the k-beauty edit under $25

time for a #beautytalk!

there’s no denying… i LOVE SKINCARE. my #skincaregoal is to never have to wear foundation. for me, it’s always been about investing in good skincare products so that i can have a decent natural “base” so that wearing foundation would be an option, not something i need. in the last half of 2023 a large amount of korean beauty (k-beauty) made its way into my skincare routine. my skincare regimen is something i look forward to every morning and night. it’s never a chore to me and a form of #selfcare (i hope you think of it that way too!). k-beauty has been the buzz for the last decade (plus) but after my parents came back with goodies from korea and #beautychats with my friend Vilma, @vilmairisblog (you should def check her out!), i added a lot of k-beauty products into my routine. i love them all! i have pretty dang sensitive skin that leans on the dry side with a combo t-zone and none of these products have caused irritation or reactions to my skin.

imo, i think korean women have FLAWLESS skin. they are #skincaregoals and they layer it allllll on - i agree on this method (google: 7 skin method). because hey, you gotta be generous when it comes to skincare. don’t skimp! i always tell my friends, slather it on (and don’t forget your neck)!! most of these are fairly priced tbh and some you can get them on amazon prime in TWO days. i’m now a k-beauty convert. i feel like their products aren’t harsh (great for sensitive skin) and mainly fragrance free — if you’ve been following me, you will know i am not into smelly skincare. not sure if i’ll ever achieve that coined “glass skin” (google it), but i think every layer helps!

the best part. everything is budget-friendly; under $25! sometimes, skincare can get pricey. but it doesn’t have to be and here is a great round up for those looking to venture down the k-beauty journey without breaking the bank! all listed plus a couple others not pictured after the jump 😄

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Glow Recipe watermelon glow niacinamide dew drops serum [$20] — if you’re looking for dewy. this IS IT RIGHT HERE. and not only does it give you that dewy look, it SMELLS SO GOOD. i’m not a huge fan of scents when it comes to skincare but for this i’ll make an exception because it smells like watermelon!! perfect for summertime 🍉 the main ingredient in this is niacinamide which helps reduce hyperpigmentation.

COSRX snail mucin 96% repairing essence [around $15] — this is #tiktokviral and i was a little hesitant to try it. it just sounds… idk. gross?? 🐌 but seeing the 60K reviews on amazon and the fact that is less than $15, why not give it a try? i’m glad i did. i didn’t see astounding results like everyone else but it’s so light and hydrating i’m going to continue using it twice a day. i thought it would be sticky but it isn’t! snail mucin is supposed to improve skin vitality, dullness, and dehydrated skin. i ended up getting a couple as gifts this year! fragrance free.

CENTELLA hyalu-cica madagascar sun serum SPF50 [around $17] — i’ve heard korean sunscreens are amazing sunscreen. this was one my parents lugged home from their trip to korea. i really like it, no white cast, no chemical smell, no residue, absorbs easily, and it’s also reef-safe. and it’s SPF50!! i ended up ditching my Skinceuticals sunscreen that was my HG. ☀️ my sis actually found this one so ty seester! fragrance free.

Beauty of Joseon glow deep serum + rice alpha arbutin [around $17] — i use this serum to target my dark spots or freckles/hyperpigmentation on my cheeks. it’s super lightweight and i use it in the mornings after all the essences. there are a couple serums and a fun mini pack if you want to try all of them! i use this in the morning after all the essences. fragrance free.

ROUND LAB dokdo cleanser [around $17, not pictured] — i’ve always been really hesitant to use cream foaming cleansers. looking at you noxema from wayyyy back in the day. i feel like foam/cream cleansers really dry out your skin. but i read such great review on this one that i decided to give it a try. glad i did since it doesn’t dry my skin and in fact i think it moisturizes it pretty nicely too! fragrance-free. i also picked up their birch juice moisturizing cream to try too!

I’m From Rice toner [around $22, not pictured] — i’ve read and seen results from women who use rice water on their face. yes, water that is typically thrown out when clean the rice! this is smart because apparently that rice water is rich in nutrients. so while on this k-beauty kick, i picked up this toner. while it’s called a toner, i use it as an essence. it’s milky and it leaves my skin feeling SO. SOFT. fragrance free. note: shake before each use.

