Asia Beauty Haul | Innisfree, Etude House, Heroine, Etc.

Hello Lovelies!

Although it has been a little bit since this was hauled but it’s still pretty new because I have JUST started using these products. So in a way.. it’s not THAT delayed. Yeah, now I’m just trying to make myself feel better. Lets just get into it.

 

From Korea, I got…

Etude House Lip Gel – Because I have super dry lips so anything that will “hydrate” it, I’m onboard.
Etude House Dear My Jelly Lips-Talk (JOR202) – This is one of those changing lip color and I’ve never tried one before so this will be a first!
Innisfree – Green Tea Seed serum – Feel like a very lightweight serum that is perfect for the hotter season.
Innisfree – Green Tea Mineral Mist – Just a refreshing facial mist. Nothing special

 

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If you EVER buy ANYTHING from Korea, make sure you get SAMPLES!

 

And from Japan I got..
Heroine Make Mascara – I have seen this for so many years and now I will finally be trying it.
This is a Feet detox pad that you stick onto the bottom of you feet and the pad is suppose to turn black removing the bad toxins from your body. We shall see if this actually works or not.

 

Now… we can sit back and enjoy these yummy snacks.

Thank you guys so much for tuning in and i’ll see you next time!
❤ Jess

Typical LA | OOTD

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Hey Lovelies!

I am just taking a little break from work before having to go back into focus productive mode! I have been really lacking on post lately but that will be explained at the end of this, for now lets get started with this OOTD.

This day started off as a not-so-typical-LA-shoot to a full on mainstream-touristy-cliche LA-shoot. I really wanted to visit the Architecture + Design museum building before they demolish it for the new metro station but I guess they decided to shut it down early? It was suppose to go on until the end of April, instead it was already closed when I went 2 weeks ago. Boo. So the closest, walkable place to go was none other than the infamous LACMA.

True story.. I once drove by at night and saw a man dressed as Jesus emerging from the glowing lamp post with his arm raised high approaching the busy LA Streets.

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I have been using this bag a ton lately and you will never guess how much it was. $5! YES! Only in Asia… sorry. I have decided that if this purse dies on me then I will invest in one that is similar in color because this red compliments almost any outfit. Its not a vibrant red so it won’t stick out as a in you face statement piece but it is also colorful enough to where you won’t miss it (c’mon its red).

Give yourself a break this summer from denim shorts and pick up a pair of beige/khaki shorts! Denim is great but these shorts transition from day to night so much more effortlessly.

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I am swamped and crazy busy for the next couple of weeks trying to get a show together so that means sleepless nights until opening day. For that reason, my normal posting will resume at the end of May! I have 2 haul videos that has been filmed and one completely edited but I am having such a hard time converting it since my computer has run out of disk space. The frustration of constantly moving things into my external has got me pulling my hair out. There is only so much I can remove from my computer without it handicapping me when I work on-the-go. OKAY enough ranting about my computer problems! Hopefully I can get those 2 hauls up and if not I’ll just post them as a blog post which will save me hours of work.

Thank you guys so much for reading and I’ll see you in my next post
❤ Jess

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Top: Boutique Lace Detail Top / H&M Oversize Knit Cardigan
Bottom: H&M Shorts
Shoes: Aldo Nude Pumps
Accessories : Purse from HK / Forever 21 Stud Shades / Guess Watch

Review: First Aid Beauty | Ultra Repair Lip Therapy | Facial Radiance Polish

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Hello Beauties!

I was planning on doing a brand review for First Aid Beauty because I have a whole set of products to try out but its taking me awhile since I am trying to finish up what i’m currently using. So I have decided to just move forward with reviewing what I have tried already which is the Ultra Repair Lip Therapy and Facial Radiance Polish.

If you are not familiar with the brand, they are catered to those with sensitive skin and all their products are free of “harsh chemicals and known allergens, including parabens, phthalates, alcohol, fragrances and artificial dyes.” So naturally we would be drawn to this because who can say no to better-for-you products?

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Ultra Repair Lip Therapy

The product comes in a squeeze tube which I much prefer over the ones in a tin. It makes the product much more travel friendly and not on lock down at home. I just don’t feel very comfortable dipping my fingers in products which I’m out in public because who knows how clean my fingers are.

