about

Hello! I am studying esthetics at an Aveda Institute after spending years in retail. I am proof that nothing turns out how you think it will, and that's a good thing. When you think you've got it figured out, you don't. Life would be boring otherwise, right?
Makeup, skincare, and psychology are my passions and I'm also happy to give advice on relationships, particularly for teenagers (so many things I wish I could have told myself a decade ago!) I'm happy to help fellow abuse survivors as well.
I'm a diehard SF Giants fan and also enjoy watching the Sharks and Niners. Addicted to music, especially The Gaslight Anthem. Oh, and my name is Krista. :)

advice

i have a hair straightener, but it's really cheap (around $18 from walmart). and, of course, it doesnt really straighten my hair that well.

is there a straightener out there that gets REALLY hot and makes your hair REALLY straight?

[please nothing over $200]

First of all, go to a real beauty supply store, it will make a difference.

I have the InfraShine, it's about $100 and absolutely amazing. It heats up in 10 seconds, can get really hot if you set it that way, and works quickly and well.
I also recommend Aquage shine spray.

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Okay so I'm going out on Tuesday and I've never really worn foundation before. Can someone please tell me how to put it on, especially toning it in with your neck and getting rid of the line.

Just a step by step would be good, I could search the internet but I want real advice from real people who do it often :P Thanking you!

Okay, I really need to say this:

DO NOT WEAR FOUNDATION ON YOUR NECK!
That's what old ladies do. It looks horrible and rubs off on your clothes.

The "line" is because you're not wearing the right color. You need to get a color that matches your skintone. Since you've never worn foundation before I'd recommend a tinted moisturizer- Neutrogena makes a great one. Using a foundation sponge, stipple it on your face, then using the other side, blend. If you insist on using regular foundation, rub some moisturizer into your sponge before using for a more natural look. And make sure to use powder!

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So christmas is close :) HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE. I just wanted to get some advice on what to get my boyfriend. Buying for boys is such a stress to me, haha..but i just wanted some ideas :) Thnx.

Well, it would help if I knew at least how old he is or what he likes, but I'll try.

If you have a big budget:
Concert tickets for his favorite band
Sporting event tickets
Car accessories
New nano or ipod touch

If you have a medium amount of money:
Sweater (if he's preppy)
CDs/Itunes card (or Gift him music on Itunes)
Cologne

If you don't have a lot:
Food- chocolate, etc.
Baked goods are always good! Brownies, anything like that. And it shows you put time and effort into it.
A scrapbook of photos of you guys

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Isn't Christmas about the birth of Jesus and one of God's biggest miracles? So why do most atheist still celebrate it?

For the majority of America, Christmas is not a religious holiday. It's about Santa Claus (for kids), baking cookies, having a big dinner, christmas trees and presents. Other cultures may celebrate it in a more religious way but we certainly don't.

And historians have proved that Jesus was actually born in mid-summer. Like most "Christian" holidays, the date was moved to accomodate Pagans in an attempt to win more conversions.

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So I just got the Clean and Clear Advantage Acne Control Kit and it comes with 3 tubes; the cleanser, mouisturizer, and fast clearing spot treatment. It says the directions for each of them, but it doesn't say if I use all of them at the same time, like one after the other? Please help! Thanks!

That stuff is amazing :)

So you wet your face, lather the cleanser in your hands, rub it on your face, wash it off.

Then apply a small amount of moisturizer to your face.

Now apply the treatment to individual pimples. (The treatment is amazing, it gets rid of them really quickly.)

I also use a scrub and toner, so it goes cleanser, scrub, toner, moisturizer, treatment, but the kit by itself should be fine.

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i want to get a really nice hair straightener for christmas. something that works really well and lasts reasonably long. I don't want a CHI, or really anything above $80. what do you recommend?

InfraShine is amazing- you can buy it at beauty supply stores. My hairdresser says it's better than a Chi (and it's way cheaper). It doesn't wreck your hair, works really well, and heats up very quickly. Not to mention that it comes with a warranty and lasts for years.

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Well, i am having a christmas party with a secret santa. Well, for a few of my friends, i am getting them gifts, but the guy i like is my good friend. Well, should i get him a present? And what should i get him? Also, what are good gifts for my close friends, but not too expensive?
Help please because i need to decide quick, so i can start looking. Thanks

For guys, food is always good. Make brownies or cookies, or buy candy.

For girls, manicure or lip gloss sets, bath products, starbucks cards...it kind of depends on the girl.

For the friend, ask someone who knows you both, they might have a better idea. I always keep a few generic gifts (a box of chocolates, etc) in case someone unexpected gives me a gift.

Meetmark.com has a lot of really great, cheap gift sets.

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i'm 16/female and i'm searching for a job. i'm not sure what places hire at 16, but i can't work in fast food because i'm a vegetarian and the smell of meat makes me sick. does anyone know of any other jobs i could probably get?

Pick someplace not hugely popular- you'll probably get paid more, too.

