April Beauty Favorites

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY BOSCIA, AMOREPACIFIC, DIPTYQUE, GIVENCHY BEAUTY & LIPSTICK QUEEN BUT ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

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Hey guys! I'm back this Sunday with the regular monthly blog post of my latest discoveries in the beauty world. Before Monday's I'm all about a little pampering and R&R with attention to skincare. Being partly Korean, my mother showed me the secrets very early on in life and I've been applying the same regiment to my skin for decades. We literally used to put on toner together and she'd literally show me how to 'tap' it in, rather than rubbing into the skin. One of the many different regiments she's shown me through the years. So into today's post, my beauty favorites are more focused on skincare rather than makeup. I tend to balance them within a post, dividing up each category with five products from each, but this month is a little less (2/5 is makeup) because my skin has been adapting to the changes of season and have been wearing much less makeup and not trying new items as much out. Hope you enjoy it! Continue reading to learn more about what my mom and I have used while hearing about bits and pieces of our skincare stories with us and where you can find these amazing beauty products!

APRIL BEAUTY FAVORITES

At boscia, plants are the secret to skincare success. They use ingredients rooted in nature: plant-to-bottle formulas that show results and feel even better. Good skin comes naturally because, in their world, beauty really does grow on trees. They are revolutionizing beauty routines around the globe with products that are made for play and meant to be shared—because your skin wants in on the fun! Formats that surprise and textures that move with you, bounce, and stretch… it’s all part of their plan to make skincare meet the modern world, with an attitude of exploration and excitement. Boscia keeps things clear with nothing to hide, because only good-for-you ingredients go into their products, with no harmful irritants or chemicals allowed. 

Essential to every product is boscia's signature botanical blend: an effective mix of jojoba leaf and willowherb. Jojoba leaf is a powerful antioxidant that helps to prevent free radical damage caused by pollution, UV rays, and other environmental irritants. Willowherb is a natural skin-calming botanical that helps to alleviate inflammation and redness. 

The original black mask and reigning fan favorite, Luminzing Black Mask is a peel-off mask powerhouse that unveils a post peel glow worth sharing. Chock-full of powerful antioxidants like activated charcoal and vitamin C, this powerfully detoxifying mask leaves your skin feeling flawlessly fresh and clean while helping to minimize the appearance of pores and enhance radiance. An innovative, powerful, mineral-rich mask infused with activated charcoal that peels off to reveal a brighter, more clarified complexion. I would give this mask a 5/5 rating. It's superb! 

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Steeped in centuries of Korean heritage, Amore Pacific has unearthed the extraordinary skin-health benefits of Asian botanicals, channeling these ingredients into luxurious, high-performance anti-aging skincare.

It carefully utilizes green tea cultivated from the Dolsongi Green Tea Garden; the first of the three green tea gardens that Amore Pacific owns and operates on Jeju Island off the South Coast of Korea. The green tea leaves are handpicked and naturally fermented in optimal conditions for 50 days. These fermented leaves are then transferred by tea masters and placed into "onggi's", traditional Korean earthware band buried in the earth, to age naturally for another 50 days. After 100 days of waiting and a 24-hours slow extraction process, Amore Pacific’s Vintage Single Extract Essence is perfected.

This anti-aging essence delivers the antioxidant power of Single Extract Formula™. Created using the patented Full Body Extraction™, it promotes prebiotics to prevent further signs of skin aging. Vintage Tea Leaf™, containing green tea’s precious substance catechin, works to improve the appearance of skin’s clarity, texture, and elasticity. My mother really stressed the importance of an excellent toner. It not only helps hydrate and tone the skin, but balances the skin's pH levels in general, giving it a clean, fresh start for any other regiments such as oils, serums, lotions and more! And this Single Extract Formula™ is the best toner I have tried in ages. 

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Enriched with real rose petals that provide continuous hydration, this quick-absorbing, non-greasy oil by Diptyque contains high concentrations of active ingredients. White iris oleate infusion smoothens and boosts radiances, sweet almond oil nourishes while rose petal provides the necessary hydration. Perfect for all skin types. In case of oily skin, use two drops of this oil before applying face cream or use a drop of oil blended with face cream in the morning and 3-4 drops for a relaxing face massage in the evening. What it does: It restores the skin's natural radiance, reinvigorates and smooths skin eliminating wrinkles and fine lines. How to use: Apply it to your face in a gentle upward and outward direction. For massage, warm it in the palm of your hand and apply on your face, massaging around eyes, and moving in upward motions around cheekbones, jawlines, and neck. I love face oils at night and I use a jade roller to massage in all the extra nutrients, so it can really absorb into my skin. The perfect kind of hydration for traveling on a plane. That dry air will suck the living life out of your face! And this one takes the cake, the scent alone is intoxiating. 

