Hair Care Routine

Posted on by mckennahbybee

Hi friends! Today I’m deep diving into my hair routine to tell you exactly how I’ve been taking care of it. I won’t lie, I’ve never been the one who wants to spend money on hair products. I don’t know what it is but skincare has always been my jam and I love seeing my results. However, I’ve really been wanting to take care of my hair better to help it grow fuller and longer so I’ve been experimenting for awhile and found the things I love and what works great for my hair. Hopefully this will help you along on your hair journey.

Shampoo & Conditioner! I genuinely used to believe shampoo was shampoo until I changed up what I was doing for my hair. Before after I’d get out of the shower and my hair would be impossible to brush out and felt so dry EVEN WHEN IT WAS WET. It just felt rough – and it definitely was just that ROUGH. I shamelessly tried to convince my boyfriend to help me out on multiple occasions. THEN I found this shampoo & conditioner that I L-O-V-E. Amika products #1 smell amazing, I even went back and bought the hair fragrance so I can wear it as perfume. The entire line smells the same way – which I also love. This shampoo leaves my hair feeling fuller, hydrated and VERY SILKY & SHINY. I shampoo my hair 1-2 ish times a week depending on what’s going on & how hard I workout. If my hair is feeling super greasy I double shampoo.

Hair Treatment ! I’ve been obsessed with this olaplex duo treatment, you’ll do this right before washing your hair. 1st you take Olaplex NO. 0, it’ll be a watery consistency and you’ll coat your entire head, leave this to soak for 10 minutes. NEXT you’ll add Olaplex NO. 3 this is more of a creamy shampoo consistency (without the bubbles). You’ll apply this on top of the 1st treatment (root to tip again) this will help to keep your hair wet. Leave it on for at least 10 minutes or you can even sleep overnight with it in. Together these products work better, however I have used NO. 3 alone and it does work by itself. This treatment will help repair breakage & strengthen your hair to prevent further damage. I promise you will notice a difference after 1 treatment how much better your hair feels. I try to do this treatment once a week-every other.

Leave in Conditioner – this It’s A 10 MIRACLE Leave-in-product is a multi-tasker which means I get to skip a few products and swap it for just this ONE. It really is a miracle. It works as a detangler, thermal protectant, prevents frizz & damage/split ends, hydrates, & even adds shine!

DRY SHAMPOO – aka my best friend! I’m sorry to say but the living proof dry shampoo really lives up to the hype. With my hair being black this is one of the only products I’ve found that doesn’t leave my hair horribly grey looking. That being said I do have a few tips. 1- Use dry shampoo before your hair is too oily to be saved. 2- I prefer to use it at night and sleep in it whenever possible. 3- Before using make sure you SHAKE THE BOTTLE, spray directly onto the roots and wait a few seconds for it to absorb the oil. If you see a white cast forming don’t worry! The product binds together with the oil in your hair and you can gently rub your hair back and forth and the product along with the hair oil will flake off. This leaves your hair clean without a buildup of product that makes you hair feel gross. It’s expensive but it’s worth it!

Hair Oil – this bonding oil from olaplex is amazing especially for color treated hair. I use hair oil only in the ends of my hair because I have super fine/thin hair but I want to keep it hydrated between washes. It helps with frizz, shine, damaged ends, & is even a thermal heat protectant (up to 450 degrees)!

Hair Spray! I really love the RedKen hairspray because it comes in different hold levels. Every persons hair is so particular for example my hair does not want to hold a curl EVER. They have from 12 (low hold) to 32 (very high hold). I use the 28 hair spray and brush through with a comb so it’s not sticky and still has a light feeling to it. IF YOU HAVE FLYAWAYS – take an old tooth brush and spray the bristles then brush it though the hair & like magic the flyaways will be gone.

Hair Fragrance – look I know it’s extra but it’s so worth it. I LOVE the amika smell, nothing compares to it & I want me entire body to smell like it. ITS MONEY!!

Wet Brush – I started using this a few years back and another brush will never touch my head. It detangles hair without hurting your head.

Microfiber Hair Towel – these hair turbans reduce breakage you would get from a regular towel, reduce frizz, & help dry your hair quick!

Xx, Kennah

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How to Build Your Credit

Posted on by mckennahbybee

I posted something on my instastory a few weeks ago about accomplishing another goal of mine. My goal was to get my credit score above 800. I had a few people reach out to me after my post asking how I did it and how to build theirs. Let me just say I was hesitant to make this post because I thought people would think I was bragging, but a good friend of mine gave me the push that I needed and if you don’t like it, leave.

