The Adored & Loved of 2012

Every year I write an extensive post talking about my favorite products of the past year, and it's usually posted on New Year's day. However, this year I was in China, and I did not have access to blogger since it was blocked. Now it's a month into 2013. I was about to skip it all together, but it's one of my favorite posts to write, so here it is anyways. Better late than never, right?

Let's start off with products that aren't recurring from my last yearly favorites.

• Revlon Colorstay Whipped Creme Foundation - My favorite drugstore foundation to date. It's easy to apply (I use my fingers), has great coverage, and is fairly affordable. During my two week trip in China last month, this was my go-to foundation simply because it cut down my time to get ready in half. As much as I love brushes, using my fingers is still the quickest way, and because this covers most of my imperfections, I didn't have to spend so much time putting on concealer. It also lasts a good amount of time on my oily complexion.
• Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain - I have 5 of these in my collection. Does that speak enough about how much I love these? These are super long lasting, and I enjoy many of the colors that they have. I am one of those people who really never reapply my makeup during the day because I am too lazy for that. This is no different when it comes to lip products either. I just never remember. Therefore, I am all for lip products that last long and feel good on the lips. These are it! They stain my lips so I don't have to worry about reapplying, and they don't make my lips dry and flaky like many other long lasting lip products.
• Makeup Forever Full Cover Concealer - The name says it all. This is a full coverage concealer, and does a great job at concealing those unwanted blemish spots. When I was in China, I had massive break outs that left a lot of scarring. This was the concealer I used to cover up those scars. I squirt out a little my fingers and dab it on all the spots. I find this method provides the best coverage, because it doesn't blend out the product as much.
• Lise Watier Base Miracle Pore Minimizing Primer - When I'm having a girl's night out, I need my makeup lasting all night long through all the dancing and good times. This has been the primer of choice for those nights as it really makes my makeup stay on. It also does a great job of smoothing out my skin in preparation for my foundation.
• OPI Nail Lacquer (Got the Blues for Red) - The ox blood shade has been all the rage this past fall/winter season, and I definitely fell for the color hard. I practically owned every piece of clothing possible in the oxblood shade, and it was one of my favorite colors to wear on the nails. 9 out of 10 times I did my nails in the past 3 months, it was this color. I just love how it looks.
• Maybelline ExpertWear Eyeshadow Quads (02Q Stylish Smokes) - This quad is travel friendly. I find the colors easy to work with, and it has pretty much all the shades I would want for my daily makeup look. I particularly enjoy the matte brown shade, as I have found it to be the perfect outer corner color. Even when I use my Naked palette, I still use the matte brown from this quad There have been a few times that I traveled in the past year, where all I brought with me for eyeshadow was this palette. It's affordable, and an overall great product to have in any collection.
• Urban Decay 24/7 Shadow Pencil (Sin) - I use this to highlight the inner corners of my eyes. It really brightens them up without being too much. I find highlighters on the white side tend to be too bright, and it just makes my eyes look a little weird. This is the perfect shade because it's a champagne color that blends nicely into the skin. 
• Kiss Me Heroine Long & Curl Mascara - Best mascara for short straight Asian lashes! Gives great length, and makes my sad lashes actually visible. It's one of the best sellers in Asia, and I can definitely speak for that.

And finally, the two favorites that are still going strong (I didn't include all of them because that may be making this post just too long)...

• Urban Decay Naked Palette - This will always have a place in my heart. Enough said. It's a great value. I would recommend this palette to anyone.
• NYC Smooth Skin Bronzing Face Powder (#720 Sunny) - This bronzer is a cult favorite. It's cheap and it works for many people. The shade is matte and easy to work with. You don't really need to worry about putting too much on because the finish is very natural.

Do you share any favorites items with me? Let me know your favorite beauty items because I am always up for trying new products!

Star Products of 2011

And here goes to another year over! 2011 went by super fast, and well quite frankly I haven't done much to this blog this year at all besides give it a face lift. I think I have lost the spark in my motivation to keep up this blog, but I don't have the heart to let it go either. Sometimes I feel like beauty blogging is just not the way it use to be. I hope I will find some way to relight my passion that started this blog in the first place in the upcoming year. For now this blog will remain, and I will still blog when I find the time to. Who knows what the future has in store!

Anyways, today what I really want to focus on is the annual post I do on my favorite products of the year! I try a lot of products throughout the year but only so many become worthy of this mention at the end of the year, so without further a do....