Dr. Ceuracle kombucha cream essence [around $25, not pictured] — package wise, this is my favorite. why? because it’s in a really nice matte glass bottle, and it separates so you have to shake it before using it. and idk, that’s fun to me so there you have it. it contains kombucha tea with a lot of prebiotics (helps with redness) and vitamin b. fragrance free.

bring on all the k-beauty!,
JD

travel diary -- french pharmacies

it’s time for a #beautytalk — but a Parisian version!

what better way to start the new year with one of my favorite topics? SKINCARE! and hey, any chance to re-live the Europe trip right? french pharmacies are on almost every corner in France noted by a green cross. it was something i was really looking forward to since pharmacies in France are actually stocked with skincare in various price ranges. so not what you would typically think. in these pharmacies you’ll find crammed aisle after aisle of beauty products along with typical homeopathic medicines as well. let’s just say, as a skincare addict, i could spend hours looking at every product, -ooohing and ahhingg. unfortunately, they would probably kick me out and i didn’t have the luxury of time on my side. so i had to find the “must-have” products to lug home with me (in my non-existent check in luggage) = PP (poor planning).

in some quick google searches i made a list of a couple of things to look for. while you can buy pretty much anything online these days, you’ll be paying a premium here in the states. and hey i was in Paris so what the heck. tips & list of items i purchased after the jump.

side ramblings: it’s hard to believe that we’re in 2023 already. i started off this year with a new annual tradition of going to the crystal store for some healing stones. it’s always a fun trip and i learn more each time && even if you’re not super spiritual, the stones always make great decor pieces! with an intentional year ahead, i created/decorated a memory box and plan to putting random things in it that are associated with a milestone or memory (ex: a receipt to a memorable meal, hotel key to a place i traveled to). it’ll be a good exercise to reflect on at the end of 2023. i also plan on creating a vision board in canva, and maybe a list of INs and OUTs. i’m not really a big new year kinda person. but idk, this one feels different and it can’t hurt to be more intentional and vision-focused. i wish you health and happiness in 2023!

currently on my playlist: vienna by Gretta Ray

oui oui to all the [Paris] skincare goodies!

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tips //

  • take screenshots of the actual products you’re looking for. it’ll be easier when you’re asking for help locating something particular — also helps you get in and out faster because they can get crowded depending on location.

  • if you see something go ahead and purchase it then vs. waiting because you might not see it again. all pharmacies stock very different brands & items.

  • if someone asks you if you need help, take it! the associates are supposed to be very knowledgeable but unfortunately i was on such a time crunch each time so didn’t get to do this 😐

  • some items are located behind the counter, so these are where the screenshots come in handy!

  • if you’re out of luggage space (also needs to be a check in for most items) go with beauty products you can’t readily get in the states. i put an * on the ones that you can’t really find here in the USA.

  • and as always, before you use a new product, test it on a small part of your skin before going full-on!! everyone’s skin is different and reacts to different things!

the conversion from USD to EUR was almost 1.00 when i was there AND it makes it easy to calculate the “cost-savings” below. so really it depends on the product. sometimes the cost-savings isn’t that much for you to lug home, esp if you can find it in the states. but sometimes the cost-savings is half price… which then… you just gotta get it! gotta prioritize on the skincare haul 😄

le list //

01. Biologique Recherche P50W lotion* — $138.00 USD // 62.00 EUR

this is supposed to be a very iconic Parisian brand. known for their P50 lotion, a lotion that is supposed to exfoliate, mattify, and purify your skin. i’ve never heard of tried it. in fact, i couldn’t find it at a french pharamacie but ended up finding it in Le Bon Marche (department store). i purchased the P50W for sensitive skin, the regular/original version is P50. i also heard this stuff smells slightly funky so that’ll be interesting.

02. Biafane* — ?? can’t find this on Amazon // guessing 9.00 EUR

this is a moisturizer in a metal tube used for post-chemical peel, sunburns, and general dryness. it’s almost an all-in-one cream equivalent of Aquaphor that’s been around since the 70s.

03. Embryolisse lait-creme concentre — $29.00 USD // 13.99 EUR

also another moisturizer for all-skin types. i read that a lot of make-up artists use this cream. it’s another one of those multi-tasking products: moisturizer, makeup primer, makeup remover, moisturizing mask.

04. Homeoplasmine* — $16.99 USD // guessing 7.00 EUR

this is an ointment that is supposed to help with skin irritations such as when you blow your nose too much. it’s also used on dry lips. basically the equivalent to vaseline in a metal tube. apparently people use it to tame their brows too!

05. Filorga time filler eyes — $59.00 USD // guessing 45.00 EUR

i picked this up specifically for the puffy eyes target. i feel like my under eyes have gotten puffier over the years so we’ll see if this stuff works! pretty clunky packaging for eye cream IMO though.

