5 Skin Care Secrets for Healthy & Glowing Skin From an Esthetician

I'm sure you've been told over and over that you shouldn't sleep with your make up on or to drink more water, but probably not the why. So, today I will be sharing five skin care secrets for healthy and glowing skin!

As most of you know, I am a licensed esthetician. I've been an esthetician for about 5 years now. I've worked with other estheticians and skin therapist and I've also trained with doctors and R.Ns. So, I've learned a few secrets and wanted to share some with your guys. Be sure to check out my video and if you have any skin care related questions, please comment down below! 

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Five Habits That Gives You Wrinkles

I've talked about the little habits you do every day and night that is causing you to age a little bit faster before, but this time I decided to really talk about it. If you want to hear how I sound like...check out my first skin care video! If you have any questions, comment down below and I might answer it on my next video! 

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BYOB With Me at Birchbox in Soho | Travel Vlog | Passport Beauty #2

Have you ever wanted to buy a monthly subscription with Birchbox, but fear getting things you might not like, or fear commitment, or don't have the funds? Have no fear, for Birchbox in Soho is here.

Birchbox is like an adult candy store. Wall to wall of great selection, from hair to skincare, it's all there for you to try and buy. My favorite part is all the way in the back, where you can build your own Birchbox (BYOB) for $15. Although it is $5 more than their monthly boxes, you're choosing the five items you want yourself. Sadly, you can't get a Beauty Blender, but you do get to choose one item from each category: hair, skincare, makeup, fragrance, and body. If you're allergic to fragrance, you can opt out and choose two items from one category.

If you head downstairs, there's a salon and a tiny men's department.  There's also a BYOB station and boy oh boy, is there a lot of beard stuff for the fellas! To BYOB for guys, I believe it's $25 (finally, something guys have to pay more for). Salon services aren't too expensive. Nails are just $10, however if you want to get your hair-braided you'll cost you $30!

I honestly had a blast while I was at Birchbox. It was a tad bit stressful to build six different boxes, for six different people. But I had a lot of fun with the two lovely ladies who helped my cousin and I. They were super sweet and informative. It's definitely a must visit beauty spot in New York!

At Home Spa Day

Since I've been busy packing and moving to another house, I haven't been posting like I should. I also haven't been taking care of my skin like I should. Boy oh boy, do I see a difference! So, finally on a day that I am off--it's Netflix and skin therapy time. Down below are a list of fotd (aka face of the day). 

1. Nuxe Gelee Exfoliante Douce

I've recently ran out of my Ole Henriksen Walnut Complexion Scrub and decided to try something new. My skin can be sensitive when it comes to testing out new products. I'll get all itchy and eventually break out in hives. But I have to say, I can't get enough of Nuxe's products! This gentle gel exfoliant feels more like an exfoliating masque.  The mixture of lychee seeds and walnut shell powders help slough off dead skin. While the gel soothes and gently exfoliates the skin. If you're sensitive this is a perfect scrub! Just remember to use your middle and ring fingers and gently scrub. This left my skin feeling fresh and smoother! I'm not a huge fan of the scent, but that's because I don't like the smell of rose. But if you do, it's a lovely product. If you don't, just hold your breath, like I did. 

2. Nuxe Reve del Miel

If you've seen my pervious post, you know that I brought four of these! Stocking up, just in case there's a zombie apocalypse. Just kidding...sort of. This is my must-have lip balm. There's always one on my night stand and one on my desk for my AM/PM regimen. Reve del Miel is a lip-saver! Especially during the dry and cold seasons, my lips can gets pretty dry that it cracks and swells up. However, by using this lip balm before bed and then again in the morning, my lips are always hydrated and smooth. No more cracked or inflamed lips! Whoot whoot!  

3. Image Skincare The MAX Stem Cell Masque 

Although Image Skincare is a little pricey, it is completely worth it! You don't need much, just a thin layer and you're good. I only use this masque once a week, so it has last a long time. MAX Stem Cell Masque leaves my skin feeling hydrated, tighter, and glow-y!

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I don't think I've ever mentioned this...but I am NOT sponsored by Image Skincare.  Four years ago, I was introduced to Image when I was still studying esthetics and I've been using Image Skincare ever since. Luckily my spa also carries Image Skincare and I am able to share my favs with my clients and to you guys!

What's Your Skin Really Eating Up

Like most, I normally don't do a bunch of research or bother reading the ingredients on the back of beauty products, because I tend to only stick with brands I'm familiar with and can trust. The only thing that I do keep my eyes out for are, bunny ears (cruelty-free and vegan) and words like "paraben-free" or "sensitive" labeled on the products. You know, the simple things. 

But sometimes it's just not that simple. Sometimes we just can't trust such claims due to false advertisements and loosely used terms like "natural".  Although it may be a little tricky and sometimes overwhelming to understand what is in your beauty products. I've made a short guide that you can keep in mind the next time you're at Sephora (or where ever you purchase your skincare and cosmetics at) and in search of something new, because what goes on your skin can be absorbed into your body! 

5 Ingredients You Should Avoid:

1) Paraben 

• Are preservatives commonly used in cosmetics and pharmaceutical products  
• Found in underarm deodorant, lotion, ointments, shampoos, and makeup 
• Linked to breast cancer, birth defects, reproductive issues, and neurotoxicity 

2) Sulfates 

• Acts as cleaning agents
• Help products produce a good lather 
• Found in shampoo and cleansers
• Linked to skin irritants 

3) Talc 

• Helps absorb moisture or create a better feel in beauty products*
• Found in baby powder, blush and cosmetics
• Linked to lung damage and acne 

4) Benzoyl Peroxide 

• Can damage DNA overtime 
• Found in acne products 
• Linked to skin cancer, premature aging, and DNA damage 

5) DEA, TEA, MEA

• Acts as a "foam booster"
• Found in toothpaste, shaving creme, and baby shampoo
• Linked to contact dermatitis, liver and kidney damage 

Natural VS. Organic 

• Natural
• Loosely defined and used term 
• Any product can be labeled "natural" even if there are no natural ingredients used
• Products labelled as "natural" can contain as little as 3% natural substances**
• Organic 
• Contains at least 70% of organic ingredients 
• Terms "organic" and "made with organic" are not the same thing

Other Interesting Facts:

• The skin is the body's largest organ
• The skin creates a barrier against possible invasions like germs and bacteria
• The skin absorbs about 60% of what we put on our skin and body 
• Over a lifetime you will potentially swallow a kilogram (2lb) of lipstick**
• The average woman spends 450 days applying her make-up in a lifetime**

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Let me know if you guys what me to do more posts on ingredients and beauty products! Also comment down below if there were any products you had to throw after this post! 