Let's start with skincare. This year has been not so great for my skin, and I have had many problems with breakouts and scarring. Midway through the year, I changed my skincare entirely, and I couldn't be happier now because my skin has improved so much.

• DDF Blemish Foaming Cleanser - For most of 2010－2011 I went through a phase where I had some serious breakouts on my chin area. It really stressed me out and for the longest time I could not find anything that would calm my skin down. This was one of the first products that started helping me salvage my skin. I had gotten a deluxe sample from Sephora awhile back, and I had it in storage for the longest time. On a whim when I was cleaning out my skincare products, I found the sample and decided to start using it. Immediately after a week of using it, I noticed that the acne on my chin was subsiding. I used it for a couple of months, and my skin is much  better now. It contains 1.8% salicylic acid, so it can be a bit drying for some but it totally works wonders for me! Although now I have stopped using it daily, this is still my go-to product for when I break out during that time of the month!
• Clinique Clarifying Lotion 3 - This toner picks up dirt like no other but also stings like no other! I started using this also because of a deluxe sample I had gotten from Sephora. At first, this toner stung my face so bad, and I seriously considered to just stop using it because it was seriously painful....but I pushed through it! Now, it doesn't sting my face at all. I am not sure if it is because I am use to it now or it is because my face just isn't so irritated anymore. Either way, I actually quite love this toner, and after my sample I went out and purchased the full size (which btw, is half gone now!). I use it at night after I cleanse my face and it picks up every little bit of dirt left off my face. I think this has definitely helped make sure there isn't any dirt and oil clogging my pores.
• Lancôme Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate - This has got to be the most expensive thing I purchased ever in terms of skincare. I have heard so much about this serum, and when Sephora had a sample of it for 100 points, I went ahead a redeemed one. I was hesitant to even try it just because it was so expensive but I am so glad I did. This has changed my skin! It has helped blemishes and scars heal so much faster, and the texture of my skin has become so much smoother. It has improved the tone of skin and it just looks more radiant overall. This is definitely a must have if you don't mind the steep price.
• Mario Badescu Drying Lotion - This is an awesome spot treatment! When school started this past September, I was, as usual, breaking out due to stress. I saw this at Ulta, and decided to pick it up because a lot of people said it was good. Low and behold, this stuff zaps zits like magic. It dries up pimples (even cystic ones) in half the time it takes for them to heal on their own. I have gone through almost all of my first bottle, and I have one stored away as a backup already.

Along with my skincare products, I have been in love with washing my face with oatmeal. I first saw this on Bubbi's youtube channel (click for the video). It's cheap and effective and all natural! I usually do it once in the morning and sometimes once at night. It has helped tremendously with my acne and the texture of my skin. Although it does get a little messy, and it is probably best if you have a drain stopper to stop all the oats from going down the drain, it is definitely worth it.

Next up is the makeup and some hair products...

• Makeup Forever Duo Mat (#120) - This was the first powder foundation I have ever used. I have always stayed away from powder just because I thought it would be too cakey for my skin. However, during Sephora's F&F sale I decided it wouldn't hurt to try since I can always return it. Well, I ended up not returning it because I absolutely love it! It's so quick and easy, and it definitely doesn't take any time away from my rushed mornings before I go off to class. Coverage is excellent, and it doesn't feel like a mask on my face. It actually feels more comfortable than liquid foundation to me. I love how the powder is so finely milled and I just can't say enough good things about it. This is definitely a HG product for me now.
• NYC Smooth Skin Bronzing Face Powder (#720 Sunny) - To be honest, I have never been the bronzer type of girl. I just find that they never quite fit my skin tone and it's an extra step I don't feel makes a difference. Discovering this has definitely changed my mind though. I bought this on a whim, and at such an afforable price I couldn't ask for more. It just warms up my face and gives me such a nice healthy glow. Definitely a must try!
• Lioele Artist Auto Eyebrow (#3 Gray Black) - My go-to brow pencil. Since I reverted back to my natural hair color, my old eyebrow pencils and powders don't match anymore. It just looks very unnatural in my opinion when I have black hair and brownish eyebrows. Lioele's gray black shade is perfect for those with black hair. It's not too dark or light. It just looks natural, which I love.
• Revlon Lip Butters - Everyone and their grandma has these and many have raved about them. I am one of those who love them so I am not going to say much because I know everyone has heard about enough them. All I have to say is that I love these for the price. They remind me a lot of the Dior Addict Lipsticks which are 3x the price. If you haven't tried them, definitely try to pick one up if you see them at your local drugstore. There are 20 shades so you are bound to find one you like!

