my new product for ALL THE THINGS!

Well hello there. It's been a while.  A LOT has changed since my last round of posts; living in a different state, new job, new place, and a new outlook on the products I use as well. I discovered MindBodyGreen this year and have read nearly every article on the site it seems. So, its only natural that my choice in beauty products has gone more...well natural. My favorite and new go-to for everything in the bathroom (and kitchen) is COCONUT OIL.

Here's a typical day in the life of me and my gigantic bottle of coconut oil:

• I rise & shine and get my coconut oil pulling on (use a teaspoon like Listerine) Cleanse your mouth of bacteria and take care of your gums. Make sure to spit it out in the trashcan and rinse out twice with water.
• While oil pulling, I like to gently massage my eyes with a tid bit of coconut oil. Makes them look ALIVE and gets blood flowing in order to decrease puffiness.
• I then occasionally make my warm lemon water with a  splash of coconut oil. This helps activate your thyroid gland and energizes you naturally.
• Scrambled eggs with avocado is perhaps my favorite breakfast. It's much healthier AND tastier when cooked in coconut oil instead of butter or olive oil.
• Coconut oil makes the perfect makeup remover!
• When I need to relax my sore muscles I soak in Epsom salt and a handful of coconut oil. When you get out of the tub- your skin feels and smells incredible....and your pets will think you are delicious.
• Shaving is much smoother using coconut oil than shampoo (I'm cheap).
• The perfect pre-bed time moisturizer is...you guessed it! COCONUT OIL. As it may stain some clothing before it soaks in your skin, let it dry before crawling under the covers.
• While I'm dousing my body in the stuff, I go ahead and coat my slightly damp hair in coconut oil for an overnight conditioner. Rinse with shampoo twice, skip the conditioner, and HELLO HEALTHY HAIR! 

I really can't say enough about it. I tell pretty much every human I come in contact with about it.
A note on what kind to purchase: you need ORGANIC! I have used and loved Nature's Way, Nutivia, and Nutrigold.

Here' s a great article my BFF wrote about it too! SHARE THE LOVE!

my makeup routine.

Hey my lovies. So here is my daily/special occasion  makeup routine. Daily, it takes less than 5 minutes. Special occasion- under 12. I use a lot of products, but minimal amounts of each.

1.      Primer. I only use this on special occasions or when I go to work all day and then immediately out on the town. It really makes a huge difference in keeping your makeup FRESH the entire day. Smashbox and Sephora brand are all I’ve tried and I love them.
2.      Concealer. I have quite a few different brands I’ve been experimenting with. I recently purchased Neutrogena 3 in 1 under eye concealer and I’m loving that it depuffs (a little, feels nice) and has SPF 20 in it! It also blends nicely with your skin. After applying a very small amount, I  use a dab of Physician’s Formula concealer twins  in cream (blemishes) and yellow (under eyes). It’s just the best at hiding those bags and dark circles. Lightly layering allows me to protect this sensitive skin from sun, wake my eyes up, and hide what creams just can’t do.
3.      Foundation. Merle Norman foundation powder is like perfecting potion. You can make it heavy (apply with damp sponge) or light (dry sponge). If you’re going for everyday flawless but still able to see your skin (learn to love your freckles) then this stuff can’t be beat for $25.  For special occasions I’m a fan of Smashbox. It’s got minerals in it which literally make your skin glow.
4.     Bronzer and blush. Love me some Smashbox bronzer. Physian's formula has SO MANY great bronzers as well. I do just a little on the jawbone and a dab of blush on the cheekbones.  Mac blush in Sunbasque is AWESOME; however I found Covergirl cheekers blush in Golden Pink is quite similar and VERY cheap.
5.    Brows. One of the first makeup lessons I learned was to shape your eyebrows before doing the rest of your brows to create a "frame." I just brush them with ELF clear mascara and that does the trick. For special occasions I will fill them in with Smashbox brow kit which has a wax in it to keep them in place.  
6.     Eyelids. Daily- I don't wear eyeshadow at all. But sometimes I like a little bit of Covergirl in Mink over my lids.  For special occasions I'll use a palate from Smashbox.

7.     Eyeliner.Covergirl perfect blend pencil is the best. You can make it precise or smudgy. And once you put it on- it's not moving. I use it in black, brow and blue.

