a patch of black ice and slid off the freeway. we were traveling at 65 mph, so when we hit the side of the freeway the car rolled.

i opened my eyes only to realize the car had landed on it's side. we quickly evacuated the vehicle and assessed everyone's injuries. we were all shocked to find that the worst injuries included a 3 inch laceration to my brother's scalp and unfortunately a broken nose for my SIL.

it was probably one of the scariest experiences of my life. i am so grateful that we were given the gift of protection to allow us to have the accident and not one major injury. in fact, there were two infants in the car and neither had a scratch. my son had a bruise on his leg and my daughter had a minor cut to her scalp.

i consider this the greatest gift i have received this year. there is nothing on this earth that i love more than my family. they are the most important things in my life next to my testimony of our Savior.

i hope that this holiday season finds you happy, safe, and loved. all i want for Christmas is my family near me and i am so grateful to have that.
xo,
kristie

Eye Makeup Tutorial

here is another beauty blog backtrack of a post i wrote for kiki creates:

applying eye makeup can sometimes be intimidating, especially when you are using new colors. here is a quick and simple step by step tutorial showing what colors to use and where to apply them. you too can apply makeup like a pro, it's as easy as 1-2-3.

apply a black eyeshadow to the highlighted area

to blend the black with your skin, apply a brown shadow to merge the two tones

finish with a shimmery shade to the entire eyelid. this blends all colors together and gives a nice smooth finish to the entire lid.

this is what the finished product looks like. applying makeup doesn't have to be tedious, or take a long time. this easy shimmer shadow can be done in seconds. possibly a new look for a holiday party coming up?

happy holidays!

xo,

kristie

China Glaze Let it Snow Collection {Giveaway!}

China Glaze came out with some gorgeous colors for the holiday season. doesn't that just look like festive?! with golds, silvers, greens, reds (and even a blue!) these shades will add that needed pop to your holiday look.

in need of a stocking stuffer or a last minute gift? these are the PERFECT solution. every woman loves a new polish no matter if she has 5 or 50. colors and trends are constantly changing and it is fun to change our nails with them. with names like Tinsel Town, Glacier, Holly-Day and Twinkle Lights, they are sure to put a smile on the recipients face.

this red is probably my FAVE of the group. it is called Ring in the Red and is the most beautiful glitter ruby polish you have seen. while i was home visiting family for Christmas my mother in-law had already purchased this color and i wore it the entire visit!

this gold (Champagne Bubbles) was calling my name. with just the slightest addition of silver sparkles inside it makes the best two tone color. i even wore it for my Studio 5 segment. Champagne Bubbles just looked so great with my raspberry colored denim.

want a chance to win these two shades? it's easy. just head over to facebook and "Like" Blushing Basics or simply click the "Like" button on the right side bar --------------------------------------------------->

be sure to leave a comment letting me know you "Like" me.

xo,

kristie

for extra entries:

• share this on facebook
• become a follower
• link to this post

Q-tip Beauty Uses

Q-tips are one of the unsung heros of beauty. they are a must in every makeup kit, bathroom, makeup drawer, beauty bag, or medicine cabinet. the ultimate "do-everything" tool. the beloved Q-tips brand has recently introduce new Q-tips Precision Tips. here are a few of my favorite beauty uses for them:

• tweezing partner - apply some alcohol or astringent to the end of your cotton swap to clean the brow area before tweezing.
• eyebrow tamer - get those unruly eyebrows whipped into shape by applying a small amount of vaseline to your cotton swab and direct those brows how you want 'em.
• soften your browliner - after tweezing and filling in brows, wipe off any excess with a Q-tip to create a softer look.
• mani must - when giving yourself an at-home manicure, create a "magic wand" polish remover by dipping Q-tip into nail polish remover. instantly removes those unwanted smudges.
• portable makeup brush - rub your favorite eyeshadow onto the end of your Q-tip and place Q-tip in plastic baggie. store in your purse, suitcase, car, for a portable dose of your favorite eyeshadow.
• makeup brush alternative - with precise makeup application, Q-tips are great for softening bright colors, smudging dark colors, and blending multiple colors. plus, their safe for the delicate skin around your eyes.
• concealer wand - apply concealer  using a Q-tip instead of your fingers and keep your concealer germ free.
• makeup cleaner - hate it when your eyeshadow has fallout? Q-tips provide a quick fix. simply run the cotton swap under a little water and pick up any makeup that has fallen under your eye or on your cheeks.

