TOP 10 | Best of J-Beauty Review

We continue Asia Week with a top ten edit, specifically for all those who have been waiting to hear about Japanese beauty exclusives! Narrowing down this list to just ten products was much more difficult than I imagined, but I truly believe this review will steer you in the right direction when shopping in Japan. I've spent an obscene amount of money on testing phenomenal, mediocre and even downright awful products since my first trip to Tokyo this year (in January), so I'm going to share what I've learned and highlight the most memorable of the lot. Get ready for J-Beauty heaven after the jump!

HAUL | My Weight Loss + New Skin Care & Makeup

Haul videos are still some of my most popular, and they're the most fun for me to film! Win-win! Today, I added a personal touch with my weight loss journey. It has been a slow and steady journey, but with every passing week, I am closing in on my goals. Many of you have noticed and asked me to talk about how I did it! 

I want to make it clear that this is a lifestyle overhaul, not just temporary cutting of the number I see on the scale (although it definitely feels nice to see it shrink). I officially gave up ice cream, which I have never done before, and I rarely ever eat fast food now. I avoid MSG like it's the plague, and I try to eat fresh whole foods like leafy greens and nutrient-dense carrots whenever possible. I went vegan at the end of December to start the purging stage, which was 10 days of torture, but now I have few cravings for red meat! I eat a lot of seafood these days. Pizza is still my weakness, but I have pretty successfully changed the way I eat and see food (particularly meat and carbs). You see, I am a stress eater. And I was very, very stressed for a while, meaning I was eating excessively large portions and in general, a lot of ramen and ice cream and Jack-in-the-Box at 1 AM. Of course I knew better, but I stopped caring after a while, even when none of my clothes fit.

Since eating cleaner, I have been sleeping better. I drink a ton of water and caffeine-free herbal tea so my skin also looks better. I am more productive and the best part is, I am finally exercising regularly again! I was in the best shape of my life 2 years ago, and I have truly missed sweating it out. I have a long way to go in terms of my ideal figure, but I am optimistic. I ran three miles today, which I physically had not been able to do a mere 3 months ago. I usually don't get this personal, but I just want others to know that LIFE HAPPENS! Poke fun at my double chin and acne scars, but that's life — the sad, depressing, ugly stages are all part of the process. We succeed, we fall, we crawl back up, we change, we move on and grow up! Have courage and be kind (new Cinderella movie reference), and I promise, good things will come xo

Products Reviewed:

Spiral Vegetable Slicer (Tri-Blade)

TATCHA Cleansing Oil

Koh Gen Do Massage Milk

Rituals Foaming Shower Gel

TATCHA Blotting Papers

Anya Hindmarch In Flight Case

*Black version HERE

Burberry Kisses Lipsticks in 16, 5, 45

Charlotte Tilbury Clay Mask

Moroccanoil Smoothing Lotion

SUQQU Powder Foundation

SUQQU Moisture Massage Scrub

Shangpree Brightening Essence Toner

Shangpree S-Energy Serum

Makeup Worn:

Shu Uemura Foundations in 554 & 574

Shu Uemura Brow Pencil in Brown 02

Shu Uemura Gel Pencil Liner in Brown

Shu Uemura Pencils in Gold + Dark Brown

Shu Uemura Tint in Gelato in AT04 + CR04

Shu Uemura Eyeshadows in P820, P121, P241, P995

MAC 3 False Lashes

Dolce and Gabbana Blush in Tan

Cle de Peau Highlighter in Pink

Addiction Lip Gloss

Earrings:

Prudence C Crystals

Shirt:

Nation LTD Stretch Knit

Nails:

Christian Louboutin Python Coffret

___________________________________________________________________________

My Epic Japanese Beauty Haul featuring ADDICTION, THREE, SUQQU, Ladurée and more!

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!