06. Caudalie resveratrol-lift serum — $84.00 USD // 44.90 EUR

Caudalie was my first brand intro to premium skincare when i was in my early twenties. it started with the SOS serum (sadly, they no longer make this). Caudalie makes some amazing products so this was the chance to try them for more age-related skincare concerns such as the resveratol-life serum. you can also purchase it as a set to try here!

07. Caudalie premier cru serum — $139.00 USD // 79.90 EUR

i’ve tried samples of the caudalie premier line and it’s NICE. so this was the perfect opportunity to bring a bottle of the premier cru home with me at HALF the price!

08. VICHY mineral 89 daily booster serum — $32.99 USD// 17.99 EUR

this is a pretty mainstream brand you can find at Target (let’s give it up for Target who has come a longgg way in beauty/skincare brands). however the price was too good not to lug home to try. apparently there’s an eye serum too that could be a light daytime option!

09. Arnican* — ?? can’t find this on Amazon // guessing 6.00 EUR

arnica is a herb that treats bruises. this is a roll on and pocket size! it’s supposed to cut down the coloration time of bruises due to the anti-inflammatory component. i have used a similar Chinese medicine based one so i believe this stuff really works. great for those that are prone to bruises!

10. Avene eau thermale — $18.00 USD // guessing 10.00 EUR

there are a lot of facial sprays and mists out there. and tbh, facial sprays really aren’t necessary if you’re starting on your skincare journey. you should invest in more solid skincare products than a mist, this one should be last on your list! however, when you’re at a place and misting yourself this one is special since it uses thermal spring water (contains natural minerals) #mistyourself

11. La Roche Posay cicaplast baume B5 — $17.69 USD // 6.99 EUR

this is another multi-purpose cream for dry and irritated skin. fragrance and paraben free. i’ve also been using their gentle hydrating cleanser in the AM (milky side) and love it!

*not readily available in the USA

catch you at the next #beautychat!,
JD

march favorites

a look back at march faves!

i can’t believe we’re in mid-April already! a quarter of 2022 gone. this is my second post of this new series, see first one here. there are some good gems explained in detail so don’t wait another second on clicking the read more button below!

side ramblings: the JD x @J.Crew Spring Styling Event was a success in my books! if you dropped by, thank you! it’s still crazy that i was given this opportunity. i am so grateful - it’s the little victory i needed to keep going. because sometimes, in this arena, it’s easy to get lost and feel as though your content or words aren’t making a difference, or going as far as you want them to, or it’s getting lost in the algorithm. but it just takes that ONE person to see your worth & what you bring to the table. and that ONE person can change the game for you. sounds a lot like relationships and job interviews too! so keep your head up, keep going, keep working, and keep doing you! on another note, here’s my latest contribution to @thesavvylife.co on onigiri!

noteable sales: not sure if this is going to be a permanent section on the blog, but @abercrombie is having a 25% off sale, use code : AFLTK at checkout until 04/12. if you follow me, i’ve been wearing a lot of their clothes!!! here are some summer tops (& others) to get us ready for that 100F weather 😐 but A&F has really stepped up their game the past couple of years. i find myself browsing their site frequently and they have sizing for petites and tall so far! here are some tops i purchased and/or eyeing:

currently on my playlist: every second by Mina Okabe

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01 | Paddywax candle in palo santo suede

this. smells. so. good!!! i purchased this at Austin Gift Co. (BTW, if you haven’t been here it is a mecca! a great place when you’re looking for a gift for someone. they also feature a lot of local small businesses!). it smells so good that i haven’t burned it. i know it’s crazy but everytime i smell it, it makes me so happy. top notes include: african ginger, lemon zest, bergamont, crushed red pepper; base notes: cedar, sandalwood, dark teakwood. there used to be a @paddywax here but unfortunately it closed during the pandemic. i loved the make your own candle class so much! but at least you can still purchase them online.

also avail on amazon // re-packaged in yin & yang // and blue glass // this one looks interesting by Target

02 | lululemon everywhere belt bag in pale blue

so… i actually have two of these now. only when something is really good do i purchase another in a different color. this bag went viral on tiktok so i had to see the hype. during the holidays i was able to snag the sherpa one and i ended up loving it more than i thought i would. it fits my mini wallet, puracy hand sanitizer, keys, and there’s a back zipper pocket that fits my iPhone 12 perfectly for easy access. i usually wear it as a sling bag but it goes great with athleisure and the hands-free is SO NICE.

03 | Peace Out retinol eye stick

i looked at a photo the other day and the lines are becoming more prominent around the eye area. so i took immediate action with this retinol stick. i use an eye treatment twice a day but this one has retinol to target the eye wrinkles and the application is interesting being a stick. i warm is up on my ring finger and then slide it across my lower eyes, then i’ll rub what on my ring finger into the same area. i use retinol moisturizers but i think there needs to be one that can help those areas closer to the eye. this is just for that! so far no breakouts or irritation!

