Sorry for the hiatus...

I know that one of my resolutions was to write a blog at least once a month, but unfortunately, I couldn't keep up with it due to my crazy school and work schedule... and life in general.  But I'm glad to say that I took my final final of undergrad earlier today and I'm officially done with school!  It's surreal that I'm done and I'm looking forward to enjoying the moment while I can... and I promise there will be more updates to come!

As you can see, I definitely took advantage of Sephora's 15% off sale and Bobbi Brown's Friends & Family sale during my hiatus...

I bought a few usual products (Bobbi Brown's long-wear gel eyeliner, corrector, and concealer and NARS Orgasm blush) but I'm looking forward to sharing my experience with the Dr. Jart Black Label BB Cream and NARSskin Exfoliator!

More updates to come soon... XOXO.

How-To: Retain a "Glow" Even Throughout the Winter

As I am typing this, there is a snow storm (AKA Snowquester) is going through the Mid-Atlantic at the moment.  I thought Phil the Groundhog saw his shadow and Spring would be right around the corner, but I guess it's not over yet.  I'm naturally tan, but I maintain a "glowing tan" (yes, there's a difference!) with these products:

St. Tropez Everyday Gradual Tan for Body

 I don't use this EVERYDAY, but more like once or twice a week -- but it gives you a golden glow within an hour.

Josie Maran Argan Oil

 

Argan oil can be used for multiple purposes -- from moisturizing and treating your skin, treating your split ends, and softening your cuticles.  I would recommend using this before your makeup to give off a dewy, healthy glow!

NYC Bronzer, #720 Sunny

You can easily find this bronzer at your local drugstore for the average steal price of $2.99!  It's perfect for your cheekbones and your skin and comes on matte, versus the shimmery glow that looks unnatural.  It's a great deal for the price!

Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick, Nectar

 This is actually a 2-in-1 product -- you can use it on your cheeks AND your eyelids!  I use this is an illuminizer to top off the "glow" on my face over my bronzer and blush.

Stay warm!  XOXO.

Review: Maybelline Color Whisper Lipstick

While I was shopping at Target, I was excited to see the new line of Maybelline lipsticks available in all 20 shades!  I've read several reviews about the line's sheer, balm-like" qualities that were comparable to Revlon Lip Butter.  I picked up #75 "Rose of Attraction" as my beta tester, which is a darker pink.  The shades available are pinks, neutrals, and brights, so I'm sure there will be one that catches your eye!

Pros:

• Inexpensive (You can buy it for $5.99 here!)
• A wide variety of colors available
• Glides on easily
• Compact and stylish packaging
• Its hybrid formula gives you a 3-in-1 deal: balm, lipstick, and glossy lip tint
• Feels weightless on your lips
• Highly pigmented

Cons:

• "Dries up" after an hour of wear
• Occasional color stains on lips

Rating: 4.5/5

Japanese Nail Art

I was introduced to Japanese nail art by one of my BFFs, Aileen W. a few years ago, when she came back to the US with gorgeous 3D nails after she spent a summer in Asia.  She spent her summers and moved to NYC about a year ago, and continuously had beautiful nail art on her hands and toes.  Apparently, the nail art scene is huge in Japan -- there are magazines, accessories, and expos dedicated to blinged out nails!  Also, if you Google "Japanese nail art," there are a ton of colorful, intricate nail designs.

Although I loved how they looked, there isn't a place in the DMV (DC/Maryland/VA) area that specializes in it, and I did not have enough time to do it whenever I made a trip up to NYC.  But as a result of my amazing extended New Years trip to New York, we planned a date to Enjoy Nail & Spa  to get our nails done.

 

Aileen's nails on the left, mine are on the right.

(We opted for gradient nail designs with bows on our fingers)

 I hope everybody had a wonderful New Years!  XOXO.

2013 Beauty Resolutions

This post is a bit early because as of tomorrow, I'll be on an extended New Years vacation in New York City with limited access to my computer.  2013 is right around the corner and I'm going to vow to follow these resolutions:

1. Follow my skincare regimen EVERY night.  There are some nights I feel lazy, only wash my face, and go to bed... No more of that!
2. Spend smartly on beauty products.  Brand names vs. drugstore brands, what's worth it and what's not -- AKA, I need to spend more time reading reviews.
3. Use tinted moisturizer (or BB cream) with SPF.
4. Getting more beauty sleep.
5. Update my blog at least once a month!  I'm taking 21 credits at school and working part-time as well... Wish me luck!  But I promise that I will try to update you with all things beauty related at least once a month.

What are your beauty related New Years resolutions?

I hope everybody has a fun and safe 2013!  XOXO.

Lip color: NYX #635 Doll lipstick.

My Top 3 Winter Essentials

I grew up in sunny Long Beach, California as a child, where winter temperatures are in the high 60s.  While living on the East Coast and enduring snow, icy winds and chilly temperatures which resulted in dry and lighter skin, I realized that I needed to give more attention to my body to prevent those as much as I could.  Here are my top 3 winter must-haves:

1. Nivea Extended Moisture Daily Lotion

 

I recommend using lotion right after you dry yourself after your shower because that's when your body absorbs the most moisture.  This lotion keeps your body moisturized for up to 2 days!

2. Carmex Original Flavored Lip Balm

 

My lips are constantly chapped throughout the winter season.  Although I prefer tinted or super fruity flavored lip balms, Carmex does the job in cold weather because it heals my chapped lips while providing moisture and leaving a glossy finish.  It's also extremely affordable and available at any drugstore!

 3. Now Foods Avocado Oil 

 

My hands and face get extremely dried out, and this is my secret solution to keeping them hydrated.  After reading about the benefits of avocado, I picked this up at my local organic store (it's available at multiple retailers online too!) and tried it out.  Within one use, my dry cracked skin became hydrated and moisturized, and it's been on my list of must-haves ever since.

Stay warm this season!  XOXO.

Black Friday Deals!

Our favorite beauty products don't go on sale often, but at 12AM EST, (9PM PST for you West Coasters!) many retailers are offering discounts online!  Some of them last throughout the whole weekend until Monday, and the best thing is that you can avoid the lines and be comfort of your own home.

Ahava: Deadsea mineral skincare - 40% off sitewide on ahavaus.com with code: BLACKFRIDAY. (November 21-25)

Arcona: Organic skincare products - 40% off sitewide on arcona.com. (November 23-24)

Bergdorf Goodman: 17 beauty brands are offering gifts with purchase as part of their "Beauty in a Bag" event.  In-store and online at bergdorfgoodman.com. (November 23-December 2)

Bliss: Up to 50% on select luxury items, in addition to 30% on bundles and sets and 20% on a selection of products on blissworld.com. (November 23-27)

Dr. Brandt: 50% off eye creams on Black Friday on drbrandtskincare.com. (November 23)

Fekkai: 20% off plus free shipping sitewide on fekkai.com. (November 23-26)

Giorgio Armani Beauty: 20% off plus free shipping sitewide on purchases over $75 on Black Friday on giorgioarmanibeauty.com. (November 23)

Sephora: $10 products on Black Friday, both in-store and online at sephora.com. (November 23)

Shu Uemura: 20% off plus free shipping sitewide on all orders over $50 on shuuemura-usa.com with code: WISH2012. (November 22-27)


Happy Shopping!  XOXO.