8.    Mascara. L'Oreal Voluminous Lash. That is all. I've tried what seems like hundreds and I always go back to this baby.

9.     Lipstick. As you can see, I own a ton of Maybelline (good starter lipstick) and Revlon (great inexpensive stuff). Boot’s #7 brand can be found at Target and is a good choice for really bold pigments such as RED and PINK.

I keep my brushes in a champagne glass.This keeps them organized and keeps them upright so they keep their shape.

Peace&love,

kat

homemade costumes from Black Swan.

You may recall this post from last year.

Seriously, Black Swan is my all time favorite movie.

It’s just perfection in my mind

(disturbing & beautiful)

Since I work with feathers (check em ouuuut here, great Christmas gifts), and I literally have a TON of feathers and hot glue laying around, I really wanted to make a swan costume.

As did my lovely friend Erin who completely agrees with me about the greatness of Black Swan.

The result: I was the White Swan and she was the Black Swan. I made the feather bodices and feather head pieces for both costumes. We bought tutus and leotards from a local dance store.

Here is a step by step photo guide of the creation experience:

 I used Velcro to attach the feather bodice to the leotard.

We used my old Pointe shoes from WAY back in the day. 

  I did our makeup to mimic Natalie Portman's in the movie. With a lot more glitter involved.

 I made two of these for the White Swan headpiece and I used a featherband for the Black Swan.

6 months later using the miracle concealer

pretty little products.: Miracle concealer

Y'all. This stuff us legit.

in the red.

I love to browse through celeb magazines and admire the gorgeous Gwyn Stefani always looking chic and ALWAYs rocking RED lipstick.
It makes her “look” complete and unique.

Gwyn inspired me; it occurred to me one day- I don’t have to want it, I can just do it. So I did. Around the apartment at first. Then out on special occasions. Then out to the bars. Then I just started putting in on with daytime outfits to run errands around town. Now I find myself wearing it all the time. I don’t know why I find it so fun and invigorating.
It’s weird that something so superficial can do that- but sometimes a little confidence is all we need as women.

Red lips are bold enough to be your outfit’s accessory. Lipstick is one of the most highly advertised products in magazines and television. Almost every back cover is an advertisement for a lip stain or lipstick. Yet- I NEVER  see ladies wearing any in my day to day life OR even going out on the town. So I challenge you to go buy a tube and see what it does for you.

Current favorites lipcolors from Revlon:    

Siren (BRIGHT and BOLD coral)

Nude Attitude (many of yall have purchased this already and told me you love it)

Boots No. 7: cherry; recommended my some lady promoting products in Target, she said Anne Hatheway wore this one in Devil Wears Prada, I just bought it to get her off my back but it really is $30 lipstick for a third of the price just like she said.

Here are some of the best recent articles on Beauty:

The Best Makeup Shades for All Skin Tones: 

10 Makeup Shades That Look Good on All Skin Tones 

via Hello Beautiful

Find Your Perfect Foundation:

A Guide to Types of Foundation Makeup

via Makeup for Acne and Sensitive Skin 

Find Rankings for Online Beauty Schools: Rankings for Online Beauty Schools 

which was featured on online business degrees

Pretty Hairstyles:

5 Sexiest Hairstyles for Spring 

via Cosmetique Blog

guest post: casey cline. top 10 pretty little products.

When I first started wearing makeup and learning how to do my hair, I was a little tornado of disaster.  First of all, I have crazy wavy baby hairs that never grow out.  I didn’t understand back then that I should first apply some sort of healthy product to my hair, then blow dry, and then, if I have to, use a flat iron.  Instead, I was flawed in thinking that I could straighten my hair while it was still wet.  That meant a lot of sizzling, smoke, and bad terrible hair days. 

My makeup and skin routine wasn’t much better.  I remember buying those Noxzema cleansing pads and using those to remove my makeup.  Now, I don’t know if you recall this or not, but those pads were strong and sometimes burned (and I have ultra sensitive skin).  Imagine using at least 5 every day to take off caked-on makeup.  Yikes.  No wonder my skin was dried out and blotchy red.

Fast forward a few years and I’m thankful to admit that I’ve learned how to take care of my hair and skin properly.  It doesn’t hurt that I’ve also learned about other great products along the way.   

