Clinique Bonus at Nordstrom!!!

Now till June 6, you can get this 8 pieces gift set with any $25 or more purchase at Nordstrom. Enjoy the saving!

My Experience with a Professional Makeup Artist

Few weeks ago was my engagement ceremony. I thought I’d pamper myself and hire a professional makeup artist. I figure if I like her, I will hire her again for my wedding. I was excited and looked forward to it, as believe it or not, this is my first time having my makeup done by a pro.

I was prepared. I had pictures of the look I wanted to show her. So, how did my makeup turn out? I think my foundation was very matte. Personally, I am dewy kinda girl so I asked her to put some golden shimmer on my cheek to add radiance. The effect is not the same. My fiancé said the makeup make my skin look too yellow. Hmm maybe. It was not the best matching shade. Also, I think some people make the mistake of thinking Asian skin is always best with yellow undertone but that is not always true.

But I think my true disappointment lies when I had a friend told me that my makeup is not even. I checked and yes, it was blotchy. There was a big chunk of crust on the side of my nose. My biggest pet peeve when it comes to makeup! I tried to blend it out but it was hard because the foundation already dried. Fortunately, the camera was pretty forgiving, could not really tell. There were a few hours of break between the luncheon and our photo session. I washed my face and redo my makeup myself. =\

On a flip side, I have to give her credit for doing a decent job with the eyes makeup (hard to see from the picture).

Having said all that, brides to be, it is worth the extra money for those trials.

TOTD: Seasonal Products

If you live in an area that have 4 seasons, spring is the time of the year where we need to change our hair, skincare and makeup products to better suit our need. For example, my skin is normal/dry in the winter but normal/oily in the summer. Same with my hair, it gets all frizzy in the summer.

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month!

It has been brought to my attention that May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. I will be writing about sun protection products I tried and like.






One of my all time favorite for my face would be Avon Anew Alternative Intensive Age Treatment SPF 25. First off, I like that it is higher than SPF 15 and come in a great pump packaging. I love the texture; it’s very creamy and velvety without being too heavy or hard to blend. In the winter, most of the time, it is moisturizing enough that I don’t need an extra moisturizer (skin is dry/combo). It is not tinted but somehow it gives me a sheer coverage that even out my skin tone. It also contains plant extracts for antioxidant. This product may not be suitable for people with very oily skin. It is available at http://www.avon.com/ for $32/1.7oz.

Those with oilier skin may like Neutrogena Ultra-Sheer Dry Touch SPF 55 with Helioplex. I like that it is non-sticky and give me a matte finish. This is good for hot humid summer days. However, you have to blend well as this can give you a white cast. Neutrogena also comes out with a new Neutrogena Age Shield Face Sunblock SPF 90+ with Helioplex. Wow, that is high. I’ll probably try it out and see how it compares to the Ultra-Sheer Dry Touch.

Sephora is also teaming up with The Skin Cancer Foundation with a Sun Safety Kit. It’s retail for $22.50 ($110 value). 100% of the net proceeds will benefit The Skin Cancer Foundation. Now that is a great reason for shopping =).

This set contains:

• 0.14 oz Murad Essential-C Eye Cream SPF 15


• 0.23 oz DDF Protect and Correct UV Moisturizer SPF 15


• 0.5 oz Jack Black Double Duty Face Moisturizer SPF 20


• 0.25 oz Peter Thomas Roth Max Sheer All Day Defense Lotion SPF 30


• 1.0 oz Anthony Logistics Facial Moisturizer SPF 15


• 0.1 oz Clarins UV Plus Day Screen High Protection SPF 40


• 0.34 oz Korres Watermelon Sunscreen Face Cream SPF 30


• 0.33 oz Cosmedicine Medi-matte Oil Control Lotion SPF 20


• 0.08 oz Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Cream SPF 55 PA+++


• 0.25 oz Ole Henriksen Herbal Day Cream SPF 15


• 0.4 oz Philosophy Hope in a Jar SPF 20


• 0.25 oz Smashbox Photo Finish UVA/UVB SPF 15


• 0.01 oz Bare Escentuals BareMinerals Well-Rested for Eyes SPF 30

This all-in-one summertime companion comes packaged in an expandable, brightly yellow beach bag made from recycled plastic.




Related post:




Bare Escentuals Natural Sunscreen SPF 30

TOTD: Bridal Makeup

Unless you are up for taking a risk on your wedding day, it is best that you have a trial makeup session. This will help ensure that the artist understand your expectation and a chance for you to decide if you like his/her work.

Another tip is to bring a picture. Your idea of natural or smokey eyes may be different from someone else.

Btw, if anyone knows an outstanding makeup and hair pro from the VA/DC area, let me know. Thanks =)