Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Mother's Day is just around the corner.  Have you pick out a gift yet?  Do you need some ideas?  Well, if you do, I hope this will inspire you.


1.  Chloe gift set from Sephora, $120.  This is one of my all time favorite perfume, I always get ask and compliment whenever I wear it.  It is a very fresh floral scent that is not overwhelming.  This set has a matching scent body lotion as well.  Read my full  Chloe Eau De Toilette Review.

2.  Personalize necklace.  Nothing is more sentimental than a piece of personalize piece of jewelry.   Small pendants of initial, birthstone, and symbols are just so adorable, delicate, and well...personal.  The pictured necklace is from JCGemsJewelry on Etsy or Stella & Dot also make them.

3.  Orchid Plant.  Orchid is beautiful, exotic, delicate, yet very resilient.  If you take good care of it (water once a week and plenty of sun), it will bloom for months unlike most flowers that wilt within days. 

4.  Laura Mercier Luxe Colour Portfolio Palette from Sephora, $78.  I am lusting over this palette.  It got eye shadows, cake liners, and blushes in one convenience booklet.  It has color for both day and night and flattering to most skin tone.

5.  Sabon Organic Dream Set from Sabon, $47.  Oh, I first discovered Sabon during my trip to NYC and I have love them ever since.  They are a body and face skincare line with stores based in NY and expanded to Chicago.  This set consists of organic hand cream, foot cream, and soap made of medicinal plants from the Swiss Alps.

Cheers to all the mom out there! 

Update

I know that it has been a month since I my last post.  The reason for the lack of activity is because I have just given birth three weeks ago.  Life as a new mom has been very different from when I was pregnant.  I wish there is more time in a day, finding time to sit down for dinner or take a shower is golden.  As demanding as motherhood has been, at the end of the day, there is an indescriable level of satisfaction. 

Having said that, I still would like to keep this blog alive.  Eventhough, it is no where as popular as say Pixiwoo (I love both of them, btw), it is still something of my own, my escape, my "me" time.  I am just going to have to be more selective in what I chose to review due to lack of time, it will probably, mostly be products that really standout.  Thank you to those following me thus far and continue to come back to visit from time to time. 

How Safe is Your Lipstick?

Yesterday, I came across an article from the Washington Post about FDA recent testing result on lead in lipsticks (click here for full article). Similar study was done in 2007. In its most recent study, the FDA picked 400 popular shades and found that half of the top 10 lipsticks that contain lead are from L’Oreal and Maybelline (both are under the same parent company, L’Oreal). Actually I am surprise that even natural brand like Burt’s Bee is on the list.

FDA’s Full List of 400 Lipsticks Containing Lead

If you are like me, you are probably wondering how does lead get into lipstick? According to the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, this occurs when raw materials or pigments use in lipstick are contaminated with lead. Also, FDA studies only contain a very small sample of all the brands and shades that are available on the market. At this point, it is hard to tell which product is safe and which is not. On FDA website, when asked if there is a concern about the safety level of lead found in lipsticks, the answer is “no”.

“Lipstick, as a product intended for topical use with limited absorption, is ingested only in very small quantities. We do not consider the lead levels we found in the lipsticks to be a safety concern.”

Whether or not you agree with this statement is a matter of personal opinion.

Beauty Organization

I have been on a re-organization kick lately. I added some makeup organizer onto my Christmas wish list, trying to stay organize and save space. The only problem with the extra space is it might encourage me to “make excuses” to buy more. Anyway, that is another topic. Just thought I share these with you. If you have any good organizer or idea, please do share!

Caboodles 13 Inches Black Train Case from Amazon.com

Nifty Cosmetic Organizing Carousel from Amazon.com. This come in several different colors: cream, pink, and rose.

Two Tier Sliding Basket, great for under the sink area, from Bed Bath & Beyond.

I am saving the best for last. You can splurge and get this personalize perfectly prepped hair accessories organizer for all your hairstyling tools with your name monogram on it.  Great idea for a gift, too bad I didn't find this earlier to share, in time for Christmas.  Perhaps Valetine or Mother Day gift idea then.

How Would You Rate Sephora's Customer Service?

I am sure many of you shopped during Sephora's current friends and family event.  Did you get what you wanted?  Did you run into any problem?

I placed my order on 10/20, the first day of the sale, just to make sure I got everything I wanted.  I got an order confirmation email but I waited and waited and never got a shipment confirmation email.  Today, 10/25, I called to check on the status.  It turned out that 2 of the items I ordered is out of stock so they cancelled my order.  There were other items that I ordered so I asked to have the rest of the items process.  They can't do that either.  Why?  I placed my order with an e-gift certificate combine with a credit card.  Apparently my $50 e-gift certificate status is "been used" and there is nothing the customer representative can do about it other than advise me to wait 2-3 days and try again. 

