July Beauty Favorites

July 9, 2020

BEAUTY FAVORITES: VERSED JUST BREATHE CLARIFYING SERUM | KEVYN AUCOIN FOUNDATION BALM MEDIUM EF 5.5 | GLOW RECIPE AVOCADO MELT RETINOL EYE SLEEPING MASK | AMOREPACIFIC MOISTURE PLUMPING NECTAR CREAM | DRUNK ELEPHANT T.L.C. HAPPI SCALP™ SCRUB | PAYOT PÂTE GRISE JOUR DAY CARE MATTIFYING & SPOT TREATMENT

Haven’t done a monthly beauty favorite roundup in a year! Decided to bring it back since a lot of you missed this section on the beauty side of my blog. I’ve been sharing collections of items from particular brands as well, which has also been well-received, so I’m going to continue doing both. Would love to hear which one you prefer, feedback is always welcome! In today’s post, I’m sharing the latest skincare and makeup products that I deem to be my favorites from this month. This includes a new foundation but in balm form, an amazing eye sleeping mask that’s really done wonders, and a scalp scrub that has saved me from dry, itchy days! This is definitely for those who love dairy but suffer the consequence from having too much of it in your diet (what can I say your girl loves butter, milk and then some!) Continue reading to learn more about these products along with where you can find them!

VERSED JUST BREATHE CLARIFYING SERUM

A serum designed to clear acne and manage excess pore-clogging sebum. The dynamic trio of willow bark extract, niacinamide, and a zinc blend work together to calm inflammation (the root of skin’s problems), decongest pores, and soothe redness. I always use this serum when I tend to be breaking out, it definitely helps clear any blemishes that want to appear.

KEVYN AUCOIN FOUNDATION BALM MEDIUM EF 5.5

A full-coverage foundation with an innovative silky balm texture, fortified with hyaluronic acid for a flawless finish in an extended shade range. The innovative Beauty Foundation Balm comes with a specially-designed brush for effortless application. This foundation matches the Etherealist Foundation shades, and includes four additional shades to find the perfect color. This formula also contains bonus antioxidants, such as vitamin E and hyaluronic acid, to protect the skin.

GLOW RECIPE AVOCADO MELT RETINOL EYE SLEEPING MASK

An eye sleeping mask formulated with avocado, encapsulated retinol, and coffeeberry to help brighten, depuff and treat the appearance of dark circles. Potent, encapsulated ingredients like retinol, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide time release throughout all hours of the night, while avocado hydrates and nourishes, and coffeeberry helps to brighten and depuff the delicate under-eye area. The result is brighter, smoother, more awake-looking eyes by morning. Definitely doesn’t happen overnight, so don’t expect to see real results until after using it a few weeks consistently. This product has been ophthalmologist tested and dermatologist tested.

AMOREPACIFIC MOISTURE PLUMPING NECTAR CREAM

A nourishing, silky, plumping moisturizer that delivers radiance and hydration for a dewy, well-moisturized complexion. The star of this technologically advanced formula is the rare bamboo nectar, which is naturally rich in amino acids and emollients to help skin appear visibly plump and moisturized without feeling heavy. This cream includes green tea seed oil and lotus flower extract to drench skin with long-lasting moisture. It’s my favorite moisturizer this summer! Lightweight and pleasantly fragranced.

DRUNK ELEPHANT T.L.C. HAPPI SCALP™ SCRUB

A supercharged AHA/BHA acid blend that breaks down and dissolves dead skin cells and styling-product buildup, while biodegradable, gentle exfoliating beads sweep them away. Using antioxidant and fatty-acid-rich plant oils and a quick-absorbing multi-amino-acid blend, T.L.C. Happi Scalp™ Scrub keeps the scalp nourished, flake-free, and balanced. T.L.C. Happi Scalp™ Scrub has a pH level of 3.7. Perfect for those who tend to have a dry scalp. I do include dairy into my diet which is a definite culprit to scalp issues, but this scrub is Heaven sent!

