Skincare Galore!

This week I was fortunate enough to attend the Live Love Spa Splash event at the Hyatt regency in Century City.

This event was full of skincare brands teaching us about their products and sharing their passion for skincare and innovative new ways to protect our skin.

I'm a huge advocate for taking care of your skin, it's the largest organ in our body and the one everyone sees! You only get one, take care of it!

I love learning about new products and meeting the vendors to get first hand knowledge of how their products work.

Check the hashtags for all the images on IG, Twitter, & Facebook

Jindilli was by far the newest product on the market and a very small operation, but I love that!

I had never actually used Moracconoil before, but after chatting with the representative, I can't wait to try the new line of body care products coming out soon!

You know me and my SPF, was very interested in COOLA Suncare.

I was sent home with quite a bit of products to test out! 

Part of my job as a beauty blogger is to test out as much as possible so I can share my reviews with you guys. I was not expecting to be able to test so many of these brands! I have got my work cut out for me the next few months. 

Below are all the vendors that were at the event, a little about them, and my first impression when meeting them. 

HydraFacial: 

"The only hydradermabrasion procedure that communes cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, hydration & antioxidant protection simultaneously, resulting in clearer, more beautiful skin with no discomfort or downtime."

I had this done on my hand and I was impressed with the difference in texture and brightness after a quick 5min session. 

Moroccanoil:

"A luxurious line of professional hair care & body products and services that create a unique head to toe experience." 

Many of you must have heard of Moroccanoil and/or used their hair products, but I was impressed with the body care that they have coming out, so keep an eye out!

Aesthetic Ambassadore:

They had brow & lash conditioners that I was VERY interested in. I was able to take home a lash conditioner and I'm testing this baby out already!

Trophy Skin:

"Designs and develops cutting edge home- use skincare tools that provide effective and affordable, dermatologist- quality skincare treatments."

Trophy skin had a microdermabrasion system that I was in awe over. I have never used a microdermabrasion kit at home and I'm dying to try one out. 

PrAna:

"Is a lifestyle brand that draws its name from the ancient Sanskrit word for breath, life, and vitality of the spirit. The PrAna team creates mindfully-designed, purposeful and stylish apparel for free spirited people to pursue their passions."

I was very intrigued with PrAna and hope to try out some of their active wear as I get fit on my 4 weak beginners calendar. Watch this video to learn more. 

COOLA Suncare:

"Offers 3 distinct lines of certified organic sun protection, including their new pan UV line and recently reformulated mineral and Classic collections."

I'm a HUGE SPF fanatic, so I was excited to speak with COOLA and learn more about this awesome company. 

Jindilli:

"A family-owned Australian company who create beautiful skin care products for spas from the cold- pressed macadamias grown sustainably on their Australian farms. Pure Macadamia Oil is remarkably effective on aging skin, making Jindilli perfect for spa's."

By far the sweets folks I met and the most interesting. I love the company's structure and how they are fully a sustainable product. 

Clarisonic: 

"The sonic technology behind more beautiful skin."

I'm sure you all know what a Clarisonic is, but I got to take a look at the new version launching soon! It actually talks to the brush and home base so it will remind you to change brush heads, as well as convert to body and foot!

Knesko Skin:

"A holistic luxury skincare line that is available in two revitalizing collections- Diamond Radiance & Nanogold Repair."

This company makes the most beautiful, luxurious, and wonderful sheet masks and eye masks with actual GOLD AND DIAMONDS! I mean WOW! They sent me home with samples of each so I can't wait to give them a try!

Circadia:

"Their philosophy of skincare is centered on the body's circadian rhythms, defending from environmental insult during the day, and stimulating repair mechanisms during sleep. Circadia's products utilize paraben-free preservative systems, multitude of cutting edge ingredient technologies and specialty items for comprehensive treatment of aging skin, pigmentation disorders, scene and rosacea. 

I didn't get to speak to much with the vendor on this one, but I did get a day cream to try. Will keep you posted. 

HydroPeptide:

"is an anti-aging line notable for 7 facials and 17 retail products featuring VLR technology- a variety of specific peptides, applied at their active levels, delivered repeatedly to targeted areas in the skin for maximum results."

I have a plumping gloss and serum to try out. 

The Comphy Co.:

"They've set out to design, manufacture and sell truly exceptional spa bedding."

Seriously the softest sheets I've ever touched! I got to take home a pillow case and if my husband approves, I'll be getting us a full set of sheets. I love that they are moisture wicking (someone radiates heat when he sleeps). They also are just so soft and luxurious, but totally affordable and easy to care for too. 

Vita Liberata:

"A luxury Irish tanning and skincare brand that created the world's first odorless and non-toxic self tan collection."

I AM SOLD! I've seen this brand around a bit, but with self tanners you just never know. This self tanner is ACTUALLY odorless and they have a formulation that can be washed off after 1, 2, or 3 hours depending on how tan you want to look. I got to take home the quick formula to try out all over my body, which will come in handy as soon as Fall fully approaches. 

Travertine Spa Collection:

"luxury lifestyle line of botanical body care."

This company is located in Orange County, my home town and I love that the ingredients are very basic. The new scent smells divine and does not over power you at all.  The owner offered for me to come down and have my own signature scent made, which I'll definitely be taking him up on. 

The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas:

"is a unique luxury resort & casino featuring residential-styled living spaces with private terraces."

My husband and I LOVE The Cosmopolitan! It's seriously one of our favorite hotels in Las Vegas and if you watch my youtube channel or vlog channel you know we go there a lot! 

(quotes & italics are press releases)

What brands are you most interested in? What should I try out first? Love to hear your thoughts!

