Fun Friday: Brush Preservation

Many of us in the beauty world are quite obsessed with makeup brushes, and when I say obsessed I mean the 'we cannot stop buying them even though we have a million and now our makeup area is so filled with brushes that we can't actually fit any makeup there anymore', kind of obsession. Since we all now how crazy expensive brushes are I thought I would do a post with a few tips on how to preserve that vast brush collection we (I mean me), have accumulated.

The first thing you can do to preserve those expensive brushes is never store a wet brush with the bristles facing up...common sense right, well most people forget that when you use wet products like foundation, liquid hi-lighter, cream blushes, anything that makes your bristles feel wet or damp will cause damage to your brush. The best thing you could do is have a hand towel that you wipe all of your makeup brushes onto after they have been used, to remove any leftover makeup.

Also when you store your brushes they should never be stored bristle side down as this will cause the hairs of your brush to fray out and eventually break, as well as it will very quickly change the shape of your brush, so that favorite tapered brush will soon become a flat frayed mess.

The next thing to remember about preserving those fancy brushes, is never carry them in the same bag that your makeup is stored in, if you do as your bag is moved around throughout the day (especially if it is stored in your purse), the makeup moves which then rubs against your brushes causing hairs to fall out as well as causing your brushes to become frayed. If you need to carry your brushes with you or for travel always store them in a separate bag which is long enough for them to fit in without the hairs of the brush being pushed up/down by the end of the bag. 

Finally the best way to preserve your brushes is to clean them on a regular bases as well as condition them. All you need for cleaning and conditioning is sulfate-free shampoo and extra-virgin olive oil.
Always make sure to keep any water from going up the barrel of your brush and thoroughly remove all oil and shampoo, also allow for it to dry completely before using. 

   

Thoughts Thursday: Maybelline The Nudes Palette

Back in December I purchased the Maybelline Nudes Palette and can honestly say I have used it everyday since, so I thought I would give you guys a review on it.

Pros:

As you can see there are 12 shades in this palette, there are 6 matte and 6 shimmer, for me this is a huge bonus to any palette, if there is one thing I cannot stand about an eyeshadow palette is when it has 11 shimmers and 1 matte, because as we get older shimmer shadows can make you look even more older as well as when you are going for a more subtle natural look it helps to use matte shadows.

The color payoff with these shadows is really good, I always prime my eyes with a concealer and powder and then use my shadow, some shadows need a ligit primer to stay on as well as to keep from creasing. These ones work fine with the concealer/powder combo, they last all day, don't crease and don't fall down.

Speaking of fall down, don't you hate when you buy an eyeshadow that seems to powder everywhere, sometimes it seems like all you do is touch your brush too it and the whole thing crumbs, well not with these ones, they are not over powdery, as well as they don't have a lot of fall down, I have never had to go over my foundation after applying my shadow. 

And the color payoff is amazing as well, you will not have to continue to go back for more product over and over 1-2 times will be enough depending on the look you are going for.

The Cons:

My first complaint on this is the fact that they didn't label there shadows, I know a lot of you will say, "it doesn't matter if it's labeled or not", but to me it does, I cannot tell you how frustrating it is to have similar colors packaged together with out a name so you can't remember what color you used yesterday to create that amazing smokey eye. Or for someone like me who uses it on clients and youtube, I need to be able to tell you guys and write on my client cards what I've done. 

The next one on this list is the lack of Cool colors, for me it isn't a huge problem because I tend to use warm colors, but for people who prefer cool colors and only use cool colors this palette would be a total waste for them as there are only 2 colors that could be considered cool, the Icy White (first color top row) and the Jet Black (last color bottom row). When I noticed the lack of cool colors it instantly made me think of Anna SacconeJoly because she has talked a lot about her love for cool colors and trends to only use that.  I feel like this should not have been titled the Maybeline The Nudes Palette, and should have been called Maybelline The Warm Palette, and then they could have done a Maybelline The Cool Palette, which would be very similar to what MAC Cosmetics did, but WAYYYY cheaper. 

Top Row

Bottom Row

My all in all conclusion is its an amazing palette for $11 and for anyone who likes warm colors. If you would like to see my full video review for this you can find it here. 

