Hi my beauties, welcome to my first blog post! Here you’ll learn a little bit about me, an introduction if you will. So let’s get started!
My name is Krystal Janice and I’m originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico. I was born and raised there until the age of six when my family and I got stationed in a small town in northern Pennsylvania. Here I grew up as an introvert where fashion and beauty became my outlet! My journey with fashion, beauty, and self acceptance has been an uncoventional one throughout the years. Growing up as a curvy girl the masses werent always as accepting of different body types and I wasn’t the exception. However, it was my younger years that turned me into the woman I am today.
As a teengager I took modeling lessons which in turn gave me a new found confidence and love for fashion. When it comes to beauty, make up and skin care have always been my persistent love affair. Whether it was playing in my mother’s make up kit when I was young or searching for skin care hacks during my teenage years, beauty has always held an important spot in my heart. Now as a twenty-two years old its been my pleasure to see the evolution of beauty and fashion from ten years ago to now. It has been both refreshing and empowering to see how what was once seen as a narrow minded community has expanded its horizons to new mind sets. Even though there is still pleanty of work to be done, I do belive that we are headed in the right direction, and I can’t wait to be a part of it!
As is our confidence, so is our capacity. -William Hazlitt
Hi my beauties! So today’s blog post is a bit different than others, but is still nevertheless the closest to my heart. Today I will be discussing a passion project that will encompass what this blog was built on, beauty, fashion, and all things in between. So beauties, let’s dive in!
First, let’s talk about the mission behind my blog. The purpose behind this blog is to create a safe place for women of all shades and sizes to break traditional beauty standards and do, where, and be as they please. This blog also caters to the in between of it all. Here at Beauty with a Curve, we believe that the best things in life happen in transitional spaces. Whether it be learning how to dress your new body type, or celebrating Galentine’s day on Valentine’s day, this blog caters to just that.
So without further delay, I would like to introduce my mobile app: Sprinkle of Confidence. The goal of this app is to keep you updated with all things beauty, fashion, and the in between with a splash of confidence. Upon entering the app, it will display a menu bar that has an array of tabs that cater to your specific needs.
Interface of the app
Motivation
Remember that all positive things stem from great motivation. Just like the start of every blog post, Sprinkle of Confidence will send you a motivational quote written by a powerful woman to start out your day. Once in the app, the motivation tab will list motivational book recommendations, podcasts, and interviews of amazing women who have achieved awesome success.
Interface of the app
Healthy Habits
Behind every amazing women is a healthy routine. Health is wealth, and that’s something we should all share. Once in the app, this tab will list sub-sections of healthy habits that you can incorporate into your lifestyle. Be it physical, mental or emotional, we are striving to create healthy habits that last a lifetime. Sub-sections are as follows:
Meditation/ Yoga
Prayer
Exercise
Clean eating
Interface of the app
Fashion and Beauty
The OG foundation of this blog will make its day view in the Sprinkle of Confidenece app. Once in the app, this tab will keep you up to date with current fashion and beauty trends, size inclusive stores, and much needed coupon codes.
Guide To’s
Life often comes with a lot of firsts. First day of school, first day of work, job interview’s, etc. Once in the app, this tab will give you tips and tricks on how to maneuver through these first time experiences. For example, if you have a job interview, this tab will give you tips and tricks on how to ace that interview!
Confidence Challenge
Last but not least is our confidence challenges. This app is named Sprinkle of Confidence and its main goal is to build up just that. Confidence is a necessary life tool that is often found to be missing or underdeveloped. These confidence challenges are meant to build up or reinforce the confidence you have within. Once in the app, this tab will display a monthly challenge in which you and your fellow beauty can participate and grow in.
Interface of the app
So with all of that being said, my hope is that you find yourself living a life sprinkled with confidence.
What red can do for the spirit it can also do for the face. -Sophia Loren
Hi my beauties! I hope all is well and that everyone is truly staying safe. Times are genuinely uncertain and what matters most is the safety of us all. Now, I am aware that now more than ever we’ve got a lot of time on our hands. That means more time to catch up on your shows and some much needed rest. Most of all, it’s time to perfect the hobbies we left behind due to our busy schedules.
