December 22, 2016

RITUALS Home & Body Cosmetics


At times when you just need a boost of energy, besides from that third cup of coffee, from all the day to day stress of the never ending to-do list , I try to grab my favorite scented candle or scented hand cream, give myself a minute or two to just rest and breathe, before tackling the rest of the day.
One of my recent beauty finds that is perfect for times like this is the
RITUALS Home & Body Cosmetics
"...happiness can be found in the smallest of things. We transform your everyday routines into moments of indulgence by means of beautiful and luxurious products." 

December 21, 2016

Giorgio Beverly Hills® GLAM

I usually don't talk about perfumes here on my blog. I am no expert with describing scents or explaining the different notes of a fragrance. Perfumes are such a personal choice that's why I usually don't suggest any. BUT there are some exceptions since there are some scents and fragrances that most of us can agree on such as Viktor&Rolf's Flowerbomb - which was such a blogger favorite! I never heard of this brand before until I saw tons of YouTubers and bloggers talk about this perfume! And who did not wear CK One back in the 90's? If Kate Moss, the coolest chic in the 90's was wearing CK One, why not us too, right?!

So here's another perfume that just newly launched this month, that could define this era/ generation/ year/ decade. Maybe I'm exaggerating there but I hope you do check it out before you dismiss this non-designer brand called,
Giorgio Beverly Hills® GLAM

December 8, 2016

Holidays with Anjolee Jewelry

I don't have an engagement story to share. I don't have a crazy proposal story nor an engagement ring at all. He did asked me if I wanted one with my wedding ring but I told him, I'd rather spend that money somewhere else. Nonetheless, I do wonder how hubby would have proposed and how an engagement ring would look like on my finger. I wonder what kind of setting and design he would pick for me. I wonder what I would like for myself as well. What kind of setting, shape and design I would like. So I have been playing around and designing here and there of some rings on this jewelry website called,
ANJOLEE The Art of Jewelry

November 30, 2016

DIY Advent Calendar


In my search for what Beauty Advent Calendar to get for myself, I felt bad that I would be the only one opening a gift a day, and my husband don't have any. There weren't tons of Advent Calendars for men out there, and so I thought I will just make it myself. This
DIY Advent Calendar isn't just for the men in your life, make it for your children or Mom or best friend or for your niece! 

November 28, 2016

2016 HOLIDAY Beauty Gift no. 5 - ULTA Beauty Holiday Gift Sets

After the Thanksgiving holiday, there's just a few weeks left to get the rest of our Holiday shopping list, and so here we are with my "fi-th" (5th) Holiday Beauty gift finds for you from 
Ulta's Beauty Holiday Gift Guide

November 25, 2016

eShakti Fall Style

Have you ever purchased clothes online and even in-store that looks almost perfect on you, if only they just made it shorter or a little bit tighter in the waist/ hip area? And even if the fit was off, you still buy it because you can just get that altered later, but it's actually been years and the same dress or pants is still in your closet. Don't worry, it happens to me all the time!
Comes in eShakti - to have thought of a way to get your dresses, pants, skirts or tops to you in not just your size but in your exact measurements!
I was very curious about this as it is all done online, and all measurements were done by myself.
Will this really fit me perfectly? I'm not a seamstress, so doing my own measurements kinda scares me - will they be right when I receive my order? I definitely had my doubts on how this will work out.
Keep reading to see how it worked out for me when I ordered the gorgeous dress below!

