Chocolate Rebellion

Despite the fun and innovative title of this blog post (credit to my younger sister), this is a topic that I, myself, am just starting to learn about. While I educate myself on this serious subject, I'd like everyone else to take it in their own hands to learn the origin of those nutty Snickers Bars and Milky Ways that we carelessly indulge in at the Friday night movies or during those midnight craving moments.

My younger sister recently heard about an issue that all chocolate lovers, like myself, should take very personally. Thanks to my sister, I am encouraged to spread the word about this topic.

Food Empowerment. 

And How It Relates To Child Slavery. 

The Food Empowerment Project raises awareness on how your food choices can affect our world. Chocolate is a product of the cacao bean which grows in tropical climates such as West Africa and Latin America. Because many children in West Africa grow up in poverty, they begin work in the cacao farms under the false belief that the pay is good. Other children are sold, oftentimes by their family members to traffickers or farm owners. And in some cases, children are abducted and forced to work on the farms. These children can range anywhere from 7 years old and work on the farm into adulthood. These children work all day and use dangerous machetes. They are robbed the opportunity for an education. They are exposed to dangerous chemical in the farms. And worst of all, these children are beaten for working slowly or trying to escape.

Needless to say, the majority of these children have never even tried the sweet treat that we all take for granted, chocolate. 

While most companies use chocolate from origins such as Africa and Latin America which enforce child slavery, there are ways to indulge in this treat without promoting a dangerous life for these children. The Food Empowerment Project encourages people to go vegan. Now, this isn't an easy transition. We are not asking that you completely change your diet, but instead, take baby steps and start with chocolate. Vegan chocolate. 

What is veganism? For those of you who do not know, going vegan means eliminating anything that comes from animals or insects from your diet. There are many benefits to vegan chocolate. For one, there is no dairy. Great for any lactose-intolerant people. And secondly, vegan chocolate does not promote the use of child labor. 

The Food Empowerment Project provides a full list of "Approved and Not Recommended Chocolate". One of my personal favorites is Justin's Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups. It is a healthier, yummier, and safer alternative to a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup. It is gluten-free, vegan, organic, and kosher, with 0 trans fat and 2 grams of fiber. 

Coming from Orange County, a city that revolves around money and social ranking, I encourage everyone to think about their own children. We would never put our own children through that, so why should these children live under such circumstances? The next time you have a sweet tooth for chocolate, please opt for something that will genuinely help make this world a better place for all of us. Stay healthy and keep these kids happy. 

Please check out the Food Empowerment Project to learn more about this issue and to learn tips on how to take action. 

Shop With Care and Spread The Word, 

xo, Kiana

 

Images: (Left) The Huffington Post, (Right) RoarMag.org

Crazy For Coconut Oil!?

With the dozens of oils in Whole Foods & Trader Joes now, it is amazing what you can substitute in your kitchen and even bathroom to make your diet, skin care, and hair care routine au natural! Amongst those many oils, Coconut Oil has made a recent debut in the beauty world, but many of you may not know that is has many health benefits as well!

1. Cooking

Substitute butter and olive oil for coconut oil when you are cooking or even baking! You can grease your pans with coconut oil or even coconut oil spray. Don't forget to add a spoonful to smoothies for a beachy getaway in your mouth!

2. Moisturizer

You heard me, lather up baby! After showering, rub this into your pores for a long lasting, sweet smelling moisture. Apply this to chapped lips for natural moisture. This will even prevent stretch marks for those of you who are expecting ;) 

3. Tanning Oil

Of course, just like tanning oil, coconut oil will attract the sun. Unlike tanning oil, coconut oil doesn't contain mineral oil that will clog your pores and leave you feeling greasy. Beware, you still need sunscreen to protect your skin from premature aging and sun inflicted skin disorders. 

4. Make-Up Remover

Take a spoonful of coconut oil and rub it between your fingers before applying it straight to your face. Gently rub this over your mascara and eyeshadow and wipe away with a cloth.

5. Shaving
Apply coconut oil on your legs when you are in a hurry to give your legs a slick texture that your razor will glide over, reducing the risk of cuts or razor burn. Once finished, wipe away and apply another layer for added moisture and sexy shine. 

6. Hair Treatment

Run your bottle of coconut oil under hot water until it has turned to oil. Apply the oil to hair, focusing on the ends. Let sit for at least 20 minutes then rinse. For a deep treatment, leave in over night and protect with a shower cap. I suggest washing hair twice to ensure all oil residue is gone. 

7. Oil Pulling

Stay tuned for my next blog post to discover the art of "Oil Pulling". It is the newest technique in the holistic health care world. Find out next time how and why you should try it out!

I hope that you guys learned something in this blog post and put some of these tips to use! Let me know in the comments how you guys use Coconut Oil! 

See you soon!

xo, Kiana

Bora Bora Bliss

Hello Everyone ~

On December 25, 2013, my parents surprised my sister and I with a scavenger hunt. At the end of the puzzle, we screamed with excitement. The pot of gold at the end of the maze was a trip to Bora Bora. We would leave on February, 14, 2014 (yes, Valentines Day). With so much excitement for what was ahead, none of us could have predicted the intimate memories that would accompany us long after we landed back in California.