• Sigma Beauty SigMAX Brushes - These brushes are amazing! I have all of them except for the tapered face brush since I brought the face set and the precision kit separately. All three of the Sigmax face brushes that I have applies foundation and any liquid products like a dream. As for the precision kit brushes, I love using them for concealer and creme bases for my eyeshadow. I can't imagine not having these now.
• Panasonic Heated Eyelash Curler - This is a must for stick straight asian lashes. My lashes usually don't stay very curled no matter what mascara I have used, whether it be American or Japanese. However, if I curl them with this after I put on mascara my lashes are actually visible and curled. Definitely makes a huge difference on my lashes.
• Essential Nuance Airy Hair Mask - Ever since I dyed my hair a couple of years ago it has not been as healthy as it used to be. Even though I eventually grew it all out and cut it off, my natural hair didn't have the shine that it did before. I tried quite a few hair serums, but it was always just a temporary fix which was not satisfying at all. This hair mask, however, has made all the difference upon the first use. It has made my hair silky smooth, and it has restored the shine and luster to my hair that was missing before. I usually use this once a week.
• Essential Nuance Air Hair Treatment - Along with the hair mask, I also use this whenever I feel like my hair needs a boost but it hasn't been a full week after my hair mask. This one a bit a lighter, but does the job just as well as the hair mask! Both are super affordable, and if you are able to get your hands on either treatments, it will be the best thing that has happened to your hair! 

Well that about wraps it up. I hope you all enjoyed reading this ridiculously long post. Props to whoever made it to the end! Thank you to all of you are are still sticking around. I hope everyone has a great new year with friends and family, and may the upcoming year bring lots of love and joy! xoxo ~ Talk to you all in 2012!

Bought and Loved Products of 2010

Today is the last day of 2010, and this year has been such a rush. I have to admit that I really slacked off with this blog during this entire year, and I have not really posted much at all. It has been a really rough year, and there were a lot of unfortunate things (which I won't go into detail because I don't need to burden you all with my stories) that have happened. It really hindered my progress on this blog. I hope you all forgive me, and I will try my hardest to improve in 2011 to really deliver what you were all expecting to see. I am very backed up in reviews and such, and I feel so bad about it. Thank you for all of you who are still with me. I can't wait to start fresh in the new year, and for the last post of the year, I decided to do my Bought and Loved Products post that was very well received last year.

Please note that these are products that I have bought and used for 2010 ONLY, and they do not include products that I still love that I bought in previous years. I decided to do this because if I didn't, the list would just go on and on. I hope you all enjoy nonetheless. If there are any products any of you want a full review on (and you don't mind waiting awhile for it XD) please let me know, and I will add it to my never ending list.

• Nexcare 3M Acne Dressing - These little acne patches from Nexcare have been a life saver and really helpful throughout this year. These are basically little semi-clear circle patches you can stick on pimples, and it will help the process go by faster. For pimples that have already come to a head, I stick one of these suckers on before bed and the next morning the patch will have sucked out all of the sebum (yeah, I know it sounds kind of gross XD). All in all, I love these! The only bad thing about it is that it is only available in Asia so I have to get my cousin to send me stock every couple of months.
• Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion - We all know that sunscreen is a necessity, rain or shine! But I have to be honest, I never liked wearing sunscreen because it made my face sticky and greasy and my face is oily enough on its own. Therefore, I use to often just skip out on it all together even though that is a really bad habit. I saw this product at TJ Maxx and decided to pick it up on a whim. My gosh! I am so happy that I did because it has changed my perception on sunscreen. It's a liquidy type of sunscreen which I love because it's light and not sticky at all! Most of all it doesn't make my face more oily than it normally would be. Now, I don't mind putting sunscreen on at all.
• Shiseido Perfect Oil - I truly bought this on a whim, because I saw it at one of my local Asian grocers for a really good price. I've personally always tried to stay away from cleansing oils because I was afraid they would just make my face more oily or prone to breakouts. I use to use my Clinique makeup remover to remove my eye makeup, and use makeup removing wipes to remove my face makeup. Now I just use this product all over my face and it literally takes EVERYTHING off! Waterproof mascara, eyeliner, sticky glosses, you name it. It will come off. Best of all, it doesn't break me out. It is water activated, so after I massage the oil all over my face to dissolve my makeup, I just splash my face with water and it turns into this milky substance. It's almost like a milk cleanser. After it's all off my face, there's no greasy feeling at all.
• Shu Uemura Face Architect Foundation - This was my first ever high end foundation, and I absolutely love this. It doesn't make my face break out, which is always a plus, and it's really light. It does not make my face cakey, and all in all I am glad I picked this up during one of their sales.
• Rock & Republic Contrived Pressed Blushes - These blushes are pretty self-explanatory. Everyone has been crazy for these, and I have a total of 6 that I picked up! They are super pigmented and finely milled. I love these, and ever since I started using them I pretty much neglected all of my other blushes. These are a definite a must have!

