January 27, 2020 Leave a Comment

My Favorite Beauty Tools

Has anyone else noticed the overwhelming amount of products and tools that can be used in the makeup world? It seems like they are always trying to come out with a better mouse trap on how to apply your favorite products. I will admit some of the gadgets are amazing and can make a difference in your makeup game. However, not only can it be expensive to try to keep up with every new tool, but I don’t think they all live up to their hype. I am a loyal lady and like to stick to things that I know work well, even if they are dated and simple. I have listed some of my go to tools that I use when glamming myself up that I think you might love, too! Give them a try and see what you think!

1. My Fingers

Yes- you read that correctly. If you have been following me on Kylee’s Korner and have watched my makeup tutorials, you know I love to use my fingers as tools a lot. I find they can be the best way to blend in foundation, concealer and eyeshadow. Better yet- they don’t cost you a thing!

2. Makeup Brush Drying Rack

When you do use a brush to apply your makeup, it is extremely important to make sure your are cleaning them often. If you don’t keep them clean, bacteria can form and can cause breakouts and other problems with your skin. After cleaning them, try using a makeup drying rack. This tool is a space saver and will allow your brush to keep its original shape and not get flattened out. I love this cute and affordable one from Target!

3. Tinkle Razors

This product doesn’t help while applying makeup directly to the skin, but it is amazing for prepping it! I have spoken about my love for tinkle razors on my Facebook and Instagram pages a ton. These affordable and easy to use razors help get the peach fuzz off of your face, which makes your makeup lay smoother and have an airbrushed looking finish!

4. Pencil Sharpener

For those ladies who like using regular pencil eyeliners, a sharpener is a must to keep your pencil with a perfect point. There are so many sharpeners to choose from today and they can get a bit pricey for such a small tool. I am a huge fan of this NYX one from Ulta. The reviews are amazing and you can not beat the price!

5. Makeup Brush Sponge Cleaner

I just purchased one of these sponge cleaners a couple of months ago and I am impressed! I like to use multiple colors when doing my eyeshadow and I don’t always like to switch the brush I am using. This sponge lets you quickly clean your brush and move on to the next color without mixing your palette. Once the sponge has gotten dirty, you just rinse if off and let it air dry. Easy peasy!

6. Facial Roller

This is another tool I bought for myself awhile back and have really loved using. It also gets your skin prepped for makeup. This facial roller is used on clean skin in the morning and evening to help reduce puffiness. I have noticed a difference in how my skin looks after I use it. Plus, it feels like a relaxing personal face massage which is an added bonus!

7. Beauty Blender

If you are still using a brush to apply your foundation, give a beauty blender a try! They are amazing at getting your foundation to lay evenly and don’t waste as much product. There are a ton to choose from that range in price. This one from Ulta has a big fan following and gets great reviews!

8. Tweezers

Tweezers should be an essential part of your makeup drawer! This is another item that can range in price depending on the material used. These tweezers are priced a bit higher than some, but they are worth the splurge! They have a slanted tip that helps make your tweezing more precise. They also have a near perfect 5 star review from thousands of happy customers!

August 13, 2019 1 Comment

How to Take Care of Your Skin

Hi friends! If you have been following me for awhile, you know that I am always posting tutorials on cute and easy hairstyles and makeup how-tos. One other thing that is really important to me that I have spoken about is skin care. I think it is vital that women have a daily skin care routine, no matter what their age is. I think when we are younger we don’t always realize how much skin care plays an important role in our overall appearance. If you have not started to yet, get yourself into the habit now of dedicating a few extra minutes every morning and evening to take care of your skin. It is one of the best things you will do for yourself and gives you a few extra minutes of quiet! Check out some of my skin care tips below!

Develop A Skin Care Routine

Try to devote time every morning and evening to taking care of your skin. After you get out of the shower, grab your favorite moisturizer and put lotion on your entire body. This leaves the skin feeling soft and smooth, while keeping it hydrated. Next, move onto your face. Find a moisturizer that is designed for your face only and that works with your skin type. Sometimes it is a trial and error before you find one that you really love. Before bedtime, make sure you are designating another few minutes to your skin. Never sleep in makeup- make sure you wash everything off with soap and water or a makeup remover of your choice. Find another moisturizer along with any other serums you might find beneficial and put on before you lay down. This gives your skin the entire night to absorb all the nutrients from what you just put on it. Show your lips some love, too- don’t forget to throw on a good lip balm to sleep in.