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A loose powder with a fusion of four complimentary, complexion-refining shades that together, create a made-to-measure, color-correcting finish. Get surreal skin perfection in four natural shades. Each color combination evens out the appearance of skin tone while enhancing radiance and keeping shine under the utmost control. Upon application, imperfections appear diminished and skin looks more even and porcelain in nature, with a lasting, radiant, matte finish. The formula and the pigments are treated with an exclusive, technological atomization process that creates a perfectly uniform and natural-looking result. I've been using the Givenchy Prisme Libre loose powder lately instead of a ton of foundation, because it's good to have the skin breathe from time to time, especially when you may have been wearing a lot more makeup than usual for photo shoots, events, etc. It naturally takes the redness out and keeps my skin radiant without having it look overdone. I love this mineral powder more than wi-fi honestly. LOL! 

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Emanating the free-spirited glamour of the '70s, Lipstick Queen's Blue By You Lipstick is a playful tribute to the lavish glitz of the decade, with a modern twist. Evolving the iconic transformer collection, luxe Blue By You is a soulful indigo blue that transforms into a metallic raspberry pink.

Enriched with Shea Butter, Mango Butter and antioxidant Vitamin E, lips are left soft and hydrated, while the sheer, shimmering finish provides easy-to-wear, comfortable, long-lasting color. Reminiscent and iridescent, Blue By You encourages us all to get out in the center of the dance floor and strut our stuff. Starting as a bold, soulful blue, the color transforms into a flattering, metallic raspberry pink that perfectly captures the medley of glistening magic within a disco ball, transforming you into a dancing queen in a swipe. 

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LOVE & XX'S,

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Springtime Snacking with My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream

This post is sponsored by My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

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WEARING: VIP.COM BLUE GINGHAM WRAP TOP | JOE'S JEANS | PATRICIA GREEN JASMINE PUMP | ZAFUL EARRINGS | MEDUSA MINI BLUE CLUTCH/CROSSBODY

I'm more of a dessert person when the temps are warmer and now that spring has finally arrived what is better than finding two loves in one? I'm talking mochi and ice cream combined, how yummy does that sound? It's the perfect pairing for anyone with a sweet tooth, especially to anyone who is always on the go or to those that just like to kick it back at home and unwind. So basically it's great for everyone! Continue reading on to learn more about mochi, if you don't already know what it is, and also why you need to get your hands on a box of My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream asap! There are also shop sections for both my outfit and my two most favorite flavors that I'd recommend trying.

Back to the mochi at hand! If you're wondering what My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream is, it's soft mochi dough with very delectable ice cream in the middle. These snacks are not only the cutest little things, they're also the yummiest of the mochi ice creams in the market. My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream comes in 8 appetizing flavors, and my husband and I's most recent favorites have got to be Strawberry and Chocolate! Let's just say we're already out of it, and I cannot wait to grab another box (or two). These two boxes from this post may or may not have been completely consumed while on set! 

S are you ready to blow your mouth’s mind? My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream is taking over snack time ALL the time! Why wait 'til after dinner? It's pre-breakfast, post lunch and/or a midnight delight. It's great on Monday morning to shake off the last of those Sunday scaries. A mundane meeting made wayyyy better by sneaking a little bite of your favorite boisterous balls. It's perfect for picnics, car rides, carousels, beach walks, boardwalks.......and pretty much just about any other situation you can think of. Like here where we literally stopped in the park after lunch to sit down and devour these cute little bites. So stop with the boring snacking and make your chosen bites more bold, beautiful and all around better with these balls!

LOVE & XX'S,

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April Showers Bring Stutterheim

WEARING: STUTTERHEIM MOSEBACKE BURGUNDY RAINCOAT | GENUINE PEOPLE SWEATER DRESS | 
HUNTER LACE UP RAIN BOOTS

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THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY STUTTERHEIM. 

