Beating the Hangover Part 2

I've never been a big drinker. To be honest, I only like beer and red wine and hate the taste of anything strong or anything "burning". However, I will have water most of the time when I go out.

Last week, my boyfriend's best friend came to visit and I had a little too much to drink. I had never, ever gone to bed with my makeup on. I woke up at 4am, saw myself in the mirror, cringed (and took off all my makeup) and then was unable to sleep for the rest of the night. I truly felt like shit. Add to that the following cherry on the top: I got my period later that day resulting in excruciating cramps. It was bad. 

That's why I came up with the idea to either a) write a post or b) make a video on "Beating the Hangover". I went with "a".

Tip #1: Stay hydrated.

When you drink alcohol, your body gets dehydrated. It's most likely you'll be feeling nauseous and dizzy the next day. Drink plenty of water. More than usual. 

Tip #2: Cleanse deeply.

I love oil-based cleansers. Oil acts like a magnet trapping dirt, makeup and excess oil. If you went to bed with your makeup on, remove it as soon as you can. I love using the Tatcha Camellia Cleansing Oil because it doesn't irritate my sensitive eyes (I wear contacts), it doesn't leave an oily film, breaks down all my waterproof makeup and doesn't dry out my skin. I'm already on my fourth bottle. 

 Tip #3: Exfoliate and use your favorite face mask.

Spoil yourself. Exfoliate your skin before using a face mask. The Nude Detox Brightening Fizzy Powder Wash is a treat for the skin. Mix a little bit with water and apply it to your skin using circular motions. It has stabilized vitamin C, so it will instantly brighten the skin, but it's also loaded with hydrating agents and you can actually feel the oils as you're rinsing your skin.

I followed up with the Arcona Tea Tree Mask. I've raved about this mask so much and I still think it's an underrated product. You never hear anyone talking about this yet it's so damn good; so good I'm about to repurchase it for the fifth time very soon. It is minty, refreshing, cooling and a total spa-like product that instantly delivers results. But use a mask that you love. Your skin needs the extra TLC during a horrible hangover!

Tip #4: Add extra weightless moisture to the skin - both eye, face and neck area.

I have been using eye serums since last year and love them. They add extra moisture under the eyes - the area that shows how tired you really are. I have been using the HydraFacial MD ETX Age-Refining Eye Gel and find it moisturizing and tightening. I like to wait a couple of minutes before proceeding to my eye cream, and my go-to for tired times is Sunday Riley Start Over. Some people claim it burns their eyes. Luckily, I don't get this reaction and I love I can apply it on heavily so it acts as an eye mask. This eye cream instantly firms and awakens my eyes.

My skin was so dehydrated that day. I had dry patches on many areas and my skin just felt blah. In the morning I used Tatcha Deep Hydrating Firming Serum because it contains 23-karat gold adds a soft, glowy, undetectable glow to the skin while plumping it. I then sprayed Tatcha Dewy Mist which leads me to...

Tip #5: Don't wear any makeup and let your skin breathe. 

 I find the Tatcha Deep Hydration Serum + Dewy Mist to be the perfect combination for someone with good skin who doesn't like wearing much makeup and just wants the skin to look juicy and healthy. The Dewy Mist has been a favorite for years because it truly gives you "dewy" skin. 

And I don't know about you, but my lips were super dry that day. I suffer from extremely dry, chapped lips in general and my go-to lip balm is the Tatcha Camellia Moisturizing Lip Balm. I actually find it much more effective than Nuxe Reve de Miel.

At night I followed the same routine for my eyes but changed things for the rest of my face. I used HydraFacial MD Antiox-6 which is an antioxidant enriched serum with hyaluronic acid. This product is like water for my skin. It instantly gets rid of dryness and is completely weightless on the skin. I like to use a pump for my face and another one for my neck. I then followed up with the Fresh Seaberry Oil and set it with Caudalie Moisture Recovery Cream. All of these are great for normal to dry skin. 

Tip #6: Get plenty of sleep.

