Kristin's Saturday 7
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14 Oct
Soul

Kristin’s Saturday 7 – 14 Oct 17

Hey Beautiful!

I hope you are happy and healthy! Here’s my latest Saturday 7 of what’s inspiring me and contributing to my adventure…

1. Recent Experience I’m Cherishing – I participated in the six day American Peace Intention Experiment conceived by Lynn McTaggart, author of ‘The Power of 8: Harnessing the Miraculous Energies of a Small Group to Heal Others, Your Life, and the World. Even as an experienced meditator, I found this group focus, with the intention on healing the most violent area in the USA, to be unexpectedly and incredibly powerful. Her book and the results of her previous experiments are impressive at both the participant and intention target level. I literally can’t wait to participate in the next experiment and I’m really motivated to start a weekly intention group of my own!

2. Get to Sleep Faster – Forget counting sheep! Gently talk your body into relaxation and sleep. Start at your toes and send these messages to each of them: I love you. (And feel yourself sending love and receiving love in that area.) Relax. (And imagine what it would feel like if that area were totally relaxed and at peace.) Release. (And image what your toe would feel like if it released all remaining held tension and stress.) Then move onto your whole foot, then your ankles individually and up your body to the top of your head… until you drift off into dreamland. If you’re still awake after making it to the top of your head… revisit your toes with the same message and work your way up again. If nothing else, you will unwind a day of negative self talk and tension while shifting into a more harmonious state.

3. Quote I’m Integrating – “The one thing you can control is how you treat yourself.”

4. Radical Thought I’m Having – It’s all good.

5. Recipe I’m Recommending – This Creamy French Lentils with Mushrooms & Kale Soup recipe by ‘The First Mess’ chef and blogger, Laura, is incredible and will become a winter soup staple in my house!

6. Massaging my Second Brain – Over the past year I’ve incorporated Arvigo Maya Abdominal Massage into my bedtime ritual. The Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy® help to restore the body to its natural balance by correcting the position of organs that have shifted and restrict the flow of blood, lymph, nerve and chi energy. This one quick self-massage technique has made positively affected my menstrual cycles, my enjoyment of sex and my digestion. I went to a massage therapist trained in the technique for an hour of instruction in how to do it myself. Every woman on this planet should know how to do this by the time they are 13 years old.  Learn more here.

7. LIVE Interview this Monday! – I will be interviewed by Dr. Tatiana Irvin LIVE on SolutionaryTV http://solutionarytv.com/waking-up/ this Monday, October 16th, 7-8pm EST. We’ll be discussing how voting with your dollars empowers your choices by fueling highly moral, consciously green, regenerative, triple bottom line businesses to create products that are FANTASTIC for you, for me and the environment. And how our power as “consumers” to influence commerce and what happens when we fail to patronize ethically green companies by way of conglomerate absorption, over-regulation and even dissolution.

Thank you for being!

Love & Light,

Kristin
CEO & Founder | Afterglow Cosmetics

28 Sep
Beauty

How to Apply: Natural Eye Shadow

In this video, I’m going to show you how I apply our organic, botanical Infused Eco Eye Shadow for a go-to, natural look.

Eyes truly are the windows of the soul. The right natural eye shadow can accentuate your beautiful eyes and make them sparkle.  

This look is fairly easy. With a little practice and an understanding the principles of a 3 shade eye application….you’ll quickly be a pro.

Our Afterglow Infused Eco Eye Shadows are rich in pigment, supernatural and are formulated with  65% certified organic botanicals like super anti-oxidant organic Acai and organic Goji Berry.  

I’m going to use three Infused Eco Eye Shadow Shades:

  1. A light shade. I’m using the shade “Feather” but our matte cream color shade “Vellum” also works well here.  
  2. A medium shade. I’m using the shade “Stencil”.
  3. A deep shade. I’m using the deep matte chocolate shade “Still Life”.

I chose a neutral palette today with shades that look great on virtually everyone.

One of the big takeaways here is the underlying principle of the application. Once you nail this, you’ll be able to replicate this look with the trio of your choice!

To get the dimension we’re looking for you’ll want to choose a light neutral shade that’s a cream, or light pink.

A medium shade of the color of your choice that falls in that medium shade range.

