A Beauty Interview with “The Reason Why”

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Annick Goutal Petite Cherie, Aussie 3 Minute Miracle, Aveeno Shampoo and Conditioner, ■Blistex Medicated Lip Balm, ■Revlon Colorburst lipgloss in Strawberry Fraise, Banana Boat Airbrush spray, Beauty Blender, Beauty Interview, Beauty Interview with Kindredly, Birchbox, Calvin Klein Euphoria, Covergirl Wetslick AmazeMint Lipgloss, Kindredly, Laura Mercier Illuminator, L’Eau de Chloe, L’Oreal EverCreme cleansing conditioner, L’Oreal Wear Infinite Smokey Eyes, LOreal Magic Lumi Primer, MAC, Mac frost lipstick in Fabby, Mac Prep+Prime Eye, MAC Studio Fix, Mac Studio Fix in NC42, Maybelline Instant Rewind Dark Cicrle Eraser, Narcisco Rodriguez, Neutragena Natural Radiance Bronzer, Neutrogena Micro Mist, Noxema Original Cleansing Cream, Olay Regenerist Serum, Redken Velvet Gelatin, Revlon Lipstick in Soft Nude, Revolution Organics Freedom Glow Beauty Balm in Blushed, Rubbing Alcohol, Smashbox “Softbox” Eye Palette, Smashbox Blush Rush in Radiance

“The Reason Why” can be a powerful statement for people. In regards to this beauty interview, it means Ashley of Kindredly was the reason why I started blogging.  After reading her blog a few years ago, I actually started a blog myself but it was random without much direction and then it was blocked at work (back when I used to work) so I pretty much had no time for it…

Ashley and I actually went to college together but hung out in different circles so we never really connected….however, as soon as I started reading her blog {Kindredly}, it made me feel like we were best friends. She’s so real and honest, I LOVE honest….maybe because I’m brutally honest myself. I just like that characteristic because to me it means you get to know someone’s authentic self…no games involved, you know exactly where you stand every minute you’re with someone who is honest.  LOVE it. Proud to be it.

Ashley’s interview so perfectly illustrates who she is, what she’s about, and what she has to offer. Hopefully, after reading this interview, you will not only get to know Ashley better but also gain a little more insight on me too….since she’s one of the very reasons why Everyday Southernista exists today!  Thanks Ashley….for many more reasons than just this interview!

What are your everyday cheapies, products that we can buy at the drugstore that you use on a frequent basis?

• Rubbing Alcohol – I know some people might squirm at this, but I swear by it. Back in college I had a long, torturous stint with acne, and being in a sorority, I had a wealth of advice at my fingertips.  I slowly made the connection that several of the girls with perfect, flawless skin were using rubbing alcohol like an astringent.  My skin does better a little on the drier side, so this really helps to keep pimples at bay.
• Noxema Original Cleansing Cream –  Yes!  This stuff is retro, but I love it.  It makes my face feel SO clean.  I’ve used this face wash for years, with the exception of Pro Active & Cetaphil during those pesky acne years.

• Covergirl Wetslick AmazeMint lipgloss – at $6 a pop, you can have every color, and it’s shiny, cooling and it freshens your breath (after you lick all of it off, yes, but still!)

All time fave make up line?

I’d have to say Mac.  They say to try new makeup as you age to make sure you’re using what’s best for you and your skin.  I blew the bank at CosBar in Charleston last year on several Laura Mercier recommendations.  I tried Bare Minerals.  I’ve tried NARS, and attempted to buy Bobbi Brown (they would not sell it to me since I would not commit to foundation), and after all of that, I went back to my trusty Mac Studio Fix.  I have a huge foundation phobia.  I want the smooth, matte look, but in my experience, foundation cakes on my skin and makes me look shiny.  It’s not realistic for me to carry around my makeup arsenal all day, so I need one application to work and last.  Studio Fix does that for me.  Of course, I have a hodgepodge of options in my makeup bag, but my favorite makeup line for my face is Mac.  Laura Mercier, Urban Decay and Smashbox all have fantastic eyeshadow, and I use cheap mascara because I’m a firm believer that unless my lashes are fake, no mascara can make them as long as I want them, so why spend the money?

What are your go to hair products and styling secrets?

