There’s no shimmering or sparkling ingredient in the Burberry’s Luminous Pen, so it highlights my feature with natural finish look. I use it on my nose, inner corner of my eyes, and the cupid’s bow.
If you haven’t found your ideal highlighting beauty product, I highly recommend you try Burberry’s Beauty Fresh Glow Highlighting Luminous Pen for an instantly glow on your skin!
What’s your favorite cleanser? When it comes to cleaning my face, I like to use different cleansers based on my daily mood.
One of my facial cleansers includes the Clarisonic device. I only use it a couple of times a month, even though I should probably use it more often. Recently I bought the Clarisonic’s Radiance Skin Renewing Peel Wash. The Peel Wash is a liquid that you apply to your face and then use the Clarisonic device on the Wash. It’s kind of like using toothpaste and an electric toothbrush, but for your face.
The Wash arrived a couple of weeks ago, but I was too lazy to try it right away. Finally, last Monday I tried the Wash with the Clarisonic device.
I was very impressed with the results! After using the device and rinsing my face, I could see some dead skin, which I removed. Normal facial cleansers don’t have this effect. And, with a fully cleaned skin, my daily facial treatments are more effective, and I use less moisturizer and toner and serum.
The Clarisonic device cost about $149 and the Peel Wash cost about $25. In my mind this is a very good value compared to alternatives.
What’s your favorite makeup foundation? I’ve tried makeup foundation from different beauty brands, such as Chanel, Dior, Giorgio Armani, and Yves Saint Laurent. But, for a long time, I couldn’t find one that I truly liked. Mostly it was because I don’t like the feeling of having makeup over my face.
Even though many beauty foundations claim to be lightweight and oil free, they still make me feel uncomfortable. All I need is a liquid foundation that provides smooth coverage without feeling the layers of makeup over my face.
Recently, Chanel launched a new foundation, Perfection Lumiere Lumiere Velvet Smooth Effect. This meets all of my needs. It’s a sheer and oil-free fluid foundation, with SPF 15. It provides just enough coverage to make my skin look nice. It’s especially perfect for Spring and Summer.
A couple of months ago, I was at a Nordstrom Private diptyque (fragrance-related products) “Wine and Cheese” promotional event, where the idea was to introduce special customers to stories behind the brand and some of their products. I had a dinner date with a girl friend so I had to leave the event early and didn’t get to buy anything.
Two days later I was back at Nordstrom for a Fall Beauty Trends Show. Richard, the sales person who invited me to the diptyque event, was also at the Beauty Trends Show, and he invited me to stop by his counter at Nordstrom after the show. So I did.
To make a long story short, on a whim I bought a scented diptyque candle – Noisetier (Hazelnut) Candle”. It has a strong woody and fruity scent.
Fast forward two months later to November 2013. There was a big windstorm in the Seattle area and my house lost all electric power. I used my diptyque candle in a way that I hadn’t anticipated. The diptyque Noisetier scented candle really spiced up my living space.
For the Fall 2013, Chanel launches new makeup collection – Superstition, with khaki tones for eyes, mascara, and nails, and peachy/pink shades for cheeks and lips. The makeup items in this collection allows us to create a soft look in the cold weather and sophisticated look for the upcoming holiday seasons. In my opinion, no color could better illustrate this Fall season than khaki, which is in between the bright shades for Summer and dark tones for Winter.
The Chanel Fall Superstition makeup collection offers many limited edition items, such as Chanel’s famous mascara – Le Volume de Chanel in Khaki Bronze, Stylo Yeux Waterproof eyeliner in Khaki Precieux, Ombres eyeshadow in Mystere, Rouge CoCo Shine lipstick (in four shades), nail polish – Le Vernis in Alchimie, and new cream blush – Le Blush Crème de Chanel in six shades (three of them are not limited edition).
Le Volume de Chanel Mascara in Khaki Bronze
The color is unique, but it’s not ideal for me. The Le Volume de Chanel Mascara in khaki bronze on my eyelash doesn’t stand out as much because I have dark brown eye color and dark hair. On the other hand, this khaki bronze mascara would work well on people with lighter eye and hair colors.
