March 23rd Cancer Free for one YEAR!

So as many of you know my sweetheart of a husband was diagnosed with Stage 4 Melanoma with tumors in the brain, the lung and the sinus cavity. He was only given one year to live. Through the miracles of prayers and God and the Good Doctors at MD Anderson in Houston Texas on March 23rd my honey will be in Remission for a WHOLE YEAR!!!! If you would like to read about our journey please check out my other Blog The Cancer Diaries.  Please check your skin on the regular. Melanoma is the most deadly of the skin cancers with almost 0 chance of survival for long term life. Please refer to this chart and if you have more than 20 moles you need to visit the Dermatologist at least once a year! All my love xoxox

Camera Ready Cosmetics Airbush Foundations Review and Swatches

Well if you have read any of my previous posts you will know not too long ago I did a little review on Dinair and Temptu foundations. Well I have a New favorite in the makeup world and they are the CRC airbrush foundations. Not only is the coverage absolutely fantastic it dries almost on contact for a beautiful matte complexion. Not to mention that this line cost half as less as the competing brands. I absolutely recommend these foundations my clients literally can't believe how beautiful and flawless their skin is after applying. Now only is Camera Ready cosmetics would make some blush and eyeshadow for their airbush line!

Buy your own  HERE  and don't forget, if your a professional they have a pro discount! Oh and p.s. this brand is compatible with ALL airbrush makeup compressors and guns! LOVE it!!!

Watch my Video Review Here and please give it a thumbs up for me!

Camera Ready Cosmetics Airbrush foundation review and Swatches

Whats your Beauty Resolution?

So its that time of year. Resolutions to make and resolutions to break.  I  make the the typical ones... Lose weight, quit smoking, start saving money.... ugggg...  How many times am I going to say I am going to change these things and don't.. So... this year I decided to go small... I decided to make one little teenie tiny beauty resolution. I am going to quit plucking  my eyebrows. Ok so I say this is a small resolution but I can't tell you how addicted I am to my 10x mirror and tweezers. It started when I was 12 or 13. It was the mid 90's.. Grunge was alive and well.. ripped jeans.. flannel..faces were pale, lips were dark and eyebrows were skinny. My blessing of thick eyebrows just didn't fit in so I decided to go ahead and start plucking and I never stopped. i have tried to go a week or two in the past but being in a  profession where I perform arch services its hard to be standing around with stray and unkempt brows. But how do I get the thick and luscious brows I crave? Patience, patience, patience.. So cross your fingers and say a little prayer. :D I will keep you updated! Now.. whats your beauty resolution? 

Winterize your Skin

Its that time of year boys and girls. Dry skin is a plague when the temp goes down outside and the heat goes up in homes. Here are just a few easy tips and solutions you can try at home to keep your skin in tip top shape! Moisturize, moisturize moisturize! You don't have to spend a lot of money to get a good face moisturizer. Look for ones with SPF! I like Aveeno and you can pick it up at any drugstore. Turn the temp down in the shower.  A sure way to dry out skin is too hot of a shower. Also showers that are too hot can cause broken capillaries on the face and chest. While in the shower use a loofah or body scrub to help increase cell turnover. For your feet use Mr.Pumice (love!) After you get out and dry off slather down with a good body lotion I suggest Eucerin. So follow these simple tips and your skin will love you for it!
xo
k

Creepy Doll Makeup 2

This was a fun and easy Halloween look!

Products used:

 Ben nye clown white (used as eyeshadow base)
Simply Kendra Yeti used for lid and under eye
Simply kendra Chocolate bunny and Tomkat for crease
Ben Nye Colorwheel for red lips 
Geo Contacts
Asian Brand Lashes (ebay)
Blush Simply Kendra Pink Magnolia

Easy Evil Halloween Cannibal Clown Makeup Tutorial

Easy Butterfly Sugarskull Halloween Makeup Tutorial

Super Easy Pink and Purple Halloween Tiger Makeup for Girls

Walking Dead Zombie Makeup 10/14/12

Dinair vs Temptu

So I know I have been way behind on my blog sorry! But I have been super busy at work and it seems to be makeup season. Weddings, dances and Pageants galore lately! I have been doing ALOT of airbrushing lately so  I thought I  would take a minute to talk about the two foundations brands I use at work and how they compare. To start off with I do have the dinair compressor.