PAYOT PÂTE GRISE JOUR DAY CARE MATTIFYING & SPOT TREATMENT

Discover Pâte Grise Jour, the new day care that fights spots. Its mattifying gel texture leaves a velvety finish on the skin. Pâte Grise Jour moisturizes and helps eliminate blemishes while protecting the skin against pollution. You will love its texture: a light and velvety purifying gel-cream. Active ingredients include Cannabis Sativa Seed Extract (no CBD, no THC), Chilean mint extract, zinc, and bamboo powder. Perfect to getting rid of dark spots.

LOVE & XX’S,

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June Beauty Favorites

July 1, 2019

June’s Beauty Favorites addresses a ton of different serums, toners and cleansers in the world of skincare. To me, everyone’s skincare journey is different and especially during the warmer season like the summertime, everybody’s skin will have different reactions to different things. Which is why I’m reviewing more than one type of skincare regiment, to give you guys a better idea of what you might chose for yourself. We even have two different eyeshadow palettes, one that is mostly yellow & gold based and another that provides more definition to certain types of eye looks such as smoky and others. Continue reading to learn more about my monthly beauty choices along with where to find and shop the products.

COLOURPOP UH-HUH HONEY SHADOW PALETTE

This yellow 9-pan palette has every shade of yellow under the sun in 5 mattes, 3 metallics, and 1 Pressed Glitter. Literally, all yellow, the entire What's in ColourPop's Yellow Collection

Stinger: matte buttery yellow
Sunburst: metallic lemon yellow with blue glitter
Sweet Spot: matte primary yellow
Dandy: metallic vibrant yellow gold
Palooza: bright yellow with a copper duochrome shift
Queen B: metallic dandelion
Totally Buggin': matte butterscotch yellow
Oh Beehave: matte mustard
Buzz Kill: matte yellow brown

CAUDALIE LIMITED EDITION BEAUTY ELIXIR

A natural, innovative toning mist that sets makeup, provides an instant burst of radiance, and tightens the appearance of pores, featuring the same bestselling formula with a new, improved pump to finely and evenly distribute the lightweight mist. Inspired by Queen Isabelle of Hungary's famous elixir of youth, Beauty Elixir is formulated with grape extracts and clarifying ingredients to provide an immediate burst of radiance. The complexion treatment reduces dullness and is infused with toning rosemary, astringent mint, and soothing rose essential oil to prepare your skin for further treatments. Beloved by celebrities and makeup artists worldwide, the Beauty Elixir is the ideal priming base and setting spray between layers of makeup for a long-lasting and smooth finish. Perfect as an aftershave for men too!

LIME CRIME FRECKLE PEN

The Lime Crime Freckle Pen give ‘em blessings on blessings, babe. You’re a lil cutie in this long-lasting freckle pen that has a super soft felt tip pen applicator and is smudged proof for endless summer glamour. I don’t have any speckle of natural freckles and voila! Look what this magical pen can do?! I think I’ll be doing this beauty look a ton more often this season. Are you a fan of freckles? Yay or nay?

SON & PARK

BEAUTY WATER

A multitasking toner and cleansing water that creates a clean base for any skin care and makeup that follows. Solutions for:- Dullness and uneven texture- Dryness- Uneven skin tone If you want to know more… This multiuse product can be used as a toner and gentle exfoliant in the morning to prep for skin care and to create a smoother surface for makeup. At night, Beauty Water can be used as a cleansing water to thoroughly remove makeup, dirt, and oil. Lavender water, rosewater, and orange fruit extract hydrate the skin, while willow bark and papaya extract sweep away dead skin cells revealing a brighter skin tone and smoother texture.

BEAUTY GEL

What the heck is this, you might ask? It’s a light-weight gel moisturizer that would quickly absorb into your skin and provide the right amount of hydration in order to prep your face for base makeup. It sounds like it's a primer but it's not like your typical makeup primer where it will fill in lines/uneven skin. It will simply help to give light hydration to prevent dry spots/patches since that will make your base makeup look patchy or flaky. It also has little capsules filled with hydrolyzed collagen that will burst upon application; this capsule technology keeps the ingredients fresh until use.

