Gotta love MAC: Mineralize vs Studio Fix

MAC Cosmetics: Mineralize vs Studio Fix Foundation

I've been using MAC's studio fix foundation for the longest time now. It is the all time classic from their foundation collection. It provides a medium coverage with a matte finish. It also has SPF of 15 for sun protection. It is great for fall, spring, and winter usage. A little heavy for summer. But is no problem because you can thin it by either mixing with other MAC foundation or even with the Fix+ spray.

I went to the MAC store to buy more foundation even though I wasn't competely out yet. I couldn't decide between the mineralized foundation or the studio fix (again)... so I stuck with what I was use to and got the Studio Fix.

With the Mineralize foundation you get more of a satin finish than matte. It provides some coverage but not as much as the studio fix. And I need coverage because my cheeks tend to get very pink. That is pretty much all I need coverage for... my cheeks. I could use a concealer for my cheeks and then use the mineralize foundation. And with the Mineralize I liked the finished look. It did look more luminous and silky. The minerals are suppose to give you that luminous and radiant look. Not only that but it contains vitamins to help nurture and condition your skin.

Ah... decision decision... I should of just gotten the Mineralize because I already know I'm going to go back and get it sooner or later. And plus I want to try it for summer time. There is a slight price difference but not much... Mineralize is 26.50 and Studio Fix 25.00.

I love Sephora!

Sephora

Every beauty girl's dream come true. They have over 200 brands of beauty products... makeup, hair, face, skin, fragrance... the list goes on... I can never just go in and come out. I have to spend at least 30 minutes in there.. even if I don't buy anything. I love standing there and sniffing all the different designer fragances. My fave scent is JaDore by Dior. I also love to wear Vera Wang's Princess. My next scent purchase will have to be Fendi's Palazzo or Juicy Couture.

Well, just wanted to blog about Sephora because I love that store. They also have their own brand that is less expensive than the higher end items but works the same. Their items are priced similar to retail market prices. So you're really not saving anything by shopping there but they have a variety of brands and products. Its almost a one stop beauty shop.

LipoTherapy: What's is it?

LipoTherapy

I first heard of this on the radio. They were advertising it on the radio as something you can do during your lunch break. So many questions and concerns I have about this. With a little research, this is what I found out about it.

What is Lipotherapy?

The term is also called Mesotherapy. It comes from greek words meaning, middle and to treat medically. It is a means of delivering pharmaceutical agents into the middle layer (the mesoderm) of the skin. It is a non-invasive method of injecting vitamins, minerals, plant extracts, enzymes, and medicines into specifically targeted areas of the body. Lipotherapy is a non-surgical method for spot-fat reduction. You are able to target specific areas. The ingredients injected have been found to actually cause necrosis of the fat cells. The fat dissolves, is metabolized, and is then safely excreted by the kidneys. The treatment can be applied to areas such as saddle bags, eye pads, love handles, inner thighs, outer thighs, chin, and arms. Lipotherapy is known to be a good way of conturing your body.

What are the benefits?

From what I've been reading, here are some benefits of mesotherapy....

No surgery

No downtime

Injected by a needle

Improves blood flow

Improves drainage

Rejuvenates skin

Inches loss

It is only recommended for healthy people with a BMI of 30 or less. And it is not a solution for weight loss. From what I read, the process includes many sessions of painful shots to the same area. So far, it seems to work with the inches loss but not so much with the reduction of cellulite. I wasn't able to find out how much the therapy is but the radio ad did mention a special of $250 per area. Kind of expensive for me. I think I would rather go the traditonal route of eating healthly and exercising. Lipotherapy hasn't been around long enough to know the long term effects.

Gotta Love MAC: 239 Brush

MAC Brushes : 239 Eye Shading Brush

I love eye makeup! And I love love this brush. Some people use more than one brush for the eyes. But I only need one.. and that is the 239 Eye Shading Brush. MAC professional brushes are hand-sculpted and assembled. And it really shows that they use the highest quality of materials. The bristles are so soft to the touch. Once you buy a MAC brush, you'll never want to use the cheap ones again! (Just ask my sister Dianna. I think I got her addicted to MAC brushes.)

