Stila Field of Florals Convertible Color Lip And Cheek Palette Review

Gorgeous!!!

Memebox Cleanse Morning and Night Unboxing and Review

The products are fine…but they don't seem a fair value…given the $29 price and $6.99 shipping…

Link to product page: Product card

Get Ready With Me: The No Makeup Makeup Look

For those days when you want to look polished but (almost) makeup free…

Products used or mentioned:

Lipstick Queen Look of Love set
Laura Mercier Stick Gloss and Sheer Lip Color (Baby Lips)
It Cosmetics Vitality Lip Flush Lipstick Stain (Damsel)
Marc Jacobs New Nudes Role Play
Tony Moly Pure Aura Luminous CC Cream and Tony Tint in 01
3W Clinic Collagen Makeup Base
Mac Clear Water Lip Glass and Lightscapade Skinfinish
Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Cheek Gelee and Argan Creamy Concealer Crayon
Lancome Definicils Mascara and Black Ebony Kohl Eyeliner
Hourgalss Ambient Lighting Palette
Guerlain Meteorites and Baby Glow
Becca Beach Tint Cheek Souffle
Urban Decay Naked Skin Beauty Balm
Gucci Silk Priming Serum
Giorgio Armani Luminessence CC Cream and Maestro Fusion Blush (500)
Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder
Tarte Natural Cheek Stain
Dr Jart Premium BB Balm
Lorac Polished Lip Gloss
Revlon Photoready Perfecting Primer

Rimmel Show Off Lip Velvet in Apollo, Atomic Rose, Orange ology, Burning Lava and Meteoric Review and Swatches

Pretty but I don't love them.  The shades might not work on all.  Semi matte and they don't dry down completely.

Rimmel Kate Moss New 2015 Lipstick in 29, 30, 31, 32 and 33 Review and Swatches

Cool toned and not so much for me….across the board.  And I loved the older ones…oh well….

Memebox Boxing Day 5 Review and Unboxing

A solid box….

1. PUREDERM Yogurt Wash-Off Pack 15eaFull size product: 15ea ($7)Randomly selected from Kiwi, Strawberry

Product DescriptionA wash-off type pack made from yogurt extracts, collagen, Vitamin E, and various fruit extracts. The kiwi pack helps control excess level of dead skin cells while the strawberry pack helps balance out excess sebum and oil, both effective for maintaining a healthy, glowing complexion.

How to useSpread the pack evenly over clean face and gently massage. Wash off with lukewarm water after 5~10 minutes.

2. ECHOICE Wash Oatmeal Body Scrub 110g
Full size product: 110g ($5)

Product DescriptionEnriched with world-renown superfood – oatmeal and walnut – the Wash Oatmeal Body Scrub is rich in vitamin, lysine, protein, fiber, calcium, tryptophan, and antioxidant components and thus works to gently exfoliate dead skin cells, deep cleanse, and nourish your body all at the same time!

How to useUse a body towel or your hands to lather the body wash enough to create bubbles, and then massage gently onto your body. Rinse off with lukewarm water.

3. DR.MJ Real Mucin Restore Cushion SPF50+ PA+++ 10g
Full size product: 10g ($54)

Product DescriptionNormal cushion BBs, when applied multiple times over and over, usually end up ruining the initial dewy look that you started with in the morning. However, Dr.MJ Real Mucin Restore Cushion is closer to a skin care formula than a simple BB, because it’s packed with rich nutrients from snail filtrates and various moisturizing agents for adding more radiance and glow to the skin with multiple applications. Free of paraben, mineral oil, benzophenone, talc, and alcohol.

How to useAt the very end of skin care routine, use the provided air puff to apply the formula evenly over face, dabbing it on several times for optimal adherence. Re-apply as often as necessary.

4. AHC Real Aqua Velvet Sleeping Pack 80ml
Full size product: 80ml ($30)

Product DescriptionA luxurious, one-step facial to rejuvenate, brighten, and balance out uneven skin tone and texture for velvety smooth complexion. Real Aqua Velvet Sleeping Pack is lightweight and non-sticky in formula, quickly absorbing into dry, exhausted skin to form a protective moisture barrier that locks in the moisture within skin overnight. It contains niacinamide, adenosine, ice plant extracts, snail secretion, and birch tree sap.

How to useSpread evenly over clean face as the last step to your daily skin care routine. Go straight to bed after 10 minutes without rinsing it off.

5. MSTAR Malus Intensive Hair Treatment 30g
Full size product: 30g ($14)

Product DescriptionEnriched with pure apple extracts, ceramide, panthenol, and 40 different kinds of naturally-derived ingredients, the Malus Intensive Hair Treatment delivers rich nutrition and moisture deep into dry, damaged hair, resulting in firmer, glossier hair ends and healthier scalp as well.