 Go to bed earlier than usual. The sooner you go to bed and the more you sleep, the better you'll feel the day after. 

Natural Dewy Makeup Look

This post is all about juicy-looking skin. Radiant. Dewy. Healthy.

As always, I begin every look with my eyes. I used Mac Paint Pot in the shade "Painterly" to even out my eyelid's skin tone. Paint Pots are not primers, contrary to what you have heard. They crease easily, so you should use the slightest amount. I applied it with my ring finger. 

I then applied Inglot #77 Gel Liner to my top lashline creating a flick; this creates the illusion of bigger eyes. I followed with three coats of mascara on my top lashes using Lancome Hypnose Drama and one coat on my bottom lashes.

I took my time with my eyebrows; more than usual. Brows is one of those things that may seem easy to "do" but I find it extremely difficult. I brushed my hairs up and filled any gaps with Anastasia Brow Powder Duo in the shade "Granite".

As you can see below, Lancome Hypnose Drama adds a good amount of thickness.

Prepping the complexion is always important. You should never, ever apply foundation to a un-moisturized face. My go-to day serum is Tatcha Deep Hydration Firming Serum which not only quenches the skin, but also adds a believable healthy glow thanks to the 24-karat gold it contains.

Since I wanted minimal foundation on my skin, I blended a bit of concealer under my eyes -- my favorite, Bourjois Happy Light followed by half a pump of Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream. I applied it and blended it with my fingertips. I've talked about this BB Cream before. It is an ACTUAL BB Cream - not a simple tinted moisturizer. My skin always looks a lot better after I've used this. It also provides a good amount of hydration, and if I don't powder it, it will leave a luminous finish. 

The beautiful blush on the picture above is from Anna Sui, a Japanese brand and the shade is 300. 

A highlighter is a must for a dewy appearance to the skin. Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in the shade "Opal" on the top of the cheekbones adds the perfect glow while a bit of Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Powder in Medium creates the perfect contour.

As for the tools I used:

1. Spooly to brush my eyebrows up

2. Anastasia Beverly Hills #15 brush to fill in brows

3. Mac 210 to apply gel liner

4. Real Techniques Deluxe Crease Blush to apply concealer

5. Real Techniques Contour Brush to apply highlighter

6. Mac 168 Brush to apply blush

7. Artdeco Foundation Brush to apply contour

For lipstick I went with Mac Ablaze which was limited edition. If anyone knows of a good dupe for this lipstick, please let me know! I rarely use it because I love it so much.

This is the only picture I edited on this post (PicsArt for anyone interested) because my bathroom objects were too obvious on the background #selfiefail.

Best of 2014

  I am so happy to be sharing with you my beauty favorites from 2014! It's been an amazing year full of discoveries I'm revealing today. Please keep in mind that every skin is different, so what works for me may not work for you. Also, I am not sponsored by anyone. These are my genuine thoughts and I'm recommending the crème de la crème. 

 

Skincare 

The cleanser: I raved on and on about Nude Perfect Cleanse Omega Cleansing Jelly because it's that good. I even have two backups. I look forward to washing my face every morning and night just to use this. Yes, I use it in the morning. I find it's a great "skin" cleanser as it always leaves my skin feeling comfortable, nourished, cleansed but with a soft-focus glow. Bonus: the jelly-like consistency minimizes the risk of messiness and the plastic packaging makes it excellent for travel.

The skin transformer: Peel pads are a quick way of removing dead skin cells in a non-abrasive way revealing a more youthful appearance. After experimenting with several methods of exfoliation, I fell in love with Radical Age-Defying Exfoliating Pads. They do seem expensive at first, but considering you get sixty pads you only need to exfoliate once of twice a week, it's not a bad deal at all. I absolutely love the ingredient list; the blend of AHA's and BHA plus antioxidants provide visible results in weeks. They're also easy to use: just cleanse, tone and run the pad across your face and neck. Follow up with your eye cream, serum and moisturizer/oil.

