Krisztina Clifton Living

25 Halloween Costumes w/Your LBD

2019-10-24T08:00:00.000-04:00

The easiest way to create a last-minute or inexpensive Halloween costume is to start with things you already have. I do it every year, because I get so frustrated with how expensive yet poorly-made most Halloween costumes are. I'd rather use what is already in my closet, or spend a little extra on accessories or a new dress that I can wear anytime of the year. A little black dress is the easiest way to use what you have to create a Halloween costume with a few inexpensive accessories and other accessories you probably already have in your closet. Pictured Above: Halloween Black Mesh Dress

1. Black Cat - This is the easiest way to use your little black dress on Halloween. I know it's pretty much the most generic costume in history, but for good reason - it's just so easy and affordable. It's the perfect last-minute costume for women, because you could really use any black outfit even if you don't have a little black dress. Pair it with your black flats or heels and a $10 cat accessory set for an instant costume. Use black eyeliner to create whiskers and liquid liner for a cat-eye makeup look. Here's a great tutorial for kitty-cat Halloween makeup. Pictured Above: Apt 9 pointed toe flat / ASOS cat ears headband / Cat Ear Headbands / Extra Long Black Cat Tail

2. Fox, Bear, Bunny, etc. - Just like with the cat ears, you can find so many different animal accessory sets for about $10 a piece. I just saw several cute options at the Halloween section of Target, and you can find a lot at accessory stores in the mall like Claire's, and of course online.

3. Day of the Dead Ghost - With this simple Day of the Dead facial tattoo set and this Day of the Dead Choker, you can turn any black outfit into a last-minute costume. Complete the look with a red flower hairband.

4. Black Widow - For another easy way to turn your black dress into a costume, add on black hose and pumps and a black veil or a black tulle cloak to dress up as a black widow.

5. Burlesque Dancer - If you have a corset-top black dress, you can add on a ruffled burlesque skirt and accessories like fish nets, black lace gloves, and a fascinator top hat. If you don't have that type of dress, simply add a corset over any black dress.

6. Little Red Riding Hood - With a simple red cape from the costume shop and a small picnic basket from the craft store, you can turn your little black dress into a Little Red Riding Hood Costume for under $20.
Pictured Above:Red Riding Hood Cape, $19 / Ollio Women's Ballet Comfort Black Faux Suede Pointed Toe Flats / Weave basket (similar here)

7. Maleficent - If you have a black maxi dress, all you need for a DIY Maleficent costume is a sturdy full-length black cloak or this purple and black hooded cloak and a pair of Maleficent horns.

Related: How to Dress Up Like Disney's Maleficent

8. Witch - You can easily be a traditional witch with the addition of a witch's hat. The rest is totally up to you. I like to add on accessories like spooky jewelry, black lace gloves, Halloween tights, and a witch's broom. Finish the look with black Halloween nail polish. Pictured above: Witch Maxi Dress Costume

Related: 10 Ways to Dress Up Your Witch Costume

9. Referee - Layer on a black-and-white striped referee tee and accessorize with athletic knee socks and sneakers.

10. Spider - Stuff black stockings to create giant spider legs to attach to an old black dress. Here is a great DIY spider costume.

11. Wednesday Addams -Start with a long-sleeve black dress or layer a long-sleeve black crew-neck sweater over your little black dress and wear a white button-down collar shirt underneath. Pair it with any kind of black shoes you have in your closet. The key to pulling off a Wednesday Addams costume is the braids, the pale face and minimal makeup, and of course the sullen facial expression. Pictured Above: Long sleeve blouse / Peter Pan Collar Black Long Sleeve Flared Dress / Cole Haan Women's Avery Ballet Flats

12. Holly GoLightly - For a dressy Halloween costume, use your little black dress to be Holly GoLightly from Breakfast at Tiffany's. See this Holly GoLightly Costume Tutorial for the essentials and hair and makeup tips.

13. 1920s Flapper Girl - This is another easy way to be dressy and pretty for Halloween. You can start with a flapper girls dress, but with the right accessories, you can be a flapper girl with a simple black cocktail dress. An embellished hairband is essential to a flapper girl costume. Click here for more flapper girl DIY costume ideas. Pictured above: 1920s Accessory Set

14. Pirate - If you have knee-high or over-the-knee boots, you can turn your little black dress into a woman's pirate costume with a pirate hat, a white peasant top, and a corset-waist belt. You can add on other pirate accessories like a parrot, sword, and eye patch.

15. Librarian - Layer a button-down collar blouse underneath your dress and add a tie and glasses to make a DIY librarian costume for Halloween. Put your hair in a bun and carry around a yard stick. You can add more layers with a button-down cardigan.

16. Vampire - This is another go-to costume of mine if I decide to dress up at the last minute. With a black cape and some vampire teeth, a DIY vampire costume is complete. It's fun to add on more accessories like lace tights and a black Gothic statement necklace. And I love any costume that looks good with a black smokey eye and dark red lips.
Pictured Above: Missguided / Black pumps / Costume jewelry / Black halloween costume / Laura Geller lipstick / Halloween home decor

17. Black Swan - Layer on a black tutu skirt and black angel wings. Put your hair back in a slick bun and create a dark smokey eye. Here a great black swan makeup tutorial.

18. Fallen Angel - This is another quick and easy way to dress up with a pair of black angel wings for a last-minute costume. Pictured above: Black angel wings (can be worn up or down)

19. Minnie Mouse - This one is such a cute costume even for grown-ups. You don't have to dress exactly like Minnie Mouse to achieve the overall look. Obviously you need the Minnie Mouse ears. Then you can add on a red and white polka dot ribbon around your waist or layer a polka-dot skirt, and wear either red or yellow shoes and a pair of white gloves. Use black eyeliner to draw on a mouse nose and whiskers.

20. French Maid - Use a white ruffled apron and a feather duster to turn your little black dress into a French maid costume, or use this French maid accessory set. Finish off the look with fishnet tights and a black tulle skirt.

21. Devil -This could work with either a black or red dress, though most women already have a black dress. All you need is a pair of heels and a devil accessory kit. You can add more red to your look with a red cloak or a red skirt. Above: Kenneth Cole kohl shoes / ASOS barrette hair clip / Women's Sequin Devil Accessory Kit - Red - One-Size for Halloween

22. Cruella De Vil - With a little black dress, you're well on your way to being Creulla De Vil for Halloween. All you need is this wig, cigarette holder, red opera gloves, red or black pumps, and white faux fur.

23. Bat Girl - Pair a caped batman tee with a bat girl mask and black knee-high boots.

24. Cat Woman - This is a little harder since most cat woman costumes begin with a black bodysuit, but it you have a black bodycon dress and sexy knee-high boots, you can make a Catwoman mask work with your little black dress. Complete the look with these wet-look long gloves.

25. The Non-Costume Halloween Costume - This could also be referred to as the teacher costume; you know, that Halloween-ish outfit that isn't technically a costume but looks festive. Pair black with fun Halloween-inspired accessories like striped tights or a decorative Venetian mask.

Can you think of anything else to be with a little black dress? Let me know in the comments! What do you plan to be for Halloween?

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KCL Friday Finds

2019-09-13T14:27:00.002-04:00

Welcome to KCL Friday Finds! Grab a cup of coffee and get ready for some shopping fun! This weekend I’m all about treating myself to an at-home mani for selfcare Sunday and getting that glow with a new skincare routine.

I’m so happy to be using Oh It’s Natural again! Their products are all-natural with simple ingredients, so they're perfect for sensitive skin or for people like me who have a lot of allergies. This 3-Step Complete Hemp Skincare Regimen includes a cleanser, face oil, and sugar scrub. The Hemp All Over face oil can be used as an oil cleanser and makeup remover as well as a moisturizer.

Made with hemp seed oil, sunflower oil, and Vitamin E oil; it’s such a hydrating and nourishing oil. More so than most facial oils I’ve tried, this one really helps to even my skin tone and gives my skin a healthy glow. Hemp seed oil ranks zero on the comedogenic scale, so it’s perfect for all skin types. If you’ve been wanting to try a face oil but have been hesitant, I highly suggest you start with this Hemp All Over Face and Body Oil!

While you can use the oil and cleanser as a dual cleansing routine, the Hemp and Aloe Foaming Facial Cleanser is so effective on its own. With the hemp and aloe, this all natural facial cleanser is so gentle and won’t strip the skin of moisture.

For a deeply moisturizing and exfoliating treatment once or twice a week, I’ll be reaching for the Hemp and Sugar Scrub. It helps eliminate dead skin and gives a huge boost of hydration. Scented with vanilla and lavender, it’s such a luxurious and relaxing treat. I love how it can be used on both the face and body and even as a moisturizing lip scrub. You can purchase any of these separately, or save by purchasing the complete 3-Step Complete Hemp Skincare Regimen.

My fashion pick of the week is one you’ve probably already heard of but one which deserves some reminding. I just recently subscribed to Rocksbox, and I can’t believe I didn’t do it sooner! This monthly subscription box delivers three gorgeous designer fashion jewelry pieces right to your door, and you can keep all or none of the pieces. You simply pay a small monthly fee regardless of whether or not you decide to purchase any individual items.

As an influencer, blogger, and professional product photographer; I need a continuous stream of new styling props to work with. But that can get expensive, and eventually I will run out of storage space. For just $21.00 per month, I get beautiful new pieces to work with for my styled flatlays. The fun eyelash earrings pictured above, for example, got a lot of attention on my Instagram. Whether you’re a fashion or beauty blogger or a lifestyle influencer, you’ll love the convenience and variety that Rocksbox has to offer!

Last on Friday Finds today is my recent favorite when it comes to makeup. The Live Love Polish Jane Austen Collection contains six beautiful nail colors, each named after six major novels by Austen. Four of the shades are color-changing in different temps. Upon application this creates a two-tone effect, as the part of the nails touching skin are at a higher body temp.

While the color changing shades are pretty cool, I really love the By A Lady color that is a really dense and beautiful glitter shade. My absolute favorite in the set is My Dear Cassandra (pictured below). It’s a stunning light blue-ish purple holographic shade that is modern and romantic. The collection comes in a gorgeous box set that is very gift-worthy. If you have a makeup lover on your shopping list this holiday season, this would be the perfect gift!

Thanks again for stopping by KCL Friday Finds! I promise to add decor picks in the coming weeks. With Autumn quickly approaching, I’m so looking forward to Fall beauty, Fall fashion, and Fall decor! You can shop today’s picks via the links below, and please leave me a comment before you go. Have a wonderful weekend!

