Crimson, Oxblood, Wine Lips

Hello, I am sure you have heard and seen, red lips are big for Fall.  Red is the universal lip color of class and glamour for women around the globe.  

Whether it is in the form of a gloss, glaze, stain, or lipstick, I am head over heels over red lips in any season.

Top to bottom:

Burberry Lip Glow Natural Lip Gloss in No. 13 Hibiscus 

Via Google Images - Burberry Lip Glow No. 13 Hibiscus

Aveda Nourish-Mint Rehydrating Lip Glaze in 366 Cherry Blossom

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in 045 Romantic

Estee Lauder Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick in PCL 23 Fig Creme 

Via Google images

Via Google images

Via Google images

Via Google images

Via Google images

Thanks for reading!  Until next post......

Best of August Roundup - Lush, Pacifica, Aveda

Hello, We had just a few warm days to speak of this summer, such is life in the Bay Area!  I was in search of the sun, so I went to Southern California twice in this summer.  And I found ample sun to no end, love So Cal! 

Let's get started with some of my August favorite products:

Skincare - Lush Eau Roma Water

I am a BIG fan of Lush products, the company completely deserves their large cult following.  The Lush's concept and products draw me in from the beginning.  I remember making my very first Lush purchase when I was traveling in London.  I have fallen back in love with Lush again, especially with their brilliant new color line, Emotional Brilliance.  When I get a chance to try out the two products I got, I will do a write up on them.  I love them so far!

Lush Eau Roma Water was an essential item in my bag this past month.  The name is lovely, isn't it?  It is a toner, but I use it more as a pick-me-up facial mist and it gets used throughout the day.  The scent is a gorgeous blend of rose and lavender, the rose is definitely more prominent.  It is a great product for setting makeup.  It is not particularly moisturizing, but it is not drying either.  It is very soothing and refreshing.  Good to use in any season.

Makeup - Pacifica Color Quench Natural Moisture Lip Tint

I haven't loved a lip tint this much since I used up my Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balms.  I bought a set of three Pacifica Color Quench Natural Moisture Lip Tints from Sephora a good few months ago.  I did not get to photograph the first color I used up, Blood Orange, my favorite of the three colors.

According to Sephora's website:

What it does:
It's the ultimate lip product, the Pacifica way. This lip tint provides major moisture, adds sheer, universally gorgeous color, and imparts a hint of sophisticated flavor. It thoroughly soothes and satisfies lips with avocado and coconut oils, both superfoods rich in amazing essential fatty acids. Nourishing and natural, this fool-proof product goes anywhere for touch-ups anytime, no mirror needed. 

Coconut Nectar - Pale shimmer champagne color.  This is the least pigmented out of the three colors and it is too pale for me to wear on its own.  This color looks pretty over a darker or vibrant lip color. 

Guava Berry - Berry shimmer color.  The shimmer is very subtle in all the colors.  I often wore this alone without lipstick because the color payoff is quite good. 

Overall, I love these and I will definitely re-purchase.  These lip tints are natural and very hydrating, but you do need to re-apply throughout the day as with any other lip treatment products.  The scent or taste of the lip tint goes according to the name of the color.  They are now on sale at Sephora.com, grab them while they last.  I highly recommend these for anyone who wants a quality natural lip balm with a wash of color. 

Hair Care - Aveda Beautifying Composition

In the July Roundup post, I mentioned that I have been using an oil treatment for my hair and this is it, Aveda Beautifying Composition.  This is a re-purchase for me as I have using this oil on an off for years.  It is a rich blend of jojoba oil with rosemary and bergamot, for hair, scalp, and body.

I keep my bottle in the shower because I like using it as a scalp and hair treatment.  On wet hair, I massage in about ten drops focusing on my scalp and the ends of my hair and leave on for at least five minutes.  As I mentioned, it is a very rich oil.  So for the body, I would massage it on my skin in the shower and rinse off.  It leaves a protective barrier on my skin after the rinse and  I can even skip lotion or dry oil if I use this product in the shower.  The aroma is the signature Aveda scent, it smells like a concoction of floral and ylang ylang.

