Good For You Makeup- Glo Minerals

In late 2014 I was asked to try Glo Minerals Luxe foundation. I had heard about the brand and knew a little about the company. Being a beauty blogger, I'm asked to try a lot of products, sadly most are not worth mentioning. Glo Minerals really shocked me with their Luxe Foundation and even made it to my Best of 2014 Liquid Foundations round up. You can watch the first impressions review video here. 

Of course after the success of their liquid foundation, I wanted to try more. Glo Minerals offered to send me their Metallic Smokey Eye Kit, Duo Shimmer in Candle, and Blush in Sweet. I then purchased the Concealer, Brow Powder, and Pressed Base myself to really get a feel for the brand. 

First off, Glo Minerals is 100% cruelty free, talc free, and paraben free! This is great news for those that have extremely sensitive skin. For the most part my skin can take a little beating, but for everyday wear, I need to be careful of the ingredients in my makeup. 

You can use: DRESSHAPPY15 for 15% off your entire purchase (MSRP only).

I do not make commission off the discount code or your purchases this was given to my viewers from Glo Minerals.

My favorite product that I have been using is the Dual Shimmer in Candle. Glo Minerals donates proceeds from this product to breast cancer, which makes it even more special.

The shimmer is so gorgeous and makes my whole face glow like an angel. I love the golden shimmer for highlight points, and the pale pink shimmer is beautiful on the inner corner of my eyes.

The highlight is some of the most finely milled powder I've ever touched and the products is ridiculously pigmented. I have to say if you buy anything, buy this highlight duo!

Next up is the Metallic Smokey Eye Kit. This is a beautiful everyday school, work, life kit. The name is a little misleading in my mind. I feel that this is a beautiful wearable everyday eye palette, but the metallic smokey eye name can put those natural eye look seekers off.

The palette is full of my favorites, neutral shades! I thought the shimmer might be too much, but it made for a very youthful glowing look. My only wish is for one matte shade in the quad to add a little more possibility.

The pigmentation is good, again very finely milled, long lasting, and easy to work with. I see college and young working adults loving this quad.

You can wear the base shadow all on it's own with a bit of liner and be good to go. There's a guide to how to wear the shadows, but I find these to be very versatile in wearing alone, all together, or mixing it up.

The next item that blew me away is the blush in sweet. I love what this blush did for my complexion. Sweet is the perfect name because this blush made me look bright, happy, and healthy. The powder if pigmented, bendable, soft, and oh so beautiful. I think anyone with light to medium complexion would love this great everyday blush!

I also tried the Pressed Base in honey light, one of their best sellers and I have to say I love it. It's a great build able coverage powder foundation. You can see me use it as a setting powder in my latest video about Glo Minerals here.

For those who want a quick no fuss face, you can use the very creamy concealer duo and dust the face with the Pressed Base and be good to go. For touchups the compact is great, just be careful not to cake it on throughout the day. If you add too much just mist with a setting spray or fancy water to bring back the luminosity on the skin.

The concealer was quite impressive as well. Smooth, blend able, soft, and didn't crease under my eyes. The coverage is good and I like that it comes with 2 shades.

I also purchased the brow powder and forgot how much I love brow powders! This Spring is going to be all about less is more and natural brows, so powders are a great quick way to tame my sparse brows. It's almost fool proof.

Overall I'm quite impressed with what Glo Minerals has to offer as a cosmetics brand. The foundation are truly unique and perfect for those struggling with sensitive skin. I'm a new fan and will be purchasing more in the future.

Have you tried mineral based makeup? What are some of your favorites?

XOXO
Serein

#BCAStrength Let's Shop & Post For A Cause This October

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Estee Lauder Companies will have their limited edition pink ribbon products where a percentage from the purchase will be donated to fund Breast Cancer education and research.

Look at this adorable pink clutch with all the pink goodies to support BCA

This year is special because...

*** Press Release***

The 2014 BCA Campaign is proud to be moving in a bold new direction as we expand the theme, “Let’s Defeat Breast Cancer. We’re Stronger Together.” with the global call-to-action to “Hear our stories. Share Yours.”

