2015 Stuffed Stocking Giveaway

Every year when the weather gets cold and the Christmas decorations come out and the stores start playing carols 24/7 I like to give away a prize (or two!) that would make perfect stocking stuffers. I know not everyone does stockings but my family and I are big-time stocking lovers and go crazy every year stuffing them as full as possible.

Whether you celebrate Christmas or not this giveaway features a couple of really fun prizes that will go to two lucky winners. This giveaway is open Internationally but the prize containing the mini nail polish can only go to one of you in North America, so if you’re an International reader you can only enter to win the lip balm duo.

All you have to do is enter using the Rafflecopter form below. You can do as many or as few entry options as you would like. All entries will be verified. Good luck!

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Talk About Cosmetics - Concealer Menu

If you read my last post, Looking Your Best While Ill, you know that I depend on concealer when I want to look bright-eyed, healthy, and awake, so today I want to share my favorites with you. 

Most days I actually prefer using concealer on any areas that need evening out instead of using a foundation. For this I like to use the Transcendent Concentrated Correcting Concealer by Pacifica. I like to apply this in stripes down the nose, a few on each cheek, and a bit on my forehead and chin and then blend outwards. It provides a beautiful coverage, blends out like a dream, wears well throughout the day, and never settles into any fine lines. My skin tends to be a bit dry and this provides a hydrating coverage that I really love. It feels great on the skin and looks flawless.

I also have two mineral concealer powders that I love from Alima Pure, in the color Sand, and Kari Gran, in Fair. I’m planning on doing a review of the entire range of Kari Gran cosmetics in the next week or two so I’m going to skip giving you a thorough review in this post. Just know that I really, really, really love it! I actually prefer Kari Gran’s concealer but the Alima Pure one is also really nice and the amount of coverage it provides is incredible. I’ve also found that on days when I need super duper coverage I can layer one of these powder concealers over my Pacifica for a look that’s flawless.

The area I feel I need the most coverage is under my eyes. I have dark circles and heavy baggage so the majority of my concealers are specifically formulated for the under eye region. I’m beyond in love with the Dreamlit Illuminating  Under Eye Brightener from Pacifica. It comes in 2 shades, Bare (yellow based) and Dreamlight (pink based), and I really like both. The formula is silky and buttery and feels more like a high-end treatment for your skin than an affordably priced cosmetic. They go on smoothly and make my dry skin looks bright, hydrated, and concealed. I’m a huge fan! I also like the wand applicator.

I recently picked up the Alba Botanica Fast Fix for Underye Circles Vanishing Concealer and I’m impressed. I wasn’t expecting much because I got this for $4.99 and thought it wasn’t going to be very effective but I was so happy to be proven wrong. It’s a yellow-based cream that feels unbelievably soft and makes undereyes look effortlessly light and healthy. It feels so nice and blends seamlessly into my skin. I’m super impressed and happy with my purchase.

This concludes my Concealer menu and I’m looking forward to hearing about your favorites!

(FTC: I purchased all of these with my own money with the exception of the Kari Gran which was provided to me for free for review consideration. I am not being compensated for this review. All thoughts and opinions, as always, are my own.) 

Looking Your Best While Ill

I’m 28 years old and since 2009 I’ve been living with chronic illness. I’m disabled and unable to live the typical life of a twenty something, but I don’t let that stop me from living a happy and positive life. Life is what we make it so it’s really important to keep an open and positive mind and to embrace every day and every moment. Life is short but life is also beautiful.

I’m living with invisible illnesses but sometimes I wake up and you can tell that I’m sick so today I’m going to share my easy tips and beauty routine on how to make the version of you that doesn’t look or feel 100% look healthy, awake, and vibrant.

If you’re new to Beautiful Basics, I also want to point out that I believe in the healing power of natural products. I don’t use any chemicals on my skin or products that have been tested on animals. I don’t think animals should have to suffer for our beauty nor do I think that toxic ingredients in products are the way to go. Green can be glamorous and gorgeous!