So now let me present to you a few of my favorite pretty little products (and a few other extras I enjoy).

1. Pond’s Cold Cream:  A far cry from the Noxzema pads, this cream is timeless.  A makeup remover that simultaneously moisturizes?  Yes, please.  Plus, it has bonus sentimental value for me: my mom has always used Pond’s, so I can’t help but think of her every time I use it.

2. Essie Mint Candy Apple: This nail color is part of the Winter 2009 Essie collection and I’m still obsessed.

3. Walgreens Twisted Peppermint body lotion: I found a bottle of this in my Mom’s bathroom when I was home over Christmas, and I had to steal it (Sorry Momma!).  The smell is sweet, but not overwhelming.  But the real kicker here is how amazing it feels on your skin!  The hint of peppermint makes it go on smooth and minty fresh.  I’m not sure if this is still even available, but I know Bath & Body Works has a version that I’ve yet to try.  Hopefully it holds up to the Walgreens.

4. Moroccan Oil: This is on the pricier side, but worth the splurge.  Not only does it protect your hair from heat damage, it keeps fly-a-ways smoothed down (without weighing down the rest of your hair) and smells incredible.

5. Rosebud’s Salve (in a tube): I was first introduced to Rosebud’s Salve by a friend back in high school, and have been a fan ever since.  Imagine my delight when I realized they’d started selling it in tube form (so no more messy lip gloss fingers)!

6. EBoost: A yummy alternative to Emergen-C, my boss discovered EBoost and I have to admit I prefer it.  My favorite flavor is acai pomegranate.

7. Grapefruit:  I’ve recently fallen in love with this fruit, even going so far as to buy a special sectioning knife and grapefruit spoon.  Grapefruits are relatively low in sugar (compared to other fruits) while simultaneously low in fat and high in fiber.  Oh, and they’re delicious.  Win win win win.

8. Black coffee: I know there is a lot of back-and-forth regarding whether or not coffee is good for you, but as an avid drinker, I’m surprised to admit that after years and years of adding milk and/or cream and sugar, I’ve converted to black.  It’s been a very recent change, but somehow my taste buds have adapted and I’m now a big fan!  Whether or not you think coffee is healthy, at least the lack of sugar and milk is.

9. Body Pump: Straight from the website: “BODYPUMP™ is the original barbell class that strengthens your entire body. This 60-minute workout challenges all your major muscle groups by using the best weight-room exercises like squats, presses, lifts and curls. Great music, awesome instructors and your choice of weight inspire you to get the results you came for – and fast!

I’m starting to realize how important and effective strength training is, especially as we ladies start to get older.  Adding light weight-training to your regular workout produces faster and more beneficial results.  If your local gym doesn’t offer Body Pump, I suggest any similar class or even buying a few light dumbbells and looking to the latest issue of Women’s Health magazine for workout ideas you can incorporate on your own or even at home.

10. The Steam Room: I fell in love with the steam room at my hometown’s YMCA and was thrilled to find that my new local gym has one as well.  Going into the steam room for 10-15 minutes after my workouts is like the icing on a good exercise cake.  It opens my pores and relaxes me to the max.  I always leave feeling refreshed and at ease.

meet casey samantha cline. she is 25 today by the way!

and she lives in NYC> super jealous.

love her genuine laugh here.

breaking it dowwwwwn.

my high school ladies.

what happens in vegas...

Miracle concealer

Two week test is just about up. . .I have been dying to tell you lovelies about this new Physician's Formula Dark Circle Control Concealer I just discovered! It has Haloxyl in it to help reduce the appearance of dark circles in supposedly two weeks. I do see a slight difference already. I think it may take time for it to build up in my system though. It doesn't help with puffiness at all however and lately my Clinique Eye Roller Gel has been making my eyes irritated so I've had to stop using one of my favorites.  Even without the benefit of the Haloxyl, it is a great concealer in the yellow shade to brighten your under eye area. Goes on smoothly and stays on all day. I read and article in Lucky from a Beauty Editor (dream job) and she layers her under eye concealer since her circles are so bad. Just don't forget to BLEND or you'll look like a raccoon instead of a well rested beauty.  

allure: best of beauty 2010

The issue is out! Thank you Lindsay for letting me know! This issue is a must- but what is even more helpful is the iphone app. You can find all of the winning products and where to buy them on this app. It really helps out when shopping! Eight products I have blogged about made the list! Pretty cool. Go get the magazine or app! Peace out my lovelies. 

