Happy Hour at ColourPop from
7-11 PM EST!!!

All their shadow palettes and individual pods are on sale for 20 % off! I just placed my order for the Jenn Ne Sais Quad collection that I had mentioned in my previous post. I even got free shipping in the US. Can't wait for everything to arrive in the mail!!!

Jenn Im x ColourPop

Jenn Im x ColourPop

Jenn Im is one of my top favorite YouTubers for the longest time now. She just has this je ne sais quoi about her. Maybe it's her down to earth vibe, or her soothing voice when she does her makeup / clothing videos. If you haven't heard of Jenn Im before, her YouTube channel is called clothesencounters! I was so thrilled to have met her in person at her meet and greet in New York about two years ago. And a second time at the 2014 NYC BeautyCon! 

Jenn's first line of makeup with ColourPop was available on May 26th! I'm so excited, her selection were all favorite shades of mine. That coral shade lipstick...très magnifique! 

These colors are all perfect for the summer. I can't wait to get them all and rock them in the sun!!!

• Jenn Ne Sais Quad - contains all 4 of her color eyeshadows available
• Un - beautiful shimmery champagne color eyeshadow
• Deux - really nice satiny tan color eyeshadow
• Trois - brick red shade eyeshadow
• Quatre - really deep espresso shade eyeshadow
• Dohee - coral shade (named after Jenn's Korean name!) 
• Jenneration X - vibrant reddish orange color (perfect summer statement pop!)

Shop JENN NE SAIS QUOI here! 

What's your favorite shade this summer? Leave a comment below, and let me know which ones you're in love with! 

WINNER

Our lucky WINNER for the 

Holika Holika Face Mask giveaway is

NANCY!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Congratulations Nancy! I'll be sending out the prize next week!

Japanese Skincare

One of my close friends, loves Shu Uemura's line of cleansing oils. We had a little tea party yesterday and one of the events at the party was a free makeover with Mary Kay. At the end of the day, all the girls decided we should all take our makeup off before going home. Is it silly of me to be so excited over spending quality girly time, simply over removing our makeup together?! Because I was having a ball. Maybe it's because I've always yearned for sisterly bonding with girls.

My friend introduced her favorite porefinist anti-shine fresh cleansing oil from Shu Uemura. I used three pumps to clean off my full coverage makeup and while I was gently massaging my face with the cleansing oil, I felt the little bumps on my face that I get from my regular oil build up in my pores come out!!! Not all of them came out, but it did remove a few effortlessly. I was quite impressed. I usually use facial exfoliators that have massage beads to remove as much build up as possible, but I was totally shocked when I felt the cleansing oil from Shu Uemura work its magic. I was told to use this porefinist cleansing oil only once a week. 

The steps to using this cleansing oil:

1. take 3 to 4 pumps of cleansing oil, spread on your hands
2. gently spread cleansing oil over cheeks, nose, forehead, lips with circular motions, blend well with eye makeup by outward circular motions of your finger tips
3. wet your hands, wet your face until cleansing oil turns milky
4. rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water, rinse off completely along the hair line, dry your face with a clean towel

There are six cleansing oils for all skin needs, the one I tested was for pore refining. The porefinist anti-shine fresh cleansing oil is ideal for normal to oily skin types and acne-prone skin. When I finished washing my face, I still felt a little oil on my face, but when I looked into the mirror, there was no visible oil shine. It just felt super smooth, I've never experienced the perfect face cleanser, but I'm assuming it feels something like this. I was so use to the routine of buying cleansers that overly stripped the oil from my face, I literally felt it squeaky clean afterwards, and most of the time I'd see dry patches immediately after a face wash. But shortly after my face would feel super stiff and sticky with oil again. I was told that because I stripped all my natural oils away from my face, my sebaceous glands had to go on overdrive to correct the lack of oil. With Shu Uemura's cleansing oil, it felt smooth, like there was a thin layer of protection, I did feel refreshed. I was skeptical at first, even after the surprising pore refining experience, because of the lack of "squeaky clean" feel after the face wash. But I'm totally sold now, because hours later my face still felt smooth, and there was no additional oil build up. I guess my face was happy! 

And lucky for me, today my friend mentioned there was a special offer. Shu Uemura has a summer beauty package that includes 10 FREE samples of their summer beauty favorites. When you use the promotional code "SHUPRISE" with your next $50+ purchase. 

