SKINCARE | DIY Hand Mask with only 2 items. Easy, Natural, Effective!! 👐

I don’t usually like to do any facial DIYs, because it is hard to know whether these natural products can give you the results you are looking for, or will it give you a opposite effect? Like blocking pores? Allergy? etc.

But I am going to show you a DIY hand mask that will absolute work, without any harm, and super easy!

All you need is a Powder Free glove, and coconut oil. 

       

(Photos are from Internet)

And the step is simple: you pore just enough coconut oil all over your hand, then put your glove on. That is IT. You can leave the glove on while you are sleeping, watching shows, house chores, basically anything. I usually leave it for at least 30 minutes. 

After I take off the glove, my hands feels so smooth and soft, it was beautiful.

Try this DIY, it is very affordable and easy, I am sure you will love it!!


JE

SKINCARE | Day Cream: With or Without SPF???

I know that many of us rather spend 1 more minute on beauty sleep than spend that on skincare, including myself, so we try to minimize the morning skincare as much as possible. One of the easiest solution is to combine moisturizer and sunscreen together, but I want to say, I do not recommend this combination.

If you have tried moisturizer with SPF, you will know that it has a sunscreen smell, it feels greasy, and it looks oily. Especially when my husband, who never common on my skin, told me that I look so "shining".

Ok... If my husband said that, then something seriously wrong with my routine.

At that time, I didn't realize what it was, then, less than a week, I saw there are small breakouts under my chin, an area where I never get breakouts. So i started to think, what did I do different?

My morning MOISTURIZER. I started to use a morning cream that has SPF 20!

Then I remember my previous experience with similar cream were never really good. No matter what brand it was. 

So if you have similar issue, the solution is beyond easy. Separate moisturizer and sunscreen.

Even though it is a separate step, it is totally worth it.

Currently my routine is:

+ 

I have to be honest, Neutrogena isn't my favorite, because I don't like the smell. Other than that, it is a fairly good moisturizer. However, you do not have to use the exact combination like I do, just remember, keep them separate.

Fall is here, so you don't need SPF 50, 20 would do. Unless you live in places like California, then "unlucky" you, SPF 50 is highly recommended.

There is nothing wrong to change your routine year to year, season to season, find a good one works for you!

JE

BEAUTY | Giorgio Armani Lip Maestro Lip Gloss #402 VS YSL Lip Gloss #10

This lip gloss became very popular as soon as it came out of market. Many many bloggers, youtubers have reviewed this, and I just want to add my thoughts to this.

I would like to compare this color with my Yves Saint Laurent Glossy Stain in color #10, Rouge Philtre. 💄

 

I compared both side by side, I have to say, it is VERY close.

As YSL promoted, it is a lip stain, therefore, wiping off after sitting on back of my hands for 10 minutes, compare side by side, you can see a significant difference. So if you are looking for a LONG lasting lip product, then YSL is definitely a better option.

However, what YSL is lacking is glossy. GA lip gloss is very glossy, especially after couple layers. But for a light wear, they perform very similar.

Overall, I love how both feel on my lip, texture, opaqueness, and most importantly, it makes my teeth looking much whiter 😄

JE

SKINCARE | Hydrating Mask: Sheet Vs. Bottled－PART 2

Now, let's talk about bottled mask. I mean, I like some of it, but I just don't Love it as much. Maybe because all I am looking for is hydrating, which by the way, it is "almost" the only thing you can expect from a sheet mask, I just don't see a immediate results like sheet mask provides.

For example, my Glamglow hydrating mask in blue bottle. I love the smell, I do, it is really coconutty, it is strong, but not so much that you can't stand it. It applys smooth, and feel good. After I rinse the mask off, I can feel the smoothness on my skin, but that's about it. I don't feel as hydrated as some of my very inexpensive sheet mask like the Hyaluronic Acid mask from Dr. Morita, it is so full with essence, and I can use the leftover all over my neck, décolleté, sometimes my feet. It is super versatile.

Here is my current bottle mask family:

However, there are things sheet mask cannot give you: sleeping mask. 🌙

This goes on the last step of my night time routine. You put it on, you don't have to wash it off until morning. It is great for "lazy" or "busy" people. When you are exhausted, all you want to do is sleep, but your skin is dry, uncomfortable, or it is in need of hydration, do you want to put a sheet mask on and then have to take off after 10-20 minutes?

