Sunday, April 11, 2010

How to Curl Your Hair w/ a Straightener

Sorry I haven't posted in a long time, this semester is taking a toll on me.

I have two hair straighteners, one is a Sedu and it is what I use for straightening my hair (I think its an awesome product and much better than a Chi). The only problem with my Sedu is its flat on top, so it is very hard to curl my hair with it. In that case, I kept my five year old Chi, so that I can curl my hair. I like curling my hair with a Chi because it is curved on top, and the cord doesn't get tangled when you start rolling the straightener. I got a curling iron for Christmas, but I ended up returning it because I hated the kinks it left at the ends of my hair. The straightener does leave a small kink at the ends of your curls, but its definitely not as noticeable.

The first thing is you will need partially dirty hair, hairspray and thermal care spray. I use Chi's thermal care spray and Aussie's hairspray. The reason you need partially dirty hair is because it will last much longer. I usually curl my hair the day I don't wash my hair (its not a good idea to wash your hair everyday). Take a strand of hair about one inch, spray the thermal care spray on it, then take your Chi and start at the roots. Flip your Chi 180 degrees over. Now slowly drag down the strand with your hair wrapped around the Chi from flipping it. The slower you slide your Chi down, the more of a ringlet curl you will get. Once you get to the end, without letting go of the strand, roll the Chi up the strand all the way back up to the roots. Hold for about 10 seconds and then let go with the Chi being vertical.

The best way to curl your entire head is to put your hair in layers. So pick up some hair and throw it in a ponytail, and then gradually let different sections of your hair down, curling each one by one. After curling each section I douse it with hairspray. Sometimes if I want more natural looking curls, I scrunch it with a mousse.

I hope this helps :)

Love, Katelyn

Tip of the day: Do you have annoying fly aways at your roots? Take an ice cube out of the freezer and rub at your roots, but don't let it melt too much. Don't douse your hair in water because that will just bring them back. Cool water helps take away fly aways.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Tips for Long Strong Beautiful Hair

Who doesn't want long strong hair? Or if you like your hair short, don't you at least want it strong and with less breakage? Here are some tips for some strong, beautiful hair.

First of all, I recommend you don't wash your hair every single day. If you wake up and your hair isn't that oily, definitely just throw some dry shampoo or baby powder on your scalp and style it like you usually do. Just try not to use as many hair styling products as you usually do, this can really bring out the oiliness much faster than usual.

When washing your hair, do not twist your hair around on top of your head to wash it. Shampoo and scrub your scalp and work your way down to your ends. Also, when conditioning your hair, don't think that if you don't put conditioner all over your head, it will cause your hair to be less oily. The best way to condition your hair is to work it in from your ears down, and only use a little bit. When drying your hair, don't be really rough with it like rubbing it vigorously with a towel. You should gently squeeze out the water from top to bottom instead. Try combing your hair from top to bottom, working each tangle out, once your get out of the shower.

If you can, try to avoid as many styling tools as possible. For me, it is extremely hard to ditch my straightening iron, but in order to not ditch that, I don't use my blow dryer unless I ABSOLUTELY have to. Then on some days I just call it a "no-straightener day", so that my hair can heal somewhat.

Always make sure to deep condition your hair at least monthly. I use the Burt's Bees 2 Minute Deep Conditioner because it is almost completely natural (the only thing I am concerned about is sulfates). You can also get the Aussie 3 Minute Deep Conditioning treatment.

I also recommend putting in a non-breakage hair styling product for while your hair is still wet. I actually use the Suave Professionals Extreme Strength Daily Leave In Treatment. I think that it really works, and it also smells better than a lot of other products. The Redken Extreme line which comes in the navy blue bottles is also a great line of products to look for.

Most important of all, get your hair trimmed about half an inch every six weeks or so. Trimming your ends will help damage from working its way up the hair.

Love, Katelyn :)

*Tip of the Day* This is another buy of the day, but like my blog says I am not advertising anything..I am just giving my opinion. I loved my Chi Straightening Iron, and mine lasted for five years, which is almost a century for a Chi. I then switched to the Sedu and I fell in love. The Sedu is made for almost any hair type, and it really helps to get rid of the fly aways. Really consider looking into a Sedu if you need a new hair straightener. They are both about the same price :)

Monday, March 8, 2010

Eye Shadows For Your Eye Colors

There are certain colors that can make any eye pop. Almay has a great line of eye shadow palettes that help to make your eye color glow and to really stand out. If you don't want to use those though, and you really want to try to experiment with other colors. Then here are the best colors for you.