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*FDA.gov 

**Source: Toxic Beauty by Dawn Mellowship exact text insert 

All other informations opinions, and facts are inspired from esthetics/beauty school, clinical training, and estheticians and RNs

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Please check out Toxic Beauty by Dawn Mellowship if you want to know more! 

10 Beauty Tricks You Can Get Out Of Baby Power

Baby power isn't just for babies anymore. It's easy to get, inexpensive, very versatile and an emergency must-have! There are many ways to use baby power besides for the bebe's bootay!

Here are 10 tips and tricks you can use baby power for your beauty emergencies:


1. Dry Shampoo
Maybe it's your lazy day, out of your favorite dry shampoo, or maybe you've ban yourself from purchasing anything beauty related. Like me, in that case, baby power to the rescue! All you need to do is sprinkle it onto your hairline and thoroughly brush your hair. I personally like to keep the power on my hair for a few minutes while I do my make up. So the baby power can absorb as much oil and smelliness, before brushing it out!

2. Vavavoom Lashes 
Sometimes we just need a little enhancement. Besides brows and SPF, lashes are a must for me! Since I'm not blessed with long and full eyelashes, this was my little beauty trick and secret for longer lashes in middle school. My trick in keeping it easy-peesy is to use a disposable or old mascara ward to coat your lashes. Then apply mascara. You can repeat the two easy steps as often as you would like, however it is best to wait until your mascara is completely dry. A little goes a long way (trust me, you do not want baby power in your eyes).

3. Setting Make-up
Once again a little goes a long way. Baby power is white, so to keep it translucent, you must go light. Not only does baby power help set your make-up, but it also absorbs any excess oil to keep you from looking oily.

4. Waxing
To all my DIY waxers out there. Please, please, please cleanse your skin first and dust some baby power in the area that you want wax. Baby power creates a barrier between your skin and wax, allowing the wax to have a better grip on your hair. Meaning less pain and smoother skin!

5. Deodorant
Not sure about using baby power for deodorant, but if it works for babies and it absorbs excess oil and funk...why not? It's in case of an emergency, no judgement, sometimes a girl just gotta do what a girl's got to (when Target it closed).

6. Seal your lips
I normally skip this step in my daily make-up routine. However it's a step you don't want to miss if you want your lipstick to last. Although I don't really do this on a daily, it's great for special occasions (even if it's just drinks after work). To help make your lipstick last; just apply your lipstick, cover your lips with tissue paper, and pat some baby power on them.


7. Removing oil & grease stains
As an esthetician, I'm always working with all kinds of oils. Whether it's me being clumsy or simply preforming a treatment, I always find myself in spots of oil.  Many times the stain wouldn't wash off or it's on something I can't just throw into the washer. When that happens, I would pat some baby power on the spots and let it sit for a bit before dusting it off. Sometimes you have to pat baby power a few times, rise with dish soap, and launder as normal.


8. Prevent chafing
Say no to thighs or bra chafing! Sprinkle some between your thighs before heading out for a running or simply on a hot sunny day. To prevent bra chafing, I suggest rubbing some onto you skin before and sprinkle some ontoyour bra for extra prevention and protection.

9. Removing sand
Remember when you were small and your parents would tell you to go wash the sand off your feet? But by the time you got to the car your feet and legs seem to be covered in sand...again. Then your parents would make you sit at the edge of the car's foot guard and just dust it off with towels and hurting you in the process? Well, to avoid the traumatic experience is to bring baby power with you the next time you're at the beach. All you need is baby power in your hands to rub the sand off your body!

10. Panty-holes
I'm not sure who's still wearing pant-holes besides Kate Middleton and grandmas...but if you do, make sure you rub some baby power on your feet before slipping on your panty-holes. Baby power will soak up the excess oils that your feet naturally produces, preventing fungal infections. Baby power also helps you slip into your panty-holes a lot easier.

How To Maximize Your Skincare Just By Layering Right

1. Go light

Start with the thinnest products like serums. With serums, a little goes a long way but it's the most effective way to deliver active ingredients into the skin. The secret is pat (not rub)!

So what are serums you ask? Serums are like cocktails, it's easy to mix and match and customize to your skin needs. If your skin is dry, you can try hyaluronic acid. If you're trying to prevent and reverse the sign of aging, try vitamin c and glycolic acid to promote collagen production and speed up cell renewal.

2.  Spot treatment/Eye creme

After going light, you want to target your "problem" areas. Whether it's a random huge pimple or crow's feet, you want to treat it after your serums! Do not apply before your serums, because you'll just be smearing everything around...and that eye creme would more likely be a facial creme.

3. Moisture

After you've layered your skin with active ingredients and target all your problem areas, you want to seal it with a moisturizer. This helps retain and provide moisture to the skin which is very important for healthy skin. Lack of moisture may cause the skin to be dry or crack, leaving the skin unprotected, exposed and vulnerable to irritants, damage, and etc.

4. SPF

You should never ever (never ever never ever never) skip or skim on SPF. Skipping this step because you're staying indoors all day or because it's raining--is a big no-no! Although SPF should always be included in your skin routine, it should be the last step in your morning routine. You do not want to apply this on first before your serums, spot treatment, or moisturizer. SPF is meant to sit on your face, not mixed and diluted with other skin products!