I use this brush to shade and blend eye shadow. It has a tapered and rounded edge. The round edge works well at shading and blending. And the tapered edge I use to define the corners, the "v"... I really don't know how I was able to use the sponge tip applicators for so long. They were so harsh on my eyes.

Yes, good brushes are expensive. But if you really think about it, its a good investment. If you take good care of them, they will last you a long time. I don't have all the brushes I want yet but I'm buying them one at a time. The 239 brush is 24.50. I got it for myself for Valentines Day. How romantic of me, huh?

Gotta Love MAC: Shade Sticks

MAC Cosmetics: Shade Sticks

Shadow on a stick.... what wonders it could do. From the very beginning, I knew I was going to love it. And I do. It is very rich and creamy and glides on smoothly. It can work as a shadow or a liner but I use it as a shadow and a primer. It does a very good job at staying on. It is smudge-able when you first put in on but once its on... it stays on. I use it as a primer/base too because it helps to keep eyeshadows in place longer.

It is great to have because it works so well and its compact. I always keep one in my handbag in case I ever need a touch up or something. As for colors, not as many as the shadows but there is a good variety. I love the the taupographic color on my neutral days and pink couture goes very well with my purple eye days. I have yet to purchase the shimmersand shade. It must be a good one because they're always out on that color.

16.50 a piece. A little pricey. But if you plan to use it often, its worth it.

Excited about NYX Cosmetics

As of lately, I've been going crazy buying high end makeup brands. Good thing about that is... good makeup and good quality. But not so good on the budget. I was talking to my friend, Leslie in Florida, and she introduced me to a line of cosmetics called...

NYX Cosmetics

Ever heard of that? Well, its suppose to be professional makeup with quality at affordable prices. Sounds nice, huh? Surprising, the makeup does not come from New York but Los Angeles. It was named after a greek goddess. Who doesn't want to look like a goddess?

Well, I looked over their website. Very exciting. They seem to have everything a girl who loves makeup would love! Eyes, Face, Eyebrows, Eyelashes, Nails, Tools, Gitterly stuff, Concealers, Blushes, Body, Lips and even Bags! I'm big on anything eyes... I love the collection of colors. Oh, and can't forget to mention, the prices are very affordable. Its even cheaper than buying from Walgreens!

Thank you Leslie for the introduction. I'm pretty sure when my first shipment arrives I'll be quite satifised.

Orlane Paris Skin Care

Their philosophy is "pure skincare pure beauty"

I agree. I love Orlane products. I was introduced to this line from my Mom. My dad spoils my mom with beauty products and clothes... she gets whatever she wants. Yes, she's a Queen... hehe.. My mom has very sensitive skin (especially to heat and sun). Before the internet came along, she had it special ordered and delivered from my Grandpa in France. The only location you can buy this from is in New York, and of course... the internet. But sometimes I'm a little unsure about buying expensive products online because of the high volume of counterfeit items sold.

Orlane is a French company with 60 plus years of expertise. They offer a few different lines or programs of products. Each program is for different needs. I haven't used them all yet. The only one I've used is the B21 products designed to moisturize and provide nutrients. They are known to specialize in products to slow the aging process. I'm not that old yet (25) but its never to late to start using anti aging products. They say our skin is very sensitive to our emotions. "The skin reflects the ups and downs of our inner life." I agree. The skin is very good at responding to the everyday stresses and emotions (depression, overwork, stress...) by appearing dull, creating wrinkles and fine lines, skin breakouts... acne... NEways, Orlane's anti aging care helps to fight against aging from the effects of our emotions.

The Orlane product I use the most is.. the Orlane B21 Soin Super-Hydrant Super Moisturizing Concentrate. Its nice to have a product that you can use day and night. My makeup bag is full as it is... I don't want to have to carry two seperate moisturizers. It's suppose to:

• Restores a proper moisture balance
  Regulates hydration at an optimum level
  Reduces the wrinkles & fine lines


• Soften skin and appear younger looking

I love this moisturizer! The only bad thing is that it's expensive. Retails at about $150 per 1.70z. (Good thing my mom orders it for me!) I love how it smooths and softens my skin. And most of all, I love the scent. I also like their cleansers and serums. All wonderful products.

I highly recommend Orlane Paris products. It's a little on the expensive side but I think its worth it. As we get older (and wiser) we need the more high quality items even if they're expensive. Good investment for our beauty, huh? Yes, girls are expensive but don't complain cause we're worth every penny!

