Friday, May 20, 2011

Revamped :3

Hellooo loverlies
Okay, so I decided to change the look of my site (of course, I'd rather have it more personalized, but I have yet to learn how to do HTML coding and all that.. hehe) and wanted to make it a bit more personal so that I can blog more without making so many "professional" looking reviews.
I don't know, should I keep making them professional looking, or make it more personal and whatnot? :/

So, from now on, I'll make my posts more personal, with fun and random stuff, and make up, skin care, all that stuff :3

Meow, hello there.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

DIY - Green Tea Facial Scrub

Green Tea


I've always been a green tea obsessor for the longest time, and recently found out about the many benefits that it provides. It has many wonderful properties and can truly be called the elixir of health.  Can you think of any other food or drink that provides anti-oxidants to remove free radicals, prevent cancers, burn fat, and even prevent tooth decay? Since it can do this when you drink it, it makes you wonder what it can do to your skin!

Green tea has been used as medicine in China for over 4,000 years. Although 75% of Chinese men are smokers, the risk of cancer is reduced by nearly 67%.

This scrub will help soften, smooth, and detoxify your skin. The sugar will help exfoliate it, making it more radiant and speed up cell turnover. Since sugar produces glycolic acid, a type of alphy hydroxy acid (AHA), it is a natural exfoliant. Green tea contains a lot of antioxidants, which will prevent free radicals and detoxify your skin. It will protect, repair, and improve your skin from its soothing and firming effects.

Let's gather our ingredients for our scrub now, shall we?
  • Green tea (loose leaves or a tea bag)
  • Sugar
  • Boiling water
    • Optional: honey/baby oil (moisturize), lemon (cleanse/brighten), yogurt (soothe)
Time to make our scrub
  1. Steep your green tea in boiling water, but not a full cup because we want it to be as saturated as possible. One third of a cup is fine.
  2. Steep until the water is very saturated in green tea, and until it is lukewarm.
  3. Scoop out 2 tbsp of sugar into a bowl. Then, using the same spoon, use it to put in 1 tbsp of the green tea onto the sugar.
  4. Swirl the sugar and green tea mixture slowly, but not too much or the sugar will dissolve. We want to keep the sandy texture for exfoliating.
  5. Next, scoop out one more tbsp of sugar, and swirl.
  6. Lastly, you can use any of the optional ingredients to enhance your scrub.

Make your skin happy!

  1.  Use this scrub as you would with any other, but it's a good idea to use a cotton pad to apply onto your face first.
  2. When doing so, don't rub harshly, pressure isn't needed.
  3. After applying it, use your fingers and move it in circular motions without any pressure to exfoliate.
  4. Rinse, and now your skin will feel smooth and look fresher.
I hope you will enjoy using this scrub, remember that the best accessory anyone can have, is confidence and a smile : )

Monday, December 20, 2010

Acne won't go away?

I was looking up a way to banish acne, and I found this to be the most promising and thorough answer there was. Of course, what you consume will affect you more than any skin product, but sometimes, we don't have the best of habits.
*writes note to self*



I did not write any of this, but I thought it would be helping to me, and to anyone to read this because I think this information should be considered.

Judyth Reichenberg-Ullman N.D.
"What is your skin trying to tell you? Often the skin is a metaphor for deeper issues and a way for your body to send up a red flag to warn you that all is not well underneath. When our skin is unhealthy it is usually a reflection of the internal state of our bodies, and is often a sign of poor elimination of toxins and waste products. Most of us are embarrassed by
 skin problems such as rashes, rosacea, boils or acne, especially in places where others can see our imperfections. The skin is the body's first line of defense against the environment. It has to deal with the effects of weather, sun , cold, heat, dryness, humidity, scrapes, bumps, soaps, detergents, chemicals, perspiration and dirt of all kinds. It is a wonder that our skin stays healthy most of the time! We can help our skin deal with this onslaught by optimizing our general health and by protecting our skin from harsh environmental exposure. Western medicine generally treats skin eruptions with either antibiotics, cortisone, or antifungal preparations. These medicines may alleviate the skin problem temporarily, or occasionally for good, but do not address the source of the problem. Putting a lid on skin symptoms without getting to the root of the imbalance may even result in suppression, that means the imbalance may be driven deeper causing more serious health problems later without ever strengthening the underlying vital force of the person. Fortunately, naturopathic medicine offers a wide vareity of effective treatments for skin problems."

