2019 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | UNDER $25

WELCOME to today’s video which features an affordable holiday gift guide under $25 for Christmas, the upcoming holidays or any occasion for special people in your life. my gift suggestions could be for your mom, dad, friend, grandma, bae, YOURSELF… have at it!

As always, thank you for stopping by and spending time with me XOXO

THE GOOD STUFF:

Duross & Langel shower bombs – $5.00
https://www.durossandlangel.com/products/shower-bomb-stress-relief?_pos=13&_sid=6d307f698&_ss=r&variant=2247062519829

various bath bombs under $25

• https://www.nourishsavannah.com/category-s/1909.htm
• https://www.lushusa.com/bath/bath-bombs

Bath & Body Works Aromatherapy Rose Vanilla body wash – $13.50
https://www.bathandbodyworks.com/p/rose-vanilla-body-wash-andamp-foam-bath-023835151.html?cgid=aromatherapy-body-care#start=27

Bath & Body Works Aromatherapy Lavendar Vanilla body lotion – $13.50
https://www.bathandbodyworks.com/p/lavender-vanilla-body-lotion-023531101.html?cgid=aromatherapy-body-care#start=23

Bath & Body Works Aromatherapy Focus body cream – $15.50 (could only find this on Amazon)
https://www.amazon.com/Bath-Body-Works-Aromatherapy-Eucalyptus/dp/B075CFY9SY

Laneige Water Sleeping Mask – $25.00
https://us.laneige.com/water-sleeping-mask-1

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask – $20.00
https://us.laneige.com/lip-sleeping-mask

Coffee Mugs from various places

• https://tjmaxx.tjx.com/store/index.jsp
• https://www.marshalls.com/us/store/index.jsp

Amazon t-shirt (Sunnyvale from Trailer Park Boys) – $13.99
https://www.amazon.com/Sunnyvale-Trailer-Decent-T-Shirt-Bubbles/dp/B07KWSXZ8R/ref=pd_sim_193_7?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B07KWSXZ8R&pd_rd_r=3e018af4-d606-4421-b104-9ec607d8471f&pd_rd_w=Vyfvt&pd_rd_wg=gcRGj&pf_rd_p=04d27813-a1f2-4e7b-a32b-b5ab374ce3f9&pf_rd_r=7N7KG9EB76783QWMPSV5&psc=1&refRID=7N7KG9EB76783QWMPSV5

Etsy prints – less than $10.00 at most shops
https://www.etsy.com/search?q=printable%20wall%20art&ref=auto-1&as_prefix=printab

Amazon frames – $11.00-15.00
https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Photo-Frame-Mat-matted/dp/B079LM82RD/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?gclid=CjwKCAiA5o3vBRBUEiwA9PVzarK5rqcq4tq1QV6ByvlhZQEKlfJ_nkWzoVoXowCJqzRGEkRFa8l_ZxoC3bUQAvD_BwE&hvadid=322319672090&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9007301&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t1&hvqmt=b&hvrand=4842688685849127179&hvtargid=aud-836718183009%3Akwd-302016386760&hydadcr=14483_10218002&keywords=picture+frames+simple&qid=1575218911&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExREdXMjNGRzdDWFQxJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNjE3MTA4QTM1SVNWTE1QTFJUJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAzNTM5MjgyREhDREtZRVpPNFFJJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

Tiny Buddha’s Worry Journal – $13.45
https://www.amazon.com/Tiny-Buddhas-Worry-Journal-Creative/dp/0062849875/ref=asc_df_0062849875/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312696355873&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=9347629853467875733&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9007301&hvtargid=aud-801738734305:pla-469908081251&psc=1

RECENT CONTENT:
GYMSHARK HAUL + TRY ON https://youtu.be/sxZWhPpsQhY
FALL APPLE RECIPES https://youtu.be/68NtyIUsh9Y
I CROPPED MY TSHIRTS https://youtu.be/u7D07ZffAXw

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Spironolactone for Hormonal Acne | 30 Day Update

And so goes the ongoing story of a girl in her mid-twenties who just can’t get her f*#king skin to cooperate. Listen, it’s an uphill battle. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. We will get there and we will prevail eventually. But it’s going to take time. That’s the harsh reality of conquering hormonal acne. It creeps up on you quickly, but takes time to mend.

