REVIEW | Best of Shiseido Serums #ShareBeauty

Even though beauty is my job, I enjoy shopping for makeup and skin care as gifts because I find them practical confidence boosters. Most of the women in my life, however, wear very little makeup so I've partnered with Shiseido for their #ShareBeauty campaign. I'll be reviewing the awesome serum duos I'm gifting my bestie, mother, and grandmother this holiday!

GRATITUDE | The Meaning of Omotenashi + Shiseido's Holiday #4Thanks Campaign

I am thankful that Beau's adorable head tilt never fails to makes me smile.

Shiseido launched their #4Thanks campaign today, November 20th, which is centered around omotenashi this holiday! As I've traveled to Tokyo three times this year, the omotenashi tradition holds a special place in my heart.

Omotenashi is a noun that means to "entertain guests wholeheartedly" and it is the word that embodies the essence and spirit of Japanese hospitality. I have come to treasure the respect, sincerity, understanding, and heartfelt kindness that I have experienced in Tokyo, because omotenashi makes the traveling experience infinitely more pleasant and exciting. I've mentioned before that hosts and sales associates provide truly outstanding service without expectation, and no one expects tips unlike here in America where tipping is considered mandatory.

Although omotenashi is tied to the service industry, it is an all-encompassing concept that can relate to our everyday lives as well. I personally think of omotenashi when I visit my girl friends with beauty goodie bags, when I drive long distances to take my grandmother to church, when I go out of my way to buy organic persimmons for my parents. I do not do those things for praise or because I want or expect something in return.

I do it because I have the heart and the ability to give meaningfully.

I do it because I am thankful to have family and friends like family.

I do it because I am humbled by their loyalty, grace, and compassion.

I do it because I am grateful for their love.

Omotenashi is all about awareness, paying close attention to details and exceeding expectations. Gratitude is essential to genuine and authentic omotenashi, for both "host" and "customer" to feel warm and happy. Apply that parallel to relationships in your life, and give thanks to make this holiday your best ever!

If you'd like to get involved with the #4Thanks campaign which ends on 12/18, tag a friend who makes you feel beautiful! Follow @ShiseidoUSA on Twitter and share the moments — and people — that bring you joy, with the hashtag #4Thanks, for a chance to win Shiseido products! Check out all the details on the contest page here. Get rewarded for taking the time to celebrate who you're grateful for!

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FTC: This post has been sponsored by Shiseido, but all opinions and products shared are my own. 

My Skin Journey + Holy Grail Skin Care Products! Plus Affordable Alternatives and Recommendations by Skin Type & Concern

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! 

My HOLY GRAIL SKIN CARE:

TATCHA Camellia Cleansing Oil

Shu Uemura Anti-Oxi Cleansing Oil

Cle de Peau Gentle Foaming Cleanser

La Mer The Cleansing Gel

toner: use with cotton pads
SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion

Shiseido Eudermine Essence

essence: pour into palms and pat in

SK-II Facial Treatment Essence

SK-II LXP Ultimate Essence

Cle de Peau Protective Emulsion SPF 22

Shiseido Future Solution Cream SPF 18

Chantecaille Rose de Mai Cream

SK-II Stempower/Essential Power Cream

SK-II Stempower Eye Cream

EVE LOM Sunscreen SPF 50

3LAB Super H Serum

SK-II Cellumination Aurabright

SK-II Power Brightening Specialist

SK-II Brightening Derm Revival Mask

111SKIN Bio Cellulose Treatment Mask

TATCHA Revitalizing Gel Eye Mask

Affordable Alternatives:

Kate Somerville D-Scar Serum
Cremorlab Bright Floral Mask

Etude House Eye Gel Patch

Equitance Brightening Cleansing Foam

Mizon Mela Defense White Capsule Essence

Be the Skin Botanical Nutrition Power Toner

Cremorlab Smooth Pudding Moisturizer

Olay Regenerist Mirco-Sculpting Cream

Shiseido Urban Environment SPF 42

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. 

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Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate Review and Photos

Shiseido's new Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate is a one-of-a-kind, boosting, power-infusing face concentrate for youthful looking skin. In case you haven't heard, skincare boosters are the new generation of 'must-have' products because they supercharge your skin. Ultimune takes it one step further with a new preventative approach to skincare by focusing on immunity. 