NO NO NO... Sleep is soooo important and amazing

When this happens, bottled mask is great!! You don't have to worry until you wake up.
However, the key for sleeping mask is: it cannot block your pore.

I know I might get a lot of "hate" from saying this, but Origins' Drink Up overnight mask really didn't do much to me. I feel like it just sit on top of my face all night. My skin doesn't absorb it, it doesn't really hydrates, and I see some break-outs under my chin, which is a place I have never get breakouts. I even give this a 2nd, 3rd, 4th,..... chances, no, it was not great, unfortunately.

What worked for me, is the one from CLINIQUE. Their overnight mask was GREAT! How could I tell? My blackheads. You are like, what?? Blackheads?

Well, yes. I am not sure about you, but right after I wash my face, there is no blackheads anywhere near my nose. I have a perfect nose...hahaha. But after 5minutes, just 5minutes, here it is: BLACKHEADS >><<< So it gets me thinking, why? It was simple answer, hydration. I need hydrating my nose, obviously my nose is super oily, without enough water to balance, oil plugged the pore, and there is blackheads.

I was using CLINIQUE religiously after seen a results. I use this every other night, and after using for a month, my nose condition got better. Even though I also use other products to help to minimize my pore, I have to say this overnight mask did a good job.

I just purchased a overnight mask from Sulwhasoo, I will let you know how I like it. How do you like bottled mask compare to sheet mask?


JE

FOOD | No Skill required: Teriyaki Chicken Wings

When I was in college, every Monday, a restaurants nearby will host wing night, $7.99 for endless wings with student ID. It was one of the best memories I had throughout my entire fours years of college. Normally I don't really know how to deal with chicken wings other than fry them or three cups chicken, but my husband doesn't like three cups chicken, and I don't want to get sick of fried chicken, so I don't normally buy wings, even though I love it.

One day, my husband came home with a FAMILY pack of wings!

"Because it was only $0.99 a pound... "

uhhhhhhhh''

Then, I remembered how my mom used to make me teriyaki chicken wings, and they were delicious!! After a quick search, I came up with this amazing recipe and they taste absolutely amazing!!

Here is what you need:

5lb chicken wings (you really don't need to cook this much....)
About 10 slices of ginger
3 cloves of garlic
few dried pepper (adjust to your preference)
2 Star Anise
5 pieces of rock sugar (rock sugar is preferred, but if you cannot find it, regular sugar would do)
1 tbsp Light Soy sauce
1 tbsp cooking wine/shaoxing wine
1 tbsp salt (adjust to taste)
2 tbsp water

Step 1: Add wings to boiled water, take out after second boil

    

Step 2: Add oil in your wok, after oil is hot, add ginger, garlic, and pepper

Step 3: After garlic turn slight yellow, add chicken, stir until slightly brown

Step 4: Take chicken out, leave the oil in the wok, add rock sugar, fry until fully dissolved.

This step is very important because that's how we get the beautiful golden color.

Step 5: Add the chicken back in

Isn't the color beautiful??

Step 6: Add your soy sauce, shaoxing wine, star anise, salt, and water, low heat, let it boil for 20minutes. DONE

If you made this, please let me know how you like it! I would love to know your feedback.

Happy Cooking ❤️

JE

SKINCARE | Hydrating Mask: Sheet Vs. Bottled－PART 1

Today I want to talk about mask. I used to think mask is such a luxury treatment because in my mind, it is always so expensive and it is made for older people, like, after you turn 40. But I was wrong. I have to say that mask is the most effective skincare product out there. You see the results instantly. And it is made for ALL age group.

When it comes to hydrating mask, you have sheet mask as well as bottle mask. Thank to many Asian cosmetic companies, they have provided many many affordable but amazing sheet masks. I have used countless masks from both Western and Oriental companies, and I have to say, I prefer Asian brands, because I am an Asian. This is not a joke, it is solely because Asian brands are "made" for Asians. Most of us have yellow undertone, compare with Caucasians, our pores are smaller. We want our skin to be bright and natural glow, and more importantly, we like to have whiter skin. Not because we want to be white, simply because boys love it. >>>Crazy? .... I know<<<<

Now, for bottled hydrating mask, I have tried Glamglow, Peter Thomas Roth, CLINIQUE, Origins, Sulwhasoo, Royal Nectar. 