There are a multitude of reasons why you could have developed hormonal acne: hormone imbalance, gut issues, stress, food intolerance, and the list goes on. Thus being so, there is a varying list of remedies to help improve your skin. On the long list are some prescription options – two of them being Tretinoin and Clindamycin (which I have been prescribed now for 10 months).

Another item on the list of prescriptions that has been proven (in small dosage) to control acne: spironolactone.

Spironolactone is a medicine typically used to treat high blood pressure. Ironically, in lower doses, it can block the male hormones in our bodies which are known to cause oily skin and clogged pores. It is also a diuretic, which means it will make you pee a lot, so it’s important to consult your dermatologist and primary care doctor if you are interested in seeing if this is the right medication for you. Pro tip: drink a shit ton of water to ensure you are maintaining your hydration properly.

With all of this being said, here is a history of my skin issues and how Clindamycin and Tretinoin have come in to save the day. If you’re more of a video person, you’ll enjoy this version. They are nothing short of miracle workers.

HOWEVER, my skin is still not in check. Though exceedingly less than before, I still suffer from under-the-skin painful bumps. My skin is still blotchy and red, and my acne still gets rather enflamed. Essentially, I haven’t rid of it yet. This leads me to my new prescription (recommended by my dermatologist): spironolactone.

Disclaimer: I have read in several blog posts/articles that major changes on spironolactone aren’t seen until month 3 and on. However, I wanna give y’all the tea on how it’s affecting my skin in the first month. Enjoy!

Here is my 30 day skin diary after starting spironolactone.

After 1 week on spironolactone:

I have noticed an increase in breakouts and the intensity of them. Prior to starting this medication, my acne was maintainable with the occasional painful hormonal blemish. When it did flare up, it was concentrated. This week I have spots in new locations. Less than ideal, obviously. Also v painful. Alas, I read that this was happen so I am gritting my teeth and baring through it.

After 2 weeks on spironolactone:

This week I’m having the same issue, just trying to stick it out. Beauty is pain and beauty takes time, so I need to be patient. If I can achieve crystal clear skin in the long-term, I’ll suffer in the short-term. I have a couple new spots that are large and painful. Otherwise, I don’t notice much difference in my skin (as far as oil production).
*Interesting to note that I got a blemish on my back this week, which is very rare for me. I wonder if there is a purging stage to this and that’s what brought it to the surface.

After 3 weeks on spironolactone:

Not much has changed in my skin this week. MAYBE, if anything, I notice I am a little more on the dry side (typically, I am v oily and have a shiny t-zone by noon). No more large breakouts, but my skin isn’t calm. I have some redness and small blemishes, more than typically. I shall check in next week!

After 4 weeks on spironolactone:

Wowwwww my skin is fucked HAHAHAHA – all we can do is laugh really, am I right? Listen, we will prevail. It’s all trial and error and if I didn’t document this then I’d be suffering ALONE. I just stole a peek at my skin in the bathroom at work, and let me tell you, it ain’t pretty. It’s patchy, flaky, dry skin season bitchessss.
Again, obviously not happy about it.
However, I can see it through for the long run gain. Here’s hoping my 3 month progress report shows a bit more clarity (in my skin & goals for this medication).

My final wrap up

So that’s THAT. Fun stuff. Not gonna lie, I’m ending this a little bitter. It’s a bummer to not see results after a month on a new medication, which is seemingly making my skin worse. But I will say, everything I’ve read said things start to improve around that 3 month marker. I am hanging in there and believing in that 3 month revolutionary morning I wake up with crystal clear skin. Lol. Okay, a little over-dramatic as far as expectations are concerned, but that’s what I’m known for.

