TOP 10 | Best of 2017 Skin + Hair

Even though we are well into February already — yikes — I wanted to share my favorite skin and hair care from 2017 because some of these products were truly life changing.  Since my skin was so problematic last year I didn't wear much makeup and experimented more with hair care and gentle skin care products.  It gave me time to really appreciate the value of great basics and reevaluate what I consider holy grail material!

Kpop Inspired "Crazy" Voluminous Curls Tutorial

I have been listening to and watching more Korean pop music videos ever since my sister introduced me to the song "Crazy" by 4Minute. I absolutely love Hyuna because she's such a great performer, but more importantly, I love her signature red lip! My sis and I decided to try emulating her makeup worn in the MV and finished the look with some natural, loose, and very carefree curls. Instead of using the Bodywaver or Whirl Trio, we decided to switch things up with hot rollers!

T3's Voluminous Hot Rollers are my favorite! I've tried lots of different sets over the years thanks to pageants (both while competing and getting others girls ready), but it's difficult to find rollers that are able to give both volume and long-lasting results. I have also noticed T3's cause fewer split ends thanks to the velvet flocking. I take very good care of my hair, but it has been significantly weakened from a lightening aka bleaching treatment so I try to take extra precautions when it comes to split ends. If you've ever struggled to use a curling iron or curling wand and if you have very fine hair, do try these phenomenal hot rollers from T3! The clips take a little practice, but if you find the right placement for your head shape and hair type, you will not see indentations.

My sister and I used the same rollers to style our hair, but because our haircuts are so different, the results do not look the same! These T3 Voluminous Rollers are intended for shoulder length to long hair, but longer hair like my sister's will create a more similar effect to a curling iron. My hair turned out bigger and softer than I had expected, but I love the blow out effect! Tag us in pictures of your results so we can see and like!!

Makeup Worn:

Tom Ford Lip Color Matte in Ruby Rush and Velvet Cherry
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Light Plus +Medium Plus
Cle de Peau Luminizing Face Enhancer in Sand Beige
Burberry Silk Eyeshadows in Taupe Brown + Almond
Burberry Glow Eyeshadow in Shell
Tom Ford Bronzer in Gold Dust
Tom Ford Blush in Flush
Cle de Peau Eyebrow Pencil in 204
Cle de Peau Concealer in Almond
La Mer Loose Powder
Velour Lashes You Complete Me (me) and Are Those Real (sis)
*use code RAEVELOUR to receive 15% OFF

Hair:
T3 Voluminous Hot Rollers

Shirts:
Equipment Blouse (sis) and Rails Hunter (me)

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UPDATE | New Hair Color + Everyday Hair Styling Routine and Tips

May has been full of unexpected events and changes! I have not been able to post blog reviews and video tutorials as frequently because we are working on a special project that will launch late this summer. I also took a quick trip to New York for the launch of Sephora-exclusive YSL Black Opium fragrance, and that's where I first unveiled my new hair color by my superstar stylist Guy Tang! We decided to neutralize the cooler blue tones from the fuchsia and create a smoky redwood shade to give my hair more luster. As much as I love having bright and vibrant hair, I wanted to go back to a more natural look for the summer. Since Guy curled my locks with my go-to T3 Bodywaver above, I wanted to show you how the new color looked straightened!
It has been ages since I have felt comfortable with straight hair, since most ombrés look best with curls, but I am loving the ease of the T3 Single Pass 1.5" Iron. Curling my hair is fairly quick, but nothing beats the convenience of straightening my hair! It's so fast and requires zero effort when the proper heat settings are used. Plus straightened hair makes my ponytails and buns look sleeker, perfect for third or even fourth day hair styles! My hair is frizzier than it has ever been due to all the chemical processing, so I have been allowing my hair to air dry and then styling it the next day with the flat iron. This routine saves me the extra step of having to blow dry, and the effect lasts for a few days, so it prevents my hair from incurring too much damage from heat styling. Try to extend your hair styles with great tools and good hair care!