In true “Stronger Together” spirit, many of the highly sought-after, iconic brands of The Estée Lauder Companies are offering Pink Ribbon products or making donations, united in support of The BCA Campaign’s mission to defeat breast cancer through education and medical research. In fact, in honor of The BCA Campaign’s 22^nd anniversary this year, The Estée Lauder Companies will donate $1 toward education and medical research, up to a maximum donation of $22,000, to BCRF for every uplifting message or photo shared on Instagram or Twitter that includes #BCAstrength. 

Watch my video below.

Join me this month in shopping for a cause and sharing your BCA Strength by using the #BCAStrengh when posting on Instagram & Twitter Don't forget to tag me in your post so I can see it!

Here are a list of brands and products that are participating this year from Estee Lauder Companies:

·         AVEDA - Limited-Edition Aveda Hand Relief™ with Shampure™ aroma

·         BOBBI BROWN - Pretty Pink Ribbon Lip Gloss Collection

·         BUMBLE AND BUMBLE - prêt-à-powder with a limited-edition pink cap

·         CLINIQUE - Pink with a Purpose Long Last Lipstick in Power With Pink & Great Skin, Great Cause:    Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+

·         COACH - Poppy Wildflower EDP Spray

·         DARPHIN - Intral Redness Relief Soothing Serum

·         DONNA KARAN COSMETICS - Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Rollerball Duo

·         ESTÉE LAUDER - Evelyn Lauder and Elizabeth Hurley Dream Pink Collection & Evelyn Lauder Dream Compact &Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II & Pink Ribbon Keychain & MODERN MUSE Solid Perfume Compact

·         JO MALONE LONDON - Jo Malone London Red Roses Cologne

·         LAB SERIES SKINCARE FOR MEN - PRO LS All-in-One Face Treatment

·         LA MER - The Hand Treatment

·         ORIGINS - Drink Up™ Hydrating lip balm in Berry Splash

·         SMASHBOX - Be Legendary Lip Gloss in Promise

Clinique was my first department store brand I ever used and they hold a special place in my heart.

Great skin for a great cause!

Share your pink this month!

My mom collects these Estee Lauder solid perfumes what better way to show someone you love them in October.  

What will you be purchasing to help support Breast Cancer Awareness this month? What better excuse to shop, then for a good cause! Don't forget to share via twitter & instagram your #BCAStength and tag me too so I can see all your pictures and tweets! Let's reach $22,000 this year!

XOXO

Serein

Ready For Spring Nail Polish

necklace is from Stella Dot, candle is from nest.

Lately I've felt spring approaching slowly, the days are starting to get longer and the temperature here in L.A. is a balmy 75 degrees on average. My husband and I have even been able to get to our favorite hiking trail before dark. 

In anticipation, I like to lighten up my look with some pastels. The first pick and February favorite that will be live next week on youtube, make sure your subscribed to my channel (shameless plug) is the Zoya polish in Odette. I received the beautiful polish from ipsy. Even my husband loved the color. I found this muted light violet color to be the perfect transition color from winter to spring. The finish is nice and the pigmentation is better than most polishes out there. It's such a lovely classic color that works for both conservative and bold tastes. 

My next go to and even more of a sign that spring is approaching is Essie's Turquoise & Caicos. This is such a pretty turquoise color that reminds me of pools, beaches, and lemonade for whatever reason. I do find that I need 3 coat of this polish to get the pigmentation I want. 

I'm currently wearing this polish as I type out my post. For those that wonder how on earth I can type right after applying polish? Well I have to thank O.P.I.'s Rapid Dry combination pictured above. This stuff really works. Not my favorite top coat, but I use it a lot since i'm impatient and need my nails to be dried as fast as possible.

What is your favorite Spring nail polish? Any colors I should try from the new collections that have come out? Tweet me @sereinwu or leave a comment. Follow me on Instagram @sereinwu.

Chocolate Obsessed

Lately I've found myself a bit obsessed with all the cacao infused products out there on the market. I think it first started when my wonderful husband brought home Skin Food's Cocoa Hand Balm. This hand balm is super rich, incredibly deliciously scented like chocolate, and does wonders for my cracked dry hands. My thoughtful husband bought this for me after overhearing me complain about my dry hands while filming a video for my beauty channel and found himself in Skin Foods asking the ladies what to get me. 

The Body Shop Cocoa Body Butter is so rich and has just a hint of chocolate scent. Always a big fan of The Body Shop Body Butters. 

