Best of February and March Roundup - GlamGlow, Chanel, Serge Lutens, Deborah Lippmann

Hello, This is a Best of Roundup post for the month of February and March.  I have been testing and using these beauty items for the last month and a half.   I am very excited about every item here, let's get started...

Skincare - GlamGlow Super-Mud Clearing Treatment

As early as I can remember when I started my beauty journey, my first facial mask was a mud mask.  I used to have combination/oily skin when I was younger, so mud or clay masks were perfect for deep cleansing my skin back then.  Over the years, my skin has become much drier and more sensitive, I can't use a lot clay or mud masks on the market because they can be drying and harsh for my skin now.  

A few months ago, I first sampled GlamGlow Tingling Exfoliating Mud Mask (shown in the small black tubes in the picture above) from Sephora and I liked it, but I thought the granules in the product can be hard on my sensitive skin.  Then I discovered GlamGlow Super-Mud Clearing Treatment during a more recent trip to the store and I was intrigued.  I was completely sucked in by the advertisement on the packaging.

Here is a brief description of what is does from the Sephora website:

This formula was clinically developed by GLAMGLOW® dermatological chemists to help fight all common skin concerns, including breakouts, discoloration, black and white heads, razor bumps and in-grown hair. 

It is clay and charcoal based and it contains six types of acid, Glycolic, Salicylic, Lactic, Mandelic, Pyruvic, and Azelaic.  I am familiar and have used products with the first three types of acid, but not the latter three.  One can use it as a full mask or spot treatment.  I experimented with it on my T-zone weekly for the last month and a half.  Although my skin is dry, but my T-zone can get very congested and I get occasional breakouts due to stress and hormonal changes.  This product is a good at-home substitute for professional extractions, it cleanses the pores on my nose like no other.  It also cleared up my zits in a day and Mr. Rola enjoyed using it as a spot treatment too.

It is not drying and actually quite soothing to use.  I have left it on anywhere from five minutes to twenty minutes, I always get a super nice glow afterwards.  I highly recommend it for combination/oily, oily, and skin prone to breakouts.




Makeup  - Chanel Precision Eyelash Curler and Serge Lutens Tient Si Fin Compact Foundation

Apart from Shu Uemura, Chanel Precision Eyelash Curler is my other favorite eyelash curler.  I have been using this tool for over a year now.  The width of the Chanel eyelash curler is slightly wider than Shu Uemura's, so it is very comfortable to use and easy to adjust for many eye shapes.  Unlike some other eyelash curlers, I do not have a problem pinching my eyelids with the edge of this one. 

I raved about Serge Lutens Tient Si Fin Compact Foundation on Instagram ever since I picked it up from Barneys New York.  I was initially matched with O40, but it turned out to be a tad dark for my skin.  I immediately exchanged it for I20 which is a much better match.  

I have been wearing it over liquid foundation every day, it is a great topper over any liquid foundation.  It gives good and buildable coverage with a finish that is semi-matte and natural if that is possible.  If you need less coverage or have oilier skin, you can certainly wear it alone.  This product is meant to be worn dry, not wet.  I haven't used the sponge that came with the compact.  I prefer to use a traditional powder brush with this product.  Flat top powder brush does not work with this product because it cannot pick up the powder.

The initial investment for the case and powder is pricey, but it is worth it.  The refill is half the cost of the initial price.  This is the most finely milled powder in a compact that I have ever used and I will be repurchasing the refill when I hit pan.  

If you are not familiar with Serge Lutens, please read this fascinating bio on him.  He was first a master in cosmetics and worked with Shiseido in the 80's and 90's and then he went on to become a legend in perfumes.

Nails - Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Set

Image via Nordstrom.com

I first read about Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Set on Instagram.  The nails photos looked amazing, so I had to get the set.  The set comes with a base coat and top coat that is supposed to give your nails the effect and shine of gel nails, but you get it without using UV or LED lamp and there is no need for acetone to remove the gel polish.  The set is meant to be used with regular polishes and easy removal with regular polish removers.

I like that my polish can remain chip-free for over a week.  Or course the chipping is more noticeable on darker color polishes compared to lighter colors.  The topcoat lays on thick and it is harder to remove compared to other regular topcoats.  The shine effect from the top coat does not last as long as gel, the finish becomes dull in less than a week.  

Overall, I am impressed with this set for being what it is.  There seems to be more and more gel topcoats on the market.  If there are other brands of gel topcoat that work better than this one, please let me know.

What are your current favorite skincare, makeup, and nail products?  Thanks for reading.  Until next post......

Wedding Guest Makeup

Hello, I wanted to preface by saying I love weddings!  I thoroughly enjoyed planning my own wedding back in the day.  When I attend weddings, I pay attention to the details because I understand and appreciate the effort that went into creating this once in a life time event.

