Category Archives: Beauty

I love to try different beauty products, including skin care, lipsticks, and eyeshadows.

Below are the posts for the beauty products I like or test for fun.

Chanel Summer 2013 Makeup Collection

Chanel Summer 2013 Makeup Collection Chanel recently released its Summer 2013 makeup collection, COLLECTION LÉTÉ PAPILLON DE CHANEL. This collection is inspired by the colors of butterflies, where we see shades of blue, green, pink, yellow, orange, and gold. I have to say that Chanel, as a trendsetter, does a great job of offering products in fashionable colors of the seasons –blue and green for eyes, and orange for nail polish.

The new makeup products in the butterfly colors brighten up the eyes and give them a summery touch. The new makeup items include waterproof mascara in new electric shades, Aqua Blue (blue), Blue Note (light blue), Lime Light (light green), and Zest (yellow); a new eye shadow palette in Metamorphose (hues range from light green to dark blue); one waterproof eyeliner in True Blue.

Chanel also has launched Stylo Eyeshadow, a new cream eye shadow pen, in six colors: Moon River (beige), Cold Gold, Pink Lagoon, Jade Shore (green), Blue Bay, and Black Stream. Chanel’s new Stylo Eyeshadow, unlike a traditional eye shadow in powder or cream texture in a palette, is eye shadow in sparkling cream formula in a retractable pen applicator. You can apply the cream eye shadow right from the applicator or use a brush. I think the Stylo Eyeshadow is great. You can carry them in your bag and touch up your color whenever needed. The cream eyeshadow formula is very unique; it has a special ingredient that gives you a cool sensation on your eyelids when you put it on.

All the colors for Stylo Eyeshadow are gorgeous. I couldn’t resist getting Moon River, Jade Shore, Black Stream, and Blue Bay. Moon River is a good neutral and base color; it goes well with almost any colors for both day and night. Blue Bay and Jade Shore colors are eye-catching; they can be used standalone or paired together. I think Black Stream is the most versatile color; I sometimes use it as an eyeliner with other colors.

Chanel’s Summer collection puts a lot of emphasis on your eyes by using electric colors to achieve the butterfly effects. To complement the vibrant eye colors, Chanel offers new warm shades of lip glosses and lip sticks. My picks are Rouge Coco Shine lip stick in IDYLLE and LÈVRES SCINTILLANTES Glossmier in Envolee. They are neutral and draw subtle attention to lip areas. They are perfect for everyday use.

For nail colors, Chanel offers three new hues – Le Vernis in Azure (green), Bel-Augus (blue), and Lilis (orange). If you want a bright and summery nail color, Lilis would be perfect. It’s one of the hottest hues for the season. If you want to be more adventurous, I recommend you to try both Azure and Bel-Augus. They are my favorites!

Chanel Summer 2013 Makeup Collection
Chanel Summer 2013 Makeup Collection

Five Beauty Essentials Under $25

We are now in Spring, where the weather is warmer and sunnier. Do you ever adjust your skin care products to make sure they are suitable for the weather? For example, switching to a lighter moisturizer for Spring instead of using a richer formula for Winter. Or adding higher SPF products to your routine to protect your skin from sun damage.

I alter my skin care routine slightly when the season changes, but there are several items that I’ve got to have on hand throughout the year. Below are some beauty products that I’ve been using for a while and have worked very well for me. The good thing is that they cost no more than $25 each.


Anastasia Beverly Hills – After Tweeze Cream $20

This cream has vitamin E and chamomile extract that soothe sensitive skin after brow waxing. It helps me to avoid acne and covers the redness.

Buy Anastasia Beverly Hills – After Tweeze Cream


Elizabeth Arden – Eight Hour Cream $19.50

I’ve been using this for many years. It’s one of my must-haves for traveling. It rehydrates chapped lips and dry skin (also good for sun-burned skin). Some makeup artists also use it on eyelids and cheeks. (Did you know that it is also Catherine Zeta-Jones’ all-time favorite skin care product?)

