My Ideal Summer Look

The other day, I spotted this post on Justine's blog featuring a gorgeous, sunkissed summer look.  As soon as I saw it, I knew I had to try and replicate it. 

Now I've never been so good at replicating makeup looks, and one of the hardest parts for me is the eyes. I'm sure you can tell that I'm Asian, and as hard as I try, I just can't make my eyes look like the model in the photo below. I know some fake lashes and liner would help in that department, but I've learned that my eyes will never look anything like that without a ton of effort and more makeup than I would normally wear. Plus, I love my eyes the way they are. ;)

So, my talented friends, what would you recommend to make this look more like the photo? I know I need more eyeliner, and for the darker eyeshadow to go up higher on my lid. Perhaps I need a more intense contour too, though I'm not sure I own anything more impactful. Thoughts? I'd love to know your suggestions and improve this look!  

June Favorites

This is perhaps a bit late, but I didn't want to skip out on sharing my June favorites. There are a few wonderful products that I just HAVE to show you!  

I've totally fallen for the African Botanics Intense Skin Repair Body Balm, which is a serious scar healing wonder. I have a few makeup favorites that are quickly becoming staple items, as well as the ever so luxurious Shiseido Facial Cotton which I've just reviewed. Last but not least, two masks have been a great comfort to my sometimes unhappy skin. 

Watch the video, and do let me know what you think! What are your favorites lately? I'd love to know!  

Here are my June favorites! Click for more info.

The Bath Duo: Elemental Herbology Detox & Wakaya Perfection Ginger Powder

I love taking baths, and lately I've been reaching for this lovely duo of bathtime remedies.   

A few months back during a wonderful Space NK visit, the SA told me about the Elemental Herbology Detox Botanical Bathing Infusion. I'm generally a pretty congested person, so when she told me that this stuff really helps to drain any congestion she has, I was sold. 

Minty and herbal, this is a nice oil that is definitely comforting in the bath. When I think of clearing up my congestion, I think of Vicks Vapor Rub, and this is definitely a much subtler, quite pleasant alternative. Pour a few capfuls into the bath and it will definitely clear your head and give you a little moisture too. :) 

Another Space NK pick is the Wakaya Perfection Organic Ginger Powder, an interesting item I spotted in the wellness section online a few months back. 

Here are the key benefits of ginger according to the Space NK site:  

• Relieves cold and flu symptoms / Helps ease respiratory
• Reduces muscle and arthritic pain
• Aids with Digestion and acts as a cleanser
• Enhances Metabolism
• Eases migraine pain
• Reduces inflammation
• Eases Nausea (Pre-natal, Travel/Jet-Lag/Motion Sickness, Chemotherapy or post surgery nausea

All of those properties of ginger sounded great to me, and I am definitely in need of most of those things. I added this cleverly packaged ginger product to my cart to spend enough for a promo and I'm so glad I did. This is great in my tea or in my bath - and often, both at the same time!  It helps me feel a bit less congested in tea, and it just adds to the wonderful aroma of my bath. I haven't used it consistently enough to say if it has helped with any of the other claims, but I sure believe it could! 

So all in all, I am pretty pleased with these two relatively affordable items from Space Nk. What do you think? Have you, or will you, try these two products?  

Elemental Herbology Detox Botanical Infusion retails for $29 and can be purchased at Space NK and locations within Bloomingdales, beautybar.com. Wakaya Perfection Ginger Powder retails for $24 and can be purchased at Space NK.  (Affiliate Links)

Dive into Summer with Lush Sea Spray

I spent quite a bit of time in April playing around with hair products after my hair cut, and one of the things that I was really looking for was texture. On the quest to add some texture to my super-straight, fine hair, I ran into Lush and picked up their Sea Spray Hair Mist and I am definitely glad I did! 

What really tempted me initally was the promise of a pretty scent. Lush describes it as "a gorgeous orange flower, grapefruit, neroli and rosewood blend" and that sounded right up my alley. This scent actually reminds me of Tom Ford Neroli Portofino, which is pretty exciting. I figured since it smelled so good to me, I'd be happy to have it even if it didn't give my hair the beachy texture I was looking for. 

As you may have noticed, my hair is pretty fine and very straight. I've been using Lush Rehab shampoo for the last few months, and that has helped add some texture to this hair style - I find when I use detox shampoos or Lush Cynthia Sylvia Stout, my hair comes out very smooth and fine, which is all great but not what I prefer for this hairstyle. 

Lush Sea Spray adds in that bit of extra texture I prefer, and it also has some hold, so you could use it as a light hairspray. I most often use it in place of dry shampoo, and it really seems to freshen up my hair, though I don't anticipate it would fully absorb oils like your typical dry shampoos do. 

All in all, I love this spray. I've not used other sea sprays though, so I can't offer a comparison. Have you tried Lush Sea Spray? How did you like it? Do you have a favorite texturizing product for hair? I'd love to know! :)