Winter Routine

When it comes to building a skincare routine, I believe less is more. In addition, knowing/finding a skincare product suited for your skin type is always better than just buying expensive/trendy ones. Therefore, never feel guilty or embarrassed about asking for skincare samples.

Now, let’s talk about my winter routine!~~

Sonoma Naturals Rose Hip Seed Oil

In late 2014, I moved from Southern California to the New England Area. And yes, winter in New England can be brutal to your skin. (Even with my oily/combination skin, I still constantly felt the dryness.) As a result, for the first time in my life, I started adding oil product into my daily routine.

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In an uncharacteristic move, I bought Sonoma Naturals Rose Hip Seed Oil without doing any research. I had originally planned to use it on my hand and hair if it reacted weird with my face. However, after applied it for a week, my skin condition improved a lot: it became smoother and I no longer felt the dryness on my face.

Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Moisturizing Emulsion

Most winter days in New England area are kind of gloomy. However, it doesn’t mean you don’t need any UV protection!

Because I am always in a rush in the morning, I will go with any daytime moisturizer that contains sunscreen in order to save time.

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After spent several days doing research, I decided to give Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Moisturizing Emulsion a try. ( mostly because I’ve been using Shiseido products for many years. In addition, the White Lucent is designed to “focus on environmental stressors such as UV rays, air pollution, and dryness to provide comprehensive protection.” )

The product itself is lightweight and can be absorbed by skin very fast. In addition, it also refined my skin texture and created a healthy glow on my face.

*Kiku-Masamune Skincare Lotion

Harsh chemicals can damage the protective layer of our skin and cause rashes or dryness on our faces. Therefore, especially during winter, many people tend avoid using any skincare products that contain alcohol.

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Although Kiku-Masamune Skincare Lotion is made with sake, it hydrates my skin quite well. The product is very watery and can be absorbed quickly. In addition, the kojic acid from the sake filtrate is a very good source for antioxidants and also a very powerful skin-lightening agent.

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In the morning, I use it with Muji Cut Cotton after cleaning my face to balance its oiliness. At night, I normally soak my Muji facial mask with the lotion and leave the mask on my face for about five minutes to maximize its hydration ability. After using it for about a year (this is my third bottle), my face has gotten softer and smoother. In addition, it has also minimized my pores.

*Bliss Triple oxygen Instant Energizing Forming Mask

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Finally! I mean finally! Finally I bought this mask. And let me tell you, I have no regrets buying it at all! First of all, the citric smell is incredible. Second, the product actually does what it promised: give me “a super quick fix for dull, tired, and shallow skin.” My face always looks refreshed and radiant after I use it. After I started using it three times a week, I stopped having breakouts on my face! Since the  product will form foams immediately after you smear it on your face, what I like to do is pumping good amount of gels evenly all over my face, then smear with my palm all at once. While the foam makes the sizzling,penetrating noise on the face, you can simply make yourself a cup of bedtime tea or brush your teeth to get ready for bed.

*Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream

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I love this moisturizer so much! I’ve been using  Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream since last summer. The product can be absorbed quickly without leaving a greasy look or feel and my skin became softer and looked hydrated. In addition, the cucumber-ish scent is super refreshing!!

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Winter can be tough to skin. While taking good care of your face, don’t forget your body!!!!!( I mean, you still need your body to be ready when the sundress/shorts season arrives.)

My own skin seems to become more sensitive during winter; therefore, besides apply body butter/cream, I tend to not use my loofah as much as in summer, because it creates unnecessary scratches on my skin.

And, to be honest, I normally don’t like to shave that often during winter because nothing causes skin irritation like a blade. However, when I shave, I always choose a fresh and sharp razor to keep the damage to its minimum. (typically, I like to buy a whole bunch of razors and store them in my bathroom. Yes, I’m talking about a good half–year’s supply. But, if you don’t want all these razors to take over your storage space and always forget/ have no time to pick up fresh razors, you can always try a subscription service like Dollarshaveclub. (Each month, depending on which service you subscribed, the Dollarshaveclub will send the razor of your choice to your door with extra cartridges.) Therefore, you will never need to worry about running out of fresh and sharp razors. (Speak of the Dollarshaveclub, do you know they also have a cute/interesting blog called “The Bathroom Minutes“? )

Last but not least, when using heaters, make sure to drink enough water or buy a nice humidifier to keep your body hydrated!!

48~~~~~~~~~~~~Bla-Bla Time~~~~~~~~~~~

*I know I’m not very active, but in 2016, I will try to write as many as I could (Still, don’t keep you hope too high~ >.<)

*It’s never easy to take a picture while this curious black monster is  around. Do you know how many times I have to pick her up then take the pictures?