With Ultimune, Shiseido embraces an Eastern holistic philosophy that aims to unleash the skin's potential power to become beautiful with a unique botanical cocktail. Gingko biloba leaf extract, perilla, and wild thyme, which are known for their strong anti-bacterical properties, will help maintain a healthy-looking skin surface. Ultimune is intended to resist, protect, restore, and strengthen, leaving skin feeling silky and nourished. The treatment enhances the skin's essential multi-defensive power against visible signs of aging, environmental factors, and daily stress.

Best of all, Ultimune is designed for all skin types and age groups, regardless of skin concerns. It can be introduced into any skin care regimen and will boost the performance and benefits of any serums and moisturizers that follow. I remove my makeup with a cleansing oil, wash my face with a liquid or cream cleanser, and then apply the Ultimune after toner. The consistency is light, so it absorbs quickly and does not leave any residue or glitter on the skin. 

After a couple weeks of use, my skin's texture was smoother and more consistently moisturized. I suffer from dry patches around my nose and near my eyes, and I can positively say Ultimune did help treat them. My skin looked clearer and more even toned as well, with my pores looking smaller than ever! I do not have wrinkles, but I do find that my skin feels more resilient. Also worth mentioning is that the scent is subtle — perfect for those with sensitive noses!

Shiseido claims that immunity is your skin's ultimate defense against damage. I always preach prevention, so this new Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate is a great place to begin or amp up your skin care journey. Never forget the sunscreen and unleash the #beautyinyou with Ultimune! Apply both day and night for best results.

Bottom Line: Not only will Shiseido's Ultimune enhance your skin's immunity and shrink the appearance of your pores, but it will also give you a boost of confidence!

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Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Shiseido through their partnership with POPSUGAR Select.

While I was compensated to write a post about Shisiedo, all opinions are my own.

THE TEN: My Summer Beauty Essentials [Travel, Beach, Vacation]

1) HAIR: For perfectly tousled beach hair, try the Oribe Après Beach Wave and Shine Spray! I like to spritz this into the lengths of my hair and tease the roots for an effortlessly sultry look. Since the spray adds so much texture and body, you can also throw your hair into a big bun or French Twist if you want it off your shoulders!

2) BODY: To protect your body from sunburns, try the Clarins Sunscreen Care Oil Spray SPF 30! It can also be sprayed onto your hair to protect your color and your scalp from dryness. I love that it dries down quickly while adding a gorgeous glow to the limbs. 

3) SELF-TANNER: For the most even and long-lasting tan possible, try the St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse! Despite dabbling with other brands, I still think St. Tropez is the best. There is also a Self Tan Dark version for those who like to look extra tan!

4) SUNSCREEN: To protect yourself from wrinkles as well as unsightly dark spots, always use sunscreen! I highly recommend the Sulwhasoo Age Veil UV Protection Cream SPF 30 for every day use or the Sulwhasoo Snowise Brightening Serum BB with SPF 50 for those who prefer a tinted product that can also be used as a primer/base. I absolutely love both of them, and sometimes, I'll even use the Age Veil under the Serum BB!

5) POWDER: To prevent overly shiny T-Zones this summer, use powders with sunscreen protection to set your base makeup and touch up your skin throughout the day! I recommend the Shisiedo UV Protection Powder SPF 36 for those who like a little extra coverage (ideal for oily to combination skin) and the Chantecaille Protection Naturale SPF 46 for those who prefer sheer, undetectable loose powders (ideal for dry to combination skin).

6) NEON NAIL POLISH: Bright nails are always an easy way to brighten up your summer! Try the new Dior Vernis Gel Shine formula since it is so glossy and long-wearing. I have been wearing Wonderland, a deep pink, for a couple weeks. For a true neon shade, however, I recommend Essie's Funky Limelight with a white base to help the color pop. OCC's Radiate is another good neon pick!

7) BRONZER: To balance out self-tanner on the body and also give the face some color, try the Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Powder! Use it to set your sunscreen and/or base makeup, and dust an extra layer on your jawline, cheekbones, and hair line for a truly sun-kissed look!

8) MASCARA: A little mascara will go a long way in opening up your eyes and adding a bit of polish to your casual beach attire! Use a waterproof formula, like Guerlain's Maxi Lash WP to give your lashes the perfect, most enviable fringe. It holds curl, separates, and adds volume!

9) LIP BALM: The heat of the summer sun can cause lips to peel. Try By Terry's Baume de Rose for hydrated, plump lips with a hint of pretty pale pink color! It also has SPF 15 for added protection whether your are poolside or at the beach.

10) DEODORANT: This one is a no-brainer, but deodorant is especially important in the summer! My favorite is the Kiehl's Superbly Efficient Anti-Perspirant and Deodorant Cream. It does not interfere with your perfume, and it has a formula that softens underarm hair, which results in a smoother shave!