Coloring Asian Hair

Why is it so hard to color Asian hair?

• Have you noticed most of the hair color products in the US market just doesn't work well on Asian hair? Well, its because Asians have the thickest all of hair types. The thick hair tends to absorb dyes quickly and very dark hair is resistant to bleaching. It gets tricky. The timing is very important. Usually, lightening the hair turns out brassy and dying it black never looks natural. Its always hard to get it back to your natural black color.
• I always recommend going to an experienced colorist.

Say yes to Facial Hair Threading!

Facial Hair Threading

What is threading?

• Threading is an ancient hair removal technique that uses a cotton thread. Its origin is ambiguous, with some claiming that it came from the Middle East, India, or China. Anyways, the 100% cotton thread is twisted and rolled along the surface of the skin entwining the hairs in the thread, lifting the hair from the follicle. As the facial hair is removed, only a slight pinch is felt.

Why thread instead of waxing or tweezing?

• First of all, it is a traditional way without involving pain like tweezers. It is highly recommended for people with sensitive skin and people who are using products like Accutane and Retin-A .
• Gentle on the skin, no damage is done.
• It's not as expensive as other methods.
• Works on all skin types.
• Can be used on other areas of the body and not just the face.

Safe, simple, fast, and inexpensive. I would always prefer to get threaded over waxing or plucking. But I recommend going to a professional to get it done. There are some "do it yourself at home" kits but the professionals have the skills...

Winter's Here...Winter Hair Care

Winter is here... whether we like it or not. It can be hard on your hair. The cold wind can dry out your hair and damage it beyond repair.

So what is my advice?

• Shampoo less and Condition more. If possible, shampoo your hair every other day and condition it every time. It is very important to deep condition at least once a week. Shea butter is always a great way of deep conditioning. (check out my shea butter blog)
• Use less hair appliances such as hair dryers, flat irons, curling irons... We all know that the heat does damage to our hair.
• Increase circulation to your head by massaging your head to help promote blood flow to your scalp. It also helps to spread your natural hair oil.

Good Hair = Shea Butter

Shea Butter

What is it?

• Shea butter (or karite) is a natural fat extracted from the fruit of the shea tree by crushing and boiling. It is edible and is used for cooking. It is also used in many health and beauty products.

What does it do?

• Its known to be one of the best ingredients for moisturizing. This thick and uber rich emollient is good for extremely dry, frizzy, coarse or damaged hair. It's also good for silky soft skin. And it's known to be used for scars, stretchmarks, chapped lips, and much more.

How can I use it in my hair?

• Melt the Shea Butter and apply to hair as a hot oil treatment after shampooing.
• Comb thru and rinse for silky soft tresses.

Good Hair = Holy Guacamole!

Here is a deliciously simple recipe for the overproccessed hair... that is dry and brittle. Its loaded with viatmin E, which does wonders for your hair.

Holy Guacamole!

How do you do it?

• Mash 1/2 avocado with 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 egg
• Spread it throughout your hair and don't forget the ends too!
• For best results, cover with a shower cap. Leave on for 15-20 minutes and rinse with cool water. Then shampoo and condition as usual.

I love anything avocado... its great to eat and put in your hair... Avocados are really good at conditioning your hair. Must try!

Beautiful Skin = Egg on Your Face

Believe it or not, but you can use an EGG as a facial mask! It can actually be split up into two different masks. Egg white has been used throughout history to give a tight feeling to the skin and make the pores look smaller. And the egg yok is known to clear your complexion and help with dryness.

The Egg White Mask

How does it work?

• Take one egg and break it, seperating the egg white from the yolk. To make it easier to apply, take a fork and beat the egg white until it is foamy.
• Evenly apply the egg white over your face with your fingers while avoiding the eye area. Leave the mask on for 15-30 minutes or until it is dry. You should feel your skin tightening.
• As the mask tightens, it is refining your pores, whitening your skin and giving you a mini facelift with firmer skin. Egg whites have been known to help whiten the skin naturally.
• After you wash off your face, you may apply toner to further the effect of tightening the pores. Or you could just use good moisturizer.

How do I like it?

