How to Care for Dry Lips and Favorite Lip Balms Review

Hi there!   Remember how I mentioned I am always battling with dry lips in the colder months in my
Favorite Lip Glosses  post?  Well I am here today to share with you what I do to keep them soft and comfortable.

When my lips get flaky, after I brushed my teeth, I take a soft cotton towel, wrap around my finger and gently massage my lips to remove dead skin.  Remember to be gentle, if a flake does not come of then it is probably not ready, leave it alone.

Afterward, I nourish my lips with hydrating lip balms, preferably natural or organic.  Some of my favorite are:

100% Pure Organic Lip Balm:  I have the mint and cherry flavor.  I love the simple, organic ingredients (oil and beeswax).  They glide on easily, hydrating, I don't have to keep on reapplying.  Fairly price, $6 each.  Love these!

Bobbi Brown Lip Balm:  I love the packaging and I know some of you will dislike it for being in a pot.  Moisturizing, smell great, feel good, add a nice sheen.  It is not hard but on cold days, I need to rub it in a bit with a clean finger to warm it up.  ($19)

Badger Organic Cocoa Butter Lip Balm:  Not pictured but this is another great one that make a difference for me.  Again I love that these are organic, safe ingredients and that they come in a variety of flavors.  I am digging the chubby tube, not only do you get more product but it really feels good while applying.  ($3)

The great thing about all the lip balms I mentioned is that I don't have to keep reapplying every hour.  On a few occasions, for what ever reasons, my lips were uncomfortably dry and cracked, I experimented with argan oil.  I would gently scrub, apply lip balm, then top it off with a drop of argan oil.  Oh wow, the next morning, my lips were all nice and soft...I was shock.  The argan oil I use is 100% organic argan oil.  This is something I tried on myself and it works, for you, please check with your doctor or dermatologist before trying.


Disclosure: All of the products being review was purchased by me. 

Kiss Me Heroine Make Long and Curl Mascara Review

I have always struggled with mascara, kind of like a love and hate relationship.  I know this is a bit of a stereotype but unfortunately, I have Asian lashes that are short and straight.  (My daughter on the other hand is blessed with long and curl lashes, I hope it stays that way.)  Also, for whatever reason, most eyeliner and mascara will smudge terribly on me.  Therefore, the thing I look for most in any mascara is that it must not smudge or flake. 

Kiss Me Heroine Make Long and Curl Mascara is a Japanese brand mascara that you can purchase either from Amazon, Ebay, Sasa or Imomoko, just to name a few.  I am totally in love with this mascara, it has everything I am looking for.  Most mascara will smudge after a few hours on me but this one is smudge and flake proof, even at the end of the day.  What make it even more wonderful is that it live up to its claim, it lengthen and hold curl on my straight lashes.  When you have short lashes, you really need that curl to make your lashes more visible.

Since it is so smudge proof, I was worry that it would be hard to remove.  Another winning feature of this mascara is that I have no problem removing it using Sonia Kashuk Eye Makeup Remover (one of my staple).  Overall, I couldn't ask for more.

Price: Around $16

Overall Rating:  5 out of 5 

Disclosure: The products being review was purchased by me. 

Eucerin Sensitive Skin Redness Relief Soothing Night Cream Review

Did you know that there are nearly 14 million of American suffering from Rosacea and many more with some kind of skin redness disorder?  For the past few years, my skin turned red between the brows and sides of my nose.  Occasionally, these areas especially, the sides of my nose will get tiny bumps that can get pretty raw and painful, .  I have been using Eucerin Sensitive Skin Redness Relief Soothing Night Cream for the past 2-3months for my redness.  This gel-cream active ingredient is a skin soothing ingredient, licorice root.

The first time I used this cream, I was not sure if it would works for me.  The gel cream texture feel nice and it absorbs quickly.  However, even though I did not use it as an eye cream, something in stings my eyes. To be fair, I do have sensitive eyes, a few other cream and mask did also irritate my eyes.  I am glad I continue to use it because my skin seem to like it, I just have to make sure to really apply away from my eyes. 