• I love Aveeno’s shampoo/conditioner.  I have dry hair, and the Moisturizing option works wonders.

• Aussie 3 Minute Miracle…again for those dry, dead ends.

• Redken Velvet Gelatine – I do not have this currently, but I LOVE this product.  It’s not one of Redken’s “everyday” products…only certain salons carry this line.  My old salon (Carlos Salon in Peachtree City, GA) carries this.  Carlos Salon is a great salon for anyone in that area who is looking for a new stylist (Jodi), btw.  This product smells fantastic and it makes your hair gorgeous and soft.  It’s kind of expensive but worth it.

What 3 (don’t you mean 8?) beauty items are in your handbag right now?

I keep it really simple and carry about eight different lipglosses/lipsticks and some perfume.  Currently, I’m packing…

• Revlon Lipstick in Soft Nude

• Covergirl Wetslicks AmazeMint in No Care Bare, Freedom of Peach, and Merry Berry
• Mac frost lipstick in Fabby

• Revlon Colorburst lipgloss in Strawberry Fraise

• Revlon Super Lustrous lipgloss in Peach Petal

• Blistex Medicated Lip Balm

• Revolution Organics Freedom Glow beauty balm in Blushed {the Pink/Rosey Shade in the back, pictured below}

• Calvin Klein Euphoria

What are your go to make up products for your everyday look?

• Olay Regenerist Serum
• L’Oreal Magic Lumi Primer

• Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Eraser

• Mac Prep+Prime Eye

• Neutrogena Natural Radiance Bronzer

• Mac Studio Fix in NC42

•  Smashbox “Softbox” Eye Palette (when I’m done with this, I’ll purchase Urban Decay “Naked” palette, which I actually like more.)

• Smashbox Blush Rush in Radiance

• I line my eyes with L’Oreal Wear Infinite Smokey Eyes using the darkest black

• Great Lash Mascara with the BIG wand in blackest black

What’s an easy trick you use to turn a daytime face into an evening look?

I’ll add more eyeliner, especially to the top, and blend for a smokier look, add more blush and some nude gloss.

Any unique make up product that you use, we may not know about?

I currently love the Beauty Blender makeup sponge.  I got one in my Birchbox a few months ago, and it’s great for blending around my eyes and t-zone.  I also love Laura Mercier’s illuminator.   The tube I have now is way too dark, but I’ll soon splurge on a new tube for that summer dewy look.

 

What’s your fave new beauty product/hair discovery?

Before I cut my hair, I would have said L’Oreal EverCreme cleansing conditioner, but I don’t need to use it near as often now.  I felt like my style stayed in place all day when I used this product; although, I think people have different opinions of cleansing conditioners.

I know this is obvious, but a somewhat recent hair discovery for me was going down in size with my curling iron.  I used to be able to curl my hair with my straightener, but my new Chi doesn’t work for me like my old cheapie used to.  To achieve my waves, I was forced to start using my Chi 1 ½ inch curling iron, but my hair would fall flat by the time I got to the office.  I went down to an inch barrel iron that I purchased at Wal-Mart, and my waves last all day and as they fall, it’s like my hair looks better and better.  There’s nothing more satisfying than having awesome hair after a long day.  Some friends of mine asked how I got my waves to stay in place like they do, and when I mentioned I used a smaller curling iron, they seemed surprised, so that’s why I classify this as a “discovery.”  I think people with longer hair, or even shorter hair, assume using a smaller curling iron will result in ringlets, but this is not so if done right.

It’s summer and being tan is important!  J What are your fave self tanners?

Welp – I just fried myself old school style at the pool last weekend, and I feel very irresponsible!!  I do have to admit that I’m loving my au natural tan though – I’m having to stifle the sun addict trying to escape!  My favorite self-tanner is the one someone sprays on me, but those are expensive to maintain.   A close second for me is Neutrogena Micro Mist.  Some folks do not like this stuff – they say it doesn’t tan them enough, but you can buy light, medium and dark.   I’ve purchased the $40/bottle St. Tropez, that once applied, makes you look like you rolled around in dirt.  The husband didn’t appreciate this scary look and neither did my sheets.  I’m currently using Banana Boat Airbrush spray, and Neutrogena is better, hands down.

What’s your signature scent(s)?

