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.

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Early Access // Deal Hunting for Popular Beauty Brands

BEAUTY RSS

Follow

*Scroll down to see details and sale prices of these beauty finds*

I shop at Nordstrom often as the store is known for excellent customer service and flexible return policy.  Also, I find great deals during their sale event, both normal ones and big ones like the Anniversary Sale.  

I do have a Nordstrom credit card, so I am able to have early access to their biggest sale of the year - the Anniversary Sale - where even regular-priced items would be put on sale.  Credit and Debit cardholders have early access to this event, for about a week in advanced of the official start date on 7/22.  There is no additional $ or % off, but cardholders simply get to shop early.

I've combed through the Beauty Exclusives section of the sale and picked out the items below from brands I love and use often.  And they are all under $70!

~ for your body ~

Kiehl’s Jumbo Size Creme de Corps with Pump 33.8oz
Sale $52
After Sale $75

You guys know how much I like this body lotion!  My body stays moisturized for hours after I put it on.  I will be stocking up since this is a true bargain for this luxe item.

Kiehl’s Jumbo Size Grapefruit Bath & Shower Liquid Body Cleanser 33.80z
Sale $33
After Sale $48

My gym provides this body cleanser in the shower stalls.....I love its light soothing scent and my post-shower skin feels nice and soft.  I've been hesitant to invest in my own bottle because I'm not used to buying expensive bodywash, but with this sale, I'm definitely going to buy one!

Note: Both items are eligible for Kiehl's Gift with Purchase offer - Receive deluxe samples of Ultra Facial Cream, Ultimate Strength Hand Salve, Daily Reviving Concentrate & Midnight Recovery Concentrate with $85 Kiehl's purchase.

~ for your home ~

Diptyque Scented Candle Set (Set of 5 1.2oz Candle)
Early Access $55

You see Diptyque candles all over Instagram, making it so hard to resist from owning one myself!  However, their candles are very pricey, but with this gift set, it's a great way to sample different scents without breaking the bank.  Do note that these are half the size of the brand's normal standalone candles.

Set includes // Baies: featuring notes of blackcurrant and Bulgarian rose // Figuier: featuring notes of the fig tree // Feu de Bois: featuring woody notes // Roses: featuring notes of tender, changing roses // Tubéreuse: featuring notes of the tuberose flower.

Helpful Comparison for Value // A Diptyque 2.4oz candle is $32 each, so a 1.2oz candle would be around $16, making a set of 5 to be around $90 if purchase each candle separately.

Great Gift Option // This set makes a great housewarming gift.  Or if you're like me and like to put together your own gift set, you can also split up the set and include one candle per personalized gift for your friends (and maybe save one for yourself!).

7/26 Update // This candle set is now sold out.

Voluspa “Maison Blanc” Mini Tin Candle Trio (One-Wick)
Sale $15.90
After Sale $21

I bought a Voluspa candle (Bellini scent) years ago and have been a fan every since.  They are pricey though, so I save it for special occasions or maybe a stressful day.  I love this trio set not only for the value (see below for "the math"), but also the soft pastel colors.  Similar to the Diptyque set above, this also makes great gifts for your friends.

Trio includes // Pink Citron: ripe citron grapefruit with a juicy pink center, layered with tart cassis and a heart of subtle rose // Laguna: a fresh blend of California verbena and white freesia // Saijo Persimmon: Japanese saijo persimmon, considered to be the finest gourmet variety, is layered with juicy peach and red currant.

Helpful Comparison for Value // Each two-wick candle is $16.  These mini’s are one-wick (about half), so each would be around $8 , making a set of 3 to be around $24 if purchase each candle separately.

More Voluspa Options // 1 more mini tin trio and 2 more two-wick tin trios.  Click here to see these.

*Voluspa.com sells another trio set at $25, but it includes different scents. I personally prefer these scents and the soft pastel color of the tins.

~ for your face ~

Fresh Beauty Ritual Set
Early Access $57

You guys know I am a loyal user of Fresh Soy Face Cleanser because of its mild nature and how it doesn't dry up my skin post-cleansing.  This item alone in the 1.7oz version included in this set is $15.  Plus, the set comes with the popular Rose Face Mask along with two other great items.  I think this is an excellent option for those who want to try Fresh for the first time as you'll get a flavor of what this brand is all about.

Set Includes // Soy Face Cleanser // Sugar Advanced Therapy for Lips // Rose Face Mask // Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream.  All items are small sizes.

Similar Set at Sephora // "Black Tea SkinCare: Age-Delay Essentials” Set at $94. Also includes the cult faves Soy Face Cleanser + Sugar Advanced Therapy for Lips, but the rest are from their Black Tea line and does not include the Rose Face Mask.

GLAMGLOW “Glamazing GRAVITYMUD” Set
Early Access $69

I don't think GLAMGLOW needs much introduction!  This set is a good choice for those who want to try the brand's iconic xxxMUD treatment items (set includes full size).  Plus, the set includes a branded application brush and deluxe sample size of 2 other awesome treatments.  The GRAVITYMUD alone is $69, making this a truly great deal.

