Skincare On The Go // A Guide to Organizing & Packing Your Skincare for Travel

BEAUTY RSS

Follow

// Tips on Organizing Your Many Look-Alike Bottles //

• Place a piece of scotch/clear tape on each bottle and write the product name or product type on the tape.
• Using scotch/clear tape as bottle labels makes it super easy to remove when your trip is done.  Trust me, removing those white sticky label was painful!

// Tips on Downsizing Your Skincare //

• I normally rotate among 2-3 different items for each step and I'm sure many of you do the same. Unless you're traveling for more than a month, my advice is to choose your most favorite one from the rotation and bring just 1 item per step. Every little bottle starts to add up in weight and space and it's best to save yourself the headache of dragging heavy suitcases around.
• If you feel like you're really missing out on certain pampering by not bringing all your normal options, opt for treatment items (discussed below) that tend to be smaller in size (think sheetmasks or sample-size/pod-size items).

PACKING LIGHT WITH MUJI

// MUJI Travel Essentials //

• Handled Pouch L Travel Case (Only available in Black) - $22.00
• Containers (Different types, sizes, shapes, etc) - $1.25 to $4.75.
• PR Refill Tool Set - $1.50

// Similar Ones Found on Amazon //

• Wastar Multifunction Waterproof Travel Pouch (Comes with different print designs. Less compact than MUJI's version. Amazon/Affiliate Link) - $11.99
• Alink Set of 16 Assorted Travel Size Containers (Comes with tools. Amazon/Affiliate Link) - $12.99
• Sinide Airplane and Airport Safe Travel Smart Bottle Set of 9 (The pump & spray heads seem to be as sturdy as the MUJI versions. Amazon/Affiliate Link)  - $10.99

SELF-PAMPERING ESSENTIALS

• Dr. Jart+ Brightening Solution Mask - $22.18 for a box of 5 (Amazon/Affiliate Link) or $6.00 per mask (Sephora)
• My Beauty Diary Damask Rose Mask (Pre-2016 upgrade) - $11.89 for a box of 10 (Amazon/Affiliated Link)
• Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Pure Retinol Eye Mask - $63 for a box of 12 (Sephora)
• GlamGlow ThirstyMud Hydrating Treatment - $45.oo (Amazon/Affiliate Link) or $69 (Sephora)
• GlamGlow BrightMud Eye Treatment - $33.12 for a box of 12 (Amazon/Affiliate Link)
• Daiso Foot Mask - $17.50 for a set of 6 (Amazon/Affiliate Link) or $20.16 for a set of 12 (Daiso)

BODY CARE ESSENTIALS

• Cowshed Shower Gel Collection - $24.00 for set of 7/on sale (Cowshed)
• Tatcha Indigo Soothing Silk Hand Cream Travel Size - $8.00 (Tatcha)

IN-FLIGHT ESSENTIALS

• Boscia Super-Cool De-Puffing Eye Balm - $26.00 (Boscia). Beware of Amazon listing...They are outrageously expensive!
• Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist Travel Size - $15 (Tatcha). Make sure you get the travel size because it lasts a long long time and it's much cheaper.

TO ENTER & QUALIFY

1. Use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter. 
2. Very Important!  Be sure to follow instructions in the Rafflecopter widget to complete the 4 requirements.
3. Also very Important!  Entering your Instagram handle in the Rafflecopter widget does not count.  You must follow and repost within the Instagram app.
4. Participants must be 18+ years of age.
5. Giveaway, fake, or business accounts will not be considered.

DEADLINE + WINNER NOTIFICATION

1. All entries must be submitted by 11:59PM EST (Eastern Standard Time) on August 16, 2016.
2. One winner will be chosen at random and to be announced on August 18, 2016.
3. The winner's name will be listed in this blog post & on Instagram post.  Winner will also be contacted via IG.  Be sure to keep your IG account in “public” mode to receive notification.
4. The winner will receive prize pack as stated above.

DISCLAIMERS

1. Please use caution when trying a beauty product for the first time.  Spot-test your skin first to test for any reaction.
2. Winner is responsible for any applicable taxes and custom/import fees.
3. This is not sponsored, endorsed, or administered by Instagram.
4. By entering this giveaway, participants confirm that they are 18+ years of age, release Instagram and giveaway host of responsibility and agree to Instagram’s term of use.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

---

MORE FROM THE BEAUTY SERIES

---

THIS POST USES SOME AFFILIATE LINKS. CLICKING ON OR PURCHASING VIA AN AFFILIATE LINK MAY RESULT IN COMMISSIONS FOR THIS SITE.