• I like to use it once in awhile. If used too often, your skin will get use to the egg white and have less effect. I do notice a change in my complexion and it does feel like a mini face lift. My mom was the first to introduce me to this mask. She has always had that youthful and light skin look. Even now when my older sister and I are in our late twenties, people often would mistaken her as one of our sisters. (Photo below: of my mom and dad taken in 2007)
• To my surprise, this technique has been used in many Asian countries for a whiter and younger looking skin. Egg white is scientifically known as albumen or ovalbumin. It is a homemade facial mask that's been around for many many years.

The Egg Yolk Mask

What is it?

• It is a facial mask used to help clear complexion and skin dryness.

How does it work?

• Take the yolk alone and apply it over your face. Leave it on for 20-25 minutes. Rinse it off and make sure to use toner and moisturizer!
• The reason why the egg yolks are so good and rich for your skin is because they are loaded with Vitamin A! Try the egg yolk mask once a week for a month, and you will see improvements in your skin. But like the egg white mask, don't overuse it because the effects will die out once your skin begins to tolerates it.

There are so many home made masks that you could use for beautiful skin. Stay tuned for more!

Beautiful Skin = The Aspirin Mask

I remember when I first heard of using aspirin as a facial mask. I never ever thought of using aspirin. But to my amazement, it works! This is my formula for healthy beautiful skin. This can clear up acne and other skin problems. But please do not use this if you're allergic to aspirin!

The Aspirin Mask

What is it?

• The aspirin mask is a homemade mask available to everyone and it is totally inexpensive and highly efficient, made of salicylic acid or tablets of aspirin. It is known to help tremendously with cleaning pores from deep inside. It is great at keeping our skin blemish-free. It is also good with existing blemishes as well, by helping them heal faster and keeping pores clean afterwards.

How is it prepared?

• Crush 3-5 tablets of plain aspirin (non coated) with a few drops of water. Mix the powder with the water until it becomes of a creamy consistence, apply on clean dry skin. Keep it on until completely dry. Should take 5-10 minutes but no longer than 10 minutes because it will dry the skin. Rinse with plenty of water using a circular hand motion. Take advantage of the grainy texture, it can exfoliate your skin. It will take the dead skin off and leave your skin smooth! Be careful around the eye area it can be extremely drying for the sensitive skin around there.
• There are more than one way you could make this mask. Instead of using just water, you could mix the aspirin powder with your moisturizer, honey, or aloe vera. Mixing it with anything else but water keeps it on better.

How do I like it?

• It works for me! I've never had acne or blemish problems but it helps to keep my skin smooth and soft. I had totally forgotten about this mask until recently. I've just moved to North Carolina from Wisconsin. You'll be surprise with all the changes I had to face. The water dries my hair and skin! And the humidity doesn't help either. After a week of being here, I noticed tiny bumps all over my lower facial area. After awhile it looked like acne but I've never had that problem before. I started using the aspirin mask and it disappeared!
• I used it once a day for 3 days until it fully cleared. Now, I like to use it at least once a week. Always always use moisturizer after washing your face!
• I like to use Walgreens or Target aspirins because they are cheaper and dissolves faster.

This is a great and inexpensive way to beautiful skin. Do not overdo this, try it out once every other day. Do not do this everyday. You may dry out your skin, you know your skin best, if you can use it everyday, then go for it. Make sure you test and try things out.

Mascara Mission: Part 3

Here I am again for Part 3 of my mission... I chose a different type of mascara. One that doesn't paint your lashes. Yes, believe it or not, they do have mascaras that don't paint your lashes but instead forms tubes around them. I chose...

Blinc Cosmetic's Kiss Me

What is it suppose to do?

• Kiss Me mascara is the original mascara invented to form tiny water-resistant “tubes” around your lashes rather than painting them like other mascaras. After it is applied, the tubes bind to your lashes and cannot run, smudge, clump, or flake, even if you cry or rub your eyes. It's also suppose to add both volume and length that lasts all day.

What was my opinion?

• The first time I used it, I didn't blot the wand with a tissue, so it came on very heavy. I didn't notice any lengthing or volume action going on... I wasn't satifised with it at all.
• After a few weeks, I thought I would give it another try since it was $25 from Sephora. This time, it worked a lot better. Maybe not so much on the volume but the length was good. The best part was the holding power. It did not smudge, clump, or flake. It did stay on all day and all night. And its true, you could cry and rub your eyes and it won't smudge or smear!