For those of you who have already watched our YouTube video, you know that we stayed at both the Hilton Bora Bora Nui Resort and Spa and the St. Regis Bora Bora. They are both owned by the same person and both gave us an incredible experience that we will never forget. I know that many of you will be traveling and are looking for an explanation of which one we enjoyed better, so here we go...

The Hilton Bora Bora was magical. Nothing wrong about it. An amazingly friendly staff and plenty of activities. Later in our trip we decided to take a visit to the St. Regis for lunch. Upon our arrival, we were shocked by the ambiance of this resort. It was vibrant yet relaxed. The amenities at this resort go above and beyond. That night, we made the decision to move to the St. Regis the following morning. The Lagoonarium at the St. Regis is like swimming in a packed aquarium - perfect for those who are looking to go snorkeling. However, the rooms at the Hilton Bora Bora provide great snorkeling beneath your own bungalow, whereas the St. Regis waters are deeper and more suitable for jumping and diving. The food at the St. Regis is absolutely mouth-watering. I wish I could say the same about the Hilton. All in all, if I had to choose one, it would have to be the St. Regis.

Along the way, at both hotels, we met some of the most welcoming and sweetest people. The Hilton Bora Bora had such a friendly staff who would great us every morning, afternoon, and night. By the end of our stay, we were pretty much friends with everyone there. With much more people at the St. Regis we made a few friends that we know we will keep forever. In town, we ate at restaurants with fun waiters and even made friends with our go-to taxi driver - Teddy! We went to Bora Bora with the intention of relaxing and enjoying the serenity and vibrancy of French Polynesia. When we left, we realized that Bora Bora is more than what you see on magazine covers or Instagram. Bora Bora is immersed with culture and heritage. The people are proud of where they live and everyone is happy because, as they say, they live "simple lives". It is electrifying being around people who are always joyful.

Now as for my tips of advice to those who plan on traveling to Bora Bora...

1. 1) Bring sunblock - the sun in Bora Bora is very strong and even on cloudy days, you will get burned. 
2. 2) Bring bugspray - we neglected this one night as we had cocktails next to a creek (a mosquitos hervana) and  woke up the next morning with 25 bites that looked like welts. 
3. 3) Take the time to talk to locals and see what is like to live in Tahiti. 
4. 4) Learn a few words of French and Tahitian before your trip. We learned phrases while we were on vacation which not only allowed us to communicate with people much better, but it made them feel more comfortable as well. You will noticed that you will commonly be greeted with these words. For example: 

In French: Bonjour, Merci, Bon Nuit, etc.
In Tahitian: Ia Orana (yorana), Na na, and Maeva

For our favorite restaurants and activities...

• Bora Bora Yacht Club
• Te Pahu Restaurant at St. Regis Bora Bora
• Food Trucks in Vaitape
• Matira Jet Tours
• The Lagoonarium at St. Regis Bora Bora
• Hobie Catting with Tini at Hilton Bora Bora
• Tour around the main island with Teddy the taxi driver

For our photo compilation from our trip, click here: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7vjW5GdELA

If you have any other questions please leave them down below and I will get back to them immediately. For those of you who have travel plans in the near future, have a safe flight and get ready for the time of your life! 

All the best, 

Kiana

Sonia Kashuk Haul

Today I found some hidden jems by Sonia Kashuk at Target. Thrilled about my new treasures, I thought I had to share it with you too!

1) First and for most, I found this toiletry bag. This simple, black and gold design is classic and easy to clean. What I was most excited about are the travel bottles that come with it! Each travel sized bottle comes in an individualized pocket. This will prevent your liquids and gels from exploding when you arrive at your destination. In the last pocket to the right, come two mini containers that are perfect for lip balm or eye cream. This is the perfect bag for toiletries while traveling!







2) My senses were dancing when I encountered this next jem. Sonia Kashuk has a collection that consists of 4 different fragrances. Whatever your scent preference (musky, sweet, floral, etc..) Sonia has you covered. With a sunny vacation around the corner, I leaned toward this floral scent. I am usually not a fan of floral or girly scents, however, this scent is mature and simple. The notes are tuberose, amber, and magnolia. In one word, this smells like Paradise. For each scent, Sonia has made a hand creme, a body lotion, body wash, body scrub, and eau de toilette. I bought the body wash and body lotion. The body wash is creamy, but the scent does not linger on your skin, which is nice if you don't want the scent to clash with your perfume. The body lotion, on the other hand, is creamy with a long-lasting scent. It is not too oily and still does not absorb too quickly. It's simply an amazing body lotion. I would absolutely go pick up more scents. I am amazed and smelling good.


3) Last but not least, Sonia Kashuk has come out with an exfoliating glove! For those of you who self-tan, have a problem with ingrown hairs, or simply enjoy having soft skin, you will be thrilled with this product. I use this with Sonia's body wash and it is not too abrasive but it definitely gets the job done! Say good-bye to expensive exfoliating mits, this one is only $5!



That is all for my Sonia Kashuk Haul.. I really hope that Sonia Kashuk never discontinues any of these phenomenal products! I will be going back to Target soon to pick up some more! I hope that you guys have the chance to pick up these products soon!

Happy New Years!
xo, Kiana

Holiday Gift Guide: For Him

I hope all of you are staying warm and cozy during this chilly holiday season! For the second part of my holiday gift guide I will be giving gift suggestions for the men in our lives! Whether you are shopping for dads, boyfriends, brothers, or grandfathers, I've got you covered! Let's get to it.....

