Ah finally, a review! Haven't done one of these in ages = P

If you follow me on twitter, then you know that I went and got myself some Witch Hazel. I believe the very informative Krissy asked me to do a review (Follow her! She's very knowledgeable with skin care, girl really knows her ingredients!)

So going on...I present to you, my new love:

This astringent seriously rocks my socks and I mean it!

Where I got it: VP Discount (a health food and nutritional supplement/vitamin store

How much? Not more than $10 USD and comes in a gigantic 12 oz. fl bottle! This will last months.

Why? I needed something gentle to help with oiliness and blemishes. I don't always want to rely on benzoyl peroxide (BP) as it can get pretty harsh and my skin can become used to its medication (for example: using too much BP can make your skin resistant to it, meaning it won't aid in fighting zits anymore.) Also, I wanted a more natural and simple skincare routine.

I use this after I cleanse my skin (I'm on the OCM- Oil Cleansing Method) and it helps to get rid of any remaining residue and fight blemishes with a more natural, gentler approach. I've been using it for about 3 weeks (excluding the time I had HORRIBLE Eczema-more on that on another post..) and have seen a major difference in my skin. I just pour a few drops into a cotton square and apply it all over my face avoiding the eye area. It has this cooling sensation and smells like peach candy, but the scent doesn't last. After a week's usage, my skin was much more even toned and even had this little glow to it. I felt like I could wear less makeup, a definite plus in my book. Taking a glance at the ingredients, it is not a miracle why this product worked for me.

This particular brand of witch hazel comes abundant with some very beneficial ingredients-most of them natural, such as  extracts of kiwi, orange flower, passion fruit, tangerine and vitamin C. Despite that it has alcohol in it, which usually dries skin, it actually does not dry my skin at all.  The alcohol is there to help preserve witch hazel, so most witch hazel you buy, you will see some sort of alcohol listed in the ingredients. Except, of course there are alcohol free ones, but they use other preservation methods, I prefer the traditional method though, the one with alcohol proven effective by doctors for years. Hey if it's good for them! Now I know alcohol is bad for even oily skin, but if you're like me and you add drops of jojoba oil to your moisturizer, then the drying shouldn't be a problem. So far I was adequately moisturized the entire time of usage and didn't experience any breakouts either. I recommend this to anyone who wants a more natural approach to their routine, especially if you have oily or even combination skin.

Rating: 4.8/5 I would still rather prefer it without alcohol though...will try the alcohol-free one once this is used up.

Buy Again? I will come back to it if the alcohol-free ones suck a$$ (psst I heard the alcohol free ones are on the oily side based on some reviews)

So that ends my review, hope that was helpful ^_^

BTW this isn't called kawaiisweetz without anything kawaii in it teehee!

Yogurtland cups sponsored by Tokidoki designs. SO FREAKING CUTE! Their yogurt (or soft serve) is similar to Menchies, although I still prefer Menchies LOL!

More posts to come! I have a huge collective haul I need to share with you gals!

I believe some of you requested a review of the Grefas Powder so here it is! You ask, I deliver ^_^

Wow it took me forever to do this! LOL!

I read the desription for this on the website and apparently it has some very good properties such as marine collagen and elastin. I think this product is geared towards mature skin as it says that the powder was made to blur fine lines, moisturize, illuminate, and brighten the skin. Pretty cool as long as it doesn't clog pores and helps out in the oil control department. It comes in a pretty good sized container along with a sifter and a separataor for the cloth puff. I'm going to split this review into 3 parts.

1. My initial reaction: When I first tried this powder out, I was amazed! My skin looked absolutely flawless compared to my usual foundation and Palgantong theatrical powder. It actually covers minor scars and makes your skin feel super silky. I wore it for the day and did not even need to blot excess oil; my makeup also did not fade. Some of my regular customers even complimented me! So far so good...right?

2. After a weeks' usage: I started to notice that I was breaking out, but I'm not sure if it's from stress or this powder. Either way I still kept using it as the oil control was near awesome and I also noticed that my pores aren't as noticeable either. Not that it was shrinking my pores, but the powder itself gives a primer like finish I would say.  I also noticed that if I put too much on, it would dry out my skin as compared to putting just the right amount. Pretty interesting...

