December 30, 2013

Blondie Babble ♡ Episode One

Blondie Babble ♡ Episode One

It's late, I'm curling my hair for no reason, I'm not going anywhere at this hour. But hey - come hang out with me! Let's gab! If you enjoy these types of videos, +1 and let me know on the other social networking sites!



It means the WORLD to me when I get that email alerting me someone new subscribed!
Take a moment to become a follower & I'll give you a shout-out! Thank you to all of my readers!


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TWITTER & INSTAGRAM: kellykumse
FACEBOOK: /thecupcakeblondie
EMAIL: kkumse@gmail.com


What I'm Looking Forward To in 2014

2014 is literally right around the corner (it's 2 days away!) and I couldn't be more excited to try out new products coming to the beauty world this year! Here's a quick list of some products I have on my wishlist! (Products in no specific order.)


Maybelline Baby Skin Pore Eraser

PHOTO CREDIT: MAYBELLINE.COM.HK
I have never had the pleasure of testing out Benefit's Porefessional and supposedly this is going to be just like it at the bargain of a drugstore price (under $10 to be exact)! Rumored to refine pores, smooth fine lines, AND mattify, Maybelline's Pore Eraser is guaranteed to disappear from shelves FAST!


Flower by Drew Lip Suede Crayons

PHOTO CREDIT: BUZZFEED.COM
A big shout out to Buzz Feed writer Chanel Parks for tipping me off about this! I just stumbled upon the Flower cosmetics line in my Walmart last week and had no clue it even existed! I am so excited to finally get my hands on Ms. Barrymore's products and especially this lip crayon in January! Retractable balms are headlining the lip trends in beauty this season and leave it to this talented actress to pull out a show stopping product! This will definitely be in my cart when it hits Walmart.


Bumble and bumble. Surf Shampoo

PHOTO CREDIT: ELLE.COM
It might already be available on shelves, but I am stoked to test out this new shampoo by B&B! I have heard nothing but FANTASTIC reviews of their Surf line and hope this becomes my guilty [shower] pleasure! ;) Hey, it won Elle's beauty awards for the year so it's gotta be a winner, right?


xoBeauty Lashes by +Shaaanxo

PHOTO CREDIT: XOBEAUTY.COM
At a steal of only $6.99 who the heck wouldn't want to try some of YouTuber Shannon Harris' new lash line?! I know I am super excited for these to drop January 6! I'm especially looking forward to the Flirt (which is only $5.50) and the Innocent lashes!


Glamglow Mud Masks

PHOTO CREDIT: GLAMGLOWMUD.COM
And last but certainly not least, another Elle beauty award winner for 2014: Hollywood California Glamglow Mud masks! Jam packed with vitamins and minerals, these masks are infamous for working wonders on skin! I will get my hands on the Supermud Clearing Treatment if it's the last thing I do! My birthday is April 1st friends and family... whataya say? ;)


There you have it! What are you looking forward to this coming year? 
Have a safe and Happy New Years!

December 24, 2013

DIY: Vanilla Peppermint Lip Scrub (100% Edible!)

Hey there ladies and gents! Another DIY right before Christmas - and you can find almost all of this in your cabinets right now! Today's DIY is a yummy vanilla peppermint lip scrub! And the best part, it's completely edible! Let me know if you recreate this scrub by tagging me in any of your photos (#thecupcakeblondie)!

Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!
I love you all and I am so thankful to have ended this year off with this blog!
I am excited for what 2014 holds for me!


STEP 1: Gather your supplies
  • a mixing bowl/cup
  • a small spoon
  • small jars (I found mine in the travel section of the cosmetics aisle)
  • food coloring
  • honey
  • white granulated sugar
  • olive or coconut oil
  • pure vanilla extract
  • peppermint oil for baking (it has to be edible, NOT essential oil)



STEP 2: Measure your sugar

I used my small jars to estimate how much I'd need. I did this in one bowl to make the red color and another for the white color.



STEP 3: Add the wet ingredients

This part doesn't need to be perfect. You're going to measure out how much of each ingredient you want. I used more honey than oil and more vanilla than peppermint. NOTE: Peppermint oil is EXTREMELY strong; use only one drop at a time!


STEP 4: Mix

Mix your ingredients together into a thick paste. You'll want it thick enough to not drip off your lips when you scrub with it. If it's too runny, add more sugar and honey LESS oil and flavorings. (And vice versa!)


STEP 5: Add the color

Since it's a peppermint scrub, I wanted a little red tint to the mixture! I used a VERY small amount. If you want it to leave a stronger color on your lips you'll want more coloring. Use a little bit at a time until you like it! I left the other bowl just plain white to make a peppermint swirl later.

