Obligatory Updates

I feel as though since I've been gone for so long, I should update you on my life in general.

Well the first quarter of senior year was pure hell like truly hell.  I just think of an average day in the beginning of senior year and I don't know how I did it.  Lots of caffeine and little sleep I suppose.  But now senior year is easing up just slightly.  Much  more relaxed and much more sleep so I'm happy about that.

As far as concerts go I saw Ed Sheeran in September with Kingsfoil as his opener.  Ed was absolutely incredible as expected.  I saw him last September before he had really gotten big in America so seeing him again in a bigger venue was cool.  Ed's opener was incredibly good and so I went just yesterday to see them live.  Kingsfoil is seriously so talented.  Below I have a little collage of the first time I met them in September and then when I met them yesterday.

As far as beauty goes, well I do have some new products for sure so expect some review to come in the upcoming weeks.  They may include the Naked 3 palette, some Revlon lip products, some Urban Decay liners, and a plethora of mascaras.

In regards to fashion...well it's constantly changing of course but currently I live in leggings and sweaters and boots and hats and I love it.  I will occasionally throw on a skirt and tights with booties but I'm very much about comfort.  I also love having the ability to just throw on a coat over whatever I'm wearing and I already look put together.  But yes comfort holds utmost importance.

In my life there have also been some changes which is exciting.  I'm getting into college now so that will be a decision I will make in the near future.  I have a job now (I work at a frozen yogurt place) and I still babysit here and there.  BUT the most exciting news is...I'M GOING TO FRANCE.  If you knew me you would know that THIS IS A HUGE DEAL AND IS QUITE POSSIBLY THE MOST EXCITING THING THAT COULD EVER HAPPEN.  I apologize for the caps but they are completely necessary.  I shall discuss more about this in another post it's far too important to try and shorten all of the excitement.

I think that's all I really have as of right now.

I love you all.

Be Positive. Be Happy. & Smile.

Kate

I'm back!

Bonjour mes amies!!!!

I promise I'm still alive my goodness though it's been a while.  I of course apologize but at this point that really means nothing.  Senior year is in full swing and blogging has just not been on my mind I'm sorry.  BUT I'm back and better than ever (well not really I'm just kind of back and ready to blog I guess).

I have made the executive decision for myself to make this blog about anything.  I will have posts about beauty and fashion but also just movies and music and concerts (since I am quite a concert lover) and just whatever it may be that is on my mind.  So I hope that's cool.  I don't really know how many people even read this but if you are reading this still, thank you and feel free to check out any older posts and look for many new ones to come.

Merci beaucoup!

Be Positive.  Be Happy. & Smile.

Kate

freeman face masks

As my interest in skincare grows, so does the number of skincare products I have.  I normally focus on the basics like a cleanser, moisturizer, toner, etc.  A little bit ago I was on the hunt for an inexpensive but effective face mask.  I walked into Ulta with that goal in mind and walked out with 3 new face masks, all for under $10.  

All of these masks are from Freeman's Feeling Beautiful line.  My first choice was the Peel-Off Cucumber Mask.  I went for this one first because come on, peel off masks just look so cool and fun.  The consistency of this mask is a really sticky gel.  You apply to your face, let it dry, and peel it off.  Of the three masks, this one does take the longest to dry.  It says it's perfect for normal to combination skin.  It peels the impurities out while moisturizing your skin with the cucumber extract and aloe.  Definitely a mask you may want to check out.

I also picked up the Avocado & Oatmeal Clay Mask which looks like your classic green clay mask.  It's meant to rid your skin of the dirt and oils deep down in your pores with the avocado and oatmeal adding moisture to keep your skin soft and smooth.  Also good for normal to combination skin.  I really do love this mask because every time I use it my skin just feels so smooth and soft and clean as well.  I find that I use this mask the most out of the three.

The last mask is the Dead Sea Minerals Anti-Stress Mask.  This mask was featured on the Today Show and also received an award from totalbeauty.com in 2012.  When I went to check out, the cashier said that I picked her favorite masks, especially the Dead Sea Minerals mask.  She says she loves it because she gets stress acne and this helped clear it up a lot for her.  The anti-stress aspect of the mask comes into play with the lavender and bergamot aroma-therapeutic scents.  The dead sea minerals provide lots of nutrient rich moisture and clean out the pores.  I find that if I leave this mask on too long, it can tend to be a bit harsh, so make sure that once it dries you rinse it right off.  I have to say I do think this helps as far as blemishes go.  My skin feels incredibly clean and fresh after using this.  If you tend to have a lot of stress, I would recommend this mask for you.

In order: Dead Sea Minerals, Cucumber Peel, Avocado & Oatmeal.

