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

---

L'Occitane Inflight Duty Free Exclusive

BEAUTY RSS

Follow

One of the things I discovered from flying to/from Asia is the amazing selection from each airline's duty free catalog!  And some of the offerings are exclusive to in-flight shopping only and that makes it even more of a special treat. 

This beautiful L'Occitane gift set is a perfect example.  It is exclusive to Dragon Air in-flight duty free catalog.

The set includes three of L'Occitane's popular scents: Roses et Reines, Cherry Blossom, and Verbena (left to right).  Each collection has a pairing of hand cream and eau de toilette and comes with a matching pouch that is exclusive to this set.

The hand creams are 1.0 oz, perfect to throw in your purse, gym bag, travel bag, etc.

The eau de toilette are these cute little mini's that look great on your vanity and for traveling as well!

---

rose et reines

If you have read my post on Diptyque, you know I'm addicted to the rose scent.  Naturally, the Rose et Reines is my favorite of the 3 in this gift set. 

L'Occitane uses a proprietary process where rose petals from Grasse, Bulgaria, Morocco, Turkey and Provence are steeped in oil and become saturated with the natural fragrance of the roses.  I probably wouldn't use the hand cream and eau de toilette at the same time as it is quite a powerful fruity scent, but individually, they are just lovely additions to any outfit.

The hand cream also doubles as a nail cream.  It contains shea butter and Vitamin E which helps soften the skin while it strengthens the nails.  I think this will become a regular in my in-flight pampering kit!

Individual items are available -

Hand Cream 1.0 0z USD $12.00 (Also comes in 2.5 oz for $22.00)

Eau de Toilette 2.5 oz USD $55.00

---

cherry blossom

The Cherry Blossom is a lighter scent.  Cherry Blossoms bloom in the spring and this scent carries that refreshing and rejuvenating feeling as we welcome spring after a long cold winter.

The star ingredient is a cherry extract from the Luberon region of Provence, France.  "It is because cherry blossoms fly away in the first breeze of spring that they are so rare and precious," says Olivier Baussan, L'Occitane founder.  I can't agree more - Cherry Blossom is one of my favorite flowers as they are so pretty and delicate.  I think that's why I love the pouch so much and have been using it to carry my phone whenever I'm running errands in the neighborhood.

Individual items are available -

Hand Cream 1.0 oz USD $12.00 (Also comes in 2.6 oz for $22.00)

Eau de Toilette 2.5 oz USD $55.00

Voyage Set USD $28.00 (This is a great value set!)

---

Verbena

The green verbena leaf is the star of this collection - It grows in abundance in Provence, France and gives out this lemony fragrance that wakes up all your senses.  In this collection, the eau de toilette has a much more powerful verbena lemony scent than the hand cream, so it's also ok to use both at the same time as you pamper yourself. 

What's unique about the Verbena hand cream is that it gives you this cooling sensation upon application.  A blend of organic verbena extract and tapioca powder helps soothe and absorb, leaving hands dry and cooled.  I think this is perfect for those hot summer days. 

Individual items are available -

Hand Cream 1.0 oz USD $12.00 (Also comes in 2.6 oz for $22.00)

Eau de Toilette 3.3 oz USD $58.00

Holiday Bauble Set USD $14.00 (Another great value set, but minus the eau de toilette)

---

I can't wait to fly to Asia again and get my hands on some exclusive beauty goodies!  Besides the shopping, I also love the great hospitality by flight crew on these Asian airlines.  They treat everyone with a great smile and, more importantly, with respect.  Something the U.S.-based airlines should learn to do.

What's your favorite L'Occitane goodie? Do share with me!

Thanks for stopping by!

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

---

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

---