Here are the problems with this situation:
-Why would the system allow me to check out when an item(s) is "not in stock"?

-My order was cancelled, how come I did not get an email notifying me that there is a problem and my order is cancelled?

-My order is cancelled, I got no good yet I can't use my e-gift certificate to place another order?  Try again in a few days to see if it will process does not sound assuring at all.  What if it does not work?  I lost $50 bucks?  A customer should never be left hanging in the dark like that.

-I will either miss the sale or in this case unable to reuse the 20% coupon since it is a one time use only.

-I used the 100-points to redeem an item, did not get the item and lost the points.

Finger crossed that nothing will be charge to my credit card and that in a few days, I can use my e-gift certificate.  Otherwise, this will waste more of my time.  I am one of those people that is willing to pay a little more for good service and customer service is so important, it is almost like insurance, a peace of mind.

I hope you guys have a better experience. 

HELP JAPAN!

It is such a tragedy with all that is going in Japan right now. Japan is a beautiful nation and I have high respect for their culture. It’s sad to see something beautiful get destroy. However, I have no doubt that all will be rebuild, in due time.

UNICEF is currently raising money to help children who are impacted by the recent earthquakes and tsunami. “The people of Japan have been unfailingly generous to UNICEF… today is their time of need and it is a privilege to be able to show them the same generosity and empathy they have consistently provided to others in need,” said Caryl Stern, President & CEO of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF.

I couldn’t have said it any better. I just want to spread the words and hope that my readers will lend a helping hand.

How to help: For more information or to make a tax-deductible contribution please contact the U.S. Fund for UNICEF:

Website: www.unicefusa.org/japan

Text: Text JAPAN to 864233 to donate $10

Toll free: 1-800-FOR-KIDS (1-800-367-5437)

Mail: 125 Maiden Lane, New York, NY 10038


Thank you everyone!

Blue Valentine

Okay, today post is not really beauty related other than I am digging Michelle Williams' makeup and hair here. Very fresh, clean, natural and love the bright lips. The trailer for Blue Valentine which starring Michelle Williams and Ryan Gosling got my attention and it looks like another love story drama that is going to make me weep. Will this be another The Notebook? Funny story, I cried so much toward the end of The Notebook that I actually lost one of my contact lens. I had to finish the rest of the movie with just one good eye...LOL. I’ll be prepared this time, tissue and glasses.

Ahh...yummy :)

Victoria’s Secret, why are you treating your customer this way???

It has been over a month and whenever I think about it, it still upset me so I just got to vent. I went to VS in Tyson Corner, VA. The cashier was a Hispanic male (I should have asked for his name) whom asked if I would like to apply for their Angel card (credit card). I said no, I am not interested in applying for a credit card. He proceeded to wrapping the items I purchased. Before he rung me up, he persistently showed me their coupon book. He went on to say how great it is to be a member and they will send you weekly/monthly coupon. I repeated myself and said no I don’t want to apply for a card. He said oh no, it’s not, it’s free, it only takes a minute and asked for my driver license. Red flag! It’s my fault in that I should have known better whenever someone asked for my license but I wasn’t thinking, under pressure I gave him my license. Everything happened so quickly, 30 seconds later, I was done with my transaction.

I walked out of the store, checked my bag and my goodness, he slipped the credit card user agreement pamphlet into my bag. Sleek B! I specifically told him twice I don’t want to apply for a credit card and he never went over the APR rate and term of agreement with me like he should. I went back, asked to speak to a manager, told her what happened and demand that they cancel it right away. I got no apology what so ever from the both of them, instead I got disgruntle, go away kind of looks. At the store, I finally spoke to someone on the phone who confirmed me that the card is cancelled.

If that was not bad enough, a week later, I got a letter in the email and you guessed it, it was my lovely VS Angel card. Didn’t both the manager and whomever I spoke with on the phone confirmed that it was cancelled? Even if I call back to have this card cancel, I am still screwed because it had already affected my credit score. I am shock by their horrible customer service and the tactic their cashiers use to get customers to sign up for the credit card. Buyers BEWARE!!!

Anyone else get bad service at VS?

Avon Hello Green Tomorrow

Avon Products, Inc. has launched Hello Green Tomorrow, a unique global grassroots mobilization in over 65 countries worldwide. The first goal of this environmental movement is to restore trees in the Atlantic Rainforest, in partnership with The Nature Conservancy. Avon started the campaign by donating $1 million to replant 1 million trees in this critically-endangered region.

With just $1 per tree, you can join this unique global mobilization and help save the Atlantic Rainforest for today and for the next generation.

Imagine breathing with only seven percent of your lungs. The Atlantic Rainforest in South America helps serve as the "lungs of the earth," but only seven percent remains, making it one of the world’s most critically endangered ecosystems. This is important to all of us, wherever we live.