04 | Natrium the glow getter multi-oil body wash

it’s crazy to think how much oils are in my routine. after testing out the Le Labo mandarin shower oil, i was on the hunt for something more budget friendly. i found this brand that i’ve heard good things about in regards to the cleansing balm, but i noticed they had a shower oil && they sell it at target!!! it’s not as thick of an oil as the Le Labo but it will do. i’m not super crazy about the smell, it smells like peaches? but it dissipates quickly and seems to leave my skin more moisturized. i can see it coming super handy in the winter.

05 c/o | True Botanicals renew nourishing cleanser

i’ve been using this for a couple of weeks as a morning cleanser and like it! True Botanicals has very relaxing smells to their all-natural products and this one is no exception. it’s the perfect relaxing way to start the day IMO. it has a milky consistency that feels very hydrating on the skin. again, i love the amber glass packaging — so luxe on the vanity!

until next time!,
JD

the scalp journey

i’m doing it. i’m talking about things that itch. 🤣

i’m calling this my scalp journey because for the past couple of years my scalp was not having it. it’s one of those changes that just happen… with age. gotta love aging! one day you’re young and hip, the next day you’re scrambling to try all scalp products to alleviate the itchiness. thankfully, mine wasn’t severe as others who end up with blood or lesions and such. but it wasn’t normal for me. when you think about it, the scalp is an extension of your face so it really needs to be treated right.

the first thing i did was cut out dry shampoo and anything that would cause product build up. i began to realize that wasn’t necessarily the cause (i use so little) but it was that my scalp was DRY. i’ll link everything i tried along the way but ultimately, it came down to a hair oil which i had zero expectations of working. i actually only tried the brand because i wanted to see the hype… but it actually worked out for me. funny how it works out. more after the jump.

side ramblings: #swsw2022 was FUN! a lot more tame this year since i’m out of the loop on a lot of things but nonetheless, it was great seeing old friends again. life actually felt normal-ish again for once and for that i’m grateful. it’s funny bc it was almost a test of my own covid anxieties to see what situations i’m comfortable with and react in. but it all went well & in fact i made a couple of new friends/connections (my fave part). the past 1.5 weeks have been full of events and whether they are sxsw-related or not, they’re in bullet point format below:

  • @musesumoficecream — the museum of ice cream opened in ATX a while back but i tagged along with PIC @wanderlustanita to check out and it was such a fun night! check out snaps below

  • @oonihq — cutest lil countertop pizza oven that hosted an event inviting all the main pizza players in ATX: @doughboysatx, @sammataro.pizza, @showmepizza, @justinesbrasserie. literally the best pizza party ever. i haven’t tried any until now and they are ALL on my list

  • @trudysdelmar — highly recommend the carrot cake toast sundae

  • @chanel.beauty — pop-up that will be here until 04/24. the space is so beautiful!! i love that they offer classes and one-on-ones

  • @chefaz — apparently chef Andrew Zimmern is a celebrity and guess who got a photo with him? MEEEEE

  • @tindlefoods — plant-based chicken. pretty good for being plant-based

  • @besameatx — checked out the ice cream cookie sandwich collaboration with @getcookierich and @atasteofkoko’s lucky charm ice cream was good!!

  • @doughboysatx — garlic knots are a must but prob not safe on a date

  • @whambambagels — finally got to try @rosensbagelco bagels and they are YUM

  • @spokesmancoffee — pretty good matcha and i’ll be trying their coffee next time

  • @texassushiko — was ok. my friend and i ordered one of each handroll and i only loved the salmon skin

  • @stelmobrewing — bought the brunch beer for my BIL (hefeweizen + cara cara oranges)

two other things before signing off… but one, i picked up my tesla that i’ve wanted for years!!! two, (and i can barely believe i’m typing this)… but i will be working with… (insert drum roll) J.CREW!!!!!! this is a dream come true for me #pinchme. i’ve tried to manifest this collaboration for years and it’s finally here. it’s a brand i’ve wanted to work with ever since i started this site and it’s going to happen! it’s going to be a styling event “Janna Doan x J.Crew Spring Styling Event” featuring their spring line on 04/10. more coming soon, but i feel so lucky and grateful & hope you share this excitement with me 😊

currently on my playlist: pressure by James Vickery ft. SG Lewis

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the bondi boost elixir hair oil — call it liquid gold? is a pre-wash treatment. that means you apply it 15-minutes before showering. it’s time consuming. and the thought of putting oil in my hair seemed daunting but desperate times call for desperate measures. the oil works wonders and i massage a good 3-4 pumps into my scalp. AHHH… finally i can go days with an itch. and have perfected the washing of my hair 2x a week = WHOOO!!! don’t get me started on all the #hairmath that occurs when a woman needs to figure out all activities and when to wash her hair. the oil is thick. i usually concentrate it on the ends as well. the next one i’m trying is JVN complete pre-wash scalp and hair treatment oil to see what the hype is about.