if you have any favorite beauty uses for the Q-tip, please share!

xo,
kristie

Studio 5 Segment

yesterday i was so excited to have the opportunity to appear on Studio 5 presenting Gift Ideas for the Beauty Lover. i had so much fun filming, i couldn't believe that two hours had gone by so quickly!

if you are interested in checking out the segment, head over HERE for a written version, or you can just watch below:

here's me backstage!

after i finished filming i checked in with my mother-in-law to see how my kids were doing. she was so helpful to watch them for me so that i could make my television debut :) she told me that when my kids saw me on tv, my daughter immediately started shouting at me "Mommy! Mommy! Guess what happened?! I fell down" and while she was yelling at me on the television my son was yelling at her "Be quiet! Mom can't hear you, she's in the tv!" i love those little kiddos.

thanks so much for all of your support and well wishes. i had a great time working with producers and staff over at Studio 5 and i hope we can work together again in the future.

xo,
kristie

Thrifty Holiday Look

today is the day i am presenting "Holiday Gift Ideas for the Beauty Addict". i hope you are tuning in to Studio 5 if you have access to it. i am also excited because we will be offering my biggest giveaway yet, your very own TRIA Hair Removal System. to enter for a chance to win, be sure to visit Studio 5's Facebook page. if you do head over to enter, please tell them that Blushing Basics sent you. and if you are feeling extra generous, I would love it if you took a second to "like" me on Facebook.

here's a holiday look for less than $10. i created a smokey eye using a Wet 'n Wild eyeshadow trio, the Perfect Pair eyeliner and highlighter wand, nail polish and lipgloss. enjoy!




xo,
kristie

Julep Maven Program {Review and Giveaway}

i recently came upon the Julep Maven program while blog hopping. the Julep Maven program offers you a monthly Sneak Peek Box including the most exciting runway colors and the most effective and innovative hand, nail, and foot care products.

a Sneak Peek Box is something that beauty editors receive to introduce them to new products that are coming out on the market. now this service is made available to any beauty lover by becoming a Julep Maven. you simply take a Maven profile quiz that customizes products to fit your personality, and those are the products that will be sent to you.

each month you will receive over $40 worth of product that are customized to fit you. the products include new, never before released colors and treatments to you FIRST! included are also hits and cult favorites, the shades that never go out of style. as a Maven you will also receive exclusive invitations to online events, 20% all Julep.com purchases and free shipping.

here's a "Sneak Peek" at the Maven box i received (Classic w/ a Twist):

the cute bag it was sent in

my introductory Maven box included two polishes: a gorgeous shimmery brick red, and a mushroom greige, the perfect neutral. also included was the Julep "Facial for Hands" Glycolic Hand Scrub and two samples.

the colors are amazing and i love the bottles. not your typical polish container, much sleeker. the quality of the product is great especially because Julep promises to not use damaging chemicals. designed by women, for women, Julep is a must have brand. (plus their salons are based out of Seattle, shout out to the 206!, my hometown)

Julep has kindly offered to co-host a giveaway where one lucky Blushing Basics subscriber will receive a complimentary Julep Maven intro box (valued over $40).

or if you are interested in becoming a Maven, use the code "BLUSHINGBASICS" at checkout and you will receive your first Julep Maven Sneak Peak Box for just $9.99 (valued over $40).

to enter:

1. you must be a "follower" of Blushing Basics (just click that "Join This Site" tab on the right side bar!)
2. leave me a comment

good luck!

xo,
kristie

Upcoming Events and Giveaway Winner

what a week. we have been traveling for the last seven days and have been able to see family, friends, and Santa Clause! it has been so fun to spend the Holiday season with family. for the last eight years we have either lived out of the country or across the country from family so this is a real treat for us.

here are some pictures from our Christmas party last weekend:

Sissy Boo and Santa Clause

Our little Olive

Co-man was so excited...notice the LEGO logo on the box? need i say more?

Tman and Santa. we heart Star Wars.

all Christmas traditions were in full force and we had a great time. thanks to all the family for this awesome party!

i also am excited to let you know a little secret. one reason we are staying for such an extended visit is because i am going to be on Studio 5 KSL this Friday! i am so thrilled to have this opportunity and very nervous about being on LIVE television. so to all my Idaho, Utah, and Wyoming readers, please tune in! (i'll give you more details about the show after it airs, don't want to give away all the secrets)

now, on to the Fashion Feather giveaway winner:

JoEllen said...