3. Final Verdict- I'm still using this powder and have not gotten any new breakouts so it must've been stress.I think this powder will replace my foundation AND my setting powder because the coverage is pretty good for me considering my scars aren't anything substantial. I'm very impressed at its ability to control oil and blur flaws. Although I would have to add that people with dry skin should not use this as it can get pretty drying; that's probably the only con- it dries  out your skin if you use too much. I just take a little in my powder brush, tap out the excess and swipe it over my face. Anyway, I love this powder and will have to ask my cousin to get me more once I run out! I'm not even sure how much this costs and I hope it doesn't cost a pretty penny!

More images:

Rating- 5/5

Buy Again?- YES!

Website for more info- Grefas

<Look at that! Isn't it the sexiest powder you've ever seen? I just want to throw myself into it, only I'll sneeze non-stop and probably die of foreign particles in my lungs. Oh yeah,I forgot to mention how finely milled and silky the powder is- so luxurious, hence the name Grefas Silky Powder

Hope you all enjoyed this review and found it helpful. If you have any questions feel free to ask!

On to the food porn! I know some of you love my food porn pictures despite the fact that I'm horrible at taking pictures of food. But hey, I try!

A group of my friends and I decided to visit a burger joint that suprisingly is NOT the infamous In n' Out Burgers. We headed to a place called The Counter, which specializes in cutom burgers or what they like to call it, 'Build Your Own Burger', where you customize your burger from the sauce to the meat all the way to bun and what types of veggies you want. It's a little bit expensive but since I was a first timer I was willing to go all out. Not on the pics.

The menu. You put a check mark on what you want in your burger. Pretty cool eh?

My Burger: Turkey burger with honey wheat hamburger buns, grilled onions, grilled red peppers, pepper jack cheese, spicy sour cream (?) and missing guacamole cause they forgot to give it to me -_- Bastards....You're also probably wondering, ".....Where the f@#$ are the fries Ju Lee?!" I simply forgot to take a picture of them, besides you all know what fries look like, you know... those artery clogging goodness? Yeah. Oh I also got a PB&J shake which was the highlight of my whole meal. BEST shake I've ever had!

The peep$

Yes I look like crap I know. I'm not very photogenic when someone else is taking my pic. Especially when the one taking my pic has the hotz for the guy next to me LOL. She only makes sure her baby looks good. He has what I call, credit card slot eyes and he's not even Asian! LOL JK Fern you know we luv ya!

Now after a savory meal we always treat ourselves to Sweetz.

PORTO'S!

Their famous cheese rolls! Lightly sugared crispiness on the outside, sweet cream cheese on the inside.

Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake

I couldn't help but take a bite...or 2.  SORRY it was worth it! BTW it only looks messed up because I'm a crazy bitch on the road. Afterall, I just got Porto's and you better get the hell out of my way!

If you're in California you MUST go to Porto's! 'Nuff said! Then again, if you're a Californian, Porto's and In n' Out is just one of our many national treasures- when it comes to eatery that is. What is the one restaurant/bakery/cafe or food place that is significant in your countries? Do share!

Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush Glossy Shine Stick(s) in (from left) Mango Tango and Colada Love

Sorry for the bad picture quality! I'd rather think these are tinted lip balms but I guess you can say tthey're stick glosses too? IDK. Anyway, I got these babies for 2/$12 and am probably going to make my way over there to get more! They smell sooooooooooo YUMMY, are really moisturizing and just give that perfect hint of color. Like their names suggest, they're also very glossy which actually surprised me since most stick form glosses are rarely ever shiny/glossy. I've always wanted to get a tinted lip balm that was both shiny, moisturizing and actually gave me some color. Most tinted balm or stick glosses never deliver in the pigment and/or shine department ...well at least the one's I've tried. Also most tinted balms tend to have a grainy texture, but not these. I picked neutral colors of course, these are like my lips but better hehe. The only problem I have with this is the clear cap; it cracks easily and you can see stains on it if I'm in a rush to close it and accidenttally nix the product on the base of the cap. Since I'm a neat freak I'm always cleaning it and it's not easy to clean a narrow tube GRRR! If the cap wasn't clear I can just overlook this and not give into my anal tendencies. Either way they still are very cute and are an overall GREAT product!

