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......

Collective Instagram

Hello, Since I started Instagram three weeks ago, I have been very active and posting pictures almost daily.  

Inspired by so many beautiful things around me, I think I found my new playground...

Come follow me on Instagram!  Thanks for looking!

Until next post......

Best of January Roundup - The Organic Pharmacy, Kevyn Aucoin, Tres Semme

Hello, Beauties, Hope you are all doing well.  January flew by too quickly, but I had fun venturing out and tried some wonderful new products.   This is just a sneak peak of the best in the bunch, let's see what made me such a happy camper this month...

Skincare

Since I haven't been in Barneys New York in a while, I dropped in to see what's new on the shelves in 2013.  They had switched around the counters and displays in the cosmetic department in order to make room for new brands.  Excitement sets in...

I circled around not looking for anything in particular, then I stumbled upon The Organic Pharmacy line.  I have seen some write ups on this UK line before, but it was the first time for me to touch and feel the products.  I was really pleased to find another organic and natural line at Barneys, so I decided to give it a go.  

I have heard from many bloggers rave about Rose Hip Oil, the hype surrounding this oil peaked my interest.  Honestly, I have been using The Organic Pharmacy Virgin Cold Pressed Rose Hip Oil for a little more than one week and I am convinced that this is the best thing you can add to your skincare regimen.  Especially for those with dry and sun damaged skin.

Here is a brief description of The Organic Pharmacy Virgin Cold Pressed Rose Hip Oil from  the company website:

This amazing oil is imported by us directly from Chile. It is well known for its rejuvenating and repairing properties both for the skin and hair Because it is organic and virgin cold pressed, it retains its precious actives that make this oil so special. A high percentage of Essential Fatty Acids, Tretinoic Acid and major carotenoids Betacarotene, Lycopene, Rubixanthin, Gazaniaxanthin, Betacryptoxanthin and Zeaxanthin are largely responsible for making this oil fantastic for scarring, acne scars, sun wrinkles, sun spots.

I add a few drops of this oil to my favorite moisturizer and apply the cocktail to my face and neck.  I get an instant glow to my skin.  Not only that, the oil absorbs quickly and it smooths, hydrates, and plumps my skin more so than using a moisturizer alone.  This oil has truly transformed my skin and nursed it back to health in a short time.  It can also be used on hair.  I highly recommend it!

Makeup

My love for Kevyn Aucoin continues, this time in the form of The Sensual Tinted Balm.  Thanks to Beauty Professor for tempting me into this one!  Check out the sleek packaging, very cool and good for travel.  It comes in only four shades and I have it in the color, SB01.  When I swatched the colors, SB02 is actually lighter and more yellow than SB01.

Here is a brief description from the Space NK website:

BENEFITS:

Treats with botanical rice extract, rich in peptides

Increases cell longevity

Induces a delay in ageing

Derivative of liquorice soothes and calms the skin

Conceals imperfections with light-weight pigments versus dense compounds

Protects against UVA and UVB rays with a theoretic SPF 20

Oil-free, paraben-free and D5-free  

The creamy formulation provides sheer to light coverage, it will not cover major blemishes.  If you want more coverage and flawless finish, you can mix in a tiny amount of The Sensual Skin Enhancer (Amazingly high coverage foundation and concealer in one!).  The tinted balm by itself provides a protective barrier for the skin with a wash of color, I like using it on causal days.  It has a natural finish, not too dewy or matte.  The downside is that it lacks SPF in the product, but it does not bother me that much because I can always layer it over a sunblock. 

Here are some swatches of SB01:

Hair Care

Via Google images

In 2012, Tres Semme Split Remedy line was a favorite amongst bloggers and beauty editors alike.  I have been using the shampoo, conditioner, and leave-in conditioning treatment for a few months.  The line is really amazing because it does what is claims.  I used to have a huge issue with split ends from over processing and my hair looks so much healthier and better after using this line.  I definitely see a reduction in split ends which used to be quite obvious and unsightly, virtually unnoticeable these days.

Tres Semme Split Remedy line is accessible and affordable, why not give it a try?  It is available at most drugstores near you.

