Gel Manicure – worth it?

This the extra cost for a gel manicure worth it ($30 vs $16)? I think so!

I don’t normally get or do my own manicure in gel form. But I had a very important meeting last week, and really needed my nails to last from the day I do my nails (Friday) until the days of the meeting (Tuesday and Wednesday). So, I went ahead and gave myself a gel manicure (as they were too busy to help me and helped myself to the products, as my sister is the manager there), using OPI gel products at Hairport.

Now, 8+ days later, after a week long of abuse, (paperwork, dishes, indoor rock climbing, and ripping through a really hard shell 2-lbs lobster), my nails are still looking as amazing as they did the first day I got them.

Gel nails or shellac are totally worth the money, as they last you at least two weeks (over the normal one week that a regular manicure gets you).

However, be forewarned that continuous gel/shellac manicures should be proceeded with caution, as these will dry out your nails. I would say for every two continuous gel/shellac manicures, opt for a regular manicure the next time. This way, your nails have time to breathe and heal and just be.

I don’t normally do gel on my nails. I only do it on special occasions.

Another great non-gel/shellac manicure would be to ask for the new vinyl polish from CND, a shellac company. They came out with a new vinyl polish that stays shiny for over a week, similar to gel/shellac, without the damage to your nails. And the cost of vinyl polish manicure is the same as a regular polish manicure. (At least it is at Hairport!)

Go out and try gel/shellac or vinyl manicure and let me know your thoughts!

TOMS Shoes

TOMS shoes are not something NEW. They’ve been around for awhile. I’ve heard of TOMS shoes when the company first started. Their motto is, “One for One.” You buy a pair of shoes, and they donate one to a child in need.

A while ago, I was at the Massachusetts Conference for Women, and one of the speakers was the founder of TOMS shoes, Blake Mycoskie. He told the crowd the story behind TOMS shoes. It was so touching. I was crying halfway through his story. I was very touched by his story. (My father used to tell me how my mom only had one pair of shoes to go to school with, when she was growing up in Cambodia.) It really hits home. And I really wanted to help out.

Since inception, TOMS Shoes has come out with more products than just shoes. They have sunglasses, if you buy them, TOMS donates money to help children with vision problems. They even sell coffee. (Which I’ve heard from friends that the coffee is good. I don’t drink coffee, so I wouldn’t know.)

Additionally, their shoes selections have increased. They even have wedges!!

Well, anyhow, my Converse are no longer comfortable for me. I needed to buy a pair of casual shoes. And I thought, “why not buy a pair of TOMS and do something good with a purchase for once?” So, I had to buy a pair of TOMS that aren’t just boring in color. (If you know me, you’d know I don’t get any basic color for shoes. Especially when they are just an ordinary style for everyday use.)

After browsing Nordstrom’s website for awhile, I found the perfect pair for me! A SILVER pair! Woo hoo!!!

They look even better in person. Really cute one! And to my surprise, they’re quite comfy! (In comparison to my Louboutin!)

I’m just waiting for the rain to stop so I can start wearing my new TOMS!!!

Do you own a pair of TOMS shoes? Would you buy a pair to help out a child in need?

Happy shopping!! 🙂

Spray Tan – Worth It or Not?

I recently had  my engagement pictures taken. And before the photo session, I overheard some clients at Hairport talk about a local spray tan place.  And I thought to myself, “it’d would be a good idea to look somewhat tan for the pictures.” This winter has been miserable, and I haven’t had any sun. So, the thought of looking like I got some sun, and not ghostly pale, was quite appealing to me. And I wanted to look awesome for my engagement photos!

So, I went for it… I made an appointment to get spray tan!And it’s not the kind with the booth that you go into and the machine sprays on you. It’s much better than that, at Natural Glow, the ladies there spray the tanning stuff on you. You get airbrushed by someone. So, you wouldn’t get the Ross from “Friends” incident, where he was being “Ross” and was neurotic with his counts, and kept getting sprayed in the front by the machine FOUR TIMES! (Still one of my favorite “Friends” episodes!). Yeah – I didn’t want THAT to happen to me. So, the whole idea of having someone spraying me, instead of a machine, was fantastic!

It was a bit strange to stand there, partially naked, while another person is spraying you. (You can get sprayed with all your under garments on, or completely off, or whatever way you want to have your tan lines look). The only times I’ve never been so exposed is when I go to my doctor for my annual visit! At least it’s another woman and not a man. THAT would be WAY creepy.

There are two lovely ladies who work at Natural Glow on Commercial Street in the North End. Both are named “Sara” and “Sarah.” I had Sarah. She was awesome. Super friendly. And extremely helpful.

I went in on a Monday, told her I was getting the spray tan for my engagement photo session on Saturday. She was worried that the tan would be somewhat faded by then. She worked with me. She sprayed me, and told me I could go back later in the week (Thursday or Friday) for a “touch up” session. So, I went to her on Thursday, and she did the touch up, FOR FREE! That was very nice out her.