Ps. you may skip this step only when you're heading for bed!

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Four easy steps to maximize your product and skin! 

What's your laying technique? 

Kitchen Beauty: All Your Beauty Needs From Your Very Own Kitchen

Fridge:
Eggs
Egg whites help tone and even tighten the skin.
Cucumber
Cucumbers are great as eye pads, but can also be used in masques since it's very soothing and healing. I like keeping several cut up cucumbers in the freezer, so that it's always fresh and cold (warm cucumbers...ehhh, no thanks).
Avocado
Avocados aren't just great for guacamole or yummy avocado ice cream. Avocados have vitamins A and C, which is great for dry and sensitive skin! Vitamin A and C is a must have for healthy and glowy skin.
Yogurt
Have sensitive skin? Yogurt is a gentle and natural cleanser!
Milk
Milk is my go-to emergency beauty freak out! My skin is very reactive and sometimes the only thing that will calm my skin is milk. I mean, freaking Cleopatra took milk bathes for a reason! Cleopatra wasn't far fetch for believing that bathing in milk will result to eternal beauty and youth. Milk is actually very beneficial! It's soothing, rebuilds collagen, and gently exfoliates dead skin cells. Plus it can be found in every gorcery store, it's inexpensive, and its multi-usage and purpose makes it a must have in the kitchen!
Lemon
Lemon is all about lightening and brightening. Lemon can be used to help lighten dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Lemon can be used in a homemade masque with honey and yogurt or as a lemon scrub with sugar.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera my grandma's holy grail! My grandma is obsessed with aloe vera, she drinks it, eats it, and puts it on her skin. Any skin problem that my family has, her solution is to put aloe vera on it. Then she heads to the back yard to get us a stem of aloe vera. Gotta love my grandma!
Potatoes
Potatoes are literally the greatest things on earth. I mean you can make french fries, hash browns, mash potatoes, and many many more. But did you know that potatoes are also amazing for puffy eyes and even oily skin? Not only does it help reduce puffiness, but it also absorbs oil from your skin! Maybe that's why McDonald's fries are so good...
Pineapple
Pineapple has enzymatic properties that are like little Pac Man eating away dead skin cells.
Papaya 
Like pineapple, papayas are used as exfoliates and are often found in popular facial peels!
Ice cubes
Ice, ice baby! Ice cubes are soothing and calming. It's great for acne and shrinking pores.

Pantry:
Sugar
I love anything sweet. So it's a given that I also love sugar scrubs. I honestly use sugar in most of my at home beauty treatments. For instance, I use sugar with lemon to scrub my nails so that it can help lighten the stains that I acquire from wear nail polish all year long. I also use it with honey and lemon as a mini at-home facial scrub. Or with coconut oil for a body scrub! It's a staple in the kitchen as will as in my beauty treatments.
Baking Soda
I got baking soda, I got baking soda! Baking soda is often used as a spot treatment for acne. Just mix it with a little honey and apply it to any blemish and watch it go bye-bye! Baking soda is also used as a scrub or masque to exfoliate dead skin cells, leaving your skin softer and brighter.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal has healing, soothing and exfoliating proporties. Which is often used in facial or body masques.
Tea
Tea contains antioxidant and is anti-inflammatory. Tea bags aren't just used for your tea! Tea bags can be used for puffy eyes or tea can be used as cold compresses for a puffy face. So save them tea bags!
Honey
Honey does great things to the skin. It has a toning, healing, smoothing, tightening, and hydrating effects. Plus it's great with tea! Honey is also used in scrubs and masque to give it a thick constancy.
Coconut oil
Who doesn't love coconut oil nowadays?! It's hyped up for a reason! It's used in oil pulling (don't even get me started on that!), hair treatment, scrubs, make up remover, and as a moistuerizer. Although I would caution to to use coconut oil as a facial cleanser or make-up remover due to the fact that it may cause blemishes or maybe reactions to certain skin types, it's great in moderation and simply just listen to your skin! Your skin knows what it wants and likes.

Waxing 101

The do's and don'ts of waxing.

Do:

1. Avoid the sun after you're freshly waxed. Newly waxed skin are prone to hyperpigmentation and other skin damages!
2. Exfoliate your skin before waxing and 3-5 days after waxing to avoid ingrowns.
3. Let your wax specialist know if you're on any medication, recently had surgery, or Botox.
4. Take Advil 30 minutes before waxing (only if you're waxing your lady parts).
5. Take a shower beforehand to freshen up. It also helps open up the pores, making waxing l
6. Wear breathable clothing. Maxi dresses are great for Brazilian Day's.
7. Limit caffeine the day of. Caffeine may cause you to be more sensitive than usual.
8. Schedule your waxing appointment after Aunt Rose visits. You are less sensitive several days after menstruation.
9. Go long! Your hair should not be shorter or longer than a grain of rice. If it's too short, waxing may not pick up all of the hairs and can be much more painful. If it's too long, it can also be painful so trim, trim, trim.
10. Breathe!
 

Do not:

1. Forget to apply SPF!
2. Wax if you're using Accutane, Retin-A, blood thinners, or any medication for acne.
3. Expose your newly waxed skin to the sun.
4. Head to the gym after you've waxed (down there). Avoid the gym for 24 hours...and treat yourself!
5. Exfoliate right after you've been waxing. Wait a few days.
6. Tan or sunbathe 24 hours after waxing.
7. Shave in between waxing sessions. It messes up the hair cycle (leaving some hair longer and shorter than others) and also a more painful and less "clean" experience.
8. Touch freshly waxed skin if hands are not clean.
9. Apply fragranced or alcohol-based products to freshly waxed skin. It may cause redness or irritation. However witch hazel and tea tree oil is great to use to soothe redness and irritation.
10. Wax at home (unless you or your BFF is a licensed esthetician).