And a deep shade that is complementary to the medium shade. Don’t be afraid of the deep shade!

In another video, I’ll go more in-depth on eye shadow shade selections and recommendations.

Before you dive into your makeup application…

The act of applying makeup can be the perfect moment for mindfulness, self-love, and gratitude.

Studies say that you can fall in love with someone if you stare into their eyes for only a few minutes.

Now is a great opportunity for you to fall deeper in love with yourself.

While applying your eye shadow, really look into your eyes…

And fill your body with the awareness of your magnetic, beautiful being…

When you are blending your eye shadow with your one eye closed… envision that you are sending this same message of love and gratitude to everyone you know.

Ok – let’s get started!

Right now, I already have all the makeup on that I’m going to wear today except for eyes and lips makeup.

I generally apply my eye makeup second to last and my lips last.

I like to adjust my lip color to whatever creatively happened on my lids.

Prep your eyelids:

I’ve already applied my Perfecting Under Eye Concealer to my entire eye area to brighten my eyelid.

Then I applied our organic botanical Infused Total Cover Concealer in Canvas to set the stage with a creamy matte.

I’ve also set this area with my Infused Setting Powder in Translucent.

First, I’m going to apply my eye shadow shades lightest to darkest starting with the shade “Feather”.

  • Using our Vegan Oval Eye Shadow brush, sweep your lightest shade all over lid upward towards the brow bone using the shade “Feather”
  • Tap the color onto your lid and blend with your brush.
  • You’ll notice that your special eyelid shape will reveal or hide certain colors.
  • Play around with your own application technique to customize it to your eyelid shape.
  • Respect the borders – the corners of the eyes to the eyebrow.
  • Blend, blend, blend to achieve an even application.

Now for the medium shade. I’ve chosen “Stencil” which is a neutral, taupe brown shade with a very subtle shimmer. I’ll be applying this shade with a round blending brush.

  • Apply your medium shade along the lash line to the lower outside lid in a triangle blending towards the middle of your eyelid.
  • You’ll be taking this shade two-thirds of the way up your eyelid and you’ll add this medium shade to the middle eyelid crease.
  • Ultimately this is a gradation. You shouldn’t see any hard lines.
  • Blending is key here.

Finally, your deepest shade which will give your eyes intensity and depth. I’m using the deep chocolate shade called “Still Life” and my round blending brush again.

  • Dip the brush into this deepest shade and blend into the outer ⅓ of your eyelid into the crease. 
  • Using our Vegan Angled Liner Brush, line your lashes with this same deep shade to really make your eyes to POP. We’re using this tightlining technique in lieu of using a pencil liner.
  • Line the upper lash line with your deepest shade.
  • Hit the lower lash line with a pop of this same shade lightly on the outer third of the lashes as well.

Want more intensity? To bump up the intensity of this look, simply use more of your deepest shade.

Want more subtlety? To dial it back for a more subtle look, simply use less of the deepest shade.

Want to be happy? Don’t take this eye shadow stuff so seriously! Makeup is play. If you make a mistake you can wipe it off!

So now you know the basics of applying an everyday natural eye shadow look!  

Applying our Pure Soul Mascara will be your follow-up step!

Thanks for watching!

If you found this video helpful please like and share this video and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Don’t forget to check out our other videos here.

26 Sep
Beauty

How to Apply: Mineral Setting Powder


Mineral Setting Powder Makeup Application Tutorial Video

In this video, I’m going to show you how I use one of my little cosmetic secrets… our Infused Mineral Setting Powder.

I love our Infused Mineral Setting Powder because it immediately gives me a soft-focused look through the power of the light refracting ingredients.

The light refracting mica in this product helps create an ultra-smooth finish by softening the appearance of fine lines and pores.

If you have oily skin, this product will also help to absorb excess oil and remove shine.

You can apply a light dusting of this Infused Mineral Setting Powder before and/or after your mineral foundation.

This setting powder looks white in the container but applies translucent. This product is ideal for light to medium-deep skin tones.

I generally apply my natural concealer and mineral foundation first as I have today.  

For oily skin, you would follow all the steps I am about to show you, but I would also do the first application on bare skin before you apply concealer.