Elizabeth Arden – Eight Hour Cream


Fresh – Soy Face Cleanser $15 (1.7 oz)

It’s my new favorite facial cleanser. It’s gentle on my skin and cleans all the makeup residue. It leaves my skin soft and moisturized.

Buy Fresh – Soy Face Cleanser


Fresh – Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15 $22.50

Did you know that there are no oil glands on our lips, so they age faster than the rest of our face? To prevent aging on lips, you need to exfoliate and nourish them regularly. I love Fresh’s Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15. They keep my lips hydrated and smelling great!

Buy Fresh – Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15


Clarins – UV Plus HP Multi-Protection Day Screen SPF 40 $25 (1 oz)

This is an ultra lightweight sun screen that blends into the skin well. It’s one of the must-haves to protect your skin from the sun damage.

Buy Clarins - UV Plus HP Multi-Protection Day Screen SPF 40


Perfume is Part of My Fashion Outfit

Christian Dior once said “perfume, like your clothes, can so much express your personality; and you can change your perfume with your mood.”* This summarizes my opinion about perfume. To me, perfume is like my clothes and bags; I like to wear different ones each day. And the choice of my outfit has a lot to do with what kind of mood I am in.

I’d say no outfit is complete without an ideal perfume. When I put on a fragrance, I like to pick the scent that matches the style of my clothes. For example, when I am in a laid-back mode, I like to wear casual outfits, such as a simple dress or pair of jeans with flat shoes, and put on Floral by Gucci or Rose The One by Dolce & Gabanna. If I feel like dressing up a bit, I might wear a cocktail dress at night and put on Gucci Premiere for a glam and sexy look or Valentina by Valentino for a ladylike and polished look. And, if I am wearing clothes designed by Marc Jacob I’d use Marc Jacob’s Daisy or Marc Jacob Eau de Parfum.

I love fragrances and I am especially fond of floral, fruity, woody, and sometimes spicy scents. However, the particulat fragrance I put on depends on how I feel and what I wear each day.

My mood spices up the moment I spray on one of my favorite scents. I like to put them on my neck and wrists. The best thing about putting a scent on my wrists is that it will last for hours and I can smell it during the day to remind me the happy mood I was in when I put it on earlier.

My latest new favorite perfume is Noir de Noir Eau de Parfum by Tom Ford. It’s a richer and darker blend compared to most of my fragrances. I could surround myself in this scent all day and won’t get tired of it!

Tom Ford – Noir de Noir Eau de Parfum $205 (1.7 oz), $280 (3.4 oz.)

Buy Noir de Noir Eau de Parfum from Neiman Marcus
Tom Ford – Noir de Noir Eau de Parfum

 


Floral by Gucci (left) $90

Rose The One by Dolce & Gabanna (right) $82 – $103


  • (Dior, Christian. “The Little Dictionary of Fashion” by Christian Dior,  p.86)

Beauty Trend Show for Spring and Summer 2013

Beauty Trend Show for Spring and Summer 2013

Each year I look forward to the Spring and Summer beauty trend show at Nordstrom. This year the event was held the past weekend. It started with light refreshments, such as coffee and pastries. The event was followed by fashion models on the runway with clothes for Spring, and beauty directors introducing the new and popular beauty products for the Spring and Summer. It was exciting to see the products from various lines, such as Chanel, Dior, Kate Sommerville, Guerlain, and Yves Saint Laurent.

Below are the highlights of the essential beauty trends for this Spring and Summer.


Healthy and Flawless Skin

Flawless skin is the key trend of the season. There was a lot of emphasis on skin products that clean and pamper the face to maintain a healthy appearance. By applying a foundation to healthy skin, your face will look beautiful and glowing.

Among the many skin products recommended during the show, I have some favorites – Dior’s “One Essential” Skin Boosting Super Serum, Kate Somerville’s “DermalQuench Liquid Lift” Advanced Wrinkle Treatment, and YSL’s “Touche Eclat” Foundation.