 It was just an affordable option for me I have the pro version and believe I got it for a little under 200.00. In addition I bought a 12 piece Temptu foundation kit so I could always be prepared for whatever skin tone that walked through the door. I realized very quickly that even though I was the using the water based Temptu line that they are entirely to thick for Dinair's gun. It was constantly clogging up.

Luckily I found out if I thinned it a bit with  Temptu's Aqua Converter it works fine and thats ok with me because it stretches out my little bottles. So when it comes to coverage I feel like temptu is better I think its more pigmented but when it comes to final results I have to say the finish on Dinair is prettier. I find temptu is is but more matte and has a heavier feel on the skin . Don't get me wrong, I feel both are good but Dinair just leaves such a pretty glow on the skin and feels just like your natural skin. I have heard lots of mixed reviews about Dinair but I really like the makeup. The 1oz bottles cost about the same actually Temptu might be a little cheaper. So all in all I like both but if I had to choose I would choose the Dinair. I found out today that Camera Ready Cosmetics had their own label brand at around 13.00 bucks a pop for a bottle, have any of you airbrushers tried that brand yet? That would be super sweet on the wallet! Hope I helped some of  you a little. And if your in my area and have never seen the wonders of airbrush on your face, well drop on in or book an appointment with me! http://www.skinbykendra.weebly.com
xoxo
k

Update and Reviews for Kendi Bamboo Oil, Dermasilk 90 sec eyelift, and NXY smokey look kit

Well I was talking about my blog today and it hit me.. I haven't blogged in a LONG time! Lots have been going on. First and Foremost my husband is in Remission from his Cancer.. Awesome right? Secondly I FINALLY got my Esthetician License transferred over and have opened shop at a cute little salon in Natchitoches,la inside All Tangled Up on Front Street. Wanna see a pic? Well you have no choice. :D

Cute right?  Now I am just trying to build up a clientele but I think things are going to work out nicely. So those are the main reasons you haven't seen me around lately. I am still working on my Simply Kendra line and hope to create some new things when I have the time. In other news I finally cancelled Birchbox. The products are just getting worse and worse, I totally don't think its worth it anymore. Any thoughts? Ok onto some reviews! There are a few things I have tried recently and  I think they are absolutely worth recommending.


 Dermasilk 90 sec eyelift...So I have to admit I opened this up in the store and tried it right out of the box. I didn't want to invest in the 30.00 if it didn't work and all I had to do was wait 90 secs right? Its not my fault they don't put a tester out! Luckily for them I thought it worked Amazing well so I bought it. You can REALLY feel it tightening up under your eyes and I absolutely give it 2 thumbs up. One quick tip don't apply too much I think one pump is good for both eyes. Possibly one more if you need alot of help in that area but for this 30 something one was good enough.

Next on the list for stuff I have really fallen in love with Kendi Bamboo Oil from Alterna for hair.  It says on the directions to apply to damp hair but I use it like a thermal protector on dry hair and it works great. Its not too heavy and I think it smells great! I have SUPER frizzy hair and this is a little bottle of miracle. I usually use shine serums but I really believe this stuff is far superior. Its about 24.00 a bottle and you don't need alot at all. I wouldn't be surprised if it lasted me a full year. I really need to try some more things from this line If you look back on previous blots I did a previous review for the  Alterna Caviar 3 minute shine boost and I can't say enough about it. I am excited to learn what else they have.




Last but not least I want to mention the smokey look kit from NYX cosmetics. I have had this for a while and you know I love my Simply Kendra But while my husband was in and out of the hospital in recent months we were doing  lots and lots of traveling back and fourth to Houston. So not wanting to pack a million products I threw this palette, some lipstick and a few other basics in a makeup bag and was good to go. It was just great for travel and the colors were super versatile and long lasting. The compact is small and light with a mirror and includes two lipgloss. Just perfect.

