other products from Japan

Edible products - 

Collagen pills. You start with taking 6 a day. the package contains 30 days serving. You can typically see results after first 2-3 weeks. after that taking half of the recommended serving as vitamin to maintain is good enough.

Veggie drinks. kind of like V8. They are very tasty. The purple veggie one is very good for women.

Energy and vitamin drinks. Recommended by my colleagues.

Make- up products -

Jill Stuart cosmetics. They are not sold in US. You can find it in Japan and HK. I love their color. It makes your make-up "dolly" like. So, if you are into the barbie doll make-up look. This brand is perfect to create that look.

 

fake lashes and eye shadows. I highly recommend the eye shadow. It's sparkly and long lasting. 

Mascara - it holds the curves well. Hard to remove though. But it sure lasts long. 

 Skin Care products - 

BB masks - Collagen + BB + Q10 + other vitamin
It's supposedly the best seller in Japan right now.

 Other masks - I love the hello kitty packaging

The egg - It's actually the hair lotion. They have over 10 different types for different types of hairs. 

i got the lightest in texture. 

Rose skin lotion. It smells so wonderful. It's milky, but pretty moisturizing for non-oil based lotion.

 other products -

heating eye masking. It generates heat to circulate blood around eyes. it helps get rid of dark circle and tired eye look. it also has lavender smell, very relaxing when you use it.

The bear pillow!! I love it. You wear it around your neck. It's like a pillow supporting your neck and head. It's got lavender smell too. So, it helps you sleep.

Japan trip report 1 - bubble hair dye

Haven't updated here for a while, hopefully i brought enough stuff back to make it up to y'all

Trip Report!

Girls~ Here are the stuff I tried on the trip: 

I like this Kielh's night oil, but it was a bit too rich for the Asian weather. However, I think it should be much better in US dry weather.

LOVE this mask. Its pull-up design by using the ear hoops to pull up from chin and neck is just AMAZING. Love it!

I have never really used Laneige products before. But a friend of mine introduced this BB cream to me. it's quite good. I like how light it is on my skin.

DDH - Foaming cleanser. Personally I like any foam based cleanser. It just somehow cleans better. I got this sample from a cosmetic show. It's a good facial cleanser. But it's not a deep cleanser. Good for usual daily cleaning.

Clarins - Instant Smooth. It's great to use under the foundation to get the photo (touched up) finished look with your make-up. However, the problem with this product is that if you don't clean your pores well, you might break out more easily using this. It's just like any other primer, except this product can actually "erase" pores.

Japanese whitening mask and eye drops. They are supposed to be quite popular in Japan. I think the mask is just ok. But i am not sure what i am supposed to get out of the eye drops. Still figuring it out.....

Fiberwig mascara - It supposes to extend the length of your lashes. It should also has this little plastic that can help you apply mascara without messing up your eye shadow. My experience using it is.... just ok.. i still like Makeup forever's aqua smoky eye mascara better!

Eyeliner pen. Dark, easy to draw and long lasting. (I can wear it the whole day and my eye liner is still very visible )

Anti-environmental toxins Charcoal mask

Isn't weather pretty sucky lately? stuffy and wet air often leaves skin feeling sticky and oily.

I am recently in love with this cleaning mask:

Clear Improvement® Active charcoal mask to clear

The marketing line is "BE FREE AND BE CLEAR" I must agree that it delivers what it promises.

It contains Activated Charcoal, which is a natural filter that absorbs environmental toxins and soil from deep within the pores to give skin a deep-down cleaning.

It doesn't give you the typical mud mask of itchy or burning sensation, so it is very comfortable for the entire time of application.

Origins recommends users to use once  a week, but I have been using it twice a week during this weather. So, it's really up to you how often you want to use it.

QB reminder - make sure you close the pore by applying a cold moisturizing mask or hydrating mask to keep the moisture in your pores/ skin.

enjoy~~

THE SHOPPING LIST of the year~

THE LIST - My mom is going to an invitiatin only cosmetic expo event. I got my hands on the list of all the cosmetic companies that will be at the expo. Since this event is professional only i.e. you need to show your eauthician license before gettin the ticket) many of the companies attend the expo sells only professional products and not known to the public.   Here is the list of the profesional cosmetics that I am interested in getting)

SKIN ACCENT- http://www.skinaccents.com/
I will get special treatment masks (acne, vitamin c, bio marine extract, dead sea mud..etct and all 3 types of serums )

Michael Marcus - https://michaelmarcus.cybrhost.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=SFNT&Store_Code=MMC
I will get some make-up samples, vitamine E lip balm, Ginseng toner, and blemish control products.

Circadia - http://www.circadia.com/
I will get Spot stop, night time repair, Vitamin A gel

Eminence Organic - http://www.eminenceorganics.com/
I will get Strrawberry Rhubarb Dermdafoliant w/ Lactic Acid, AHA Fruit Pulp treatment, Almond and Mineral treament, Hugarian Herbal Mud treament, Sweet Red Rose treament.

