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All Posts, Beauty

Marc Jacobs Beauty Launch Event at Sephora

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!

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Marc Jacobs Beauty Products
MarcJacobsBeautyLaunch_Foundation
Marc Jacobs Gel & Powder Foundation
MarcJacobsBeautyLaunch_LipGlosses
Marc Jacobs Lust For Lacquer Lip Vinyl lip glosses

All Posts, Beauty, Top Five

5 Things to Try This Month – August 2013

Here are my top five things I would like to try for August 2013.

CC Cream for Your Hair

Alterna’s Caviar CC Cream

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

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

Linen Colorblock Dot Top

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

Makeup Line by Marc Jacobs

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.

All Posts, Fashion

Nordstrom Cocktail Reception with Jason Wu

Two days ago I went to a Nordstrom’s special event where they invited Jason Wu to promote his contemporary collection, Miss Wu, for Fall 2013. The event was held in a cocktail reception at the Nordstrom store in Bellevue, WA.

My friends and I actually had the chance to meet Jason Wu in person in the back dressing room and chat briefly. He was very friendly. Since both he and I come from Taiwan, we talked about local Taiwanese restaurants. He wanted to try the famous Taiwanese chain restaurant right across street from Nordstrom. He said that the reason he chose to have the event in Bellevue city versus Seattle is so he could try the restaurant before he had to catch his flight to leave Seattle.

Compared to Jason Wu (which is Wu’s high-end designer line), Miss Wu is more playful and younger looking apparel. (Price-wise, it’s also more affordable.) There is a lot of emphasis on lively graphic prints, knits, and dresses in Miss Wu. I like all the dresses in this Fall collection. They look cute and comfy, and yet are still suitable for office settings. I fell in love with the very first dress I tried on (Geo Tile Print Silk Dress) and I had to buy it. Thanks to our lovely saleswoman, she had Jason Wu sign the tags on the items my friends and I bought.

Overall, the event was great. After all, what can go wrong with unlimited cocktail/wine, hors d’œuvre, and music? But I have to say events like this wouldn’t be as fun without the lovely friends I went with. Thank you, girls!!

My Dress signed by Jason Wu
My Dress signed by Jason Wu
Geo Tile Print Silk Dress with Sofie V-Neck Cashmere Sweater
Geo Tile Print Silk Dress with Sofie V-Neck Cashmere Sweater

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All Posts, Top Five

5 Things to Try This Month – July 2013

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Here are my top five things I would like to try this month.

Asian-inspired Fine Dining in Las Vegas

Andreas Restaurant at Encore, Las Vegas

Andrea’s restaurant in Las Vegas is the latest addition to the Encore hotel. I’ve been wanting to go there since they opened. It’s a trendy restaurant with steak, seafood, Chinese Dim Sum, and Japanese sushi.

Dream Interpretation Journey

It’s a unique kind of spa experience offered in QUA Baths & Spa at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. During the session, the trained dream coach will help you to better understand your dreams using Jungian archetypes (whatever that means!). For fun, I’d like to try it while I am in Las Vegas for my friend’s bachelorette party.

Pamper Your Skin with the Secret Oil

Kate Somerville’s Dilo Oil Restorative Treatment

Try Kate Somerville’s Dilo Oil Restorative Treatment,$65. Dilo oil is the common natural ingredient the native women on Fiji Island use to protect their skin from aging. Kate Somerville’s Dilo Oil Restorative Treatment combines dilo oil with other beneficial ingredients to improve skin hydration and firmness.

Reinvented Louis Vuitton Speedy 30

Louis Vuitton Speedy for Prefall 2013

Louis Vuitton has reinvented its iconic Speedy 30 with sequins on Damier canvas for Prefall 2013 – Damier Paillettes. The bag has already been launched and comes in three colors: red, blue, and black. The bag in black is my favorite.

Unlined Sexy Demi Bra for Summer

Victoria's Secret New Unlined Demi Bra

Victoria’s Secret launched new unlined demi bra for its “Body by Victoria” collection. The new bra is made of thin layer of lace. It’s sexy and perfect for summer weather. I have my eyes set on “Lilac Frost” and “Timeless Pink”.

All Posts, Fashion

Prada Jeweled Double-Strapped Sandal

Prada Jeweled Double-Strapped Sandal
Prada Jeweled Double-Strapped Sandal

While I was visiting San Francisco last month I made a mistake of walking in a brand new pair of Jimmy Choo flat for hours. I have a very sensitive skin and I gets blisters around my ankle easily. Luckily, before the blister situation got too bad, I found an alternative pair of shoes in the Saks Fifth Avenue store across street from my hotel.

I have to admit that this is not my first time dealing with a minor shoe emergency. From my personal experience, there are usually two possible outcomes to situation like this. I could find something comfortable, but I have to settle for a show with a less than perfect look. Or, if I am lucky, I might be able to find something comfortable and that I actually like.

After trying various pairs of flats and sandals, I found my “new favorite” pair – the Prada Jeweled Double-Strapped sandal in Platinum. It’s made of Prada’s Saffiano metallic leather (scratch resistant) and rhinestones. The ankle straps on the sandal fall right above where my blisters were. The design of the shoes is so comfortable. And I like the color; it is neutral and matches with any outfit. I am very glad that I didn’t have to sacrifice good looks for comfort after all.

