Back-to-School Part 4

Pick up a few accessories so you can head back to school in style!

• Generra Cashmere Headband (yes, it is 100% cashmere!)

• Juicy Couture Strawberry Resin Hoop Earrings

• Melissa Joy Manning Small Gold Star Hoops

• Henry Cuir Karamaja Belt

• Juicy Couture Ballet Slippers Charm

• London Sole Lowcut Flat

Back-to-School Part 3

Yesterday we touched on the principle of sporting nail color on campus. Keep it light and natural! The same principle applies to back-to-school makeup tips. You want to show up at school looking natural and fresh. When I was still in college, my skin condition always deteriorated as tense semester replaced a relaxing summer break. The stress of homeworks and exams can lead to hormone imbalance and consequently causing breakouts or acne. Thus, keeping colors simple and light works the best for this situation. However, if you have serious breakout or acne problems, it is better not to wear any make-up. Instead, go consult with a dermatologist for the right skin-care solution.Here are three must-have makeup items I recommend:

• Benefit Pocket Pal ($20) - I have talked about Benetint in my earlier post. Pocket Pal is an on-the-go version combining a Benetint on one end and a clear gloss on the other end. Ain't that sweet? So you can create naturally-flushed cheeks and kissable lips anytime anywhere, simply pulling it out from your purse.

• Chanel Ombre D'eau Fluid Iridescent eyeshadow ($30) - This liquid eye shadow transforms into powder eye shadow once applied to the skin. It is lightweight yet long-lasting. Colors present in a sheer, shimmery and aquatic way to minimize lines around the eyes. I especially like Glacier (in light blue) and Fountain (in light pink).

• Fiberwig Mascara ($20) - Fiberwig mascara has been extremely popular among Asians. Now, it is available at Sephora. The formulation contains twice the amount of micro-fine interconnecting fibers that coat the individual lashes. Applying it by multiple times, it makes the lashes longer. The magic is it is clump-free and smudge-free. This is the best mascara I have ever used. Fiberwig has a very good reputation in Asia. I suggest you go and try it first at a Sephora store near you.

Back-to-School Part 2

Having well-manicured hands would help complete a beauty look. Just imagine a glamorous girl dressed perfectly but shows a pair of chicken craws. You don't want that happen to you. So, bear in mind before going back to school. Nail color, however, should be toned down a little for school. Leave the bold or deep colors for partying or date nights and keep the fingertips naturally fresh on campus! These are a few of my suggestions:

• Essie Pachinko Pale ($7)- Neutral beige / sheer nude! It is simple yet elegant!

• Essie Skin Deep ($7))- Light bright pink! It is so ladylike. This is one of my favorite colors!

• OPI Two Tones Bubble Bath / Alpine Snow ($12.50)- Candy pink and crisp white ideal for French manicure
  

Back-to-School Beauty Week Part I

Summer school holiday is coming to an end. Before some of you go back to school, this is a back-to-school guide on must-have beauty items and fashion accessories. You don't really want to go back to school with a messy summer look, do you? Let's start from purse, a good purse not only has to be pretty, it also has to be very functional to fit all your stuff.

• I fell in love with Anya Hindmarch Loose Pockets($145) when I first saw it. This purse is so cute and feminine. Anya Hindmarch has a great talent for designing fabulous and classic style bags. This particular purse is made of metallic calf and available in three colors to shine on in the fall! It is good to keep your loose changes or your little make-up kit.

• Juliana Jabour Bow Bag (Orig. $425; now $212.50 at http://www.shopbop.com/) is a little cute clutch for party, clubbing, dates, or any night occasions. This leather clutch comes with a large bow at front, a double chain strap and a clasp closure design.