Rain, rain, go away! It isn't out of the norm to have a wet month in April, and this season I'm not minding all the rain in my new raincoat. The latest, waterproof, lightweight and packable coats combine Stutterheim's commitment to wet-weather protection with fresh colors and bold, graphic elements - lifting spirits during depressing spring and summer showers. Besides, before you know it, May flowers will be sprouting everywhere. But in the meantime, I'll be sure to wear my raincoat and wellies appropriately. Continue reading to learn more about the Swedish brand and how I styled this gorgeous burgundy raincoat. It's definitely a showstopper and not to be missed!

The Stutterheim Mosebacke Burgundy raincoat is the women's A-line version of their iconic raincoat. This feminine model has a beautiful silhouette with a spacious cut. It is handmade in rubberized cotton, comes unlined, with double welded seams, snap closures and cotton drawstrings. The finest craftsmanship is used to create this style, here in a beautiful burgundy version with silver buttons. Their raincoats have undergone severe testing in horrible conditions both at sea and in the city. Each coat is individually quality-controlled by their skilled seamstresses. It's by far the best quality raincoat I've ever owned and aside from that, it's the color that makes my heart swoon. It

Given the temperamental weather, I wore a sweater dress with a high slit, some wool socks, and my trusty Hunter boots. The combination is enough to keep me warm but also a little room for my skin to breathe. Fun BTS story behind this shoot: for many who saw the teaser photo to this post on Instagram and asked how we got the 'fog' into the photos... we did not rent a smoke machine, but rather I stood on top of one of the steam vents in the streets and said a little prayer. These kinds of mysterious 'drops' (including sidewalk hatches that always leaves me ridden with anxiety) I can never predict how far down they go... even just telling you about it is making me nervous! Plus, the smell of the steam, eww. I didn't exactly smell too pleasant afterward! Ah, the things we do to get the shot. It's not as easy as it looks, guys, trust me! Stay dry out there today, x. 

LOVE & XX'S,

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Cream and Blush Pinks

WEARING: SAKU NEW YORK CREAM LACE SET | MARC FISHER ALIDA ESPADRILLE WEDGE | 
TEDDY ONDO ELLA BAG

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THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY SAKU NEW YORK AND MARC FISHER.

I think it's safe to say that spring has finally sprung here in New York City. After what seemed to be one of the longest winters to date, I enjoyed the simple things this weekend, like sitting on a park bench with my husband and eating a Mediterranean breakfast while soaking up the warmth of the sun. I also did a photo shoot where I was behind the camera for a change. I get a ton of questions as to why I don't shoot more and it's because I just don't have the time. But every once in a while, it feels good to get back at it. I am a photographer - but the word is pretty iffy in my opinion, as no one should call themselves that unless they're pursuing it full-time. Stay tuned for the photos, I'm excited to share! In the meantime, today's post is bringing a bit more feminine pieces to my closet. I feel it's good to step out of your comfort go-to style (which for me is all rock n roll with a lil' edge) plus mixing and matching later in the future is always a favorite of mine when it comes to styling different kinds of clothing. Continue reading to see why cream and blush pinks work perfectly together and how one can also add feminine pieces to their closet and still look like themselves, even if they're more of a tomboy like myself!  

As many of you may know, one of my dear friends, Lissa Koo, is behind the fashion brand, SAKU New York. The motif for SAKU is both the chic New York sense and the easy, breezy West Coast atmosphere. While being a unique, never-seen-before style, SAKU offers clothes that are ready-to-wear and easily approachable for anyone. Pursuing both sportiness and femininity simultaneously, SAKU showcases silhouette apparel that greatly emphasizes woman’s beauty along with comfortable fabrics that allow easy movement. This set really hugs in all the right places while showcasing a feminine-trimmed lace and dreamy creamy palette. It's also super comfortable and perfect for the city girl always on the go. Though this wouldn't look half-bad out in the country in some Western cowboy boots, no? And what's great about this set is you can interchange between them. Wear the top alone with a sold pair of jeans or just the skirt with a different top, like a black crop-top, stripes, and/or more! The choices are endless and I love to have items like this in my wardrobe to put them in a constant rotation. Definitely not that girl that only wears the damn thing just once!