Well dollfaces that's the news and i promise not to let you hang for so long next time! Hope you enjoyed the reviews let me know your thoughts and opinions.
Hugs and Kisses
xoxo
k

Blog Sale!!!!! *Closed*

Ahhhh my first blog sale, Well I have been cleaning out my bathroom cabinets and I have waaaaaaay too much stuff. So its time to downsize this collection of mine and pass the savings to you lovely ladies. Everything has been sanitized with Hospital grade EPA and all makeup items have been sprayed with alcohol. I will be slowly listing everything tonight. I only accept paypal and only US customers please. If you are intrested in an item please email me at simplykendracosmetics@gmail.com and I will send you an invoice for your items.  All items are listed in lots and will not be broken up.  Prices are not set in stone so you can always make me an offer! :D  Items weighing over 13 ounces sent Priority and all others will be sent First Class. No returns. Thanks for Checking out my blog sale!! :D  SAVE ON SHIPPING WHEN U BUY MORE THAN ONE LOT!!

Over a pound and a half of goodies mainly eyeshadows and over 100.00 retail, the palettes mainly have some scuffs and sratches Everything is listed below

2 Giselle pigment Stacks (swatched only) Retail value 50.00
7 Simply Kendra pigments -4 opened only swatched. Hex,starry night, matte brown (not in collection) poisoned candy apple, Aztec Maiden, light green matte (not in collection) royal pain Retail value: 30.00
Love my Eyes Toast of the Town Eyeshadow quad :barely used: Retail value 3.00
Unkown 12 shadow palette: 2 colors swatched Retail: 5.00
Hard Candy in the Shadows palette : swatched Retail 7.00
LA Colors Truffles palette: used minimally Retail:1.00
LA Colors rainbow palette: used miniamlly Retail:1.00
LA Color purples palette: used missing one eyeshadow Retail:1.00
2 Wild and Crazy  pressed pot shadows in  Marilyn and Basic White: Swatched Retail: 4.00
Fira 6 Color Palette in Purples: barely used some untouched Retail: 10.00
Unknown Duo of green and brown from Ross Retail:? (cheap)
Rimmel Duo with pink and white Case a bit cracked used minimally Retail:3.00
Lorac Mocktail Lip Gloss Mai Tai Swatched: Retail 8.00
Tarte Multipleye primer never used retail: 10.00
Profusion Mascara: never used retail: 2.00

Price: 35.00 + 10.00 shipping SOLD!!!


8 New FAKE MAC lipsticks... yeah I got duped! But still nice quality lipsticks not MAC quality but know what I mean. Anyways there might be a couple that were swatched but thats it. This is a mix of pinks,peaches and neutral tones. No dark colors or Reds

Price:10.00 + 2.00 shipping  SOLD!!!!!!!!!!!

Curly hair bumming you out? How about a straightner or 2 and some hair products? Both appliances working and hardly used.

Infiniti Con Air Straightner Ceramic Plates heats to 400 degrees Retail:30.00
Vidal Sasoon Gold Plated Retail: 8.00
Samy Fat Hair Thickening Cream  Used Once Retail :7.00
Samy Fat Hair Mousse: 1/2 Full NO CAP I will try and pack this is best as I can so it doesn't run during shipping but no Gurantees! Retails at 7.00
Rusk Thermal Straightner Also No cap 1/2 Full Retails at 10.00
2 free samples of Joico color endure shampoo

18.00 plus 10.00 Shipping


Swimsuit season will be upon us soon!  This 12 piece lot will have you smooth, tan and firm and ready for the beach!

