40 Things About Beauty TAG!

Enjoy! Here is my 40 Things about Beauty TAG video, and I've love to see yours if you link 'em below! Thanks for all your support! 

Best, 

Kenz

Product Review + First Look: NuMe Curl Jam Set!

Enjoy! Questions? Comment below! Happy Weekend : ) 

Best, 

Kenz

7 Deadly Sins Beauty TAG!

These are old news by now but I thought it'd be fun to do my own! Enjoy! 

Best, 

Kenz

Outfit of the Day: Enjoying the Summer Days!

Enjoy!

Sites Mentioned:
Sevenly: http://www.sevenly.org/
4 Paws for Ability: http://4pawsforability.org/

Best,
Kenz

Product Review: Que Bella Face Masks!

Today I'm bringing to you the brand Que Bella, specifically my thoughts on their face masks. I've recently tried a couple of them and feel they blow other cheaper one use masks out of the water! This post is entirely unsponsored, it's just my thoughts on great masks! They are available at Target and they retail in my area for about $2-3 per package. They have a nice selection of smells and ingredients targeting different needs. I personally prefer masks that I can wear when I take a bath and then rinse away after. Sort of a self-care two birds with one stone thing... I tried two separate masks but am only speaking on one today as I cannot find the name of the other I tried (it's a thick and sort of gloppy exfoliating charcoal-like mask)

The one I most recently tried was the Rejuvenating Dead Sea Mineral Spa Mask. It was different than all other masks I've tried as it was not a formula that is applied for 10-15 min and washed away- it was a sort of moist towelette! I personally loved this application method as there is far less clean up and one can simply remove it and discard. While I find peeling of regular face masks to be weirdly fascinating, this was definitely a nice change of pace. Que Bella boasts at least 80% of the ingredients are natural, which is a nice bonus if you ask me. I certainly did notice that my skin reacted nicely as well. In the past when I've used the dollar face masks my skin would feel worse for wear rather than refreshed. This wasn't the case here at all!

Similar packaging as other one-use masks, but so much better!!

Application: As stated, it's a moist towelette that is applied to the face and then removed after about 10-15 minutes. I left mine on for about 25 in the tub and noticed no adverse effects though. Simple as that! It had a slight tingle to it that reminded me of face washes with salicylic acid in them, but I enjoy that feeling and it's refreshing to me so I thought that was great! 

(Pardon Slightly Terrifying Selfie Here) 

Just like a moist towelette. Albeit one that makes you feel like a psycho.

And Voila! The finished face!

Refreshed, cooled, soothed, and softened! 

I highly recommend! For more info visit their site http://www.quebellabeauty.com/ 

Have a great weekend, all! 

Best, 

Kenz

**NOTE: I purchased another of the first mask I tried and THIS is it!! It's fabulous and it was $2.08! Perfect. The advertised "big players" are Tea Tree and Witch Hazel!

My Top 5 Product Ideas for a 5-Minute Face!

Rushed? Lazy? Both? Here's my tips for a face that feels refreshed without a big time commitment or hassle! Enjoy! 

Best, 

Kenz

Wind Down the Week Get Ready With Me!

Happy almost weekend! See you next week! 

Best, 

Kenz

This or That? TAG!

Here's a little more about me! Enjoy! 

Best, 

Kenz

Buyer's Rave or Remorse: Maybelline "The Rocket" Mascara!

Hello!

Today's Rave or Remorse features my favorite drugstore mascara brand: Maybelline! They release mascaras like no one else and I've tried a lot of them, and know that choosing amongst the brightly packaged awesomeness can be daunting. Until recently my favorite of the brand was the "Mega Plush" option but "The Rocket" has seized the title dramatically!

The Rocket

Personal Eye Story and Beauty!

Sneak Peek!