Hydration is really important, so before applying any makeup you need to make sure your skin is moisturized from the inside out. Drinking enough water and using products meant for your skin type are key. And yes, even if you have oily skin you still need to moisturize. Using a hydrating primer is also a good idea but not necessary.

Even out your skin by using your choice of base. I love using concealer to get everything to look even. I think too often we feel the need to cover every inch of our skin when we really only need to apply base to certain places where we have discoloration. I have a lot of redness around my nose, mouth, and chin so I add product directly to the center of my face and blend out for a natural look.

The area I feel I need the most coverage, though, is my under my eyes. I have dark circles (and some major baggage) that make me look as tired as I often feel. I like to cover only the shadow of the circle, which helps hide the darkness. If your circles are blue toned go for a pink/peach shade and if they are more purple a yellow-based concealer will be your best bet. I also extend the concealer to the inner corners of my eyelids. My absolute favorites for this are the Pacifica Dreamlit Illuminating Under Eye Brightener. I use both shades, Bare (yellow) and Dreamlight (pink), depending on what color my undereyes appear on any particular day. They’re brightening and moisturizing and I absolutely love them. I also really like the Alba Fast Fix for Undereye Circles. 

Next we need to define the skin and add a little color back in to it. I love adding a bit of bronzer to my face where the sun would naturally hit. I apply a light dusting to the forehead, cheeks, and a bit on the nose and chin. I then like to follow up with a pretty pink or coral blush. The brighter the better when you’re not feeling great. I normally prefer matte products but a little shimmer cat add a gorgeous luminosity to skin that isn’t at it’s best. I like to use a dual fiber brush so I don’t apply too much but still get a pretty flushed look. I've been reaching for Kari Gran's Mineral Blush a lot lately because it provides a perfect pink pop to my cheeks.

Adding highlight is a great way to make skin look luminous and supple. I apply to the tops of my cheekbones and on to the apple of my cheek, in a c shape above the brow and down the center of the nose, as well as on my cupids bow.

Lip color is a simple and effective way of looking healthier. Find a color that makes your skin tone pop. Mine is coral. When I’m feeling really sick I like to add a splash of coral to my lips and it makes me look much more vibrant and awake. Shell Shock Tinted Lip Conditioner by Ilia is my go to shade. Whichever type of lipstick you decide to go for make sure your lips are moisturized! Dry lips are a dead giveaway that something is wrong.

Don’t forget to curl your lashes and apply a generous coat of mascara to make your eyes appear bigger and brighter. I also like to add some definition to my brows, since they do frame the face. And I take a little of the same bronzer I used on my face and blend it through my crease.

Makeup isn’t all mighty or important but it can make you look better than you feel sometimes which in turn can help you feel better on the inside as well. You can do as little or as much as you feel like doing. 

If you didn't know, I also have a blog detailing my journey of being well while living with chronic illness. You can check it out by clicking here.

Do you have any beauty tips for when you’re not feeling well, whether you’re chronically ill like me or occasionally catch a cold or the flu?

Planner Giveaway!

I’ve been a big, huge, enormous fan of paper planners for years. I used them in high school, then college, and continued into adulthood. I’ve noticed that lately paper planning has become a trendy thing with YouTube channels devoted to decorating and planning videos. I’m not that obsessed but I do love using my planner as a sort of memory book, writing down important events and things that I want to remember. I also use my planner for blogging purposes, medical appointments and keeping track of symptoms, and my shopping habits.

I usually pick up a new planner every year from Target (anyone else here absolutely love Target? I could spend hours in there just getting lost and looking at everything) and last year I picked up a Sugar Paper Planner that I really, really loved. Recently, however, I won an Erin Condren gift card so I’m currently using one of their LifePlanners. I’m still getting used to it because it’s quite different than my last one, but I am really enjoying it. Check out my cute interchangeable cover in the photo below. Isn’t it the cutest? That’s my favorite picture of Hunter and I’m so excited to have him on my cover.

