kitsch by kat

dainty

2012-10-08T10:07:00.000-07:00

Dainty

was the MAC blush I used for our bride.

It looked beautiful on Shannon (our model)

and the name just fit the description for our shoot.

The location was Kimberly Crest Mansion
in Redlands, California.

The images were taken by Tonya Joy Photography.

The beautiful table settings and floral design was

done by Oak and the Owl.

Thank you to Shannon our wonderful model.

And, hair and makeup was done by yours truly, Mama Kat.

mom stink: makeup that dates you

2012-05-29T12:55:00.000-07:00

This "Mom Stink" is all about makeup.

We all get comfortable with our beauty routines.

We all like to buy the same eyeshadow and lipstick.

BUT certain looks can actually date you and

make you look OLDER.

As trends change it is a good idea to try new things

and to experiment with new products.

Here is Mama Kat's list of the

most common makeup mistakes I see that

can make you look OLDER:

#1 - The white allover eyeshadow.

Be it shimmer or matte DO NOT

put white eyeshadow allover your eyelids.

The new "nude" eye is the contoured eye (seen above).

Placing a lighter shadow on the lid and brow bone

and a darker "nude" in the crease.

Matte eyeshadow is ideal for this effect.

#2 - Too much black eye liner.

Ditch the liquid liner!

Too much black, too harsh, too much skill required to apply.

Try an eyeliner pencil in something off black.

Some of my favorites are MAC's Teddy,

Tarnish, Prunella, and Prussian.

Smudge the liner into your lash line

so you don't see gaps through your mascara.

#3 - The FROSTED lipstick.

I know this picture is a joke,

but I see the FROSTED lipstick everywhere.

Hello 1990!

Try a nude lip. Find a great shade that is a little pink.

Kim wears MAC's Angel lipstick.

Cover it in a dewy gloss for the final touch.

I prefer Revlon's Colorburst in Pink Ice.

#4 - The Face glitter.

No grown woman should put glitter on her face.

If you see a bottle of glitter with Hello Kitty on it...

it is not for you!

Instead try a HIGHLIGHTER.

It adds a youthful glow and

is best applied high on your cheek bones.

I use MAC's Soft and Gentle or

Play it Proper.

Now go wash that "mom stink" off you!!!

mad men - part two

2012-05-22T15:49:00.000-07:00

Mad Men part two

a little sequel from yesterday's post.

I decided to add a few of my

favorite quotes from the show.

Thank you again to Tonya Joy for

all the beautiful images!

If you haven't been watching,

here's a picture of my muse for this shoot.

Joan Harris played by Christina Hendricks.

“If you don’t like what’s being said,

change the conversation.”

Don Draper

“I’m not a solution to your problem.

I’m another problem.”

Joan Harris

"You don't kiss boys, boys kiss you."

Betty Draper

“You want some respect?

Go out there and get it for yourself.”

Don Draper

"I think she's good at everything.

I think she's just one of those girls"

Peggy Olson

“As far as I’m concerned,

as long as men look at me that way,

I’m earning my keep.”

Betty Draper

“What you call love was invented by guys like me to sell nylons.”
Don Draper

"Only boring people are bored."

Betty Draper

“Remember Don …

when God closes a door,

he opens a dress.”

Roger Sterling

"If this were me I would say something like

'fun loving girl, responsible sometimes, likes to laugh,

lives to love, seeks size six for city living and general gallivanting.

No dull moments or dull men tolerated.'

or something like that!"

Joan Harris

"And no one will tell you this, but you can’t be a man.

Don’t even try. Be a woman. Powerful business when done correctly. Do you understand what I’m saying, dear?"

Bobbie Barret

“But that’s life. One minute you’re on top of the world,

the next minute some secretary’s

running you over with a lawnmower.”

Joan Harris

"Who knows why people in history did good things?

For all we know Jesus was trying

to get the loaves and fishes account."

