Confessions of a Product Junkie

What kind of problems does a product junkie have?  Major overcrowding in the bathroom!!!

I have too many hair, skincare, cleaning, makeup products in my bathroom and my bathroom countertop isn't very big.  So I've tried couple different ways to arrange my bathroom and it always turns into a big ass pile of products...

Last Friday, I was on a mission.... On a mission to clean up my mess and come up with a system that I can maintain!!!

So I went to Marshalls... Why? So I can buy MORE stuff to organize my bathroom! hahaha  Oh the life of a product junkie... or is it a shopaholic?  Well, shopaholics buy things they don't need.  Product Junkies buy things they DO need. haha So there!

I wanted something to help me stay organized.  So... I ended up picking up three things.

One:  A Black Letter/ Magazine Wall Organizer for $9.99.  I wanted to use this to put miscellaneous skincare stuff.  Isn't it cute?  And CHEAP!!!

 TWO: I happened to find same set as the letter/magazine holder.  This one was two pen holders that happened to be joint together.  This one was $6.99!!!  Boo Yeah!!!

 THREE: Pink/White Hand Towels (set of four) for $7.99



And I turned my mess into this.  I know it still looks kind of crowded, but BELIEVE ME when I say it did not look organized before!!! I really like this set up!  I've maintained the cleanliness since Friday, and it works well with my routine. 

I have my lotion, sunscreen, cotton/tissue, q-tips in the letter organizer. Then I have my hair brushes and the blow dryer in the pencil holder.  It holds my blow dryer in place and it fits perfectly!!! I lined the bathroom counter with the towel to stop the water from sneaking into my metal organizers. 

In the middle, I have my elf makeup brush holders to hold all my makeup brushes, mascaras and eyeliners.  BTW, I'll do a post on the cheap useful E.L.F. items.  As a sneak peak to my future post, that brush holder is only $15, while Sephora sells the same one for $40!!! What a deal!!!



Well that's all for now!  Two posts in one day to make up for lost times!  :)

I'll be doing a picture tutorial on how to curl your hair (loose waves) and show you my hair tool collection.  :)  Coming soon!!!

From straight to wavy hair

And I'll show you the cool stuff I discovered at my last visit to The Face Shop!

Here's me signing off in my " I'm so happy, I'm not going to work on a Monday (President's Day) Look!" I love wearing whatever I want!!! hahaha  Till next posts readers!!!  Thanks for reading!!!

Free Clinique Stuff @ Bloomies & Nordstrom!

Clinique: Free Stuff!!! Get it now! Bloomies & Nordstrom

I'm a bad blogger... it's been a week since my last post... so I'll get right to it!!!

Right now, at Bloomingdale’s you can get this set for free with purchase of $25 worth of products.  I use Clinique’s products on a regular basis, like my Take the Day Off eye make up remover and the Moisture Surge.  So I stock up when they have the free gift programs. 

This set was great because it came with a travel size Moisture Surge in a tube! And my dehydrated skin love me some Moisture Surge!!!   And the bag is super cute!  It comes with a Pinky/ Peachy Milly Makeup/ Travel Bag and a matching small pouch, All About Eyes Serum, Lipgloss, Mascara, and Lipstick.  Good Stuff! Get it now!!!

And at Nordstrom, they are giving out free 14 day (?) size Smoothie Lipstick and travel size Moisture Surge.  NO PURCHASE NECESSARY.  They are just giving it out. I happened to go to two malls this weekend with Nordstrom, so I picked it up from both locations.  ^__^

Just mention you got an e-mail to stop by.  That’s all you need to say.  They don’t ask questions, because this promotion didn’t require any of this.  Get it now!  It’s happening till they run out or this Sunday, February 27th.  For the lipgloss, you get a pick from 3 colors.  Both of the colors I got are really sheer and smooth like smoothie! And it smells fruity too!

Wrinkles! Dark Circles! Puffy! OH MY!!!

Oh.... Eye Creams... this one is a hard one for me to talk about just because I feel like I haven't found THE ONE.  I know a bad eye cream when I see one... but I'm not sure if I found an AWESOME one...

Anyhow.... this post is dedicated to my friend Grace! ^__^  She asked which Eye Cream I use or would recommend...

