I am so incredibly excited to share this Favorites episode with you because I have some big news. Starting tomorrow, my blog and youtube will be dedicated to ASIA WEEK! I will post daily content (yes, for an entire week) dedicated to best of Japanese and Korean beauty. Stay tuned!!
And although I've rekindled my relationship with primers and have discovered a new "hair bestie" aka the best curling iron set-up, I did run into 2 powder compacts that really failed to impress me. I also reveal top Korean makeup artists' secret to beautifully groomed brows.. Please watch the video below to hear about the best and the worst of September Beauty!
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 (à 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
This Favorites episode is launching a little earlier than usual because my twin sister is making a surprise reappearance! We filmed a monolid makeup tutorial a few years ago, but she is finally back and chatting about products instead of sitting in as my model. If you'd like to order the La Mer Skin Tint — which is not widely available online yet — from her Neiman Marcus store in Newport Beach, you can have one shipped to you! It is such a phenomenal tinted sunscreen, smooth and creamy without feeling greasy. Do call her at (949.220.3366) if you'd like to get shade matched. We may film some other hair and beauty tutorials together soon, so please feel free to share any video suggestions! Now, this April lineup is fairly simple and straightforward, covering most of my daily essentials. I'm turning 26 this week, and the older I get, the more I like to keep it simple when I'm not in front of the camera. Beauty is more about grooming and enjoyment v. makeup and glamour as you age (in my experience). Still, there's nothing more exciting than sparkly Tom Ford newness! Hope you enjoy the bloopers xo
Spring is the perfect time to update your skin care wardrobe. I have never tested so many new foundations and skin care products before, ever — which is saying a lot considering how many products I test every quarter — so my complexion has been congested and dehydrated and requires more TLC than usual. I've also been suffering from breakouts on my chin, so today's video will cover all varieties of skin care treatments! Because I am getting older and now fully understand all aspects of the arduous acne struggle, I take skin care very seriously. I never recommend or even feature something that I did not personally try, use, and feel is worth recommending.
Hence, the power players that I will be sharing today are some of the very best in their respective categories. I highly recommend you give them a try! Call my sister Patricia at Neiman Marcus in Newport Beach at 949.220.3366 if you need guidance with La Mer products. She can help you pick products that are suitable for your skin type and concerns, and there is no pressure as she does not work on commission. Plus, there will be a special (non-sponsored) giveaway launching on my Instagram page tonight, so please stop by to check it out!
When short on time, I recommend focusing on airbrushed skin, full lashes, and a bold lip. Since spring and summer are the perfect seasons for glossy lips, I went with a vibrant pink-red. You can always try something more subdued like a garnet or matte raspberry if high shine isn't your style.
It's really easy to lose track of time and end up late when you're distracted by colorful glittery eyeshadows or perfectly carved brows, so I recommend picking 3 features to highlight. Even applying false lashes can be done on 10-minute mornings with the help of a magnifying mirror and a bit of practice! Keep things simple with 1 brush and use your clean fingertips for eyeshadow application. Plus, try curling your hair the night before to make your AM routine easier! Smooth sailing xo
P.S. The sun was setting (very quickly) while I was filming, so I do apologize for the dim light at the end of the video! Thanks for your understanding ♥
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