Good Genes by Sunday Riley had to make it to the list to. It's a powerful serum (though it has a lotion-like consistency) that contains 40% lactic acid. Talk about glowy skin in a pump, reduction of fine lines and wrinkles and minimized pores. I don't use it every single night because I do find it runs fast, but when I do, my skin looks noticeably better.

The skincare splurge: I had always wanted something by La Prairie because I grew up watching my mom use it. This year I graduated as a Psychologist and to reward myself, I decided to get something from the line. I knew I wanted a serum because I love them; they are potent, effective and you only need a small amount. I went for the Essence of Skin Caviar Eye Complex because it was on the lower end of the spectrum price-wise. I tried it at Bloomingdale's and fell in love with the immediate tightening effect. The best part is that you only need one drop and the packaging comes with a pump, so all you have to do is very lightly press it down - otherwise you'll get too much product and waste it. I reviewed it here.
 

The brightening serum: Tatcha Deep Brightening Serum has an incredible lightweight feel to it, unlike serums that feel more like light lotions. Tatcha uses HADASEI-3 Bioactive Complex (a blend of green tea, rice bran and red algae) and licorice to reduce hyperpigmentation and give the skin luminosity and  clarity. Just one pump is sufficient to cover my face and neck, gently pressing it into the skin. 

The moisturizer: Tatcha Moisture Rich Silk Cream has everything I look for in a moisturizer: it has a light, gel-texture that feels amazingly soft, I get a beautiful blend of ingredients, my makeup glides effortlessly over it yet it's nourishing enough for nighttime. It's never oily and never feels heavy. I highly recommend it to those with normal to combination skin.

The SPF: Second time in a row winner, Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free SPF 42. You need to make sure you give it a good shake. This is superbly light and quite mattifying, so it's the perfect final step to your skincare routine. Even though I have normal to dry skin, I've never had any issues with it making my skin feel dry or tight because of all the layers of moisture underneath (toner, serum, moisturizer). If you hate sunscreen because it reminds you of oil, stickiness and the beach in an unpleasant way, give this a shot.

The mask: Another second-time winner! Arcona Tea Tree Mask is the perfect mask, in my opinion, due to its antimicrobial properties and its ability to quickly reduce inflammation while providing an invigorating, relaxing, cooling experience. It doesn't harden on your skin like most acne-fighting masks. And even if you don't have problematic skin: this mask just feels too delicious to pass. 

The brand: I tested a lot of skincare this year and playing with foreign ingredients can lead to unhappy skin. No matter what the problem was, Tatcha was there to solve it. I love it because it is such a balanced skincare line with only a few steps in its routine. Aside from that, the team behind is an incredible family that always makes their customers feel like friends -- they even include handwritten notes in every order, and its lush packaging makes you feel spoiled and pampered. No matter what my skin concern is, all I have to do is go back to Tatcha so my skin goes back to its prime state.

Makeup

The foundation: everyone raved about it but it took me a while to get it. Armani Luminous Silk makes skin look perfected and flawless. It photographs beautifully, making it a must have for special events. I do want to point out that this isn't a good foundation for you if you have oily skin. It's best for those with normal to dry skin.

Me (left) wearing Armani Luminous Silk Foundation for my brother's wedding. It photographs so beautifully!

The concealer - high end: Second time winner, By Terry Touche Veloutee. I am still using the same one, so even though it's pricey, it lasts a long time. One pump is sufficient to dab this full, yet natural coverage concealer under my eyes to illuminate and conceal. I like to use my fingers to blend it out. The texture is absolutely lush.

The concealer - drugstore: I was lucky enough to discover Bourjois Happy Light Concealer this year thanks to my sister-from-another-mother, Anne. It immediately became my favorite after smoothing it under my eyes using my ring finger. It is so creamy, has excellent coverage and wears well. You also get a lot of product and you don't need a lot to do the job. I absolutely LOVE this concealer!

The brow product: Anastasia Beverly Hills has done it again for me this year. Brow Powder Duo features two long-wearing shades that can be used on their own or mixed together to fill in your brows. Another bonus is the variety of shades available -- there is something for everyone.

