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

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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

 

 

 

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

Muah or Blah? : St. Tropez Self-Tanning Mousse

Posted on by mckennahbybee

Summer is fast approaching and if you haven’t had time to get out in the sun before that first pool party you may be thinking about a sunless tanner. Look no further I’ve found the best of the best. St. Tropez’s Self Tanning Mousse is a guaranteed MUAH. It has helped me in my times of need on more than one occasion. The coloring is perfect and doesn’t make you look orange at all. It’s such a natural looking tan nobody will even be able to tell it’s fake. I purchased the application mitt and it gives me a flawless finish every time. They even make a face mitt (and no this will not make you breakout, I tested it!) There’s no streaking or splotches and best of all no orange hands! I start out by exfoliating and making sure my skin is nice and moisturized. Once you’re completely dried off pump your Tanning Mousse which is really more of a foam onto your mitt and start with a bigger area (not your hands or feet!) and work your way out to your hands and feet. If you start with them they always end up looking to dark for me. Be sure to rub it in circles to prevent any streaks. After applying one coat I dry it with a blow dryer and then apply another layer and repeat. I usually wait a bit before getting dressed because my skin feels tacky almost. This tanner can transfer onto your clothes so be sure to wear darker clothing. It does wash out if you get it on something, but I like to be extra careful. All that’s left is to wait for your color to develop! Don’t worry if you feel like you’re too dark, after rinsing it will lighten up! This self tanner does have a smell, but it isn’t the typical self tanner smell that I hate! I try to apply it 2 times before my event to get a good coloring! If you’re nervous about the price try it out in this beginners kit or get the best bang for your buck with this spring kit that comes with 2 bottles of tanner ($32 a piece) and 2 application mitts ($10 a piece) all for only $40!

Xx, Kennah

Hair Training Crash Course

Posted on by mckennahbybee

Washing, drying, and styling your hair every single day is an unwanted hassle and is so time consuming! Did you know by washing your hair too much you could actually be damaging it? Shampooing too often can leave your hair feeling dry, making it prone to breakage. It could also have the opposite effect you’re going for and cause your scalp to over produce oil making it greasy faster. I train my hair so it lasts longer between washes and you can too! My hair grows very quickly and is always shiny and healthy looking. All this requires is a little patience because training your hair overnight doesn’t work. If you wash your hair everyday start by washing it every other day, you’ll notice the less you wash it the less you will need to wash it. Of course at first it will be super gross because it is used to being washed everyday so prepare for hat and ponytail days. Your hair will get used to your routine and will produce less oils. The thicker your hair is the longer you can go without washing. Everyone is different and not all of us are lucky enough to only have to wash our hair every four days. You can determine how long your hair can go without getting too gross. Things like working out and the weather can effect how long you can go. Here are a few tips I use to make my washes last longer.

  1. Dry Shampoo – chances are you’re probably using this product wrong (I was too!). Dry shampoo needs to be applied BEFORE your hair looks and feels greasy. Use it on day one hair and everyday after to help absorb as much oil as possible.
  2. Conditioner – while in the shower only apply a small amount of conditioner to your ends careful to avoid the scalp!
  3. Oils & Products – don’t put too much product in your hair even on just your ends! Decide what is absolutely a necessity for you and get rid of the other products. You may think by applying oils to the ends of your hair it’s not going to make your hair greasy – WRONG – it travels up your strand of hair and gets to your scalp.
  4. Boar Brush – using a boar brush will help you evenly distribute the oils from the top of your end through your ends so the build-up isn’t at your roots. (Most people say to brush out tangles with another brush and then use this one!)
  5. Pull it back – when working out, showering, AND when sleeping! Something I never thought about was when you go to sleep with hair or skin that needs to be washed the oil transfers onto your pillow case (make sure to wash them often). When you lay down again with clean hair it can make it dirty and oily!
  6. Don’t Touch it! – if you haven’t noticed the more you touch your hair the greasier it looks. That’s because the oils from your palms transfer to your hair! Try not to mess with your bangs or brushing it back in the same spot over and over.