Ever since I started using this twice a day, my skin stopped having tiny bumps, flakes and rawness.  The appearance of redness did not go away completely, it probably reduce by 70%.  The one to two week that I stopped using this cream, the sides of my nose did start to feel raw and painful again.  Once I started using this cream again, the sensitivity went away in about 2 days.  I honestly did not expect to get such result from a drugstore cream.  This would have been my HG if only it did not irritate my eyes.

Price: $11.99 at Target and $14.99 at drugstores.

Overall Rating:  4 out of 5

Disclosure: The products being review was purchased by me.

The Balm Balm Shelter Tinted Moisturizer SPF 18 Review and Swatches

The Balm claims that their Balm Shelter Tinted Moisturizer SPF 18 is weightless and silky smooth and I totally agree.  During colder months when my skin was drier, it did not cling to dry patches and accentuate them.  Instead it goes on smoothly and give me a bit of a glow.  In warmer month, it feels light and comfortable, does not melt off.

I love that it is so smooth and easy to blend, I can use my fingers and quickly apply this, it is also fool proof.  I tried it with both stippling and kabuki brush and it works find.  With a stippling brush, you have to buff it in rather then stipple because it is too thin for that. 

Shade:  Light

 Before and After

From the picture above, you can see that the coverage is definitely sheer to light coverage, you can build it up, but not much.  It "blurs" out imperfection, but you can still see my mold and some freckles.  Overall, it gives me my skin but better look, very natural.  Any blemish or serious redness will need a concealer.  However, I did not love this tinted moisturizer for it coverage but rather because it is "no fuss" base makeup, if I have a bad skin day, I don't need to worry about it making me look worse or covered up.

Price: $25 for 2.15 oz or 64ml  (tip: sometime Hautelook carries this for half off)

Overall Rating:  4.5 out of 5


Disclosure: The products being review was purchased by me. 

Clinique Age Defense BB Cream SPF 30 Review and Swatches

 

Clinique Age Defense BB Cream contains antioxidants for prevention and SPF 30 for sun protection.  This BB cream contains both chemical and physical (both zinc and titanium dioxide) sunscreen ingredients.  There is no specific on what kind of antioxidants is in this but this is not a big deal for me because I don't rely on makeup as a source for skin nourishment.  It comes in 4 shades, 01 through 04, with 04 being a new release for golden or deeper complexion.   

Bare Skin (R) Clinique BB Cream in 02 (L)

I am NC 20 and I am using shade 02, which is describe as Very Fair to Moderately Fair with Golden Undertones.  As you can see from above, it gives me a nice dewy, natural finish.  Cover up pretty much all of my redness and you can only see a little bit of freckles.  I would say this BB cream is light to medium coverage that can be build-able.  It is also very easy to apply, I can quickly apply this with my fingers and there is no cakiness.  Overall, I like this base makeup very much. 

Price:  $37 for 1.4oz

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5


Disclosure: The products being review was purchased by me.

My Favorite Sunscreen

I have been spending more time outdoor now that the weather is warmer.  I am fair skin and a couple years ago, I had a skin cancer scare so I get really nervous about skin damage during the summer.  I want something that is reliable, perform well under makeup, absolutely no peeling or roll off, and a texture that I enjoy applying so I will do it everyday, religiously.

For face, I absolutely love Shiseido Extra Smooth Sun Protection Cream SPF 38 and let me tell you why.  I went islands hoping for 2 weeks few years ago, I used this for my face and for 2 full weeks of out in the sun, swam in sea water, I did not get a single burn.  Granted, I did get slightly darker and a few freckles but that is expected especially when you are swimming in salt water.  Another thing I like about this is that there is no white case from the zinc (9.8%) and it is neither matte or greasy, the finish is very natural.  I never have a problem with this under my makeup.  Also, for over 2 years, I am not bore of it yet and still love it, says something.

