Summer Skin Essentials - Dry Skin

The days are getting hotter and the sun is becoming stronger. Once I start noticing my skin getting dryer (Yes! It gets dry in the summer too!). Or I'll notice the first sunburn on my nose, I immediately change my skincare routine.

One of the questions that I've always been asked, is how I keep my skin clear and clean. A lot of it is thanks to genetics, but I've also been working really hard to take care of my skin since my late teens.  I know a lot of what I'm going to say is redundant and/or common sense, but I wanted to share my routine since I get asked so often.

During the summer, I like to use products that are lightweight, moisturizing, and high in SPF.  I tend to use low and high end products.  I also find that products work best when switching up your routine. I like to change it up every few months.

Step 1: Face Wash

I wash my face every night and morning. I really love this face wash from Daiso. I use a drop about the size of a nickel and scrub it with this brush thing (also from Daiso). I love that these are cheap products and do a great job. The face wash is infused with collagen, which I find really important. I still have plenty of collagen (I think!), but I want to stay on the safe side.

                       

 Source                                                          Source
  $1.50                                                             $1.50

2. Toner

You make think that washing your face removes all the dirt residue on your face. However, when you apply toner to a cotton pad, you find that your face isn't as clean as you thought. This step is really important to me because I want a super clean face. If you don't use toner now, I highly recommend it! You will notice less blackheads. As mentioned, I like going back and forth between products. I'm currently using Elemis Soothing Apricot Toner. It's nice and light! I also love that you can spray it on your face. You can even use it as a refresher.

Source

$36

3. Moisturizer

After your face is super clean, it's so important to moisturize your face as quick as possible! I use a pretty good amount of E'thym 02 Water Moisture Lotion from The Face Shop. I like using this product during the summer because it's super light weight and extremely moisturizing. I like to put it all over my face and neck.

Source

$19

4. Sunscreen 

This last step is super important! My skin is super sensitive to the sun; I easily burn. I had been using Tonymoly's My Sunny Perfecting Sunblock, but I recently ran out. My friend just got me into Shiseido's Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion/Wetforce. I've been using it for about a week now and I absolutely love it! It's so lightweight and I love that it's waterproof and scentless.

 I like that it doesn't leave your face white or greasy. 't's nice to use as a layer before your make up.

Source

$40

After these steps, I go about my normal make up routine. I feel moisturized and set for the hot, sunny days.

Another product that I like to keep in my purse, is TonyMoly's Bunny Mist. It's perfect for when you get into your hot car or are beginning to sweat. You just spray it on and it's cooling. It also smells good!

Source

$9

I hope this was somewhat helpful! Let me know if you try any of these products! What are your summer skin essentials?

-A.

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Rainy Days

Lately I've been trying to stay away from my usual grey and black ensembles. The last rainy day we had, I decided to wear this cool olive bomber jacket. I've been wearing a lot of olive btw. I contemplated wearing a grey tee with it, but decided to wear a white one for contrast.

Jacket: Loft via Thrifted -$2

Tee: Cato - Super Old!

Jeans: Frame Denim

Loafers: Dolce Vita via Bloomingdales's Outlet - $9

Trying to get out of my comfort zone with clothes is a lot trickier than I thought. I'm still trying to figure out my style. Sometimes I miss wearing vintage due to the simplicity. However, it's nice to get out of my comfort zone.

-A.

Review: Beauty Box 5 - February '16

Okay, so I am in love with every product that BB5 sent me this month! If you aren't already subscribed, you really should! It's a great price and it's really cool to get new items to try.

What I received:

1.Hemp Nation Body Wash - $6.50

What it does/supposed to do? 

Body wash that is full of antioxidants and provides a glow.

My thoughts:

This body wash smells so good! It's a nice balance and isn't overpowering like other body washes that I've tried out before. I didn't notice too much of a difference from other body washes though. My skin still looked the same.

2. Star Looks Longwear Mechanical Lip Pencil in Sultry Sangria -$16

What it does/supposed to do?

Longwear lip liner

My thoughts:

I am so in LOVE with this lip pencil!!! It's super long lasting; I wear it for up to 12 hour periods. I've tried all sorts of lip liners/pencils and this is the only one I've tried that doesn't dry out your lips. It glides on super smooth. I also love the color! It's a light reddish brown. I think it's a bit to brown to wear on its own, but I love it with my neutral lipsticks. I've been wearing it everyday since I first tried it out. This is something I will for sure purchase again!

