| Sole Serum |

Posted on March 26, 2015 by karissaestrada

Day in and day out I get asked how I’m able to wear heels all day long. To be honest, I’m like most women and I do get foot pain. I’m just able to sacrifice my comfort so I can wear my favorite heels. Heels make me feel beautiful. It may sound silly but they not only elevate every single look you wear, but they bring confidence that a normal flat couldn’t, just couldn’t. No matter the amount of blisters, red marks, and band-aids I still would much rather opt for heels. Those painful days are over ladies! I would hate for other women to not feel the way I do in heels because of their discomfort, so here’s my secret.

Let me introduce you to Sole Serum– “A serum that targets foot pain relief. With the power of lidocaine and a soothing combination of natural oils and extracts, Sole Serum takes away your daily aches and pains. Just simply apply a small amount when you start feel discomfort. Your feet will be free of pain for up to two hours per use. Whether you’re standing on your feet all day, running errands, or simply making your way through the work day, foot pain can occur in even the most comfortable and sensible shoes. Sole Serum is the perfect solution, with its blend of natural and active ingredients to safely relieve foot pain for up to two hours per use. The power of lidocaine not only blocks the foot’s pain signals from reaching the brain, but also helps to reduce inflammation. It also includes natural ingredients to help soothe your skin and leave your feet feeling refreshed. Your feet will thank you!” Click | here | to read more about their philosophy.

But here’s my philosophy: Wear whatever makes you feel beautiful because life is WAY too short to not to.

With love,

©Karissa Marie

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That Dumb Girl In Chemistry Class

Posted on March 22, 2015 by karissaestrada

I gravitate towards splashes and blocks of color. I think most artists do. I may not be the painting kind of artist, even though I used to be in high school and HEY! I was pretty good at it. I have a few paintings in my parents storage to prove it. But I am in fact an artist in many other forms. For example: I’m a cookie artist. A guacamole artist. A doodle artist. A lipstick artist. A freelance writer-artist. A dry shampoo artist. An under qualified and un-paid apparel/editorial artist. And even a chocolate strawberry artist but look, I’m an artist none the less. Being an artist is simply creating something out of nothing. It’s seeing beauty in all shapes and sizes. I think we all have an artist somewhere inside of us. Others just pursue it more passionately than others. I see art everywhere I go. Not in a hippie way (no offense to the hippies) but I see beauty, color and chaos in everything. I think that makes me so high strung more than half of the time. My brain never stops.

I’ve never been good at math or science. I was always so ashamed that I never quite got that part of high school. One incident that has always stuck in my head was on my first day of Chemistry class. I sat down next to a girl that I THOUGHT was my friend and she gives me this look, like I was an alien or something. The next words that fell out of her mouth have still kind of haunted me to this day. She said, “Um, this is Chemistry class…Are you sure you belong here?” Ouch. I ran to bathroom and cried. Did I really have the word ‘Dummy’ written across my forehead? Let’s just say I switched classes immediately. From the day I started pre-school to my second year of college I was EXTREMELY hard on myself. I nearly punished myself every single time I didn’t get something 100% right. I was constantly insecure in my school work. I was constantly running to the girls bathroom to breathe and give myself a pep talk. I had nothing but A’s…but in my head that wasn’t good enough. My mom told me the other day that even before I started school I was ridiculously hard on myself. I’ve literally never stopped judging and punishing who I am. I have extremely high standards in all aspects of my life. Which I didn’t know that could be harmful until now. My mom said, “You don’t have to know it all Karissa. Just know the things that make you happy.” I was and am still always focusing on my weaknesses. When the whole time I could have learned to accept the fact that I am a right side brain user. Little did I realize that when we had projects in English, Science, Art Class and Social Studies that had anything to with color or creativity, everyone would want to be my parter. MY partner. My teachers knew I would shine when it came to these kind of projects but I had no idea. Writing poems, painting a canvas and creating slideshows were my thing. I even made one of my teachers CRY while presenting one of my “pieces of art.” I wish I could have given myself some credit. I wish I could have rewarded myself just a little more.