Ok – let’s get started!

Turn over your closed container. Open it and use what’s stuck to the lid first.  

Use your Vegan Blush Brush to apply the mineral setting powder to your entire face with an emphasis on your T-zone.  

This creates an airbrushed finish and sets your face makeup.

Voila! It’s that easy.

Continue with your mineral bronzer and mineral blush application!

Now you know my best-kept secret to creating that candle-lit look while minimizing the appearance of pores.

If you found this video helpful please like and share this video and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Don’t forget to check out our other videos here.

Kristin's Saturday 7
Read More
23 Sep
Soul

Kristin’s Saturday 7 – 23 Sep 17

Hey Beautiful!

I hope you are happy and healthy! Here’s my latest Saturday 7 of what’s inspiring me and contributing to my adventure…

1. This Week’s Experience I’m Cherishing – Sharing meals and celebrating with incredible friends that bring out the very best in me and make me excited and happy to be alive.

2. Backyard Vacation I’m Recommending – After a girlfriend brunch today, we all headed to the city rose garden to see the last round of beautiful blooms before the cooler weather sets in. There is nothing quite like the scent of a rose garden in full bloom to shift my energy into a state of joy. Even though the Raleigh, NC area isn’t very large, it’s peppered with a number of nature sanctuaries such as the rose garden, a butterfly house, hiking trails and atriums that are perfect for reconnecting with friends in nature. What do you have in your town that grounds you in nature with friends?

3. Quote I’m Integrating – “Love is metaphysical gravity.” – Buckminster Fuller

4. Radical Thought I’m Having – Sometimes the hardest person to forgive is yourself. Next time you sit in meditation or prayer, consider placing your hands on your heart, and repeat this incredibly simple yet powerful Hawaiian mantra of reconciliation and forgiveness called Ho’oponopono:

“I’m sorry. Please forgive me. Thank you. I love you.”

5. Recipe I’m Recommending – For my bestie’s birthday I made this glorious, decadent, gluten-free carrot cake recipe from Monique at DivasCanCook.com. I brightened it up a bit more by adding organic orange zest and a few drops of sweet orange essential oil to the icing. I will never look at carrot cake the same way again!  

6. Activating the Heart – I love these two souls and THIS conversation about how to quickly ease emotional pain.

7. Beauty School Sale – One of our biggest sales of the year is ON! Over the next few weeks, your favorite products will go on sale (20%+ off) with the release of each new Afterglow “How To” application video. Check out the website for all products currently on sale now!   

Thank you for being!

Love & Light,

Kristin
CEO & Founder | Afterglow Cosmetics

21 Sep
Beauty

How to Apply: Natural Aloe Concealer


Natural Aloe Concealer Makeup Application Tutorial Video

In this video, I’m going to show you all the ways you can use our best selling natural concealer, our Infused Aloe Concealer.

This natural concealer is ideal for light coverage and does a great job multitasking as a light coverage under eye concealer and highlighter.

It’s made with a base of certified organic aloe vera gel, rose hips and calendula, so it’s perfect for irritated blemishes and oily skin types.

Choose the shade that’s closest to your skin tone. If you can’t find an exact match, select the next lightest shade.

I’m using the shade No. 2.

Before you dive into your makeup application…

Pause for a moment.

The act of applying makeup can be the perfect moment for mindfulness and self-love.

Before you begin to apply your concealer… close your eyes and take a deep breath…. and as you take that breath fill your body with the awareness of your magnetic, beautiful being.

As you slowly exhale… Imagine that you’re are exhaling that beauty that’s inside of you into the entire world.

Our makeup is all about play and accentuating the positive of YOUR natural beauty.

As you apply your concealer to those areas you wish you didn’t see…

thank your body for everything it does to support you,

and send lots of love and gratitude to the area that you are gently concealing.

Ok – let’s get started!

Now, start with a clean, moisturized face. Make sure that your moisturizer has fully absorbed before you begin your makeup application.

Even though this natural concealer comes with a wand, I prefer to add the amount I’m going to use to the back of my clean hand and then apply with my ring finger or our Vegan Concealer Brush.

Directly dab a smidge of your Infused Aloe Concealer on the area that needs a little love with your finger or concealer brush.