(This is the version I owned but I believe they have new packaging, which is yellow tube instead of white)

Another sunscreen I would recommend is Clarins Sunscreen for Eyes Wrinkle Control Cream SPF 30 for the eyes.  Certain sunscreen would migrate throughout the day and sting my eyes.  I want something I can wear close to my eyes, even my eye lids and this one from Clarins allow me to do that.  It is very mild, never once bother my sensitive eyes.  I also like it runny, easy to spread and absorb texture, there is no need to rub it in which is bad for your delicate eye areas.  Also, the "slight" white cast help with my dark circle so I actually like it.

Price:  Shiseido Extra Smooth Sun Protection Cream SPF 38 - $32 for 2 oz;  Clarins Sunscreen for Eyes Wrinkle Control Cream SPF 30 - $28 for .7 oz

Overall Rating:  5 out of 5 for Shiseido Extra Smooth Sun Protection Cream SPF 38;  4.5 out of 5 for Clarins Sunscreen for Eyes Wrinkle Control Cream SPF 30 because I think it is quite pricey for such a tiny bottle.


Disclosure: The products being review was purchased by me.

Amala Detoxifying Body Polish and Soothing Lip Salve Review

Today, I would like to introduce you to Amala, a German, 100% natural origin skincare brand.  Their products are free of synthetic ingredients, petrochemicals, parabens, and genetically modified ingredients.  Amala is also committed to longstanding fair-trade partnerships with farmers around the world and their packaging is made out of recycled materials.

I have the chance to try out Amala Detoxifying Body Polish, which is a gel-based body scrub infused with sea salt and antioxidant plant actives. I used this tonight to exfoliate my feet and gosh, it smells so good.  It has that refreshing peppermint and something else (perhaps myrtle?) scent that just wake you up.  This body polish is gel based that foam up a bit when you rub and it is so finely mill that I say you can even use it on your face.  I find that you don't need to use as much product compare to other scrub because it lathers up pretty nicely.  It is easy to rinse off and does not irritate my sensitive skin.  Afterward, I am left with soft skin that smell good.

(it lathers up as you rub it in)

The next product I am using is Desert Fig Soothing Lip Salve, a nourishing blend of organic Desert Fig Seed, Marula Seed and Shea Butter that moisturizes lip with a subtle sheen.  Did you know that the average woman swallow pounds of lip products in her lifetime?  The fact that almost every ingredients in this lip salve is from organic farming make me feel worry free.  I use it twice a day and it does a good job keeping my lips soft and moisturize.

 

Price:  Detoxifying Body Polish - $26 for 1.7 oz

            Soothing Lip Salve - $18

Overall Rating:  4.5 out of 5 for both

Disclosure:  The products being review was sent for consideration.

Nicole by OPI Drying Drop Review and Comparison

Ever since I discovered OPI Drip Dry, I have never do my nails without it.  It shaved off half an hour of waiting for my nails to dry and in the mean time, probably chip it somehow.  Lately I have found something even better!  Nicole by OPI Drying Drop!  They are both made by OPI with the exact same ingredients, so why better?  The price!  The original OPI Drip Dry is $11.50 for 9ml, whereas the Nicole by OPI Drying Drops is $7.99 for 15ml (available at Ulta).  Not only is it cheaper, you get a bigger bottle.  Yay!

For more information on these guys, check out my original review.

Rimmel Lasting Finish Pro Nail Polish in Wild Orchid

 

 

Hi there.  I must have a thing for purple nail polish, every Spring, I am on the hunt for some variation of purple/lavender.  This year, I landed on Rimmel Lasting Finish Pro in Wild Orchid.  Wild Orchid is a cream, medium grape purple.  I think the color is unique because most purple nail polish are either really dark or light, you don't find too many in between.  The formula is great, no streaking, opaque with first coat (but I personally always do two coat).  It did not chip on me until about the 5th or 6th day which I think is pretty good considering I use my hands alot.

 

One thing I want to mention is the brush...I love this wider flat brush.  More coverage area and easier to wipe off any excess.  Overall, I am happy and would recommend this affordable nail polish, particularly this color.

 

 

Price:  $3.99 at drugstores and Ulta.

 

Overall Rating:  4.5/5

 

Disclosure: I purchased this item.