I kept one bowl white with just sugar, honey, and oil. That way the peppermint was mainly in the red mix and didn't overwhelm the user. This left the white scrub tasting mostly like honey - yum!


Here's the red coloring! If you want it darker, add more but keep in mind that it will stain your lips.


STEP 6: Fill your jars

Now comes the fun part! I used a baby spoon to fit right in these tiny jars. I scooped a tiny bit of red in the bottom and packed it flat. Then added some of the white mixture to create a 'swirl' look! Then I topped it off with a little more red!


This the swirl/layered effect I was aiming for! 


STEP 7: Decorate

I added a little initial sticker for my scrub and a bow! You're all done! Now just rub that sweet scrub on your lips and exfoliate!





You can't tell in this photo but my lips were lightly stained a nice pink color! And it tasted great! You don't have to eat it of course! You can always wipe off with a warm paper towel but since it's completely edible... go ahead. ;) Don't forget to finish it off with a hydrating lip balm! This recipe doubles as a lip PLUMPER too with the mint!

Another trick is to use a small baby toothbrush to scrub your lips! It helps go the extra mile leaving your lips super soft! I hope you enjoyed this DIY! More to come in the future!


Let's be friends!
Subscribe to my YouTube to stay up to date with new video posts!
TWITTER & INSTAGRAM: kellykumse
FACEBOOK: /thecupcakeblondie
EMAIL: kkumse@gmail.com

xo K

December 23, 2013

Drugstore Haul December 2013

Offsetting the usual blog post, here's a video of my Walgreens and Walmart finds with a mini-review thrown in! I hope you enjoy. Have an amazing holiday everyone in case I don't see you until after! And be ready for my blog on what I got for Christmas!


GIVEAWAY IS STILL LIVE!
ENTER TODAY FOR A CHANCE TO WIN!


Let's be friends!
Subscribe to my YouTube to stay up to date with new video posts!
TWITTER & INSTAGRAM: kellykumse
FACEBOOK: /thecupcakeblondie
EMAIL: kkumse@gmail.com

xo K

December 21, 2013

10 Under $10: Lipstick

And we're here for another list of 10 Under $10! Today's topic: lipsticks! I find that I buy more lip products than I'll ever be able to use up in my lifetime! But you know what, I'm okay with that! Because it also helps me write these blogs for you!

Products are listed in NO SPECIFIC ORDER! I hope you enjoy!
* All photos gathered from their respective websites, credit to the companies. *

10. Covergirl Continuous Color Lipstick
$4.99 most drugstores

Covergirl has brought us many a product that are best sellers on the shelves. Here's another! The Covergirl Continuous Lip Color is a favorite among so many long-time users, just check out the reviews on their website! So many women turn to Covergirl for their go-to color and it never goes out of style! These are moisture rich and will leave your lips hydrated all day with a gorgeous pop of color! They're constantly coming out with new colors so keep an eye out for your favorite!

9. NYX Black Label Lipstick
$7.50 online and at select Targets

Oh NYX, you do it again! Not only are the NYX Matte lipsticks a huge hit, but their pricier Black Label line is to die for! Super rich pigments and long lasting wear, these NYX lipsticks are affordable AND gorgeous! You have just about 40 shades to choose from, too, ranging from nudes to bright baby pinks and even orange! These are absolutely a hidden gem in any cosmetics department.

8. Milani Color Statement Lipstick
$5.50 select retailers


These lip colors give us a hyper-glossy pigment with the bonus of Vitamins A, C, & E to keep our lips smooth and healthy! Advertised to be available in different textures as well: vinyl, cream, metallic, matter, shimmer, and pearl! What a fantastic selection to choose from! Milani has been a favorite of mine for a very long time. Most of their products are a bit pricier at my KMart so I tend to skip out, but if there's something I want and think I'll like I will get it and 99.99% I am never let down! I have their Luminoso blush and can't stop raving about it! These lipstick DELIVER!

7. Maybelline Color Sensational: the Vivids
$7.50 most retailers


You may only have 10 colors to choose from with the Maybelline Vivids collection, but all ten are eye-poppin' shades made for any glam girl! There's Electric Orange, Brazen Berry (an orchid color), and Vivid Rose for those of us who (wo)man up and go bold or some lighter colors for those less daring! Maybelline advertises the use of honey nectar in the formula to keep our pouts perfect and soft!