3. Epic Blend Hemp Lip Balm in Coconut 

What it does/supposed to do?

Moisturizing all natural and organic lip balm. No GMO's, petroleum free, and not tested on animals.

My thoughts:

I didn't realize how cool this product was until I looked it up. The ingredients in the balms are amazing! They also have all sorts of flavors/scents, such as root beer.  I did like this lip balm, it's not oily like others. It also has a really good taste, but without being all you taste. (Hope that makes sense!)

4. Manna Kadar 3 in 1 Pigment - $19

What it does/supposed to do?

3 in 1 pigment. Functions as eyeshadow, highlighter, and blush. For all skin tones.

My thoughts:

This product is AWESOME!! It gives you such a pretty glow! I also love the way it looks as eyeshadow. The first time I wore, I received so many compliments on my make up. Everyone told me I had a dewey look. I think that's due to this pigment. I highly recommend it and will purchase it. It's also long lasting and extremely light.

5. Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Eye Shadow Primer - $20

What it does/supposed to do?

Light weight and water proof primer.

My thoughts:

I actually really liked this primer a lot better than 2 Faced and Urban Decay. It's not oily at all and lasts at least 12 hours. A little goes a long way!

Here I am wearing the products! I paired the lip liner with Bobbi Brown's Lipstick in Apricot.

Now to wait for my next Beauty Box 5!

-A.

Review: Beauty Box 5 - Mystery Box

Last month, I ordered another Beauty Box 5. It was a mystery box and it was on sale. I'm going to say that I loved this mystery box more than what I received in January's box.

1. Bellapierre's Cheek and Lip Stain in Pink - $20

What it does/is? A creamy blush and lip stain.

My thoughts: I do like 2 in 1 products! This stain is definitely long lasting and easily blendable. The color is a little too bright for my taste, so a little goes a long way.  I think I'll wear this more as a lip stain than a blush. 

2. Extend Your Beauty Tool - $4.99

What it does/is? A spatula like tool to get the last of your make up products out of hard to reach spots.

My thoughts: My mom kept this because she's always throws out makeup that she can't reach or is in awkward creases. She likes the tool because it's reusable and gets the job done. I will probably end up investing in one of these tools as well.

3. Revlon Colorstay in French Roast? - $3.99

What it does/is? An extra long lasting nail polish. 

My thoughts: I couldn't find this nail polish anywhere.  This isn't the gel envy, so I'm wondering if this is a discontinued product.  I haven't worn this polish yet, but will update this as soon as I try it out.  As I've mentioned before, I really love deep burgundy colored polish.

4.  Style Essential's Twin Gloss 

What it does/is? A shimmery lipgloss with 2 colors.

My thoughts: This was another product that I couldn't find anywhere.  I'm usually not a lip gloss person, but I still gave it a try.  It's a really sheer shimmery light pink gloss.  It doesn't really do much if you wear it by itself, so I've opted by wearing it on top of lipsticks.

5. Elite Therapeutics' Rosemary Eucalyptus Body Creme - $19

What it does/is? An organic lotion that is high in almond oil and vitamin E. 

My thoughts: Another product my mom kept.  I did try a little on and it smells really good!  I'm not sure it she's been using it or not.  Another product that will be updated as it's used!

In the picture below, I'm wearing the blush and I layered the lip gloss on a lipstick.

-A.

Review: Beauty Box 5 - January 2016

Beauty Box 5 is the other subscription box that I have also been receiving monthly. I honestly didn't have any sort of exception from BB5 because you never hear anyone talk about it and because it's pretty affordable.

BB5 sends you 5 premium sized samples and/or full sized products. I really like that they send you a good mix of obscure and known brands.  I believe that you also take a beauty quiz so the company can have an idea of what to send you...but I don't remember for sure.

BB5 comes in a small teal box. The packaging isn't the best, but it's still quite cheerful.

Here's what was included in the regular "January 2016" box!

1. Not your Mother's Hair - Plump for Joy ($5.99)

What it does/is? A thickening hair spray/cream.

My thoughts: This smells too good! Like peaches! The product is a medium weight and you run it through you hair. This product is amazing!! It gives an illusion that you have lots of hair and also gives you tons of volume. My co-workers even complimented my hair after one use. It's an inexpensive product that I will keep using in the future. I highly recommend it! Especially to those that have fine or little hair. 