For the Boys: 

In this day and age of technology, who doesn't own an iPad, iPhone, or iPod? You can plug any of those devices into the Numark iDJ Live DJ Kit and your son, nephew, or grandchild can be a DJ in the making. For the artistic boys, this Studio Designs Craft Station is a professional, yet affordable, area for any artist. Place a light source underneath the table to trace drawings. As an added bonus, this particular craft station is elegant and eye-pleasing for your home. 

For the Men:

Because fragrance is a very individualized gift, I like to go for skincare gifts that most men would utilize. This The Art of Shaving Kit from Sephora comes with "The 4 Elements of the Perfect Shave". This is the unscented version, but it also comes in a Sandalwood scent and a travel size version. A great, fool-proof accessory for men is a wallet. This Calfskin Wallet by Bally is simple and classic, yet elegant and sophisticated. These are great gifts for your boyfriends, husbands, fathers, or buddies!

For Mature Gentlemen:

The 'Neuman' Slipper for Men by UGG Australia is perfect for the man who enjoys hanging out in the comfort of his own home. This is a great gift for the gentlemen who savors the casual, kick-back days. Speaking of kick-backs, this Beer Making Kit from the Brooklyn Brew Shop is one gallon of home made 'Chestnut Brown Ale'. This is a fun craft for dads, grandfathers, uncles, and friends!

I hope you enjoyed this gift giving guide for the men in your lives. Check back soon for more gift giving and holiday related blog posts! Comment below with more suggestions. If you haven't already read my 'Holiday Gift Guide: For Her' check below! 

Good Luck Ladies and Gentlemen!

xo, Kiana

Holiday Gift Guide: For Her

It's that time of year again! It's the season of giving, but sometimes it can get confusing. Although this is the most wonderful time of year, the hustle and bustle of malls during this holiday season can be overwhelming. This is the first of my "Holiday Gift Guide" series. Hopefully this series will help you out in your decision making this month!

To start, here are some gifts for the important ladies in our lives.

For the Girls: 

The "You 'Butter' Watch Out" Bliss Trio from Sephora includes three deliciously creamy body butters in scrumptious scents: Grapefruit + Aloe, Lemon + Sage, and Blood Orange + White Pepper. Accompany it with some cute, festive, and fun Lush Bath Goodies and this is the perfect pampering gift for the girly preteens and teens. 

For the Ladies:

Show your thoughtfulness with this Dogeard "Reminder-Infinite Love" Necklace from Nordstroms. If you want to take the prize for best gift of all time, treat your special lady to Mexico New Year’s Yoga + Ritual + Rejuvenation Retreat . This is a yoga and relaxation retreat that is perfect for hardworking moms, girlfriends, sisters, and besties. Afraid you might miss them too much? Join them! Make it a trip for two. This is the ultimate bonding experience that will leave you with memories that will last long past the holiday season!

For Mature Women: 

This Algenist Anti-Wrinkle Collection from Sephora and a Faux Fur & Satin Robe by Giraffe at Home

combine to make a night of rejuvenation and relaxation. Women of any age can use anti-wrinkle treatments to delay the signs of aging. Why not do it while reading a book in a Satin and Faux Fur robe? This is the perfect Christmas gift for aunties, grandmothers, and even mothers. 

Those are my Christmas suggestions for women of all age ranges. I hope that this gift guide helped you out a little bit in your gift giving decisions! Comment down below with more suggestions and keep your eyes peeled for the next blog post in this series!

Happy Holidays Loves!

xo, Kiana

(Current) Top 10 Drugstore Beauty Products Under $10!

Hi Beauties! Today I thought that I would show you my 10 picks from the drugstore that you can purchase for under $10. I love drugstore products, so narrowing it down to only 10 products was extremely difficult! I hope that you find some good deals! Happy shopping!

1. Maybelline Color Tattoo by Eye Studio 24hr Eyeshadow 

Everyone has heard about these. "Bad to the Bronze" is a cult favorite. These are great bases. I love wearing them underneath shadows or alone. Super pigmented and long wearing shades! I can't wait to add more to my collection!

from Left to Right: "Painted Purple", "Too Cool", and
"Bad to the Bronze"

2. Loreal's Telescopic Shocking Extensions Mascara and Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara

I cheated a little and counted these products as one because they are awesome used together and separately. I cannot decide between the two because the Loreal Mascara's are just out of the park. Amazing. 

3. Loreal's Voluminous Smoldering Eyeliner 

I own this product in black and brown and it is honestly my favorite eyeliner for my waterline. It is waterproof, insanely pigmented, and long wearing. This will not smudge or give you raccoon eyes on those nights out on the town.

4. Loreal's Carbon Black Lineur Intense
The Carbon Black Lineur Intense is a very black liquid liner. This is great for beginners because the felt tip is so easy to use. I could not justify buying a high end liquid liner after finding this one.

5. Neutrogena's New Oil-Free Acne Wash Redness Soothing Cleanser

This is my daily face wash. I used to use the Pink Grapefruit cleanser, but I needed a change. I picked this up. It has the same amount of Salicylic Acid (2%). This is a cream cleanser so it does not have the same exfoliating beads as the pink one, but it also leaves your face with a cool, refreshing feeling that I love. As far as redness, I have not seen a huge improvement in my redness or acne scarring, but it has helped with my breakouts!