6. Wet n Wild Mega Last Matte Lip Color
$2.99 select retailers
As some of you know, these are my go-to lipsticks when I want some color! They're a great matifying formula that doesn't "dry out" like most matte lipsticks but isn't glossy! They're a steal at under $3 at most drugstores and come in such an array of shades! Fergie ALSO contributed a few shades to these Wet n Wild lipsticks and they're worth the extra change. On the website, you have 26 colors to choose from but it varies in store. I absolutely LOVE these lipsticks!

5. Rimmel London Lasting Finish Matte by Kate
$6.50 select drugstores

With a velvety texture, these Rimmel lipsticks are fabulous at achieving a matte look without it drying us out! Mattes seem to be the thing this year (check out Revlon's matte balm crayons) and Rimmel certainly doesn't disappoint! Kate offers us her matte lipstick in classic shades - berries, reds, and pinks - good enough for any makeup maven!

4. NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream
$6 online and select Targets

Okay, maybe I'm obsessed with every lipstick on this list, but they're amazing! These NYX soft matte lip creams are so bright, so matte, and I'll forever buy them! There are some shades I wouldn't ever wear being that I'm not THAT bold when it comes to color, but they are stunning even if I don't personally wear them. You have about 13 shades to choose from and they're all named after famous cities. I own Tokyo, Amsterdam, Istanbul, and Milan and I would say Tokyo is my go-to from this line. It's a pale baby pink but it's got some brightness at the same time. They are in a lip gloss package and extremely easy to apply.

3. Jordana Twist & Shine Balm Stain
$3.29 Walgreens


+eleventh gorgeous... I should scold you two for getting me hooked on these! I only own three shades but I WANT THEM ALL! Stop recommending such awesome products, ladies. ;) No joke, these are amazing! First of all, I'm OBSESSED with the light raspberry scent they give off - I could smell it all day! The pigmentation is impeccable and offers such a glossy feel as it hydrates! They're so affordable, too! In the words of these classy ladies, GO GET YOU SOME!

2.L'Oreal Colour Riche Lip Color
$8.99 most drugstores

46 colors! You can pick brown, pink, red, berry, wine, coral! It's amazing! I'm not sure I've seen a lipstick with close to as many shades as these Colour Riche lipsticks! L'Oreal is known for putting out amazing products and they don't stop here! These are so hydrating, extremely pigmented, and super creamy - let's just say they're kind of a big deal. ;) Great thing is, none of the colors are really too "out there" and unwearable so you've got an amazing selection to choose your favorite from.

1. Revlon Matte Lipstick
$5.00 (price varies) various drugstores


And this is where I stand corrected. Revlon, you have been my favorite for a very long time. I am in a long term relationship with your matte lipstick Pink Pout and we're never breaking up. 82 shades? 82 shades?! 82 magnificent shades in matte, pearl, creme, or shine gloss fit for anyone! I'm done. There's nothing more to be said. ;) These lipsticks rule them all!

Keep an eye out for more 10 Under $10 blogs! If you have any suggestions, send them my way! I hope you all have an amazing weekend! And good luck finishing your Christmas shopping if you're like me and still need those last-minute gifts!

xo K

December 17, 2013

Want to Win Some Homemade Beauty Products?

Then you've found the right place to be, my friends! Below are the qualifying things that will earn you a single entry into the giveaway.



TO QUALIFY:
1. You must "like" the Facebook page.

2. Get 3 people to "like" the Facebook page - make sure they comment or message me with YOUR name so I can tally everyone! (This counts as 1 entry. You must get 3 friends to "like" the page in order to get your first entry.)

3. Every ADDITIONAL "like" you bring will be another single entry! (Example: 3 of your friends "liked" the Facebook page, that is 1 entry. You got 2 more to like it, that's 2 more entries! You are now at a total of 3 entries in the giveaway!)

EXTRA ENTRIES:
Follow this blog on Bloglovin - 1 extra entry.
Follow me on Twitter1 extra entry.
Follow my Instagram - 1 extra entry.


WHAT YOU'LL WIN:
1 Cocoa Coffee Body Scrub
1 Cinnamon Vanilla Body Scrub
1 Vanilla Tinted Lip Scrub
And a little extra YUMMY surprise! ;)

* All packaged in decorative tins or jars. *
ABSOLUTELY FREE TO YOU!


GIVEAWAY WILL RUN FROM:
Tuesday, December 17 thru Tuesday, December 31. It will end at 11:59pm.
I will tally everyone's entries and a winner will be announced sometime between January 1-3, 2014! Giveaway runs until after the holidays to ensure the post office will get this to you!
GOOD LUCK!

DIY Shave Cream & Packaging Idea

Money is tight this year, at least for myself, and homemade gifts are always a great sentiment to the ones you love! I'm going to be making some homemade beauty products for my friends and family and wanted to share these "recipes" with you! They are awesome alternatives to store-bought products and with the right packaging can look even better than anything you find in-store.

