THE (NOT SO) EVERYDAY MAKEUP ROUTINE

Hello hello! If you ask me, I'm doing pretty well with posting regularly on my blog! Between late night studying and juggling classes and a work schedule, 8 hours of sleep are a luxury! When I'm feeling tired or ehh, I'll sometimes (emphasis on sometimes!) put on a little makeup, as a pick me up. Like for special, jazzy occasions.

Now, when I say my "everyday makeup routine" I do not mean that wearing makeup has to be or even is an everyday thing for me! When I was younger, I desperately wanted to wear makeup. I was never one who was interested in eye shadows or heavy, dark eyeliner. To be perfectly honest, a swipe or two of mascara and a dabbing of either concealer or BB cream was all I was really interested in. Now, as a busy college student, I look at makeup as an after thought. Now, don't get me wrong: I love testing new products! I'm just not dependent on makeup nor do I let it define my inner and outer beauty! Basically, I said ALL of that to say: I don't wear makeup everyday, I don't have time for that but here's my routine for the days when I do put myself together.

1. SKIN CARE

I first wash my face with a few different products. I like a clean slate to work with each time I'm getting ready to put on my makeup. BTW: I always wash my face... not just when I'm putting on my makeup!!! Just in case there was any confusion...

Want to know my favorite skincare products? Let me know and I'll post about my tops three face washes + cleansers real soon!

Then, I'll put on my moisturizer and lip balm as a primer for a lipstick or stain

2. FACE

Depending on the kind of day or event, I may or may not prime. When I do primer, I use the Baby Skin primer and if you ask me, it works just as well as the Smashbox Photo Finish Primer. If I don't put on primer, I go for my Covergirl Ready Set Gorgeous Foundation. I also alternate and use a new foundation serum from e.l.f that I absolutely love! After I apply my foundation, I add a bit of brush/bronzer to warm up my face a bit. I also love the Tarte BB cream! It's my FAV!

3. EYES

For me, mascara is all that I like to put on my eyes for a quick, easy look. My favorite mascara right now is the itCostmetics Hello Lashes mascara. Again, I also alternate products and use the Smashbox Full Exposure mascara or an e.l.f one that washes off wonderfully!

I also like to line my waterline with nude liner to brighten my under eyes a bit. Doing this helps me to look a little more awake when the truth is I probably went to sleep at 2A.M.

4. BROWS

I have really sparse eyebrows so some days, I like to fill them in. For perfectly filled in brows, I use the Billion Dollar Brows Best Sellers Kit and their 60 Seconds To Beautiful Brows. These two kits come with pencils, a brow powder and a setting gel as well as a brush for precise application. It's amazing how filling in your brows can absolutely transform your look anreven if you aren't wearing any makeup, give you an altogether more put together and groomed appearance! Thankfully, when using bits and pieces of these two kits, I am able to fill in my brows quickly and they turn out every time! 

5. LIPS

Lipstick is one of my favorite makeup items. Even if you aren't wearing any makeup, a fun lip color can really pull you together. Depending on the day, season and event, my lip color will change. 

Currently favorites include: 

- theBalm Cosmetics Meet Matt(e) Hughes Long-Lasting Liquid Lipstick in Committed 

- NYX butter gloss in Maple Blondie or Devil's Food Cake (CAUTION: USE THIS SPARINGLY!)

Do you wear makeup? What's your everyday/ not-so-everyday routine?

xoxo, 

Kianna Rose

HAIR GOALS + MY CURRENT CURLY GIRL ROUTINE

We all have hair goals. My hair goals involve healthy + hydrated curls that bounce when I walk and shine in the light. If we keep it real, I haven't quite been curl conscious... In recent years, I've been straightening my hair, so much so, that now, my curls are limp and some parts are entirely straight! For a while now, I've been doing some research and found a few products that promise to help my crushed curls regain they're luster and bounce!

Months ago, I purchased a Hask Argan Oil Repairing Deep Conditioner and I think it worked well to repair my damaged hair and left if smelling AMAZING! 

Recently, I tried out the Macadamia Oil Moisturizing Hair Care Collection and have implemented their products in my curly hair routine. Right now, I'm testing out this line to see if it works for my curls.