Products Used:

T3 Micro SINGLE PASS Wide 1.5" IRON

Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo Dark Tone

Oribe Thick Dry Finishing Spray

Mason Pearson Handy Mix Brush

Makeup Worn:

Sulwhasoo Perfecting Cushion in 23

Chantecaille Loose Powder in Subtle

Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronzer

Clé de Peau Eyebrow Pencil in 204

Clé de Peau Highlighter in Pink

MAC Wash & Dry Eyeshadow in Green Clean

MAC Wash & Dry Eyeliner in Practice Makes Perfect

MAC False Eyeshades in No. 3

YSL Tint in Oil in 7 Orange

Nails:

Christian Louboutin Kohl

Christian Louboutin Sweet Charity

Dress:

Splendid (old)

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TUTORIAL | Blake Lively "The Age of Adaline" Inspired Hair + My Hair Color

Blake Lively in "The Age of Adaline" in what is now confirmed as a red velvet dress (not black)

With fabulous hair comes great confidence. That is something I've realized only in the last couple years, but as time trickles by, I have seen how hair completes an outfit just as much as shoes do. Despite my luxe beauty life, I always strive to live as low maintenance as possible. Life is complicated, so why make it harder? That's why hair has always escaped me. I felt like it was a chore, but I've changed my lazy, reluctant ways because performance tools like the T3 Micro Whirl Trio Interchangeable Styling Wand make it so easy to create beautiful hair! I have tried at least four other clipless curling iron sets, and while most of them have been very good, only T3's aesthetic truly impresses me. The build quality is unsurpassable, and the subtle rose gold details make the Whirl Trio so unique. The top of each barrel manages to stay cool while styling, and you won't have to struggle or fight with the wand to switch out the barrels! This is positively one of T3's best hair tools.

P.S. My hair color is by Guy Tang, and it's actually nearly 4 months old! It's a mixture of many different reds and violets that we have layered over the last year. 14 weeks ago, Guy gave me a deep dark purple, which has gently faded to this bright orchid red. We did lighten my hair before adding on the demi-permanent colors and glazes, but the vibrancy is ultra intense due to minimal washing and my phenomenal lineup of hair care. I will be sharing the all the products I use in my next video, so stay tuned! 

Hair Tools:

T3 Micro Whirl Trio Styling Wand

Also available at Nordstrom

Also used: T3 Micro Paddle Brush

Makeup Worn:

Charlotte Tilbury Foundation in 3

Charlotte Tilbury Powder in 2

Burberry Eyebrow Pencil in Ash

Burberry Waterproof Kohl Eyeliner

Burberry Eyeshadows in Gold Pearl + Nude

Hourglass Ambient Bronzer in Luminous

Clé de Peau Highlighter in Delicate Pink

Dior Rouge Brilliant Gloss in Miss

Velour Lashes Strike A Pose

Get 15% off with code RAEVELOUR

Nails

Tom Ford Toasted Sugar

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T3 Micro Twirl 360 Curling Iron Review + Tutorial

Most of you have probably heard at one point or another in the last several months how much I am loving T3 Micro hair tools. I was introduced to the 1.75" Bodywaver by my hair stylist Guy Tang last year, but since trimming off a good 4-5 inches, I have been loving the T3's new Twirl 360 Curling Iron! The fairly rare 1.25" sized barrel is perfect for those with short to medium-long hair, and the mid-length clamp is perfect for styling my bangs. 

When my hair was extra long, the Bodywaver gave me beautiful round waves, but I now use it to create smooth volume and a bit of bounce. When I want curls — defined or loose, I rely on the Twirl 360. Finally, my curls come out even instead of kinked up, and it takes so little effort, thanks to the gyroscopic technology! The rotating barrel minimizes the risk of burning my scalp, face, and/or hands when I can hardly keep my eyes open in the mornings. Using the power/temperature button and all the subsequent clicking takes a bit of getting used to, and you might be surprised at how the subtlest wrist movement activates the motion sensor, but overall, the Twirl 360 is very user friendly and quite intuitive! It is a phenomenal tool with features that are unique and practical enough to warrant the price tag. I'm always happy with my results, and all the women who I show it to fall in love and run out to buy one. 

P.S. I started the tutorial with my natural air-dryed hair, with only Kerastase heat protectant through the ends! The final look is untouched as well — no hair spray, no shine cream, no finishing oil. It's pretty incredible that my lightened hair looks glossier and healthier, even with the very low heat! In fact, on the day to day, I actually use heat setting #1 because I still can get two days' worth of curl life.

Makeup:

Clé de Peau Foundation in O20

Clé de Peau Concealer in Beige

Burberry Pressed Powder in Porcelain

Charlotte Tilbury Bronzer

Cle de Peau Highlighter in Sand Beige

Armani Waterproof Eye Pencil

Jouer Eyeshadow in Moonlight

MAC Waterproof Mascara

MAC Brow Pencil in Brunette

Burberry Lipstick in Military Red

Addiction Lipgloss in Ruby Rose

Dollywink No9 Lashes

Nails:

Christian Louboutin Python Collection

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NY Fashion Week F/W 2015 Photo Diary

As many of you may have noticed, I braved the intimidating New York winter to attend Fashion Week! I was fortunate enough to attend a few shows and even pop backstage as well, so please do take a look at some of the beautiful moments captured after the jump!