The blush: My friend Fenny introduced me to Dolce & Gabbana The Blush Luminous Cheek Colour. I was so impressed by the texture; despite their powder-formula, these go one so creamy on the cheeks. Just beautiful.

The highlighter: I could never get ahold of Mac Whisper of Gilt, which is such a beautiful gold-toned highlighter. I kept seeing Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in the shade Opal being compared to it so I decided to get it and oh-my-God. It is now my go-to highlighter, I never reach for anything else. It provides the most dewy, glowy highlight while being creamy and easy to blend. Note: be careful with your brush; you don't want to apply too much product as this is highly pigmented. Remember it's easy to add makeup than to remove it.

Wearing Becca "Opal" as my highlighter

The red lip: Now we have second time winner, Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in the shade "Beso". There's just something about this red that is so perfect. I always feel sexy when I wear it and I think it's a very universal red. I love how long-lasting it is and how pigmented it is.
 

The mascara: My eyelashes are straight and very stubborn. The majority of the mascaras I've used have failed to impress me, but Hypnose Drama by Lancome is awesome. It's buildable, so you can go from natural looking eyes to thick, dramatic lashes. It isn't as volumizing as Too Faced Better Than Sex, but at least Hypnose Drama doesn't flake.

The eyeliner: Most of my eye looks include eyeliner. I feel "weird" without a wing. I found an intense black gel liner this year, but unfortunately, it can have the tendency to smudge a bit. Inglot #77 Gel Liner is an opaque creamy black that goes on smooth.  

Using Inglot # 77 Gel Liner + Mac 210 brush

Contouring and highlighting: When I want to sculpt dramatically, my go-to is the Mac Prep+Prime Radiant Rose Highlighting Pen set with the Mac Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Light which is lighter than my skin tone. I then bronze my skin with any matte bronzer and then contour with Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Powder in Medium. This combo photographs beautifully, too!  

Heavy sculpting + Stila "Beso" liquid lipstick

Body 

The smoothest legs: 2014 was the year I stopped using shaving gels/cream. Yes, they are cheap, but after using an oil in the shower, I have not looked back. L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil is a thick oil that warms up as you massage it on your skin and makes a great base for shaving. My legs are never irritated afterwards but rather smooth to the touch. I also love the Almond Supple Skin Oil. It's very nourishing and makes my legs glossy and look sexy - great if you're wearing shorts or a dress! If you don't like oils and prefer cream textures, their Almond Milk Concentrate is absolutely lush and has great slip to it providing intense moisture without needing to use too much product.

Hair

Calling all curly-hair gals:

"I cannot even count how many hair products I've gone through in my lifetime trying to find the one product that keeps my curls looking hydrated, soft, bouncy, yet not crunchy or wet looking. Moroccan Oil not only smells divine, their Curl Defining Cream works. It is my HG curl product. I love how much product you get for the price you pay (a whooping 250 ml for $33.60!). All you need is a pump -- massage it between your hands and run it down your towel-dried hair. I personally always let it air dry. I'm left with soft, voluminous, frizz free curls. I have received tons, believe me, tons of compliments on my curly hair. Thank you, Moroccan Oil." (December 2013)

This is my favorite product for curly-hair gals once again. I agree with everything I mentioned last year, only that now I use two pumps instead of one because my hair is a lot longer. Everyone always compliments me on my curls and it's all due to this gem!

I hope you have a beautiful Christmas and New Year's Eve and that 2014. From the bottom of my heart, thanks to everyone who takes the time to read my posts. Your support was one of my biggest highlights of the year. 

Much love,

Patricia

Travel Bag Essentials

I have made it a habit to carry with me minis because there is always that one time I need one of them, a couple or more. The cool thing about carrying a small travel bag in your purse is that no matter what the plans are that day, if they change, you'll have everything you need with you (say you decide to spend the night at a friend's house, or maybe the weather isn't cooperating with your skin and hair). Obviously this bag is customized to my own needs. The purpose of this post is to give you ideas of what to carry with you, not a specific guide of what you need.