BEAUTY PRIMER CREAM GLOW

A lightweight, quick-absorbing cream that provides coverage, brightens the skin tone, and primes skin for makeup application. This base cream that's packed with flower extracts you'll love, including lily, rose, and jasmine also contains pearl to illuminate the complexion and rosa damascena flower to help control sebum production. After using the filter cream, your skin will look brighter, smoother, and more even, as if you actually put a real life filter on it. I put this on days where makeup calls for more coverage. Literally the best primer I’ve ever tried!

BEAUTY FACE MASK CLEAN TYPE

This moisturizing mask contains hyaluronic acid and a blend of AHA from flower extract to help renew dull skin. The unique shape of the mask prevents essence from touching the hairline and weighing down hair. It’s a quick five-minute mask but with immediate results. My face looks fresh and clean every time I use these, and I use these often!

DERMALOGICA AGE BRIGHT CLEARING SERUM

This highly concentrated serum exfoliates to help prevent acne and supports natural cell turnover to reduce visible signs of skin aging. Phytoactives hydrate and smooth skin, while niacinamide and white shiitake mushroom promote a brighter and more even skin tone.

DERMALOGICA AGE BRIGHT SPOT FADER

This spot fader is a two-in-one brightening spot treatment that reduces the appearance of active breakouts and post-acne marks. Salicylic acid works to clear breakouts, while niacinamide and hexylresorcinol work synergistically to fade post-acne marks and improve uneven skin tone. AGE Bright Complex reduces visible skin aging and helps prevent over-drying.

KEVYN AUCOIN EMPHASIZE EYE DESIGN PALETTE

Unleash your makeup artistry through a range of eye-catching looks with the Emphasize Eye Design Palette from Kevyn Aucoin in ‘As Seen In’; a versatile eyeshadow palette presented within a sleek mirrored compact, that combines five matte, chrome and satin eyeshadow shades with a creamy metallic-effect color. Applied with an innovative ‘lemon drop’ felt tip for dual-purpose precision lining and color application, the Cream Foil Eyeshadow adds drama and dimension for a high impact finish. Experiment by layering the powder and cream shadows to create customised hues, or simply wear it alone for a reflective mirror-like shine. Shades Include (L>R): Ballet (matte) Blush (satin) Rose (chrome) Amethyst (matte) Sangria (matte) Rose Gold (cream foil)

FRESH BEAUTY SUGAR HYDRATING LIP BALMS

Sugar Lemon Hydrating Lip Balm locks in moisture for soft, supple, healthy-looking lips. The rich, cushiony formula coats lips with a protective veil that smooths and comforts on contact while delivering a velvety sheen and addictive flavor inspired by lemon meringue or peach. I can’t decide which one is my favorite, but they’ve been on heavy rotation this summer. I’m definitely obsessed with the flavors.

PURITO CENTELLA GREEN LEVEL CALMING TONER

A skin calming toner infused with 10% of Centella Asiatica extract, panthenol, witch hazel extract, and other EWG-class ingredients to instantly soothe and hydrate your skin. Contains sodium hyaluronate acid to prevent moisture evaporation while strengthening the moisture barrier of the skin. Free from harsh chemicals and preservatives.

PURITO CENTELLA GREEN LEVEL BUFFET SERUM

Formulated with EWG verified ingredients, this cica cream is packed with effective ingredients so skin will be protected, smooth, clean and vibrant. This versatile serum helps improve the appearance of your skin. Infused with 49% of centella asiatica extract, collagen, ceramide, and other EWG-verified ingredients to strengthen skin barrier while leaving the skin moisturized and supple.

LOVE & XX’S,

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May Beauty Favorites

June 4, 2019

When summer hits my makeup definitely becomes more minimal than any other season throughout the year. I usually only wear lipstick and mascara with a tinted moisturizer or BB cream. Just enough coverage, but still light enough for my skin to breathe. In today’s post, I’m sharing my monthly beauty favorites for the month of May, which include my in-between skincare regimens for the summer which does include some K-Beauty as well as other classic brands. I also have a favorite new prebiotic mask that’s great for anyone that’s a city dweller. And it’s fun because it changes color after applying. Continue reading to see more of my latest faves, such as a red orange lipstick and texture hair spray for beachy waves.