other items i’m currently using //

  • Kevin Murphy scalp.spa scrub — i’ve tried a couple scrubs that are mainly salt-based but didn’t really LOVE any. this one feels good and while it’s a little hard to get out bc the particles are ones that disintegrate, it has helped and use it 1x a week — this will remain in the rotation.

  • Bondi Boost dandruff shampoo — this contains zinc pyrithione and peppermint oils to help soothe the scalp and any flakes. this will remain in the rotation and i use it 1x a week.

  • Bondi Boost HG shampoo — this is a clear shampoo which i wasn’t expecting. lathers nicely so you don’t need a lot. it doesn’t have a scent though FYI.

  • Bondi Boost HG conditioner — cream white but i find this a little hard to rinse out for some reason — feels soapy-ish. a little goes a long way.

  • Virtue smooth shampoo — the Bondi Boost shampoo + conditioner don’t have any fragrance to it. while that can be a good thing as fragrances can be an irritant, it still feels weird not using something with a little smell. so i always mix in a dollop of this. i am also a fan of Kevin Murphy shampoos and interested in the Crown Affair ritual shampoo as well.

  • Bumble & Bumble hairdresser’s invisible oil — i was using @olaplex bonding oil but i’ve heard so many bad things about olaplex and felt i was using a lot of hair with their shampoo + conditioner so immediately stopped using that brand. just check the reddit threads. there’s a new brand i saw that i’ll be purchasing Crown Affair the hair oil (more clean ingredients). i’ve also heard good things about VERB ghost oil too.

  • Mason Pearson popular mixture brush — yes… why yes it is ridiculous to spend $240 on a hair brush. actually the only reason why i purchased this was bc it was on costco for $100 and even then it was a hard pill to swallow. it’s an iconic brush and many people swear by it. as someone who doesn’t brush their hair (like ever) i think it was time to invest to help stimulate the scalp and distribute the oils from the roots to the ends. i read quite a bit on boar bristles and i see the science behind it but i still can’t get over the price tag. here’s a more affordable option by Crown Affair the brush no.1 or the S-Heart-S scalp brush.

  • Oribe serene scalp smoothing leave-on hair treatment — i haven’t used this much but intend on using it as a moisturizer for my scalp. tube looks tiny and Oribe isn’t cheap so…

#hairgame is something i’m constantly trying to work on. i think great hair care comes from the root. it’s good to keep heat damage down, use less products to avoid product build-up, wash your hair with room temp water vs. hot (i’ve also heard that a cold wash at the end helps seal it all in but haven’t gone that far yet), give it the moisture and love it needs (as you would with your face), don’t wash your hair daily, brush the scalp to help stimulate the hair follicles.

past products that did not work //

time to up the hair game!,
JD

january favorites

new series to JDC!

let’s see how long i can keep up with this *new* series. today, we’re looking back at january and rounding up a couple of my favorite items. this is a pretty loose series and the items featured can and will be ANYTHING! i’m always curious about what other influencers and friends love so why not share my own on a regular-post-basis? alright alright alright. here we go!

side ramblings: lately, i’ve struggled with finding an affordable photographer. i thought about quitting this all together but a friend urged me not to. while i don’t mean to be cheap, i have to be cognizant that i actually lose money with each post. the truth is, i’m just not big enough to cover product + outfit + photography costs, let alone do this full-time. but that is okay! i do this because i love it. i love the creative elements that go behind each photo — each one has a story. and i’m okay where i’m at because my lines never get blurred between doing this for fun and depending on it as my sole income. it’s a good place to be and i’m glad you’ve stuck around for this long — thank you! but i am literally a one woman show here. and while it all looks easy, it’s not. i was hoping to get out there again and shoot some fabulous creative content. but i’m going to have to figure it out somehow. i may even get desperate and tripod it. can you imagine?! haha the laughs and stares. it’ll take some courage. but hey, i’m a go getter. i’ll make it happen if i want it bad enough. on another note, i checked out the lunar new year festival hosted by my friends @thepapercraftpantry x @shopkathyphantastic and those ladies did an amazing job putting on an event for all ages while supporting local asian-owned businesses. def check them out! i’m also leaving a list of all the vendors after the jump in case you’d like to browse & #supportlocal.