Brand alert- Artistry

One of my very best friends in NC, Meagan, is selling Artistry makeup through the link below. This is one of the world's leading brands of makeup. Artistry sponsored the Miss America pageant, the goody bags from the Kentucky Derby contained Artistry products, and there are so many more things that Artistry is doing.  If you are willing to spend a little extra dough- this is the way to go. I used some of their skin care products in high school (when my mom bought me things lol) and I plan on purchasing some to test out and tell you all about! If you find something you want me to test out- comment about it and I will check it out! 

*great for Christmas wish lists and gift ideas for others!
 
http://www.amway.com/mooneydrake

the best way to make your face last all day

Primer! Apply after moisturizer to entire face. I L-O-V-E Smashbox’s primer and illuminator duo. They come in same tube and you just blend together to apply. It makes you “glow,” gives you a smooooooth surface to apply foundation, and will keep your makeup on all day long.  I have a small sample of Sephora’s own brand primer and it works great as well. Urban Decay has a fabulous eye primer. It’s seriously the best stuff out there for a flawless, all-day eye makeup look. It just won’t budge. I use primer anytime I need my look to last 12+ hours. On my wedding day I applied my make up at 1pm and it lasted til 2am without having to reapply. Touching up is the last thing you want to think about on your big day. Try some out and let me know how it works for you! 

spice it up.

I feel like fall is a good time to revamp your life. The best way to start at that is with the superficial stuff. I mean- who doesn’t feel like a new person after purchasing an entire new wardrobe?  However- this isn't financially the most brilliant thing to do every year. So here are some little things I like to do to spice up my look. 

• Change up how you do your makeup. Buy a new lipstick and make it your own or try a new way to do your eyes. I like to keep it simple during the day - however, I LOVE color eyeliner on my top lid. It creates a different look without going overboard. Right now I’m using a lot of N.Y.C's super cheap ($4 and under) color eyeliners- in sapphire, teal, and lavender.  
• Accessorize. A skinny belt over a sweater or loose blouse can transform your outfit. Also- HUGE necklaces are everything right now. They make a plain tee look like you had a stylist in your closet. Also patterned tights. I am scared to try out the ones I purchased (don’t want my legs to look larger) but im just going to go for it.
• New shoes. Fall is a fabulous time to buy new shoes (especially boots). They can make your outfit look very put together and stylish in a second.
• Outerwear.  Don’t wear a jacket simply to keep warm. Make it part of your look and incorporate it into what you pick out to wear everyday.
• Do dark nails. I love dark nails in the fall. This is just my personal opinion.

Here are some non superficial ways I like to refresh in fall. 

• Sit outside and stare at the trees once a week for at least 30 minutes. Just let your mind go where it wants to go.
• Start a new book.
• Turn off the TV and just do something else. Save it for when it's too cold to play.
• Take a mini fake vaca. Nick, Leslee, Keith and I rented a hotel room in Dallas for a night to go see Citizen Cope. We checked in at 3 and laid on the rooftop pool before having dinner and going to House of Blues. It actually felt like we were out of town and it was a really nice way to feel like we went on vacation.
• Get back into a workout routine. Endorphins are your BFFs.
• Spring cleaning needs a follow up by the time autumn arrives. Motivate yourself with some Starbucks and dominate the areas you despise- dust boards, the fridge, the laundry room, that closet. . . 

I could not live without mascara.

Let's talk about my love for mascara. In particular my favorite brand, L'Oreal  Paris Voluminous Mascara. There are so many variations of this one formula, I guarantee you'll find one just for you. 
 
First let's discuss water proof. I would only wear water proof in situations where it is really needed. Weddings, beach, water parks, really sad movies, to watch SYTYCD, etc.  Their formula is GREAT but it doesn't give you as long of lashes as non water proof. Wore it on my wedding day. You will need makeup remover to get this stuff off.
 