2. Nails Inc. Nail Polish in Sloane Mews ($14)

What it does/is? Nail polish in a dark plum color.

My thoughts: Woahh! This color is so pretty! I've always been a big fan of plum colored nails.  It's what I'm currently wearing and has lasted pretty well for 2 weeks. Yes, there are some chips, but it's not bad like other polishes.

3. Scratch Custom Nail Wraps ($6)

What it does/is? Nail decor

My thoughts: The designs they sent were really pretty. Although, I didn't use them because the designs seemed to be meant for long nails. I never have long nails, so it just seemed like a waste to me. Maybe next time!

4. Bodipure Keratin Gloves 

What it does/is? Deep moisturizing and great for growing stronger nails.

My thoughts: My mom kept this product. Her hands did become softer after using. It's definitely a product worth using if you have really dry hands. It's a nice way to relax after a long day!

5. Novex Bamboo Sprout Hair Care Treatment Cream

What it does/is? A deep conditioning cream for damaged/brittle hair.

My thoughts: This is another product that my mom used. Her hair was really shiny and soft after she used it. It was enough to apply in her hair once.

6. Salon Grafix Hair Spray

What it does/is? A lightweight hairspray that is long lasting.

My thoughts: This is the only product that my mom and I did not use. Neither of us use hairspray, but I guess it's good to have some now. Are there any other things to use hair spray for?

I still prefer Glossy Box, but this is a great alternative if you want to save some money. This month's products weren't amazing, but they weren't horrible either. I will keep subscribing and maybe it will get better!

Which is your current favorite beauty subscription box?
-A.

Glossy Box - January Review

Ever since I ordered Sephora Play Box subscription, I got really curious about other subscription boxes. In December, I ordered two new subscriptions, the first one I want to talk about is Glossy Box.

Glossy Box sends you 5 full sized products each month. When you first sign up, they ask you about what beauty products you use, what you'd like to try out, type of make up you wear, etc. They send you different brands, from high to low. It's $21 a month, but they sometimes have deals. 

I know I said I started this subscription in December, but do to the holidays I never got a chance to do a review.

First off, this is the most beautifully packaged subscription box that I have seen! The box is also a nice quality and is good for storing things.  It's always nice that you're not only paying for the items, but beautiful packaging.

These are the 5 items that I received.  Now because it is a bit on the pricer side, my mom and I have decided to split it. I only used 4 out the 5 items pictured and is what I'll be reviewing.

1. Royal Apothic's Cream Créme To Go ($14)

What it does/is supposed to do?

Hydrating body cream without feeling greasy.

My thoughts:  

I haven't used this as directed. However, I've been carrying it in my purse and using it on my hands as needed. The packaging to this lotion is super pretty and elegant.  It also smells AMAZING!!! It smells like milk and honey.  The scent used is called "Venetian Grove".  This creme definitely doesn't feel greasy or leave your hands feeling moist like most other lotions. It's the main reason why I have started carrying it in my purse and use it throughout the day. I will probably end up buying this creme once I am out.

2.  -417's Foot Nourishing Cream ($18)

What it does/is supposed to do?

Moisturize dry and cracked heels.

My thoughts:

This foot cream does leave your feet really soft. I've been using it after putting on a foot mask. I've noticed that my heels have become significantly softer compared to regular lotion. I'm not sure if I'd buy this again though. I usually just put regular lotion on my feet. 

3. Emite Make Up's Diamond Heart ($29)

What it does/is supposed to do?

A make up primer that evens out your skin tone. 

My thoughts:

This is the one product that my mom ended up taking. I don't believe that she has tried it yet. 

4. MeMeMe's Lip Glide in Playful Peach ($12.50)

What it does/is supposed to do?

Matte/velvet finish lip pencil. 

My thoughts:

I really wanted to love this. I love the color, it's extremely pigmented and leaves a beautiful matte finish. However, I thought it was really chalky almost. I think it would be worn best as a lip liner or layered with a lip gloss.

5. Beautiful Nutrition's Lemon Rinse ($10) 

What it does/is supposed to do?

This rinse is supposed to remove product build up and reset the PH balance in your hair. 

My thoughts:

I've only used this product a couple of times, I haven't really noticed much of a difference. It does smell good though! I'll keep on using it and see if I see a difference. 