In September, I attended an intimate evening wedding on the first day of Fall.  As a wedding guest, I decided to go with a demure and classy makeup look with soft neutral eyes and red lips.  I wore a cobalt blue cocktail dress, so I did not want my makeup to overpower the strong color of the dress.

Face:

Estee Lauder Invisible Fluid Makeup in 2CN2
Estee Lauder Double Wear Light Stay-in-Place Makeup SPF 10 in Intensity 2.0
Smashbox Step-By-Step Contour Kit - also mentioned here
MAC Pro Longwear Blush in Stay Pretty
Kevin Aucoin The Celestial Powder in Candlelight
Diorskin Forever Flawless Perfection Fusion Wear Makeup Powder Foundation in 021 Linen - not pictured

Eyes:

Nars Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base - a cult classic must have!
Givenchy Magic Kohl Eye Liner Pencil in 1
Nars Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner in Via Appia
Inglot Freedom System Eye Shadow Squares
Kevyn Aucoin The Eye Shadow Duo in #202
YSL Shocking Mascara Volume Effect Faux Cils in 1

Lips:

YSL Rouge Pur Couture Vernis A Levres Glossy Stain in 20 - also mention here

I was inspired to mix two Estee Lauder foundations together from this bridal makeup look video:


Finally some snap shots from the beautiful wedding in September:

Have a great weekend!  Until next post......

Fresh Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask and Soy Face Exfoliant

Hello, I am obsessed with Fresh skincare.  The brand is inspired by ingredients that are commonly used in different parts of the world and they are reinvented in the Fresh line.  Fresh products are sourced mostly from natural ingredients. 

I have been using Fresh Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask since I purchased one from the last Friends and Family event at Sephora earlier this year and I just re-purchased a second one last week from Neiman Marcus.

From the box:

The innovative formula includes:

•  radiance-boosting black tea
• restorative lychee seed extract
• softening and purifying sake
• smoothing hyaluronic spheres

It is perfect for my skin type that needs constant hydration.  I like using it a couple of times a week for maintenance and it is gentle enough as an overnight mask.  It is a must before events because it will give your skin that extra boost and freshness after using it.  The light and airy whipped texture is unlike any masks that I have tried before.  It smells like a mixture of tea and maybe sake, hard to describe but it is a good scent.  Lastly, the cooling sensation is so relaxing.   One of my all time favorites!

I learned a tip from the SA at Neiman Marcus.  This is not a must, but it is really nice to use Fresh Soy Face Exfoliant before this mask.  After massaging with the exfoliant, I would leave the product on my face and then pack on the mask.  I feel and look like as if I had a professional facial when everything is removed.  I do not get facials often, so I like treating myself at home.

The exfoliant is a thick product and it is clay based.   It has micro granules in it, but it is very gentle when used on damp skin.   I exfoliate with it once a week with or without using the mask afterwards.

Do you like Fresh products?  What do you like using?

Until next post......

French Manicure With A Twist

Hello, French manicure is one of my all time favorite clean nail look, but we have been there and done that.  Have you tried it with a twist?  It is at the other end of the spectrum that is both creative and charming.  There are no rules, I like the idea that you can play with so many different color combinations in this look.

Outdoor lighting:

Indoor lighting:

The base - I used Illamasqua Nail Varnish in Bacterium.  It is described as a pearlescent ash ochre color on Sephora.com.  To me, I would call it antique golden pewter.  I like nail colors that resemble the color of metals, that is a big reason why I was drawn to this color.  You will see in the pictures that this varnish does not look smooth on the nails.  I think it has to do with the texture and the silver pearlescent finish of the polish, you get a slight ripple effect look to it.  If you do not mind it, you should check out this nail varnish.  The wear is excellent, it lasts more than seven days with a top coat.

Via Sephora.com

The tips - I used butter London Nail Lacquer in Macbeth.  It is a creamy coral color that leans pink red.  This color looks fabulous on the tips in this look.  It looks just as good, if not better as an all over color.  I was however disappointed with the wear, it was not as good compared to other butter London nail colors.  The chipping began around day four even with a top coat.  


This is one of four butter London's Classic Best Sellers I own, the other colors I own include Teddy Girl, Yummy Mummy, and Lady Muck.

Via butterlondon.com

butter London Nail Lacquer in Macbeth was a sample product sent for consideration by PR.  Illamasqua Nail Varnish in Bacterium was purchased by me.  All review posts are expressed with complete honesty.


