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
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
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.
This summer has hectic with travel and shoots, so I have been enjoying any and every minute to relax and enjoy the little things. Still, I figured this would be the perfect time to take a moment to share what beauty products I have been loving as well as some new I discoveries found along the way.
I always travel with my Tatcha Soothing Silk Hand Cream. You never know when you'll have to shake someone's hand when introducing yourself! It keeps my neglected cuticles from looking too dry, and it truly hydrates without making my hands feeling greasy. The Soothing Silk Hand Cream has a pale blue tint to it, but rest assured, it blends into the skin like any other translucent lotion and leaves no color residue.
A recent discovery is the Ivory Lashes brand. I have fallen in love with many of their styles because they come with thin and flexible lash bands, striking the perfect balance between weight and definition. I have been wearing Smitten Kitten and Hey Lover the most, which I think would suit all eye shapes beautifully. They are also just plush enough to transition from day to night seamlessly, which makes it easy to amp up your look with just a bit more eyeliner!
Since I usually wear false lashes on shoots, I've kept my D.U.P. Eyelash Glue in Black very handy recently. My lashes do not lift often, but I like to relieve my dry eyes with my Refresh Optive Advanced Preservative-Free eye drops (the best for sensitive eyes) throughout the day. Since the drops can wet my lashes and weaken the glue's hold, I carry my lash glue just in case I need a quick fix. I purchase the D.U.P. glue from Little Tokyo beauty boutiques or Japanese grocers like Mitsuwa with a beauty aisle.
I rarely ever touch up my makeup when I am out and about, but I like to take my Cle de Peau Luminizing Powder with me — and I swear it's not just because the champagne compact is utterly, jaw-droppingly pretty. This is a magically luminous-yet-never-oily, smooth and even complexion in a compact. I swear by it! I use 13 Sand when I want a bronzy glow and 14 Delicate Pink when I want a brighter highlighted look. These Cle de Peau Luminizers are ultra finely milled, do not accentuate pores, and in short, are the best powder highlighters I have ever encountered... and that's saying a lot considering I've worked with luxury cosmetics for a decade now!
As I age, I love red lips more and more. I now fondly recall my college days when I was too self-conscious to wear red lipstick or even red lip gloss in public, but now I find that it really enhances my complexion in a manner that no other color can! It makes me feel bold and spunky and can even perk up my mood. My favorite of the summer has been Giorgio Armani's Rouge d'Armani lipstick in 400, their signature shade. I love that it is hydrating yet semi-matte, allowing my lips to look fuller without any gloss. It lasts all day, even when sipping water and tea!
Since the sun beats down on us for most of the year, I am wholly dedicated to sunscreen. A good broad-spectrum sunscreen is the best step toward the anti-aging campaign since it will protect you from wrinkles and sun spots as well as prevent any acne scars from darkening. While traveling to Shanghai recently, I discovered some incredible sunscreens! My new obsession, however, is the Lancôme UV Expert XL-Shield SPF 50 PA+++. This sunscreen is an Asia exclusive, but it is worth tracking down because it keeps my skin comfortable yet matte — a nearly impossible combination. Lancôme knocked it out of the park with this one! If you have oily skin or you have been looking for a sunscreen that will not leave you looking oily or feeling greasy, then this is one to try. I found mine in duty-free shopping as a duo set, so gift one to your best friend as I did. I definitely wouldn't blame you if you kept both for yourself, though!
I always carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated through the heat. When I can swing by a Starbucks, I grab an iced drink to cool off. I drink coffee when I need a pick-me-up, but I have recently been loving the new Teavana® Shaken Iced Blackberry Mojito Tea Lemonade™. It's unique, refreshing, and totally addicting! I've also tried the Teavana® Shaken Iced Peach Green Tea Lemonade™ (sweet and tasty) and the Teavana® Shaken Iced Black Tea Lemonade™ (a classic), which I throw in the mix to shake things up.
Last but not least, I have been wearing my Ray-ban Aviator Flash Sunglasses non-stop. I have them in Green and have been contemplating the Copper version because I have become so fond of the style! I usually prefer my oversized plastic sunglasses, but these affordable Flash lenses are ultra lightweight and comfortable. They also make a statement, which goes hand in hand with my colorful lululemon athletica outfits for easy, breezy airport outfits!
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Click here to check out my Pinterest Board on Summer Beauty + Lifestyle Essentials!
Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Starbucks through their partnershipwith POPSUGAR.
While I was compensated by POPSUGAR to write a post about Starbucks, all opinions are my own.
I have received several inquiries asking which cleansers I use, so here is a round-up review of my Top 5 picks! These are on heavy rotation, meaning I use them interchangeably depending on my mood and skin's needs.
I have been using the SK-II Facial Treatment Cleanser($70 USD) almost every day in the mornings for the past several months. I purchased my first bottle several years ago and am glad to have started using it again. I recommend applying it with very little pressure using the meat of the fingertips since this is so effective that there is no need to rub it in or tug at the skin. It leaves my skin feeling conditioned and smooth yet perfectly clean. I highly recommend it for those with acne-prone skin because it does not irritate blemishes. I adore the subtle rose scent and a little goes a long way, so each tube will last me six months or more! I recommend using a pearl-sized amount every time. The foaming effect should be light and milky, so avoid using more to amp up the bubbly lather.