CLINIQUE FRESH PRESSED CLINICAL DAILY BOOSTERS

Turn your moisturizer into a de-aging powerhouse. Clinique 's breakthrough day and night Boosters with Pure Vitamins C 10% and A(Retinol) are freshly activated to deliver prescription-level results against visible wrinkles. Simply mix a few pumps with your favorite Clinique moisturizer—Vitamin C in the morning, and Vitamin A at night. Enjoy a potent de-aging boost without changing the moisturizer you love. Everyday, Vitamin C 10% works on skin's surface to instantly brighten. See remarkably even-toned and retexturized skin with continued use. Everynight, Vitamin A (Retinol) penetrates deeply into skin's surface. Overtime, skin appears revitalized, lines and wrinkles 're-filled,' youthful tone recaptured.

GIVENCHY LE ROUGE LIPSTICK COUTURE EDITION IN NO. 304 MANDARINE BOLERO

Le Rouge defines lips with its intense, pigment-rich color. Its feather-light, non-sticky, velvety texture glides across the lips to deliver a semi-matte finish and long-lasting wear. The case features the “scribble tiger” pattern straight out of Clare Waight Keller’s first Givenchy runway show. Use this limited-edition case on all your Givenchy Le Rouge lipsticks. The shade is a muted red orange, the perfect vibrant bold lip for summer.

GIVENCHY PRISME LIBRE COUTURE EDITION

Unify, set, and perfect with Givenchy’s Prisme Libre. Upon application, imperfections appear diminished, skin looks more even, and makeup is set with a lasting, radiant, matte finish. The cap features the “scribble tiger” pattern straight out of Clare Waight Keller’s first Givenchy runway show. Use this limited-edition cap on all your Givenchy Prisme Libre loose powders.

LUNE + ASTER REALGLOW SKIN TINT IN MEDIUM BEIGE

This light-diffusing Skin Tint covers and perfects with ultra-lightweight, customizable sheer to medium coverage for a naturally radiant look. Your skin, only better! After trying this product, I have given up on foundation as well as BB & CC creams. A tiny bit covers those imperfections and smooths my skin tone without looking like a heavy makeup! You can dab on extra to cover specific spots and it does not look cakey like other tinted moisturizers that I've tried before. It’s the perfect formula for flawless skin, while the ingredients help repair while you wear it:

Hyaluronic acid helps to plump and replenish the skin’s moisture level.

Vegan collagen helps to improve hydration and smooth the skin.
Vitamin E helps to hydrate, repair and protect.
Licorice extract helps to support skin's elasticity, fight inflammation, soothe irritation and reduce redness. Consistent use over time has been known to fade dark spots.
Apple seed extract helps to hydrate, repair and protect skin.

COSRX FIRST CLEANSING MILK GEL

COSRX's Low pH First Cleansing Milk Gel gently removes makeup, dirt and excess oil, without leaving behind a greasy residue. Olive oil and witch hazel are added to this silky formula to alleviate visible pores, oiliness and redness. Maintains skin's pH level, tightens pores, and refreshes skin without stripping the skin. I’ve been using it every other day when I do not do a double-cleanse and it’s a great balancer in between.

COSRX CENTELLA CLEANSING POWDER

Mildly acidic cleansing powder is infused with enzymes to gently exfoliate, and centella extract to soothe sensitive skin. Promotes a healthy-looking complexion with youthful radiance. I use it as an exfoliator once or twice a week, especially if I have had several shoots and am using more makeup than usual. They’re also a great travel companion due to its size.