Some people even take it a step further and use a clarifying shampoo every few weeks to get rid of all the build-up of oil they have. Another this I’ve seen a lot is an apple cider rinse, but that seems silly to me because for me its about avoiding having to wash, dry and style continuously.

Thanks for reading! Let me know how these tips work for you or if they’re something you already practice! Keep those locks luscious girl.

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

Dying Hair at Home

Posted on by mckennahbybee

Being a girl can get pretty expensive with all the beauty treatments and services we pay for each month. I’ve found a way to check one of these off the list and save you some money! This is for girls who dye their hair all one color like me! (Something like balayage or highlights or a drastic color change I would suggest going to a professional for). I’ve divided it into sections to help you understand the whole process!

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

  1. Hair Dye
  2. Mixing Bowl
  3. Coloring Brush
  4. Gloves

Optional:

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DYE:

First you have to select your color. DO NOT BUY DRUGSTORE HAIR DYE! I buy professional grade hair products and use them at home. If you do not have a cosmetology license or a friend with one who is willing to help you out there are websites you can order it from (it is a few dollars more, but worth it for the quality!) Trust me I’ve tried every drugstore hair dye they make and all of them wash out and if you like your hair neutral or cool toned it always pulls red tones. If your hair is longer than your shoulders and pretty thick you’re going to need 2 boxes of hair dye. The dye I use is ISO icolor in the color 3N. This is super dark and most people say it looks like a 2, but it is actually a 3. icolor dye doesn’t pull red tones and it doesn’t look blue. It doesn’t damage my hair too much (obviously all dye does some damage) and makes it look so shiny and healthy.

DEVELOPER:

If you didn’t already know there are different volumes of developer. 10, 20, 30 (they make 40 level developer, but it is VERY damaging to your hair so only let a pro use this on your hair). The number or level on the bottle of developer represents the amount of hydrogen peroxide it contains. The more peroxide, the more your hair follicle will open during the coloring process. 10 volume developer is the one you would want use if you are going darker than your natural color and don’t need to lift the color at all (this is what I use). 20 developer is great for grey coverage and for coloring 1-2 shades from your current level. 30 volume is used for lightening your hair 3+ shades from your natural hair color.

PREP:

Make sure to move anything you don’t want getting dirty or stained (if you have one, use a cape to protect your clothes). Put vaseline on your skin near your hair line and on your ears so you don’t dye your skin. Once you’ve done it a few times you will get better and you won’t have to do this step. Have face wipes on hand in case you spill any. Start by mixing your color in the bowl using your brush. The hair dye box will give you the color to developer ratio that you should mix to create your color. The dye I use is 1 to 1 1/2 so for every 1 oz of color I use 1.5 oz of developer. Get your parting comb, clip, or a shower cap ready if you have one.

HOW TO:

Start from the roots at the top of your head brushing downwards and move in small sections down. I do one side of my head at a time and then finish with the back. This is where the parting comb comes in handy if you have one. I use mine to section off pieces about 1 inch apart. I brush both sides of each strand of hair (top and bottom) with a good glob of hair dye and massage it in a little with my gloves to make sure it’s evenly spread. Then I flip it over to the opposite side and clip it, then continue down. When doing the back of your head it can be tricky, but if you use 2 mirrors across from each other you can see the back of your head and it makes it a ton easier! Once you have it completely covered clip it up and put on the shower cap to make sure you don’t get it on anything while you wait for it to finish (usually 40 minutes ish).

CLEAN UP: 

I hand scrub the bowl and brush and then wash my hands with the gloves still on using regular hand soap. Then I lay them out to dry. Rise the dye out before you start shampooing, I like to lay in the tub with my head under the faucet for this step.

EXTRA TIPS AND INFO:

  • You cannot dye hair while it is wet, it must be dry but it is the best to dye 2nd day hair that has all your natural oils.
  • Use a color therapy shampoo and conditioner afterwards. I use joico brand k-pak color therapy.
  • Use a hair mask to repair the hair (about once a week). I use the joico k-pak one as well.