As most of you might’ve guessed by now, one of my hobbies involve all things makeup. So what better way to put my skills to work then by practicing this year’s summer makeup trends! So let’s dive in and review the top 5 summer makeup trends of 2020!
Subtle Pops of Neon
First up, let’s start off with a personal favorite, subtle pops of neon. The 80’s are making a splash from the past by adding subtle pops of neon colors in the inner corner of the eye. It’s an easy trend to follow that you can make your own!
Colorful Mascara
Not too far behind is colorful mascara! If you grew up during the late 90’s and early 2000’s, you remember colorful mascara. Well, it’s making a comeback in a more flirty sophisticated manner. Bright pinks and soft deep blue’s can change up your eye makeup game while creating a bold statement.
Pastel Eyeliner
Next is pastel eyeliner! Summer colors tend to be fun and airy, which is what this next trend is all about. We all love a good cat-wing, but why not jazz it up and make it pastel colored. It’s not as deep as your usual black liner but it still provides that usual fun and flirty affect that most are looking for.
Floating Eyeliner
Sticking to that eyeliner with a twist trend, we now have floating eyeliner. No it’s not an eyeliner that actually floats when you use it, although that would be cool. With this trend your liner doesn’t necessarily have to follow your lash line anymore. The best thing about this trend is that you can make it as intricate as you’d like. So challenge yourself and get creative!
Lip Stains
Lastly, are lip stains! If some of the previous makeup trends sound a bit too heavy for you, lip stains are right up your alley. For those who prefer a makeup-no-makeup kind of look, lip stains can add that natural subtle look you’ve been searching for.
Alright my beauties, those are my top five summer makeup trends. I hope they serve you well during the coming summer months.
“I will love the light for it shows me the way, yet I will endure the darkness for it shows me the stars.” – Og Mandino
Hi my beauties! I know, I know, you all must be sick and tired of all this corona virus talk. Between news updates, to personal encounters with this pandemic, we’ve all had to make due with this new normal. For many, this quarantine can prove to be a struggle not only for your physical health but your mental health as well. I understand that many of us are in need of some fun distractions from our not so fun reality. In today’s blog I would like to share some of the fun things my family and I do to keep busy. So ready, set, let’s share!
First things first, during times like this we must always look for the silver lining. A “glass half full” mentality can keep you hopeful for the future and at ease during the present. My silver lining reflects on busyness. So many of us are busy with our daily life and schedules that we rarely make time for ourselves, much less our loved ones. During this quarantine, I’ve made it my personal goal to stop, and self assess on the things I’ve pushed to the side due to my daily priorities. So with all that being said, what’s your silver lining? If you don’t have one I strongly encourage you to find one. The key to mastering this self quarantine is by doing just that!
Now that I’ve shared my tips on keeping a healthy state of mind, let’s get to the fun stuff. Here are some fun tips me and my family do to pass the time.
Perfect your craft/ hobby: You guys, now is the time to practice and perfect that hobby you’ve put off! Play in makeup and experiment with your fashion choices. Now is the time to perfect that wing liner! If you are an artist, now is the time to pick that craft back up. My family and I love to let our creatives juices flow by recreating our own painting with a twist. If you like to cook or bake, let your family try out your culinary creations.
Clean and re-organize: In true latino/a fashion, if you’re bored or are looking to pass the time…clean. Let’s say you’ve been wanting to re-organize your closet, maybe clean up the garage, take this time to do so. Also, keep in mind that spring cleaning is in full effect. We are in April people! If you have yet to get around to deep cleaning, now is the time!
Exersice: A lot of us made promising fitness goals at the turn of year. Unfortunately, life often gets the best of us and we don’t always have time to fit that workout in. Life can be hectic but now that it has slowed down, you can ramp up your fitness journey. Now, please remember that fitness has many levels and you should workout according to yours. Also, make it fun! You can do so by challenging one another to see who can do more. You can also take a walk with a friend or significant other, and enjoy your local scenery. If you’re in the mood to learn take up virtual dance classes. My family and I love to dance! Dust off your skills and get a challenging workout in. Lastly if your looking for peace in this anxiety filled time, now is the perfect time to pick up yoga and other meditation filled exercises.
