Beauty and fashion has always been my interest ever since I was young. I am not a big risk-taker and have a hard time venturing out and trying new beauty and fashion trends. However, I DO improvise and cater various trends so that not only am I “in,” but I work around to fit my personality—which brings me confidence and satisfaction. I am also not the type that want to bring a whole lot of attention to my attire and make up, but make it subtle and sophisticated at the same time. Does this all make sense?
I wanted to take this time to share some of my beauty favorites that I cannot “live” without:
1. Philosophy Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleanser: This creamy formula melts away my makeup (even eye make up!) and clears pores while rosewood, sandalwood, and sage oils calm prickly, sensitive skin. It leaves my face refreshed and cleansed! I’ve been using this cleanser for the past 4 years, and will never go back to something else!
2. Clarisonic Classic Sonic Skin Cleansing System: It was Oprah who really launched this oscillating facial cleanser into popularity. “It’s a miracle massage for your face!” she said. The brush removes six times as much makeup and dirt as your hands alone, which not only clears pores but also makes skin-care products more effective. It has helped my skin tremendously, and I can definitely feel the difference in my skin if I skip a night not using my Clarisonic. This wonderfully pairs with Philosophy’s Purity facial cleanser!
3. Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Facial Cleanser: If under a budget, omgosh, this is ONE of the best facial cleansers and it’s a must-try product! It degunks pores with 2 percent salicylic acid and a zesty and yummy grapefruit scent. It also exfoliates! Love it!
4. Nars Blush in Orgasm: This is a multi-year Allure magazine winner that gives a certain glow–the shimmery peachy pink looks good on everybody!
5. Nars Lipstick in Schiap: This pink is named after a designer, Elsa Schiaparelli. This is one of the most desired, hottest color in town! I’ve had to go to 5 different Sephora stores to finally get my hands on this lipstick, goodness! Just putting on this lipstick will say it all, seriously!
6.
OPI Nail Lacquer in Lincoln Park After Dark: This is my to-go polish if I can’t make up my mind. I usually get calgel nails, but when I am in the mood for this midnight-purple polish–you can spot them on my toenails! Great winter shade!
7.
TWEEZERMAN Slant Tweezer: These precision-slant tweezers never lose their edge. Since 1985, the company has provided unlimited sharpening to customers—meaning they’ll last you a lifetime. My friend got me these, seriously, 6 years ago and it’s going strong!
9.
Laura Mercier’s Tinted Moisturizer: A perfect mix of skincare and makeup that not only hydrates the skin but softens the fine lines with hint of color. Very lightweight with SPF 20 and best of all, it’s non-comedogenic!
10.
Stilia’s Stay All-Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner: One of the best waterproof liquid liner that will literally stay one all day AND night! It’s very easy to apply, and the thin, marker-like tip will ensure precision. Totally recommend–even better than Bobbi Brown’s Gel Eyeliner (seriously!).
11.
Make Up Forever’s Aqua Eyes Pencil Eyeliner: Waterproof, smudge-proof eyeliner that I tend to use as both eyeliner and eye shadow. It is an extremely creamy formula and will glide on. You will NOT have to worry about not staying on all day as it is long, long, LONG-lasting!
12.
Shu Uemura’s Eyelash Curler: This has long bed plate that ACTUALLY curls lashes (other curlers bend the lashes which will damage them). The BEST eyelash curler as I’ve used various other known kinds.
13.
Loccitane’s Shea Butter Hand Cream: One of the bestselling hand creams and it definitely keeps my hands smooth and soft. My hands tend to be always dry, but this hand lotion moisturizes as the creamy substance penetrates quickly. It is NOT oily, phew!
14.
Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Lotion: I love this non-greasy lotion that is mild enough for delicate baby skin yet glides on perfectly onto adult skin. This lotion may not be suitable for those who have really dry skin and don’t necessarily recommend it for winter-time use–however, this is my to-go body lotion for all seasons.
15.
Matrix Sleek Look Smoothing System Shampoo and Conditioner: THE best shampoo and conditioner for someone like me with thick, coarse Asian hair! It contains unique formulas that help transform my semi-wavy, thick, dry, coarse hair into smooth & sleek hair. My hair looks shiny and healthy, and I totally recommend it despite the steep price.
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