Come With Me to Bite Beauty Lip Lab | Travel Vlog | Passport Beauty #1

When I was in New York, I visited a couple of beauty hot spots. Come along with me as I visit Bite Beauty Lip Lab in SoHo for the first time. 

While strolling around SoHo, trying to find Birchbox. I stumble upon Bite Beauty Lip Lab. Although walk-ins are welcome, I've heard that it gets crazy busy during the weekends! So make sure you give them a ring beforehand to avoid a long wait time. Luckily for me, I stumble upon this miraculous place on a Wednesday. They were able to take me in right away and I walked out of there with a customized lipstick within 20 minutes! 

Bite Beauty is known for their pigmented colors, but more importantly, what they put into their products. Like I mentioned before, it is important to be aware of what you put onto your skin because your skin will just eat it up. Bite gets this concept and have provided great products with healthy and natural ingredients! It's even in their name!

It was a lot of fun for me to see my lip scientist help me concoct a Kylie Jenner inspired nude lipstick. The prefect shade of nudes and reds are so hard to find and what may work for someone may not work for another. So, to have a prefect shade of nude that was made just for me was a huge relief and extremely satisfying! It was also fun to design my lipstick package and choose a scent or two for my lipstick.  Totally worth the splurge! 

You can also check out my visit at Bite Beauty Lip Lab down below!

Come Stay With Me | Airbnb | New York 2015

Last week, I was lucky enough to spend my birthday week in New York with my cousin. Although our roundtrip flight to New York was surprisingly on the low low. Hotels were $1,000+! That was definitely not something we could afford. So, to keep our travel on a friendly budget, we decided to search for a nice Airbnb to stay at.

Guess what...we actually found a lovely apartment in Upper Manhattan! That was more than half of what we would of spent if we stayed at a hotel. Besides the huge saving, our cute little apartment was conveniently close to everything. Just so you can get a visual on how close we were, we were about 15 minutes from Central Park, 34 minutes from Chelsea Market, and 37 minutes from SoHo. Our apartment was also just a few blocks from three different subways! Not bad, right?

This is my third time booking with Airbnb. I've met a lot of wonderful people, learned a lot about the cities I've visited, and how much I prefer Airbnb over hotels. I honestly love how homey it feels. You get to experience how the locals live, like grocery shopping, cooking your own meals,  plus you have someone who can guide you around the city and also places only the locals know about. Trust me, you'll save a lot of time and money avoiding the tourist-y spots and restaurants.

My Airbnb tips: 

1) Location, location, location!
This is so important. I've learned my lesson last year when I choose a cheaper Airbnb in London versus a good location that was only 10 pounds more. So we were in a sketchy neighborhood and took 50+ minutes to get to central London. Don't do it. The best thing to do is, do some research on which neighborhood you prefer to stay in and filter your search to that specific area. Then when you've found a few places, use Google Maps to see what is around. Like is public transportation in walking distant, is there a laundry mat near by, is there a convenient store for last minute emergency, etc, etc.

2) Check fees
You want to know what you're getting. Do you have to pay additional for each house guest, cleaning service, dry cleaning service, and etc.

3) Check availability
You want to know what the minimum stay is and filter your search with the nights you plan to stay. It'll save you a lot of heartache and time. Trust me, you don't want to find the perfect place only to find out that the minimum stay is 7+ nights (welp, unless you're staying that long)!

4) Check amenities
This is also important. If you want a place that has wi-fi, washer and dryer, 24 hour check-in, free parking, tv, shampoo, hair dryer, and simply the essentials...you should probably check the amenities.

5) Check host's profile and reviews
That's just common sense. You want to see if you and your host are compatible and that they're not some creepy person.

6) Check the space
After you've found your perfect place and checked out your host's profile. You want to look at "The Space".  It gives you information like when you can check in and check out, how many bedrooms/bathrooms, how many people can stay, and also what type of space you'll get. The space can be anything from just a private room or an entire home.

7) Check yo' self!
Seriously. You do not want to get denied, because your profile looks sketch. Your host also wants to know that you're real and not some creep too. After all, they are inviting you into their home! Post a picture of yourself. Tell them a little about yourself and if it's your first time, ask your friends if they could write a review for you! You don't have to, but it's nice for your host to know a little about you from a friend.

How to keep yourself safe:

1) Trust your gut. If something feels off, listen to your instinct and just back out. It's better to be safe than sorry.
2) Don't be afraid to ask your host questions about themselves, their home, and rules.
3) Tell your friends, family, and/or significant others where you're going and where you're staying. Check in with them when you're on your way and when you get there. It's also good to have a safe word, so that your person knows that it's really you.
4) Plan a safety exit. Whether for a potential fire or if your host is a creep.
5) Be cautious of your surroundings.

