It’s that time of year! Pucker up those lips cause Mistletoes will be hanging! I spent all last week tooting the new MoodMatch X NINA Mua collection liquid mattes. I am in LOVE with every one of these delicious colors that I HAD TO SHARE! Here are some reasons why I love this collection.
Creamy Lip Matte with full luscious color
No Residue
No Drying
Long Lasting Coverage
No Smear – Drink Egg Nog and still have that lipstick on to his kiss crush with no worry!
They also make great stocking stuffers and gifts for the new year! Be sure to check out my Instagram for this week’s theme of my top stocking stuffers!
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Christmas is the BEST TIME OF THE YEAR! So much love, food, drinking, and gifting giving! It’s a time to show the ones you love HOW MUCH YOU LOVE THEM! But with how busy we are, it’s hard to find the perfect gift for that special someone. WELL! I got good news!
All month long I will be posting to my Instagram some amazing stocking stuffers perfect for the tech geek, gamer, makeup addict, and fashionista! Into cosplay? You’ll want to keep your eyes glued for what I got in store! Check out what I’ve released so far on my Instagram!ย
Mood Matcher X Nina Mua
Be prepared for the mistletoe this holidays. Pucker up with Mood Matcher X Nina Mua’s new liquid matte line in over 10 different colors! See them all on the Gram.
More to Come!
(This blog will be updated as new items are released on Instagram!)
Black Silt, not being the most attractive of words, has its fair share of benefits in skin care. ย Itโs fine black clay like features are grounded particles chock full of rich humic acids and other bioactive compounds. Having existed for thousands of years, Egyptians used to harvest silt from the Nile River banks for crops because of its rich nutrients. Glaciers and winds would transport rock fragments into rivers that had been grinding over time to create finer particles into powdery, smaller than individual grains of sand yet larger than clay particles. Being at just about less than .002 inch across, the Silt settles in still water providing a fertile growing medium containing mineral intrinsic to its structure that enhances water retention and air circulation.
So, you may be wondering, why would I spread black soil-like substance used for farming over my face instead of charcoal, mud, or clay? According to Readerโs Digest, the top 10 skincare products to use for the fall include Black Silt because its unique molecular composition of magnesium, calcium, potassium, strontium, boron, and iron pulls out toxins and impurities while nourishing the skin with rich nutrients and minerals.
Nordic black silt, found in this product, helps promote cell oxygenation, firmness, and uniformity to the skin with regular use thanks to its unique mineral composition that provides nourishment and hydration. What makes this product a bit better than the rest is its unique addition of Squalene. Now if you donโt know anything about it, read this article I wrote on the benefits of Squalene.ย Personally, I have never heard of it before until I visit a skincare shop about 6 months ago with a girlfriend. Created from renewable sugarcane, itโs biologyโs best-kept secret to moisturizing your skin. Hydrating and locking essentials oils leaving your skin soft, supple, and smooth it has been reported to help reduce redness and irritation. It has also been clinically proven to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while providing radiant glowy skin!
Now even though we may not have known about this ingredient for a while, our skin has. The human body produces its own version of Squalene, however, the amount created and retained decreases as we age. Squalene is our skins own natural moisturizer, but it can also be found in many different plants and shark liver. In Volition Beautyโ Detoxifying Silt Gelรฉe Mask, the Squalene ingredient is a plant-derived component making it completely vegan, gluten-free, hypoallergenic, cruelty-free, and noncomedogenic stamped โCleanโ by Sephora!
The next reason why this mask is a must-have for fall is the addition of Jojoba (ho-ho-ba) Oil. Produce from the seed of the Jojoba plant, really is more a wax but referred to as an oil, the molecular structure of Jojoba oil is very similar to natural oils found in our skin. This means that not only will it moisturize our skin, but our skin will absorb it much faster than any other oils. Jojoba is chock full of nutrients and antioxidants that help tame inflammation, control acne breakouts, soother sunburn and reduces fine lines. One last kicker to Jojoba Oil, is its anti-microbial components for skincare helping prevent the growth of bacteria on the skin. This makes it a must-have property for anyone who suffers from acne prone skin as it provides wound-healing benefits for sensitive skin.
Lastly, the mask also includes Quinoa Protein and Shea Butter which hold powerful properties for eating and skincare. The ancient grain is considered the OG superfood, mostly found in your salad bowl now, can have even more benefits to your hair and skin!