Anyway, before the Erin Condren came into my life I was planning on using this one from Sakroots. I’m not going to be using it now, though, so I wanted to give it away to one of you!

All you have to do to enter is use the Rafflecopter form below. It may take a moment or two to load. All entries will be verified. Good luck! Open Worldwide.

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Talk About Tools - José Eber QuickShine Infrared Blow Dryer

I used the same dryer for over 10 years. It was pink and perfect and I absolutely loved it. I remember getting it the day before my family and I went on vacation for spring break in Cabo San Lucas my senior year in high school. We had to drive an hour and a half away to get to the airport and we had an early flight so we stayed the night before and did some shopping at the mall (since we don’t have one in the tiny country town where we live). We got it at Bed, Bath, and Beyond. It was around $40 and I remember thinking that was kind of expensive at the time but it lasted so long and was a perfect hair dryer through college and beyond.

Sadly, it passed away in May and at the same time I was offered the chance to test out and possibly review the José Eber QuickShine Infrared Blow Dryer. The timing was ideal and even though I was sad about the death of my beloved dryer, I was so excited to try a new one, especially from a hair genius like José Eber. I’m always trying to incorporate reviews of tools and other beauty related products to the Beautiful Basics roster.

 At $160 this particular model isn’t cheap but it works beautifully, leaving my hair dry, soft, and surprisingly luminous. It claims to dry hair at least 50% more quickly than standard dryers and while I haven’t timed my drying process (ever) I can verify that my hair is dried really quickly but gently without any damage.  It leaves my strands shiny and smooth.

The unit itself is compact, lightweight, and easy to use. It fits perfectly in my hand and easy use to hold up and handle. I absolutely love the size of this dryer. It’s small but packs a full size punch that can compete with any blow dryer around. It’s also fairly quiet.

Here are some of the advertised features of this blow dryer from their website:

- Far infrared light infuses gentle, healthy heat into the core of the cuticle - not the surface of the hair shaft like traditional blow dryers - providing high shine and smoothness.

- Never feels too hot, the Infrared Blow Dryer emits a cooler heat as it dries, eliminating burns and hot spots to the hair and scalp.

- Quick drying time by 50%. Even with a cooler heat, the QuickShine Dryer dries hair in half the time.

- Four variable speed and heat settings allow great control and adjustment ability for any hair type. Plus, a cool shot button helps set any style.

- Ultra Lightweight design.

- Built with a lightweight D/C motor. 

- 1500 watts

If you’re in the market for a new dryer I highly recommend this one. You can learn more about this particular model by clicking here or you can visit the José Eber website by clicking here.

(FTC: This product was provided to me free of charge for review consideration. I am not being compensated for this review. All thoughts and opinions, as always, are my own.)

Talk About Lip Care - Henné Organics Luxury Lip Balm

I'm a believer in spoiling yourself and taking good care of your skin with luxurious and healthy products and lip care is no exception. If you've been reading Beautiful Basics for a while you already know how sensitive my lips are but if you're new around here all you need to know is that my lips are incredibly finicky and temperamental, so I have to be extremely careful with what I apply to my pout and lately I've been loving Henné Organics and their Luxury Lip Balm.

Beautifully formulated with a simple list of 99% certified organic ingredients (Coconut Oil, Beeswax, Avocado Oil, Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, Jojoba Oil, and Vitamin E) this rich and buttery balm is a powerhouse that soothes, hydrates, and protects. This American made and cruelty free product is housed in a beautiful MIRON violet glass jar that looks great sitting on your vanity/desk/night stand and also protects the balm from harmful UV rays that can potentially change the product and helps extends its shelf life. This lip balm is beautiful inside and out.


With a mission to bring the world something high-end but simple this company brings something special to the green beauty market and I think you'll love Henné Organics' luxe lip balm. If you want to learn more about the company or the product you can visit their website by clicking here. You can also connect with Henné Organics on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

(FTC: This product was generously provided by the company for review consideration. I am not being compensated for this review. All thoughts and opinions, as always, are my own and honest.)