Mulberry Love // Mini Lily + Bayswater Clutch Review

BEAUTY RSS

Follow

I'm a huge fan of Mulberry - There's something about its simple yet elegant designs that really draws me in.  I started with the Bayswater Small Shoulder Bag, which is considered to be the brand's iconic style and gradually added to my collection with other classics such as the Lily. 

During my deal hunt on July 4th weekend, I spotted a sale event on Mulberry U.S. website (About 20% to 30% off) that included some of their classic and popular styles such as Lily and Bayswater.  I shared that on my Instagram feed...hopefully all of you Mulberry fans out there were able to take advantage of that! 

I know that even with the discounts, their bags are still not cheap, but the only other times I'd see such discounts is from flash sale sites such as Rue La La with one downside - Luxury bag flash sale is often final/non-returnable.

This time, I was being very good and only purchased these two...Continue reading below to see my detailed reviews of them.

---

Bayswater Clutch in Black //  Mulberry clutch is one of Princess Kate's favorite accessories, so I figure I can't go wrong with having one for myself!  I love Bayswater and own the small shoulder bag.  This clutch does not disappoint - It's such a classic piece and can be used as a clutch for more formal settings (remove the chain) or as a crossbody for more casual activities.  It's a perfect day-to-night bag.  It's also a good size for travels and sightseeing with different compartments built in to help keep things organized. P.S. Photo shows iPhone 6.

Buying Recommendation //  If this is your first Mulberry purchase, I recommend getting something from the Bayswater collection.  If you're trying to keep your budget down, this clutch is a great choice because you can get many uses out of it (casual and formal events).  If you can stretch your budget, the iconic Bayswater small shoulder bag would be a good investment as well. 

---

Mini Lily in Neon Blue //  I have a medium Lily in pale yellow (limited-time color and no longer available) and want to add another one to my collection.  I know that this mini would be on the small side, but I am surprised by how mini it really is.  The iPhone 6 barely fits in there and stretches the bag beyond its normal shape.  Because the Lily's design is a bit more playful or casual than the clutch, I find it more suitable for daytime and this mini version won't fit extra items I bring along such as sunnies and sunscreen (after putting essentials in).

Buying Recommendation //  If you're shopping for your first Mulberry, I recommend getting the Bayswater clutch as mentioned above.  If you prefer the Lily and can stretch your budget, I recommend getting the medium size and only consider this mini version for your later purchases.  I myself am considering returning this because it's not a very practical piece for what I need.

Here are a few more in my collections as previously shared on Instagram...Let me know if you have any questions on these styles!

Mulberry Medium Lily in Pale Yellow // Part of the main collection.

Mulberry Primose in Red // Part of a limited edition and the last collection designed by former creative director, Emma Hill.

Mulberry Bayswater Small Shoulder Bag // Part of the main collection.

Do you have a Mulberry that you treasure and love or any other leather bags that are near and dear to your heart?  I would love to hear any of your own shopping or care tips for leather bags!

Thanks for stopping by!

---

MORE FROM THE BEAUTY SERIES

---

Instagram Lately // Travel Beauty Essentials

BEAUTY RSS

Follow

I'm always happy to be home, but this trip is super special because I get to see my niece and nephew who are visiting from Hong Kong!  They grow up so fast, and I'm bummed that I don't get to see them more often.  I know they love sweets, so I've already planned out all the dessert places I can take them to!

Speaking of travel, there are certain beauty products I just can't live without.

Dior Nail Glow //  I'm often running errands up until the moment I have to head to the airport, so there's hardly time to spare for a nice mani.  I'm so happy I have this nail polish because even though it goes on clear, once it's dried, it gives my nails this rosy pink glow as if I've had a mani.  If you've used the Dior Addict Lip Glow, it's very similar concept here.  I highly recommend this for both travel and for in between manicures.

Hand Sanitizer //  I know it's not for everyone - My mom gets a rash when she uses it.  If it's suitable for you though, this is something I can't travel without because it's a safe-guard for my own health and sanity.