Coming next week: A personal eye story as it relates to life and beauty, and some unique challenges I have therein. I'm making the video based off responses from my "Tips For Feeling Good In Your Glasses" video and I'm excited to share! This will also be a good reference moving forward for others who may have questions as to my application techniques in my videos...etc. I hope you'll enjoy, Happy Friday, and Happy 4th! 

Best,

Kenz 

When Eyes Rebel: Tips for Feeling Good in Your Glasses!

Finally getting around to playing with imovie a little bit and since I also have greaaat eye infection , I wanted to make the first video this week on how to still feel good when contacts just aren't working out and ya can't do the whole eye makeup thing! Enjoy! 

Best, 

Kenz

We're Engaged!

I just thought I'd share an awesome thing that happened last week- Nolan and I got engaged!! He totally surprised me even though it had been on my radar for a long time. We are thrilled and so excited to be taking this next step! This also means I can expand this space to include some wedding planning things in the next year (we're getting married next summer) : ) Here are a few photos from the evening...

Right Before... 

After!! 

Cheers!

Favorite Scarf Collection!

A little favorites: scarf collection video is now live! Enjoy! 

Best, 

Kenz

Saturday Snapshots and OOTD!

Goodmorning All! 

Here is a snippet of my day and a little outfit of the day for you. I hope Saturday is treating you well! 

This lazy Saturday morning with my fiance was just lovely! (eek fiance!) He read a book and I daydreamed and wedding planned!

I've got an eye infection so it's glasses and no makeup all the way for me today. I wanted an easy and casual but cute outfit to spiff myself up a bit! Did a little spunky pony to top it off. 

Jeans and Tank Top: Forever 21 

Sweatshirt: Target 

Infinity Ombre and Hearts Scarf: gift, purchased at the University of Nevada Bookstore Website. 

Happy Saturday! The rest of the day shall bring work and possibly some hiking finished off with a beer at my favorite restaurant and our neighborhood block party. 

Best, 

Kenz

Exciting News!

Yay! Enjoy! Talk to you all very soon! 

Best, 

Kenz

Taking Blonde Hair to Brunette with Ion Color Brilliance Demi-Permanent ...

New video up on YouTube on my most recent coloring adventure! Sorry for the abrupt ending, and let me know more as far as what you'd like to see. I can do a more specific hair history video or dye application one as well! Enjoy! 

Best, 

Kenz

25 Days of Yoga Self Challenge!

I am starting a challenge that I'd love to share with you all! Why 25 days you might ask? Well I'm having a surgery to correct a heart condition in in 26 days and wont be able to make it to 30 days (it's a minimally invasive procedure but I'll have two incisions near the groin that will lay me up for a bit). I've been doing yoga off and on for a few years but never developed a regular practice. I find that I love it but then simply forget to add it in to my day, or am too "tired" which is ironic as it helps me with that problem... silly me.

I will begin with 30 minute sessions and may increase time as I go. I'll primarily try to do Vinyasa yoga- focusing on breathing to guide my movements through positions or asanas. My plan is to share a photo each day with a short summary of how the session went and how I'm feeling to my instagram .  I'm not creating a rigid time frame for myself either- some days it may be early before work and others may be before bed. I'm also not going to beat myself up too bad if I miss a day. I'll try not too, but life sometimes gets in the way. The objective here is to see and feel growth. There will be regular posts on the regular topics in Life with Kenz land there as well. I feel like the photos will be both a nice way to track the journey and serve as a platform for honestly speaking on how the sessions went, in a concise way!

Yoga has so many great benefits and I'm ready to commit to it. I really do love it, I just need to commit. The health and beauty benefits of yoga are wonderful- a stress reliever in the day is great in and of itself. I've noticed in the past that my skin, mood, and just about everything else improve when I get in the habit of doing yoga- and that's priceless for looking beautiful! Feeling beautiful is after all the most important thing! I'll be using web based classes (lot's of freebies out there that are well taught and easy to follow), and creating my own routine based on sequence photos and such. Here are some goals:

* work hard on getting my breathing regular and in sequence (a big challenge for me)

*regain some of my flexibility and strength from my long-ago gymnast days (a foundation I'm thankful for)

*Make it a routine so I don't fall off the wagon quite so hard/ can easily begin again once I've recovered from my surgery.