Of course the famous Too Faced Chocolate Sole Bronzer is in this collection of cocoa infused beauty products. Great matte bronzer, but mine doesn't smell too much like chocolate, maybe it's because it's the smaller trial size?

Then there's the Too Faced Chocolate Bar pallet that I told myself I would not get because the last thing I need is another beautiful eyeshadow pallet, well what did I do? If you watched my last makeup haul, you'd see I got it and realized it smells wonderfully like chocolate! A lovely surprise. 

Plus look at the beautiful colors! I mean really I had to get it. It's infused with actual cocoa.

I had to spread the wealth and decided to give away this Too Faced Candy Bar cellphone case and pallet. You can enter the giveaway here by watching my video and following the rules. 

What do you all think of the trend of cocoa loaded products lately? Am I the only one with this chocolate love? Or is walking around smelling like a giant chocolate bar too weird for you? Let me know. 

Review: Benefit’s new Fake Up Under Eye Concealer

HIGH-RES

I have to admit I was really skeptical when this came out. Usually I’m not a fan of benefit cosmetics concealers or foundations, however I had to give this a try.
Lately my under eye area has been really dry and causing my normal makeup to crease.
So when benefit says this provides hydration without settling into my fine lines all day and conceals dark circles, I gave it a try.
I’ve worn it 3 days now and I have to say I’m pretty impressed. I defiantly notice that my under eye is hydrated and it so far has not slipped off all over my face. I do set my makeup with powder in the morning and touch up in the afternoon again with powder.
I like the cool clear gel surrounding the color part of the product. The packaging is adorable as always from benefit. The coverage is light to medium in my opinion with potential to build up, but I tend to use less under my eyes for fear of creasing and caking,
Over all the product seems to do what it claims, but I’m still not sure I would buy it again yet. I’ll have to use it for awhile longer before I can make up my mind. At $24 from Ulta it’s fairly priced. 

My first get ready with me video, just in time for Spring!

Hope you enjoy :-)

Favorite 5 Makeup Products Under $5 Tag

DIOR CREME DE ROSE PLUMPING LIP BALM REVIEW

I was finally able to get my hands on the Dior Creme De Rose Plumping lip balm recently and I have to say I’m impressed. I’ve been pretty disappointed lately with the new lip balm purchased I’ve done. The Nivea Lip Butter, while smelled and tasted amazing, I found left my lips looking dead with a layer of grey white gunk to go with it.

The Korres lip butters where not much better. They were so disappointing I actually returned them, which I rarely do.
So I decided to try the Dior Creme De Rose. Here is what Sephora says about the product:
What it is:A smoothing, plumping lip balm with SPF 10.What it does:Creme de Rose is a refined lip balm that soothes, re-plumps, hydrates, and protects the lips with SPF 10.This nourishing lip balm comes in one universal petal pink shade and features a delicate rose scent.What else you need to know: The sister product to Dior’s legendary Creme Abricot, a nail care product dating back to the 1960s, this product has the same classic white packaging.Lips are visibly hydrated: +32 (6h after application)

You can find the product and details here

While I’m not sure how much the balm plumps your lips, I do find it hydrating without being greasy. The light rose sent is very pleasant and not at all overwhelming. The pink tint goes on clear or you cannot see it on your lips.

When you first use the product you need to warm it up with your fingers a bit. I like to use it before bed and after I brush my teeth in the morning. I also find that it’s a great balm to use when you already have lipstick on and need a little hydration over the lipstick.

My lips do feel very hydrated and smooth after using the balm. I like the packaging and find it a very luxurious item to have on my nightstand or makeup table.

Sephora sells it for $27 plus tax. The price is a bit steep in my opinion, but I do like the balm quite a bit. I’d have to say that this is definitely a splurge item, but quite practical at the same time. This is something I use frequently and does a good job keeping my lips hydrated and smooth.  