What were your holy grail products in January?  I would love to hear from you.

Until next post......

Current Favorite Winter Facial Moisturizers and Instagram

Hello, It has been a very harsh winter in the Bay Area.  Though the weather here is not as severe as other parts of the country, but it is still extremely cold and dry which is very unkind to our skin.  Temperature and environment like this call for heavy duty moisturizers that can banish dry and flaky skin.  My current favorites are:

Perricone MD Face Finishing Moisturizer has been a staple in my bathroom cabinet.  This is my third purchase.  Unlike the scents of other Perricone MD products, this is a rose scented anti-aging moisturizer packed with Alpha Lipoic Acid, DMAE, and Vitamin C Ester.  It feels airy light, but it is very hydrating.  I reach for it a lot in the winter time.  It is very lightweight, so it can be used anytime all year round.  I am in love with this moisturizer!  

When I went to my dermatologist's office last year, I was introduced to Skin Medica Dermal Repair Cream.  This is another excellent moisturizer for dry skin.  The texture is slightly thicker than Perricone MD Face Finishing Moisturizer.  The scent reminds me a lot of Pond's Cold Cream.  It contains a lot of antioxidants including high levels of C and E.   I have dry vascular skin that needs extra nourishment from antioxidants, thus this was highly recommended for my skin type.  I am also using Skin Medica TNS Recovery Complex in conjunction with this cream, it is the dynamic duo that gives my skin that boost it needs most.  Skin Medica is available at most dermatologist offices and Lovelyskin.com, a new favorite website of mine that offers a vast variety of pharmaceutical grade skincare products. 

Last but not least, I have been trying out some Lancer Dermatology products and they are impressive!  Dr. Lancer is a dermatologist to the stars with an office in Los Angeles.  After Oprah (his client) made a request that his products be made available to the general public, he complied and since last year Nordstrom carries his line exclusively.

The packaging of Lancer Dermatology products is simple, but it is the synergy of the ingredients in the products that really matters.  Lancer Dermatology Overnight Rescue Relief is housed in an air-tight container with a push down type top with a hole that squeezes out the right amount of product, very sanitary compared to dipping your finger into the product.  The product contains placenta serum (I was intrigued by this ingredient), collagen, and other potent antioxidants.  It is a night treatment that can be used up to three times a week.  I like it so far, my skin definitely feels more rejuvenated and smooth when I wake up.  I am hopeful and will further investigate this brand and its products.  

I am now on Instagram and it is addicting, go check it out and follow me!

What are your current moisturizers?  Until next post......

Best of 2012 Roundup - Body Care, Hair Care, Etc.

Hello, We already talked about my 2012 picks on skincare and makeup in the previous posts here and here.  This is the last (but not least) installment of the Best of 2012 Roundup, let's get on with it...

Body Care

It looks like soap, but it isn't!  Lush Body Butter in King of Skin is a skin conditioner that is meant to be used after cleansing on wet skin in the shower.  Be sure to keep it in a closed container or you will lose product if it is in contact with water.  It is so convenient to use, I can even skip lotion if I use this.  It is very moisturizing and nourishing.  There are five types of body butters available online at Lushusa.com.  I was informed in store that King of Skin is the most hydrating.  It smells creamy and really good!  Some of the ingredients are avocados and bananas, good enough to eat.  I highly recommend it!

Caudaline Divine Oil was my favorite all-purpose dry oil in 2012.  Read more about it here. Try it!

Hair Care 

When it comes to hair, it was year of Oribe for me!  My hair is thick, dry, and chemically treated constantly.  The Oribe products really keep my hair in tip top shape, my hair has become better conditioned and more shiny.  If you have similar hair to mine, you should consider trying Oribe Masque for Beautiful Color, a deep treatment for colored hair.  Oribe Supershine Moisturizing Cream is a leave-in conditioner that will tame and add shine to your hair.  Lastly, I am on my second mini bottle of Oribe Apres Beach Wave and Shine Spray, still loving it!

Also, Ombre is still my favorite hair color look.  I like it because you can always tweak and customize your own look.  I am inspired by Song of Style, her hair is always beautiful...

