| WEEKEND SWIM | Sexy Online Swimwear Store

HEY CHICKADEES :)

SOO--How is everyone doing?? Been a while, of course, since I have posted ( I apologize), but I have been super busy with my makeup career and things at home! My husband, son and I just recently moved to an 11 acre farm and things have been CRAY over here at the Vancea household lol. But all of that aside, I wanted to make this blog post about a new company I have had the pleasure of doing a collaboration with, WEEKEND SWIM. A few days ago, I posted a pic on my Facebook and Instagram of me wearing my new favorite bikini from them. I got a lot of compliments and questions about where they could get the same swimsuit and where to check out more. It just felt like it was a  must to let everyone know about this company because they have amazing customer service and prices for these oh so sexy swimsuits!

Jasmine is the owner of Weekend Swim and I have had the pleasure of getting to know her. She is insanely sweet and genuine and cares a lot about her customers! Ever since she was a little girl, she dreamed of owning her own business. At age 24, she opened up her very own business, Weekend Swim, which is an online swimwear boutique that offers very sexy designer inspired swimwear.

She said she "started Weekend Swim when she noticed the lack of sexy swimwear options available online. I knew that if I was having trouble finding a cute bikini at a reasonable price that many other women were most likely having the same problem."

"My mission is not only to provide you with the trendiest swimwear styles but to empower and motivate you to be the sexiest you can be. Weekend Swim is for those who are seeking to be desirable, unique, sexy, and confident. Our swimwear is sure to give you the attention you deserve."

/\ SEE--I told y'all she was sweet lol /\

The bikini I have is called the Shanaz. (Pictured below)

All of her bikinis are priced at $40 and free shipping all over the U.S. Talk about an amazing deal. These swimsuits range from sexy bikinis like this to side-boob one pieces and sexy mesh one pieces. I will post a few on here just to give you a little teaser, but to see the rest and get one for yourself, head on over to her website and follow them on Instagram!

www.weekendswim.com

www.instagram.com/weekendswim

Peek-A-Boo

Shayla

Ambur

Gabriel

Highlight and Contour 101

I get asked a lot how I highlight and contour on myself and my clients, SOOOO, I decided to just write a quick blog post explaining what to do and why. 

(All products I mention I have provided links for you to see them so just click on the product name)

Let's get into it..

Contouring: the reason why we contour is because we are giving shape to an area of the face and trying to enhance our natural face structure through makeup.  Unless you are trying to go for a harsh look, contouring is suppose to just show a subtle definition on your face, not make your face look so "flat". 

When looking for products to contour with, always stick to a product that it matte, aka no shimmer. Also, when contouring, you are making shadows on your face, so I like to use a brown toned shadow or color that has a hint of beige, brown, taupe, or grey in it. That's where you need to be careful though because you don't want to get a product that is going to make you look muddy. 

*My two favorite powders to contour with are my Smashbox Contour Palette and Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Book. 
*I don't really ever use creams, but if I do, I have been using RCMA's Contour and Highlight Palette and those shades are just so pigmented and buttery, AH, they seriously blend like a dream and they have the greyish tones in their contour colors. You will DIE if you try these, so go get them! ;) 

Another thing people will miss when contouring is they should have a bronzer on before they start to contour. Bronzing is different than contouring because when you bronze, you are hitting the points that the sun would naturally hit your face when you tan. For example, your cheek bones, temple and forehead and jawline. If you look in the diagram I provided below, all the brown markings are where you contour, but you can also bronze in those areas as well, only place not to bronze I would say would be your nose and the hollows of your cheeks. It's always good to have a bronzer underneath your contour because it serves as a transition color so that your contour shade doesn't look AS harsh as it would by itself. BUT SHOOT, if that's what you want, than you go glen coco! #getit 

I use a NARS ITA Brush or a Sigma F40 to contour/bronze. 

*Bronzers I LOOOOOOVE--Chanel Tan de Chanel Bronzer (cream), Mac Give Me Sun, IT Cosmetics CC Bronzer, Milani Bronzer in Soleil, Guerlain Terracata Bronzer.

/\ YES, I love a lot of bronzers but hey, bronzer and highlights are just something you can't ever have enough of :)) 

Smashbox Highlight and Contour Diagram

After we are done bronzing and contouring, we need to highlight the face. 