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

Best of April Roundup - BITE Beauty, Chanel, Maybelline, Yardley London

Hello, The weather temperature is slowly rising in the city, it was a good day for me to wander around and discover neighborhoods that I do not frequent often.  San Francisco is definitely an interesting melting pot of a city.


Let's get back to beauty and jump into some April favorites...


Skin Care - BITE  Beauty Whipped Cherry Lip Scrub

For those who are new to BITE Beauty, here is a glance of the brand's selling point:

Bite Beauty is an alluring collection of lip products featuring super antioxidant resveratrol and superior color. Ranging from nude to plum, their highly pigmented, long-lasting shades were designed by industry-leading makeup artists for today's modern woman. In addition to featuring beauty's most sought-after antioxidant, the pro-performance formulas' all-natural ingredient list includes organic shea butter, superfoods, and food-grade colors, making them truly good enough to eat. It's beauty that's better for you. 

BITE  Beauty Whipped Cherry Lip Scrub is a non-abrasive scrub treatment good for sensitive lips.  It is 100% natural.  The product is oil and wax based mixed with other ingredients including grape and fruit extracts.  For all you natural beauties, it is good to know that the ingredients in their lip products are good and safe enough to eat and digest. 

The soufflé whipped texture is luxurious to use. I hope you can see the jojoba beads in the photo above, they are so gentle and will melt after some rubbing.  The cherry scent and flavor are delicious.  My lips are soft and hydrated after exfoliating with this product.  I can't wait to try out their lip colors, some of the value sets look like really good deals at Sephora.  The BITE Beauty line is available at Sephora.  


Makeup - Chanel Ombre Essentielle Soft Touch Eyeshadow in 91 Tigerlily and Maybelline Color Tattoo By EyeStudio Eyeshadow in 10 Fierce & Tangy


I am a minimalist, so I generally stick to safe neutral eye colors.  Well, I have been stepping out of my comfort zone this Spring by experimenting with other colors.  Orange shades in the creamsicle sense can add that pop of color to the eyes and it can still look rather subtle but interesting.


Chanel Ombre Essentielle Soft Touch Eyeshadow in 91 Tigerlily

Golden orange with gold micro shimmers

  Maybelline Color Tattoo By EyeStudio Eyeshadow in 10 Fierce & Tangy

Outdoor lighting
Top - Light swatch blended out
Bottom - Heavy swatch

Indoor lighting
Top - Light swatch blended out
Bottom - Heavy swatch

Don't let the intense color in the pot scare you.  This cream gel eyeshadow can be sheered out to your liking.  It has good lasting power.  The finish has a subtle sheen. It looks good on light or dark skin tones.  

Left - Maybelline
Right  - Chanel

One is high end and one is drugstore, but both are pretty and wearable.  Chanel Ombre Essentielle Soft Touch Eyeshadow in 91 Tigerlily is available in department stores where Chanel is sold and Maybelline Color Tattoo By EyeStudio Eyeshadow in 10 Fierce & Tangy is available in most drugstores near you.


Body Care - Yardley London Oatmeal & Almond Soap

Via Google images

Yardley London is a well known established company in the UK since 1770. Their soaps are legendary around the world.  I re-discovered Yardley at Walgreens this month and picked up their Oatmeal & Almond Bar Soap from the Botanical Collection.

This bar soap is made with natural oat flour.  It is paraben and sulfate free.  The Yardley website even recommends it for the face.  I have not tried it on the face, so I cannot speak to it.  I find it not drying for the skin on the body.  I enjoy the soapy scent that reminds me of that from expensive soaps.  It is available at Walgreens for under $2.  This is affordable luxury that will not burn a hole in your pocket book.


I also discovered a nice blog post on Yardley fragrances from Just Nice Things, a blog from the UK.  I have not seen Yardley fragrances in the US, but it is nice to know they are available abroad.  They sound just as lovely as the soaps.


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

Obsessed With...YSL Rouge Pur Couture Vernis A Levres Glossy Stain

Hello,  YSL launched Rouge Pur Couture Vernis A Levres Glossy Stain recently and I did not hesitate to go check them out once they arrived at my local Sephora.  I have tried other lip stains in the past and did not like them because they dried out my lips.  I was skeptical about the YSL Glossy Stain at first.  But after I tried one,  I ended up going back for more... 