currently on my playlist: mon soleil by Ashley Park

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01 BIOSSANCE squalane + amino acid gentle cleanser

i love gel cleansers since they seem to be more gentle on sensitive skin. i find them less drying/stripping than foam cleansers even though they don’t lather as much. i purchased this a while back and like the consistency and how gentle it is. what i love about BIOSSANCE is the green-ingredients, the price point (super affordable), and the travel sizes (they aren’t rinky dink ones, they are small packaged beauty products in legit containers and pumps!). this gel cleanser is also avail for purchase at sephora.

02 Bondi Boost elixir hair oil

FINALLY!!!! a product to help soothe my itchy scalp. my gosh. i have tried so. many. products to help relieve the scalp. this was been a problem for me the past two years. one day you’re young and hip, then the next day you wake up to #scalpproblems. it’s greatttt (sarcasm). i’ve tried sachajuan, briogeo, davines, scalp brushes, scrubs, and nothing worked. i knew my itchy scalp problems weren’t from product build up because i rarely use product. it’s because my scalp was SO DRY. the only catch to this product is that it’s a PRE-WASH. yup. you apply it to your scalp and wait 15 minutes. then you shower. sometimes it can take two rinses to get it out. but now i feel relief and can go a couple more nights without having to wash my hair = TOTAL WIN. #aintnobodygottime. it goes perfectly with the Bondi Boost dandruff repair shampoo.

03 c/o True Botanicals renew pure radiance oil

face oils have been one of my favorite new-ish type of beauty product the past couple of years. thank goodness i got over the fear of oil-based products. True Botanicals is a #cleanbeauty company and their packing is well thought out — all their products are in amber bottles which means the contents are more stable. plus amber packaging always looks beautiful on the vanity 😍 the oil is orange-y and absorbs very well. i apply it as the last step in my night skincare routine to “seal” everything else in. it is also one of the #1 bestseller (for good reason) and the renew line help combat anti-aging and is for normal to dry skin. also, my friend @herfashionedlife uses this oil and her skin is beautiful! PS — they graciously also sent me the chebula active immunity serum (not sure how i like the smell yet but otherwise works great and non-irritating on my sensitive skin) and the renew nourishing cleanser (next in rotation!). i’m very curious and plan to try more of their products like the eye treatments, facial masks, body & hair care, oh and the lip balm!

04 Quince gold hoops in 14K solid gold

i stumbled upon Quince during a google search and i LOVE THEM. the transparent pricing is so good. they make brands that i thought had transparent pricing look bad lol. Quince is luxury items that are actually affordable; like really. these are 14K gold solid huggies that are perfect for everyday. these look exactly like the ones from Mejuri at $160. i’ve been wearing these quite a bit. and the great thing about 14K solid gold is you can shower with it. it’s meant to last forever and that’s what i’m investing in these days in terms of jewelry. i also purchased a classic cashmere tee and a silk skirt to try and they are 100!! you bet the cashmere cardi and jogger set are in my cart right now 😆

05 Michele 29 mm deco diamond watch in gold and silver

i have wanted a Michele watch for years. this was a little birthday present to myself. i love the different rectangular face with the diamond pave details along with the two-tone and roman numeral details. what’s not to love?! it will be a piece that will remain timeless #punintended. i couldn’t help myself 😁 this watch is also avail for purchase at bloomingdales.

catch y’all next time!,
JD

2022 Lunar New Year Festival Vendor Line-Up

skincare empties

done, finito!

ahh, that exciting feeling of reaching the bottom of a beauty product. i can’t be the only one, right?! there’s just something that’s very satisfying about finishing an entire product from start to finish. like you’ve done something good. and you have — you didn’t waste! so give yourself a pat on the back!

i have so much skincare. it’s a #FWP. when it comes to skincare staples, i always re-stock my favorites when they are on sale so i have at least one ready to-go in my skincare stash. mama doan taught me to be a savvy spender that way #mamadoanproud. surprisingly i finished all of these staples within the last few months and wanted to document them here! i occasionally like to try new skincare items but always venture back to these as you’ll read/see.

