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My Weekly Obsession: Jergens Natural Glow Firming Daily Moisturizer

This is by far the best gradual tanner that I have used. It doesn't have a chemical smell like most self-tanners and it is super moisturizing. The best aspect of course, is the effect is has on my skin. After three days I look like I have spent some quality time at the beach and unlike other self-tanners I don't look like an oompa loompa after using it. One tip I have is always make sure you wash your hands after using it because otherwise your cuticles will end up a bit tinged.

My Weekly Obsession: My New Place!

So despite my three blog and video a week goal I have totally dropped the ball, but I have a good reason! This past week I have been busy with my first week of summer classes, getting settled into my new dorm etc. I am in love with my new place, so even thought it's not a beauty product or fashion trend it is this week's obsession.

The common space is a bit bland so far...

but the view kind of makes up for it :)

My only regret is that I will only be living here for 2 months, then I'm off to NYC to live in a shoe box and eat ramen noodles. P.S. One of my roommates is my friend Marissa, she has an awesome fashion blog, go check it out!

My Top Three Spring Fashion Trends

Tribal Print Shoes

It's spring which means it's time to whip out those wedges, and hey add some fun tribal print to the mix while your at it.  I was out shopping the other day and these immediately caught my eye. I'm generally not into bright colors, (the whole neon trend right now is just not my thing). However, I could see myself adding these to my collection to pep up my mostly neutral wardrobe. You can find these at Steve Madden.

Color Blocking

Ok, so I know I said I don't really like color, but if I'm going to take the plunge color blocking is the way to go. I think when done correctly, it gives a refreshingly crisp look to wearing multiple colors. The great thing about this blazer is that you can dress it up or down. I picked up this boyfriend blazer from Urban Outfitters a month ago to wear to interviews, but as shown it can also be casual and relaxed. 

Hi-Lo 

The hi-lo trend is hot this spring, whether it be a dress, skirt or top, hi-lo is the way to go. Ok that was incredibly corny, but it came to me so I went with it. I happen to really like this trend because standing at 5'5 sometimes maxi dresses can be a bit hard to pull off without looking dwarfed, and the hi-lo dress is the perfect way to achieve the same summery-bohemian feel without feeling like I lost 5 inches off my height. You can find this dress at modcloth.com. 

Fun Fact: in Australia they call these mullet dresses. 

Beach Beauty Essentials

BB creams are a relatively new product on the US market, but they have been a must have item for Asian women for years. BB cream or blemish balm was originally created by German doctors for patients who had laser skin treatments. Korean actresses started using this to achieve their perfect complexions and the trend spread all over Asia.
BB cream is best described as a mix between a foundation and a tinted moisturizer with some added benefits. While it gives great coverage like a foundation, it is light weight and moisturizing like a tinted moisturizer. BB cream also provides SPF coverage, skin brightening, wrinkle prevention, and blemish healing.
I personally like Skin 79 for BB cream, you can't find it in stores in the US, but you can get it for under ten dollars at amazon. I think this BB creams are perfect for summer because they give the coverage to make me feel confident, but I don't look like you have makeup caked on my face.

I first tried the Fresh lip treatments when I got them as my Beaty Insiders birthday gift from Sephora. They are by far the absolute best lip balm I have ever used. They have an SPF of 15, are ultra moisturizing, and comes in four fun shades. (They also have a clear one if you want to rock your natural lip color.) This is a must have in my beach bag so my lips stay soft and don't burn or get chapped by the sun. Plus, the cap screws on so you don't have to worry about sand getting in the product.

Whether you have color treated hair, heat damaged hair or you are lucky enough to not have these problems Redkin Color Extend Solar Sunscreen SPF12 will ensure that your hair stays shiny and healthy even after long days out in the sun. It helps prevent UV damage to both your scalp and hair, replenishes moisture and vibrancy, and helps to repair the hair cuticle.

My Weekly Obsession: Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

I've been using this product for a few months now and it has quickly become my favorite exfoliant. I wanted a change from the harsh scrubs that can cause broken capillaries and over sensitive skin. Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant was the perfect find. It is a rice based enzyme powder that helps to balance uneven skin tone. I use a teaspoon of this powder on my damp skin everyday after cleansing my face, leaving it smooth and radiant.

Spring Cleaning: Inside and Out

I just want to start this post by saying I am making a promise to myself, right here and now, that I am going to update this blog everyday 3 times a week. (I want to aim for everyday, but I figure I'll start small and work my way up to awesome.) Lately, I've been trying to devote a lot more energy to my youtube channel, but my poor blog has gotten lost in the shuffle. Making an effort to really keep up with my blog is just one of my 'spring cleaning goals'. Here is my complete list:

1. Update my blog and Youtube channel 3 times a week each
2. Work out 5 days a week
3. Cut flour, sugar, caffeine and red meat out of my diet
4. Save money, No crazy shopping sprees! :(
5. Clean out my closet and give things I don't want to charity
6. Volunteer twice a month
7. Drink more water
8. Never go to bed with makeup on
9. Spend 10 minutes each day thinking of what I am thankful for
10. Stay positive in every situation :)

This is just a small list of things I have come up that will help make me a happier and healthier person inside and out. If you have anything you would add, feel free to leave them in the comments below :)

Rant and Rave: Eye Makeup Remover Review

This past month I ran out of my favorite eye makeup remover and when I went to the store it was completely sold out. Disheartened, I picked up a bottle of Almay Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover Liquid to try. I chose it because in the past Almay products were gentle on my skin and as a bonus I noticed a "#1" sticker on the bottle. I thought, "#1 this must be an awesome product right?" Wrong. This product stung my eyes so badly I almost double checked to see if I had accidentally poured acetone on my cotton pad instead of the remover, but I think that would have at least removed my makeup. Not only was this product painful, but it didn't work as promised. Even after multiple, painful applications I was still left looking like a raccoon. Ok, done with the rant.