Bedside Beauty for the (Lazy) Busy Gals

I've made cleansing my skin part of my daily routine like brushing my teeth and making my bed. Something my middle school and high school me didn't quite think was important. Yes, I too used to sleep with my make-up! Some nights, my bed or desk was far too comfy for me to get up and walk to the bathroom (which is only about 10 steps away from my room) to actually wash my face.

But when I went to college, things changed. I left my beauty products on my nightstand or closet, because my dorm was one of the oldest and we didn't have the luxury of huge cubbies (plus I didn't want any of the boys stealing my shampoo)! This sudden change made me question what I've been doing all of my teenage years. Having all of my beauty essentials right by my side, make it easier to lazily cleanse my skin, as I'm finishing up an essay at one in the morning or after a night out. So, when I came back home, I kept my beauty products like my facial wipes, night creme, and serums on my nightstand for emergencies. I also picked up an odd habit during my years in college which is showering really late at night no matter what. But that's a different story for another post!

Anyways, keeping my beauty essentials on my nightstand was the best thing that happened to me and my skin! Besides being too tired to wash your face, hopefully some skincare science will help you with the transition--did you know that you should never store your skincare products in the bathroom, because the heat and steam from showering can cause the product to deteriorate? Yup, it's true! But maybe that doesn't matter to you as much as being able to cleanse your skin in bed with your eyes closed is. Either way, there's no morning guilt!

So for all my lazy busy beauties, all you need by your nightstand are:
1) Cleansing wipes
2) Moisturizer/night creme
3) Lip treatment

*Whatever your night regime is, keep it by your night side! Maybe minus the cleanser, because that'll only get messy and it's weird. As you can see, I like to keep my serum, hand creme, and essential oil on my nightstand too. One to combat dryness and the other to relieve stress.

What's on your nightstand? XX

DIY Sugar Kiss Scrub XOXX

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and while you are stressing out about booking a mani-pedi and wax appointments. Don't forget that your face needs some extra loving too! Have no fear (for an esthetician is here), there's no need to book another appointment this time. Instead, try out my DIY facial scrub! No worries, everything you need can be found and created in your very kitchen.  XX

Sugar Kiss Scrub Recipe:
1 cup sugar (brown sugar works too, but I prefer granulated sugar)
1/2 cup coconut oil
1-2 drops vanilla extract or your choice of essential oil
1 teaspoon Honey (optional)

Directions:
1. Microwave the coconut oil for 45 second if it's in solid form
2. Add sugar
3. Mix the vanilla oil into the coconut oil and sugar. If you like honey with your scrub, be sure to mix it with vanilla extract/essential oil before adding it into the mix--it'll clump up otherwise!
4. Cleanse your face to wash away dirt, oil, and bacteria
5. Apply the DIY Sugar Kiss Scrub and scrub-bah-dub
6. After a few minutes you can rinse off and pat your pretty face dry and apply your moisturizer or you can give your face some more loving with my DIY Chocolate Facial (don't worry you and lick the spoon or your face after).
5. Now, just sit back and relax with your boo thang, girlfriends, or Netflix.

P.S. This recipe can be shared with your boo, girls, or you can give yourself a body treatment! Trust me, it's a lot. But why not treat yo self?

What's your favorite Valentine's Day beauty treatment? XOXX

10 Beauty Sins: Oily Skin

Are you struggling with oily skin? Does your make-up "slide" off after you just applied it? Are you constantly blotting your face every hour? Do you find used blue blotting sheets everywhere?  If you answered yes to these questions...you may be suffering from oily skin. But what exactly is oily skin?

Oily skin aka lipidic skin is characterized by an excessive amount of oil production (duh). If you happen to have oily skin, you'll notice that you have much larger pores than someone who has dry skin. The visible and large pores can easily lead to blemishes like pimples and black/whiteheads, due to excessive oil and dead skin cells clogging the pores. The buildup of dead skin cells can make the skin appear thick, oily, congested, and unhealthy. Having a good skincare regimen, diet, and regular facials can help balance the skin, keeping blemishes at bay and your skin happy!

Here are 10 oily beauty sins!

1. Genetics 

If oily skin runs in your family, than chances are you'll also inherent oily skin (but keep calm and know that you're less likely to wrinkle and sag than your dry-skin friends). 

2. Whack out hormones 

Whether it's medication or stress; hormone changes can cause an increase of oil production. Meaning an oily and shiny face. Them crazy hormones! Hormones can also lead to dehydration which can cause even more oil to secrete.

3. Too much washing

If you think that cleansing your face 3+ a day is going to help control your oily skin...you're wrong! Stripping the skin too much of its natural oil and drying out the skin causes the skin to freak out; unbalancing the skin and acid mantle can send your oil production in over drive. Resulting to more and more oils to be produced and a very very shiny face. 

4. Overusing products 

This is not an easy one. I think a lot of us ladies are so used to bad beauty myths. We think that the more we cleanse or so, than we'll rid ourselves from our skin's problem. But that's not the case! Especially with oily skin, however overusing or overdoing can irritate and even dry out your skin which makes it worse, because it actually triggers the oils glands to produce more oils.

5. Not moisturizing your skin

For some reason, a lot of ladies (and especially the gents) think that oily skin doesn't need moisture, because they're already "oily". But did you know that neglecting to provide your skin with the moisture it needs can result to an increase of oil. Why? Welp, because the skin notices the lack of oil and in result tries to lubricate the skin by producing more oil! Hey--your skin is just trying to help you out!

6. Using the wrong products 

Sharing in this case is not caring. Just because your friend is using a certain product or because so-and-so is using it, doesn't mean that it's for you! Everybody's skin is different and not all products work the same for everyone. Using the wrong skincare products for your skin can once again freak the skin out, causing it to react. Such reactions like an increase of oil production, blemishes, or even hives! Ekkk!

Even products that claim to control oil or eliminate oil can be wrong for oily skin, because it may contain ingredients that irritate the skin or too strong.