Weekend Beauty Read

1. Bella Sugar: How Besame lipstick is made step by step?
2. Musings of a Muse: Beaute de Kose Star Twinkle Collection
3. Kiss and Make-up: Revlon's new 3D Extreme Mascara
4. Beauty Snob: Relax and Wax No-Scream Cream
5. Shiny Shiny: Girls like pink genetically

Lancôme Pout-à-Porter Lipsticks - P.S. Kiss Part 2

Lancôme Pout-à-Porter Lipsticks - P.S. Kiss

If you still regret you missed out the Spring '07 most talked about Lancôme's Pout-à-Porter lipsticks in Proenza Pink, you should get ready for Lancôme’s 3rd Pout-à-Porter limited-edition lip color, P.S. Kiss ($24). This dark-red color lipstick is created by Peter Som and Gucci Westman to be featured at Peter Som Fall '07 runway show.

This fall hottest item will be available Oct 1st in Bergdorf Goodman, Nordstrom and Lancôme boutiques. If you want to be ahead of line, you can call Bergdorf Goodman's Lancôme counter (212) 872-2740 and signup their advanced waiting list that just opened this morning. They will ship the lipstick to you when it is available.

[Source: NYT]

Apivita Propoline Lip Aids

I love to take care of my lips with natural-ingredient lip balms. Apivita Propoline Lip Aids ($7) is one of the best products I have ever used. The lip balm is formulated in a natural base of cocoa butter, beeswax, olive oil, vitamins, plant extracts and essential oils.

The one that I remain loyal to is Lip-Aid Rose. It is formulated to moisturize and create a sheer tint of pink-rose. It has a natural scent of rose and smooth texture. However, I only use it when my lips are healthy. It would only look terrible when the tinted lip balm glides over chapped and dry lips. There are five other different Lid-Aids to tackle different conditions:

• Lip-Aid Chamomile SPF15 for sensitive lips


• Lip-Aid Propolis SPF15 for chapped lips


• Lip-Aid Cocoa Butter SPF15 for soft and healthy lips


• Lip-Aid Black Currant for moisture and tint


• Lip-Aid Walnut for moisture and tint

I also found PROPOLINE Lip Aid Kit on their website. The Propolis, Chamomile and rose lip balms for total only $13.50 are included in the special kit.

August Shopping Spree

Here are some shopping getaways I have found in this late summer. It was very exciting to browse though a list of huge discounts and beauty exclusives! Oh boy, I have to start shopping again...

Victoria's Secret is now offering a beauty clearance sale up to 70% off. Here are a few of my picks:

• Anna Sui Rouge "G" Glossy Lipstick (Regular $20 $; Now $7.99) is still available in pink berry and deep melon
• Anna Sui Blush (Regular $22 $; Now $10.99) is availavle in beige, pink-purple and orange
• Kevyn Aucoin Fresh Tone Lip Pencil (Regular $27; Now $9.99)
• Pout Eyeslick (Regular $22; Now$5.99) is a cream eye color with quick-drying furmula
• Lola Cosmetics Eye Shadow (Regular $18; Now $6.99)

Nieman Marcus is celebrating the 100th happy birthday with many tempting exclusives!

• Nars Highlighting Blush/Blush Duo ($36)
• Bobbi Brown Rose Gold Collection ($125) has 2 lip shades, 1 long-wear cream shadow, 1 long-wear gel eyeliner and a brush.
• Laura Mercier Eye Portfolio Kit ($125) A brown leather case contains 4 eye colors in Vanilla Nuts, American Coffee, Coffee Ground and Bamboo Dark, 1 black ebony eye liner, 1 brown copper kohl eye pencil and 1 black mascara. Also 1 eye color & eye crease brush, 1 eye liner, 1 eye liner brush and 1 eye color brush are included.
• Jo Malone Candle Gift Set ($150) with 12 event collection candles brings the air of lime basil & mandarin mixes with moodier vintage gardenia.

Paul & Joe Vs. RMK

It is still summer time. A lot of fall 2007 colors are quietly arriving! Today, let me bring you the latest collections from Paul & Joe Autumn 2007 and RMK A/W 2007! Both collections are cute and colorful. I hope this can inspire you what color to wear in the fall.

Dear Diary is a limited-edition Autumn 2007 collection from Paul & Joe.