For sheet mask, I have tried Papa Receipe, N.M.F, Innisfree, My Beauty Diary, SNP Animal, Dr. Morita.......  >>>>many<<<< masks.

So what do I think?

I LOVE ❤️  Sheet Mask. Much preferred, and great in terms of value & money.
Here are few I have used & love... >>>I forgot to take pictures before I finished them, I will give you a "family photo" next time I promise!!<<<<

Like I said before, all the sheet mask I use are hydrating mask. If your skin is hydrated, you will not have to worry about breakouts, wrinkles, and many other skin issues. It doesn't bright your blemishes, so that's why we have serum to assist.

MAKEUP | 3 Minute Quick, Natural, Everyday Eye Look ft. Urban Decay

To be honest, I am not a makeup person. I have pretty hooded eye, very oily eyelid, which means nothing stays in one place, and most importantly, I am not great at it. Even though everyone wants clear, beautiful, flawless skin, it is hard. We all have days that we look tired, times we have acne issue, and nights we can't sleep, at the same time, we need to look beautiful. That is when makeup kicks in.

Like I said, I have super oily eyelids, so primer is very important. I haven't tried enough products to find my favorite one, so if you have any suggestions, Please let me know 😊

In this simple, natural makeup look, I only used two eye shadows from Urban Decay Naked Palette 2,  and the makeup brushes came with the palette.

WEDDING | Why I choose Manolo Blahnik Hangisi? & How to get it for cheaper

Today I want to talk about why I choose Manolo Blahnik Hangisi for my main wedding shoes.
Is it because Carrie Bradshaw? Olivia Palermo?

(Note: I do not own those photos, they belong to rightful owner)

Well, I can't say 100% NO, so, just a little bit 👠

In my last post, I talked about my budget for my shoes. I give myself a $1000 budget, which I spent $107 on my red Stuart Weitzman, so I decided that the rest $893 goes to >>>>  Manolo Blahnik Hangisi. 

The retail price for a pair Hangisi is $965, of course. First I used 10% sign-up promotion from Neiman Marcus, which went down to $868.5, then I used the 12% cash back from Ebates, which in the end, I spent $765 on this beautiful heel. Guess what, I am still under budget 😄

Now, I want to talk about Why, the real reason.

First of all, I know in my head that I want to buy a pair that I can use later in my life. Not just ONE for wedding, that's it. 

Second, it has to be comfortable since I am going to wear this for at least 5 hours, standing & walking.

Third, it needs to be a timeless design because I want to wear this for our 10 years, 20 years, 30 years, .... anniversary. 

Fourth, about the color. Because you won't see the shoe while I am wearing my main wedding gown, but you will see it at during after party with different dress, so the color needs to be versatile. It cannot be black or red. 

With all in my mind, I started searching. I didn't really start with Manolo Blanhik because of the price. I actually started with Jimmy Choo Abel. However.... like the same thing happened during red shoe hunting, they do not have my size. Then I went on Christian Louboutin, nothing. Then I went to Shopstyle.com, it is a great website by the way, I select pumps, filtered with my shoe size -- 6, and search. The ONLY style, I am talking about ONLY style, is Manolo Blanhik Hingisi. It is so elegant, beautiful, simple, and absolutely timeless. And most of all, they have my size in Colbalt Blue. My first choice was in white, but of course, they didn't have my size, so I chose colbalt blue, which "accidentally" is the same color as Carrie Bradshaw. 

I would be lying if I say I didn't struggle convincing myself for paying almost $1,000 on a pair shoes. Then I saw the 10% OFF from Neiman Marcus, and then I saw the 12% cash back from Ebates, and THEN, they have my size!! Ok, I do agree, even $765 for a pair shoes is still quite ridiculous, but this is the only one I LOVE, it is still under my budget, and they have my size in stock, so why the wait? Right?

When I receive the shoe, it was absolutely beautiful. I do need to add sole protection tape because it is in handmade soft leather, it is not a 'everyday walking shoes'.