Each of these masks retails at $3.99.  I picked mine up at Ulta and they had a Buy 1 Get 1 Free promotion going on, which I think they always have (at least they do every time I'm there).  The fourth one was another cucumber peel mask that my mom wanted to try.  So all in all, you can get 4 different face masks for around $8.  Not a bad deal if you ask me.  They also have a very large selection- I have my eye on the Chocolate & Strawberry Clay Mask as well as the Pineapple Enzyme Mask.  They have a mask for every facial need.  I think these masks are great because they are so inexpensive and you get a lot for your money.  I love using these once a week, sometimes two, as a special treat for my skin.  Bonne chance ma cherie!

Be Positive. Be Happy. & Smile.
     Kate

growing out a pixie cut

July 2011

I may have forgotten to mention that I am very interested in hair and making it look as lovely as possible.  Funny enough though, just under two years ago, I had a pixie cut.

Let me start by saying that if you are considering cutting your hair short, no matter how short, DO IT!  It's the greatest feeling in the world.  Having a pixie cut really influenced who I am as a person and though that sounds dramatic, it's true.  Prior to getting a pixie, I was sort of a tomboy.  Once I got a pixie, I didn't have hair to hide behind and as an under-developed 12 year old, I had to amp up the femininity.  Not to say that pixie cuts can't be feminine but when combined with skinny jeans and graphic tees and converse, well let's just say those were my awkward years.

Fortunately getting a pixie turned that all around.  I started experimenting with makeup and fashion.  It was great, and I LOVED my hair.  After about 4 years of sporting the short 'do I decided it was time to grow it out- I was in need of something new.  So I thought I would share my experience and tips that I learned while growing out my pixie.  I know that when I was growing my hair out, I was constantly searching for posts like these so I'm hoping that my post can help someone out there.

December 2011 - headbands were wonderful.

September 2011 - last time I had my hair cut.

 I missed a few months here and there but headbands were KEY.  Clips and bows and flowers were also wonderful.  Don't forget to get the back trimmed.  That is crucial when growing out a pixie- you do not want a mullet.  It will be a pain, but power through it.  The goal to getting to a bob is having the sides around your ears grow out which will take a while because that area is a lot shorter.  Because you may not be feeling super confident about your hair while it's going through some awkward stages, focus on other things than hair- try out new fashions and makeup looks!

April 2012 - semi bob wahoo.

June 2012 - awkward pose but it's longer wahoo.

May 2012 - the fringe was slowly getting longer.

August 2012 - playing around with braids and such.

July 2012 - pulled back the fringe with headbands a lot. finally a normal bob.

November 2012 - first time curling my hair YAY. 

September 2012 - fringe has almost fully grown out.  in my face a bit.

January 2013 - ignore my face.  fringe fully grown.

December 2012 - pinned back one side.  often used flat iron.

February 2013 - longer bob.  quite exciting.

April 2013 - hair was getting longer here. shoulder length for sure.

May 2013 - prom. curled hair and it turned out quite nice.  

June 2013 - present day. past my shoulder.  this is my natural hair.

Like I said, headbands are key.  Once you can get it up in a bun or ponytail you'll be set (near October 2012 for me).  Try not to use too much heat and don't wash your hair every single day.  Use a good conditioner to keep your hair healthy.  You really do just want healthy hair because when it's healthy, it'll grow.  Once it's at a semi-bob I would recommend getting it trimmed just occasionally to get rid of dead ends (I'm actually due for a trim).  Above all you just have to accept that it may look awkward for a bit so hey embrace it and work with it.  Like I said, add in some cute flowers and headbands.  For me, it was about 6 months until I had a short short bob.  From there on it's just a matter of taking care of your hair and you're good to go.

If you have any questions or more suggestions, please leave a comment below.  And good luck to all those growing your hair out!

Be Positive.  Be Happy. & Smile.

     Kate

no. 7 night cream

Fairly recently I purchased a night cream.  Prior, I had never used a night cream- I didn't think they were that necessary.  Apparently though, you don't want to use a moisturizer at night that has SPF since it can clog your pores (any moisturizer I ever buy always has SPF so this was an issue).  I decided to look for a night cream that was moisturizing enough, but not too heavy.  This is what I found.

 This is the No 7 Beautiful Skin Night Cream for Normal/Oily skin.  It is actually an English brand and is a branch from the brand Boots I think (Boots is a UK drugstore).  I found it at Ulta for a little under $14.  I've used it now for a couple of weeks and I've come to the consensus that I really like it.  It is a night cream so it's more moisturizing than a daily moisturizer.  With that said, it is not heavy at all.

A little goes a long way with this stuff too.  It sinks right into the skin so smoothly and doesn't leave me feeling oily at all.  Even when I wake up the next morning, I don't feel greasy.  As far as scent goes, it's not very strong and it's rather fresh and clean.  What's great about this line is that they also have versions for dry skin or just oily skin or normal.  They have a great range and lots of variety along with lots of other products.  I will definitely be trying more from this brand.