Shop the Edit

Oh It’s Natural

Rocksbox

Live Love Polish Jane Austen Collection

5 Classic Fashion Trends for Fall

2019-09-11T14:55:00.000-04:00

There are several stand-out trends in fall fashion each year. Though I love how some of the biggest runway and street style trends are classics that will never really go out of style, like a chic pair of pointy toe pumps. This Sam Edelman Women's Hazel Pump, for example, is a great investment if you want to update your style this fall. And you can never go wrong with a neutral blazer or a metallic statement necklace. With the right pieces, you can give your wardrobe a modern makeover while investing in classic pieces at the same time. Here are my top picks for a modern Fall refresh that will be in style for years to come. Pictured: A. Byer Juniors Long Sleeve Button Welt Jacket

Pictured: Mango long sleeve black jersey blazer / Destroyed jeans / H&M faux leather skirt, $23 / Steven by Steve Madden women's Walkerrr pointy toe pumps / BaubleBar flapper necklace

1. Jersey Blazer - If I could buy 20 different blazers I totally would, but ever since I invested in a black jersey blazer, I haven't needed any other jackets for fall. It can go over dresses, tanks, tees, or blouses; more importantly it can be worn with a casual or dressy look. If you get one new wardrobe staple for fall, I highly suggest a modern black jersey blazer, like this A.Byer Juniors Long Sleeve Button Welt Jacket.

2. Leather Mini or Pencil Skirt - leather mini skirts and leather pencil skirts are both classics and add a modern feel to any look. Just keep in mind a fitted leather skirt is already sexy enough. Steer clear of anything shiny or too embellished - keep it simple. Of course a leather pencil skirt, like this oodji Collection Women's Faux Leather Skirt, is more suited for the office; while a faux leather mini skirt,like this Blank NYC Women's Vegan Leather Mini Skirt, is fun for going out.

3. Sparkly Statement Necklace - Fall and Winter is a time for sweaters and blazers. Nothing dresses up a sweater or a plain tee with blazer like a shiny statement necklace. It's also a great way to update your little black dress to make it party-worthy. A black sheath dress, for instance, can go from the office to a fancy event with the simple addition of a bold statement piece, like this Steve Madden Women's Rainbow Rhinestone Geo Casted Bib Necklace.

4. Pointy Toe Pumps - Tall boots will be just as trendy as ever this Fall. However when it comes to high heels, classic pointed-toe pumps are always on-trend. Get a pair in a neutral color like nude or black and go with a matte finish, like the Calvin Klein Women's Kylie Pump, and you'll be able to wear them with anything from office attire to distressed jeans.

5. Distressed Denim - Denim is a must for Fall fashion, and while jean trends come and go, the distressed slim-fit jeans have become a classic staple while still lending an updated look to any outfit. Go for a pair with minimal distressing, like the Jessica Simpson Women's Kiss Me Skinny Jeans, and you'll be able to style them with a tee and slip-on sneakers or a blazer and dressy pumps.

Which of these trends do you already have in your wardrobe, and which ones would you love to buy this season? Let me know in the comments below!

Shop Krisztina's Top Picks

See More in Fall Fashion

KCL Friday Finds

2019-09-06T18:04:00.000-04:00

Happy Friday and welcome back to KCL Friday Finds!! I'm so happy to be relaunching Krisztina Clifton Living this Fall. I've thoroughly enjoyed expanding Krisztina Clifton Beauty this year, and plan to continue with that, though with Fall approaching, I just can't help but write about fashion and decor. The new and improved Krisztina Clifton Living will focus heavily on fashion and interiors but with a few changes. For example, instead of recipes and crafts; I will be incorporating more wellness, career advice, and even relationship tips.

And while I will still be posting most of my beauty reviews and articles at Krisztina Clifton Beauty, I still plan to cover some beauty tips here as well. Most of all, I want to write about the things that are most important to you, so please email anytime or leave me a comment on the blog with suggestions. For now, let's get to the beautiful finds!

I'm excited to have two returning shops to this blog feature. One of them is Designs by Jennilyn, where you can find the prettiest earrings for the upcoming season. From rich jewel-toned leather to animal prints, and warm brown textures; designer and owner Jennifer incorporates all of the classic Autumn trends but in a unique way. I've previously worn her beautiful leather earrings in recent years, though she has since added a fun variety of materials like rattan (pictured above) as well as colorful resin earrings.

My top picks for Autumn earrings include her Resin and Rattan Tortoise Shell earrings pictured above, and these bright tangerine leather and tortoise shell earrings (also pictured above). You know how the saying goes...leopard is a neutral, but so is tortoise shell. The varying black and brown tones make it match with so many different colors and looks, and you don't have to match it to either brown or black accessories, because it looks great with both! Which pair is your favorite?

The other returning shop to Friday Finds is Lilly Sage Apothecary. I previously had the pleasure of testing their Natural Deodorant and Charcoal & Cedarwood Soap, and I loved both! Lilly Sage is a beautiful boutique in Georgia that sells natural, high-quality bath and body products (also available online). All of the products at Lilly Sage are not only all-natural but also cruelty-free and packaged in eco-friendly containers.

This Signature Blend Body Oil, for example, comes in the most beautiful glass bottle that I plan to keep on display long after I've used up the oil. This moisturizing and luxurious body oil is available in three different custom scents - Citrine, Amethyst, and Ruby; and it's made with hydrating grapeseed and pomegranate oils and natural essential oil blends. I'm using the Ruby scent - a rich and sexy fragrance that is perfect for Fall.

The Lilly Sage Charcoal & Honey Mask was just as impressive. In fact when it comes to clay and charcoal face masks, it totally blew me away, and I know you guys will love it too. While clay and charcoal are some of the best ingredients for reducing excess oil and deeply cleansing pores, the biggest complaint is that they can be drying. You certainly shouldn't leave a clay mask on long enough for it to get to the dry, cracked stage; but with this Charcoal & Honey Mask, you don't have to worry about the dry cracked stage at all. This pre-mixed mask is a wet spa mask, meaning it goes on wet and stays wet.

I love that not only is it made with 100% natural ingredients, but it doesn't have a fragrance, aside from the delicious subtle honey scent. It's the perfect mask for dry or sensitive skin, though it's great for oily skin as well. Ingredients like pomegranate and jojoba oils balance and nourish, while honey adds hydration, and the clay and charcoal cleanse and detoxify.

Last on Friday Finds today is something you may have already seen all over my Instagram, but I cannot stress enough how amazing this brand is. Petit Vour is such an affordable beauty subscription box, and it's also completely cruelty-free. I've really loved every item in the Petit Vour cruelty-free beauty box so far, and I’m so looking forward to the September box!

I really love how they incorporate toxin-free and organic skincare and makeup. I've received samples of everything from an organic mascara to a lavender-coconut night cream. I love that they feature both small and big brands, so I get a wide variety and get to test expensive brands that I don't currently work with nor can afford.

For just $15 per month, you get 4-5 products & over $50 worth of cruelty-free clean beauty. You can subscribe and save, or simply purchase one box to try it out, and you can earn cash towards future purchases by leaving reviews at Petit Vour. I especially love that the featured items are available for purchase in full sizes and individually at Petit Vour. So if you have a favorite item that you'd love to repurchase, you can get the full size version anytime you want! Though the sample sizes are quite generous.

Each box is always a nice mix of different skincare and makeup products, and you can even specify color preferences when applicable. I find that nothing from the Petit Vour box ever goes to waste for me. Do you have a favorite beauty subscription service? Let me know in the comments below!

Thanks so much for stopping by Friday Finds. I plan to add a lot of Fall fashion and decor in the coming weeks, so stay tuned. You can shop these beautiful picks via the links below, and please leave me a comment before you go!

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Designs by Jennilyn

Lilly Sage Apothecary

Petit Vour

Easy Contouring and Highlighting

2019-09-05T16:48:00.000-04:00

Contouring and highlighting has been a huge makeup trend in recent years, and with good reason - you can use concealer to achieve more defined cheek bones, to make your lips look bigger, and my personal favorite - to hide a double chin. And despite all of the intricate tutorials out there, I want to show you that it can actually be quick an easy!

The first trick is to start with the right concealer shades. First, let’s get one thing straight: when I say highlighter, I do not mean the super light and shimmery highlighter that should only be reserved for above the cheekbones. I’ve seen all too many makeup vloggers apply that all over, from the forehead to the tip of the nose, to the cupid’s bow and the chin. Those however, are rather places for a creamy skin-tone concealer.

How to Pick the Right Shade of Concealer

For the highlights, you want a concealer that is one to two shades lighter than your foundation. If you just go one shade lighter, as I have, pick one with a yellow tone, so you can also use it to effectively cover any red spots, blemishes, and dark under-eye circles. Pictured: BeaBlue Camouflage Cream in "Golden Sand"

For the contour color, pick one that is a few shades darker than your foundation. I went with BaeBlue Beauty’s Camouflage Cream in Teakwood.

How to Highlight with Concealer

It’s simple. You really want to hit the areas that naturally catch the light, like the middle of your forehead just above the eyebrows, above your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, the cupid’s bow above your lips, and the center of your chin.

How to Contour with Concealer

Opposite to highlighting, but just as easy, contouring also has a simple trick - apply it to the places that naturally cast a shadow. For example, you can create defined cheekbones by applying the darker concealer in the hollows of your cheeks. Apply thin lines up and down the sides of your nose to make it appear smaller. Use some along the hairline at the top of the face to minimize a larger forehead. And my go-to is to use the darker contour shade along the jawline and down towards my neck to hide a double chin.

Contouring and highlighting can truly be quick and easy enough to do everyday if you pick one area or two that you want to focus on the most. You can refer to this BaeBlu makeup chart as a reminder, and check out my simple tutorial on the BaeBlu home page!

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BaeBlu Camouflage Cream - Golden Sand

BaeBlu Camouflage Cream - Teakwood

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My Favorite Jewelry Trends for Fall

2019-08-06T17:08:00.000-04:00

As back-to-school approaches, I can't help but look forward to the Fall season. One of the best things about Fall in my opinion, is the fashion! With tall boots and suede hats to chic satchels and statement jewelry, it's the best time of the year to have fun with accessories. Personally, one of my favorite Autumn accessories, and the easiest way to update an outfit, is jewelry. From a big bold ear cuff to minimal gold necklaces with interesting little pendants, my fashion forecast for Fall this year includes more modern and sleek pieces.

For example, while I tend to love a pair of sparkly statement studs or a larger dangling statement earring, this Fall I see a modern ear cuff being one of the biggest earring trends, and it's definitely one of my favorite jewelry trends! It looks great on its own or paired with some gold hoops, and you can even pair it with a cool ear crawler. These elegant and modern ear cuffs come with sleek built-in tassel earrings. I love that this jewelry trend goes so well with both casual and dressy looks.