Mystic Glo Shimmer Brozing Lotion: This stuff rocks! There is probably only about 1-2 full appliations left
Body by Gisesse Raspberry Lotion Never Used
Spa Gel Hair and Body Remover Sally Hansen used one over 3/4 full
Loreal Sublime Bronze Tanning Lotion Medium 3/4 full
Jergen Natural Glow daily moisturizer Fair skin 3/4 full
Avon Refine Stretch Mark Remover  used a couple of times almost full
Cellu-Scultp Avon Anti-Cellulite Slimming Treatment  over 1/2 full
Sally Hansen Smooth Glow stubble reducing mosisturizer 1/2 Full
Avon Lavender Foot Works Foot Treatment Full
2 Dramatic Firming Face and Throat Creams Both both used a couple of times in a sanitary spa enviroment applied with spatulas so you don't have to worry about any fingers or germies in those jars!
Smooth Away (as seen on TV) Its like sandpaper that smooths your legs. I recieved the smooth vibe and the vibe part broke. But works without it too. no directions just google it. comes with new pad.

Retail on this lot when new was well over 100.00 please take it off my hands for 20.00 plus 10.00 for shipping



These  bottles of perfume have been taking up space on my shelf .Time to let them go! I am addicted to juicy couture and have no use for these anymore! xo

Victoria Secret Love Spell Body Spray half full
Kissable by Mark 3/4 full
Tattooed (catos copy of Ed Hardy) almost full
Perry Ellis America 3.4 full
Red Door Elizabeth Arden half full
Imari by Avon full
Surreal by Avon almost full
Something by Coty?!? just a little left

The perry ellis and red door by themselves cost over 120.00 brand new
Hows 20.00  + 10.00 shipping sound? SOLD!!!!!!!!!


I have an overabundance of face and body products here is a little lot I put together for you guys.

Anew Day Defence with spf 15 used once
Lancome Body Scrub over 1/2 full
Valentino Rock and Rose body Lotion Almost full
Arbonne Cleansing Gel 1/4 of bottle left
Ulta Vanilla Hand Cream
Merle Norman Foundation Primer Full
Anew perfect eye cream used once with spatula
Anew repair eye serum 3/4 full
Elizabeth Arden  Gold Ulta Restorative  Serum Capsules for skin 9-10 left

Well over 100.00 retail when new

25.00 plus 10.00 shipping

A little of this and a Little of That :D

Appletini Body Lotion /2 full
Exotic Beaches perfume almost full
Citrus body wash used once
Mega Volume spray by Mark over 1/2 full
Avon Christmas lotion
Ulta Vanilla  Hand Cream
Judith Jackson Spa Travel size lotion, conditioner and shampoo
5 random nail polishes
Very small blush and powder brush (cheap)
One and Only Argan Oil Curl Cream
Press on nail polish Garnet 11 stickers total
3 stacked pigments from bon bons swatched
7.00 + 10.00 shipping


Vampire in a box? yep. lol 3 Cute little plastic coffins 2 contain Halloween red cheap chokers with a little Vampire book inside and 1 contains 3 sets of cheap vampire teeth and 2 blood capsules.

5 bucks + 2.00 shipping

Benefit Yes They're Real Mascara Review and comparison to Covergirl LashBlast

So I don't normally buy Mascara that is over 20.00. If you have ever seen some me using MAC zoom or Smashbox in some of my reviews or tutorials on YouTube I can assure you they came in a set included. I am also really in Love CoverGirl lash blast it's kinda my holy grail of Mascara. I can't say enough good things about it! But for Christmas I decided to treat myself and try out Benefit's newest mascara. I got it on sale at Ulta for 18.00 I think normally its around 22.00-25.00. The packaging is really nice and the tube is quite large looking.

The first thing I noticed was the staggered wand. It looked pretty familiar.. Almost just like my lash blash except Lash Blast's wand is fatter and shorter. So seeing that Benefit's new Yes they're Real Mascara  had this  same kind of wand, they automatically got  brownie points from me. I love these staggered wands because I feel like they pick up every little lash.