Be Positive. Be Happy. & Smile.

     Kate

review: anti-frizz serum by garnier fructis

It's summer- it gets hot and humid and we all know what that means- frizz.  It can be so frustrating, especially if you style your hair and then the second you walk outside, BAM, it just looks like a big puff.  Personally, I've not been using heat on my hair at all.  I usually just shower and let it air dry.

For days when I know I'll be outside, or I just want my hair to be extra smooth and soft, I use the Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum.  I picked up mine at Target for about $5- not a bad deal.

It says that you can apply to damp or dry hair.  I find that I like applying it to my dry or almost-dry hair.  For me it seems that if I put it in my hair while it's damp, it doesn't work as well.  When I put it in my dry hair though it makes it incredibly smooth and soft.  I have naturally straight hair as well but my hair tends to do random flips at the end.  With this in it, it sort of helps to style is so it's just soft and sleek.  I really like it.

Oh and did I mention it smells INCREDIBLE?!  Because it does.  Like I said, I got it for $5 which is quite a bargain if you ask me.  I was afraid it might weigh my hair down or make it greasy but it does neither so I am very pleased.  It definitely does help with frizz. It also claims to give sleek hair for 3 days and it does.  I was really happy about that.  Hope this was helpful and if you have any tips or tricks to combat frizz, let me know!!! 

Be Positive.  Be Happy. & Smile. 

     Kate

outfit of the day : june 20

With my first attempt at an outfit of the day I realize now why I could never be a model.  Firstly it's incredibly uncomfortable trying to pose without feeling/looking completely ridiculous.  Secondly, I sometimes forget that my face is in fact being photographed as well as my outfit and the two never look good in the same shot.  Regardless, I managed a couple alright photos.

Today is really a rather lazy day, BUT I will be going out to dinner with some friends this evening so I thought I'd share what I plan on wearing.  I've really been loving maxi skirts since they're just so flowy and loose and comfy and cute without really having to try and make them cute.  Paired with a lightweight, flowy crop top, I am nice and cool in the summer heat.  As far as accessories go, well I'm not actually wearing any (shhh).  I'm just wearing flat sparkly silver sandals on my feet and voila- I'm ready to go.

Be Positive. Be Happy. & Smile.

     Kate

everyday makeup tutorial

I thought it would be interesting to create a tutorial through photos and voila! Here is my every day makeup, not including my foundation routine (I didn't want this to get too long). Hope this is helpful!

Step 1:  Apply eyeshadow primer/base on lid and a little on the lower lash line as well.  I use this kind.

Step 2:  Apply a light shimmery cream colored shadow on lid, staying below the crease, in a patting motion. (Just so you know I am using the Urban Decay Naked palette for all of my eyeshadows - photos for colors are at the bottom)

Step 3:  Blend a light/medium brown shade in the crease lightly.  Blend slightly above the crease staying slightly below the brow bone.

Step 4:  Apply a slightly darker brown shade in the outer "v" of your lid.  Blend in with a bit of the crease color, staying away from the inner corner of your eye.  Blend down towards your lash line as well to help achieve the "v" shape.  Keep blending to keep it soft and more natural.

Step 5: Using a small smudge brush, apply that same darker brown color on your lower lash line.

Step 6:  Fill in your brows as you usually do.  I use this pencil in Panama and just fill in where my brows already are- I'm not a huge fan of the drawn on look, considering I already have quite full brows.

Step 7:  One of my personal favorites: mascara!  Curl lashes and apply your favorite mascara.  Here I'm using L'Oreal Telescopic Shocking Extensions.






Step 8:  Then I like to just apply the same brown pencil I used for my brows to my tightline and waterline (the little bit of skin under your lashes and the blank bit of skin slightly above your lower lashes).

Step 9:  Last but certainly not least, throw on your favorite lip color and you're good to go.  For an everyday shade, I like to use this light, matte pink from Rimmel in 101.

Hope you found this interesting/helpful!  Bonne chance!

In case any of you were curious as to what I used, here they are:

Be Positive. Be Happy. & Smile.
     Kate

how I accessorize

Despite my love for fashion and all it encompasses, one thing I'm not particularly keen about is accessories.  Don't get me wrong, accessories can make or break an outfit but often times I just tend to wear the same stuff every day.  It may be limiting my look but I'm just not that great at choosing accessories. This is what I wear pretty much every single day.

2 sets of earrings, a cross ring, my class ring, cross necklace, zodiac sign bracelet.

Now sometimes the earrings may vary but what can I say, I'm lazy!  However, I've decided to try and make an attempt at amping up my accessory attire.  I do have some funky pieces in my collection which I can absolutely utilize.  For the summer it's all about color, and bold, vibrant color at that.  I do tend to wear a lot of neutrals so mixing in bright shades shouldn't be too difficult.  I will keep you updated as to how it goes.  Any tips or ideas?  Feel free to leave them below, trust me I need them.

just a few items I have to work with.