Janseen - http://www.janssenbeauty.com/
 http://www.janssen-cosmetics.com/
I will get skin excels (and LOTS of them!)

Farah - http://www.beautybeautygroup.com/
I will get Professional collagen masks, Vitamin C series, Professional peel-off mask series (for people who have experiece doing skin peeling before. I don't recommend beginner to try this...)
Revitalash - http://www.revitalash.com/
I will get their lash grower. (i dont think they have anything else other than this product.)

SAIAN - http://saian.net/
I will get Acne try-me kit, spot treament, Pure Collagen infusion, Bio-firming neck lift cream.

OPI - http://www.opi.com/
What else? Lots of nail polish!
Skin Script Skin Care - http://www.skinscriptrx.com/
I will get Vitamin C/Green Tea serum, Blemish control cleanser, Blemish control toner, hydrating serum...etc.
Their blemish control series contain Glycolic Acid & Salicylic Acid & Tee Tree Oil. They are the best agents to kill blemish!

If you are interested in getting any of the products above, please send me an email or comment here. I will ask mom to get them for us. Let me know soon. The expo is ttaking place in his coming week


QB　

The 101 blog posting - all about eyes

This is the 101 blog posting at Beauty and the Bee..

Thank you for staying with me through the past year or so and read 100 of my sharing.

On the 101 posting, I want to recommend a product: ALL ABOUT EYES.

How we look is ALL ABOUT EYES. Eyes can give away your age, your mood and how much effort you spent in taking care of yourself.

In the past, I recommended Jurlique's anti-aging eye cream. I still believe that is one of the best eye creams that I have ever used. However, recently, I got my hands on a sample size Clinique All About Eyes. It is amazing!

The first 2-3 days, I didn't really see the results right away. After first week, I noticed the skin around my eyes are tightened and my dark circle faded.  Then I got excited and started to use a little more than before, the result is obviously better in the 2nd week. I also massaged the cream in when I applied it, which probably helped the cream to get absorbed a little better too.

I highly recommended this product. I am definitely getting another bottle when my sample/ travel size one is out.

Enjoy my QBs..

Happy 101 postings at BATB!

Updates on What I Want -

I made some recent updates on what I want list on the left hand panel.

My new list includes:

Dr. Sebagh Pure Vitamin C Powder Cream -

This cream can correct your skin tone, lighten up your skin; hence it can make your skin look yonger and brighter.

Guerlain Perfect White  -  this is another product that can brighten skin, and reduce marks or darker tone of the skin. Return your skin to it youthful color. 

Paul and Joe Foundation primer - It's a protective Foundation Primer. It smoothes and hydrates the skin while preventing damage caused by UV rays.  Paul and Joe's beauty products became really popular in Japan. I see them in the same category with Jill Stuart and Anna Sui. Good quality products with princessy packaging. Products always smell pretty and perfect for creating a doll look that Aisans love. But this foundation primer is good to create a flawless skin and preventing sun damage. So, it's on my wish list for my next shopping trip. 

Charlotte Russe denim sales

Express Sales

$30 off $75 or $15 off $30. 

time to shop everyone!

my summer skin care routine

Here is one of my skin care routines in the summer when I feel my skin is dirty or oily:

1. Facial Scrub - I am using Fresh brown sugar facial polish

Leave it on for 8 - 10 minutes, then gently wash it off while massaging the face ( very gently, as if you are massaging tomatoes. --- I am serious!)

2. Spray toner  - I am using Kiehl's Ultra Facial Toner

3. Apply deep Cleansing Mask - I am using Borghese mud mask

You don't need a lot. It's quite expensive. So, as long as you have your face fully covered, you are good.
Wash it off when it's almost dry (before it is completely dry). Mud mask is especially good in the summer because they can clean the pores better than any other types of mask. ) Use the sponge that comes with the mask to wash the half dried mask off.

4. Apply serum.

I like the Janssen Skin Excel. It's for professional use. I have my sources...  ^_^ I only apply half of the tube at this step. I save the other half for the last step.

I am using the lifting effect packet now.  They offer many different serums for many different effect. When I travel, I like to use repairing ones I used to use this serum once a week the most. But, recently I am doing a "boot camp" to rejuvenate my skin, so I am using it twice a week.

5. Apply nutrition boosting masks - 

I use the collagen rubber mask now for the last step. This is also a professional product. It's a bit hassle to use as you have to mix the mask yourself before applying. But, I promise the result is definitely worth the effort!

You only need 2-3 scoops

add water ( 1 - 1) and mix it well

Apply on your face. Wait for 10- 15 minutes until the mask is completely dried and hardened. Then you can pell it off. Let me show you my "product"  ^_^

COOL EH?

6. Finally apply the other half of the serum in the tube. And don't forget eye cream.

Then, I AM DONE!

I usually do this once a week. But, if needed, you can do it every 2-3 days in the summer!

What is beauty?

