sunscreen

Winter Skin and Hair Care Empties!

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Hello!!

After 3 years I am finally going to make another attempt with YT. I have been filming and editing these past couple of weeks so I can have videos lined up to upload and I forgot how fun it is. Especially after learning some new programs and stuff the quality of my video compared to 3 years ago has improved SOO much! I’m excited to be able to create more content and find different ways to share it with you guys in a creative way (:

So… Here is the list of empties

Batiste Dry Shampoo – Original & Floral and Flirty Blush – you guys know this is the HG of HG.

Dove Refresh + Care Volume Dry Shampoo – I don’t think that this leaves my hair as refreshed as the Batiste one but the biggest put-off for me was the heavy fragrance. I felt like I was going to suffocate or something so I had to hold my breathe while spraying it then walk into another room to rub it in that way I can breathe properly.

Neutrogena Body Clear Pink Grapefruit Shower Gel- I’m sure I have shown this in my past empties already because I’ve been using this for years.

Opal One minute Oil Treatment – Just a reoccurring product thats been a staple for years.

Basics Moist Wipes
Daiso Cleansing Tissue- Definitely reccommend and I have already repurchased 2 extra ones as back up because its something I use on a day to day basis to clean my hands and surface area after my morning routine.

The Body Shop – Honeymania Body Butter – I can’t get enough of this delicious smell! I havent repurchased this yet but when I do buy body butter, this will definitely be the scent that I will be purchasing.

The Body Shop – Tea Tree Oil Toner and Facial Wash – The toner is a bit more harsh compared to others but if you have acne prone skin and need something to really clean your face then I definitely recommend it. I have repurchased this but I did not think the facial wash was as effective as the toner so I have not repurchased that one.

Lush – Lovely Jubblies – If only there was a regular lotion that smells like this. (Please let me know if there is!) I absolutely LOVE the smell of this which was one of the main reasons why I got it. Its moisturizing but I didn’t see much of a firming effect. Maybe its because I’m still young so I won’t notice a big difference but for the price I don’t think I will be repurchasing it.

Lush – Brazened Honey Mask- These are good mask to use just so its something different from your everyday skincare routine. Its a little treat to use something fresh and cooling on you face especially during the summer because these mask needs to be refrigerated. Think twice before you buy it though! Make sure you’ll have time to use it after you purchase it because it is perishable.

Shiseido Urban Environment SPF 30 – Once again a reoccurring staple.

Sonia Kashuk Eye Makeup Remover- This is a good eye makeup removed but I have found another one thats even better (The Body Shop Camomile Eye Makeup Remover). Soo… I will  not be repurchasing this.

SKII Treatment Essence – A product that I have heard so much about in the asian community and its like the miracle essence that will change your life. I have to admit that when I first used it, it really did make a difference to my skin. I saw the suppleness and the change in recovery time but after using it for exactly a year now I don’t see the dramatic change but I have repurchased this and is still in my skincare routine.

Jeunesse Luminesce Cellular Rejuvenation Serum – The most effective serum I have used. Leaves my skin so moisturized and it definitely speeds up the recovery of my acne scars. I scar super easily so I am always on the lookout for products that can help my skin recover faster. The only downside would be the hefty price point of $100+. I have not repurchased this yet but I will eventually.

Origins Ginzing Brightening Eye Cream – This is one of those neutral products that you can always fall back to if all else fails.

If you want a indepth review of any of the following products that has not been reviewed yet then comment below and I’ll work on it!

Thank you guys so much for reading/watching

Until Next Time,
❤ Jess

Current: Sun Protection

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Hello Lovelies!

With Summer in full swing now I think its only appropriate to share with you my current Sun Protection products. We should always be protecting our skin no matter the season but once the warmer season rolls around we tend to be outdoors more to enjoy the weather so its more relevant to start putting more stress on the amount of SPF you are wearing.

What I look for in my sunscreens are …
– Hydrates
– Not sticky
– Doesn’t have the sunscreen smell because I despise it
– At least SPF30 with UVA/UVB protection

Lets start off with face because this is something that should be part of your skincare routine by default.

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Shiseido Urban Environment UV Protection Cream – Face/Boby SPF 35 PA+++ 50mL- $30
This has been my HG sunscreen/day moisturizer for the past 4/5 years at least. I have ventured out to try others but continued to come back to this one. ( More in depth review) I believe they have increased the SPF of the newer ones to SPF 40 now so I am actually not sure if this 35 is still being sold. Also, the new packaging no longer has the PA levels (which is for UVA)  because the FDA has changed their regulation. If you see the phrase “Broad Spectrum” used then it has both UVA and UVB protection now. (to break down the meaning of SPF and UVA/UVB protection it will be a post on its own so let me know if you guys want one or you can just google it and research it)

 

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Neutrogena Hydro Boost gel SPF 30 PA++ 40ml – $19.30

This is a gel form of sunscreen meaning its very light so its awesome for summer. I have just recently started using this so I can’t say if I love it or hate it just yet but a in depth review should be on its way. The reason why I’m still on the fence with this product is because although it is a gel product, its not as light as you would imagine it to be. I absolutely LOVE their Hydro Boost water gel that leaves my skin silky soft with no sticky feeling which is one of the reasons why I wanted to try a sunscreen from this line since I have been using the water gel for years now. But as first impression is concerned, one day my skin will absorb it and my skin will feel fine but on another day I feel as though the product only half gets absorbed and leaves my skin a bit sticky. So I’m going to experiment a little more before I can make a final judgement on this.