As the “lungs of the earth”, tropical forests such as the Atlantic Rainforest are vital to our survival. Rainforests help reduce pollution, mitigate climate change, and support a vast array of wildlife, including many species found nowhere else. Already 93% of the Atlantic Rainforest has been destroyed, but with just one dollar, you can help us restore it.

So wonder how you can help? Join the environmental movement by visiting hellogreentomorrow.

Origins Recycling Program

I just found out about Origins recycling program which I thought is really cool and want to share it with my readers. What happen is that most community recycling programs only recycle packaging that are easily recognize and since most cosmetic packaging are not consider as easily recyclable, they often end up in landfills.

Origins started this program last year 2009, accepting any cosmetic packaging, regardless of brand. You can drop off your empty containers at any Origins store or department counter nationwide and you’ll even get a free sample of their skincare. In addition, this April 2nd, Origins is hosting various recycling events throughout major cities, including sample giveaway.

Visit Origins for more info.

Alright, I spread the words, now it’s your turn to go do some good :)

Barbie Glams Up & Gives Back

Barbie in little black dress! The just-launched Barbie Basics collection gives grown-up girls permission to play and celebrates every fashionista's must-have wardrobe staple - the iconic LBD. Twelve fab dolls each sport their own distinct silhouette of the fashion classic and represent a variety of hairstyles, facial features and skin tones. The dolls can be customized to represent your own personal style with the ultra-chic accessory packs.

What I love is that not only are they super stylist and hot, they are also very diverse. You got beach blond, red head, brunnette and every range in skin color. The best part is that these twelve Barbie will also be part of a fundraising event. To celebrate the launch of the LBD-loving Barbie Basics line, twelve CFDA fashion and accessories designers, including Isaac Mizrahi, Kate Spade's Deborah Lloyd , Tory Burch, Rachel Roy and Monica Botkier, created one-of-a-kind dolls spotlighting their unique points-of-view. Starting January 28 at 10pm EST through February 7, these individually styled pieces of art will be auctioned off on eBay with the entire net proceeds directly benefiting CFDA education initiatives and scholarship program. The opening bid begins at $100.

My furry friend!

Just shot some really cute pictures last week, thought I should post it.





Isn't he adorable? He's very friendly, he just stood still as I inch closer and closer. By the way, the Canon lense is amazing. If you open up the picture, you can see the veins in his ears.

How is your skincare packaged?

It seems like every where you turn, in every skincare brand, there is a line for anti-aging. Obviously, most of these anti-aging products contain either antioxidants or peptides, or both. There are two crucial factors that affect how effective a product is. First factor is the ingredients themselves and their concentration. Second is, believe it or not, the packaging.

Many antioxidants, especially Vitamin C will degrade as it is expose to air and light. Therefore, glass jar is the worse form of packaging. The glass will let light through and the jar opening is way too large to be airtight. Imagine you spent $100 on a jar of cream and only half way through, the product already lost its effectiveness. It boggles my mind as to why so many companies are still packaging their product in a jar. If your beloved product only comes in a jar, the only thing I can think of is to transfer it to a safer container. You can purchase empty airtight pump online. Or an easier but not as effective way is to put half of the stuff in another jar and tightly seal it.

In this instance, a tube is preferred as it is more airtight and hygienic. However, the best option would be an “opaque” or dark airtight pump container. Aside from this, keeping your products in a dry and cool place is also important.

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.

EARTH DAY

Last Sunday, when I went to Home Depot, they were giving out free energy efficient light bulbs in honor of Earth Day. I have to give Home Depot kudos for doing that. Ok, so I know this have nothing to do with beauty but hey, it is important! Beside, pollution can do damage to our skin, if you want to look at it that way.

Anyway, I just want to remind everyone that the small steps we take each day can add up. And if every one of us does our small part, the world will be a better place. We can all do things such as (and they are pretty painless):

Recycle, recycle, recycle!

Use reusable bag when you do your grocery shopping

Change your regular light bulbs to one more energy efficient

Turn off the light when you leave a room

Don’t take too long of a shower

Carpool

Avoid chemical household cleaner

This is just a quick list; feel free to add more if you like.

Welcome to Beautiful Canvas

Welcome to my blog, ladies (and gentlemen are welcome too). I am a working professional by day, makeup and skincare fanatic by night =) I like to read, read, read, and research subjects that are of interest to me. I thought I’d take it one step further by writing to share with you my personal experiences, opinions, product reviews and the lessons I learned along the way.

Now some of you may wonder, why it's call "beautiful canvas". We have heard the expression “the eyes are the windows to your soul”. Well I believe beautiful healthy skin is like a canvas of a painting. And makeup is not intended to mask but rather enhance our features. Therefore, it is important to take care of the skin (canvas) we are born with.

I hope you enjoy your visit!