Left: Benefit Right: Cover Girl Lash Blast


Right away after applying the first coat I decided I liked Benefits wand even more because it was longer and easier to work with in my opinion. I didn't curl or comb thru my lashes beforehand but this is what 2 coats looked like compared to  my right side that has nothing applied.

It was a teenie weenie tad bit clumpy but nothing an eyelash comb couldn't fix in a jiffy. I was really impressed with how black this mascara was. The pigmentation is awesome! I would compare it to the black from Loreal Voluminous (my second favorite mascara)It also really lengthened . I put my glasses back on after taking this photo and my lashes were hitting the glass! I don't think it necessarily looks like false lashes but I am sure if you played around with a couple more coats they would. I do suggest if you go out and buy this make sure you have some good eye makeup remover available because it doesn't come off easily. So I would absolutely recommend this mascara if you have the extra cash laying around. I probably wont be repurchasing it anytime soon unless it goes down in price but I will tell you its just as good if not a little bit better than covergirl's lash blast. I can't believe I said that (sorry lash blast but it's true!) I was really impressed and had to share!
xo
k

Thanksgiving Look plus show off of new goodies at simply kendra!

Thankgiving look using golds and orange shades

New things up on the website! www.simplykendra.com

Hey guys and gals. Just wanted to put up a little post to let you know I haven't forgotten my blog! I have just been busy with everything and this seems to be my last priority. I have been adding lots of goodies to the website. I added some body glitters and what I call Glitter affixer. Its kinda Awesome! Remember the blog I wrote about how to foil your eyeshadow with water? Well Glitter Affixer is a foiling medium that takes the guess work out of everything. It does have water in it but also contains glycerin which is a humectant that draws in water and keeps your eyeshadow more intact plus I threw in a little Vitamin E to keep your delicate skin around your eyes nourished. I opted to put this in a Lip gloss like container but put it in small eye dropper like bottles to insure sanitary measures. I am super proud of it and at 5.00 a bottles that's going to Last FOREVER its quite a steal!! I have also been working on some lip glosses and will soon be coming out with a finishing powder veil so look out for that soon! In other news my husband is done with his cancer treatments,now we just have to wait until Dec 27th to see if it was all worth it. You can read our story at http://www.sinuscancer.blogspot.com. I can't believe the year is almost gone. Its so crazy! It hasn't been the best year, I am hoping next year it will get better! Well my dears just wanted to share that will all of you. I need to desperately do some reviews for you guys I have lots of goodies that have been building up from birchbox every month that I just haven't gotten around to trying.(birchbox is a monthly beauty sample subscription http://www.birchbox.com) Love you all!
xoxo
k

Diseased and Infected Halloween Makeup Tutorial

Halloween Jersery Shore Style :D Snookie

Sigma Naughty in Black Travel Brush Review and Giveaway

** From the Sigma Website***

The Travel Kit Naughty in Black contains seven essential brushes to achieve a flawless look on the go. Take Naughty in Black to your favorite travel destination or keep it in your purse for a quick touch-up during the day or an evening out on the town. All brushes are individually stored in a stylish metallic black clutch equipped with a convenient pouch to carry all your must-have makeup items.

Clutch dimensions (closed): 7 x 4 inches.
Face brushes: 5 inches total
Eyes/concealer brush: 4 inches total

I recieved these brushes in record time and they were really nicely packed. I really liked the black clutch they were in it also has a zippered pouch in it making it easy to throw in a few products perfect for travel!

Brushes in this kit:

 

Pencil - E30 - Precise application of color on the crease, outer corner, and upper and lower lash line. Also ideal to smudge out pencil liner. Natural bristles.

LOVE this Brush!!!!! Perfect for getting into the corners!!!

Tapered Blending - E40 - Rounded and tapered top. Specially designed to apply and blend color on the crease. Natural bristles.

This is now my favorite Blending brush, this brush really does make blending simple instead of a chore!

Eye Shading - E55 - Soft and dense with a rounded finish. Can be used to apply pressed or loose eye shadows and pigments. Ideal to build intense color on the eyelid. Natural bristles.