 

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Aveno Protect+Hydrate Lotion – Broad Spectrum SPF 30 – $7.99

Last year I was on a quest to find a Daily body lotion that also has SPF in it because I am just that lazy. I needed a one step product that eliminated the process of having to do the same motion twice. I have found others such as the Eucerin one but that was just unbelievably sticky , it left a sheen on my body that wouldn’t go away, and the worse part was that it had the smell of sunscreen. Its not impossible to find one with all my expectation at a reasonable price because this Aveno one has fulfilled all my requirements. Rubs on just like a lotion and it leaves your skin moisturized without that icky sticky feeling. The scent is… hard to describe because it doesn’t really smell like anything besides standard basic lotion smell? If that makes any sense. Bottom line is that I would recommend this sunscreen

Recently I have noticed that the sun rays seem to be stronger now than a couple years ago?  Just by driving in my car with the sun shining through an open window I feel as though my skin is burning! This can just be me getting older and being more sensitive to the sun or has anyone else noticed this? Either way, it’s a big warning for me to be extra cautious when I am out and that I definitely shouldn’t skip out on sun protection and neither should you!

Until next time,
❤ Jessica

 

Empty Products

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One of my favorite blog posts to read or youtube videos to watch are products that have been used up. After actually finishing up a product, then are you really able to give a full review on how a product is. And the ultimate question that comes along with it.. will you repurchase it? Periodically I will throw out since products I’ve used up post with my finals thoughts on the products. For now.. lets start with the skin care stuff thats been used up in the past couple of weeks.

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Shiseido Urban Environment UV Protection Cream – Face/Boby SPF 35 PA+++ 50mL- $30

Shiseido is probably one of my favorite skincare brand. My mom has used it since I was little and is all she uses so being her daughter I am a little bit biased I would say. I have tried products from them that I have not liked, but for the most part Its been mostly Hits.

My favorite sunscreen would have to be this one. #1 It doesn’t have that nasty sunscreen smell which I absolutely despise! #2 My skin soaks it up acting just like how a moisturizer would. Doesn’t leave your skin sticky like how some sunscreens will. #3 Has a decent SPF.. AND it contains PA+++. When I first bought this, this was probably one of the FIRST products in the states about 1.5 years ago that had  any PA level protection let alone PA+++. Of course now, we have a lot more options. I believe they no longer carry the SPF 35.. but its SPF 40 now. The highest SPF offered is SPF 50.

This products doesn’t break me out. Doesn’t leave my face looking like a grease ball (but then again I do have normal skin). They also have the oil-free version but I’m not a big fan of that consistency because its a lot more watery and not as nice as this one. Overall its my perfect face sunblock out there.

Active Ingredients: OCTINOXATE -4.9% / OCTOCRYLENE – 3.0% / ZINC OXIDE 0 6.7%

This product has already been repurchased (:

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Mario Badescu Drying Lotion 30mL/1.0oz- $17

There are so many spot treatments out there thats its insane to think that one is a miracle worker. When you first switch over, the first couple of times might seem like it but then as time goes, the immediate effect of it fades. This was the result of this Drying Lotion. It was highly raved and well deserved to be raved about. The very first time I used this, instantly the next day the inflammation has gone down tremendously. But over the last couple of weeks the results were not as instant since like all products my skin became immune to it in a way.

There are two parts to this product. The liquid and sediments on the bottom. Don’t shake the bottle and mix the two together because its suppose to be separate. You just dip the q-tip in to the bottom until you hit the pink sediments and you dab it onto the breakout. It will leave your face with some pink patches but its okay because you’ll be home sleeping anyways.

Depending on your break out, it might sting a little bit but its not bad. It does smell like strong alcohol and sulfur since both are in the product. I have found that it effectively dries out the mini break outs pretty fast, but it doesn’t do much to cystic acne. Those are just stupid stubborn things that refuses go away with product use (I haven’t found a spot treatment for cystic acne, so if you guys have any recommendations let me know!) I’ve read other people saying that it dries out their skin, but I haven’t had any troubles with it.

Ingredients: Isoprophyl Alcohol / Deionized Water / Calamine / Camphor / Colloidal / Sulfur / Salicylic Acid / Glycerin / Zinc Oxide / Titanium Dioxide / Talc

I will probably repurchase this product in the future.

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Clean&Clear deep cleaning astringent – sensitive skin – $4

I bought this at Target looking for the cheapest toner/astringent I can find because on e of the mask I was using required me to remove it with toner/astringent. I was not about the use the toner I was using at that time to remove it because it was just a waste. This was probably the cheapest one I can find to do the job.