Roger Sterling

mad men

2012-05-21T17:14:00.000-07:00

I've been obsessed with Mad Men forever now.

It's not just the brilliant mid century styling that I love,

but the oppurtunity to watch something on TV

that is actually intelligent.

Besides, come on, Don Draper makes me swoon!

This Mad Men inspireed shoot with Tonya Joy Photography

gave me the chance to go full on "Joanie".

Ashlee, whom I call "Big Red" because she is the

only person I know that makes me feel short,

was the perfect red headed muse.

Her lips are in MAC's Chili matte lipstick,

her cheeks are MAC's Well Dressed blush,

and the eye liner is MAC's fluidline in Blacktrack.

She is so stunning and Tonya's images are perfection...

that's why this is only post one of two posts.

Too many good ones for just one measly post!

Enjoy!!!

bb cream

2012-05-19T16:30:00.000-07:00

Have you heard all the BUZZ about

a new product called

BB Cream.

It stands for Beauty Balm and

it is a utilitarian's dream come true!

It color balances your skin,

hydrates (more than the usual tinted moisturizers),

has SPF, is tinted with medium/full coverage,

and some boast they also serve as a primer.

phew!

That's a lot of stuff in one little tube.

My favorite is

Smashbox's Camera Ready $40 at Sephora.

But, I did a little testing and I compared with

Garnier BB Cream $12 at Target.

(Check next to the specialty skin care not the makeup isle)

It is the perfect summer makeup for dewy

natural glowing skin.

russian red

2012-04-13T17:34:00.001-07:00

Russian Red is the MAC lipstick I used on Jess

in this "Parisian" shoot with Tonya Joy Photography.

Jess is wearing some of my top all time favorites:

Fleur Power blush by MAC

Russian Red lips

Eternal Black eyeshadow Infallible by L'Oreal

MAC's Fluidline in Blacktrack

and

The Messy High Bun

All these pictures were taken to promote Tonya's

upcoming Parisian themed photography workshop.

More details here if you are interested.

dirty dozen: the sequel

2012-03-04T22:43:00.000-08:00

My "Dirty Dozen" was a post I did awhile back

about my favorite items that you can find at a typical drugstore.

This sequel steps it up by telling you my favorite beauty products

followed up by their comparable drugstore beauty buy.

All the research was done by yours truly, Mama Kat.

And, YES, I have tried all of them myself!

(I stand behind all of my recommendations and no one has paid me a penny for my opinion.)

In this never ending recession

a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do,

so here's a few ideas to cut beauty corners whithout

compramising on quality.

The FIRST beauty buy was L'Oreal Infallible 24 hour eyeshadow.

I just posted about this, but I had to include it.

I compare it with Chanel's Longwearing Luminous shadow

and you save almost $20 for a very similar quality product.

I even like L'oreal's dark brown better than the Chanel color!

Second is MAC's 213 brush,

my very favorite for laying on the eyeshadow,

verses the elf "C" brush. And this pains me to say but

very similar product and the elf brush is only $3!

I'll take a few of those!

I've loved Estee Lauder Bronze Godess for years!

Yet, I am finding it hard to justify the price, especially

after I tried Jergens Natural Glow Healthy Complexion.

It has a little less pigment but I kinda like that.

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair is an expensive luxury.

I've cut back and tried the Olay Regenerist Night Resurfacing.

I like it and Olay has a comparable product

but I am going back to Estee Lauder

as soon as I finish the Olay Regenerist bottle.

I just wanted a little more from Olay but it's great

for when your budget is a little tight.

I never suggest using a shampoo and conditioner

from the drugstore - NEVER!

But for the sake of research I tried the L'Oreal Sulfate Free

shampoo and condition.

I usually only use Pureology. It is always sulfate free,

always color safe, and always clutch.

I will say, the L'Oreal Sulfate Free is pretty good,

especially the Keratin smoothing impressed me the most!

I love i.d. essentuals mineral blush in True!