Image via Song of Style

Etc...

Gel nails has been on my radar in the last few years, but I actually started getting gel nails in 2012.  Do I love it?  Yes and no.  I love that the polish is super shiny and it can remain chip free for two weeks, but it is very drying for the nails and can look artificial.  

From my experience when I am wearing gel polish, it helps to use cuticle oil or any emollient oil on the entire nail and skin around the nail every day.  And if you can find nail salons that use non-toxic gel polish removers instead of Acetone, that will save your nails from becoming further dried out and damaged.  If you are in the San Francisco Bay Area, check out Nova Nail Spa.

Thanks for reading, until next post......

Gelish after one day

Gelish after two plus weeks

OPI Gel

Best of 2012 Roundup - Skincare

Hello, Happy Holidays!  Hope you all have some time to relax after Christmas.  

This post will wrap up the year combining November, December, and 2012 Best of Roundup.  I have mentioned some of the products in the past and some will be shown for the first time.  Let's get started...

Skincare - Sulwhasoo, Sunday Riley, L'Occitane, Fresh

Sulwhasoo Deep Cleansing Oil was new to me this year and I LOVE it!  It is one of the best cleansing oils I have ever tried.  It not only takes off heavy eye and face makeup, but my skin feels extra supple without being greasy after each use.  It has a herbal scent that is not very common, but I do not mind it since I am used to oriental herbal and medicinal scents.  I sampled other skincare items in this brand, but this to me is their stand out product.  I high recommend it. 

Sunday Riley Modern Skincare was a line that I thoroughly enjoyed using over the warmer months.  The products contain active ingredients and are very effective.  My favorites are Juno, Good Genes, and Start Over.

L'Occitane Angelica Eye Roll-On was one of my favorite eye rollers this year.  I mainly like the gel like texture as it refreshes the eye area and wears well under makeup.  The Angelica grassy scent is amazing!

I have seen mixed reviews on Fresh Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask.  For me, I see results after continuous use.  As I said before, this is one of my all time favorite masks especially before events and on special occasions.  Read more about it in my previous post here.

I will be back to talk about makeup next, but let's start with this video on some new Dolce & Gabbana makeup.  Don't you love the glowy and luminous look?  Great techniques to create that winter glow.




Until next post......

Best of October Roundup - Cellbone Technology, Sunday Riley, Natura Bisse, Lush, Caudalie

Hello, Every year in October, I find myself switching skincare and makeup in time for the new season and in hopes to improve my skin and overall appearance before my birthday.  I admit vanity gets the best of me as my birthday approaches each year.

Let's get started with what I have been loving lately...

Skincare - Cellbone Technology, Sunday Riley, Natura Bisse

Left to right:

Cellbone Technology is a lesser known skincare line from the US.  I buy their products directly from their website.  Cellbone offers pharmaceutical quality products using pure ingredients.  Some of the core ingredients in their products include Hyaluronic Acid, Collagen, Acetyl Hexapeptide 3, Idebenone, L-Ascorbic Acid, and vital nutritive botanicals.

I first learned about Cellbone from a Hong Kong blogger, BeautyQQ aka Queenie Chan, about two years ago (see one of her videos below, it is in English and Chinese with caption in English).  This line is apparently very popular in Hong Kong, a very beauty conscious country.  

I have been using various Cellbone products over the past two years and these are some products that I have been using over the past two months:

C23 High Potency C-Serum (Day)

Hydra Repair Skin Repair Gel (Day)

Super AOX Antioxidant Firm Moisturizer Cream - (Day and Night) a Must Have antiaging treatment!

Sunday Riley Start Over Active Eye Cream - (Day and Night) also mentioned here

Natura Bisse Diamond Mist - (Day and Night)

Natura Bisse Diamond Extreme - (Day and Night)

Natura Bisse Diamond Drops - (Day) 

Both Sunday Riley and Natura Bisse products are expensive, but these products are worth every penny and they do last for many months.  I have tried both lines in the past and saw changes in my skin, therefore I am not opposed to repurchasing these brands from time to time.