Signing off with dry, flaky skin. Cheers to the 3 month check-in which will *hopefully* bring more positivity. Here’s an adorable photo of myself to boost morale. Cheers.

Xoxo,
KS Loves

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EMPTIES (drugstore + high end)

WASSUP. I usually do my empties posts in video form nowadays, but my channel is turning into an empties post every other video lmao – I’m not having any of that. I want variety over there, so I’m bringing the empties post HERE. Why? Because I know we all love a good empties review blog post.

Below you’ll find TEN products I have completely emptied and are going into the trash as we speak. That means I’ve tried the entire packaging. I have full reviews, some of which I’ll rave about… others, meh. Let’s dive in.

Let’s start with mascaras, because I have a fuck ton of ’em.

• Essence Volume Stylist 18 hr Lash Extension
  Of the two drugstore mascaras, this one is going to be my favorite. I’d highly recommend this over the lash princess (see below), as you can achieve feathery spread lashes that will last throughout the day.
  The best part? It costs $4.99
• Essence Lash Princess Volume
  This mascara I could pass on. I likely won’t repurchase. It was very liquid-y, which more often than not led to goopy, chunky lashes that didn’t spread nicely. If you’re looking for thicker lashes, you might like this. I prefer mine spread evenly and full of volume.

• Lancome Monsieur Big
  YOOOOOOOOOOOO this mascara is FIRE. I love it so much. Like, false lashes worthy. Use a lash curler before going in with this mascara and you will boost your look x 100 – I swear.
  Better yet, the travel size is $12.00 and it’ll last you awhile. Run!
• Clinique High Impact
  I wasn’t a fan of this. Just didn’t impress me. The formula is very lightweight; if you’re into super natural (barely there) mascara, you may like this! For me, it wasn’t enough volume.

Moving on, shall we? Next up, powders…

• Coty Airspun loose setting powder
  THE GOAT. My favorite. Hands down. The best powder to *blot* the earth. Lol. ALSO – it’s $5.97 on Amazon. SO like, hello. It sets makeup incredibly, does not move foundation underneath. Keeps me matte throughout the day. HIDES my pores entirely. Banging product.
  The only con: you’ll smell like your grandma’s perfume from 1954.

• IT Cosmetics bye bye pores pressed powder
  This was not a favorite for me. I’d say hard pass on this one. There was nothing special about it and I don’t feel a need to spend $29.00 on a powder that didn’t “wow” me. If anything, the Coty airspun blurs my pores + stays matte WAY more efficiently.

Two more makeup-related products.

• Tonya Crooks TheBrowGal instatint brow gel
  I actually really loved this product. It made it SO easy to define my brows. Quick swipe swipe, and you had some pigment (for a badass brow), plus it was easy and not messy! I’m not good with pencils or pomades so this is a bomb product for me. I’d use it daily. I also don’t think $22 is unreasonable for this product. 10/10 recommend!

• Soho buffing powder brush
  This is my ALL TIME favorite bronzer brush. I picked it up on a whim at Marshall’s or TJ Maxx years ago. It was time to retire it. Lol. It’s a solid brush, but it’ll definitely shed as you wash. Doesn’t phase me as it’s the PERFECT bronzing brush lmao. I’ll keep an eye in the future at TJ Maxx’s bc I’d love to snag it again. Otherwise, it’s available on Amazon. Distributes products well and made it look like I was a bronzing PROFESSIONAL. Super easy to use.

Lastly, skincare!

• Origins energy boosting gel moisturizer
  This was a SUPER fresh and hydrating moisturizer. I am a big fan. I’d consider buying this (if I want to spend a little extra ca$h money) because I do find the quality is THERE with this product. Origins does skincare right and ever since my friend got me started on them, I’m hooked.
• Alba Botanica hawaiian oil-free moisturizer
  I am a MEGA fan of this moisturizer. If you are ballin’ on a budget and want a super rich and lush moisturizer (daytime or nighttime), this is your option. My esthetician recommended this to me when my skin was going through it, and I’ve never looked back since. It’s an affordable option with skin benefits and hydration that sinks into your skin. I’ve purchased around 5 of these at this point. When I run out… I notice a difference in my skin! It’s parched without it. Big fan.