Highlighting is especially important after you contour because it brings the light back onto your face. If you look in the diagram, you should highlight your under eye area, (in a triangle formation so it will help lift your eyes), corners of your mouth where there is a shadow, center of your nose and foreheard and also center of your chin. 

I use a lighter concealer color so I can conceal and highlight at the same time. Knocking two birds with one stone as they say lol. 

To blend this all in, I use either a angled kabuki brush (Sigma F84) or my trusty dusty beauty blender!

Products I use to highlight: Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer in Custard, Mac Prolongwear Concealer in NC20 or NW20, Mac Prep and Prime Highlight Pen in Light Boost and then to set those I use either my Anastasia Beverly Hills Banana Powder, Ben Nye Banana Powder or Smashbox Highlight and Contour Palette. 

Once I am done with all of that mess, lol , I like to "GLOW" aka I love highlighting in the sense of shimmer on my cheekbones so I can glow like a disco ball when the light hits me!! It's not for everyone but in my opinion, you're crazy if you don't try it out at least once!

MY FAVORITE one is either Becca Cosmetics Shimmer Powder in Opal or Artist Couture Diamond Glow Powder in Gold Digger. (They will change you in the best way possible if you have them ;) ) 

SO ANYYYYWHO...

Hope this helped those who were a little weary or confused about where to start!!!

wait. . . . what are you still doing here?! GO PRACTICE!! 

BYYEEE--UNTIL NEXT TIME

XOXO. Kristina Vancea

Must Have Fashion Trends for Spring 2015

If fashion is gearing towards what was seen on the runway, than these items I've picked out will be some of your MUST HAVES going into the new season!

{CLICK ON THE PRODUCT NAME FOR A DIRECT LINK}

• High Waisted Dress Pants:

Asos High Waist Jersey Flares

LuLus- Cute Brown Pants

• Suede Skirts/Dresses:

Liberty Garden Vegan Suede Patchwork Mini at Free People

ASOS Ganni Ingrid Suede Short Sleeve Dress

• Striped Shirts:

ASOS Stripe Shirt with White Collar

Forever 21- Striped T-Shirt Dress

• Palm Print Outfits:

Nicole Miller NYFW Spring/Summer 2015 Collection

OSKLEN Palm Tree Mini Dress

• Fringe:

ASOS Mesh Panel Fringe Mini Bodycon Dress

Skemo Crochet Fringe Cocoon at Free People

• Denim:

OH MY LOVE Ruffle Playsuit in Denim

Oversized Denim Shirt

• Baby Bell Bottoms:

Bell Bottom Wool Crepe Pants- MAURIZIO PECORARO

Free People Night Out High Rise Flare

• Blazers:

Draped Collar Blazer

Blazer with Gold Button

\/ Other items for y'all to check out \/

• Accessories:


• Necklaces
•  Pushmataaha Su Necklace Pendant , Polly Layered Pendant Necklace , Crystal Pendant Necklace
• Bag
• Leather and Suede Vintage Shoulder Bag
• Shoes:
• Lela Rose Spring 2015
• Christian Louboutin Iriza Half-d'Orday Red Sole Pump, Cork
• Gucci Suede Ankle-Strap Boot
• Three-Strap Single Sole Heels
• Qupid D'Orsay Kitten Heel Pumps

Best Makeup Looks at NYFW!

New York Fashion Week is one of the most awaited events for socialites and celebrities everywhere, and one day, I will go! lol UNTIL THEN..I can sit at home admiring the amazing artists who made these celebrities DROP DEAD GORGEOUS---I don't know who all the makeup artists are for most of these, but either way, they did an amazing job!

1. Kylie Jenner, makeup by Samuel Rauda (Instagram: @makeupbysamuel)

• Is this really a surprise that she would be my top pick?! lol I may not agree with the overly drawn lips ALL the time, but Samuel did an amazing job. Her contour is more bronzer than anything and I just love how soft yet strong it makes her features look. Her eyeshadow is to die for. In this pic, it looks like it is a combo of a gold and pearlesque shimmer shade with some brown smoke in the outer v and lower lash line. I am obsessed with this look and I have GOT to recreate it. LOVE.