When it comes to rings, it's time to (temporarily) forget about the big sparkly statement rings that have been so trendy in recent years. The cute stackable rings that were so popular for Spring and Summer will continue to be a hit into the Fall. You can always add some glam to the look with a nice X-shaped pave stacking ring.

Instead of big chunky cuff bracelets, my favorite bracelet trend for Fall is a more simple look as well, and it too looks wonderful when layered. This beautiful rose gold beaded bangle, for example, looks elegant as-is and takes on a more casual feel when paired with multiple bangles.

The typical big statement necklaces are also a bit off my radar for jewelry trends this coming Fall. From personalized zodiac pendant talismans to modern geometric-shaped pendants, I'm all about slim gold chains paired with interesting pendants. These simple but unique gold necklaces are perfect for layering, and they look great with a button-down shirt.

Whether it's one of these beautiful jewelry trends or a new pair of over-the-knee boots, I can't wait to start shopping for some new Fall accessories. What are your favorite Autumn accessories, and which of these jewelry trends are you most likely to wear? Let me know in the comments below!

Shop the Trends

Ear Cuffs | Stacking Rings | Bangle Bracelets | Modern Pendants

How to Wear Over the Knee Boots

2019-07-01T17:31:00.000-04:00

This has to be one of the most intimidating trends for fall, though it's still going strong this year, and I am eager to try it out finally. Much like classic riding boots, there are a few simple ways to wear over the knee boots. Once you get the basic formulas down, with a few simple tips, you can easily style these tall boots in any number of ways.

Go monochrome. This is the same advice I give for knee-high boots. Especially if you're short like me, you can get a more seamless look by pairing black over the knee boots, for example, with black jeans or with black tights and a black skirt. You can also go monochrome on top, by pairing an all-white outfit with grey or taupe over the knee boots. Image via Pink Wish.

Consider fit. A chunky sweater and jeans look great with a structured over-the-knee boot that gets a little wider at the top, like this Nine West Jena Over-the-Knee Boot, but a sexy body-con dress or mini skirt calls for slim, fitted boots with a slimmer heel, like this Sam Edelman Bernadette Boot. Balance out a wide, chunky-heel over the knee boot with fall layers, like a vest or blazer. Image via Free People / Jeffrey Campbell Parkway Thigh High Boot.

Go for soft suede. Especially if you're thinking about getting over-the-knee boots in a bold color, like burgundy, you can create a much more soft and effortless look with a pair in brushed suede rather than a shiny leather finish.

Find balance. I've said this so many times, that styling is all about balance - balancing color with neutral, patterns with solids, and sexy with classy, etc. Over-the-knee boots definitely call for balance, as they immediately create a bold and sexy vibe. Balance them out with toned-down accessories and a more modest outfit. Modest can mean a few things in this context. For example, a jacket isn't something that is sexy because it's revealing; it's sexy because of the look and texture. A leather moto jacket, for instance, is much more sexy that a knit cardigan or poncho. And even a modest heel can add sex appeal to an outfit, so if you plan to pair your over the knee boots with shorts or a mini skirt, go for a modest top to tone the look down. Image via Mikuta.

Pick the right hemlines. If you pair super tall boots with pants, with the exception of an all-black look, be aware of where the bottom of your shirt hits. You can go for a cropped jacket that stops at the waist or long layers that fall below the boots, like the long jacket pictured above.

Keep it simple. It's easy to feel overwhelmed at the idea of styling over the knee boots after looking at intricately layered outfits on the web, but all you really need is a pair of skinny jeans and a sweater or a cute printed fall dress to go with your boots (the same advice goes for knee-high boots as well). Image via ASOS KILO Suede Flat Over The Knee Boots.

Shop Fall Boots: Ankle & Bootie // Knee-High // Over-the-Knee

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Need more Style Inspo? Check out the KCL Fashion Page!

The Benefits of Jade Rolling

2019-05-23T14:53:00.000-04:00

This ancient skincare tool has become so popular lately that I just had to try it out for myself. There are many proven benefits of using a jade roller. Keep reading for everything you need to know from how to use it and how your skin can greatly improve by incorporating a gemstone facial roller into your beauty routine.

Jade stone in particular has been used to ward off negativity and bring harmony. You can read more on that here - Jade Meaning & Healing Properties. Personally, I'm very excited about the recent trend of holistic health combined with beauty. Anytime you can turn your personal care routine into a bit of a ritual, it truly becomes self care. Though regardless of the spiritual and mental health benefits of jade rolling, a gemstone facial roller can still greatly enhance your skincare routine for several proven reasons.

The Skincare Benefits of Using A Jade Roller

increased circulation, which encourages cell turnover and a youthful glow
less sagging with consistent use
serums and other facial products can penetrate more deeply when used with a roller
encourages lymphatic drainage and decreases puffiness

See my full how-to and tips in the video below.

If you want to go ahead and try jade rolling for yourself, you can currently get this Sana Vie roller for $19.99. My other favorite is a rose quartz roller. Rose quartz is a wonderful stone for self love and self care, and the polished finish stays cooler than the unpolished jade stone, so it's better at decreasing puffiness and inflammation. My favorite rose quartz roller is this Royal Jade Rose Quartz Roller and Gua Sha Tool. It's only $14.99 and comes with 10 pairs of 24K Gold Collagen Eye Patches!

Have you tried jade rolling yet? Let me know in the comments below!

Shop Krisztina's Top Picks

See More Skincare Tips

40 Pretty Ways to Organize Jewelry

2019-04-24T23:06:00.000-04:00

If you love to wear accessories, good jewelry storage is a must to keep your collection organized and in good condition. Make your jewelry storage serve a dual purpose as decor with these beautiful ways to organize and display your favorite trinkets.

Clear Glass Jewelry Cases - Whether it's a shadow box or a modern display case, this is a great way to keep your jewelry protected but still keep it on display. You can switch up the look by lining a case with velvet or beautifully-printed fabric to match your decor. Get a few in different shapes and sizes to cluster together and showcase your favorite pieces of jewelry.

1. Pictured Above: West Elm Glass Shadow Boxes, $24 - $99

2. Vintage Vanity Classic Glass Jewelry and Cosmetic Storage, $45.99

3. J Devlin Bevel & Champagne Keepsake/storage/jewelry Box with Heart Charm, $37.95

4. WANYA Decorative Pentagon Glass Box for Plant Jewelry Display with Hinged Top Lid, $35.99

5. Small Square Glass Keepsake Jewelry Box with Mirrored Bottom, $15.94

Boutique-Style Jewelry Displays - Velvet jewelry stands are such a beautiful way to store accessories if you have room to display them. Use just one or two next to a vanity tray of perfume and fresh flowers, or display a full set of them if you have surface area in a large walk-in closet. Some of these do limit the amount of jewelry you can store, like the velvet necklace stands, but they're so worth it if you have a big statement necklace you want to display. These have become quite popular and can be quite expensive at home decor shops, but if you check online or in the jewelry supply section at the craft store, you can find the velvet stands for under $10.

6. Pictured Above: Pottery Barn Andover Jewelry Bracelet Stand, $49

7. Dial Industries Jewelry Organizer, 3 Tier , $24.99

8. 2 Tier Black Velvet T-Bar Bracelet Watch Jewelry Stand Display, also available in beige linen, $19.50

9. Darice Jewelry Ring Display Tray, 9.4 by 13.8-Inch, Black Velvet, $8.99

10. Black Velvet Half Moon Bracelet Showcase Display Stand, $9.99

Tiered Jewelry Dish with Stand - This is a really beautiful way to store jewelry that you can incorporate no matter how much space you have. Get a tiered stand with a dish at the base to display jewelry in a small space. As you can see with the set pictured above, it's a beautiful way to organize your everyday jewelry, makeup, and perfume in one space.

If you share a bathroom with a roommate or family, it's handy to keep these things in your own space like in your bedroom so you can easily access them if the bathroom is occupied.

11. Pictured Above: 3 Tier Metal Rod Jewelry Organizer and Display Stand with Antique Matte Brass Finish, $22.50

12. Umbra Tesora – Jewelry Organizer/Copper Jewelry Stand with Concrete Base, ~~$30~~, $21.99

13. Pottery Barn Vintage Metal Jewelry Stand, $49

14. Classic Metal Jewelry Hanger Stand for Earrings / Necklaces / Bracelets, $12.99

15. Umbra Trigem Three-Tier Extra-Tall Jewelry Stand, ~~$25.00~~, $19.99

Glass Cloche Jewelry Display - If you're looking for the most unique and elegant way to display your jewelry, this is it! If you already have a few small metallic jewelry stands, you can purchase glass cloches separately, like these tall glass bell jar cloche domes. Just be sure to measure them first. Though you can also find them specifically for jewelry at stores like Pottery Barn. Unique pieces like this can look odd on their own. It's best to cluster them in two's or three's of varying heights.

16. Pictured Above: The Emily + Meritt Parisian Heart Cloche Collection, $59 - $79

17. Pottery Barn Glass and Silver Cloche Jewelry Storage, $49 - $99

18. Glass Cloche Bell Jar, $23.00

19. Set of 3 Decorative Clear Glass Apothecary Cloche Bell Jars, $64.99

20. Siyaglass Clear Glass Cloche Globe Display Dome with Wooden Base, $14.99

Decorative Dress Form - I'm a little torn on this idea when it comes to displaying jewelry. While I think it looks great, I've always found dress forms a little creepy. I catch one out of the corner of my eye and think someone's in the room. I could see myself screaming and ninja kicking my jewelry all over the place. But I do think it's such a cute way to store and display statement necklaces, especially if you have a fashion-themed bedroom or office. Perhaps a smaller tabletop version would be best for me!

21. Pictured Above: PB Teen Chambray Dress Form, $199

22. Female Postage print vintage-style fabric Mannequin Dress Form, $29.49

23. IKAYAA Female Torso Body Mannequin Form Dress Display with Wood Tripod Stand Pinnable Size, $46.99

24. Roxy Display Female Body Form, Short Stand, Counter Top Display, $59.95

25. Bonnlo Female Dress Form Pinnable Mannequin Body Torso with Wooden Tripod Base Stand, $38.99

Hanging Jewelry Organizer - If you're pressed for space but want all of your jewelry in one place and easily accessible, this is the very best way to get organized. Mount it on the wall of your bathroom, bedroom, or walk-in closet. Similar versions come with over-the-door hangers, but I can imagine all the jewelry clanking and necklaces tangling. Definitely go with a wall-mounting version.