On a much happier note, after the traumatic Almay experience I received my Sonia Kashuk Eye Makeup Remover in the mail. I could not have been more excited to have my old favorite back in my medicine cabinet. This product lives up to its "fresh-as-water" description. It is incredibly gentle and easily removes every speck of makeup. The only down side is that it is only available at Target stores or online and my local Target seems to slack on stocking it. Aside from that minor inconvenience this is hands down the best eye makeup remover I have ever tried.  

Outfit of the Day: Cute and Casual for Class

Shirt: H&M

Camisole: American Eagle

Skirt: Charlotte Russe 

Oxfords: Target

Necklace & Ring: American Eagle 

Nail Polish: Revlon Minted 

Ombre Hair at Home

Ombre hair is a trend that started Summer '11 and has been gaining popularity ever sense. I sported the look in July briefly on my long journey to obtaining blonde hair. Now that I'm back to an auburn shade I'm missing the highlights that remind me of those sunny summer days. This time I didn't want to pay salon prices to get this beach bum look so I took it upon myself.  Keep reading if you want to find out how I did it...

Step 1:

Separate your hair into two sections. If you have layered hair try to separate it by length.

Step 2:

Take 3 inch wide sections and tease the hair. This insures that the highlights look ultra natural and you avoid that 90's chunky highlighted look.

Step 3: 

Apply the bleach to the sections of hair that are remaining loose from the teased sections. I used Clairol Nice 'N Easy Hairpainting Blonde Highlights.

You should end up looking something like this.....

Attractive, right?

Now for some people this may be the end of the process after washing out the bleach. However if you have red tones in your hair you will want to continue to the next step to avoid orangey tones.

Step 4:

Next I applied an ash blonde dye to the ends of my hair to cancel out the brassiness in my hair. If you live near a beauty supply store and want to just buy a toner by all means go for it. This however, is probably the easiest, most fool proof way to do it.  Just make sure you buy a dye with "ash" or "cool" in the name. 

I lucked out and got John Frieda Precision Foam Colour in 8A medium Ash Blonde on sale for less than four dollars :)

So here's the end result. I really like it, I'll probably repeat the process to intensify it in a few weeks. I didn't leave the bleach on for that long because I don't want to be too harsh on my hair all at once. 

My Weekly Obsession: OPI Muppets Collection

The colors from the OPI Muppets collection are currently what I find my self reaching for every time I paint my nails. Wocka Wocka, Designer De Better, and Warm & Fozzie are a few of my favorites. Wocka Wocka is a stunning shade of scarlet. In the bottle it looks like your average red, once you put it on your nails it turns into an eye catching multidimensional color. Designer De Better  is hands down my favorite silver nail color of all time. I looks like you have dipped your fingers in silver, the finish is still slightly matte. Warm & Fozzie is a gorgeous bronze color with gold reflex in it. 

My Top 5 Winter Must-Haves

1. eos Smooth Lip Balm Sphere in Sweet Mint

eos has quickly become one of my favorite brands for lip balm. It's extremely moisturizing not to mention it has adorable packaging. It's 100% natural which is always a plus, and it comes in lots of great flavors. Sweet Mint happens to be my current favorite. 

2. C.O. Bigelow Mentha Lip Buffer

I personally think lip scrubs are one of the most underratted products. They are esstential for smooth lips, and I often think they aren't easy to track down unless you want to pay makeup counter prices. I found this one at Bath and Body Works, it works great and has a fresh minty scent. If you want to skip purchasing a product all together sugar, water and a soft tooth brush will do the trick.  

3. Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair Masque 

Freezing temperatures can be extremely drying, so to keep you locks looking luscious invest in a good deep conditioner. Currently I'm using this Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair Masque and it's pretty much the best thing I think I've ever put on my hair.

4. Steve Madden Tsunamii Boots

So if you live anywhere where it snows it's not news to you the having a good water resistant boot is crucial. (Especially when you want to pretend you're five again and go have a snow ball fight and make snow angels.) This is certainly my top pick. Most rain boots/snow boots I've seen have lacked a certain aesthetic appeal that these boots definitely accomplish.   

5. In Touch Gloves from Mod Cloth

Gloves that you don't need to take off to use your touch screen phone, genius idea. I love the combination of function and fashion in this particular design. 

Flapper Fail

So today I filmed a 1920's makeup tutorial... and then realized my camera was out of focus the whole time. I film on my iPhone so it's hard to tell until it's too late. I'll probably re-film, but right now my phone is in time out so I don't hurl it against a wall. Anyway I figured I'd post some pictures of the look so it doesn't go to a total waste.  

Good as Gold Nail Tutorial

About a month ago I worked on a photo shoot where I used imitation gold leaf on the models eyes. So I found myself left with a lot of gold leaf as well as time on my hands, which resulted in this manicure.

Step 1: Paint your nails with a dark base color. I used OPI's My Private Jet

Step 2: Using tweezers rip small pieces of the gold leaf and place them on the tip of your nails. You can manipulate the texture by pinching the gold leaf once you have it placed. 

                                                  

Step 3: Finish off with a clear top coat and your done!