XOXO

Serein

Orange Ambition

ORANGE AMBITION

Now if you told me last month that I’d be obsessed with all things orange, I would have thought you were crazy.

Well folks, It’s official I’m obsessed with orange or a nicer name for it coral. I never would have thought orange blush would work on my yellow toned skin. Who would have thought that my new favorite lip product would be Revlon’s Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Rendezvous (orange)? Or how about my favorite candle Market Peach from Bath and Body Works, again orange.


I would have to say my love for orange started with buying my first slightly orange beauty product at the suggestion of Tanya Burr. In her Monthly Favorites video  she mentioned Clinque Chubby Stick in Hibiscus. I had to have it and when I ran to the department store to get my own, I was scared when I saw it in person and realized it was an orange based red and more orange than red. Then I tried it. At first I was hesitant, so bold of a color, so not use to it, then I notices how great the slightly orange toned red looked agains my skin and with no other make up on at all it really brightened my whole face. 
Then I started to be drawn towards the beautiful coral nail polishes from L’oreal and Butter London. After watching Essie Button’s latest favorites video where she mentions Stilla’s convertible color in gladiola, I thought well I need to try that. Even when I swatch it at the store I was hesitant, I mean it is VERY orange.

Today was a almost no make up day and I decided to pat a bit of the scary cream gladiola on my cheeks. I was surprised by the blend-ability of the color and how it really brightened up my face. It didn’t even seem orange, more of a natural peachy glow from within.

Who knows what I”ll broaden my pallet to next. It really is like a kid and her brussels sprouts, just because as a kid you hated it, doesn’t mean your adult pallet won’t like it. I think orange is my brussels sprout in beauty. That is also why I love makeup so much! You can explore, create, express, and just feel good from a new lipstick or blush or in my case a chubby stick and cream color.

What colors do you avoid? What have you been hesitant to try? I dare you to go try it this month, it’s just makeup, you can always wash it off. Go and have some fun, be bold, be daring, be happy!

One of my favorite youtube beauty gurus Missglamorazzi or Ingrid started this tag and what better way to start off spring then mentioning my favs for the upcoming months ahead!

Review: Serge Normant Meta Revive Volumizing Dry Shampoo

So I gave the Serge Normant Meta Revive Volumizing Dry Shampoo a try this weekend.

First off I’m notorious for washing my hair everyday. I know it’s a crime, but I just can’t stand any dirt, grease, or product in my hair.

Normally I use dry shampoo to create volume for my otherwise very flat hair.

I washed my hair Friday night, and straightened it Saturday morning. Then I went with one of my best friends to get facials as a treat before her wedding (March 23rd). So after my facial and showering at the spa, using a shower cap, when I got home I didn’t want to shower again and wash my hair. Sunday morning I tried this product out.

Verdict:
Completely removed all oiliness from my hair. I loved the light fragrance it has as well. You do need to be careful if you have black hair like me. The product turns into a powdery white substance, that if you use too much is difficult to brush out. I used a little too much.

I will have to try this out again to make sure that it won’t leave a residue that is visible in my dark hair, but if your blond or light brown, you should be good.

Surprisingly I really do find this product very volumizing and definitely freshened up my hair, where I even might consider not washing my hair everyday.

You can find the full size as well as the travel size here. The full size is $25, which is not bad compared to my current one from Oribe.

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.  

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. 

Beaty Blender Review and How To Use

BEAUTY BLENDER REVIEW

So I know I’m super late on the beauty blender wagon, but I finally caved and bought a kit from amazon.com 38 dollars later (eek!). I was really skeptical especially for having to pay that much for a sponge. 
Before I opened my beauty blender I watched the how to video on the official beauty blender website and read tons of reviews and watched a bunch of youtube videos. I’m happy I did, because it’s not like any old makeup sponge.
You have to remove it carefully from it’s packaging to not cause any damage to the sponge. To use, you need to run it under the faucet while squeezing. The beauty blender grows before your eyes. Next you have to squeeze out any excess water and wrap it in a towel and squeeze again. This is all much faster when you do it in real life and not as much work as it sounds.
The water prevents you from using too much product, but I do find that I use more product than if I were to apply my makeup with a brush or my fingers. So you know I tend to be on the less is more on my foundation.
To apply the makeup with the beauty blender I pour a bit of my foundation or bb cream onto the back of my hand and then dab the beauty blender in the product. Then in a stippling and bouncing motion i tap the blender on my face starting from my nose blending out.
The beauty blender really does an amazing job at covering the skin and creating a flawless finish that looks airbrushed. The coverage is medium to heavy with the beauty blender. I was shocked at the amazing coverage from just my bb cream and the beauty blender. I also did my first impression with the beauty blender with the Revlon Nearly Naked Foundation and it never gave me as much coverage as it did when applied with the beauty blender. You can find the video on my youtube channel and here.
I have to say that the beauty bender really did live up to the hype. While I feel the cost is a bit steep, I’m really enjoying the application and it’s fun to bounce the cute pink sponge on my face in the morning. It feels nice, the coverage is great, and it’s quite easy to clean as well. I’ll be doing a how to video on that soon. I look forward to using my beauty blender each morning and find that the finish it provides is natural, yet flawless.
So as long as you follow the directions, I think it’s worth it. Not sure how long a beauty blender will last, but I did get the kit with the cleaner and I’m trying to take very good care of it, depending on the longevity
of my beauty blender, I’d definitely repurchase one based on my weeks worth of use so far. Who would have thought a little pink sponge could do so much for makeup. 

February Favorites

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.