26. Pictured Above: Wooden Bohemian Design Jewelry Hooks Storage Hanging Organizer, $24.89

27. WELL-STRONG Earring Necklace Holder Birdcage Wall Mount Jewelry Organizer Hanger, $12.79

28. Kashay - (Black) Jewelry Outside The Box - Contemporary Hanging Organizer Display Frame, $24.99

29. Black Wall Mount Jewelry & Accessory Storage Rack Organizer Shelf for Earrings, Bracelets, Necklaces, & Hair Accessories, $14.99

30. Plaza Astoria Wall/Door-Mount Jewelry Armoire, White, $109.99

Decorative Tray - This is one of my favorite ways to organize my everyday jewelry. If you have plenty of tabletop room on a vanity or dresser, use a mirrored or metallic tray to add some glamor to your space and have your daily jewelry easily within reach.

Get creative with things that aren't necessarily "jewelry trays".

A beautiful serving tray, flat mirrored tile or small framed mirror, or even a decorative candle holder meant for clustered pillar candles can serve as a nice jewelry catchall on top of your dresser. Vintage metal trays are pretty easy to find at second-hand shops. When you look for things that aren't marketed specifically as "mirrored jewelry trays", you can find them for a fraction of the price. I found some gorgeous beveled-edge octagonal mirrors at Ross for just $4 a piece. I use them for anything from jewelry trays, perfume trays, and even as fancy appetizer trays.

31. Pictured Above: PuTwo Metal Mirrored Ornate Decorative Tray Jewelry Tray 12'' x 8'' - Champagne Gold Finish, $29.99

32. Magot 18" Wide Antique Gold Mirrored Tray, $29.95

33. Floral Pattern 13" Wide Silver Mirrored Decorative Tray, $19.99

34. Alexis Burnished Silver Mirror Vanity Tray, $44.99, $29.99
35. J Devlin Tra 106-1 Vintage Glass Jewelry Tray with Mirrored Bottom Vanity Organizer, $39.50

Jewelry Tree - Much like a small jewelry stand, a jewelry tree is perfect for a small space, though it's much more decorative, so it's much better for common areas like a bathroom or on display in your bedroom. I like how you can hang whatever you want wherever you want on the branches.

36. Pictured Above: Jewelry Tree with Nest, $53.00

37. Newcreativetop Antique Birds Tree Stand Jewelry Display, $13.90
38. Umbra Orchid Metal Jewelry Tree, Gunmetal Gray, $24.99

39. Bronze Finish Jewelry Tree with Nest, $53

40. Red Co. Petite Jewelry Tree Display Stand, Metal, $39.95

Want more Home Decor Inspo? Explore KCL Home!

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Glam Eyeshadow Two Ways

2018-12-05T09:34:00.001-05:00

While you could create countless makeup looks with the BEAUTY PROFESSIONAL Set Your Eyes Aglow Eyeshadow Palette, I've narrowed it down to two different glam looks today - one with warm bronze tones, and the other with silver and charcoal shades. With colors like Candlelight, Pink Champagne, and Moonlight; if you love a great shimmery eyeshadow, this is definitely the palette for you!

The two looks I've created are designed for when you're on the go and need to create a simple but chic day to evening look. Simply toss this palette in your purse to add some instant glam when it's time to go from work to a holiday event. You don't even need to bother with complicated liquid liner for these makeup looks. The slim but sturdy applicator brush that comes with this palette makes it so easy to use the darker shades to line both your upper and lower lids.

The first makeup look is for those of you with warm undertones, who prefer rich browns to the traditional smokey eye. This tends to be my go-to look for date night.

1. Start with that gorgeous copper shade called "Cinnamon" and apply it generously to your lids and to just under your brow bone (slightly past the crease).

2. Starting at the outer corners lightly work your way inwards and stopping at the middle of your eyes, concentrating in the crease, to add some definition.

3. Use this gorgeous matte "Espresso" shade and the slim end of the applicator brush to line your eyes. On both the upper and lower lids, start at the outer corners and work your way in. It has a nice buildable coverage, so reapply as needed.

4. Always use a highlight shade to make the eyes really pop. Use your pinky to dab it in the inner corners of your eyes, then lightly apply over the brow bones, just below your eyebrows. And lightly dab some in the center of your lids.

This next look is for a more traditional yet easy-to-create smokey eye. While I tend to shy away from this look, because I feel it lacks warmth, the silvery shade and the darker shade in this palette seem to have slightly warm undertones that make these colors perfect for any skin tone.

1. Start with that stunning shimmery shade "Graphite" and apply it to the lids and up slightly past the crease.

2. Working your way from the outer corners inward, right at the crease, create definition with "Iced Mocha."

3. Use the thin side of the applicator brush to line your upper and lower lids with the black shade. It has a matte finish with a hint of shimmer, and it has such a soft and buidlable coverage. You can really concentrate it at the lash line and create a soft cat eye as well.

4. Highlight this look with "Pink Champagne" to keep the look warm and soft. Dab it on the inner corners, on the bone just underneath the eyebrows, and on the middle of your lids.

Finish either of these looks off with your favorite mascara and lip color and a few quick swipes of the Pro Glow & Highlight Trio Set, and you're ready to go! Which of these looks is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below.

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Beauty Professional Set Your Eyes Aglow Eyeshadow Palette

Beauty Professional Pro Glow & Highlight Trio Set

How to Cleanse Your Home with Sage

2018-11-08T14:27:00.001-05:00

My family and I have recently moved into a new home, and first on my to-do list was a cleansing ritual. Thus this beautiful floral smudge stick from Mystical Blossoms was the perfect housewarming gift. Now, I know, despite how trendy sage has become on Insta, you may be hesitant, or perhaps you just have no idea how one goes about performing a cleansing. To sum it up, it's about being intentional about the kind of energy you want in your home. It's simple...do you want good vibes? Do you want to let go of the bad vibes? Great...then as they say on instagram, let's #smudgethatsh*t.

For a quick cleansing, you can use a smudge spray, for example, like this Namaste Smudge Spray; or you can use incense, herbs, a fragrant simmer pot...it doesn't have to be something specific. The point is that by adding something tangible to a prayer or meditation, you turn that prayer or meditation into a ceremonial act, and that will make you more confident and intentional about your thoughts. Think about all of the traditions we apply to relationships and holidays. Those symbols and traditions all serve to make those events more meaningful. They serve as reminders and help reinforce positive behaviors. So whether you practice prayer or meditation, a beautiful smudge stick can greatly enhance your process.

With that in mind, there is no right or wrong way to cleanse, in my opinion. You can leave it burning on a fire-safe dish, or you can waft the smoke all over the place with a huge bird feather if it helps you focus.

Now what? Think on the things you don't want in your home...negative energy, sadness, etc. By saying out loud that these things are not welcome in your home, trust me, you will begin to feel empowered and lighter and like you're working with a blank slate.

Now fill that blank slate with some majorly good vibes. Go room by room and say the positive things you want in your home - joy, laughter, peace, love, etc. Will these things magically manifest? No. But by taking the time and care to think on these things in a ceremonial fashion, I guarantee you'll find yourself focused on these good vibes and much more apt to take actions that will continue to bring more of these good vibes about. To me, that is the science behind the magic, so to speak.

If you know someone who is moving into a new home, I think a smudge stick is the perfect gift. And if you want to up your self-care game, grab a few for yourself! The smudge I got from Mystical Blossoms was dried so well. I like that it lasts a long time, and I didn't have to use it all up at once.

In my gift box from Mystical Blossoms, there was also an Arnica and St. John's Wart Muscle Rub for tired achy muscles and joint pain - very helpful when moving and lifting boxes!

For a nice bath and body gift, I also got this beautiful Vanilla Chai Soap (pictured above). Made with madagascar vanilla beans, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg and a blend of essential oils; this soap has such a warm inviting and uplifting scent. It can really help one to feel comforted during the chaos of settling into a new place.

From aromatherapy products to herbal teas and bath soaks, Mystical Blossoms carries numerous hand-crafted items that are so very #giftworthy and full of good vibes. With both small and large floral smudge sticks, as well as several different sprays and steamers; they offer a wide variety of cleansing products. With every smudge stick, they'll also include an instruction sheet and guided prayer to help you cleanse your space with confidence.

Have you tried a smudge stick yet? Let me know in the comments below!

My Favorite Nail Polish this Fall

2018-11-06T12:21:00.001-05:00

I'm not gonna lie, since Halloween has come and gone, my family is very much looking forward to Christmas. But I promise both on Insta and on the blog, I will be patient and will continue to feature Autumn vibes as long as humanly possible! Today I want to share my favorite nail colors for Autumn, featuring Meraki Natures Cosmetics.

You may remember them from last season, or just the fact that they've been ALL over my Instagram for Fall. Meraki debuted several new shades recently, and I was more than happy to try a few out. Not pictured but worth noting from their new seasonal collection is Army Brat - an olive green nail color with gold flecks, and All Year Round - a versatile nude nail polish that is beautiful on any skin tone and suitable anytime of the year.

The shades that I tried really hit on each look that one could want for Fall. From a golden neutral and a feminine mauve to a warm classic red and a deep dark red, these really are the perfect Autumn nail colors.

I couldn't wait to try this first shade and found myself going back to it several times. "Walk with Me" - a dark maroon nail polish is one of my favorite shades during fall and winter. This nail color is very buildable. If you want a very dark almost purplish red, simply apply an extra coat or too. And as you can see above, it works so well with the lighter shade as an accent color.

While classic red is a must during any season, "Taken by the Wind" is such a warm classic red nail color that couldn't be more perfect for Autumn. And as classic red is a must during the holidays, I'll get a lot of use out of this nail color well into the winter months.

As I tend to go for darker shades, especially during the colder months, I don't ordinarily reach for neutral nail colors. However this "Autumn Scent" - a warm golden nail color was a big hit on my Insta. It's a very unique and versatile shade in that it's gold-toned but isn't exactly a gold metallic. It's such a beautiful transitional shade to wear as the leaves begin to turn. The warm undertones look great with other Autumn shades like red, orange, and brown; so if you're looking for the perfect nail color to go with your favorite Fall outfit, this is it.

This final swatch is my current favorite. While I do absolutely love the dark vampy red as well as the warm red, I'm really loving this light and feminine mauve nail color "Fall'n for You" lately. It's a lovely shade to wear all season as well as into winter. It has a warmth to it that goes beautifully with winter whites.

In addition to having such beautiful and wearable Fall shades; the nail polish at Meraki is 7-free, cruelty-free, and offers a high quality long-lasting formula. Check out their nail care products for items like a quick dry top coat, nourishing base coat, and an acetone-free soy-based nail polish remover.

