Fall collections have rolled out in perfect timing with my Southeast Asian vacation! A few of my closest girlfriends planned this vacation months ago, but I've actually been stressed out about it because I've been so busy lately! To decompress a little, I swung by Nordstrom to pick up some new color and stock up on essentials. I’m so pleased with everything that I chose that I had to share!
If you've watched my August vlog, you'll know I've had quite a month! I had to take a two-week break from makeup due to my chemical peel and wisdom tooth extraction, so I wasn't able to try as much makeup as I wanted, but what I tried was very impressive!
I'm most excited for the Burberry launch at Sephora because they're stocking a slew of brand new releases all at once. The Fresh Glow Compact has been my Holy Grail powder foundation for nearly a year, but it was a UK exclusive, so I'm glad that everyone can try it now. The Ochre Nude No.12 shade matches my coloring to a T. It performs beautifully on all skin types!
Contouring is still a big trend, so I'm glad to see that Burberry was able to create a cream product that looks natural and is easy to blend. It's — by far — the best cream contour product I've tried. Most are way too high maintenance (too slippery or too drying) and don't look smooth on the skin (especially when you see the makeup in real life). Burberry's Contour Stick in Dark No.2 can be used on all light-medium to dark skin tones! If you're alabaster to light or simply want more subtle results, try Medium No.1 instead.
Now for the YSL Kiss and Love Lipsticks.. a review with lip swatches is coming soon because this is my favorite lipstick launch for Fall. I wasn't a fan of the Rouge Pur Couture formula until now. These limited edition beauties are incredibly rich in pigmentation, and the packaging design is adorable. If you're looking for a new mascara to try, make it MAC's Upward Lash. I'm very picky with mascaras, but this one really stood out because its formula is water-resistant without crumbling!
I finished up with my top 3 skin care picks this month because my skin has been ultra sensitive. A lot of products can sting or burn after a deep peel, so you must use extra gentle products and take precautions. I didn't use the Lancome Aqua Gel toner during the peeling process, but I've tested it for a total of four weeks now, and it's amazing! I love how velvety yet comfortable my skin feels after using it.
Skin Savers for a Luminous, Radiant Complexion!
The Sulwhasoo Skin Finisher is like a skin care booster that makes your skin glow without looking greasy. Some alternatives are Burberry's Fresh Glow and SK-II's Cellumination Day Surge, but Burberry's is a primer while SK-II's has sunscreen. This means that Sulwhasoo's is the most versatile and can be incorporated into anyone's beauty routine. Use it day or night! If you have very oily skin, try using a few pumps in lieu of your moisturizer.
Last but not least for August's power lineup is the new life-changing Cle de Peau Brightening Mask. This mask is special because of the perfect fit and rejuvenating formula. My skin feels so happy after I've used this! I start by cleansing and toning with Equitance, then I apply this two-piece mask. The cotton is so plush and luxurious. It really is a splurge when compared to SK-II and Sulwhasoo prices, but I've already ordered another box because these Brightening Masks are that good! Actually, all the Fall 2015 color and skin releases from Cle de Peau have stepped it up a notch.. more to come soon xo
I can hardly believe that my 26th birthday is tomorrow! I never thought this day would come when I was a teenager, but now I feel like I'm hurtling faster and faster toward 30. It's exciting but very scary! I can't stand the thought of wrinkles and sagging — totally inevitable, I know — but there are definitely positives to getting older, like perspective and maturity. I am more patient and empathetic than I have ever been, while unwarranted criticism and hateful comments don't bother me as much. See, once you grow comfortable with your identity and gain confidence that does not stem from your physical appearance or material things, something magical happens.
People's opinions do not matter unless you want them to. That doesn't mean I am not a victim of body shaming and online bullying or harassment and yes, it can be offensive and painful (Ã la the moving Blogilates video, very powerful message). Seeing this sort of petty, damaging and negative online behavior on a daily basis, however, should inspire us all to be kinder, more thoughtful human beings. I truly believe in the power of karma, and I strive to improve my character, strengthen my resolve, maintain my values and overall, live a better life every day. Exercise your brain and heart, too! I rarely get personal, but I figured today would be an appropriate time to open up and share this message. I wish everyone a very happy birthday — regardless of where yours falls this year — and hope that you find peace, success, and meaning! xo
It has been a couple months since my trip to Tokyo, but I can't stop missing it. Instead, I will have to settle for dreaming of when I can visit again and share all the incredible beauty purchases I made! I saved up for months because my wish list was a mile long. Now, makeup shopping in Japanese department stores is a time-consuming adventure so prepare yourself! Swatching seemed to be highly discouraged, and there is strict 'no returns' policy. The sales associates will open up every box to confirm that you are taking home the color(s) you requested. More details after the jump!
As much as I adore skin care basics and skin care layering, my latest obsession has been with masks! I truly find that using sheet masks and treatments like peels can boost the results of my standard skin care regimen, so today I will share my favorites from Nordstrom. Some of these are more budget friendly and others are substantial splurges, but all of them are true gems. All details after the jump!
