The "Go To" Sunscreen for your Face!

Clarins Sunscreen Multi-Protection Broad Spectrum SPF 40

(with Plant Extracts)

This is a face sunscreen and according to the Clarins, it is 100% mineral. It has Titanium Dioxide about 8.1% and Cantaloupe Melon extract for the antioxidant. I don't know how many percent they put in it but IT IS listed on the ingredients. Here's a background of the benefits of Cantaloupe Melon:

Cantaloupe melon was first presented as a gourmet delicacy in the 15th century. A treasure from the region of Provence in France, the cantaloupe melon extract chosen by Clarins Research is obtained from organic farming and contains an exceptional concentration of superoxide dismutase, an enzyme with antioxidant benefits that neutralizes the harmful effects of free radicals on skin.

My Opinion:

The title "broad spectrum" kind of caught my attention, because I want to ensure that all the sunscreens that I'm using protect my skin against both UVA and UVB. Although the title doesn't specifically state UVA and UVB protection, but I did a little research on the Skincancer.org.



http://www.skincancer.org/prevention/uva-and-uvb/understanding-uva-and-uvb

So, "Broad-Spectrum" also mean that it is UVA and UVB protected. I think it is very important to look for these words when you are shopping for a good sunscreen.

Anyways, I like this sunscreen more than the Shiseido sunsreen SPF 50 that I used to have, because the texture is very silky and sheer. It is also super light weight and doesn't even feel like I'm wearing sunscreen. As far as the fragrance, it doesn't mention that it's fragrance free but I don't really notice the fragrance that it has either. So it must have very little or no fragrance at all! The price is pretty fair as well, $40USD. I think this is a good sunscreen!

Rating 5/5

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored/advertised post!

The "best" Body Suncreen that You Need!

Clinique broad spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen with SolarSmart (UVA/UVB Protection)

The title immediately caught my attention as I was browsing through my local Sephora store for a good sunscreen, since it gets crazily hot here in Arizona. Some information that you might need to know when shopping for a good sunscreen.

SPF is generally a measure of protection against UVB rays, which is a primary cause of burning. However, UVB is only a small percentage of the spectrum. The more prevalent rays - UVA - are the aging rays that penetrate deeper into skin causing DNA damage.

As soon as I saw the title of this sunscreen, straight to the point "UVA and UVB protection,".... Great! I'm getting it! Another factor that you may want to pay attention to also, is whether a sunscreen is moisturizing enough for your skin. This sunscreen clearly stated "body cream" and it is super light on my skin, as the same time providing that moisture that I need along with the protection. The price is pretty reasonable, at $23USD - not bad, for a good 5 oz. sunscreen like this!

Another "plus" point that I like about this sunscreen is, it is 100% fragrance free (unlike the ones at Walgreens... urgh, yuck!)

What makes Clinique Sunscreen different than others?

• Oil-free
• PABA-free
• Non-acnegenic
• Appropriate for sensitive skins
• 100% fragrance free
• Both UVA and UVB Protection
• Also a Body Cream

Note that this is only for the BODY! I'd highly recommending this product.

Rating: 5/5


Disclaimer: This is not an advertised post!

Changing the Look!

I'm currently in the process of changing the look of my blog. I wanted to give it a more fun, chic, and personal look. My blog name has changed from Beautie Bloggin' to "fashion.passion.beauty" now. I feel that this new blog name reflects more of "me" rather than just a beauty blog! I also have a Travel Blog at Wordpress:

http://travelbeautystuff.wordpress.com

As you can see, I still cannot drop the word "beauty" on both blogs for some reasons. I feel that the word "beauty" has more meaning to me than just skincare and makeup. You might be having a "beautiful" face, but your heart is "evil." Therefore, "beauty" is really about your appearance as well as the inside. "Beauty" is your composure and how you enrich yourself!

Set Yourself 2013 New Year's Resolutions!

 Dear Bloggers,
The year of 2013 is rolling over in just a day. By setting a list of New Year's Resolutions, you're giving yourself goals and determinations to focus on and accomplish throughout the year. As human beings, we tend to go through different stages of emotions throughout the year (if not in a day) such as sadness, happiness, disappointment, joy, satisfaction, loneliness, pain, hurt, fulfillment, etc. It is crucial for us to set commitments not only to ourselves, but also to others, so we can pick ourselves up by reading these every time we fall.  I personally think it is a great way to start your new year fresh and motivated. Have you made your 2013 New Year's Resolutions list yet? Here's mine....

Deep Clean Your Face with Facial Clay Mask!

It is so important to exfoliate your face once or twice a week. But exfoliating only clean the surface of the skin, making it appear to be smooth. Clay or Mud, on the other hand has the power to draw out any impurities off your skin, such as dirt, black heads, and pores that got trapped from beneath the surface of the skin. Wearing a clay or mud mask at least once a week or once every other week is just as important and crucial to your skin care regimen. It not only helps to clean your skin but also to prevent appearance of fine lines and wrinkles! Wow...