Set Includes // GRAVITYMUD Firming Treatment (Full Size) // SUPERMUD Clearing Treatment // THIRSTYMUD Hydrating Treatment // An application brush.

No similar set at Sephora.

7/26 Update // This skincare set is now sold out.

GLAMGLOW “Glamazing SUPERMUD” Set
Early Access $69

Similar to the above GLAMGLOW set, this is also a great deal as the SUPERMUD alone is $69.

Set Includes // SUPERMUD Clearing Treatment (Full Size), FLASHMUD Brightening Treatment // YOUTHMUD Tinglexfoliate Treatment.

Similar Set at Sephora // “Stay Sexy Clearing” Set ($69).  Includes SUPERMUD Clearing Treatment (Full Size) + SUPERCLEANSE Daily Clearing Cleanser (Small Size). 

Photos Credits: All images used in this story are from Norstrom website @ www.nordstrom.com.

~ About the Nordstrom Credit Card ~

I feel the need to say a few words about this - I am seeing many bloggers advocating readers to apply for the Nordstrom card in order to gain early access to this sale.  I don't know how many of them are sponsored by the retailer.  From my retail days (working in the buying office and in the store), retailers always try to convince you to apply for their cards because they make quite a nice profit from interest if balance is not paid in full and it's a way for them to keep your loyalty with them. 

The only thing I want to share is to do what is suitable for your own financial situation.  I own the card because I do shop at Nordstrom and Norstrom Rack often (have been since I was in college) and I can truly take advantage of their reward program and their sale events.  I wouldn't recommend getting the card just for this sale or just to gain early access to this sale.  Many items would still be there when the sale starts on 7/22.

Happy Deal Hunting and thanks for stopping by!

---

MORE FROM THE BEAUTY SERIES

---

Dreaming of Strawberries - Etude House Spring 2016 Berry Delicious Collection

BEAUTY RSS

Follow

I know this sounds absolutely crazy, but the new Spring 2016 Etude House collection smells sooooo good that one may have the urge to taste it!  Of course anything from this brand comes with ultra cute packaging, and the Berry Delicious collection is no exception. 

The cuteness overload starts with these outer cartons, which I refuse to throw out!  Maybe one day, I'd have the time to make some wall art out of all the Etude House cartons.

---

strawberry body scrub & body milk

What really drew me to Berry Delicious is the body care...especially this thick slice of bread, aka the Strawberry Bread Sponge.  It's cute and hilarious at the same time.  The "bread" is a perfect pairing to the jam-like Strawberry Body Scrub, which contains real strawberry seeds.

The scrub feels great on the skin.  And I come out of the shower smelling like fresh strawberry.  Who doesn't like that?!!!

The complimentary Strawberry Body Milk is true to its name - Super milky form and leaves my skin feeling soft and again smelling like strawberry all over.

Available at Etude House U.S. site:

Body Scrub $11.00

Body Milk $11.00

Bread Shower Sponge $3.90 (Currently out of stock)

Body Scrub + Sponge Set $11.00 (Great value!)

Body Milk + Sponge Set $11.00 (Currently out of stock)

---

strawberry lip jam scrub

If you have kids in the house, you may want to put this lip scrub in a safe place because it could easily pass as something edible!  The label design resembles that of a jar of jam and it even says "strawberry jam" at the top of the label.

The texture of the scrub is a bit sticky and contains real strawberry seeds, walnut shell powder and sweet sugar grains.  It doesn't feel harsh on the lips though.

Application is very simple - Apply on wet lips, gently massage all over and then wash off with lukewarm water.  This is great to do once a week to remove dead skin and promote circulation on the lips.  However, if you have chapped lips or dry lips, I do not recommend using any lip scrub as this process will further irritate the skin on your lips.  My go-to for chapped lips has always been Vasaline Lip Therapy...it's my lip life-saver.

Available at Etude House U.S. site:

Lip Jam Scrub $9.10

---

color in liquid lips juicy

These lippies are extensions of Etude House Color In Liquid Lips collection, but of course, these come with the deliciously-smelling strawberry scent.    

The applicator has been modified for Berry Delicious - It is now slightly angled, which makes for easier handling and more precise application.  I know the 2 colors I've picked appear to be similar in this shot, but if you look at swatches below, you'll see the difference.

Top Photo: Under direct sunlight // Bottom Photo: Under indoor light

I've included 2 colors from the original Color In Liquid Lips collection for comparisons (they are marked in black letters).  In fact, Berry Delicious PK 013 is pretty similar to Original BE 101.  I've also mentioned this in my other Etude House post - It's best to prep with some lip balms as these Liquid Lips tend to dry up the lips after a while.

And this is how OR 207 (top) & PK 013 (bottom) look on my lips.  One thing to note is that OR 207 does look more red in real life and PK 013 is more pink/mauve.  It's a bit hard to tell in the photo.