 

 



DHC Moisture Care Liquid Lipcolor Review and Swatches

Hi there!  What happened to Spring?  We had a very long Winter, it was cold, snow and windy...I was so looking forward to Spring.  Then all of the sudden, it gets hot, like 80 degree.  I hate it when the weather just skip over Spring, which tend to happen a lot in this area.  Oh well, at least it is finally warm now.

With the warmer weather, I am busting out all my peachy, coral makeup.  Which bring me to this review, DHC Moisture Care Liquid Lipcolor in PK05 Pink Sand.  First off, how adorable is the packaging?  Beauiful packaging is always a welcome added bonus.  I also really like the applicator.  It is flat, longer, and also bendable, making it an ease to apply.

Pink Sand is a pinkish coral with very fine gold irredescent.  As for the formula, it is light, moisturizing, and non sticky.  I like that there is no funky smell (it is my pet peeve).  I really like this lipcolor, the only thing I wish is that it is more pigmented.

 

 

Price:  $18, available at DHC

Overall Rating:  4/5


Disclosure: I purchased this item.

Amore Pacific Treatment Enzyme Peel Review

I have heard a lot of rave about Amore Pacific Treatment Enzyme Peel but have held out because of the price until recently.  I have to say, it is rave worthy.

What is it?  It is a botanical based powder exfoliator.  This exfoliator helps brighten and even skintone without chemical or physical abrasives. Natural papaya enzymes work to lift dead skin cell, eliminate dry, dull surface to reveal a soft and smooth complexion.

The Treatment Enzyme Peel come in a form of a powder and you are suppose to add water to turn it into a paste consistency.  The first time I used it, I was disappointed, I did not really see a difference.  What happened was, I added too much water, it was too diluted.  You really only need 2-3 drops of water.

 

 

The second time I used it, my skin was going through a irritated, dry and flaky mess.  I was trying to exfoliate my skin since it was dry and flaky but that only aggrevate my already sensitive skin.  I gave it a couple days to heal and then pulled out Amore Pacific Treatment Enzyme Peel.  This time, I was careful not to add too much water.  After one use, my skin feel much softer, less flaky and no irritation afterward.  It actually feels quite creamy when you rub it in, there is no physical abrasiveness.  After one week (3 uses), my skin is happily at it smoothest and softest.  Now, I use about once or twice a week to maintain my skin condition.

I like to add that the packaging is simply yet elegant.  The scent is very pleasing as well.  Some botanical base product can smell very earthy but not this.  I know $60 is pretty steep.  However, I think one bottle will last me almost 6 months hopefully.  Ever since I became a stay at home mom, my budget for everything has reduce significantly.  Even with a tight budget, I believe in product that deliver result and this is it; it is worth it for me and it will be part of my staple.

Price:  $60, available at Sephora, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus

Overall Rating:  5/5


Disclosure:  I purchased this item.

MAC Lustre Drops in Pink Rebel Review and Swatches

I am so looking forward to Spring.  Flowers are blooming, the days are longer, warmer.   For me, Spring is fresh, dewy makeup and I am loving MAC Lustre Drops in Pink Rebel as a pretty highlighter.

Price:  $20

Is this a limited edition?  No
 

 

MAC Lustre Drops in Pink Rebel is a pearlescent golden pink liquid highlighter.  It is advertise as a bronzer but I think it is too light for that purpose, unless you are lighter than NC/NW20 then perhaps it may works.  Regardless, it is one of the most beautiful liquid highlighter I have ever tried.  It gives a natural, subtle luminous glow.  Beside using this as a highlighter for specific area on your face, it also works well when mix with foundation for an all over glow.  I love using this during summer to sheer out heavier coverage foundation.  The only cons is that it is a little expensive in my opinion. 

  

Rating:  4.5/5

Disclosure:  The product(s) being review was purchased by me for personal use or review purpose.

Elemis Japanese Camellia Oil Blend for Stretch Marks

Hi there.  Gosh, I don't even know if anyone is reading this blog anymore as I have not written anything for months now.  After being a mom, things just fell off the wagon.  It's the new year (well, somewhat newish), I'll try to pick it up again.  Blogging has always been my little "escape".