Here’s what I found a few weeks ago that I’m gonna put on my refridgerater to remind myself that it’s okay to not be a left brain thinker. It’s actually okay to be exactly who I am.

World, I’m not a left brain user. Don’t try and corrupt us who are right brain users. We have a purpose too. We can make a living too. We are important too. So put your hands high in sky whether you’re a left brain or a right brain and give yourself a little more credit. Love what you were given because I swear, what you were given was a gift.

Self acceptance.

Hey, I may be that dumb girl in chemistry class but at least I see life in more ways than just one.

Sincerely Your A+ Art Student,

©Karissa Marie

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All About My Bag

Posted on February 28, 2015 by karissaestrada

My handbag story:

I’m not a handbag kind of girl. I prefer to invest in some great shoes. I’m more than positive that all the cross-bodies, satchels, shoulder bags and clutches that I own are all under $25 dollars. I’ve never been one to really care about my purse because it’s where my piles and piles of hoarded receipts go and where little crumbs of chocolate are left behind. I treat my purses kind of horrible to be honest. They’re thrown all over the place so what’s the point in spending a trillion on them? Everyone on YouTube and even a few bloggers think the opposite. They’re all rockin’ their Prada and Givenchy handbags and I’m over here rolling my eyes at them. I never thought the day would come that I would actually spend more than 50 dollars on a purse but that day did come and I couldn’t not be more satisfied.

For those that know me know that this gold Liebeskind purse was MADE FOR ME! I’m pretty sure the handbag God from handbag heaven knew that I needed some sparkle in my life so he sent down this stunning thing. We should name him (or her). Ya? I’m open to suggestions. Comment below. I think I needed to do an entire blog post on this new little beauty of mine to justify the amount that I spent on it AND to show off how fancy it looks. Again, it wasn’t no price of any Prada out there but it was spend-y for just a small cross-body. I knew it was the one the second I laid my eyes on it. There was no turning back, I needed this golden goddess in my life.

Here’s my purse personality (we all have one): 1) I’m constantly on the go. 2) I lose track of everything: my phone, wallet, I.D, etc. on a daily basis 3) I love me some gold accents. So with that being said, the cross-body style is meant for a girl like me. I own more cross-body styles than I should but they fit my personality and lifestyle to the T. The bright gold color of this bag upgrades any and all of my outfits. I can now where an all black look and not feel so blah and boring. I’d like to thank Liebeskind for making this golden queen (or king) because I have finally found my purse soulmate. Wahoo.

With love,

©Karissa Marie

Buy This Bag ↓

CrossBody Bag

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Glo-Minerals Makeup Review

Posted on February 9, 2015 by karissaestrada

First things first, let me tell you a little bit about Glo Minerals:

Glō∙minerals offers a mineral makeup system uniquely designed for skincare professionals and their clients. Their award-winning formulations deliver unsurpassed coverage, UV and environmental protection and an exceptional spectrum of mineral pigments. Talc free and non-comedogenic, glō∙minerals provides the ideal choice for even the most sensitive skin, like myself. Clinically advanced mineral makeup that covers, corrects and protects. Don’t you love the sound of that?

• Triple-milled process ensures even, continuous coverage that lasts

• Powerful antioxidant blend of Vitamins A, C, E and Green Tea Extract

• Broad spectrum UVA and UVB sun protection

• Non-comedogenic, talc free formulas

• Formulated with anti-inflammatory ingredients

♥Let’s start off with my favorite product from Glo Minerals: The Luxe Liquid Bright Concealer.

I am huge a advocate of concealing. I think I’ve tried every under eye concealer that’s ever been made. Not only must I find a concealer that gets rid of my dark circles (I’m an insomniac) but I also need a product that brightens up my complexion.

