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

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

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

vday roundup

valentine's/GALentine's countdown!

in case you are running out of inspo, i rounded up some of my favorite posts from these fab ladies, whom i admire and support. hope you enjoy!

xoxo,
JD

Taylor | www.stopdropandvogue.com

Taylor knows fashion. she follows a lot of designers and writes about it. her whimsical vday shoot is my favorite, featuring balloons, flowers, a huge mirror i wish i had, a lipstick printed flowy dress complete with red cutout booties! she knocked it right out of the park.  

Julianna | www.blushandcamo.com

Julianna always dishes the BEST styling tips! her vday look features a tulle skirt which is one of my favorite things to shoot. such a fun, feminine, flirty piece, and love how she pairs it with a blue lace crop top. absolutely stunning!

Laura | www.styledadventures.com

fashion is all about versatility, so i love how Laura styled this ($30) dress two ways: dressy and casual with a few simple changes. what a flawless transition. in her next valentine's look she is covered in kisses! (literally!!) 

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Kristen | www.suburbanreno.com

i love how Kristen takes the pegged NYE sequin dress into vday (wait til you see the back of it!!) and how she paired it with some chunky heels too! forget red or pink when you are covered in GOLD sequins. she also did another vday post with some sequin pants (use her code "XOSUBURBAN" for 10% off these goodies!). i call her the #sequinqueen. do not try to outdo her.

Jessica | www.fashionablyfitjess.com

Jess is one of my favorite down to earth gals who has the best sense of humor. her posts always have me rolling or slapping my desk. her valentines look is right up my alley, a pleated skirt, blouse, and some mid heel ankle straps. i am in love with her pink handbag with the cutest bow on it!! check out her cute casual vday look.

Jenna | www.visionsofvogue.com

the off shoulder look never gets old, Jenna is rocking this #LBD like nobody's business, and you need to check out her red lace up pumps. Jenna is extremely talented in piecing all her looks together, so be warned when you go to her website and start clicking on things!! i want to raid her closet.

Ela | www.wunderbliss.com

Ela goes for a non-traditional vday look -- a flirty white tulle skirt, burgundy velvet heels (totally unexpected and... swoon) and understated accessories. like me, she knows less is more. and i could never do this but she is totally pulling off those retro white shades too. love Ela, she is one of the best!

Lauren | www.fashionoverfatigue.com

Lauren is also a Texas blogger!! (high five) here she rocks the off should crop top with a floral printed midi skirt that will take you right into spring. blogger minds think alike because i have the same exact top, let's hope i can look just as good as she does! 

Mei | www.blameitonmei.com 

like me, Mei is a skirt fanatic. here she takes the pantone color of the year, rose quartz/pink, pairs it with a matching clutch and tops it off with gold accessories, including those red soled heels! total #shoeenvy

Amanda | www.amandabrezovsky.com

Amanda's vday post is all about a cozy night in with dinner, wine, and sweet treats! now this is up my alley. check out that wine bottle taper holder! her rose printed skirt is perfect for this occasion and needs to make its way to my closet!!

Bailey | www.hotdresshotmess.com

Bailey shows us how to achieve her makeup look in a few simple steps using drugstore makeup. if i could only apply liquid liner like her and by golly, her #browgame is so strong! 

Kait | www.makeminemaroon.com

Kait takes a black lace dress and adds her favorite color maroon to her vday outfit with some pumps and some vampy lips! she's always got the cutest shots and such a smile! also see her other vday post in a Shabby Apple maxi dress. 

Rita | www.styleroundtheclock.com

Rita posted like two instagrams before she revealed her entire look! she is such a natural beauty, i like how she went with a casual look and topped it off with a chunky scarf but still looks so chic.

Ciera | www.worldwidestylista.com

Ciera really worked the vday posts, she gives us ideas of things to do for three types of dates: 1) night in, 2) casual, and 3) romantic. then she created a look for EACH of these. #workitgirl. check out all three looks here. note to self: need a NAMASTAY in bed sweatshirt. 

Lauren | www.stylelixir.com

Lauren shares her vday picks for the gals and guys. basically if you have a man you need to get him that mug #7!!! so hilarious! still can't get over it. LOL. 

www.fitfabfull.com

no vday is complete without DESSERT. wait, this is everyday in my life actually! fit.fab.full always has drool-worthy desserts, honestly, i don't know how she stays so fit sharing these recipes! in her post, she shares a whip cream cheese frosting and chocolate ganache that will go over any cake! (even if it is from a box). 

Michele | www.classicandgray.com

there is no doubt, Michele knows her stuff, and... i think she likes pink. i'm not sure but that is my guess. i hope her boyfriend read her post. lol.