February 2015 Hits and Misses + My London A/W 2015 Fashion Week Photo Diary

The month of February has been one of the most tiring yet inspiring of my life! I discovered a blemish gel that actually works (OMG!), and I traveled to two cities for Fashion Week. It was brutally cold and a whole lot of hustlin' through sleep deprivation was involved, but it was truly a beauty blogger's dream come true! I attended several shows and captured some behind-the-scenes footage with Christian Louboutin Beauté at Cushnie et Ochs in NYC and now have these beautiful moments from Burberry A/W 2015 Backstage in London to reveal! It can be rather difficult to capture the intensity of the backstage atmosphere, but I hope you'll enjoy my February 2015 Hits & Misses and London Photo Diary!

NY Fashion Week F/W 2015 Photo Diary

As many of you may have noticed, I braved the intimidating New York winter to attend Fashion Week! I was fortunate enough to attend a few shows and even pop backstage as well, so please do take a look at some of the beautiful moments captured after the jump!

CURRENT | Top 10 Luxury Favorites collaboration with AmeliaLiana

After five years of content creation, I finally present my very first video collaboration! My friend Amelia and I decided to film reviews dedicated to our current lineup of luxury must-haves. I hope you will enjoy the change of pace with my most lust-worthy makeup, skin care, and fashion favorites of the moment. Since I have been traveling more, this episode will feature more skin care than makeup. This list does change frequently, but if you're looking to splurge, any of the products below are worth the investment! xo

Products Reviewed:

Chikuhodo Z-1 Powder Brush

SUQQU Eyebrow Refill and Holder

Givenchy Antigona Small Envelope Clutch

Velour Lashes in Custom RCF 15mm
*Get 15% OFF with code RAEVIEW

TATCHA Luminous Dewy Mist

Koh Gen Do MV Essence Mask

YSL Tribute Sandals in Poudre

Burberry Lip Velvet in 302 and 310

Burberry Tech Gloves

SK-II LXP Essence

Makeup Worn:

NARS All Day Luminous Foundation

Clé de Peau Concealer in Beige

Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze and Glow

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Powder in Medium

Charlotte Tilbury The Golden Goddess

Charlotte Tilbury Eye Cheat Pencil

MAC 4 Lashes
LORAC Pro Liquid Liner
Clé de Peau Perfect Lash Mascara

Sara Happ The Lip Scrub in Pink Grapefruit

Tom Ford Lips&Boys in William

YSL Tint-in-Oil Gloss in Undress Me

Nails:

Chanel Sweet Star

___________________________________________________________________________

London Travel Photo Diary, Vlog + Haul [Burberry, SUQQU, Chanel, Dior, and more]

London is now officially my favorite travel destination. I love the architecture more than words can convey, and there is just so much history to explore! I spent the bulk of my 'tourist' time at Westminster Abbey, which was breathtakingly beautiful. We even got some very sneaky albeit shaky footage of the interior! Unfortunately, I do not have a vlogging camera, but I will look into purchasing one soon because lugging around my DSLR was pretty painful. For that reason alone, I was not able to capture as much footage of the city as I had hoped. That is why in addition to the vlog, I decided to create and share this London Photo Diary! 

The highlight of my trip was the Burberry runway experience. I finally got to meet and watch the incredibly down-to-earth, talented Wendy Rowe in action.. twice! At the Spring Summer 2015 Beauty Look Preview, she walked us through the new products. I am absolutely loving the Effortless Brow Pencil and Fresh Glow Powder Foundation, both which will likely launch in America in a few months or so. 

The 'Birds and The Bees' runway show was magical, with live music by James Bay. I was lucky enough to go backstage, so make sure to watch the vlog (at the end of this post) to see clips of Wendy Rowe and the gorgeous models!

The marvelous views in London took my breath away. I wish I could have taken better photos, but I hope these iPhone snaps will suffice! I plan to take a few days to visit more sites like Buckingham Palace next time. We passed the Trafalgar Square a couple times, but I alway seemed to miss my photo opportunities. I was so impressed by its grandeur! 