If you are applying with a concealer brush you can very gently blend the edges of the spot concealed with the brush. If you choose to use your finger, dab around the area you directly applies to blend.

Experiment with brightening up around your nose and the corners of your mouth.

Swipe down the bridge of your nose and right under your brow bone to fake a highlighter for more definition.

So now you look like the best version of you!

Applying our Infused Mineral Foundation will be your follow-up step!

Thanks for watching!

If you found this video helpful please like and share this video and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Don’t forget to check out our other videos here.

19 Sep
Beauty

How to Apply: Natural Mineral Blush


Mineral Blush Makeup Application Tutorial Video

Today I’m going to show you the basics of applying our Infused Mineral Blush for a natural look.

I’m a big fan of blush and subtle rosy cheeks.

The color lifts the face and gives it dimension.

When you apply foundation you do even out your skin tone, but you also cover up your skin’s natural flush of vitality.

Reintroduce that goodness to your cheeks by applying natural mineral blush. Just a little… not too much.

This natural pressed natural mineral blush is formulated with some amazing certified organic botanical ingredients like calendula, rose petal and thyme to soothe and nurture the skin.

Make sure you choose the right shade of blush for your skin tone. We have a color profile shade finder on our website, that will help you find the right blush shade for your skin tone.

Today, I’ll be applying a natural blush shade called Tickle.

I have my Vegan Blush Brush here and the blush shade Tickle.

The correct cosmetic brush is important because it picks up and applies the powder in the right concentration and applies it to the right area of your face.

The beauty of our natural mineral blushes is that they are supernatural shades with buildable color.

You’ll want to start subtly and gradually build that intensity you’re looking for.

Don’t take this blush stuff so seriously, if you make a mistake you can always wipe it off.

Let’s do this!

First, find your cheekbones. Place your thumb right above your ear and your pinky finger below your nostril.

That line is your cheekbone line and we’re going to follow it when applying blush.

We are going to be applying the blush to the temple area in circular motions, towards the outside area of your iris along that line.

Now, gently pick up your blush with that blush brush and start applying it in circular motions starting at the temple along the cheekbone line.

Do not stripe or apply directly on that line.

Blush should be blended in circular motions.

Again, on the other side, bring the natural mineral blush powder into the temple and no further than the outside of your iris.

If you have a very narrow face and want to apply blush to the apples of your cheeks, find the apples of your cheeks without smiling and apply.

Now you know the basics of applying blush!

I love to finish off my mineral foundation application with a sweep of our Infused Mineral Setting Powder for a soft, candle-lit finish.

Check out how I apply our Infused Mineral Setting Powder in this video!

Thanks for watching!

If you found this video helpful please like and share this video and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Don’t forget to check out our other videos here.

15 Sep
Beauty

How to Apply: Natural Mineral Foundation


Mineral Foundation Makeup Application Tutorial Video

In this video, I’m going to show you how to apply our organic botanical Infused Mineral Foundation.

If you’ve never applied a loose mineral foundation, it may take a few applications to dial it in.  

But once you do, you’ll never look back.

Our mineral foundation is infused with skin moisturizing and balancing certified organic botanicals to nourish your skin all day long.

Plus, it contains a physical blocker SPF 20 to help protect your skin from the damaging rays of the sun.

At this very moment, my skin tone’s between two shades so I’ll be using a mixture of neutral shades, Bisque and Camel.

We have a Color Profiles shade finder on our website here, that will help you find the right shade for your skin tone.

Before you dive into your makeup application…

The act of applying makeup can be the perfect moment for mindfulness, self-love, and gratitude.

Our skin is a living organism that reflects what’s going on for us on a mental, emotional and physical level.

It can be very easy to get frustrated with the appearance of discoloration, acne or wrinkles.

And even easier for us to slip into negative self-talk as we try to cover up those areas.

Today, as you’re applying your foundation, express a feeling of gratitude and appreciation for your beautiful face with every sweep of the brush.

and fill your body with the awareness of your magnetic, magnificent being…

Ok – let’s get started!

First, make sure that you start with a clean, well-moisturized face.

I’ve already brightened my eye area with our organic infused Perfecting Under Eye Concealer in SHORTCAKE and touched up some discoloration with our organic Infused Aloe Concealer in No. 2.