I have a lot of favorites… But I still have not found THE ONE…. for Eye Creams… I have used many many eye creams… High ends to Drug Store Brands… but only found ones that I thought was okay… maybe it’s because I’m looking for a miracle for my eyes… and there’s no such thing!!!  (maybe eyelifts? haha) Also, the eyecreams are supposed to have more of a long term affect- like it’s supposed to prevent you from more wrinkles, or dark circles, or puffiness.  And while the product is trying to help you prevent, you are not seeing enough difference or improvements.    Whatever the case, EYE CREAMS ARE A MUST in your daily skin routine!!!! The skin beneath your lower eyes are very thin and not very elastic.  So keep that area MOIST and HYDRATED!!! I also think it’s very important to start on the eye creams at an earlier age.  Not when you are like 30 or 40 and have started to see the wrinkles already.  Prevention is the key.  So if you prevent and maintain at an earlier age, you are gonna look even more FABULOSO when you are older.  I wish, I started using eye cream when I was 18!!!

Day vs. Night:  I like to use something lighter and something that wakens your eyes during the day.  And at night, something that will lock in the moisture, repair, and let my eye baggies rest….

Currently, during the day I use, Bliss Fabulous Every Day Eye Cream ($28).  This one is moisturizing yet has a powdery (not that powdery) finish which is suppose to fill in the lines, so you won’t see the wrinkles and smooth out your skin (or bags in my case).  It does what it says it does.  As for improvements to my eyes… not quite sure…  but it does feel nice and moist...

At night, I use Artistry Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream ($39.95).  This one is creamy and very moisturizing.  As for anti-wrinkle… I’m not sure if it’s doing what it’s doing.  I guess I’m getting more wrinkles, so it’s a good sign (?).  But the description sounds very promising!

Description
TIME DEFIANCE® Lifting Eye Crème is so powerful it solves all problems of the eye area with one easy treatment. You no longer have to pick and choose from multiple skin care products to treat the eye area – with one eye crème, you can have it all.

This breakthrough formula smooths and firms the skin around the eyes to give eyes a virtual lift. Plus, it instantly brightens dark circles and reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and puffiness. In clinical testing, 98% of women who used TIME DEFIANCE saw improvement in the appearance of wrinkles and 97% noticed improvement in the appearance of fine lines.

Like other ARTISTRY® TIME DEFIANCE® products, Lifting Eye Crème features our exclusive Derma Cell Exchange technology that hydrates, restores, and defends skin, to help your skin “remember” how to be young again.
Benefits
Exclusive Derma Cell Exchange technology addresses all eye-area problems and provides a virtual lift.

• Skin around the eye appears firmer, softer, smoother, and brighter.
• Reduces puffiness and improves the appearance of dark circles.
• In clinical testing, 98% of women who used TIME DEFIANCE® saw improvement in the appearance of wrinkles and 97% noticed improvement in the appearance of fine lines.
• Safe for sensitive skin.
• Fragrance-free.
• Ophthalmologically tested.
• For all skin types and ethnicities.

Top 5 Eye Creams I’ve Used and Liked.  I liked all of them cuz they moisturize and fill the wrinkle lines...

5. Clinique: All About Eyes Rich (Day): Anti-Gravity Firming Eye Lift Cream (Night): $34.50

  

These are two different items... but I ranked them together... cuz I like one to use during the day and one is better suited for night use...

All About Eyes got Beauty Awards, so it might be worth checking out.

4. Bobbi Brown Hydrating Eye Cream: $45
I really loved how this felt... but the bottle is small and on the pricier side.  And I didn't think this one was worth it.

3. Estee Lauder Perfectionist (Targeted Deep Wrinkle Filler) : $39.50
This one really doesn't do much in the long run, however, you'll see instant/ temporary results.  I say temporary cuz it's really not meant for long term.  But this thing is GREAT!!! I put it on my hands, and it instantly filled the wrinkles on my hand.  I had my friend buy it for her mom, and she absolutely LOVED it!!! Also, you can use this one for your forehead, by your laughlines, etc...

2. Estee Lauder Resilience Lift Extreme (Ultra Firming Eye Crème): $51.00  This one is pricey... but pretty AWESOME... very creamy and moist.

1. Dr. Wexler Intensive 3-in1 Eye Cream: Lifting, Firming, Anti-Wrinkle Formula: $32.50 (right now, buy two get one free from Bath and Body Works) I think this one is really good for it's money.  It does lifting, firming, and prevent wrinkles.  Very moist too.  This one isn't as creamy... you have to pat it into your skin a bit more.  But who cares... 

Added bonus…..