When I first started trying to build my credit I was so confused on how to build it or why I had to put myself into debt to build it. Not everyone has parents who help teach them & we all know the school systems failed us in real world skills so hopefully this helps & let me remind you I’m not an expert. I started by getting a small car loan. If you are paying your parents and the loan is in their name, GET IT IN YOUR NAME! Get on your own insurance. Get on your own phone plan. Start making your own monthly payments. Taking on debt and slowly making your monthly payments proves that you are capable of paying someone back. We start small and next time you will qualify for more. Opening my first credit cards was the next step.

BEFORE YOU DO THIS :

  • Research to find the best card(s) for you. Ones that you can keep long term because closing accounts is not a good thing.
    • For me I found a card that has really good cash back benefits but a higher interest rate because I never carry a balance on this card which means that I buy all my regular stuff that I would use my debit card for but I just pay it off each month so I get the cash back rewards but never interest.
    • I also have a really low interest not really any benefits card that I use for emergencies or larger things I might not be able to pay right away.
    • Another card that works great for me is the best buy card, I love it because they have deals where you have no interest for 2 years or 1 year different things like that. I purchased my camera on it and re-calculated what my payments needed to be to pay it off before I started getting interest charged.
  • Set boundaries for yourself. Do not let yourself go past the limits you set for yourself & keep a level head because it’s not free money you have to pay it back. Trust me when I say I learned from watching other people’s mistakes & its not fun to dig yourself out of a financial mess.

OTHER TIPS

  1. Always make your payments on time. Set up bill pay. Set phone reminders. Automatic payments are amazing. Whatever you need to do.
  2. There is an ebb and flow when it comes to building credit which means your credit score will go down when you open a new credit card or when you get a new car loan but on the back end of things when you’re paying it back it will grow your credit far beyond where it was prior.

My last and final tip….

DOWNLOAD THE CREDIT KARMA APP

It will assess your situation and give you tons of stats based off of your current situation it looks at your total number of accounts, credit history, credit card utilization, payment history etc. If you’re not sure where to start with looking at cards, it will have suggestions for you & other things you can do to improve your credit. They make everything super easy to understand & color coordinate from Red on the bad end to orange, yellow, light green to dark green which is good. Shout out to credit karma for helping me reach my goals!!

*I decided to add one section explaining why building your credit is important especially when you’re young. INTEREST RATES. Being 21 I think a lot of people are surprised by the car I drive but for me it’s a super easy payment to make and one of the things that plays into it is that I qualified for the lowest interest rate they even make for car loans. Another benefit is being financially set up for those of you who want to get married or start a family one day. I have a high enough credit score I could buy a house when that time comes. I promise it will pay off and save you money by building your credit!!

Xx, Kennah

Monthly Update !!

Posted on by mckennahbybee

When I first started this series of monthly updates, I didn’t know it would end up being one of my favorite things to write. I love being able to share and talk about all the things I’ve been using from apps to websites and products and music. It also gives me an excuse to try tons of new things. Last month I recommended the Oprah’s SuperSoul Conversation and I’ve still been listening to it this month. I listen in the mornings and it really helps me start my day with a positive attitude and a humble heart. Cannot recommend it enough. Plus its Oprah, who doesn’t love her??

Apps :
  • Kourt App from Kourtney Kardashian. (You probably hate the Kardashians but their beauty and health knowledge is unmatched).
  • My Water App. (It reminds you to drink water throughout the day, you input your information and it tells you how much water you should be drinking but I actually upped mine to be 80 oz a day).
On my playlist :

Earned It – Bootstaps (A nostalgic version of the 50 Shades of Grey hit).

Delicate – Taylor Swift (Not sure how it’s taken me this long to find this song but the album is soo good).

Electric Love – BORNS

Whole Lot in Love – Austin Burke

Also been listening to a whoooleeee lot of JT since his concert.

