If you want the sleekest hair you’ve ever had, read on…

I’ve been dying to discuss this with you all because Kenra Silkening Gloss has been my favorite hair product for four years. I have thick hair that gets super frizzy when it comes in contact with any sort of thermal styling, so I spent years trying to find something that would tame the crazy frizz.  Everything I tried ended up making my hair look greasy or crunchy.  UNTIL… Kenra!

My old hair stylist introduced me to this silkening gloss, and I bought it right then and there.  Here’s how to use it:

After blow drying or straightening your hair, use a dime-sized amount of gloss, rub it into your hands for even application, and run your fingers through your hair (focusing on the ends.)

Your hair will be frizz free and shiny (not weighed down or greasy.)  Plus, this stuff smells amazing!  As if that isn’t enough, you can use this serum on your skin to seal in moisture and get an extra boost of that fruity scent.

I can’t recommend this product highly enough… go out an get it this weekend!  (It’s on sale at Amazon.com for under $13 and it lasts f-o-r-e-v-e-r!)

Have you tried Kenra’s Platinum Silkening Gloss?  Do you have another favorite shine serum?  And what hair product can’t you live without? (I’m serious… this would be on my desert island list!)

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photo courtesy of johanferreira15

A group of researchers from Britain have just released a study claiming that men take an average of 83 minutes to get ready every morning.  The study, which followed 3,000 people living in England,  says that metrosexuality is to blame, citing actors like Zac Efron as a major influence on men’s style and grooming.

Women, on the contrary, take an average of 79 minutes to get ready (including hair, makeup, and clothing.)  They also spend one less minute showering than guys do.

I’m not gonna lie, I was shocked by this.  I grew up in a family that is super low-maintenance (my dad and brother are race car drivers— they could care less what they look like most of the time.)  And Travis (who is a great dresser, in my opinion) has his routine down to 10 or 15 minutes.  But my perception of guys must be skewed.

Have you ladies found this study to be true?  Do your boyfriends (or brothers, or male friends) take longer to get ready than you do? Does he have more hair products or shoes?  And how long does it usually take you to get ready in the morning?  What about when you’re going out for a night on the town?

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It’s raining in San Francisco (big surprise) and pretty much everywhere else in the country. Personally, I’m definitely ready for warm weather, but there is one silver lining to this rain cloud: ALL OF THE CUTE RAIN BOOTS!

I saw at least a half dozen guys and gals in very fashionable rain boots yesterday, so I thought I’d track some down to share with you all!  Here’s some proof that rain boots aren’t just for kids anymore…

Target.com has a whole bunch of different styles and colors on their website, but here are some of my favorites:

I love the toned-down grey plaid pattern on this pair!

Houndstooth is so classic— you can buy these boots knowing that you’ll wear them for years.

I love the girly vibe to these light pink boots!

Whatapair.com has a ton of cute, affordable options too!

How cute are these cut-outs?!

These boots are flashy without looking like they belong to a five year old.

And I just had to share these:

Cowboy boots!! Will someone please buy these and send me a photo?!

Which of these boots do you like best?  Or do you think that rain boots don’t belong on grown-ups?  Do you already own a pair that you love?  Send me a photo: kim{at}blendingbeautiful.com!

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Okay, I know it’s not Springtime yet. But a girl can wish, right?  We’re starting to see spring looks popping up in magazines, but for those of us who do NOT live in a photography studio, those cute floral dresses are not in our near future.  (It’s rainy in San Francisco, I can only imagine what you East Coast ladies are dealing with!)  Fortunately, regardless of the weather, we can celebrate the coming of Spring by updating our makeup!

My current favorite makeup look is something I discovered by playing around with my Sephora Blockbuster Palette over the weekend.  Check it out:

First, I started with a clean canvas.  I used my Sonia Kashuk Hidden Agenda Concealer and Covergirl’s Tru Blend Foundation.

On my eyes, I used two eyeshadow colors: a lighter grey for all over my lids, and a darker grey for liner.  I also used three coats of mascara.  (Tip: On the first coat, focus on the base of your eyelashes, wiggling the wand as you move away from your eye.  Focus your second coat on the whole lash.  For your third and final coat, just swipe the wand along the tips of your lashes. Don’t forget to let each coat dry before you re-apply!)

On my cheeks, I started with Benefit’s High Beam, which is one of my favorite beauty products of all time.  Put it on your cheekbones and your brow bones to illuminate your complexion. On top of the High Beam, I used a rosy pink blush.  Rather than focusing on the apples of my cheeks, I applied the blush higher up on my cheeks.  This helps to define the cheekbones (which is good for those of us who have a rounder face shape!)

I finished off with a bright lipstick.  For this specific look, I mixed a bright plum lipstick with a dark coral.

Here’s how you can get the look at home:

High Beam is one of the best beauty products I’ve ever used!  Get it at Benefit.com!

This palette from Sephora has both shades of grey and— bonus!— it’s on sale for only $15!

Try Sephora’s Blush Me! Mono in Meringue Jalouse 2 for the same rosy look you see above.

Finish off this look with Sephora Rouge Cream lipstick in Mr. Lover. (I love the name!)

What do you think of this fresh Spring look?  Have you tried any of these products before? And are there any other makeup looks you’re loving for Spring?  Share them below!

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photo courtesy of sallyleecandles

Last week, I posted an article recommending Neutrogena’s Energizing Sugar Body Scrub as a great exfoliator for your whole body. But today I wanted to share an easy recipe for a body scrub you can make at home!

This scrub should last a week or two if you keep it in a sealed container (or you can cut down on the ingredients for a one-time use.)

Make sure to add these items to your next grocery list, and let me know how it goes!

Do you have a favorite at-home body scrub recipes?  Any store-bought favorites?  And let me know if you’d like any more do-it-yourself recipes for other beauty products by leaving a comment below or shooting me an email at: kim{at}blendingbeautiful.com!

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