Shop these and other seasonal shades at Meraki, and let me know in the comments below which one is your favorite!

DIY Wine Cork Pumpkins

2018-11-01T08:00:00.000-04:00

My husband and I love wine, and we love fall! So these wine cork pumpkins were a welcome addition to our Autumn decor. They look perfect next to our wine barrel cheese board, where we keep our wine. There are so many holiday crafts that I always think about making but don't really get around to, like the bag full of Autumn wreath supplies sitting on our bedroom floor. But I knew these wine cork pumpkins would be so easy to make, and they were! It was fun too. I'd forgotten how therapeutic craft projects can be.

All you need to make these pumpkins are the corks, of course, some paint, faux leaves, and glue. I used tacky glue, because I couldn't find my hot glue gun. Tacky glue works just as well, though it takes longer to dry, and it dries clear.

I used 19 corks for the larger pumpkin and 12 for the smaller one. Including 2 more for the stems, you need 33 corks total. If you don't have that many on hand, you can buy corks from a craft store or online here >. You can even purchase recycled wine corks to get that old-word look with the wine-stained tips and decorative labels. I'll leave additional shopping links below the post too!

And yes, I used my daughter's cheap Dollar Store watercolor paints. It turned out much better than acrylic paints, in my opinion, as it allowed for the cork color and texture to show through.

After you've painted one end of the corks, start by gluing the corks together into rows and let dry. Then glue each row together. Let it dry with the orange side facing up.

If you do have a hot glue gun, go for it! Otherwise you can pick up tacky glue for a few dollars. It takes a full day for it to dry all the way, but once it dries, it holds up very well!

Once it's dry enough to place it right side up, use a few dabs of glue to attach the leaf and stem to each pumpkin. I painted my stems with the green watercolor paint.

And that is it! So easy! If you make this fun Fall DIY, I'd love to see it. Share it on Instagram with the hashtag #KCLCrafts. I'll regram my favorites.:)

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How To: Gua Sha Facial Massage

2018-10-04T16:32:00.000-04:00

Much like the jade roller, the gua sha facial massage tool has been very trendy lately, and I couldn't wait to test one out. I went with the Peace Essential Rose Quartz Gua Sha Butterfly Scraping Massage Tool, and much like the gemstone rollers, there are numerous skin care benefits of gua sha.

The ancient healing technique of gua sha has long been used on the body and traditionally involves vigorous scraping in order to remove negative chi. What it actually does is help to remove toxins by encouraging lymphatic drainage, releases muscle tension, and helps to encourage healing and diminish inflammation by increasing blood flow to a specific area. Thus the gua sha tool has been typically used to treat chronic pain, and it has been known to help with everything from migraines and neck pain to anxiety and peri-menopause.

But what does a gua sha tool exactly do for the face? A lot! Just like a facial roller, or any type of facial massage, using a gua sha tool to massage the face can fight puffiness as well as diminish various signs of aging. The increased blood flow alone aids in healing, cell renewal, firmness, and will give you a healthy glow. I still love my jade roller for helping with sagging in a few specific areas and for aiding in absorption when it comes to my skincare products, but what I really love about the gua sha butterfly is that it is so much better for massaging the neck, and is a little better for treating puffy eyes. Most of all, I find it very relaxing after a long day of looking at screens.

The gua sha tool is extremely effective at massaging and releasing tension. The combination of a facial massage with the addition of a luxurious gemstone creates a relaxing self-care ritual that is the perfect way to end the workday. Use the rose quartz to meditate on love and good vibes, the amethyst gua sha to promote intuition and relaxation, and the more traditional jade stone for courage and prosperity. If you've yet to purchase a facial roller, you can get the Peace Essential butterfly gua sha tool and gemstone roller together as a set. Though whether you get the set or purchase a butterfly tool separately, each of their tools come in the prettiest fabric-lined box that is perfect for gift giving or simply for storage.

Enjoy a quck and easy Gua Sha facial massage video tutorial below, and please take a sec to subscribe on Youtube if you haven't already.

Have you tried any of the gemstone beauty tools yet? Let me know in the comments below!

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Gemstone Butterfly Gua Sha

Gua Sha and Gemstone Roller Set

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An All-Natural Deodorant That Works

2018-09-26T14:39:00.000-04:00

You may have seen Arcadian Winds Beauty on Friday Finds and the Beauty Edit recently, and during their features at KCL, I've had the pleasure of testing out several of their all-natural beauty and skincare products. I've really enjoyed and benefited from switching over to more natural and less toxic beauty products this year, though I had yet to try a more natural deodorant, so I wanted to put this one to the test.

Now, I work from home and to be honest, don't work out much lately, so I just don't sweat very much. To really put this all-natural deodorant to the test, I gave it to my 13 year old son. If you're a parent, you too know how sweaty and stinky adolescent teens can get! But every time I've been near my son during the last few weeks, all I could smell was the fresh Spring Woods scent of this product. That being said, it is a bit of a masculine scent, so if you like more light and/or floral scents, it may not be right for you. I'm hoping they add more scent varieties in this incredible product.

Though I'm very grateful for the Spring Woods Fresh natural deodorant, not only because it worked so well for my teen, but because it's all-natural. My son has extreme eczema and needs bodycare products to be free of artificial ingredients that could cause a flare up. I'm so happy to have found this natural, non-irritating product for him. It's loaded with antimicrobial and antibacterial pure essential oils, plus Vitamin E and Calendula extract to soothe the skin. Organic arrowroot powder not only provides long-lasting dryness, but when combined with the natural oils, I'm guessing is also part of why this all-natural deodorant is so closely similar in texture to traditional deodorant, so no messy jars or loose powder.

In addition to the deodorant, I got to sample the Arcadian Winds Nourish LUXE Facial Oil and their Nourish for Lips Tinted Gel Lip Balm. If you follow KCL Beauty on Insta, you already know that I am a huge fan of facial oils and have a major addiction to lip balm.

Aside from the beautiful light berry tint, I absolutely LOVE the formula of this lip balm. It has a thick gloss-like texture without the stickiness I tend to get with other lip glosses. And the moisture is long-lasting...dare I say much higher quality than the expensive CLARINS Instant Light Lip Balm Perfector that I reviewed earlier this year. Made with Organic Coconut oil, Shea butter, and Vitamin E oil; it's no wonder that this Arcadian Winds lip balm is so moisturizing. And tinted with beet juice concentrate, it's much better for you that artificially colored lip products.

The facial oil was equally impressive. Made with antioxidant powerhouses Vitamin C and Black Elderberry Extract and comprised of light and fast absorbing oils, this moisturizing facial oil is great for any skin type. On my combination-oily skin, it provided the prfect amount of moisture without leaving my skin too oily, and it gave me a glowing complexion. Its rich golden color is thanks to the presence of beta-carotene, which helps to repair and maintain skin health as well as prevent the signs of aging.

I will also be reviewing the new Arcadian Winds seasonal body butter for the upcoming Fall Beauty Edit, and I have to say that this is quickly becoming one of those brands that I trust completely. It's a brand I would say with complete confidence that if you order any of their products, you will not be disappointed! Check out all of the different natural beauty care products available at Arcadian Winds Beauty, and you can shop today's featured products with the links below.

Which of these natural beauty products are you most interested to try? Let me know in the comments section before you go!

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Spring Woods Fresh Natural Deodorant

Nourish LUXE Facial Oil

Nourish for Lips Tinted Gel Lip Balm

Essentials for Transitioning to Fall

2018-09-22T15:00:00.000-04:00

There are two kinds of people - those who cling to the summer months and wish they would last longer, and then there are those who welcome pumpkin spice lattes, falling leaves, and boots regardless of the temperature. I am totally the latter! Pictured: Cartonnier Eve Velvet Blazer

Once the big fall fashion issues hit the newsstands, I no longer care what the weather channel or the calendar says; I'm totally over summer. For those of you who are craving Fall fashion as much as I am, here are some ways to incorporate it right now.

LONGER LENGTHS - You can still pull off a boho-chic summer dress, even into Fall, with the right accessories; but as we approach Autumn, it's the perfect time to wear a midi or maxi dress. Simply throw on a light jacket and swap out Summer sandals for ankle booties for a head-to-toe fall look. Though a shorter dress, like this Milumia Women's Boho Button Up Split Floral Print Flowy Party Dress, can transition perfectly with some opaque tights and some black ankle booties. Pictured: Maria Grazia Panizzi Carvina Maxi Dress

ANKLE BOOTS - As I just mentioned, ankle boots are a great way to transition your dresses from Summer to Fall, and they're perfect for when it's still too warm for tall riding boots. A pair of peep-toe caged ankle booties like this Cambridge Select Women's Open Toe Caged Laser Cutout Chunky Stacked Block Heel Slingback Ankle Bootie works really well when transitioning boho chic Summer dresses.

FALL DENIM - I live in jeans all year long, but if you tend to wear jean shorts during summer, you can start to incorporate jeans or cropped denim, like these Levi's Women's New Boyfriend Jeans, and swap out your breezy summer skirts for a jean skirt. Pictured: Pilcro Wide-Leg Cropped Jeans

EFFORTLESS LAYERS - The chilly mornings and evenings that come with fall can be hard to dress for when the afternoons can still be quite warm. Layers are always a must, and there are so many cute ways to layer; whether it be a faux leather jacket, a blazer, or a cozy lightweight cardigan, like this NENONA Women's V-Neck Button Down Knitwear Long Sleeve Soft Basic Knit Cardigan Sweater. Pictured: Plenty by Tracey Reese Geometric Poncho

What are some of your favorite pieces to wear as the summer comes to an end? Let me know in the comments below!

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The KCL Beauty Edit - September

2018-09-10T14:07:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the new KCL Beauty Edit! I don't know about you guys, but I am so excited for Fall beauty and Fall fashion! I received the beautiful big Fall Fashion Issue of VOGUE in the mail, and I am feeling very inspired. As we get further into the coming season, you can expect a big KCL Fall Beauty Guide as well as a fall fashion guide and plenty of holiday guides as well. For this month's beauty edit, I have some must-have hair products and my new favorite face mask.

You may have already heard of EVOLVh, if you keep up with trends on Instagram. This luxury beauty brand is poised to be one of the top hair product brands among millennials, in my opinion. It's such a cool and modern brand, offers customized clean products, and it delivers on performance big time. Now they aren't all-natural, so if you have very sensitive allergies, it might not be right for you, but their products are sulfate and paraben-free as well as vegan and cruelty-free. And they smell so good!!