The product itself looks just like any other petroleum jelly but the consistency is a lot more solid. It spreads on your lips easily and the difference between this Ultra Repair and Carmex or Vaseline would be that it is not as greasy. It feels like regular moisturizing lip balm which I like.

When it comes to actual moisturizing and repair goes, I don’t see the difference between this and a $3 drugstore chapstick. It hydrates and relieves my lip from feeling chapped but it doesn’t penetrate deep enough to actually moisturize my lips. I hope you guys are understanding my drift here. There are products that will only temporarily solve the problem on the surface level but there are some that actual solves it at a skin deep level. For me, this is a temporary relief and I would not be repurchasing it.

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Facial Radiance Polish

If you have used the St.Ives Apricot scrub and felt that there were too many exfoliating particles in it then you might like this. The best way I can describe it would be that this is a creamier and more diluted version of the apricot scrub.

The exfoliating particles in this are natural ground up nut shells so it can be pretty abrasive. This is not a gentle exfoliator by any means because the particles are on the larger side. There is a slightly earthy scent to this polish that smells pretty refreshing to me.

This does not leave my skin feeling excessively dry because the cleanser base is very gentle. Although it does exfoliate and leave your skin feeling softer than before you used it, it doesn’t give me mind blowing results compared to other exfoliators out there. I would not be purchasing the full size product of this because I don’t feel that its that special of a cleanser for the price. You can easily find a drugstore dupe that can give you the same results.

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I’m currently not impressed by this brand if you can’t tell but I do have a couple more to try so I’m still hopeful that one of those product will impress me.

Do you have a favorite product from First Aid Beauty?

Until Next Time,
❤ Jess

Target | Sephora | CVS | Beauty Haul!

Hello Beauties!

It has been awhile since I went shopping for beauty products on items that I just want to try out. I have been limiting myself on shopping because I have so many products that I need to go through in my beauty collection already. But… there were some pretty good deals so I couldn’t resist!

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Target

WOW Butter Toffee Gluten Free Cookies – Probably the softest cookie you will ever have. It almost crumbles when you touch it. Although it is nice and soft but because of the Gluten free factor it tastes more on the cookie dough side than a baked cookie.

Yes To Grapefruit Facial Scrub – Needed a new facial scrub and sine I have NEVER tried anything from the Yes To line, I thought I’ll give it a go.

Aveeno Hydrate + Protect SPF30 – This is not new on this blog. I love it for the summer because its essentially a lotion with SPF that doesn’t stink!

Mossimo V-Neck Tee – My ABSOLUTE ALL TIME FAVE V-neck 😀 ❤ It!

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CVS

Maybelline Pumped Up Colossal Volume Express Mascara – New to try!

Maybelline Age Rewind Dark Circle Eraser – My current under eye concealer is running low so I thought I’ll revert back to what has been tried and true.

Physicians Formula Youthful Wear Foundation – Saw a review on this and they said that its their ALL TIME fave foundation that is really underrated by the blogging community. If its a light weight foundation, I gotta try it!

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Carlton & Sephora

I was not planning on repurchasing Moroccan Oil anytime soon because it is quite pricy. BUT since there was a giant sign in front of Carlton’s when I walked by that said 30% off ALL Moroccan Oil products, I caved. I caved hard. I left the store in less than 10 minute $60 less in my pocket.

To equal things out, I had my target set on this Too Face Better than Sex mascara and walked in and out of Sephora with just this. Proud? Yes. Since there was so much hype around this mascara in March I had to try it out for myself to see if it really is THAT good. I have used it once since and for my first impression I can see why so many people like it. For a first impression I do like the volume and length it gives me but unfortunately it does not hold my curls (damn asian lashes!).

Sorry that this post was delayed! I had a crazy crazy weekend to meet some deadlines and lets just say that I was operating in zombie mode.

Until Next Time,
❤ Jess

 

 

Get Ready With Me & A Little insight on waking up early

Good Morning!

How did you like waking up right next to me? (; Do you feel like we took our relationship to the next level? haha

This was more of a wake up with me video I guess.. just sharing with you how my morning goes!

As I get older I realize the importance and joy of getting up earlier with more spare time to get ready in the morning before going out to start my day. I am able to just relax and take my time (IF I get up earlier enough that is) to get ready without rushing and constantly trying to just slap something on to look “presentable”. How I start off my morning can really set the mood of how productive I will be for the rest of the day! If my lazy body can help it I try to get up earlier everyday but sometimes… sleeping in is a whole other realm of satisfaction.

