TOTD: Feeling Good

We spend money and time on skincare and makeup to make ourselves look good. However, feeling good is as important. Take some time from your busy schedule to enjoy the company of a loved one or something as simple as your morning coffee or tea.

Product Review: Jason Natural Vitamin K Cream Plus

I feel like I have not cover as much on skincare as I should. After all, it is my love for it that transpires me to start this blog and also love makeup as well.

If you have dark under eye circles, especially if they are hereditary, you will understand that they are as annoying as wrinkle. Those dark circles do really make you look tire even when you are not. I have them since I was a teenager. Unfortunately, I can sleep for 10 hours and still have them. Granted, they are a lot lighter than if I were up all night.
Mine are purplish in color. They are cause by a) thin, transparent skin in that area and b) pool of blood probably due to weak capillaries and/or poor circulation.

According to Wikipedia, symptoms of deficiency [in Vitamin K] include heavy menstrual bleeding in women, anemia, bruising, and bleeding of the gums or nose. The article goes on to say that “Vitamin K may be applied topically - typically as a 5% cream, to diminish…broken capillaries (spider veins), and to aid in the fading of hyper pigmentation and dark under eye circles.”



Jason’s Vitamin K Cream Plus fit the bill. It has high concentration of Vitamin K. I could not find the exact percentage, but it is listed at the top (fourth) of the ingredients list. It also contains bioflavonoid and horse chestnut. All of these ingredients help tone down redness, minimize the appearance of distended blood vessels and lighten under-eye circles.

It took awhile for me to see result but I am impressed. I have some broken capillaries on my cheeks as well so I applied the cream to both my cheeks and under eye areas after cleansing about once or twice a day/ 5 days a week. I can’t remember to do it everyday. After 4 weeks, you can see a different in my cheeks. My broken capillaries shrink or fade about 50%. I am very happy about this because before I did not know that there is a way to treat this. However, I did not really see a noticeable improvement in my dark circle yet. I continue to use it for about two months now. I have to say it is the only cream that has ever helps my dark circles. It used to be this deep purplish color that has faded into a lighter discoloration. My broken capillaries also lighten considerably. A layer of tinted moisturizer is enough to cover it. The best part is I can get this at Wegmans for only $15 for a 2oz bottle, which is a lot cheaper than most eye cream out there. I also want to note that if you have dry skin, you may need another eye cream in the winter for moisturizing. Also, since there is a high concentration of Vitamin K, it will stain your nails. I suggest, apply it with a Q-tip instead.

Overall, it is a very promising product and for such a good price, it is worth the test.

TOTD: Bronzer and Blush

Wearing bronzer alone can look dull or flat. Adding a hint of blush can make you look more fresh and natural.

A Complete Guide to Different Types of Foundation Brush

Using a good foundation brush can help you achieve a sheerer yet even and flawless finish. I prefer to use a brush over sponge because a brush do not soak up as much product and therefore helps save money because you will use less foundation. Normally, a dime size drop is enough for the entire face.

The first brush on the list is the traditional flat foundation brush. It is probably one of my favorite because it is fun to use. You can read my review on Beauty of Essence, Ecotools and Japonesque here.



The second type is the stippling brush. This is a multi-purpose brush as you can use it for liquid foundation, blush, and highlight. The MAC 187 and 188 (smaller version of the 187) is very famous for this. However, you can find cheaper dupe like the Ulta Profression Highlighter and Studio Tool. They are $26 and $7 respectively versus over $40 for the MAC. I’ll do a review for these on a separate post.



The third type is a Kabuki brush. This is mainly use for applying mineral makeup foundation, but you can also use it to apply your setting powder. Though, I must warn that you will need to use a light hand. Kabuki brush is very dense so they can pick up a lot of powder.



The fourth type is the flat top brush (another name is the chisel brush). It is very similar to the Kabubi in that it is also very dense and normally use for mineral makeup foundation. As you can see from the picture, the difference is that the Kabuki has a round or dome shape head and the flat top have a flat head. Personally I think you can also use this to apply liquid foundation, in a similar manner as the stippling brush.

There you have it, the different types of foundation brush and their functionality. I hope this was helpful.

TOTD: Brushes and Tools

It is worthwhile to invest in some good brushes and tools. It will make your makeup application more fun and much easier.

Benefits Fall 2009 Collection

August just begins and companies are already launching their Fall collection and it is industry standard.



I am digging the silver pewter eyeshadow and berry eyeshadow and lipstick. Both are retail at $18 each. Currently you can get free shipping for these by entering code: FALL2009. Happy shopping.