   

Workout Wednesday: 2 Minute Burpee Challenge

I recenlt was watching a ShayCarl Vlog and they were talking about having to do 2 minutes of Burpees at their local CrossFit, I figured I could power through this pretty easy, I was wrong, I was so wrong. I really struggled with this challenge, and it again was a reminder of how out of shape I am, but maybe thats a good thing, maybe I need to be reminded on a regular basis so I don't become lazy again lol. Well here is my 2 Minute Burppe Challenge Video in all its glory I hope you all have a good laugh I know I did.

   

Tutorial Tuesday: My Current Makeup Routine

I have changed up my makeup routine again!!! I swear these posts are going to almost be a monthly routine for us hahaha. I wanted to share this with you guys because it's actually super easy and could work for day or night wear, plus once you get it down it will take 10-15 minutes top!

Brushes In Order Of Use:

Zoeva 142/Concealer Brush

Zoeva 104/Buffer Brush

Zoeva 106/Powder Brush

Zoeva 227/Luxe Soft Definer Brush

Zoeva 231/Luxe Petit Crease Brush

Zoeva 322/Brow Line Brush

Zoeva 315/Fine Line Brush

Zoeva 127/Luxe Sheer Cheek

Real Techniques Blush Brush

Zoeva 110/Face Shape

Makeup In Order Of Use:

MAC Mineralize Concealer NW20

NARS Sheer Matte Santa Fe

Rimmel Stay Matte Powder 004 Sandstorm

Sei Bella Definition Brow Pencil Brunette

Maybelline The Nudes Palette

MAC Fluidline DipDown

MAC PowerPoint Eye Pencil Stubborn Brown

Bourjois Queen Attitude Kohl Kajal Liner

MAC False Lashes Mascara

Benefit Hoola Bronzer

MAC Well Dressed Blush

Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick Bronze

MAC Fan Fare Lipstick

I have been trying to use more brown colored liners to add that depth and definition I'm looking fr without getting the harsh look of black, even though I do tend to favor black liners I feel like I'm so pale that it actually makes me look older and almost meaner hahaha, I hope you guys enjoyed seeing my everyday makeup look, if you would like to see the video of me applying it,  it is here. 

   

My Meals Monday: January 26, 2015

Today after we went to the gym we decided to have a little treat and hit up one of our favorite breakfast spots, Koa Pancake House, I got the Chili Cheese Omalet, Fried Rice (mostly for the amazing ham inside it), and an Orange Juice. This was a much bigger portion than I normally receive and didn't eat even 1/2 of it but it was sooo good. 

We decided to go see a movie today (American Sniper which was really good but if you have family in the military it can be a little difficult to watch as it gives you such an up close portrayal of the mental battle our loved ones go through), while at the movie I got a small popcorn, with a small Coke Zero, I know soda and diet soda isn't healthy but sometimes its about picking the lesser of the two evils. 

After the movie we went to Jamba Juice and I got the Kale Rebeen, It had Kale, Chia Seeds, Passion Fruit, Mango and Greek Yogurt. It was so good and refreshing as today was ridiculously humid. 

We are having island wide rolling blackouts because of our aging power grid here they are afraid it will be over powered and cause the whole system to crash, unfortunately they didn't do an announcement or anything so I was caught quite off guard so after stumbling around to find my phone to use as a flashlight to find my candles I made a ham and cheese sandwich, not a very fancy dinner but it did the trick.

So that was everything I ate today, I did get 3 liters of water down today so I feel really good about that, as well as making it to the gym and I got an amazing workout in.

Here is my video of My Meals Monday, leave a comment below telling me what you ate today, and did you meet your water goals?

   

Style Sunday: Down 1 Pant Size!

 

Today was a very exciting day for me, I was able to poll on a pair of size 12 jeans, and they buttoned!!! I have to say having small victories like these makes this weight loss journey much more bearable. Anyhow enough about that lets get on to what I'm wearing, this is a basic Calvin Klein White V-Neck Top, with a pair of Calvin Klein Merlot Skinny Jeans. I then have a pair of Beige Flats from Ross, I love these flats they were super cheap ($7), and they have the prettiest jeweled bow. 

For Jewelry I am wearing my BCBG Earrings, my Haskell Bracelet, and my Tiffany Charm Bracelet.