I've been sampling several items from the EVOLVh curl care products; including their Smart Curl Shampoo and Conditioner, their Ultra Repair Mask, and their fan-favorite WonderBalm Magic for Curls (and magic for straightening). The shampoo and conditioner was very impressive. I have crazy frizzy and naturally-wavy hair, and the mornings after I use these products, my hair is noticeably less frizzy, and my waves are much more defined. What I really liked about the WonderBalm is how it offers flexible hold and incredible shine without any sticky residue. Though the Ultra Repair Mask, I have to say, was not my favorite of the products. I do a lot of DIY deep conditioning treatments with Vitamin E oil and coconut oil, and they tend to work better than anything I've tried thus far.

What I absolutely loved from EVOLVh was the Smart Volume Leave-In Conditioner. It immediately cut down on my frizz, and just like everything else from EVOLVh, it smells so good. I've never experienced so much frizz control from such a lightweight product before. I also love how quick and easy it is to use, as it comes in a convenient spray bottle. These are definitely the kind of hair products you want to have with you whenever you're traveling!

If you're looking for high-performing hair products that are not just toxin-free but 100% natural, this next brand is the one for you! Cult + King is a brand with a mission to be kind to the planet, kind to animals, and kind to its customers by providing cruelty-free and all-natural products in eco-friendly packaging. They use materials like renewable bamboo and refillable glass bottles, and they use minimal packaging with their refill pouches.

And though they aim for less packaging, that is actually what first attracted me to this brand. I saw this beautiful glass bottle on Insta and just had to have it! Their full-size TONIK, pictured above, comes in that gorgeous black bottle and is a leave-in conditioner for your hair and scalp, providing nourishment and a light hold. I find it so relaxing to spray on after a bath or shower. It has such a nice scent and leaves my hair soft and manageable.

They offer several other all-natural botanical hair products, like a setting spray and hair powder, all of which I'm sure are incredible. And their all-in-one products; like this shampoo, face, and body wash bar make for an even more earth-friendly product. Though the other item I personally had the pleasure of testing from Cult + King was their Balm. It comes in a beautiful bamboo container, and the balm is available in refill packages. Creating even less waste, their Balm is a multi-use product as well.

I love the story behind this balm. It was the brand's very first product and was originally made as a shave cream...they intended to make the best goddamn shave cream on earth, to be exact, and what they got instead was an incredibly effective botanical moisturizer that testers couldn't help but also put on the beards, their hair, under their eyes, on dry elbows, etc. Personally, I love to use it as a leave-in hair conditioner, a moisturizing shave cream, and it serves as the best cuticle cream I've ever used...ever! As a beauty influencer, I need to keep my hands in perfect condition for #ManiModay, and this balm completely eliminates any dry skin or cuticles around my nails. I highly recommend Cult + King. If you want to start by trying a bit of everything, go with The C+K Sampler!

This next one is a brand that you may have seen on Friday Finds. Loil Life is an organic beauty company that infuses their products with essential oils and herbs, and their products are all preservative-free. After I featured their handmade bath and body care, I got to try out their all natural Peppermint Lip Scrub and Lip Balm Duo. I'm actually using their lip balm as we speak. It's in my pocket, and I use it everyday. Made with Vitamin E oil and shea butter, it is very moisturizing; and the peppermint essential oil provides a refreshing minty scent with a subtle plumping effect.

The peppermint lip scrub by Loil Life is honestly the best lip scrub I've tried. The problem I've run into with other lip scrubs is that they're either very moisturizing but too oily, so not enough exfoliation; or they exfoliate just fine, because they contain more sugar but are therefore too dry. The Loil Life peppermint lip scrub however, doesn't go on feeling oily at all and has a lot of exfoliating sugar, though it has such a softening a moisturizing effect as well.

Now there is always something in the mix that gets a bad review, as I always give you guys my honest opinions, and this month it's unfortunately from a brand that I know a lot of people love. I recently received the new Perricone MD Intensive Pore Minimizing Toner via Influenster, and I find it quite disappointing. Is it an effective cleansing toner? Yes. And it contains salicylic acid, so it is no doubt effective at cleansing pores and preventing acne. But I have high expectations whenever a brand implies big promises in the very name of its product.

This Perricone MD product for example, is an "Intensive Pore Minimizing Toner" and I haven't seen any intensive results, nor are my pores minimized in the slightest after having used this for two weeks. Granted it may work more slowly over time, so I'll keep testing it and will let you guys know on Instagram if I change my mind. Though I won't change my mind on the fact that this toner is over-priced. I don't mind expensive beauty products if they're unique or deliver quick results, but this toner isn't anymore effective than using a $1 witch hazel toner or a DIY cider vinegar toner, and it costs $45! For that much money, I'd like to see much more "intensive" results and much sooner. Don't waste your money on this one, guys.

What did noticeably cleanse and shrink my pores after just one use was this Rose Clay Conditioning Mask from Bua Organics. I've been testing so many wonderful organic skincare product from Bua this month, and among them I've tried three different facial masks. I do love and highly suggest all of their masks, but my favorite is the Rose Clay mask. It feels so cooling and soothing and really delivers on deep pore cleansing. I've long been a fan of charcoal for pore cleansing, but this one may just be my new favorite.

Made with a base of rose and kaolin clays, this clarifying mask is suitable for dry and sensitive skin types, though I found it worked well on my combination-oily skin too. A blend of coconut extract, honey and buttermilk deeply hydrates the skin for lasting moisture. Antioxidant-rich shiitake mushroom powder combines with rice flour and ginger root powder to improve the skin complexion. Best of all, it's scented with relaxing lavender.

Stick around for more KCL Beauty both here on the blog and on Insta; as I'll be sharing some new tutorials, reviews, and my absolute favorite new organic foundation. Which of the products mentioned today are you most interested in? Let me know in the comments below!

Shop My Top Picks

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Unboxing the Bua Organics Collection

KCL Friday Finds

2018-09-07T13:50:00.000-04:00

Happy weekend! I hope you've had a lovely week. We are definitely ready to relax over here, though our weekends lately usually involve work as well. However we did manage to get in a date night this week and saw Crazy Rich Asians. Ken and I completely loved it! Definitely go and see it this weekend if you haven't already. We also started watching Jack Ryan on Amazon and love it too. So other than some shopping and probably a bit of work here and there, we definitely plan to relax at home this weekend. As usual, there will be multiple face masks involved, and I just might pick up a new pair of comfy slippers. If you're in need of some new goodies for selfcare Sunday, check out the shopping links below. Enjoy!

Mystical Blossoms, pictured above, is the perfect place to add some calm into your everyday routine and especially for a relaxing weekend. They offer everything from botanical body care to herbal teas and handcrafted smudge sticks. And while there are so many items I could feature, today's spotlight product from Mystical Blossoms, a customer favorite, is their beautiful New Moon soap.

While the owners at Mystical Blossoms created it to look beautiful and have moon and sun elements, it turned out to be their best-seller for its skincare benefits as well as its beauty. Their customers keep commenting on how well it has been improving their body acne and keeping their face beautifully balanced. It is soft and creamy with a gentle lather, and has gentle exfoliation properties. New moon applies a moon and sun principle with the choice of polar ingredients. Orange peel powder, calendula infused castor oil, sunflower oil, turmeric, orange essential oil, and gold mica all represent the sun's beautiful radiant energy. Turmeric has been used for thousands of years to treat various skin diseases and heal wounds. The orange peel powder gently exfoliates, and calendula is healing and soothing to the skin.

The moons energy is represented with black pepper essential oil, activated charcoal and the choice of the round shaped mold. It's grey swirl color is mostly obtained from the activated charcoal, which makes an effective acne cleanser, draws toxins out of the skin and helps fight body odor. Black pepper essential oil is also good for the skin, and the gold mica is dusted on to add beauty. Packaged in a pretty recyclable paper, this is perfect for gift giving, though you'll definitely want one for yourself too!

BaeBlu Beauty has been previously featured on Friday Finds, but I wanted to share them again with you guys. Since I first shared this organic beauty brand, I've personally tried their concealer and their Lux Liquid organic foundation, and for the first time in...well probably ever, I found the perfect shade of foundation for my skin tone. Judging by the reaction I got on Instagram, it seems so many of you struggle with finding the right shade too. At Bae Blu, you can order little sample sizes before you commit to a full-size foundation, and they have very thorough color guides on their website. So pick a shade that you think is best, then pick one shade lighter and one shade darker and order in these little sample sizes to find your perfect shade! Even better, the formula is completely hypo-allergenic, and the finish is gorgeous! I have combination oily skin, and it had a somewhat matte effect, but still gave me a natural glow. It was the perfect balance between dewy and matte.

They've also recently introduced new shades in their organic creamy concealers, so you can create a beautiful and natural looking contour and highlight. In fact, I'll be shooting a video exclusively for BaeBlu this month, which will feature a tutorial on how to highlight and contour to address different issues; like how to create a more defined jawline, how to make your lips look bigger and your nose look smaller, etc. I'll keep you guys updated on Instagram whenever that tutorial is live.

Another video tutorial I'll be making soon involves a new crystal facial tool I got this week. I've been wanting a gua sha facial massager ever since I got my jade roller, and I can't wait to show you guys how to use it. The Peace Essential Gua Sha Butterfly Scraping Massage Tool comes in a beautful butterfly shape and is available in jade, rose quartz, or amethyst. It was a tough call, but I went with the pink rose quartz.

If you've yet to get your hands on a roller, you can purchase this gua sha tool and facial roller set in a beautiful gift box. I do highly recommend the jade roller. I've seen a dramatic difference in the firmness of my skin since using the jade roller, and am looking forward to incorporating the gua sha tool as well.

Let me know in the comments below which of these items you're most interested in, and stay tuned on Insta for the upcoming vlog announcements. Thanks again for stopping by Friday Finds. I hope you have a most relaxing self-care weekend!

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New Moon Soap

Organic Foundation

Gua Sha Butterfly Scraping Massage Tool

New on KCL

Unboxing the Bua Organics Collection

Unboxing the Bua Organics Collection

2018-08-30T15:19:00.001-04:00

I am so excited to bring you guys this next unboxing! I've been testing so many wonderful beauty products as usual, but lately I've been without a complete facial care line, and now I'm up to my eyeballs in skincare thanks to Bua Organics! They are natural, certified organic, and certified Leaping Bunny. I have such bad allergies, so I'm thankful when a brand is not only toxin-free but also all-natural. All of the natural ingredients at Bua Organics are formulated to cleanse, calm, and moisturize to give you a beautiful complexion and younger-looking skin. And trust me, they all smell just as good as they look!

As you can see, the Bua Organics skincare line contains several different soap bars. I absolutely love these organic facial cleansing bars; because they're so affordable, they're eco-friendly with less packaging, they last a long time, and they're packed with different nutrients to address all of your skincare needs.