The entire spray session takes about 5 minutes. I stood up, moved around, make funny poses that she asked me to make, as she sprays me. When she’s done, she leaves the room, and I just stood by a couple of fans to dry off for about a minute. Then, I put my clothes back on and went on my way.

What you need to know before you go spray tanning:

1. That stuff needs to dry for 8 hours before you can shower or wash your face – so go late in the day

2. Get your nails done before going – the nail polish remover will remove the spray tan from your nails

3. Wear loose-fitting clothes when you go there – so the tan is even on you when you leave with your clothes on

4. Shave / wax before going, or the tan will come off with the wax

5. Don’t go there directly after the gym/shower. Your pores will be open right after you shower. So, wait at least 30 minutes before going.

PRO’s about spray tan:

1. Safety – Looking tan without the risk of skin cancer or sun damage

2. Instant tan

3. You choose how light/dark you want

CON’s about spray tan:

1. The dye does get on your clothes (washes off the clothes though)

2. Uneven fading

3. Can’t exfoliate skin without ruining tan

All-in-all, I think it’s worth it. I would do this again for special occasions, like how I would get lash extensions for special occasions. It’s just too much maintenance to do it on a regular basis. But that’s me. I like to be more simple, if I could help it.

You can try it out and judge for yourself – is it worth the money?

Here are some pictures from my engagement photo session, by my wonderful uncle, Quang Le, along the Charles River with the cherry blossoms. You can see how nice the spray tan looks on me, and the makeup by yours truly.

ENJOY!

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My dress was from Loft, Embroidered Bodice Dress. Bought it specifically for this occasion, and it was 50% off (score!). Shoes were Stuart Weitzman wedges from a few seasons ago (bought from Ruelala, also at a discount). Purse is Louis Vuitton Tovili PM, bought years ago when I last went to Paris (Oh, how I miss Paris!), and it was less than half the price it is now! Trench coat is Burberry Buckingham Trench, bought from Nordstrom awhile ago. Makeup products were all Bobbi Brown products.

Get You Body Ready For Spring From Head To Toes

I know it doesn’t even FEEL like spring here in New England yet! Mother Nature played a cruel joke on us with that ONE 70 degrees day a couple of weeks ago. But nonetheless, we must get our body ready for spring. If Mother Nature wants to delay our Spring, we will make sure we are ready for it when it comes.

I’m not sure about all of you, but my skin has been extra dry lately. Maybe it’s due to the change of the season. My hair feels dry as well.

So, today, I decided to give my hair, face, and body a little session of TLC they’ve been needing. Something like a “spring cleaning” for my hair and body (skin). Maybe you should try the same!

First, I stock my shower with the following products:

• Moroccan Oil Restorative Hair Mask
• St. Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub
• Bobbi Brown Lathering Tube Soap
• Bobbi Brown Buffing Grains for Face

Step 1: HAIR

I first shampoo my hair, then apply the hair mask onto my hair, twisted my hair into a bun and secured it in place with a hair clip. (Hair masks should stay on hair for at least 5 minutes). The heat and humidity in the steamy shower will help activate the hair mask.

Step 2: BODY WASH

And, I wash my body with my normal body wash.

Step 3: FACE

I squeezed about a dime-size of the Lathering Tube Soap onto the palm of my hand, and pour the Buffing Grains for the Face on top of the Lathering Tube Soap. Rubbed my hands together to mix the two products together and a good lather on the soap, and start scrubbing my face with it. I did 30 seconds per cheek, and 30 seconds (each) for the forehead and chin. Then, rinse that stuff of my face.

Step 4: BODY SCRUB

Using the St. Ives scrub, I start working from my shoulders to my arms and down the rest of my body.

Step 5: ALL OVER RINSE

Take the hair out of the bun and wash all the mask and other stuff off your body

Step 6: MOISTURIZE

For my face, I first use my toner (Bobbi Brown Hydrating Face Tonic) and then my new Bobbi Brown Extra Repair Moisture Cream. The Kiehl’s Ultra Cream wasn’t working for me anymore.

For my body, I used Alba’s Kukui nut oil, which I found at Whole Foods. It smells really nice and isn’t too greasy. Make sure you massage the oil onto your body, so it gets really absorbed into the body. And I usually let it settle for a few minutes before putting on my clothes.

You can use any scrub you want on your face and body. I these products work for me, so I’m sticking to them. And St. Ives’ scrub is inexpensive and you need a lot of it for the body. It’s a win-win for me.

Your skin will have a beautiful natural glow from face to body, and your hair will be smooth, shiny, and moisturized.

Try giving your body a head-to-toes TLC and let me know what you think!