7. Doing too much

Having oily skin doesn't excuse you to try on every treatment or products all at once. Doing too much to your skin may irritate your skin, triggering more oil. Yup, just like over-cleansing or using the wrong products!

8. Not having enough water 

Not drinking enough water means dehydrated cells and dehydrated skin means shiner appear and more oil production. The reason why there's more oil being produced is the body's way of making up for the lost or lack of much needed water *mind blown*. 

9. Excessive exfoliating 

Although it's important and beneficial to slough off dead skin cells. Excessive exfoliation can not only make you appear shiny in photos due to light reflecting off the skin but it can actually make you oilier too. If you're not sure if you're over exfoliating, listen to your skin. Shineness, oiliness, tightness, and even redness is your skin telling you that you're over doing it. Try to limit your scrub days to 3 days a week.

10. Greasy food, greasy skin

It's simple, you are what you eat. This is linked to hormones where certain food can trigger excess oil to secrete. Too much processed and unhealthy food not only harms your insides, but the harmfulness can also reflect on the outside from oiliness to blemishes. Introducing a balanced and healthy diet can not only improve your skin, but also your body.

Beauty Favs: SPF Edition

It's no secret that you have to wear SPF during the summer when the sun is blazing. But did you know that you still need the same protection during winter? The truth is, whether it's rainy, cloudy, or snowing you still need to wear sunscreen! The sun's powerful rays not only penetrate through clouds, but even your very own car windows. The damage to your skin is much greater, because it's something you can't visible see until later. While UVB is dangerous and results in sunburns and skin cancer, you're somewhat protected during your commute, because UVB doesn't penetrate through your car windows. UVA on the other hand does. UVA not only causes aging and wrinkles, but also contributes to skin cancer too! No matter the weather or seasons, both the UVA/UVB is dangerous and harmful to your skin and health.

So, remember--wear sunscreen even during the winter to protect yourself and your skin from skin cancer, aging, and hyperpigmentation. Choose a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection (to protect yourself from UVA/UVB) with SPF 25+.


These are my three favorite broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sun protection SPF:

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch SPF 30
I started using this product when I was in high school and just never stopped! This is my go-to lazy day and gym day SPF. Even during my Netflix-in-bed-marathon, I'll cleanse my face in the morning and lather this on.  It also has a nice floral scent meanwhile giving me the ultimate protection and it's budget-friendly. I also apply this on my hands before driving. It doesn't leave me hands sticky or white, but I love knowing that I'm taking care as well as protecting my hands as I do for my face. Can't be looking all cute and having my hands ruin (or more like age) me!

Image Skincare Prevention+ Daily Tinted Moisturizer Oil-Free SPF 30+
I looove this tinted SPF!  I wear this literally everyday (unless it's my lazy day, of course) and even my night out around the town. It gives me great protection, coverage, and a nice glow. For me, the tinted moisturizer has the right amount of moisture and coverage that I can actually substitute foundation. It's the only thing I wear, day or night, working or clubbing--I'm wearing this!

BareMinerals Original Foundation Board Spectrum SPF 15 in Medium Beige 
Like I mentioned before, you must reapply your SPF every 2 hours! But like most ladies out there, I don't like touching my face after I've put on my "face". Especially when blush is involved. However, I found out that dusting on a power that also has SPF, like BareMinerals is the secret! Not only are you eliminating your chances of smearing or messing up your make-up every time you're reapplying your SPF, you're also applying a layer of coverage and protection! That is something I can't get out of any regular SPF.


What's your favorite SPF? XX

5 Beauty Places I Regret Not Visiting While in Europe

1. Florence, Italy 

First stop, Florence! I was only in Florence for 1 day and 2 nights and very much jet-lag. Needless to say, I should of stopped by Officina Profumo - Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella to stock up on some natural soaps and hand cremes. I'm a little bummed that I didn't, but then again I was throwing up almost everywhere (like outside of the Prada store and inside a Prada bag--not cute) so...maybe it was good I wasn't out in public too often. Although I was sick, I wished this was my first stop (before everything went down hill)! A little about OPFSMN and why it's a Florence beauty buy is that all of OPFSMN products are made with all natural ingredients and the flowers, herbs, and spices that are found in OPFSMN products are also found in the garden next to the store! How cool is that? Not only that, but their recipes date back to 400+ years!

2. Barcelona, Spain 

Tapas, Paella, churros...wait a minute, those are not beauty products, but they sure were tasty! But Taller Amapola is the place to get some Barcelona beauty buys that are natural. Taller Amapola is budget-friendly and have a variety of beauty products. However, one of my beauty weakness is essential oils, which Taller Amapola carries! I don't think I've every mentioned this, but I am obsessed with aromatherapy. Essential oils are extremely beneficial for your mental and physical health. I probably would of grabbed a few tea tree oil, since it's great for zapping away pimples and something I was running low on. I would of also loved to try Taller Amapola's Illuminating and Relaxing essential oil. One for my skin and the other for the panic attacks I randomly get at airports and on airplanes.

3. Paris, France

I can go on for days about the beauty products I regret not getting my hands on in Paris! Especially since I actually visited and spent about an hour in City-Pharma while I was in Paris! While there are many pharmacies around Paris, City-Pharma was by far the cheapest and most popular. I had a bunch of Parisian beauty products like Bioderma, La Roche-Posay, Nuxe, and etc. in my little red basket, but of course with my luck--my card wasn't accepted! Let's just say, when I walked out of City-Pharma empty-handed, I was close to tears (but that might always be because I was all alone and lost for about six hours too).  

4. London, England

Although I visited Boots while in London. I wish I had a chance to visit BeautyMart. It's like a Sephora with better packaging! Jo Malone would of been a wonderful place to visit too. Maybe not a wonderful look on my bank account, but wonderful nonetheless. (P.s Pearl Pharmacy is a great alternative if you can't go to City-Pharma in Paris. But the pricing might be a wee bit off...or by a lot).

