Miso Mask

I know it doesn't look appealing but it's surely good for your skin. Miso contains Kojic acid (a natural by-product from the fermentation stage) which helps lighten skin by blocking an enzyme crucial in the production of skin melanin.

Ingredients:

Miso ..... 2 teaspoons

Soybean Milk ..... 1 teaspoon

Directions:

1. Mix the ingredients in a small dish

2. Apply to a clean face and relax for 5-10mins

3. rinse off with lukewarm water

**Miso is very salty which could be irritating for some people. Always do a test patch before applying to face. Not recommended to sensitive skin.

New Materials for a New Craft Project

Pretty fabrics, eh? A new craft project coming up ~

♥ ♥ ♥

Picked up a big package from the post office yesterday. My silly mom sent me 2 bags of masks, there must be at least a hundred of them in total (swine flu **alert**). She also sent me some nice pictures taken at my brother's wedding banquet......I miss my family.....

Also received some samples and coupons from L'oreal.

Advanced Revita Lift
- Day lotion (2ml sample)
- Night cream (2ml sample)
- $3 off on any Revita Lift cleanser coupon
- $5 off on any Revita Lift moisturizer coupon

Skin Genesis
- Serum (2ml sample)
- Day Lotion (2ml sample)
- $3 off on any Skin Genesis cleanser coupon
- $5 off on any Skin Genesis moisturizer or treatment coupon

Interested to receive L'oreal skin care samples too? Register to be a myL'oreal member and you can order samples and coupons online with just a few clicks:

http://www.lorealparis.ca/_en/_ca/club-vip/index.aspx

Grapefruit Foaming Face Wash

I like keeping a bottle of foaming face wash near my sink in the bathroom. Call me lazy but I enjoy having foam straight from the bottle.

I used a recipe from Niuer's book for reference, lowered the total quantity of cocamide betaine and added glycerin (a humectant to attract moisture). I was in a hurry and got a white grapefruit instead of a pink one. It's still grapefruit, just without the nice pink color that I was looking for.

Grapefruit is a natural skin whitener. It has citric acid which can soften skin, loosen dead skin cells, cleanse and tighten pores. Grapefruit also contains an enzyme named bromelain, which helps cleanse the skin and reduce inflammation.

I sterilized an empty foaming hand wash bottle for this formula. The foam is not as dense as I normally like, probably caused by the reduction of cocamide betaine (a foaming agent). However, It does a good job cleansing my skin and the citric scent is very refreshing and uplifting. It's wonderful for summer time especially for combination and oily skin.

Grapefruit juice could be irritating and I don't recommend it for sensitive skin.

Ingredients: Distilled Water, Grapefruit Juice, Cocamide Betaine, Glycerin, Preservative

Herb Garden in Progress

I'm not into gardening at all but I love to cook and have been dreaming of having my own herb garden for a long time. I know it's not a garden yet, but it's a start and a step closer to my dream. Meet the 1st member of my herb garden .... sweet basil~

Sweet basil is not just a culinary herb, it can also be used in skin care. Basil contains antibacterial compound which kills the free radicals that causes various skin disorders. Basil oil is a de-toxifier as it stimulates circulation of the skin. It rejuvenates skin tone and can be used for acne and minor skin infections.

羅勒 (Basil) - 輕度抗菌劑,治療擴散性紅腫,對抗因為氣候轉變所引起的發炎。具鎮靜效果，且可抗皺紋

Buddha's Birthday Gift

Got this package in the mail today. It's a Buddha's birthday gift from my generous friend Amy (she's giving me gift even it's not my bday).

She sent me a majolica majorca jeweling pencil and the latest catalogue~

The jeweling pencil is in BL503 which is deep blue with silver glitters in it. I just saw a youtube video by MakeupByTiffanyD the other day about using blue eyeliner to make your eyes look whiter. It the most perfect timing to receive this lovely eyeliner since I was thinking to get the stila kajal eyeliner in sapphire.

Thank you so much for the Buddha's birthday gift!!! I'll try it very very soon.