I have been using it as a regular toner as well and I don’t think it does much in clearing up my skin department but it does remove any excess dirt or makeup that your cleanser failed to remove. It smells like alcohol but doesn’t burn your face of anything unless you got some really painful breakouts. For the price and size, you can’t really beat it.

Ingredients: Salicylic Acid (0.5%) Inactive: Water, Alcohol, Glycerin, Isoceteth-20, PEG-32, Sodium Citrate, Fragrance, Propylene Glycol, Dimethicone Propyl PG-Betaine, Benzophenone-4, Algae Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Denatonium Benzoate, Blue 1

I would probably repurchase this in the future.

Summer Picks

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Since summer is in full swing, let me share with you some summer products that I have been reaching for the most and items in the general category that is a must have for the summer season.

What do I look for in products I use in the summer?

It must be light weight, smudge proof, and long lasting.

FACE: Skin79 Super BB Triple Functions -Whitening

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OK, so Summer = Tinted Moisturizer.At least thats what I think. And for me, BB Cream is pretty much a tinted moisturizer but better. (Don’t think I need to go on about what a BB cream is since you can easily google it and you’ll get TONS of information on it.)  This one that I have has higher coverage than usual tinted moisturizer. SPF25 (protects against UVB  – causes sunburn) PA ++ (protects against UVA- causes premature aging, sunspots, skin cancer) Many Asian skin care products have PA protection levels (more + the better) and the Western markets are starting to introduce it. Best to look for products with both SPF and PA protection.  The color straight out of the pump is a bit gray but after you blend it out, it matches my skin tone perfectly. (about Mac NC25-30) Given I am quite pale, so I don’t think that this will work for people who have darker skin tones. This lasts about 7-8 hours before the coverage starts fading but considering that this is a BB cream I find that to be perfectly acceptable. I can’t say that this is great at oil control though. I don’t have the most oiliest skin, but a couple hours in I do see that my face gets a bit shiny, so for my oily friends, you probably will need to use a oil control primer.

EYES: Estee Laudeer Double Wear Stay-in Place Shadow Creme
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I absolutely love cream shadows. The Estee Laudeer ones are one of my favorites. I have a couple of these andtheir all quite the same across the board. Creamy and blendable. Does not dry out as fast as the MAC Paint Pots. actually none of the ones I own has ever driedout.  I mostly use these as a primer. But for the summer, I also use these just as shadows. After blending this out, it comes out quite sheer but the color is still there. I love shimmery champagne colors and this Golden Sands is a nice eye brightening color for a natural look.

EYES: Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner- Twilight Night Shimmer Ink

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Compared to the Physicians Formula Liquid Liner

Pairing with the Golden Sands, is this Bobbi Brown Gel Liner. This color isn’t jet black so its softer and more natural. I love gel liner because it creates a softer look than a liquid liner. There is no smudging, smearing, melting, or any of it with this liner. I’ve had it on for about 12 hours and it still looks the same as when it was first applied in the morning. There is a bit of shimmer and its really pretty after applied. Its not too overly glittery, its very subtle. The shimmer doesn’t fall out and make your face look like a disco ball or anything.

EYES: Majolica Majorca Lash Enamel Glamour Volume On
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BEST Mascara ever! Not a mascara that I would use everyday though. Why? Because it doesn’t budge. Isn’t that suppose to be a good thing? Well it is, until when it comes time to remove your makeup. It takes double the time to remove my eye makeup than usual if I have this on. Proving, that if your looking for a mascara that holds a curl, adds volumes, and lengthen then this is your go to mascara! I have worn it for 24 hrs before, unintentionally! And my lashes looked the same as when I first applied it. This is probably the ONLY mascara that will hold my curls and not have it droop one bit. Not even a little. Amazing (: (Majolica Majorca is the drugstore line of Shiseido.. no wonder right?)

CHEEKS: Gilly Hicks – Hydrangea

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The ultimate goal of most people during the summer is getting tanned. For those that don’t go out very much, will try and fake that tan. A blush that is a bit darker can give the illusion of tanner, more golden skin. Hydrangea has that more tanner blush color. This blush is my first and only Gilly Hicks beauty product. I remember just picking it up to try during one of their crazy sales. For those that don’t know, Gilly Hicks is the lingerie store of Abercrombie & Fitch. This isn’t super pigmented so it makes it really easy to use (meaning you won’t overdo it) Blendable and buildable .

LIPS: Maybelline – Baby Lips

We all know that sunscreen is needed whenever we go out in the sun. We all apply it on our face and body but a lot of time we forget to protect our lips. Lip balm doesnt’ just help with preventing our lips from getting chapped, but it can also protect it from the sun. Getting a sunburn on our back or arm hurts already, imagine getting your lips burned! Definitely something we don’t want. So when buying a lip balm, make sure to get one with some type of SPF. Baby Lips by Maybelline is a great one. It has SPF 20 and its inexpensive! About $3-4. They have so many different colors and “flavors”? The one that I have is the Melon Mania and oh goodness, it smells delicious! I’m not even a fruity scent girl, but this one really does make you want to slather more on. It also gives you a little bit of color payoff with a bit of glossiness to it.