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.

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.

2011 Most Loved Makeup

Sephora Waterproof Cream Eyeliner
This eyeliner is really smooth and pigmented, no dragging. It also last a long time, I have it for over 8 months now and it has not dry up. Therefore, for $10, I think it is worth trying out.

MAC Sheen Supreme Lipstick in Ultra Darling
I have MAC Sheen Supreme in three different shades, Full Speed, Gotta Dash, and Ultra Darling. I find that the consistency and texture is different among the different shades. Some are drier and Gotta Dash applies unevenly. My favorite is Ultra Darling, not only is it a flattering, easy to wear cool berry tone for Fall or Spring, it also has the best formula, moisturizing and glide on easily and evenly.

NYX Cream Blushes
One of the best drugstore (or drugstore price) blushes I have ever used.  It's pigmented and long lasting.  I love shade "natural" on me, it does look natural, add warmth and brighten my face.  You can check out my past review for swatches.

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12 Hours Blush
In general, I prefer cream blush over powder, I think they blend better and longer lasting.  However, Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush have longer lasting power that most powder blush and it applies evenly as well.

Kevin Beautymaker Mineral BB Cream Concealer
Very pigmented, you only need very little.  It is creamy, easy to blend, long lasting, and does not cake.

Kevin Beautymaker Aqua Eye Concealer
Technically I reviewed this in 2010 but I wanted to add it with the other KB concealer because it is one of the best undereye concealer I have tried, HG for me.  I also use this on the side of my nose where the skin is dry and flaky to hide redness because this concealer is really smooth and easy to blend, it never cakes.

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20
Since I have dry skin, it is generally easier to work with when using a tinted moisturizer.  What I love about LMTM is that it provides enough hydration without being greasy.  In addition, it also have enough coverage to even out my red spots.  Expensive?  Yes, but you don't have to use a lot so I think it's not too bad.

2011 Most Loved Skincare

Hello. Happy 2012!!! I hope everyone is having a great New Year. Every year, I like to do a recap of beauty products that I love the prior year. Below are my favorite in 2011.

Kiehl’s Washing Milk Cleanser
I have been enjoying this milky cleanser this winter. I use it as either part of a double cleansing process or alone if I am not wearing much makeup. It is easy to rinse, gentle, and does not strip my skin of moisture. Full Review

Sana Soya Milk Rich Toner
I would recommend this light texture yet moisturizing toner to those with normal to dry skin. It contains Soybean Isoflavone to moisturize skin and help skincare products absorb better. Sana Nameraka Honpo skin care range is fragrances, preservatives, and mineral oil free.  Full Review

Dermalogica Clean Start Bedtime for Breakouts to the Rescue
I purchased the .5oz travel size and it lasted me for 6 months and sometime I use it almost daily, making it budget friendly. It is a 2% salicylic treatment that is gentle and non-drying for even my sensitive skin. You should also see the size of your acne reduce by the next morning.  Full Review

Boscia Restorative Amino 3P Firming Serum
I really like the way this serum makes my skin feel. It makes my skin silky smooth and also calm down any redness so I wake up with clearer skin. It contains a blend of antioxidants like olive oil, jojoba and rosemary extract, vitamin A, B5, amino acid and peptide. Definitely a good, natural product option for preventative measure though I am not sure if it will reverse any aging effect if you already have them. Full Review

Perricone MD Concentrated Restorative Treatment
One of the most effective treatment I have ever used.  It has a high level of stable Vitamin C that does not irritate my sensitive skin.  It keeps my skin clear, balance, smooth, and just healthy. Full Review

Perricone MD Face Finishing Moisturizer
I just really love the texture of this moisturizer, it is a bit thick which I like but does not feel heavy. You don't need a lot and it absorb well. I feel like it creates a shield to protect my skin. I literally touch my face sometime just to feel how soft and smooth it is. Full Review

Reviva Labs Essential Fatty Acid EFAs Cream
The bad first, you may have to get over the initial fishy smell. However, it is no wear as bad as Perricone MD Cold Plasma, the Cold Plasma stinks so bad, I could not stand it. This moisturizer is affordable, great ingredients, very non greasy, absorb quickly, wears well under makeup, and give my skin a healthy dose of hydration.  Full Review

Caudalie Moisturing Cream Mask for Face and Eye
This one is multi-purpose, you can use it as a mask or night cream if you have really dry skin. At first, I thought it was pricey but I deemed it worthy because it sooth and smooth my skin when it was going through an irritated, flaky mess stage.  Full Review

Bliss Fabulous Skin Reviving Mask
This mask is so fun to use. Best of all, it hydrate, smooth and make my skin supple afterward.  Full Review

Current Top 5 Foundation

I love base makeup, it is such a nice pick me up. Unless you are 12 or have been Photoshop, most of us can use a helping hand. Below are some of my top favorite at the moment.