See! Quarantine is what you make of it! The state of our world is currently very much out of our control. So I strongly encourage you to worry about the things you can control. Stay hopeful my beauties, I’ll see you all next time.
“Prosperity is not without many fears and disasters; and adversity is not without comforts and hopes.” – Frances Bacon
Hi my beauties. I hope everyone is doing well and staying safe throughout this awful pandemic. As you all know, I focus my blog on beauty, fashion, self love and self care. Although a bit different, the blog post ahead focuses on just that. In today’s blog post I will review and discuss the CDC guidelinces and raise awarness on how to keep safe throughout such trying times. So ladies and gents, let’s dive in.
First, I would like to acknowledge and thank all of the essential workers who are working tirelessly to keep our country and communities going. From our food service workers, to sanitation, local grocery clerks, law enforcement and militia, to the health care workers who are working the front lines to ensure our overall health and safety, you are all appreciated. I understand that working throughout times of uncertainty can prove to be stressful, but I am confident that by following these essential guidelines we can flatten the curve and get through this as a community. As per CDC guidelines, here are some prominent tips to staying safe.
Understand how the virus spreads: As most of you know, the knowledge concerning this virus is ever-evolving. In order to keep yourself in the loop you must understand exactly how this virus spreads. So, it is understood that this virus can spread from person to person in close proximity (6 feet to be exact.) Those infected or even asympotomatic, are thought to spread the virus by sneezing, coughing or even talking. Therefore, it is important to mind your distance and protect yourself at all times. If possible and your lifestyle allows it, implement the “social distancing” rule. This could be the difference between the healthy and the infected.
Wash your hands: It is critical that you wash your hands often! When going out make sure to keep your hands away from your face at all times and thoroughly wash them (for at least 20 seconds) upon arrival. This goes without saying, but please wash your hands after sneezing or coughing. If soap and water are not at hands reach, please keep hand sanitizer with atleast 60% alcohol readily available.
Cover your face: When sneezing or coughing please be considerate of those around you and cover your face. This could help slow the spread. Also, new CDC guidelines have urged and suggested all Americans to wear face masks. Cloth face masks are meant to protected others if your are the one infected. Though many of us aren’t infected, many others are. If we all wear face masks, we could do our part in slowing the spread.
Clean and disinfect: Remeber to clean and disinfect “frequently touched surfaces” daily. This could be anything from countertops to bathrooms, door knobs, light switches, desks and sinks.
Reminder: I am not a health professional or doctor by any means. I’m just a regular person committed to staying safe and keeping those around me safe. Please keep in mind that anyone is suceptible to being infected but those with underlying health conditions could face horrible complications. So with being said, stay safe my beauties.
“Our biggest challenge in this new century is to take an idea that seems abstract – sustainable development – and turn it into a reality for all the world’s people.” – Kofi Annan
Hi my beauties! In the spirit of consciousness, I thought to discuss an unavoidable topic, which is our carbon footprint and what that does to climate change. In this blog post, I would like to chat about the world that was left behind for us and the world we’re leaving behind for others. It’s girl talk time, so let’s chat ladies.
First things first, what is a carbon footprint and what does that mean? A carbon footprint is calculated by the amount of carbon dioxide and other carbon compunds released into the enviroment due to the use of fossil fuels by a single person. This essentially means that green house gasses are being generated and released into the enviroment due to our actions. Now, how does this affect the earth’s climate? Well, the green house gasses that are being emitted are causing the entire globe to heat up. While that might not seem like a concerning matter, it has in fact become an existential threat.
It’s currently being predicted that if world leaders do not join forces to reverse the effects of our carbon footprints, the world’s temperature could rise in two degrees celsuis by 2050. Although this might not seems like much, the Artic ice is melting at a rapid pace. This means that necessary species, islands, and viable resources are at risk of disappearing. There are many things that we as people can do to reverse the signs of global warming, those being: wasting less water, turning off electrical equipment when not in use, and reducing the use of heat.
Now, you might be asking yourself what this could possibly have to do with a fashion and beauty blog? Well, fashion’s carbon footprint is greater than any international flight or waterborne transport combined! The fashion industry alone is responsible for releasing up to ten percent of the world’s green house gasses a year! I, like many of you am enamored with all of what the fashion industry has to offer. But we as a people have to be enamored with living a more sustainable life-style as well.