My friend Leanne introduced me to the Clarins Water Comfort One-Step Cleanser($35 USD), and I am in love! I soak a Shisiedo cotton pad with it and wipe down my face and neck. The refreshing sensation and the scent of the peach essential water in the formula wakes me right up! Now, do keep in mind that I never ever use this on my eyes or in the evening. I reserve this for mornings when I am too tired to wash my face using SK-II's cleanser.
NOTE: If this cleanser doesn't sound appealing, try the Clarins One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser, which is truly the best for all skin types because it does not disturb the skin's natural moisture balance. I love the invigorating orange scent and have repurchased it multiple times over the span of four years.
Sulwhasoo is one of my must-have skin care brands. Everything I have tried thus far, I love. The Sulwhasoo Snowise EX Ginseng Exfoliating Gel($60 USD) is technically a wash-off mask but the instructions direct you to use it like a cleanser, so I use it in the mornings twice a week. I rub it on in circular motions for two to three minutes and rinse it off. Despite hyperpigmentation and texture issues from my unfortunate bout of cystic acne last year, my skin still feels soft and supple. After using this Exfoliating Gel, however, my skin feels baby soft and also looks more plump! You can use this after washing your face at night if you prefer — as a mask like its intended use — and I actually recommend that if you have combination to oily skin.
My Holy Grail evening cleanser is the TATCHA Pure One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil($48 USD). It feels much more like a gel cleanser than a standard cleansing oil, so this is ideal for those who have avoided cleansing oils in fear of clogged pores. The TATCHA breaks down makeup gently and easily and does not require double cleansing. I have used Shu Uemura's cleansing oils for nearly a decade — the Ultim8 and Anti-Oxi are best — but I occasionally have to use a foaming cleanser afterward. The TATCHA, however, is very expensive. In comparison to Shu Uemura's Anti-Oxi, the TATCHA is $11 more for the same 5 ounces, so I generally reserve it for filming days when I wear the most makeup. I really love how clean yet comfortable my skin feels after use and that I do not have to follow up with a foaming cleanser. It's a splurge, but I highly recommend this!
The Laneige Multi Cleanser($22 USD) is the newest addition to this Top 5 line-up. If you like squeaky clean skin, the Multi is made for you! Since it is touted as a makeup remover and exfoliator, I use this mostly at night as the second step to double cleanse after taking my makeup off with a Shu Uemura cleansing oil. This affordable foaming cleanser is intended for all skin types, but I believe it suits normal to oily skin best. I avoid using this when my skin is on the drier end, since my face feels a little too tight afterward. Nonetheless, I love the fresh, slightly citrus scent and how well it lathers up with a dime-sized amount.
Another cleanser that I recently started using is Koh Gen Do's Oriental Plants Facial Wash($45 USD). This hasn't joined my current rotation, but it's an excellent creamy foaming cleanser. It feels a bit more moisturizing than SK-II's but not as drying at Laneige's.
Please do not forget that removing skin care residue as well as oil and makeup build up is essential for clear skin! I feel that many skimp out on cleansers and place very little emphasis on cleansing without realizing the long-term effects that can occur. Skin care is a commitment that does not necessarily show immediate results, so I understand why people would rather spend more on makeup and shoes or bags. Pamper your face, however, and it will help your cosmetics sit better on the skin and even last longer throughout the day! Never sleep with your makeup on, and always remove your skin care in the morning.
Bottom Line: I switch up cleansers very often, but I will and do repurchase all of these featured here!
Today's video is dedicated to my handbag, the wildly popular Givenchy Antigona! After featuring it in my new Summer 2014 Style Lookbook, I received so many requests to film a What's In My Bag tag video that I figured I should share! See all details after the jump xo
The month of May has flown by! I cannot believe how many products I have discovered through friends and traveling, so I will share some of my new foundation finds with you. Please note, I will compile a comparison review of my cushions as soon as I receive the new Laneige Pore Control version, which just launched (and is only available) in Asia. Many thanks again to my friend Leanne for coming to the rescue! I also have several products I have been using for months now — such as my beloved Mason Pearson brush and 3LAB 'Super h' Serum — that I am glad to finally announce are absolutely worth the indulgence. If you have any further questions regarding the products I reviewed in the video below, please feel free to ask them in the comments section!
A preview snapshot of some of the Favorites posted on my Instagram!
I treasure my beauty products very much, so I always keep the vast majority with me in my carry on luggage when I fly. I tend to travel with minimal clothing and shoes, but I always pack extra when it comes to skin care and makeup, as you'll see in the video below! I love having options, so I bring just about everything I could possibly want or need.
Now, I learned the hard way that packing my liquids in a Ziploc bag is a horrible idea. That is why I now use a large pouch from my ZÜCA, which is much sturdier and can be wiped down after each trip. You can purchase the pouches individually, so don't feel the pressure to splurge on a Sport or Artist Pro. As far as makeup storage goes, Bobbi Brown and Laura Mercier consistently release limited edition cases that are perfect for both home organization and travel. I usually purchase mine around the Holidays!