Judyth Reichenberg-Ullman N.D.
"Your skin is a reflection of how well your body is eliminating the toxins that build up on a daily basis.
 Chronic skin conditions such as acne, eczema and psoriasis stem from a combination of genetic factors, immune stress, dietary deficiencies or sensitivities, and the accumulation of toxins in the body. For our skin to be radiant and clear, it is very important that the other organs of elimination (kidneys, liver, lungs, and colon) are cleansing the body effectively. If not, the skin will be overtaxed, pores will become clogged, and eruptions of one sort or another will result. Here are a number of steps you can take to improve your body's overall elimination wtih specific emphasis on your skin." 

Detoxification is a normal body process of eliminating or neutralizing toxins through the colon, liver, kidneys, lungs, lymph and skin. Juice Fasting is the world's most ancient and natural healing mechanism. Fasting triggers a truly wondrous cleansing process that reaches right down to each and every cell and tissue in the body. 

Learn more about Therapeutic Fasting and Detoxification - Colon Cleansing is the main step. Must remove the toxins from the colon, so the toxins dont get in the blood and cause illness and disease. 

Natural Cures


  1. Fruits and Vegetables for Acne: Carrot & spinach, celery & watercress, grapefruit juices are all useful to combat acne. 
  2. Unwholesome Foods: Acne, a prevalent problem among teen-aged boys would not be possible in our society if our foods were wholesome. A most sad and disgusting sight is the pus-filled pimples due to inner toxicity --- wastes trying desperately to escape through the face. This condition often turns a gentle face in the blossom of youth into a waste dump of pimples, pus and subsequent pock marks which can be prevented. The tons of acne medications and prescriptions sold annually act only on the effect of the harmful food, and not the cause of the disease, malnutrition. The traditional teenage meal, a grease burger, french fries and a milk shake or cola simply does not provide enough nourishment for anyone, let alone a boy going through puberty to adulthood. Our highly processed foods are devoid of hormones found in fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts and seeds. Must do a colon cleanse to rid of all the toxins in the body, which eventually get into the blood and cause acne and all other diseases.
  3. Cabbage: Apply a lotion of freshly prepared cabbage juice preceded, if desired, by the application of leaves. The eating of cabbage leaves or juice is also helpful. 
  4. Lemon Juice: Skin problems such as acne... will often respond to a treatment of lemon juice. For blackheads rub lemon juice over them each night. 
  5. Black Walnut: Externally, Black Walnut is nearly a miracle worker in cases of ...acne, dandruff, boils, itch, shingles, ringworm--we could go on, but you can see that you can use Black Walnut whenever a skin disorder appears! The tincture is an excellent first-aid remedy for wounds.

(source: Yahoo answers)

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Grad Photo Makeup - A little favour

Before
After


A natural look for grad pictures. It's still you, but enhanced :)
I did this for my friend who already had clear skin. In pictures, it doesn't show a significant difference, but because of the lighting, it does not reveal shadows and her freckles. Since she had natural blush, I decided to leave it so it is as natural as it can be. 

Products used:
  • Physician's Formula - Mineral Corrector (Translucent)
  • bareMinerals foundation (W13) and mineral veil
  • Urban Decay Primer Potion
  • MAC eyeshadow - Chill
  • Grey & silver eyeshadow 
  • Kiss Me Heroine Mascara
  • Gosh "Touch Up" concealer (1)
  • Kiss My Face "Sheer Organic Shimmer" (Ruby)
  • Kiss My Face "Sheer Organic Shine" (Ruby)