Makeup - Lush Emotional Brilliance in Intuitive and Perspective

I want to finish where I left off last time when I talked about Lush Emotional Brilliance.  Today I will share with you the other two colors that I acquired, Intuitive and Perspective.

Intuitive comes off as an electric neon green color for the eyes, it is surprisingly wearable and fun.  I use it all over the lid alone or sometime with a darker green color on the outer corners for depth.

Perspective is a mauve pink. It is not the most flattering pink for my lips, but it is a good one if you prefer pinks with mauve undertones.  It is a nice color for Fall if you are not into reds or the darker colors and prefer something more subtle.  I love using it as a cream blusher, it is so easy to blend out and it lasts all day.  

As I mentioned before, I like these bottles of cream colors from Lush.  They are fabulous to play with and they are available at Lush and Lushusa.com.

Body Care - Caudalie Divine Oil

What can I say?  Housed in an elegant amber colored glass bottle, Caudalie Divine Oil is simply Divine!  I use it all over from head to toe.  The main ingredients include the oils from argan, sesame, hibiscus, grape seed, and shea butter.  It is a dry oil, but it is slightly heavier than other dry oils that I have tried.  It is not greasy by any means and it is easily absorbed into the skin.  The scent is a wonderful warm floral, a perfect treat for Fall!

Thanks for reading!  Have a good weekend!  Until next post......

Best of September Roundup - Colbert M.D., Ellis Faas, Nature's Gate

Hello, I am smitten with everything I am about to share with you today.  These are new brands to me and they have made quite an impression.  Let's get started:

Skincare - Colbert M.D. Intensify Facial Discs

Exfoliation is a crucial step in my skincare routine.  I exfoliate by alternating between enzymatic, chemical, and manual exfoliators at least once a week, but no more than twice a week.   I discovered Colbert M.D. Intensify Facial Discs during one of my many trips to Barneys New York earlier this year.  

This at-home microdermabrasion product is an enzymatic exfoliator.  Here is what it does from the box:

There are 20 moistened textured discs housed in a glass container, so you get 20 uses from it.  I concentrate on the T-zone when I scrub with the disc.  The result is clean pores and smoother skin.  The proof is in the mirror for me.  If your skin is not ultra sensitive, you can use it up to three times a week according to instructions.  I highly recommend this one if you like enzymatic exfoliators.  Available at Barneys New York and ColberMD.com.

Makeup - Ellis Faas Glazed Lips L305

Isn't this a beautiful color?  I have been fascinated by Ellis Faas ever since I heard about her makeup line over two years ago.  Ellis Faas is a Dutch makeup artist who is known for her brilliant color range and the uber chic bullet brush pen concept.  

Ellis Faas Glazed Lips L305 is an orange brown and it is the perfect color for Fall.  It is a bit of an odd color when swatched on my hand, but it turned to be a nice and interesting neutral on the lips.  I think this color complements yellow and olive toned skin very well.  I do not have any color like it in my neutral lip color collection, that makes it special.  The non-sticky formula of Glazed Lips is sheer yet pigmented, glossy, and moisturizing.  Their eye colors are amazing as well! 

Ellis Faas is available at Space NK and EllisFaas.com.  Go check out her website, you will love all the artsy and creative looks and how to videos.

Hair Care - Nature's Gate Tea Tree Shampoo 

This is an accidental discovery while shopping for a new shampoo for Mr. Rola.  For the most part, we share shampoos so I have to keep both of us in mind while shopping for a new shampoo.  

I was surprised to find Nature's Gate Tea Tree Shampoo at Safeway because it is a natural brand.  It looks like Safeway is stocking more natural brands as of late.  This shampoo has been such a blessing for my sensitive scalp, it deep cleanses and soothes my scalp.  My scalp has become highly sensitive due to hair coloring and straightening over the years.  Even if you do not have sensitive scalp, it is a must to use a clarifying shampoo weekly to cleanse the buildup in your hair.  This one is gentle for everyday use.

A look at the ingredients:

Thank you so much for reading!  Have a great weekend!  

Until next post......