I am always interested in oil treatment for face, hair, and body, so I would love to know what works for you.

Have a wonderful Labor Day Weekend!  Until next post......

Random Sightings of Summer 2012 Makeup Displays

Hello,  The summer makeup collections are kicking up several notches in the color department and there are bronzers everywhere!  Here are some favorites...

Loreal It's Gold Or Nothing At All

Dior Croisette

Aveda

Wet N Wild Feeling Hot, Hot, Haute!

Illamasqua Human Fundamentalism

Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist

Revlon Escapism

What is your favorite Summer 2012 makeup collection?


Until next post......

Aveda At Home Facial and Pure Privilege Double Points Weekend

Hello, Do you have a skincare brand that you do not stray from?  For me,  Aveda is that brand.  I mean I do stray, we all do.  But I always come back to Aveda.  Since I was first introduced to Aveda in my college days, I have always re-purchased their products and keep them on hand all these years. 

I really like using Aveda skincare especially when I am under a lot of stress and it shows on my skin.  Above is the line-up I have been using for my facial at home.  I am a big believer in combining aromatherapy with effective natural ingredients in skin care.  The aroma in Aveda products is not overpowering, instead it is calming and relaxing.  They are great choices to use for facials.


The line up for my at home facial including Aveda and other brands:


Eye Mask


Origins No Puffery - It de-puffs and cools the eye area, very refreshing on tired eyes. I have used this product on and off for many years.


Facial Mask


Aveda Tourmaline Charged Radiance Masque - A creamy mask containing tourmaline, mushroom extract, sugar, lycopene, and other ingredients working together to exfoliate the top layer of dead skin and brings back radiance to stressed and dull looking skin.  This is one of the Aveda products that I have re-purchased over and over again.  I really like treating myself with this mask.  If you have concerns with tired and lack luster skin, the Tourmaline line is a good one to try.


Toner


Aveda Green Science Refreshing Toner - It is a thick lotion, unlike other typical runny toners.  It is a multi-tasker, it exfoliates with salicylic acid and glucosamine and it moisturizes with argan oil.  I do not like using toner everyday, but I love using this one because it works for dry skin.


Serum


Aveda Green Science Lifting Serum - The Green Science line is an anti-aging line, so the serum and moisturizer offer lifting and firming properties.  Although I do not need much lifting and firming yet, but I believe prevention is important.  The scent of this serum is intoxicating, it is a little herbal but fresh.   I was not able to try the Firming Face Creme before because they were pulled from the stores to be re-formulated.  The new formula is available now and I am planning to try it in the near future.


Blemish Oil


Burt's Bees Herbal Blemish Stick - A natural tea tree and juniper oil blemish eliminator.  I like it just as much as the Desert Essence Blemish Touch Stick.   They are very similar and both products attack and dry up blemishes in a short time.


Pore Strips


Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips - I am sure most of you are familiar with pore strips.  It cleanses your pores by sucking out the nasty oil and dirt with the strips.  This is a good at home alternative to facial extractions for me because I do not go to the spa for professional facials as much as I would like to.


If you are an Aveda Pure Privilege member, it is double points weekend at the stores from May 10-13.  I know I will be stocking up a few things this weekend.  Happy shopping!


Do you use Aveda skincare and what do you like to use?  Until next post......

Sunday Riley Modern Skincare

Hello and Happy Sunday!  I have been incorporating Sunday Riley Modern Skincare to my daytime skincare routine for over one month.  I am happy to report that I am adding Sunday Riley Modern Skincare to my list of HG skincare lines that already includes Acure, Arcona, Aveda, and Melvita.

Sunday Riley Modern Skincare is all about using Green Technology and incorporating their own NV-5 Ageless Complex in the products.  You can read more about Green Technology and NV-5 Ageless Complex on their website here.  I have done a lot of research online before investing in the products.  During my research, I discovered lola's secret beauty blog and Lola's blog contains a wealth of information on Sunday Riley's products.  Lola has been an avid user of the line for many years.  Her posts are well written, insightful, and informative.  Go check out her blog.  

