the daily indulgences

I wanted to share with you some outstanding skincare & beauty products that deserve beauty awards. I know I have also previously gushed about my favorite hand creme by L’Occitane. Obviously everyone has different types of skin and may not have been the same results but since my skin is super sensitive yet oily, chances are, you might appreciate these too ;]*

I have terrible allergies and have such sensitive skin. Most days, my cheeks are always flushed and irritable. Furthermore, my t-zones get super oily throughout the day so daily oil-blotting sessions are a must. I tried everything for the rich & poor *from Cetaphil to Creme de la Mer but could never find the perfect product in-between rich and light. The dermatologist said that I have a mild case of seborrheac  dermatitis – which is basically oily skin that can get dry.

One of my beauty shop stops are cute Japanese stores that sells certain types of Japanese skin care products. My theory is – hey, Asian beauty companies might know better when it comes to Asian skin. They’re cute, girly packaging is always a plus. Sephora – the Godfather of all beauty, is pretty much a must whenever I go to the mall. The only drawback is how long the lines get. Then there’s always the friendly drugstore for beauty care. This is the best! Not only do you tend to impulsively buy things you don’t really need because you dropped by to buy more tampons, etc, but everything just seems so… affordable I rarely buy products at department stores. Simply because if it’s those wonderful name brands like Chanel, Dior, most of them have fragrance added so I tend to react with those. I’ve recently been interested in more “natural, organic” products (a big deal about animal testing) so organic markets are great places to get the natural skin care.

With that being said, here are just some products I would love to share:

Kracie Oil Blotting Paper: 80 Sheets, $5.25 from Amazon

This is definitely getting bang for your buck. Each sheet has major suction power because it has virtually no-powder-feeling natural flax powder. Basically this means that you can’t tell there’s powder on and won’t get annoying dust marks on your face. Just a clean “vacuum” job in a cute purple package.

Kracie Ichikami Shampoo & Conditioner: For damaged hair. Purchase at Mitsuwa

Can I just say…? It was definitely love @ first sight <3 when I used the samples given to me at this Japanese nail place.  The scent is Japanese Cherry Blossom – AMAZING. It smells so fruity-luscious but without all the unnecessary fake perfume-ness. Best of all, the scent just stayed in my hair all day even after blowdrying, hairstyling, and a long day at work. Not only the scent is amazing but my hair did feel a lot softer and silkier.

I have to admit but I am a hair-whore. I just can’t stick with the same shampoo! Currently in my shower, I also have Head & Shoulders (there are days my hair needs some itch-dryness-relief & deep cleansing from all the products I use daily), Fredrick Fekkai Glossing Shampoo & Conditioner, Joico K-Pak deep conditioning treatment. I jump from shampoo to shampoo depending on whether I need clarifying, moisturizing, etc.

Drugstore Pit Stop Must Buys:

1. Aquaphor $5: Okay so my lips have been terrible these days. I feel that as I get older, I can actually notice my lips aging! This is terrible! I have so much lip care products and even used Burts Bee’s like everyone else but to be honest, it wasn’t effective. Aquaphor is my recent love because it’s effective but it’s not pure Petrolatum as Vaseline. Aquaphor has glycerin which helps make it gentle. I have been putting this on my lips in the morning on my way to work and let me tell you, that is pretty much all I need for the day. It does feel a little thick and obviously doesn’t have the luxurious scent, packaging, and price but this is definitely a MUST for on-the-spot-dry-cures anywhere. Lips, cuticles, that dry patch you have on your elbows that you just noticed before going on your date, etc.

2. Neosporin aka:the hero. $6.99

Here’s my biggest bad habit… CUTICLE PICKING. Ah! I know!!! This is the WORST habit any woman could have! Whenever I get nervous or stressed, I do it! So, I thank z mad scientists – Neosporin. The night before, apply this all over your dry, cracked, ugly cuticles and the next morning, it will practically all be healed. Amen!

Cosmedicine Medi-Matte Oil Control Lotion w/SPF 20

I love this face cream. Face cream is the trickiest and hardest find for me because I feel that my skin constantly changes whether I’m stressed, happy, sad, working, playing, and traveling. Since I would rather zap the shine from my face, I opted to find a mattifying face cream that still has the power to moisturize any dry patches on my cheeks. This is supposed to reduce shine for up to 8 hours and is filled with antioxidants. I love the texture because it seems to go on thick but has not clogged my pores. Plus, it works as a wonderful primer before putting on powder.