Skin: I keep a sample of Tatcha Camellia Cleansing Oil because it is strong stuff. It will get rid of any waterproof makeup I'm wearing. I also like to keep a small cleanser, in this case Origins Checks and Balances, because I like to double-cleanse. Moisturizing is key to me, both the eye area and the face/neck, so I always make sure I always have a few samples of those in there (Caudalie Premier Cru The Eye Cream, Origins GinZing and High-Potency Night-A-Mins shown in picture). And of course, Caudalie Beauty Elixir is a must in my hand-bag as this instantly refreshes with it's minty scent.

Hair: I love that Dry Bar offers a travel-size of their Detox Dry Shampoo. How clever. This dry shampoo will instantly add volume, freshness while getting rid of oil. Oribe Cote D'Azur is basically perfume for your hair, but a must if you're going on a date or if you've been in a bar or around friends who smoke, gross.

Teeth: Very important. I have the habit of flossing after every meal. I personally cannot stand the feeling of food between my teeth. A toothbrush, toothpaste and mouthwash always come in handy, especially if you're spending the night outside of home or if your meal at the restaurant has too much garlic.

Miscellaneous: I've worn contacts since the age of nine, yes, nine! I always carry eye drops with me as it is very important to lubricate the eyes throughout the day. And a Q-tip. I always have a Q-tip with me. This is such a handy tool to touch up eye-makeup throughout the day. Say your mascara smudged a bit, or you have, you know, things going on in the inner corner -- don't stick your finger, use a Q-tip.

Oil-Based Cleansers

It's no secret I'm a fan of oil-based cleansers. I find them soothing, nourishing and more gentle than any other formula. Today I'm breaking down different types of oil-based cleansers: oil, jelly, gel and balm. 

I like these cleansers for different reasons but all of them have many things in common: 

• You begin by massaging them onto your skin and they turn into an oil, and once they come in contact with water, they turn into a milk. 

• They break down makeup and SPF. 

• They are all free of nasty ingredients like mineral oil and silicones. 

• They are great for sensitive eyes and contact-lense users.

They're fabulous "skin" cleansers, which means I not just use them to remove makeup and SPF but also to give myself a soothing, gentle cleanse. 

Tatcha One-Step Camellia Cleansing Oil: This cleanser has the thinnest consistency of all but it's actually the most powerful in breaking down makeup. Aside from using this to cleanse my skin, it's my go-to for giving myself facial massages as there is enough slip to it. And a little secret: I use this to clean my gel-liner brushes as it quickly dissolves the product that dries on them. 

Shop it here.

Nude Perfect Cleanse Omega Cleansing Jelly: This cleanser does something no other cleanser has managed to do -- it gives my skin a radiant, healthy glow after I rinse; an effect that makes this cleanser quite addictive. This is a staple when my skin is leaning more towards the dry side as it never makes my face feel stripped but actually nourished and moisturized.The only con is that it doesn't have much slip to it at first, but I can live with that.

Shop it here.

Ole Henriksen Pure Truth Melting Cleanser: This cleanser looks like jello but it instantly turns into a slippery, comfortable oil once massaged onto the skin. I love that it contains nourishing and brightening ingredients like rosehip oil and Vitamin C. My skin is a smooth, comfortable and clean after rinsing. 

Shop it here.

Ren No.1 Purity Cleansing Balm: I reviewed this balm early of last year and it's still one of my holy grail cleansers. It has a balmy consistency that easily spreads on the skin and has an evident rose scent. This is my go-to cleanser when my skin is irritated or sore (it can happen from testing out other skincare products). It instantly calms and balances my skin. Unlike all the other cleansers previously mentioned, this one does leave a film behind so I do use a warm cleansing cloth / muslin cloth to remove it. 

Shop it here.