* Use it as a source of JOY and relaxation in my day!

*Use this as a starting off point to build from as I try to grow in my practice and knowledge.

Wish me luck and don't forget to look for photos and updates with the hashtag  #kenzdoesyoga

Best,
Kenz

Spunky Curls Hair Tutorial Coming Soon!

Sneak-peek here! Look for this on YouTube later this week! Happy Monday!

Best, 

Kenz 

Back Home and Recent Buys!

I'm back and mini trip haul and such! Enjoy! 

Best, 

Kenz

Buyer's Rave or Remorse: Stila Lip Glazes

Hello All!
I'm back from my trip and finally have had a day off! I worked a few hours on Sunday night when I got off the plane and have been working ever since, managing to cram in 40 hours in around 3 days. Eesh tired doesn't begin to describe my brain at the moment. Oh well, another night of sleep and date night tonight should help to fix me right up. And while I'm on the subject of date night, that leads me into the newest Rave or Remorse on: Stila Lip Glazes! 

pina colada, creamsicle, and pink punch

Now, I bought these when I saw them in the sample sale bins at Ulta whilst in Oregon. It was the day before the wedding and I stopped there to get more things such as hairspray, an extra curling iron, a perfume for the bride...etc. I saw these as I was waiting in line and thought why not? They came in a package for I think $15 (right around there) and they worked spectacularly for the wedding! 

Pina colada is mostly sheer, or the light peach didn't show on my lips. Creamsicle and Pink Punch were wonderful on me- giving me a mostly natural but pinker tone with a glazed look and added shimmer. They have such a nice shimmer on them, I stared at them in the tube for a long time lol. Oh, and they smell lovely! Think along a vanilla and cake batter line.  The only potential downside is they are slightly sticky (but nowhere near as much so to me as the Lancome Juicy Tubes). They had long-lasting wear and I think the bride and the five of us would attest to that. They worked amazing for her special day,  and now I'm going to go test them out for date night! At this price point, I couldn't pass them up and I must say I am Stila fan now! Their sales allow me to purchase their products that I wouldn't otherwise be able to try and I'm happy for that. Rave!

Best, 

Kenz

New Room Set-Up and Make-Up Desk!

New Desk and Beauty area video now live on YouTube! Enjoy!

Best, 

Kenz

Bath & BodyWorks Praise!

Hello!

This is a praise post about 1 product in particular from the spa-inspired Bath & BodyWorks Aromatherapy Line. I have two that I purchased myself and encourage you too look into! I have the Stress Relief (Vanilla Verbena)  and Sleep (Lavender Vanilla) lotions to relax and unwind and relax before sleep, respectively. These smell amazing, especially the stress relief vanilla! There is also a vanilla verbena candle that I would love to get my hands on...

Think: immediate at-home spa... 

The formula of these is smooth, and they provide a great balance of moisturizing without leaving too much grease behind. The smell on these is also nice because, while heavy,  it's not overpowering and it doesn't last too long. They smell sort of earthy and paired with the Enya Pandora station and a hot cup of tea, I really feel like I'm in spa! After taking a bath I love to lather on the sleep lotion on my dryness-prone legs, then cover them with extra soft (tight) yoga pants for an extra-deep moisturizing treatment. My only complaint on these is they are in glass bottles which is not ideal for clumsy ol' me. They add a fancier touch though, I will say. My tip would be to find a scent that you love because the scent it stronger like most of their products. I chose lavender and vanilla bases because they're favorites and they really do help me to relax after a long day or go to sleep!

These retail for $13.00 on Bath&BodyWorks.com . Enjoy!

Best,
Kenz

Set-Up Sneak Peek and Things to Come Soon!

