xx, Kim
Stretch Mark Prevention
I am officially 33 weeks pregnant! It’s crazy to me that 8+ months have already gone by and soon I’ll be welcoming our daughter into this world.
Up until this point, I have gained around 23 or so pounds, and my belly has definitely started to stick out, but not nearly as much as I assumed it would by this point. I’m almost 6 feet tall, so it’s going to take longer for that pronounced bump to show up. Either way, my skin has been itching a bit and I have been diligent with putting on creams and oils at least once daily to relieve the itchiness and hopefully keep stretch marks at bay.
I truly believe that stretch marks have a lot to do with someones size and how much they grow during pregnancy, genetics, and efforts to moisturize regularly. I don’t think its just one of these items but rather a combination of things. However, I would have to assume like so many other things in pregnancy, that genetics plays a large role in whether or not one gets stretch marks or pronounced stretch marks. Either way, the discomfort from itchy dry skin is reason enough for me to find the most moisturizing oils and body butters I can find. Below are a few I have tried and really loved.
1: Matana Oil. I was gifted this oil in order to try and see how I liked it. I have been gifted a lot of items, and often times will never mention them because I didn’t really care for them or felt strongly enough about the product to recommend to my friends. I really liked this body oil though and the ingredients are quality which makes me feel good when putting it on. The oil is moisturizing but not too slick or wet to where it’ll stain or absorb into my clothes, which is key. It’s dewy and makes my skin feel so hydrated but it’s not physically cold to put on, so I use this when I’m not wanting that shock of cold after a shower.
2. Jose Maran Argan Body Butter- My girlfriend Stella uses this and highly recommended it and she is in her second pregnancy. She loves it, and I trust her recommendations so I also got it. It truly feels so good in the skin and is cooling and soooo moisturizing. I got a four pack of different scents and I have to say, I ran out so fast because I used it all over all the time. It’s a great product and your skin feels ultra soft from using it.
3. Mutha Body Butter- My friend Mandy, who is a skin EXPERT, recommended this body butter to me and it’s SO MOISTURIZING. The only down side would be that it’s pricey, but it does come in a large tub and lasts a long time. It also is super clean and smells amazing. I absolutely love it.
At the end of the day, stretch marks can happen to the best of us who are diligent about our daily routines, but I know that if they were going to happen, at least they will be minimized by using quality products that are highly nourishing throughout my pregnancy. After all we don’t know for sure if they are preventable for sure or are genetic, but I like to always do my part!
I believe in doing the best you can do with what you have and what you know. After that, we gotta roll with the punches! If I was genetically predisposed to stretch marks, regardless of my size, hydrating routine, and healthy eating, then I’ll have peace of mind knowing I did my part and my belly will look better than if I didn’t do those other things. Stretch marks are not the end of the world, in fact I have a bunch on my inner thighs and sides my booty from growing six inches in junior high in one summer. However, I always believe in doing my best for the results I want, and then go from there.
I really enjoyed these three products and linked them plus a couple others that came highly recommended by trusted friends. Check them out below and as always, you can shop the post.
Stretch Mark Moisturizers
Let me know if you have tried any of these and which one you love!
xo, Kim
High Frequency Device: My New Skincare Obessesion
Hi Beauties!
I can’t wait for you guys to watch the video and learn about my new favorite device for not just acne or bacteria of any kind, but also for collagen production! You will learn everything you need to know from the video but let me just tell you, this is an aestheticians magic weapon and you should own one so you never have to suffer from a breakout that leads to scarring again. If you zap the breakout from the get go with high frequency, it will kill the bacteria, thus preventing it to get more infected. My zits now flatten out and go away within a day or so, so you guys really need this!
Watch the video and let me know what you think! I can’t wait to hear if you guys use one!
xo , Kim
My Top 5 Anti-Aging Skincare Products (Celebrity Aesthetician Approved!)
Hi guys!
Skincare is one of those things for me that I am willing to spend time and money on because I want to have healthy and young looking skin for as long as possible. I don't want to feel like I have to resort to botox, fillers, and procedures in order to reverse the signs of aging early on. I am not opposed to “baby” botox or anything like that (tiny amounts of botox to basically help you from creating deep wrinkles while still allowing you to have movement and expression) , but I do think it’s smart to work on prevention with your everyday products! While they are not cheap, they are much cheaper than a face lift later on in life!