5. Rome, Italy 

Rome was my final stop, before I flew back home. I wished I had a chance to shop for myself at KIKO, which I told myself while I brought my mom lipsticks at KIKO in Paris. Even though KIKO can pretty much be found anywhere in Europe, KIKO is an Italian cosmetics brand. KIKO is like MAC, minus being overpriced. It's a lovely place to visit without spending all your euros! I like that it's high quality, not tested on animals, and has a bajillon different products to choose from (without breaking the bank). The lipstick selection is just amazing and it's priced around 4-8 euro. So you can pick whichever price range you're comfortable with. A friend of mine actually stocked up on one of the eyeliner, before heading back home! 

Check-In Beauty Essentials

Ciao! Hola! Bonjour! Hello! It's been forever since I've blogged (21 says to be exact)! As many of you have seen on my Instagram, I've been traveling around Europe for the past few weeks. It's been exciting and a tad bit tiring. That's what a total of eight flights in less than three weeks does and perhaps the pain of carrying a 50 pounds luggage, carry-on luggage, and a Mary Poppins' purse around the busy streets of Florence, Barcelona, Paris, Rome, and London. My god--The London Underground! Why does The Underground have so many stairs, yet lack lifts?! My only regret was taking a check-in luggage with me, but I do not regret being rescued by the men in London! Swooon! Especially, when they ask, "are you alright, love" and causally picked up my luggage and carried it down three flights of stairs. Let's just say that I feel very fortunate to have traveled to so many countries and met so many beautiful people! 

Now to the good-goods! Here are some of the beauty products I took with me to Europe! 

1) Bandages for the boo-boos and blisters. 

2) DoTerra Deep Blue Rub for my aches and pain from a long day of adventures and walking (or PMS cramps). 

3) A mini nail polish remover, just in case I need to fix my nails during a long layover. 

4) It's A 10 shampoo, conditioner, and leave in-conditioner. Not only does It's A 10 smell great, but it leaves me hair smooth, shiny, and healthy! Plus it's sulfate-free. 

5) For my body, I brought two travel sized body wash. Why? Because I was worried that I wouldn't have enough and because I like to use Aveda Rosemary Mint Body Wash to de-stress especially after a long day of exploring in Paris. While Caress Evenly Gorgeous Burnt Brown Sugar and Karite Butter Body Wash on a daily for ultra smooth skin and when I need a little scrub-ba-dub! 

6) Vaseline Total Moisture Cocoa Butter--my go-to lotion when my skin is freaking out and just in general. It's inexpensive and does the job! 

7) Two contact solutions, because without my contacts I would be blind as a bat! 

8) Yes to Cucumbers Facial Wipes to remove my make up and to freshen up. 

9) Of course I always have to have my Image Skincare products! (Yes, I did bring a bunch of mini-travel sized...but my skin needs as much loving as it can get from the harsh winter weather of Europe! #californiagirl) 

10) Chanel Vitalumière Hydra Moist Radiance Emulsion Compact SPF 15 for my blemishes. Although this is intended for dry skin, my skin may be too dry for this product, leaving my skin looking flakey and cracked! However I love to use this as a concealer since it's gives great coverage.

11) Finally, the beauty roll-up bag! It's a lifesaver when traveling! Especially during my stay in hostels! When there's nowhere to place my beauty bag, I just hooked this bad boy up and everything is within reach--there's no mess and no hassle! 

Carry-On Beauty Essentials

Today, I am up up up in the air heading to Italy. Probably munching on snacks and watching a bunch of free movies! While, I'm stuffing my face and wifi-less. I've decided to do a quick photoshoot and write a lil' some some before I head to the airport (I'm probably going to be late...). Here are some of the beauty products I'm putting into my carry-on or stuffing into my purse (my huge Mary Poppins like purse). I'm also bringing a portable charger just in case my phone or iPad needs a recharge, a journal to jot things down, magazines for boredom, a book by John Green, a converter, and my Bose headphones since my ears gets extremely painful when I wear Apple's headphones for too long.

Dry & Flaky Skin 101

Ahh, winter. The season to be jolly and...a little flaky? Winter brings more than pumpkin lattes, gifts, and family gatherings--it also brings the discomfort of dry and flaky skin. Even if you're normally oily, winter can cause your skin to dry out. This generally happens when the seasons changes and harsh dry air steals away the thin oil on our skin that normally protects and maintains moisture in the skin. Resulting to dry, tight, rough, flaky, and sometimes inflamed skin.

Dry Skin 101: 

1) Tell-tale signs of dry skin

• Your skin feels dry or tight right after a shower or through out the day
• You have small pores (it's an indication that you have dry skin)
• Flakiness or itchiness

2) Lack of oil

The natural oil that occurs on the skin protects itself from environmental damage and aging. However dry skin does not produce enough lipids (oil), which makes the skin vulnerable and sensitive. If you have dry skin, just know that you skin needs extra protection and care--so stay hydrate and moisture up!

2) Dry VS. Dehydrated skin

• Dry skin = lacks oil. 

Dry skin is a skin type, which you've probably had since you were a baby. Dry skin may feel a little rough, tight, and itchy. Find rich creamy products without any fragrance to help hold in moisture, combat dryness, and minimize irritation/inflammation!

• Dehydrated skin = lacks water.

Dehydrated skin is a skin condition, which can be experienced by anyone and any skin type...yes even oily skin! Signs of dehydration is flakiness, thin, and dull looking skin. You can reverse the signs of dehydrated skin by looking at what you put in your mouth and on your skin. Avoiding or limiting caffeine, alcohol, over exfoliation, and the sun can make a difference. Hydrate your skin with ultra-hydrating moisturizers with serums like hyluoronic acid is also great for the skin, since it binds 1000x its weight in water. Also stay hydrated by making sure you drink plenty of water!

3) Genetics 

Dry skin is often genetics. However your skin type can change with age.

4) Internal and external factors

• Medications
• Improper skin care regimen/habits
• Poor diet
• Allergies
• Products
• Change in climates 

5) Moisturize, moisturize! 