Eau de Toilette //  I try to buy or ask for a mini version of my favorite scent to stuff in my travel cosmetic bag.  For one thing, I've had to run to connecting flights one too many times and this helps me stay fresh and not scare my seatmates.  You can also use it to guard against your seatmates if they happen to smell not so fresh themselves!

Hand Cream //  Oh how I love hand cream.  I have an embarrassingly large collection, but it's not often that I get my hands on a real mini version for space-saving purposes.  With the skin-drying soaps they use at airports and in-flight, hand cream is a must in my bag!

Lip Gloss //  If I can only bring 5 items to a desert island, lip gloss will for sure be one of the items.  I love the ones that give my lips just a hint of pink color.  I feel so incomplete without one in my bag.

Blotting Paper //  My combo/oily skin gets slightly out of whack during my travels.  Different environment, stress, cabin air - All of that contribute to oilier-than-normal skin and a pack of blotting paper is a must in my cosmetic case!

Cosmetic Case //  I own more cosmetic cases than I'd ever need!  They do come in handy though when you do carry-on only.  I usually go for medium-sized versions, which can double as my skincare bag in order to save room in my luggage. 

Shown in Photo (From Left)

Dior Nail Glow // Store-Brand Hand Sanitizer //

Diptyque Eau Rose Eau de Toilette (Only roll-on is available) //

Tatcha Indigo Soothing Silk Hand Cream (Go for travel size) //

Fresh Sugar Rose Shine Lip Treatment // Daiso Rose Essence Oil Blotting Paper //  

Liberty London Iphis Leather Cosmetic Case (Red is no longer available) //

24 Hours in New York City // Korea Town Beauty Shopping & Yummy Dessert Tasting

BEAUTY RSS

Follow

My brother flew in from Asia and one of his short stops was New York City, so I flew down there to meet up with him.  We had some great meals and museum visits, but of course, when it came to beauty shopping in Korea Town, he opted out.  No worries, my trusted roommate from college @concon95 (who lives in NYC) was more than happy to go with me since she's just starting to dabble into the exciting world of Asian Beauty!

Given my 24-hours time limit in the city, I could only afford to be in K-Town for 1.5 hours.  It's not an issue as it was a Sunday and all the shops were pretty quiet.  I drew up this so-not-to-scale map of the key part of K-Town we ventured to - On West 32nd St, between Broadway and 5th Ave.  In this short block, you can hit all the major K-Beauty brands and taste some super yummy Korean food and desserts.

~ FUeling up before our express shopping spree ~

I've been to a few really great dessert places in NYC, but I've never ventured into K-Town before.  I did some homework prior to arrival and found Grace Street as one of the new faces in the K-Town dessert scene.  It has some rave reviews and it sure did not disappoint! 

P.S. I included 2 honorary mentions on the map for food - BCD Tofu House (which I frequently visit in California and love their tofu stews) and H-Mart (which is a Korean supermarket...I don't think I need to tell you why it's a must-see!)

~ ready for some k-beauty shopping?? ~

With that yummy meal in our stomach, @concon95 and I said goodbye to Miss S and began our express shopping spree.  

 

// The face shop //

 

// nature republic //

 

// The Mask Bar//

~ must shop more! ~

I can't believe I live so close to New York City and I don't go down there more often!  But now that I know all the "treasures" I can find there, plus having found my new Asian Beauty shopping buddy, I'll be making more visits to the fabulous Big Apple.  I do want to venture into Chinatown on my next trips to explore other Asian Beauty brands that are not available in K-Town.  Any suggestions on other Asian Beauty brands I should explore?  Leave me a comment below!

~ and i want to share this with you... ~

Needless-to-say, @concon95 and I have collected quite a few pieces of new masks to try (and nose strips for her)!  It's been so much fun reading all of your mask reviews on Instagram and I love it when you ladies share some honest insights to help me figure out if a mask is "worthy" to be added to the stash.  With that inspiration in mind, I am launching a new series where me and a few guest writers will share our utmost honest reviews on sheet masks we love and, sometimes, meh, not love.  I hope you'll join us on this new adventure on Hula With Me!

Thanks for stopping by!

If you're curious about the other legs of my NYC adventure, click links below for previous posts:

The Food Edition @ Caracas Arepa Bar + Spot Dessert

All About MoMA (Museum of Modern Art)

---

MORE FROM THE BEAUTY SERIES

---