Updated Skincare Collection: Tatcha, REN, Caudalie, Skinceuticals, Bioderma, Darphin + more

You know I love skincare and you know I love to share my thoughts with you. My friend Fiorella Basso, a long-time friend and graphic designer teamed up with me again to kindly film me in her space and create this video. I hope you find it informative. 

Tatcha The Ritual Discovery Kit

You are looking at the newly re-packaged Ritual Discovery Kit* from Tatcha. Absolutely lush. I love the new heavy, glass packaging as it feels much more luxurious (not that it was never before, but you know what I mean). The formula has remained the same. I personally hesitate when trying to buy gifts for others, but this kit is hands down worth the $59 price tag - especially when comparing it to other travel kits in the market - and would make an excellent gift for anyone. Your mom, your sister, grandmother, girlfriend - even yourself. 

I love that you get decent amount of product in each item. 

Step 1: One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil (25ml / 0.8 fl oz.)

 I own the full-size and have gone through a couple travel sizes. Though Tatcha states you do not need to double cleanse when using this cleansing oil, I always double cleanse regardless of what cleansing oil/balm I'm using. It's just how I do it. Nonetheless, this is an exquisite cleansing oil. It efficaciously breaks down makeup dissolving even waterproof. It does not leave a greasy film or residue but I always follow up with another cleanser. You do not need to use a flannel/cloth when using this oil - just rinse with water!

And may I please say I love this even more because it doesn't contain mineral oil? 

Step 2: Classic Rice Enzyme Powder (14 bags, 1g 0.04 oz. each) 

I also own a full size of this cleanser. If you have never tried power cleansers, they basically emulsify once the powder comes in contact with water. This particular powder gently exfoliates the skin without any abrasive granules but rather uses papaya enzymes. Tatcha offers three different types: "Gentle" for dry or sensitive skin, "Classic" which is the one I use for normal skin and "Deep" for oily-active skin. And like Tatcha suggests, I love using this cleanser after the cleansing oil. 

Step 3: Deep Brightening Serum (10ml / 0.34 fl. oz.) 

I had never tried this serum and I was actually really surprised with how lovely the texture was. It has a milky texture which absorbs quickly into the skin. Tatcha claims existing age spots will begin to lighten after four to eight weeks of use. I can't comment on that because I haven't tried this serum long enough. I can though, notice an immediate "comforting" feeling, meaning I find it hydrating yet lightweight.

Step 4: Supple Moisture Rich Silk Cream (10ml / 0.34 fl. oz)

Here comes the downer from my review and this goes to every skincare company who make products that contain such lovely ingredients but come in a pot. It's scientifically proven that ingredients lose their potency once they come in contact with air which is why it's better when serums or moisturizers come sealed in a bottle protected from exposure to air or germs/bacteria. Though the pot is absolutely beautiful and I love, love the minimalist design, the texture of this moisturizer and the immediate results (plump, radiant, fresh skin) I wish it came in a bottle to preserve the ingredients. 

If you select the Dry Skin kit, you will get the Ageless Enriching Renewal Cream instead which has a thicker consistency.

Final Thoughts

Overall I think this is an amazing kit and something I would personally gift to friends and family or purchase for myself for travel because it has everything you need. It feels very Tatcha, very luxurious. Something I wish was included was an eye cream. I know Tatcha sells a travel-sized eye cream. I think that addition would make this kit even more perfect. 

* This kit was sent to me for review purposes however I am always honest when reviewing products. My goal is to help you, not manipulate you. 

25th Birthday Skincare + Makeup

First of all, I want to thank everyone who congratulated me on Instagram and Twitter. I was overwhelmed by the amount of kind comments. I feel truly blessed to have such sweet followers and friends. 

July 13 was my birthday and I wanted to share with you the beauty products I used. 

I had been feeling under the weather the last couple of days and my eyes were showing it. I popped some Tatcha Eye Masks and let them sit for a good forty minutes (though you're supposed to leave them on for a lot less). I enjoy its cooling cooling sensation and it immediately hydrates my under-eye area while at the same time getting rid of puffiness. I then used the Tatcha Deep Hydration Firming Serum as it plumps my skin, leaving a beautiful radiant finish. I love using this serum for special occasions. Makeup sits so well on top of it. You can read more about both of them here.