I have blue eyes. The best colors for you are deep, jewel tones and coppers. The only eye shadow colors I would sort of stay away from are greens and pinks. But colors like blue, purples, smokey eyes, and deep browns are perfect for your eye color.

For green eyes, I would recommend greens, light yellows, and browns. Pinks are okay, but really go for strong deep colors.

If you have hazel or gray eyes, you are lucky because almost every color will work with your eye since most of the time they change colors to what you are wearing anyway.

For light to medium brown eyes, I really recommend pastel colors especially pinks and grays. I would stay away from golds and light browns and get into deeper browns.

And finally for dark brown eyes, pastel colors really work too. I would also recommend going with metal colors as well especially golds and silvers.

Really try to aim for either putting a deeper color in the inner corner of your eye or on your crease line. Every eyeshadow looks much better that way especially with maybe a lighter version of the colors I suggested on your lid with the browns that I suggested on your crease.

Hope this helps!
Katelyn :)

Tip of the Day: Remember to change your shampoos every once in a while. Your hair can get really used to what you use, and it will end up becoming dirtier faster; however, if you find a face wash that you like, don't change it. Skin takes a while to get used to what you wash it with. It is a really good idea to stick to a face wash for very long periods of time especially if you want something to take effect.

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Eyebrows Are a Must

In order to really complete a look, you really need to make sure your eyebrows look good as well. Since people always seem to look at eyes first, eyebrows are right above those and they are looking at them too.
I have my eyebrows waxed, and I know some people like to get them threaded because the hairs grow back slow. I don't get my eyebrows waxed every two weeks like some people do. I usually get them maybe once a month to once every two months. I just like to get them shaped, and then over that time, I pluck them to keep them shaped.
Now you need to fill in your eyebrows with color because most of the time your hair is missing in some parts and/ or your shape may not be as strong as you like it. There are different options to color in your eyebrows. I like to use the powder, which looks just like an eyeshadow. There are also pencils or crayons too. I highly recommend a kit like the Benefit one or the Urban Decay one. This is a good thing because they usually come with a wax and sometimes with tweezers and a brush. Make sure you use both colors in the kit and cover your whole brow. If you don't cover your whole brow, people will notice. I know its natural to just cover the "bald" spots, but get the whole brow. Then apply the wax so that the brow will stay in place, and make sure you comb them after all of that.
If you use a pencil or a crayon, I recommend getting an eyebrow gel. This way you can keep your eyebrows in place as well. Like I said before, make sure you color in your whole brow.
Of course remember to do this to your liking. You can have dark brows or light brows just by the amount of color your put on them. Also, remember to keep them shaped.
Your eyebrows will complete any look, I promise you this.

Love, Katelyn :)

TIP OF THE DAY: When buying a perfume, make sure to wear it around first. If you like a perfume on a piece of paper, it doesn't mean it will smell the same on you. Your skin's oils blend with the scent, and it can end up smelling really bad on you. If you know you are looking for a new perfume, walk into a store straight for the perfume. Spray it on you, then walk around and continue shopping. It is a good amount of time for the perfume to blend with your skin's oils. That way you can tell if you really like it, or if it even lasts as long as you hope :)

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Bangs

Here is an easy and simple trick to help you get the smooth and silky, swoop bangs that everyone tries to accomplish. The things you will need are a round brush, a blow dryer and mousse or hair spray.
While styling the rest of my hair, I pin my bangs away. After that, I get my mousse and run it through my bangs. I take the round brush and brush rolling outwards from underneath my bangs. This way you can get the mousse to spread evenly throughout your hair. After that, I quickly roll my bangs up with my round brush...again from underneath. I then put my blowdryer on low and dry the mousse, slowly letting my hair out from the brush. After that, I run my fingers through them gently and just once.
This should really help you get that look that most people look for when styling their bangs. It can work for other types of bangs that need that curled look like the classic ones that run right across your brow line.
I highly recommend that you use a very flexible mousse or hairspray. Otherwise your bangs may end up looking crispy. Aussie has a really great mousse you can use (which is what I use). If you use hairspray, do not apply directly to the hair, apply it to your hands and then run them through your bangs. If you want even more of a curl, get a heat protectant and apply that to them. Be careful though because it can make your hair oily. I would recommend the TreSemme heat protectant. I really like it, and every girl does need a heat protectant if they style their hair with any sort of heat (blow dryer, straightener, or curling iron).