Shu Uemera Face Architect: My first high end makeup base and I took a gamble ordering it online. It has proven to worth both the money and risk. It is a creamy light liquid that blend effortlessly, semi matte finish, buildable coverage, and great undertone for Asian. (Full Review and Swatches)

Victoria’s Secret Soft Focus SPF 20: I like it for the relatively high SPF and dewy finish which lends a nice healthy glow. This foundation provides light to medium coverage.

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20: This one give good coverage for a tinted moisturizer yet still very natural and comfortable to wear, like your skin only better. It also gives a lovely subtle glow, nothing too obvious. When my skin misbehaves and I don’t want to deal with flakiness, etc, I turn to this. (Full Review and Swatches)

Cover Girl Aqua Smoothers Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15: This is so moisturizing and good coverage, ideal for people with normal to dry skin. People with oily skin should stay away, it might be too much. If you can’t afford the Laura Mercier TM, this would be a great alternative.

Korres Mineral Foundation: I was never a fan of mineral makeup until now. It stay put pretty well throughout the day and isn’t patch or powdery. On bad skin days, I actually turn to this as it won’t accentuate flakes as much as liquid foundation. (Full Review)

This isn’t official on the list because it is discontinued last year but DHC Q10 Cream Foundation is also one of my favorite. It looks quite natural for a high coverage foundation with a soft matte finish. I like applying with my fingers because I can blend and sheer it out. I can also double it as a concealer. You may still be able to find it on ebay?

That is all for now, I will update if anything changes.  What are your favorites?

BEST and WORST Mascaras

I think every woman is on the hunt for a good mascara. Who doesn’t want long, dark, Bambi like lashes? I also think mascaras are fun to test drive and wear. I go through more mascaras than anything when it comes to makeup. What I always test for is whether or not it smudges and clump, my two biggest no no. Then I rate on how well it gives length, volume, and holds curl.

BEST:
Bare Mineral Flawless
Maybelline Full ‘n Soft
Tarte Lash Hugger

LIKE:
Avon Super Extend
Clinique High Length
Jane Iredale Longest Lash
L’Oreal Voluminious (I would have love it if it didn’t smudge)
NYX Waterproof
Tarte Light Camera

WORST:
Cover Girl Last Exact Waterproof
Lumene Blueberry Curl
Maybelline XXL Curl
Wet ‘n Wild Mega Wink Curling

I will periodically update this list as I have more to add.  So, what are your best and worst mascara?

2010 Products of the Year!!!

2010 has been an important year for me on a personal level. I can’t believe it is ending already. So to wrap up the year on Beautiful Canvas, I would like to share with you some products that I consider to be my best find this year. These items also have a full review link, so check them out.



I got the chance to try many new perfumes this year. The one that is on top of my list is Chloe Eau de Toilette (full review here). To me, it is a combination of femininity, sexy, sophistication, and elegant all roll into one. Plus, it is the one that I get most compliments on.







OPI Drip Dry Drop is one of those must try out for yourself kind of thing. It works! It does exactly as it claims and makes doing my own nails so much less painful.








Okay, so I didn’t discover DHC Acerola Cream or DHC Acerola Serum this year. But the fact is, I have been using them on and off since 2008 is enough to warrant a place on this post, yes? Check this brightening duo out.





It seems like to older I become, so are the size of my pores, sadly but true. Well, there is nothing short of magic you can do for pore size. I came across a primer called L’Oreal Studio Secret Magic that magically shrinks my pores. Well, more like diminishing their appearance, among a few other benefits.