How to useTowel dry after shampooing and apply the treatment in throughout hair using a brush or hands. It is also recommended to wear a hair cap and rest for 10~15 minutes. Rinse off with lukewarm water and blow dry.

Lootcrate January 2015 Unboxing

My son loves this box….

Book Giveaway Syndrome E and Bred to Kill by Franck Thilliez

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Enter from January 24 to 31, 2015.  US only.  Good luck!!!

Viseart Editorial Brights 08 Eye Shadow Palette Review and Swatches: New for 2015

Gorgeous, pigmented and amazing.

Guerlain Paris Meteorites Baby Glow Light Revealing Sheer Makeup in Clair Review and Swatches

Luminous…but almost sheer…I get compliments on my skin wearing it.  For those who need heavier coverage wear this under foundation or dotted on after applying it.

Changing the Conversation by Dana Caspersen Book Review

Changing the Conversation by Dana Caspersen is a very useful book to have on hand.  

Caspersen is a conflict mediator.  The person behind the book's layout is Joost Elffers, who did an amazing job with The 48 Laws of Power (written by a different author).  Essentially, the book is organized into the 17 principles of conflict resolution, which are described, defined and elaborated upon.  Then, the book breaks core ideas into soundbites which are given their own page.  Thus the book is easy to page through or read. 

For me, this book was a great reminder about the importance of resolving conflict and not getting stuck in my own position, oblivious to others.  And I found that the tools really helped.  Caspersen's narrative is simple, but more valuable in it's simplicity in that it's usable.  By breaking conflict resolution into 17 principles Caspersen has given us a system for solving problems.

I love this book!  I'm tempted to give it as a gift (often) but will be careful about my timing!

Memebox …new box...

USA Intro to Korean Beauty Kit: 4 products to get you that flawless skin

Givenchy Prism Libre Loose Powder in 7 Voile Rose Review

Reminds me of Guerlain Meteorites…softly illuminating.  The packaging is a little annoying…but the product is lovely…

Book Giveaway West of Sunset by Stewart O'Nan

a Rafflecopter giveaway


A re-imaginging of F. Scott Fitzgerald's last days…as he tries to resurrect his career by becoming a screenwriter in Hollywood. US only and good luck!

The giveaway entry period is from January 20 to 27, 2015.

IMATS Pasadena Haul: Dose of Colors, Viseart and Stila

Oh what fun I had…

Book Giveaway: Black Diamonds by Catherine Bailey

a Rafflecopter giveaway


US only, sorry.  Entry period open January 18 to 25, 2015.  Good luck!  I love this book!!!

Memebox Boxing Day 3 Unboxing and Review

Nice box!

From Memebox...

1. SKINFOOD Facial Water Vita-C Cream 75g
Full size product: 75g ($13)

Product Description
Quench thirst by delivering a richly nutritious blend of Vitamin C complex and Alaska glacier water deep into skin. The Vitamin C complex contains extracts from raspberry, acai berry, cranberry, and strawberry and works to replenish healthy energy to dehydrated, dulled complexion.

2. SKINFOOD Black Sugar Mask Wash-off 100g
Full size product: 100g ($9)

Product Description
An effective facial exfoliator rich in various minerals and vitamins. Use occasionally to cleanse away excessive dead skin cells, oil, and skin impurities piling up in the pores to make skin sensitive and troublesome. It’ll bring back healthy radiance and suppleness to skin with just a single use.

3. NEOGEN Code9 Blackfit Eyeliner Black Edition 0.3g
Full size product: 0.3g ($16)

Product Description
Neogen’s long-lasting, waterproof auto eyeliner in deep black offers a budge-resistant color with an easy-glide, creamy texture. Its formula free of talc and paraben is gentle to all skin types.

4. TOUCH BY LEE KYUNG MIN Ice Sparkling Essence Water 300ml
Full size product: 300ml ($34)

Product Description
This soothing facial toner formulated from natural glacier water and sparkling mineral water penetrates deep into the skin to unclog and tighten enlarged pores. It helps maintain skin clear, firm, and well-circulated.

5. THE SAEM Eco Soul Kiss Button Lips 2g
Full size product: 2g ($11)
Randomly selected from 06 Funky Music, 08 Okay Love, 09 Bittersweet Coffee

Product Description
This is a unique pen-like lipstick that, with a click of the button on the other end, pushes up 0.1mm of the creamy lipstick – just the right amount for a single application – so that it’s always kept sanitary and clean-edged. It also combines the functions of a moisturizing lip balm, a highly pigmented lipstick, and a shiny lip gloss to create the ultimate kissable pout with a single swipe.

Viseart Paris Eye Shadow Palette in Paris Nude Review and Swatches

These really are perhaps the most lovely shadows ever!  Soft, iridescent, smoky, buttery, subtle….gorgeous…

Getting Rid of Dark Under Eye Circles and Puffy Eyes

Maybe not 100% but I can get you almost there.