So, whatโs the power of Quinoa? Itโs quite simple. Quinoa proteins add strength and protection because of itโs strengthening and moisturizing due to the amino acids content. Amino acids are practically the building blocks of cells so itโs no wonder its a powerful ingredient in our skincare! Hello, Skincare supplement! The grains in Quinoa have the highest concentration of protein more than any other grain on our planet. Itโs essential amino acids are some that our bodies cannot make on its own. In our day to day lives, we are subject to wind and sunlight that damages the outer layer of our skinโthe amino acids found in quinoa match the natural keratin in our skin and fill the gaps to repair of skincare damage. Did I mention Quinoa is also an antioxidant?
So how much will this wonder of a product cost with its incredibly complex package of hydration, amino acids, and deep-sea minerals? For a size of 60ml / 2 oz, you will find yourself at $60 for this uniquely formulated mask with sponge included. Considering this product was created by the world-renowned Takako Mohri McGowan, Volition Beautyโs Detoxifying Silt Gelรฉe Mask Innovator and President of TAKA USA it is safe to say Takako knowns what sheโs doing! Responsible for the stabilization of Aloe Vera for ingestible and cosmetic use (Thanks for the Bubble Tea!), Takako has handled the formulation and production of hundreds of personal care products that are on the cutting edge of innovation in Asia.
If you are still skeptical about the benefits of Detoxifying Silt Gelรฉe Mask, learn more about the science behind the new wave of Black Silt in your skincare!
And if you liked this post, please pin, flip, tweet or share on Facebook โ Iโd really appreciate it!
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Snow Mushroom, or Tremella fuciformisย , is a white nearly translucentย tree-ear fungus found throughout Asia and warmer climates worldwide. The fungus common name of as aย wood ear for the way it looks on logs as it grows is how it’s commonly referred to as. Chinese and Japanese herbalist have used this snowy fungus for thousands of years primarily to increase fluid in the body, rid palpitations, and dry coughs. When ingested, snow mushrooms can help lower cholesterol, protect the liver, fight inflammation, preventย atherosclerosis, increase white blood cells, and may even slow the aging process. Rumor also has it, if eaten regularly, facial freckles can begin to disappear.
So if you are like me, you have heard of Snow Mushrooms in your soup covering all the amazing benefits of your body, but what if I told you their properties were just as good for outside your body like your skin?
In 2015, Allure magazine published an article about the magical yet ancient benefits of the snow mushroom mentioning as far back as the imperial Tang dynasty, one of China’s fame four great beauties concubine Yang Guifei (713-756) accredited snow mushroom with maintaining her youthful appearance. Today, modern science has explained the radical results of the fungus drawing moisture to the skin like Hyaluronic acid but completely naturally!
So what if mushrooms were you skin’s next superfood? That’s what Volition Beauty’s Snow Mushroom Serum Innovator Keidy asked when she dared to solve her problematic acne-prone skin. Ya see here, the nutrient-rich ingredients in this cocktail flood our skin and pores with nature’s sponge holding 500 times their weight in water. Since the fungus’ molecules are smaller than our pores, they are absorbed much faster delivering exceptional moisturization that is maintained for a longer time.
It getsย better!ย The snow mushroom properties also doubles to support the skin’s natural collagen production with no free radical damage! Get out!ย In addition,ย the concoction is created using marine water that detoxifies the skin, reduces redness and shine! With watermelon and apple extracts, your skin is given an excellent source of vitamin C and A for a more radiant look. Lentil extract is also added for a dose of vitamin B5 to smooth skin and lock in moisture to reveal clearer and firmer-looking skin!
Did I mention this product is vegan, gluten-free, hypoallergenic, cruely-free and noncomedogenic?ย WHAT?!ย
Sephora has even marked this product certifiedย Clean at Sephoraโข meaning it is formulated without:ย Sulfates SLS and SLES, parabens, formaldehydes, formaldehyde-releasing agents, phthalates, mineral oil, retinyl palmitate, oxybenzone, coal tar, hydroquinone, triclosan, and triclocarban. All skincare, hair, and makeup brands with the Clean Seal have less than one percent of synthetic fragrances.
So if you suffer from dry skin, fine lines/wrinkles, and pores this might just be the mushroom you’re looking for! The serum is suitable for all types of skin complexion!
I know what you may be wondering.ย “OK, butย how much is it?” Well, considering the application is a pea-size amount to cover the entire face, neck, and dรฉcolletage twice daily, the price of $62 for a 1oz bottle is actually not bad at all! But seriously, don’t take my word for it and learn about the science behind why snow mushrooms is the next best ingredient on the skincare market.
Tell me your thoughts on snow mushroom, Volition Beauty, or natural skincare in the comments below!
