Cyber Monday Deals

Origins – Get $10 off plus free shipping on any order of $25 or more with code TENOFF.  You also get 2 deluxe sample with purchase over $45.

The Body Shop – 50% off site wide and free shipping with any $30 purchase

b-glowing – 20% off sitewide with purchase of $50 or more, code CYBRTWNTY

For those who love Anthropologie (like me), they are having an additional 20% off sale items; discount price will be automatically reflected at checkout.  This is rare; they hardly have coupon code, etc.

For little ones, The Children’s Place is having 30% off and free shipping, code SAVECYBER30

Happy Shopping!!!  Also, you can enter my giveaway for a chance to win a free JAX headphones from Sol Republic, here.

Sol Republic JAX In-Ear Headphones Giveaway

Update

This giveaway is now closed!  Congratulation, the winner is Brian Baylon.

Can you believe it, next week is Thanksgiving already!  Aside from great time with family, it also mark the beginning of holiday shopping for most people.  Perfect timing, Sol Republic is giving away a pair of JAX i2 Sound Engine In-Ear Headphones (MSRP $39.99) to one lucky BC's readers.

Immediately, I love the array of colors that these comes in.  I am talking turquoise, green, pink...a rainbow of colors.  Another thing I like about the JAX is the fit and how comfortable it is for my ears.  My biggest issue with most in-ear headphones is the fit.  The traditional mushroom shape hurts my ear after 5 minutes and they keep falling out.  Whereas, the cylinder, slender shape of the JAX fit my ears more comfortably.  It also comes with 4 set of interchangeable different size ear tips for better fit.  Other features include tangle free cable, Remote+Mic that allow you to play, pause or answer phone calls, and i2 Sound Engine that delivers powerful, high quality sound.

TO ENTER (It's really simple):

Simply leave a comment, it could be about anything and your email so that I can contact you later.

For an extra entry, Pin this giveaway or anything else from this blog and leave the link in your comment.

Very simple, right?  Remember to leave your contact and the link to your pin.

Giveaway is open to US residents only and end on December 4th, 2013 (EST).  One winner will be selected using Random.org.


Disclaimer:  This giveaway is sponsor by Sol Republic.

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. 

My Favorite Lip Glosses Review and Swatches

Hi there.  Are you enjoying all the beautiful color of Fall?  

I have pretty chronic dry lips and the cooler, dryer air just make it more of a challenge.  Hence, I naturally gravitate toward lip glosses.  Today, I just want to share with you my favorite that I am currently using.  Lets start with Korres, they are my favorite brand when it comes to natural lip products.

(L to R) Pomegranate, Quince, Raspberry, Light Purple.

Korres Lip Butter Glaze in Pomegranate:  The lip butter glaze texture is thinner than their original lip butter (the one in the pot) hence slightly less moisturizing, but is still more hydrating than most lipglosses out there.  I prefer the lip glaze because it is easier to apply and more hygienic.  Pomegrante is a true coral. 

Korres Lip Butter Glaze in Quince: Quince is a warm red; a very wearable red for those who are timid.

Korres Lip Butter Glaze in Raspberry:  It has more red and brown than purple, like a deep burgundy.  Perfect shade for Fall.

Korres Cherry Lipgloss in Light Purple:  I so adore this color, it is a very wearable purple.  It does not make you look dead or clash too much against my warm skin.  It is actually a very pretty, semi sheer pinkish lavender.  (Lip Swatch)

(Swatches L to R) NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Tokyo, BareMineral in Wild Honey, Revlon ColorBurst Lipgloss in Peony, BareEscentual Buxom in Bambi, Smashbox Lip Enhancing Gloss in Lust

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Tokyo:  Remember how I said I battle with dry lips?  This one will accentuate any dry flakes.  Aside from that, it is still one of my favorite for it pigmentation and shade.  Tokyo is an opaque neutral baby pink that does not clash against warm skin tone, it actually brighten my face.