Now for the food journal.. many of you know how much I love to eat. First up is Amorino! Rose-sculpted gelato on a cone. Need I say more? Next up is Balthazar, where I had the yummiest escargot and seafood pasta! Definitely visit this romantic brasserie for dinner. Then we have Petrus. Have I ever mentioned how much I love Gordon Ramsay? My London trip was planned last-minute, so I was unable to book Restaurant Gordon Ramsay. Petrus, however, was a pleasant surprise! Each course was plated to perfection, and every element was as tasty as it looked! Hawksmoor is another lovely restaurant you should visit when traveling to London, especially if you love steak.

All the buses stopped for a mile!

I am already planning another trip to London in 2015 — most likely for my birthday — and will do my best to shoot the entire adventure. Vlogging outdoors in front of strangers makes me feel awkward and super self-conscious, but I will try to walk/talk you through my days! Please let me know if you'd like to see more of these vlogs!

HAUL: 

SUQQU Eyeshadow Brush M

SUQQU Eyebrow Liquid Pen in Moss Green

Chanel Vitalumière Loose Powder Foundation

Shu Uemura Farfallina Flared Lashes

Dior Eyeshadow Palettes in Cuir Cannage, Versailles & Jardin

Burberry Runway Nail Collection in Blues

Burberry Runway Nail Collection in Pinks

Isabel Marant Bekett Wedges in Black 36

Ash Jude Booties in Black/Indigo 36

Chanel Flap Wallet in Black Caviar/Gold Hardware

Wittard Green Tea Taster Set

Wittard Milk Oolong Loose Tea

Nail Polish:

Burberry SS 2015 in Coral Red

Hair:

Hot Tools Curling Iron in 1.5" (White)

___________________________________________________________________________

SUQQU The Face Brush Review + Photos

I placed my order for the SUQQU Face Brush (£168) from Selfridge's earlier this year, and after patiently waiting for a few months, I finally received it! Check out all the details and more photos after the jump!

Wayne Goss 'The Face Set' Brush Collection Review, Photos, Comparisons

Ever since developing an obsession with luxe Japanese-made brushes late in 2012, I have slowly and painstakingly acquired all sorts of gems. Tools may be an investment, but they make a world of a difference in ease of application. The Wayne Goss Face Set ($265 USD) was finally released on Beautylish last month, and I am thrilled to share that it has exceeded my expectations. These brushes build upon Wayne's first collection and are larger since they were designed for foundation, contouring, highlighting, and everything in between. Check out the individual break downs and brush comparisons after the jump!

Tom Ford Cheek Brush Review, Photos, Comparisons

Tom Ford blush fanatics, and the blush obsessed in general, must own Tom Ford's Cheek Brush. The Cheek Color and Cheek Brush duo will yield a brighter and lively complexion in a mere minute. With a pat on the pan, the Cheek Brush collects just enough product and deposits it softly on the skin. The flat face of the brush can create a youthful dolly-cheek effect, while the tapered ends can be used apply color to the tops of the cheeks for a sculpted blush effect. I find that it pairs best with Tom Ford's pearly Cheek Colors, but this brush performs so well, it can make any blush look divine. See more details and comparisons after the jump!

REVIEW: My Favorite Face & Cheek Brushes

This brush guide has been a long time coming, but I finally was able to film this video because I was fortunate enough to have been able to purchase a Hakuhodo brush at The Makeup Show in LA recently! I plan to add more Hakuhodo, Tom Ford, and the revamped Chanel brushes to my collection, but not much will change otherwise for years to come. The brushes reviewed in the video below are tried and true, so give them a go because they are worth your time and your money!