So those are all of my recent empties – I live for a good empties post! I hope you enjoyed and found a review of something you were interested in. Let me know your thoughts. Have you tried any of the above? I’m v curious to hear from you.

Xoxo,
KS Loves

I love to meet new people!
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Affiliate Disclaimer: all Amazon links are affiliate links which means I earn a very small commission on a purchase through the link. You are not obligated to use my links, but of course it helps support me running this blog and finding the gems to share! 🙂

Sephora Spring SALE 2019 – peek inside my basket

“Take a peek inside my SEPHORA checkout basket.”

It’s that time of year! Well, there are two times a year Sephora has major insider sales like this one. Here’s the breakdown of member level and the discount you will receive.

• Insiders will get 10% off their purchase
  CODE: HEYINSIDER
• VIB members (this is where I fall into for the first time EVER – shocker lmao), will get 15% off
  CODE: HEYVIB
• VIB Rouge (where we wish we could be, or maybe it’s good if we don’t qualify as that HAHA) it’s a whopping 20% off

From May 2^nd-6^th, both VIB and Insider level status can shop and use their discounts. It’s a pretty bangin’ deal because only twice a year you can get DISCOUNTS on high end brands (think: Tarte, IT Cosmetics, Too Faced, etc.) – fucking baller.

FIRST UP, and the most exciting purchase for me, I just want to talk about it first because I am SO HYPE for this one and it has been a long time coming. The one… the only…

IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream with SPF 50 – $39.00 ($33.15 with VIB discount)

OH BABY. Oh baby. We are getting into the summer months folks. The weather is spicing up (spicing, is that a term?) – well it is now. It’s getting hot and ya girl wants less CAKE on her FACE. Leading me to finally try, for the first time ever, the IT Cosmetics CC cream. This CC cream has been raved about for years and years now.

Here are the bold claims I’ve heard:

• Great coverage, without losing the look of ‘skin’ underneath
• Long-wearing and great for the summer months
• SPF 50 – which we all need to be slathering on!
• Less than $40 for over 1 fl. oz. of product

So I’m going to test it out… FINALLY. I am so pumped. I’ve never tried a CC cream and I wonder if this will be a mood for the entire summer. Not to mention, my Twitter peeps weighed in on the topic:

Sticking with the theme of makeup, I have purchased another legendary product.

BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector *mini* in Champagne Pop – $22.00 ($18.70 with VIB discount)

This has been hyped for yearssss since one of my favorite YouTubers Jaclyn Hill collab’d with Becca Cosmetics. The name definitely rings a bell – is this Jaclyn’s collab still? I am unsure. REGARDLESS, this is a big-time highlighter with 3,000 reviews and almost 5 stars. Wild. I can’t wait to rock this white gold glam all summer long. Are we noticing a summer theme? Yeah I’m goin’ nuts. Lmao.

Here are the claims I’ve heard:

• Soft glam w/ natural shimmer
• Sits beautifully on the skin
• Universal for all skintones

I am #blessed there was a mini version of the last makeup purchase I made…

Tatcha Silk Canvas Protective Primer *mini* – $22.00 ($18.70 with VIB discount)

Oh baby oh baby, word on the street is this is another fire product. Kathleen Lights, Casey Holmes, and more of my favorite YouTube beauty gurus admit that this primer is one of a kind. They still will tell you the full-size cost is a bit much, but you can’t deny quality when it’s there. Since I could snag a smaller size for less than $20, I went for it. Why the heck not, you know?

