Tag Archives: Beauty

All Posts, Beauty, Holidays, Top Five

The Five Best Holiday Beauty Products for 2016

I love sparkling and shimmering beauty products, especially around the holiday seasons. Many brands offer special editions of makeup, and perfume during this special season, and they’re usually hard for me to resist!

If you are still looking for gift ideas or need some suggestions to expand your beauty collection, below are my top five favorite beauty products for this holiday season.

Burberry – Gold Shimmer Dust

Each year I look for some shimmering powder to add to my holiday collection. When I saw the Burberry’s Gold Shimmer Dust, I knew that’s exactly what I needed for this year. ($29 via Saks Fifth Avenue)

Burberry_Gold Shimmer Dust

Marc Jacobs Beauty – About Last Night Mascara and Eyeliner Collection

This Marc Jacobs’ About Last Night mascara and eyeliner collection is all you need for the evening parties. The O!Mega Lash mascara in this collection helps you to create the volume you desire for your eyelashes. The best part about this collection is the glitters in the Lamé Noir Ultra-Glittering Mascara Top Coat. Layer it on top of the O!Mega Lash will give you the instant holiday ready look.
($36 via Marc Jacobs Beauty)
Marc Jacobs Beauty About Last Night Mascara and Eyeliner

Yves Saint Laurent – Touche Éclat – Strobing Light Highlighter

Yves Saint Laurent’s Touche Éclat highlighter is one of my favorite makeup products. I am glad that Yves Saint Laurent is offering the highlighter in gold shimmer version. I like to use it on my cheekbone and Cupid’s bow. I also put it on my eyelids, as the base for applying eyeshadow.

Yves SaintLaurent Touche Eclat

Viktor & Rolf – Flowerbomb Pink Crystal Limited Edition Fragrance

If you are a big fan of Viktor & Rolf’s Flowerbomb fragrance, you can’t miss the Flowerbomb Pink Crystal Limited Edition Fragrance. This holiday edition Flowerbomb comes in a sparkling jar with a pink crystallized rose. I think your mood will instantly be uplifted by the very first spray of this flower fragrance!

Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Pink Crystal Limited Edition Fragrance

Chanel Blush Harmony Palette

If you are traveling for this holiday season and want a multi-functional beauty product, Chanel’s limited edition Blush Harmony Palette will be perfect for you. You can use this palette for highlighting and contouring your face. And use the red-pink shade on the palette as blush.

Chanel Blush Harmony Palette

All Posts, Top Five

5 Things To Try This Month – February 2016

It’s hard to believe that we are already into the second month of the year 2016.  It feels like it was just a couple of weeks ago we celebrated New Year’s Eve in Las Vegas with friends.

February is one of my favorite months.  One of the reasons is because many of my friends, my brother and I all have February birthdays.  Also, Valentine’s Day is in February.

Below are some of the things I want to do this month and I hope they will help to inspire you.

Drink the Limited-edition Nespresso Coffee

I am a big fan of Nespresso coffee.  I am always looking out for their limited-edition coffee flavors. Nespresso recently released two limited-edition coffee flavors “Tanim de Chiapas Mexico” and “Umutima wa lake Kivu Rwanda”.   Each of these coffees is packaged in a unique color design in pink or green.  I personally like both flavors, but I highly recommend the pink one.  Why? Because it’s the color of the month of Valentine’s Day!

Nespresso Coffee

Read the “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” Book

I picked up this book while I visited the new Amazon bookstore in Seattle.  The book begins by discussing the two different mindsets for people; fixed vs. growth.  People with a growth mindset are more likely to succeed because of their can-do attitude.  It has been a while since I’ve read any self-help  book.  I think it would be a good start for 2016.

Mindset: The New Psychology of Success

Try the Dior’s 5 Colors Glowing Garden Eyeshadow Palette

Although we are still months away from the Spring season, it doesn’t hurt to complete your going-out look with warm shades of this limited edition eyeshadow makeup by Dior.  They will brighten up your look instantly.

Dior 5 Couleurs Glowing Gardens Couture Colours Eyeshadow Palette

Wear the Red Dress on my Birthday

Red is one of my favorite colors, especially when it comes to clothing.  I already picked up a red dress for my birthday celebration.  The dress I got is made by A.L.C., called Aldridge Sleeveless Sheath Dress.  It also comes in black, available on Saks Fifth Avenue.

A.L.C. Aldridge Sleeveless Dress

Send the Teddy Bear Heart Chocolate to Loved Ones

What’s not to love about a box filled with chocolates in a Teddy Bear Heart?  It’s cute and sweet.  It’s a great way to share love with the people you care about.

Sees Candies Teddy Bear Heart

All Posts, Beauty

Clarisonic Radiance Skin Renewing Peel Wash

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.

All Posts, Beauty

Chanel PERFECTION LUMIÈRE VELVET Smooth Effect Foundation

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.

So, if you need a new foundation that is perfect for the warm seasons, consider trying Chanel’s Perfection Lumiere Velvet Smooth Effect Foundation.

Chanel’s Perfection Lumiere Velvet Smooth Effect Foundation via Nordstrom, $45

Buy Chanel PERFECTION LUMIÈRE VELVET Fundation

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!

MarcJacobsBeautyLaunch_FullLine
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, 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, 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