Say Something – JT

Supplies – JT

Summer Love – JT

Things I’m Loving :
  1. My new favorite exfoliating face wash. It helps me control my oil and makes my skin super soft!!
  2. This facial spray with aloe, herb and rosewater is a great mid-day refresher. I also use it in my hair on day 2 and 3 when it needs a little extra love. I bought it s month ago and it’s already half gone.
  3. I caved and bought Anastasia Beverly Hills new Amrezy Highlighter. I swatched it on my hand in the store and fell in love instantly. It actually looks wet and dewy.
  4. I have been looking for the perfect white ruffle sleeve top and I think I have found it.
  5. Loving cropped skinny jeans right now & I’m stocking up for summer. These Vervet Destroyed skinny jeans are in my cart and ready for checkout. These Distressed Hem skinny jeans are out of stock in my size, but I’ll be back for them.
  6. Just bought this mini black denim skirt. I paired mine with a cream sweater and a gold belt and got so many compliments. Would also look adorable with this button up.
  7. I’ve been doing a ton of health and wellness research because I’ve been sick a lot this winter. I found these wellness shots at target and found them online as well. They’re blue green algae wellness shots, blue green algae is a superfood packed with proteins, vitamins and nutrients.
  8. White PEACHY Tee. Only $23 and it looks so soft and comfy, I need it.
  9. Newport front tie top that I’m on the email list for because its out of stock in my size, but I am 100% buying this for Seattle.
  10. Been needing a new pair of athletic shoes and I found these alpha bounce adidas also love these adidas Originals Deerupt Sneakers.
  11. I’ve been redoing my closet (which i will make a separate post about) but one thing I bought is this red Levi’s Tee.
  12. I posted about this lip mask last month because I had just got it but my updates is… it’s amazing. As good as everyone’s been saying. After having it on I can’t stop rubbing my lips together because of how soft they are.
Favorite Shops to Spend time on :

World Market – I love to go into this store as well they have the best furniture and I got the best smelling body scrub from Huntington Soap Co.

LA Hearts Swimwear – I spend a ridiculous amount of time looking for swimsuits for summer body inspiration.

Thrillest – Has the best travel guides, I have been using it to look up yummy places for my upcoming trip with my sister to Seattle.

ASOS – Again been redoing my closet and some of it has been from this shop! They have EVERYTHING.

Xx, Kennah

Catch up what’s in my make-up bag & favorites

Posted on by mckennahbybee

Finally feeling inspired again to get back to my writing and blogging. Thank you to everyone who has followed along it has meant so much to me the sweet messages that I receive. Blogging is a huge thing and something hard and scary to break into, but hey if nothing else it’s a personal journal for me!

My first favorite I have found is the L’Oreal Lash Paradise Mascara. I get the washable formula, but they do make a waterproof! I’ve used a few L’Oreal and other brands mascara and there is NONE that compare. The first time I used it I was hooked. The formula makes them dramatically long and dark (I use it only on my lower lashes because I have extensions). I have naturally long lashes plus with this mascara they look just like top lashes! It’s so cheap too which I love because there are tons of other expensive things and for this to only be $9.99 really makes it attainable for everyone.

Next isn’t make up but I still have been obsessed with it. The Batiste Dry Shampoo!! Holy grail of dry shampoo. Hallelujah and thank the Lord!! I don’t even know what it is that makes this stuff so great, but it brushes out very nicely and works like a wonder. Using it will make my hair last days longer than normal. They have different smells (thank you Batiste) I really love that because I was previously using the LUSH powder dry shampoo but it only comes in one scent which I don’t like. Batiste even comes in TINTED versions. I’m extremely happy the beauty industry is finally looking out for us brunettes! Only $7.99, we’re bargainers right now because I’m saving up for a new car.

Finally we have our cream shadow the Pro Longwear Paint Pots from MAC! I bought both the Painterly and Soft Ochre. I use them as a base shadow/primer. The Painterly color is a soft pink and soft ochre is a more yellow hued color. The yellow would also be great to outline and define the edges of your brows also (for medium skin tones)! They are both really pretty colors if you just use them with a crease color or even if you build on top of, they just make your colors brighter and better all around. I use my finger to apply and blend them out, you could also use a concealer brush. I promise they’re not scary or intimidating, I know the word cream makes you think it will be hard to blend out but these are easy. I’ve used these before but forgot they existed until recently and I’m glad I rediscovered them!

Let me know via DM or on my contact me page what you would like to see or things you have questions about.

Xx, Kennah

Eye Lash Extenstions : Thoughts & Tips

Posted on by mckennahbybee

I’ve been getting my eyelashes done for over a year and a half now. I’ve been to a few different places and a lot of different lash girls. When I first started getting my lashes done I went to a specific girl constantly, but she got pregnant and had a baby so I had to find a new one. Let me tell you the process of finding a new good lash girl was not easy. I asked around and I went to at least 5 different lash artists before I found another that I really loved. My lashes were falling out like crazy, the artist wasn’t doing what I was asking for, and I barely had any left between my 2 week fills and let me tell you if you can’t go at least 2 weeks, you need to find a new lash girl. Now I can go a month and they still look great, given I don’t want to go a month but if I needed to I could. I would try to go twice to everyone to get a good feel on if they’re going to work for you and what you’re wanting or not, but if you know right away don’t waste your time or money. If you’re having clumps of lashes come out or the extensions themselves are just constantly falling off, your lash girl isn’t doing something right. Everyone goes through shedding phases or even when you’re not going through a shedding phase I would say most (not all but a good amount) of your lashes that do fall out (unless you’re picking them off or yank one accidentally) should have a natural lash connected to them. Check the lash artists Instagram page (most have them). Ask questions. Be sure to find someone who is LICENSED. Price doesn’t always ensure quality. It really goes both ways on that one. The girl I am seeing now is cheaper than some of the others I have seen and she is way better!