Honey & Olive Oil Hair Mask

This homemade hair mask is wonderful for dry hair and it's so easy to make. You'll need honey and olive oil (1:1) which you probably have in your kitchen cabinet.

Ingredients:

1. Honey ...... 1 tablespoon

2. EVOO ...... 1 tablespoon

Directions:

1. Mix olive oil and honey in a small bowl.

2. Massage the mixture through your hair.

3. Cover hair with a shower cap OR wrap it in cling wrap and then a warm towel.

4. Leave it for 30 - 60 mins.

5. Shampoo and condition your hair as usual.

My hair is about 2 inches over the shoulder, straight and not too thick, 2 tablespoons of the mixture were enough to cover all my hair. You can add more depends on the length and thickness of your hair.

The easiest way is to use a shower cap but I don't have one so I went for the cling wrap and towel. The honey I used is quite runny and I didn't have problems mixing it with the olive oil. If it's hard to mix, try heating it up until it's runny.

I treated my hair with this luxurious hair mask this morning and I have been tounching and running through my hair ever since. My hair is so soft and it's not as frizzy as before. I hope you'll like this hair mask as much as I do. Enjoy~

My 1st Homemade Herbal Extract

I have been thinking of purchasing licorice extract ever since I started making my own skin care. While I was researching for a supplier, I found a great article on mountainroseherbs.com about making your own herbal extract. Only 2 ingredients needed : fresh/dried herbs and alcohol, seems so easy that I couldn't resist to make my own.

Ingredients:

1. Dried Licorice ...... 15g (got it from a Chinese herbal store)

2. Vodka ........ 100ml

Directions:

1. Wet a paper towel with distilled water to wipe the dried licorice.

2. Put the ingredients into a glass jar and close the lid tightly.

3. Place it in a dark place and allow the herbs to soak for 4-6 weeks.

甘草萃取液 - 殺菌、消炎、增強肌膚免疫力, 舒緩敏感肌膚, 抗氧化、抑制酪胺酸脢作用，減少黑色素形成

Licorice Extract is effective for skin lightening. It also has properties including anti-inflammation and antioxidation.

More information:

http://sadatan.com/products/pdf/Depigmentation%20Complex.pdf

http://blog.pharmacymix.com/licorice-%E2%80%93-an-active-ingredient-that-can-lighten-skin

Great Deal on MAC

Let's check out my recent deal on MAC and see how much I've saved.

Mineralize Eye Shadow Duo in Earthly Riches - US$11.75 (Orig. US$19 / CDN$23) 38% off
Shade description: Deep plum and dirty deep grey with pink veining (Frost)

Fluidline in Silverstroke - US$10.5 (Orig. US$15 / CDN$18) 30% off

Got these 2 from the CCS at Brich Run Prime Outlets on the way to visit my aunt in Michigan.

Eye Shadow/Pro Palette Refill Pan in Club CDN$7.8 (Orig. CDN$13) 40% off
Shade description: Muted reddish brown duochrome with green opalescent shimmer (Satin)

224 Tapered Blending Brush CDN$20.1 (Orig. CDN$33.5) 40% off

Pigment in Vintage Gold CDN$14.1 (Orig. CDN$23.5) 40% off

One of my colleague from my last job is a MAC freelance makeup artist and she gets 40% off as staff discount. So nice of her to get me a few items~ 40% off baby.

~*Club (can u see the green shimmers?)

Pigment in Sweet Sienna US$13.75 (Orig. US$19.5 / CDN$23.5) 29% off

Also from the CCS, got it from Fashion Outlets Mall at Niagara Falls this time.

Total Saving: US$17.5 + CDN$28
* Enough to buy 2 more pigments from MAC

Here are a few ways to pay less for MAC:

1. The Cosmetic Company Store/ Cosmetics Company Outlet

Always check out CCS/CCO when you're in the state. They have brands such as MAC, Bobbie Brown, Clinique, Origins etc for a discounted price. You can find mall locations for the CCS at mallseeker.com.