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NO COMPROMISE BEAUTYย That is what Biossance promises when you buy their products. Formulas that are nontoxic with the highest standards committed to 100% transparency and blacklisting over 2,000 toxic ingredients from their chemist tables.ย WOW!ย
So what have these scientists from Berkeley labs developed since 2003? Innovative biotechnology making positive impacts on the world changing how you do skincare starting with the ingredients. Utilizing a rich history of science and sustainability, Biossance creates skincare that will are incredibly effective and safe for your skincare, the environment, heck even animals!
I had the incredible opportunity to check our Biossance pop up in NOHO with my friend @Juiicyxr. We were not expecting a full class dedicated to skincare and the science behind every ingredient known to the chemist! Of the products we learned about, only three did I decide to take home and test.
OH MY GAWD, MY SKIN FEELS AMAZING
SQUALANE + VITAMIN C ROSE OILย sounds more like a drink than something you put on your face, but this stuff is ridiculous.ย This ‘No Compromiseโข’ formula mixes the weightless hydration of our sugarcane-derived, sustainable squalane oil with the brightening power of Vitamin C, plus rose oil! Just a drop or two of this exquisite oil delivers exceptionally soft, smooth and radiantly healthy-looking skin.
I use this for under my makeup moisturizer after having a late night out. It keeps my skin hydrated and plump! Did I also mention it reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles? It is clinically proven in test studies to hydrate and provide radiant glowy skin if applied twice daily.ย This baby deserves a 10/10!
100% SQUALANEย ย is something I personally have never heard before. Creating from renewable sugarcane, introducing biology’s best kept secret in moisturizer! Hydrating and locking essential oils leaving your skin soft and smooth, it also helps reduce redness and irritation.ย Shur up! WHAT IS THIS SQUALANE?!ย
You may or may not have heard of squalane, but your skin has. The human body produces its own version (known as squalene), but the amount made and retained in the skin decreases over time.ย Squalane comes from squalene, which can be confusing if you donโt know the difference. Squalene is part of our skinโs own natural moisture but is also found in a variety of plants and in shark liver.ย Hooked! Where do I buy more? 10/10!
SQUALANE + PHYTO-RETINOL SERUMย sounds intimidating but it really isn’t. We know Squalane now so what is “phyto-retinol?”ย
Extracted from the Babchi (Psoralea corylifolia) plant found to have retinol-like effects without the usual skin sensitivity and irritation,ย phyto-retinol simply means “of retinol-like effects” made from plants. Along with Yeast extract, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, and Neroli Essential Oils with scents of orange blossoms this serum is super concentrated and powerfully effective to reduce lines and wrinkles while visibly firming skin without irritation or sensitivity associated with retinol as it’s plant-based.
I highly recommend testing a patch of skin first before applying as this serum is quite potent and powerful. Nonetheless, it has helped with reducing the fine lines around my eyes and reducing my own crow’s feet. 10/10 baby!
These are the three products I tried at Biossance and boy was I pleased! Have you tried them? Have questions or comments? Let me know below and I’ll be sure to respond!
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April is the month of flowers and rain! Where spring showers bring beautiful flowers and tons of pollen that is bound to induce sinus infections, allergies, sneezing, and discomfort. But let’s not fret that it also means a new Ipsy glam bag!
This month’s glam bag brought a product I fell madly for! But before we go into what I loved, let’s list we I got!
Hands down this is by far my most favorite glam bag design ever. The sheer creative direction for spring and detail hit home for me. This is a bag I will not be using but just decorating my home with. (Yes, I do that sometimes!)
H2O’s Oasis Hydrating Treatment was my next favorite item in this month glam bag. I suffer from extremely dry skin and it gets worse after applying makeup. This treatment not only worked wonders asย a stand along night treatment but also between my moisturizer and makeup. It’s infused with water-based ingredients like seagrass extract and water lily extract which helps condition and soften the skin. My skin literally slurped this right in! Talk about quenching a thirst! Giving this one a 10/10!
Bbellรกpierre Cosmetics answers the question can I have my setting powder and it gets rid of redness and dark circles too? A semi-transparent formula that looksย Oh So Natural!ย It doesn’t cake or fuss and can be used very versatile! How I use this is as a loose setting powder under the eye and on the eyelid during the summer to keep my concealer from melting off my face. It also helps matt any liquid contour I have on. It does not cake or create thoseย weird wrinkles on your face from your foundation, keeping everything in place!ย OH Darling, encore! 10/10!