The 10 FREE samples are:

• red: juvenus retexturizing cream - 13 ml, 0.43 fl. oz
• depsea hydrability moisturizing emulsion - 10 ml, 0.34 fl. oz
• lightbulb foundation sample 774 [sachet] new!
• red: juvenus retexturizing night cream - 13 ml, 0.43 fl. oz
• depsea hydrability alnight quench essence - 1 ml, 0.03 fl. oz
• anti-oxi skin refining cleansing oil 20 ml
• lightbulb foundation sample 574 [sachet] new!
• high performance balancing cleansing oil classic - 20 ml
• porefinist anti-shine fresh cleansing oil - 15 ml, 0.50 fl. oz
• ultime8 sublime beauty cleansing oil - 15 ml, 0.50 fl. oz

And even without the promotional code, Shu Uemura offers you 1 FREE deluxe sample with each order. I had the option of getting the:

• Porefinist anti-shine fresh cleansing oil 15 ml, 0.50 fl. oz OR
• complimentary lightbulb insert

I'm super excited about all these samples, especially getting the chance to test out a few of their other popular cleansing oils! I loved the pore refining cleansing oil so much so that I ended up wanting any and all possible sample bottles. I get two 15 ml samples with just this one purchase. 

Shu Uemura sells two bottle sizes for the porefinist anti-shine fresh cleansing oil, a 450 ml for $67.00 and the 150 ml bottle for $31.00! 

My order even had free standard shipping! I can't wait for my new Japanese skincare products to arrive in the mail >.< !!!

NEW ZOYA Naked Manicure

I only have a few warm, fuzzy, genuinely happy childhood memories and one of them was having my nails painted by my older cousin. She was probably in middle school at the time and I was only 7 years old. I didn't have an older sister, and she was the closest I'll ever have to that feeling. I still remember climbing up onto her dresser, with Spice Girls' new CD playing in a dimly lit pink room and begging her to paint my nails like hers. I had only recently discovered what nail polish bottles looked like earlier that week while I was spending my summer vacation at her house upstate. I begged and pleaded while she was clearly busy putting things away in her closet. My mother wasn't fond of nail polishes and refused to allow me to wear it, reason being I was too young. She was worried the chemical would be harmful. But I really wanted to be like my cousin and have pretty shimmery nails. My cousin finally gave in to my persistence, she painted my little, short trimmed nails. My fingers were so small and dainty, she was able to cover my whole nail in one swipe. I couldn't stop staring at her painting my nails, I was so excited. There was this tingly feeling and I just remember after finishing one hand, we both put our fingers to our lips and whispered "shhh" and giggled till both hands were done and dry. I'll never forget the sparkly pale pink nail polish my cousin shared with me. Ever since then, I loved the idea of having my nails done. I enjoy doing my own nails and it's a rare treat for me to pay for manicures.

As I got older I learned the difference between dollar store nail polish and high end nail polishes. Before I was introduced to the ZOYA Nail Polish, I use to buy any and all cheaper, more affordable nail polishes, focusing primarily on color. I loved collecting colors. I usually bought my collection from the CVS drugstore. The price ranged between a dollar to $3.99 max! I was only in middle school at the time and my mother was still not happy about me painting my nails. Fast forward into my sophomore year of college, one Christmas, my friend decided to surprise me with a manicure appointment at the A.F. Bennett Salon in Staten Island. That's when I noticed the huge difference in consistency, application, and durability with ZOYA nail polish compared to cheaper end nail polishes. There was even a noticeable difference in the chemical smell of the nail polish! How I know this and why I'm so confident in loving ZOYA over any cheaper brand nail polish was when I was desperate to use the color orange, I reached for a dollar store bottle and my nails literally cringed, it hurt to feel the liquid on my nails. Something was going on that was seriously different from ZOYA's nail polish. I almost fainted when I opened the bottle. I ended up having to take the orange off. After trying something so great, going back to a dollar store brand was a horrible idea. 

Even if you're not a crazy nail polish collector like me, and one or two bottles are enough to last you years, then I strongly suggest investing in a safer high end brand. Specifically, getting a base coat, nail shade, AND a top coat. You might think it's silly to do all three steps, but there's a notable stain if you paint on the color coat without a base coat. The top coat is equally as important because that's what keeps your manicure looking flawless for weeks. ZOYA calls it Armor for a reason. And yes, I've tried cheating, by purchasing the high end shade and layering it with a drugstore top and/or base coat. It was NOT a good idea combining the different brands. My nails felt so much heavier and the outcome was not worth it. I've even tried thinning out the drugstore polishes and that didn't do me any good. Once I committed to ZOYA's three steps for a basic manicure, I've been able to confidently wear my nail polish. I have no problem working with my hands and really pushing my limits with a manicure. The longest I've had my ZOYA manicure last was about two and a half weeks before the first sign of a chip. I never felt the need for touch ups. 

Recently ZOYA furthered their manicure line with their NAKED MANICURE line. Their aim is to treat, correct and protect. Click HERE to read more about this NEW line of polishes. I'm super excited about this new line because ZOYA's come up with polishes that correct discoloration, giving your nails that healthy glow. This is perfect for any profession, even without a french manicure you can have beautiful nails. Click HERE for the full NAKED MANICURE brochure.

