Boscia Self-Defense Vital Antioxidant Moisture SPF 30

Boscia Self-Defense Vital Antioxidant Moisturizer
SPF 30 Broad Spectrum
Active Ingredients: Avobenzone 3%, Octinoxate 7.5%
What it is formulated WITHOUT:
Parabens, Sulfates, and Phthalates

Boscia advertises themselves as a preservative-free, botanically based skincare line. In general, I really like their line. I've tried many of their products and they are all pretty nice with the exception of their price tag. However, certain products such as the Clear Complexion Cleanser is worth it. But back to this moisturizer, which is another item I received from the Sephora Sun Kit. The 0.5 fl oz (15mL) sample looks exactly like the full size tube of 1.4 fl oz except the tip is not a pump. Overall, it absorbs pretty quickly and feels very light. It's definitely good for the summer but I'm not so sure for the dry winters. There is no artificial fragrance, but it does have a slight scent. It's not a floral or refreshing scent, it just smells like what lotions without additional scents should smell like. The full size 1.4 fl oz cost about $36, which is a little more than what I'm readily willing to pay for a daily moisturizing sunscreen.

Links

http://www.sephora.com/self-defense-vital-antioxidant-moisture-spf-30-P377650

http://www.boscia.com/newsite/product_detail.php?cPath=0&products_id=165&category=&dept_id=42

Sephora Age Defy Moisture Cream SPF 15

Sephora Age Defy Moisture Cream
SPF 15
Active Ingredients: Ensulizole, Octinoxate, Octisalate, Octocrylene, Oxybenzone, and Titanium Dioxide
What it is formulated WITHOUT:
Parabens

This is Sephora's own sunscreen that I received as part of the Sephora Sun Kit. It is available as 1 fl oz (30mL) and 1.69 fl oz. The prices are $15 and $30 respectively. However, the larger size is in a tub and not in a tube like the smaller size. For me, tub containers are not ideal. Another con for me is that this not a broad spectrum sunscreen and it protects only against UVB rays. In my previous post about sunscreen, I stressed the importance of broad spectrum sunscreens considering UVA also damages the skin. Other than that, the consistency reminds me of the whipped yogurt from Yoplait® but thicker. The smell is a pleasant, light, floral scent. But overall, this is not going to be my daily moisturizing sunscreen.

Link
http://www.sephora.com/age-defy-moisture-cream-spf-15-P276328?skuId=1259894

Current Obsession: Teacups and Teapots

Inside Out Hearts Tea Cups and Saucers

My current obsession is with teacups and mugs. I find them irresistibly cute, especially these heart-shaped tea cups and heart-shaped saucers. There's also a heart-shaped cream and sugar set, along with a 32oz teapot that comes in various colors. Bed, Bath, & Beyond tends to carry some of the cutest things including these "Inside Out Hearts" sets. And more recently they started carrying some tea pieces designed by Romero Britto. Romero Britto is a renowned pop-artist and his pieces are just amazingly vivid. But back onto about teacups, and how can you not like a peacock teacup set?

Inside Out Hearts Teapot with Cream and Sugar Set

BrittoTM by Giftcraft Apple Tea for One Teapot

Peacock Teacup Set

Yedi Houseware

The whimsical tea sets are fun and all but I do also love the plain classy ones too like the ones from Yedi Houseware. 

I also really like the clear glass teacups. However, the clear teacups only looks good with tea, whereas the others may be also used for coffee. There is the exception of using it for coffee that contains a lot of milk foam like in the top right picture. The double walled glass ones may be the ones I actually get.

But it's not just the actual teacups that I really obsessed with. These cupcake molds in shape of teacups by Fred and Friends are also adorable and on my wish list. I love cute kitchen accessories too.