6. Batiste Dry Shampoo

This is the absolute best dry shampoo. I love this so much! The different scents are so fun and they are great at masking the 3-day oily smell. It does not leave a white cast over your hair and it absorbs so nicely. This adds insane volume! I can't say enough good things about this. 

Soft Matte Lip Cream in Addis Ababa, NYX blush in Peach,
NYX lip pencil in Fruit Punch

7. NYX's Soft Matte Lip Cream & Butter Glosses

NYX's Lip Creams are simply amazing. They have a velvety texture and although they are matte, they do not dry out your lips. They are extremely pigmented so be careful! The butter glosses aren't sticky and they give a beautiful wash of color for an everyday look. 

8. NYX's Retractable Lip Pencils

These are so creamy and long lasting. They are the best lip liners I have ever found at the drug store. 

9. NYX's Blushes

The NYX blushes have the perfect amount of pigmentation and are super creamy. Although they do not offer a wide range of colors, I love the formula of this blush. 

10. Wet & Wild's Eyeshadow Palettes

These Wet & Wild shadows are so affordable, pigmented, and really creamy. I find that they are a little powdery. They have more fall out than other high-end shadows, but for the price you are playing, they are phenomenal. 

'Til Next Time:)

xo,

Kiana

❤ My Must-Have Holy Grail Skincare Product!! ❤

Hi Lovelies!

I can't wait to share this MIRACLE product with you all! I recently tried this Alpha-H Liquid Gold Resurfacing Treatment which is currently on sale right HERE!

After the first time using this product, I noticed a huge difference in the texture of my skin. As you can see, this product contains Glycolic Acid and also licorice extract, which instantly tamed any acne flares I was having. This product is marketed as a resurfacing and firming treatment for reducing pigmentation, wrinkles, and sun damage. It promises a lot! And it delivers! This products brightens my skin and improves the texture of my skin. as

This product is very pricy. I suggest getting your hands on it while it is still on sale on BeautyBay. That being said, I would be willing to pay every penny again. This is a new holy grail product that I will never be without ever again. I have never used such an effective product.

I use this every other evening after I cleanse my skin. This is the ONLY product I use on my skin on the days that I use this. Which means that once I have cleansed my skin, I apply this product and nothing else. No toner, no moisturizer, nothing. I apply this to my face, neck, and decolletage.

Please let me know if you have tried any other products from the liquid gold range, I would love to try! I hope that all of you guys give this a chance, I have heard nothing but great things about this product! This can be our little secret =)

Hugs!
Kiana

My Favorite Fall & Winter Nail Polishes!

1. Deborah Lippmann's "Naked"

This is a great nude color that looks natural yet glam on any skin tone. 

2. Orly's "Confetti"

This is said to be a Kardashian favorite. This is a pretty, sheer baby doll pink. The only downside to this polish is the four coats that it takes for an opaque color. 

3. Zoya's "Vanessa"

This is a natural nail line, free of a lot of the chemicals found in other nail polishes. The pigmentation of this lacquer is phenomenal. The shade is a gorgeous cranberry color. Jaw dropping.

4. Essie's "Don't Sweater It"

This is the most perfect cool-toned taupe shade. It is perfect for sweater weather days during the fall and winter! I definitely recommend!

5. OPI's "You Don't Know Jaques!"

This is similar to "Don't Sweater It" except with more of a green undertone, making it more of a khaki color. You probably don't need both, but choose one that you like better with your skin tone!

1. Essie's "Butter Please"

Okay, personally, finding a blue that really looks good on me was a huge battle. I love blue shades, but I find that the color in the bottle does not reflect the same vibe on my nails. However, I have fallen in love with this shade. It is bright, while still warm and gorgeous for the cold weather. 

2. Essie's "Recessionista" 

This is a deep cranberry color that looks great with sweaters and gold accessories. 

3. Essie's "Carry On"

Carry On is a deep plum/purple shade. This is perfect if you want something dark without going completely black. I like alternative colors like this instead of black. 

4. Deborah Lippmann's "Since I Fell For You"

This is an extremely pigmented formula. It is a great red shade with a slight gold iridescence. 

5. Berry Shade by ColorMe

I am so sorry the name is not on the bottle of this shade. But if you can get your hands on it, purchase! This is a nice berry color with great pigmentation. 

6. Inglot #942

If you are able to pull off dark, navy blues, this one is great. All Inglot products are super pigmented and their nail polishes are no exception! This blue has a pretty, subtle iridescence to it as well. 

7. Orly's "Rage"

This is the absolute perfect holiday shade. It is a glamorous, shimmery shade that isn't too in-your-face. I love this shade as both an accent nail color or for all of your nails. It is simply a perfect festive, holiday color. 

So those are all of my favorites for the up and coming seasons! I feel like this is a time to really amp up your nail polish game! Let me know what your favorites are! 

Xo,

Kiana

Health Benefits of Massages

1. Ease Pain

Achy, sore muscles? Similar to massaging a bruise, by circulating the blood, a body massage can magically soothe tired and distressed limbs. Massages are also beneficial for headaches. Many people who suffer from migraines find that after regular massages, the frequency of their headaches have gone down significantly. 