Layers of artfully-braided jute wrap around the signature platform wedge of an eye-catching ankle-strap sandal in buttery soft suede. The Marc Fisher Alida Espadrille will have you feeling like you're walking on a cloud, these are by far the most comfortable wedges I've ever owned! I also chose the blush pink color as it matched with my skin tone quite well, and in this case, can help elongate your legs (Hey, shorties!) You can wear them with anything too: Jeans, a dress, skirts and more. They are approx. $150 but the quality and comfort, on top, are worth the price. I think you'll be seeing a lot from this pair for the summer season, you can find a variety of other colors here, ranging from blues to yellows, pinks and more. Which color would you choose?

I always like to switch around my outfits' palette, just like my obsession with the curation of my Instagram grid, where I'm constantly transitioning between different tones in the color scheme. And in today's look, I went for cream with blush pink. These light, playful colors work perfectly together and definitely maintains with the feminine parts of this look. They are colors are never usually in my closet, but for some reason this year in particular, I'm more and more into colors I've never really been interested in, such as pink or white. I think it has something to do with growing up, maturing, and being more comfortable in your own skin as well. What are some colors that aren't normally hanging up in your closet? And are you willing to step outside the box a tad, like I have? Why or why not? Have a great week, and don't forget to drop your comment down below!

LOVE & XX,S,

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Polka Dot Blazer

WEARING: SHEIN POLKA DOT BLAZER | HONEY COAST USA CUDDLE TEE | 
LEVI'S DENIM MINI SKIRT | EGO BLACK PATENT LEATHER BOOTS | MAD-STYLE CROSSBODY BAG | 
DANIEL WELLINGTON WATCH | PAPERCHASE BLACK RIBBON

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THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY SHEIN AND EGO SHOES. 

One big trend that's still sticking around this spring season is anything in polka dots. The versatile style can be in several forms. You can go for supersize statement spots in a monochrome palette, or wear your specks small in a flattering silhouette like in today's post with this super chic black polka-dot blazer. The trick is to not overdo it when it comes to styling such a busy piece! So how do you add playful polka dots to your real-life wardrobe without looking overly prim and too proper? I'll be sharing how to finish the look with some edgy accessories to toughen up the ultra-feminine print. Continue reading to see more details, like ruched sleeves and fierce black patent ankle boots, along with how to incorporate this trend into your closet. 

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 SHEIN POLKA DOT BLAZER // HONEY COAST USA CUDDLE TEE // LEVI'S DENIM MINI SKIRT  EGO BLACK PATENT LEATHER BOOTS // MAD-STYLE CROSSBODY BAG // DANIEL WELLINGTON WATCH // PAPERCHASE BLACK RIBBON

When I first received this polka dot blazer from SHEIN I thought to style it with a pair of jeans. One, because I'm a total jean girl. I literally wear them almost every day, (which is funny because when I was a child, I would be wearing anything but, the reason being... I hated them!) and two, it was what first came to mind in terms of styling the blazer. But when we got our first really nice day here in NYC, we're talking summer-like temps, my skin was rather excited to get in a good dose of Vitamin D. So I went with a Levi's denim mini skirt and also a simple graphic 'But first, let's cuddle' tee. 

Accessories included are a Daniel Wellington watch in silver and black, a classic I wear often, black satin ribbon as a belt, to which I'd only recommend doing this with a piece that already fits quite snug to the body, as this type of belt alone won't hold up other loosely fitted things. The Ego Ruben pull ring detail ankle boot in black patent is not just for fall and winter seasons. If you're a true New Yorker, I guarantee you still have a good pair of black boots for the spring and summer seasons as well. We do tend to wear a lot of black, and this includes footwear during the hotter months. The Mad-Style rock and roll crossbody bag also brings in the edginess to this outfit along with the boots. (Which btw, I'm in love with the heel shape and pull ring details) My earrings are also similar to the hoop shape and go well with the polka dot blazer. 

What do you guys think of this look? Are you on board with the polka dot trend? I adore it, even considering a dress Pretty Woman-inspired, which is strange as I am not big on dresses. How would you have styled this polka dot blazer? Shop this blazer here or at the start/end of the post, plus it's only $37! Wishing you all a lovely week filled with no more Mercury in retrograde (TYG LOL) and lots of goodness. Okay but first, cuddle. Ha ha ha! Catch you guys back here on MaQ + Suz soon.  

LOVE & XX'S, 

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