Dr. Wexler Fastscription- Instant De-Puff Eye Gel: $19.50 (Buy two get one free)
I used to use this one during the day together with the Dr. Wexler Intensive 3 in 1.  When you put this on, it has this cool feeling to it and it really does de-puff!  It even won the Women's Health Beauty All-Stars!  Putting this on has the same effects as putting a cold spoon on your eyes to get rid of the puffy and the redness!

For more eye cream recommendations... go check out 16 additional eye creams Total Beauty Recommends.

But to tell you the truth, I’m not seeing that much of a difference between all the eye creams especially between the expensive ones to the cheaper ones… for me... as long as it moisturizes well, it's doing it's job... maybe it doesn’t even make sense to buy the more expensive brands…

Perhaps, I’ll do some research and try out some drug store brands….

Update about my Philosophy Turbo C Booster Powder.   It’s very interesting.  I put pump of my Eucerin Sensitive SPF 15 Moisturizer in the palm of my hand, and a scoop of the powder, and I mix.  As soon as I mix, little chemistry happens in the palm of my hand!  It turns the lotion cool and watery then really warm.  Once I put it on my face, it almost melts into my skin, which makes me think it’s really sinking into my skin.  I hope so!!! Considering my skin is really dehydrated!!!!

              

 So I’ve been using in the mornings with my morning skincare routine for 6 days now.  I like it.  It almost feels like I’m wakening my skin when I put this on.  But as for improvements, I haven’t noticed anything significant… I think it needs maybe a month or so for me to notice… we shall see…

Sephora: Free Sample of Your Choice!

First of all, Happy Valentine's Day!!!!!  Now that I got that out of the way.....
I love Sephora!!! (Sephora... will you be my valentine? hahahah) Because I work close to the mall, me and my friends go there for lunch and play at Sephora every so often... and everytime I'm at the mall, I walk into Sephora to see what they have and I usually walk out of there with at least one thing, if not samples of stuff I want to try.

Why I ♥ Sephora!
1. You can try just about anything before you buy.
2. They have just about every beauty products. (minus MAC and Chanel)
3. You can buy and return the product if you don't like it.  They usually ask you why you are returning it, but they never give you any problems cuz it's part of their policy.  Awhile back I bought a mascara and absolutely hated it, and they took it back.  Let's face it, the mascaras at Sephora ain't cheap like drugstore brands. And you'd not want to leave it lying around.
4. You can get samples of just about anything you can put into a sample container.  You can try your products before you buy! They usually give you enough samples for couple tries. 
5. You can get a free makeover and you can mix and match the products (unlike department stores- you pick one brand for the makeovers).


Free Samples!!!
Everytime I go to Sephora, I always pick up couple of different perfumes to try.  If not, a sample of the fragrance I love and already have.  I can keep the small perfume in my makeup bag or at work and even for trips (airplane travel size!) for a quick freshening up without having to carry a big ass bottle in my purse.  And these samples come with it's own spray and cap just like a real perfume bottle!!!  Best of all it's FREE! And people at Sephora don't mind giving you these samples.... REALLY!

Today, I got samples of two tinted moisturizers.  Sephora helped me pick out the colors and put some on me to make sure they are the right colors.  And while she was putting these on, I asked her questions about which concealers she thought was good, cuz I like getting feed backs about what these people think! (She said Make Up Forever- I gotta try that one out next time) She gave me generous samples of it in this cute little container with label of the color and the brand, so I know what to buy if I liked the samples.

Don't be afraid to ask for samples!  That is one of the perks at Sephora!  You can try moisturizers to keep with you in your makeup bag, or at work, or maybe it's kinda pricey and you want to try it before committing to it.... whatever the case- grab yourself a free sample while you are shopping at Sephora!

My Latest Obsessions- Glowy Foundations... Past & Current Obsessions- BB Creams

On a daily basis, I use BB Cream instead of foundation.  But lately, I've been seeing Youtube videos of this amazing Foundation/ Makeup Line in Korea.  Unfortunately, I haven't found any in the U.S.  I'm holding off on calling in a favor to my friends in Korea, but I'm really obsessing over it.  I showed the videos to my co-worker and she wants it too!!!  But before I get into that, let me do a quick review of the BB Creams I've used.  If you don't know what a BB Cream is, it's short for Blemish Balm Cream.  It was used by plastic surgeons for their post-laser treated patients.  It helps the healing of scars and also give UV protection to the face while it's healing and regenerate the skin.  I don't know about then, but now it's everywhere (mostly Korea, Japan, and Taiwan) and everyone wears it like make up.  And I'm not lying when I say, every woman in korea and perhaps half of the men have BB Creams!!!!