Fall Travel Beauty Bag Giveaway (CLOSED)

I haven't always appreciated fall and all the beauty it has to offer, but this year I am fully embracing it and my love for the changing leaves, crisp air, cute sweaters and boots, and just about everything else that makes this beautiful season what it is. When I was younger I would have told you that summer was my favorite season but I think I have to go with fall now and even my pup, Cooper, is loving it! To celebrate fall and this magical time of year I have a little giveaway for you today.

One lucky winner, from anywhere in the world, will win this cute bag full of beauty goodies. The beauty products in this bag aren't very fall-ish but they're all great anyway! The travel-sized goodies inside the bag are Coconut Shampoo and Conditioner from Desert Essence, Shikai Yuzu Shower Gel, Juice Beauty Nutrient Moisturizer, and a Whole Foods Organic Lip Balm in Cranberry Orange.

To enter the giveaway use the Rafflecopter form below. It may take a moment or two to load. You can do as many or as few options as you would like. All entries will be verified. Don't forget to "like" this post and good luck!

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Talk About Cosmetics - Gabriel Cosmetics Eyeshadow Trios

Gabriel Cosmetics is a really awesome company that creates a broad line of affordable cruelty-free and non-toxic cosmetics and I'm a big fan. Judging from how many of you ask for my thoughts on their products and the brand itself I'm guessing a lot of you are fans too!


I recently got the opportunity to test out all three of their new Eyeshadow Trios, two of which are all matte and the other is shimmery. These trios are set up to be all you need to create a complete eye look with a highlight, lid shade, and crease color. They are completely vegan, gluten-free, and are made up of a short list of healthy ingredients. Want to know what I think about each individual trio? Keep reading!


One of the three palettes really stood out for me and became an absolute favorite and go-to palette and that would be the Classic Trio, a lovely combination of matte nude shadows that are perfect for daily wear. This particular trio features a cool soft pink, neutral deep brown, and warm taupe. Each shade is beautifully pigmented and formulated. These shadows are so rich and buttery. They also apply and blend flawlessly. I'm so in love with this trio and if these shades are the type you gravitate towards I would have to suggest that you place an order right now. You won't be disappointed! These are nude matte shadows at their finest! I have been using this trio almost every time I've worn makeup since receiving these and I have been able to use the three shades in many different ways to come up with various nude and classic looking eyes. It leaves me with a very soft and feminine look that I adore.


The other matte one is the Smokey Trio, comprised of a neutral ivory, cool charcoal gray, and cool soft gray shadows. I'm a bit disappointed with this trio. With the stunning pigmentation of the Classic Trio I was expecting this one to be similar but it is lacking a bit. However, I think this particular trio would be fantastic for makeup beginners or younger girls (or guys!) because it's really hard to go overboard with these shadows. I'm quite fair and I have to do a lot of building to get these shades to show up very well on my skin, with the exception of the charcoal color, which is my favorite of the three. I like using it as a very soft powder liner on days when I want definition without having to do much work.


Smokey Shimmer is the final trio that has a soft pink with platinum shimmer, charcoal black with gold shimmer, and sandy taupe with warm shimmer. I think this trio is the most pigmented of the bunch and the shadows have a really luxurious feel to them. They do have a bit of fallout but nothing too extreme that a powder brush can't sweep away. I personally would never wear only shimmer shadows on my eyes so this isn't a complete palette for me but I love each shade and use them as accent colors with different products. These ones are really fun and I like them a lot!

Are you a fan of Gabriel Cosmetics? I want to know what your favorite products are so leave me a comment and let me know!

To learn more about Gabriel Cosmetics and their products you can visit their website by clicking here. You can also connect with them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Talk About Skin Care - Rooted Beauty

I'm always willing to splash out a little extra cash for skincare because skin is important and we need to protect it for an entire lifetime but as more and more consumers start caring about what ingredients are in their personal care products and as green beauty becomes more mainstream we are starting to see highly effective and affordable products popping up all over the market.