Products mentioned:

Shiseido Retinol Eye Masks
Trish McEvoy Retinol Eye Cream
Nude Complete Eye Rewewal
Josie Maran Argan Creamy Concealer Crayon
Tony Moly Panda's Dream Good Bye Dark Eye Corrector
GlanGlow Bright Eye Mud Treatment
Sunday Riley Start Over Cream
Guerlain Meteorites
Algenist Complete Eye Renewal Balm
Zelen Triple Action Eye Cream
Clinique All About Eyes Cream
Giorgio Armani Rejuvenating Eye Serum
Estee Lauder Cooling Eye Illuminator
Dermalogica Total Eye Care and Intensive Eye Repair
Wexler Instant Eye De-Puff

Memebox Boxing Day Box 2 Corrected Review and Unboxing

I stand corrected and it's a great box.

Link to item description:  MEMEBOX Boxing Day 2

Guerlain Meteorites Compact Review Spring 2015 Collection

How to look flawless….

Guerlain Meteorites Perles De Blush in Angelic Radiance Review and Swatches Spring 2015

A beautiful slightly warm cool toned pink that adds a glow to your cheeks.  I love this!

Tutorial of Jennifer Lopez's Makeup at the 2015 Golden Globe Awards: Smoky Brown Eyes

Wow she looked lovely….her makeup look in a tutorial.

Products used

Gucci Face Silk Priming Serum

Guerlain Terra Cotta Four Seasons Bronzer 04 Blondes

Guerlain Terra Cotta Foundation Light

Josie Maran Argan Creamy Concealer Crayon

Laura Mercier Eyeshadows in Vanilla Nuts and Plum Smoke

Dolce & Gabbana The Bronzer in Cashmere

Guerlain Meteorites

Mac Prism Blush

Dolce & Gabbana Desert Eye Shadow Quad

Dolce & Gabbana The Lipstick in Nude

Make Up For Ever Eyeshadow in M-100, I-606 and ME-108

Smashbox Brow Tech to Go

Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliner in Perversion

Mac Peachstock Lipstick

Mac Gloss in Summertime Sweetheart

Chanel La Romanesque 50 Reverie Parisienne Rouge Allure Velvet Luminous Matte Lip Colour

I love this lipstick!

Book Giveaway Changing the Conversation: The 17 Principles of Conflict Resolution

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Bite Beauty Lip Lab Creme Deluxe Lipstick Sephora Color of the Month 01

Pretty…a little patchy and it bleeds a bit…but pretty.  Warmer than the like shades I have.

Memebox Superbox 78 Dirty Girl Unboxing and Review

Fun box!  Worth it…as long as you're okay with Donkey Oil…..

How To Have Great Skin Tips and Tutorial

Assess your skin type: oily, normal, combination or dry?  Don’t just pick the obvious answer as your skin type can vary across your face.

Assess how sensitive your skin is.  Does it respond negatively to a variety of products or their ingredients?

Avoid paraben, alcohol and mineral oil in your face products.  Some people also like to avoid artificial colors and fragrances.

Try various brands to see which ones work best with your skin.

Be religious about removing makeup and cleansing your skin at day end.  Be religious about applying skin care every day.

Stick with a skin care routine.

What you do to your face do to your neck.

Cleanse twice a day, morning and before bed.  Exfoliate one to three times a week.  Use moisturizers after cleansing, including around the eyes.  Pat the moisturizer on.

Use targeted treatment for your skin type or a spot cream if you get a pimple.  For dry sk

in use heavier creams or even oils regularly.  For oily skin use oil control toners and moisturizers.

 Use a mask at least once a week, after exfoliating, and targeted to your skin care needs.

See a dermatologist is your skin doesn’t respond to normal skin care products and treatments.  Sometimes you might need prescription skin care.

If your skin breaks out, let it heal.  Don’t pick and ignore the temptation to pile heavy concealers or foundations on.  Don’t further clog or pores or irritate your skin.

Everyone, no matter how great their skin, occasionally has a skin care issue.  Accept it, and that skin heals, and don’t get stressed out about it.

Eat well, sleep enough and drink lots of water.  I see an immediate difference in my skin if I eat vegetables (or stop).  Vegetable juice is even better.

Once a month let your skin sleep bare, with no product on it.

Don’t avoid oils or moisturizers if you have oily skin.  Sometimes our bodies overcompensate when our skin is moist enough by producing extra oil.  Moisturize even if your skin tends to oiliness.

Some products that say they’re pore reducing actually work.

Aloe is great for soothing irritated skin.

Try never to get a sunburn.

 Oil based cleansers are excellent for removing all makeup and not drying out the skin.  The double cleanse, in which they’re followed up with a water based cleanser, is my favorite way of keeping skin clean.