Tarte Indelible Wink Liquid Eyeliner:

I have yet to collect the entire collection of Tarte Cosmetics. I love what they promote – natural,no  animal-testing, and providing eyeshadows filled with beneficial antioxidants. I have been using liquid eyeliner every single day for 11 years. Wow… I am old. I must say, I can be a pretty credible critic for liquid eyeliner. For years and years, my top pick was Maybelline Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner. You know, the one with the felt tip applicator in the blackest black. However, as women start thinking about wrinkles, I was always disappointed with the way it gave me raccoon eyes. I loved the staying power but I hated how I had to always use the strongest eye makeup remover every night.

I would like to be the spokesperson for this Indelible Wink Eyeliner. Not only does this have my favorite felt-tip applicator and the pot full-o-ink but the other tip is a spongy goo of black that you can ever so lightly swish on your lids to create a sexy, sultry, smokey eye look. I hardly use that tip but it’s so convenient no? The biggest brownie points of this eyeliner is how it’s filled with antioxidants. To be honest, I can’t tell whether this is really benefiting my eyelids but if it has ‘em, then you can’t hate right?

Nonetheless, the number 1 reason why this is the best liquid eyeliner is because after you wash your face, the eyeliner simply peels off!! It almost feels like those peel-off nail polishes!! It’s so amazing! I never get smear marks where you have to harshly rub your eyes to get it off or use the oiliest makeup remover. The eyeliner never goes on too thick and creates the perfect slick black. And when you mess up, simply grab a q-tip and wipe it off without smearing. The eyeliner simply lifts off!

Shu Uemura Powder Foundation:

I don’t have much to say about this powder foundation. It could be used as a quick fixer-upper powder or a foundation when applied with a damp sponge.

I really appreciate Shu Uemura products because with this one particular, it doesn’t make my face feel greasy and always has this lovely floral scent. I don’t wear makeup everyday but this is something I will keep purchasing because Laura Mercier nor Shiseido didn’t really cut it for me.

Earth Science Natural Skincare line: (Also could purchase in most organic markets)

My mom and I have collected a few of their products and found that their line is really clean, simple, and drama-free.

She has wrinkles and my major concern is sensitivity and oiliness.

Clarifying Facial Wash- $9.85

For normal to oily skin. Oil – free, pH balanced with essential herbals such as Lavender and mild coconut to create this soap-free gel cleanser. It also contains hyroluronic acid to prevent the skin from over-drying. I love to use it with my Clarisonic. If you have normal skin and need a bit more moisture power, try the A-D-E Creamy Cleanser for normal to dry skin. It has a wonderful sweet scent because of the natural fruit oils and because of it’s creamy texture, it’s excellent to remove makeup.

Apricot Gentle Scrub : $9.35

As we all know, it’s important to exfoliate your skin at least once a week. I’ve been using the original St Ives Apricot scrub for years but noticed that the formula had changed. Now I choose this because it’s natural and contains nine different moisturizers to clean out those dirty pores and keep them soft.

Herbal Tonic Mist: $10.95

For all skin types, this is pretty much my favorite Earth Science item I’ve tried. This oil-free spray could be used as a “toner” after you cleansing or even on your body to lightly moisturize. Keep it in the fridge during the hot summer days to cool your face – even over makeup because the spray is really light. My mom uses this every night and her skin is noticeably more supple and has more glow. It is also said to alleviate mild sunburn too!

Luxury Scented Body Moisturizers by Origins

Ginger Souffle: Not the body lotion, the souffle please, thank you! I am so in love with this silky fluffy creation that has the sweetest, citrus-y and spicy smell that I can never get sick of. Olive Oil, Grape Seed Oil, Rice Bran Oil, Apricot Kernel Oil, can this get any more luxurious? It’s like wearing a blanket for your skin!!

If the smell of ginger is not exactly what you’re looking for, I’d suggest

A Perfect World White Tea Lotion:

With Silver Tip White Tea and Shea Butter, this antioxidant lotion keeps you well hydrated as well as having a wonderful light and herbal, yet fruity scent hugging your body all day. White Tea is supposed to make your skin look younger and brighter so hopefully with daily use, you’ll notice the difference.

Well, this is a pretty basic summary of my favorite beauty products I’m happy with. Of course, me being a woman, I will probably add more to the list and will definitely update with more product reviews in the future. As for now, remember, always cleanse your face – remove all makeup before being a sleeping beauty. I’ve recently just learned this but tone, tone, tone. This really helps reduce blackheads and helps blend better with moisturizer. And don’t forget to be happy – optimistic – and enjoy your life as much as you can. Because if you don’t, it’ll really show on your face… and trust me, it won’t be pretty.

love always -jennrhee