There are three different colors for lipstick:

• Secret diary 052 is in dark red with warm undertones
  
• Afternoon Stroll 053 is in tender coral beige
  
• Nostalgia 054 is in deep chocolate brown

For eye shadows, each comes in a light color with a dark hue in the image of four-leaf clover:

• Daydream 052 is light blue with blue green
  
• Pressed roses 053 is pale pink with dark gray
  
• Poetry 054 is white frost with reddish brown

Beigy Colors is the autumn/winter 2007 collection from RMK:

• Beigy Mixed Eyes are six limited-edition colors. Three beige-based eye shadows assorted with pairs of hearts. One heart has silver/ gold shine, and the other is in dark tones
• Beigy Mixed Cheeks are three limited-edition neutral beige colors with pink, rose brown or orange respectively
  
• Beigy Mixed Gloss are four limited-edition beige-based glosses with pale pink, pink, coral or pale gold respectively
• New nail colors from shiny clear pink, shiny clear beige to shiny clear brown

Victoria's Secret 100-way strapless convertible bra

Girls, now you have 100 ways to wear this Victoria's Secret Very Sexy 100 Bra ($49.50 - $52.50)! The straps can be arranged 100 ways to accommodate a variety of design of clothing. Asymmetrical, V-neck, cross-back, halter, one-shoulder, strapless, criss-cross, or anything else you can name it. It is sexy to show off (or enhance) your best feature! This convertible bra seems functional to create a style! However, you should go to a Victoria's Secret store to feel if you can handle the straps easily. I know there are more than 19000 ways one could order a cup of coffee at Starbucks, but I don't know if I need 100 ways to wear a bra.

Weekend Beauty Read

1. Bella Sugar: Trend Alert! Japanese style of mussed hair!

2.Makeup Minute: Check out Mac in 3D!

3.Blogdorf Goodman: "Diamonds", the latest fragrance from Emporio Armani

4. Viva Woman: Alcohol-free or not?

5. Tgdaily: Clarins Vs. British Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) over the issue of Calrins' Expertise 3P spray that claims to block cellphone radiation.

Benefit Benetint

Benetint ($28) is an award winning cheek and lip liquid tint. The color in the bottle looks ruby-red, but after you apply, it goes on very sheer and radiant. Its health glow will give you an innocent-look. It smells nice with a hint of rose, but it goes away very quickly.

How to use it? It is very easy. Just draw a little "X" on the apple of your cheek, and blend in a circular motion with fingertips. You will need to work quickly before the liquid dries out. You just have to apply a little and it will goes a long way! You can also apply Benetint on the lips. When the lipstick wears off, you still have that lovely rosy glow on the lips! Oh, not to forget, this incredible rosy glow is kiss-proof and water proof.

Aveda Rosemary Mint Shampoo

Aveda is well-known for its plant-based and fresh-scented products from head to toe. In fact, it is one of the few beauty companies that are committed to environmentally-friendly visions and connect the commitment with product development. I am totally into supporting the beauty companies for their effort protecting the Earth and supporting indigenous communities with real actions.

Rosemary Mint Shampoo (250ml for $9; 1 litre for $25) is one of the classics in their shampoo product line. My ex-roommate has been a loyal fan of this shampoo. She always purchased a big pump bottle and enjoyed it almost everyday year-round. At that time, I cared less about this product because shampoo with "mint" scared me away. I simply assumed it would make my hair smell minty or grassy, which I didn't like much. I changed my mind when I was on a trip in San Francisco last summer. The hotel I stayed supplied Aveda products in its bathroom. Though I had prepared my own shampoo, I decided to give it a try. Since then, I fell in love with the invigorating scents and have been using it.

The combination of rosemary and peppermint scent is refreshing and energizing. As soon as I massage throughout my scalp, I can immediately feel the cooling sensation. The smell left on hair is clean and refreshing. The plant-derived ingredients make the scent of this shampoo natural, unlike other synthetically-perfumed shampoo products. It helps me relieve stress after a long day filled with works. It is like an aromatherapy treatment in the shower! It is so perfect for the summer! If you have or plan to pick up one, don't forget to share it with your loved one. A lot of guys enjoy using this shampoo as well.