Hi all!

I just wanted to share a sneak peak here of what I've been working on all day! Behold: My new desk set-up and area for videos! It's large enough to set my tripod and camera up on and hold my girly make-up and hair things! Very Excited! Stay tuned for higher quality, more awesome stuff to come on a regular schedule of 2-3 videos per week with lot's of blog posts as well. Remember to check around the web for me as well by clicking the pick buttons on the sidebar!

Best,
Kenz

Skincare Routine May 2014 Video On Life with Kenz Youtube!

My current routine, beware that I talk a LOT in this video but I feel like it's a good topic to talk on : ) Enjoy! 

Best, 

Kenz 

FOTD and OOTD!

Here in Alaska it's raining and chilly, which is heavenly for the large forest fire that's been raging on the past week (over 160,000 acres!) Nonetheless, I wanted a bright cheerful spirit in my makeup and clothes and this is what I did! 

Face: Too Faced Boudoir Eyes Palette,  Rimmel liner, Nyx liner, Maybelline Mascara, bhcosmetics Tulip Duo on cheeks and a Nyx Jumbo lip Pencil (Chaos) and Lip Butter over top. Easy as pie! 

Outfit: Lace shirt (Thrifted), Jeans (Forever 21), necklace (unknown) and earrings (Forever 21). 

Happy Summer beginnings! 

Best, 

Kenz 

The Body Shop Praise!

Hi All, 

Just here for a quick praise post about The Body Shop! No, it is not sponsored in any way- just my own thoughts and praise. I love The Body Shop! They market themselves as naturally and ethically produced, something that makes me love them more. I've been purchasing things there ever since I was a little girl and they sold loose bath beads by the pound. It was like being in a candy store when my mom would let me get a baggie and collect a few different delicious smelling treats! Here's a few of my past and current favorites that will last in my make-up collection. All prices listed were gathered from The Body Shop Website and may vary slightly in your area. 

Chocolate Box Shimmer Cube-06, $11.

* This quad is darn near perfect for warm toned skin in the summer. All the colors are beautifully shimmery, have great lasting power and color payoff, and are easily removable. They are gorgeous and affordable!

*They also have a cooler toned quad, as well as some brighter colored quads to add extra fun to your looks. This quad transitioned me from summer to fall, winter and back for the better portion of 5 years. It is a permanent must-have...

Thrifty Lovin'!

Just a quick post here to highlight a good find from today. Check out this cool bracelet! Who knew wire was so neat? I must say thrift stores are the place to get jewelry if you don't have any sensitivities. It's cheap, unique, and oh so fun! Can't wait to layer up this bad boy for an OOTD tomorrow!

Best, 

Kenz 

I'm back and new products I'm loving!

Stay tuned for more soon!


Best,

Kenz

Around the Web

Goodmorning, All!

Remember I'm all around the web these days. The nifty buttons on the sidebar will take you to all the various places I take up residence on the web with Life with Kenz! Make sure to stay tuned for more!

Best, 

Kenz 

Buyer's Rave or Remorse?

I'm here with one last rave or remorse for the day. This time featuring bh cosmetics Tulip Blush Duo. 

Buyer's Rave or Remorse?

Hi guys!
Here's a new rave or remorse for you all on: The Natural Collectible Palette, from stila.

Buyer's Rave or Remorse?

Hello, all!

It's time for an introduction to another series regular around here! Introducing: Buyer's Rave or Remorse? Where I post my thoughts on a new product or products I've recently purchased and discuss if it was worth the hype, the money, the trip to Sephora..etc. to purchase. It will predominantly be a blog series, but if I collect a few notable items, I'll post a video to my channel For the first in the series, I'm reviewing the:

Too Faced Boudoir Eyes Soft and Sexy Collection ($36.00 at Sephora) 

Boudoir Beauty 

Introducing "Vlog with Kenz"!

