Best of Fall 2020 Beauty Favorites featuring Skin Care + Life Update

Hello, everyone!  What a break it has been.  I am making a comeback, rejuvenated refreshed and ready to create content after becoming a licensed esthetician!  It has been a long journey and an evolution, to be a bit dramatic, but I'm proud to have made it back here here.  This post took me an entire week from start to finish as I'm rusty beyond belief.

It feels a bit unfamiliar since this is my first foray into blogging in over a year, and I'm learning everything all over again with a new camera among other aspects, so I decided to start with what is essentially a list of the products I've loved this year and am continuing to use into the Fall season.  

Grab that cup of coffee or tea and let's get started! 

Holy Grail | My Must-Have Hair Care + Hair Styling Products

I've waited many years to compile this Holy Grail Hair Care + Styling Products lineup because I was always waiting for the next best thing to sweep me off my feet. Now that my hair has endured so many different types of chemical treatments and colors, I am ready to share what hair care is actually worth the money!

Let me start by telling you that I have a very laid-back approach to my hair. When I buy expensive hair care, I expect it to keep my locks looking as healthy and as vibrant as possible. I stick to these tried but true products because they work. I have used atelier salon brands Kerastase and Shu Uemura the longest — nearly 6 years — all throughout various stages of virgin hair, dyed jet black hair, blonde ombre hair, and red ombre hair. I have loved and recommended every variation of the Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil Shampoo, and I absolutely adore the Kerastase Cristalliste for those with dark dyed or natural, untreated hair! Other noteworthy products from Kerastase are Initialiste (if you suffer from dry scalp) and Reflection Masque Chroma Riche (a hydrating and soothing mask for colored hair).

My latest obsession for hair care has been Moroccanoil due to its more affordable pricing and phenomenal quality, but if you can splurge, I urge you to try Philip B. The White Truffle Conditioning Creme tames my hair in ways that no other conditioners from even Shu Uemura, Kerastase and Moroccanoil can. My hair feels soft yet bouncy and responds better to styling. Luxury hair care brands like Oribe make wonderful products as well. If you'd like to try something more luxurious than the Kiehl's Damage Repair Treatment, definitely look into the Oribe Split End Seal! I am still in the process of testing it, which is why it did not make it into the video below. I will release my final verdict in a few weeks. My sister is a huge fan of Oribe's Gold Lust Hair Oil and the famed Thick Dry Texturizing Spray, so we highly recommend you try them!

Last but not least, I wanted to mention that you will hear me consistently mention fragrance in the video review. I might have a very dull nose, but I love pleasantly scented hair care. It makes me feel confident and radiates a more polished aura. I hope you'll enjoy the review and give some of my favorites a try! 

Products Reviewed:

Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask

Philip B White Truffle Conditioning Creme

Shu Uemura Color Lustre Shampoo

Shu Uemura Color Lustre Thermo-Milk

Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil Shampoo for Dry Scalp

Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo

Kerastase Ciment Thermique Blow-dry Primer

Kiehl's Damage Repairing Leave-in Treatment

R+Co Dallas Thickening Spray
R+Co Conformist Hair Paste
Bed Head Hard Head Hairspray

Amika Touchable Hairspray

Oribe Apres Beach Spray

Moroccanoil Luminous Medium Hairspray

Mason Pearson Handy Mix Brush

Tangle Teezer Original Styler Pink Brush

Macademia Professional Nourishing Shampoo

Macademia Professional Nourishing Conditioner

Makeup Worn:

Charlotte Tilbury Foundation in 3

YSL Touche Eclat in 2

Burberry Powder in Nude Ochre

Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronzer

Clé de Peau Highlighter in Delicate Pink

Burberry Eyebrow Pencil in Ash

Chantecaille Liquid Pen Eyeliner

em Michelle Phan Lengthening Mascara

MAC x Nordstrom Naturals Eyeshadow Palette

Tom Ford Matte Lip Color in Pussycat

MAC Viva Glam Miley Cyrus Lipglass

Shirt:

J.Crew Crinkle Plaid

Nails:

Tom Ford Toasted Sugar

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November 2014 Beauty Favorites feat. Clé de Peau, Tom Ford, Kerastase, and more!