Even though there is more work to be done, I am happy to say that the fashion industry is moving towards a more resourceful route. Designers are seeing the need for more eco-friendly consumption, which in turn is changing up their business model. Brands like People Tree in London, have made it their mission to produce eco-friendly fabrics such as organic cotton and responsible wool. Comapnies like Poshmark have made a business out of buying and re-selling used clothes in great condition. Keep in mind that these resources are not just available to the elite. Your local Goodwill and thrift shops are a great way to lessen your carbon impact and make a change.
The following photos are thrift finds from my local thrift store in Killeen, Texas! Thrift find: denim jacket
“You can’t hate yourself happy. You can’t criticize yourself thin. You can’t shame yourself worthy. Real changes begin with self-love and self-care.” – Jessica Ortner
Hi my beauties! We’ve talked about all things beauty and fashion throughout this blog. We’ve addressed the importance of good skin care, make up, and fashion. However, in the midst of discussing light hearted topics, I would like to talk about how these topics impact more than just our surface level. So have a seat ladies and let’s check in.
I would first like to start off by addressing the season we’re in. Fashion is suppossed to be fun and flirty, akward and quirky. There is no right or wrong way to wear something and feel yourself while wearing it. However, fashion trends during this time of year can prove to be triggering for many. You might be asking yourself, why? It’s because we live in a society that tells us that we can be ready for summer, but summer isn’t always quite ready for us.
We’ve all heard the saying “summer time fine.” I’m sure that most who hear or read this think that those words are nothing more than a saying. I beg to differ. When broken down, that saying can be more detrimental to our society than we think. Why? Because the saying “summer time fine” basically implies that in order to thrive and be our best self during this season, we must alter our appearance to a more summer friendly version. As a consequence, this mentality leads us into a toxic relatioship with something as superficial as what we wear.
I am strong believer in the saying that “when you look good, you feel good.” That feeling isn’t something that should be limited to certain times of the year. The feeling of confidence despite flaws should be widespread, despite the weather or fabric. So ladies, I urge you to wear whatever makes you feel your best throughout this year’s spring and summer season. Wear those shorts, your legs deserve some sunshine! Wear those crop tops and sleeveless shirts, it’s too hot to be wearing hoodies in one-hundred degree weather. But most of all, please remember that there is space for everybody and every shape in this vast world we call fashion.
Wear those crop tops! Tailor them to your style and comfortability and go on sis!
Show your arms! I promise you, you are bigger and bettter than your insecurities.
Find a tribe that uplifts you through your blues and never let them go!
“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street. Fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” -Coco Chanel
Hi my beauties! I hope everyone is doing well! I hope you ladies enjoyed my fashion tips and tricks, and that they one day serve you well if they haven’t already. As you might’ve already guessed, I am a geek for all things fashion. Whether it be discussing my top tips, current fashion trends, or even how to feel comfortable in your fashion choices, I hope to become your go-to. So let’s get started!
Spring break has arrived and so have new spring and summer fashion trends. On today’s blog, we’ll be going over the hottest new fashion trends and how to aquire them on a pocket friendly budget. Now, let’s be honest ladies, we all love looking and feeling our best but we can’t always afford it. For most of us, our budget prioritizes necessity over luxury. Although understandable, I am a firm believer that when you look good you feel good and furthermore you do good. Remember ladies fahion isn’t about the price tag but instead how it makes you feel. Let’s dive in gals!
Spring/ Summer Fashion Trends: That’s so 80’s!
The ghost of 80’s fashion has comeback with a vengeance and an upgraded swag. This time around designers like Michael Kors, Louis Vuitton, and Tory Burch are drawing inspiration from the past by recreating exaggerated silhouettes, and playing with neon colors with a modern twist. This means high-low hem lines, exaggerated sleeves, blazors, and bold prints.
Most of us don’t have money to shell out for high-end pieces and that’s ok! Our favorite retailers carry similar items at a lower price tag. Forever 21, for example is thriving with blazer sets, floral tops, and bold prints!
Do you ladies remember when our grandmother’s used to crochet? New York fashion week has brought back our favorite childhood memories, via crochet! Hand made crochet pieces are coming in as feminine dresses, polished suiting, and high-end evening wear.