• Urban Decay Naked Palette - This palette is a gem, and I'm sure everyone has heard about it because it was such a hard item to get your hands on. I'm always traveling back and forth from my parent's house and my apartment at school all year long. This palette is great because I can just take this and I am all set. I don't wear eyeshadow on a daily basis but if I do, most of the time I tend to stick to the good old neutrals. It's the only palette I have been using since I got it and it is worth every penny.
• Lancome Artliner - I love this eyeliner, period. It's so easy and quick, and I have been using it everyday for the past 6 months. I love how black it is, and it does not smudge on me at all. I have tried the alternative L'oreal one, but I still prefer this one any day.
• Shiseido Majolica Majorica Lash Expander Frame Plus - This mascara is awesome! It makes my lashes super long and it has impeccable staying power. I was hesitant to try it at first because I was afraid the fibers would flake off and get into my contacts, but it doesn't. The comb like brush is wonderful because I can apply my mascara with ease. It also works wonders for my lower lashes!
• Rimmel Eyebrow Pencil - This was my first eyebrow pencil ever, and I have to say for the price it works wonderfully. I used it for most of 2010 until recently. I have stopped using it because my hair is no longer dyed brown and they only come in brownish colors. However, if you have brown hair and want a cheap but effective brow pencil give this a try.

• The Face Shop Color Shimmer Lipstick - I picked this up at The Face Shop store in LA during the summer, and I have to say it's really good. It reminds me of the Dior High Shine lipsticks I love because it gives off the same effect. The texture and pigmentation is similar. So basically these lipsticks are a good dupe for the Dior High Shines for a fraction of the cost. I am definitely going to pick up a few more colors the next time I am there.
• Chanel Aqualumiere Lipstick - My first Chanel lipstick, and I have to say if it wasn't so expensive I'd be hauling these like crazy. They are so smooth and moisturizing, and they do not make my lips peel at all.
• MAC Pro-Long Lustre Lip Color - I have one of these that I got at the CCO, and it has been my go to lip gloss this winter. I love how long lasting it is, and I never have to worry too much about reapplying. I can drink my tea without lip color all over it. I also love the gloss end it comes with because it gives such a beautiful finish. I need to get my hands on more of these!
• Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss - My favorite drugstore lip gloss! I have 6 of these, and for anyone who wants a good affordable gloss definitely give these a try. I used these a lot during this past summer.

I hope you all have a great new year with friends and family! See you all in 2011!

Bought and Loved Products of 2009

2009 is coming to a quick end (or already has ended for most of you) and I have definitely expanded my collection of makeup and skincare items in the past year. I have found some pretty great products that I think I will continue to use for years and some not so great items. However, it's the New Year so let's just focus on the good and not the bad.

1. Laneige Multi Cleanser - A product that I have switched to using after I finished up my Pore Trouble Cleanser. It's a double duty product that makes your face squeaky clean and removes all the makeup on your face as it's also a makeup remover. I love the smell of this product and after washing my face with this daily, I can go to bed with confidence that my face is free of any dirt and residue.
2. Laneige Strawberry Yogurt Peel - Oh the smell of the product is just delicious but sadly it's not edible! However, it is a nice gentle exfoliator for your face. Instead of using harsh beads to scrub off the dead skin, using this will provide a light exfoliating experience. Because it is so gentle, I can use this more than once a week without fear of over-exfoliating.
3. Kevin Beautymaker Aquamarine Eye Serum - I am currently on my second bottle of this product and I love it! It depuffs my eyes instantly (especially on mornings where I wake up with puffy eyes because I cried my eyes out the night before while watching a korean drama XD) and it's light layer of moisture for my eye area.
4. Egyptian Magic Cream - This stuff does wonders for my acne scars or any scars for that matter and makes my face really smooth in the morning when I wake up. I only use it during the night because it's a bit too oily for me during the day, but I don't know what I will do without this.
5. My Beauty Diary Sheet Masks - Known for being cheap and effective, there's a mask for everything. I haven't tried them all yet, but hopefully I will. They fit my face really nicely and it's just a great buy overall.
6. The Face Shop Aloe Vera Mask - I love the Face Shop masks just as much as I love my Beauty Diary masks. Some flavors I like even more. This is my go to mask when my skin is acting up and needs quick soothing. I slap this on before I go to bed and the next morning my skin feels nice and happy :)
7. NARIS UP Eggshell & Charcoal Mask - I use this for my nose area to get rid of blackheads. I use to use pore strips but they just weren't doing the job as well as I liked, especially in the corners of my nose where it really mattered. This stuff gets into all the crevices and leaves your pores feeling clean.