Xx, Kennah

Travel Essentials

Posted on by mckennahbybee

As you know I love to travel, I’m going on quite a few trips this spring/summer so I wanted to create a guide for my must-haves while traveling (in no specific order). If you have any must-haves for traveling you think I’d like please send them my way!

Comfort is a huge priority for me while traveling, but I also like to look cute not as if I just rolled out of bed. The Lululemon Align II Pants give me the best of both worlds. They are so comfy and feel like you’re not even wearing pants (that’s why they call them the naked pants) and they make you bum look nice! These are perfect for a long flight or drive because they’re not restricting at all. They’re a bit expensive, but I promise you’ll wear them everyday and it will be worth it.

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Next comfort item is cozy socks! It can get pretty cold on airplane’s or even a chilly hotel room at night. It’s always nice to have a soft pair of socks to help you get warm or just to put on at night after your shower.

I am overly cautious about getting too much sun and using sunscreen. I take good care of my skin and I never want wrinkles so I make sure I use my sunscreen frequently. For my face I use Tarteguard SPF 30 it doesn’t make me breakout like some of the others I have tried. For my body I use Sun Bum Sunscreen Lotion with SPF 30 as well (they make a spray version). It also smells tropical which I love. For my lips I use Sun Bum Sunscreen Lip Balm that is SPF 30. It also has aloe and Vitamin E to keep them soft and smooth. It comes in a few different flavors, but I love the banana one! (Ulta never has them in stock in-stores that tells you how popular they are, but they also have them at Target if they’re out!) I also bought the cutest sun hat from Nordstrom to help out with keeping my face out of the sun!

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MEDICINE! Questionably the most important thing on this list. It’s always a good idea to take any medicines you think you may need with you. It would be tragic to be stuck in a foreign country with a language barrier and a stomach ache. This could be a life or death type of situation. (Zofran is also a life saver if you’re feeling nauseous). If you have a hard time sleeping in new environments try melatonin!

Sensibility! While traveling I don’t want to carry my big purse around or worry about an expensive bag being taken or something falling out during the hustle and bustle. I love to have a backpack to carry my stuff around in! It’s so conveinient and distributes weight more evenly than a purse which makes my back happy! I found a few super cute backpacks (one of which I used in disneyland and it was perfect!) and they’re all only $20!

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Another sensible must-have for me is a passport holder! (If you’re going out of the country that is.) It keeps all your important things together: passport, money, and credit cards.

We can’t forget about BEAUTY essentials. Time changes and jet lag can be a killer for your sleep schedule. Nobody likes dark circles under their eyes or looking tired so thus my next essential: Under Eye Gel Patches. Send those under eye bags packing!

Dry Shampoo. Sometimes when you’re on the go so much, you don’t have time to wash, dry, and re-style your hair. This is where LUSH’s No Drought Dry Shampoo comes into play and saves the day! My favorite part about this dry shampoo is that it works well even on dark hair and adds volume (BONUS!).

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Gadgets are a bare-necessity in today’s world. Headphones are perfect when it comes to air travel (especially when you want to tune out your snoring seat-mate). I’m a freak about quality head phones. You won’t see me with the cheap $15 headphones that hurt your ears. I’m all for comfort and quality when it comes to my music entertainment. I have a few pairs of Beats that I like to use and what’s better than wireless earphones that don’t tangle around everything?

Continuing with gadgets is a portable charger. If you’re like me you love to take photos and videos of everything while traveling, but it can get tricky when you’re on the go all day long looking up directions and places to eat. That’s why the TravelCard is perfect. It’s so thin you can actually fit it in your wallet and it gives you 5 hours of charge time!

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Finally we have: a good book. It’s the perfect time killer while traveling. Have a layover or a long drive? Nothing passes time for me like reading and it just makes me feel as if I’m taking a piece of home with me.

Xx, Kennah