From left to right in the picture:
7 Corail Aquatique - Medium coral 
10 Rouge Philtre - True red
20 Rouge Enamel (Sephora exclusive) - Warm red 

The formula is very unique and there is nothing quite like it on the market.  It is a cross between lipstick, gloss, and stain combined into a glossy stain formula.  The consistency is thinner and feels lighter than that of a lipstick or gloss.  The formula stains the lips which makes it long wearing and it is not drying.  The colors have good pigmentation.  It is formulated without parabens, sulfates, petrochemicals, phthalates, GMOs, and triclosan.  I am happy that YSL has decidedly become cleaner with their ingredients.  The glossy stain can be brushed on lightly or it can be built up with more color for dramatic looks.  I chose two reds because I do not currently own a lot of reds.  I figured I can better control the intensity of the red in a stain formula.  The applicator is flat and slanted.  It is quite a nice applicator for the stain formula because you can control the application easily with it.  As you can see in the swatches above, the finish is a bit creamy and glossy. 

Via Google images - A glimpse of the applicator

Check out this cute animation from the YSL website:  



This is a good alternative to lipstick or lip gloss if you want to try something different.  Do you like lip stains?  Have you tried these?  Until next post......

Best of February Roundup - Algenist, Benefit, and Lavanila

Hello,  I have some exciting new and old products to share with you today.  Let's jump right into Best of February Roundup...

Skin Care - Algenist Firming & Lifting Intensive Mask

I am a big supporter of local businesses.  Algenist is a biotech company located in San Francisco that focused on developing micro algae-based renewable energy solutions.  The team of scientists unexpectedly discovered Alguronic Acid in the process.  It is a compound produced by a specific type of algae, you can read up more about the Alguronic Acid and its skin benefits here.

I picked up Algenist Firming & Lifting Intensive Mask at Sephora.   It is a gel mask that contains key ingredients such as Alguronic Acid and peptides.  It has a cooling and soothing sensation on the skin and it is safe to use around the eyes.  I use this mask before big events or whenever my skin needs a pick me up.  What it does for me is it calms redness and de-puffs the skin.  I see immediate results of smoother and tighter skin after using it.  Though I feel that it can be hard to remove with just water, I recommend using Clarisonic or a face cloth to help remove the product.  It can be used up to twice a week.  I look forward to trying other Algenist products in the future.

Makeup -  Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow Brightening Makeup SPF 25 PA+++ and Hello Flawless Custom Powder Cover-Up SPF 15

Continuing my support for companies from San Francisco, I have been a big fan of Benefit Cosmetics for a long time.  They came out with their new liquid foundation in February called Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow Brightening Makeup SPF 25 PA+++.  The name is a mouthful, but they are known for very unique and catchy product names. 

According to the Benefit website, it is an oil free liquid foundation with brightening properties.  It comes in 9 shades and my shade is Petal, the second lightest shade.  It is a very good match for NC25 skin tone.  To me, it delivers an equal balance of luminosity and natural finish.  It has a runny texture and feels very comfortable on my dry skin.  It has light coverage and can build up to medium coverage.  I am pleased with the air tight plastic bottle with a pump and the built-in sunscreen of SPF25 PA+++ is wonderful.  Overall, I am happy with this new addition to my makeup collection.  I think this would be a great foundation for the warmer weather to come.

I also picked up the companion powder, Hello Flawless Custom Powder Cover-Up SPF 15 in Petal.   It is a powder foundation that can be worn alone or over any liquid foundation.  It comes with a brush and sponge in the compact, but I prefer to use a kabuki or powder brush to apply the product.  It helps set the liquid foundation and makes it last longer.  I think the two products together create a flawless look that can last up to six to seven hours.  Both products are available in department stores such as Macy's and Bloomingdale's.  They are also available at Sephora and Benefit Cosmetics Boutiques.

Fragrance - Lavanila Vanilla Grapefruit Eau de Parfum Roller-Ball 

For those who are new to Lavanila fragrances, here is a brief introduction according to the Sephora website:

LAVANILA carefully infuses pure essential oils with 100 percent active botanicals for natural fragrances that are fresh, clean, and nurturing. With each spray, proprietary natural technology wraps the skin with super antioxidants goji berry and kakadu plum, soothing willowherb, and hydrating olive leaf for a healthy dose of 30 essential vitamins and minerals and 19 amino acids. Imagine, a fragrance that not only smells good but also is good for you!

I have been wearing Lavanila Vanilla Grapefruit Eau de Parfum for about five years.  I had purchased the full sized bottle fragrance with the body lotion in a set years ago and fell in love with the scent.  The notes are grapefruit, lime, cedar wood, and Madagascar vanilla.  After I finished my first bottle, I decided to pick up the roller ball version because it takes me quite a long time to finish an entire bottle of perfume and it is more travel friendly.  I am also trying Vanilla Coconut Eau de Parfum Roller-Ball.  The notes are young coconut, Monoi Tiare, and Madagascar vanilla.  It smells heavenly as if I have been transported to a tropical island!  These fragrances are long lasting and good for all seasons.


What are your thoughts on these products?  Do you support your local businesses?  Until next post......