Brushes Reviewed [all underlined products will link out for your convenience]:
Bobbi Brown Bronzer 
MAC 187 Marcel Wanders Edition
Laura Mercier Finishing
Bobbi Brown Blush
Hakuhodo Basic, B512BkSL for cheeks
Shu Uemura 20h for cheeks
SUQQU for cheeks [Asia & UK exclusive]
Sigma Duo Fibre Powder F15
Shu Uemura 17 for cheeks [Asia exclusive]
Tom Ford 02 Cream Foundation
Sigma Tapered Face F25

Other Tools/Brushes Mentioned:
BeautyBlender sponges
Shiseido Perfect Foundation Brush
Sigma Flat Top Kabuki F80


Makeup Worn:
YSL Teint Touche Eclat Liquid Foundation in B40
Tom Ford Illuminating Pens in 02 and 05
Cle de Peau Powder Foundation in O20
Cle de Peau Eyebrow Pencil in Natural Grey
Tarte Amazonian Clay Bronzer in Park Ave Princess
Guerlain Ombre Eclat Single Eyeshadow in 187
Armani Eyes to Kill Intense in 9 Rock Sand
THREE Eyeliner Pencil in 08 [Check out my review and swatches HERE]
Tom Ford Lip Color Shine in Willing [Check out more photos and swatches HERE]
Chanel Glossimer in Volupte

Shirt:
Marciano [old]

Nails:
Lancome Vernis in Love in Peach Melodie & Midnight Roses

Chanel Holiday 2012 Makeup Review + Tutorial Video Details

Hello, everyone! This is probably the longest collection review + tutorial duo video that I have produced in ages. But there was a lot to be said, so many questions to address that I could not afford to leave out. Please note, if you did not properly hear during the review.. Notorious is officially my favorite contouring powder. It might be a satin finish powder, but it is so versatile! D&G's Tan would be my next favorite contouring product for everyday use since that can actually be used as a blush. It just depends on your preferences, but both products should work on all fair and medium to medium tan skin tones! Happy shopping :)



P.S. I didn't even mention the limited edition gold Illusion D'Ombre from this collection because it was very sheer. It fell short of my expectations, for it was missing the lush mousse texture of the Mirifique or Epatant Illusion D'Ombres.

Makeup/Tools Used:
Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Liquid Foundation in B30
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Medium Plus
Tom Ford Brow Sculptor in Espresso
MAC Painterly Paint Pot as eyeshadow base
Chanel Harmonie du Soir Eyeshadow Palette with Sigma E45 Brush, Chanel 2 Brush [old]
Chanel Automatic Pen Liquid Liner in Black & Inglot AMC Matte Gel Liner in White with MAC 239
Velour Lashes in Lash in the City with Lancome Hypnose Drama WP Mascara
Chanel Notorious Sculpting Veil with Suqqu Cheek Brush
Chanel Joues Contraste Blush in Narcisse with Shu Uemura 20h Cheek Brush
Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet in L'Impatience
Chanel Glossimer in Sweet Beige

Makeup Also Shown/Mentioned in Review:
Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Powder in Tan
Dolce & Gabbana The Blush in Tan

Shirt:
Victoria's Secret PINK V-Neck

Earrings:
JewelMint Forever Audrey

Lenses:
Clear prescription only

Hair:
No Styling

Suqqu Cheek Blush Brush Review, Photos, Comparisons

I did not want to believe Suqqu brushes were worth the hype. Too bad they are. This is my second Suqqu brush, and it was worth every penny. My first was the small eyebrow brush, which I have used in several videos before. It is a wonderful brush, but this cheek brush is made of the softest bristles that I have ever encountered. See all the comparisons after the jump!

Suqqu Creamy Glow Lipstick in 10 Urumishu Review, Photos, Swatches

Suqqu is the most popular Japanese make-up brand on the market right now, and it is easy to see why. One of the most recent additions to my Suqqu collection is thanks to the lovely Xiao of Messy Wands. She was traveling through London and was generous enough to oblige my requests! She selected the peachiest of the Creamy Glow lipsticks for me, Urumishu, and I love it. Thanks again, Xiao :)