Saturday, November 13, 2010

Skin Care Routine - The Basics


Introduction
This is gonna be the most BASIC skin care routine I’ll ever post up.
For in depth information and specifics, feel free to ask :)
The flawless skin everyone wishes to achieve is really simple.
Although I’m only going to explain the skin care routine, take note that your dietwill affect your skin as well. Eat many dark green veggies, keep a balanced diet, and trust me on this, fish oil really helps. It’s not as gross as it sounds. Plus, fish oil promotes great looking skin & hair, healthy heart, healthy joints, eye & nervous system development, and improve learning. Drinking water will also help a lot. It flushes out the toxins in your body, promoting brighter and cleaner skin.
Skin care routine
Cleanse - Use a cleanser that it suitable for your skin type (dry, oily, or combination). Gels are usually recommended for oily & combination skin, whereas a cream cleanser would be best suited for dry skin. Always, alwayscleanse your skin completely of makeup before you go to bed. Pat dry the skin after wards.
Exfoliate - Exfoliate at least once to twice a week, unless you’re using one of those gentle daily exfoliators. This will slough off dead skin cells, unclog pores, and promote better skin renewal. Exfoliating is essential to prevent dead skin cells from clogging your pores, and from overproduction of sebum. This is the most common way that pimples/acne is formed. Pat dry the skin after wards.
Tone - A toner suitable for your skin type and needs should be applied after you have dried your skin from cleansing. Probably the most simple step in the routine.
Moisturize - Moisturize your skin afterwards, no matter what kind of skin you have, even if you’re oily. If you do not moisturize your skin, it would become even more oilier because the skin is lacking its moisture, therefore producing more sebum. Find a moisturizer that is specialized for your skin type, then life would be alot easier. Never go for those one-size-fits-all products. Those are just clever ways to lure you in. 
Protection from the sun - Protecting your skin from the sun is one of the most important steps you should take, especially if you go out often. UVA & UVB rays will kill your skin cells (tanned skin is just dead skin), and causes wrinkles to appear faster. Although most people want to become tanner, going to a tanning salon is literally asking for cancer. Many sunscreens for the face is specially developed to be oil-free, and doesn’t leave a sticky residue. If sunscreen isn’t for you, wear a hat that covers your face well. 
That’s basically it. 
Some of you may have prescribed products that are specialized for your needs, but your dermatologist/pharmacist should be able to advise on how and when to use it in your daily skin routine. 
I hoped this has helped :)
Questions & comments are most welcome~ 

Laneige - Snow Crystal Dual Foundation


A really cute foundation and concealer in travel-friendly packaging.
A product that I’ve been wanting to try, but hesitant because of the price.
The reviews that I’ve seen for this seem to be fairly good though, averaged to 4.3/5. 
Hmmmm…

Urban Decay - Eyeshadow Primer Potion


Description: “This miracle eyeshadow primer is unmatched by any other in the beauty industry! The genie in this bottle fulfills three wishes: eyeshadow that lasts, more vibrant and lasting color, and absolutely NO creasing. Apply Primer Potion to lids before shadow application. It dries down almost instantly (and invisibly), creating smooth lids that are super powered eyeshadow magnets.”
Review: This was bought at Sephora for about.. $24 CAN.
So, allow me to be the gazillionth reviewer on this fantastic product.
This is used by many make-up junkies and make-up gurus alike, and it seems to be an HJ product for most. Since I have oily-lids and pencil liners tend to smudge on me (liquid is pretty resistant though), I thought it would be a great idea to try this out. Apparently, it’s really handy if you have oily-lids!  
After trying it for the first time, I was pleasantly surprised that the primer started out as a creamy texture, to powdery after you have spread it on your eyelid. It helps keep eyeshadows vibrant, or dark, if you’re going for a smoky look. It also really helped with my eyeliner problem! I was happy with that.
Primers are supposed to provide a barrier on the skin, so makeup can adhere better, to make eyeshadows more vibrant, and help makeup last longer.
Quality of product: Great texture, lasts long, helped with my pencil liner problem.
Quality of packaging: Although the packaging is very cute and did look like a little potion bottle, after reading many reviews, I’m afraid that I’d have to cut it open to get the rest of the product. 
Pros:
  • quite inexpensive for such a quality product
  • can be bought in 3 different formulas
  • does its job very well :)
Cons:
  • packaging may not be very convenient
  • may be very drying to skin types other than oily/combination
Rating:5/5

Your makeup should never enter the room before you do
Rona Berg

C.O. Bigelow Apothecaries - Rose Salve



Description: “Developed by Bigelow Chemists. This finished product is not tested on animals.
Our Rose Salve, loved for its ability to beautify skin, uses extra Rose Extract to help soothe and condition.”
Review: Bought this at Bath & Bodyworks for about $5 CAN.
Okay, I’ll admit it. This is glorified Vaseline. But I still find it so lovely~ The packaging, the scent, and the texture are all so appealing to me. Especially the scent. I could sniff it all day.
I mainly use it for my lips, but it really helps moisturize my elbows and my cuticles. It does not leave a sticky residue like Vaseline, has a slight pink tint, and smells wonderful. Leaves my skin feeling soft and moisturized, plus since it’s multi-purpose, I don’t need to buy another lip balm, or an intense moisturizer. 
Quality of product: A great moisturizer with no stickiness, just a really yummy and useful product. Lasts for a very long time.
Quality of packaging: I love the vintage tin design. Although I’ve heard that some people have a problem with opening it, I have no problem. It was hard at first, but now it opens pretty easily and smoothly. 
Pros:
  • smells wonderful
  • the packaging is cute/vintage
  • affordable
  • lasts for a very long time
  • multipurpose moisturizer
Cons:

  • basically just glorified petroleum jelly
Rating:5/5

Joico - K-Pak Deep Penetrating Reconstructor


Description: “Joico’s original intensive protein reconstructor for dry and damaged hair rebuilds and improves the structure of hair. pH 4.5 to 5.5. Contains QUADRAMINE COMPLEX, an exclusive blend of low molecular weight and size proteins (MWS 150 - 2500). This balance of 19 essential amino acids (the building blocks of hair) adheres quickly and effectively to ensure maximum protection and reconstruction from the cuticle to the cortex. Color-Safe.” 
Review: This is not a cheap product by any means. I bought this at Shoppers for about $25 CAN. The highest price I’ve seen for this product is $30 US.
This product helped strengthen, and actually reconstruct my hair. I recommend this product for anyone who’s hair has gone through dying, highlighting, perming, or any kind of chemical treatment. It heals your hair in ways that a conditioner can’t. This is a penetrating product, to put it simply. It does not coat, but reconstructs your hair from the inside out. 
Joico claims that it has a tropical and fresh fragrance. To me, it smells like a coconut/tropical kind of scent. Not the worst scent, but it could be better. 
Oh and one important thing you should know, Joico K-Pak Reconstructor is NOT meant to replace your conditioner! You must use it in conjunction with your conditioner as this treatment is not meant to add slip, soften, add shine, or moisture to your hair. 
Quality of product: It’s a great product, only if you know how to use it. Since this is a professional salon product, the directions are very sparse, very vague. It is said to simply “Apply to damp hair. Leave in for 5 minutes. Rinse.” but it does not tell you that you should only use this once to twice a week, and that it is NOT a conditioner. Only use this up to twice a week, even to the most damaged hair. Overuse of protein in the hair can actually cause your hair to be brittle and dry. 
This is a treatment. It is meant to be used after your shampoo and conditioning. It rebuilds your hair using the 19 amino acids in the Quadramine Complex. It does not condition, it does not moisturize, it does not detangle, it simply rebuilds the structure of your hair, filling in the structural holes in your hair and making your tresses stronger, more resilient, reduces breakage, resulting in healthier hair. 
Hair is basically dead protein (as with your fingernails). As a general rule, a healthy lifestyle leads to healthy hair, nails, skin..etc. Many products like Pantene, TRESemme, and BioSilk contain silicone. Although silicone does make your hair appear shinier, feel smoother, and look healthier, it does not penetrate inside the shaft to actually repair damage and reconstruct your hair, like proteins and amino acids. What silicone does is that it coats your hair, it acts as a barrier (just think plastic wrap), preventing nutrients from other conditioners/treatments/masks from penetrating deeply into the hair. It makes your hair look and feel healthier, but that is because it is only a coat, and not deeply conditioning. 
Joico’s K-Pak line is made to restore and rebuild, and over time, hair will become much stronger, there will be less chance of breakage, split ends, and hair will become healthier, and not just appear healthy.
For the consistency, I think that the product looks yogurty and fluffy. I think it is because of the yeast present in the formula. It spreads very easily so there is no need to use very much of this product. 
Quality of packaging: Comes in a typical squeeze bottle. Durable cap.
Pros:
  • strengthens hair from the inside out
  • delivers much needed nutrients and proteins to the hair
  • fills holes in the structure
  • it works!
  • recommended
Cons:
  • expensive
  • scent may be off putting
  • vague directions (only because it is a salon product)
Rating:5/5

