It’s Saturday and I’m going to try and get some relaxation in after last weekend’s whirlwind in Tahoe. All that eating, gambling, and 4th of July fun really wipes a girl out!

This morning, the Boyfriend and I went for some dim sum and now I’m just getting ready for my appointment at Refresh Day Spa where I have a Hawaiian Salt Glow with Kukui Nut Oil and Swedish Massage scheduled. Although an afternoon at the spa doesn’t require wearing makeup, I still like to put a little something on because you never know what you’re going to do or who you are going to bump into!

Skincare is very key every day, no matter what. I’ve been using L’Oreal Skin Genesis Serum Concentrate and Oil-Free Lotion. The serum is a little runny and drippy and I’m not loving the texture since it goes on very wet. I have really massage it in for about 10 seconds before it dissolves fully into my skin.

The lotion, on the other hand, has a nice texture that’s rich but not too creamy and actually has a little bit of super subtle shimmer in it. It helps give me a radiance that really counts on days where makeup is minimal. The Skin Genesis is a multi-layer Cell Strengthening skincare line for preventative purposes. Marketed to those around 30 (that’s me!), Skin Genesis is supposed to help firm up the top layers of the skin to help me slow the look of aging.

Taking notes from the last time I visited the Bobbi Brown counter, the MUA there mentioned that mascara, cheeks, and a little lips are all a woman really needs to look her best every day. Here’s what I used on myself before heading out the door.

1. Lumiere Fiber Optic Blush Brush
2. MAC 266 brush for my eyebrows
3. Shiseido Eyebrow Compact in B3 Light Brown
4. Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler
5. MAC Beauty Powder Blush in Sweetness
6. Redpoint Megalash Mascara in Satin Black
7. LipFusion Lip Plump gloss in Summer (more…)

There are many products out there that claim to be lust-worthy, holy grails among millions, and are so hyped up - you must have them. One case in point: NARS Orgasm blush.

I have heard nothing but rave reviews about anything NARS puts out in this shade (check out my friend’s overzealous review here). And while I absolutely hate buying into anything that’s so pumped up (minus the Sex and the City movie, of course), I was (secretly) super stoked to get my hands on this NARS blush/bronzer duo ($37 US) in Orgasm and Laguna and couldn’t wait to try it out.

Orgasm blush is a pretty and soft peachy pink with subtle shimmer. It’s great to sweep all over your face to create a healthy glow - did you see Muse’s FOTD with just this blush and gloss? The results truly promises to live up to the hype.

Laguna, a camel brown with hints of shimmer, is the bronzer in this duo. I personally am not a huge fan of this shade - I feel like it looks a little flat on my skin as I tend to prefer just a bit more shimmer in my bronzers for more of a “glow”. But in a pinch, it’s great to have as a backup. (more…)

I could hardly contain myself when I saw shu uemura’s Friends & Family event email come through my inbox - finally, I can get my friends to buy all the things I love from shu and they can’t complain because it’s 20% off!! I know, you can say it - I’m an enabler! (Keep reading for your discount code!)

I can’t wait to take advantage of this offer myself this weekend - I’ve been testing samples of shu’s Depsea Moisture collection for the past month or so and I love it. This collection is made with Depsea water, a proprietary ingredient made from more than 60 ocean minerals, to boost the natural function of the skin.

For this Friends & Family event, I’m looking to stock up on what I like to refer to as my shu uemura Trinity. It goes a little something like this: (more…)

Today marks what would have been legendary makeup innovator Shu Uemura’s 80th birthday. And how fitting is it that shu uemura is launching the HANA-BI Summer collection to commemorate this special day and the anniversary of the first boutique opening in Omotesando, Tokyo 25 years ago in 1983.

Shu Uemura was born in 1928 and throughout his childhood, aspired to be an actor. Due to an illness that would inhibit him from pursuing this career, he found a passion in makeup artistry that allowed him an outlet for his creativity and made a lifetime of impact in the beauty world. Here is a timeline of Uemura’s career highs and innovative contributions to the cosmetics industry. (more…)