URBAN DECAY PERVERSION MASCARA

So intense you might need a safe word, Perversion glides on and gets you sexy in one stroke. (Yet it won't quit until you say when.)Like a second skin, Urban Decay's ultra-creamy, lengthening, volumizing mascara coats each lash with triple-black pigments and a deeply nourishing ingredient blend - for bigger, blacker, badder lashes. It's sick how black it is...the purest, deepest, most intense black color imaginable. Perversion has a creamy, full-bodied texture that's not too dry, not too wet. This allows just the right amount of ""pull"" so it glides through lashes. The result: Incredible control for insane lashes. Go ahead and pile on coat after coat. Want to apply more before you go out at night? No problem. Even if it's been all day since you applied, more Perversion always means more beautiful lashes. It NEVER gets brittle or clumpy.

URBAN DECAY PERVERSION WATERPROOF FINE-POINT EYE PEN

If you want to nail an eyeliner look that's perfectly exact, you'll enjoy total control with Urban Decay's Perversion Waterproof Fine-Point Eye Pen, a super-smooth, free-flowing pen that draws crazy-precise, waterproof blacker-than-black lines that last all day.The pen's unique cartridge system allows for a constant flow of ink. Plus, its ultra fine tip glides on smooth without skipping or pulling, providing a smooth, controlled application. Easily create everything from fine lines to bold, thick lines. The waterproof formula lays down long-lasting black lines with ink that dries quickly and won't smudge, run or feather.

PEACE OUT DARK SPOT BRIGHTENING DOTS

Using microneedling technology, these revolutionary treatment dots create micro-channels within the skin that help deliver results in half the time of most treatments. Niacinamide, licorice extract, and tranexamic acid work together to visibly lighten and brighten without causing irritation. All dark spots are different—this product best treats dark spots from post-acne inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Now that I’m older it takes longer for an acne spot to clear up, and these brightening dots are doing the magic trick!

PEACE OUT ACNE HEALING DOTS

Zap that zit! These patent-pending acne-healing dots are the only acne treatment to combine absorbent hydrocolloid technology with active blemish-fighting ingredients. Infused with salicylic acid to kick acne-causing bacteria to the curb, they also contain vitamin A to help support natural skin turnover and aloe vera to soothe redness. Hydrocolloid technology extracts impurities while creating a protective barrier that guards against external irritants. By protecting your blemishes from bacteria, inflammation, and picking, these dots also reduce the potential for acne scarring. Whether you're struggling with hormonal acne, whiteheads, or inflamed pimples, your blemish is less red, less painful, and significantly less irritating in as little as six hours.

SGX NYC ‘THE DO-IT-ALL’ 3-IN-1 DRY TEXTURE SPRAY

Tired hair? Revive flat, 5pm hair with this multi-talented dry texture spray. Designed with dry shampoo to instantly add texture by refreshing and volumizing while hairspray provides brushable hold for that that perfectly undone tousled style. I love to use this dry texture spray all by itself on towel-dried/damp hair. During the summer, I’m not as into styling my hair with a blowdryer, curling iron, straightener, etc; that all do so much damage in the long run. So for those all-naturalé days, it’s my go to for wavy, beachy hair.

ALGENIST ALIVE PREBIOTIC BALANCING MASK

Algenist ALIVE Prebiotic Balancing Mask is a transformative mask that re-balances, detoxifies and leaves skin feeling alive and hydrated while enhancing clarity for an even, radiant look. Formulated with a probiotic, and prebiotic from algae, paired with our patented Alguronic Acid, to target concerns that may result from unbalanced surface skin bacteria. Probiotics and prebiotics are good for you ingredients that help balance skin's natural surface ecosystem. Skin is more resistant to pollution and the appearance of lifestyle aging. I use it every 2-3 days and it’s so fantastic! I love how it changes color, as if its really getting down to business and cleaning my face, ha ha!