To give you a quick overview of the Sunday Riley products, I have been layering or mixing the first three products in the daytime after cleansing and followed by sunscreen:


 - Juno Transformative Lipid Serum - It is a facial oil and it is the star product in my opinion.  This product gives your skin a luminous glow like no other
- Skin Adrenaline Anti-Aging Concentrate - Light moisturizer for all skin types including oily skin
- Good Genes Treatment - This is a brightening treatment that I use five days in a row as a treatment once a month.  I would layer or mix it with Juno and Skin Adrenaline
- Start Over Active Eye Cream - I have not started to use this product yet.  It was a gift with Sunday Riley purchase at the Barneys New York Beauty Event in February.  I wanted to finish up my Origin Eye Treatments before opening this one
- Charisma Creme Cleanser - I picked up this cleanser last weekend after trying the sample I received in February. It is a good cleanser for normal to dry skin and it will remove eye and face makeup while it softens the skin


All products are available at Barneys New York.


In the evening after cleansing, I am still using and rotating between Acure Radical Age Reversal Treatment and Sponge Ladi Avokanto. I reserve these treatments for bedtime because I find both textures to be too heavy for daytime.


Thanks for reading.  Until next post......

Best of 2011 Roundup - Lips

Hello,  This is the last Best of 2011 Roundup post.  These are four of my favorite lipsticks in 2011:

From left to right:

1)  Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in 63 Rebelle - orange red
2)  Burberry Lip Cover Soft Satin Lipstick in No. 5 Heather Rose - medium rosy brown
3)  Dolce & Gabbana Passion Duo Gloss Fusion Lipstick in 30 Delight - vibrant pink coral
4)  Aveda Nourish-Mint Sheer Mineral Lip Color in 900 Sheer Petalite - sheer shimmery copper 

Another picture in the sunlight

Until next post......

Best of 2011 Roundup - Skin Care, Body Care, Hair Care

Hello, 2011 was a great year with many great products in the market.  Yours truly has tried and tested many good products and some not so good.  Here is a quick run down of the Best Products of 2011 based on my own trial and error, I would consider re-purchasing all of these products in the future:

Skin Care

From left to right:

1)  Boots Botanics Soothing Eye Make Up Remover - I use this to remove stubborn waterproof eye makeup and it is not irritating to my sensitive eyes
2)  Aveda Green Science Perfecting Cleanser - This cleanser contains argan oil which is very nourishing to the skin.  It removes makeup and dirt quite well, yet it is gentle on my dry skin.  It never leaves my skin tight and dry
3)  Andalou Naturals Blossom & Leaf Toning Refresher - This is a newer brand that I discovered at Whole Foods Market.  I was intrigued by the Fruit Stem Cell Science behind the products.  This toner is hydrating and refreshing at the same time.  I really like the fresh herbal scent
4)  Sponge Ladi Avokanto - This is my current night treatment made of avocado and olive oil.  See more information from my previous post here
5)  Aveda Green Science Firming Eye Creme - I have some dry fine lines forming around my eyes.  I can feel the firming action around my eyes when I put this one, it is really moisturizing at the same time.  It is the perfect eye cream under makeup or on its own

Body Care

From left to right:

1)  80 Acres Verde Olive Oil Body Balm - I have written about this body balm in two separate posts.  Can you tell it is my favorite body balm?
2)  MJ's Herbals Lavender E Salve - This is another balm good for dry hands, burns, cuts, scars, headache and stress relieve, etc.. It is an all purpose natural potion

Hair Care

From top to bottom:

1)  Josie Maran Argan Oil Hair Serum - I have very thick and dry hair.  Even for my hair, a little of this product goes a long way.  I use this on damp or dry hair.  It seals and adds shine to my hair
2)  Living Proof Restore Mask Treatment - After seeing the introduction of this product on the Dr. Oz's show, I had to try it.  It is a wonderful hair treatment that I use twice a week, it repairs, tames, and softens my damaged hair like no other

3)  Hot Tools Tempest 2000 Salon Turbo Ionic Dryer - Lastly, I was getting tired with the cheap drugstore hair dryers that keep breaking on me every couple of months.  I decided to splurge and invest in a more powerful and better quality hair dryer.  This dryer is a good one for under $100, it is worth the money.  There are more expensive hair dryers out there, but I am not a professional hair stylist and can't justified spending more than $100 for a hair dryer.  This one comes with the standard attachments and it is easy to use. The biggest benefit for me is that it dries my thick hair in less time compared to other dryers that I have tried.  Low EMFs is another plus

Have you tried any of these products?  I would love to hear what you think about them.  Stay tuned for another Best of 2011 post coming up soon!  Until next post......