Be Positive. Be Happy. & Smile.

     Kate

chapped lips: SOS

I don't know about you, but I don't think I could live without lip balm.  Okay I'm sure I could but it's just one of those things that I always have to have on me.  I've tried some here and there, most of them being drugstore brands, or at least fairly inexpensive.  Today I want to focus on five though.  If you are in the market for an affordable lip balm, these are my opinions on just a few.

I suppose I will do this in order of my favorites.

can be found almost anywhere. $3

First is my tried and true- Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm.  For me this is an oldie but goodie.  It's one of those balms where when you put it on, you can feel it working.  It sinks into your lips so smoothly and I really notice a difference after applying this - both short and long term.  The minty flavor/scent is a bonus for me seeing as I LOVE mint.  It's fresh and crisp and works wonders.

found mine at Target ~$3

My second pick would have to be Vaseline's Lip Therapy.  This adorable mini size Vaseline tub may be small but packs in a LOT of moisture.  Honestly, I think this does a better job of moisturizing than Burt's Bees but it's not quite as convenient and mess-free as Burt's Bees.  Plus, it is much thicker.  I tend to use this in the morning and at night as a part of my skin care routine.  In the winter, this is a God-send.  If you don't mind having to stick your finger in a tub, then this is really awesome for super chapped lips. 

Sephora $6

Third is Smith's Rosebud Salve.  This is slightly more expensive, but it does feel much more luxurious than drugstore lip balms, still at a reasonable price.  The one I purchased came in this tin, but I have seen the same balm in a tube form.  I really enjoy this lip balm, but it does then to sit on the lips as opposed to sinking right in.  It almost creates a protective, shiny, outer layer on your lips.  It can also be used on chapped hands or elbows or anything chapped really.  Very useful in the winter time. 

got mine at Ulta $3.29

Coming in at fourth is the oh-so-famous EOS Sphere Lip Balm in Sweet Mint.  Like I said, I love mint.  I'm sure everyone has seen these little balls of joy everywhere and I will say, they are quite cute.  Don't be fooled by the unique packaging and pretty colors, they aren't all they are cracked up to be.  I could be wrong, but in my experience they tend to dry out my lips rather than moisturize them.  When first applied, they feel nice and moisturizing but seem to dry out my lips requiring me to reapply just a couple hours later (sometimes less).  Though it's good for a quick fix I wouldn't necessarily recommend this for long term moisturizing.  Sorry for the photo, I couldn't actually find mine so you'll have to manage with a stock photo. 

can be found at Target, Ulta, drustores, etc.  $3.99

Last, and well I guess least, is Maybelline's Baby Lips in Quenched.  This shade is the basic, plain jane version among the many Baby Lips.  There has been so much hype around these babies (no pun intended) and can I say DON'T GIVE IN.  Though the packaging is convenient and rather cool and attractive, the product isn't nearly as great.  Like the EOS lip balm, it's great for a quick fix, but in the long term it DEFINITELY dries out my lips.  I have two of the colors and I do really like the pigmentation but they still tend to dry my lips out.  I would recommend Burt's Bees over this in a heartbeat. 

Hope this helped any of you suffering from dry lips or just in need of a new lip balm!

Be Positive. Be Happy. & Smile.

    Kate

bonjour et bienvenue!

Well here we are.  My first ever blog post.  To be honest this is quite a strange feeling- knowing this is the start of something with so much potential.  I'm starting this blog for several reasons: I love beauty and fashion, I love writing, and I love sharing what I know.  In essence, that's what this blog is for- sharing what I know about beauty and fashion.  Trust me, I'm sure I have a lot to learn, but that's the beauty of it- as I learn, you can learn as well.

I'm not entirely sure what direction this blog will go.  I'm sure it will deviate from the beauty/fashion realm occasionally, and I'm okay with that.  I just hope that, regardless of what it is I post about, it helps someone.

That's me in case you were curious :)

I suppose I should start telling you a bit about myself.  I'm a 16, soon to be 17, year old girl, the youngest of 4 (the older three being my brothers).  I've grown up in a small city in a small state, but I've had access to the big and bold cities like New York and Philadelphia.  I have a soft spot for all things French and hope to travel there in the near future.

I grew up a tomboy and somewhere along the way became very interested in fashion and beauty.  Though I have a passion for fashion, I also have a love for photography (which may be featured here as well).

This year I will be a senior in high school and I plan to go on to college to major in fashion merchandising.  My goal in life is to surround myself with what I love, work towards happiness, and try to be a bit spontaneous while doing so.

I hope you enjoy reading this soon to be beauty/fashion blog as much as I will enjoy creating it.

Be Positive. Be Happy. & Smile.
     Kate