I tried Revlon Colorstay Mineral Blush in Roseberry.

I'm happy to say the price was better and so is the "colorstay".

I also like that Revlon's blush is a pressed powder,

it's a lot less messy!

Pond's Cold Cream was a "game changer"!

I am never spending so much money to buy

Lancome's Bi-Facil makeup remover ever again!

Pond's is great to remove ALL my makeup and so hydrating!

Revitalash is so amazing and it's only purpose it to GROW

your eyelashes. Revlon Grow Lucious Plumping is mascara

and stimulates growth. Two in one!

I just tried Revlon's lipstick in Siren.

I love it and it reminds me of my MAC Vegas Volt,

but it's half the price and the color is so retro.

Philosophy's Microdelivery Peel kit is SO pricey,

and delivers great results.

Olay Regenerist Cleanse is so inexpensive,

and delivers great results.

You do the math :)

I tried this primer after Carmindy

(the creater and famous makeup artist)

explained that the ingredients in her drugstore primer are the same

as her department store competitors.

I looked up the ingredients and she is right!

I love primer and NEVER go without.

I would totally use the Sally Hansen Face Primer when

my Smashbox Photo Finish Primer is outside my budget.

Threading at the salon verses an at home hair removal

kit by Olay......

Not too bad but I think threading results have more longevity

than this Olay Hair Removal Duo.

If you don't like pain I highly suggest trying this kit.

I also think Olay's kit is WAY over priced for the

limited results it delivers.

Hopefully you find this helpful and

remember that just because you pay MORE for

a beauty product it doesn't always mean it's BETTER.

diva

2012-02-27T18:41:00.000-08:00

Diva was the name of this dark berry lip color

I used for this shoot with Maria.

I have been dreaming about this shoot for awhile.

I saw Anne Hatheway's feature in Interview magazine

awhile back and fell in love with the dark romantic images.

Of course, Anne was wearing Chanel and Alexander Mcqueen,

but we made due with one of Maria's black corsets and

some black polka dot stocking I got at H+M.

Thank you to Kamee June

who took all the images and captured Maria, as Anne, so perfectly.

Enjoy!!

infallible by l'oreal

2012-02-21T14:42:00.000-08:00

It is pretty hard to impress me when it comes to makeup.

But I am totally in love with this creamy eyeshadow by L'Oreal.

Infallible 24 hour eye shadows really last 24hours.

They go on creamy and set into a powder finish.

It never smears, creases, or travels

and can't even be rubbed off accidentally.

All the colors are beautiful!

I am a mommy on the go and it's hard to keep my

eyeshadow bright and fresh all day,

but Infallible eye color was a sweet surprise I'm glad I tried.

Try it out!

I found it them Target for only $6.99!

And I used my coupon *wink, wink*

dayquil and downton abbey

2012-02-16T08:31:00.000-08:00

I've been feeling a little under the weather.

Drinking Dayquil.

Watching Downton Abbey.

I even lost my voice.

The Doc put me on "voice rest"

I'm such a Diva.

It's nice to slow down every once in awhile

and do something you love.

I couldn't work, which is usually my creative outlet,

so I made some cards....a lot of cards!

I'm feeling better and re energized,

also all caught up on Downton Abbey.

valentines

2012-02-14T11:43:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

Here is a lovely shoot I did with

the fabulous Tonya Joy.

I hope these two love birds inspire you to

find love with the one you love.

Special thanks to Ashley and Robert for sharing their love

and allowing it to be photographed.

Thanks to Tonya Joy....every image, every time, always amazing!

I am always looking for beautiful people.

If you live in Southern California and are beautiful

and interested in modeling for a shoot...

contact me!!!

pearl

2012-01-31T17:01:00.000-08:00

Briana was a classic bride.
The look she wanted for her hair and makeup was timeless.
The one thing she wanted the most was fabulous eyelashes.
Other than that her makeup was simple and elegant and
perfectly accentuated her abundance of natural beauty.