Products Link

"Inside Out Heart" Cream and Sugar Set 

"Inside Out Heart" Teacups and Saucers Set (amazon)

"Inside Out Heart" Teapot 

BrittoTM Apple Tea for One Teapot

Peacock Teacup Set

Yedi Houseware Assorted Colors Coffee and Tea Set

Clear Teacups (Sun's Tea, Yama Glass, Green House, Bana Tea Co, Teaology, Kamjove)

Fred and Friends Teacupcakes (amazon)

Boston: Japonaise Bakery

Delicious pastries with an Japanese twist. I was first introduced to this yummy place by one of my friends and I fell in love with their Azuki Cream. Just imagine a flaky cream puff with Azuki (red bean) paste inside. They also sell  ice cream mochi, which are little ice cream bon bons wrapped by sticky rice flour. The Ichigo Cream is another favorite of mine only because it contains ichigo (strawberry in Japanese). As for the Melon Pan and the An Pan, they do also taste pretty good. An Pan is a Azuki paste fill bun, while the Melon Pan is just bread that looks like a melon. But these two are no where in comparison to Azuki Cream. But alas I no longer live near Boston. Hopefully, I can find a similar bakery out here in Seattle.

Green mani

I borrowed these polishes from a friend and I honestly don't remember what the exact colors were. One's definitely from Color Club and the other from Revlon. The one from Color Club is mostly likely "Rebel Debutante" or "What a Shock". "Volt of Light" is also possible. Of course it is also possible that the color is not listed on the company's list as they no longer makes the polish anymore. The color name for the Revlon nail polish is a little harder to figure out since I really can't tell from the company website. I think it's either "Minted" or "Eclectic".

Polishes Used

Color Club

Revlon

Chicago: Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe

So I was in Chicago with my fiance for a wedding and he chose Wildberry Cafe for brunch. The wait was hour long which was unexpected for a Friday morning.  On the other hand, it was in a tourist area and it was right across from the Millenium Park. For my breakfast, I choose the signature Berry Bliss pancakes while my fiance chose the Venetian Skillet with cinnimon roll pancakes. The portions were a good size and we both did not finish our meals.

Berry Bliss Pancake

Ole Henriksen Protect the Truth™ SPF 50+ Sunscreen

Ole Henriksen Protect the Truth™
SPF 50+ broad spectrum
Active Ingredients: Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 10%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 2.7%, Oxybenzone 5%,
What it is formulated WITHOUT:
Parabens, Sulfates, Synthetic Fragrances, Synthetic Dyes, Petrochemicals, Phthalates, GMOs, and Triclosan

I got a trial size of 0.5 fl oz (15mL) from the Sephora Sun Kit. It smells similar to the Truth Serum® Vitamin C Collagen Booster, which I am in love with. And I love this brand in general. The good thing about this was that it did not feel grainy or greasy at all.  However, this does not moisturize. It does say in the directions section to put a moisturizer after applying the sunscreen. The full size tube is 1.7 fl. oz. and costing about $35. In the end, this is not for me, and my goal of looking for a daily moisturizer with SPF continues.

Links:

Sephora: http://www.sephora.com/protect-the-truth-vitamin-c-spf-50-sunscreen-P288109
Dermstore: http://www.dermstore.com/product_Protect+the+Truth+SPF+50_32894.htm

Whimsical Blue Mani

Essie Smooth Sailing Polish
LA Colors Nail Deco in white

Josie Maran Argan Daily Moisturizer

Josie Maran Argan Daily Moisturizer

SPF 40+ board spectrum

Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 9.5%, and Zinc Oxide 6%.
What it is formulated WITHOUT:
Parabens, Sulfates, Synthetic Fragrances, Synthetic Dyes, Phthalates, GMOs, and Triclosan

This 0.5 oz glass bottle was included in the Sephora Sun Kit and this is actually my 2nd bottle. I have previously bought a 0.5 oz bottle due to curiosity and since I really liked the Argan Oil. The small bottle costs about $14 if you buy it separately while the jumbo 4 oz bottle has a hefty price tag of $54. Besides the price tag, the first thing I noticed was the scent of the product. I am really not a big fan of the smell. Some people say they like the smell but I find it unpleasant. It wasn't a horribly disgusting smell, it was just a scent I'm not particularly fond of. It is very thin as I apply it on my face, but it also felt kind of grainy. I like how it is natural and formulated without a lot of chemicals. I do like the Argan Oil but not this. So I gave the 2nd bottle to a friend. 