         I thought this brush was PERFECT for picking up loose pigments!!

Large Powder - F30 - Very dense with a rounded top. Ideal to apply powder products on face and body. Natural bristles.

Nice Powder Brush

Large Angled Contour - F40 - The angled shape makes this brush ideal to apply blush or contour shades. Natural bristles.

The only problem I had with this brush was the bristles were a little wild and I had a problem with fallout even after washing and shaping the brush

Foundation - F60 - Can be used to apply liquid or cream foundation. It is also recommended to apply moisturizers and conceal large areas. Synthetic bristles.

I don't really like using foundation brushes but found this worked really nicely with applying contour!

 

Concealer - F70 - The rounded, tampered, flat shape makes this brush ideal to conceal the under eye area. It is also recommended for a precise application in small areas. Synthetic bristles.

         This worked perfectly and also made a nice eyeshadow brush as well!

All in All I was very impressed with Sigmas Naughty in Black Travel Kit and would highly recommend it for purchase!  Sigma was also kind enough to let me have a giveaway  of 1 kit which can be found on my facebook page for Simply Kendra under the Discussion Tab! Please Follow all rules there! Winner will be chosen when 1000 fans are reached!

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Simply-Kendra/133362496686557

xoxo

k

Metastatic Melanoma

Ok my loveies I am so sorry I haven't been blogging here lately but do you remember my last blog urging you to use sunblock and do you remember how I told you about the story of my husband having Melenoma? Well I am so devasted to say that  his Melenoma is back and has Metasized in his sinus cavity and lung I honestly had no idea this could happen again let alone in these places, its super rare to have sinus cancer let alone a Melenoma there... less than 1% . He is currently being treated at MD Anderson they are using Biochemotherapy.  This is a HORRIBLE cancer and the prognosis is normally poor BUT we are at the BEST hospital in the WORLD and thats just not my opinion, thats a fact. I ask for all your prayers and if you are able we would appreciate any donations as Chris is not recieving any kind of compensation or disablity. If you would like to read more about our journey please come follow my new blog entitled The Cancer Diaries or if you would simply like to donate please click HERE. I love all you girlies and all my readers.

xo

k

Sunblock? Yes Please!

For all you sun and tanning bed worshipping mamcitas out there I thought I would share a few pictures with you of folks who didn't bother with sunscreen and went straight for the baby oil.  I beg you put on your sunblock this summer and anytime your outside even when its cloudy, the clouds only block out the heat you feel on your skin not the rays. You don't want to look 50 when your 30 years old and most importantly you don't won't end up with Skin Cancer. My husband developed Melanoma 2 years ago and we were very lucky to catch it early. As soon as the dermatologist called and said it was Malignant melanoma she called MD Anderson in Houston and we were there 2 days later. He had a tumor right behind his ear that needed to be removed immediately as it was close to his brain and his lymph nodes his mole only popped up 2 weeks before.. You don't think it can happen to you but it can and I love you guys and gals and I want you to stay healthy and beautiful as long as possible! xo
  
I do not own any of these pictures*


Don't get me wrong I love leather when it comes to bags and shoes but this is just a little too much...


 I don't even know what to say....


 Ouchie Kim




  This is what Basal Cell Carcinoma looks like..


  See the damaging effects? This man is suffering from extreme Hyperpigmentation. The sunburns we get when are young effect us when we are older the most!



Just because your skins looks ok to the naked eye that doesn't mean the damage isn't already done. Try looking at your face under a blacklight and see whats there or go to your local Esthetician and let her do a skin scan on you. You might just be surprised.









So Please where your sunscreen or sunblock so you wont end up looking like this. :) Ok? Ok.
And what if the damage is already done? Well its done..  but you can start taking care of your skin now by always moisturizing and applying something with an SPF in it. Wear big hats in the sun, wear coverups while you aren't swimming and always check out any suspicious moles that might arise especially ones that are dark and irregularly shaped, get to the Dermatologist immediately because skin cancer can come on fast and can be deadly.