BareMineral in Wild Honey:  Wild Honey is a beige with warm golden sheen.  It is pretty on it own but when you pair it with another lipstick...wow!  It makes everything look so much better especially those unimpressive lip color.  My favorite pairing is with a warm red lipstick or to tone down a too cool tone lipstick.  (Swatch of Wild Honey layer over MAC Sheen Supreme in Full Speed)

Revlon ColorBurst Lipgloss in Peony:  Peony is a sheer peach with micro gold glitter.  It is easy to wear, great for everyday, goes with almost anything.

BareEscentual Buxom in Bambi:  I love Bambi not only because it is a beautiful true, bright coral but it is also very pigmented and long lasting for a lipgloss.  However, if you are strictly against sticky lipgloss then you might find it sticky.  Personally I don't mind because it is what make it long lasting. 

Smashbox Lip Enhancing Gloss in Lust:  Lust is like the most beautiful dark red.  When you apply it, there is a tiny hint of raspberry and gold shimmer.  Unfortunately I think this is a limited edition color but I have seen it on ebay.

Phew, there you have it, all my favorite at the moment and most of them are great color all year around.

How to Choose the Right Scent For You

Hi there.  Today I want to share with you a guest post written by Grace Nolan on behalf of Essential Fragrances, specialists in both men and women's fragrances.  I learned a thing or two from her tips and I hope you will enjoy them as well.  (This is not a sponsor post)

There are many people who choose a fragrance by having a quick smell of it whilst in they’re in a shop and then purchase it straight away. But it’s not as simple as this. If you want a perfume which is perfect for you, here’s some advice:

Start with a blank canvas
Before you go shopping for a new perfume, avoid using any other fragranced product. This will clash with the scent of any fragrances that you try on and make them smell different from what they actually smell like.

The Terms:
Perfume - Perfume is often available in small bottles but is very expensive because it is created from perfume oil and alcohol. It has a very strong scent and is most likely to last throughout the day.

Eau de Cologne - This type of fragrance is made from a mixture of perfume oil, alcohol and water. Eau de Cologne is usually light and very refreshing as it usually contains citrus oil. Perfect for wearing during the day.

Eau de Parfum - Eau de Parfum is usually a heavy fragrance as it has high amounts of oil mixed with alcohol. It is always lighter than perfume meaning it’s less expensive but still just as refreshing.

Eau de Toilette - This type of fragrance is also made from perfume oil and alcohol, to give it a strong scent to make it last throughout the day.

Seasons
As the year goes on, the weather changes meaning your perfume will change. Each fragrance, which has been designed and created by top end designers and celebrities, most probably has a certain time of year when it should be worn. Scents last alot longer during warmer months because your skin is hydrated and the moisture helps hold the fragrance on your skin. We advise you wear lighter fragrances during spring and summer and heavier scents during autumn and winter.

Notes and scents
Most fragrances have a range of notes running through them which are released throughout the day. Some fragrances could smell spicy one hour and sweet the next. If you’re unsure about what types of scents you’re
interested in, here are some terms which can help:

Floral Scents - Floral scents are created by using sweetly smelling flowers such as lavender, rose, carnation, orange blossom, violets and many more.

Fresh Scents - Fresh scents include orange, lemon, lime, fresh grass and apples as well as many others. These ingredients are clean and crisp making them perfect for a fragrance.

Oriental Scents - These types of scents are warm and spicy, including, incense resins, amber, vanilla and musk. They make a perfume inviting and sexy.

Woody Scents - Woody scents add depth to a fragrance and give it an earthy scent. These include oakmoss, bergamot, labdanum and patchouli.

Top Tips
Some of the things you need to remember are:

1) Let all scents linger before you smell them. Some scents need time to settle before their top notes emerge. And always spray it on your skin and not on paper as it smells different on different surfaces.

2) To keep the scent around for the day, lightly spray some on your hair and the back of your neck. You could also spray some on your coat and clothes giving the fragrance something to grip onto.

3) Don’t buy the same perfume as your best friend just because you like the smell of it. Every person is different and suits different scents.

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.

H&M Online Store is Finally Open!