Hello,  all!
Just a quick update here: My new Vlog Channel is live now. Can't wait to post life updates from the road and such! See you all in 2 weeks here!

Best,
Kenz

Current Drugstore Hair Products 1...

Hello, all!

Posted this this evening. Talky talk video on recent drugstore hair products I've been trying or love! Check it out! 

Best, 

Kenz

Day-To-Night!

I posted a quick day look earlier today and now that Saturday night is upon us, I filmed a quick video talking about how I jazz things up for night!

Day, sweet and simple 

Bam! Night is much more va-va-voom!

Glowy and Bright

Products used: 

Maybelline MasterPrecise Liner in Black 

Nars Orgasm Blush 

NYX Jumbo Lip Pencil in Chaos 

NYX Butter Lip Balm in Parfait 

Quick FOTD and OOTD!

Posted this today! I had filmed a whole get ready portion that vanished so this is the finished product and outfit for a girly day of wedding planning for one of my best friends!

Before, no make-up

After

Check it out!

Best,
Kenz

New Series: Beauty Breakfast!

Hello, all! I'm excited to bring you a new series this morning called "Beauty Breakfast" that will go up exclusively on Fridays mornings. I have a nice coffee break in my morning on Fridays, and I figure it's a fun way to kick-off the weekend! My aim to highlight a few items that are currently on my personal wishlist that I'm excited to try!! Then, if you've tried any of them,  I'd love to hear about it in the comments. I'd love to here about your wishlists as well! The goal is the keep it short, simple, and something you can skim while you have your morning coffee!

the Balm Cosmetics, NUDE 'tude Eyeshadow Palette! ($36.00)

the Balm Cosmetics, FRATBOY Blush ($21.00)

* Love the packaging on the Balm Products! 

BUXOM Buxom Full-Bodied Lip Gloss, in Boo-Ya- Iridescent Coral ($19.00)

MARC JACOBS FRAGRANCE Honey Rollerball ($22.00) 

Thanks for popping in! See you next week! 

NYX Butter Lip Balm, Rouge Cream Blush, and Natural Shadow Palette

Hello, all! It's been a day of YouTube madness. I have a channel introduction video that is taking a billion years to upload and it had to start over recently... sigh, still working out the details of it all. This morning I also filmed a review video but am having issues with imovie so I may just have to re-film tomorrow. I'll get the hang of this sooner or later :) In the meantime, I'd like to post the photos and condensed thoughts from the video here and I'll link the video once I get it right. So here we go:

Today I reviewed a few products from NYX Cosmetics. I reviewed three of the butter lip balms, a Rouge Cream Blush,  and the Natural Shadow Palette. 

Outfit Of The Day (OOTD) !

Up in Alaska, we are having a somewhat gloomy spring day complete with a little gray sky and rain. I think a cup of tea will help. But first, a quick OOTD for when the weather is brisk but you are aching to get your spring/summer on!

slightly layered but with bright spring colors

 side angle to show off the zips

peppy 

pretty green 

You would think I'm being sponsored by Forever 21 for this post, but I assure you I'm not. 

Black Tank top: Forever 21 ($1.80)

White Sweatshirt Jacket with Zipper detail: Forever 21 (donated) 

Dark Skinny Jeans: Forever 21 ($7.00) 

Black Glitter Sandals: American Eagle (Purchased at Payless) (~$20.00 estimate) 

Gold and Sea Green Pendant Necklace: Forever 21 ($8.00)

Floral Scarf: Delias (Thrifted for $6.00) 

Best, 

Kenz

"Life with Kenz" YouTube Introduction

Check out "Life with Kenz" on YouTube!

Posted this not long ago. I wanted share a bit about me, and my intentions for this channel and blog!

Best,
Kenz

New Series: Thrifty Lovin'

I am an avid "thrifter". You will hear me sing the praises of thrifting time and time again. I love that it's easy on the wallet, but fun in the closet. And if something doesn't work out, I will often recycle it again by taking it to a consignment store or donating again. Such a great way to spice up a wardrobe without breaking the bank!