Makeup:

Nars Sheer Glow

Sei Bella Bow Pencil

Maybelline The Nudes Palette

Bobbi Brown Gel Liner

Bourjois Queen Attitude Khajal Liner

MAC False Lashes Mascara

Benefit Hoola Bronzer

MAC Pink Cult Blush

MAC Fan Fare Lipstick

If you would like to see my Style Sunday video you can find it here, please don't mind the crazy birds in the background, I unfortunately cannot control them. 

Tutorial Tuesday: Red Velvet Cupcakes

As you all know I am on a diet and I am intent on staying on track, but last Monday I started craving Red Velvet Cupcakes like nobodies business, but rather than giving in and having one right there on the spot, I decided this would be a good test of my will power, so I made myself wait until Saturday, after going to the gym all week and eating healthy, let me tell you after all that this was the best cupcake I ever had. 

For the cupcake you will need:

2 1/2 cups Flour

2 Tablespoons Unsweetened Dutch-Processed Cocoa Powder

1 Teaspoon Salt

1 1/2 Cups Sugar

1 1/2 Cups Olive Oil

2 Eggs Room Temperature

Red Food Coloring

1 Teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract

1 Cup Buttermilk

1 1/2 Teaspoons Baking Soda

2 Teaspoons Distilled White Vinegar

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees, and line your muffin pan.

Whisk together Flour, Cocoa, and Salt.

With electric mixer whisk sugar and oil until combined, add eggs one at a time. Mix in the food coloring adding small amounts until you are happy with the color. Then add in the vanilla.

Add the flour mixture 1/3 at a time adding 1/3 of the buttermilk with it.

Mix the Baking Soda and Vinegar then add to the batter mixing for about 10-20 seconds.

Fill your muffin tins to about 3/4 of the way, then bake for about 20 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean. Place on a wire rack and cool completely.

For the frosting you will need:

2 Sticks Earth Balance Vegan Butter Room Temperature

12 Ounces Cream Cheese Room Temperature

4 Cups Powdered Sugar

1 Teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract

Using an electric mixer beat Butter and Cream Cheese until fluffy, 2-3 minutes. Add in the Powdered Sugar, 1/2 a cup at a time, continue blending until all sugar has been added and the frosting is fluffy. 

I had Don try these and he loved them, which was pretty shocking because he doesn't like cupcakes, but after having mine I can say this was so good and worth the wait, they are fluffy and moist, and the frosting is so good. If you make these tag me in your pictures and use #KatieBeeBaking so I can see how yours came out. I will be uploading the video of this and adding it below but I currently don't have internet so I am using my phone to post this, but I will add the video as soon as the internet comes back on. 

My Meals Monday: January 19, 2015

I started off my day with my usual coffee and oatmeal, I added 1 sliced strawberry, and a small handful of blueberries.

For a midmorning snack I had the Quaker Real Medleys Apple Nut Harvest Multigrain Fruit & Nut Bar. 

For lunch I had a Naan bread sandwich with extra sharp cheddar, chicken salad, and 4 cherry tomatoes from my garden.

For an afternoon snack I had 2 cuties, they are like really tiny oranges and intended for kids hahaha but I love them and they make the perfect snack.

I had a lemonade just before dinner.

For dinner I had baked salmon with a basil dill butter, and broccoli and brussel sprouts.

I had a mint Skinny Cow Ice Cream Sandwich for dessert, which was so good, but lets face it any kind of mint ice cream would be amazing.

As you can see this week and last weeks meals tend to repeat especially because I tend to find something I like and then eat every day until I can no longer stand the sight of that item hahaha!

You can see the video for My Meals Monday below...

Workout Wednesday: Look Better Than Kate Hudson!

I recently came across an article in the DailyMail about Kate Hudson  and how she stays in shape, it included working out Monday-Friday without skipping days, Pilates, and she claimed to jump rope everyday for 3 minutes. When I saw the part about jumping rope I thought "If she does it for 3 minutes, I'll do it for 6 minutes and look better than Kate Hudson" (as if that were possible lol).

 So I went to Ross and purchased a jump rope for $3.99 and came home for my workout, and boy was it a workout. I got through about 30 seconds and was already winded, felt like I was going to collapse, and was even dizzy. I now see this little $4 piece of exercise equipment is going to be a major mountain to climb, but I am determined to get up to 6 minutes a day so I will check back with you guys on this in about a month or so to see how many seconds (hopefully minutes) I'm able to do without taking a break. 

If you would like to see my laughable attempt at Jumping Rope you can find the video here....