The Pros?

• Easy to apply. Stays on long. No smudges, clumps, or flakes.
• Comes off easily! All you need is a water and a little pressure for it to come off. And when it comes off, it doesn't leave your eyes with dark smudges... the tiny tubes actually washes off.
• Definitely good for contact lens wearers.
• Blinc Cosmetics is from a Japan company that has a history of 200+ years. So they know what they're doing.

Cons?

• Kind of pricey. I bought mine from Sephora for $25. But there are other places where you can buy it for less.
• It's good on the lengthening but not so much with the volume.

Overall, I like this mascara. Very easy to use and it stays on. When I wear this I don't have to worry about it. It may be a little pricey but I think its worth it. I think its good for those hot humid days or going to the beach...

Everyday is a Good Hair Day with a Flat Iron

I wish I could say I am one of those girls who don't need to use a flat iron. Ha, and I am not the typical asian girl who has what they call it "get up and go" hair. Sorry to say, the rumor is not true, not all asians have "get up and go" hair. I think everyone is born with different hair texture... no matter the race.

How long does it take for me to do my hair?

• Well, we do need time to do our hair to make it look presentable. In my case, I have really thick hair that will get frizzy and poofy... I at least need 30 minutes to dry (air dry and blow dry) and about 10 minutes to straighten it with a flat iron. And if I have to curl my hair, add on another 20 + minutes. My sisters, on the other hand, they are lucky to have the "get up and go" hair. They can go without using any hair tools. (Photo: my sisters) Both my parents have manageable hair. Out of the whole family of seven, its my brother Cheng and I who has the type of hair that needs to be managed. But his hair is short enough where he doesn't always need to do his hair. Lucky for him. Okay, getting back to the blog subject... flat irons...

Flat Irons?

• We all know that any hair tools were designed to style and make our hair look better. And we all know that , if used too often, damage will be done.
• Flat irons should only be used on hair that's been thoroughly dried. I suggest one with a ceramic plate and not a metal one. They diffuse heat better and result in less damage.

How do I prep my hair before using a flat iron?

• When damp, I like to use a hair product that protects the hair from heat.
• I either air dry or use a blow dryer to dry it... depends on how much time I have.When dry, I usually add a little bit more serum to help weigh my hair down. I don't always use hair products but they do help.

How to straighten hair?

• When I'm short on time, I just insert about a section of 2 inches of hair between the plates, then squeeze the handle and gently glide through hair from the roots to the end. And I continue around until I get the soft smooth look I am looking for.
• But if I have more time, I like to section my hair in clips. This takes a little bit more time but you'll see a difference. I start with the bottom layer of hair, clipping the top portion with a claw clip. After running the flat iron through the bottom layer, I unclip the claw and let down another layer and/or section of hair. And I continue this until all layers of hair is done.

Can you curl your hair with a flat iron?

• Yes! Believe it or not, it actually takes less time than a curling iron. And the best part is that the curls last longer! Look below for a picture.

What flat iron do I use?

• PHI Beauty's PHI Ionic Flat Iron.

www.phibeauty.com

What it's suppose to do?

• The PHI Professional flat iron is powered with ionic flat iron technology, making this ceramic flat iron one of the best on the market today, straightening even the toughest of hair. The PHI Professional flat iron conducts heat and retains it more effectively, allowing this hair flat iron to seal the hair's moisture quickly to smooth and hydrate the hair.

How do I like it?

• I can't live without it. It heats up fast and works well. Good at straightening and curling. Leaves my hair silky shiny. Here is a photo of my rommmate and I... we both used the PHI pink ionic flat iron. She used it to straighten her hair while mine was curled. And best of all, the flat iron is affordable! Good priced for something that works well.
  
  

Mascara Mission : Part 2

Alright, here I am for part two of my mission to find a good mascara. I am currently "in between" work so I have plenty of time for this mission! For my second part, I have choosen..

L'Oreal's FeatherLash

What it's suppose to do?

• It is suppose to be a soft mascara that delivers fluttery and featherly lashes. It has a patented brush (Lash Feathering Brush). Its formula contains Glycerin and Vitamin E to soften and nourish the lashes.

What is my opinion?