Hello, everyone! I am finally back from my extended Asia trip and am so pleased to release my Best of 2014 Makeup Picks with you! I know this video has been long awaited, so again, I sincerely apologize for not being able to share this while on the road as I had planned. It can be quite tricky to find a fast yet reliable internet connection. Still, I hope you will enjoy reminiscing with my list of favorites. 2014 was chock full of the highest highs as well as the lowest lows, but it was (most importantly) a year of immense personal growth and self-reflection. Even if 2014 threw challenges and obstacles your way, please do not be discouraged! I wish us all a happier, healthier, and gorgeous makeup-filled 2015 xo
P.S. In case you missed it, please watch my Best of 2014 Skin Care Edition HERE for my favorite lip balm and moisturizer discoveries + lots more acne/acne scarring chat!
2014 was undoubtedly the most tumultuous skin care year of my life, but it taught me a lot about the resilience of our body's largest organ. As painful (aka miserable) as my cystic acne experience was, it was incredibly valuable and truly eye-opening. I am constantly working on reducing the minor scarring left behind, but at least I know first-hand what acne products actually do work! I hope my recommendations from my skin journey entry have given you a better idea of what to try first, but today, I wanted to focus on the Best Skin Care discoveries of 2014! Hope you enjoy the lineup and look forward to the makeup edition next week! xo
Welcome back, everyone! I hope you've all had a wonderful start to 2015. I am very much looking forward to this new year, but December was a long and memorable month. I leaned on excuses like stress and work, and as happy as my taste buds and tummy were, I was definitely paying for it with my poor health. I weighed in at 117 pounds and officially decided it was time to turn my life back around. I have been eating very healthy (no Christmas gorging) and trying to get exercise whenever possible. Unfortunately, I was very sick for nearly a week due to the insane bug that's going around, which derailed all my video plans, but I am back and feeling more motivated than ever! I experienced an adrenaline rush while filming, though sadly, I totally crashed with exhaustion after filming this episode. Still, I hope you enjoy the last Favorites episode of 2014 and hope you look forward to the Best of 2014 reviews! xo
November has been a hectic month! I was fortunate enough to travel to Beijing during one of its most beautiful weeks of the year, and I truly had a wonderful time being immersed in so many new beauty products and upcoming trends. I had planned to share vlog footage here in this episode, but unfortunately, there were too many products to cover! You might see some unexpected products on the roster below, so watch the video to find out what's new! And for those anxious to get planning, I will be rounding up the best of Black Friday + Cyber Monday promotions and sharing them here on the blog tomorrow. Stay tuned! xo
Skin care is an intimate personal journey. I was raised by a grandmother who used nothing but Shiseido and Lancôme skin care for most of her life, so that is the foundation on which I built my beauty preferences. She started me off with Clinique sunscreen and Shiseido skin care when I was 13. I was blissfully unaware of price at the time, so I used what I was given and that was all I knew. Later on, I learned about skin care layering, and that is when I started experimenting. My skin is sensitive, but it can tolerate a lot of product because I have built up a tolerance over the last six years!
I was genetically blessed with clear skin. I had a couple patches of clogged pores and the occasional hormonal pimple, but my teenage years left me without a single scar. Then came university and plenty of sleepless nights, meaning the introduction of eye cream. I experimented with Shiseido, Lancôme, and random skin care discoveries (like Jurlique and Ole Henrikesen) from Sephora at the time. I was annoyed by a few red patches on my cheeks and broken capillaries around my nose, but if only I knew back then how incredibly lucky I was..
Last year, I endured an unfortunate and very painful bout of severe cystic acne. I had heard from friends and subscribers about how awful acne was, but I never grasped the full impact of the trauma until my own experience. From having nearly flawless skin to pockmarked "pizza face" within six months was mind-boggling and frustrating. As most of you know, I live and breathe beauty, which made me feel even more ashamed about my skin's situation. I did not share my feelings when the acne occurred because ultimately, I had no idea how to open up and talk about it. So, please learn from my mistake: DO NOT WAX YOUR FACIAL PEACH FUZZ. Almost two years, plenty of tears, and thousands of dollars later.. redemption. My skin isn't 100% quite yet, but by July 2015, I truly believe it will be!
If you want to know why I believe SK-II, Cle de Peau, 3LAB, and the rest of these phenomenal skin care products really DO work.. check out my video from July 2013 here, where you can see my acne at its worst. It was even more awful to look at in person and once the healing process started, my face was blue and purple all over. Quite frankly, I couldn't decide whether the active blemishes or the scarring process was more depressing. The bruising was much harder to hide! Either way, it was an unpleasant ordeal and I'm grateful that my acne journey is almost over. I've garnered more skin care knowledge and regained my confidence along the way!
Now, here are some of the most valuable skin care lessons I've learned over the years:
1. WEAR SUNSCREEN (all day, every day).
2. Thoroughly remove every single trace of makeup every night.
3. If you have acne, DO NOT pop your pimples. Go to an aesthetician.
4. Use a serum and/or moisturizer every night, even if you have oily skin.
5. Start using eye cream at 18, if not earlier! Nothing ages a person more than eye wrinkles.
6. Drink at least 6 cups of water daily, and try to clock in at least 7 hours of sleep.
7. Treat yourself to a treatment facial as often as possible. Try micro-needling!
8. If you don't have time or money for professional facials, use a SHEET MASK at least once a week.
9. Exfoliate with a treatment/mask at least two times a week (once if you have very sensitive skin), even if you're using a Clarisonic or Foreo or whatever device is trendiest.