Beau GรขchisCosmeticsย are your best-kept secret for great brushes at affordable pricing. (They have a sale right now! Get any 5 brushes for $30!) What makes the tapered blending brush so good? The curved tip makes for great blending out eyeshadow perfectly with no mess. The brush can also double to dusting highlighter on your cheekbones or nose. Even as synthetic hair, it is fluffy for powder formulas and small enough for creams. Want that amazing smoky eye look? Get it with this brush!ย Si se puede, 10/10!ย
WHAT I ….EH
It isn’t fair to say I didn’t love the other products I just didn’t need them as much. Personally, I did not use Symphony Beauty’s Purifect Micellar cleansing water because I am already in love with IT Cosmetics Miracle Water 3-in 1 cleanser. Purifect is a cheaper version of Miracle Water and absolutely does somewhat the same except two things. The Miracle Water from IT Cosmetics also has a skin-brightening radiance booster and a whole lot of anti-aging peptides that help nourish dry skin. Purifect does contain microscopic molecules called micelles that attach to dirt and grime on your face and yes it has coconut extract (everything has coconut now) that helps hydrate and smooth your skin in a no-rinse makeup removal formulaย but I want more in my cleanser! Don’t you?
Last but not least Ciate London Starstruck Double Ended Stamp liquid line just didn’t give me the Starstruck feeling I needed. I get I can make stars on my makeup, but who wants black stars? Maybe someone else, but I’d prefer colored stars! Now if the end was a stencilย that’s thinking outside the box!
All in all, I’m quite pleased with my bag. Let me know your thoughts on my review and tell me what you received if you are also an Ipsy member! Want to receive your own Ipsy glam bag? Get one now by clicking for a referral!
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What’s the best to do on the morning of Earth? How about Yoga while having amazing organic almond protein shakes and a full-fledged breakfast with organic fruits and pastries?
@Kiehl’s + @Sputnik Yoga combined forces for a morning full of zen goodies. After a one-hour yoga session, we got a full facial and complimentary skincare consultation! We even left with a goodie bag!
The Doctor is in!
Thank you so much for the care package and my new seedling!
Super honor and EXCITED to check our Sunday Riley’s new foundation! Truth be told, I knew about Sunday Riley’s skincare but had not heard about their new foundation. So I had to ask myself, what happens when a skincare company makes a foundation?
One Word.ย Magic!
Got drinks and free products with the babes! What an amazing installation for the launch! Truly a wonderful theme park of pink! I have never experienced something so zanny and cool. It was like a festival indoors of makeup! Went with my wonder bff Rochielle (psst, you can follow her on Instagram!) and bumped into even more amazing babes at the venue! Go follow them all, (please do I love these girls! โค )
(Posing in a ball pit is like never growing up no matter how FABulous you are)
(Meet Style + Fashion Blogger @krystal_bick! GO follow her! I in love with her travels. ๐)
What an incredible time!
Thank you so much to Sunday Riley for holding the event! I am also LOVING my care packages with two foundations and skincare! I’m loving theย Water-Gel Toner and Brightening serum! Official my new nighttime skincare routine until the summer! Sadly, I could not us the Lactic Acid cream because I’m HIGHLY allergic to diary AKA Lactic Acid. *Anyone allergic to Milk might get an irritation when using it!
Check out Sunday Riley’s products shown below!
The Influencerย – My NEW favorite foundation for the summer!ย The Influencer is cruelty-free and formulated without cyclopentasiloxane, synthetic fragrance, talc, and gluten. It’s perfectly buildable so you can control the level of coverage, from natural-looking, medium coverage to long-wear, all-day and all-night, full coverage! It does not dehydrate your skin and keeps it youth and fresh. Great for Summer! Good Genes * Martian Mattifying Melting Water-Gel Toner C.E.O Brightening Serum
Had the chance to play the beta of Squids From Space and it was so much fun! Had my good friend Chelsea help with a Squids + Space makeup theme look. Thanks to the team for the support and shoutout!
Got to test out Cosmaglow Rechargeable Electric Makeup Brush Cleaner and I am utterly WOW’d! Cleaning my brushes in the fraction of the time it used to take AND using them immediately after cleaning! Check out my YouTube video above to see how quick makeup brushes cleanย andย dry using Cosmaglow Rechargeable Electric Makeup Brush Cleaner!
Want to get your ownย Cosmaglow Rechargeable Electric Makeup Brush Cleaner?ย Grab it on Sale while you Can! โบย http://bit.ly/cosmaglownarzย Get 10% with code “NARZ”!!
100% Yass Approved!
Grab it on Sale while you Can! โบ HERE
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Song By โบ Komiku – “Finally Together”