Rooted Beauty has a line of high quality and healthy products as well as an awesome cause and platform. Through their Woman2Woman Project each Rooted Beauty product helps a specific woman escape extreme poverty and trafficking. This project helps women all over the world become self-sufficient and allows each woman to ensure long-term stability and freedom. Once a project has been fully funded they select a new woman to sponsor, as part of a continuous cycle. You can actually learn about the women and their personal goals by clicking here.

Rooted Beauty products are free from any toxic chemicals and are instead created using all natural ingredients that are beneficial and completely safe for the skin and the planet. In addition, their products are cruelty free and housed in an Eco-Squeeze Tube that is made from 35% PCR and is completely recyclable. Oh, and if you avoid Gluten you're in luck because their entire range is 100% Gluten Free!

I selected two of their facial care products, the Hydrating Mango Passion Facial Cleanser and the Calming Kiwi Melon Facial Scrub, to test out and I've fallen in love with the entire experience of Rooted Beauty. To begin with, the tubes are absolutely lovely with bold, fun coloring. They are also really generously sized and each has a price tag of under $10, making these products an incredible value.



The Hydrating Mango Passion Facial Cleanser smells lightly fruity and fresh. This cleanser is packed with powerhouse antioxidants like Thanaka Root, a powerful ingredient that comes from the root or bark of a Wood Apple Tree that helps protect and hydrate skin, Passionfruit, which helps firm and tighten the skin, and Mango, which is very moisturizing. This cleanser is extremely gentle but leaves the skin feeling hydrated, refreshed, and cleansed without stripping the skin or interrupting the natural balance of healthy moisture. It lathers nicely and leaves my skin feeling so clean and clear.



The Calming Kiwi Melon Facial Scrub is an extremely gentle scrub that can be used daily or as frequently as you would like. It keeps pores clean while calming skin that is easily irritated. This product packs a big time skin renewing punch thanks to Goji Berry while Kiwi and Melon calm and soothe. It leaves my skin looking and feeling fresh, instead of feeling itchy or irritated and never leaves my skin looking red like some scrubs can. Like the cleanser, this scrub also has a beautiful fresh and fruity scent.

Rooted Beauty is a company with a vision and a beautiful mission to inspire women around the world and keep our bodies and the planet healthy. You can learn more about Rooted Beauty by visiting their website. You can also check out their full range of products here. You can also connect with Rooted Beauty on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Whole Foods Travel Bag GIVEAWAY! (CLOSED)

I don't live anywhere near a Whole Foods, which is kind of sad but is ultimately a good thing for my bank account, but my parents were in Portland during my Dad's Bone Marrow Transplant and my Mom managed to snag a couple of these awesome travel bags that have a retail value of $40. I had her get one for me and I, of course, couldn't forget about you guys so she grabbed one for you as well.

I'm going to open this up to all of you, whether you're located in the US or somewhere super exotic that I've never even heard of. However, if you're an International reader and you happen to be the lucky winner I'm going to remove the nail polish from your prize. If you're in the US you'll get everything featured in the pictures.

Without further ado, to enter the giveaway give this post a like and use the Rafflecopter form below. It may take a moment or two to load. There is only one mandatory entry and after that you can do as many or as few of the options as you wish. All entries will be verified. Good luck!

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Talk About It - Chloe + Isabel (+GIVEAWAY - CLOSED)

A little while ago on the Beautiful Basics Facebook page I asked you all if you would be interested in seeing posts about things other than beauty. The majority of you said you would love to see some fashion and style posts so today we're trying something new and talking about jewelry.

I've been watching Royal Pains on Netflix and the two leading ladies wear the most spectacular and drool worthy necklaces, as well as other jewelry. Anyone else watch Royal Pains? It's great! You should check it out. Anyway, my adoration of the stunning statement necklaces that Divya and Paige wear helped lead me to Chloe + Isabel. I'm seriously, ridiculously obsessed with the product line. I have a few pieces and absolutely love each and every one of them. The quality is impressive, and even comes with a lifetime guarantee, and the pieces are gorgeous. They feature a vast array of jewelry and there is something for everyone, whether you prefer trendy pieces or classics.