You’ll need your organic Infused Mineral Foundation, an Afterglow Vegan Kabuki Brush, and an Afterglow Vegan Concealer Brush.

This foundation has a semi-matte finish and offers wonderfully buildable light to medium coverage.

I like to consider my style of foundation application as a “slow build”.

It allows you to achieve a very natural, luminous look without looking overdone.

First Spot Conceal with your Infused Mineral Foundation

  1. Dip your concealer brush directly into the foundation.
  2. Press it into the areas that you wish to cover and conceal.  
  3. Don’t sweep. That doesn’t apply the product in a concentrated enough form.
  4. Press the powder directly into the areas of concern and lightly blend the edges.

Now let’s move onto the overall foundation application for an even skin tone.

  1. Place the cap back on the foundation. Turn it over and tap it against your palm.
  2. Flip it right-side up.
  3. Remove the cap. See what’s stuck on the side of the cap? That’s what we start with.
  4. Take your Vegan Kabuki Brush and swirl it around in the cap… picking up all the powder.
  5. Notice that the powder moves down the bristles. Tap on the brush to ensure it drops down.
  6. Now it’s time to apply. Sweep the kabuki over your face in a circular, buffing motion. Start at the jawline working inward. Continue the process until you get the coverage you desire.
  7. If you need more, tap a thumbnail size amount of powder into the cap and repeat.

Do you need more concealing?

Again, on its own, this mineral foundation offers light to medium coverage. You can spot apply using the concealer by using the brush-dipping in the foundation technique.

Or you want more a little extra coverage. We have three concealers that might fit the bill:
Infused Aloe Concealer
Infused Total Cover Concealer
Infused Calm Cover

I love to finish off my mineral foundation application with a sweep of our Infused Mineral Setting Powder for a soft, candle-lit finish.

Check out how I apply our Infused Mineral Setting Powder in this video!

As always, I hope these application tips help you achieve a beautifully even complexion that looks like the best version of your skin.

Applying our Infused Mineral Blush and Infused Glow Bronzer will be your follow-up steps!  

Thanks for watching!

If you found this video helpful please like and share this video and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Don’t forget to check out our other videos here.

 

12 Sep
Beauty

How to Apply: Natural Total Cover Concealer


Total Cover Concealer Makeup Application Tutorial Video

In this video, I’m going to show all the ways you can use our natural Infused Total Cover Concealer.

This is an intense coverage powder concealer that can also multitask as a matte highlighter.

You can even use this little baby as a beautiful matte, cream colored eye shadow.   

This natural powder concealer contains Zinc oxide, organic tamarind extract, and gluten-free vitamin E, to reduce inflammation and the appearance of redness.

Choose the shade that’s closest to your skin tone. If you can’t find an exact match, select the next lightest shade.

I’m using the second lightest shade called Canvas.

Before you dive into your makeup application…

Pause for a moment.

The act of applying makeup can be the perfect moment for mindfulness and self-love.

Before you begin to apply your concealer… close your eyes and take a deep breath…. and as you take that breath fill your body with the awareness of your magnetic, beautiful being.

As you slowly exhale… imagine that you’re are exhaling that beauty that’s inside of you into the entire world.

Our makeup is all about play and accentuating the positive of YOUR natural beauty.

As you apply your concealer to those areas you wish you didn’t see…

thank your body for everything it does to support you,

and send lots of love and gratitude to the area that you are gently concealing.

Ok – let’s get started!

Now, start with a clean, moisturized face. Make sure that your moisturizer has fully absorbed before you begin your makeup application.

If your face is damp, it will be hard to apply and blend the powder… and the overall look will be muddy.

Now, tap out a fingernail amount of the Infused Total Cover Concealer powder into the cap.

Dip your Afterglow Vegan Concealer Brush into the powder and apply to the areas of your face you would like to conceal and lighten.

If you are applying this concealer to acne, please make sure that the breakout is dry and not weeping.

Again, any area that is damp will difficult to conceal and blend.

I generally spot apply all areas of my face first and then circle back to blend them with my brush.

If you are applying with a concealer brush, you can very gently blend the edges of the spot concealed with the brush.