During wedding shoe hunting, it is really important to list out what is the most important to you without thinking about the budget. Once you have the styles decided, you can try to find promotions, cashbacks, or even try Ebay, Poshmark to find your perfect pair. I hope this helped you to find what you love, and be the happiest bride ever!!

I would love love to know what did you choose for your wedding!! Please share in the comments ❤️

JE

SKINCARE | The miracle Retinol -Acne Treatment Final Step

Retinol, aka Vitamin A1, which is one of the forms of vitamin A, is one of the most popular chemical used in skincare, especially in anti-aging products. You might also known it as retinoic acid, retin-A (prescription only).

So basically, retinol "encourages"collagen production, it makes your skin feel more smooth and also even out your skin tone. This is great for the final step of your acne treatment because it really speeds up the healing process. 

However, there are few things you need to know before using:

1. Avoid to use retinol during pregnancy!!

During pregnancy, you probably want to use other alternative such as vitamin C, Kojic Acid, even soy as your replacement. Many of my friends use Clarins stretch mark control cream, results are varies. 

2. Use retinol product at night time only. If you paid attention, many retinol products are bottled in opaque packaging, that is because retinoids break down in sunlight, which will increase the chances of sunburn.

3. Apply retinoids on DRY skin. Not wet or damp, but dry skin. Dry surface helps the vitamin A to repair skin cells.

To some people, it works over night, a friend of mine (16 years old) has severe acne problem. After using retinol, he saw a major difference within few days. To me, it usually takes two weeks for my acne scar to completely heal. So the results definitely varies for everyone, but nevertheless, I have to say, Vitamin A works!

There are so many great products out there that contains retinol, you don't necessary have to spend a fortune. ROC retinol night cream is great, you can get it at basically any drugstore. Whatever works for your budget. 

This is my personal favorite, you can get it at Amazon for around $10, it works great, last long time, also in a great price.

Have you tried Retinol products that work for you? How do you like it?

JE

BEAUTY | Giorgio Aramni Rouge D'armani Sheers 405

I have been looking for a hydrating lipstick, but also have some color.
I have the "classic" Asian skin, medium yellow tone. I want a lip color that is suit for everyday wear, hydrating, and easy to remove.

After searching online, and I discovered this one from Giorgio Armani. Of course I bought it when it was 20% off 😄 So it wasn't a total "spurge".

I chose the color 405 because it is a very neutral for my lip color, and here it is the product!!

Swatches on my hand

Natural Lip Color

Try on

I won't say it is long lasting, but it is very hydrating. Even after few times reapply, I didn't feel it dries my lip at all.

I would recommend to people who is looking for a hydrating, natural looking lipstick💄

JE

WEDDING | My Red Wedding Shoes

Because of our working schedule, we couldn't have ours in beautiful spring or summer, not even my favorite fall, which is beautiful in New England by the way 🍂. Our only option was in the winter, Luckily, we found a perfect location indoors, so that helped a lot.

A modern traditional Chinese wedding has three major parts: gate crushing--where the groom and his best man have to pass many challenges/tests from bridesmaid, wedding ceremony, and we thank our guests for their blessing. So total I have three dresses, does that mean I need three pairs of shoes? Maybe, maybe not.

Even though I haven't decided what dresses to wear, I know that I have to get a pair shoes in red for the traditional gown. Then, I need another pair for the wedding (but because normally no one sees the shoes, so the color can be optional, just not black), so I have color options here. Because of my sort of tight budget ($1,000 for all the shoes), I think two nice pairs will do.

Today I want to focus on my search journey with the red pair, which it was full of frustration and "hard work".

One thing I know for sure is that I want a Closed toe style.
I want something beautiful but simple. Not only because less is more, but also I don't want to just buy a pair for my wedding, then I have no other use. After day and night search, literally, I had my eye on these:

They are all "sort of" within my budget, I rarely pay full price for them, I try to get as much promotion as possible. But, with shoes, I found a one big difficulty: None of the above have my size. I looked virtually everywhere, and they are either no longer carry the series, or they are out of stock. 

SKINCARE | Acne Treatment - Step 3

So we talked about using proper cleanser to clean, also second time clean with toner, now, down to last two steps: treatment, and healing.