10. Invest in quality skin care. It's not always about the price, but luxury skin care has never failed me. Pick up plenty of samples and experiment to find the best products for your skin!
And as promised, here are more product recommendations based on skin type and skin concern. I know many of my subscribers have oily/combination skin, are suffering from acne, or have super sensitive skin. Please keep in mind that products that work (and have worked) for me may not work as well for you. Again, skin care is personal and all about preference, so keep an open mind and don't give up!
ACNE + BREAK-OUTS:
I used a lot of Juice Beauty during the worst of my acne, and it did seem to help the purging process. I highly recommend the Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel (Full Strength and Blemish) as well as their Clearing Mask and Blemish Clearing Serum. Do not expect overnight results, as purging takes time! Also try Jurlique (natural/herbal) and Ole Henriksen products to calm the skin.
For those targeting the occasional hormonal blemish/break-out, I recommend the SK-II Skin Refining Treatment as a spot treatment. I dab it on morning and evening, and my pimples shrink, slowly but surely! No dryness or flakiness like that which can occur with those popular pink clay treatments. I also use the Refining Treatment to keep my blackheads in check (applied all over the face 2x a week).
Additionally, find a talented aesthetician for facials and extractions to minimize scarring, and keep your daily skin care regimen on the minimal end. Try cleanser, toner, serum, eye cream, and moisturizer. Don't forget your sunscreen in the morning, and try to reapply, as it will go a long way in reducing acne marks! Most importantly, wash your pillow cases and makeup brushes WEEKLY, at the minimum!
OILY + COMBO SKIN:
Although not all alcohol-free products perform well, do stop using products that strip your skin completely dry. Your skin will overcompensate by producing more unwanted oil! Wear a hydrating sunscreen like Eve Lom's and skip moisturizer during the day if you must, but that means you absolutely NEED to use a hydrating serum and/or heavier moisturizer at night.
I highly recommend the products in the Ole Henrikensen 3 Little Wonders Bonus Collection, particularly the Truth Serum and Sheer Transformation Moisturizer. I used OH when I had combination skin and loved it! The brand is fairly affordable and offers plenty of awesome travel-sized kits if you are a skin care junkie and/or afraid to commit to full-size products.
Another must-have is the Lancôme Visionnaire Skin Corrector. I used it when I had combination skin, and it tightened the skin to help my pores look invisible. The pearly effect also makes the skin look smoother, clearer and brighter. I introduced this product to my friends with combination and oily skin, and now all them swear by it!
NORMALIZING SKIN:
As a teen, I had oily skin. During my college years, I had combination skin. Now at 25, I have normal to dry skin. That came about as a result of (simply and inevitably) aging, natural hormonal changes, and good skin care habits. I credit the SK-II Facial Treatment toner with making the most noticeable difference in my oily T-Zone. Since then, I have used it interchangeably with other toners to prevent a plateau, but it still remains my favorite. The lightweight yet powerful 3LAB Super H serum also kept my skin nourished and hydrated, further balancing my skin's condition and sealing in the effects of the SK-II toner.
ANTI-AGING:
When I started my YouTube channel in 2010, lot of women used to give me grief when I explained I first started using eye cream at 18. The truth is, it's all about prevention, and starting early is encouraged nowadays due to environmental factors like sun exposure, pollution, and lifestyle stress! FYI: You don't have to start with a heavy or anti-aging eye cream when you're 18. Try something lightweight and more basic, like the SK-II Facial Treatment-Eye or Fresh Lotus Eye Gel.
ASIA EXCLUSIVES:
Two of my favorite moisturizers, the SK-II Cellumination Day Surge SPF 30 and SK-II Facial Treatment Lotion SPF 15, are only available abroad. If you have a friend that travels often, request these! The CDS is best for dry to combination skin, and the FTL is ideal for normal to oily skin. The Lancôme UV Expert XL-Shield SPF 50 is also a fabulous sunscreen for normal/dry to combination skin.
ULTRA SENSITIVE SKIN:
My beauty blogger buds with incredibly sensitive skin use the SK-II Facial Treatment Repair C serum, in case any of you are looking for a very gentle anti-aging treatment! SK-II skin care is potent, so start with the Repair C just to be safe.
October has proven to be a tough skin month due to hormonal imbalances, but I have discovered a couple new Holy Grail makeup products! I am so excited to reveal my favorite new mascara as well as the brow pencil I've been loving. I also share a potential candidate for best eyeliner pen, too! Furthermore, I've discovered a gentle but effective skin care duo that helps to calm my temperamental, blemished skin while reducing the chance of scarring. And in case you forgot that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I included my pink GLAMGLOW mask to remind you + a nifty 30% OFF promo code to encourage you to support the cause by shopping your way toward better skin!