JBL Spyro Speaker System

If you are looking for a set of 2.1 channel speaker (2 satellites plus a subwoofer) for your iPod or computer and you want both functionality and aesthetic form; JBL Spyro Speaker System($129.95) has both of these requirements. Don't let this pair of daisy shape satellites and its innocent looking curvaceous subwoofer fool you; they deliver a total of 36 watts of power. This set of speaker not only puts out great music, it is also very easy to control. Its minimalism design has only one touch to increase or lower the volume, one touch to mute and unmute, and a single control for subwoofer's bass. It comes with 5 different colors. All in all, this is a nice set of speaker to decorate your desk.

OPI Russian Collection for Fall/ Winter 2007

The OPI Russian Collection for Fall/ Winter 2007 is all about luxury and glamor. Inspired by the sophisticated heritage and modern opulence of Russia, the Russian Collection captures the fashion trends of this fall, presenting nail colors in rich tones of jeweled reds, luscious dark shades, shimmery gold/copper and creamy pink-brown. Twelve nail lacquers( $7.50) are available in this line:

• deep raisin
• wintry shade of onyx
• shimmering red
• deep-sea indigo
• rich crimson
• copper-penny shimmer
• deep wine
• pale gold touch of starshine
• charcoal with a hint of maroon glimmer
• dark chocolate
• creamy terra cotta pink
• claret

Each of the last three nail colors has a coordinating lipstick ($10)and a lip liner ($10)available.

Kate Spade Limited Time Sale

From August 14 to 16, you can get the Kate Spade you always wanted, with up to 35% off. I found this Kate Spade's Arabella Maya for $971 (regular $1495). These patent-coated python bags come in 4 different colors. Sorry Californians, due to state law, California residents are unable to order items made with python. Sales ends August 16,2007. Hurry up, time is ticking. tick, tick, tick...

Anna Sui Rouge Jar

Anna Sui Rouge Jar in Rouge Godet ($15) is a fun lip gloss to have! It is one of Anna Sui most popular cosmetic products. At first glance, this lip gloss looks transparent in the jar. After you apply it, your body heat will activate the lip gloss color and turn it into a sheer rosy-pink, just like magic. The Rouge Jar has a rosy and flowery scent, a signature scent of Anna Sui make-up products. Some find this scent overwhelming but it just hits the spot for me. The texture is like a lip balm, just without any shimmery particle or extra shine. I love it because it makes my lips look so naturally fresh and radiant! Also, it is very moisturizing. This lip gloss is for the time when I need a break from all the dazzling bling lip glosses and give my lips a natural-looking tint with nice moisturization.

Hello Kitty Transformer

Are you a big fan of the kawaii Hello Kitty? Are you also a pet owner? For $160 (or 18,900 Yen), this limited edition Hello Kitty Transformation Kit lets you transform your lovely cat (or even doggies) into a Hello Kitty, just like the Transformer, to match your hello kitty cellphone charm and slippers. Tell me what do you think about this: A great transformation or humiliation to your pet? Source from [Gizmodo]

Weekend Beauty Read

1. Beauty Snob has a try of Flirt! Take a look if you also like the limited-edition palettes created by Vanessa Minnillo.

2. A Touch of Blusher is hosting an Anti-aging week to share her tips.

3. Bella Sugar's product alert! Flirt! Big Deal Lip and Cheek Tint is gel-based, and available in nine shades to match your skin tone.

4. A Girl's Gotta Spa reviews on Body by Maurices.

5. Makeup2beauty reviews on MAC's Painterly Paint Pots.

6. Smithsonian interviews a third-generation fragrance expert, Celiné Ellena. She shares her expertise in how to smell a winner.