When it comes to foundation, it was a tough call between Amore Pacific Time Response Skin Renewal Spf 18 vs. Shu Uemura Architect Foundation. I’d pick the Shu Uemura because it is an awesome foundation at a much cheaper price compare to the Amore Pacific. Plus, it has medium buildable coverage, great yellow undertone for Asian, and easy to blend.









I will be the first to say that Skindinavia Bridal Makeup Finish won’t be a HG makeup setting spray for everybody. However, for those with drier skin or use powder foundation, this makeup setting spray will prevent makeup from caking. It leave a slight sheen that give drier skin a more comfortable, dewy finish. It also helps your makeup looking fresh longer.





In an attempt to be greener, I like to invest in good natural lip products. This quest brought me to Korres Cherry Oil Lip Glosses. They are lightweight, moisturizing, non-sticky, and have some beautiful shades.









For a drugstore gel liner, Wet ‘n Wild Mega Eyes Cream is as good as it gets. It performance and staying power is no less than its high end counterpart. Only problem is it will start to dry in about 3 months. But for $4, I think I can live with that.



Still looking for something to cover those raccoon under circles? Look no further with Benefit Erase Paste Concealer. It has a peach undertone that cover purple shadow and creamy, blend-able texture make it suitable for the under eye areas.




Last but not least, here you will find my review of my favorite eye primer, Too Faced Shadow Insurance compare to a cheaper alternative, the ELF Mineral Eye Primer.  I think those with drier eye lids will appreciate TFSI.









Happy New Year Everyone!  Thank you for stopping by and especially to those who subscribe and leave comments.

You might also like:
2009 Favorites

Update!!!

Hello all! Just a reminder that there are still a few days left to enter my free giveaway, ending March 31st.

I have also compiled a list of BC’s (Beautiful Canvas) top 10 most popular posts over the past year. Here we go…

Review on Wedding Reception Venues in DC Areas

Hair How to With Celebrity Stylist Tippi Shorter

Asian 5 Steps Skincare Routine

Review on Shiseido Skincare Cleanser and Moisturizer

Fall/Winter Skincare Tips

Double Cleansing

Review Bobbi Brown Corrector

Tutorial on How to Achieve Beautiful Eyebrows

Avon 12-in-1 Eyeshadow Palette

Avon Reversalist Night Cream Review

2009 - Top 10 Favorites!

The year is coming to an end and I figure it would be appropriate to compile a list of my all time favorites this year. It is difficult decisions because there are so many good products out there. I tried to pick an item from different categories. Please note that they are in no particular order and that these products do not necessarily launch in 2009.

Bare Escentual Buxom Lipgloss ($18): I am hook on BE Buxom diamond edition. The gold shimmer is just oh so pretty and the tingly sensation is kinda fun. Favorite shades are Starr (raspberry) and Claire (mauve with some brown undertone).

Avon Anew Alternative Intensive Age Treatment Spf 25 ($32): This is a personal favorite of mine. I have yet found a sunscreen that feels more luxurious and though a bit shiny alone, it gives that nice healthy glow under makeup. Loving the higher spf too. Click here for my
full review.

Bobbi Brown Corrector ($22): This is my go to everyday must have item. It hides dark circles better than any concealer I have tried. Tips: make sure you hydrate your under eye areas well.
Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder ($22): Very finely mill, set concealer without caking and also brighten the under eye area. Also a jar will last you a very long time.

Maybelline Full and Soft Mascara: As the name imply, full and soft, non-flakey and sold at a reasonable price.

MAC Star by Night Eyeshadow: Part of a LE, very nice and vibrant deep medium blue that is shimmery but not frosty. A beautiful color for smokey eyes if you want something more vibrant than gray eyeshadow.

DHC Acerola 100 Serum ($22): Every time I stray from this, it shows. Skin is not as even tone and bright. During summer, it really helps keep my freckles at bay.

Shiseido Extra Gentle Cleansing Foam ($29): It cleanses well, very gentle and non-drying, and the lather just feels so luxurious. Click here for my full review.

Masaki ($60-$80): This perfume was created by a Japanese designer. It smells light, soft, and elegant, a scent that goes with every seasons. Available at Sephora.

ELF Eyeshadow Brush (White Handle): OMGosh, for $1, I did not expect much. It is dense, super soft, picks up color, and sturdy. Definitely worth buying back up.

Phew! That is a lot of information. Now, what is your favorite?