Here are the claims I’ve heard:

• Works great for dry or oily skin
• Creates a FLAWLESS base for under foundation/concealer + other face products
• Nourishes the skin and hides pores

ONTO SKINCARE, which we all know is my kryptonite…

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask – $20.00 ($17.00 with VIB discount)

This is apparently a holy grail for everyone AND THEIR MOTHERS. And fathers. Siblings. Kin. All that good stuff (lol). People RAVE about this shit and I’m hype to see what all the fuss is about. From what I’ve heard this will transform your lips overnight and I need all the help I can get with chapped lips. Does anyone else have chapped lips year round now? It’s not just a winter thing for me…

Here are the claims I’ve heard:

• Overnight your lips are intensely hydrated
• Essentially works miracles while you sleep
• Helps reduce flakiness and fine lines

Lastly, I’m brought to my last product (sigh), this was fun…

Laneige Water Sleeping Mask – $25.00 ($21.25 with VIB discount)

I tossed this into the basket mainly because I want something to transform my skin, do the laundry, clean my dishes and make me breakfast overnight. LOOOOLLLL. Essentially I am looking for magic. I actually tried this in a sample size once and it was lushhh, honey. I’m excited to have a full size of it and use it weekly. Will report back how the hydration lasts and if it makes a difference in my skin. For 2.3 oz. of product I also don’t think this is a terrible price.

Here are the claims:

• Intense hydration overnight
• Gel mask that will absorb quickly into the skin (think: no mess on your pillow)
• Brings radiance and a refreshed look to your skin

For the heck of it, I claimed my FREE SAMPLES (don’t ever forget to do this!)

JOUER Essential High Coverage Foundation – v excited to try this, but am worried it could be heavy. Best to start with a sample!
Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil body butter – yuuuuummy! There were no better picks, tbh, so I went with something I knew I would use up.

Another thing I don’t want you to forget if you are purchasing during the sale, redeem this!

500 FREE POINTS that you can use towards redeeming something later this year! Sometimes there are big skincare sample bags, trial sized makeup bags, etc. Big big item, don’t forget to click it.

TOTAL SAVINGS: $19.20

I am so happy with this! Considering we never get Sephora discounts, it’s a nice chunk off the bill. It’s worth noting I also had a few gift cards to redeem so that helps slice the bill as well.

So what do we think? Have you tried any of these? Are they staples for you? Did YOU pick up anything during the sale or do you plan on it? Lmk… I’m nosey.

Xoxo,
KS Loves

I love to meet new people!
YouTube: youtube.com/katrinasm
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GET READY W/ ME | brunch, outfit details + full face of makeup

GET READY WITH ME as I head out to a bottomless brunch *typical*
I do my entire makeup look, attempt winged liner again, and share my outfit details! You can find all deets below.

As always, thank you for spending your time with me XOXO

Jumpsuit:
Jean jacket: Old Navy

PRODUCTS:
Benefit POREfessional
CYO lifeproof foundation in 101
Colourpop no filter foundation in light 60
Tarte shape tape in light fair neutral
Coty airspun loose face powder
Essence luminous matt bronzing powder in 01 sunshine
Pretty Vulgar make them blush in hush blush
PUR Cosmetics sculptor highlight and contour palette
IT Cosmetics brow power pencil in universal taupe
Mario Badescu rosewater spray
Tweezerman eyelash curler
Lancome Monsieur big mascara
Stila stay all day liquid lipstick in patina

MY RECENT CONTENT:
JOAH FOUNDATION https://youtu.be/uvLtM2sNmEM
EMPTIES https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlTlAjS9b5k&t=32s
FAB FIT FUN – SPRING 2019 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cXgJ…

Blog: http://www.ksloves.blog
Instagram: https://instagram.com/ksloves
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Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ksloves_/

ANIMATION from RIZONE CHANNEL OFFICIAL
Music: Summertime by Erik Lund

AFFORDABLE MAKEUP | JOAH Truly Yours Foundation + Concealer

Who in their right mind wouldn’t be obsessed with a bomb ass drugstore makeup brand with products under $10??? There was a major hit and a major miss in this video – watch and find out 🙂