 

H&M has finally open their online store.  Yay!   I actually have been waiting for this for awhile.  To be honest, I am not too crazy about shopping at their stores because it can be kind of messy and really crowded.  Beside, I do 80 percent of my shopping online so this is great.  Beside apparel, they also have cosmetics and home collection.  Although, I have to say, it is a bummer that customer can't return online purchase at their stores.  I hope it is something they will change.

 

How to Treat Sunburn

The skin on my arms is peeling from a recent sunburn.  I have like a dozen bottles of sunscreen (okay, a little exaggeration) and I am always reminding people to put on sunscreen, yet I got burned, how ironic.  What happened was, we were at the beach and I was busy putting on sunscreen for my daughter.  It is so hard, toddler does not like to sit still and what not, so next thing you know, I completely forgot to put some on my arms. The bad thing about sunburn is that by the time I realize, it is too late.  Anyway, it prompt me to write this post, what to do if you got burn.

1.  Once you realize you are getting burn (skin turning pink or feeling uncomfortable), immediately get out of the sun so you don't get burn even more.  If you can't get out of the sun immediately, another option is putting on protective clothing and hat.  You are also probably dehydrated as well, make sure you get plenty of fluid.



 2.  Cool down the inflammation with cool wet towel.

3.  Sooth your skin with aloe vera.  I know not everyone have an aloe vera plant laying around so the next best thing is a moisturizing cream or lotion.  I'd recommend Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion because it contains oatmeal which is great for soothing and protect your skin.

4.  I personally have not try this myself but according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, you can take ibuprofen or Advil to relieve swelling and redness.


Enjoy the rest of your summer and hopefully you won't need treatment for sunburn :)



image source

5 Easy Ways to Style Short Hair

Last year, I took the plunge and got myself a pixie hair cut (see above).  There is something about chopping all your hair off that just make me feel liberating.  As much as I love it, after a while, I started to miss my long hair.  That is what I have been doing this year, growing out my hair again.  I like my hair either really short or long, but just short can be blah.  It is like there is not much you can do with it and it is not quite as chic as a pixie.  I have come up with a few different ways to style it to help ease the boredom.

1.  Flat Iron : it helps make it look more polish and defrizz.

2.  Clip It Up:  Clip it up to the side using a pretty barrette.

 image source

3.  Headband:  Putting on a headband is such an easy way to spice thing up.  You can go girly with flower and lace or modern with leather.

image source

4.  Wave:  This has got to be my favorite, I tried it for a party and it turned out great.  Make sure you use a curling iron that is no larger than 1 inch since you do not have much length to work with.  If you have natural wave, you can skip the heat and do a beachy wave instead.  After you wash your hair, apply mouse or spray gel and crunch it from the bottom up using your hand.  Let it air dry.

5.  Give Yourself a Bang:  Last but not least, bang is a great way to update any hairstyle without really cutting it. 

If you have any other great idea on how to style short hair, I'd like to hear from you.

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. 

TOTW: Lemon (or Lime) Foot Scrub

The acid in lemon or lime juice is a great natural exfoliant.  You can soak tired feet in warm water, then rub a piece of lime all over, massage a bit, then rinse.  Afterward, apply foot cream and cover feet with cotton socks for extra softness.

image source

TOTW: Decrease Puffiness

Place sliced cucumber or cold tea bags over the eyes to sooth and decrease puffiness.

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.

Beach Essentials

Can you believe it, we are almost half way through summer already.  Have you been to the beach this year yet? We are going in 2 weeks, I am excited as this will be my daughter first time to the beach.  She LOVES water, I think she'll have a blast.  Anyway, it got me thinking, what are your beauty essential for a beach trip?

1.  Obviously, Sunscreen!
I'll pack Shiseido Extra Smooth Sun Protection Cream SPF 38 and Clarins Sunscreen for Eyes Wrinkle Control Cream SPF 30 for my face (full review on both products here).  As for the little one, I'll pack Lavanila Healthy Baby Block Spf40.  I have not find my HG body sunscreen yet...do you have one you'd recommend?