Long-Lasting Holiday Hair Curling Tutorial feat. NuMe Titan 3 Wand (19mm)

Searching for a low maintenance hair style to try? Look no further than these long-lasting curls using a titanium curling wand. Titanium is lighter in weight and heats up hotter than tourmaline, so the Titan 3 makes for quicker styling that lasts for days! The Lustrum barrels do make my hair feel softer and bouncier, but the titanium makes curling my hair so fast and easy, which is more ideal during these hectic holiday months. I highly recommend wearing the heat protectant glove at all times, however, since the heat from the Titan 3 is very intense!

Products Used:

NuMe White Truffle Hair Primer

NuMe Titan 3 Curling Wand (19mm)

→ 70% OFF NuMe's Entire Website

(excl. holiday catalog)

Use Code: MAGICAL

→ 20% OFF NuMe's Holiday Catalog

Use Code: PRANCER

Hairbrush:

Mason Pearson

Hairspray:

Kerastase Noire

Makeup Worn:

Cle de Peau Foundation in O20

Cle de Peau Concealer in Beige

Koh Gen Do Powder in OC-2

Cle de Peau Highlighter in Sand Beige

Dolce & Gabbana Blush in Tan

Dolce & Gabbana Eye Duo in Gold

EM Michelle Phan Eyeliner in Bronze Script

Cle de Peau Eyebrow Pencil in 204

Cle de Peau Perfect Lash Mascara

Vaughn Lip Balm 76

Burberry Lip Velvet in Military Red

Velour Lashes in Whispie Me Away

*15% OFF with code RAEVELOUR*

Earrings:

Prudence C Crystals

Shirt:

J.Crew

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Best of AVEENO Review

Those who have watched my videos since 2010 might recall my love for Aveeno's Positively Nourishing Hydrating Body Wash. That was my favorite body wash for years, and I was so disappointed when Costco stopped selling it in 3-packs. Since then, I have experimented with many other Aveeno products, and I have always been impressed. Aveeno makes fabulous affordable skin care, but my top picks are from the bath and hair categories. These products perform as well as my luxury favorites, so I highly recommend giving them a try!

Products Reviewed:

AVEENO Daily Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 15

AVEENO Pure Renewal Shampoo

AVEENO Pure Renewal Conditioner

AVEENO Nourish + Condition Leave-in Treatment

Makeup Worn:

Eve Lom Sunscreen as Primer

Cle de Peau Concealer in Beige

Sisley Foundation in Ivory

LORAC Powder in PF3

Tom Ford Bronzing Powder in Terra

Charlotte Tilbury Blush in First Love

Cle de Peau Highlighter in Sand Beige

Burberry Brow Pencil in Ash Brown

Laura Mercier Caviar Sticks in Rosegold & Amethyst
Urban Decay Pencil Eyeliner in Lush

Cle de Peau Eyeshadow Quad in 212

Cle de Peau Lipstick in 226

Ivory Lash in Smitten Kitten

*Get 10% OFF with code RAE2014

Nails:

Dior Pied-de-Poule

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HOW TO: Loose Voluminous Wavy Curls

Voluminous curls are likely the most coveted curl look this year. They are stylish and sophisticated. Today, I will be sharing my latest curling routine using the NuMe Lustrum 25mm wand. I had been using a different interchangeable barrel set for the last six months, but the NuMe Lustrum surprised me! It provides long-lasting, lustrous results, so I highly recommend this set. I used the 25mm wand, but for those with longer hair, give the 32mm wand a try!

DISCOUNTS

20% OFF NuMe's Holiday Catalog

Use Code: HAZELNUT

60% OFF NuMe's Entire Website + Free US Shipping (excl. holiday catalog)

Use Code: GLAZEDPECANS

*No commission is made from the use of these codes

Makeup Worn:

Eve Lom Sunscreen

Cle de Peau Concealer in Beige

Sisley Foundation in Ivory

LORAC Powder in PF3

Charlotte Tilbury Bronzer

Cle de Peau Highlighter in Sand Beige

Burberry Brow Pencil in Ash

Cle de Peau Eyeshadow Quad in 212

Cle de Peau Perfect Lash Mascara

LORAC Front of the Line Pro Eyeliner

Charlotte Tilbury Lip Lustre in Sweet Stiletto

Velour Lashes in The Extra Oomph 

Nails:

Chanel Atmosphere

Sweater:

Vince (old)

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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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