Lust, Caution - the most innocent looking could be the trickiest

I need makeup to purchase beer.

I am vain, I admit, when it comes to stepping out of the house in general but the bodega downstairs and gym are two places that I feel right at home sans mascara.

Except, without makeup, eyes lose impact, face contours seem to disappear and even a pout couldn't make my lips look any less blah -- and I look 15. Even with ID, I have to fight for my right to buy 6% alcohol content liquids.




So, how does fresh new comer, Tang Wei from Ang Lee's much awaited new film Lust, Caution, score her major wow-factor while looking rather bare faced?





Follow these tricks to look deceptively innocent:

1. Start with creating a natural facial contour

Using a soft, big, cheek brush, apply a peachy, bronzy blush starting on the lower edges of your cheekbones and moving up towards the upper edge of the ear. Lightly mist a little along the jaw line to add some dimension to the chin as well.
My summer current favourite is i.d. bareMinerals in Warm Radiance. Light, soft and slightly shimmery enough to not create any embarrassing blush lines on the sides of face or neck.


Second step to enhance the contour, take a beigey pearly loose powder, like Paul & Joe's powder in 002 (not the color shown), and dust across the forehead just above your eye brows, along the bridge of your nose and the center part of the face around the nose and under eyes.

Note: only dip the brush in the powder once for this entire "highlighting" process as too much shine in the middle of the face just looks plain greasy.

2. Eyeshadow should only be used to smudge the eyeliner

I've found that makeup books for the general American public recommend using eye liner after applying eye shadows but with a slimmer Asian eye shape, I find that eyeliners look too heavy on its own unless it is softened and smudged a little.

For this look, go for a dark brown shadow to lighten and slightly shade the area above the liner on the upper lid (2mm or so). This slight smearing definition to the eye area but keeps 'em looking bright, open and fresh.

3. Consider the decollete an extension of your face

The neck and decollete area is a girl's showcase point - ie. the Kimono. Accentuate the clean swoop of the neck and the collarbone with a slight dusting of the pearly powder from step 1 and also by standing with shoulders rolled back and down.

Actually, to get Tang Wei's linear, beautiful collar bones, it takes great posture and by my guess, a lot of yoga which will teach you to keep your collar bones down and straight!


xox

Staying High with Asian Shrooms!? well, your butt actually...

The hottest new remedial ingredient to hit the beauty market to keep skin, butt and target areas firm and lifted? Shiitake mushrooms!

A native to East Asia, the super yummy mushrooms have been used to rev up the immune system with its stronger-than-prescription antioxidant and healing powers and to slash cholesterol levels against dietary odds in China for over 6,000 years.

No surprise that it took gastric factors to finally bring the delish product to the US market but now, beauty lovers can also relish in the benefits of Shiitake (topically!) to keep you high & tight, just in time for those short spring minis!

Extract of Shiitake, used in new firming & anti-aging products just hitting counters, have the power to stimulate the creation of Collagen fibres in the skin tissue that are essential to maintain elasticity and strength. The extract also limits the activity of enzymes that break down the fibers to keep skin elastic!

Live up to the myth that Asian women age slowly! Keep skin glowing and dimple-, sag-free with these products:

A fresh citrus-y scent, the Decleor Perfect Sculpt Stretch Mark Restructuring Cream is great paired with their 100% natural, essential oil cocktail, Aromessence Sculpt, that multiply the effects of the cream drastically. Totally safe for pregnant women, too!






Carita Progressif Anti-Age Corps range, Sculpting Serum is a light cream-gel formula that packs in punch - a hit to the hips, butt, thighs, that is...feels absolutely luxurious. Ooh la la~! (it's a Parisian brand...)








We all know how important SPF is to keep skin radiant and wrinkle-free, toss in some shrooms, and this cream's got it made. With a blend of two asian mushrooms, Shiitake and Mannentake, the Aveeno Positively Ageless Daily Moisturizer with SPF 30 is an everyday must!

xox

High Tech Beauty Rules - water fountain powder

Like standing just steps away from a cold, Brita-filtered waterfall, Awake’s Stardom Aqua Trans Powder lightly mists your face for a healthy, flawless complexion.

No, wait, that's not a bad simile on my part! The innovative formulation contains more than 77% water and moisturizing ingredients and while it looks like regular powder, the tinted, anti-oxidant packed particles turn into cool, hydrating molecules of water as soon as it touches the skin.

Instantly feels as if the face has been misted by a fine layer of nourishing water and for long-term effects, the botanical powder prevents skin inflammation to balance the skin.



Comes in 5 corrective shades that match all skin tones but for the spring/summer season, I’m loving the bronzy Sand Dune 03 that leaves me glowing & hydrated. You've gotta feel this!

xox

Bronze, Golden and Radiant: Self-tanners that Make You Glow

Two reasons why I debated writing about Self-Tanners for a very very long time. I didnt' want to:

1. Reveal that I was actually pale, dull and blah.
2. Spill my favorite must-have item to get the insta-glow even in the dead of winter (makes your arms look more toned, too!)

