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

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

fall skincare

it’s time for a #beautytalk!

i thought it would be good for me to go back to my roots on a beauty/skincare post so i’m here to prep your beautiful skin up for fall! as the temps drop, my combo skin (oily t-zone, dry-ish cheeks) tends to get more dry and some HH (hardcore hydration, i mean happy hours too) is needed! just as you change your clothes for the seasons, do the same with your skincare. different seasons require different types of clothing, just as skincare.

repeat after me: moisturize. moisturize. moisturize. to sum this post up in a few words, some key ingredients you can add to your fall skincare routine include: hyaluronic acid, lipids, retinols, and oils. but if you’re a nerd like me and need more explanations/ramblings since you want to up your skincare game, more after the jump!

side ramblings: it’s been hard trying to navigate social life again after half a year of hibernation. but hey, baby steps right? i’m trying to manage my anxiety better and get out there again. safely of course! i never thought that something that came so naturally to me would be difficult. i watched Work It this past weekend, super cute highschool dance team movie and i’m loving the upbeat happy soundtrack! linked one song below :)

currently on my playlist: let me move you by Sabrina Carpenter

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hylauronic acid //

hyaluronic acid is a sugar naturally found in our skin that holds water and keeps it hydrated. as we age, HA gradually decreases (gotta love aging!). applying HA can help draw/hold water to make your skin look more plump & hydrated. this is essential during the fall months when we’re subjected to heaters and wind that dry out our skin. the two serums i interchange are:

  1. Dr. Barbara Sturm hyaluronic serum — this has a hefty price tag associated with it and for the price point, i was expecting life changing results. that did not happen as i near the end of the bottle. i won’t be purchasing it again solely based on price point. but hey, if you’ve got money to blow, by all means give it a go! it is a non-fragranced clear serum in a dropper bottle.

  2. SkinCeuticals hyaluronic acid (H.A.) intensifier — this a light opaque muted reddish color (nothing scary looking) in a dropper bottle.

i tend to go through anything with HA pretty quickly. i think it is because of the serum consistency and i think my skin “eats it up” so i use a lot of it. but it’s also important to note that these are also light enough to use year-around.

heavy moisturizer //

note: heavy doesn’t always mean greasy. greasy isn’t my style.

  1. SkinCeuticals triple lipid restore 2:4:2 — gosh, i LOVE this stuff. this thing REALLY works. i cannot go any fall season without it. you can feel it seep into your skin and it feels heavy-good without the greasy-ness. if there is one thing you are thinking of purchasing from this post, let this be it! it’s my BFF in the fall months and random patches of dryness that pop up during the year. i use this in the AM and it is a non-fragranced white cream consistency in a jar.

  2. TATCHA dewy cream c/o — the dewy line is my favorite from the TATCHA line. TATCHA was one of my first brands into skincare and they still hold my heart! it isn’t as “thick” as the SkinCeuticals triple lipid but this one feels light enough to use year round and is a lightly fragranced light purple cream consistency in a jar.

retinol (plant-based) //

retinol is something i’ve always been on the fence about. my skin is pretty dang sensitive so anything harsh i usually stray away from. retinol is for anti-aging. it’s supposed to help reduce lines and wrinkles by increasing our collagen production (also, did i mention that also decrease as we age? haha). plant-based retinol started popping up in the past year or so and in my research i found that this naturally derived version is better for sensitive skin. so it was time, plus i’m not getting any younger! they usually recommend using retinol products during the winter when you are less exposed to the sun as retinol is active and can make your skin more “photo-sensitive.” i only use retinol at night.

  1. BIOSSANCE squalane + phyto-retinol serum (not pictured) — this is a light pink/salmon cream in a glass pump bottle. it has a slight fragrance to it but dissipates pretty quickly.

  2. Drunken Elephant a-passioni retinol cream (not pictured) — haven’t tried this one so it’s an honorable mention & DE products are usually on point.

oil //

if you’re hesitant to put oil on your face, trust me when i say i feel you. WHY would anyone want to put oil on their face? but fear not my friend. oils are/will become your BFF, esp in the fall. i use oils only at night and as the LAST STEP of my routine. oil will always be your last step to seal everything in.