Normally, I only write about outer beauty. But, i truly believe that to be beautiful, only looking beautiful is not enough. Being beautiful is a religion, you have first believe in it. The practice being a beauty from within is the key to the religion. Out appearance is a reflection of who we are. Look like a doll, act like a beast, won't make you a beauty.  

Believe that you are beautiful no matter if you have the right make-up on or not.

Believe that you are beautiful no matter if you have the right jeans on or not.

Believe that you are beautiful no matter you are size 10 or size 0.

Believe that you are beautiful because you can love yourself, your friends and family, and then everyone else that touches your life.

Believe that you can be a beautiful person inside out. Love will find its way into your open and kind heart. Angels are not the Victoria Secret models with wings. Angels are the middle-age size 14 lady working in soup kitchen handing food to the needs. 

In this society, we are constantly brain washed by the sex and materialism. The true beauty won't let the truth meaning of beauty become only skin deep.

Love you all my QBs..

Professional use mask

The best part of having a professional beautician at home is that I have access to products only accessible to professionals and not available on the market.

So, this is an example. After the skin excels, this product is my next favor: Collagen mask. It's powder form. You will have to mix it yourself with water before applying. After 15 - 20 mins, it will harden.

It is like a mini face lift. Very amazing. It is only available at beauty shop that only licensed beautician can shop at. My mom is my supplier of course.  They go for $85 for the large jar, but it is worth every penny of it.

If anyone likes to try, let me know. I have a whole jar here at home. If you want to get more after trying, I will have to charge you for it. LOL So, act fast!

Tarte

Tarte is a brand promises natural ingredients and vitamin-infused products. I must say after using several of their product, I do think the do have high quality standard for their product. 


From eye shadows to lipsticks, you can definitely tell the difference between their products and others. A friend of mine who does wedding make-up in the city recommended the brand as it is reliable especially on the big days!


Recently I came across their new product: Tarte EmphasEYEs eyeliner pencil. This product is interesting. It has very thin tip (thin pencil), so for those QBs who is not used to using eyeliner, this is a great beginner product. Also, many girls with single eyelid likes to draw their liner inside the lashes' roots or on waterline. This product can help you easily apply liner in those area,


It's also a great tool for smoky eyes. As it is so thin, you can gradually thickening the eye line and easily control how you want to shape your eye with the liner. 


Give a try, you won't regret it.

This is the eye shadow palette recommended to me by a make-up artist friend.

I am back~

I know I have been MIA for a few weeks. Between moving and jewelry show, I was completely swamped. I am back and I have lots of stuff to share now~ Stay tune QBs!!

Lips

How to get that sexy nude lips you see on the poster?

For those of us have uneven color on our lips, it is a little harder to create nude lip without proper technique . It's very common to have uneven color lip, which means your lip color is darker around your lip line, but lighter on your lips. I actually have he typical uneven color lips.

Lip Care -

Lip care is important. First, you must remember to scrub it in your facial routine. Don't avoid your lips when you apply your scrubs or facial masks.

Here are a few good lip balm I recommend:

 1. Aveeno Lip Balm with SPF 15 - Very moisturizing and doesn't have any smell or taste. Long lasting.

2. Keihl's lip balm - Super moisturizing, perfect for winter

3. Fresh lip Balm -  SPF 15 and the Rose tinted lip balm - I recommended these 2 in another blog post earlier this year. I always have them in my purse. Highly recommended

Make-up - Creating Nude lip with lip liner and lip sticks (gloss)

1. Pick up a good lip liner - 

In order to cover up the darker color around your lip, a good lip liner is key to do the trick

Sephora's lip liner collection are easy to apply and longer lasting. You can choose the following color:

04 Candid Candy or  05 Native Nude (The picture is not the color I recommended, make sure you pick up the right color)

Draw the lip liner first before putting on lip stick/ gloss, you can easily blend the lip liner color into the lips, so you faded the lines. Visible lip line is a big NO-NO.

2. Pick a good lip stick for the nude lip color

High Tea lipstick is a sheer, lightly pinked nude shade, Myth lipstick is a satiny smooth, fleshy beige shade, and Honeylove lipstick pink-nude lip

Blankety lipstick (creamy), Hug Me lipstick ( a little pink) and Creme d’Nude lipstick ( creamy, beigey-nude, warmer color)

3. Lip Gloss - 

You have to go easy on the lip gloss. Clear or nude color is recommended.

I love Bobbi Brown make-up. She really knows how to create high quality products. Their lip gloss is smooth, thick and creamy. You can try Nude, Beige, or Pink Beige. They are all good colors.

Burt's Bee's lip products are amazing. Actually, I really love their lip balm too. So, back to the lip gloss. Burt's bee's lip gloss has a little shimmer. I personally don't use a lot of shimmer on my lips. But, if this is going to be evening look or going out look, you can try this shimmer lip gloss. You nude lips will catch some eyes. :)

Enjoy your nude lips~