November has been a hectic month! I was fortunate enough to travel to Beijing during one of its most beautiful weeks of the year, and I truly had a wonderful time being immersed in so many new beauty products and upcoming trends. I had planned to share vlog footage here in this episode, but unfortunately, there were too many products to cover! You might see some unexpected products on the roster below, so watch the video to find out what's new! And for those anxious to get planning, I will be rounding up the best of Black Friday + Cyber Monday promotions and sharing them here on the blog tomorrow. Stay tuned! xo

Products Reviewed:

Cle de Peau Lipsticks in 204 Bellini, 201 Sweet Lychee & 215 Plum Pudding

Cle de Peau Fall 2014 Eye Color Quad in 303 Baby Universe

Tom Ford Holiday 2014 Cream Eye Color in Platinum

Tom Ford Holiday 2014 Cream Eye Color in Spice

LORAC Vintage Vixen & Sultry Starlet Eyeshadows

*Ulta Black Friday exclusive palettes

Kate Somerville ExfoliKate

Dior Maximizer Lash Plumping Serum

Kerastase Baume Double Je

Kerastase K Laque Noire Hairspray

Head and Shoulders Green Apple Shampoo + Conditioner

NuMe White Truffle Leave-in Conditioner

Makeup Worn:

Dolce & Gabbana Foundation in 100

Cle de Peau Concealer in Beige

Koh Gen Do Powder in OC-1

Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronzer

Cle de Peau Luminizing Face Enhancer in Sand Beige

Cle de Peau Eyebrow Pencil in 204 + Holder

Cle de Peau Eye Color Quad in 303 Baby Universe + Case

Tom Ford Holiday 2014 Cream Eye Color in Platinum

Tom Ford Holiday 2014 Cream Eye Color in Spice

Shu Uemura ME White 06 Eyeshadow

Cle de Peau Perfect Lash Mascara

EM Michelle Phan Scribble Eyeliner in Bronze Script

Cle de Peau Lipstick in 204 Bellini

Velour Lashes in Are Those Real

*Use code RAEVELOUR to get 15% OFF!

Earrings:

House of Harlow Sunburst Studs

Shirt:

Rails Carmen in Wine

Nails:

Louboutin Bianca

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August 2014 Favorites + Tom Ford Fall 2014 Preview

I feel as though I say this constantly, but I cannot believe another four weeks has flown by. It is true what they say — that your early twenties seem to drag on, but that your mid-twenties will pass in the blink of an eye. I wish I could stop time to enjoy the little things! Still, August was a great month dedicated to growth and change and finally, some weight loss! My first juice cleanse was one of the most eye-opening experiences, but I have been doing my best to eat healthier overall, despite my hectic schedule and late night cravings. Though I'm struggling with some hormonal blemishes this week, I feel completely like myself again! I hope you'll enjoy this month's selection of Hits & Misses, as there are some very highly requested product reviews and updates here. Thanks always for stopping by and hope you have a wonderful start to the Fall season! xo 

PRODUCTS REVIEWED:

Remington iLight Face and Body [promo code: ilightBM2 for 15% off]

Tom Ford Traceless Foundation in Fawn 

Koh Gen Do Powder in OC-2 and Case 

Dior Fall 2014 Eyeshadow Palette in Pied de Poule [swatches HERE]

Kevyn Aucoin Loose Shadow in Candlelight [swatches HERE]

Charlotte Tilbury 'Full Fat Lashes' 5 Star Mascara

Sonia Kashuk 'Make a Face' Brushes

Chikuhodo GSN 6-Piece Brush Set

Kerastase Chroma Thermique Hair Milk

Dove Sensitive Skin Body Wash 

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Lotion 

Makeup Worn:

Tom Ford Traceless Foundation in Fawn 

Tom Ford Concealer in Light 

Tom Ford Bronzer in Terra 

Tom Ford Illuminating Powder 

Tom Ford Fall 2014 Cheek Duos 

Tom Ford Fall 2014 Lipsticks 

Tom Ford Fall 2014 Eye Color Quad in Nude Dip 

Tom Ford Eye Defining Pen in Deeper 

Cle de Peau Eyebrow Pencil in 204 and Holder 

Koh Gen Do Powder in OC-2 and Case 

Guerlain Maxi Lash WP Mascara 

Velour Lashes in Hey Shawty 

*Use promo code RAEVELOUR to receive 15% OFF

Blouse:

Joie Matte Silk XS 

Nails:

Tom Ford Fall 2014 

Giorgio Armani Fall 2014 

Hair:

Hot Tools Curling Iron in 1.5" (White) 

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May 2014 Favorites [Hits & Misses] feat. Kerastase, 3LAB, Sulwhasoo, Urban Decay + more!

The month of May has flown by! I cannot believe how many products I have discovered through friends and traveling, so I will share some of my new foundation finds with you. Please note, I will compile a comparison review of my cushions as soon as I receive the new Laneige Pore Control version, which just launched (and is only available) in Asia. Many thanks again to my friend Leanne for coming to the rescue! I also have several products I have been using for months now — such as my beloved Mason Pearson brush and 3LAB 'Super h' Serum — that I am glad to finally announce are absolutely worth the indulgence. If you have any further questions regarding the products I reviewed in the video below, please feel free to ask them in the comments section!

A preview snapshot of some of the Favorites posted on my Instagram!

Products Reviewed:

Kerastase Spray À Porter Tousled Effect Spray

Kerastase Lift Vertige Root Uplifting Gel

Mason Pearson Popular Nylon & Boar Bristle Brush [for Long, Normal to Coarse hair]

LAmade Double V-Neck Slouchy Tee in XS

Keepsake Sleepwalker Peplum Top in XS

Laneige 5-in-1 BB Cushion in Light

3LAB Aqua BB in 2 Medium

Sulwhasoo Evenfair Perfecting Cushion Foundation in 25

Koh Gen Do Moisture Foundation in 113 [Favorite new HD Foundation]

Cle de Peau Concealer in Beige

3LAB 'Super h' Serum Age-Defying Serum

Sulwhasoo Snowise Exfoliating Gel

Tatcha Pure One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil

Urban Decay NAKED Flushed Cheek Palette in Native [Tutorial HERE]

Kiss Me Heroine Make Eyelash Fixer [Glue]

Makeup Worn:

SK-II Stempower Cream Foundation in 420

Cle de Peau Concealer in Beige

Chanel Vitalumiere Powder in 20

Tom Ford Bronzing Powder in 02 Terra

Cle de Peau Eyebrow Pencil in 204 and Holder

Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Silk Eyeshadow in 9

Kevyn Aucoin The Eyeshadow Duo in #207

By Terry Ligne Blackstar Eyeliner in Black

Guerlain Maxi Lash Waterproof Mascara in Black

NARS Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil in Via Veneto

Giorgio Armani Cheek Fabric Blush in 507

Bourjois Lip Velvet in 05 Ole Flamingo

YSL Gloss Volupte in 206 Fuchsia Oran

Velour Lashes in Oops, Naughty Me

*Use promo code RAEVELOUR to receive 15% OFF

Tee:

LAmade Double V-Neck Slouchy Tee in XS

Nails:

Dior Gel in Wonderland

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Hair: Easy, Retro Romantic Curls Tutorial + Sedu Revolution Clipless Curling Iron Review

This is the fastest, easiest way to achieve long lasting curls! I love that the Sedu Revolution Clipless Curling Iron ($119 USD) is lightweight and heats up in seconds. I can brush out my curls for a more retro look or simply run my fingers through them for a more spiral effect. The 25mm barrel is best for medium to long hair, but since my hair is extra long these days, I am very curious to see what results I can achieve with the 38mm version. Whichever size you choose, this curling wand is a great investment, and now I cannot ever imagine using a traditional curling iron ever again! The coated barrel leaves my hair feeling silky, and there is noticeably less damage to the lengths of my hair than with other curling iron tools. Yes, there may be more affordable options out there, but it's better to splurge for quality. I hope you find the tutorial helpful!