November 14, 2016

2016 HOLIDAY Beauty Gift no.5 - Too Faced Merry Macarons

I know, I know, all I have been posting are holiday beauty gift finds. 
I did debate on this, should I just do a very long post with only product names and a small description on them - which you will probably see most websites (blogs and online magazines) will have OR post them individually and give you my thoughts on them as well. Hence, I went for the latter because in addition to the product informations, didn't you also want to read what I think about these products? 
On that note, let's move on to our 5th HOLIDAY Beauty Gift find which is the
Too Faced Merry Macarons 

November 9, 2016

2016 HOLIDAY Beauty Gift no.4 - E.L.F cosmetics

This brand is definitely more budget-friendly than the last one.
I have been part of the E.L.F #BeautySquad for more than a year now, and I really, really love their products.
I'm including them on my gift guide not because I'm part of their Beauty Squad but it's because I truly love their products and highly recommend it to all the beauty lovers out there!
You can definitely find a gift for every girl (or boy) that you know that loves makeup with E.L.F!


November 4, 2016

SEPHORA Wish List


Even after five+ eyeshadow palettes, ten+ blushes, five+ highlighters, seven+ liquid foundation, and many more, I do still need something from Sephora! There are still tons of products from Sephora that I am curious to try, and I love seeing what other beauty lovers have on their list so I thought I'd share mine as well. I call this my...
I Don't Need It But I Want It List

October 31, 2016

2016 HOLIDAY Beauty Gift no.3 | Charlotte Tilbury Dreamy Look In A Clutch


I just love the Beauty Holiday Gift Sets, because you or the person you gift it to, get to try different products from the brand. For the prices of these gift sets, you save money than getting the products individually, just like this set from Charlotte Tilbury called
Dreamy Look In A Clutch

October 25, 2016

Fall Style with LEOTA


I hate wearing chunky sweaters. I get hot and sweaty within minutes in a chunky sweater.
My skin hates wool and cashmere clothes too. It's a very itchy fabric and too hot to wear especially when the stores have their heaters blasting, and when you go in and out of different stores down Broadway, I'm just not comfortable.
 I'll probably end up getting a cold, maybe a bad cough too at the end of the day.
I do get cold easily so to keep myself warm and comfortable, I layer my outfits!
 On this post, I'll show you how I styled two Summer dresses from
LEOTA 
for the Fall weather!

October 20, 2016

2016 HOLIDAY Beauty Gift no.2 | M.A.C Nutcracker Sweet Kit

For my second beauty gift idea, I thought this collection is perfect for my beauty lovers!
If you've been following my blog, I have never tried any products from M.A.C before because I don't know where to start and what products to try first!
When I saw M.A.C's Holiday Collection for 2016 which is the
 Nutcracker Sweet Collection 
I knew this is a great way to get into trying out their products!

October 19, 2016

The Body Shop Facial Masks


I always think if I apply twice as much makeup on my face, my face will also need twice the TLC when I remove the makeup... Does that makes sense?
Not to compare my face to a dirty laundry but another way to think of it is like the dirtier the laundry, don't you add more laundry detergent to the washer, right?
So when I get a chance at night to give my face an additional TLC, I apply a face mask while I wind down to watch The Great British Bake Off. And lately, I have been using these
At-Home Facial Masks from The Body Shop

October 17, 2016

SPA WEEK: New York Ayurveda & Panchakarma Center


Fall SPA Week (Oct. 17-23) has started and I hope you have booked a spa treatment since it's only $50!
Spa Week is a great way to try out different treatments at participating Spas in your area. 
Who does not want a nice massage or a facial or both for a bargain? 
Today, I want to share with you my experience at one of the participating spas for SPA Week. 
New York Ayurveda & Panchakarma Center


October 14, 2016

2016 HOLIDAY Beauty Gift no.1 | L'Occitane Advent Calendar

YES I am talking about the Holidays here on the blog while the apples and pumpkins are still getting picked and the leaves are still falling.
It's actually not too early to be buying gifts now, most of them already go out of stock by November 1st! 
So I thought I'd start a series and share you my Holiday Beauty Gift finds starting of with the
L'Occitane Advent Calendar

October 11, 2016

ciaté x Olivia Palermo Smokey Suedes Palette


Now who doesn't love Olivia Palermo ?! She's beautiful, sophisticated, a trendsetter. Her fashion style is always on point, and I just want to raid her closet!
So when I saw her collaboration with Ciaté London, I had to check it out. 
And out of all the Ciaté London x Olivia Palermo palettes she made, 
I fell in-love with the shadows inside the
 Smokey Suedes Eye Palette


I couldn't pass this up when I saw it on Sephora.com. This is unfortunately not available anymore BUT no worries, ciaté has other beautiful eye palettes that you can buy! 
I do hope you keep reading because even though this palette is not available anymore, I will be sharing my thoughts on the texture and quality of these ciaté shadows.