Links:
Sephora mini 0.5 fl.oz.
Sephora jumbo 4 fl.oz.
QVC 2 fl.oz.
Josie Maran Jumbo 4 fl.oz.

Seattle: Theo's Chocolate Factory

Theo's chocolate is the 1st certified Fair Trade and Fair for Life Chocolate Marker in the US. Their one and only factory is located in the Fremont District in Seattle, WA. Their chocolate is delicious. I have gone on their factory tour 3 times (once for myself and the other 2 times for my friends from out of state). And I have visited the factory multiple times just to buy their chocolate. The hour long tours are about $7 and you get to try a good number of chocolates while the tour. A spot can be reserved for the tour by calling them but they do accept walk-ins. However, the weekend tours can are really full and sometimes it is the same thing for the weekday tours. A hair bonnet is provided before entering the factory and also a beard bonnet for those with facial hair. If you have open toe shoes, you are required to purchase foot coverings AKA booties, but they are only a $1. Even if you can't go on the tour, the store does offer samples of most of their chocolates.

Wholefoods actually started carrying their products a few years back. Unfortunately the store does not carry my favorite bar in all stores, the Hazelnut Crunch bar. They are only located in the Wholefood stores in Washington, and I have to stock up every single time. Now only if they can carry their candied nibs too, that would be great.

Boston Area: Konditor Meister

This place is absolutely one of the greatest pastry shop I've ever been too.  I am definitely getting my wedding cake from them. They are located in Braintree, MA and about 20 minutes from the heart of Boston. I really like their mini pastries and so far my favorites are the key lime tart and the strawberry grand marnier squares.  They are about $1.50 each and $15 for a dozen.  They are totally worth it.

From the top left to right:

• Marble Roulade (I'm not really sure of this one) 
• Lemon Roulade (I think) 
• Mini Pecan Tart 

From the bottom left to right:

• Oreo Square 
• Tiramisu Diamond 
• Key Lime Tart
  

More yummies:

Links:

http://www.konditormeister.com/

Pink Porcelain Half-Moon Mani

Products:

Orly Cotton Candy
Orly Pure Porcelain

New York City: Junior's

So I went down to NYC with a bunch of my friends, and one of the places that was a must stop was Junior's in Time Square. We picked up the strawberry cheesecake and it was delicious. I am so glad that my friend introduced me to this, and yet really sad that I can only get this in New York. They do have one store that not in New York, however, that is still quite a trip for me. It's at MGM grand in Foxwoods casinos in Connecticut.  

Links:

http://www.juniorscheesecake.com/

Sunburn

When you think of summer, you think of sunshine, beach, sunscreen and unfortunately sunburns. Everyone has experienced a sunburn once in their life (with exceptions, since there are always exceptions in life). It's painful, uncomfortable, and just really unpleasent. And the worse of all, you don't notice it until after you've been exposed to the sun all day. Technically, a sunburn is "an acute, delayed, and transient inflammatory response of the skin to excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from natural sunlight or artificial sources," (UptoDate 2013) . And both types of the UV radiations (UVA and UVB) can cause sunburn. Now the question is, how to deal with it?

Management of Mild to Moderate Sunburn

There is no such thing as a magic pill or lotion that will make the sunburn heal faster or reverse the damages caused by the UV radiation. The only things you can do is provide relief to the sunburn through cool compresses/soaks, calamine lotion, and/or aloe vera based-gels. Of course there's also a lot of home remedies that people have used for sunburns, such as applying yogurt, oatmeal, and even milk to the skin. I have tried yogurt before, and it worked for a little while. It's a little messy to be covered in this pink purplish gooey stuff (I had only berry yogurt at the time), but it felt nice. In addition, oral nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and indomethacin, can be used for pain and inflammation. People have used topical corticosteroids but it's not recommended since there is little evidence that they work at reducing symptons and healing time of sunburns. But most importantly, make sure to drink lots of water.