I named this post pearl,
because Briana was such a classic bride and beauty,
just like a pearl....
but also because I used Pearl cream shadow by MAC to
prep her eyelid for eyeshadow and to keep
her eye makeup from creasing.
I thought it would be fun to include in the post
the face chart I used for Briana,
Usually they end up at the bottom of my makeup case
or in a hotel garbage can.
But I found this one hanging around and thought
it would be fun to show.
I use a face chart at the bride's trial run to map out (remember)
everything we used and have it all ready for the big day.

Here are her lovely pictures

courtesy of Kamee June Photography:

This beautiful wedding was held at the Richard Nixon Library.

I loved the next few images SO much

because they have so much personality and uniqueness.

Thanks Briana for letting me be apart of your beautiful day!

Many wonderful wishes to you and Phil.

Congrats!!!

my closet

2012-01-25T18:12:00.000-08:00

Most people "Spring Clean",

I am more of a "January Clean" type of girl.

For some reason when I put away all the Christmas decorations

I find my self reorganizing and redecorating.

Last weeks project was to organize my accessories.

First step was to store all my summer accessories

and the second step was to organize my accessories

so that I can utilize them, see them, and protect them.

I went to Pier One and picked out

bowls and plates that matched my decor.

I also grabbed place mats, candles, and a tray.

Here is my closet:

First shelf is for display items, like pictures,

so I feel happy in my space.

Also a bowl and plate for everyday items that I wear often.

My second shelf I use for bigger items

I like to display everything and make it easy to grab.

I got the hooks at target and

love them so much I am considering adding another.

I stow my bags and hats on the top shelf

because they are bulky and I don't use them as often.

I found theses cute baskets to keep things neat and tidy.

The tippy top has all my structured bags.

They are all stuffed to keep their form

and ideally should be back in their cloth bags...

but I like to see them and this way

they keep one another company.

Next to my bed I keep my rings and things.

I try to keep it all in the tray,

but usually my bedside table is full of books and magazines.

All my precious things I keep tucked away in my drawer.

I use these velvet organizers from target.

They sleep here away from sun, dust, and air

until I need them.

Now only if it would stay this clean....

gift giving

2011-11-28T17:40:00.000-08:00

Gift giving time is here and

Who doesn't LOVE a gift certificate?

This Christmas time

GIVE ME!

Purchase your gift certificates now

and I will mail them to you or the recipient.

All gift certificates come perfectly

packaged and include my contact information

and my full price list for all my services.

*must purchase before 12/18/11 to recieve before Christmas*

Pick from the menu below and remember all amounts can be used towards any service the recipients chooses.

Descriptions on the drop down menu are only to help you

choose the appropriate amount for my most common services.

Now you tell me...

what would you use a Kitsch gift certificate for?

Leave a comment here and tell me what you'd wish for.

One lucky gal (or guy) will recieve a

$40 gift certificate

from me!

Random drawing will be held 12/16/11.

Win one for you or a friend!!!

honeylust

2011-11-25T12:05:00.000-08:00

Here to HAUNT your Black Friday

are the 2nd annual Ghost pictures.

This year we wanted "little" ghosts

to haunt the Carriage House

at our location in Corona at Lemonia Grove.

Honeylust

was the name of the MAC eyeshadow I used

to cast a shadow on these ghostly eyes.

I also mixed Vanilla Pigment into my Strobe Cream

and mixed it all into some foundation to make these

heavenly little creatures shine.

It was hard to make such adorable little kids

look spooky, but these kids were awesome

and the results prove it!

more to come....

Thanks to Kamee June Photography

and to all my little spooks :)

gweny gwen

2011-11-08T08:37:00.000-08:00

I kinda idolize Gwen.

She's a rock star mom with killer style, two boys,

sick vocals, and a naughty body.

Besides the fact that she never has roots

and always wears RED lipstick.

I wanna be in her play group.

Especially if you get to dress up like she does everyday.