Thank you, as always, for spending some of your time with me XOXO

PRODUCTS:
Soap & Glory one heck of a blot primer
JOAH Truly Yours foundation in natural ivory
JOAH Truly Yours full coverage concealer in porcelain
IT Cosmetics bye bye pores pressed powder in translucent
Benefit hoola bronzer
Anastasia Beverly Hills blush trio in pool party
BH Cosmetics x Carli Bybel eyeshadow palette
Trestique eyebrow pencil in espresso
Pretty Vulgar ink blacklist gel eyeliner
Essence lash princess mascara
Ofra long lasting liquid lip in verona

MAKEUP TOOLS:
Sonia Kashuk blending sponge
Elf total face brush
Soho buffing brush (powder brush?) super hard to find on the internet
Luxie 504
Elf small tapered brush
Real Techniques expert concealer
Beau Gâchis tapered blending
Tweezerman lash curler
small Elf pencil brush
small Aesthetica eyeliner brush

MY RECENT CONTENT:
EMPTIES https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlTlAjS9b5k&t=32s
FAB FIT FUN – SPRING 2019 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cXgJ…
DRIVE W/ ME https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqcPo…

Blog: https://ksloves.wordpress.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/ksloves
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Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ksloves_/

ANIMATION from RIZONE CHANNEL OFFICIAL
Music: Summertime by Erik Lund

EMPTIES #3 | Batiste dry shampoo, Maybelline super stay, Butter bronzer + MORE

WASSUPPPP – happy weekend friends! Thanks for stopping by and hanging out for a few minutes XOXO here are some products I’ve used up and in this video I’ll let you know if I’m REPURCHASING or nahhhh

Thanks for spending time with me today

PRODUCTS:
Batiste dry shampoo – original scent $8.99 (at Marshall’s)
Mario Badescu aloe vera toner – $15.00
H2O sea salt body lotion – $26.99
Maybelline super stay foundation – $11.99
Physician’s Formula butter bronzer – $15.99
Covergirl clean matte powder – $5.99
Dr. Brandt pores no more primer – $45.00
Wander beauty unlashed mascara – $24.00
Tarte tarteist lash paint mascara – $23.00
Eyeko liquid eyeliner – $22.00

MY RECENT CONTENT:
FAB FIT FUN – SPRING 2019 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cXgJ4NoAhs&t=801s
DRIVE W/ ME https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqcPo…
ANOTHER WEEKEND VLOG https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QcwB…

Blog: https://ksloves.wordpress.com
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ANIMATION from RIZONE CHANNEL OFFICIAL
Music: Summertime by Erik Lund

5 AFFORDABLE products to heal acne scarring

“I just want to go to work without a face of foundation.”
Same, sis.

At some point or another we’ve all been there. Acne scarring. The spawn of Satan.

Whether you’re cursed with hormonal cystic acne under your jaw, or pesky pimples you just can’t help but squeeze, your skin can get damaged.

They always said, “Don’t pop it! It will be way worse for you in the long run,” but who listens? We’ve all picked at our skin at least once. Some of us more than others (lol) and that’s why I’m coming to the rescue with FIVE relatively affordable products that penetrate deep to renew the surface of your skin and bring forward a fresh face.

Admit it, we all want to go to work/school without foundation – that’s the end goal. At least for me, it is a 2019 resolution LMAO

It pains me to even include a ‘before’ photo when my acne was active, red, and inflamed, but would this blog post hit home if I didn’t also show you my ‘after’ (which is really just my current skin status)? Probably not

Alas, here are the comparisons over the past 8 months.

August 2018

 

October 2018

 

March 2019

Okay, great, now that we’re past that. HERE is how I’ve healed my acne scarring.
Pssst – if you want to know how I cleared my acne, that full story-time is here on the blog, and also in this video.

