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

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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

Oil Free Liquid Foundations

Posted on by mckennahbybee

This one is a shout-out to my girls with oily skin because I am right there with you. In high school I had perfect skin, not too dry not oily and I had no idea how good I had it. Life happens and things change and now I get SUPER oily in my T-zone. One of the things you can do to help prevent the mid-day oil breakthrough is to find a good oil-free foundation. I’ve created this little cheat sheet of foundations that are oil-free! There is a shade, price, and coverage for everyone.

  1. Estee Lauder Double Wear

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  • Semi-Matte Finish
  • Medium to Full Coverage
  • 24 HR wear
  • Non-acnegenic

2. Clinique Stay Matte

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  • Matte Finish
  • Sheer to moderate coverage

3. Lorac POREfection

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  • Medium to Full coverage
  • SPF 20
  • Paraben & fragrance free

4. Maybeline Fit Me Matte + Poreless

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  • Natural matte finish
  • Lightweight

5. Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder 

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  • Illuminated natural finish
  • Light coverage
  • SPF 15

6. Smashbox BB Water

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  • Sheer to medium coverage
  • SPF 30
  • Natural finish

7. Dior Diorskin Forever Perfect

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  • Medium-Full coverage
  • SPF 35
  • 16 HR wear
  • Luminous matte-finish

8. MAC Pro Longwear Nourishing Waterproof

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  • Medium to full weightless coverage
  • 24 HR wear
  • Repels moisture
  • Non-acnegenic
  • Satin Finish

9. Too Faced Born This Way Absolute Perfection

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  • Medium to full coverage
  • Naturally Radiant
  • Hyaluronic Acid infused

10. L’Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte 24HR

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  • Demi-Matte Finish
  • 24 HR wear
  • Medium Coverage

11. Tarte Amazonian Clay

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  • Buildable Coverage
  • Vegan & Hypoallergenic
  • 12 HR
  • Matte Finish
  • SPF 15

There are tons of amazing oil-free foundations. Obviously I couldn’t list them all so do your research, read reviews and find the best fit for your skin!

XX, Kennah

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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

 

 

 

Top 10 Most Asked Beauty Questions Answered

Posted on by mckennahbybee

1. Why do some lipsticks make my teeth look extremely yellow?

Lipsticks like any other make-up product has colored hues. If the hues aren’t great for your skin tone a lot of times you end up with yellow looking teeth even if they’re normally white! Warm-tones cast a yellow based hue onto you’re teeth while a blue hued lipstick will cast cool-tones making your teeth look whiter!

2. How often should I wash my make-up brushes?

You should wash your make-up brushes AT THE LEAST once every month to ensure you are using clean brushes and not distributing dirt and bacteria. If you are using your brushes more often they get a lot of build up, wash them every 2 weeks!

3. Do face primer’s actually work?

Most primers are made with silicone which acts as an adhesive to hold your make-up in place and make it less likely to smear or smudge. Just like painting your walls you need a base coat to help your make-up stay. It can also fill in fine lines and absorb oils! If you feel like yours isn’t doing anything, do some research and try a new one.

4. How do I contour my face?

I know it seems like a scary task to learn, but it’s actually pretty simple if you imagine a light above your face. The places that are shadowed you contour while the places that shine you highlight. Most people already have a bronzer or a color that is slightly too dark for their skin. I start at the top of my ear and brush in towards my mouth and nose angling slightly down going just below my cheek bones. Remember to use only a little product at first and build up, once you have too much product it’s hard to get rid of it, but you can always add. I then brush the top of my forehead along my hairline. Make sure everything is well blended harsh lines are not your friend.

5. How should I layer my skincare products?

Lucky for you I created a post specially for this question. In a quick summary cleanser, exfoliator, toner, spot treatments, serums, eye creams, moisturizer, SPF.

6. I only have 5 minutes to get ready, what can I do that will make the biggest difference?

My biggest problem is my dark circles. Concealer is everyones best friend and my number one favorite that I cannot go without. Next is a quick touch up on the brows. I brush and fill them in quickly (not perfect sharp edges). Mascara can completely change your look and cannot be forgotten! Finally is the perfect pout. That pop of color gives you the finishing touch.

7. Eyes or Face First?

Most people will tell you to do your eyes first and then do your face because of fall out, but I have a very specific routine. I don’t do my eyes first because I like to brush a little foundation onto my eyelid because mine are extremely red and I love the edges of my shadow to look really blended. First I do my foundation, then my eyes. If any fall out happens this is where you can brush it off and finish with concealer, contour, and setting powder.

8. How do I make my hair grow faster?

  • The first thing is your DIET! Your diet reflects in your hair, skin, and energy levels. It is so important to feed your body nutritious food.
  • Do less with your hair (styling, products, shampooing, and coloring).
  • Massage your scalp to stimulate blood circulation.
  • Loosen tight hairbands.
  • Get regular trims.
  • Supplements can be a huge help something with biotin and anti-oxidants.

9. How to do a dutch braid?

Here is the video I used to learn! It’s actually quite easy and very similar to a french braid.

10. How to remove gel nails?

I soak my nails in acetone to remove them, I prefer not to file them off because it ends up filing my natural nail and makes it thin and brittle.