If you actually want to know how I put my face on everyday then just comment below and ill work on a tutorial for you guys (:

Hope you enjoyed!

Until next time,
❤ Jess

Review: Jouer Matte Moisture Tint Sunscreen

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Good day everyone!

Its about time that I review one of my most beloved product. After using this for the first time a couple months ago I was pretty much kicking myself in the butt for taking so long to finally try this out. I have had it on my wish list for over a year  mainly because there were no Jouer counters near me where I could swatch and see the product in person.

 

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Packaging- Its in a matte plastic squeeze tube that feels really nice to the touch. It reminds me of the Laura Mercier foundation packaging.

 

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Formulation- There are 6 shades total so the range is not great but because of the sheerness you should be able to find a shade that will fit you after its all rubbed in. The texture out of the bottle looks more mousse like than cream and even when you rub it in its extremely light. Although the name does have Matte, its not one of those matte products that will leave you looking all chalky and overly matte. The way I can describe this would be how you look right after you blot yourself.

I find that using a foundation is a bit heavy for everyday use so I like using tinted moisturizers on a day to day basis. From BB creams to other tinted moisturizers I have not used one that is comparable to this Jouer one. Its light, provides enough coverage to even out your skin tone, and it controls oil.

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Besides skincare that I can say a definite yes to repurchasing with a more expensive price tag there aren’t many makeup product that I can say the same to but this Moisture Tint has definitely made it onto the list where I don’t mind paying the price for.

HolyGrail Stamp of approval!

Until next time,
❤ Jess

Jouer Matte Moisture Tint SPF15 / Nude / $40

Winter Empties- Makeup | Hits and Misses

 

Hello!

Finally, here is the part 2 of my winter empties that includes makeup products! I realized that this was along the lines of a Hit or Miss so I guess it works both ways!

 

Lancome Hypnose Star Mascara I know I have written a review on this and have said that I would repurchase it but my mind has changed! For the price, there are better ones out there instead of a 4/5 it has dropped to a 2.5/5.

 
Maybelline The Rocket Mascara- One of my HG mascara giving me volume and hold. One of the few that actually holds my lashes and for drugstore price you can’t beat it.

 
Majolica Majorca Lash King Mascara- With a higher price tag than the Maybelline Rocket, this is another one of my HG mascaras. This has fantastic hold, length and volume. The formula is more on the dry side so keep that in mind. I don’t experience much flaking due to the dry formula but I have read from others that it can be a problem.

 
Etude House Oh My! Eye Line – A liquid liner that I don’t recommend because of how the formulation works. While applying it, if it dries on you and you try to go back to fix certain areas it will rub off on itself. This can be quite annoying because I for sure am not an eyeliner expert that can get things right on the first try. It is long lasting and will not fade or smear throughout the day but there are definitely better mascaras out there that has the same staying power and finish without the frustration.

 
Urban Decay 24/7 Eye Line Pencil – Standard eyeliner pencil. Will smudge after about 4 hours on the waterline but thats expected considering it is a pencil liner.

 
Cover Girl Liquid Line Blast – Very similar to the LiquifEye liner but not as soft.

 
Milani LiquifEye Metallic Pencil – Nice and soft and blend-able with decent staying power of about 4 hours as well before slight smudging begins.

 
Covergirl Olay Concealer – I expected this to be super hydrating since it is infused with moisturizer but I didn’t feel as though it was much different than other concealers without the moisturizer swirl. It is smooth and blend-able but I only wish that it was more hydrating.

 
Physicians Formula Conceal RX- One of the cheapest higher coverage concealer from the drugstore. The only problem is that the tube doesn’t last that long because the product will start to separate in the tube and theres really nothing you can do. Towards the middle I had to squeeze the liquid out before I actually got to the product and eventually I decided to throw it out because it got a little nasty. But for about $5 bucks its great while it lasted.

 
Holika Holika Concealer – This is a medium coverage concealer that I don’t really care for. It didn’t impress me nor disappoint so it was a regular concealer that can be overlooked. The color was more on the cool side reminding me of a BB cream color.

 
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Undereye Eraser- Cult favorite and its understandable why it is. Super blend-able and smooth on the under eye while brightening it as well. The packaging can be improved because mine broke and I was unable to get the rest of the product out. I would repurchase this again in the future though.