Krista | www.hundredblog.com

Krista posted a MAJOR GUIDE to vday. she covers the day in general, and gives tips on clothes, hair, and makeup. this is her look from last year in this white Phillip Lim dress. this babe has got your back this vday for sure. plus, her writing cracks me up.

 

Anna | www.pepperandlife.com

another his & her gift guide, but Anna's featured a lot of things i haven't seen before, such as that VitaMan, Beard Envy, and loving that manly looking Polaroid Snap (ladies, this is a double gift because YOU CAN USE THIS TOO! win win!! haha!!).

Shell | www.acourageousbeauty.com

Shell put together a unique post where she pieced together outfits for HIM & HER! too cool. and such a great idea, esp if you like to help your man dress up a bit! 

DermStore BeautyFIX subscription box

go ahead, be beautiful! (this is what your BeautyFIX box will be sayin' to ya.)

obviously, the clutch and rings are not included. lol.

one of my gfs introduced me to DermStore (so thanking her!). as a skincare enthusiast/fanatic/obsessor i have nothing but love for this online mecca for all things related to beauty. they carry 500+ brands in some of the most finest dermatology, hair-ology? and cosmetics. to name a few that i love: Anastasia, Clarisonic, Dermalogica, Kevyn Aucoin, Koh Gen Do, MDSolarSciences, SK-II, Skinceuticals.

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recently, they started a subscription box called BeautyFIX! and come on, who doesn't want a "beauty fix" every month?!? #literally. arriving at your doorstep will be a pretty good size box that ranges from full to deluxe travel sizes curated by skin experts. they are brands that DermStore carries, so it is going to be pretty freakin' good. subscriptions also make great gifts (even for yourself! haha!) that literally keeps giving all year long!! take a look at the eight items in the...

January BeautyFIX box:

  1. Danielle Creations chrome mini mirror -- omg, the cutest little travel size double sided mirror that has 4x magnification! perfect for when you travel with your squad and they be hoggin' the bathroom mirror. retails for $14.99 USD.
  2. Peter Thomas Roth acne-clear invisible dots (12 clear dots) -- adhesive patches to be used as a spot treatment for acne and blemishes. contains salicylic acid, tea tree oil, hyaluronic acid (for hydration). 72 clear dots for $32 USD.
  3. June Jacobs papaya purifying enzyme masque (15 mL/0.5 fl. oz.) -- a cream-based mask that smells divine! like i'm sipping on a coconut on a tropical island (oh, wait i'm sitting at my desk. sigh). it has papaya which has exfoliant properties. gosh this full size baby retails for a whopping $60! (4 fl. oz.)
  4. Arcona magic white ice (10 mL/0.33 oz.) -- this AM/PM gel serum moisturizer is supposed to leave skin feeling fresh and glowy. has a very distinct perfume-y smell. 1.17 oz. retails for $42 USD.
  5. Medicell Labs hydrating calming facial mist (30 mL/1 fl. oz., full size) -- misting your face. yep, it's a thing. i bring mists with me when i travel (this is a perfect travel size) and it's great for when you are in places where the air is dry (aka: airplane). contains botanical ingredients to hydrate and refresh. smells like the spa without going to the spa. retails for $13.95 USD #mistyoself
  6. DS Laboratories revita hair stimulating shampoo (100 mL/3.4 oz.) -- this revolutionary shampoo contains ingredients (even caffeine!) to maintain scalp vitality, prevent hair loss, and promote fuller looking hair. 6 oz. retails for $29.99 USD.
  7. Tarina Tarantino pearl glow luminizing primer in pearl (1 fl. oz, full size) -- this is a lightweight illuminating primer that adds that dewy glow to your skin. it reminds me of Burberry's fresh glow. more liquid-y so shake it up before using it. retails for $32 USD. 
  8. Karuna age-defying hand mask (1 hand mask = 2 hands, hope this makes sense) -- forget those face masks! hands need love too, esp considering how much we use them. this is a creamy oil-infused cloth-based mask for both your hands! it's supposed to reduce signs of aging, retain moisture, and revitalize dry skin. the glove even has a secure strap for a custom fit! leave on for 20 mins and you got some glowing hands. 4 hand masks retail for $32 USD. they also make face masks and you can try the entire line here.

the deets:

  • 6+ products (from full to deluxe travel sizes) per box
  • $100+ worth or products per box!!!
  • $12.50 first box for a limited time only!! (new subscribers only) and auto-renews at $24.95 USD per box each month. sign up HERE or click on any BeautyFIX anywhere on this post
  • cancel anytime
  • basically a great way to be introduced to and try new brands
  • can't commit to a subscription but see a box you like? purchase it for that month for $34.95 USD, free shipping

so what are you waiting for? get your BeautyFIX on!,
JD

A post done in collaboration with DermStore.

sephora VIB rouge and VIB sale event -- fall 2015

get your shopping carts ready for the Sephora VIB sale event! 

this is a great way to stock up on items you know you already love and use often, AND, it's also a chance to try those new products that you have been eyeing (or perhaps they are already in your shopping cart?! -- no judgement here!!). instead of repeating any skincare products i can't live without, see these posts here on my skincare routine must haves: 3 makeup items for an everyday look // AM // PM.

who | Sephora
what | 20% off all purchases!
when | VIB rouge (spends $1000 per calendar year): 11/06/15 - 11/09/15; VIB (spends $350 per calendar year):  11/13/15 - 11/16/15
where | sephora.com or in store
use promo code at checkout | VIB Rouge: ROUGE20; VIB: VIB20

sharing a few of my picks with you! some items have sold out already but hopefully it'll come back in stock again or you can search for it using the store locator option. 

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01 | Kevyn Aucoin the sculpting powder in medium -- i'm surprised i haven't wrote about this yet! but it is my FAVORITE contouring powder. there are a dozen out there and for a while i was using a bronzer to do this #whatwasithinking. this is a universal color, not at all muddy, or orange and helps to give you that sculpted effect. think of Adele in her latest video 'Hello.' if you want perfectly chiseled cheekbones, you need this. (in conjunction with the celestial powder). i've had mine for almost two years now and finally seeing a peek of the pan show through! #thefeelingofhittingpan
02 | NARS Steven Klein collaboration one shocking moment cheek palette -- NARS is known for their blushes and they are great blushes to start out with. this palette features four blushes (robotic, blaspemy, luster, and dolce vita), a contour and highlighter duo, and their famous bronzer in laguna. great palette for traveling. 
03 | Burberry wet & dry silk eyeshadow -- this is a great time to pick up ANYTHING Burberry. so let's go with the Burberry eyeshadows. my friend introduced these to me and these are like butter (BUTTAH) in makeup form. i only own three of the old formulation (they were re-formulated them earlier this year) in trench, midnight brown, and pale barley. pale barley is my favorite, what a beautiful neutral brown. the packaging on these are quite exquisite, metal casing and comes with a velvet pouch. now if i only knew how to apply these like the pros. PS -- i've read that people start using these eyeshadows in the top left hand corner. :) 
04 | Koh Gen Do aqua foundation SPF 15 -- a cult favorite in terms of mineral foundation. though it comes in limited shades (use to only be like three!!) these always look amazing on the makeup artists i see wearing them. if i had time for foundation, this is what i would be getting. formulated w/o parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. 
05 | Caolion premium hot & cool pore pack duo -- this is apart of the korean beauty feature at Sephora. i like the concept of this duo mask, "... a steaming mask that opens and deeply cleanses pores, then a cooling mask to tighten and minimize the appearance of pores." so far it has pretty good reviews, i definitely want to pick this up to try it. another k-beauty item i'd like to try is the Too Cool for School egg cream sheet mask, described as "a sheet mask infused with egg white and egg yolk extract to instantly hydrate for a bright and radiant complexion." both are formulated w/o parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. 
06 | Kiesque liquid palisade easy peel polish barrier -- when i saw this i was like WHOA! genius. (for people who can't paint nails... like me.) it's basically a "nail tape" that protects the cuticles from stains during application!! #easilyamused
07 | Anastasia dipbrow pomade (i use this in ebony) -- while i don't draw in my brows (i actually should because one is lighter than the other! #browsnotcreatedequal) all you need is the tiniest amount. the two or three times i've used this i lightly dip it into the pot and have to take some off onto a kleenex (basically wasting product) because it is EXTREMELY pigmented. but talk about #browsonfleek! color and holding power all-in-one. when this came out, it was all the craze. for those who don't want to mess with a separate brush for application, try her bestselling brow wiz in pencil form. 
08 | belif the true cream aqua bomb -- another line from the Korean beauty feature on Sephora. i've seen this on instagram a lot and it seems to do really well. it is described as, "gel-cream that 'floods' the skin with a rush of refreshing hydration and minimizes the appearance of pores for soft, smooth, supple skin for normal to combination skin types, including oily skin, and dry skin types looking for a lightweight moisturizer." it also comes in a smaller size and formulated w/o parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. 

what did you HAUL?!