2.  Antioxidant. 
Research have shown that topical antioxidants can help skin from sun damage.  If you have sensitive skin, Origins Dr. Andrew Weil Mega Mushroom Skin Relief is design to help sooth irritation and minimize redness.  It has proven to be quite effective for me.  I also favor DHC Acerola 100 Serum in keeping my skin balance and even tone.

3.  Light Makeup
The last thing I want is wearing heavy makeup in the heat.  Lately, I am really loving The Balm Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 in Light.  It matches my skin tone perfectly and diffuse redness and even things out nicely for me.  I'll even say it is my best tinted moisturizer so far.  Review and swatches coming up.

4.  Tame that Frizz
Salt water and the humidity make my hair both dry and frizzy.  I am currently using DHC After Bath Hair Treatment Oil Type.  It is oil base but it is really light.  It makes my hair a bit shinier, softer, and less frizz yet so light, it does not feel like I am wearing any hair product.

That is all folks, I am trying to pack light.  Well, of course, there will be a few makeup items.  Also will be bringing my ipad so I can play Tiny Sheep.  I am quite addicted to Tiny Sheep, it is a farming game, where you take care of these cute tiny sheep.

Well, I would love to hear what are some of your essentials.


Disclaimer:  I purchased all the items mentioned except for Origins serum.

research showing that topically applied antioxidants can help protect from sun damage - See more at: http://www.paulaschoice-eu.com/learn/uvauvb-sun-protection-antioxidants/#sthash.rxjkUILR.dpufRes

research showing that topically applied antioxidants can help protect from sun damage - See more at: http://www.paulaschoice-eu.com/learn/uvauvb-sun-protection-antioxidants/#sthash.rxjkUILR.dpuf

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.

Affordable Color Women Short from Uniglo

As you know, you can now order from Uniglo online.  I recently ordered a pair of Uniglo women chino short  and I want to share it with you because I think they have a nice selection of color, it is well made, nice fit.  Price is $19.90.  I got blue, but it is more of a turquoise to me.  For reference, I order a size 4, which fit perfectly; I am 5'3", 125lbs, normally wear a 4 at Old Navy, a 6 at LOFT and AE.

 Color:  Blue

Disclosure: The product(s) being review was purchased by me.

TOTW: Tumeric Heal Young Scars

Where I came from, Vietnam, we rub fresh tumeric onto our skin to help heal scar.  It works.  When I had chicken pox, my mom rub it all over my body and I came out with only one small scar.  That is great consider how I had no self control with the scratching.  I don't have any other childhood scar even though I did fall a lot.  You can find tumeric at most Asian super market.

Warning:  this thing will stain your cloth and possibly your skin as well, do not use it in the morning when you are planning to go out.

Create Your Own Stia Lip Glaze Trio @ Ulta

I am a fan of Stila Lip Glaze and right now, exclusively at Ulta, they allow you to customize your own trio.  There are 16 shades available, pick 3 for $15 or $8 individually.  If you order online, there is 6 additional "online only" shades available.

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.

TOTW: Clarifying Shampoo

Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo once a week or every other week to remove build up.  By the way, my favorite is the anti residue shampoo from Neutrogena.  I always find that it gives my root a lift afterward.

Something Brighter Please: Powder Room Remodeling

We moved into our new home earlier this year.  Some of the room have really ugly dark paint, either that or you can see patches of non-uniform paint job.  Our first remodel was the powder room.  We honestly, did not do much, just a fresh coat of paint and swap out a painting for something else.  I always have a hard time imagining how a room will look from the tiny paint swatch at the store.  I like to see if there is picture of the particular color online thus, I am posting mine, hopefully it would help someone else out too.

Before

 

After:  Sherwin William Waterfall (updated)

(Sunlight shinning through the window, make it appears lighter and bluer than in person)

After:  Sherwin William Waterfall (updated)

(This is pretty much what the paint color looks like in person)

Waterscape is a bright turquoise color that, in my humble opinion, is best for small room like a bathroom, otherwise, it is too loud.  What is your favorite turquoise paint color?

I am also looking a a pink base lilac color for my daughter's bathroom, any recommendation?