Shop For A Good Cause

Hello, As you know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month.  The National Breast Cancer Awareness Month's website offers so much information about the disease, mammogram/screening, news, early detection, etc....  Ladies, early detection is key in beating this disease, please read about it!

There are so many ways we can get involved to raise awareness and contribute in finding a cure.  You can always make monetary donations to organizations such as the American Cancer Society or Susan G. Komen for a Cure at any time.  You can also participate in many of the Susan G. Komen for a Cure events near you in the US,  there are also events in Europe and Puerto Rico.  I recently participated in a walk for the Alzheimer's Association, it felt great to raise awareness about the disease and to raise money to find a cure for so many patients who are suffering.  These diseases are near and dear to my heart, I wish you all would consider participating in some ways.

Many cosmetics retailers are showing their support for the cause too!  They are donating to different charitable organizations a portion (or 100% in some cases) from the sales of certain products in the month of October.  Here are some of my personal favorites:

Arcona - Magic Pink Ice
Aveda - Hand Relief
Essie - "Breast Cancer Awareness" Nail Polish
Estee Lauder - Pink Ribbon Collection
Jane Iredale - Roses and Lollipops
Sephora - Pink Eyelash Curler



Happy shopping for a good cause and let's kick cancer!  Until next post......

Random Sightings of Fall 2011 Makeup Displays

Hello, These are some recent iPhone pictures of new makeup displays around town:

Aveda  - Jewels of the Earth is a limited edition collection.  The lipsticks look dark, but they are actually sheer and very nice.  The purple, burgundy, and teal (top three from left) eye shadows are lovely.

Bare Escentuals - Buxom Party Central Lip glosses in champagne, red, nude, and pink

Body Shop - Love the eye shadows used on the model's brown eyes.  Nice dramatic look.

Loreal -  Project Runway Colors Take Flight.  I am a big fan of the Project Runaway show!

Have you tried any of these new makeup?  Until next post......

Aveda Review - Inner Light Mineral Tinted Moisture SPF 15 (New Formula)

Hello,  Aveda Inner Light Mineral Tinted Moisturizer has been one of  my favorite tinted moisturizers for the last six years or even longer.   Being a Green company, Aveda decided to pull many of its products from its retail stores and salons last year because they contain chemicals and preservatives that are considered to be harmful to our bodies.  Some of the products in the makeup line such as the liquid foundation was discontinued.  All other skincare, makeup (including this product), and haircare products that contain harmful ingredients have been re-formulated as of earlier this year.  Read their Green Ingredient Policy here.

What do I think about the new formulation?

Color - I wear 02 Beechwood, the second lightest shade out of seven shades available.  Beechwood is a neutral shade, not too yellow or pink.  It works well for my NC20-25 skin tone
Texture - The oil free formula provides a light weight feel and adequate moisture.  I love wearing this alone or sometimes over a higher SPF sunscreen in the summer.  I have even worn this to the gym when I needed some coverage and it did not break me out
Coverage - Light.  It will even out your skin tone, but it does not provide coverage.  If you need more coverage, use concealer  in areas where you need it.  Aveda makes a nice creamy concealer
Finish - Semi-matte.  For me, the old formula was oilier and not suitable for oily skins.  My face got very shiny and the TM melted off in a matter of hours.  I like the new formula so much better, the lasting power improved and the finish is more polished
Skin type - All
Price - $28 for 1.7 fl. oz.
Lasting Power - 4 hours
Repurchase? - Yes.  I am a fan and I will keep buying as long as they make it!

Enjoy this makeup tutorial  from Aveda on YouTube.

What is your favorite tinted moisturizer?  Until next post......