I loved this mommy-on-the-go look

that she's sporting in this pic.

So I totally pulled "the robbery" on her look.

Forever21 blouse, LOFT sweater and boyfriend jeans, shoes by Seychelles.

eden rouge

2011-11-06T16:44:00.000-08:00

This post ideally should be named Indian Summer,

but following in my tradition of naming the post

after the makeup that's featured,

I named it Eden Rouge MAC's new Mattene lipstick.

I did this photo shoot last month with my friend Tonya Joy.

We both needed a little creative reprieve and

Ashlee (our model) tempted us by volunteering herself for a shoot.

Isn't she to die for?

We took total creative liberty,

since we were working for ourselves,

and I think the collaboration is stunning.

But, I guess that's a little narcissistic.

You be the judge...

And that's a wrap!

cords

2011-11-03T13:59:00.000-07:00

I haven't worn cords since the 10th grade.

I couldn't resist these GAP cords in rust.

They are so soft and I love the skinny jean cut.

I "pinned" this pic awhile ago from whatiwore

and had to do a little "copy kat".

Cords GAP, Boots from Aldo, Jacket Simple Vera Wang,
T-shirt H+M, and Scarf Missoni for Target.

jest

2011-10-30T08:02:00.000-07:00

This is post TWO

from the last Tonya Joy Photography workshop

that I did hair and makeup for.

This is Tegyn.

I have had the opportunity to work with her

once or twice.

She is gorgeous and fabulous

and sweet and kind

and a absolute delight.

Her photos show it.

For her shoot I used Jest and

Cranberry by MAC.

These images were taken in downtown Riverside (Cali).

Tonya called this shoot

"My Fair Lady"

and I think Tegyn worked her

"Audrey".

Enjoy!

golden

2011-10-28T08:16:00.000-07:00

Scarf and sweater from H+M, Jeans Loft,
Nail polish Essie's Lady Godiva.

This was the first real FALL-ish day of the year.

It deserved a sweater, but only a short sleeved one.

By noon the clouds burned off and

we were back to nearly 90 degree weather.

But, a girl can dream of golden fall days

and chillier weather.

This will be the first of many "copy kat" looks

that I will share on my blog.

Taking pictures of myself is WAY out of

Mama Kat's comfort zone...

So let's see if this gets any easier.

But I get a lot of "where do you get that...." questions,

and "how do you wear...."

This is my attempt to share how I do style

and how you can "copy kat".

Boot by STEVEN for Steve Madden

Earrings from Urban Outfitters

unchanging

2011-10-26T12:43:00.000-07:00

Unchanging

is the name of the MAC Pro Longwear lipstick

I used for Tricia's rock n' roll wedding at the

Hard Rock in San Diego.

Tricia's wedding was such a refreshing departure

from the traditional wedding.

I loved every rock n' roll detail!

It was sweet and timeless and tailored perfectly

to Tricia and Rudy's relationship...

and a little bad ass at the same time.

I did hair and makeup for the bride and bridesmaids.

Each look was so individually unique,

and yet, amazingly cohesive when they were all together.

It was a dreamy day.

Thanks to Tricia and her gals for letting me be apart of it,

AND thanks to Kamee June Photography for sharing the images!

Here's to Unchanging love

with a little Rock n' Roll!

mama kat's fall playlist

2011-10-24T10:46:00.000-07:00

Hair and makeup by Kat Kirk
Photography by Kamee June

I'm feeling a little sentimental for FALL.

It's still in the 90's where I live and feels a little more like Summer,

but I've always been a dreamer.

Here is my FALL playlist that's getting me in the mood:

Falling Slowly by The Swell Season

Photographs and Memories by Jason Reeves

My Love by The Bird and The Bee

World at Large by Modest Mouse

Think of You by A Fine Frenzy

Pony by Erin McCarley

Don't You Evah by spoon

Longer I Run by Peter Bradley Adams

Keep Breathing by Ingred Michaelson

Good Life by One Republic

Halloween by Matt Pond

Stronger Than Jesus by Camp

Janglin' by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

Check out my playlist here:
Fall 2011
download it or send it to a friend.

blogger swap: SHERRIAMOUR

2011-10-21T00:02:00.000-07:00

Meet Sherri.