     2.  Christina Milan

• Her makeup is so natural. Yes, there is a noticeable highlight, but no harsh contour at all! Subtle bronzer, doesn't look like anything on the eyes and just a gloss over the lips. Beautiful.

      3. Kim Kardashian, makeup by Meredith Baraf (Instagram: @meredithbaraf)

•  Kim also has a softer contour than normal. She also has a lot of bronzer, a nude lip and a brown smokey eye. Kim's makeup is always flawless. I wouldn't expect her to look bad...EVER. 

     4.  Rihanna

• Rihanna is always drop dead gorgeous, makeup or not, but this look suits her so well. The purple/burgundy tones look amazing on her complexion. Her makeup artist did a phenomenal job, using only bronzer with an added beautiful glow and natural highlight. Her eyes have just the right amount of purple that isn't too heavy or crazy looking. She looks flawless. I tip my makeup brushes to you unknown makeup artist. lol 

I've for sure noticed a trend for makeup this year, have you? I know last year was the year for contouring, and for me, I will always have a little contour going on, but for the look to be more bronzed and glowing skin, I think it will be a fresh change. For women to look more natural and to just enhance their beauty a smidgen with a warm color to brighten up their face is refreshing. Can't wait to see what else 2015 has in store for beauty!

Until next time y'all, 

XOXO. Kristina Vancea

Lets Get Shearious!

Hello my Loves,

On this lovely Saturday afternoon, I wanted to share with y'all about my amazing hair transformation I got done by a good friend and an amazing hair dresser, JACOB KHAN ((AKA THE HAIRGOD))!!!

The salon I went to is Shearious Salon here in Atlanta, GA, in between Brookhaven and Dunwoody. It's a smaller, upscale salon, with about 5 chairs and the staff there is incredible. Since the moment I stepped in the door, I was greeted with the best hospitality and was made to feel like I was already a part of their cute little family. 

Jacob, the color genious, and I, have known each other since we were 13 and never did I ever think that he would be a hair stylist, but OMGSH, it was his freaking calling! He's a true artist with his coloring and cutting on anyone's hair, I mean seriously, go check out his Instagram |@JACOBKHAN|. He literally took a look at my hair and face and already knew what cut and hair colors would look good on me and he got to work. 

After cutting my hair, Jacob used Goldwell Color 7ngb + 6nbk, 20 volume developer for the base color. He then hand painted lightener through my ends toned with 8nbp for 10 minutes. I sat under the dryer for about 30ish minutes and then it was off to the sink to get the hair dye washed out of my hair and to put two toners in. The shampoo he used smelled AMAZING btw! It was a gentle shampoo, made by Arojjo Products, which was perfect for my hair because I have very fine hair and obviously, we just colored it, so it wasn't too harsh. 

Jacob then led me back to the chair and had me turned around while he blew my hair dry so I couldn't see. My anticipation was seriously going crazy at this point because I was sooooo anxious to see what my hair looked like! 

FINALLLLLLYYYY, after using more Arrojo Products and curling my hair, he spun me around and I was in awe!! I have never been so happy with my hair color and cut than I was yesterday! I will never go to another salon or stylist ever again! My whole experience was like a fairy tale lol. But seriously, it was awesome. 

If any if you are in the Atlanta area, you have got to go to this salon! Tell them Kristina Vancea sent you and I promise, you will not be disappointed. I will link their website, Instagram and phone number down below. 

http://shearious.com

Instagram: SHEARIOUSSALONATL

404-913-4288

Y'all have a great weekend!  I know I will rocking these precious new locks 😉 

XOXO. 

Kristina Vancea 💋

Helloooooo Gerard Cosmetics!

Hello again my loves, 

Been forever and day since I posted in my blog and I knew this would be a great post to share with y'all. Have y'all ever heard of Whitening Lightning or Gerard Cosmetics? Okay, well if you haven't, this company makes amazing teeth whitening products and makeup! Today, I wanted to share with you three glosses that I bought from them! And let me tell ya somethin', obsession does not even begin to describe the feeling I have towards these lipglosses I just got! 