The Revive Complexion Soap is formulated with activated charcoal and three different kinds of clay to absorb toxins and improve the look of pores. A combination of plant-based oils provides nutrients, minerals and fatty acids to replenish moisture, treat acne, stimulate circulation and improve elasticity. Also pictured: Balance Complexion Soap

Made with organic carrot puree and organic raw shea butter, the organic Carrot and Shea bar soap is an incredibly nutrient-dense combination that replenishes the skin’s vitamins and nutrients. And it smells so good! The orange essential oil in this facial bar not only helps to cleanse and calm the skin, but it has a wonderfully uplifting citrus scent!

The Rose Clay Soap is best for normal, dry, dull and mature skin types. Made with the essential oils of lemongrass, blood orange and litsea cubeba—this luxurious soap has a crisp citrus aroma that will leave you feeling restored and energized. Also pictured: French Clay Soap

While I'm looking forward to testing each one of these organic all-natural soaps, I'm most excited about the Charcoal Detox Soap! I've been a long-time fan of skincare containing activated charcoal. I have combination oily skin and have always struggled with blackheads and occasional breakouts. I've found that charcoal cleansers are always effective at minimizing my blackheads, preventing pimples, and cutting down on excess oil. The charcoal soap at Bua Organics has the added blemish-fighting power of tea tree oil.

Check out all of their bar soaps, as they carry something for every skin type and need; and the travel size on most of them come in the super cute leaf form pictured above!

I'll be trying a few items from their organic luxury skincare line, including the Intense Repair Eye & Face Cream, which is formulated for mature skin. It contains Lupeol to increase skin elasticity and firmness. It's also packed with antioxidant rich oils like evening primrose, pumpkin seed and raspberry that promote elasticity, calm stressed tissue, and restore a brightened complexion. I did notice that the texture feels a bit oily, which I love! I'm always telling you guys to not be afraid of facial oils. They're so rich and moisturizing, and they really pack a punch when it comes to beneficial skincare ingredients. Keeping your skin properly moisturized and balanced can actually keep it from appearing oily. It's when we strip our skin and dry it out that it tries to over compensate, and we wind up with more oily skin. I'm definitely excited to try this on my 37 year old skin!

Also in the luxury collection (and pictured above) is the organic Brazilian Clay Renewing Mask. This has so many great ingredients for skin renewal, moisturizing, and cleansing. I love that it's gentle enough to use a few times a week, and is suitable for all skin types. And just like all of their products, it smells so good!

In addition to a great cleanser, mask, and cream; I always suggest adding in a facial oil or serum. This CoQ10 Regenerating Eye & Face Serum is of course made with CoEnzym Q10, a natural enzyme that enables cells to produce the elastin and collagen necessary for firm, supple skin. A unique combination of fast absorbing oils, vitamins, and antioxidants helps to improve skin texture and prevent further aging; while the addition of Vitamin E and lavender provides extra moisture and can help calm and clear the skin.

One of my favorite facial care items from Bua is their organic facial sugar scrubs. It's so important to exfoliate regularly to help remove dead skin cells and encourage renewal. The Bua Organics facial scrubs are available in green tea, cucumber, and the Aloe Vera Moisturizing Facial Scrub. Honestly I'll be using mine in the shower. These are the type of cleansers I like to keep in the shower for those long days when I'v been so busy, and I'm tired, and I just need to wash the day (and all of my makeup) away before I climb into bed with my husband and our favorite t.v. shows.

Which leads me right to the next product...I love to keep a luxurious body butter or one of these organic vegan lotion bars on my bedside table and use it on my hands, elbows, and feet. I'm always in too much of a rush to do that after the shower, but I have plenty of time in bed, and find it so relaxing at the end of the work day. The vegan lotion bar pictured above is made with botanical butters, oils and waxes that permeate deep into the skin for long-lasting relief and moisture.

Though for the ultimate in relaxation and #selfcare, a face mask is a must! There are several different organic clay face masks at Bua, and I get to try the Rose Clay Conditioning Mask and the Turmeric Detoxifying Mask. The Rose Clay mask is the one I tested for you guys in the unboxing video, so check that out below for the review.

I'm just as excited to try the turmeric mask. Turmeric is very high in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and will have your skin glowing in no time. You can mix these masks with just water, but I'd love to mix the turmeric mask with yogurt or buttermilk to help even further with brightening and evening skintone. Related: Amazing Benefits of Buttermilk for Skin. I mentioned in the video how I love to use a little Mask Mixing Bowl with an application brush. It's perfect for mixing and applying these powdered masks.

And finally, my favorite perk of beauty editing is the lifetime supply of lip balm! I keep one on my nightstand, one in my pocket, and one in each purse. I'm trying two from Bua Organics, including the Organic Vegan Cocoa Butter Lip Balm and the Organic Shea Butter Lip Balm. You guys know how much I love shea butter for moisturizing, so I am already a huge fan of this lip balm.

Head on over to the unboxing video to catch my review on the Rose Clay Face Mask, and please subscribe on Youtube if you haven't already. I'd love to hear which of these products you're most interested in. Let me know in the comments below!

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Easy DIY Turmeric Face Mask

2018-08-16T12:10:00.000-04:00

I've got a super easy DIY face mask for you guys today! DIY turmeric masks have been a major trend on social media and beauty sites lately, and with good reason - they're so good for your skin! There are several reasons why Turmeric Face Masks can help you get your glow on. The curcumin in this brightly-colored spice has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, thus the turmeric benefits for skin can include detoxifying, anti-aging, calming, and healing. In other words; it can help clear congestion, helps to heal blemishes and reduce scars, can boost collagen, and prevents damage from free radicals.

I've mixed turmeric with coconut oil for my DIY mask, but you can use other ingredients for different skin needs. For example, a dairy yogurt containing lactic acid can boost the anti-aging and skin brightening properties, while a honey turmeric mask would be best for fighting bacteria and blemishes. The coconut oil is a great ingredient for extra moisturizing.

INGREDIENTS

two teaspoons ground turmeric
two teaspoons coconut oil

Blend thoroughly and apply with a face mask brush. Leave on for 10-15 minutes then rinse. Please test on a small area of skin to ensure you aren't allergic, and take caution that turmeric can stain very easily. We have a plastic bathroom sink vs. porcelain, for example, and it unfortunately stained it yellow. Next time, I'll wash this mask off in the shower or our stainless steel kitchen sink. And don't worry if you look like an Umpa-Lumpa after rinsing. Simply follow the mask with an oil-free facial cleanser. I followed my mask up with a charcoal facial cleansing bar, and it eliminated any residue from the turmeric.

Which would you use for your own DIY turmeric face mask - the oil, yogurt, or honey? Let me know in the comments below!

And for those of you who would much rather buy than DIY, you can shop these great Turmeric Face Masks.

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Ground Turmeric

Face Mask Brush

Mask Mixing Bowl

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KCL Friday Finds

2018-08-10T15:16:00.000-04:00

Welcome back to Friday Finds! I hope you've had a wonderful week. We've been busy as usual, and I'm so ready for the weekend. Before I go, I've got some more great finds for your weekend shopping, from beauty products (as always), to some Fall fashion, and a great way to get a head start on holiday gift giving.

This first shop is giving you guys a sneak peek at the 2018 KCL Fall Fashion Guide! I can tell from Instagram that most of you are just as excited for Fall as I am...fall fashion, fall decor, fall foods...we're ready! I'll be sharing several sneak peeks and transitional guides as we get closer to September. One of the easiest ways to transition your wardrobe to the next season is with accessories. A boho-chic Summer dress for example, can get an instant Autumn makeover with the addition of a wool hat and some ankle boots. At Tenth Street Hats, you can find a wide variety of designs in men's and women's designer hats.

At Tenth Street Hats, there are so many different designs to pick from. The most popular kind that I'm already seeing all over Insta is a switch up from last year's popular floppy hat. It's partly structured like a fedora but has a wider brim. This Brooklyn Wool Felt Fedora- Marseille pictured above is a great example of that hat trend. I wanted to go with something like that myself, but couldn't find the exact color and trim I wanted, so I went with this floppy-brim round crown hat. It's curved like a floppy wool hat, but has a short brim and has more structure to it. I think the color is the perfect contrast against darker hair.

Another big trend in hats this season will be the cozy fisherman hat, like this Scala Wool Fisherman Hat - Genoa. If you want to ease into hats and don't feel comfortable wearing a wide-brim, this is the perfect fall hat for you. It would go so well with a cozy fall cardigan and a pair of jeans. I like that this type of hat, as opposed to the western and boho-chic hats, would work really well with casual sneakers too.

After the hot Summer weather, your skin is probably in need of some TLC. Head to Ca Love Co. for some high-quality natural skincare that is free of toxins, cruetly-free, and ethically sourced. All of their butters and oils are sourced from fair trade suppliers and other vendors committed to ethical and humane ingredient sourcing. Their ultra-moisturizing shea butter based body butter is handmade with simple ingredients to help you simplify your skincare routine and feel your best. You guys know how much I love shea butter. Every time I've tried beauty products containing this incredible ingredient, I've noticed how well it moisturizes. The Ca Love Co. body butters are also rich in antioxidants and B vitamins that help protect the skin.

What I love most about Ca Love Co. is their customized option. They have several different natural butter, oils, and essential oils to pick from. You can request a custom quote form and pick from their available natural beauty care ingredients.

Creator and owner Taleiah makes her natural body butters in so many wonderful scents; like Jasmine, Sandalwood, Orange Blossom, and more. I'll be reviewing one myself, so keep an eye out on Instagram and the KCL Beauty Edit. Though you'll want to take advantage of her special sale this weekend! Take 15% off any size of the Sandalwood, Jasmine, Lavender and Ginger body butters. New email subscribers will get a discount code sent directly via email. The discount code is worth an additional 20%. That gives you guys a total of 35% off your order!

If you're looking to upgrade your haircare routine this season, I highly suggest this EVOLVh Luxury Natural Haircare. I've had the pleasure of testing several items from EVOLVh this month, and I love their selection! You can get a complete haircare regimen, from a deep conditioning repair mask and leave-in conditioner to their shampoos and conditioners that are tailored to suit different haircare needs.

As someone with naturally wavy, frizzy hair (and a lot of it), I'm so thankful for their high-performing products. I'm testing several items from their Smart Curl Haircare Line. To tame frizz, they sent me the Smart Volume Leave-In Conditioner. This is one of the best leave-in conditioners for taming frizz that I've tried (and I've tried a lot). It instantly smoothed down frizz without weighing my hair down. And I love that I can quickly spray it throughout my hair. If you have long, thick, frizzy hair; you know how long it can take to work in an oil or serum. This product is so quick and easy. To sample a bit of everything, try one of their haircare discovery kits. In addition to the high quality, each of the products smell so good!