I'm hosting a Pop Up through Victoria Mast and if you're interested you can get some really awesome deals and also enter a giveaway at the bottom of this post. Before that though, I want to share a little more about Chloe + Isabel with you.

Chloe + Isabel was founded by a woman named Chantel Waterbury after a 15-year career in jewelry design, development, and merchandising at corporations like Target, Macy's, Gap and brands like Kenneth Cole, Cartier, and Tiffany. With the economy in a not very good place she wondered how she could use her experience and skill set to make a difference in the lives of young women which is how Chloe + Isabel was born. It is a brand that can allow any woman to be an entrepreneur.

Victoria, for example, is a Chloe +Isabel Merchandiser but she is also an actress. Here is her bio from her boutique page: "As a struggling actress, any roles I am cast in at this point are unpaid, so I needed a way to fund my career. Haha! Don't hear that too often! C+I had been a blessing, helping me pay my bills & allowing me to follow my dreams. Since C+I allows me to make my own hours, I can still audition, film, attend classes & work my other jobs. Thank you for all your support! Merci!"

I think the Deco Fanfare Statement Pendant Necklace is one of my favorite necklaces of all time. I love mixed metals and it's such a statement without being too over the top. It's a heavy piece but not in an uncomfortable way. I have gotten so many compliments while wearing it. I like to wear it with a simple, solid v-neck t-shirt and jeans but you can easily dress it up. I can't recommend it enough.



As a lot of you know I am very ill. Part of my illness is that my fingers swell and I can't wear rings. I have the Lunette Open Band Ring and the open design allows me to wear it pain free. I really enjoy it and I feel like it adds a little something special to any outfit.



When bracelet stacking became so popular I was so excited because I love the look of multiple bracelets. It's such a fun way to express yourself. I love how easy this Bead + Chain Multi-Wrap Bracelet is to wear. It's incredibly comfortable as well, which is super important. This bracelet is essentially me in bracelet form. They have many different colors so you're bound to find one you love. You can also wear it as a necklace, which is just as fun!



These Pearl + Crystal Floral Filigree Earrings are so pretty! I can never get over how gorgeous they are. They're not uncomfortable and they don't drag my ears down at all.



Victoria is offering some really awesome deals just for you Beauties if you shop through this link!
Every new customer order gets free round studs (and if you want your specific birthstone you can message her on her Facebook page with your order number and let her know which one you want)
Orders of $100+ get free shipping
Orders of $150+ get a charm or 2 birthstone rings (you can message her about your preference)
And she usually sends freebies for new customers!

If you want to know which pieces are on my wish list I'm really loving the Bora Bora Short Pendant Necklace, Silver and Navy Bead + Chain Multi-Wrap Bracelet, and the Morningtide Convertible Collar Necklace.

If you want to shop and pick up a piece or two (or three or four!) use this link. It should automatically put you into my Pop Up but if it doesn't please select my name, Kassie Harris, from the drop down menu. You can also find Victoria on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

She is also doing a giveaway for you and I'm so excited about it because the set is amazing! If you enter the giveaway you can possibly win a Lunette Set, which includes the Oval Drop Earrings, Stackable Cuff Bracelet Set and Convertible Pendant Necklace. How gorgeous are these?



If you want to enter the giveaway, please use the Rafflecopter form below. It may take a moment or two to load. There is only one mandatory entry. You can do as many or as few of the options as you would like. Good luck!


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NOW Solutions Giveaway!!! (CLOSED)

Hello there Beautiful! Remember the post I uploaded last week sharing my thoughts on NOW Solutions? Well, if you're in the US and you're interested in trying everything I received I'm giving you all the opportunity to enter to win your own box full of goodies.

If you missed my review or want a refresher on what you can win you can check out my post by clicking here.



If you're interested in winning all of these natural goodies you can use the Rafflecopter form below to enter. All entries will be verified. This one is only open to those of you in the US. Good luck!

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