Available at Etude House U.S. site:

Color In Liquid Lips - Juicy $12.40 each

---

fantastic color eyes

Last but not least, Berry Delicious' eye shadow palette.  I'm not a huge eye-makeup person, but I can see myself using some of these colors as there is a good mix of natural and shimmery choices.

I have picked #8 Strawberry Fondue.  The names of the colors are just lovely - Hazelnut Chocolate, Berry Milk Chocolate, Sugary Butter, Cheese Berry, Fresh Strawberry, Dip!Dip!  I feel like I'm in a candy store.

Here are swatches in the exact same order. The pink & beige shimmery colors (last 2 on the far right) are not too heavy in the shimmer, so they are good for daytime use as well.

Available at Etude House U.S. site:

Fantastic Eye Color $16.80 each

---

Hope you've enjoyed this review of the Berry Delicious collection!  Writing this post makes me crave some chocolate-covered strawberries right about now...

Thanks for stopping by!

---

MORE FROM THE K-BEAUTY SERIES

---

Shaving Tips: 7 Things You Should Do To Protect Your Skin

BEAUTY RSS

My Shaving Essentials: 80 Acres Lotion // Gillette razor // Shaveworks™ Get Smooth Duo

My philosophy, when it comes to skin care, is that we should take care of not only our facial skin but also our body skin because skin damage, whether it's from natural or unnatural causes, doesn't discriminate.  My body from the neck down gets the same royal treatment as my face.  And when it comes to shaving, I pay close attention to my entire process.  Unfortunately, I often get reaction from waxing (even the gentle kind), so shaving has become a must-do for me.  And bad shaving habits can do some bad things to our precious skin, so let's be kind to our skin and do shaving the right way!

---

Here are 7 things I do consistently to protect my skin when I shave

1. Shave in a warm-water shower and as the very last step  Steam and heat from warm water helps soften hairs and open up follicles.  Since it takes a while for the surrounding to warm up, you may want to wait and shave at the end of your shower.  If you take cold shower, I'd recommend at least running your shaving areas under warm water before shaving.

2. Use shaving cream  Shaving cream helps prep your skin as it moisturizes your skin and softens hair.  Imagine running your razor on dry skin...not only does it damage your skin, you're also increasing the chance of getting nicks and cuts because of a rough shave.  Conditioner will work as well since it has moisturizing benefits.  Soap or body wash (even the moisturizing kind) is intended to deep cleanse, meaning they work hard to strip dirt and oil from your skin, so it's best not to use it for shaving.

3. Switch out razors or razor blades regularly  Not only does over-used razor or razor blade get dull, it can also be a breading ground for bacteria since it is often stored in places with lots of moisture.  I use a combination of disposable and refillable razors and replace each one after 4-5 uses. 

4. Store razor away from the shower head area Placing razors near the shower head maybe convenient, but with water constantly being splashed onto the razor blade, you're increasing the chance of the blade getting rusty.  And shaving with a rusty blade is never a good thing.  

5. Take care of those razor burn Use an extra moisturizing body lotion or special post-shave treatment to care for razor burn.  They may look harmless, but leaving them untreated can potentially leave you with a scar. 

6. Treat the ingrown hair Those darn ingrown hairs! Instead of pushing your razor hard against your skin to get to the ingrown hairs (which could lead to a cut), try to exfoliate the area that you'd typically get them or do a warm-compress over it.  Both tricks will help expose the hair a little more, making it easier to shave them off.

7. Moisturize after each shave Even if you don't have a razor burn, moisturize your newly shaven skin.  Even better, make this an everyday post-shower ritual as soap or body wash tends to strip your body of moisture.  Just be sure to use an alcohol-free lotion as not to irritate the skin.

---

products i love - steal vs splurge

SHAVING CREAM

Steal // Aveeno Positively Smooth Shave Gel // This shave gel not only moisturizes your skin, it also helps soften hairs, making it easier to shave // $4.20 for 7 oz

Splurge // Shaveworks Pearl Soufflé Luxurious Shave Cream // This shave cream contains ingredients that exfoliate and moisturize your skin while reducing ingrown hairs // $22.00 for 5.3 oz (Get the "Get Smooth Duo" set to try for only $10)

RAZOR BURN TREATMENT

Steal // Good old aloe vera // Aloe vera is known to help soothe irritated skin, but it doesn't help with ingrown hair //

Splurge // Shaveworks The Cool Fix // This post-shave gel provides relief from razor burn and exfoliates skin to help release trapped hair from underneath the skin // $26.00 for 5.3 oz (Get the "Get Smooth Duo" set to try for only $10)

POST-SHAVE LOTION

Steal // J.R. Watkins Lavender Hand & Body Lotion // A lavender-scented lotion with ingredients such as essential oils and shea butter to keep your skin moisturized for an extended period of time // $9.99 for 11 oz

Splurge // 80 Acres Hand & Body Lotion // This lotion is rich in anti-oxidants (think olive oil) and keeps your skin hydrated // $25.00 for 10 oz

 

Thanks for letting me share my shaving ritual with you!

What are some of your shaving tips and tricks?

---

MORE FROM THE BODY CARE SERIES

---