My First Impression: The formula is very high coverage. I’m surprised, but thankful, that it never creased under my eyes considering how thick it was. You only need the smallest, and I mean SMALLEST, amount. A little of Liquid Bright Concealer goes a very long way and I love that. I mix both of the colors, high beam & brighten, to get my perfect highlight shade. Even though the formula is thicker than most concealers, it looks incredibly natural and nothing beats that.

The Facts: A lightweight, corrective concealer pen that provides impeccable coverage while bringing light and brightness to the complexion.

Instantly reduces signs of fatigue and shadows by cancelling out unwanted color and masking imperfections
Softens the look of fine lines and improves skin’s radiance
Each shade has a specific purpose:
- high beam – Overall concealing / highlighting
- brighten – Neutralizes Redness / imperfections
For more info take a look at these tutorials:
- glo How-To: Luxe Liquid Bright Concealer for Fair to Meduim Skin Tones
- glo How-To: Luxe Liquid Bright Concealer for Light to Medium Skin Ton es

♥Glo Minerals Blush: Papaya

Blush is everything. A little bit of blush on the apples of your cheeks adds a touch feminine to your entire look no matter what you’re wearing. Blush is one of my all time favorite steps of my makeup routine. No girl should ever have to live without blush.

My First Impression: HOLY MOLY! Was this blush pigmented. One tap of this and you’re ready to look naturally flushed. I have been searching and searching for my “everyday” shade. This particular shade is the perfect combination of cool and warm tones. I don’t think I will ever go back to another color. I am obsessed.

Facts: High-pigment mineral makeup blush for expert color, shading and highlighting.

Apply glo minerals Blush to the apples of the cheeks blending upward along the cheek bone.
Exclusive antioxidant blend of vitamins A, C, E and green tea extract

♥Glo Minerals Luxe Liquid Foundation: Porcelain

I have an on going struggle with foundation. I can’t seem to find one that fits all my skincare needs. I have combination skin but it’s more on the oily side. I’ve gotten over the high coverage foundation phase because my skin has cleared up a lot and I want to show it off.

My First Impression: Another product where a little goes a long way. I only needed half of a pump of this and it seamlessly covered my entire face and left me looking flawless, yet natural. I was blown away at how easily it blended. I am very pleased with the formula. My facial shine did peak through after a few hours, but personally, I’m not totally against it. I like a little bit of natural oil because looking completely matte is so last year. Luxe Liquid Foundation is an A+ in my book.

Facts: Harness the light-refracting power of diamonds to bend light for a smooth, ageless complexion.

Formulated with light-diffusing diamond powder
Specialized moisturizing agents to deliver a flawless, youthful radiance
Sheer to full coverage that is easily buildable
Great for all skin types except excessively oily
Delivers a semi-dewy finish
Broad spectrum UV protection

♥Luxe Foundation Brush

My First Impression: I’ve invested in a lot of high-end brushes. I regret buying them all because this brush takes the cake. It made blending my foundation an absolute breeze. It’s so soft. Like a cloud really. The Luxe Liquid Foundation and this brush was a match made in heaven. Bravo.

Facts: This flat top kabuki is the perfect applicator for Luxe Liquid Foundation SPF 15.

the synthetic hair only picks up the perfect amount of product meaning nothing goes to waste
Achieve full coverage and a smooth, even application with a soft focus finish.

♥Glo Minerals Brow Gel: Clear

How could I blog about makeup and not mention my brows? Duh. I’m sure most of you big brow lovers appreciate a good brow gel.

My First Impression: Nothing much to say except that the job was done. This gel lifted my brows and they stayed up the entire day which ultimately lifted my entire face and that’s all I ask for in a brow gel.

Facts: A water-based formulation enriched with antioxidants, glominerals brow gel provides brow-sculpting control in tinted or clear.

