Dust THIS On

En route on my flight to Paris I had no idea my in-flight row buddy would soon change my beauty life.  At first, like most flights I take, I kindly acknowledge neighboring passengers and then quickly ignore them as to avoid being stuck in fair-weathered banter.  Rare moments do I get to nap in peace or read an issue of In Style from cover to cover without interruption from a screaming toddler or a prodding husband.  Therefore this was Mama's quiet time and if that meant I was a cold bitch then so be it.  UNTIL..... a few hours into flight the flawless fresh faced lady beside me commented "You have a great yoga physique, do you practice?"  Compliments are like crack, who cares if I was wearing leggings and a sweatshirt that said Namaste?  She was just so in tune with ME so obviously I became a fan of her right then and had to dive into conversation.  Within moments i found out that this lovely lady was.... wait for it wait for it......

Dr. Carol Trakimas!  Who the hell is that you may ask?  Well she is an esteemed dermatologist specializing in aesthetic dermatology in Raleigh, North Carolina, who was also recently featured in the latest issue of New Beauty magazine.  What the heck is New Beauty you might be asking?  Well get a hold of an issue of this amaze-balls high-end beauty magazine.  It's like the Fountain of Youth disguised in articles and ads on anti-aging, beauty tips, health advice, skincare and med-spa suggestions.  She might have regretted admitting her identity because now her silent seat mate was trying to get skin care consult off the clock.  After graciously answering a slew of "What's the best tip for melasma?"  "What sunscreen is really the best"  "What's your anti-aging secret?  "What do you think this bump right here is?"  she not only gave me some beauty insights but she also gave me this beauty/skincare product right out of her luggage.  

This could be you.

Colorscience Sunforgettable Mineral Sunscreen SPF powder stick is the new "it" product in my beauty bag.  Dr. Trakimas is a spokesperson for the company and, like a drug pusher, provided that first bit of powder free so that now I'm hooked and a Colorscience beauty junky.  Apparently I'm late to the Colorscience party cuz WCW co-blogger has already been using this and keeping it a secret from me, (I think her goal is for me to age faster than her).  Its easy applicator is low key, easy to carry and super easy to use at any time of the day.  This powder dusted on can protect your skin from the sun with an SPF of 50!  I usually put my SPF on every morning under my makeup and then apply a foundation that usually has SPF in it as well. Do you know how long that SPF actually lasts in its potency???  At most 2 hours!  That is NOT enough protection for my mug. And who wants to keep re-applying more layers of sunscreen or foundation??   Dusting a thin veil of Colorscience Sunforgettable midday not only gives me the sun protection I need but it also touches up my makeup by eliminating any shine I might have.  Double SCORE.  I often go for a run at the end of the work day and dusting this on has prevented my skin from feeling heavy and clogged.  On those rare chill weekend days, I apply this over my sunscreen as my overall foundation coverage and throw it in my bag and go.  Truly an awesome product for the beauty lover and the beauty minimalist.  

Summer is coming and so are those premature lines! Get on the Colorscience Sunforgettable bandwagon and thank me later!  

-Tuyen

LIVE & NUDE

So I know we just met and all, but apparently three blogs is all it takes for me to let loose and let it all hang. After imbibing in an excessive amount of antioxidant-rich grape juice, stuffing face with peanut butter cup ice cream, and then not clocking in anywhere close to my necessary nine hours of beauty rest last night, I'm looking beat ran over in need of some freshening up. So I figured I would kill two birds with one stone and use today's blog to introduce one of my favorite beauty products and use the 'ol iPhone to capture all the gory make-up and filter-free details. Things are about to get REAL.

Before:

Let's try and overlook the fact that my selfie game needs work and focus on the good stuff. Freshly scrubbed out of the shower, we've got facial discoloration, hormonal acne, and allover pallor- oh my!

The Good Stuff:

It's true that a tan covers a multitude of sins, but not only is sun damage the antichrist, it's cloudy out today so even if I wanted to make bad decisions and take it al fresco, mother nature has me in check.  Clarins Intense Bronze Self Tanning Tint is amazing for achieving a healthy glow- it's designed specifically for your face and goes on tinted so you can make sure to apply evenly.  It also doesn't clog pores (huge for me) and works super quickly. Whenever I apply it at night before going to bed, I always have at least one person the next day mention how I "got some sun" and look so nice and tan. GURLLLLLLL.

After:

Again, I know it's difficult to focus with the super chic selfie-fest, but let's move along and get back to the business.  These were taken an hour after application and you can see a difference already, DEFINITELY an improvement. The product continues to darken a bit too, so by the end of the day I'll be a shade or so bronzer. 

Hope this was helpful!  I had to share as this is one of my beauty staples that I've turned quite a few friends on to and is a (multi) repeat-purchase which says a LOT for me considering my compulsion to try ALL THE PRODUCTS.  I also feel the need to introduce you to Linus as I wrap this up since he is a camera whore that made the selfie shoot even more treacherous. Adios!

~Jeanie

Beach Bag Beauty

As i pack for my Hawaii trip i must remember: A vacation to a tropical locale does not mean a vacation from beauty maintenance. Yes, I must pry from my grip my contour palette, my Urban Decay smokey eyes and my curling wand and opt for a more effortless beach chic approach.  Although vacation season is coming to a close SoCal mother nature has been blessing (or burning...) us with a sweltering 90 degree heat wave. So whether your jetting away to the far corners of the South Pacific or your just heading down the road to cool off at La Jolla Shores here are some of my beach beauty must-haves I will be bringing as I embark upon balmy weather, intense sun, and salty waves.

La Roche Posay Anthelios 60 Ultra Light Sunscreen

As much as i would love to carry a parasol and wear elbow length gloves like my fellow Asian cousins, this sunscreen allows me to maintain some of my dignity and protect my skin from the sun's aging rays.  All the ladies mags rave about it for good reason.  It's lightweight, has lasting protection and can be worn under makeup without a greasy finish.  A must have for all seasons! 

Nars Orgasm the Multiple

I just included this because the name is so amazing. JK!! No for real tho' this is a great cream stick blush in the same color as its popular powder blush predecessor "Orgasm."  It's a light-weight creamy texture with a soft coral and gold shimmer that looks great on tan dewy skin and can be used on cheeks, lips and eyes.  The stick application makes it easy to transport and it's also offered in a smaller travel size.  .

Eric Javits Sunhat

I have a propensity for melasma aka a skin discoloration resembling the beginning of a pencil thin Frenchmen's mustache. Thus a sunhat that offers preventative measures while still looking cute is KEY. I own the "Squishee" style photographed, but Eric Javits has multiple styles that are simple,versatile, and offer maximum sun protection blocking 95% of the suns UVA/UVB rays!! A total must in wrinkle prevention! They also travel super well and never lose their shape.  Just be prepared to spend a pretty penny. These can be found at Neiman Marcus or online but I was lucky to receive mine as a gift from my two bffs :)   

Chanel Inimitable Intense Mascara

I just can't live without mascara no matter where I am. This mascara is truly the best in lengthening, separating and holding curl.  If i have to be a minimalist with my makeup I still need to have an amazing set of lashes!

Kate Sommerville Exfolikate

After a day of sunscreen, salt water, sweat, sand, and god knows what else you've covered your face nothing is better than a good scrub down.  This exfoliating treatment is intense but SUPER effective.  You only need a pea size amount and a few minutes of scrubbing and your face will feel completely renewed.  The next day my makeup goes on smoother and i feel like i can abuse it all over again!

What's in your Beauty Beach Bag??

-Tuyen