When I wash my hair, I use the Macadamia Oil Moisturizing Shampoo and the Macadamia Oil Moisturizing Conditioner. This duo smells absolutely incredible and leaves my hair feeling silky smooth. While in the shower, I apply the shampoo all over my head and let it sit for a bit. After about 10 minutes and a lush scalp massage, I rinse out the shampoo and liberally apply the conditioner. I comb out my curls with my fingers or a wide tooth comb (brushes and curly hair are never a good idea!) and again, let the conditioner seep deep into my curls. If you have curly hair, you know that your tresses are always in need of moisture and too much conditioner is not possible! 

If I'm straightening my hair, I like to apply a pea-sized amount of the Macadamia Shine Oil Treatment to my ends. This oil is essential to smoothing away fly-aways and adding amazing shine! Again, if I've straightened my hair, I like to use the Macadamia Oil Moisturizing Deep Conditioner after cleansing and conditioning. I feel like after the heat, my hair needs repairing, so this deep conditioner is perfect. I let this stuff penetrate my curls for about 10 minutes and rinse it out. After, my hair feels rejuvenated and ultra moisturized! 

PROS:

Moisture and repair! I love how this collection of repairing products leaves my hair feeling, looking and smelling! Slowly but surely, my curls are getting bouncier and shinier! 

All of Hask's hair products are fee of sulfates, phthalates, gluten, drying alcohol and artificial colors and gluten! All of these are enemies of all hair types!

CONS:

If you have a normal to oily scalp, you may want to skip this collection. With it's oil-based properties, the shampoo may leave your hair feeling oily and weighed down. If you want the benefits of the conditioner, deep conditioner and oil, I'd recommend using your favorite shampoo and finish off your routine with the rest of this collection's products!

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After I step out of the shower with my wet curls, I add a bit of the Macadamia Shine Oil Treatment and wrap one of these nifty little things around my hair to dry my curls without the unnecessary friction and frizz! I usually wash my hair at night (this works best for me!) and while I'm asleep, the towel kind of just falls off and by that time, my damp hair dries into perfect curls, with a ton of body! #HairGameStrong

What is your current hair routine + your fav products? Do you have curly hair? If so, 

how do you keep your curls looking fab?

FIT FRIDAY - DIY GREEN MACHINE SMOOTHIE

Sometimes, you just need a green smoothie, you know? I love making this this one because it's super good tasting and super good for you!

INGREDIENTS

2 large handfuls of your favorite greens. 

     FIT TIP- I personally love using just spinach because of it's mild taste, but hey, if you like the earthy taste of kale, go for it! 

1 banana, frozen

     FIT TIP- Or you can use 1/2 cup of frozen mixed berry mix if you have that on hand! 

1/4 tbsp of cinnamon

1 cup of almond milk or water

PROCESS

In a blender, add in your spinach, berries, cinnamon and finally your almond milk or water. You can also add ice if you want your drink a little more refreshing! Blend on high for a minute or two, pour into a glass and sprinkle a bit of cinnamon over the top for garnish. 

BENEFITS

In order for any of the ingredients to make their way into my smoothies, they have to be jam-packed with nutrients and healthful benefits. Here's the 411 on each of this smoothie's ingredients:

Spinach/Kale: Both spinach and kale are great sources of amino acids (protein), calcium, vitamin A, vitamin K, and iron. These greens help create and maintain beautiful skin and support a healthy immune system and strengthened body! Basically, these greens are all around super foods!

Blueberries- Blueberries are jam-packed with vitamin C and tons of fiber.

Bananas- Bananas are a good source of iron and potassium which helps with muscle strength, metabolism, and water balance. 

Almond milk- Almond milk is low in fat, but high in energy, proteins, and fiber. It contains vitamins like calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and zinc. Woah baby!

Cinnamon- Cinnamon has anti-oxidant effects and also helps with bloating.

Do you like drinking green smoothies and juices? How do you like to stay healthy? And, what do you think of this new series? 

DISCLAIMER: I don't intend for this blog to, in any way, become a fitness blog, but a healthy lifestyle is one of the many things I enjoy living.

xoxo, 

Kianna Rose

FIT FRIDAY - MY 2016 FITNESS ROUTINE

It's Friday and I know how tempting it can be to give in and give up healthy eating on the weekend. Have no fear, Kianna Rose is here with a (hopefully!) regular series here on the blog titled "Fit Friday." Every other week (or every week? What do you think?), I'll share a tip of two on staying healthy, fit and totally fab... even when you're in college and staying up late doing homework and being tempted with pizza and quesadillas. Its a new year, so don't give up or give in!

Now, huge part of being fit and living a healthy lifestyle is establishing some sort of routine that is easy to follow and stick with. Last year, I began my fitness journey and over the course of the year, I experimented with different workouts and routines until I found a few that really worked for me. 