I have tried many treatment products, whether drugstore or department store, I almost tried them all. The ONLY product that worked is those two:

 

Kate Somerville EradiKate Acne Treatment-1 oz.  $24 -Preferred

Mario Badescu Drying Lotion, 1 fl. oz.  $17

💰 DEAL | 30% Beauty OFF!! @ Bergdorf Goodman

ATTENTION~~

Right now Bergdorf Goodman is having BEAUTY EVENT/SALE going.

$25 off $250 (10% off)

$75 off $500 (15% off)

$200 off $1000 (20% off)

With Promotion Code: BEAUTY

Which equals 20% off with purchase of $1,000

On top of that, EBATES is offering 8% Cash back.

So together, that is nearly 30% OFF!!!

If you don't know what Ebates is, it is a legit website that will give you cash back in a check.

For more information, click: Ebates.

Offer ends September 18th. 

WEDDING | Save the date card

Not every girl knows what is her dream wedding, like .... ME.

Because of our job, we have to have a winter wedding. But since it is going to be a indoor wedding, the weather may not be a huge issue. I really want to record the process of my wedding planning, it is going to be little bit exciting, a lot of decision making, and very nervous couple months, but I am sure in the end, it will be memorable.

Starting with the very first step, Save the date card.

Even though I don't have a theme in my mind yet, I know I want to design my own as many as possible because this is OUR wedding, I am not the type girl who likes to use all ready made stuff, I love add our personality into it. Also, because I am a Chinese, I want to have both Chinese and western elements in my entire wedding.

I do admit, I did a lot of Pinteresting for inspiration, and I love love the idea of using your photo as a background, which is what I did. I know [normally] you send out your card at least 6 months before the wedding, but I didn't quiet finish mine until last week, so.... I sent to all my friends digitally.

>>>>And also because I have such a hard time deciding what types of material to use...

So here it is:

The photo was taken by my beloved father. We were in Santa Monica beach, it was a beautiful sunset, and the photo was perfect.

SKINCARE | Acne Treatment - Step 2

For every types of skincare, it is very important to clean. For different skin problem, I highly recommend for different cleanser. But we are not here talking about cleanser, it is for another day 😊

After a good cleans, it is important, and good to use a toner. A toner acts as a second cleanser. Because some time when we rinse the face, there are still some leftover.

If you have normal-combination skin, which is my skin type, this number 2 water from really works. It is a clarifying lotion, which not only cleans, but also help the redness.

Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2, 6.7 Ounce

If you are sensitive skin, then try Avene thermal spring water. The entire brand is dedicated to sensitive skin, it will not harm your already "broken" skin. Also, for sensitive skin, I highly recommend to use alcohol free products.

Eau Thermale Avène Thermal Spring Water Spray - 5.29 oz

SKINCARE | Acne Treatment - Step 1

Unless you are the luckiest person, more or less you will face a common enemy: ACNE. When I was in college, mine literally looks like a big dipper:

This is when I decide to start learning about acne, and proper way to treat it. So in this series, I am going to talk about how to Fight your acne with 4 easy steps.

First, also the most important, is Cleansing.

Only a clean surface will allow you add more later on.

You probably heard this thing called: Salicylic Acid. This is a medication to treat common swelling, which is a common reaction from acne. It will help to reduce redness and inflammation of skin. I highly recommend to use cleanser that have salicylic acid when you see the first sign of Acne.

NOTE: Salicylic acid is NOT recommended if you are pregnant.  High doses of the acid in its oral form (Aspirin) increases the risk of intracranial bleeding. If you are pregnant, please ask your doctor for recommendation on acne treatment.

After many many testing, I have found four products that work for me very well.

You can find all four of them in your local drugstore or Sephora. I love them all. They all have pros and some cons, but if you ask me to choose my favorite, I have to say Murad clarifying cleanser. It doesn't feel dry or tight after use, it give you a cool and fresh feeling. And, my husband loves it too. I like to use my cleanser when I am showering, because hot steam will open my pores so I can really clean my face well.

You can also pair with clarisonic, or other cleaning tools, some may think it is too harsh, some may not.  That's up to you~

So that's all my cleanser recommendation for the day. Have you tried any of them and it worked? Or not? What else did you try? How do you like it? Does it work for you? I would love to know your experiences!

JE