L'Oreal - Lineur Intense - Carbon Black


Description: “Stand out with a dramatically bold or sleek look. Lineur Intense Brush Tip Liquid Eyeliner has a tapered natural brush that gives you the control to create the most precise lines for your desired eye looks. All-day wear up to eight hours. Water-resistant. Smudge-proof. Fragrance-free. Ophthalmologist-tested. Suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.”
Review: Bought this one at Wal-Mart for $7.
This is actually the only eye liner that works with my oily lids. I have an unfortunate case of oily skin so any pencil liner, gel liner, or liquid liner usually smudges, both on my lid and under my eye. This liquid liner successfully lasts a whole day without smudging, it is highly pigmented, and the consistency is very smooth.
Unfortunately, it flakes in my crease (I have typical Asian mono-lids) but it is not noticeable unless I close my eyes. I’d have to say though, this has been my HG liner for a long time now. 
Quality of product: The consistency is very smooth, very crisp, and very pigmented. A pretty good liquid liner that is department store priced. Only thing is that it can flake, and it is not waterproof. It`s actually very water soluble.
Quality of packaging: It comes in a tube with a brush tipped applicator. I would`ve rated this 5 out of 5 if it wasn`t for the brush. I prefer a felt tip applicator because this brush is simply not thin enough for me for those delicate strokes, although I`ve grown into it and I can use it efficiently, I`d still prefer a different applicator.
Pros:
  • smooth, consistent, highly pigmented formula
  • washes off very easily
  • lasts all day
  • will not smear or melt
Cons:
  • brush applicator tip was okay, but not the best
  • may flake due to contact to sebum or water
Rating: 4.5/5

Peter Thomas Roth - Lips To Die For (Pink Bombshell)


Description: “Protect and maintain soft, supple, sexy and kissable lips with this invigorating daily lip conditioner.”
Review: Okay, seriously, I just love this lip balm so much. I wanted to just post a picture of this and say “holy crap, best lip balm ever!”, but then I wanted to be consistent and decided to write a proper review instead.
My mom also got this PTR product from a retailer, but I think this is sold for $20 CAN.
Once the lip balm is applied, your lips will feel much more supple, smoother, and softer. It is a really nice, light fragrance. I don’t know how to describe it, but it’s like a minty citrus fragrance. Your lips will also be treated to a soothing tingly sensation provided by menthol in the product (my favourite lip balms often contain menthol). The slight pink in the lip balm will give your lips a natural rosy glow, or can be used to enhance lip colour. 
Quality of product: Great product. Contains aloe, Vitamin E, mango & shea butter, all very moisturizing and nourishing for the delicate skin on the lips. Lasts for a very long time.
Quality of packaging: This lip balm comes in one of those little pots where you have to unscrew the lid to use the product. Although not many people are usually fond with the idea of dipping their finger in the pot to use the lip balm, I’m pretty satisfied with it. The quantity is larger than if it was in stick form, and if you’re worried about hygiene, use hand sanitizer. 
{ Overall }
Pros:
  • extremely moisturizing
  • cooling sensation
  • high quantity of product
  • enhances lip colour
  • refreshing fragrance
Cons:
  • packaging may not please everyone
  • expensive
Rating:

Peter Thomas Roth - Beta Hydroxy Acid 2% Acne Wash


Description: “This gentle yet effective oil-free acne wash deep cleans without over drying. Helps eliminate the breakout cycle while it removes excess oil, makeup, and bacteria. Soothes and conditions the skin, leaving it “squeaky” clean, oil, and residue-free.” 
Review: I’m not exactly sure how much my mom bought it for (since she’s an esthetician, she bought it for retail price) but on sephora.com, it is priced at $35 CAN. 
It comes in a clear, liquidy gel form and foams up. It worked really well for me when I used it the first time, and I’m almost finished my second bottle (one bottle lasts for months). It really did keep my acne down and the gel is great for those with oily skin. However, it does dry up your skin because of the salicylic acid (2%) so always remember your moisturizer!
You only need to use about a dime sized amount and it will lather up nicely.
I’m not sure why though, but after a long time of using it, it doesn’t seem as effective as before. I do switch cleansers/exfoliators after a number of months though so my skin won’t be “too used to it”. It is recommended to change/rotate your cleansers once in a while. 
Quality of product: Peter Thomas Roth products are usually very high quality and very effective. Salicylic acid is proven to reduce and prevent acne, and this cleanser is formulated with the highest concentration of salicylic acid. It is oil-free, fragrance-free, dye-free, alcohol-free, and is animal cruelty free. 
Quality of packaging: This cleanser comes in a clear plastic bottle with one of those pop-up caps. Very durable bottle, though not recommended for travelling because of the size. 
{ Overall }
Pros:
  • contains 2% salicylic acid
  • great for oily skin
  • lathers easily
  • exfoliates
  • oil/fragrance/dye/alcohol-free
  • one bottle lasts for long period
Cons
  • may be too drying
  • expensive
Rating:4/5