Blue and Green for Eye

Both blue and green are popular shades for Spring and Summer. Any shades of blue and green will make your eye color stand out. Before you layer on any eye shadow, it is important to prep your eye area with YSL’s Touche Eclat Radiant Touch to brighten up the area around the eye, or Bobbi Brown’s Creamy Concealer Kit to cover any dark circles.

Coral and Pink for Cheeks and Lips  

I am glad to see that the coral color has come back for this season. Two years ago both Dior and Chanel had great lip gloss in coral, but they were limited-edition for Spring. I am glad I finally found good replacements from Dior and YSL for this season.

Defined Brows and Eyelashes

Strongly defined brows are the key for this Spring’s look. Anastasia Beverly Hills offers great products to help maintain your brows and enhance your eyes (such as Beauty Express for Brows & Eyes). Once you apply the new beauty trends products, you must complete the look with mascara to add dimension to eyes. Both Guerlain’s Cils d’Enfer Maxi Lash Mascara and YSL’s Volume Effet Faux Cils Mascara are my favorites.

Guerlain’s Cils d’Enfer Maxi Lash Mascara


The Best Exfoliation Product For Your Feet?

Buy Baby Foot from Amazon.com

I’ve tried various products to exfoliate the dead skin cells on my feet, such as exfoliating scrub and pumice stone rub. But I found the task time-consuming and not very satisfactory. During my recent trip to California I found an incredible product that makes feet exfoliation easy and effective. The product is called “Baby Foot”.

The “Baby Foot” product is made in Japan, but I am glad that it’s available on Amazon.com. The product contains ingredients including water, alcohol, lactic acid, glycolic acid, and etc. in two foot booties. It’s designed to remove the oldest dead skin cells on the outermost surface of your feet.

To use it, I put on the foot booties after I had cleaned my feet and then left it on for two hours. Then I rinsed my feet with soap and water. It takes about 3 to 5 days to see the outermost dead skin cells to partially start to peel. And it can take up to 10 days for the peeling process to complete.

I have to admit that the peeling process looks ugly, because the skin will randomly shed in small and large pieces. But if you touch the newly exposed skin on your feet, you will love it and know the process is well worth the price of temporary ugliness. Let’s just say the final result reminds me of my two-year old niece’s feet. They are very soft! Using the “Baby Foot” is so much better than using scrub or pumice stone rub.

Even though the treatment leaves your feet soft, the skin cells will get dry and rough again depending on how you take care of your feet. If you wear sandals or shoes that rub against your feet, you will need to exfoliate again sooner than suggested (3 to 4 months). It is just like any skin exfoliation that needs to be repeated periodically. The only difference is that “Baby Foot” treatment is more effective and the results last longer. It has been a month since I used the “Baby Foot”, but my feet are still soft and I love it!

Perfume Festival at Nordstrom

Last night I attended the perfume festival hosted by Nordstrom. The event is offered twice a year (March and November) where vendors from various fragrance lines will showcase their products.

I’ve been going to the perfume festival every year, but I’ve got to say that last night was the best! I brought a good friend of mine who has a great sense of humor and charming personality. He made new friends with sales people and some customers shortly after we arrived. Beside of browsing through each perfume stand, we spent most of time at Tom Ford counter chatting with people we just met, sampling perfume, and doing nails (which my friend skipped). I came to the realization of what makes such event great is not just the products they are selling, it’s the people you meet and interact with while you are there.

I have to admit that champagne treat never fails to work its magic on me. After over five rounds of champagne refills I bought more than what I was there for. Beside of a new Gucci Premiere perfume gift set, I got a new eyeshadow from Chanel, and a new nail color from Tom Ford. And my friend, after chatting with the lovely ladies (Amy, Jana, Tatiana, and Dinka) at Tom Ford counter, he got his new favorite cologne and enjoyed his new scent throughout the entire night. He also bought Guerlain ‘Liu Holiday Collection’ Perfumed Shimmer Powder, thanks to my favorite perfume specialist’s (Richard) suggesion. And I’ve got to say this shimmer powder is just as fabulous as its container!