LOVE & XX’S,

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A Slice of Summer Glow with These 6 Korean Beauty Products

May 21, 2019

THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY GLOW RECIPE BUT ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

With our first official hot day here in New York City yesterday, I got inspired to write up a post on how to achieve that radiant summer glow when it comes to our skin. But sans makeup. Makeup can help achieve the ultimate sun-kissed bronzy luminosity - but for some makeup is a no-no during the warmer seasons. Especially heavier coverage such as foundation. I love to have my skin breathe during this time of year to keep it healthy and fresh, so in today’s post I’m sharing 6 amazing Korean skincare products, all from the same brand, that will definitely give you a slice of that summer glow we all want.

WATERMELON GLOW ULTRA-FINE MIST

This ultra-fine, hydrating, fog-like mist is designed for ultimate skin radiance and makeup enhancement. It’s uniquely formulated with hibiscus flower which naturally contains AHAs to smooth the look of skin, apple cider vinegar (ACV) which naturally helps balance oil production, and rice germ oil which helps protect against free radicals. I have used it before applying makeup and it’s great, but I literally spray this on my face all day long even without makeup on. It smells like watermelon, so good in fact, my husband secretly loves it too! Refreshing, travel-friendly with very cute packaging, it’s my new favorite mist spray for summertime.

BLUEBERRY BOUNCE GENTLE CLEANSER

This hydrating, bouncy cleanser delivers all the antioxidant-rich benefits of blueberries while refining pores with hyaluronic acid and AHAs. The ultra-gentle formula is packed with nourishing oils to remove makeup with minimal rubbing. Skin is clear, radiant, and glowing without feeling stripped. During the warmer months, I prefer a gentle cleanser as I don’t want to use something too harsh for my sensitive skin. This cleanser is really my jam, and I love using it while traveling too when skin can wreck havoc even during the simplest of trips.

PINEAPPLE-C BRIGHT SERUM

Brighten up with pure pineapple juice, a potent, natural source of vitamin C, AHA, and bromelain enzymes. Blended with soothing chamomile, the serum retexturizes skin and evens tone. Glass Skin is the ideal skin look inspired by K-Beauty—so smooth and reflective that it looks like glass. Or that dewy glow effect. It’s the ultimate summer brightening serum - your face will literally look like a mannequin! But in a good way, ha ha! I also love how to chamomile is a red reducer - especially when it comes to breaking out. And how adorable is that bottle?!

WATERMELON GLOW PINK JUICE MOISTURIZER

This oil-free moisturizer calms, brightens, and perfectly preps skin for makeup, while antioxidants protect against environmental stressors to ward off fine lines and dark spots. Use day and night as a moisturizer for oily/combo skin or as a serum for dry skin. Its bouncy, gel-emulsion texture feels cool on contact and absorbs instantly. Perfect for the summer heat. It works best with the pineapple serum for that ultra glowing skin. Plus, the smell is intoxicating. It’s like your face guzzled down a glass of fresh watermelon juice!

AVOCADO MELT SLEEPING MASK

Intensely moisturize, firm, and brighten overnight. Oleic acid and linoleic acid-rich avocado helps to restore moisture and collagen in the skin, while the antioxidants and antibacterial properties of manuka honey refresh stressed out skin. PHAs provide a gentle exfoliation while you sleep. This avocado sleeping mask contains Kaolin Clay: This clay pulls impurities from the skin without causing redness or irritation; and absorbs excess oils, decongests pores, and diminishes shine. Skin is extremely smooth. Would recommend using only a little bit per use - in this case, less is more.

WATERMELON GLOW SLEEPING MASK

My favorite product out of the 6: It’s the first product I ever tried by Glow Recipe and I use it all-year round. This luxuriously bouncy, breathable sleeping mask refreshingly hydrates, smooths, and perfects skin overnight with a revolutionary pillow-proof, transfer-proof formula. The oil-free, lightweight, glow-boosting hybrid is formulated with ultra-soothing watermelon extract, hydrating hyaluronic acid, and gentle AHAs that work while you sleep to tone and clarify roughened, dull complexions. AHAs smooth the surface of the skin by banishing dead, rough surface cells, clearing the path for ultra-effective, lasting hydration, while hyaluronic acid binds moisture to the skin for an incredibly nourished complexion. Skin is baby-soft and bright in the morning, effortlessly.