Stylo Yeux Waterproof eyeliner in Khaki Precieux
If you want a soft day time look, use this khaki eyeliner in place of black. The shimmer element in the khaki eyeliner is also good for highlighting your eyes for a night out. The khaki eyeliner also goes well with Chanel’s limited edition Mystere eyeshadow pallet.
Ombres Eyeshadow in Mystere
I am a big fan of Chanel makeup, but I was hesitated to get the new Ombres eyeshadow in Mystere when it was first launched. I through it was a bit too dark and would be more suitable for mature people (such as my mom). After I tried it on, I realized it’s one of the most versatile eyeshadow pallets that Chanel offers.
The Ombres eyeshadow in Mystere consists of three grayish khaki colors (range from light to dark hues) and a light khaki shimmering shade. These four colors can be mixed differently to create fun looks for day and dramatic appearance for night. I had a great time trying out different looks. Below is a couple of the combinations I tried.
For Day: I apply #2 (shimmer beige) over the eyelid to crease, then layer #1 (shimmer dark khaki with dark green tone) on eyelid and Stylo Yeux Waterproof eyeliner in Khaki Precieux. This combination brights up my eyes. To complete this look I use Le Volume de Chanel in Prune
For Night: This pallet is great for creating smoky eye effect (which is the beauty trend for Fall 2013). I use #3 (light grayish khaki) over eyelid to crease, use #4 (medium grayish khaki) on the crease, and #1 (shimmer dark khaki with dark green tone) on eyelid and also use it as eyeliner. (Be sure to apply #1 with wet eyeliner brush; this will darken the eyeshadow color and allows it to stay on longer.) If you blend the colors well on your eyelid and crease, you have a perfect smoky eye. To add some fun to the look I added #2 (shimmer beige) to the inner rim of my eyes.
Rouge Coco Lipstick in Mystique and Rouge Coco Shine Lipstick in Rendez-vous
No makeup look is completed without a touch of color on the lips. For the Fall makeup collection, Chanel offers two new Rouge Coco lipstick colors in Mystique and Icone, and four limited edition Rouge Coco Shine lipsticks in Instinct, Secret, Rendez-vous, and Esprit. The lipstick hues range from light to dark in pink and peachy shades. My favorites are Rouge Coco in Mystique (peachy color) and Rouge Coco Shine in Rendez-vous. They look fabulous with the Mystere Ombres eyeshadow.
Chanel Fall 2013 Makeup Collection SuperstitionChanel Fall 2013 Makeup Collection SuperstitionChanel Fall 2013 Makeup Collection Superstition
It has been almost a year since I was first introduced to “diptyque” fragrance, the famous high-end French perfume and home fragrance brand, which is now one of my favorites.
Last week I was invited to a private “diptyque” fragrance party at Nordstrom. While I and the other attendees enjoyed wine and the light treats, the “diptyque” representative from France, Gregory, was telling us the history of the company and their products. I learned a lot of interesting things about “diptyque” and how fragrances are made in general.
The “diptyque” brand was established in 1961 by three friends and their first boutique was on 34 Boulevard Saint-Germaine (the address is marked on each of their products), selling fabric designs and home decorations. They launched their first scent candles in 1963 and first perfume in 1968.
The key to the uniqueness of “diptyque” perfume has a lot to do with the experts they work with and the quality of the product ingredients they use. The company works with three of the most talented “noses” in the world to develop the scents for their products. A nose is the individual who blends and develops scents which can be used to create anything from personal perfume to items we use daily (such as soaps and candles). One of the noses “diptyque” works with is Olivia Giacobetti, who created both of my favorite perfume from “diptyque”-Philosykos and Ofresia. After “diptyque” and the nose finalize on a new scent, the nose then work with the production company to create products such as perfume, candles, and body lotions, using only the highest quality ingredients. Each “diptyque” scent is rich and soothing. I really love their scents. They totally brighten up my mood after I put their perfume on.