I would also suggest experimenting with brightening up around your nose, and the corners of your mouth.

Brightening up those areas around your nose and mouth can set the stage for a much evener complexion and polished final look.

Now that we’ve given those spots a bit of love we can move onto the next step.

Applying our Infused Mineral Foundation will be your follow-up step!

Thanks for watching!

If you found this video helpful please like and share this video and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Don’t forget to check out our other videos here.

11 Sep
Beauty

How to Apply: Natural Bronzer


Natural Bronzer Makeup Application Tutorial Video

In this video, I’m going to show you what I like to call my “Perfect Day Bronzer Look” using our natural Infused Glow Bronzer.

I love our bronzer because it gives my skin a healthy glow and luminescent dimension any time of the year.

Anyone can use bronzer to boost your look, regardless how tan you may already be.

And this is the easiest application technique I know!

This natural pressed bronzer is formulated with some amazing organic botanicals like calendula, thyme, and chamomile to soothe and nurture the skin.

We offer two bronzer shades, Tropical and Exotic. Both shades offer buildable color.

If you are very light or new to bronzer, I recommend first playing with the ‘Tropical’ bronzer shade.

Exotic is much deeper bronzer shade and is best for medium to deep medium skin tones.

For this video, I’m using the shade Exotic because I like to start with a more intense pigment and blend.

Before you dive into your makeup application…

Pause for a moment.

The act of applying makeup can be the perfect moment for mindfulness, self-love, and gratitude.

Before you begin to apply your bronzer… close your eyes and take a deep breath… and as you take that breath fill your body with the awareness of your magnetic, beautiful being.

As you slowly exhale… Imagine that you’re are exhaling that beauty that’s inside of you into the entire world.

Our makeup is all about play and accentuating the positive of YOUR natural beauty.

As you sweep the bronzer onto your cheeks send lots of love and gratitude to your body.

Ok – let’s get started!

Keep in mind the number three through the entire bronzer application process.

You’ll be drawing a three on each side of your face with the bronzer… hitting your hairline, your cheekbones, and your jaw line.

Repeat until you achieve the depth of color you desire.

Follow-up you Infused Glow Bronzer application with one of our natural blushes!

If you found this video helpful please like and share this video and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Don’t forget to check out our other videos here.

Kristin's Saturday 7
Read More
09 Sep
Soul

Kristin’s Saturday 7 – 9 Sep 17

Hey Beautiful!

I hope you are happy and healthy! Here’s my latest Saturday 7 of what’s inspiring me and contributing to my adventure…

1. This Week’s Experience I’m Cherishing – Camping under a full moon. I went camping and whitewater rafting in gorgeous West Virginia’s New River Gorge with my guy over the long weekend. Our first night was rainy but we found so much joy in listening to the sounds of the rain on our tent, with the white noise of the cicadas and the chirps of the frogs. We were rewarded the second night with clear skies and an almost full the moon.

2. Vacation I’m Recommending – There is something so healing and grounding about sleeping in nature under the stars. Do you want to experience camping but need to take baby steps? Look for a totally unique outdoor living experience on Glamping.com Yes, that’s “glamorous” AND “camping” all in one word!… And you thought it wasn’t possible!  

3. Quote I’m Integrating – “Nothing ever goes away until it teaches us what we need to know.” – Pema Chodron

4. Radical Thought I’m Having – This too shall pass.

5. Easy Anywhere Meditation I’m Doing – Intention plus breath is magic. Next time you find yourself anxious or pissed off at a never-ending stoplight, take a deep breath in and say to yourself, “I bring myself to the present.” Now exhale and say to yourself, “I release all that isn’t mine.”

6. Activating Gratitude – With so many natural disasters of magnitude happening lately, it’s easy to get caught up in the collective grief and fear. I’ve found myself more actively than ever before in total awe and gratitude for all the simple things that show up for me every day such as running water and a roof over my head.

7. Beauty School Sale – One of our biggest sales of the year is ON! Over the next few weeks, your favorite products will go on sale (20%+ off) with the release of each new Afterglow “How To” application video. Check out the website for all products currently on sale now!   

Thank you for being!

Love & Light,

Kristin
CEO & Founder | Afterglow Cosmetics

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