1. L'egere White Multi BB Cream - This is my absolutely favorite foundation. It doesn't break me out and the coverage is amazing for what it is. Sometimes I feel that my skin looks even better on days that I wear it. I've tried using traditional foundation but nothing performs as good as this.
2. MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural - I use this in conjunction with my L'egere BB Cream because it helps set it. Sometimes I even use this alone when my skin doesn't need much coverage. It's fast and quick and also does not break me out.
3. Kevin Beautymaker Aqua Eye Concealer - I've tried many many concealers for my under eyes in liquid and cream form, but nothing has covered as well as this. It's super creamy and blends like a dream.
4. Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick - Can't believe I waited so long to get this. I love using this to highlight my face. I usually lightly sweep this over the highest part of my cheek bones and it just gives my face such a beautiful glow.

1. Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner in 'Chocolate Shimmer Ink' - This is my HG eyeliner and it's the perfect shade for my eyes. I love that it has subtle shimmer because I'm a girl that loves sparkle. It's the creamiest eyeliner I have ever tried and it stays all day long.
2. Makeup Forever Aqua Eyes Eyeliner - These pencil liners are creamy and stays very well on my eyes. I love using the Black and Champagne color, and I use it daily. I use the black on my waterline and to tight line. It smudges little to none and it never irritates me eyes.
3. MAC Eyeshadow in 'Shroom' - My favorite highlighter to use on my brow bone. The only MAC eyeshadow that I have made a dent in!
4. KATE Diamond Cut Eyeshadow Palette - These are amazing eyeshadow palettes and the pigmentation is great. There are various colors to choose from, and they each come with glitter that you can dab on to your eyeshadow for that extra sparkle. When I want to feel extra glamorous I whip one of these out.
5. DiorShow Iconic - I usually do not like forking over more than $10 for a mascara, but I got this on sale and I am so glad I did. The brush is not super huge which is great when I want to get the corners of my eyes. I get no clumps from this and it really makes me lashes super long.
6. Stila Smudge Pot in 'Little Black Dress' - This is such a gorgeous black/deep purple eyeliner that has a lot of pink sparkle packed into it. I always choose to wear this when I'm going for that really sparkly eye.
7. NYX Jumbo Pencil in 'Cottage Cheese' - While I dislike using this as an eyeshadow base because it creases on my eyes like crazy, I love using this on my tear duct as a highlighter. Glides on effortlessly.

1. Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in 'Pink Please' - This is probably my most favorite lipstick at the moment in my whole entire collection. It is my go to lipstick that I can just throw on and I know it will look good. It's a true baby pink color, and ever since I bought it I've neglected much of my other lipsticks because it's just so gorgeous.
2. MAC Lipstick in 'Cute-ster' - This color is a pinky beige that is pretty sheer. It's one of those lipsticks I like to throw on when I want to wear something, but I don't want to look like I did.
3. MAC Dazzleglass - Since I'm a glitter and sparkle loving girl, of course I have to love the dazzleglasses. I love to wear these for special events because when the light hits it, my lips just look SO good! I definitely want to get more of these.
4. Dior Ultra Gloss Reflect in 'Clutch Pink' - The perfect baby pink gloss. Something about it just makes me love it. It's smooth and non-sticky.
5. Dior Addict High Shine Lipstick in 'Couture Pink' - I like pairing this with my Clutch Pink lipgloss because it gives me that baby pink glassy looking lips that I love. It was the also the same pairing used on one of the actresses in Boys Over Flowers and it indeed will make your lips so pretty.

Some of the products that I have mentioned have not been talked about on my blog before, but perhaps I will in the future. Leave me a comment if you would sincerely like to know more about it. I'd love to go more in-depth for my readers because I love you all!

Once again, have a great New Years and thank you for all the support. Hopefully, 2010 will be a good and joyous year for all.