2. Improve Sleeping Patterns

Massages can also help promote a better nights sleep by relaxing the brain and putting you into a calm state of mind. If you suffer from insomnia, try weekly massages. 

3. Relax the Body, Mind, and Spirit

One of the most obvious benefits of a massage is the tranquility that it brings over us. It is important to allow your brain to forget your weekly to-do list and enjoy a moment of peace. If you have find that you have anxiety from day to day, massages may be a good option for you!

4. Improve Range of Motion

Many athletes know that keeping flexibility throughout your body is a key factor in quality of performance in any sport. Massage therapy will improve your range of motion by releasing tension from areas that you may neglect in your stretching routine and help recover from any injury that you may be experiencing. This will make more a difference than you may think!

5. Prevent High Blood Pressure

Massages have been proven to reduce hypertension by stimulating certain nerves. 

Quick Tips!

1. Skip Shaving/Waxing/ or Sugaring

Embarrassed by stubble? Don't be. Masseuses are used to it. The fragranced massage oils and lotions can irritate your pores and even result in a rash.

2. I would suggest fitting a one hour massage into your schedule at least once or twice a month! Massages have many more health benefits than you would think! You don't have to dish out a ton of money to get an effective massage so pencil it in during a lunch break or after yoga!

I hope that you guys learned something new from this blog post. Massages are a great activity to share with your friends, family, or significant others. They are also great to package as Christmas and birthday presents! With school back in session, I hope that you all find the time to relax soon! Stay tuned for an upcoming video from me!

xo, Kiana

Meet Duke!

Dear readers,

I truly apologize for my recent absence from BeautyWithKiki. I will have to blame my distraction on my new baby, Mr. Duke.

There is a story behind this cute face and how we got him. About two months ago, our one year old teacup maltese was taken from us. One night, we let our two dogs out to go potty and a coyote jumped over a six foot fence (clearing it by two feet), grabbed Khloe, and jumped back over the fence with Khloe in its mouth. Khlo's cry is a sound that still haunts me and I will never forget it. R.I.P Koko <3

My parents acknowledged the difficulty I was having over the loss of my new puppy. They decided to surprise me with a present that I will bring with me to college next year.

I was surprised to receive this two pound bundle of joy about two weeks ago and it has been an exhausting but fun two weeks so far! He is a micro teacup yorkie. He is five months old and pretty much fully grown! He is the tiniest little thing. He is always either cuddling or playing with his toys. We are so in love with him! And needless to say that our dogs don't go outside anymore.

If you would like to see more pictures and videos of Duke, log on to Instagram. His username is toughguy_duke. Follow us on Instagram.... see you there :) Many more blogs to come!

Talk to you soon!
xo, Kiana & Duke

Reduced Guilt Munchies (Round 2!)

Since this was so popular the first time, I thought that I would come back with even more healthier alternatives to our guilty pleasures for you guys! Make sure to go back to June's blogposts for more munchies! =)

Everyone who knows me knows that I am an ice cream addict! But the first step is admitting it right? For a healthier alternative to slow churned, extra sugar ice cream, try So Delicious Coconut Milk Ice Cream. So Delicious is a dairy-free brand! They have a plethora of flavors and also offer almond milk treats! This particular flavor is organic, non-gmo, gluten-free, kosher, and vegan! It's a tasty treat without the worry of tomorrow's workout!

Also, check out their Mini Coconut Sandwiches! They are sweetened with agave nectar instead of sugar for a healthy yet rich flavor! Plus, they only have 100 calories per sandwich! What's not to love? Find these at Mother's Market and other health food stores!

Okay... this is currently my obsession! Forget the adorable packaging, this popcorn is lightly salted with sea salt so that it doesn't taste like cardboard and is zero trans fat, cholesterol free, and 100% whole grain! It is non-gmo, vegan, gluten free, and kosher! This popcorn is super tasty and for an extra kick, sprinkle some cayenne pepper on it for a salty and spicy flavor! Or, sprinkle some nutritional yeast on top for a salty and buttery taste. Nutritional yeast is packed with vitamins, folic acid, zinc, and protein! You can find this at Whole Foods!

Okay, don't be afraid of the unorthodox appearance of this next snack! I promise it's yummy! Smart Treat's Raspberry Brittle is vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free. It is made of nuts and it full of protein! This is an amazing pick me up when you need a little boost and a tasty breakfast paired with a fruit smoothie for those mornings that you are really in a hurry! Now, this stuff can be very hard to find. I purchase mine at Mother's Market. 

 Last, but not least, Earth Cafe's Cheesecakes! This company has so many different flavors and I love them all. These are 0-guilt cheesecakes! They are gluten-free, vegan, and raw! You heard me, raw! If you have never heard of the raw diet or the raw food challenge, look it up, it is pretty difficult, but contrary to how it sounds, delicious! Pick this up at Whole Foods! You might even shed a pound or two from eating this delectable treat! 

That's all for today, I hope you enjoyed this blogpost and try out a few of these yummy snacks! Leave questions or comments in the comment section below and don't forget to follow this site! 

Happy Snacking!

xo, Kiana

Beauty Products Not Worth Your $$

Ugh.. Products I regret buying! Here is a heads up on products that I would NOT repurchase....