If you already plan on purchasing any perfume, this event is technically free for you. The amount you paid for the ticket ($15) can be redeemed as credit towards your perfume purchases at the event. It’s a chance for you to mingle with friends, sample perfume, sip on champagne, and enjoy light appetizers. If you don’t plan on buying anything, I wouldn’t suggest you to attend the event, because the ticket is not cheap for just browsing perfume stands.

Buy Gucci Premiere from NordstromBuy New Chanel eyeshadow from Nordstrom

Guerlain ‘Liu Holiday Collection’ Perfumed Shimmer Powder Face & Body

The stand for Gucci and Dolce&Gabbana perfume
The perfume stands at the event
The perfume stands at the event

The Ten Best Holiday Beauty Gifts for Her

Are you looking for beauty gift ideas for this holiday? Here are my top ten picks.


Bobbi Brown 24 Karat Shimmer Brick Highlighter- The five shimmer highlight shades can be used together for a natural glow or individually as an eyeshadow. In my opinion it can be used day or night, for no occasion or a special occasion.

Bobbi Brown 24 Karat Shimmer Brick Highlighter


Chanel Les Deux Levres Scintillantes Glossimer Duo – This Chanel holiday limited-edition lip gloss duo with a lip definer in a Chanel makeup bag is one of my annual favorites. The lip glosses are in Wild Rose and Spark (best seller).

Buy Chanel Les Deux Levres Scintillantes Glossimer Duo


Dior Holiday Diorific Vernis Nail Lacquer- Dior launches several new shades of nail color for this holiday. Each comes in a classic glass bottle with a gold stopper. I like the red (Marilyn) the best; it’s sexy without trying too hard!

Buy Dior Holiday Diorific Vernis Nail Lacquer


Dior Grand Bal Lip and Eye Palette- Gold color makeup is in for this holiday. This is the perfect combination of gorgeous white and gold eyeshadows with two lip glosses in an elegant gold clutch. You can carry this to holiday parties and refresh your makeup at anytime.

Buy Dior Grand Bal Lip and Eye Palette


Fresh Sugar Passion Princess Gift Set- This gift set includes three beauty products I love from Fresh. The Sugar Lip Polish exfoliates the lips, the Sugar Passion Tinted Lip Treatment nourishes lips, and Soy Face Cleanser removes impurities. Your boyfriend will thank you!

Buy Fresh Sugar Passion Princess Gift Set


Guerlain Holiday Rouge Automatique – Two new limited-edition shades (Lou Ling and Altoum) of Shine Automatique lipstick launched for this holiday. I like both shades because they include golden sparkle that really pop — perfect for the holidays.

Buy Guerlain Holiday Rouge Automatique


Marc Jacobs Fragrance MJ Dot Holiday Gift Set – Marc Jacobs fragrance gift set with Eau de Parfum spray, body lotion, and shower gel. A gift set like this would please any woman who found it on her pillow on Christmas morning. She will find a way to please you too!

Buy Marc Jacobs Fragrance MJ Dot Holiday Gift Set


Valentino Fragrance Valentina Holiday Set- My favorite Valentina fragrance now is available in a gift set – 2.7 fl.Oz. Eau de Parfum spray and 6.8 fl.oz. body lotion. The scent is perfect for a semi-elegant event such as a company party.

Buy Valentino Fragrance Valentina Holiday Set


Yves Saint Laurent Golden Gloss Trio- I am a lip gloss addict. I love YSL lip glosses, especially because they come with sparkling 24-karat gold flecks and nourishing oils. I can’t resist any of these gorgeous colors and he won’t either!

Buy Yves Saint Laurent Golden Gloss Trio


Yves Saint Laurent La Laque Trio- The trio includes three chic nail colors that offer a high-shine finish and long-wear protection. I like the Rouge Pop Art shade (middle) the best, because it’s perfect for the holiday season. But the other shades, Rouge Dada (left) and Rouge Pop Art (right), make a bold statement for day time events.