Watch the video below for more details!

Makeup Worn:

Sulwhasoo Snowise Serum BB in 2 Natural Beige

Cle de Peau Concealer in Beige

Chanel Vitalumiere Powder in 20

Cle de Peau Eyebrow Pencil in 204 and Holder

Kevyn Aucoin The Eyeshadow Duo in #210

EM Michelle Phan Scribble Liquid Eyeliners in Tattoo Black + Snow

Guerlain Maxi Lash Waterproof Mascara in Black

NARS Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil in Via Veneto

Urban Decay NAKED Flushed Palette in Native [Bronzer/Highlight only]

Shu Uemura Tint in Gelato in CR 04 Spiced Orange

Giorgio Armani Flash Lacquer in 107

Velour Lashes in T Dot Ohhh

*Use promo code RAEVELOUR to receive 15% OFF

Sweater:

Wildfox Couture Little Huskies Baggy Beach Jumper

Nails:

Dior Gel in Wonderland

Earrings:

Forever 21 [old]

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Shiseido Benefique Skin Care Review + GIVEAWAY

Shiseido released a brand new skin care collection called Benefique earlier this year, and it is targeted at 20 and 30 year olds to boost skin's health and prevent signs of aging. The finest Asian botanical ingredients meets Shiseido's cutting edge science that boosts skin's inner strength, and revitalizes its outer beauty. Formulated with energizing nutrients like Tiger Lily root extract, Angelica root extract and Ginseng extract, Benefique delivers ideal solutions directly to skin. Check out the individual product reviews and enter the giveaway after the jump!

Summer Beauty Essentials Haul from Sephora & Nordstrom + Accessories & Swim!

I love filming haul videos, and this one was really fun in particular because there is a little something for everyone here! The beauty section includes skin care as well as a limited edition piece from MAC. I know many of you wanted me to feature a product from one of their latest releases (since there have been so many), and the blush reviewed in the video below is my pick for the season. I also share with you some swimsuit pairings -- which are just ideas -- but I still hope you enjoy them and find them helpful! Last but not least, I shared with you some of the House of Harlow jewelry I had posted on Instagram. I really fell in love with both of the pieces, so check them out while they are still available!

Products Reviewed:
Hourglass Ambient Light Powder in Diffused Light
NARS And God Created the Woman Eyeshadow Palette
Peter Thomas Roth Anti-Aging Gel Cleanser
Clarisonic Replacement Brush Head for Acne-Prone Skin
Shiseido Sun Protection Compact Foundation Case - 1965
Shiseido Sun Protection Compact Foundation Refill SPF 34 in Shade SP30
MAC Powder Blush in Royal Sunset
MintBarry Bracelet in Mojitobarry [Size S]
Patagonia Swimsuit Top [old - no longer available]
DailyLook Mint Corduroy Shorts
DailyLook Mint Star Print Cardigan [so sorry - sold out already]
Lolli Swim The Honey Honey Bow Bikini Bottom in XS
Lolli Swim The Dancing Queen Bow Bikini Top in XS
Lolli Swim We Got the Beat Ruffle Bandeau Swimsuit Top
House of Harlow 1960 Black Resin Station Necklace from HaulerDeals
House of Harlow 1960 White Sand Sunburst Stud Earrings from HaulerDeals


Makeup Worn:
Cle de Peau Eyebrow Pencil in Natural Black
Ellis Faas Silk Veil Liquid Foundation in S103
Hourglass Ambient Light Powder in Diffused Light
Smashbox Halo Powder in Light/Medium as bronzer
Armani Eyes to Kill Intense Eyeshadow in 3 Purpura
Chanel Stylo Eyeshadow in Cool Gold [LE]
YSL Shocking Felt Tip Eyeliner in Black
Hourglass Film Noir Mascara with Velour Lashes in Lashaholic
Benefit Powder Blush in Bella Bamba + Coralista
Cle de Peau Extra Rich Lipsticks in T1 and T9

Nails:
Deborah Lippmann Do the Mermaid

Tank:
DailyLook Braided Strap Tank

Necklace:
House of Harlow 1960 Black Resin

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March 2013 Favorites [Hits & Misses] - Makeup Removal, Nail Polishes, Eye Products & More!

This is a LONG Favorites episode, but it has been a while since I have encountered so many misses. Hope you enjoy it!