2. MAC Pro Membership Program

MAC PRO Membership Program is a paid for membership program open to makeup professionals.

How to enroll?
- fill out the M·A·C PRO Membership application
- provide proper professional documentation (such as business card) and a copy of photo identification
- pay a annual membership fee US$35/CDN$45

Discount :
Makeup Artist - 40%
Aestheticians, Cosmetologists, Hairstylists, Fashion Stylists, Nail Technicians, Costume Designers, Models, On-Air Talent/Performers, and Photographers - 30%

3. MAC Pro Student Program

M·A·C PRO Student Program is open to individuals attending a school or institution of makeup artistry or the performing arts.

How to enroll?
- fill out the M·A·C PRO Student Membership application
- provide proof of enrollment in approved school
- pay a semiannual membership fee US$10/CDN$10 (*I don't remember paying $10 for the membership when I was a makeup student, but that was some years ago)

Discount : 20%

~*Swatches

~*Altogether

Have fun saving~

Daiso Eyeshadow Palette

Look familiar? Integrate?

Oh well~ you got me, it's a dupe. Don't you think it looks exactly like Integrate e/s palette in RD751(耀眼深邃眼影盒)? I was actually looking for the Integrate one when I was in HK last year, couldn't find it anywhere. Just when I was about to give up, I saw this dupe at Jusco $10 store. Yes, it's HK$10 only (around CDN$1.5)! An amazing deal for a good quality palette~



Name : Layered Eyeshadow
Palette code : C
Brand : Daiso (大創)
Net Weight : 7g
COO : Made in China
Color : White / Soft Pink / Rose Pink / Dark Burgundy (all w. shimmers)

Comes with an instruction for a gradation look.

~*Swatches

Packaging : ♥♥♥ (3/5)
Plastic case w. a double-sided sponge applicator and a small mirror inside.

Pigmentation : ♥♥♥ (3/5)
All 4 colours go on a bit sheer but can be layered to build up pigmentation. I actually like it sheer since pink could be hard to handle.

Finish : ♥♥♥♥ (4/5)
Shimmery. Very fine shimmers, not chunky at all.

Texture : ♥♥♥♥ (4/5)
It's smooth, easy to glide on skin and blend well.

Value for money : ♥♥♥♥♥ (5/5)
HK$10 for a palette with great colors, can't really ask for more.

Overall Rating: 3.8/5

Shiseido Warehouse

After waiting for 5 months, it's finally time for the Shiseido warehouse (Apr 18, 09). My lovely friend Brilli started lining up at around 6:30am, Amy and I joined her after getting breakfast at McDonald's. We actually waited for 2hrs and 45mins to get in, but it didn't feel like that long with all the chitchats.

I decided to focus on makeup this time (mainly NARS because it's much cheaper!!!) and set my budget to $100 (kind of a challenge for me). At last........I only spent $96.xx including tax with 8 NARS products~

I got a duo e/s in Bohemian Gold (metallic taupe/ iridescent copper) and a set of lip gloss + nail polish in Orgasm for my friends in HK. I really like both of them but I do have e/s that look similar to the Bohemian Gold. I got the set thinking whether I should keep it for myself or give it to my friend as a gift. Just as I decided to grab 1 more (about 10 mins later), they were all gone, the whole pile vanished. I should have known, after all it's the famous Orgasm color.

I did manage to get myself 5 NARS duo e/s and a blush.

1. Belly Dance (metallic jade/ deep aubergine)

2. Star Sailor (heather gold/ antique bronze)

3. Divine (shocking pink/ chocolate)

4. Stage Beauty (sheer copper / glistening gold)

5. Pandora (matte black / white shimmer)

6. Sertao (glistening tawny gold)

~*Swatches on paper towel

~*Swatches on skin

Took 2 pictures of each set with different white balance (Left : Daylight / Right : Auto).

