Back From Hiatus

I know, I know... it has been almost 4 months since my last blog post and I'm so sorry about that!  I've been busy with work, certifications for work, traveling... and just living life.  I promise that I'll keep up this time because I have a list of new beauty products that I plan to review as well as more tips and how-tos.  Stay posted for a new blog post coming to your computer screen very soon!

XOXO.

Review: Dr. Jart+ Black Label Detox BB Beauty Balm

I've been on the hunt for a Western brand BB cream... or at least, an Asian brand welcomed into the Western world that can be found at suppliers such as Sephora.  I've heard and read great things about the Dr. Jart+ brand so I took advantage of my 15% off sale and purchased the 0.66 oz. option of the brand's Black Label Detox BB Beauty Balm due to it's 4 star rating on the Sephora website.

It's only offered in one shade because of its oxidizing properties which conform to your skin color and is advertised as "one universal shade."  It also features SPF 25 sun protection and a botanical formula that purifies and calms blemish prone skin.

Pros:

• It doesn't irritate my skin or cause any breakouts
• It doesn't add any oiliness to my skin
• It doesn't have a scent or fragrance to it
• It's lightweight and doesn't feel greasy when applied

Cons:

• It's pricey for the amount you pay for (0.66 oz. for $18 and 1.5 oz. for $36 can be purchased here) 
• It did not oxidize to my skintone and was approximately two shades lighter than my actual skintone
• It takes approximately 5-10 minutes to set into your skin
  

Rating: 2/5

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.