Management of Severe Sunburn

If you have a severe sunburn please visit the hospital or an acute care clinic since you may need fluid replacement and intravenous pain medication. Severe symptoms may include but not limited to: extensive blistering, severe pain, and systemic symptoms (such as fever, headache, vomiting, and/or dehydration). If you have blisters, that area should be cleaned with mild soap and water, and then covered with sterile dressing.

Sources

Young AR, and Tewari A. "Sunburn" UptoDate. 1 May 2013

Tarte Sale

Tarte is having a nice sale currently with 30% off everything including sale items.  I picked up 2 Amazonian clay 12-hour blush that were on sale (it's only $12.50 each. How awesome is that considering the retail price is normally $26).  I also picked up some brushes and 2 smolderEYES™ Amazonian clay waterproof eyeliners.  And each item was only $7 due to the 30% off even sale items.  I love Tarte in general but this sale makes it even better.  Who doesn't like to save money.

Links:

http://tartecosmetics.com/
Sale: http://tartecosmetics.com/tarte-shop-cosmetics-sale

Yummy: Tiramisu Cupcakes

Made some tiramisu cupcakes for a bbq and they were a hit.  However, it took forever to make so basically I can only prepare this yummy snack when I have a whole day free.  I posted the recipe link below, but I really do think the recipe can be used for 24 cupcakes and not the 12 cupcake serving as suggested.

Recipe:
http://www.cupcakeproject.com/2010/08/tiramisu-cupcakes.html

Sunscreen

Summer is here so let's start talking about sunscreen. It's a long post but there's a lot of information that needs to be said about sunscreen.

Sunlight, UV radiation, UVA, UVB

While sunlight is important for improving moods and the synthesis of vitamin D in the body, it also causes sunburn, skin cancer and photoaging due to the ultraviolet (UV) radiation. There are 2 types of UV radiation: UVB and UVA. UVB is represents 5% of the UV that reaches the surface of the earth, while UVA represents 95%. UVA is further broken down into categories of short-wavelength (UVA2) and long-wavelength (UVA1). UVB is responsible for sunburn, hyperpigmentation and skin cancer, while UVA causes photoaging, hyperpigmentation and also possible skin cancer. So it is important to have a broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB.

Types of Sunscreen

There are 17 different UV filters that are approved by the FDA in the US, and there are a few more available in other countries. Sunscreens are classified as organic (chemical) and inorganic (physical). Organic sunscreens absorb UV radiation and convert it to heat while inorganic sunscreens reflect and scatter the UV light.

Adapted from UptoDate 2013

Sunscreen Labeling

SPF stands for sun protection factor which measures the protection against UVB but it does not adequately measure the protection of UVA. However, by Dec 2013 all sunscreen manufacturers are required to follow the FDA's new labeling requirements to correct some the current false advertisement about sunscreen. In the not so distant future, sunscreen can only be labeled "broad-spectrum" if it passes the FDA's test for protection against UVA and UVB. You will probably also see very few SPF above 50 since the FDA recommended capping SPF at 50. And all SPF that greater than 50 will be labeled as SPF =50+. The SPF capping is due to the fact that SPF greater than 50 provides very little increase in protection against UV versus SPF 50 (ie. SPF 15 absorbs 93% of UVB radiation, SPF 30 absorbs 97% and SPF 50 absorbs 98%). You will also no longer see the words "sweat-proof" or "water-proof" only "water resistant" and "very water-resistant", since no actual sunscreen is ever "water-proof". And for the sunscreen to be labeled as "water resistant" or "very water-resistant", SPF must be maintained after 40-80 min in the water respectively. So yay for no more false advertisement.

Proper Use

The amount needed to cover the average-sized adult is about 1 ounce (30mL) shot glass. It need to be applied 15-30min before sun exposure and then reapplied at least every 2 hours. All sunscreens must be reapplied after water exposure (swimming) even sunscreens that labeled "water resistant" or "very water-resistant".