I discovered it when my friend brought me one from Korea.  I was a little confused because it came in one color.  But she told me it'd all blend into my skin.  So I gave it a try and fell in L♥VE!!!! I really liked how I don't have to worry about picking out the right color, and it's not really make up!!! It's more like tinted moisturizer but better with different functions! It's has functions as make-up base, foundation, anti-wrinkle, blemish treatment, sunscreen, lotion, etc... Of course it all varies depending on what kind of BB Cream you get.  You may not know the effects of the BB Cream long term, but I think it's good for your skin.  You don't have to wear thick makeup, so it's gotta be good for your pores.  And in the long run, I think my skin tone has evened out (minus the reocurring blemishes).

WARNING: I must warn you, depending on which BB cream you buy, you may feel like you are wearing white sunscreen and it may feel like you have this film over your face.  But once you pat it all into your skin, it'll all blend in, so give it couple minutes and pat the cream...

FACE SHOP
My first BB Cream ever was the Face Shop's Clean Face Oil Free BB Cream.  I really liked this one.  It was light, oil free and blended into my skin really well.  This one is about $16.  After I completely finished the product, I wanted to try other BB Creams. 

Good:  Very light yet covers your flaws. 

Bad:  Eventho it says Oil-Free, you may not think so, cuz it tends to be on the shiny side.  Face Shop is not available everywhere.  If you live in California, there's one in Los Angeles (K-Town) and one in Santa Clara/ Sunnyvale area.  A bit harder to find on-line.

BRTC
After doing some research, I found that one of the original makers of BB Cream was a company called BRTC.  So I found it on E-Bay and tried the BRTC Perfect Recover Balm.  They run about $25. There are couple different kinds, but this particular one has sunscreen protectant (not sure what the SPF is), and help you with your blemishes.

Good:  The coverage is great, it really has whitening effect.  It lasts a long time on your face without getting cakey.

Bad:  The formula is a bit thicker than the other BB Creams I'm used to, and the whitening effect can freak you out cuz you look like a ghost when you just put it on.

ETUDE
I told my mom to pick up some Cheap BB Creams from Korea and she came back with this and one other one (that was a bit pricey... Somang- see below).  And I actually have to say this is my favorite.  I've used almost all of it.  And I think it lasted me over a year now.  This one really brightens your face! And it's light with medium coverage. 

Check out the link --->here<--- for the before and after pictures on someone's hand.  You can really see the difference.  I'm not sure if this version is still available.  But I think the new packaging is purple.

Good: I love how it brightens my skin, and that it's not too oily.  It also has this awesome pump and it's so easy to use.  It has built in collagen to plump your skin!

Bad:  Doesn't have built in sunscreen. 

SOMANG

This was one of the more expensive ones my mother bought me from Korea.  It has whitening and wrinkle repair.  So the more functions the BB Cream has, the more expensive it is.  I think she bought this one for about $40 in Korea so probably a little more here.

Good:  It whitens and has wrinkle repair.  Good coverage.

Bad:  Not easily accessible in U.S.  I haven't found any to buy on ebay.  And it's a bit on the thicker side.

Here are the three in order on my hand....  notice how etude (in the middle) is a bit brighter than the other two....

GLOWY FOUNDATIONS

A Famous Celebrity Makeup Artist in Korea made her own line of makeup called chosungah Luna.  Her name is Cho Sung Ah.  You'll see her in some of the videos on youtube.  I know a lot of these promotional videos really make you wanna buy their stuff, but this line of makeup seems really promising.  Very innovative and a lot of the tools you need to put on these makeup come with it. 

TREND: The happening makeup trend in Korea right now is having natural glowy/dewy skin.  I'm totally obsessed with it!!!  I even found a Korean Article today.  But of course, what's in style/ trending in Korea isn't going to follow till next year or the one after... So finding non-korean make up at this moment would be hard....

 

            

So I went to Sephora to consult one of the ladies there.  (I'm sure you all love sephora too, but really I looooooove Sephora!!!!)   And got few samples of some glowy makeup they recommended, but it's still pretty matte and doesn't give the healthy glow within.  So I'm sticking to BB Creams and my Bare Escentual Foundations for now.  They both have the glowy look.

Anyhow, here are some of the chosungah luna videos.... you are going to obsess over all the makeups!!! I know it! Just see for yourself in these videos...  The Before and After videos are for Fall so it's missing the dewy/glowy look, but it's pretty crazy the transformation of the skin!!!   I'll let you guys know once I find out a way to get these makeup in the U.S!!!!   Have a good weekend!!!