Here I'm wearing a Giotto Clay Facial Mask that has Olive in it, that's why it has a green color. I also have a Strawberry one that I am so eager to try on. I usually store all of my masks in a small refrigerator, so when I apply it can be nice and cool. Once when the mask is applied, I usually leave it on for about 20-30 minutes and then wash it off with warm water. Clay comes off easier if you wash it with warm water versus cold water. To feel a tighten effect, I would do a splash of cold water in the end, when all of the clay was already washed off.

*the after picture was not photoshopped*

EcoTools Bamboo Finishing Kabuki Brush

This Eco Tools kabuki brush handle is made of natural bamboo. The bristles are 100% cruelty-free and made of soft synthetic taklon. This  particular brush can be used with powder, blush or bronzer for a sheer finish, super natural looking.

I love the Eco Tools brushes for their soft and amazingly durable bristles. These are truly qualitative for very reasonable prices. I also love the idea of involving myself in green acts. The Eco Tools contributes to the purpose of making our planet beautiful. They donate 26% into the Ocean Conservancy, 53% to The Jane Goodall Institute (for wildlife), and 21% to the Conservation Fund.

Retail for $7.99

there are other EcoTools sets that you can also get from here:

A Perfect Red Lipstick for Asian Skin Tone!

Have you been in search of a true red lipstick that matches beautifully for Asian skin tone?

I don't mean to be racist, but I really envy white girls when it comes to choosing the best lipsticks. White girls suit pretty much any lipstick colors because of their fair pale complexion. I have very typical Asian skin tone, a little bit of tan and a little bit of yellow-white'ish (don't know how to describe it any better).

Just like the saying every girl should have a little black dress, every girl should possess at least one red lipstick! 

I have been in search of a perfect red lipstick that matches my skin tone for so long. What you need to know first of all, is your type of skin tone and what kind of undertone it has. Some white girls have pink undertone, whereas some have more of a pale blue undertone. Some Asian girls have olive or brown undertone, whereas others have Asian pale white undertone. Some African-American girls may have honey undertone, others may have dark-brown undertone. Knowing your skin and its undertone helps with choosing the best red lipstick that fits perfectly for you! It's funny how red lipsticks aren't just "red lipsticks." They varies by shades and undertones as well. For example, some red lipsticks carry blue, purple or burgundy undertone.

Li Bing Bing wearing L'Oreal lipstick in Burning Sunset

Corinne Bailey Rae wearing M.A.C lipstick in Ruby Woo

After months of trying different red lipstick, I have finally found one and it is "the one" for me! I couldn't be any more happy than right now, when I finally own a "perfect" red lipstick that fits "perfectly" for my particular skin tone. It has become my signature red lipstick, every time I want to boost my confidence, feeling sexy or seductive, or pairing with an outfit. It is the....
Giorgio Armani Rouge d'Armani lipstick shade #400.
I am soooo in love with it!!!

Find your signature red lipstick, the one that fits "perfectly right" for you! Don't just buy all of the red lipsticks that you've tried on, without knowing which one looks the best on you. My best advice is to go to Sephora, M.A.C store or the mall and try on different red lipsticks to get a feel of each. If you don't feel weird, just snap a picture of you wearing that shade so that you can decide later when at home.

(Sorry about the lining of my lips, this was taken right before I was about to do my makeup remover routine haha.)

Sonia Kashuk Angled Multipurpose Brush

The Sonia Kashuk Medium Angled Multipurpose Brush is all natural 100% cruelty free goat hair.  It is suitable to use with pressed or loose powder. The hair is dense and thick, which is great for girls who like to go for the natural look as it is easier to blend the application evenly. This is the best tool that I've used for putting on blush and for contouring and sculpting.

I love this brush because the hair is so soft and there is absolutely no fall-off when using. It is fantastic at picking up applications and delivering onto the skin as you blend and sculpt. I've tried the MAC angled brush before and I honestly like this so much more. The price is very reasonable for the awesome quality, retail for $17.19.

Get your Sonia Kashuk brush set for convenience!

5 Best Camera & Photo Apps for iPhones

Hi guys,

This post is dedicated to those who are obsessed with taking and editing pictures on their iPhones, like me! I know that I'm obsessed because take and edit my pictures all the time, I just don't post them up. I just like to look at them and play with different settings. I have had a hard time in the past, finding information on the best apps for photo taking on the iPhone. Until I came across Xiaxue blog post on the apps that she uses for taking pictures and stuff. Her post actually helped me to find more cool camera and photo-taking apps. So, I've decided to compose a post on 15 of the best apps currently in the market right now.