NYX Wicked Dreams Palette

First and for most, the NYX Wicked Dreams Palette. I had high hopes for this palette. It comes with 24 absolutely gorgeous colors! The problem is that NYX eye shadows are very hit and miss. These colors had barely any pigmentation and looked extremely muddy on the eyelids. I was just completely disappointed with the quality of the shadows. I tried this with a brush and fingers and nothing complimented the muddy colors. I absolutely love NYX, but this particular palette just didn't cut it.

Make Up For Ever's Aqua Eyes White Liner

Given the steep price of this eye liner, I expected something that had amazing pigmentation, gliding on, and lived up to the Make Up For Ever expectation. I love the Make Up For Ever Aqua Line, but for some reason the white liner is just awful. It is the furthest thing from creamy and hurts when I apply it to my waterline. Also, I find that while I am trying to build up the pigment on my waterline it gets clumpy? (For lack of a better word) It takes a while to really get a nice look with this pencil and there are many others that are easy AND affordable. 

Anastasia's Clear Brow Gel

Okay, don't get me wrong... this is a great brow gel. It is a little runny, but nothing I can't handle. Another plus is that it doesn't make your eyebrows hard as rock. The only problem is that there are so many other affordable alternatives that there is really no reason to splurge on this particular gel. I love my Anastasia brow powder and I will stay loyal to that; however, Maybelline's clear mascara works just as well as this. 

So those are the only three products that I have for you today, but through trial and error, I will continue to warn you of the products that are not worth the bucks! I hope that you guys liked this blog post and if you have any suggestions on how to make these products work please comment below!

Til Next Time!

xo, Kiana

Mini Beauty Haul

Hi Lovelies! Today, I thought I'd do a mini collective haul for you guys and let you know how I am liking everything so far! Some of these buys are pretty basic necessities and others are more fun, but keep reading to find out where my wallet's been this week! =)

Aveeno Positively Smooth Shave Gel - Seems basic right? Well, this is my absolute favorite shaving gel. It has a natural scent and vitamins and emollients to keep your skin smooth. This gel transforms into a creamy consistency that will not irritate your legs. It allows for a close shave and it keeps your legs moisturized instead of drying them out!

Loreal's Color Vibrancy Dual Protect Spray - This is essentially a heat protectant for color treated hair. I love the shampoo from this line and decided to give this a go since I am desperate to keep my ends from breaking. It says that it has UV filters and protects up to 450 degrees. The part that won me over was its scrumptious scent! I will keep you all posted on how I like this!

Colgate Optic White Toothpaste - I've heard great things about this toothpaste. It uses the same ingredients as whitening strips, but if I don't have to do an extra step to keep my teeth white then that sounds like a good deal to me! So far I have really been loving it! Stay posted for a blog post on my whitening products!

Fresh Sugar Lip Polish/Lip Treatment in Petal - My Lush Mint Julep lip scrub dried up on me so I decided to invest in one again. This one by Fresh was not cheap, but I love it because it has essential oils such as jojoba that both keep it from drying out and also moisturize your lips! If you haven't used a lip scrub before, you have to try it! This lip treatment is also extremely moisturizing! I got it in the shade Petal which is a nice pink with a surprising amount of pigmentation! Let me know if you would like to see a DIY for this combo!

Victoria's Secret Body Mist in Coconut Passion - Oh my gosh... YUM! So I've already been looking forward to Fall and Winter and when that time rolls around you bet I'll be smelling like this! This is sweet but musky; cute but sexy. It is a delicious blend of vanilla and coconut. P.S. Bath and Body Works has a scent portable called vanilla coconut that I put in my car whenever the weather starts getting colder and it matches this body mist to a T. Is it weird that I'm looking forward to matching the scent of my car?

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer w/ SPF 30 - I was out of moisturizer and I decided to pick one from Aveeno because it is a brand that I trust. I always try to pick a moisturizer with at least a little SPF during the day time - even if it's raining! I'm looking forward to trying this out! I'll keep you guys posted!

So that's all for this week! Stay posted for upcoming reviews on these products!
Much Love,
xo, Kiana

Recipe: Summer Detox Smoothie

Sweet and spicy, this smoothie is great for starting your morning, hitting the gym, or even hosting a pool party! This easy recipe will only take minutes to make, but the sensational taste will leave you craving more all day long! The fruity sweetness is contrasted with a spicy aftertaste for a kick to your everyday smoothie. Let's get started!

All you'll need is...

Watermelon

Pineapple

Lime

Sea Salt (Just a pinch!)

Cayenne Pepper

Ice

Simply throw all of these ingredients into the blender. You may add as little or as much of each ingredient as you'd like! You will end up with something that has more of a juice consistency so you can add ice to make more of a slushy consistency! 

Cayenne pepper is great for so many things. It is loaded with nutrients, boosts immunity, and helps with weight loss. That's why this smoothie is perfect to take with you to your workout!! 

Let me know if you try this, I've been addicted to it!

Bottoms Up!

xo, Kiana

Burn Baby Burn: Summer Edition

Left to Right: Voluspa "Santiago Huckleberry", Bath and Body Works "Honeysuckle",
Bath and Body Works "Poolside", and Voluspa "Goji Tarocco Orange"
Sorry for the bad quality photo! =(

Who says that candles are only for cuddling up by the fire with a nice cup of hot cocoa? These candles are my favorite for adding that fun zesty smell to your room or just to help you relax while your favorite show is playing!

Below I will put the company's description as well as my person thoughts on the candle!

