Category: Beauty

  • It’s Like 2016 Katie… Only BETTER. The Lashes are BACK

    It’s Like 2016 Katie… Only BETTER. The Lashes are BACK

    2016 Katie is BACK.

    The lashes are on…the tan is developed…the hair is icy.

    Today we need to dive head first into the world of L A S H E S. I missed them so dang much. I consider myself a lash expert since I had them for over two years. I was counting down the seconds to feel like myself again.

    This morning I made my way to meet my friend and fellow stRIDE instructor, Gab at her little slice of heaven. I arrived at the Adolf Biecker Spa/Salon at 9:46am after teaching my 830 Fitness Pilates class at Lifetime in King of Prussia.

    I used the restroom that smelled like the Main Line…expensive and chic. Gab met me at the front desk and walked me down to the spa. I filled out paper work with a host of questions ensuring she and I were on the same page.

    When I was finished, Gab walked me back to a room where I met Kate (Insta: waxitwithkate). Gab + Kate were my lash dream team. They asked me my vision for my lashes… guys it’s so important to set expectations, for you and the stylist. I told them like the look of Ardell Wispies… classic and pretty.

    I settled down on a heated table with a pillow under my knees and the coziest blanket over me. Gab rubbed my scalp and had me inhale lavender essential oil to help me relax. She then placed patches infused with green tea + collagen (!!!) under my eyes to hold my lower lashes down. After taping the patches in place she and Kate worked their magic.

    The entire experience lasted less than 2 hours. It’s completely painless…you don’t feel a thing.  Take your finger and rub it against the ends of your lashes… THAT’S IT.

    The hardest part for me is the light… ya girl has sensitive eyes so I got a little teary.

    Gab uses Lashe. Honestly, they are the LIGHTEST lashes I have ever had. It doesn’t feel like I have ANYTHING on my lashes. It’s weightless. So what makes Lashe different? The adhesive and technique.

    “…The basic element of the technique is that you use a minimal amount of adhesive due to its concentrated formula. The extension is only wet at its base, up to 25% of its overall length. No “painting” of the lash with the adhesive. A major advantage of our technique is that, if you attach the extension properly (per our instructions) and the client does not have oily skin or uses oil-based products, the extension will stay on until the eyelash sheds naturally.” (thelashe.com)

    So what does that mean? Your lashes get to breathe… meaning no damage. HOLLA AT YA GIRL. This adhesive also lasts longer than most traditional ‘glue’

    WARNING: Ask about the adhesive the stylist uses… I learned some use WEAVE GLUE. On your EYE. Thank you, NEXT. (More on this in you get what you pay for)

    If you aren’t local (greater Philadelphia area) I highly recommend clicking HERE to find a Lashe stylist near you.

    Let’s talk dirty details

    Request a consult with the lash stylist if they don’t require it ( Gab requires a consult ). This is where you set expectations, talk through the process and ask all your questions. Be sure to ask about their education, certification and how long they have been in the field. THIS IS IMPORTANT. I tell you guys all the time if you are hiring a professional, ASK for credentials. Also, ask how they sanitize their equipment. Adolf Biecker Spa/Salon uses medical grade sanitation. (HECK YES)

    Lashes aren’t cheap. A full set is an investment… after that it is reasonable (I swear). Price varies from place to place. It also depends on the experience of the stylist and the type of lash they use. Do you really want to cut corners when someone has adhesive near your eyeballs??? (Hint: No.)

    A full set takes up to two hours…maybe longer if you have a lot of natural lashes. Your stylist will be able to tell how long it will take during your consult.

    How long they last between refills depends on a few things, the type of lash, the adhesive and how you care for them all play a roll. If you are a rule follower like me (teachers pet over here for SURE) and use a Lashe stylist you will need a refill once a month. When I had a different brand of lashes I needed refills every two weeks.

    After care is EASY. You can’t get them wet for 24 hours…meaning no shower, workout or steam room. EASY. Brush them and use oil free products. Try not to sleep on them too much… I tuck my pillow under so my eyes aren’t touching but my neck is supported.

    Keep oil away from lashes… ALWAYS use an oil free makeup remover near your extensions. I wear a hat when I workout to catch the sweat to avoid getting it near my lashes.

    THAT’S IT. Don’t forget to follow Gab + Kate on socials!!

    LOVE YOU

    xoxo,

    K

  • Barbie Hair 101

    BARBIE HAIR 101

    Okay I get a million questions about my hair every single day so I figured it was def time to give you a blog post.