From left to right (Seduction, Nude and Shimmer of Hope) 

These glosses are SUPER pigmented to the point you don't even need a lipstick to go underneath, but if you do put it over a lipstick, it will make your look that much better! As for usual lipgloss stickiness, UH NO, this brand doesn't have that! I know , you don't believe me right, well you should. The formula of these glosses are so creamy and smooth, you won't even feel like you even have a lipgloss on! 

I could rave about these glosses probably for days, but you just need to check them out for yourselves! If you want swatches of these babies, leave me a comment down below or follow me on Instagram and stay tuned for more pictures to come! 

Here is their website and Instagrams so you can go ahead and check them out! 

http://www.gerardcosmetics.com

Instagram: @Whiteninglightning @Gerardcosmetics 

You're welcome lovies! 

XOXO. Kristina Vancea

PS- Go check out my youtube channel because I have a Back to school Collab and Giveaway going on until the end of the month (Ends August 31, 2014)! DONT MISS OUT :))

My Instagram: @kristinavancea

Back to School Collab and Giveaway Video: http://youtu.be/1wWL_eEtNOw

The Late but Not Forgotten March Birchbox

Hello my Beauties,

Okay, so yes it is about mid April now and March seems far behind us, BUT I have to share with you guys what I got in my March Birchbox! This months box was by far the best one I have gotten since I have had a subscription with Birchbox. Inside this marvelous package of mine, I had a mixture of beauty and lifestyle products..follow me and let me show you what they were.

1. Beauty Protector Protect & Detangle: $21.95
• Product Description:This product seals cuticles that compose the outermost layer of each strand of hair. It also smoothes and moisturizes, thereby minimizing frizz, while safeguarding color and adding shine. It also protects against UV rays and heat.
• MY THOUGHTS: This was my MOST FAVORITE of all the items. I noticed a difference in my hair after I applied this product and my hair dried. My hair was smoother and shinier in just one use. Not only was this product AH-MAHZ-ING for showing results on the first use, it smells phenomenal. It has a floral aroma and the scent will stay in your hair all day, even carry on to the next day. I love love loooove this product and you can best believe I purchased the full bottle.
2. COOLA Tinted Matte SPF 30 for Face: $36.00
• Product Description: This is a silky, mousse-like consistency and is made with 70 percent organic ingredients. Once this formula dries, it becomes a matte finish. The subtle beige tint evens out skin tone and masks flaws. Works best for the light to medium complexions. 
• MY THOUGHTS: The texture of this is very, and i mean very, buttery! Goes on so smooth and blends in easily. I don't know if I would say it covers anything to mask any flaws, but I would totally use this as a primer or just for the SPF purposes. Makes my face feel really soft. 
3. Harvey Prince, Cherie Blossom: $55.00
• Product Description: Inspring scent that mingles sparkling cherry blossom with romantic vanilla and musk. 
• MY THOUGHTS: Well, unfortunately, I broke this sample the moment I opened it. However, I was able to embrace this flower power of a perfume. I am actually considering trying it out full bottle. Its a perfect flirty, fun perfume for any woman. Go smell it for yourself!
4. Gilchrist & Soames, London Collection Body Lotion: $16
• Product Description: This fast absorbing hydrator leaves skin feeling silky-smooth with a light, earthy scent.
• MY THOUGHTS: This is a very thin lotion and it for sure smells great. Kind of reminds me of a mens cologne or body wash scent. I wouldn't use this as a body lotion, but more so for my hands or just the scent. 
5. Tea Forté: pack of 3, $9.95
• Product Description: Sugar-free, all natural mints infused with wellness-promoting organic green tea and herbs. 
• MY THOUGHTS: I got the Lemongrass Yuzu mints and they are suppose to help you relax. Has a subtle mint taste with a citrusy taste too. Me likey.

AND BECAUSE THEY LOVE ME ;) --

    6.  Ghiradelli Intense Dark Cherry Tango Choloate Bar

• Product Description: A dark chocolate with bits of cherry and almonds 
• MY THOUGHTS: I mean c'mon, do I really need to explain, it's chocolate....I LOVE IT! 

TA-DA...Now wasn't that a great box!? Amaze-balls, I know. I definitely recommend for any one of you gorgeous peeps to go purchase the Beauty Protector Spray because it will change your life. Well, not that extreme, but I am obsessed. I promise you you will not regret it. 

XOXO- Kristina V 💋