I try to workout 6 times a week, making Sunday my rest day. Monday-Wednesday I push hard and Thursday-Saturday, I take it a little slower. Here's what my weekly routine looks like:

MAIN WORKOUT:
Monday-Wednesday: 30 minute full body workout 

Thursday-Saturday: 15 minute full body workout

TARGET AREAS:
Monday: Abs

Tuesday: Abs

Wednesday: Abs

Thursday: Arms

Friday: Glutes

Saturday: Legs

For these target areas, I also like to follow along with a YouTube video from PopSugar Fitness or Blogilates. Both of these channels are AMAZING and wonderfully upbeat. These shorter workouts range from 5-15 minutes and are a perfect way to work out specific parts of your body. I also use Pinterest for workout inspiration! Check out my favorites!

Follow kianna's board F I T N E S S on Pinterest.

I used to be a member of a gym and think that I will renew my membership sometime this year. When I did go, and when I return, I like to use the elliptical as well as the stationary bike. These two machines give your legs a serious workout and if you're watching a video or listening to music, you won't even notice the burn... much. Oh, and the treadmill too!

Do you like to workout? Gym or at home? Any questions or suggestions for future posts?

xoxo, 

Kianna Rose

P.S. You have to try the Blogilates squat challenge!!!

(RE)LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST - 2016 RESOLUTIONS

Woah baby! A whole year has gone by... again! I can't hardly believe how quickly time is going by! 

I look at 2016 as a fresh start. Indeed, it'll be a year of uncertainty and unpredictability but that's the most exciting part! I look forward to all that God has in store for me! To think, by this time next year, my life could be completely different or entirely the same, and the exciting part is seeing what happens!

2   0   1   6 

This year, I hope to be intentional and slightly ambitious (compared to previous years)! Now, I don't plan to go over the top; actually, I have a few small areas that I'd like to improve upon and grow in.

(RE)TURN TO MY FIRST LOVE- To be completely honest, since starting school, I've slacked in my spiritual disciplines. This year, I strive to "repent and do the things [I] did at first" (Revelation 2:5). I strive to pray more, read the Bible more and grow in my relationship with Christ. A friend at school shared that his life goal is "God first, you second and me third" and that motto is something I hope to live by. I hope to live my life more for God and others and give more of myself to serving others!
Some things I'd like to implement are:

• Praying for at least 15 minutes before rushing off to school! 
• Daily Bible reading until I finish it in a year. 
• Invite a friend or two to church.

(RE)EMBRACE A HEALTHFUL LIFESTYLE- Last year, I gave up processed foods, refined sugars and excess sodium. Exercise was a huge part of my weekly routine; in fact, I worked out 5-6 times a week and was getting pretty toned if you ask me! Unfortunately, college life got in the way, formal papers and groups projects mounted up and at the end of it all, I was so OVER it... Cucina Liberta has the BEST Chai Tea Vanilla Latte in town and pizza with friends was a pretty usual thing. This year... starting on Monday, because it's January 3 and we're still celebrating, I'm re-embracing the lifestyle that was doing my body so much good!
Some things I'd like to implement are:

• No processed foods... al least during the week. Its going to be a slow transition back into responsible, health conscious eating :) 
• Drinking at least 80 ounces of water everyday. 
• Exercise at least 5 days a week. 

(RE)DISCOVER MY PASSIONS- I'm a go-getter. Naturally, I'm drawn to trying new things and becoming passionate about it if it is something I genuinely enjoy. With school, work and church, I find that "me time" is limited if not completely nonexistent! This year, I want to just take a break, take it slow and take out time to learn and experiment. I want to rediscover my passions and work toward improving.
Some things I'd like to implement are:

• Blogging at least once a week, collabing with other bloggers and working with more brands.
• Working on my photography + videography. Now, I don't intend to go pro, I just love playing around with my camera and editing softwares.
• Reading at least five books this year. These books can be both fiction or non-fiction. Any suggestions???

(RE)LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST- In it's expanded form, this resolution includes loosening up a bit, smiling a little more, loving freely, giving by grace, thinking good thoughts, persevering and pressing on, etc.. Basically EVERYTHING on my 2K16 pinterest board :)

               Follow kianna's board 2 K 1 6 on Pinterest.  

Do you make New Years Resolutions? And do you really stick with them?

What are your resolutions for this new year? 

xoxo,
Kianna Rose