 
Nivea A Kiss on Mint and Mineral- Not a lip balm that I would run out to repurchase. I have super dry lips and for me this didn’t penetrate through my dryness to actually moisturize my lips. Instead it kind of just sat on the top and temporarily protected it from the surface.

 
Laura Geller Spackle Tinte Primer – Bronzer- Absolutely not my type of primer. The feeling of this was extremely silicone-y like the smashbox primer that I am not a fan of. If you are okay with it then you probably won’t have a problem with this. The second thing would be the color. I have very fair skin and the bronze color was very muddy on me so all in all this did not work for me at all.

 

Until next time,
❤ Jess

Review: Laneige BB Cushion

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Hello!

I have used BB creams since ’08/’09?  I don’t really remember but it was when it started to become popular. BB Cream is a staple in my collection because its what I wear on days where I don’t feel like doing my makeup but I need something light. Its one of those products that is good to have around. When this concept of a cushion BB cream was on the market its one of those extremely intriguing things that a beauty addict wont be able to pass on.

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I chose the Laneige Cushion BB because it is actually the most easily accessible given that its available at Target! I’m not sure if all cushion BB comes with a refill but mine did which was really nice because this definitely does not have as much product as a tube of BB cream.

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I have been meaning to write this review since last year but never got around to it so I figured this is the perfect time to write one because I just finished my first pack. The refill is very easy to pop in and out so the refill process is extremely easy. With the refill, it also comes with a new pad so if your old one was getting a bit used and old then no worries because you have a new one!

 

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Like most BB Creams, the shade selection is not great with only 2 that is catered more towards the lighter skin tones. the coverage is light to medium but more towards the lighter end. You can build it up by layering more on but I have found that the more I layer on, the quicker my skin will get oily. Generally I would have to blot about 3.5-5 hours in because it is not good at controlling oil at all.

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I would recommend this to be part of a on-the-go makeup kit because of how simple and easy it is to use. You don’t have to worry about bringing an extra brush or if your hands are clean to apply this. Although this is a lighter formulation I don’t find myself relying on this during the hotter months because it is more on the moisturizing spectrum. If you have dry skin then this would work for you  but for me that has combination skin its a bit trickier. I like to have this as an option in my collection but its definitely not part of my everyday routine.

Have you tried other cushion BB that you would recommend?

Until next time,
❤ Jess

Review: Benefit Roller Lash Mascara

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Hello!

I was so over the moon excited to try this mascara when I saw it launching because its every stick straight lash girls dream to have a mascara that will miraculously lift your lashes AND hold a curl all on its own. It sounded too good to be true so I did go in trying this mascara with skepticism.

What the mascara claims to do… ” It’s a roller for lashes! The eye-opening Hook ‘n’ Roll brush grabs, separates, lifts and curls.. while the instant curve setting formula holds for 12 hours.”

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Packaging- Super cute with the retro hair roller concept. The brush handle has that rubbery grip so it feels really nice when you’re holding it.

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Brush – This is a plastic brush that is on the smaller and slimer side. To give you an idea, it is about 1/8 of an inch shorter than the They’re Real brush. It has sharp plastic bristles that grabs on to your lashes. The application from the brush is easy and even without requiring much work.

Formulation- I would say this falls right in the middle. Not dry not wet. Your lashes are not left really hard and crispy like some mascaras do so the finish is a lot more softer. It doesn’t flake off throughout the day but it does smudge on me after a couple short hours unfortunately.

For me… the only thing it does is separates. Which doesn’t impress me that much because there are very few that doesn’t do that. Its kind of how a mascara works.. yeah…

1. It doesn’t lift my lashes
2. I curled my lashes before hand and it doesn’t hold my curls.

These two points I’m not too surprised of because there are VERY VERY few mascara that actually does that for me and I can name them on the top of my head. It is VERY hard for me to be impressed by a mascara. The following points are kind of disappointing though

3. It did not hold for 12 hours. Halfway through the day my lashes felt very limp
4. The mascara started smearing on me after hour 3 or 4? Boo!

Natural Lashes

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Curled
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Curled with mascara
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It would’ve been amazing if this worked for me but at the same time I wasn’t expecting much because it sounded too good to be true. I haven’t had much luck with Benefits Mascaras but it might just be me because there are so many others that love it.

If you have tried this mascara what are your thoughts?

Until next time,
❤ Jess