Products Used:
Mason Pearson Handy Mix Brush
Sedu Revolution Clipless Curling Iron 25 mm
Kerastase Cristalliste Cristal Sculpt Serum

Makeup Worn:
YSL Youth Liberator Serum Foundation in B30
em Michelle Phan Love Me for Me Powder Compact in Linen
Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Powder in 30
It Cosmetics Bye Bye Redness
Cle de Peau Eyebrow Pencil in 204 *You must purchase the Pencil Holder separately
Marc Jacobs Precision Pen Eyeliner in Black
em Michelle Phan Waterliner in Black Night
Tom Ford In the Pink Ombré Eye Color Palette [swatches HERE]
em Michelle Phan Day Life Palette Lotsa Latte & Espresso Eyeshadows [swatches HERE]
Bare Minerals Moxie Lipgloss in Party Starter
Red Cherry False Lashes in Style 47

Nails:
Tom Ford Show Me The Pink [swatches HERE]

Tank:
DailyLook Braided Racerback

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My Must-Have Hair Care & Hair Styling Products.. Plus 1 Major Miss to Avoid!

Today I will share with you my hair care and hair styling products on regular rotation. I do switch pairings depending on my activities, but I highly recommend all but the last product listed below. Though I love the Kerastase Cristalliste range, I think I will explore more of the Résistance to strengthen the lengths of my hair! The scent on the Cristalliste is more feminine, but I love the fresh, lemon-infused zing of the Résistance Ciment Thermique fragrance. This breakdown may have been a bit overwhelming for some, but when I reach for the products in my bathroom, it feels easy. Just found out the routine that works best for you and your hair.. best of luck!

Products Reviewed:

• Kerastase Cristalliste Bain Crystal Thick Shampoo http://www.kerastase-usa.com/BAIN-CRISTAL-THICK/CBCT000,default,pd.html?start=4&cgid=Cristalliste
• Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil Shampoo http://www.shuuemuraartofhair-usa.com/Cleansing-Oil-Shampoo/SU053,default,pd.html?start=6&cgid=shampoo
• Kenra Platinum Moisture Conditioner http://www.kenra.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ID=26
• Kerastase Cristalliste Masque Cristal Hair Mask http://www.kerastase-usa.com/NEW-Masque-Cristal/MC0000,default,pd.html?start=8&cgid=Cristalliste
• Shu Uemura Essence Absolue http://www.shuuemuraartofhair-usa.com/Essence-Absolue/SU028,default,pd.html?start=1&cgid=art_of_oil
• Kerastase Cristalliste Cristal Sculpt Serum http://www.kerastase-usa.com/NEW-Cristal-Sculpt/CS0000,default,pd.html
• Jonathan Create Smooth Hair Serum http://bit.ly/10POael
• Kerastase Résistance Ciment Thermique Heat Protectant http://www.kerastase-usa.com/CIMENT-THERMIQUE/CTH0000,default,pd.html?start=4&cgid=resistance_2
• Kerastase Initialiste http://www.kerastase-usa.com/NEW-Initialiste/3474630493421,default,pd.html
• Bumble and Bumble Creme de Coco Conditioner [I do NOT recommend this. It sits on top of the hair, dense but not nourishing. And yes, the pump on mine is broken so it leaks badly.]

Makeup Worn:
Chanel Double Perfection Powder Foundation in 30
Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder in 1 Natural
Hourglass Arch Brow Pencil in Soft Brunette
Ellis Faas Creamy Eyes in E103 Black
NARS And God Created the Woman Eyeshadow Palette [Pink-peach for highlight w/matte brown for crease]
Hourglass Film Noir Mascara with Red Cherry 217 Lashes
Tom Ford Cheek Color Blush in Flush
Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Pygmalion and Sara Happ Lip Slip Gloss

Nails:
Zoya Summer, topped with Butter London Tart as a Heart glitter [left hand only]

Shirt:
7 For All Mankind [old]