~*Altogether

I was hoping to get a few more colors of Shiseido The Makeup hydro-powder e/s, JPG concealer and CDP foundation, but they didn't have those this time. As always, I regret for not getting more NARS. guess I will have to wait for the next Shiseido warehouse sale, looking forward to it~

Green Cream

I'm learning and trying to go green with my skin care and I've started making my own a few months ago. My 1st creation was a Vit. C whitening serum, followed by two different moisturizers. All three recipes are from a book named For Natural Skincare II written by Niuer (牛爾老師). Niuer is a skin care expert and he is very famous in Taiwan. A great book to have if you're into DIY skin care.

Olive Moisturizer~*

The olive moisturizer was my first attempt on cream-making and I'm very happy with the outcome. The finishing product is light green in color. It's not creamy at all, very light in texture and easy to absorb into skin. Since I've used EVOO (extra virgin olive oil), I thought it'd be heavier/oilier. But it turned out to be a perfect light hydrating moisturizer for summer.

Ingredients: Distilled water, EVOO, Glycerin, Creagel, Lavender essential oil, Preservative

Green Tea Antioxidant Cream~*

After the success of my 1st cream, I've decided to make a batch of green tea antioxidant cream. Ingredients are basically the same as the olive moisturizer with an addition of japanese green tea powder (Matcha). The texture is similar to the olive one, dark green in color and also easy to absorb. I didn't add any essential oil since It has a nice green tea scent. However, I think it's a bit heavier on my skin compare to the olive one. It actually took a longer time to emulsify too. I used a different brand of EVOO, I wonder would that be the cause or it's just the green tea.

Ingredients: Distilled water, EVOO, Glycerin, Green tea powder, Creagel, Preservative

I'll be making red wine hydrating gel mask next~

50 Ways to Help the Planet

Going green is not as hard as you think, here is a great site with 50 simple ways to help our lovely planet.

Love your planet, act now.

Lush Shampoo Bar - Squeaky Green

Don't you think it's overwhelming just by walking near a Lush store? (or is it just me?) I have walked into the store many times with a strong will to purchase, touching and sniffing products until my nose stops working or a headache kicks in (which usually takes only 15 to 20 mins). I just couldn't make up my mind in the store with hundreds of choices combined with the mighty "Lush" scent. So why I have a piece of Lush shampoo bar sitting on my polka dot cushion!? The truth is...............my lovely friend Clara got that for me as a little X'mas gift last year and thanks to her, I finally have a chance to try something from Lush.

So what do I think of the Squeaky Green (my 1st Lush product ever)??? I love it, absolutely love it! First of all, I love the idea of a solid shampoo. It's easy to use, lathers well and it's environmental-friendly without using a plastic bottle.

Second of all, Squeaky Green is vegan and SLS-free (used SCS instead). Packed with rosemary, tea tree and peppermint which are all wonderful for hair and scalp. I have long straight fine hair (not too oily, not too dry) and I have been using it every other day for about 3 months (I don't use the same shampoo everyday, usually have at least 2 to rotate). It gives my hair and scalp a clean feel and leaves my hair with a refreshing herbal scent.

However, it's a bit drying for my hair which is not a big problem with the help of a conditioner. It will go squidgy if stored improperly. I suggest a well-designed soap dish or put it back in the Lush tin when it's dried. The price is $7.95 for 55g which I think is reasonable considering It does last for ages. I have been using it for 3 months which is approximately 45 washes (every other day, remember?) and I still have more than half of it left. I'm 100% satisfied with this good quality shampoo bar.


Squeaky Green Ingredients:

Black = Safe Synthetic

Green = Natural and/or Organic

Sodium Coco-Sulfate, Perfume, Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), Nettle (Urtica Dioica), Water (Aqua), Tea Tree Powder (Melaleuca Alternifolia), Peppermint (Mentha piperita), Rose Absolute (Rosa centifolia), Chamomile Blue Oil (Matricaria Chamomilla), Vanilla Absolute (Vanilla planifolia), Coumarin, *Geraniol, *Benzyl Benzoate, *Limonene, *Linalool, Hydroxycitronellol, Chlorophyllin.

*Naturally occurs in essential oils