I've been wanting some cute feather earrings and these would be perfect!

congratulations JoEllen! please message me your address so that i can pop these in the mail to you.

for all of you who did not win this time, be sure to check in tomorrow because i have another giveaway to offer. plus, i have a SUPER secret SUPER awesome giveaway to offer this friday after Studio 5 airs live. let me just say this product retails for several hundred dollars. woot woot!

hope your Holiday is going well and i wish you the merriest of days.

xo,
kristie

Sparkle Dipped Nails

here's a beauty blog backtrack that i wrote for kiki creates. as you can see, i love my China Glaze sparkle polish...

want to know one of the things i love best about the holidays? everything glitters, including my nails. the holidays offer a great excuse to glitter up those fingertips and have some festive fun. here is a nail tutorial using China Glaze's 3D "Eye Candy" polish.

using your blurple (or any dark color), apply polish to the top third of your nail

 

next, using a gradient of color apply a purple blue sparkle polish to the next third of your nail. i am using China Glaze "Marry a Millionaire"

finish your gradient of color by applying a silver blue sparkle polish to the tip of your nails. i am using China Glaze "Lorelei's Tiara" (don't you love these names?)

as a top coat i used my Sally Hansen "Twinkle Twinkle" applied to the entire nail. this sparkle color is much more sparse than the China Glaze and helps to blend all three colors together.

enjoy your Sparkle Dipped Nails!

xo,

kristie

China Glaze Nail Polish {Review}

China Glaze recently sent me some fun polishes of their stock in stores now. the three colors they sent: Cha Cha Cha, Ghoulish Glow, and Near Dark.

the three colors are perfect for this Holiday season. Cha Cha Cha is just the right green for December. shimmery, not too bright, and spot on with season trends. Ghoulish Glow is glow in the dark, i'm thinking New Years Eve appropriate. swatch this over your favorite color and enjoy once the lights go out. last, Near Dark, is a very dark khaki green that compliments any outfit.

i love China Glaze colors because they are creative, affordable, and great quality. as usual, i can't hardly wait to get these colors on my nails. here is a nail swatch of Near Dark:

it is so difficult to capture the beauty of this color but it really is a great every day shade for winter. if you have any great shade recommendations, i would love for you to share.

xo,
kristie

How to Apply Eyeshadow {Foiling Technique}

since it is the weekend (and i plan on Christmas Party-ing it up) i thought i would leave you with a beauty blog backtrack. here's a video tutorial on the eyeshadow application technique of "Foiling". it is a great how to video for eyeshadow makeup application.

i am so pumped because i am attending the Christmas party of all Christmas parties this weekend with Tman and the fam. the first and only time i have attended this party was when the hubby and i were engaged. let's just say, it's been a while. hope you have some fun activities to attend as well. tis the season to be jolly!

xo,

kristie

Spornette "Little Wonder" Review and Volumizing Tips

i recently received the "Little Wonder" from Spornette brushes and thought i would give you guys a review. the Spornette company operates on the philosophy that "a hair brush is an extension of a person's ego". what does your hair brush say about you?

one thing i can never get enough of is VOLUME. ironic that when i was a teenager i tried to make my hair flat as possible, and now as an adult i want lift! this "Little Wonder" is designed for teasing, up dos, back combing and creating volume in your hair. it is made with tourmaline bristles that are designed to condition, and pure boar bristles for styling.

as a volumizing brush i really like it. the integration of boar bristles with the tourmaline creates a great brush platform to "grab" the hair gently. teasing with a comb or brush does not work as well since it does not "grab" the hair as easily to tease, causing you to back comb several times. the "Little Wonder" works so well that only a few back combs gives instant volume. anything that saves me time when styling is a thumbs up in my opinion.

here is the "Little Wonder" in all it's glory

a close of up of the bristles

overall i am very satisfied with this product and would recommend it if you are in the market for a new teasing brush.  if volume is what you want, Spornette has a few more tips to get you there:

How to Create Volume in Your Hair

• towel dry hair.
• apply mousse or gel by the roots of your hair.
• tilt your head downward and brush hair from the roots outward while apply heat from the dryer.
• when completely dry, use the dryer's cold button for maximum support.

xo,
kristie

Makeup Tips {Extreme Wear}

what better time to experiment with fun makeup extremes than the holidays?! a perfect excuse to try out that tempting new lipstick, some art deco lashes, or stylized mani. here are some makeup tips to take your makeup to the extreme.