Makeup/Products Reviewed:
Stila Sparkle Liquid Eye Liner in Curacao
Lancome Khol in Love Eyeliners from Spring '13 - Deepwater Blue, Jade Crush, Chocolate Affair
Tom Ford Illuminating Highlighter Pen in 05 Naked Bisque
Benefit Fake Up Hydrating Concealer in 001 Light
Cult Nails Nail Polish in Flushed, Wicked Fast Top Coat, Hypnotize Me
OPI Liquid Sands Nail Polish in Can't Let Go (5 min - add annotation)
Zoya Pixie Dust Nail Polish in in Nyx
Dior Nail Polishes in Rosy Bow, Princess, and Spring Ball
Chanel Nail Polish in Taboo
Shu Uemura Pore Clarifying Cleansing Oil
Shiseido Benefique Makeup Cleansing Oil
Shiseido Benefique Cleansing Foam
Kerastase Initialiste Hair & Scalp Treatment
BeautyBlender Makeup Sponge + Cleanser
Nike Women's Basic Training Gloves
Under Armour CTR Trainer Half Finger Gloves
Eat Smart Precision GetFit Digital Scale from Amazon [$55]
**Preview: YSL Rouge Volupte Shine Lipstick in 12

Makeup Worn:
Stila Sparkle Liquid Eye Liner in Curacao
Lancome Khol in Love Eyeliner from Spring '13 - Deepwater Blue
Maybelline Lash Stiletto in Brownish Black
Lancome Hypnose Drama WP Mascara with Ardell Wispies
Cle de Peau Eyebrow Pencil in Natural Black
YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat Foundation in B40
Cle de Peau Powder Foundation in O20
Tarte Amazonian Clay Bronzer [very little]
Chanel Rouge Allure Extrait de Gloss in Attirance


Nails:
Chanel Taboo
Dior Princess

Top:
DailyLook Braided Strap Tank [get it HERE]

My February 2013 Beauty Favorites [Tom Ford Lip Shine Sneak Peek!]

Here is a quick(er) than usual Favorites episode! I wanted to include some lululemon pieces, but I figured I could save them for a Work Out Must-Haves video.. what do you think? So here you have mostly face and body favorites, which is a change up and a quick breather away from color cosmetics. I have been super acne-prone these days, which is why I have been changing up my skin care more often! I'm trying to find a new routine that works with the addition of hot yoga to my lifestyle, hope you can be patient while I sort things out :)



Products Reviewed:
Jo Malone Redcurrant and Cream Cologne [Limited Edition]
Jo Malone Nectarine Blossom and Honey Cologne
Dior DiorSnow BB Creme
Chanel Vitalumiere Liquid Foundation in B30
Michael Todd Moisture Lite Hydrating Lotion
Michael Todd Jojoba Charcoal & Fruit Enzyme Scrubs
Shiseido Facial Cotton
Peter Thomas Roth Max Complexion Correction Pads
Philosophy Love Sweet Love Body Lotion
Laura Mercier Lip Glace in Bellini

Makeup Worn:
Lancome Teint Idole Ultra 24HR Foundation in 320W Bisque
Benefit Fakeup Hydrating Corrector Concealer in 01 Light
Tarte Amazonian Clay Bronzer in Park Ave Princess
Becca Mineral Powder Foundation in Nude
Chanel Joues Contraste Blush in Espiegle
Tom Ford Brow Sculptor in 04 Espresso
Sigma Eye Shadow Base in Bare: Persuade
Tom Ford Eyeshadow Palette in Golden Mink
Red Cherry 47 & 217 Lashes with Inglot Gel Liner 77
Tom Ford Lip Shine Lip Colour in Frolic [REVIEW HERE]

Sweater:
J.Crew Linen

Nails:
Essie Tart Deco [orange]
Essie Shine of the Times glitter

Shiseido 'Perfect' Foundation Brush Review, Photos

I know, I know.. how could I not have tried this brush sooner? It was a smashing success with beauty editors even before its public launch and I see can why! It's definitely among my top 5 favorite foundation brushes and yields very similar results to Sigma's famous F80. Both boast densely-packed brush heads with carefully placed, soft synthetic bristles. The F80 gives me more of an airbrushed finish with rarely any streaking so I do prefer it, but the Shiseido Perfection Foundation brush comes pretty darn close. I dab a pea-sized amount of the liquid foundation over the center of my face, most carefully around the orbital bone and around my nose, and then smooth the foundation outward to my forehead and sides of the face. I also go back and dab a smidge extra on the tops of my cheeks to cover my redness since I don't use concealer regularly.