I finished off the "prep" phase by spraying some of her Dewy Mist - my favorite hydrating mist - all over my skin. It's so lightweight yet provides the perfect amount of moisture. As you can see, lots of Tatcha. It was my birthday! I wanted to use the very best.

I used the Lorac Palette on my eyes - by far my favorite neutral palette and it has been for over a year. Sable and Espresso on the crease, Cream as a browbone highlight and the gold shade on my lid. I created a subtle flick using my Estee Lauder Gel Liner and the Urban Decay 24/7 Pencil in Perversion on my waterline. I wanted my lashes to look thick and long, so I used the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara which I've talked about here.

For brows, I went with Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Powder Duo, as always. 

I used two Bobbi Brown Foundation Sticks - one to even out my skin tone and another one to contour. I absolutely adore them and I've raved enough about them. I concealed my dark circles with the By Terry Touche Veloutee and then highlighted using the Mac Prep + Prime Highlighting Pen in Radiant Rose, set with Mac Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in the shade Light. I set my contours with Benefit Hoola. To add a pop of color on the cheeks I used Illamasqua Excite Powder Blush. To give a glow to my face, I used the Too Faced Candlelight Highlighting Powder Duo.

Lastly, I wanted a flattering lipstick and coral is my favorite color, especially on the lids. Peach Club Velvet Matte Lipstick from Bourjois was a no brainer.

I know. The cake. My aunt makes the best Nutella cakes. 

New Additions in TATCHA Water Collection

I was given the incredible opportunity to review two of the latest products from one of my favorite skincare brands, TATCHA. Let me introduce you to the Deep Hydration Firming Serum and the Deep Hydration Revitalizing Eye Mask - two new additions to the beloved Water Collection. 

I received my set while I was in Arlington and I was beyond excited as I had previously seen Victoria Tsai, TATCHA founder on QVC a month earlier where she announced and demonstrated her latest serum for the line.  

Though I often get too excited about new releases, I try to remain patient and give skincare products at least a month as a testing period to observe more long-term effects rather than just telling you my first impressions. 

If you're interested in knowing more about TATCHA's latest skincare additions, please keep on reading. 

Facial Hair Waxing: Tips and Tricks

Facial hair. We all have it and most of us don't like to talk about it. Here's another one for you - waxing. 

Waxing your upper lip. 

I am very hairy and my facial hair is literally black (thanks, dad) which makes it more noticeable and need to wax every couple of weeks. I've done it myself for years and I actually have some tips for you as well as product recommendations. 

I wasn't intending on writing this post tonight, however I happened to wax this afternoon, slightly peeled off some extra skin and my thesis defense is in less than forty-eight hours. Accidents happen, ladies and gentlemen but I have it all under control. 

If you do wax facial hair yourself or have ever thought about doing it, keep on reading. 

My Experience with Tatcha: A Comprehensive Review

Before I begin discussing the product reviews, I would like to apologize to everyone who reads me because this has been a highly requested post which has taken me long to publish. My friend Fiorella actually helped me film a video in which I reviewed the Tatcha products I own, however, she lost all her info on her computer due to some technical issues (I feel really sorry for her - she's a graphic designer. Imagine how that must feel like!) Hence, we lost the footage. The little camera I used to film with broke, so I can only communicate with you through Instagram and of course, here on my blog. I will do my best to review each of these products as detailed as possible. Quick disclaimer: I am not sponsored by Tatcha and none of these products were sent to me to review. I will be giving you my honest opinion on everything I mention. Hope you enjoy.

Beauty Oils

If you had asked me four years ago to put an oil on my face I would have looked at you in a very weird manner and said "No." For many years I kept treating my skin as if I was still in my teens - acne-prone. Little did I know that my skin was actually dehydrated and "normal" in my twenties.