Love, Katelyn :)

*Tip of the Day* It is not really a tip of the day, but more a buy of the day. Everyone needs to go out and buy the new Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure. They have really cute colors, and it is an amazing nail polish. I like it more than the salon brands like OPI or Essie. The reason it is so awesome is because it is five products in one. It includes base coat, nail strengthener, nail growth, color, and top coat. The brush is awesome, and it makes application way easier. And even better it is cheaper than salon nail polishes. It ranges from about $6.50-$7.50. I love the stuff :)

Sunday, February 28, 2010

Healthy Looking Lips

When it comes to lips there are so many things you need to do take care of them. As for me, I hate when my lips are dry, cracked, and chapped. My secret is Vaseline at night and Pop's Good Morning Kiss in the morning.
Vaseline will forever change your life when it comes to super dry lips. I hate when I even get a tingle because of chapped and dry lips, and as soon as I do, I immediately put on a butt load of Vaseline. It is a miracle worker. Many people think that it is weird and may judge because of all the different uses for it. Don't judge until you try it for yourself because I promise smooth lips will be coming your way once you put Vaseline on them every night. The amount does not matter, it just depends on how chapped they are before going to bed. I almost can't hardly sleep now without it.
In the morning, before I apply any lip gloss or chapstick for whatever look I am going for, I apply the Pop Good Morning Kiss lip gloss. Its not really a lip gloss, but it can be okay as one. It has sugar crystals in it, and it will exfoliate the dead and dry skin cells on your lips. It is an awesome product, and it is definitely worth the money because it does actually last a very long time. I got mine about 4 months ago, and I still have quite a bit left. It will really help lower the dryness you can get over the entire day.
After I keep to this schedule, I really start to notice the amount of chapstick I have to apply over the day. When I don't do this often, my chapstick is almost always in my hand.
Remember to stay hydrated, a lot of times skin is dry because you do not drink enough water especially when it comes to sensitive areas like your face and lips.

Love,

Katelyn :)

*TIP OF THE DAY*
Cut out or use a small index card behind your lashes when applying mascara. It really helps to catch every lash, and it allows less clumping.

Thursday, February 25, 2010

General Skin Care

Many people, including myself, have acne-prone skin, and everyone of those people definitely each have their own issues of acne. I have recently developed extremely sensitive skin, and it dries out for anything that touches it and causes an allergic-reaction.

Of course, the main thing you need to be doing is drink plenty of water (you are supposed to drink half your body weight in ounces) and exercise. Exercise creates sweat, which people think may be a reason for acne. It isn't. If anything it helps, sweat is made to of course keep us cool, but it also kills bacteria (which is what creates pimples and zits). Avoid extremely salty or greasy foods as well. They dehydrate you, which defeats the purpose of drinking a whole lot of water a day.

When washing your face, wash twice a day with a good face wash that you think suits you best. Don't wash less or more than that. If you wash less you can't get the dirt accumulated from over night or from all day, but if you wash more you can really over dry your skin. Make sure to wash it with either a clean washcloth or clean hands and use luke-warm to warm water to help open pores.

Here is another tip, make sure you exfoliate. I don't exfoliate everyday, but I probably do about 2-3 times a week. I use the new L'Oreal Go 360 Clean Deep Facial Cleanser as my face wash. The good thing about this is it has a Scrublet that pops out of the front of the bottle. This will help exfoliate your face. I really recommend this product because there is a few different kinds for different skin types. I have the sensitive skin one. You really need to exfoliate so you can help your face shed that old and dead skin cells along with dirts and unnecessary oils.

A lot of times, I also create my exfoliant. My "secret" ingredients are table sugar, olive oil, and a banana. I mix two parts sugar to one part olive oil and one part mushed banana and rub on my face to exfoliate with the sugar and leave on for about 5 minutes. When I wash it off, I still rub like I am rubbing on an exfoliant so the sugar is still taking off dead skin cells and dirt. It will leave your face so soft and smooth.