♥ Glo Minerals Redness Relief Powder

My First Impression: My sensitive skin is prone to redness. Falling in love with this product was so easy to do because it’s so light weight. I use this powder to set my under eyes and the rest of my face for a natural and oil-free look.

Facts: Visibly reduce skin’s surface redness with soothing ingredients like Honey Suckle, Zinc Oxide and Caffeine. Redness Relief Powder is ideal for even the most sensitive skin.

Formulated with glominerals’ exclusive blend of antioxidants, including vitamins A, C, E and green tea
Wear alone, under or over foundation and re-apply throughout the day as needed.

♥Glo Mineral Lipstick: Spark, Vixen and Willow

My First Impression: Alright, alright. It’s not a secret that I’m a lipstick girl. I refuse to go nude. The brighter and bolder the lip, the better. I’m normally a big fan of matte lipsticks. I just prefer the look on me a lot better. These lipsticks have slight sheen to them which, honestly, is outside my comfort zone. Besides the glossy factor, they felt amazing on my lips. Having dry lips is a struggle of mine but these bad boys kept my lips moisturized the entire day. If I’m being honest…the smell of these lipsticks wasn’t my favorite. It has that “no smell” smell. It’s doesn’t linger or anything but if that’s the only flaw in this entire post than I’d say that’s pretty good.

Facts: Moisturizing lipstick that provides vibrant, long-lasting color and remarkable wearability.

Fortified with the exclusive glominerals antioxidant blend of Vitamins A, C, E and Green Tea Extract.

Overall Review of Glo Minerals: This is my first time trying any mineral base makeup product. Everyone and they mother has told me to try it and I never listened. I’ve been using this makeup line for awhile now. My skin has had time to react to it and I’d say that my skin has never looked or felt better. I really don’t know where this company has been my whole life. I would strongly recommend Glo Minerals to anyone and everyone. Whether you’re 16 or 85, I suggest you try it because you won’t regret it.

GUESS WHAT!

My readers get a sweet surprise.

Use the promo code KARISSAMARIE15 for 15% off your ENTIRE purchase. Here is your chance to try out some mineral makeup if you haven’t before or if you’re just sick of your current makeup routine. CHECK OUT THEIR SITE HERE.

Find a local glo retailer – 1-800-232-0398.

Facebook: glo minerals

Twitter: @glominerals

Instagram: @glominerals

#glominerals

With love,

©Karissa Marie

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Meet Lilee

Posted on January 22, 2015 by karissaestrada

Hello my dear friends. This post is somewhat special because I wanted to share a recent discovery of mine and I think you might love it just as much as I do. If you’re interested in trying new things, love one-of-a-kind beauty products, or just simply enjoy little pick me ups… then I think this subscription service is just for you.

Meet Lilee.

Lilee isn’t the typical subscription service. Like the websites states, Lilee knows what she likes and she only likes the best. She’s picked out fabulous beauty and lifestyle products to share with you every month. There’s no better way to discover your next must-have lipstick, scarf, bauble or bling than to become a Lilee subscriber! Simply pick your plan and prepare for $120+ worth of gorgeous goodies every month! There’s really nothing better than getting a little surprise in your mailbox to brighten up your day. Sometimes you forget to treat yourself so let Lilee do all the work for you. Sign up to receive a Lilee box every month. You have a choice between a monthly plan, 4-month plan, or a 12 month plan. For more information visit their charming website | here. |

What I received in my Lilee box this month:

-My Beauty Tea YUM!

-Jesse & Co Gold Necklace with the word “Curated” engraved. (I wear it everyday now.)

-Mirabella Perfecting Powder

-Cult Cosmetics Nail Polish

-“You’re a Gem” Greeting Card

-Pur Daily Moisturizer

-Manetea Tea Infuser

I love Lilee and I think you will too.

Lilee has Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | FOLLOW HER.

With love,

Karissa

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Lilee . Polka Dot Sweaters Here Here and Here . Skirt . Lipstick

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