Fashion Nova is carrying the most fashionable crochet sets, tops, and bathing suits. So ladies be on the look out, for your spring break needs.
Spring/ Summer Trends: Vegas ready!
Neon colors are back and better than ever! I know, in a world full of nudes we’re afraid to add a little bit of color. But for those fun nights with your girls at the club, or even as a statement pieces, it’s a perfect accessory!
Pretty little thing and Rebdolls will become your go-to for all of your neon color needs. Don’t get discouraged by the overall style. Choose a piece and make it your own! After all that’s what fashion’s all about.
That’s so 80’s! Bold floral prints are making a comeback!Neon Lights, Neon Nights!Start having fun with your sleeves! Fun and flirty!
“Fashion you can buy, but style you possess. The key to style is learning who you are, which takes years. There’s no how-to road map to style. It’s about self expression and above all, attitude.” – Iris Apfel
Hi my beauties! I hope everyone is well! The month of Feburary has flown by and we are well on our way to Spring time, which means that warmer weather is on the horizon. So I would like to dedicate this blog post to my second love, fashion!
The world of fashion can be expressive, bold, quirky, and riddled with rules. So today I would like to reference some of those “rules” by giving you my top three tried and true tips and tricks!
Tip number 1: Dressing for your body type.
I, like many have always been taught to dress for my body type. This fashion tip has been a staple rule in the minds of many. What’s my take? Wear whatever you want, but within reason! Ok, so hear me out! The fashion world has been notorious for going from one extreme to the other. First, it was model thin and now it’s IG curvy. These are standards we all can’t realistically live up to. So, my rule of thumb when it comes to dressing for your body type is to pick the most flattering area of your body and dress around it! Some women have great legs they love to show off, others have a tiny waist they like to accentuate! When you dress around your most flattering areas you rarely feel limited to “dressing for your body type.” When doing this you can join in on all the latest trends by tailoring them to you!
Tip number 2: Don’t be afraid to mix and match colors and prints!
When it comes to prints some of us pick and choose, while others avoid them all together. Curvy girls are always told to stay away from prints as they would emphasize their size. In my opinion, if cheetah is your color, wear it sis! If you like to mix and match prints with bold colors, please do so! All things can be done in fashion if you’re doing them in a strategic way. For example, if you want to wear print but don’t want to emphasize a certain part of your body, wear it as a statement piece. Keep in mind that statement pieces can be as bold or as subtle as you want. The same rule applies when it comes to adding color to your bold print. So, let’s say you want to mix and match cheetah print and the color yellow. Let your print be your eye catching statement. You can wear it as a form fitting dress, or a flattering two piece. Lastly, if you’re still craving that pop of color don’t forget to accessorize! Add that yellow in the form of a stylish clutch or statement earings, use this tip and you’ll have most breaking their necks just to catch a glimpse!
Tip number 3: Show skin selectively.
This tip can often be overlooked as modest and old school, but it’s quite the opposite. Often times when you decide to show off a particular area, you want that to be your eye catcher. Chances are you’re proud of those toned arms and full cleavage, as you should be! The trick is to choose one and highlight it. For example, if you’re wearing a low cut neck line your sleeves should be long and the length of your dress should be more modest. Remeber that the human eye can get overwhelmed when it has too much to look at. So make it easy on yourself and be selective! This will make the area you want to highlight really stand out!
Ladies I hope these tips serve you well! Take these tips as tokens from my closet to yours! Till next time my beauties!
“Hoes before bros. Uteruses before duderuses. Ovaries before brovaries.” – Leslie Knope, Parks and Recreation
Hi my beauties! Valentines day is coming up with a quickness and we must discuss the not so traditional part of valentines day… galentines day. If you’re lucky enough to share this day with your significant other than enjoy your day friend! Get ready to knock his or her socks off because you are that b! PERIOD! However, this post is for all my single gals and gents who are still looking to celebrate this LOVEly holiday. So here are some ideas to ensure that you and your galentines day squad have the best night ever!
Adults can have sleep overs too! Gather your girl group for a fun galentines day slumber party. Get snacks, drinks, face masks and get ready for a fun night in. Make vision boards detailing your future goals and ambitions. Exchange funny experiences from the past and counsel each other on tips for the future. Life can be chaotic so a girls night in is always needed.