Here I am wearing that MeMeMe lip glide and after rinsing my hair with the Lemon rinse.

I really love Glossy Box and think the money is worth it. I like it a lot better than Sephora's Play Box because I get full sized items and items I wouldn't normally buy. I even cancelled my Sephora subscription box because I'd rather spend the extra money to get full sized products. 

Stay tuned for my next review on the other beauty subscription box I've been ordering.

A. 

Sephora Play Box - November 2015

It took me awhile to get to writing this review! I wanted to try the products for a longer period of time to see the effects and to fairly decide I how I felt about the products.  November's theme was about exclusive products sold only at Sephora.  I never really realized that there were products that were only sold at Sephora.  I did feel that the items they sent were a bit random, but hey I'll take anything!

Here's what I received last month:

1. Bite Beauty High Pigment Pencil in Rhubarb - $24

What it does/supposed to do? This lip pencil is made from edible ingredients and is supposed to be long lasting matte lip color. You can also use it as a lip liner.

My thoughts: I really liked this color! It's a bit darker than what I normally wear, but still great for an everyday look. I like the fact that the ingredients it's made out of are okay to eat. However, as a lipstick junkie I don't really mind the ingredients as long as it's a good color. It's definitely long lasting which is nice. You can even eat and the color still stays on. I did try using it as a lip liner, but I found the tip to be too fat. I recommend this if you're not a fan of lipsticks or lip gloss. I also like how easily it is to stick in a small pocket and easy to store. I'd be interested in trying other colors.

2. Sephora's Contour Eye Pencil 12hr Wear Waterproof in My Boyfriend's Jeans - $10

What it does/is supposed to do? An eyeliner that is waterproof and supposed to last 12 hours.

My thoughts: This is such a pretty color! I loved using it on my bottom waterline. It was fun to give my everyday cat eye a fun twist. This definitely lasts more than 12 hours! There was even a day that I wore it, and I cried a bit. I was pleasantly surprised to see that it hadn't smudged. I think this is a great buy for $10. I'm really interested in trying out the black one.

3. Buxom's Full-On Lip Cream in Dolly- $19

What it does/supposed to do? A lipgloss that plumps your lips and is shimmer free.

My thoughts: I am not a lipgloss fan at all. I just don't like the texture or the shininess. I was eager to try this one though. I was excited to learn that this was a shimmer free blend. The color is a nice pinky nude. It's no secret that I have pretty thin lips. I honestly wouldn't mind if my upper lip were a bit plumper. I was excited to see the plumping effect. I've used this gloss several times now, but it doesn't plump my lips at all. It just has short tingly/minty feeling, but there was no change at all. I don't recommend it if you want a plump lip without getting fillers. However, if you are interested in a shimmer free gloss, then this is for you!

4. Make Up For Ever's Step 1 Skin Equalizer Primer - $36

What it does/is supposed to do? A hydrating primer to make your make up last longer.

My thoughts: I had high hopes for this one. I really love Make Up For Ever's products and have never tried a "bad" product from them. I normally use Smashbox's primer and I love it. This one however made my face really greasy and shiny. I had to keep putting on powder on my face throughout the day. This was the one product in the box that I really disliked. Do any of you guys like this one?

5. Josie Maran's Argan Oil - $48

What it does/is supposed to do? A multipurpose hydrating oil.

My thoughts: I loved this product so much!! It's so lightweight and scentless. It has kept my skin really hydrated. I love using it on my face and elbows. I had these dry spots on my elbows and they're really faded now. My only complaint is that you need to use a lot of it. However, I still plan on buying it. I also want to try the lotion they sell.

6. STELLA by Stella McCartney - $72

What it does/supposed to do? A perfume with rose, peony, mandarin, and amber tones.

My thoughts: This smells so good! It really smells like roses! However, it's not overpowering like other floral scented perfumes. I think this is my favorite perfume that I've been sent so far. It's really feminine without being "cheesy". I would say it's a glamorous scent!

Here's my obligatory selfie wearing all the products! I'm kinda excited to find more ways to wear the blue eyeliner.

I just got my December box and I'm excited to try the new samples! What's your current favorite beauty product? 

- A. 

Sephora Play Box - October 2015

Okay, so I was super excited to find out that October's theme was Korean skincare. I had really high expectations for this box since September's was pretty amazing.