ZOYA is promoting their NEW Naked Manicure line with a special promotion!!! There's so many freebies, it's absolutely worth it to get it now than later. The promotion lasts till July 12, 2015. If you purchase the Naked Manicure Women's Starter Kit which includes:

• Pink Perfector
• White Tip Perfector 
• Naked Base
• Satin Seal Topcoat

The Naked Manicure Women's Starter Kit is an all-in-one sort of package. It comes with full-size (0.5 oz) nail polishes. It's perfect for business professionals, busy moms and nails recovering from gels or other damaging products. Order before the 12th and use the code: NAKED to get free shipping, a FREE 2oz ZOYA nail polish remover and a FREE Qtica Solid Gold Anti-Bacterial Oil Gel 0.5oz Tube. The Women's Starter Kit comes with 4 bottles for $25, if you were to purchase these bottles individually they range between $10-12 each. Basically, if you purchase this kit with the promotional code you're getting practically two of the bottles for FREE! I've already placed my order! 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PROMOTION: until July 12, 2015

Naked Manicure Women's Starter Kit ..............$25

Perks of promotion:

• FREE gift: 2oz ZOYA Nail Polish Remover
• FREE gift: Qtica Solid Gold Anti-Bacterial Oil Gel 0.5oz Tube
• FREE shipping

Use promotional code: NAKED

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Korean Skincare in Everyday Stores?!? NO WAY...

Korean products are slowly sneaking their way into my favorite stores!!! I love it! Since I've been recently introduced to Korean skincare products, certain brand names are starting to stick out to me. Last night I discovered that Forever 21 sells Holika Holika products and this morning I came across Peripera products on Birchbox! These were two of the brands that I was interested in sampling. Now that they offer it in more familiar stores I don't have to go through the hassle of Korean stores and long delivery waits.

Web Exclusive at Forever 21

[from Left to Right]

• even complexion mask ................................................$3
• facial soap set ............................................................................$29
• collagen moisturizer ........................................................$21
• blackhead removal prep gel ...............................$10
• black caviar anti-wrinkle eye cream $46
• soothing mask .............................................................................$3
• calming mask ................................................................................$3
• blackhead cleansing balm .....................................$13
• aqua max moisturizing cream ....................$28

After I saw Shu An's video from Tried and Tested, her review of the adorable Peripera Cushion Blusher left a great impression on me and I've been keeping my eyes out for the chance to buy this whenever I stopped by the Korean stores in Chinatown. But when I saw the same product on Birchbox's Instagram page this morning, I was ecstatic. Birchbox now offers a few items from the Peripera line and for the cushion blushers Birchbox carries all three available shades!

Have you also heard that Target is now going to carry the Korean skincare line, Laneige?! Your whole skincare routine would be a one stop shop at Target while you grab your groceries and Starbucks.

After doing some of my Korean skincare routine research I knew I had my heart set on trying the Laneige line first. I'm so excited now that I don't have to go out of my way to try this product. And to top it off, Target's website offers a $21 value Laneige Advanced Hydration Trial Kit - 4 pieces for only $10!!!

The kit includes sample sizes of:

• multi cleanser
• water bank serum
• water bank moisture cream
• water sleeping mask

The best thing about having these popular Korean skincare favorites at our everyday stores is that all the sales from the store will apply to these products! So that trumps me trying so hard to mix and match the prices from the Korean department stores that ship from Korea. And for the cushion blushers, I could even put my Birchbox points towards it, that way I get it for FREE!

Okay, since I'm totally excited about my new found discovery, I want to do a raffle giveaway!

The giveaway will be open until the end of this month, by July 31 @ 11:59 EST. You must be 18 or older and a U.S. resident to qualify for entry. There can only be one winner! So be sure to submit your entries through the Rafflecopter giveaway app below!

The stakes for the prizes will subject to change for the winner if:

• Currently, the winner will receive one FREE Holika Holika Face Mask!
• IF by the end of this month, 2 NEW followers subscribe to my blog, the prize will increase and include: 1 FREE Holika Holika Face Mask AND 1 FREE Laneige Advanced Hydration Trial Kit
• IF by the end of this month, a total of 5 NEW followers subscribes to my blog, the prize will increase and include: 
• 1 FREE Holika Holika Face Mask
• 1 FREE Laneige Advanced Hydration Trial Kit
• 1 FREE Peripera Cushion Blusher

You can enter to win below, but keep in mind, if you spread the word the prizes will increase and by doing so you can also increase your chances of winning! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

** Prizes are subject to increase if more followers subscribe by the end of this month (as stated above). Best of luck!

Free New York City Concert [Barenaked Ladies]

Do you want to try your luck with FREE tickets?!? Request a chance to attend an awesome outdoor concert for free with the band, Barenaked Ladies. I love the TV series, The Big Bang Theory, Barenaked Ladies wrote their intro theme song!!! Click HERE to enter your name and email. Your entry will be submitted into their random lottery for tickets. You'll receive an email notification if your request has been granted. Best of luck!!!

Barenaked Ladies is playing at:

Pier 97
West Side Highway at 57th Street
New York, 10019

Date: July 1
Time: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Cost: FREE