During the private wine and cheese event for “diptyque” I also learned how they create their candles and the appropriate way of burning the candle to help it last longer. Before you burn a new “diptyque” candle you need to remove it from its package and let it sit out for a few days. The first time you burn the candle you need to burn it for about 2 hours, so the wax will melt evenly.
I have to say Nordstrom did a great job on promoting the “diptyque” line. I am now into their scented candles. I am looking forward to opening a bottle of great wine at home and enjoying the new candle I bought!
Today is the official launch date for Marc Jacobs’ new beauty product. I am a big fan of Marc Jacobs’ designs and perfume. And I’ve been waiting to see his new makeup products for months.
Marc Jacobs works exclusively with Sephora to launch his full range of cosmetics. His products include makeup for eyes, lips, and face, as well as brushes and nail polishes.
I was invited to the Marc Jacobs Beauty launch event at Sephora this morning. The goal of the event is to introduce the products to customers and allow us to purchase the products early, because they may sell out quickly when offered to the general public.
Sephora has its trained makeup specialists to demonstrate Marc Jacobs’ makeup products. For demo, they asked for one volunteer so they could put the products on. I figured the best way to really know how good new makeup products are is to try them. So I volunteered.
Marc Jacobs Beauty puts a lot of emphasis on hydrating and skin protection. Most of the products are made with antioxidants, anti-aging ingredients, and vitamins. The makeup specialist put Marc Jacobs’ Genius Gel Super-charged Foundation on my face first. It’s made in a light-weight formula. It felt more like facial moisturizer on my skin than foundation. Then, she applied Remedy Concealer Pen, which is packed with green tea extract and vitamin E, to my eye area and to cover any discoloration on my face.
To finish the makeup on my face, the specialist applied the Perfection Powder and Shameless Bold Blush in Rebellious –bright pink. The blush compliments the natural look that Marc Jacobs cosmetic is designed to achieve very well.
In my opinion, the new makeup line is great. I actually went to work with the new Marc Jacobs beauty products on. My skin felt soft and moisturized throughout the day. Although I had both foundation and powder on, it didn’t feel like I had any at all.
I would also recommend Marc Jacobs’ Lip Lock Moisture Balm, LoveMarc-Lip Gel lipstick, and Lust For Lacquer Lip Vinyl lip glosses. They all packed with hydrating ingredients to protect your lips. And, both lipstick and lip glosses come in wide range of shades.
If you haven’t tried Marc Jacobs Beauty products, it would be a good to check them out this weekend!
Marc Jacobs Beauty ProductsMarc Jacobs Gel & Powder FoundationMarc Jacobs Lust For Lacquer Lip Vinyl lip glosses
Here are my top five things I would like to try for August 2013.
CC Cream for Your Hair
We’ve seen many companies launch CC cream or “Complete Correction” for face. If your face deserves such special treatment, what about your hair too? To protect your hair from heat and UV, and keep them smooth and soft, Alterna’s Caviar CC Cream ($25) is a great way to start.
Cocktail Reception with Jason Wu
Nordstrom hosted a cocktail reception for Jason Wu to promote Fall 2013 collection for his Miss Wu line. The event was on Thursday, August 1, in Bellevue, WA. Not only did I get to chat with him at the event, I even got a new dress autographed by him during the reception. Read more.
New Makeup Line by Marc Jacobs
I’ve been waiting to see Marc Jacobs’ new makeup collection for months. It is finally launching in August at Sephora. I can’t wait to attend the special launch event on August 9! Read more.
Polka Dots with a Touch of Colorblock
I am a big fan of polka dots. For a choice of new tee, what can be more delightful than picking JCrew’s polka dot top with three-quarter colorblock sleeves? I can see myself wearing it on a laidback Sunday with friends.
Try a Nutrient-rich Food
Quinoa, has been in the spotlight as a healthy, nutrient-rich food lately. It is packed with good things such as Vitamin E, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits. Unlike most healthy green vegetables, such as broccoli, which loses its valuable nutrients when boiled for too long, Quinoa maintains its nutrient benefit regardless of how you cook it. Since I’ve heard so many great things about quinoa, I’d like to add it to my regular diet.