The lashes I get are Classic, they are cheaper than the Volume lashes (actually kind of a win) but I love the Classic because the lash itself is so thick and dark. I love a drama drama looking lash and not a super curly lash. I typically get a C curl with mixed lengths to create volume and a thick bold looking lash, but I have long and plentiful natural lashes so this works for me, but I would talk to your lash artist because she knows what will work for your lashes and what won’t. If you don’t have a lot of lashes volume might be a good option for you. Also, I know some people say that extensions damage your natural lashes, but that is actually a myth. As long as you have a trained lash artist who truly knows what she is doing your natural lashes will still be beautiful if you ever decide to stop getting them done. WARNING : after you have them you will not want to go back to just natural lashes because you will feel naked!

Getting my lashes done has increased my quality of life a lot. As silly as that sounds its totally true! (Hahaha) It only saves me a few minutes in the morning which is neither here nor there for me and maybe thats the thing that seals the deal for you, but I love the fact that they’re always done. Swimming? Great lashes. Just woke up? Great lashes. And most importantly they’re not uncomfortable! I was super worried that they would irritate me, however, you get used to them and after a day or so cannot even feel them. I used to use a strip lash and even thinking about having that thick band glued to my eyelid literally gives me the heebie jeebies. I HATE STRIP LASHES! They poke you and jab you and feel sticky. You can’t cry with them or swim. Half the time they fall off even without doing those things.

Finally I have some tips to help you get the most out of your lashes!

  1. Don’t get them wet for 24 hours after you have them done. (This allows the glue to set).
  2. No rubbing! With your hands, a towel, ect.
  3. NEVER wear mascara on them, especially waterproof.
  4. Don’t wear oil-based products near your face (including lotions).
  5. Groom them daily, but gently. (I use the brush my lash artist provides and a clean lip gloss wand along with diluted baby shampoo foam).
  6. Get them filled regularly. 2-3 weeks.

If you’ve been thinking about it, I highly recommend doing it but just understand that it is an investment and it can be expensive. Don’t get them if you aren’t ready to pay $50-60 every few weeks for a fill.

Xx, Kennah

Derma rolling

Posted on by mckennahbybee

Dermarollers have become quite popular amongst Instagrammers and youtubers. Dermarolling (micro-needling) isn’t something that you can just say okay ya let’s try it. You need to research and make sure you’re buying a reliable and durable product because if you use it wrong it can cause a lot of damage. Most are a plastic roller with a bunch of teeny tiny titanium needles. I was super intrigued and actually pretty scared to try this because rolling 540 fragile needles on your face doesn’t sound safe or pain-free. If you’re reading this you’ve probably been thinking about trying it out so you really just need to find what is going to work for you.

How it works:

Derma rollers trick your skin into thinking that it has beed damaged so it creates and sends collagen to the surface to repair. When there is nothing to repair it grows new collagen reducing wrinkles, scars, stretch marks, fine lines and other skin conditions. It boosts blood circulation reducing the size of pores. This is also a great way to help you skin absorb product (like aerating a lawn).

Finding the right roller: 

Needle size is definitely something you need to read about and decide what your goal is. Be sure the roller you purchase is made with durable needles that will not rust or bend easily as these can damage your skin. Only use rollers that have thin needles on your face, thick needles should only be used on the body. The number of needles is also something to consider. 200 needles that are widely spaced apart is light coverage and you will have to use it frequently to thoroughly treat the area. 540 is ideal coverage.

0.25mm – This needle size is mainly to help you absorb product, it can also aid in re-growth of hair. This size needle is virtually painless and it a good place to start.

0.5mm – At this length you’re going to see your best results with hyper pigmentation, large pores, small scars, and small wrinkles. It will help you product collagen and is still pain free.

0.75-1.0mm – Some people use a topical numbing cream for this size needle, but others find it is very tolerable. You can play it by ear with how you respond to pain. This size is great for wrinkles, scarring (acne scars), and stretch marks. DO NOT USE ANYTHING LARGER THAN THIS ON YOUR FACE UNLESS YOU ARE A TRAINED PROFESSIONAL.

