The Essentials: July 2015

Decluttering like crazy but it seems like I've exchanged one vice for another.

That vice being skincare & haircare if you couldn't tell by my favorite picks for July. I signed up for a few beauty courses via Sephora and may start including my favorite beauty products soon. FYI, I am so pumped to learn the correct way to prime and contour (YASSS). Their classes are free so I encourage all of you to sign up for at least one.

Before we dive into makeup, here are the picks that stood out to me during a month-long trial in June. Let's call that trial the essentials test. So if you're wondering... YES, I try lots of different things and go through everything so quickly. My skin is pretty tough but still susceptible to aging, so you'll notice an anti-aging trend here. It's never to early to start using these sorts of products.

I also finished filming another YouTube video covering my PM routine - hope it get posted before the summer ends :).

Shop my essentials below:
1. MDSolarSciences Daily Eye Repair Emulsion, 2. The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo 3. TONYMOLY I'm real mask sheet, 4. Vaseline Intensive Care™ Advance Relief Healing Serum, 5. ADIDAS ORIGINALS printed T-shirt, 6. Beautiful Textures Tangle Taming Leave-in Conditioner, 7. Curly Twirls Twirl Tamer, 8. vbeauté Buying Time Everyday Crème, 9. Biore UV Aqua Rich Smooth Watery Gel Spf50 + / Pa ++++, 10. skyn ICELAND Fresh Start Face Mask, 11. philosophy Miracle Worker™ Miraculous Anti-Aging Moisturizer, 12. Devera Naturals Multi-Vitamin Serum, 13. Murad Essential-C Cleanser, 14. Briogeo Be Gentle, Be Kind™ Avocado + Quinoa Co–Was, 15. Bliss Fabulous Makeup Melt Gel-To-Oil Cleanser

Anything new you want to try this month? Tell me in the comments below.

Skincare Addiction: Asian Finds

Skincare, my new addiction. I've never had the best skin and always deal with the same pesky zit (sound familiar). Every now and then I'll randomly find myself on /r/AsianBeauty - a forum dedicated to making your skin look and feel its best with the help of Asian products.

It's been a good steady seven months of checking in, interacting, and trying new products either recommended or raved about by other users. Ladies, these are my precious finds:

For reference, I have combination skin with occasional hormonal flare-ups along my jawline. My skin is not sensitive in the slightest - it can handle a lot besides hormones. If your skin is sensitive, I recommend doing a patch test or introducing one product at a time and slowly (1-2x a week to daily) to see if there's a reaction. 

1 - Toner: Rohto Hadalabo Gokujun Hyaluronic Lotion Moist
In search of a toner to replace my Caudelie, I instead came across this. This is different from American toners since it doesn't dry out your skin but instead helps your skin stay moisturized and absorbs anything else you layer on after (i.e. moisturizer serum or sheet masks). My face feels more plump and hydrated - overall healthier. I apply it to my skin right after I hop out of the shower when my skin is still moist.

2 - Sunscreen: Biore UV Aqua Rich Smooth Watery Gel Spf50 + / Pa ++++
They say that when you decide to build your skincare regimen, the first thing you should add (and apply everyday) is sunscreen. And for sunscreen you need to go abroad. Our domestic sunscreens will never rival those found around the world mainly because the FDA moves at a snail's pace. But I did the research on finding the best sunscreen that doesn't add to my summer sheen (grease-face) and is safe - and this Biore UV Gel is phenom. Great for face and body!

3 - Mask: TonyMoly Sheet Masks
Sheet Masks are buzz words right now and for good reason. When Tony Moly opened it's first stateside store the first thing I did was buy a ton of these: mainly to try them out (finally), it's great price points, and cute packaging. Once I tried them on it felt like a mini spa date (even if I was just sitting on the couch watching Netflix). They started stocking these masks at Sephora and Urban Outfitters. FYI: each mask has a specific treatment to target certain skin concerns - I love using their Rice masks for acne.

4- Face Mist: TonyMoly Pocket Bunny Moist Mist
I'm a mister. In the summer I'm even more hardcore about misting - it helps me stay cool and my skin hydrated. I use over or under my makeup and spritz throughout the day. Writing about it made me mist. Do you need to have this in your regimen? Probably not. However, if you have dry skin it might be something to consider adding to your everyday purse.

5 - Snail Recovery Gel Mizon Snail Recovery Gel Cream
Yes, this is composed entirely of snail mucus but hear me out. This gel has transformed my skin and my boyfriend's skin. My skin looks more even toned and the mucus actually (and rapidly) helps acne healing and scarring. It's also extremely moisturizing and banishes redness. Got sunburned? You can use this too! There's a reason this product is cult favorite when it comes to Asian skincare - it works and it's so affordable. If you're going to try any one of these five - try this one first!

Are you also into Asian skincare or skincare in general? Let me know if there's something I need to try in the comments.

TSB: June Rack Up

June was diverse to say the least. Let's take a glance back shall we:

Jumpsuit: c/o Lulus.com (similar)  Purse: c/o Patricia Nash  Shoes: Madewell (similar)  Sunglasses: Asos (similar)  Lipstick: Villa Lante via NARS Satin Lip Pencil

Jumpsuit: Old (similar)  Purse: Elliott Lucca  Shoes: Funkis  Sunglasses: Asos (similar)  Lipgloss: Buxom Full-On Lip Polish in Megan

Maxi T-Shirt: Tobi  Shorts: Old (similar)  Purse: Patricia Nash  Socks: K. Bell   Shoes: Wanted Sunglasses: Asos (similar)  Earrings: c/o Jewels of June  Ring/Lipgloss: Anna Sui

Sunglasses: Target (similar)  Lipbalm: EOS  Tee: c/o Lucy  Yoga Pants: c/o Lucy  
Shoes: Birkenstock  Yoga Bag: Sakroots

Raincoat: J. Crew (similar)  Dress: c/o Tobi  Boots: Doc Martens  Purse: Patricia Nash  
Necklace: c/o Nashelle  Lipgloss: Buxom Full-On Lip Polish in Megan

Eye Glasses: Warby Parker  Lipbalm: EOS  Tee: thrifted (similar)  Denim Shorts: Zara
Boots: Dr. Marten  Bralette: Old (similar)

Sunglasses: Asos (similar)  Romper: c/o Tobi  Sandals: Funkis  Clutch: Ora Delphine  
Necklace: BaubleBar (similar)  Lipgloss: Buxom Full-On Lip Polish in Megan

YASSS, summer is all I ever wanted and needed. I'm pretty sure I was an iguana in my past life because my mood and style flourishes in the heat. Looking back at this month's #ootds, rompers and playsuits were repeat offenders and will continue to be. Still haven't mastered the act of quickly using the restroom in them - but when I do I'll share my secret.

Which looks were your favs? Any you'd love to see restyled a different way?