Watch What You Drink

I recently wrote another blog on my most underrated beauty secret which was drinking lots of water (you can see the blog here). Water has a ton of health benefits, including helping to improve your skin and keep it hydrated. It is also helpful to avoid caffeine and alcohol whenever possible since both can dehydrate you and leave your skin looking pale and tired.

Limit Hot Water

I love a hot shower or bath as much as the next girl, especially when its cold outside. However, if the water you are putting onto your skin is too hot, it can remove oils from your skin that your body needs. This doesn’t mean you have to skip on the hot showers every time. When you can, try to set the water to warm instead or limit the number of minutes you are bathing.

Exfoliate

Exfoliating is great for your skin, if you are not doing it every day. It removes the dry and dead skin cells that are on the surface and helps increase blood circulation. I would recommend trying to exfoliate twice a week. There are a ton of different products and tools that can help with this- I would research what you think will work best for your specific skin type.

Use Sunscreen

Sunscreen plays a major role in having healthy skin. A lot of moisturizers and foundations now have built in sunscreen to add an extra layer of protection on your face. However, don’t forget about making sure the rest of your body is covered when heading outside for a day in the sun!

Try Self-Tanners

When I was younger, I loved having a beautiful tan glow to my skin. However, sunbathing or tanning in a salon has been proven to be really damaging to your skin. Not only can it cause major health issues, tanning can also leave your skin looking worn out and wrinkled. There are so many self-tanners that are on the market that get amazing reviews. If you are in the mood to rock a tan, I suggest checking one of them out instead!

Get Enough Sleep

I know this can be easier said than done. Most women wear multiple hats and there never seems to be enough hours in the day. However, making sure you get enough sleep is not only important for your overall health and wellbeing, but it can help your skin look better as well. When we are tired our skin tends to look more washed out, pale and those pesky dark shadows pop up under our eyes. Try to get into a routine where you can wind down as early as possible every night and get yourself some much deserved rest.

See A Dermatologist

If you can see a dermatologist once a year, it is a good habit to get into, especially the older we get. Check with your health benefits provider and see what your insurance will cover. Most dermatologists suggest getting a full body scan once a year to make sure everything on your skin looks healthy.

August 5, 2019 Leave a Comment

7 Yummy Water Infusions That Naturally Boost Energy

Today I was at the gym and in a slump. My energy level was nosediving fast. I don’t typically like taking energy supplements or drinks because I feel like I spike fast and then crash hard. Plus, they make me jittery. I prefer more natural energy boosts and these infused waters are amazing! They’re all made of wholesome fruits, vegetables, spices, and herbs that pack a real power punch. Take them in a shaker bottle to the gym, or mix one up at home when you need a little zap of energy.

7 Yummy Water Infusions That Naturally Boost Energy

1. Peaches and cinnamon

Peaches are not only refreshing and juicy, but they’re full of vitamin C and can help combat free radicals that cause cancer. Fill a mason jar, blender bottle, or one of these awesome infused water bottles (which I highly recommend) with cold water, ice, and sliced peaches. Add a little cinnamon for an energizing kick. Cinnamon is a powerful superfood with anti-inflammatory properties that can help you recover from your workouts easier.

2. Lemon, honey, and cayenne

If you’ve done a juice cleanse before, then you’ve probably had a shot of lemon water with cayenne. A lot of exercise gurus have touted this drink as detoxifying and metabolism boosting. It’s a powerful gulp of both spicy and sour; that’s why I like to add a tablespoon of honey as well.

The vitamin C and acidity in lemons turn toxins into digestible material that your body can flush. Cayenne pepper increases your body temperature and speeds up your metabolism, helping you get more out of your workouts. And in addition to a little sweetness (it really does help the medicine go down), honey can help heal wounds and ward off infection. For only three ingredients, that’s quite a natural power drink!