I have been seeing an aesthetician religiously since January and have noticed a huge difference in my skin and she has recommended the products in the video above. I happened to be using most of them from doing my own research but was glad to see I was on the right track and that I was in good company as she treats many celebrities!
Comment below if you use any of these products and if not, which products you do use and would recommend. I am always looking for suggestions!
xo, Kim
Life Lessons I've Learned From Modeling
Shape Magazine Image from my days with Wilhelmina
Hi all and welcome back to Transparency Tuesday! Today I am sharing some of the key life lessons I have learned from modeling.
I LOVE this series and love learning from your comments, emails and messages so please ask and comment away! I LOVE IT.
As many of you know, I am a model and have been in the industry for the last 7 years. I started modeling when I was 23 and am grateful that I was a bit older, unlike many girls that are 16-18 when they start. Being older helped me avoid some sticky situations where my 16 year old self might have easily been taken advantage of. When I started, I truly loved this new fast-paced industry and still enjoy certain aspects of it, but have learned a lot of tough lessons. I tend to be an optimistic person, giving people the benefit of the doubt and trusting them at their word. I like to believe the best in others, but in a cut throat industry like modeling where egos and money get in the way, there is very little value placed on loyalty, honesty, or even integrity. These are extremely important qualities of course to many clients, but in the agent-model relationship, I have found these qualities get overlooked often.
The fashion industry can be an awesome place when you are the new "it" girl at an agency or with a client, It's fun being loved and complimented, but eventually those girls lose their lustre. They often get shelfed where they don't go out on castings as much, aren't offered direct bookings anymore, and are kinda just old news, Even though these are not the experiences in corporate settings, this industry has shown me a lot and taught me a lot of vital life lessons that totally relate to everyday life. Below are some things I have learned:
8 Life Lessons I have Learned Through Modeling
1. You Need to Believe In Yourself First Before Anyone Else Will- Enthusiasm is infectious, especially when that translates to self confidence. If you don't believe in yourself or think you are awesome, capable, smart, resourceful, and worthy of opportunity, who else will? Taking risks and being fearless is hard but you can do it, I promise.
2. You Won't Be Everyone's Cup Of Tea-
Nope! And that's okay! With modeling, this is primarily referring to being what casting directors/clients/ and agents want you to be physically, but Im referring to even your personality. We aren't all meant to be besties and I know it sucks when people straight up don't care for you, but it would be strange if everyone LOVED you... because wouldn't that show that maybe you were bending to fit everyones preference of you? When you are yourself (while still being kind of course, there is never a good excuse to be nasty) and some just dont take to you, then good! They arent "your people". Moving on.
3. Losing Weight or Making Drastic Changes For Vanity Wont Increase Overall Happiness-
I used to think that if I could justttt lose that 10 lbs my agents told me to lose, I would work more, make them happy, and finally reach my potential. Such crap. I looked great and still do. Maybe not their idea of great, but mine. Yes, a few pounds can be the difference in life changing confidence or can be necessary for your health, but I'm not talking about that ( I mean just for vanities sake). Looking good feels good, but wont create long term happiness unless you have your heart, mind, and spirit in order.
4. Have Mulitple Streams of Revenue-
Not trying to over share here but I made a ton of money the first month I got into modeling. I thought, dang, I can work a couple days a month and make a fraction of this and still be financially free! Wow. Well, I quickly learned that having one stream of income wasn't gonna cut it because I didn't get paid for months on end! Who knew? Not me. I had all this money coming, but none to show for it and it was stressful. One time, I didn't get paid for 13 months! I started coaching, giving private water polo lessons, got my Pilates certification to teach, and was auditioning for commercials and shooting them here and there. I had to because I didn't want to stress constantly as I waited for my checks. This mindset is how Chay and I operate even now. That's why we have investment properties. We want multiple streams of income incase a few dry up for a bit.
5. Rejection Builds Character and Is Not Personal (most of the time)-
Rejection feels awful, but a lot of the time isn't personal. For me, not getting hired for a beauty campaign has nothing to do with my actual beauty or measurements. A lot of the time, it's about my hair color, shade of skin next to the other model they hired, height compared to the male lead, etc. It's logistics. And sometimes it works in my favor. I now know it's not personal and now have an easier time living my life and facing "rejection" because I don't want something that isn't meant for me. God has something for me that is better than what I have for myself, so I'm good with that.
