Winter is coming.

Yesterday we had snow in Texas. It was cold as hell and the wind was piercing. So that inspired me to share a few tricks I have picked up to beat the impending dryness that is approaching.
So for the longest time I believed that in order to have soft skin you had to be blessed with it. I have sensitive skin so I felt pretty SOL when it came to skin products, so that meant no smelly Bath and Body works lotions for me. I didn't use lotions for the longest time because I just though they were a scam,until I really educated myself on skin care and researched what was required to get silky smooth skin.

Starting with Exfoliation.
Exfoliation is the key to keeping skin soft. Getting rid of dead skin cells really helps with dryness and makes it easier for skin to absorb whatever hydration you choose to treat it with. And the wonderful thing about it is, that you can either buy an exfoliator is make one. I have chosen both.
For my face and lips I have a home made exfoliator,super easy to make. Just mix equal parts of coconut oil and brown sugar into a container. And you're done! It also tastes pretty good, making it a lot easier to use on your lips.

And for my body, I have a scrub made by Frank. It targets eczema,stretch marks, and cellulite. And since I'm only human and have all of those things, I decided to give it a try. I try to use it once a week, rubbing all over my body, then leaving it on for about five minutes or so. Washing it off, I can feel a major improvement in the way my skin feels. So I highly recommend this product.

Moisturizing.
For my face I use this Egyptian Magic Cream. I was recommended this when I was having trouble with my eczema on my eyelid. Did a little research on it, and decided to give it a go. I've owned this tub of it for almost a year and have barely made a dent in it. The consistency is kind of funny,its solid. But when you get about a nickel sized amount, then work it around with your fingers it becomes liquid. I massage it onto my face as well as my neck. But only at night, because it is a greasy texture that it wouldn't work well under makeup.
For the day time I like to use sunscreen as a base, SPF is extremely important.

For my body I use this Soap and Glory lotion. I did a lot of research on this after I kept seeing these products in my favorite you tubers videos. A lot of the reviews mentioned how it really helped with sensitive skin, and didn't cause eczema break outs. I couldn't believe it, Hell had frozen over and I had found a lotion that I could use. There is a slight floral scent, but not too overpowering. I use it when I have just gotten out of the shower,this is a good ritual because it will lock in the moisture on your clean skin.

Then for makeup remover/lip balm. Easy COCONUT OIL. I know I talk about this a lot but this stuff is great. I have never used a makeup remover that has worked so well until I started using coconut oil. And for lip balm, use anything else besides chapstick. Use something natural, or vaseline is good choice. Just trust me.

have a good week everyone.
love,
kacie.

Mary Kate And Ashley Olsen/Fall Inspired Makeup Look.

Hello Everyone! Today is my day off and instead of picking up my house, I decided to do a makeup post for you! The Olsen twins are icons in my mind. They have the most amazing fashion sense, and are totally killing it in the industry. So a week ago I was scrolling through pictures and their makeup look was just a brown smudged-smokey eye. So simple and elegant for Fall,therfore I had to try it out. And I'm in love! So thats why I'm doing it on here for you. Hope you enjoy!

So before you start, make sure you have washed and moisturized your face(it does make a difference,even if it is a pain in the butt sometimes). Keep your hair pulled back and apply your primers(another pain in the butt step that makes a difference). I used this Almay Primer for color correction,because I'm only human and my face has broken out. And this ELF Eyelid primer because it seriously is the best eye primer I have used,plus its $3. Also, the red stuff you see in my eyes is eczema, I've had it on and off throughout my life,so you may see it from time to time.

Then I start dabbing my green concealer onto my blemishes. I lightly blend that into my skin. Then go in with my Mabelline BB Cream for a nice dewy look(just like the Olsen's),and with a real Techniques brush,blend in circular motions. After that I apply my under eye concealer. When I do this I like to do three long lines,one going down the side of my nose, one going under the eye,and one in between the previous two. Then blend with my finger for a natural finish. This way the entire eye area is brightened. After that I tackle my blemishes with a different concealer. I put the concealer on the back of my hand first so I won't be contaminating the product by applying it straight from the tube. Then blend the concealer with my finger.

                            
                            
                            
                            
                            

I then move onto the eyes. Starting with my eyebrows. Mine aren't in perfect shape,so I did the best I could. Remember eyebrows are sisters and not twins,so they don't have to be completely perfect . So I shape and fill them in,such and important step in any make up look. 

Now the eye makeup look, using colors from a Bare Minerals Palette. Starting with the color Trench Coat as a beginning base shade,sweeping it all over the lid. Then using the color Fuze on the outer corner, and using a blending brush to bring the colors together for a natural smokey eye effect. So just take your bending brush at the outer corner and bring it closer to your eye to define the crease. 

Take a brown eyeliner and put a bit in the outer corner of your eye. Take a smudge brush and bring it to the inner corner of your eye. Making it look undone and natural is what its all about, there is no perfect method to this. Build it up or take it down as much as you want. Then take whatever is left from the smudge brush and run it onto the bottom water/lash line for the full effect. Add mascara and you are done with the eyes.

                            
                            
                            
                            
                            
                            

                            
                           

After I finish with my eyes I go back with bronzer. Lightly brushing on wherever the sun would naturally hit my skin like my cheekbones,temples,down my nose,and on my jawline. 

                            
                           

Then apply a light amount of powder foundation to set certain areas like the under eyes, forehead, and chin.

Add with a neutral Lipstick or a vampy red and you're done.

I tried to type a cheesy ending like "I hope this helps you feel fierce for Fall", but I couldn't do it.

Hope you all have a lovely week!

Love,

Kacie.