The Ordinary rosehip seed oil – priced at $9.80

– my absolute FAVORITE drugstore-priced hyper-pigmentation cure-all
This shit is magic. It has helped lighten my dark spots tremendously. I first heard about this product from Thataylaa, as she used it on her post-accutane journey to heal her scarring. When I heard it was under $10 – SOLD!
PROS
– nourishes the skin and is intensely hydrating
– relatively scentless (what little scent is has is not irritating)
– lightens dark pigmentation (leftover from acne scarring)
– organic and natural
– extremely affordable HEYOOOO
CONS
– I would recommend applying at least 30 mins before laying down for bed, as it doesn’t sink into the skin immediately (don’t want you to ruin your pillowcase)

Mario Badescu whitening mask – priced at $24.00

Contains kojic acid and extracts of licorice root, mulberry, and grapeseed to help maximize its brightening potential on your skin.

Farmacy bright-on vitamin c face mask – priced at $38.00 – the most expen$ive, I know (but the mask above can be used instead)

Contains vitamin c and fruit-derived AHAs to target brightening in your skincare.

I love BOTH of these face masks. They are my ride-or-die’s and I have repurchased each of them. I discovered the Mario Badescu mask in a trio kit for Christmas a couple years back. Similarly, I discovered the Farmacy mask in a Boxycharm. You never know what you’re going to fall in love with.I use both of these masks on my scarring interchangeably. I do not favor one over the other, but will say that at 2 oz of product (vs. 1.7 oz) and less $$, the Mario Badescu mask is more bang for your buck.

Pixi glow tonic toner – priced at $15.00

This toner is a godsend. I noticed immediate results within a week of using. It smoothed the texture of my skin, and has noticeably calmed my redness + brightened my complexion.Unfortunately, when it comes to clearing cystic acne, this did not do the trick for me. HOWEVER – it’s worked miracles for evening my discoloration to get me back to that flawless base I was striving for ;)I kept a sort of “skin diary” when I first started using this and recorded my observations after 4 weeks use.

Tretinoin (topical Accutane)

*prescription from my primary care doctor – price can range based on your insurance (pro tip: ask your doc if you can get a generic version, this is what I did to cut the cost into 1/3)

This is going to be my holy grail. I know that’s annoying, considering it’s a prescription. But hear me out.This is the main rock star when it came to clearing my cystic acne. Completely rid me of those pesky under-the-skin blemishes that just wouldn’t quit at closing time. lol. Furthermore, once my acne was cleared, I continued to use Tretinoin (still do).

Tretinoin is a vitamin A derivative that can be applied topically to treat acne. This shit will fucking BLAST the blemishes off your face. It’ll take awhile for the purging to settle down, but once it does, you’ll have brand new skin.
PS – My doc told me it’s one of the hottest items on the market for anti-aging.

I kept a “skin diary” when I first started this as well if you’re interested in the side effects.
Keep in mind: you must first consult your doctor about your skin concerns to see if Tretinoin is a good fit for you. You are also not supposed to use this if you are pregnant or trying to bake a baby in your oven (I didn’t want to forget to caution you!)

SO THAT’S EVERYTHING. What are your thoughts? Do you use some of the same products? Are you thinking of testing out any of these? This has been my ritual routine for 8+ months now and I have seen tremendous results. Thank you for reading along!

Xoxo,
KS Loves

I love to meet new people!
YouTube: youtube.com/katrinasm
Instagram: ksloves
Twitter: ksloves_
Pinterest: ksloves_

FabFitFun | Spring 2019 | Aromatherapy, Quay sunnies, OUAI haircare + MORE

HEY THERE FAM JAM – what’s crack-a-lackin??? Having a good weekend? I’m here to make it even better. This is the 2019 spring FABFITFUN box! It’s fulllllll of goodies and I can’t wait to show y’all what I’m loving & not so much.

Thanks for spending some time with me XOXO

PRODUCTS:
Unplug Meditation aromatherapy diffuser – $55.00
Trestique trio of eye makeup
The2Bandits Athens necklace – $30.00
Tula purifying facial cleanser – $28.00
Manna Kadar champagne charcoal body scrub – $34.95
OUAI leave-in conditioner – $26.00
Dr. Brandt needles no more eye gel – $42.00
Quay Vivienne sunnies in black/smoke – $60.00

MY RECENT CONTENT:
DRIVE W/ ME https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqcPoGdHbu0&t=614s
ANOTHER WEEKEND VLOG https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QcwB…
WEEKEND VLOG https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xgwj5…

Instagram: https://instagram.com/ksloves
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ksloves_
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ksloves_/

ANIMATION from RIZONE CHANNEL OFFICIAL
Music: Summertime by Erik Lund

INFLUENSTER | HYALURONIC SERUM | REVIEW

“You’re telling me you can get free stuff sent to you?
Just by rating makeup you’ve already used? Sold.”