It’s always nice to scrub dead skin off your body and give it a little rejuvenation. Trust me, your body will thank you for it! Like snakes that shed their skin once in a while, we should do the same.

And always remember – dry skin = wrinkles. So, keep moisturizing!!!!

Happy Spring! 🙂

Wedding Bells Are Ringing!

I have to brag about the most amazing life changing event – I’m engaged!!!!!

Wonder who will be my makeup artist? I know one, but not sure if she’s available or if she’ll be too busy with her wedding? 😉

My, ahem, fiancé, worked with my neighbor, Illaria, who works for Hearts on Fire, to pick the perfect engagement ring: the Illustrious-engagement ring. It is beautiful. It looks simple from the top. But on a side angle, it has numerous little diamonds that make the ring shine even more. The crown of the ring even has a heart shape on it!! And, just the way I like it! Very elegant, simple, and has an antique flair to it.

Looking forward to planning the wedding!!!!! 😉

Benefit Cosmetics Vending Machine at JFK Airport

I’ve seen vending machines for tech products, such as iPods, phone chargers, headphones, etc (besides the drinks and snacks ones). But, a vending machine for MAKEUP??!!? Not yet… Until today!

While on a business trip, strolling around JFK airport’s Terminal 5, searching my gate, I happened upon this amazing new novelty machine, to me!

I noticed out of the corner of eyes, a cool, pink trolley, with the Benefit-like artwork all over. To my wonder, it IS a Benefit Cosmetic machine! Totally cool. Wish I saw this when I was walking out of the airport to my meeting. I forgot my lipgloss and traveling just makes your skin so dry. Even my lips were drug! I had to resort to my lipstick, which wasn’t as moisturizing.

I wonder how many people bought stuff from there. It would actually be helpful if you travel and forgot something at home.

Would you buy makeup from a vending machine?

10 Ways to Wear a Maxi Dress by Ruelala

I got an email today from Ruelala, and within the email was this post about 10 ways to wear a maxi dress. And I wanted to share it with all of you. With summer around the corner, the weather here in New England beginning to FEEL like summer, we all want to wear fun dresses. Maxi being one of the style. I know I’ll be sporting some of these maxi styles here this coming weekend, if the rain stops, and the sun comes out!

Here’s the link to the post by Ruelala:

http://www.ruelala.com/blog/tag/10-ways-to-wear-the-maxi-dress/

Happy Memorial Day weekend!

Anyone going to any sales? Happy shopping! 🙂

Friends & Family Sale at Bobbi Brown 20% Off, Plus FREE SHIPPING ($65 or more)

Ladies, another makeup sale going on this week! This time, it’s Bobbi Brown‘s Friends & Family from April 15-18. Get 20% off your favorite makeup, plus, free shipping on purchases of $65 or more!

These are my two favorite items from Bobbi Brown that I can’t live without:

1. Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner ($23) – I have this in Black Ink, and love it! It doesn’t smudge, EVER. And the pot lasts forever too! I might get the Graphite Shimmer to have a bit of fun with some shimmer for the Spring!

BB Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner

2. Bobbi Brown Ultra Fine Eyeliner Brush ($26)

BB Ultra Fine Eyeliner Brush

 

Go out and get some Bobbi Brown makeup goodies and let me know what you bought!

Happy shopping!!! 🙂

Hot nail polish color for Spring!!

Since my nails grow so fast, I had to take the shellac off my nails because the new growth is showing too much on my nails.

Anyhow, I decided it was time to go back to regular manicures again. Like I said before, shellac is good for vacations or special occasions, when you want your nails to look glossy, fresh, and new at all times!

Vacation’s over, back to reality. But I wasn’t ready to go back to regular French manicure. So, I decided to go with this season’s “IT” color – POPPY RED. That’s THE color of the season. Not too orangy, not too “blue red” either.

My polish of choice is Essie’s “Snap Happy” (shown on picture of my nails below). Another favorite of mine is Essie’s “Lollipop” which doesn’t look so good on Asian skin, but does look amazing on paler skin.

Go out and try these colors for yourself, and let me know what you think. 🙂

Time to go pamper yourselves! 😉

Shellac Nails – OPI Shellac

I went on a ski trip to Tahoe last week. I wanted my nails to stay looking shiny and new during my vacation. So I got them shellac at Hairport. Wow! They last!! I got them done Friday, 3/1, and it’s 3/12 and they still look brand new! I love how shiny and glossy they stayed.

These hands were abused on the vacation as well. I used them to shell Dungeness crabs, washing dishes (without gloves), in and out of ski gloves and mittens, hot tubs, you name it. A normal manicure would more than likely chip and peel after 3 days of such abuse.

I highly recommend getting your nails shellac before going on any vacation. The OPI shellac works the best, in my opinion.

Try it out for yourself and let me know your thoughts! 🙂