Buy Yves Saint Laurent La Laque Trio


Top Five Facial Serums

Facial serum is one of the essential elements of skin care regimen. It penetrates into the deeper layers of skin and provides the necessary nutrient to keep your skin healthy. It should be used right after the toner and followed by moisturizer to hydrate your skin.

After trying many serums throughout years, I have five favorite picks (see below).

L’Or de Vie Serum – Dior

This is the most expensive serum out of my favorite ones. It’s designed to use during the day to shield the skin from environment damages, especially from the sun. It keeps my skin well hydrated.

Purchase L'Or de Vie Serum-Dior from NeimanMarcus.com

Capture Totale Multi-Perfection Serum – Dior

It hydrates my skin and helps to prevent wrinkles. I love it because it keeps my skin soft!

Purchase Capture Totale Multi-Perfection Serum – Dior from NeimanMarcus.com

 Visionnaire – Lancome

Lancome’s 1st advanced skin corrector; designed to reduce wrinkles, reduce pores, and evens skin ton.

Visionnaire – Lancome

Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex – Estee Lauder

It’s designed to use at night. It helps skin to repair and rejuvenate while I sleep.

Purchase Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex – Estee Lauder

Acai Damage-Minimizing Serum – Kiehl’s

Organic damage-repairing formulations made with acal berry to help detoxify skin. It’s not as hydrating as the other four serums listed above. But I can see my skin ton brighten with daily uses.

Purchase Acai Damage-Minimizing Serum – Kiehl’s from NeimanMarcus.com

Ofresia Eau de Toilette from diptyque

The diptyque brand is a French perfume and home fragrance line of product that has been around since 1961. I didn’t know about this line until it recently became available at the Nordstrom fragrance department. The fragrance representative, Richard, stopped me when I walked by his counter and introduced me to the line. I wasn’t very impressed with this line when I first saw the bottles. It has more than 10 fragrances, but all packaged in containers with the exact same shape. It kind of reminds me of Jo Malone London. Jo Malone has many great fragrances, but I am fond of lines that make unique bottles for each scent (such as Gucci’s Floral and Guilty)-not “one container fits all”. In my opinion each fragrance should be contained in a distinctive bottle that matches its unique scent. To me, choosing a perfume is more than just buying a beauty product, such as facial toner or serum. When I finish with a beauty product I recycle the empty container. But with perfumes I like to use different scents based on my daily mood and keep all the bottles for my fragrance collection.

Although I wasn’t so impressed with the fragrance containers, I stayed because I am always interested in learning about beauty and fragrance. Richard showed me a couple of his favorite scents, including Do Son Eau de Toilette (reminds me of Michael Kors’s fragrance), Volutes (new and inspired by voyage of dreams), L’Ombre dans L’Eau Eau de Toilette (reminds me of Dolce&Gabbana-Rose the One Eau de Perfume which is one of my favorites). Then he showed me Ofresia Eau de Toilette (white freesia and black pepper; two distinct scents combined to create a pleasant and refreshing fragrnace). The moment I smelled it I knew I was going to get it. The scent is so unique; it reminds me of a flower I had when I was little. I don’t remember the name but I recognize the scent. I was so glad that I finally found a fragrance I could associate with a childhood memory.

Buy Ofresia of diptqyue from Nordstrom

Free gift from Nordstrom with $150 diptqyue purchase.

YSL “Dare to Glow” Illuminator

I recently purchased a Yves Saint Laurent “Dare to Glow” Illuminator. It is a light gel highlighter with shimmering in a small tube. The shimmering is so subtle; it helps to enhance the face without adding too much shine. It is versatile; can be put on eye lids, blend on cheeks, or tab on lips as lip gloss. It is available in three colors: Tempting Gold, Fatal Red, and Naughty Pink. I like Fatal Red the best, because it has a hint of natural pink that blends into skin perfectly to create a natural effect-it’s like wearing makeup without feeling or looking like you have anything on your face! Buy Yves Saint Laurent “Dare to Glow” Illuminator from Nordstrom.com