   

Tutorial Tuesday: In A Rush 5 Minute Makeup Routine

I try to always be on schedule but we all have those days where it's just hard to get out of bed and get moving, so I thought I would share with you guys a super fast and easy makeup routine that can be done in literally 5 minutes.

I always keep some "Staples" in my makeup bag so that if I do ever have days where I'm in a rush I won't be running around my bathroom trying to find things. This is my Maggs London bag, it's been in my favorites a few times, I find it's easier to maintain my 'staples" when I have a nice bag that I store them all in on my bathroom counter.

The first thing I used was my Sei Bella eyebrow pencil, I feel like if my brows are filled in (you guys know how sparse mine are), I can pretty much go out with nothing else on my face and still be considered acceptable. 

I then used the Maybelline The Nudes Palette, the eye shadows in this palette are not named which always irritates me hahaha, but I stuck little arrows and numbers on for you guys. I started with the 3rd shade on the top row marked 1, its a nice peachy fleshy tone that is able to cover up my black-blue vainie eyes so I could avoid the extra time it takes to conceal and powder. I applied this color all over my lid going all the way up to my brow bone.

I then used the 2nd shade on the top marked number 2, this is a light shimmery brownie-purple color that I applied to the crease area and dragged it slightly out because of my hooded eyes. 

Then I used the 5th color on the bottom row marked 3, this is a super light violet shimmer color and I applied this to my actual lid area blending slightly into the crease.

I then used my Bobbi Brown Gel Liner with my ELF Angled Liner Brush and applied a very thin line along my lash line.

Then using the Bourjois Queen Attitude Khol Kajal Liner I used this to tight line as well as do my water liner, I wish I wouldn't have done my waterline because it became too dark and dramatic for such a light look, but only having 5 minutes I didn't have time to remove it. 

Then using the Benefit Bad Gal Lash Mascara I applied this to my top lashes to get a really natural lash with a tiny bit of extra length and volume.

Then I used my Maybelline Master Hi-Light in Light Bronze, this helps add a bit of color to your face and because it's a bronzer, highlighter, and blush all it one it will add the color without taking to long.

Finally I used the Sleek Pout Polish in Electro Peach, I chose this lip balm because when I where this look it's so toned down that I feel like I need a pop of color and the Pout Polish is so easy to apply you don't need a brush or councilor you can throw it on and go. 

I know after reading this your probably thinking it took my the five minutes to ready this so it must have taken longer to apply, I filmed a video of this and placed a time in the corner just to prove that it only takes 5 minutes to put a bit of makeup on and then I feel better about myself the rest of the day.

   

My Meals Monday: January 12, 2015

Today my day started out with a very early morning run to Costco, by the time we got out of there (there is really no good time to go to Costco), I was starving so I grabbed a hotdog and a Berry Smoothie from the Costco Food Court. I added relish, deli mustard, ketchup, and fresh onions, it was absolutely divine and completely worth the calorie count lol. 

For lunch I had a Naan bread sandwich with extra sharp white cheddar and ham, a 20 ounce cup of water, and an iced coffee, that was very much needed after that early morning Costco run.

Because my sandwich was so small I needed something to hold me over until dinner so I had a Quaker Real Medleys Apple Nut Harvest Multigrain Fruit & Nut Bar. These are one of my favorite snacks they taste so good, they are really filling, and they are only 160 calories!

While I was at Costco today I saw they had Alaskan King Crab Legs, I immediately grab some as we almost never get these here because of the distance between Hawaii and Alaska. I just steamed the crab legs and then melted a bit of Vegan Earth Balance, and served it with steamed broccoli and brussel sprouts. 

Here is my video of My Meals Monday....

   

Stat Saturday: January 10, 2015

Well today is another Stat Saturday, man that week went by super fast! So I did go to the gym 1 time this week, and I have been wearing my fit bug everyday to try and encourage me to do at least 10,000 steps per day.

Arm: 13 1/8 Inches

Bust: 38 1/2 Inches

Waist: 38 1/2 Inches

Hips: 46 Inches

Thigh: 23 1/2 Inches

Calf: 13 Inches

Weight: 181.2

I am really happy with the progress I have made this week, you may have noticed a huge difference in my waist compared to last week, the reason it went up was because I noticed when I did last weeks measurements I didn't actually have it on my waist around my belly button so this week and from now on I will make a point to measure correctly.