Maybelline Rocket Volume Express Mascara Review

MAYBELLINE’S NEW ROCKET MASCARA REVIEW

So I finally opened up my new Maybelline Rocket Mascara and used it this morning and I have to say I love it. I was a little skeptical, since the last new mascara I tried was disappointing. I have been using the L’oreal Millions mascara in the gold tube, and had high expectations, but sadly were not met.
As always I curl my lashes with an eyelash curler before applying my mascara. 
The new Rocket Mascara REALY Volumizes like it claims. I’m shocked at how much fuller my lashes look. I applied 1 coat on each eye, then went back and applied a second coat. It doesn’t lengthen as much as I’d like, but then again it never claims to be great at lengthening.
Being Asian, I do everything I can to create fuller, longer, and curlier lashes. Usually I spend more money on higher end mascaras to create the look I prefer, but with mascara it’s so difficult since it should be changed every 3 months for sanitary reasons. So I’m very happy with the new Maybelline Rocket Mascara especially since you can get it for about $6 from target :-) 

Revlon Colorstay Whipped Foundation

I have to say I was skeptical about this foundation, but I’m loving it! I’ve used it twice now and I love the creamy, whipped texture. To apply I use my just cleaned fingertips. A little goes A LONG WAY. It really does cover really well and feel great on my skin. So far it lasts all day and works well with my other make up. Doesn’t feel like i’m wearing it and I don’t need to really add powder to my face like I normally do with other foundations.
The cost is pretty good too. I got true beige, but I think I’d like to go a shade lighter for the winter time. 

First Impressions: Maybelline Vivid Lipsticks

Best Foundation Ever

BEST FOUNDATION EVER

So while I’ve been exploring more economical foundations from drugstores, I still always go back to Giorgio Armani’s Luminous Silk Foundation. This is my favorite foundation by far. I even asked my wedding make up artist to use it instead of the airbrush stuff she had for my trial. It’s silky, smooth, covers great, and lasts all day.

So for special events or when I want to look my best, I use this foundation. Most importantly it feel good on. I hate when I feel like i’m wearing make up.
A good drugstore version that is just a little heavier than the armani is the Revlon Colorstay Whipped. 
In my opinion I prefer the whipped version to Revlon’s normal colorstay foundation because it feel lighter on my skin. The original colorstay is great if you want a bit more coverage. I also like how the whipped one feels and it’s easy to travel with by scooping a bit out and putting into a mini container. 

Dupe for Benefit High Beam

Found my dup of Benefit’s high beam! the nyx one is only $7 and I like it in sunbeam, it’s just like the high beam one from benefit.
I feel like the packaging is more sanitary because you squeeze the product out instead of using the brush that comes with high beam like a nail polish container. My high beam always expires before i use it all.
So I’m not sure about the ounces, but you may get more product from benefit’s original, but like I say mine always gets expired or gross before I run out and need to replace it. I also think NYX’s is a little easier to blend on top of foundation for me. 

Lime Crime Lipstick First Impression and Review

SKIN 79 BB CREAM REVIEW

First off I’d like to say I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect bb cream. I have to say that the western bb creams mostly have been a disappointment. They are more like tinted moisturizers than anything and I find most make me very greasy by the end of the day.
Now I do like the Revlon Photo Ready bb cream. I feel like it’s a decent bb cream from a drugstore usually running about $8. However, I’m not sure how much anti aging qualities it has or if it actually improves my skin at all.

I also like the Amore Pacific Moisture Bound Tinted Treatment. While it does not have the words BB cream in the name, it does a great job at protecting, smoothing, and hydrating my skin. I do need to set it with a matte powder. I find that I notice a difference in my skin after using it. It costs $70 and is a bit pricey for my wallet. 
NOW the skin 79 bb cream in the hot pink pump packaging is what I’ve been looking for! At first pump I was shocked at how well it covered, protected, smoothed, and just brightened m skin. At first it comes off a little gray and ashy on the skin, but as it sets into the skin it creates an amazing smooth finish. The coverage is medium and defiantly build able. I don’t need concealer after I apply with a damp sponge.
I really can’t even do this product justice trying to describe it. I love the natural finish and it’s not greasy at all. It has brighting properties and age fighting properties and also includes SPF. It only comes in one shade, so if you have a darker skin tone, this really won’t work for you. Most Asian BB creams probably own’t work for anyone with a darker skin tone, which is a downside to bb creams. 
This is an actual Asian bb cream where bb creams originated, so I guess I shouldn’t be so shocked, but after hearing so much and only having tried the western ones I had my doubts. The only thing is it is hard to find. I found mine from prettyandcute.com and they tend to be out of stock on many items. The site is great and process the order very efficiently and fast. 

Christmas Eve Make Up Experiment

New Post Up on Tumblr Because the blogger app on IPad sucks!