*All pictures are our very own pictures of our Airbnb. I want to thank my Instagram Husband aka photographer/graphic designer/cousin. I would also like to thank Amanda and Peter for inviting us into their lovely home (and for the beer and chips)!

I would love to hear your favorite Airbnb, safe travel tips, or/and your favorite trip! Comment down below!

XX

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!

XX

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**

XX

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! 

XX

*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

XX

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

Fall Back in Love with Berry Lips | Autumn/Fall Beauty

Starting next week, it's going to be fall! That means berry lips and nails are going to be worn from now to next season. Let's not forget about leggings, sweaters, and cute booties either! Oh, how I love fall. Fall is also the season of pumpkin spice lattes with lipstick prints on every white coffee lids. Can you say or more like hastag: #instagram #basic #yum. To get ready for fall (and Instagram), here are three of my favorite fall lipsticks.


1. Clinique in Different Grape
This is my go-to and almost everyday lipstick. I wear it to brunch, late night drinks, and even to work. Spring or fall, the season doesn't matter. While Different Grape is a deeper shade on my best friend who is fair, it is the perfect tint against my skin tone. So depending on your skin color, it may be the perfect berry lipstick or just the perfect "I just ate a bunch of blackberries" tint. It's smooth and easy to slap on without a mirror. I've even considered buying a few more to keep in my work bag, purse, and at home. A girl can never have too much lipstick!

2. YSL in Forbidden Burgundy 
I save this lipstick for special occasions. It's the perfect dark berry lipstick, but also very build-able. You can apply lightly for a more berry tint or you can apply a few layers for the perfect shade of dark berry to your liking. With this lipstick, you will need a mirror. It's easy to build, but it's unforgivable. By that, I mean that it bleeds without a liner, you might look like Miranda Sings if you apply it without a mirror, and it's not an easy lipstick to eat with. Especially cheeseburgers, trust me. However, YSL is by far my favorite lipstick. Although it's a little pricy for a lipstick, YSL is extremely moisturizing and smells fantastic. It smells like Jolly Ranchers to me!

3. MAC in Russian Red
I know, I know...this is red and not at all berry, but sometimes a classic red is the way to go. You can do no wrong with a good red lipstick. This is the first red lipstick that I have ever gotten and the one color that can pull me out of a funk. Russian Red also has a blue undertone, meaning your not so white teeth may appear pearly white to others. If that doesn't give you some sense of power, I don't know what would (but maybe an all black attire with Russian Red).

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.

French Pharmacy Beauty Buys | Nuxe Edition

As most of you know, during my short stay in Paris. My trip to City-Pharma was a huge fail (like after spending a few hours and filling up my basket with all types of goodies, my credit card was declined type of a fail).  So, I told myself that once I got back home, I would seek out some of the products I had to leave behind in Paris.

It's been several months since I've been back, but I didn't make my decision until about a week ago. So, what did I decide on after many many months? Welp, my first French beauty buys had to be something by NUXE! Maybe it's because Estee Lalonde aka EssieBotton (one of my favorite beauty Youtubers) loves it or that every beauty blogger seem to also rave about. Either way, I just had to get my hands on NUXE's best selling lip balm and body cream.

1. NUXE Reve de Miel Ultra Nourishing Lip Balm 
I like that it's thick enough without feeling heavy or sticky. Since it is pretty thick, a little goes a long way! It's also one of the biggest lip balm I've own and since I don't need to use a lot, it'll definitely last a long time for me (and I may or may not have brought a total of four). Although I would say it's more on the pricier side, it's well worth it. It helps nourish, smooth, repair and protect even the most dry and damaged lips. The benefits that you get from a $19 lip balm is a much wiser investment than getting an expensive lipstick! It's better to repair and protect your lips so that your lips look good with any shade or brand. You'll also love the scent of this lip balm! It's very mild, but you get a little swift of grapefruit and honey once in awhile.

2. NUXE  Nourishing Body Cream Reve de Miel
This product makes my skin feel extremely soft and moisturized. NUXE's products has a very rich consistency without leaving your skin feeling sticky or excessive. Even if you have the most dry and cracked skin, this body cream is ultra-absorbing, because of the lipids that are in this product. It's ultra-absorbable due to our skin ability to take in oils/lipids. (Skin 101: Our skin is hydrophobic, meaning it "fears" water).


3. And just some goodies that I got for order $90+ online!