Their popular WonderBalm Magic for Curls creates a silky-smooth shine and hold that works just as well with straight hair. Finally I have a styling product that can tame my frizz whether I wear my hair straightened or leave it curly. I may be able to do a giveaway on this WonderBalm, so be sure to leave me a comment if that is something you'd be interested in!

One last thing I wanted to share with you guys this week is a shop that has been on Friday Finds before. With the holidays coming up, you can find chic presents for everyone on your list at Pinknique. Whether you need an easy hostess gift or a holiday gift for the fashionista or girl boss on your list, you can find exactly what you need there.

Any one of these fun cocktail napkins for example, are perfect for an easy hostess gift. Simply pair it with a bottle of wine. There are so many fun options, including holiday designs. For Halloween, I've got my eyes on these "Witch Face" cocktail napkins. For a more substantial gift, pair a few of these fun napkin sets in a gift basket with a bottle of wine and this stainless steel wine tumbler that you can get in a number of different colors.

Now is definitely the time to stock up. This weekend you can use code BDAY20 for 20% OFF your order! And all napkins are Buy 4, Get one Free!

Let me know which items are your favorites in the comments below, and use the shop links below to browse each of these wonderful brands. Have a happy weekend and happy shopping!!

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Ca Love Co.

Tenth Street Hats

EVOLVh Luxury Natural Haircare

Pinknique

New on KCL

Meraki Nail Polish Swatches

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Meraki Nail Polish Swatches

2018-08-08T17:05:00.002-04:00

It's been a pleasure to have Meraki Nature's Cosmetics on KCL several times now. I featured their bath and body products and nail polish in a Friday Finds, as well as a recent KCL Beauty Edit. I really wanted to feature their nail colors in a separate blog post, because they sent my several beautiful shades. From a peachy pastel to the most beautiful nude nail color called "Parisian Cafe", these colors were so pretty and wearable. The formula is long-lasting, 7-free (free of 7 harmful chemicals found in other nail polishes), and is cruelty-free.

It's hard to pick a favorite out of the four shades I tried. I really loved the nude color pictured below. I'm not typically into neutral or very light nail colors, because of my tan skin, but this Parisian Cafe nude nail polish has the perfect cafe au lait shade to it. And let's face it, I'm a sucker for two things when it comes to makeup - pretty packaging and cute names. It's hard to not love a nail color called "Parisian Cafe!"

Another light shade that I was pleasantly surprised by was the "First Date" pastel pink nail polish pictured below. Again, these light shades don't always look good with my tan skin, but something about this particular one looked so pretty. Between Parisian Cafe and First Date, I have two new favorite neutrals when it comes to nail polish.

For Summer, the Sundaze nail polish was absolutely perfect! It's such a gorgeous peachy shade. I've noticed that all of the fun colors at Meraki are so pretty and wearable. They have a softness to them that makes them look good on everyone.

The Meraki Up in the Sky blue nail polish was also such a pretty shade. It has a richness to it that makes it a bit darker than a typical pastel blue. I thought it was the perfect blue shade for summer and went very well with Sundaze. Try pairing the two - one on your fingernails and one on your toenails, or combine them for some colorful nail art!

At Meraki, you can find nail care items as well. They have gentle yet effective products; like a soy-based nail polish remover, nutrient-rich base coats, and a matte top coat. I really enjoyed their quick dry top coat! It helps to even out any imperfections, adds a beautiful shine, and of course helps the nail polish to dry quickly...in just 3 minutes!

You can shop all of the featured nail colors with the links below. Which color is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!

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The Best Deals on Lipstick

2018-07-29T11:33:00.000-04:00

Happy National Lipstick Day! Lipstick is by far one of my must-have makeup items. It's right up there with nail polish and mascara. With a pretty lip color, I can feel more put-together and confident in no time. Pictured: Katrynthia Law

There are so many great National Lipstick Day deals, so don't miss out! The best deal is from MAC Cosmetics, who is giving away one free lipstick in stores (no purchase necessary). Supplies are limited, so get there soon. If you can't make it to a MAC location, you can take advantage of their online sales - a free lipstick with a $25 purchase or 30% off the MAC Aaliyah Glam Lip Shades. While some of the National Lipstick day deals are all weekend and even into next week, the MAC sale is on Sunday only. While supplies last, you can pick from these MAC lipstick shades.

At Anastasia Beverly Hills, you can get Buy One, Get One Free on any Lip Gloss, Liquid Lipstick, or Matte Lipsticks.

Stila Cosmetics has a Buy One, Get One Free sale on their Stay All Day Liquid Lipsticks today only. You can pick from these full-coverage shades in a matte, shimmer, or sheer finish. Their weightless, color-rich formula promises to last for 12 hours!

At Bobbi Brown, for one day only, you can get a FREE Full Size Crushed Lip Color in Grenadine with any Lip Color order or the Best of Lips Trio (a $60 value) FREE with your $75+ order!

Another great sale for National Lipstick Day is from Colour Pop. They're offering 40% OFF all liquid lip colors. That puts them all under $4 a piece! With 100s of shades and 5 different finishes in their liquid lips collection, it's a great day to stock up on a few.

One of my most favorite brands when it comes to lipstick is Katrynthia Law, who you might have see on Friday Finds or the KCL Beauty Edit. They have some of the most wearable shades and the most moisturizing formula, and it's long-wearing too! For National Lipstick Day, they have FREE SHIPPING on all orders plus BUY ONE GET ONE FREE...or buy two get two free...no limits!! All you have to do is leave a comment at checkout to let them know which shade/shades you want with your purchase. And while most of the lipstick day sales are today-only, this Katrynthia Law sale is running through 7/31!

The Lip Bar is offering 40% off any lipstick through Monday. They have some really rich lip colors for Fall, and their packaging is gorgeous!

You can see my Top 5 Favorite Lip Colors on YouTube. Please take a sec to subscribe if you haven't already. If you like the e.l.f. lip laquer I share in the video, you can get this huge I'm Glossy Lip Vault set for FREE with a $25 purchase plus Free Shipping at e.l.f.!

Check out ULTA for more incredible National Lipstick Day Sales! What are your favorite lip products and colors? Let me know in the comments below!

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How to Beat Acne with Botanicals

2018-07-26T16:53:00.001-04:00

Botanical ingredients are at the forefront when it comes to skincare trends, and I couldn't be happier about that! Not only would I prefer to use more natural ingredients, because I care about what goes into my body, but the older I get, the more sensitive my skin is to artificial ingredients. I'm happy to have found a more gentle botanical based skincare line.

The Kamedis Clear Acne Kit is clinically proven, cruelty-free, and I can say from experience that yes, it does work! The facial wash, cream, and spot treatment can be used to treat oily-prone skin, pimples, acne, and redness due to inflammation. The primary botanical included in their Acne Kit products is Purslane (Portulaca oleracea), a natural anti-oxidant and moisturizer.

I used the complete line for several weeks; and it kept all of my pimples at bay, reduced redness, and kept my oily skin under control. I really liked the scent too. The moisturizer, while not formulated for anti-aging, is light enough in texture that you can pair it with your favorite night cream or facial serum. And despite being a more natural product, the results were fast. The acne kit promises to deliver clearer skin in as little as 12 hours, and I found that to be very true! I highly suggest this for anyone with oily and/or acne-prone skin. Just be sure to look at each of the ingredients to make sure it's right for you.

I also received the Kamedis Eczema Wash and Lotion and look forward to reviewing that on the KCL Beauty Edit for you guys. My son has extreme eczema and will be testing those products out in the following weeks, so stay tuned. Another product I'm trying from their botanical eczema products is the Kamedis Calming Lotion. While I've reserved the eczema wash and lotion for my son to test, I couldn't help but use up the calming lotion. I was covered in itchy bites this summer, and I was so grateful to have this product! It smells much better than other itch-relief treatments I've tried, and it was very soothing.

Have you tried any of the Kamedis products, and if not, which ones are you most interested in. Let me know in the comments below!

Undereye Wrinkles Gone Overnight!

2018-07-24T09:45:00.000-04:00

Brands like VIIcode are why I love to review beauty products for you guys! I’m happy to say with certainty that I’ve found the best undereye mask for fighting wrinkles! I’ve been a beauty product junkie ever since I picked up my first issue of Teen Vogue when I was much, much younger. I’m the type of person who is always in search of a more perfect mascara, a more perfect shampoo, and a more perfect skincare product. I can say from personal experience that the VIIcode O2M Oxygen Eyemask for all night repair is the best eye mask for undereye wrinkles.

When I was younger, my biggest skin issue was acne; though as I’m getting older, my biggest skin issue is by far my deep wrinkles. Fine lines are easy to keep at bay with most anti-aging products when used consistently, but deep wrinkles can be much more difficult and time-consuming to get rid of. Mind you, I’ve tested more anti-aging skincare products than I can count, including cheap over-the-counter dupes to midrange brands to expensive luxury creams made by celebrity dermatologists, and never have I experienced such quick and effective results.

These easy-to-use under eye pads are the first eye masks that are safe to use for 8 hours. They contain moisturizing and antioxidant-rich natural ingredients like Vitamin E and aloe; and they also contain allantoin, which softens and soothes skin and stimulates cell regeneration.

You may be wondering, as I was, if they would stay on all night, and they did. If you are a heavy sleepy who tosses and turns, you could always use a sleep mask over the eye masks to help keep them in place. I really loved the cooling and soothing feel of the masks, and they were non-irritating to my skin. You can store them in the fridge too keep them nice and cold. The enhanced cooling effect can also decrease puffiness under the eyes.

As you can see in the photo above, the deep wrinkles on both the outer corner and under my eye were dramatically reduced after just one use. The plumping and moisturizing effect should be maintained with continued use, though each box comes with 6 treatments, so I do think it’s a really great price for what you get. You can use them up to three times a week, and I’d suggest using them at least twice a week to see continued results. I love how the results get even better after a few uses.

My only complaint is that they don’t have a body-sized mask that I can put on every inch of my skin! I did turn a few of the eye masks sideways and used them on my laugh lines, another place I struggle with deep wrinkles. They worked just as well on those lines.

Honestly, guys, this is one of the few beauty items I plan to actually buy, because I just have to have more. I always get complimentary products for testing, but this product I would absolutely pay to get my hands on more! You can get your own from the VIIcode site and check out their other anti-aging products while you're there, or you can purchase the eye masks here on Amazon!

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