Disclaimer: I want to let you guys know that if you are going to buy a Voluspa candle, I highly recommend the glass packaging, as the tin can be impossible to open and close. But definitely check out Voluspa, the candles burn beautifully and smell heavenly! =)

Voluspa "Santiago Huckleberry" - "The combination of rip huckleberry mixed with vanilla pods and crushed sugar cane for a sweet, delicious scent." To me, this candle just smells like a slice of berry pie. It is very sweet, but it maintains a certain maturity to it. The vanilla adds a hint of muskiness to it for a yummy smell that will fill the room.

Bath and Body Works' "Honeysuckle" - "The scent of early spring contained in a blend of sweet honeysuckle, pink peony and freesia with a touch of creamy vanilla." Don't be scared by the strange mixture of vanilla and honeysuckle, the vanilla simply adds a creamier vibe to the floral scent. This candle reminds me of when I was younger at the park and we used to suck the honey out of the honeysuckles. It is just fresh and floral and the absolute perfect spring/summer candle!

Bath and Body Works' "Poolside" - Unfortunately this was limited edition, but they usually bring it back seasonally. I'm sure you guys can find this on the internet if you do your homework! It's completely worth it! "Lemon, orange, and tropical blossoms get a splash of coconut in a fragrance that revels in the cool side being poolside." Now to be honest with you all, I don't smell the fruitiness that this candle describes, but nevertheless, this is one of my all time favorite candles, which is why I am using it sparingly. This smells like the pool. The chlorine, the tanning oil, the warmth of the sun, and the fond memories that accompany summer. This tends to be a controversial scent, I've noticed some people love it and some people hate it. This just makes me think of pool towels, umbrellas, and a nice, cold margarita! Don't worry, it burns as nicely as it smells in the jar!

Voluspa "Goji Tarocco Orange" - "A blend of citrus notes: goji berry, ripe mango, and tarocco orange." This candle is delicious! It makes my mouth water. It is a very tarte, fruity, energetic fragrance! It is bubbly and fun and essential for this time of year! With this aroma floating in the air, I just want to dance around to some music! I love this scent and every other Voluspa scent! Go give it a go!

So those are my favorite summer candles for you all! I hope that you enjoyed this post and you are all having a very fun summer!

Cheers!
xo, Kiana

Products I've Used Up/ Empties #2

1. Clinique Acne Solutions Clarifying Lotion - Clinique says that this is not a toner. It is a clarifying lotion. Apparently, the difference is that this solution contains zero alcohol. Now that that is clarified, (see what I did there?), I will say I really like this product. I don't notice that it plays a huge role in clearing my acne, but I use this after I cleanse my face and it removes excess dirt, oil, and other icky things from my pores that my cleanser could not get to. This solution has 1.5% Salicylic acid in it, but it does not burn and I just like the way that it makes my skin feel, so I will continue to repurchase this.

2. Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst - Well, this won't be the first time I rave about this product. You guys have seen this product in my favorites many times. This has become a holy grail product for me and I never want to be without it. This fluffy gel consistency really hydrates my skin and makes me feel refreshed and it also acts as my S.O.S. product when I have dry patches. This formula is allergy tested, oil-free, and fragrance free. You can use this under or over makeup and it makes foundation apply beautifully. I HIGHLY recommend this moisturizer! You will not regret it!

3. Gillette Venus Tropical Disposable Razors - I don't know what to say about these... I have tried everything ladies! HELP! I have tried expensive men's razors, expensive ladies razors, and finally I said I'm tired of spending so much money replacing blades, I'll just buy disposables. Bad decision. These did not suit my fancy. The razor head wobbles while you are trying to shave and I just didn't get that close shave I like, although the handle bars do smell tropical! I think I will go back to my Men's Gillette until I find something better. Otherwise, waxing it is. If you ladies have any recommendations for a razor that gives a really close shave, please let me know in the comments!

4. Trapp No. 15 Vanilla Tarte Candle - This is a higher end candle, but boy is it worth the money! At first, I was not impressed by this candle. It smelled delicious, but it would not fill the room with the fragrance. Once I trimmed the wick it performed so much better. The packaging of the Trapp candles is so elegant and nice! All of the scents are just bliss, and after sticking my nose in about 10, I finally decided on this one. It is a delicious sweet vanilla scent. I can't do it justice. Go try them now! I will definitely be repurchasing a few more of these!

5. Softsoap Body Butter Coconut Scrub - Let me clarify this for all of you, this is body BUFF wash, not simply a body wash, which explains my confusion the first couple of times I used it. This does not sud up because it is a soap-free formula. This is a rich body scrub with crushed coconut and jojoba butter extracts. It smells yummy and the price is yummy too! You can use this all over your body. I love using this on an exfoliating towel before I shave my legs. I enjoyed using this, but it is not my favorite. I would probably skip this next time.