HEY THERE FAM, what’s up?! Who missed my blogging voice? No one? Anyone? Okay cool I didn’t hear any opposition so here I am with an unsolicited review of my INFLUENSTER item I received this month.

I am not sure that there is a “magic number” to receive your first complimentary box from Influenster, but here are my current stats on my profile, if it helps:

IMPACT SCORE: 3613
REVIEWS: 31
BADGES: 2
FOLLOWERS: 5
“Beauty Junkie Expert Level 1”

As you can tell, I’m not “super” popular on the app or that active, for that matter. But I definitely did put in the time to review as many products at a time I could and am familiar with. Think of every product you put on your face daily – maybe you use foundation, or just concealer and some bronzer as eyeshadow? Head over to their website, create a FREE account, and review those products!

It also doesn’t stop at makeup, you can review skincare, shower body washes/hair products, and the list goes on.

For this review, I’ve tested out the Jane Iredale Hyaluronic Serum for several weeks now, and have come up with a conclusion. Before I tell you if I like it, let me tell you the BENEFITS of incorporating a facial serum into your skincare routine.

To set the stage, here is the order of nighttime skincare layering that I do (with loads of internet research under my belt lol)

1. Pre-cleanse (I use Clinique take the day off cleansing balm)
2. Facial Cleanser (my tried and true is the Philosophy purity cleanser)
3. Toner (Pixi Glow tonic)
4. SERUM (Jane Iredale hyaluronic serum)
5. Night cream (recently I’ve been rotating through rosehip seed oil and this aloe & green tea moisturizer)

Serums are great because you can customize it to your skin needs. They tend to have a higher concentration of ingredients to target your concerns.
Acne scarring? Try a vitamin c serum.
Dry skin? Hyaluronic serum to the rescue. And so on.
I like to experiment with serums because my skin has ever-changing needs, as does everyone’s. I think I notice the biggest difference in my skin when I incorporate a serum. Not to mention you lock in that serum-goodness with your nighttime moisturizer and it sinks into your skin all night.

With all that being said: I like it, but I can’t say I’m in love with it. Here’s why.

PROS:

• thick consistency, and definitely feels tacky to the touch once you’ve applied (some might not like this if you are immediately laying down for bed, but I prefer it as it coats my face)
• hydrating – I can feel it on my skin the next morning as I wash my face
• a little goes a long way – you don’t feel skimped when applying this serum and it spreads far
• scentless

CONS:

• price tag – this serum will cost you $52.00

I like this serum, I really do. But for FIFTY-TWO DOLLARS??? Nada. I can’t compete with that. But you know who can? Brands like Mario Badescu, Neutrogena, + others. What happens when I run out of this, do I search my pockets for half a hundred dollars? UNLIKELY.

If price is not an issue for you, you may fall in love with this serum. It’s hydrating, scentless, has a non-greasy formula, and competes very well for a hyaluronic serum on the market. I simply cannot bring myself to recommend a $50 product when I know you can get something similar for half the price tag (hello, Neutrogena hydro boost serum) *cough cough*

What are your thoughts on serums? Do you have one incorporated into your skincare routine? If so, do you use it morning and/or night?

Thanks so much for stopping by and thank you to Influenster for sending this item complimentary for me to try out! All thoughts are my own and any information I provide has research and/or experience behind it.

Xoxo,
KS Loves 

I love to meet new people!
YouTube: youtube.com/katrinasm
Instagram: ksloves
Twitter: ksloves_
Pinterest: ksloves_