*Most important!!! I CAN”T WAIT FOR THE SPRING COMING!!!! (but according to the Weather app, this week, we will get tons of rain and……..snow again….. *sigh*)

 

Summer Routine Review

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I used to be that girl who owned a ton of skincare products. However, sometimes, less is more. In fact, putting too many products on your face may damage your skin. After trying out so many different brands, I decided to keep my skincare routine simple. It’s important to note that what works best for me may not work best for you. It’s also really important to remember that healthy skin starts from the inside. In other words, you are what you eat. These products and tips have helped me, so I hope you can find them helpful as well!

A little Details About My Skin:

  • Age: 24  
  • Skin: Combination/Oily
  • Eye: No Bags under eyes, but a dark circle; no wrinkles

——————————————STEPS———————————————-

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Step 1: Shiseido Hadasui Skin And Body Lotion

For Fall and Winter, I use Carlins Toning Lotion With Camomile. However,for summer, the Carlins Toner is a little bit too rich for my oily skin. Based on the information label, Hada-sui is made of 100% natural water from Mount Fuji, filled with minerals that can rehydrate and maintain pH balance for your skin. Since I have combination oily skin, I use this as my facial mask four times a week. It’s feather light and not at all greasy. I’m not sure if it can maintain the pH balance of my skin, but it definitely keeps my skin hydrated every day.

40Step 2: Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Eye

  • $36
  • Reduces puffiness and dark under-eye circles

Whenever I run out of skincare products and don’t know which one I should try out next, Kiehl’s is always my first choice. I used Creamy Under Eye Treatment with Avocado by Kiehl’s for years; however, I recently decided it wasn’t working for me anymore. So, the other day, when I went to Kiehl’s to return the empty bottles, I picked up this Midnight Recovery Eye Treatment.

It’s very moisturizing but not greasy and I love the slight tightening effect I can feel immediately after application. It is very lightweight. After using it for 6 months, I’m satisfied that my dark circle is improving and my fine lines are reduced.

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Step 3: Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream

  • $42 for 1.7 oz, $16.5 for 0.5 oz
  • daily age-defying moisturizer used to prevent the signs of aging, provide 24 hours of significant moisture, and boost radiance.

I love this moisturizer so much! Originally I bought the 0.5 oz as an add-on item to help me qualify for free shipping at Sephora.

After using it for a week, I noticed the difference on my face. My skin became softer and looked hydrated. My skin quickly absorbs the lightweight cream without leaving a greasy look or feel. In addition, the cucumber-ish scent is very refreshing. If you are still debating whether you should give it a try or not, I highly recommend buying the 0.5 oz first.

————————————–Special Treatment———————————

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Zapzyt Maximum Strength 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Treatment Gel

  • $4.09
  • Kills acne-causing bacteria

THIS IS THE BEST AND MOST EFFECTIVE ACNE TREATMENT I’VE EVER USED!! I’ve been battling with acne since I was 12. I used to spend lots of money on acne treatments until, one day, I visited my dermatologist. She told me that I didn’t need to waste my money on expensive acne treatment brands, and instead, all I need is a gel/cream that contains Benzoyl Peroxide. Even on a bad acne day, I’d apply this acne treatment gel to my entire face. I’d then wait for 15-20 minutes and applied a thin layer of moisturizer to make sure my skin didn’t dry out. Nowadays, I apply this gel once a week to prevent acne. If you have acne problem, I highly recommend you to visit a dermatologist before purchasing any treatment.

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Shiseido Urban Environment UV Protection Cream SPF 40

  • $32
  • protects skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays that cause photo-aging.
  • Water resistant for 40 minutes

As mentioned earlier, I have combination/oily/acne skin. To prevent summer breakouts, I tend to use very light skincare products. I’ve been using Shiseido Urban UV Protection Cream for years and it’s the only product that I can use after applying moisturizer without bringing me breakout or blackhead. It’s a light daily sunscreen with UVA/UVB Broad Spectrum Protection. According to the product’s web description, this suncream also provides exceptional hydration while protecting against external aggressors such as UV rays, dryness, and air pollution.

As you can see, My summer routine is fairly simple yet very efficient, and it works well for me. What are your favorite summer skincare products?

The Real Neat Blog Award (A Chance For Me To Fill-in About Me)

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I was really surprised yet very happy when I found out I had been nominated for the Real Neat Blog Award by Nancy, from “Nancy Wang—Living Life With Love, Purpose, and Style.”