L'occitane Verbena Candle

Light up the L'occitane Verbena Candle to enjoy our weekend beauty read! L'occitane's Verbena Candle is one of my favorite candles. Its lemony and citrus fragrance are very refreshing and delightful. Its summery scents are very irresistible but I admit I use it all year-round! Although $22 for a 3.5 oz glass jar might be a little expensive, it is gonna be your best accompany through the summer. This candle can burns up to approximately 17 hours. This Verbena Candle also comes in a small tin at L'occitane stores. It is perfect to bring along on travels.

I love burning candles at home. This habit has started when I was a student in college, living in a tiny small apartment. I would read magazines and slip away to my private afternoon tea time with candles lit up. I love my room mist with fresh and clean scents. Not only the aroma can get rid of bad odors, it also helps to relieve my stress and dive into tranquility.

Glossy Greetings Cards

Do you have trouble like me picking up a perfect greetings card for your girlfriends? The Glossy Greetings Card ($20) from Cargo is probably a cute and practical idea. There are five greetings cards in one set. Each greetings card has a small built-in button of Cargo lip gloss that can be applied. You send your warm wishes to your girlfriends and let her smiles shine with the pretty lip gloss! Plus, CARGO donates 100 percent of the sale of Glossy Greetings Cards to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. It is a win, win, win situation! These greetings cards are available at Sephora.

Edo Komon - Shu Uemura Fall Mode Makeup 2007

I have been a big fan of Shu Uemura and am always impressed by the striking and astounding colors Mr. Uemura brings us every season. My very first experience with Shu Uemura was at the age of 15. It was the High Performance Cleansing Oil I bought from a department store. Since then I have begun to fall in love with this cosmetic giant pioneer. Year after year, Shu Uemura still maintains its Japanese beauty philosophy; spirit of purity and simplicity. From boutique design, make-up, skin-care to product packaging, all express its unique taste of modern minimalism and sophisticated creativity.

Edo Komon Fall Mode Makeup 2007 is inspired by the patterns and colors of kimono design during the Edo period in Japanese history.

"Edo Komon is a type of komon characterized by tiny dots arranged in dense patterns that form larger designs. The Edo komon dyeing technique originated with the samurai class during the Edo period. A kimono with this type of pattern is of the same formality as an iromuji, and when decorated with kamon, may be worn as visiting wear (equivalent to a tsukesage or hōmongi).
Source: Wikipedia

Three layer-able Pressed Eye Shadow ($20) shades represent the delicate colors and unique pattern of kimono design. Again, it is limited-edition.

• Pressed Eye Shadow Ai - in indigo blue.
• Pressed Eye Shadow Ebi - in eggplant purple.
• Pressed Eye Shadow Sakura - in pale pink.

Nail Color Tulipe Noir by Chanel

Tulipe Noir is a limited-edition nail color from Chanel Fall 2007 collection. This nail color has been sizzling hot as soon as it hits the shelves in July. Now it is almost sold out everywhere, even at most online shopping stores.

Tulipe Noir is a dark red/deep plum with a hint of gold shimmer. With the shimmery gold, it makes the deep red a metallic shade. The color presented on nails is very subtle and pretty. The picture of the bottle could be deceiving; it is not as dark as you can see from the bottle. You might feel daunted since Tulipe Noir is becoming a rare item and hard to find on the market. But hey, don't feel bad. So far a consensus thinks albeit the limited-edition "wow" factor and its uniqueness, this color is not irreplaceable. There are still other similar red colors from other brands that you can find elsewhere.

Vintage Stila Goes on Sale!

Vintage Stila is now 20% off from Stila website. Still is quietly lowering the prices of a selected range classic items . Some of them only stay low for a limited time. It is time to find your Stila favorites!

Beauty Anonymous's pick:

1. Perfectly kitten ($25) - The sparkly set contains an eye shadow, all over shimmer liquid luminizer and a lip gloss. All the colors in the collection are in "kitten", a signature shade of Stila.

2. Gift of glaze ($22.40) - Shine on! Glaze on! This is a mini gloss set, including six colors.

3. Eye shadow trio: ravishing rose ($25) - This is a limited edition eye shadow set, including a highlighter, crease and liner shade in rose-bronze. It is all packaged in a mirrored satin box.

