> sliced bread.

I just love discovering new things. Especially when they actually WORK. I'm one of "those people" who is more likely to try something new, just because it's new. I know, I know, as a communication major I should be able to resist advertising and the "newness" of a product, but I just can't help myself. However, with that said, when I find something that I love, I stick to it and never, ever waver. Like, ever.

For example, I decided back in early 2005 that I was going to start wearing blush. Most of the girls my age didn't wear it for fear of looking like an old lady, but I genuinely thought it would help cut the roundness of my face. On one fateful day in Sephora, I found my NARS Orgasm and have never looked back. I've worn it every single day of my life since. If they were to ever discontinue it (fools!) I honestly don't know what I would do. I know, this is a pretty major ode to some minerals crushed together in a beautiful peachy pink sheen, but I feel strongly about this product and how it makes me look. Yay, NARS!

All of this being said, I love to spread the news and joy of finding a new favorite product. I want to shout it from the rooftops. Not gonna lie: I sometimes hang out in the NARS section of Sephora and accost passers-by into trying on the blush. Those Sephora people should start giving me commission, because I swear I've turned at least 4 or 5 unknowing women into believers.

So, without further ado, I give you the first installment of my newest blog series: "better than sliced bread." These products are Kiki-tested, Kiki-approved.

The almighty Band-Aid Blister Block Stick.

This little deodorant-like stick will save your feet, I swear. You know those fabulous 4 inch stilettos sitting in your closet, that you've worn once but promised your poor feet that it would be the last time? Never again. Through many years of research, I have found that it takes a minimum of two full days of wear for a shoe to no longer give you blisters, but once broken in, those once-painful shoes could become one of your most comfortable pairs. This magic stick will get you through those first two wears, no problem. Just apply the stick liberally along your heels and anywhere else you expect the shoe to rub, and voila! You'll be blister free all day long. Just be sure to apply BEFORE the blisters begin to form. Otherwise, might I recommend these:

makeup madness.

Call me vain, superficial, whatever you want, but one of the first things I think of when meeting a woman for the first time is what I would change about her makeup. Sure, there are some women who know what they're doing and look great, but it's a rarity in this town. I understand that a lot of people want to look "natural" or "fresh-faced," but there's a way to do that without showing ALL of your pores. Just 3 or 4 products would make a huge difference, trust me.

Makeup is all about finding colors and techniques that suit you: your complexion, face shape, best features, etc. I don't recommend all of these products for everybody, but I've been asked about my makeup routine many times, so here it is:

Step 1: Wash my face, either with my prescription stuff or once a week with this scrub:

Step 2: Moisturize. In the winter I use something more hard-core, but for the humid summer-time this works just fine (remember to find something with SPF!):

Step 3: After moisturizer sinks in, use spot concealer if needed and then apply MAC Studio Fix:

Step 4: Apply the shit, aka Nars Blush in Orgasm. I dust it along my cheekbones, all the way into my hairline, rather than rounding my face by applying on the apples of my cheeks:

Step 5: Your eyes. I normally dust a vanilla shimmery shade over the entire lid and up to the brows, like Cargo's Aspen. Then, depending on my mood/weather/what I'm wearing I'll apply a more vibrant color like MAC's Parfair Amour or Nars' Strada or Cleo either along my lash line or into my crease. If I'm feeling extra sassy (this is for daytime, people!), I'll smudge a little black liner (I use CoverGirl-- I can be cheap!) on the inside of my bottom lid. Finish off with DiorShow mascara on top lashes.

Step 6: Lips-- I usually stick to Gloss and MAC is my favorite, in Lychee Luxe, Underage, and Pink Lemonade (boo to MAC for not letting me steal their pictures!).

Voila! You're done. It's really pretty easy. Now, for nighttime makeup, that's a whole other story.....