Today we're going to look at homemade shave cream inspired by PopSugar Beauty! I decided to use what I had in my home to make my own shave cream! This one is for myself personally, but I'm going to replicate it with other scents/flavors for my friends according to smells they like! Enjoy!

What You'll Need:


 STEP 1:


First thing first! Measure out 1/2 cup shampoo and pour it into your container. I chose a mason jar just like the ladies at PopSugar Beauty for the vintage homemade look and feel. You can find them individually for $1.49 at Michael's or in bulk! Try any craft store and even Walmart in the kitchen aisles.
* Go green: save that pasta sauce jar or that old candle with the lid! They make perfect containers to reuse! *

STEP 2:


Measure your 1 and a half cup of conditioner and pour into the jar. Trust me, this COULD get messy. You're not alone if it does. ;)
Want it thicker? Add more conditioner!
Want it thinner? Add more shampoo!

STEP 3:


Use 5 tablespoons of whatever lotion you'd like! I used the baby lotion because a.) I like the smell b.) it was on hand c.) it's affordable and d.) it makes your skin super soft! You can use unscented lotion, blue green or purple lotion, cocoa butter lotion, WHATEVER YOU WANT! Try to find a coordinating scent though to your shampoo/conditioner or it could get a little wonky. Imagine... strawberry shampoo and men's musk lotion - doesn't sound too appealing. ;)

STEP 4:


It looks so pretty all layered! Lastly we'll be adding in our melted coconut oil. You can use any oil as long as it is in liquid form. Olive oil and jojoba oil are awesome alternatives! Coconut oil has great skin moisturizing properties so I chose that. Make sure it is melted though and not in cold pressed form to make for easier mixing.

STEP 5:


Shake it up! Put the lid on securely and shake that puppy up! Make sure it is all mixed evenly. It should turn out something like... 


this! Once it's mixed all up, you'll want to carefully remove the lid again and clean it off.

STEP 6:


Make sure your pump is short enough to fit in the jar. I measured mine like this on the outside of the jar which wasn't too great of an idea as once I put it inside it was a bit too long. So we'll worry about measuring once the pump is assembled. Also, I just saved the pumps from my bathroom soaps, ran water through them, and let them dry before using. Easy recyclable! :)

STEP 7:


* BE CAREFUL NOT TO CUT YOURSELF, PLEASE! *


You want to carefully punch a hole into your lid (I used a screw driver) and SLOWLY SLOWLY SLOWLY start to peel it back with your pliers to make it big enough to fit the pump. Keep checking the pump to make sure you don't make too big of an opening. Once done, bend the jagged edges back and flatten them out for safety reasons. :)

STEP 8:


Once your lid fits in the opening you'll be ready for the hot glue! I used some Scotch tape to position the top where I wanted it so it didn't twist or turn when I applied my hot glue. Just take a few pieces of tape and tape that clear twisty part to the top if the lid to hold it in place. (I did this because I wanted those swirls on the lid towards the front. If you have a plan lid, you won't need to worry about taping it down.)

STEP 9:


You will want to COVER that lip with glue! I used a hi-temp glue gun and  made a ring of glue from the inside of the lid opening going upward. I didn't want it to drip into the top of the lip for appearance reasons. So I built the glue up almost in an ice cream twist pattern.


This doesn't need to be neat at all! This part is in the mixture and on the inside of the jar and no one will see! Just make sure to completely cover the jagged rough edged so no one gets cut & make sure the plastic pump is securely adhered to the lid. Seal it completely to prevent water from getting into the pump mechanism.

STEP 10:


* MAKE SURE THE HOT GLUE IS 100% DRY AND COOL BEFORE THIS STEP! *
Put on your pump and make sure it fits. If not, pull it out, wipe it off, and cut the tip until you have it just barely touching the bottom of the jar. When you cut the straw make sure to cut on an angle and not flat to ensure your product will pump correctly.

Tah-Dah!


Here it is! An adorable mason jar homemade shave cream! Tie it off with a ribbon, add a tag with a label and you've got an adorable homemade beauty product for your loved ones! I chose twine and a cardstock label for a country flair.

SHOW ME YOUR CREATIONS! Tag my Instagram with the hashtag #cupcakeblondie so I can see your amazing homemade gifts! I love you all! Keep an eye out for MORE DIY beauty products coming up! Also... Congratulations on making it this far through the article! I'll be posting in a separate blog post this evening OR tomorrow (Wednesday) the steps on how you can be entered to win homemade beauty products from me! Stay tuned - it will be up before you know it. ;)

xo K