Source:

Baron, E. "Selection of sunscreen and sun-protective measures". UptoDate. 17 April 2013.
"Common Myths About Sun Protection". Merck&Co. Inc. 2013 http://www.merck.com/research/common-myths-sun-protection.html

depotting urban decay bamboo palette

Also known as the eco-friendly "Sustainable Shadow Box".  I bought it at Ulta on sale for around $15.  This package contains the bamboo palette with 10 shadows, and a travel size eye-shadow primer.  It swivels opens.  The actual palette is pretty thin and contains 10 shadows, one small eyeshadow brush, and a small mirror.  As you see on the back of the palette, each shadow is 0.56g (0.02 US oz).

Even though it was pretty thin, I decided to depot it into my Z-palette.  I didn't like the swivel effect since it damaged the two eye shadows at the end (you can see a line going down the "Twice Baked" and the "Half Baked" shadows.

At first I was thinking about just ripping the purple paper, but that turned out to be too much of a hassle.  So I did what I did with the Stila palette, and just wedged the shadows out.

So 3 out of 10 damaged, with the worst being the "Twice Baked".  I managed to indent the "YDK" shadow.  As for the "Oil Slick", I didn't feel too bad considering I hardly ever use black eyeshadow.

It fits neatly next to my Stila depots.  And it looks like I can fit a lot more stuff in my Z-palette.

Sephora Sun Safety Kit

Side 1

Side 2

I've been looking for a new daily moisturizer with sunscreen.  I currently use the Olay Complete all day moisturizer with Broad Spectrum SPF 15 for Sensitive Skin and this kit is perfect for trying something new.  I have tried a few of these products in the kit, namely the BareMinerals Mineral Veil, Miracle Skin Transformer, and the Josie Maran Argan Daily Moisturizer.  I'll make a post later about sunscreen and sun safety.

The Sephora Sun Safety Kit: 

- Cosmetic Bag

- 0.03 oz BareMinerals® Original Mineral Veil Broad Spectrum SPF 25
- BareMinerals® Mini Flawless Application Brush (link to full size brush)
- 0.5 oz Boscia® Self-Defense Antioxidant Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30
- 0.3 oz Clarins UV Plus HP Sunscreen Multi-Protection Broad Spectrum SPF 40
- 0.25 oz Dr. Brandt® Signature Flexitone® BB Cream SPF 30
- 1 Towelette Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare™ Alpha Beta® Glow Pad™
- 0.5 oz Josie Maran Cosmetics Argan Daily Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 40
- 0.5 oz Lancôme Bienfait Multi-Vital SPF 30 Cream
- 0.5 oz L'Occitane Immortelle Brightening Hand Care SPF 20
- 0.16 oz Miracle Skin™ Transformer SPF 20

- 0.5 oz Ole Henriksen Protect the Truth SPF 50+
- 0.5 oz Origins A Perfect World™ SPF 25 Age-Defense Moisturizer with White Tea
- 0.5 oz Peter Thomas Roth Clinical Skincare Max Sheer Day Moisture Defense® Lotion SPF 30
- 0.169 oz Sephora Collection Age Defy Moisture Cream SPF 15 Sunscreen
- 0.64 oz Shiseido Ultimate Protection Cream+ Broad Spectrum SPF 50+
- 0.25 oz Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer SPF 20 with Dermaxyl™ Complex
- 1.69 oz St. Tropez One Night Only Instant Glow Body Lotion
- 0.5 oz Tarte Brazilliance Skin Rejuvenating Maracuja Self Tanner
- 0.14 oz Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzing Powder with Real Cocoa 

Zoya GeiGei Mani

Product Used:

Zoya Nail Polish: GeiGei
  as part of the Zang Toi Spring Summer 2013 Collection
http://www.zoya.com/content/38/item/Zoya/Zoya-Nail-Polish-GeiGei-ZP651.html

Yummies: Rainier Cherries

Rainier cherries are so yummy but so expensive.  I don't know about you but I usually see them for about $6 per pound if I am even lucky to see them.  But when I went to Flushing (in Queens, NY) last week I saw them for $3 per pound so obviously I bought 2 lbs.  Unfortunately that amount only lasted about 4 days.  What can I say I eat a lot of fruits.