1. First on the list is CAMERA+ (Free)

The default iPhone camera is great, BUT this is GREATER. The level of clarity is just outstanding! I'm telling ya there is no other iPhone camera apps out there can match to this one in terms of quality and clarity of the pictures. The free version doesn't really provide much, but if you spend 99c (this was the price that I purchased about a year ago) purchasing the actual one, it is so much better! You can enhance the lighting even after taking the pictures and usually that would turn out to be good. I often use the "backlit" setting to brighten my pictures if they're too dark. The "auto" and "flash" look a bit weird though... The only thing that I don't use a lot in this camera app is their effects, just because I have better apps for effects and filters that I'd rather use. This is the app that I use 100% of the time every time I take pictures. I then save the pictures and use my favorite photo editing app, Camera 360 to make my pictures look nicer.


 2. CAMERA 360 - an awesome photo editing app! (Free)

I love Camera 360. Like any other apps, it has a lot of different settings, but what differentiates it is the amazingly nice coloring and filtering on each of the scene. Most of the time, I use this app to give my pictures somewhat of a warm feel to it, making them look less harsh. I generally love using the "Light Color" setting and "Magic Skin." The "Lomo" is good if your picture has a central object.

These are the pictures that I took with Camera+ and then transfer to Camera 360, with different filters under the "Light Color" setting. I love the Grace and the Warm the most.

This is the Fall filter under "Lomo" and it's not too bad, huh? There just might a little bit of shadow in my picture as a whole, but it depends on how you want your picture to turn out. You can also adjust the level of filter in everything.

3. RAKUGA-CUTE (Free)
I love love love and love this app for making my pictures look "scrapbooking-like" with lots of cute stickers and frames. I use this app to decorate my pictures, after already enhancing it on Camera 360.

The Standard Collection is free and it already has lots of cute pens, stamps, stickers, and frames. But if you want other collections you can certainly buy them and they're usually about $3 to $4 each, such as the Collage Collection (scrapbooks kinda looking...), Blog (for your blog), Makeup Collection, etc. The only collection that I don't like and think it's a waste of money is the First Collection. It has nothing but "independence looking" types of stickers, stamps and so on. Unless, it's independent day or labor day and you want your photos to deliver that message, you can certainly purchase it :)

My cutie sweetie pie pictures are usually decorated with these cute stickers and stamps with the Collage Collection.

4. SMILEPHOTO (Free)
This is a Korean photo app that has a few cute frames and that you add little notes into your photos.

5. DECOPIC, LINE CAMERA, PICFX, STICKER HEARTS, PHOTO WONDER, FRAMETASTIC.

These are actually not too bad photo apps. They're OK, but the other 4 above absolutely beat them! You can download and try each of them out because they're all free. I have downloaded quite a lot of the photo apps, but found the above are OK to keep coz I still use them from time to time. The only thing that I gotta warn you though, is that PS EXPRESS (photoshop express app)..... don't use it! It's expensive and does NOTHING to be honest! I kept it only because I've paid for it and just don't wanna waste it by deleting it.

FRAMETASTIC is definitely better than Diptic, for sure! INSTAFRAME for free is pretty good too, a bit like Frametastic but with a little more selections. Instagram is OK, in my point of view. I don't know why it is such a big thing. Everyone has Instagram now, just like everyone has a Facebook account. I mean, I have Instagram too but I go on there maybe twice a month.... I don't find anything so excited about it!


Thanks for reading. Hope that helps! :)

Real Techniques brush Review

I've just recently found this great makeup brushes brand called Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman. Sam is a makeup blogger and a Youtube guru. She has been a professional makeup artist for about 15 years now and her success started to bloom from making Youtube tutorials and Pixiwoo beauty bootcamps. She lives in England and currently in very high demand by private clients and students seeking training.

The Real Techniques brushes are made from synthetic taklon bristles and are 100% cruelty-free. Each brush head is also hand-cut for precise application, from a dense coverage to a soft delicate finish. Because it is taklon bristles so the hair that you find in these brushes are ultra plush and smoother, than most of other brushes that you find out there. The handles have self-standing bases for counter top display.

This is the only brush that I have from Real Techniques so far and I am LOVING-LOVING-LOVING-LOVING-LOVING it! It is cheap. It is good quality. It creates flawless look. It basically has everything that I look for. The hair is super soft and the handle is super light, because it is made from extended aluminum ferrules. I don't even know what that means... but it feels good in your hand and that the grip is at the ease of use. I mainly use this brush for any highlighting applications, powder, liquid and cream. And it works beautifully, creating a flawless and high-definition looking.

I originally got this from Ulta for around $10 and I believe they have a wide selection of Real Techniques brushes there. The company is worldwide so you can get it at different retailers in the world, or you can get it from the Amazon link that I provided to you up here for cheaper. Just to name a few retailers around the world that carries this brand: Love Make Up, Boots, Beauty Chamber, Price Attack, Price Line, Cocktail Cosmetics, etc.

Rating: 5/5

Would you purchase it again?   Absolutely! I will come back for more brushes if not the whole collections.