My old “signature” was Narcisco Rodriguez, the black bottle.  I’ve since moved on from him and tried all new scents!  I’m currently LOVING Annick Goutal Petite Cherie.  This is another Birchbox find that I ended up splurging on.  I also recently purchased L’Eau de Chloe.

For the past few months, I have been on the hunt for the perfect skincare regime; do you have any must haves for your routine?

This is going to be redundant, but RUBBING ALCOHOL is my must.  If my skin even looks like it’s going to try to break out, I douse my face in rubbing alcohol.  I’ve also just recently started to take steps with anti-aging products.  I Googled the best serums and Olay Regenerist was #2 under Chanel, so can’t beat that!

I LOVE your style….which is actually what initially turned me on to your blog. It seemed like you were blogging about ShopBop before anyone [aka me] even knew what it was. What are your fave stores and online shops? And what are some of your summer crushes?

Thank you!  Such a nice compliment!  I am an avid online shopper, and I often blog about how everything in my closet is from Forever 21’s website.  It truly is a sad story, but I do not spend a lot of money on one piece of clothing.  Shopbop is a wonderful site for inspirational pieces and those occasional splurges, and I do have my loves and my wishlist there.  I do not make a habit of purchasing items from there…it’s more like window shopping.

When I worked at Nordstom for a short stint (trying to break into the personal shopping world), I quickly realized that I could spend hundreds on a top or $20 on a similar top, and they would have the same shelf life in my closet.  There’s no point in me breaking the bank.

I have recently discovered a site called Tobi.  They send you a daily email containing their new arrivals for 30% off.  I’ll admit that some of this stuff is h.e.i.n.o.u.s., but some of it’s great.  Truthfully, the fun of shopping, for me, is finding that fantastic and unexpected piece that looks expensive but was so cheap.  I also do a ton of shopping at Marshalls and TJ Maxx.  I did a cartwheel when Zara opened their online shop, even though I’ve yet to make a purchase other than my plaited shopper.  I also enjoy finding one-off pieces at places like Papaya, Charlotte Russe and H&M.

All time crushes: statement necklaces, long skirts, flowy dresses

You have an amazing blog, Kindredly, that’s just real life through your eyes with ups/downs and everything in between. Tell us a little more about your blog and your inspiration behind it. Any tips or for new bloggers, since you have been at it for a few years now?

I’m a chatty-cathy.  Anyone who knows me knows that I will stop and talk to you forever if you let me.  Wanna chat on the phone?  Bring it.  Wanna go shopping and talk the entire time?  I’m game.  Wanna just sit on the couch and catch up on life?  Yes!!!  It’s how I spent my years in college with my roommates Kim & Morgan.  We would lose hours just talking.  I’m not really private.  I enjoy sharing.  This can be a good thing or a bad thing.  I’ve definitely posted on my blog and gone back and deleted or edited a few days later after God and everybody’s already read it, but whatever.

Sometimes I wish I had more of a theme to my blog, but I think I’d be blocked even more than I am now if I only wrote about certain subjects.  If I had to give advice to someone thinking of starting a blog, I guess I’d tell them to have some kind of idea of what they want the blog to be about – I think when I started it was more of a “I like to write, this will be my outlet and vent spot”…I think the posts when I’m going off on a tangent about something are the ones that get the most comments, but sometimes I feel like my blog is all over the place.

As a new blogger, don’t feel like you have to kill yourself to post daily…but do make time to go read other blogs so you can start building your network.  I am someone who NEEDS comments to keep going.  I need to know my readers are reading.  The blogging community is actually a very cozy place!  I’ve made lots of new friends I’ve never met personally, and it’s really cool.

What’s next for Ashley?

Oh, you know…work work work.  Blog blog blog.  I’m going to keep working toward growing my career in recruiting – I enjoy it so much, and I’m chomping at the bit for a promotion.  From there, I guess the husband and I are going to attempt to expand our little family with an actual human child (instead of fur ones).  That is an exciting but SUPER SUPER SUPER scary prospect that I’m happy is still just on the horizon and not yet here.

Thanks so much for the interview!!  I’m not sure if my head will fit through the next doorway I try to go through!

Tips for the PUUUURRRFECT Pedi….or Mani, For That Matter!