I go thrifting very regularly. I am able to pop in regularly and look around without buying, just to see what's new. My goal for this series is to highlight an item, or a few items that I've found in the week, about once a week. Perhaps on Fridays... Once I get my youtube channel set up, I'll likely do a "First Impressions" for the item(s) as well.

This week, I am highlighting one fabulous item: a Nicole by Nicole Miller purse (Retails for ~$30.00 at varied websites I found). I love it in all it's banana yellow glory!! I am going out of town next week and wanted a purse for the trip that would allow me to carry my camera bag/larger bag without getting in the way, but that would still be fun for going out with friends and be a nice, bright POP of color! Enter, this bag!

Banana Yellow Awesome

It is not high-end quality by any means, but it's functional as a cross-body bag and it's just fun! It has a tiny pocket upfront that has card slots within, two medium-sized zipper pockets on the front, a full middle section that zips closed, and zip pocket on the back. The interior is a plain yellow as well. 

This makes me think a great summer is ahead, and I can't wait to wear it with my summer brights! 

Face Of The Day (FOTD) !

Quick  FOTD:

                        

Today I'm working on the more time consuming aspects of blogging... Getting the blog set up how I like down to the minute details, the YouTube channel... Etc. It actually takes a fair amount of time to establish these things. In the meantime, I'm taking photos and creating content ideas so I should hopefully be ready to get things rolling soon! Here's a quick FOTD for now though:

Eyes: Maybelline Mega Plush Volume Express Mascara. 

Cheeks: Nars Orgasm Blush 

Lips: NYX Butter Lip Balm, in Parfait (BLB01). 

Easy peasy and perfect for a sunny spring day!

Blogging Beginnings...

Cheers.

I finally decided to do it- to create my own space in the vast world of beauty and lifestyle blogging. But before I talk about that, I want to give due credit to those before me that inspired me to do so. About five years ago, one fateful evening in my freshman year of college, I checked YouTube for a tutorial on curling short hair. Well, I came across Leesha from xsparkage in the process. And I was hooked. She's quirky, fun, has the most contagious laugh, and is immensely talented at doing makeup. I still religiously follow her videos and reviews. I later came across another YouTuber that I loved, Ashley at LisaFreemontStreet. She has a very different vintage flare, but I was inspired to master the most classic beauty techniques from her. I also still watch her channel religiously. More recently, I discovered Fleur at FleurDeForce and I just love her honest, fun and down-to-earth personality. She's lovely.

 In the blogging-specific world, I have to say one of my biggest sources of inspiration is Nadine from NadineJolie I have yet to read her books but she is widely known as a pioneer of the beauty blogging world. Her reviews are funny, witty, honest, and make glamour "attainable" for every-day gals. Other inspiration for everyday life regularly comes from Kinsey at Sincerely, Kinsey and Elsie and Emma over at A Beautiful Mess . I also love Sara's blog Nesting Gypsy a lot, and get daily doses of home and lifestyle inspiration from her.

Together, these diverse ladies inspired me to make my own plunge into the world of beauty and lifestyle blogging after about five years of loyal following and learning.  My purpose here is to share the knowledge I've gained,  honestly review products I try to help you in purchasing choices,  and ultimately, assist in making the everyday grind more beautiful, enjoyable, and simple through beauty, fashion, and lifestyle inspiration.

I believe in a "natural-me-but-better" approach when it comes to beauty and fashion. Simply put,  I love to improve my day and feel beautiful without a huge time commitment. I occasionally delve into the vibrant colors and dramatic liner, but in the everyday, I believe in a simple routine that kicks up what I've already got going for me. And I want to share that.  A YouTube channel will be coming soon and I'll be fleshing out the types of content I want for this space in the coming weeks. Thanks for popping in, stay tuned for more!

Best,
Kenz