Winter changes, and your skin changes along. Find a moisturizer that is oil-based, as the oil will help your skin stay soft and smooth by retaining or increasing its H2O content; it also create a protective layer on the skin to help keep you skin moisturized, protected, and combat the dryness. 

Tip: Moisturizing while your skin is still damp is key! Your skin shouldn't feel tight after cleansing or exfoliation, if it feels tight, you've taken too long to moisturize.

6) Be generous

I'm not just talking about your face, but your entire body! Cleaners, serums, moisturizers, and humectants can help combat dryness and dehydration. 

7) Exfoliate

Not exfoliating and applying moisturizer and your skin will still look dry and dull. While exfoliating help your skin appear smooth and hydrated, by sloughing off the dead skin cells. Exfoliation also helps get rid of flakiness and help products penetrate better. 

8) Shower

Hot or too long of a shower isn't good for any skin type, especially dry skin. I know this might seem like a joke! I know the crazy temptation of hot showers in winter (or after a terrible day), but hot or long showers actually robs the skin of it's naturally oil and moisture. For dry skin, this is a big no-no! Dry skin needs as much moisture as possible and hot showers is stripping away the little moisture it has. Keep your showers short and lukewarm can improve your dry skin tremendously. 

9) Hyaluronic Acid 

I love love love hyaluronic acid. It's made a huge difference to my skin, so much so that I use it every season and every day (sometimes night). 

Don't like the work "acid" scare you, hyaluronic acid is want occurs naturally in the body to provide moisture, plumpness, and firmness to the skin. However, as we age, we our natural hyaluronic acid deteriorates. Adding a hyaluronic acid serum, filler, or moisturizer can help improve and hydrate your skin. 

10) Switch up products

Products that you were using in the summer can stripe away your skin of its much needed oil during the winter, making your skin drier I tend to trade my foamy cleanser for a cream-based cleanser and add hydrating serums and moisturizer. 

Happy Thanksgiving! XX

Give The Gift Of Beautiful Skin

I recently went to an Image Skincare Event to get together with some old friends, network, learn, drink champagne, and of course get my hands on Image Skincare Merry and Bright 2014 Holiday Gift Set! I wasn't so excited for it at first prior to the event, because I thought it would just be their mini holiday 1 oz pump bottles. However, this holiday, Image surprised us with full size products and a FREE bag! If you haven't heard of Image Skincare yet (you must be living under a rock), their products are highly effective, paraben-free, natural, full of antioxidants, medical grade ingredients, easy to use, and suitable for all skin types! The thing about Image is, it isn't sold in drugstores, department stores or online. But at your local spas or dermatologists' office. So, although it may be harder to get, it's completely worth it. If you don't know where to find Image Skincare, you can comment below where you're from and I can help find you a spa or you can call Image Skincare directly at 561-791-2602 and a licensed esthetician can help. 

What's great about this holiday set is, it contains the essentials: cleanser, serum, moisturizer/SPF, and a lip treatment. So, if you're running low on skincare products or have a long Christmas list, this is a great gift set to give to anyone on your list! Now, let's talk about the moola...it's value at $200, but you can get it for $125 (the MAX Stem Cell Serum alone is $93.50...ekkk)! Okay, I know, it's not the cheapest holiday set. But like I said before, it's completely worth it! Honestly, you know you spent way more than that during Sephora's VIB Rouge and VIB member event. Am I right...or am I right? 

Here are the four products that is included with one complimentary bag!

1) The MAX Stem Cell Facial Cleanser 
This is my mom's favorite cleanser. I think the smell alone is what got her hooked! Besides the lovely smell, the Max Cleanser is acid-free, sulfate free, and paraben free. Like all of Image Skincare cleaners, it's a triple treat, a 3-in-1 kind of cleanser: facial cleanser, toner, and exfoliator. Not only is the product convenient and easy to use, but the Max Cleanser also helps optimize your skin's pH level--meaning balance, protection, and products absorbing deeper into your skin!
2) The MAX Stem Cell Serum 
I've never actually tried this serum personally, not because I don't want to, but it's because I'm already using two serums from Image Skincare! Although I haven't used it, I've heard nothing but great things about this serum from clients. According to Image Skincare, this day and night serum helps rejuvenates, plump, and firm your skin. What takes this serum to the next level? Three words: stem cell technology. What is that, you ask? Well, plant-derived stem cells are great to have in products, since it protects and repairs your living cells! Maximizing results and healthy skin.
3) Prevention + Ultimate Protection Moisturizer SPF 50 
Now, this is a product that I have tried and adore! This ultra-sheer, lightweight moisturizer with a build in SPF is beyond amazing!  It gives you the moisture your skin loves while giving your skin the ultimate protection and prevention. Although I really love this product for its great benefits, the smell alone is what did it for me! I mean, who doesn't like the smell of pina colada?! Humm...pina colada sounds nice right now.
4) Ormedic Balancing Lip Enhancement Complex
This is a must have, if you want smooth and Kylie Jenner's lip (not pre-teen Kylie, but current teen Kylie). It gives a subtle shine, but not sticky, something I love when I'm on-the-go and on a time limit. The smell alone is just amazing, I think it smells exactly like how M&M's White Chocolate Candy Corn tastes! But like all of Image's products, there are great benefits besides the smell. This product contains the purest organic ingredients, polypeptide complex, and antioxidants! It's also great for dry, dehydrated lips, and post dermal filler injections. This is a must have item!

Hee hee...I just realized I raved a lot about the smell of Image Skincare products! Anyways, this is how the bag looks like!

Beauty Tip: Plucker Up and Protect Your Lips!

Happy Sunday!

I'm sure that a lot of us are guilty with neglecting our lips. We think that smearing on lip balm is enough to keep them moisturized and protected, while lathering and treating everything around our face from cleansers, exfoliants, serums, moisturizers and SPF. But sadly, our lips rarely get that much loving. Protecting your lips is important, because it's expose to harsh and unpredictable weather, and dun...dun...dun...sunlight! Our lips also has a very thin protective layer and can easily crack from lack of care, which can be very painful and may lead to infection! Plus, what's the point of applying lipstick if your lips are dry and flaky?