4. Vintage color push-ups ($16) - The push-up stick is oil-free and gel-based. It can be applied on the cheeks or lip. It is super convenient for beauty-on-the-go!

5. Sakura collection-eye shadow trio ($22.40) - The collection of white and pink is so cute!

Stila - Fall Fantasy

Inspired by the rich hues of the forest, Stila is launching three limited-edition palettes called Fall Fantasy ($32) and they are Fall Fantasy-Laguna, Fall Fantasy- Madagascar and Fall Fantasy-Moss. Each of them comes in three eye shadows and a cheek color. In addition, a special agate is included in each palette as a gift.

These eye colors can be applied either dry or wet. The Laguna palette features sheer silver blue, shimmery blue-green, gunmetal silver and a rosy-pink cheek color. The Madagascar palette features sheer peachy bronze, coppery bronze, dark brown and a rose-gold cheek color. The Moss palette combines sheer champagne, shimmery khaki green, dark green shimmer with a coppery-brown cheek color.

I am particularly excited about the Moss palette because I love green eye shadows. I have been looking for eye shadows in beautiful khaki green and dark green for a long time. However, I think green shades are tricky to use. Different hues of green colors can either make or break a pretty look. When I try Stila's Fall Fantasy I will certainly share my opinion. Please stay tuned.

Weekend Beauty Read

1. Bella Sugar introduces a secret weapon called Here To Stay 24-Hour Longwear Mascara by Prescriptives. The water-proof mascara will last for up to 24 hours without messing around.

2. Meg's Make-up reviews Cheek Gloss by Rosie Jane cosmetics. A range of three colors are created to enhance a natural glowing look.

3. Sugar Shock has a latest beauty guide on lipstick. Bold and red lipstick is back!

4. A Touch of Blusher has a review on lip polish, nail laquers to lip plumper from Luscious Cosmetics.

5. Bag Snob has 5 bags under $500. Cheap and chic!

L'Occitane Solid Perfume

Wearing perfume on hot days has to be very careful. In the winter, a lush and heavy fragrance probably works right. In the summer, however, it will only overwhelm in the heat and becomes too cloying. Especially on hot days when perfume blends with sweat, just imagine how gross can that be? The smell could be so foul that it causes headaches for victims around you. So, it is a no-no for hot weather like today, 96F, wearing a strong perfume.

You should opt for a lighter fragrance that will make you more adorable when temperature is 90 degrees or higher. Other than conventional light perfume, solid perfume from L'Occitane is a good alternative for summer. L'Occitane Solid Perfume is one of my favorite summer fragrances. I especially love the Green Tea Solid Perfume ($9) and Rose-Eau des 4 Reines Solid Perfume ($8). The Green Tea Solid Perfume's crisp and clean notes smell refreshing and it is particularly good for wearing in the daytime. Rose-Eau des 4 Reines Solid Perfume, on the other hand, is gently floral and more sophisticated and feminine. I would wear it for evening occasions.

The solid perfume comes in a small size tin with alcohol-free scented balm. All you need to do is pat some on the wrists and neck. The perfume balm makes it easier to handle the amount of scent you feel like to wear and the size is so small that you can slip it in your purse. This is why I like about it.

Clean & Clear

Among many kinds of oil blotting papers from drugstores or name brand cosmetics, Clean & Clear is my favorite choice in hot and humid summer days. I have used Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets for years since I was in college. Not only my girlfriends love it, many guy friends also like it. It costs only about $5 at your local drugstores.

Clean & Clear oil absorbing sheets has excellent oil absorption. All you need to do is gently blot your face with a piece of oil absorbing sheet. It will take away all the greasy shine and excessive oil instantly and leaves your face clean and fresh without taking off make-up. The texture of the sheets is quite silky but very flexible, so it is not very easy to split or break off (this is a good call for guys! They tend to "mop" face with oil blotting sheets too hard and too quickly!). Anyway, it is a nice soft touch of feeling when using it on the face. It is a must-have for summer.