side ramblings: not looking forward to a forecast of rainy weather to bring down my mood. how do people live in seattle, IDK. in case you missed it on IG stories, my sis introduced me to @whippedatx — they are taking macarons to a whole new level. the filling is a buttercream consistency. and YA GIRL loves buttercream! most places don’t make it right, it should melt in your mouth, so whipped #nailedit. it’s in cedar park which is HELLA far. but we went twice in two weeks. so you know i’m not playin! last week was about catching up w some old friends/bosses and probably my highlight. i’m always inspired to see how everyone has overcome life’s challenges due to COVID. my boss got into the best shape of her life and introduced me to @LEKfit. i already tried a couple workouts and “investing” into it with a trampoline purchase! it’s been a while since i’ve become obsessed with a work out (remember my journey w @lagreefitness? where i randomly become a certified instructor? somehow i thought i had time to teach haha). LEK fit is what i’ve been looking for — a mix of pilates, ballet, and cardio!! the indoor trampoline/rebounder has me super intrigued because it’s LOW impact so a great option for my old knees. it’ll be a fun way to get some cardio in. i think…😁 looking forward to documenting this fitness journey into LEK fit!

currently on my playlist: levitating by Dua Lipa

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vitamin c serum | Skinceuticals CE ferulic //

  • about me: fave vitamin c. if you’re in your 30s you need to be using vita c — prevents skin aging, fade hyperpigmentation (brightening agent), reduce redness, even out your skintone

  • usage: while initally expensive, this bottle lasts me almost a year with 2-3 drops in the AM. so 50 cents a day when you break it down! and that’s really how you should think of skincare. and when it comes to quality skincare, you DON’T need a lot!

  • pro-tip: light causes your vitamin c to start oxidizing (becomes less stable/active), while i’ve heard this is OK, i store mine in the dark. so keep it in its box but just cut off the side flaps and store it in the dark/cabinet

  • honorable mention: Drunken Elephant c-firma vitamin c day serum (more price friendly & uses clean ingredients)

eye treatment | Skinceuticals AOX eye gel //

  • about me: fave lightweight eye treatment, i also like how it’s packaged so no digging fingers in a jar. i prefer gel consistency for AM and something heavier for PM

  • usage: tiniest dollop in the AM under both eyes

  • pro-tip: use your ring rings aka: softest finger for that delicate under eye skin. lightly dab in vs. smearing back and forth

  • honorable mention: BIOSSANCE squalane + peptide eye gel


facial cleanser | CURE natural aqua gel //

  • about me: mama doan actually introduced this to me. and mama doan is skincare goals. this is also the best selling face cleanser in japan. #saynomore because japanese & korean women have the BEST SKIN.

  • usage: first thing in the AM on DRY skin, you’ll see it exfoliate all the dry/dead cells, it’s kinda gross yet intriguing. i can’t explain it; i won’t.


facial oil | Drunk Elephant virgin marula face oil //

  • about me: have no fear when it comes to oil! facial oils have become so popular the last couple of years. i’m currently trying the BIOSSANCE squalane oil but think i prefer the DE marula oil a smidge more, it seems to absorb into my skin better for some reason.

  • usage: PM only. unless you want to look like a grease pan during the day. i use oils every 2-3 nights in the summer.

  • honorable mention: Go-To Skincare face hero


neck treatment c/o | TATCHA ageless revitalizing neck cream //

  • about me: a heavy duty neck cream bc the neck needs love too. heck, i don’t care, put any kind of moisturizer on it! no one pays attention to the neck so it’s the part that starts sagging and wrinkling first. #theneckneedslovetoo

  • usage: AM and PM; just whenever you remember!!

  • honorable mention: Skinceuticals tripeptide-R neck repair (trying this one out but my skin may not like the retinol in it or is used to it yet)


bracelet c/o | Kendra Scott presleigh cuff bracelet in gold
earrings | Mejuri bold charlotte hoops

i hope you enjoyed this #beautyedit!,
JD

top 4 fragrances

time for a #beautytalk on fragrances!

alright alright alright. even though i haven’t worn these in a while i thought i’d document some of my favorite fragrances! i’ve narrowed these down over the years and like to think i’ve gotten a little more sophisticated in taste (at least my wallet agrees). one thing to note about fragrances is that it differs on everyone. so something may smell completely different on you than it does on me. it may smell a little different on you than it does in the bottle. so it’s always a good thing to TRY it before you buy it. this includes wearing it to see how to dissipates throughout the day. fragrance is personal but i also like to think it elevates any outfit. a lot like fashion, you reach for different fragrances depending on your mood.