Here are my steps on obtaining soft, smooth, and healthy lips:

1. Cleanse

Cleanse, cleanse, cleanse! I know, I know, you know, but believe it or not, cleansing one's lip is often forgotten! I normally just take a cotton pad, dab Image Skincare's Vital C Cleanser and add some water (of course you can just cleanse your lips as you're washing your face). What I love about this cleanser is that it's creamy, ultra-hydrating, and paraben free! 

2. Refine & moisturize

Grab your old toothbrush (or a mascara wand), Vaseline and just move your toothbrush in circular motion until you effectively remove the majority of the dead skin cells or until it feels soft enough for you! If you're not busy, lazy, or just in need of some extra lip loving. Mix some brown sugar, honey, and coconut oil to get a deep exfoliation! Both are excellent for exfoliating and moisturizing your lips! 

Tip: If you're traveling or feeling like "ain't nobody got time for that", I recommend getting a lip scrub. There are many lip scrubs out there, but I love Burt's Bee Soothing Lip Balm with Eucalyptus and Menthol. It's not often used as a lip scrub, but it's amazing and I always feel like the product is bead-y enough to use as a go-to exfoliant! It's also inexpensive and you don't have to worry about contaminating it with your fingers, which I appreciate and love!

3. Protect

This is something a lot of people forget! We protect our face from sun exposure, but don't realize that our lips needs a little SPF loving too! To protect my lips from sun damage and well moisturized, my go-to SPF lip balm is Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15. 

4. Put on your favorite fall lipstick 
Ahh! Isn't this the fun part? My two favorite fall lipstick is Chanel Rouge Allure Adorable (what's more adorable about this lipstick is that my adorable 79 year old grandma gave me this!) and YSL Rouge Volupté Forbidden Burgundy. Chanel Rouge Allure Adorable is more natural and I normally grab this lipstick when I'm in a rush or just want a little color. YSL Rouge Volupté Forbidden Burgundy is POP POP POP! It's my go-to when I feel a little down or a night out in the city with my girls!

Xoxx

Heather

10 Beauty Sins: Wrinkle Edition

I think a lot of people fight aging by going under the knife, skin fillers, botox, or even the most expensive and well advertised cosmetic products. We try to get the latest procedure or product in order to reverse the skin of aging. However, here are some inexpensive and fool-proof practices to maintain your youthful look from any age! Of course having an appropriate skin regimen, avoid the duck face, and good posture early on, can help slow down the aging process. Prevention is key, ladies!

Let’s take a look at the 10 beauty sins that we do everyday that may cause us to age faster!

1. Not wearing SPF 25+ and reapplying SPF every 2 hours

Yes, you read that right! There are many reasons why we must reapply every 2 hours. The effectiveness of SPF lessen by the minute, no matter what. But let's just say you're swimming, sweating profusely, changing in the fitting room, etc. The SPF is either being rubbed off or melting and off, leaving your skin vulnerable to the skin. After hours and hours of sun exposure and no SPF, your skin is at risk to sunburn, brown spots, wrinkles, and dun...dun...dun, skin cancer.

2. Drinking from a straw
I'm not talking to the sometime straw-drinkers, but to the straw-lovers. You know, that one friend I think we all have that drinks wine from a straw so that she doesn't mess up her red lips or stain her teeth or that friend who uses her plastic Starbucks reusable travel cup everyday (something I'm guilty of). The reason why drinking from a straw is a no-no is, because when when doing so, we're pursing our lips and that can increase the risk of laugh lines and wrinkles! So...that's why we should say no to straws (and the ultimate duck face)!

3. Smoking
Free radicals, free radicals, free radicals! Smoking can speed up the normal aging process leading to sagging and wrinkles, making you look older than you really are. So say bye-bye to the cigarettes and hello to your lovely skin!

4. Facial exercises
Facial exercises is awesome...if you're trying to get wrinkles and fine lines. There's a lot of believers of facial exercises out there, but the truth is: the more you move or use your facial muscles, the more the lines deepen. Think about it, laugh lines are call laugh lines for a reason!

5. Over exfoliation
Over exfoliating your skin can eventually thin out your skin and make it more irritated and susceptible to sun damage! We all know that the sun is a huge no-no and can accelerate premature aging and brown spots.

6. Consuming too much sugar
Not a smoker, ehh? Well did you know that too much sugar could age your skin like you're a smoker? Sugar also damages your collagen and elation production, leaving your skin saggy and less plump.

7. Reading in bed
Let's talk about your neck now. The way your body is position while reading may be creating deep lines across your neck. However, I know exactly how comfy reading in bed is, especially on Sunday mornings! The secret is to prop yourself up so that your back isn't curved! Also make sure your neck isn't pointed too far down (that double-chin is realz and it's only doing to get worst...by forming into deep lines AKA wrinkles).

8. Not having enough water

You have to be hydrated! By drinking water you help moisture your body from the inside and out. Water is extremely important since our skin alone is composed around 20% of water and if your body is not lacking water, it steals it from your skin. Resulting to dry and flakey skin, making wrinkles more visible and deeper. Hydrated skin means younger and plumper skin--so pour it up, pour it up!

9. Consuming too much caffeine
Drinking too much caffeine dehydrates your skin, causing you to appear dull! Dehydrated skin may also cause the lines on your face to appear deeper too, since your skin is trying to hold onto as much water as it can.

Tip: for every cup of Joe or caffeinated tea, just add an extra cup to your 8 cups of water a day!

10. Not wearing sunglasses
The best way to reduce eye wrinkles or crow's feet is to protect your eyes! Wearing sunglasses not only protects your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays, but you're also less likely to squint. The less you squint the less crow's feet, fine lines, and wrinkles will form around your eyes.