After I wash my face and exfoliate my face on those occasional days, I then use a toner. I especially use one in the morning before applying make up. You can also use those acne pads, but I prefer to use Olay Refreshing Toner. I use it on a cotton pad, and the key is to sweep up with the cotton ball. Toner is really good for the obvious reason, to keep a natural and even looking tone, which is one reason I use it before putting on make up. Another reason I use the toner before application of make up is because I don't want to put more oil on old lingering oil already on the face.

Finally, I moisturize. There are many great moisturizers in every store. Once again it depends on you and your skin type. For me, one squirt of Aveeno Clear Complexion facial moisturizer is a perfect amount. I love the Aveeno brands because you can put more on, but it is still light enough that it won't make your face appear oily. Remember to moisturize after every face wash because if you don't natural oils won't be produced as much, and your face can really dry out.

When I am taking my eye make up make up off at night, I don't use the make up wipes that come pre-packaged. Those are extremely harsh on my eyes and my skin. Instead, I really like the Almay Eye Make Up remover liquid, but I like Cold Cream even more. Cold cream comes in a just a little jar, and so many companies make it. I know Pond's makes it, but I also know there are generic brands like Wal Greens. Its thick so you only need a little, I wipe it on my eyes first, rubbing a little. Then I take a cotton ball and wipe it off. After that, I wash my face so the rest of the dirt comes off.

I hope this helps you guys learn a little more about skin care :)

Love, Katelyn

*TIP OF THE DAY*
Don't wash your hair daily, it can really strip your hair of natural oils which are vital to keep it healthy. If your hair starts to appear a little oily at the roots, which is natural, you can buy a dry shampoo. What I really recommend, and its cheaper is baby powder. A little sprinkle of baby powder at the roots and in your hand to run through your hair will really help with the oily look. Make sure to brush through the baby powder after application. It doesn't necessarily take away the oils like dry shampoo will, but it definitely absorbs some and then masks them. Its also cheaper!

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Smokey Eyes

I am pretty sure every girl wants to know how to master the smokey eyes. There are a few things you need to know about the smokey eye before you actually do try to attempt it. Smokey eyes is different for everyone, and the look looks better on some than others. One way to actually help you to have a good smokey eye is to experiment with colors. You do not have to use blacks and grays only. I actually like a smokey eye on me with a gold tone to it...deep, chocolatey browns are also a great option for smokey eyes.
I am going to describe what I do to develop mine, and you can try to experiment with what looks best for you.

First, I start off by making sure to apply my Urban Decay eyeshadow primer. If you want your smokey eyes to end up like bed time eyes, then don't put primer on. Primer helps so greatly with any look you are going for; you really need to consider buying some if you don't already.

After I apply my primer all over my eyelid, including up to my eyebrows and below my waterline and as close to is as possible, I start with a light silver or light gray. I apply it on my eyelid and a little lighter on my brow bone. Then I start with a deeper color, usually a charcoal starting at the inner corner of my eye and working my way out (all the way across), but only in the crease, at first. I then apply black either a little below the crease line I just created or I keep it just at the outer corners of my eyes to only about midway across the eyelid. After all of that I have a coppery gold glitter and I apply that lightly across my entire eyelid to really finish the color. If you don't want to use golds and only want to use the same tones, I would recommend a light white glitter like the Bare Minerals brand.

When I apply my eyeliner, I apply my pencil eyeliner to my waterline and then I create a very small line on my upper lid above my lashes. I then follow my upper lid line with a liquid eyeliner to seal the pencil and the color.

Finally, I add my mascara. I like my eyelashes a little clumpier when it comes to smokey eyes so its a little more dramatic, and I also apply a lot on my bottom lashes.

To really seal the deal of your smokey eye look, contrast the rest of your make up with it. I would recommend a light pink blush or lipstick. If you use deeper colors or a gloss, it kind of just blends with the your smokey eyes, so they will not pop as much as you probably will want them too.

My favorite eyeshadow for any smokey eye is Bare Minerals Moss/Sheen. Its $13 but lasts forever, and its the perfect color for a deep smokey eye that you may be looking for. Bare Minerals has a really good set of colors for any kind of smokey eye or natural look.

I hope this helps, leave comments if you have questions. I will post pictures later :)

Love, Katelyn

*TIP OF THE DAY*
If you think you have a lot of build up in your hair from hair products or chlorine or whatever, instead of spending a lot of money on a good clarifying shampoo, use a common household product from the grocery store.