I have been meaning to write a review on this product forever but I never get around to it.  I am glad I finally am.  Mom to be, this one is written especially for you.  One of the many things you think about when you find out you are pregnant is "am I going to get stretch marks?"  I know, but hey, I am just being honest.  I did a lot of research and most reputable sources will tell you that stretch marks are mostly hereditary and there is very little you can do to prevent it.  I have a few old stretch marks on my calves and hips developed during my college years.  I don't know why I got them because I was only 100 - 105 lbs back then.  I was sure I will get these "milestone" marks when I was pregnant and was not even going to bother with any remedy really.  Then I came across a blog post by Nicki  from FutureDerm, she recommended Elemis Japanese Camellia Oil that supposedly Victoria Beckham used during her pregnancy.  I have always respect Nicki's review so I thought I give it a try.

My daughter is almost one now and I am happy to say that I don't have a single stretch marks on my belly or hip (new one).  I contribute that to Elemis Japanese Camellia Oil.  I apply about a nickle size once a day.  One bottle lasted me the whole 9 months. 

As your baby grow, your belly will get bigger and your skin will stretch thinner and thinner.  The stretching of the skin make it very itchy especially during winter months.  On days when I am lazy or forgot to apply this oil, my belly get insanely itchy.  As soon as I apply this oil, it works wonder at hydrating the skin and relief (insane) itchiness.  To me, that alone is enough to qualify as a good, must have product.  The fact that I came out of my pregnancy without any stretch marks is total awesome bonus.  This body oil is not only good for preventing stretch marks but also skin moisturizer.

Rating: 5/5

Disclosure: The product(s) being review was purchased by me for personal use or review purpose.

Introducing Willa Skincare

I am here today to introduce you to Willa Skincare, a new all natural skincare brand designed to address the needs of young girls, created by a young girl (with the help of her mom, Christy)!! The line is free of chemicals, petroleum and dyes.

I was sent a few samples to test drive. While I am far from being a teenager, I thought cleanser, body lotion and lip balm are basic and general enough that I can give a fair assessment.

Start Fresh Foaming Face Wash is a self foaming face wash that is light in both feel and scent. It is effective in removing light makeup and leaving your skin freshly cleanse. I appreciate that this cleanser is free of SLS, unlike many foaming cleanser out there. Unfortunately my skin feels a little tight after cleansing but it could really well be dehydrated due to air conditioner.

Like their face wash, Be Brilliant Natural Body Lotion also have very light and fresh scent. The texture itself is also light and absorb quickly. It is the perfect body lotion for summer when you need to care for your skin without the heaviness of a cream.

Born to Glow SPF 15 Daily Tinted Shimmer Lotion claims to protect your skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays while giving you a dose of glamour! I have to warn that the SPF level is too low to use as a standalone sunscreen. While the shimmer is pretty, it is a bit too shimmery and glittery to use all over for someone my age. I instead use it as a body highlighter, i.e. on my sheens, collar bone, upper shoulder, and it works fine.

Smile Butter Lip Balm in vanilla is a clear balm that smells really good, not too strong. It is thick, moisturizing and non-sticky. I like it, include the packaging and would love to try the other (with color).

You can purchase Willa Skincare from their website, Willa Skincare and Target or JCREW Crewcut.

Got2Be Rockin’ It Dry Shampoo Review

Dry shampoo has been around for a long time but I did not try it until now since I normally do not fuss around too much with my hair. I picked up Got2Be Rockin’ It Dry Shampoo recently and let me tell you, I am like, “Wow, it actually works. Why didn’t I try it sooner?”

Price: $5.99, purchased at Ulta

Pros: One day, I decided to do a scalp treatment, not something I normally do. Perhaps I used too much oil, it still look very greasy after I shampoo. I had to shampoo twice and my hair still look like it has not been wash in a week, just plain gross. Next morning, I sprayed Got2Be Rockin’ It Dry Shampoo and it just soaked up all the grease. My hair looks normal again. I was worry that it would leave white residue on my black hair but once I worked the product in and shook it off as instructed, the white powder disappear. Another great thing is that it also gives a bit of extra volume. All in all, two thumbs up.