6. Beauty is Meaningless Without Integrity and Kindness-
I have met some of the most beautiful women, who once they talk and reveal their personality seem so unnattractive. I get annoyed just thinking of them because they just aren't nice people. I have also met girls at castings that were more down to Earth in their beauty, more classic looking, but seem like a bombshell Victoria Secret model to me after a few minutes because their hearts are gold! It might sound cheesy, but a beautiful heart makes a beautiful person.
7. You're Not a Bitch if You Stand Up For Yourself-
I used to be so shy to stick up for myself and what I wanted or felt. I felt like I was challenging someone by asking questions. I have been in a few precarious situations in modeling where the photographer or client made me feel extremely uncomfortable. Watching me change, filming the shoot on a personal iphone, or asking me to strip down for an "impromptu look" thats more edgy are just a few small things over the years I have had to address direclty or indirectly. IT'S OKAY TO SAY YOU'RE UNCOMFORTABLE. In life or on the job. Speak up. I practiced in small situations so that when really uncomfortable things arose, I wasn't embarrassed to defend my rights.
8. Loyalty is often a one-way street so be certain who you give yours to-
I hope this doesn't sound negative but it's so true in modeling, relationships, and life. It may seem like someone has your back when things are fun and going great. But when push comes to shove and it comes time to stand up for you, many people won't risk it. Really know the ones who would and nurture those relationships because loyalty and honesty in relationships is priceless.
I love modeling and being in an industry that is creative, fun, and ever changing. But there are many downsides that have taught me so much over the last 7 years. One thing I know for certain is that we all deal with so many of the same things, regardless of the industry we're in. Whatever the issue or challenge, know that you are innately valuable, worthwhile, and capable. If you relate in anyway, please leave a comment below. I love hearing from you ladies!
xo, Kim
My Favorite Foundation with 50 SPF
Today were talking THE BEST foundation with SPF.
Okay so let me jump right into it since this is as straightforward as it gets. I knew about the company Avene for the last few years as I had seen in it French Pharmacies as well as The Beauty Collection Stores when I would shop locally. People always had great things to say about the line, but if I'm being honest, I think I was drawn to more aggressive skin care brands like Dr. Dennis Gross, because I felt like I needed lots of PEELING! ACID! REJUVENATION!
Do you know what I mean? Of course, I will always love DDG, but there is room for other brands. However, I'm picky and when I hear the word "gentle" I assumed that meant it wasn't effective. I had tried out one product from Avene years ago (Thermal water) and loved the way it felt, but wasn't in the position at the time to be able to refill items continuously (even though it is very affordable!). I didnt have the luxury at the time to pay as much attention to my skin plus I was younger so it wasn't asss pressing.
Welp, recently I was at an event for The Beauty Collection Stores 20th Anniversary and since I am an ambassador for the company, I got a one on one with an employee from Avene who gave me a mini facial. It was amazing, the products felt so refreshing and hydrating on my skin. I also had this huge gaping hole in my forehead due to me accidentally cutting myself, and it got infected and looked like a huge zit. The facialist cleansed my face, hydrated it, and after I was all good she realized I wouldn't wanna walk around with no makeup at the event due to my now huge blemish since she took off my makeup to do the facial. I asked her if she suggested a good foundation that wouldn't totally defeat the whole purpose of the facial and she informed me that Avene had one with SPF 50 that was super popular (how had I never heard of it?!).
Seriously you guys, I am so picky about the foundation and cover up I use and this is hands down my new favorite for a few reasons.
-Spf 50. I like to know I'm covered when I step outside and not feel greasy, white and streaky, or chalky from other sunscreens I have tried.
-Smooth application. It goes on so evenly and looks gorgeous on. I kept getting compliments on how dewy and pretty my skin looked. Trust me you guys, this day without makeup on, it did not look pretty. The zit was so inflamed and red, but this compact completely covered it up.
-Melts into your face. The foundation somehow warms to your face and adjusts flawlessly. Its kind of a cream to powder except it doesn't get super powdery or dry looking. Just dewy and smooth.
-Coverage. The amount of coverage is amazing to me because it covers scars and zits like no other foundation I have tried.
I love Glossier, Bobbi Brown, RMS, and Georgio Armani foundation as well, but these don't have all of what the Avene has. The Spf really tips it over the edge for me. It's so so good you guys. I linked it below with some of my other faves if you're interested!
I highly recommend it and would love to know what youre fave concealer/foundation is too! Comment below with thoughts or faves, I am always looking for great products!
xo, Kim
Shop The Post