i started wearing perfume i think in high school/college? it was in the days that all the guys were wearing Cool Water so… i go way back. my go-to back then was Ralph Lauren romance (classic florals with notes of lily and white florals). gosh i loved that. i ventured into Jo Malone’s wild bluebell (fresh floral with notes of bluebell, white musk, and persimmon) but found it started to smell weird on me or maybe the fragrance was damaged since it’s in a clear bottle and it had been too long? either way, there’s a theme i didn’t expect; i like the smell of florals. over the years i’ve tried so many more that i ended up giving away. i’m not really into strong, overpowering scents and find my nose be sensitive to smells in all beauty products in general. here i’m capturing my top four on my vanity and tips to how to keep perfume from lasting after the jump!

side ramblings: life is a little crazy lately but a lil plant update from this #wannabeplantlady. this weekend alone i added a dwarf zamioculcas zamiifolia (zz zenzi), a pilea peperomioides (money plant), and a philodendron birkin to my collection. apparently the zz and money plant are really hard to kill so there’s hope! i’ve been to only a few nurseries in ATX and so far i really like @thegreatoutdoors the most! i’ve also been looking on etsy/online and here are some cool stores i stumbled upon: @thenewplantco, @theplantchica and @californiatropicals. lastly, on a movie note, Wonder Woman was disappointing — too long & slightly cheesy && to all the boys: always & forever pt.3 releases 02/12!

currently on my playlist: you gotta be by Des’ree

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first, some quick bullet points on how to make fragrances last on you by… PREPPING the skin:

  • exfoliate — get rid of dead skin cells sitting ontop

  • wash — fragrances usually have a body wash, this is a great way to double up

  • moisturize — this is key, make sure you moisturize so that the fragrance has something to “stick to” esp at the wrists where people normally spray (dab with other wrist and then behind ears & down the neck)

  • investing in extrait de parfum vs. eau de parfum vs. eau de toilette (EDT) — language used in high-end brands but basically extrait de parfum has the most conentrated oils which means it usually lasts longer but is also more expensive

the floral family pictured bottom to top:

1. Maison Francis Kurkdjian Paris baccarat rouge 540 //

notes: jasmine, saffron, cedarwood, and amergris
price tag: $300 for 2.4oz
bottom line: unique but a spurge that can only be found at high-end dept stores, but well worth it for any pick-me-up-mood-booster or for special occasions

this is the BOUGIEST of BOUGIE fragrances. the KING of the crop, one-of-a-kind, use-ultra-sparingly kinda fragrance. one of my (you guessed it, bougie) friends was wearing this and i couldn’t help but ASK what it was. i went home, googled it and GASPED. like how could one ever spend that much on perfume?! well i did and i’m obsessed. i put this on whenever i want a mood booster. could be everyday if i was made of money but also great for occasions/a night out. also available in extrait de parfum = long lasting, also the red bottle is #allthehearteyes.

2. PHLUR améline //

notes: rose, pink peppercorn, italian bergamot, patchouli
price tag: $96 for 50ML (which is approx 1.7oz, estimated 6-12 months of wear)
bottom line: clean fragrance that’s affordable and great for everyday wear (and shoot, gotta represent ATX)

i’m so glad that PHLUR reached out to me on IG to collaborate a couple years ago. i LOVE this company. i learned a lot about clean fragrances (none of the bad stuff, hypoallergenic, cruetly-free, vegan, sustainably sourced & packaged with recycled materials) and still in awe of their dedication that goes into creating quality fragrances. not only are they a clean company, they’re local so i’m all for it. i tried all their fragrances and améline stole my heart. this is my everyday go-to. it’s also packaged in an opaque bottle to preserve the fragrance (also the top is magnetic!!). PHLUR taught me that light actually damages it (so that’s why i store my baccarat in its original box). also, the TSA-approved refillable travel vessel makes it super easy to take a long on trips!

3. diptyque l’ombre dans l’eau //

notes: petitgrain, bulgarian rose, blackcurrant leaves & buds, bergamot, mandarin
price tag: $105 for 1.07oz
bottom line: slightly pricey and for special occasions (i’ve actually spotted some diptyque perfumes at costco.com but they go fast)

i was actually lucky to receive this in a goodie bag when i attended the grand opening of diptyque at the Domain a couple years ago. very rare that i’m gifted a perfume (blindly) that i actually end up liking but this made the cut. it smells very similar to my fave candle by them — baies. i usually reach for this on special occasions only.

4. Viktor & Rolf flowerbomb //

notes: cattleya orchid, freesia, rose, jasmine, patchouli, vanilla
price tag: $85 for 1oz.
bottom line: most affordable and readily available everywhere, you can even find it at costco.com too!

this is an honorable mention. i’ve reached for this less and less but it’s still there when i’m feeling SPICY. because.. it smells spicy. it’s a great alternative to the florals as it has a musky scent to it that’s also great for everyday wear.


what’s a couple of your fave fragrances?,
JD