Rating: 4.5/5

Buy Again?: YUP ME WANT MORE!

Product close-up and swatches.

I got tagged by saffie fiend and lxflickr! Thanks babes ^_^

1) What are your makeup item must have(s)?

eyebrow powder, concealer, face powder and my Burt's Bees Honey lip balm

2) Who was the first make up guru you watched on youtube?

Enkore

3) From the answer above, how did u stumble upon the person's channel?

I was perusing through makeupalley and someone mentioned how great Koren's video tutorials were so I youtubed him and VOILA!I love that man, he's just so wonderful and insightful!

4) How did you discover Onsugar?

Through Sara Kai of icyabstract. I found her channel first, then her blog link was in the descriptions and thus my blog was born. Onsugar was too cute to resist for me!


5) Who was the first onsugar blogger that you followed?

Sara Kai of icyabstract

6) Did you ever buy a make up item/tool which you end up not using or regretted buying?

Psh I can't remember how many times I've done that...I don't even want to backtrack; it's torture!

7) What do you usually carry in your make up bag?

My trusted burt's bees honey lip balm, MAC blot powder, some sort of gloss. I never touch up my eye makeup because it never budges.

8) If you found your Holy Grail (HG) product, would you stick with it throughout or are you willing to try on other products which might end up not suitable for you?

Well, usually old habits die hard for me especially if it's a very basic product (for example I've been on Burt's Bees Honey lip balm since it came out!). Now if it comes to things like mascara and lip gloss I can be a whore and not settle for the same one over and over again. I get bored of lip gloss like I get bored of men.

9) In your opinion which is more important, or rather which comes first, product quality or application technique?

Quality because no matter how you apply it, it still works! Application technique wouldn't matter if the quality of a product was lame because no matter how you apply it, it would still be lass than fabulous.

10) On a scale of 5, how 'important' is make up to you?
Hmmm...3 because I can never leave my house without something that makes me look alive yet I don't have to have on the full 9 either.

I think everyone got tagged already and besides I'm too lazy to add links LOL. Just got home from night classes and a test at that!

Next up: FOOD PORN!

Say hello to my Salami Pinwheels. Made these yesterday and they're so GOOD! I got the recipe from FoodGawker.com but I substituted the prociutto and dijon mustard for salami and cream cheese instead! If you are interested in the recipe then here is a link http://thecuttingedgeofordinary.blogspot.com/2009/09/proscuttio-pinwheels.html Mine doesn't exactly look like hers but it still tastes good. I think anyone can make this it's super easy!

My New Love

I've only used this today for a couple hours and I'm IMPRESSED! Review when I've used and tested this out for a bit.

Sorry if these pictures are stripper like...I couldn't help it.

Requested by Shanghainese Dumpling

I use this as a moisturizer booster. What that means is that I just add a drop to my normal everyday moisturizer, mix it in, and apply it to my face. This makes my moisturizer more effective and helps prevent me from getting too oily in the day. I love it because I've seen such in improvement in my skin's clarity. I think this product alone helps to prevent me from breaking out! Once a week I will also use this as a deep cleanser to get all the stuff out from my pores that I know regular cleansers would not remove. I just put 3 drops into my dry palm, and massage my dry face gently with it and then I wash it off with luke warm water. After rinsing, my skin doesn't feel tight, which is a good thing! Some people think that it's a bit redundant to use oils as a cleanser and a moisturizer if you already have oily skin. But that's the problem, your skin makes oil to moisturize your skin and if your skin is too dry then your face will over produce the sebum which then leads to acne, blackheads and all that unglamorous junk. Then again not ALL oils are good for you skin, in fact there are a bunch out there that will make oily-acne prone skin worse, it just comes down to doing your research, and knowing your skin inside and out. -Hope I answered your question Ena ^_^

I don't remember who requested this...Product Description taken from Sephora's Website:

A waterproof version of the best-selling Smoky Lash—a mascara that delivers volume, length, and intense pigment.
What it does:
MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Smoky Lash takes the ultra-pigmented, volume-enhancing formula that made the original such a hit and waterproofs it just in time for fun in the sun this summer.
What else you need to know:
The tough, dense brush of this Sephora-exclusive mascara penetrates into the roots of the lash to ensure that the lash is completely coated with mascara.