I started taking my skin care more seriously when I turned twenty-two, but I had always been intrigued about oils and creams you slather on your face thanks to my mom - who at (almost!) sixty-one years old looks absolutely glowing and beautiful. In fact, she's never been a fan of makeup (and doesn't really need it). 

So back to my skin. I'm turning twenty-five in July and things have definitely changed. I am a huge fan of oils now and I have even stopped using my Clarisonic because to be honest, I love oil based cleansers so much more. But we are just discussing beauty oils today. 

What to love about them?

• They penetrate the skin deeper and quicker than a traditional moisturizer.
• Many of them are multi-functional. 
• Many contain many nurturing ingredients. 
• Massaging your skin can allow you to relax and you could even do a manual lympatic drainage on your face. 
• There is an oil out there for every skin type.

I really want to touch on that last point for this post. There is an oil out there for every skin type. Yes! Even for you combination-to-oily skin gals. I know adding oil to an oily complexion may seem odd but it can actually help produce less oil and balance out your skin. And contrary to belief, they won't clog your pores. 

I'm using as reference three beauty oils I currently have on rotation.

Fresh Seaberry Oil 

Thoroughly reviewed here. This is an oil that I reach for when my skin is on the drier side because it is packed with such moisturizing agents: grape seed, camellia, cranberry and almond oil just to name a few. 

Great for: Normal to Dry to Very Dry Skin

Formulated without: Parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, synthetic dyes, petrochemicals, phthalates, GMOs, triclosan. 

Tarte Pure Maracuja Oil 

Though Tarte claims this oil brightens and firms, it actually just contains really good anti-inflammatory ingredients (Thanks Paula's choice Beautypedia). It's a lot thinner on consistency than the Fresh Seaberry Oil. It almost feels like a dry oil which makes this an excellent gem to grab when my skin is acting against me and develops cruel zits bumps. I can definitely tell it helps with the swelling. 

Great for: Combination to Oily Skin

Formulated without: Parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, petrochemicals, phthalates, GMOs, triclosan. 

Tatcha Camellia Beauty Oil

The newest addition to my collection, the Tatcha Camellia Beauty Oil is a multi-purpose oil that can be used on the hair, skin and body. I was hesitant to try it on my face after using the Caudalie Divine Oil as a facial oil - resulting on my face with three to four pimples. I usually keep away from my face any products which state you can use anywhere else on your body. I am happy to share with you that I've been using the Tatcha Camellia Beauty Oil just on my face for the last month and it did not break me out but rather makes it feel comfortable and hydrated with just one drop. I opt for this beautiful bottle when my skin is feeling normal, because it's more of a dry oil. 

PS: It contains real 24-gold flecks which impart a subtle, healthy glow.

Great for: Normal to Combination Skin

Formulated without: Mineral oil, synthetic fragrances, sulfate detergents, parabens, PEGs, PPGs, DEA, TEA, urea or phthalates. 

Which beauty oils do I need to try next? Share your thoughts or recommendations on the comment section down below! 

Let's Talk About Packaging

Just as the title suggests, this isn't a product review but rather eye candy for your inner beauty lover. It's no surprise I am in love with Tatcha and her packaging, as I've been resoundingly verbal about my adoration towards her beautiful products. 

A few weeks back, Tatcha posted on her Facebook Fan Page that she'd be running a QVC contest. All you had to do was write a review on the QVC website on two of her cleansing products and you were automatically entered to win any Tatcha product. Victoria - Tatcha founder - is so humble and kind, she then announced that everyone who had submitted a review had won. Yes. Everyone. 

I received her Camellia Beauty Oil with a personal handwritten note and some heart-shaped candy - a package which made me even more enamored. That's the thing with Tatcha I don't see with anyone else - the attention, the small details, the excellent customer service, interaction with fans. It's the little things, you know? 

I hope you enjoy these pictures. As I promised when my sister gifted me the Classic Rice Enzyme Powder and the Dewy Mist back on Christmas, I will review these products soon. Remember I always like to give my skin some time to see how it reacts to new products. 

Hope you enjoy. Xoxo