Well thats it for todays post, you can watch my Stat Saturday video below, as well as don't forget out the February giveaway, its a Maybelline The Nudes Palette. To enter you must be subscribe to my YouTube Channel and leave a comment on this Stat Saturday video telling me how you are doing with your New Years Resolutions.  

                        

Fun Friday: December Favorites

I cannot believe it's time for me to do my December Favorites, I feel like Christmas went by to fast, so I have decided it should come back lol. Anyhoos I noticed most of my favorites this month all stem from the same makeup look I wore all month long but I guess thats why they're my favorites hahaha.

The Benefit BadGal Lash Mascara is my favorite "natural" mascara, I feel like it gives me the volume and the length I am looking for in an everyday mascara without being over the top. 

The Sei Bella Brow Stick has to be my all time favorite brow product, there is no powders, waxes, brushes, or highlighter, as well as it has a really natural look to it, and they offer 4-5 different colors so your bound to find your shade.

My Naked 2 Palette is my favorite out of the 3, I feel like this palette has more everyday usable colors as well as the color range, your not boxed into the rose color area. 

This Sally Hansen Complete Care top and bottom coat I have been using almost daily, I love the protection it gives to your nail polish to prevent the usual wear and tear as well as the amount of Luster you get off this product is INSANE!!! I have never had such a lustrous top coat as well as it is supposed to be hydrating for your nails s well.

The ELF Angled Eyeliner Brush is my favorite brush to apply gel liner, it offers a very thing straight brush that is positioned at the perfect angle so you can achieve a perfectly straight line as well as a really great flick for the ever illusive perfect cat eye.

Now I know you guys are probably getting so tired of seeing the Maybelline HighLight Studio Hi-Lighting Bronzer but I find this to be perfect for everyday shimmer and bronzer it is so effortless as well as its not to dark so there isn't a tone of blending involved. Intact this would make a really great introduction to bronzer.

My Rimmel Stay Matte Powder has really come in handy this month as it has been cold and windy but super humid at the same time from the amount of rain we have gotten, which means we all sweat a tiny bit more so this powder has helped to keep shine down, as well as my makeup in place.

My Bobbi Brown Gel Liner is such an oldie but a goodie, it not only lasts all day but isn't really dry so its easy t remove at the end of the day.

My Revlon Shimmer Lipstick in Pink Pearl is my current go to nude lip, the color is great, but whats even better is the creaminess and moisture in this lipstick you will find that you can apply this instead of a lip balm and it is still moisturizing.

Then we have the Morocco Argan Oil Hair Spray, this is so amazing I got it in November's Ipsy Bag and I'm hooked it isn't sticky, crunchy, or stiff, as well as it makes your hair shine and stays in place all day.

For my favorite movie this month I would say all things Christmas related i.e. Elf on a shelf, Elf, A Christmas Story, and I could go on forever. I love ll things Christmas and watched all things Christmas this month.

For my favorite tv show it would have to go to the Netflix version of the Borgia's they not only stuck more closely with history than showtimes but they were able to keep the many characters in line soy never felt lost, but I have to say my favorite part was at the end of the series they actually took you though and told you what happened to all the main characters.

My favorite book this month was The Style Diet by Anna Saccone (now SacconeJoly), Anna wrote this book around 5 years ago way before the onslaught of YouTube books and I have to say I think hers was way over looked and had a much more important message, her book helps you find your style as in what is right for you rather than what is right for the runway models. In her book she will help you figure out your body type, colors that will look good on you, what type of accessories to wear, what type of clothes to wear, and it's all in the hopes that once you learn to dress yourself in a way that compliments your body you will no longer feel the need to do crash diet to look like Kendall Jenner.I really hope her new management team promotes her book and she gets some media coverage for it, because in todays world of online bullying and "THINsperation" boards it is really nice to have someone say "love the skin your in and eat that plate of pasta" hahaha.

Quick Note: I bought her book in iBooks as the lulu book was like $30 and the iBooks version was only $10

My favorite YouTube channel this month is the Shaytards, i loved their Christmas special as well as they live in close proximity to my mom so I know the areas they are talking about and that kinda makes it more fun for me.

And that is it for this months favorites I know there was a lot in there but I did truly love all of the items listed above. What were your December Favorites?