Round Angled Foundation Brush: Shiseido versus Missha

From their websites, these two brushes look exactly the same except for the price tag.  The Missha one is priced at $17 while the Shiseido is at $30.  However, the Missha website does have the shipping cost of $8.99, which brings the total to $25.98 and only worth it if you want to buy something else from Missha like their highly rated BB creams.  However, Missha does have free shipping for orders over $40.  As for the buying the Shiseido brush, Sephora's free shipping doesn't kick in until over $50 while for Macy's it is over $99. The Shiseido website itself provides free shipping for orders above $50.  So it all depends on what else are you going to buy.

I bought the Missha one first because I wanted to get my free bb cream for my birthday.  I didn't buy the Shiseido brush until just recently when Sephora had their special 15% off.  Hence that's why I have the packaging for the Shiseido brush and not the Missha Brush.  However, the Missha Brush does come in a similar plastic packaging.

According to their respective websites:
Missha: brush: 14~18mm / body: 105mm
Shiseido: 4.5" Long (roughly 114.3mm)

Even though these are the website measurements I still feel like the Missha one is a tad bit longer.

(Yeah, I didn't have a ruler on hand but I did have a measuring tape.  I figured I'd use the cm side considering the measurements were already in metric.  So either the website is completely wrong or my measuring tape is but the brushes look to be around 120mm)

As for the actual brush head, the Missha brush is definitely flatter and has a steeper angle than the Shiseido one.  From the top it looks like the brush heads are the same size.

The Missha directions for applying and tips to clean is located directly on the website.  However, Shiseido only has their directions and brush care on their UK site and not the US site.  On the other hand, the US site does have videos for beauty tips.

Products Mentioned:
Shiseido US: http://www.shiseido.com/foundation-brush/0729238108165,en_US,pd.html&cgid=makeup-face-tools#!
Shiseido UK: http://www.shiseido.co.uk/#/makeup/shiseido-the-makeup/face/perfect-foundation-brush
- Also available at Sephora and Macy's
Missha: http://www.misshaus.com/ctrl.php?page=mainProductDetail&p_code=MSMS1281&ctg=AFA

YSL Rouge Pur Couture Glossy Stain - Spring 2013

Presenting the Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture Vernis À Lèvres Glossy Stain  - Spring 2013 Collection (aka YSL Glossy Stain Spring 2013).  The name is quite a mouthful and I do know it's little late but it's still technically Spring.  No.27 Pêche Cerra-Colla is actually my first YSL Glossy Stain purchase, and I didn't get No.29 Nose Fourreau until recently.  These are only 2 of the 4 for the spring collection.  The others include No.28 Grenat Acrylique and No.30 Mauve Fusain.  However, Sephora only carries No.27 and No.29 for the spring collection but you can get No.28 and No.30 at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and YSL Beauty.  

Doe Shaped Applicator

Swatch:

Links:
YSL Beauty: http://www.yslbeautyus.com/Rouge-Pur-Couture-Vernis-a-Levres-Glossy-Stain/1020YSL,default,pd.html
Sephora: http://www.sephora.com/product/productDetail.jsp?keyword=ysl%20glossy%20stain&skuId=1480771&productId=P304003&_requestid=139190
Nordstrom: http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/yves-saint-laurent-spring-2013-collection-rouge-pur-couture-glossy-stain/3480982?origin=category
Neiman Marcus: http://www.neimanmarcus.com/p/Yves-Saint-Laurent-Glossy-Stain-Eyes-Lips/prod155960046_cat43680746__/?icid=&searchType=EndecaDrivenCat&rte=%252Fcategory.jsp%253FitemId%253Dcat43680746%2526pageSize%253D30%2526No%253D0%2526refinements%253D&eItemId=prod155960046&cmCat=product