1.5-3mm – Used only for the body to aid deep stretch marks/scars.

 

The Process: 

Start with a clean face, no make up and no germs! Use a cleanser and then put a little alcohol on a face pad and rub it over your face. Make sure your derma roller is just as clean! I use a small spray bottle I got from Target and rubbing alcohol. Pull your skin a bit so it is tight, but not too tight where you’re stretching it out. Roll in every direction like you’re recreating a * (vertical, horizontal, diagonal going both directions) going over each section 7 times. Try to keep the pressure equal (medium-light) and don’t drag it at all. After you’re finished apply your serum that your skin will soak right up. Clean the roller again and put it away in a safe case until next use! *DO NOT USE REGULAR DERMA ROLLERS AROUND THE EYES. There are specific rollers for around the eyes and nose.

 

I have loved using my derma roller, I use it on my stretch marks and lips to plump them up. After a few uses I’ve noticed my stretch marks don’t feel as deep. My lips also feel and look much plumper. Results can take up to 6 months to see, but I’ve seen mine start working right away!

Xx, Kennah

 

 

 

How to clean your Alex and Ani Bracelets at Home

Posted on by mckennahbybee

You all know I’m a big fan of things you can do at home (dying your hair, dermaplaning). Really anything that saves you from having to go out into the world and spend a ton of money is a win in my book. Lately I’ve noticed a few of my Alex and Ani bracelets are looking really dirty so this is how I cleaned them!

You’ll need:

Blue Dawn Dish Soap

A SOFT bristle toothbrush

I started by letting them soak in a soapy water solution for about 5 minutes. Next I putting a little dollop of soap on the soft toothbrush and scrubbed them down. After I patted them dry with a clean towel and laid them out to let them dry.

The bracelets aren’t supposed to be cleaned with jewelry cleaner because it has harsh chemicals that can ruin them. Their website says to use a polishing cloth, but I didn’t think this would work for mine because they were getting black marks.

Xx, Kennah

 

What’s In My Make-up Bag? : Urban Decay Concealer

Posted on by mckennahbybee

Urban Decay’s Naked Skin Weightless Complete Coverage Concealer is my ride or die (wow that’s a mouthful). The formula is perfect because it’s very lightweight. It gives you a good amount of coverage but it’s not thick so it never creases! It lasts all day long and blends in easily. The concealer comes in a tube with an easy application wand. I apply it in upside down triangles under my eyes, down the bridge of my nose, on my forehead and chin. This gives you the most natural look instead of only doing your dark circles. I blend it out with the beauty blender and set it will a banana powder. I use the fair neutral color because I’m usually very pale, but I also have the light color and the formula is consistent between colors. If you love MAC’s Pro Longwear concealer you’ll love this one!

Xx, Kennah

Beauty Tip : Plump Lip Hack

Posted on by mckennahbybee

I unintentionally found this hack while using a lip exfoliator from E.L.F. I originally bought it to help my lipstick go on smoother. I use it 3-4 times a week and have noticed a HUGE difference in the size and plumpness of my lips. This exfoliator is THREE dollars. It keeps your lips looking and feeling so soft. It’s not too messy because it comes in lipstick form and really scrubs off the dead skin. I purchased mine from Target, but it is also available at Ulta and it has a 4.5 star rating! I use the clear one because it has big exfoliating sugar grains. For the price I think it’s good. It’s not going to plump your lips up like $800 lip injections would, but I love this and will continue to use it. The exfoliator is also cruelty-free which gives you even more reason to try it out!

Xx, Kennah

What’s in my Make-up Bag? : Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick

Posted on by mckennahbybee

Awhile ago I posted that I was looking for the perfect nude lipstick that was super light and didn’t cast weird hues and I finally found it! I tried ABH Liquid Lipstick and not only did I fall in love with the color, but also the formula. This lipstick is SOOO crazy long lasting. I wore it out on girls night to The Cheesecake Factory and it lasted through an appetizer, entree (which was a burger might I add) and even looked perfect after dessert. It’s say smudge-proof but really no matter how had you tried you couldn’t mess it up. Matte liquid lipsticks are supposed to be a dry formula, but it wasn’t drying if that makes sense. I’ve tried a few lipsticks that actually make my lips feel constricted because they’re so drying and then they start to crack. This wasn’t like that AT ALL! It feels so smooth and nice. After trying it I logged onto Ulta to see all the colors they have (which are all so pretty) and there was so many good reviews. The color I used is called Milkshake, but I will definably be purchasing more!

Xx, Kennah