For example, Coldstone pays minimum wage and it's really hard to get hired there.
But I work at Walgreen's, get paid way over minimum wage (but commission when I work in cosmetics) and got hired right away because they really need people. Somewhere like a drugstore or grocery store can always use teenagers.
Also, just applying isn't enough. 5 days after you apply, call the place. Ask to speak to a manager, say something along the lines of "I recently applied and I'm just following up/ wondering if you wanted me to come in for an interview". This shows them that you're a go-getter (as cheesy as that sounds).
Good luck!

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Well, Christmas is coming up and I've decided its time to get some new make up. The problem is, I'm not sure what kind of brand is best so I don't know what to ask for.

Does anyone have advice for make up brands, or certain kinds that work bestt? =] I'm not asking for specific colors or anything, just item type and brand.

I'm a complete makeup addict, here are my recommendations:

Foundation- Neutrogena tinted moisturizer is very natural looking as is their mineral makeup. If you have good skin go for mineral makeup, I love the stuff from everydayminerals.com it's way better than all the expensive brands.
Otherwise, Covergirl Clean Unscented is good.
If you can afford it spend more money on foundation.
For winter, Almay (with the blue lid) is really good, it makes your skin really soft.

Concealer- Clinique (the kind in the compact) or Physicians Formula (the double-ended wand kind).

Powder- Revlon ColorStay is amazing.
If you have bad skin, Almay SkinClearing is good.

Blush- Clinique or Rimmel.

Eyeliner- Cream- L'oreal HIP
Liquid- Almay
Pencil- Clinique Cream Shaper

Eyeshadow- oh my gosh, where to start...
Almay has some really nice sets for specific eye colors.
Clinique is always good.
And Revlon ColorStay works really well.

Mascara- Maybelline- the double-ended kind is the only one I've ever had that doesn't flake off.

Lipstick- Revlon moisturizing or Clinique.

Lipgloss- The Body Shop has amazing-smelling gloss. Any drugstore brand will have a large variety of colors.

My all time favorite brand is Mark. You can buy it at meetmark.com. It's avon's teen line, cheap and works very well. One of the really cool things they have is Hook Up. They're individual lip gloss, chapstick, lipstick, lip powder, eye powder, eye stick, mascara, liquid liner, mints, and gel blush that screw together to make any combo you want- so if you need mascara and blush one day and lipgloss and mints the next, you're set. You can also make custom shimmer brick and eyeshadow/blush palettes.

Clinique is the next best and very dependable.

Just in general, drugstore brands can be iffy. If you have to, Revlon's the best.

Hope I helped!
Kristen 16/f

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Im REALLY self conscious . To the point were all's I were is hoodie and jeans . I won't even go to dances 'cause I hate the fact of a guys hands on my waist .
Anyways , On with the point . I have been told Im a "beautiful" person , Buttt I need to you know be more confident . I could argue with this but not the point .
So , I need some nice clothes , That are comfy and look nice . -NotHoodies. Also , I don't mind guy clothes :P Heyy , Some are VERY girly looking know adays .
Also , Keep in mind Im not the skinnest person around ;) .
Store links would be great .

I used to be the same way. It took a lot of shopping until I found shirts I was comfortable wearing without a jacket, so don't give up!

Empire waist tops are feminine and not super-tight, so you don't feel so self-conscious.

And there's nothing wrong with hoodies and a tee, as long as you do it right. Here's an example:
Shirt 1: http://www.hollisterco.com/hol/images/store/collection/17188_04_b.jpg
Shirt 2 on top: http://www.hollisterco.com/hol/images/store/collection/17548_03_b.jpg
Hoodie: http://www.hollisterco.com/hol/images/store/collection/16995_04_b.jpg
Jeans: http://www.hollisterco.com/hol/images/store/collection/16754_01_b.jpg
Shoes: http://www.payless.com/Images/thumb/053575_thumb.gif
Necklace: http://www.claires.com/images/products/51559_200.jpg (maybe in gold instead)

Or you could do the classic empire-top and jeans combo.

If you're going to do a t-shirt, do it right. Pick a cute, fitted one and pair it with cute jeans, nice shoes, and jewelry.
Tee: http://www.wetseal.com/assets/ws/product_images/38938917100_lg.jpg
Jeans: http://www.wetseal.com/assets/ws/product_images/39015648914_lg.jpg
(always go for dark jeans)

The first thing you need to get is new bottoms. Jeans are okay, but they need to look nice on you. Ask someone to come shopping with you, and try on tons and tons until you find the perfect pair. Dark wash is good, but you should have a lighter pair too.
Now look for bottoms that aren't jeans. Khaki pants can be cute too!
http://www.wetseal.com/assets/ws/product_images/38875083206_lg.jpg
http://www.wetseal.com/assets/ws/product_images/38466731234_lg.jpg
Look for capris, cute sweats (victoria's secret has them), and denim skirts.
Cropped jackets are one thing that will help wean you off the hoodies. They feel like you're wearing a jacket but they look much better.
Finally, a cute pair of shoes will help the plainest outfit. I love Payless.
Recommended stores: Wet Seal, Forever 21, Pac Sun, Payless, Target

I could help you a lot more if I knew what you looked like and what kind of clothes you like. (Preppy, punk, etc.) My email address is xxkristen.michelxx@yahoo.com, if you want more help I can email you more specific outfit ideas.