3. Grapefruit, lemon, and mint

There is nothing more refreshing and delicious than a juicy grapefruit, and infused in water, it’s delicious. Grapefruit is a natural energizer and can even aid in weight loss. It’s a win-win as this drink is both yummy and insanely healthy!

Add a few slices of grapefruit, lemon, and mint to a cup of ice cold water. The mint can reduce stress, freshen your breath, and improve your mental awareness and focus. Goodby sluggishness!

4. Goji berries and lime

Goji berries are little oblong red berries that grow in Chinese regions. They are extremely healthy. You can actually try growing your own goji berry tree at home. Goji berries have anti-aging properties, supports your immune system, and improves depression and anxiety. It’s not easy to find fresh goji berries, but you can get dried goji berries and goji berry powder on Amazon.

Try this yummy infused tea in the morning or pre-workout: add a handful of dried goji berries to hot water. Squeeze a half a lime and let the tea sit for five minutes. You can even eat the hydrated berries when you’re done.

5. Sliced oranges and pears

This drink can be warm or cold, but I prefer cold. In an infuser bottle or shaker bottle, add slices from one orange and one pear. Add ice, shake and drink. The citrus is energizing and oranges are famous for their vitamin C, along with protecting your skin. Pears help detox and fight off free radicals. This is a yummy alternative when plain water gets a bit boring.

6. Strawberries, basil, and cucumber

Strawberry water is a powerful, natural detox. Add sliced strawberries to a tall glass of ice water, slice up some cucumbers for freshness, and add a few basil leaves. Delicious and incredibly healthy!

Micronutrients from fresh sliced strawberries help flush toxins and improve your skin tone while boosting your metabolism. Did you know just one serving (8 strawberries) has more vitamin C than an orange? Adding cucumber slices to water delivers antioxidants, and lowers your blood pressure. Basil is an excellent source of vitamins A, K, and C, as well as calcium, and iron so you can pump more iron.

7. Pineapple wedges and coconut water

Make your own version of a Pina colada without all the sugar. Fill a glass with ice, coconut water, and pineapple wedges for a refreshing, delicious, energizing drink. Coconut water has amazing benefits including: antioxidants, supports heart health, and contains potassium and amino acids that can boost your workout or help you recover from prolonged exercise.

Pineapple is loaded with nutrients, including vitamin C and disease-fighting antioxidants. Eating pineapple may assist in weight loss and aid in digestion as well, so go ahead and nosh that pineapple when your drink’s done.

On average, you should be drinking 8-9 cups of water a day. When plain water gets a bit dull, re-energize with fruit infused water and get some great health boosts at the same time.

June 27, 2019 Leave a Comment

How To Have a Spa Day at Home

Who else loves a good spa day? I’m a big believer in self-care for every lady. We need to create time for ourselves to disconnect for a period from the world and focus on our well-being. For me, one of the most relaxing things to do is a spa day. Unfortunately, going to a local spa for a day of services can get costly. But, I’ve found I can create a relaxing spa atmosphere from the comfort of my own home for a fraction of the price! It might not have all the fancy bells and whistles that an actual spa would have, but I find the most important part is being able to just relax and take a moment to breathe. I definitely suggest if you have kiddos at home, try your best to make plans for them outside of the house. I love being with my kids more than anything, but I am not able to fully focus on self-care if they are in the same place as I am. Over the years I have learned to feel less selfish when I take a few moments to myself and recharge. I truly think it benefits us all when I am refreshed and ready to give 100% of myself. Ladies- plan a few hours sometime soon and treat yourself to a day of beauty at home. I have shared some of the things I love to do during my alone time, along with some of my favorite products. Happy relaxing!

Pretty Nails

A must have during your spa day is fresh and pretty nails. By now you guys have probably seen my posts on the press on nails I have fallen in love with. If you haven’t tried them yet, you definitely should! There are so many colors, shapes and lengths to choose from and they last longer than any other press on nails I have tried.

Fancy Feet

If your fingernails are going to look pretty, then your toenails need to be on point, too! I love using a foot mask before I go to work on filing, buffing and painting. This foot mask is affordable and can be found at Target. It is really easy to use and is mess free! After I have used it I like to follow up with my electronic foot file or the basic ones used in nail salons. Amazon has great prices on both!