October 5, 2016

Fashion Edition September GLOSSYBOX


I have not subscribed to any beauty boxes for years now. I used to be an Ipsy and Birchbox subscriber but I've decided I'd rather save up my $20 (each box was $10/month) and buy the makeup or skincare products I really want to try. 
BUT every time I see the monthly GLOSSYBOXes from Lauren's blog, Will Sing for Makeup, the FOMO feeling kicks in. Every month her GLOSSYBOX always have really great beauty products. Product brands that I am very interested to try. But every time too, I also talk myself out of it because I still have so many beauty products here that are still unopened. 
Recently GLOSSYBOX sent me their 
Fashion Edition September GLOSSYBOX
and just seeing the design of the box alone, made me more excited of what's inside!

September 30, 2016

FALL SPA WEEK ! ! ! Oct.17-23, 2016


One of those weeks that I look forward to every year...
SPA WEEK
October 17 - 23 , 2016

September 27, 2016

24hrs in NYC with E.L.F Cosmetics + GIVEAWAY !!!


I was invited by E.L.F Cosmetics to join them on a 24-hour #ELFbeautyexchange event happening in New York City. With not much details on what the event is all about on the invite, I still sent my RSVP! It was all a huge surprise what happened the next two days with E.L.F Cosmetics.
Keep reading as to what the
E.L.F Beauty Exchange
was all about!



September 20, 2016

PÜR Love Your Selfie 2


When you have no time to think of what makeup look to wear today, or tonight, or for the weekend, or for your trip to Italy or Los Angeles, let this palette be your answer! A blogger approved palette that can be used from day to night.
PÜR Love Your Selfie 2 

August 30, 2016

Get The Look (beauty): Tanya Taylor NYFW FW16


It's all about healthy, glowing skin with a hint of rose-hued colored cheeks and lips at the
Tanya Taylor NYFW Fall/Winter 2016
image courtesy of Morgan Taylor Lacquer

August 23, 2016

Conture Kinetic Toning System - Skincare Update


Some people still think I look not a day over 25. A really huge compliment that always makes my day! What they don't see up close are the fine lines and wrinkles that are slowly aging my skin.

 I am over 30 and wrinkles are "natural" to have by this age. I'm not super desperate nor super conscious about it either that I would go to extreme measures and get Botox regularly or facial surgery for it. I just want to delay them just a few years, hence my very serious-take on my skincare regimen in addition to working out and eating healthy. 
**Comment below if you want to see on Snapchat (fivetwo beauty) my AM or PM routine!**

I am curious though how those non-invasive anti-aging devices work, and so I was really excited to have received the
Conture Kinetic Toning System
I have been using this device, and the products they have sent me, for the past two months already, and I'm ready to share you my results and overall thoughts on this tool. 

August 10, 2016

ZOEVA Warm Spectrum Palette


I have mentioned on my last eyeshadow palette review (HERE!) that I have been using another palette this Summer, and that's the
ZOEVA Warm Spectrum Palette
which was also part of my London Shopping Haul (you can check that haul HERE!).
I actually wanted to buy the set of rose gold makeup brushes but I have spent so much money already so I went to pick up this palette instead. It was hard picking which palette to get since they were all beautiful and had great color range. I still have those brushes on my list and will just buy them next time.