Good luck! And one last thing: Putting on some eyeliner, blush, and lipgloss and doing your hair can mean the difference between a good look and a bad one.

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i heard this song along time ago...and the music for it is on one of the new " kay " commercials.

and in the music video the girl is on a truck, and shes playing the piano, and the song goes something like this:

makin my way down town, and im homebound...and thats all i remember of it.

thanks alot!

That's "A Thousand Miles" (or "1000 Miles" i'm not sure) by Vanessa Carlton.

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What does your family eat for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner? I want to cook for my family this year and we have never celebrated either of those holidays before.

Thanksgiving-
Turkey with gravy
Mashed potatoes
Sausage stuffing
Pillsbury Crescent rolls
Green beans
Cranberry sauce (we get the orange kind from Trader Joe's)
For dessert, pumpkin pie cake. Yes that sounds weird but it's the best thing ever.
Let me know if you need any recipes because my mom seriously makes the best thanksgiving dinner ever. Especially the pumpkin pie cake...

I usually am across the country at my aunt's for Christmas. On Christmas eve, we do the traditional italian dinner of 7 fish (although we just do 7 different kinds of seafood). We also have a tradition of having homemade lasagna (everything from the noodles to the sauce is homemade) on New Year's Day.

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What are some shampoo and conditioners that leave your hair smelling good, even if you shower at night for the next day, cause my hair always smells good when i shower but once it dries it smells kinda not good. Personal experiance please! Thanks!

Bath and Body Works makes amazing smelling shampoos. I love Pineapple and Mango Mandarin.

Victoria's Secret makes scented shampoo as well as spray.

You can also trying spraying perfume on your hairbrush.

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im supposed to see one of the plays that was cancelled saturday night! do you think the strike will be over by then or no?

No, from what I heard they won't even start negotiations until after Christmas. You can probably get a refund though, call the theatre.

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what is the highest clorestal?

Honestly? I have no idea- I'm not a doctor, I'm a teenage girl.

Try googling it. Might help if you spelled it right, though.

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i understand there's a certain order you have to put your makeup on in.
assuming i put on everything, what would that order be?

Cleanser/toner/moisturizer/treatment.

- Foundation or tinted moisturizer
- Undereye concealer
- Regular concealer
- Powder
- Blush
- Cream shadow base
- Eyeliner
- Eyeshadow, starting with darkest
- Mascara
- Lip liner
-Lipstick
- Lipgloss

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ok well here's the thing: i like reading, but only when i'm really interested in the book (big surprise, right?), but when i DO get interested in a book, i can't get enough. i need more (i tend to obssess about things). anyway, my latest obssession has been the "Mordern Faerie Tale" series by Holly Black (Tithe, Valiant, Ironside), but i'm almost done, so i'm wondering if anyone knows any books similar to those, or basically any really good, gripping, rather-turn-the-page-than-breathe fantasy novels. if it helps, i'm also way into harry potter (yea, i know, i sound like an 11-year-old nerd, but whatev), so if you could suggest any books for my taste, i'd really appreciate it, since i really do like reading (not to mention i HAVe to do a lot of it), but most books bore me. thanks in advance=]

Neil Gaiman writes really, really good books that are that kind of genre.

My favorites are American Gods, Anansi Boys, and Good Omens. He's also written Neverwhere, Stardust, Smoke and Mirrors, and the Sandman graphic novels.

I know it's cliched, but you might also try the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyers. (The first half of the first book isn't too special, but once you get past it they're really good books.)

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I am looking for a new perfume scent, but have no idea which one I want. I want something pretty popular, but not cheezy. Any suggestions?

Bath and Body Works Tropical Passionfruit smells amazing, every time I wear it I get compliments (even from guys who hate the smell of perfume). They sell lotion, spray, eau de toliette, shimmer lotion, shower gel etc so you can layer.

Same with Victoria's Secret Vanilla Lace. It's sweet without being overpowering.

If you have money, Lancome Miracle, Britney Spears Curious, and Paris Hilton all smell good.

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OK, Im dj-ing a dance for a charity thin. and most of the people coming are teens who are dating so i need some good slow songs for dancing. i need songs like Amazed by Lonestar and I dont wanna miss a thing by Aerosmith. thanks for any suggestions

Apologize- Timbaland
Buy U A Drank- T-pain (personally i hate it but a lot of people used to like it)
Gone- Nsync (old but people still like it)
Promise- Ciara

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Christopher Columbus didn't DO anything! He DID NOT discover America! Its should be Rosa Parks day BECAUSE SHE ACTUALLY DID SOMETHING!!!!!!! Does anyone know any websites that I could go research that kind of stuff? To proove that he didn't do anything and that it should be Rosa Parks day?!!??!!!

Books are probably the best source for that, ask your librarian.

But...don't get so excited about Rosa Parks. Start researching the civil rights movement and you'll find it wasn't just spontaneous, it was planned. The leaders of the civil rights movement chose Rosa Parks because she was black and she was a lady. There would have been less of a big deal about a young black male. So I'm not saying what she did wasn't great, but it wasn't like amazing or anything. It was planned.

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