I was expecting the box to look a little different, but it looks the same. As mentioned in the previous post, this is my first subscription box. I wasn't quite sure what I was getting myself into. So, since the packaging looked the same I didn't photograph the box with the products. I regret not doing so! It's something I'll continue on doing.

Before I breakdown about each product, I have to give you my thoughts on the overall suggested regimen. I really wanted to love it! I wore it for a week and then I stopped. It was way too much product on my skin and I broke out a bit. I RARELY get a pimples!! If I do it's maybe 1 or 2 every blue moon. That's when I decided to try each product separately. There were products I loved and definitely plan on using them!

The samples I received:

1.  Dr. Jart's Day Tint - $48

What it does/supposed to do? This tint is supposed to do a little coverage while providing moisture and some sunscreen.

My thoughts: I was skeptical about this product. It surprisingly has the perfect amount of coverage for my skintype. I liked it a lot more than the BB cream by Smashbox that I currently use. I didn't really feel like it was more moisturizing than any other BB cream I've used. However, it is more moisturizing than foundation. (I haven't worn in like 2 years). My reason for wanting to purchase this is because of the good coverage without looking "cakey". I did have to mix a little of my BB cream to make it the right shade for my skin tone. I think for $10 more I'm going to upgrade to this tint and ditch my BB cream. As for getting to the right skin tone, I might use a cheap BB cream from either the Faceshop or tonymoly to mix it with.

2. belif's The True Aqua Bomb - $38

What it does/is supposed to do? A lightweight moisturizer that's extra hydrating. 

My thoughts: EEP!! This one is a game changer! I am so obsessed with this product! I have extremely dry skin and this has been life changing. Okay, I'm being a bit dramatic..but I really love this aqua bomb. The fact that it's so lightweight, but mega powerful (in the hydrating sense). It leaves your skin super soft and smells amazing. It's a gel like consistency that kinda looks like toothpaste, but just glides on your skin. I apply it after my shower, right before makeup, when my skin feels dry randomly, etc. I have super dry skin and I feel like this is what's going to keep my skin healthy through winter time. This is the only product that I feel is a necessity and is probably going to be the first that I buy from this box.

3. Collection Azur - Mandarine Glaciale $125

What it is/is supposed to do? A unisex fragrance with citrus and amber notes.

My thoughts: This is definitely a high quality perfume/cologne! The scent lasts all day and even after showering. As for the scent, I felt that it was a little too strong for me. It reminds me of something a candle should smell like (not in a bad way). It has a very clean scent! 

4. Fresh's Black Tea Age Delay (Toner) - $48

What it is/supposed to do? A moisturizing toner to even out skin tone. 

My thoughts: This smells amazing! That was the first thing that I really liked. While putting it on, I didn't feel like I was doing much difference. It did make my skin feel refreshed once applied. After a couple weeks, I noticed my skin tone much more even and brighter. This is another to purchase for me! The reason I love a good toner is because you skin tends to look much cleaner.

5. Boscia's Detoxifying Black Cleanser with Konjac sponge - $28

What it is/supposed to do? A deep cleaning face wash.

My thoughts: I loved that this face wash has a warming effect when applied to skin. It feels amazing on the skin. However, this product made me breakout like crazy! I really wanted to love it, but I couldn't. I still use the sponge with my normal face wash. The sponge is really nice and delicate to use around your eyes. 

6. Sephora Face Mask - Pearl Essence $6

What it does/supposed to do? Sheet mask that is supposed to give you a glow.

My thoughts: I've actually used this one before, so I was happy to receive another. I'm a sucker for sheet masks. The fact that this is normally $6 and I paid $10 for my box, makes the subscription worth it for me. I've noticed that with sheet masks is that they leave your skin super soft and moisturized. I think you actually see a glow, you need to use more than one mask. It's definitely nice to put a mask on after a long day. I think that these sheet masks are great, but I prefer the cheaper ones from actual Korean brands. 

I'm happy I got to try and learn about new products. I still think this box was worth it even though it made me break out. I'm really looking forward to seeing what November's box will consist of.

Here I am fresh faced with most of the beauty products on my face. This was taken right after showering. Does my skin look dewey?

Have you tried any of these products? Do you have any favorite Korean skincare products you can't live without?

Let me know what you think!

-A.