• I have been using this mascara off and on for many years. Obviously, it is a mascara that I like. Like the Lancome mascara, it is a natural looking mascara. It comes with the option of waterproof. I always get waterproof mascaras to be on the safe side!


• One con is that is it hard to take off with just regular face wash. You have to use a eye makeup remover or baby oil.


• It is very light and easy to use. Although it is a wet mascara, it goes on smooth and doesn't clump... allowing for multiple coats. There is more length than volume.


• Great for daytime use but not so much for night.


• No flakes!

I remember when I first started using makeup, I thought this product was very expensive! But compared to other products it is very decently priced. Its about $6-10, not bad for a mascara that does the job.

Gotta Love MAC : Foundation

I know I'm not the only one when I say that... I love MAC cosmetics! Not only do they have wonderful products but wonderful service. I've been to various MAC locations in Wisconsin, New York, Illinois, North Carolina, Minnesota... and they were all good experiences.


The current MAC foundation I am using is...


MAC FOUNDATION: STUDIO FIX

What it is suppose to do?

• Well, according to the Mac Cosmetic website (http://www.maccosmetics.com/): the Studio Fix is a powder and foundation in one that combines good coverage with ease of application. Designed to be used dry, the powder and pigments create a matte, velvety texture. It contains Silica, which helps to maintain a matte finish by absorbing oils on the skin, as well as Talc to provide a smoother, less reflective, matte finish. The talc has been milled to a microscopic size to provide a beautiful texture while allowing the skin to breathe. This product is long-wearing. It is available in a wide range of colours. It can be applied with a brush, sponge, or a powder puff.

What was my opinion?

• I love it! I have more than one powder foundation that I use. Well, at all different times. This product works great. I naturally have redness on my cheeks and this foundation does a great job of covering it up. The coverage is light and easy to apply. I either use a sponge or a foundation brush for application. My skin is combination and I use it all over my face. I also use it for touch ups.
• It is a little on the dry side. But I use it right after applying moisturizer and it works fine. But make sure your moisturizer drys first before applying!
• There are so many different shades. So, there is a shade for everyone. One thing I liked was that the Mac consultants always choose the right shade for me. They do a good job of matching with my natural skin tone.
• Its oil free!
• It does a good job lasting all day. Although, be careful if you're wearing white... it will smear on your whites or lights.
• Oh yeah, don't drop it! It will crumble.

I usually buy this product at Mac counters at Macy's or Belk's. After taxes, the compact is roughly $30. I think its worth it... gotta love MAC!

Mascara Mission: Part 1

Runny, smudging, clumping mascara - we've all been there. We put on mascara in the morning, hoping it'll last at least until noon or hoping it won't need a touch up. Even some mascaras that claim to be waterproof can't stand the test of time. So why settle for anything less than the best?

I'm on a mission to find good decent mascara. I've tried so many different kinds of mascara... from cheap to expensive. Every mascara has its goods and bad. But is there one mascara that does it all? Well, I do have some favorites and some I would never use again. For the first part of my mission, I've chosen...

Lancome's Definicils High Definition

What it's suppose to do?

• This mascara has been named the best-selling mascara. It's suppose to provide the ultimate in shaping and separation. Patented brush coats each lash, from base to tip, for superb definition. Ophthalmologist-tested. Fragrance-Free. Suitable for contact lens wearers.

What was my opinion?

• Pros: It was very natural looking. Good on the extending and separation. I tried the darkest black they had... and it was very dark. Stays on and comes off easy.
• Cons: Not enough thickening... not enough drama. More expensive than others.

• Okay, it seems a lot of people love Lancome's Definicil. I heard it was considered one of the best mascaras out there. So, I had to try it myself. It is a good mascara. But its a little pricey. I bought mine at Macy's... after tax it was almost $25. After I bought it I checked prices online, the cheapest I found was on amazon for $16.99.
• This mascara was very good at lengthening with a natural look. But I prefer a more dramatic almost fasle eyelash look. I did not get that with this product. Well, I guess there are certain times and occasions when I want a less noticeable and natural look (like to church or somewhere where you want to look like you don't have any mascara on). Overall, it does the job at lengthening and separating and it darkens the lash. But that is with more than one coat.

Well, there goes $25 on another tube of mascara. I hope my next mission will be less expensive.