Sunday, January 20, 2013

New Domain

UPDATE: Sorry! There was a problem with the link! It's working now :) Check out the new platform and let me know what you think!!

Hi everyone! I'm testing out a new blogging platform, so my url has changed. Please visit http://sincerelyobsessed.squarespace.com for the latest posts!

Thanks!

Sunday, January 13, 2013

They're Obsessed...Crystal

Take a look at my page They're Obsessed...featuring my friend, Crystal! And check back frequently for updates!


Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Rebel (T-Shirt) Without a Cause



This is probably one of the coolest tees I own, but I can't take any credit for it. My friend, Lindsey, found this gem while concept shopping and I became obsessed with it. It's cooler than I'll ever be, but probably not as cool as Linds.




Zara Tee (unfortunately a lot of people thought this tee was awesome because it's sold out online).
J Brand Skinnies
WHO.A.U military trench (stores only)
Bull Boxer boots (DSW stores)

Sunday, January 6, 2013

Shades of Green

Do you ever play around with makeup? Or do you just stick to your normal routine with the same shades and colors? I like trying new things, and makeup is no exception. I have bluish-green eyes, so I usually stick with eyeshadow in golds and purples because those are true compliments to my eye color...but I thought I'd try something different today and played around with some green shades. I also did some highlighting and contouring as well using different shades of foundation instead of a bronzer and concealer. I wasn't sure how well the green would work with my eyes, I didn't want the colors to clash and look stupid, but it actually made my eyes look brighter. I was super excited with the results and decided to share it with you!


Here's what I used to create the above look:
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer
Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage as an eyeshadow primer
Make Up For Ever HD Invisible Coverage Foundation as a highlighter
MAC Mineralize Satin Finish Foundation as a contour
Tarte Cheek Stain
Clinique Color Surge Eyeshadow Super Shimmer in daybreak, sparkling sage, and peacock
Clinique Surge Eye Shadow Stay Matte in slate as an eyeliner
NARS Illuminator
Sephora Outrageous Volume Mascara
Armani Rouge D'Armani Lipstick
Armani Eyebrow Pencil

Here's another photo...using a vibrant filter to make the colors pop...love!





Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Happy New Year!

2013 is officially here...and a new year means new beginnings!

2012 was an amazing year. I've learned so much about life, learned so much about myself, and put plans into motion that I didn't think would ever happen. I truly believe that if you think positive, positive things will happen. Negativity is like a disease, it eats away at you, torments you, makes you miserable and sick. Let go of the negative and focus on the positive, the good in life! You'll be surprised at how quickly things turn around for you.

I have so many blessings that I am grateful for: my career is moving in the right direction, my awesome nephew was born and has shown me how beautiful and special life is, my family is the best and they are happy and healthy, my friends are absolutely amazing, Dennis and I are growing and our relationship becomes stronger each day, and I wake up every day with a roof over my head, food to eat, and people who love me. When it comes down to it...that's all you really need.


Dennis and I with our sweet nephew. He's too adorable!


I do, however, have some resolutions...as I'm sure all of us do. I need to take better care of myself mentally, emotionally, and physically. I need to understand that striving for perfection is ok as a goal, but literally trying to achieve perfection is not possible...and if I keep trying, it will be the death of me. I need to accept that I've put forth my best and move on. It may not be enough sometimes, but at least it's my best. I need to take better care of my body...can't remember the last time I was actually at the gym. I need to nurture and care for my body so it doesn't give out much sooner than it should. As much as I love yoga and love how it makes me feel, I bet I can count on one hand how many yoga classes I attended in 2012. Unacceptable. I must make the time for myself. I have to.

Four eyes, DC trip, my 30th birthday, and our LA trip.


My other goal for 2013 is to grow my blog even more. It has already grown so quickly since launching in September, and I have big ideas and plans that I can't wait to start working on. I have so much fun writing and sharing with you, and I didn't even anticipate all of the followers and loyal readers. Thank you SO much for reading and coming back to see what's new. Most of all, thanks for all of the support!

Some of the wonderful people in my life


Count your blessings, leave the negative in 2012, aim high, and dream big! I hope you all have an amazing 2013! I'm really looking forward to it!

Friday, December 28, 2012

Stippling...

Oops! I switched blogging platforms! You'll be redirected to my new blog where you can search for "Stippling" to read about creating the airbrush look....hope you enjoy! Sorry for the inconvenience!

xoxo Kim

Remember in art class there was a technique called stippling? I'm no artist, I can barely write my name legibly, but I use this stippling technique every day...on my face. If you can't remember what stippling is, or didn't have an art class in school, it's basically drawing or painting with tiny dots. This method of applying foundation to your face is what creates the much desired "airbrush effect."

My post on the Flawless Face has been one of my most popular posts, so I thought I'd share another trick with you and demonstrate stippling. I learned this technique from a makeup artist several years ago, and it's a common technique used within the industry.

You'll obviously need a stippling brush, but if you don't have one or don't want to shell out the money for one, you can somewhat create the same effect with a makeup sponge or your fingers...but a brush is best. I actually just bought a great new foundation brush that I'm obsessed with:



This is Tarte's Airbrush Finish Bamboo Foundation Brush...and it's aahhhmazing! I highly recommend this brush, but if you'd like a more traditional stippling brush, Sephora has one in it's professional brush line. I have it as well.

Back to stippling...

You must start with a clean, moisturized face. How you care for your skin will greatly effect how makeup looks on your face. Cleanse, exfoliate, and moisturize ladies!

You could apply a primer next to help create an even canvas for your foundation, but I don't use primers unless I'm doing my makeup for a special occasion. So, next is applying foundation. I'm using a Christian Dior foundation: Diorskin Nude Skin-Glowing foundation, another great foundation if you're looking for a new brand. I just happened to have a bit of this left and I'm trying to finish it up...no sense in being wasteful!

I have my own method of stippling, and everyone is different, so go with what works best for you. I like to pump the foundation on my hand first, then lightly dip the brush into the foundation on my hand. And I do mean lightly. You'll be amazed at how little foundation you need when you start using this method.



Once you have a small bit of foundation on your brush, apply it to your face by "dotting" into your skin. Use short, quick taps and the foundation will blend smoothly. After blending well, dip your brush in more foundation and continue stippling across your face. It's that easy! The stippling helps create a smooth, even finish without using a ton of makeup. Of course you can build your coverage as needed for any red or uneven spots, acne, scars, etc. Stippling is also a great method when you're applying foundation over another layer...like primers or concealers.



Oh, and just an FYI...I know some makeup tutorials show you to "buff" and move your brush in circular motions, but that actually raises the small hairs on your face and makes your face look fuzzy (not attractive). It's best to brush using downward strokes so you don't lift those tiny hairs.

Here are links to the foundation I'm using, as well as brushes:


If you're trying stippling for the first time, leave me a comment and let me know how it worked for you!




Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Feathers


I can't even begin to tell you how obsessed I am with this feather vest. I wear it way too often, but I really enjoy creating new looks with it. For this particular outfit, I wanted a relaxed feel, baggy yet boho...and I had to wear my new favorite kicks, of course! I topped off the look with my Rebecca Minkoff bag Dennis got me for my birthday this year. He's too good to me :)


 Full details on where you can find these items below:








Got some ideas on how I should wear the vest? Leave a comment and let me know!