August 2, 2016

hourglass vanish foundation review


If you ask me what's my HG foundation, I may not have that answer yet as I am constantly trying out different brands of makeup including foundations. Ask me for recommendations and I can give you a few that I like. If you ask me what's my favorite beauty brand and I will give you my top 5, and that includes Hourglass Cosmetics. I have fallen in-love with this brand since I've tried out their Ambient palette, Modernist Eyeshadow palette and their primer. So when Influenster gave me a chance to try out their new,
Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation and
Vanish Foundation Brush
I was very excited and had to control myself to not use it before I take my blog pictures.


July 21, 2016

2016 Summer Essentials

This Summer,  I have not worn much makeup because I would rather just let my face detox (aka sweat) than breakout from all the makeup. I pretty much just keep it to a No-Makeup makeup look if I do need to put on makeup for an event or when I go out. I have never been excited to keep my beauty products to a minimum and this
agnés b. Red Leather Pouch
have been holding all my Summer essentials.

July 15, 2016

TechStyleNYC: Urban Oasis Experience


From swimsuits by B Side Swimwear, that can be worn in so may different ways and styles, to clothes by Heisel, that were made by a 3D printer, to t-shirts that had LED lights (and I think some even play music) by Flashion Statement
TechStyle NYC: Urban Oasis Experience
was one event that was full of wearable, stylish tech!
Pool floats from Big Mouth Inc.

July 8, 2016

Kat Von D Shade + Light Contour Quad


I have been wearing less and less makeup lately as the temperatures keep getting hotter and more humid. My skin just does not like the sweat and makeup combo and breaks out easily, and so makeup reviews this Summer is going to be minimal. I've actually just been using the same makeup products lately as well, and the
KVD Shade + Light Contour Quad 
have been in rotation with another palette I have been using lately (which I will review later this month). 

June 24, 2016

Conture Kinetic Toning System - First Impression


In my teens and 20's, I was so focused of getting rid of my acne. Now I am in my 30's, skin maintenance is way more different since I am fighting early signs of fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin tone, acne scars, harsh UV rays, hormonal acne and did I mention fine lines and wrinkles?! Like I've said before, I am open to trying out the latest technology out there that claims to fight any signs of aging so when I was offered to try out the
Conture Kinetic Skin Toning System
I was excited and curious. Will this really help with my wrinkles? Will it help keep my skin nicely toned so I wouldn't need a face lift in the future? 

June 16, 2016

L'Oreal Nude Magique Cushion Dewy Glow Foundation + GLAM Bronze Cushion De Soleil



*The past few weeks have been great, a little "digital break" which was needed since I needed to clear my head so I can focus on some personal stuff. I can't wait to catch up with my favorite bloggers, and see what has everyone been using, shopping, loving in the beauty world!

Back in January, I wrote a review on the L'Oreal True Match Lumi Cushion Foundation which you can click here to read:
From my recent trip to London, I purchased the UK
 L'Oreal Nude Magique Cushion Foundation &
GLAM Bronze Cushion De Soleil
because I was curious if there's any difference between the US and the UK versions, aren't you?!?


May 26, 2016

Too Faced Bon Bons Eyeshadow Palette

I have been wanting to own one of Too Faced's chocolate palettes, ever since the very first one came out. I've walked by it at Sephora and took a sniff, grab one for my basket, and then I put it back after walking around in the store because I kept telling myself I just do not need another neutral eyeshadow palette! I try to justify my beauty purchases and prioritize which I do want to get first. Finally, the 
Too Faced Chocolate Bon Bon palette
became my top priority! 

May 22, 2016

personal post: Traveling Solo

I'm not sure how it started but hubby suggested I go to London without him. Financially, it would be cheaper since we don't have to board the (3)fur babies. He'll work from home (he actually ended up taking those days off) so he can take care of the babies. At first I was like. "Sure!", and then,
 "Are you serious? Is this a serious talk because I would really love to go back!", and then, 
"Wait I'm going alone? Flying alone? Staying in a different country alone?". 
He started looking at tickets and it started kicking in,
I am taking a trip alone!