Lip Service

sugarfactory.com has some awesomely gnarly "lip tattoos":

sure to take your lips to the extreme, they come in an assortment of cute. or perhaps that's a bit too extreme? how about a bright lip instead:

Nailed It

experimenting with extremes on your nails is fun because it's a fairly safe route. Sally Hansen has these great nail polish strips that give you salon effects, without the salon or the dry time:

wanna give extreme nails a try on your own? then check out this tutorial here.

Hair How To

going to extremes on your hair is probably the riskiest of them all. without risking permanent damage, try something like an extension or clip in to take your hair to the next level. feathers are always a fun addition to any hairstyle and Nordstrom has some great clip in options:

or you can DIY and purchase your own feather extensions for a little bit of added drama:

be sure to enter my giveaway to get your hands on these beauties

xo,
kristie

Fashion Feather Review and Giveaway

recently i was scouring the internet for beauty items (as i often do) and i came across the company Fashion Feather. the intent of my searching was to find a birthday present for my SIL. for a long time i have been wanting to try feather hair extensions but haven't been able to find a place to purchase them affordably. most places offer 1-3 feathers plus clip for a minimun of $25. for a reasonable price, i was able to buy 8 feathers, hair crimps, and crimping tools, allowing the feathers to be reused again and again.

what is so great about these feathers is that they can be worn and styled like normal hair. curl 'em, straighten 'em, blow 'em dry. whatever you choose they will withstand the heat. Fashion Feather has had great customer service and were very easy to work with. i would highly recommend them to anyone!

when placing the order i was in contact with one of the directors and mentioned that i write a beauty blog. as a courtesy she kindly offered to send an additional package of feathers for giveaway to one lucky Blushing Basics reader.

included in the giveaway are 5 feather extensions, one pair of feather earrings and two sets of hair crimps (for light or dark hair).

to enter:

1. you must be a Blushing Basics "follower" (so easy to join, just click the GFC "Join this site" button, enter your e-mail and DONE! simply updates your Google reader so that you can stay on top of the latest posts)
2. leave a comment!

xo,
kristie

ps. giveaway ends Wednesday, December 14th. prize will be shipped ASAP in order to get delivered by Christmas. (possibly a gift for a BFF, sister, yourself?)

Raspberry Lip Tutorial

here's a tutorial to help you create your perfect party pout. the colors i am using will create a great raspberry shade (one that looks great on nearly everyone). if you have a different color in mind, go for it. just follow the steps provided.

begin with a fresh canvas. this means applying your liquid foundation over your lips and dusting with a pressed powder. doing so allows you to create your desired shape or stick to the shape you already have.

choose your colors. i am using Revlon ColorStay pencils in Red and Nude.

outline your lip shape with your red. my upper lip is a bit thin so i go just slightly outside my natural lip line.

take your nude color and pencil over red outline and fill in the rest of your lip. don't worry about being too uneven, applying a gloss once finished "glosses" over any imperfections.

present your pout. here's mine, colored in and glossed out.

i tried smiling but then you couldn't see the color as well. this awkward stare will have to make do.

enjoy!

xo,
kristie

Giveaway Winner

the Shabby Apple Giveaway winner has been chosen:

congratulations to prov3130grl!

please contact me with your address so that we can get that beautiful dress sent to you!

xo,

kristie

Eye Makeup Tips {How To}

applying eye makeup can be as simple as 1-2-3, yet many people allow themselves to be intimidated by it. here is a really basic (and easy) eye makeup tutorial for a natural everyday eye. no fail, i promise.

take a nude/shimmery shade and apply it from the inner corner of your eye to approximately 2/3rds of your eyelid.

using that same brush (to mix some of that shimmery color with the darker color) take a dark mocha accent color and apply in a small triangle to the outer 1/3rd of your eyelid.

last, apply a very light shimmery color to your brow bone for highlight (makes your eyes and arches appear brighter and higher)

and your easy everyday eye tutorial is complete. you too can apply makeup like a pro without being a pro.

xo,

kristie

(this is my first time experimenting with this type of eye make-up tutorial [how-to]. i would love to hear what your think.)