You really can use this brush with all foundation formulas - just make sure you wash and dry between powder, liquid, or cream foundations. I personally prefer using this brush with liquid foundations because I use a MAC 187 for powders and the CoverFX 160 for creams.

The angled slant of the bristles makes it easy to maneuver through the contours of the nose, eyes, and mouth and I actually prefer the shorter handle! Some have complained at how small the brush is but I find that it offers more control and it's much easier to store in my travel bag.

I wish I had taken more photos for size comparison but this Sigma travel/short-handled brush from the London kit was the only one I had on hand. Still, the Shiseido brush is much smaller!

Bottom Line: This may be the best affordable, most versatile foundation brush on the market right now and it's a must-have in my book!

Updated Summer Skincare for Combination Skin

Please note: From now on, I will not able able to address each and every comment. I thank all of my wonderful subscribers and supporters but I cannot invest more time than I already do to my YouTube channel and this blog. Take the time to watch the entire length of my videos and do not ignore all the information I post in the videos and the sidebars. I will not reply to comments and questions if the information you are requesting is readily available.
Also, please refer to my responses to other viewers' comments if you see that I have not answered your question[s]. My academic and personal schedule is incredibly hectic as of late and though I apologize for the convenience, I can't possibly respond to everyone anymore. The amount of time it took for me to reply to each comment thus far will be unfathomable to all of you; I really don't know how I was able to manage it! Nonetheless, thank you for understanding =)


Here is a reader-friendly breakdown, starting with the night-time ritual:

Night Facial Wash:
Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil - Fresh [cleanses off heavy make-up]
or Clinique Liquid Facial Soap - Oily [cleanses off moderate make-up]
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Then, follow with alternating Night Treatments for the Face:
A. Treatment 1 [Tu, Thurs, Sat]: Decleor Aroma Cleanse Tonifying Lotion & Decleor Aroma Night Ylang Ylang Purifying Night Balm
B. Treatment 2 [M, W, F, Sun]: Peter Thomas Roth Max Complexion Correction Pads & PTR AHA/BHA Acne Clearing Gel with the Ole Henricksen Truth Serum & Sheer Transformation, & the OH Invigorating Night Gel as a spot treatment [for large, cystic acne/pimples].
*The flat side of the PTR Pad is used for cleansing. The textured side is used for pore refinement.
*I only apply the PTF AHA/BHA gel where I use the PTR Pad: on my T-Zone!

Don't forget your Daily Eye Night Treatments:
Caudalie Vinexpert Anti-Aging Serum for Eyes and Lips
& Shiseido The Skincare Eye Moisture Recharge Gel-Cream
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Morning Facial Wash:
w/Treatment 1, use the Clarins One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser
w/Treatment 2, use the Philosophy Purity Made Simple Cleanser

Morning Pre-Makeup Prep:
Decleor Aromessence Ylang Ylang Purifying Serum [1 Drop]
Decleor Aroma Purete Matt Finish Skin Fluid [Moisturizer - 1 Pump]
Dior HydrAction Visible Defense Hyra-Protective Eye Cream SPF 20
*This product has been discontinued but it can still be found at select Dior counters with left-over
stock. Lancome's Bienfait Multi-Vital SPF 30 Cream is a comparable alternative.
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Mask & Exfoliator - Weekly Use Only:
Decleor Aroma Purete Instant Purifying Mask [Clay Mask]
ExfoliKate by Kate Somerville [I now only use this once a week because I use my Clarins One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Wash 3x a week]
*P.S. Cho327, ExfoliKate is gentle enough for teenage acne-prone skin ;)

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Ineffective Products:
Korres Quercetin & Oak Antiaging & Antiwrinkle Oil-Control Treatment [aka, a waste of $50 + tax]
*Korres is the most over-rated skincare brand. This is just my opinion but none of their products work for me, though their shower gels do smell nice. Save your money and avoid the hype. I warned you already! =)
Peter Thomas Roth Acne Spot and Area Treatment
*In the summer, I do get an occasional pimple so a spot treatment is nice to have on hand. Sadly, this gentle sulfur acne treatment does not work for me. I will stick to my little sample of the Murad Acne Spot Treatment, which will last me the rest of this year at least, and the OH Invigorating Night Gel.

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What happened to my Dior Rituel Nuit and other key products in my last skincare video?
The answer is simple. I use different products during different seasons. I haven't stopped using them because they are no longer effective. I will bring them back out when winter rolls around!


Phew. This took forever. Goodnight, everybody!