Who is Nancy?
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To me, Nancy is a great friend and the girl with a thousand faces. Things she does, stories she tells, and adventures she goes on constantly surprise me. (In a good way, of course.) She describes herself as a wife, a daughter, and a mom of two wonderful pets, Chloe and Ellie.
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Yet, Nancy is also a L.A.-based fashion blogger and designer. If you are looking for styling inspiration, I highly recommend you to check out her blog.
Rules About the Real Neat Blog Award
1. Put the award logo on your blog
2. Answer 7 questions asked by the person who nominated you
3. Thank the person who nominated you, linking to their blog
4. Nominate any number of bloggers you like, linking to their blog
5. Let them know you nominated them (by commenting on their blog etc.)
Questions From Nancy & My Answers:
1. Use 5 words to describe yourself
Clumsy, Honest, Friendly, Random, and Adventurous
-Based on results from howyouare.com, I’m just…..well….don’t want to admit it…..but it’s quite accurate…..FINE, I will say it: I AM CLUMSY…….
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2. Coffee or Tea?
Coffee or Tea??!!!! well~BOTH!!
I normally drink tea in the afternoon. And, the picture below just summarizes my morning~
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3.What’s your favorite piece in your wardrobe?
At the moment, my favorite piece is my Later Gator Mighty Bite Crossbody from MadPax .
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Blue By You ( I’m thinking about buying the red one as well. It may look small, but an iPhone 6 Plus can easy fit in here. And you will still have room for your personal belongings~)
But my all-time favorite wardrobe piece is my Timberland 6-Inch Metallic Finish Waterproof Boots, in Burgundy! Without it, I seriously don’t know how to survive in a New England winter!!~
4.If you can choose any place on earth to live, where will that be?
Humm….good question! Will it be too dorky if I say “anywhere the Doctor is willing to take me to?”….Kay, back to reality! If I could, I would choose to live in a treehouse in any national park.
5.What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned from blogging?
Well~~ Who knows? Blogging is a such time consuming job!!
6.If you can have one superpower, what will that be?
Be able to travel back in time!~ There were so many things I wish I could redo. Yet, I’m quite glad that, in reality, life only goes forward. Overall, a flawless life is kind of boring, isn’t it?
7.Name one or few movies that you love
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Washi-Tape (Masking Tape) Box Craft

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After a few days of searching for some affordable table-top organizers with no luck, I noticed several empty boxes and a huge Zip-Loc bag of Washi-Tapes, sitting quietly at the corner of my bedroom. Then, I literally see a light bulb lighted above my head: why don’t you make the organizers with your tape?! (OK~fine!~ Not literally. Figuratively. You get my point!~)

Below is the tutorial. Hope you enjoy it!~~
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Materials: empty boxes, Washi tape in different colors/patterns, and a pair of scissors

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Step1: Cover your box along the edge.15

Step 2: Continue covering your box with another pattern (This step is totally optional)16

Step 3: Flip your box upside down and make cuts at each of the four corners of your box. Then, you can just fold the excess tapes to the bottom of your box. (or you can cut off the excess tapes)

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Here are the two table-top organizers I made with empty boxes and Washi-Tapes. 19

This is how they look like on my table. I use them to keep my Washi-Tapes and small items. Overall, they are really easy to make. And it can be a great weekend activity to do with family and friends, especially if you have kids at home.

DIY Cat Scratching Post

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I recently moved from a carpet-floor apartment to a wood-floor apartment. In my old apartment, my two-year-old cat, Panther, made use of our carpets instead of any Scratching Posts. Once I moved to my new wood-floored apartment, though, Meow needed something to scratch on; instead of throwing away $50 on a post, I decided to try and create my own.

Today, I am going to show you how to make a simple Scratching Post.

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Materials needed:
– Twine (I got mine from Amazon; however, if you want a long lasting Scratching Post, I suggest you using sisal rope instead.)
– Scotch Double Side Tape
– An object you want the rope to wrap around. (Here, I’m using one of my table legs)
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Step 1: Tie your twine to your object of interest. 4

Step 2: Stabilize the twine with double-sided tape. (You can also use a glue gun or staple gun here.)5

Step 3: Wrap your object of interest with the twine (like there’s no tomorrow~)
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Step 4: When the twine reaches to the top of your object of interest, pull the twine downward.
7Step 5: Wrap around and make a “X” on your object of interest and start wrapping the twine from top to bottom to create a criss-crossing second layer.

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Step 6: Tie the twine at bottom. (Here, I used the Running Bowline method; however, you can use any method that suit you the most.)9This is what the finished product looks like. Instead of throwing $50 in the water, it only costed me about $3.