Those are all of my empties! Until next time,
xo, Kiana

First Impression: Sephora Tinted Self-Tanning Body Mist

I was hesitant to try this tanning spray because it seems as though Sephora was going for a bronze bottle and it turned out to be orange. Similarly, I didn't want to spray it on my body hoping to be bronze and turning orange! Not only that, but the lid does not stay on, but I guess you get what you pay for. This tanning spray is extremely affordable, and, contrary to the packaging, surprisingly natural and not at all orange!! The scent smells like coconut, and not the annoying "now I have to go shower because it smells so bad" kind of tanner smell. If you are not a fan of the scent, don't worry, it goes away after a few minutes! This formula has an instant bronzer in it so you can ensure that there won't be any streaks. I was the most surprised by how the formula dried within seconds! No need to stand around and wait for it to dry, just go hop on the couch or lay in bed and read Beauty With Kiki! Haha I will say though that after it dried it felt  sticky for about 10 min. This spray is very subtle you won't go from alpine white to "I just spent a week in Cabo" just by using this, but it adds that extra oomph to your tan. I think that overall for the small amount you pay for this tanner, it is great! Definitely worth trying! 

Let me know what you think!

xo, Kiana

(Belated) June Favorites!

I know that we are now half way through July and this post is long overdue, but there have been products this month that I just couldn't keep from you guys! I apologize for the delay, but I hope you enjoy what I have in store for you! =)

1. Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash - Around the beginning of June, I began to get a skin irritation. My skin was constantly itchy and due to my constant scratching, little bumps would form. My sister, who has mild eczema, suggested trying her Skin Relief Body Wash. I tried it and my itching was significantly reduced and my skin felt so moisturized. I ran to the store to buy a bottle for myself right away. This body wash is dermatologist recommended, fragrance free, and uses oatmeal as a key ingredient. It is a highly accessible body wash, you can find it at Target, Walmart, Ulta, and pretty much any other drug store!

2. Laura Mercier Flawless Skin Face Polish - I was browsing around Sephora when I came across the Laura Mercier "Face Polish". I dispensed a small amount on the back of my hand to feel the consistency. It was interesting, unlike any product I had ever tried before. I use this face polish when I have dry patches from my acne medications. This is the best exfoliator I have ever used. The particles are so tiny, almost like sand. I found that depending on how you work this into your skin, it can be both gentle or abrasive. After you rinse your face, your skin will feel brand new!

3. Natural Glow Healthy Complexion Daily Facial Moisturizer - What a mouthful! Similar to a BB Creme, this moisturizer is great for a handful of things! Jergens created this gradual facial moisturizer to accompany their body moisturizer and it is perfect for those of us who are conscious of the sun's damaging properties. I don't like to get too much sun exposure on my face when I am laying out or at the beach/pool. As a result, my face is always significantly more pale than the rest of my body. I use this moisturizer when I feel like the color difference is just too much to bare. I promise this formula is NOT orange! (Neither is the body moisturizer) I love this because it really does moisturize, in a few days you will feel more evened out, it doesn't break me out, AND it is UVA/UVB SPF 20! Does it get any better? 

4. Dove Clinical Protection Antiperspirant & Deodorant - How do you begin to talk about deodorant? Hmm... well I guess I'll just get into the facts. This deodorant has prescription strength wetness protection and is dermatologist tested. I use the "rebalance" formula, which almost smells like japanese cherry blossom - deodorant version? Dove calls this a solid but it is more like a cream consistency that twists up at the bottom. Any-who... its great and I've been loving it this month!

5.  Aveeno Nourish + Condition Leave-In Treatment - Do you have tangled hair? Do you heat style your hair a lot? This is the ultimate leave-in conditioner for you! After I wash my hair, I like to let it try about 40% and then I spray just a few sprays between the mid-shaft and ends of my hair. Warning: too much product will make your hair feel greasy. But this does make your hair feel moisturized and refreshed! And it smells nice too!

6. NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream "Addis Ababa" - Ignoring the strange name, this is my new holy grail pink lipstick. To start, the consistency of the NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams are to-die-for! They are moisturizing rather than drying and will stay on your lips for the longest time! The color I have is SMLC07 Addis Ababa which is a hot pink that is perfect for summer will red undertones rich enough for winter and every other season! This is SO flattering and so easy to work with! I'm in love with it!

7. Three Custom Color Specialists - Light Clarifier - This peachy nude pencil is a little pricy, but worth every single penny. This is a multi-purpose pencil that can be used for spot-concealing or lining your eyes! I have never used a pencil in my waterline that has the ability to make me look so "bright-eyed and bushy tailed". It completely distracts from the redness of your eyes and the effect that it gives to your make-up look is just indescribable! I highly recommend trying this out!! 

Those are all of my June Favorites! Like I said, sorry for posting this so late, but I hope you learned about some new products! As always, feel free to ask any questions in the comments below and go click that Follow button on the right hand side of the page =)

Love you,

xo, Kiana

Add A Zest To Your Summer Quench

Hi Everyone! 

I hope you all had a fantastic Fourth of July! As easy as it is, I wanted to share how I add some flavor and color to your ice cold water! This is great for a summer pool party or whenever you have guests over!

Start by filling your glass pitcher with 1 cut cucumber and a few sprigs of mint, then fill the pitcher with water. This gives the water a refreshing spa-like essence to it. Refrigerate the water and the flavor will increase by day. Once the pitcher is out of water, no need to replace the cucumber and mint, just refill water. 

When you're ready, I love putting drinks in these mason jars, it looks so much cuter than a plastic cup. All you have to do is recycle your peach jars and peel off the sticker ;) 

Lastly, top it off with a fresh slice of fruit like an orange, lime, or strawberry!

Stay Refreshed!

xo, Kiana