Our skin can get really dry when we travel, especially by airplane. This dryness is partly due to the high altitude and the recycling of the air in the plane. After traveling for years, I have my own skin care routine to protect my face from dehydration throughout the trip. The routine consists of a three-part treatment: before, during, and after the trip. I will also show you the facial masks I use.
Before the trip:
The night before I travel I exfoliate my face after using a cleanser. The purpose of exfoliating your face is to get rid of any dead skin cells and help the skin to effectively absorb any products I apply. After cleansing and exfoliation, I gently pat my favorite toner onto my skin. Then I use a facial mask in place of my regular serums.
The facial mask is the key to my skin care routine before airplane travel. The facial mask is usually made of cotton or a silky sheet which is soaked with nutrients and hydrating ingredients that help to boost the moisture level in the skin. One of the common ingredients in many brands of facial masks is hyaluronic acid, which effectively enhances the hydration level of the skin.
By applying the facial mask and keeping it on my cleaned face for 15 to 25 minutes, I am “bathing” my skin in the highly concentrated serum. Once I remove the mask and massage the remaining serum into my skin, my face is visibly more radiant and healthy. The last step in the before-trip treatment is to use a regular moisturizer to lock in the moisture I just applied to my skin.
This part of the routine prepares and protects my skin from dehydration during the airplane travel.
During the trip:
On long trips, on the night before arrival to my destination, I will apply another facial mask to my face before I go to bed. This part of the routine goes like this: cleanser, toner, facial mask, and moisturizer. There’s no need to exfoliate my skin since I already did so the night before. The purpose of using a second facial mask is to replenish the hydration level in the skin. This part of the routine is important, especially if I was staying in hotels; the air conditioning usually make my skin dry.
After the trip:
After I arrive home from the trip, my skin gets tired and dry from the travel. I would repeat the same routine as the day before the trip – cleanser, toner, facial mask for 25 minutes, and moisture.
Facial masks are really popular and less expensive in Asia than in the U.S. Whenever I travel to Asia I generally buy a lot of the facial masks and bring them back home to the U.S. for later use. Here are some of the brands that are available oversee as well as in the U.S. — My Beauty Diary, Kanebo Sensai Collection, SK-II.
I hope this skin care routine will be helpful to you the next time you travel.
Blue is one of my favorite colors for sunny days. This year, blue is also one of the fashion trends for Spring’s eye makeup. I’ve been experimenting with the new Stylo Eyeshadow from Chanel’s Summer 2013 Makeup Collection. I have so much fun and I would like to show you one simple way to transform your look from day to night.
For Day Time
First, I prepare my eye area with Dior’s new Diorsnow BB Eye Cream with SPF 20. Then, I put Chanel’s Stylo Eyeshadow in Jade Shore (green) on my eye lid and use Blue Bay as eye liner. Jade Shore is really light, which complements Blue Bay very well.
For the bottom area of my eye I use two lightest shades out of Dior’s 5-Colour Iridescent Eyeshadow in Electric Light. The two colors are light shimmery blue and light matte blue. To bright up my eyes, I put the shimmery blue around the inner corner of my eye and smudge the matte blue on the rest of the bottom lash line. These soft blue colors on the bottom help to emphasize the green/blue shades on the eye lid very well.
To finish the eye makeup, I use YSL’s Volume Effet Faux Cils Mascara in High Density Black on upper lashes. This will help to define your eye with the summery look.
For Night Time
With this day eye makeup look, you can easily transform it to a night-out look. All you need is a black eyeliner or Chanel Stylo Eyeshadow in Black Stream to make the blue/green eye shadow pop. I’d also put Chanel’s limited edition waterproof mascara in Blue Note on upper lashes as well as bottom lashes. This will give your eyes a dramatic appearance for both Spring and Summer.
What I present here is just one of the many ways to wear blue eye makeup for this season. With the makeup mentioned in this post, you can mix and match the products to create your ideal looks.
