The #1 Skincare Product You Must Use NOW

I have been modeling for the last 7.5 years, and at every job I always ask the makeup artist what his or her absolute favorite products are. I figure that these people, who get new and innovative products sent to them daily to try out, must have the most insight and experience on what WORKS. There are always makeup lines and products that tend to be mentioned over and over ("makeup artists favorite go to products" coming soon). As much as makeup artists tend to have their own favorites depending on what the desired result is, there is one product that is on the top of everyones skin care regiment. Drum Roll please....or just look a the photo... CE Ferulic by SkinCeuticals!!!! I cannot rave about this product enough. Here are my favorite benefits of CE Ferulic:

1. Brightness: The first thing I noticed was the instant glow my skin had after I dabbed it on. My complexion immediately changed and was brighter and visibly tighter. I kid you not! The reason I initially splurged on this serum is because my skin was looking dull and lifeless. Seriously, problem solved. There hasn't been one day I've gone without it in 9 months... I can't... I'm addicted.

2. Firmness: In addition to the immediate glow, my skin tangibly felt more firm and plump. I honestly don't know how it works so well! It just feels filled out and healthy! I love the immediate results.

3. Decrease in fine lines and wrinkles: Now don't get me wrong. I'm not saying I went from a 90 year old complexion to a wrinkle free face, but I did notice a decrease in the developing fine lines that I already had. Of course one cause for lines is dryness and lack of hydration in the skin, so the potent vitamin C significantly helps. 

4. Even skin tone and texture: This is a game changer! With my background in water polo, I naturally had sun damage and hyper pigmentation. CE Ferulic helped significantly with my overall texture and evened out my skin tone. 

I hate to waste money on expensive products that don't work. I will never suggest something that I haven't used myself and fallen in love with first hand. Beauty products are just too expensive to take that type of risk on, because it is a huge investment. I hope it helps to know that this is the number one product that has been suggested over and over to me by skin care professionals and makeup artists alike. It truly is that good and works!

Have you tried CE Ferulic? Let me know if so, and what your absolute favorite skin care product is in the comments below! 

xo, Kim

6 Reasons Why You Need to Drink Matcha

MY Top 6 Reasons You Need to Start Drinking Matcha

There are certain things I continually rave about in my life. From my favorite skincare products to restaurants I am in love with, I love to share things that I know others would benefit from. My friends and family know this about me. I am like a walking spokesperson for things I feel passionate about! Well, matcha is one of those things for me. It's not like matcha is this secret new thing, but I don't think everyone who drinks it is fully aware of all its benefits! I also think that those that aren't as into the taste would reconsider drinking it because it's more than just a smooth and earthy addition to a latte or iced tea. Check out my top 6 favorite benefits of matcha and the top reason I swear by it!

1.  TORCHES BODY FAT: Yes please!! This is huge. Matcha torches body fat, burns calories, and speeds up your metabolism! Green Tea is known for its thermogenic effects but some don't realize that matcha is pure green tea leaf. Meaning, it packs a much more powerful punch than green tea because you ingest the entire leaf, receiving all the benefits. Furthermore, in a study done by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, it was found that drinking matcha can increase thermogenesis from 8%-10% to anywhere between %35-%43!!! I would literally drink sewer water for those benefits!

2 . CANCER FIGHTER: "One cup of matcha tea has as many antioxidants as 10 cups of brewed green tea" via Matcha Source . Many fruits and vegetables have powerful antioxidants but they all pale in comparison to matcha. A study published by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition also found that women who drank green tea showed lower risk of colon, stomach, and throat cancer. 

3. DETOXIFICATION:  Thanks to the potent green chlorophyll  that gives matcha its color, we can also detoxify our bodies by drinking our daily iced tea or latte (try to sub nut milk with dairy milk for more detoxifying benefits). Chlorophyll helps eliminate heavy metals and chemicals from the body helping to cleanse the blood. It also helps maintain the alkalinity of blood and tissues. 

4. CONCENTRATION: I can truly use more of this! In a world filled with constant distractions, I depend on the focus I gain from matcha. Honestly, it makes such a huge difference in my daily activity. I can tell the the immediate difference between my lack of focus around 3pm when I'm lagging, to 5 minutes after drinking my matcha iced tea! Matcha is rich in L-Theanine, a rare amino acid that aids in concentration and a calm alertness. Our brain induces beta waves when we are stressed, however L-Theanine induces Alpha waves leading to a sense of calm and focus. 

5. IMMUNITY: We all hate getting sick. It sucks! So why not boost your immunity now by drinking matcha? Naturally containing various antioxidants, polyphenols, EGCG, and L-theanine, these factors contribute in boosting the immune system and provide protection against infection and disease.

6. ENERGY: In addition to its strong effects on focus, matcha provides long lasting energy without the jitters! Matcha contains Theophylline which is much different from the caffeine found in coffee. Theophylline releases over the course of hours, giving sustained energy without the harsh and upsetting effects coffee can have on an individual. No spike in blood sugar here, just long lasting energy.

Honestly, matcha is the closest I have come to discovering the Fountain of Youth. It has more healthy benefits than anything else I have come across (to my knowledge.. let me know if you know of something more potent!) and is easy to drink! I truly love the taste of it and enjoy the focused alertness it provides. I also feel like I can tangibly tell my metabolism is faster, but that might be my wishful thinking!

Keep in mind: like all things, certain individuals may have adverse effects from drinking matcha due to an allergy or sensitivity to it. If you are sensitive to caffeine at all, take caution just in case.

Try it our for yourself and let me know what you think in the comments:) My favorite brands are listed below!

xo, Kim

1. Matcha Bar

2. Teavana

3. Matcha Source