Foot Mask

Electronic Foot File

Pedicure Kit

At Home Facials

I love getting a good facial. Not only are they relaxing, but they are an important part of skin care. I have tried tons of different masks at home and love seeing the results afterwards. Masks can range in price and what they are created to do for your face and skin. I’d suggest finding something in your price range and reading reviews before committing to trying something.

Estee Lauder Face Masks

Face Masks Variety

Massage Time

My other favorite part of a spa day is a massage! This is where I feel truly relaxed and feel the tension start to melt away. You can learn different techniques on how to do self massage on your hands, feet, etc. But, I love to go for the reliable and easy head massagers. Does anyone else feel the tingles when getting a good shampoo and rinse at a hair salon? This head massager allows you to give yourself that feeling for as long as you want. Winning!

Head Massager

Essential Oils

I have written about my love for essential oils before. When I am trying to relax and take a few deep calming breaths, I find lavender oil helps me. Spray a little on your wrist and inhale it throughout your day.

Lavender Oil Roll On

Bubble Bath Time

Bubble baths are a must have at the end of my spa day. I like to get all of the remaining lotions from my manicure and pedicure off before I get dressed and ready to tackle the rest of my day. Plus, bubble baths are the epitome of relaxing. Turn off the lights, light a candle and jam away to some chill music. I like to add a bath bomb for an added touch,

Bath Bombs

Chillin In Comfort

Once I am done with my bath and ready to get dressed, I still like to aim for comfort. I love wearing flip-flop slippers during the summer. I have linked a couple of pairs that look really comfortable, get great reviews and are priced well!

Microfiber Thong Slippers

Plush Flip-Flops Slippers

May 28, 2019 Leave a Comment

Summer is More Fun with FabFitFun!

There are so many things I love everything about summer—warm days full of sunshine, afternoons at the pool, flowers in bloom, snow cones—I could go on for days. But one of my favorite things is the colorful new FabFitFun package that lands on my doorstep because to me, that means summer is here! I’m partnering with FabFitFun to show you what’s in their new summer box and to give you a gift code for $10 off your first box!

Use the code KKBLOG here.

Summer Is More Fun with FabFitFun!

FabFitFun is a seasonal subscription box that I’ve been getting for a few years now. It’s like getting the coolest gift on your doorstep four times a year. (Who doesn’t love gifts?)

Each box is packed to the brim with full-size fashion, beauty, fitness and lifestyle products. It’s the best surprise ever! Every box is beautifully designed to make your day.

Every single FabFitFun box is worth over $200, but you only pay $39.99 with the code KKBLOG. That’s a crazy bargain!

This is the summer box; let me show you what’s inside.

Inside the Summer Box:

Every season I think, This is my favorite box yet, and this season is no exception. Check out all of these high-end goodies!

My sister has been raving about this Brazilian Bum Bum Cream (plus, it has the best name!). There’s also the SOL Janeiro Brazilian shower cream gel, Grace & Stella Spray All Day rose spray, the coolest silicone wine glasses (yep, they are squishy!), and more.

I can’t want to try the 111Skin moisturizing mask because my face tends to get dried out in the summer.

The thing I love about FabFitFun is that it lets me try out all kinds of new and popular beauty and lifestyle that I normally wouldn’t for a fraction of the price. It’s such a fun thing to find on your doorstep.

Wanna try it? I promise, you’ll love it! Get your first FabFitFun box for $10 off with the code KKBLOG. You can customize some of the items in your box so hop over there and check out all the options. (There was a gorgeous lotus beach towel that I eyed, along with a fun letter board.) You’ll have a tough time choosing like I did.

Again, many of the items in this box are worth more than the ENTIRE BOX combined! It’s a great deal, a fun surprise to gift yourself or a friend, and a lot of times I end up sharing some of my FabFitFun goodies with my girlfriends for birthdays.

So go ahead…give FabFitFun a try! Use the code KKBLOG to get $10 off for an even more amazing deal on a fun summer box!