If you have brown or deep colored hair (basically everything but blondes): mix one part of apple cider vinegar with one part of water, take it to the shower with you and before you wash your hair, run that mixture through your hair and rinse. Shampoo normally.

If you are blonde or maybe even some lighter red heads, use one part lemon juice to one part water instead of apple cider vinegar. Follow the same process as brunettes.

REMEMBER TO NOT DO THIS VERY OFTEN, I WOULD RECOMMEND TO ONLY DO THIS ABOUT ONCE A MONTH-TWO MONTHS...AT MOST. It can really take away some of the necessary oils in your hair.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Prestige or Drug Store?

In my mind, there are two types of makeup. There is Prestige and Drugstore. First, let me describe Prestige. Prestige make up is the make up that you can't just get anywhere. The brands you probably know about are Smashbox, Bare Minerals, or Mac. As for drugstore, it is the make up you can find at any drug store, Wal Mart, Target. You get the gist. The common names are CoverGirl, Almay or NYX.

Now here is what this entry is going to be about. I am going to list my everyday things that I use, and I am going to say which one between Prestige or Drug Store do I like best. I will list both items though.


(1) Lets start with foundation.
I have yet to find a really good Prestige Foundation (anything mineral makes me break out).

I do like the Urban Decay Loose Powder .

Drug Store: Covergirl Clean Makeup for Sensitive Skin

I am definitely going with Drugstore. Covergirl really helps me out when it comes to sensitive skin and all Prestige foundations dry out my face.


(2) Eyebrows

Prestige: Benefit Eyebrow Enhancers

Drug Store: Revlon Colorstay Brow Enhancer

I am going to go with Prestige Benefit Eyebrow Enhancers. For $30, its really worth it, and it lasts forever.


(3)Eyeshadow Primer

Prestige: Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion

Drug Store: LA Splash Eyeshadow Base or Finish

I like them both but Primer Potion is where its at. You guys really need to get some kind of eyeshadow primer if you want to make eyeshadow last and not crease.


(4)Eyeshadow

Prestige: Pop Beauty- any eyeshadow. I love them all

Drug Store: Almay's Eye Brighteners

I don't have a favorite, you can use any eyeshadow for just about whatever look you are going for.

(5) Eyeliner

Prestige: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil

Drug Store: Revlon Colorstay Automatic Eyeliner

I love Revlon :)

(6) Mascara

Prestige: Smashbox Hyperlash

Drug Store: Covergirl Lash Blast

Hyperlash


Finally, everyone definitely needs a good set of brushes if you want to spend just a little bit of money for a good set of brushes, EcoTools. If you want to spend a little more, I would recommend Japonesque brushes.

Love you guys :)
Katelyn

Tips of the Day:
Remember to always wash your brushes, if you want to go out and buy a good brush cleaner, I would recommend Ulta brand. A lot of companies make brush cleaner though. If you don't, that's okay too, you can wash your brushes with lukewarm water with soap and let air dry. :)

If you think your hair is losing luminosity (shininess), try to change to sulfate-free shampoos. For a good cheap sulfate-free shampoo I would recommend any of the Organix brand or Burt's Bees.

Monday, February 22, 2010

Third Times a Charm

Before I start explaining myself, I need to get something off my chest:
ROCK CHALK JAYHAWKS!! Lets get it KU, Beak em'.


I am so sorry followers who followed my failures. Okay, honestly, there was only one follower and her name is Lauren...I love her. If you want to follow her blog, you definitely should: http://laurencrafted.blogspot.com/. I just wasn't really happy with my other blogs, but I really need to just be excited about this one. I have a feeling I will be.
It has yet to be a week since Lent has started. I am doing okay, but right now my parents are eating steak. Its a little difficult to handle. I just have to remind myself Jesus sacrificed His life (which is forever), while I am only giving up meat and Facebook for forty days. I think I can do it.
I want to make this blog have a purpose besides just explaining what I do with my everyday, boring life. I have some ideas, and if any of you start following me, please tell me your input. I am thinking it either will have to do with makeup and cosmetics.
This is because I work at an Ulta Cosmetics store. I do have to say before I started working there, makeup wasn't necessary. Now that I have been there for almost eight months, I have become completely obsessed. I am always up for new secrets and tips, so that means I need input.
Okay, well I love you for all of you reading this and who might consider following me.
Katelyn :)