Interview: Kylie of Everblossom Bath & Beauty (plus special offer for readers!)

Introducing the amazing Kylie, who is the creative genius behind Everblossom, aka the BEST body butter I've ever tried!  I won my very own jar of Free Bird body butter in a giveaway contest Kylie held and I have been hooked ever since it arrived in my mailbox.  The texture is fluffy and amazing in the jar, but on my skin it's suddenly thick and moisturizing and luxurious.  And the scent!  It's fresh and citrusy and perfect.  I'm obsessed.  

Somewhere between making fantastic products, listing them in her Etsy shop, and introducing them in her blog, Kylie had time to answer a few questions I had for her and give us the inside scoop on everything Everblossom.

The best part is that she's offering up a special deal when you order an Everblossom product from her Etsy shop!  You have the perk of FREE SHIPPING when you use the code APPLIEDGLAMOUR01.  This will only last seven days and is exclusive to you lucky readers, so go order something lovely and indulgent!  I promise you'll be glad you did.  

Tell us a little bit about your products!

I make bath and body products using cruelty-free, certified organic ingredients. My lotions and body butters are fragranced with pure essential oils, which I absolutely love because they contain therapeutic properties as well as smelling amazing.

How did you get started making them?  How long have you been doing this?

I've been making lotion and even makeup since I was in middle school, just for fun, and because there came a point where my dad wouldn't buy me any more girly stuff and I had to get creative. I even remember making perfume out of flowers and plants I found in my aunt's yard when I was about 10!!  I'm 20 now.  I only made things for my personal use, and it didn't even occur to me to sell some of the things I make until last year. I started sorting out all of the practical details of running a business and developing recipes and opened my etsy shop at the end of January!

What are your favorite ingredients to work with? 

I go through phases of obsession with new ingredients, but I suppose that's good because it means I will always be coming up with something new! Lately I've been developing salves, so I'm discovering an appreciation for beeswax. Past favorites include tea tree oil, lavender, jojoba oil and shea butter.

Where do you find inspiration for scents? 

Either from people that I know or from a feeling I want to evoke. Sometimes a little of both.

 
Which is your personal favorite?

Whichever I'm wearing at the time! Honestly, it would be like picking a favorite child.
 
Can we get a sneak peek of scents that are coming soon?

I'm releasing Ghost Blossom soon. It's a lavender and cedarwood based scent that's very different than my other two.. The only way I've been able to describe it is that it's an 'older' scent. Also very relaxing and calming where the other two were more uplifting.
 
What about makeup?  Do you have any favorite brands or products?

I have a LOT of Almay products in my makeup bag. I really love their nearly naked foundation and their eyeshadows. I'm a huge fan of the pink and green mascara from Maybelline. 

How do you take care of your skin?
I cleanse with a lavender and tea tree oil cleansing oil that I make. I also use a rosemary and shea cream for extra moisture about three times a week. And every once in awhile I'll make an oatmeal and yogurt mask that makes my skin really really happy. 

What beauty product could you never live without, and what will you never try again?    

It's not really a beauty product, but if I could only use one thing it would be extra virgin olive oil, just because it's so versatile. I have never had any luck with over the counter acne creams, they just make my face peel off. So I won't be trying any of those again.

Thank you Kylie!  And don't forget about her free shipping offer in her Etsy shop when you use the code APPLIEDGLAMOUR01!

Haute Look & My Face Works

Pictured: my latest beauty treatment. Seriously!

If you haven't been to HauteLook.com yet, you are seriously missing out.  The beauty deals on this website are incredible.  I recently took advantage of the deals they offered from My Face Works and ordered the starter kit for half price!  The package arrived early and now I have six different new masks to test out!

I love face masks, maybe even more than I love weird mascara wands.  What makes My Face Works interesting is that the product is contained within a "facial sheet".  Each sheet is a thin fiber cloth in the shape of a face that has been soaked in concentrated nutrients to benefit your skin.  It's a mask without any mess at all, no rinsing required!  I was instantly on board for this, even if it does look a little creepy and Michael Meyers-esque (I can't be alone in thinking this, right?).

Choosing which mask to try first was difficult.  I finally settled on I Need To Relax, a lavender mask with aloe leaf juice to "provide comfort and relief to stressed skin."  The sheet mask was completely saturated with product, which absorbed into my skin nicely and felt cool and soothing while it was on.  After, my skin was noticeably calmer.  The usual redness was diminished, my pores appeared smaller, and my face even felt tighter.  I can't wait to try the other masks included, especially the ones to boost collagen and restore dull skin.  Great product!

What's In Diana Prince's Makeup Bag?

Check out MAC's new collection for spring 2011! They've packaged eyeshadow, pigments, mascara, eyeliner, lipstick, lipgloss, blush, and nail polish in striking comic book inspired primary colors with Wonder Woman's signature logo!  Wonder Woman has had quite a few makeovers in her day, but MAC is clearly most inspired by her vintage superhero (and most recognized) look.  To own one of these fantastic products, you'll have to act quickly; they're selling out fast!  In addition to the makeup, there are also bags, brushes, and online exclusives.  I love this!  It's going to take some superhero willpower to keep from purchasing the entire collection!