My take...it delivers length and pigmentation but the volumizing effect can use some improvement. I got this as a sample from Sephora and am glad I didn't buy it because it's just like any good mascara you can purchase from the drugstore. The brush isn't anything I haven't seen either. I still like my Japanese branded mascaras, they actually DELIVER and satisfy me on so many levels! I figure that if I have to spend this much at least be worth it LOL. I'm so cheap!

Rating: 4/5

Buy Again?: No, too pricey

A couple of days ago, I realized that I haven't really been taking care of my nails and that I needed some new neutral everyday nail polishes since the ones I have were spoiling. Here's what I got:

From left to right: California Mango Mend Skin, Cuticle & Nail Balm (This stuff works amazing on dry cuticles and smells sooooooooooooooo GOOD!). China Glaze polishes in, Fairy Dust, Heaven, and Temptation Carnation. Can you tell I like sheer natural looking nails? LOL. Maybe I'll do a nail post but seeing that I'm not a beauty blogger, I think I'll pass. = P

Maybelline's Lash Stiletto Review

Ain't I a hypocrite? JK So many beauty bloggers have already reviewed this mascara and I feel the need to offer my 2 cents! I'm not going to do a full on review (you can go to http://makeupalley.com/ for that) because I'm simply too lazy ^_^ But anyway, this mascara is decent in many ways. I feel that it's a good everyday mascara; it lengthens and defines, but does not volumize. It doesn't smudge at all, which is pretty neat considering I have oily lids YET it still removes very easily with warm water. It also does not clump and I like the rose and honey scent of it, I also like the price!

Rating: 4.7/5

Buy Again? Yes

I just ran out of Neutrogena's Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover so I went to my local CVS to serach for a new one I can try out. I happened to chance upon this beauty. Just like most eye makeup removers out there trying to dupe Lancome's Bi-Facil (which is still my HG till this day!), Lumene's version is also blue and is double phased, meaning you need to shake the oil and liquid content together for the remover to be effective. The sad thing is, it is not the best dupe of Bi-Facil. At first glance, only the packaging is elegant. The contents not so much. It does not do a great job at removing waterproof mascaras despite the fact that it advertises that it does. Ah false advertisement, I should sue for all the money you've mugged from me throughout the years...Anyway, while using this I have to swipe at my eyes a little more harshly than usual just to get mascaras off, which is of course a bad thing because I'll be causing premature aging around the eyes AHHHHHHHHH!!!! As if I don't have hereditary bags and dark circles already, I'll be adding crows feet in a good few years! The only saving grace for this remover is the fact that it is not as oily as other double phase removers and it does not dry out my eye area. Overall, this cost me as much as my previous remover but comes in a smaller bottle, thus less product which is a con for me, as most drugstore eye makeup removers at least give the same amount of product- about 5 fl. oz, this one delivers at 3.4 fl oz.

Rating- 2/5

Buy Again?- Hellz to the no!

Yay I finally got around to making an actual post! So here's a review I promised you all on the Lioele Beyond the Solution BB Cream (what a mouthful!).

My first reaction was WOW. I actually thought the tube would be smaller but it's pretty big. Love the packaging on this one. The fact that it has a pump excites me to no end. Now enough rambling about how it looks on the outside, it's whats on the inside that counts. Let's just say that this DID NOT disappoint. The shade was perfect (I'm an NC30-35), it completely melted into my skin. No oiliness or stickiness here, I did not blot my face once with powder! It was a breeze to blend and it absorbed quickly as well. Also, I love that it has jojoba oil listed as one of its ingredients because it compliments my acne.org skincare regimen. The only con I can think of is that it doesn't have any sunscreen labeled on the package and since I can't read in Korean I can't find it listed on the ingredients label. Anyway, this tube should last me a couple of months since a little bit goes a long way. I'm looking forward to trying the other BB creams that Lioele carries as well to see how they fare up.

Rating: 5/5

Buy Again? : HELLZ YEAH!

Edit* I found Titanium Dioxide in the list of ingredients on the box (I overlooked this in the beginning) which is a type of sunscreen. YAY!