Now, if a girl or boys night out is more of your speed, then lets plan! If you’re looking to spend a night out on the town look for fun clubs or bars ahead of time to see if their hosting valentines day parties. Once you’ve got where you’re going set, make it a point to get ready with your fellow friends. You gals can pregame while getting ready to take on the night. Once your out on the town be on the look out for local singles looking to make a connection. You never know!
Lastly, spend this upcoming valentines day by catering to yourself. Real love starts with self love and what better way to show yourself love then by taking care of yourself. So this valentines day put your phone on silent, head to your local spa and pamper yourself! After your done relaxing at the spa take yourself out on a dinner date. I primse thers’s no hotter dinner date then you. You deserve it!
Have fun this valentines day my beauties. Till next time, xo!
“For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with knowledge that you are never alone.” – Audrey Hepburn
Hi my beauties! Let’s talk make up! How it makes us feel, how to apply it and the fabulous person behind it. As we previously discussed in my last blog post a great skin care routine is key to great makeup application. So ladies, and gents please remember that while makeup can be used to cover up, it’s main purpose is to enhance and accentuate the beauty that is you! So lets begin!
For years makeup has been a fun outlet for all genders to express their talent and creativity. Makeup is fun, creative and meant to be played in! However, even in its lightheartedness makeup has the power to lift up self esteem and brighten up even your darkest days. I am a firm believer in the saying that when you look good you feel good.
When it comes to application, that can vary in face shape, eye shape, eye color, and skin tone. Even though all those technicalities factor in, the best part about makeup in present day is its diversity. As opposed to ten years ago the make up industry is now catering to all shades which makes application not only easier but more accessible. So, when applying makeup always remember that most of the time less is more, and that expensive does not always mean better. Often times the beauty industry has us believing that if we match an expensive price tag you’ll recieve magic in a bottle and that isn’t always the case. There are some great dupes that are not only more pocket friendly but deliver the same amaizing results.
Come get ready with me my beauties! Here are my top ten tips for applying makeup flawlessly and feeling like the flyest version of you! Tip number one: Always start with a clean canvas! In order for your makeup to come out smoother than a babies bottom you have to clean off all of the days debris and start over. Tip number two: primer, primer, primer! If you’re like me and you suffer from large pores (insert eye role) a pore blurring primer is your best friend! It’ll set your foundation up for success. Tip number three: choose a foundation not only appropriate to your skin type but your skin tone. The point of foundation is to even out your skin tone. However, if you’re trying to achieve a flawless finish pick a foundation that goes with your skin type. If you have oily skin, use a mattyfying foundation. If you have dry skin use a mattefying foundation. Tip number four: highlight! Highlighting your t-zone accentuates the attention grabbers of your face. When highlighting remeber to go one-to-two shade lighter than your foundation color. Tip number five: contour! Contour is a technique used chizzle and build the face. So if you ever want to add cheek bones as an accesory to your night out, add this step to your make up routine! When contouring remeber to go one-to-two shades darker than your foundation color. Tip number six: set your face sis. This step can be done or skipped all together depending on your skin type. For all of my oily beauties, setting your face can lock your makeup in, however, for all of my dry beatuies this step can cause your makeup to look cakey. So choose wisely friends! Tip number seven: keep your eye makeup simple. Unless your attending an event or are looking to turn your eye look into night don’t make it hard on yourself. Choose eyeshadow that accords with your eye color, add some lashes and you’re ready to stunt! Tip number eight: add blush and highlight. Blush is meant to bring some color back to your face so don’t skip this crucial step. Highlight adds that subtle glow that makes others wonder what our skin care routine is, paired with blush its the dynamic duo! Tip number 9: add some color to those lips honey! Whether it be matte or glossy this is where you get to break all the rules and show out. Just remeber to keep your lips moisturized. Lastly, is tip number ten: setting spray. Remember to lock your look down by misting it with either oil controlling setting spray, or setting spray that promotes a more dewy look.
Now that you’ve made it to the end of my tip list, you’re ready for a night out on the town. So suit up and show out! Till next time my beauties, xo!
Beauty with a Curve 