Xx, Kennah

 

Acne Tips

Posted on by mckennahbybee

I’ve had a few people reach out asking about what I use and do for my skin to keep it clear, so I decided create a post for everyone to read! I have always had really good skin, but we all go through phases where our skin can get really bad and I’m in one of those right now! It can be hard to pinpoint what is making you breakout. I like to go through every single thing I do throughout the day to help figure out what could be going on. Ask yourself the following questions.

  1. Is your pillowcase clean? Always be sure you have clean pillowcases, wash them every other week! Don’t use heavy softeners or detergents.
  2. Are you touching your face a lot or talking on the phone? Be sure to sanitize your phone once a week (at least) and try not to touch your face and keep them clean if you do.
  3. Do you wash your face after working out and getting sweaty?
  4. Are your hands clean when applying products to your face?
  5. Do you eat poorly? (fried foods, high sugar, high fat, unhealthy foods) What you put into your body will reflect in your skin.
  6. Is your face-wash too drying? Test it out, if after washing your skin is so tight and dry it feels like it could crack, find a new one it could be causing your to overproduce oil and clog your pores!

Of course there are things that you cannot control like stress and hormones, that is why I’ve also created list of tips and products I use to help!

1. Neutrogena – Acne Treatment Pads

The Rapid Clear Daily Acne Treatment Pads are something I like to use on a regular basis when my skin is breaking out. It’s gentle enough to use every day and significantly reduces my breakouts and prevents any new ones from coming.

2. Mario Badescu – Drying Lotion

This acne spot treatment has had a lot of buzz around it lately. Lucy Hale from Pretty Little Liars, Leighton Meester from Gossip Girl and Huda Kattan founder of HUDA Beauty love this brand! It’s a fast acting acne treatment that can shrink pimples overnight. What’s nice about this product is that it’s good enough for the celebs, but it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. A little bit goes a long ways.

3. Clarisonice – Skin Cleansing System

Let me just start out by saying this brush cleans your face SIX TIMES better than washing your face with your hands or with a wash cloth. It gets rid of all the oil and dirt and clears out your pores. There are different interchangeable brush heads for deep cleaning, sensitive skin, acne cleansing, radiance ect. This is a preventative step although it can help clear up problem acne.

4. Eat healthy & drink lots of water!

Carrots, nuts, leafy greens, flaxseed, whole grains, fatty acids (avocados), fruit (berries, lemons, bananas), and water! All of these things are very important for your skin to help get the necessary nutrients to keep your skin healthy, radiant, and glowing.

Remember I’m no dermatologist these are just tips and tricks I’ve picked up a long the way that have worked for me.

Xx, Kennah

 

 

 

What’s in my make-up Bag? : Amazonian Clay Foundation

Posted on by mckennahbybee

I’ve been looking for a new Foundation for a while and I have finally found one that I am hooked on! I’ve loved every beauty product I’ve tried from Tarte, so I decided to give their Amazonian Clay Foundation a try. It’s full coverage which I feel is a must, but it isn’t heavy and it’s oil-free! Something a lot of people don’t know is that some foundations contain oil and that’s what is actually causing your face to become so greasy throughout the day. If you didn’t already know I’m extremely pale and I’ve had a really hard time finding foundations that match my skin, but Tarte has multiple colors that can work for my skin coloring. They even have a shade matcher where you can select the girl with the closest skin-tone to yours and it gives you 3 color options! Amazonian Clay has 25 total color options. Tarte has done such a good job at creating a perfect color and formula that works for everyone. If you don’t believe me read the reviews on this product, every single person loves it! It is SPF 15 adding a good extra layer of protection for your precious skin. Another plus is that is this foundation goes on and blends easily, it leaves you with a very naturally beautiful look.

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Xx, Kennah

The Perfect Lipstick Application

Posted on by mckennahbybee

Lipsticks in general are always going to be a trend, but they’re majorly big right now in liquid form. I know we all want the perfect application for lipstick, but a big step I think a lot of people miss is exfoliating your lips! Chapstick or lip balm isn’t enough to keep your lips silky smooth, they need to be exfoliated to remove dry skin and dead cells. Thus my first step to getting the perfect lipstick application every time.

  1. Start with exfoliating. There are a bunch of lip exfoliators out there, but I use a cheap e.l.f. one I got from Target  for only $3 and it does a good job (I’ve also heard great things about Tarte’s Rainforest of the Sea Lip Scrub.)
  2. Moisturize. Make sure you’re applying a chapstick regularly to keep your lips kissably soft. Before lipstick, I apply a small amount of Burt’s Bee’s Lip Balm to my lips to “prime” the area if you will. You only need enough to make your lips feel a bit tacky. (If you use a lot of a slippery chapstick the lipstick won’t go on well).
  3. Line your lips! Lipstick looks SO MUCH BETTER when you line your lips. It gives you a crisp fine line. I start by drawing an X on my cupids bow and work my way down and around. Then I fill in a little on the edges and right in the center to help blend it out so you don’t get a crazy line. (DISCLAIMER: If you want to over line your lips only do so towards the top and bottom not the corners of your mouth because you can see where your mouth ends and it will look weird if you draw too far beyond the edge).
  4. APPLY THE LIPSTICK! Start with the edges and move in to the center. Some people use a lip brush, but if it already comes with a wand I will just use that.

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TA-DAA! Now you know how to perfectly apply your lipstick every single time!!

Xx, Kennah