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Nail Buffer, OPI Nail Polish in Koala Berry, OPI Top Coat, Perfect Manicure, Pumice Stone, Removing Dead skin from Feet, Revlon Pumice Stone, Rubbing Alcohol, Solar Oil for Cuticles, Tips for Perfect Mainicure, Tweezerman, Tweezerman Cuticle Clipper, Using Rubbing Alcohol for Manicure

I decided last night it was time to change out my teal, chiped, and worn off polish to something a little more traditional and a hubs fave, hot PINK! I couldn’t agree more. Sometimes it’s nice to get back to your roots.

I normally do a pretty close to perfect job on my own pedicures BUT last night, I tried a few new things that took my toes to the next level.  Really the most professional job I’ve ever done and here’s how…….

• The morning before or of the big day, make sure to scrub your feet with a Pumice Stone. I have posted about this before, but really one of the loves of my life.  I love a Pumice Stone because it’s cheap and maybe one of the most effective tools I own. Just scrub your heels and the sides of your feet, anywhere you have some extra dry skin. You will be able to tell when all the dead skin is gone because the new skin will feel slick under the water.

 

• Once my cuticles are pushed back, I grab these cuticle clippers to remove all the excess.

• Then I use a smoother/buffer to go over my nails, which removes the ridges. This is really a crucial step and sometimes when I am in a hurry, I skip the first two steps and just head straight for this one. I don’t use all four sides, just the one with the medium/small grit.  (If I am going for a nice buffed look for my fingernails with no polish, I’ll use all four sides)

•  These next two steps are the ones I added to my “process” last night, life changing. After your nails are buffed, you will see all the white residue left on the nails…..normally I would just wipe it off but last night I put oil on my cuticles. I have a nice cuticle oil, but if you don’t….just go to your kitchen cabinet and grab some olive oil….will work just as well. Once I finish this step, I move on to the other foot/hand so that the oil can really mositurize the cuticles.

• Ok, so both feet/hands should have the oil on them at this point. So go back to the original foot/hand, and wipe off the oil using a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol. The rubbing alcohol will remove the oil so you can paint your nails. This really blew my process out of the water. I felt like the alcohol really dried my nails allowing the polish to dry faster but my cuticles were still really mositurized from the oil.  It was strange but an awesome strange.
• Now, your nails are ready for painting.  Just do the best you can. if you get outside the lines, use a q-tip soaked in nail polish remover to remove any excess. I always apply two coats of polish and then a top coat. Now, I believe that you can really get away with buying any brand of nail polish that you want but a nice top coat is really a great investment to a great looking finish. So you may want to splurge on the top coat.
• Here’s my final result……proof that YOU can give yourself a professional looking mani/pedi all by yourself!

The color in this pic is OPI’s Koala Berry

Hope y’all have an amazing day!

XOXO, Katie

All About EARS!

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Cleaning Your Ears, Ears, Q Tips, Rubbing Alcohol

I’ve been thinking about posting this for a while, only because I LOVE the feeling of clean ears and wanted to share my cleaning regime with you.

First Up, Q-Tips.  And don’t get the off brand, they are flimsy and cheaply made. Blow the bank and get the REAL DEAL.

Before I move on, I would like to address the Q-Tip controversy, to use or not to use Q-Tips in your ears.  Well, I’m sorry but I like clean ears and one of the ways I get them clean is by using Q-Tips.  And yes, I have actually known someone who has gone to the ER because the cotton part of the Q-Tip somehow broke free of the wand and got stuck in their ear.  Ok, so it happens….but be smart about using a Q-Tip to clean your ears and don’t JAM it in your ear canal. Just lightly swab the inside of your ear and don’t go deep.  This is not a deep clean, this is a “people don’t want to see your wax” clean.

Next Up, Alcohol.  As in RUBBING Alcohol. Cheap and effective.

I use two Q-tips, one for each ear.  Dip one end of the Q-Tip in the Rubbing Alcohol and swab the inside of your ear, make sure to get the inside of the cartilage part, too. Then dip the other side and clean that same ear again.  Just to be safe.  Repeat the process for the other ear, using the remaining Q-Tip.

So now you know how I get perfectly clean ears!  If you do it before you blow dry your hair, you get a cool tingling sensation in your ears, too!  Double bonus!

XOXO, Katie