I found Sherri blog browsing one day and

fell in love with her brave and original style.

Her blog is adorable and I had to get to know her.

I contacted her and asked if she wanted to do a little Blog Swap.

Check her out!

I know you'll adore her style and be mesmerized

by her infectious smile just like I was.

Here are some questions that I asked Sherri:

Kat: What is your favorite item in your closet this fall?

Sherri: I would have to say my brown leather boots. I love them and I can wear them with everything. And I found them for $1 at a yard sale!

Kat: How would you define your style?

Sherri: My style is hard for me to define because it’s always evolving. I receive inspiration from so many places - people on the street, online lookbooks, and of course fellow bloggers! I would say it’s comfortable, simple, and modest. And I absolutely love vintage.

Kat: Why do you blog about fashion?

Sherri: I know it’s cliché, but ever since I was a young girl I have had a ‘passion for fashion’. I always loved dressing myself up, and I even started my own hand-written fashion magazine. In high school I majored in fashion, and since then I’ve been so inspired, I want to share it with others. Most of all, I blog to represent ‘modest’ fashion. I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and I believe in modesty, so I like to show that you can be attractive, stylish, and modest at the same time.

Come and visit Sherri's blog here:

SherriAmour

and see what Sherri had to say about Mama Kat.

If you're a fashion blogger and are feeling a bit "swappy",

contact me at kitschbykat.at.yahoo.com

to join in the fun.

how to "prep" your wedding day makeup

2011-10-14T11:46:00.000-07:00

I have been so excited to post some pictures

from my cousin Courtney's wedding this summer.

I contacted her photographer Whitney Shey

from Whitney Darling Photography to see if she would

let me post some of her beautiful images.

Courtney married Erik in Newport Beach

and I was thrilled when she asked me to do her hair and makeup.

She was a stunning bride and her day was dreamy.

The most difficult aspect of Bridal makeup is longevity.

Your wedding day is long and full of tears, hugs,

and even a little perspiration.

All these things tend to make your makeup

travel, smudge, or fade.

Here is a list of my favorite "Primers" and "Preppers"

for an all day STAY for brides, bridesmaids, and the like:

1- MAC Prep and Prime: I always start with this to control oil, fill in fine lines, and to keep that darn makeup on your face.

2- MAC Fix Plus: I use this to spray the whole face when

I'm finished to set the makeup. I also use it to refresh the

face before I do touch ups.

3- MAC Pro Longwear in Durashell or Unchanging: I always prep

a nude lip with this before I apply lipstick our gloss.

It leaves a sticky foundation that holds

on to lip color all day. Kiss proof too!

4- MAC Creme Shadow in Pearl: I never forget to start

an eye application with out this as my base. It keeps eyeshadow pigment vibrant and holds eyeshadow in place all day.

Here are some more pics of Courtney and Erik's big day:

They had the most adorable photo booth

with random props that made us all smile.

Here I am with my Mom and Dad.

Now you see where I get my sense of style :)

kat walk: menswear booties and platform loafers

2011-10-10T17:04:00.000-07:00

I'm totally obsessed with this trend.

Menswear inspired booties

and platform loafers.

When my husband saw them he gasped,

"Ugh! Those are ugly".

I love it!

Go ahead, channel your inner librarian.

It's sexy!!!

I have the Seychelles in my endless.com

shopping cart right now.

Lela Rose for Payless Shoes $54.99

Seychelles Clue $130

Anthropologie booties Capped and Cuffed $158

Christian Louboutin's Selita $995

Jeffrey Campbell bootie on Modcloth $90

J.Crew Paddy high heel loafer $265