May 11, 2016

Shade Adjusting Drops from The Body Shop

When I started getting into makeup, I didn't expect to have a hard time finding the right foundation for my skin. It was so complicated! I had no idea what "skin undertone" meant (cool, neutral or warm) besides knowing my skin shade is! I wasn't sure how much coverage (light, medium, full) I wanted, and what finish do I prefer (matte, luminous...)? 
Overwhelming but it was a great learning process to know my skin a little bit more!
Luckily, the cosmetics world is always evolving and these
Shade Adjusting Drops from The Body Shop
may help you find that right foundation ASAP.

May 5, 2016

What's New from The Makeup Show NYC 2016

Every year, I look forward to The Makeup Show NYC like how kids look forward to Disneyland (like "I'm too excited to sleep" kind of vibes)!
 This is pretty much "my Disneyland" where I get to see what's new in the makeup work; to shop more makeup that this girl do not need, and to learn from some of the most talented and successful makeup artists all in one place!
A lot of beauty brands as well will launch their new products here, and I have a few here from
The Makeup Show NYC 2016

April 25, 2016

Day to Night Dress with LEOTA

I am very excited to add this to my closet. Perfect for the Spring/ Summer weather and can be worn from day to night, and it's made here in NY! 
Let me introduce you to your next favorite go-to wrap dress designer for everyday glamour,

April 18, 2016

Jesse's Girl Back Stage Collection - Natural Nudes


"If you can't stop thinking about it, buy it!" or else you would regret it later on - as what my hubby would add. And for this drugstore purchase I surely walked in to Rite Aid for something else and walked out with this too. I don't own any Jesse's Girl makeup besides her awesome liquid liner, so I was curious how her eyeshadows are. I haven't read any reviews on this so here are my thoughts on her
Back Stage Collection palette in
Natural Nudes 

April 11, 2016

Get Your Tan On ASAP!

As I strip off the layers of clothes I wear, now the weather is getting warmer, I never thought I would see the day my legs and arms looking pretty pale! I am usually tan all year round but being bundled up all Winter, my skin got a bit lighter. Part of me do like my new medium skin tone shade, and another part of me do like the look of golden tan. Now it's the season to show some legs so instead of trying to tan under the sun and get back that golden-tan color, I thought I'd try out my new favorite instant tanning brand Cocoa Brown by Marissa Carter and try out her new
Instant Tan Bronzing Gel - Matte
and
Golden Goddess Shimmering Dry Body Oil

April 4, 2016

February & March Favorites


I don't want to make any excuses for not getting my favorites up and posted sooner than I thought but we all had our bad days and some days were just worse so I apologize if this is a bit late. I have really great products here that I'm very excited to share with you so here are my
February & March Favorites


March 25, 2016

What's Your Workout Style???


I am not a fan of gyms or work out classes or working out in general. I hate working out! I have slacked off so much but I have balanced this with proper eating, less cocktail sipping and controlled portions of chocolate snacking. I am not going to make excuses but I have been really lazy about it. I have to admit though that having really cute, stylish work out clothes, helps!
Such as these new pieces from the Zobha & Marika Spring/Summer 2016 Collection,
Zobha Blondie Racerback Bralette Sports Bra
Marika Jordan Leggings


March 21, 2016

Spa Week: April 11-17, 2016


If you are looking for a reason to treat yourself to a nice relaxing massage or facial or mani/pedi, here's a great reason why...
Spa Week is coming up!
April 11-17, 2016

Spa Week’s national event from April 11th-17th allows millions to experience the healing and therapeutic benefits of spa treatments for just $50