  1. Drunken Elephant virgin marula luxury facial oil — this absorbs really well and is a non-fragranced clear-ish oil in a dropper bottle.

  2. BIOSSANCE squalane oil (not pictured) — i purchased this recently and i’m a pretty big fan of this brand. their main focus is on one ingredient: squalane. squalane is another element that we naturally produce but as we age, it decreases. it also helps retain moisture. i really like BIOSSANCE because of how green the products are and the price point is pretty affordable. can’t wait to try this one! it is a non-fragranced clear oil in a pump dispenser bottle.

misc & optional //

  1. TATCHA dewy mist c/o — because why the heck not?! mists are great when you need a little pick me up, esp after a plane ride (what are those anymore btw?) or when you’re feeling extra bougie.

hope y’all enjoyed this skincare edit!,
JD

top 6 skincare masks

HELLOOOOOOOO youtube world!

y'all, this is SUCH A FEAT!!! over sunday brunch, my foodie friend @wanderlustanita and i were discussing the youtube world, and what i wanted my first video to be like... she told me, "better done than perfect!" at this point... SO TRUE. i tried my best on this one and for some self taught editing... not bad janna doan (yes, i talk to myself in third person occasionally). i have many things to work on ("UHMMM." yes, i know, i say it a lot, it's very annoying, i'm trying to quit that!) and ideas already brewing in my mind that i can't wait to execute down the line. i am really excited to introduce this new facet of jannadoan.com; think of it as me coming to life from still images?! maybe you should be scared. haha, either way i hope that you will follow me on this (rocky) journey. 

this is long overdue and i am proud of this video because it was NOT EASY. diving into the unknown, teaching myself videography, and Adobe premiere editing/formatting (thank goodness for google and youtube tutorials), still images, music, formats etc...! can you believe this is only the beginning?! i’m just scratching the surface. i will say, it is pretty awkward sitting in a room by yourself talking to a camera. just sayin'. i hope to one day look back and see how far i’ve come. it’s all about starting somewhere and making progress, am i right?!

skincare masks are my BFF. they should be yours too! i’m an avid person when it comes to masks. i do them on the REGULAR, the same day each week, guaranteed. also it’s a great way for you to treat/pamper yourself after a long day or even if you have a girls night in! if you find yourself always forgetting to do them, put it on your calendar, set reminders, MAKE TIME until it becomes a habit! remember, good skin doesn’t happen overnight. it takes years of consistency and finding a routine that works for you. so start now with some masks! in all my photos and now video, i do NOT wear ANY FOUNDATION (ain’t nobody got time for that). not bragging (because trust me my skin is nowhere near perfect), but merely stating that this is a huge testament in what consistency, taking care and investing in your skin will do for YOU (and maybe a good ring light too, lol). 

view my FIRST YOUTUBE video after the jump! xx

signing off and celebrating this thing i call and look forward to most in life #thelittlevictory.

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product mentions // 

1 | Skinceuticals clarifying clay masque -- $52 for 2.4 oz
2 | Target Up & Up aspirin -- $3.79 for 500 tablets = CHEAP!!
3 | Skinceuticals B5 hydrating masque -- $54 for 2.5 oz
4 c/o | TATCHA violet-c radiance mask -- $68 for 1.7 oz   
5 | SK-II facial treatment mask -- $17 each or six for $95 or ten for $135
6 c/o | TATCHA luminous deep hydration lifting mask -- $95 for four masks
c/o | TATCHA dewy skin mask (mentioned but have not tried it yet) -- $12 each or four for $45

wearables // 

earrings | BaubleBar dancer drop earrings

#cantstopwontstop,
JD

special thanks to @pearlsnapphotography for the knowledge transfer on settings/how to film videos on my camera because that would've taken another four months (shooting photos is so different!). and @wanderlustania (check out her youtube channel) who helped guide me on the music and youtube aesthetics!