Brush shape- curved or straight. I'm trying the curved brush for the first time and I don't find it to be too different. It is a lot easier to get all of your lashes covered so if you're mascara-challenged- go for the curve.  It'll help decrease clumping (ew).
 
Color. Carbon Black is DRAMATIC. Brownish black is perfect for everyday wear. Charcoal is a subtle difference.
 
What they all do- make your lashes 5x's longer and fuller. I love how soft they make my lashes
feel. No flaking. No smudging. I leave for work at 6am and can come in a 12am looking just as fresh. It's incredible.

travel size me.

Since moving out to Texas, I have become a frequent flyer. Any chance I get for a quick weekend trip home I take and in anticipation of an upcoming trip to SC next weekend- I am already mentally packing my bags. Probably crazy but it’s just how I prepare for all the funness that I know is about to occur.

One thing I find quite useful for editing what I decide to bring is the Touch Closet iphone application. Upload pics of your clothing and you put together outfits on your phone. I know exactly what to bring so I don't over pack because checking my bags isn't even a option. Since everyone starting charging per bag- I refuse to check unless I am home for 6 plus days.

The other dilemma this creates is the liquids under 3 oz. all in a 1 quart size bag. For a psychotic product purchaser, this is beyond annoying; but I found a solution. I am not promoting Wal Mart, but since I learned of Target's donation to an organization that would like to hinder the equalization of our country, I am no longer shopping there. This was my favorite store on earth. I am distraught but I have to stand for what I believe is right. MOVING ON- any supermarket type store has a travel aisle near the beauty products and I LOVE to stock up on the numerous cute $1 sample sized products. Soap, lotion, hair gel, hairspray, toothpaste, and downy wrinkle releaser (MUST HAVE). Why are mini versions of things so cute? Is that just me?

While my zip lock bag is typically and literally bursting at the seams- I get through security and I don't have to wait on baggage claim when I land. Very nice.

lips that last...

On August 6th, 2008, Nicholas and I packed up all of our belongings, drove 15 hours west, and moved into our apartment in Denton, Texas. Well- we didn't do it ALL on August 6th- but we got our keys that day. The moment I walked in I could see sunlight beaming through the French doors and it felt like home. We started an entire new life with no family or friends around. One year later, we had a plethora of AMAZING friends and were looking forward to the next 4 (or more) years we would spend with them. August 6th 2009, Nicholas proposes. I walked into our humble abode and get called into my room (yes- we had our own rooms). I find my vanity cleared and replaced with 4 dozen red roses, 4 pictures of us taped to the mirror, a bottle of vintage Dom Perignon on ice in the sink, Nicholas on his knee with a box in his hand, and the words "Will you marry me?" written in lipstick on the mirror. Pure happiness. We got married on May 29, 2010. Extreme pure happiness. So this August 6th, we celebrated by trying out a new restaurant annnnnd well, I sort of haven't been able to clean off the lipstick on my vanity mirror yet. I'm not really sure if I can do it. It just marks the start of a new life for me and I'm SUPER sentimental. But I think it's time and it's battling with my OCDness. That bottle of Windex is just staring at me.

So- what in the world does this have to do with pretty little products? Well it's somewhat (very somewhat) metaphoric of a new favorite product of mine- lipstick. And to be specific- long-lasting lipstick. I experimented with this almost as much as I did water-proof mascara. So- to save you the $$$ of finding a brand that lasts, and a color that suites your skin tone and goes with your "theme" of makeup for your wedding day (or any day really) here is what I found and L-O-V-E almost as much as my hubby. Just kidding of course lol.

Covergirl Outlast 16 hour lipstick. The 16 hour thing isn't exactly true though- I will say it lasts VERY well for 10 hours. Very well. And who really needs 16 hours of fabulous lip color? My wedding day "theme" was au naturale. I wanted to accentuate my blue eyes by doing a nude lip. But not dramatic nude. Just natural nude. I wore Nude 593. Unfortunately, this was the 5th shade I bought and they cost around $11. yuck.

However, I am obsessed with the first color I found- Coral 575. It's a VERY red coral and I believe it's a great way to ease into bold red lips.