Cons: Nothing that I can think of.

Rating: 5/5

Disclosure: The product(s) being review was purchased by me for personal use or review purpose.

Shop M.A.C. Cremeblend Blush in Restores Dazzle! Review and Swatches

Today review and swatches is for Cremeblend Blush in Restores Dazzle! from the Shop MAC collection.

Price: $20

Is this a limited edition? Yes

I would describe Restores Dazzle! cream blush as a deep berry color. I ordered this online, had I seen it in person, I probably would not have purchased it because it looks too dark for my fair to light complexion. It is pigmented, however, apply with a light hand and it sheer out beautifully to a soft raspberry color. It is buildable and I think will work with both light and darker skin tone. I love this color because it is something I do not already owe.

The texture of MAC Cremeblend is not as creamy as NYX cream blushes therefore it will not be as slippery and less glowy. Oily or combination skin will probably prefer MAC but it still work for drier skin like mine. I do miss the dewiness that you sometime get from cream blushes so I do pair it with a liquid highlighter. It has lasting power of the entire work day for me.

Rating: 4.5/5

Disclosure: The product(s) being review was purchased by me for personal use or review purpose.

Too Faced Absolutely Flawless Concealer Review and Swatches

Too Faced Absolutely Flawless Concealer claims to “banish imperfections and erase stubborn dark circles while customizing your coverage from sheer to full with this luxurious, peptide-and-vitamin-rich formulation”.

Price: $20 for 8ml/.27oz

Pros: I love the texture of this; it is creamy and blends like a dream. It is creamy and hydrating enough for me to use under my eyes without any problem. I normally have to use a separate face and eyesIt is also very pigmented, a little goes a long way. The texture and pigmentation remind me of my favorite concealer, Kevin Beautymaker BB Cream Concealer. The advantage about Too Faced Absolutely Flawless Concealer is that it is more accessible and you can stop by the store and test to find out which shade is best for you.

Cons: The shade selection for this concealer is very limited. It only comes in 3 shades: Vanilla, Perfect Nude, and Honey. I am NC20 and Vanilla seems a bit light and too pink for my warm complexion. Perfect Nude is a bit dark for me right now but if I blend well, it is not noticeable. It will be better suited for summer when I am a little darker, around NC25.

Shade Perfect Nude

 

Overall: The only reason I would not give this a perfect score is the lack in shade selection. If you can find one that match you perfectly then you definitely have to give it a try.

Rating: 4.5/5


Disclosure: The product(s) being review was purchased by me for personal use or review purpose.

Sana Collagen Mist Toner Review

Price: $9, bought mine from Sasa.com.

Pros: First off, if I am not mistaken, our skin cannot absorb collagen because it is molecularly too large. Regardless, this is still a very good toner that immediately sooth and hydrate your skin upon application.  I think it really helps my skin cope this winter. In bottle, it looks like a light gel consistency but when spray, it is liquidly. It is also very long lasting, making it very economical. I started using it in October last year, it is now February, 4 months later and I have only used up half a bottle (I use toner twice a day).

Cons: Nothing really

Rating: 5/5

Disclosure: The product(s) being review was purchased by me for personal use or review purpose.

Sephora Glossy Gloss Review and Swatches

Price: $10 for 15ml/.5oz

You get a lot of product for your money, 15ml. It is semi opaque with a non-sticky texture. It has decent lasting power, especially for a non-sticky lipgloss. I applied the gloss over a lipstick and after breakfast, my lips are still pigmented with a glossy sheen. I also find it moisturizing.

The color I have is Rusted Rose, which is a neutral brownish rosy pink, a my lips but better kind of color. The website description said there is shimmer but I don’t really see any. They are very fine compare to say those from BE Buxom where you can actually see the glitter in the tube.

Rating: 4.5/5

Disclosure: The product(s) being review was purchased by me for personal use or review purpose.