Prada Jeweled Double-Strapped sandal in Platinum (also available in Black) is perfect for sunny weather. I could wear it with a True Religion skinny jeans for a casual look, or pair it with a summery dresses for a night out. It also goes perfectly with my new Louis Vuitton Prefall Speedy bag in Black!

(Retail Price: $850, now on sale $569 at Neiman Marcus)

All Posts, Food, Travel

Bourbon Steak Restaurant in San Francisco

Recently I was in San Francisco for a wedding and I stayed at the Westin St. Francis Hotel. It’s an old hotel, originally built in the early 1900s and had a different feel from the hotels I frequently visit in Las Vegas and also different from the other Westin hotels I’ve stayed at elsewhere. On one evening, I ate dinner at the Bourbon Steak restaurant in the Westin St. Francis. Bourbon Steak is a Michael Mina restaurant. The restaurant is very woody — meaning somewhat dark and traditional. I really didn’t know exactly what to expect but let me get to the point and say I was very pleased with my dining experience.

Before dinner I had a drink at the small bar in the restaurant. I had a glass of Volver house red wine. It was good but nothing exceptional, but the bartender, Adam, was very personable and made the pre-meal drink very nice. Before being seated in the dining room I ordered the house specialty French fries. There were three types, with three distinct seasonings and three sauces. These French fries were really good.

After I was seated in the dining room, I ordered the pan roasted halibut with crab, almonds, and fennel. On a scale of 1 to 10 I’d give the meal a solid 8. Because my friends and I had side dishes of mashed potatoes, and Michael Mina’s special black truffle mac & cheese, and sauteed spinach, the meal was more than filling.

Overall, I give Bourbon Steak restaurant by Michael Mina a strong recommendation. The prices are a bit high but I felt the environment, the service, and food were well worth the price.

Halibut
SideDishes
Candy

All Posts, Fashion

Louis Vuitton SC Bag by Sophia Coppola

Olivia Palermo with Louis Vuitton SC bag designed by Sophia Coppola by WhoWhatWear

Being a celebrity has a lot of perks, especially when it comes to fashion. Earlier this month a picture of Olivia Palermo was taken. She’s holding a Louis Vuitton SC bag designed by Sophia Coppola. The design has been around for a few years, but the color (bright red) is new. The official launch date for this bag is June 28. If you are a special customer of the Louis Vuitton store, you get the early peek on what’s going to be launched in advance. You could put in your order, but you won’t be able to take your new bag home until the official launch day.

I’ve seen the bright red SC bag Olivia Palermo held in the picture in the Louis Vuitton store. It’s a bit expensive-$4,850, but I have to say that the design (kind of like LV’s Speedy) and material (all leather) are great. Usually Louis Vuitton’s speedy bags come with the Louis Vuitton signature lock. The SC bag has the signature lock, but the lock is wrapped in the leather in the same material as the bag itself. The keys to the lock are also wrapped in the tussle that holds the lock. Overall, it’s a unique bag and comes in three new colors: bright red, brown, and orange. I like it in bright red the best; it’s chic and fashionable.

Can you image how great would it be if you can have the early access to the bag before the launch date? If I buy a new bag, I’d be so happy if I could take it home without waiting for weeks.

All Posts, Fashion, Top Five

5 Things to Try This Month – June 2013

There are many new beauty and fashion items available each month. Here are my top five things I would like to try this month.

Personalized Your Manolo Heels

The Made-to-Order Blahnik BB Boutique

Visit Neiman Marcus’ “The Made-to-Order Blahnik BB Boutique” (available through June 30) to customize your perfect pair. Who can say “no” to 5 heel height and 20 color options?

Switch to Cool Blue Lipstick

Hello Sailor by Lipstick Queen

Hello Sailor by Lipstick Queen ($25) contains vitamin E and “turns into more of a pretty raspberry or plum color when you put it on.” Try this cool hue in place your normal lip color for a change.

Indulge Your Skin With Weekly Treatment June2013_Chanel_ResynchronizingSkincare_Weekend_2

Le Weekend De Chancel is Chanel’s new weekly renewing serum (Nordstrom exclusive). Use it two days in a row on weekend to exfoliate and rejuvenate your skin for the upcoming week. I just started to use it and I like how my skin feels.

Cool Cover-up for Bathing Suit

Buy Leopard-Burnout Zip Vest from Adidas by Stella McCartney

This is the season to hit the water. Try this new . It gives you enough coverage while you show off your style.

Crystal-Covered Bag

Buy Valentino Small Crystal-Covered Crossbody Bag from Neiman Marcus

We are in wedding season now. This versatile classic and unique Valentino Small Crystal-Covered Crossbody bag is perfect for any special events.

All Posts, Beauty, Travel

How to Protect Your Skin from Dehydration Caused by Airplane Travel

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.

How to Protect Your Skin from Dehydration Caused by Airplane Travel

All Posts, Beauty

How to Wear Blue Eye Makeup from Day to Night

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.

Chanel Stylo Eyeshadow

Chanel Stylo Eyeshadow in Blue Bay
Chanel Stylo Eyeshadow in Jade Shore

Blue Bay (left) $34
Jade Shore(right) $34

Chanel Inimitable Waterproof Mascara

Buy Chanel INIMITABLE WATERPROOF in Blue Note from Nordstrom
Blue Note $30

Dior 5-Colour Eyeshadow

5-Colour Iridescent Eyeshadow in Electric Light
5-Colour Iridescent Eyeshadow in Electric Light