The second shade was Coral Silk 568. Very very light pink and didn't last as long (probably bc I only wore it the night of my bacherlette party and was constantly sipping on margaritas and water) PS- while I am on the topic I highly recommend drinking water while drinking especially on a special night like your bachelorette party. I rocked out and had a crazy fun time- but didn't want to kill myself the next day. In fact, I started drinking at brunch. Had to nap- but I mean, what do you expect when in NYC?

The next shade I must have been trying to mimic my lovely mother when I purchased Blushed Mauve 550. She has only ever worn mauve. Momma- this is YOUR shade but not for me. Honestly- it's a little too mature looking for what I am going for at this time in my life.

The next shade was Red Cashmere 579. This one is a lighter and pinker version of coral and is shimmery. Very young and fresh. I like wearing it with coral (which is my favorite color this year, hence my coral wall in the apt). I feel kind of 80's-ish in it.

covergirloutlastlipstick

I recommend starting lipstick not in the long-lasting formula though. Maybelline New York has $5 lipstick in numerous shades. I wear Park Ave. Peach all the time. My bridesmaids wore Born With It on my wedding day. Revlon has a really great totally matte nude shade- Nude Attitude. It's great with dramatic/dark eyes. Otherwise- don't go there.

In conclusion of this ridiculously long post, lipstick makes me feel like a woman. Cue Shania Twain song.

And yes- I finally Windexed my mirror.

a flawless face.

A flawless face starts with the base. Here are some of my favorite products for the first step in your makeup routine.

Concealer. I prefer Physician’s Formula Concealing Twins. The yellow shade helps to mask under eye circles VERY WELL while the other can be used to cover other imperfections. Always be sure to blend blend blend! This stuff lasts all day. There is also a green/neutral combo perfect for hiding zits and red spots. I recommend just going to Wal Mart or Target and checking out Physician’s Formula section- it’s pricer than you may want, but a concealer that won’t irritate what it is hiding is clutch. Yes I just used clutch.

click to buy.

Foundation. For daily wear I swear by L’Oreal True Match products: liquid foundation, roller- foundation and compact powder. All of these products run around $10 and are remarkable for the price. I have used the liquid foundation for years, and have recently found the roller- foundation (the ad with Kate from Lost sold me!) It’s so easy to apply and there is a shade for every single skin tone. First, match your skin tone (fair, fair light, light, light medium, medium, medium deep, deep). Next, find your undertone (warm, cool, or neutral). There is a foundation for every combination. Matching your undertone enhances your natural glow. Matching your skin tone helps avoid the line around your chin-gross. You can use L’Oreal’s Beauty Filter to find your perfect match.

loreal website.

Powder. If you’re going to splurge, do it here. Powder keeps everything you put on under it in place. You want something that isn’t going to add on too much to your foundation, but will keep you from looking shiny all day.

If you prefer a powder based foundation- I discovered Merle Norman Luxiva Ultra Powder Foundation freshman year of college thanks to Ashleigh! It makes you look flawless.

If you prefer cheap- loreal’s true match line is great but won’t last all day

If you prefer mineral- Bare minerals “Mineral veil” works for all skin tones and keeps you shine free almost all day. I haven’t used their entire line but I know many that do and love how light it feels.

If you have red undertones- I have this problem really bad so I found Clinique Redness Solution Instant Relief Mineral Powder. I put it on my cheeks and nose to get rid of the red tone- I don’t think what I have is rosacea (but this product is PERFECT for it) but it gets bad after eating lunch at work I’ve noticed and after drinking red wine. And y’all know- I love my red wine.

If you want to look flawless, shine free and ready for high definition photography- I die for Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Powder.It is very every skin tone. I used it on my wedding day and sprinkled some on all my bridesmaid’s lovely faces before heading out to walk down the aisle.

flawless. by Kittykatbeck on Polyvore.com

Bare Escentuals bareMinerals SPF 25 Mineral Veil SPF 25 Tinted Mineral...
$19 - sephora.com

Physicians Formula Concealer Twins 2-in-1 Correct and Cover Cream...
$7.69 - ulta.com

Amazon.com: MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Microfinish Powder: Beauty
$30 - amazon.com

Clinique Redness Solutions Instant Relief Mineral Powder |...
nitrolicious.com

Natalie Portman by FastFoodGreen
resizr.com

True Match Roll'on foundation from L'Oréal Paris, for a flawless...
loreal-paris.co.uk