    Maintaining HEALTHY long blonde hair is challenging. The icier you get, the more damage that is done. No one wants crusty, dry dead hair.

    Ew.

    Biggest question I get: How long do I go between washes? Ummmm at LEAST three days, but usually 5-7. I have pushed it wayyyyy past the 7th day but then it becomes questionable hygiene wise ya know? This 7day dirty situation didn’t happen over night. I had to train my hair. It took about a summer to do so. Patients is KEY. Hats, braids and dry shampoo are necessary. It’s easy, in theory…just don’t wash it. In practice, it’s annoying. And kind of gross. BUT TOTALLY WORTH IT. If you want an entire post dedicated to hair training… let me know.

    I live for Batiste mostly because my local Whole Sale store sells it in bulk, (ya girl love buying in bulk) but also because it works and it smells clean. I’m telling you, Alex has no idea just how long its been in-between washes until I volunteer the information…. but what he doesn’t know won’t hurt him.

    Being Barbie Blonde is drying so you need a salon quality moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. Always ask your stylist what that suggest for your hair type. But salon quality can be pricey but you don’t want to spend a small fortune on your hair and then LITERALLY wash the color away. NO THANKS

    No one like brassy blonde, so we use purple shampoo at LEAST once a week. Truthfully, I use it almost every wash unless I feel like my hair is super dry. I love Joico. I have been exclusively using Joico since my first taste of icy blonde in 2016. Icy is an addiction. The icier the better, but also like the more damaged your luscious locks get ya know. I also use their conditioner because I just feel like it locks in the Ice Queen vibes the BEST.

    Okay, so what do I ask for at the salon?? HEAVY foils. The whole dang head. Wait until the color is past what the inside of a banana looks like then finish with an ashy purple toner. Bring pictures. Talk realistic expectations. Aka you can’t go from Wednesday Adams vibes to Malibu Barbie in one day. It takes time. ALSO schedule your highlights for every 6-12 weeks and always get a trim on the 12th week.

    When it comes to products, I’m sooooo lazy. Truthfully I don’t use many. I’m not committed to any specific brands. I keep a root lifting powder and hair spray. THAT’S IT. I use the root lifting powder whenever I style my hair. I use the hairspray when I curl it. Low to no maintenance is my preference. Always.

    xoxo,

    K

  • SKIN CARE SECRETS

    HERE SHE IS…. Everything you need to know about my G L O W. Please don’t forget to like and subscribe!

    [embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFAN2SjzM7E[/embedyt]

  • Wrinkle Free and Feeling forever 23

    Collagen.

    I have talked about collagen for YEARS and it’s too important to not write a full blow post about it. To be honest, I started using collagen for superficial reasons. When I learned our bodies stop producing collagen at TWENTY I lost it. But it totally makes sense right?? Those little lines and aches and pains start in your mid-twenties…. HELLO it’s because you are metabolizing collagen as you read this.

    Collagen is a must for anyone who has joints, tendons and ligaments… aka EVERYONE. I am not kidding when I say its  a GAME CHANGER. If you didn’t know, I have rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Im super fortunate to not have to take meds anymore…but aches and pains were a staple in my life until collagen. I can squat my body weight and not have joint pain the next day. That is HUGE. On heavy lifting days I double up on my collagen and recover so much faster. Im far less sore meaning I can bounce back twice as fast.

    Whenever I add a new potion to my daily routine, momma rolls her eyes…except for collagen. She noticed a major difference in her skin right away. Funny story, Colleen was drinking her collagen before bed consistently until she had a business trip for work and forgot to take it with her. Ugh. Five days later she came home looking like a sad balloon that fell behind the couch after a 3 year olds birthday party. She just didn’t have that collagen glow anymore. It was all the proof she needed that it was truly making a difference.

    I swear the magical powder just fills in those tiny lines making you look and feel forever 24. (THANK GOD) My hair and nails have been growing like CRAZY since discovering my best kept secret. Convinced yet?

    If not, get this… a serving has 18g of PROTEIN. Two scoops of collagen and you are hitting those protein macros with ease. Im telling you, out of all the sups I take on the daily, collagen is my ride or die.

    Here is the deal, the powder claims to be unflavored..and they totally did their best but it kind of tastes like a vitamin capsule. BUT if you mix it with BCAAs or Magnesium powder it truly is tasteless. Plus your getting the additional benefit of whatever you choose to add. Two birds, one drink. Genus.

    Also…this is TOTALLY not a sponsored post. This is 100% raw and real. I live and die for my peptides.

    Try them and see for yourself!

    xoxo,

    K