March 18, 2016

Luminess AirSupremacy Airbrush Makeup

We always hope for a super smooth makeup finish when we do our makeup but of course our skin have it's bad and good days, so that doesn't happen all the time. Stepping up the makeup game here, a lot of brands have come out with their own airbrush foundation and blushers which gives you that close to flawlessness look!
I have never tried any airbrush makeup before until this opportunity came and now I'm ready to share you my thoughts on the
Luminess AirSupremacy Foundation and Blush

March 13, 2016

NARSissist Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow Palette


All the beauty lovers reading this, you know that we always, ALWAYS have to check out the beauty section at the drugstore, department store, F21, H&M and so on. If Starbucks/ Dunkin Donuts had a beauty section, we would be checking that out as well, and so there was no way I was skipping it while inside Nordstrom Rack or I would not have found the
NARSissist Dual Intensity Eyeshadow Palette
on such a great deal!
Originally $79.99, purchased this beauty at Nordstrom Rack for $49.99!!!

March 7, 2016

...Like Champagne Bubbles...

Besides the usual mud masks and face sheet masks, there are also these innovative face masks that foams up once it is exposed to oxygen. These self-foaming masks deeply cleanses your pores, lifting all the dirt and oil (and makeup) from your skin leaving skin feeling clean, smooth and hydrated. I have recently been using three of these "oxygen activated" face masks and would love to share you my thoughts on them!
Malin+Goetz Detox Facial Mask
StriVectin Oxygen Infusion Smoothing Mask
dr.brandt® Oxygen Facial Flash Recovery Mask

March 1, 2016

L'Oreal REVITALIFT Collection

A great makeup application starts with a nice, smooth base. With our face, a great skincare gives us this nice, smooth "face base" for our makeup! I have a long skincare routine morning and night and never skipped a product as when all the products work well together, the results are better-looking skin!
Thanks to Influenster, I was able to test the
L'Oreal REVITALIFT Volume Filler collection
Will these drugstore products give me the result I expect?

#AskSkinExpert

February 26, 2016

January Favorites


I don't have much products to share here since I kept my makeup simple and to a minimum in January. I truly apologize for posting this up super late, my time organization went out the door when February came and tons of unexpected situations happened. 
Enjoy!






February 24, 2016

No Gym No Problem!


I honestly don't like going to gyms, for one that membership fee they charge you is ridiculous and I prefer spending that money on something else. Yes, there are more affordable gyms out there but that is still money that can go to my dog's food and meds. Since I do blog from home and spend most of my time at home, I have learned to incorporate at-home workouts to my time, and I have added these
TKO 4-Way Resistance Bands
to my workout schedule

February 17, 2016

NYFW Playlist


As the week of Fashion in New York winds down and of it goes to London; and as I try to organize, edit the hundreds and hundreds of pictures on my camera from NYFW I thought I would share you
My NYFW Playlist!

February 1, 2016

Get The Look (beauty) Monique Lhuillier NYFW SS16

One of my favorite shows during NYFW SS16 is from the beautiful designer, Monique Lhuillier.
She showed a beautiful range of clothes from the long, elegant dresses to a more easy-to-wear for brunch or a weekend Spring getaway pieces. Vibrant colors of the rainbow will definitely be the OOTDs of Spring 2016!
"Spring 2016 Collection takes inspiration from contemporary art and bold colors used by Ellsworth Kelly, balancing whimsical elements with sculptured lines for femininity with a sophisticated edge."

January 27, 2016

L'Oreal True Match Lumi Cushion


When K-beauty and other asian beauty brands came out with their cushioned foundation products, I was hoping this trend will follow in the US and though it took a while but it's finally here! The asian ones do not really match my skin tone as their shades are pretty light (even the darkest shade is too light on me and has a gray undertone).
I have not used a drugstore foundation for so long because of my last traumatizing purchase years ago but I really wanted to try it so I was optimistic that one out of the 12 shades of the
L'Oreal True Match Lumi Cushion
will match me.
*The shade pictured in this post is actually NOT my shade. Keep reading and I'll tell you the story below.