But summer is coming and it's about that time of year when skin comes a-bearing. Get your legs, face, arms ready a la Hye Park at the Gucci Resort 2007 show, with these fail-proof, easy-breezy picks that work on Asian skin without turning you orange.

Decleor Aroma Sun Express Hydrating Self-Tan Spray

Sunset red with the a golden imprint, this Self-Tanner is chock full of natural essential oils and plant extracts to leave your skin smooth, soft, glowing and smelling fragrant (and not chemically). The fine spray spreads evenly over skin and spritzes hard to reach areas. Dries within 3-5 minutes post application and deepens skin tone into a natural, beautiful, healthy-bronze glow without streaking onto clothes!

DiorBronze Self-Tanner - Body

Looking to get a white-bikini, gold bangles & Gucci aviator-ready glamorous glow in a tube? DiorBronze glides on smooth and leaves a rich, substantially darker tan for those looking to go directly there. You'll look sun-kissed and yacht-worthy in no time. I like the Shimmering Glow version that leaves a hint of shimmer on the skin.

Michael Kors Leg Shine

As a finishing touch, enhance the color that you naturally have (lucky you!) or just got, with this glide on, sophisticated & sensual smelling, leg shine from the king of chic resort style. Slide over legs, knees and ankles for a sleek, alluring shimmer that smoothes dry skin and makes bare legs look lithe and healthy. The light tint evens out imperfections. A must-have for your spring/summer bag - flattering on everyone.

xox

Cameleon Rinko: Pulling off drastic looks with ease & grace

Every since her Babel breakthrough, Rinko Kikuchi has been hitting various red carpets with a drastically different look while maintaining a punk-but-elegant consistency. From platinum blond hair to pure black, from stick straight to volumnous curls, her hair has had quite a year, too!

Arigato Rinko, for showing us that blonde is definitely do-able for the brave of heart and that it's A-OK to go from dark to blonde to auburn for those of us fickle of heart!

At the Oscars, in a sophisticated black dress, dangly earrings that flatter the neck and jaw, and a clean, pulled back bun. For an evening look like this, try angling the eye liner and shadow up to strengthen and accentuate the eyes.






Fresh faced and adorable at a press conference before the big night. For a youthful, fresh look like this, try an orange lipstick with a slight gold flip. Keep eyes natural yet awake with a trusty concealer, brown liner on just the above lid and layers of black mascara after curling lashes up, up and away.



Platinum blonde but still innocently chic, the soft pink Chanel dress and her big smile keep her hair from overpowering her personality. Keep skin lucent by going easy on the foundation and dusting sheer loose powder over face instead. For a healthy glow, finish with a sweep of subtle light orangy brown blush on the apples of the cheeks.



For a sexier, evening look, curl the ends with a medium to big curling rod and set with a blast of cool air. Keep eye color to basic tones to avoid looking overdone. Allow the hair to take centerstage, especially if it is dyed blonde or another pop color, by keeping clothes clean, modern and straighforward.



xox

all images from wireimage.com

A-ha Concealer Trick #1 - Tips so obvious I forgot to mention it until now...

I've decided to start a series that might end up being few in number, or surprisingly numerous...depending on how many, "Oh yeah..." light bulb moments I have during my spacing out moments.

The first one -> the unfailingly, perfectly matching concealer:

Practically impossible is the task of matching the concealer to the skin tone and then matching that concealor to the foundation...and even if that happens miraculously because of pure genius (and a great bathroom light), to blend well enough so that the concealer-ed spots don't appear darker or more layered than the rest of the face is utterly time consuming.

Easy way out?

Use the bits of foundation that has collected and thickened at the rim of the liquid or creamy foundation bottle or even, pump - you know, the bits that dripped down and stuck on the side? That layer of smudge is creamier and more condense, like the texture of a really soft, easy to use concealer formula, and what more, is the same exact shade & formula (which means they dry the same color and texture).


Try it, works like magic and much better than layering the sheer liquid foundation over and over. Next time, "accidently" spill a little or leave a thin layer around the edges so that it'll be ready the next AM!

xox

an asian beauty secret - the importance of cotton

Walking down the wall-to-ceiling packed beauty isles of the local drugstore back in Tokyo, there is, unfailingly, an entire shelf dedicated to an assortment of cotton pads. Some are quite expensive, ranging up to $20 for a perfectly aligned box of 100 sheets! Shiseido, Kose, Kao, you name it, all the leading major skin care & cosmetics companies distribute various forms, textures, shapes, all packaged in their various pretty containers or tinted zip-lock plastic baggies.

Why this phenomenon in Asia but not in the US? Beauty magazines and beauty television segments in both countries often focus on the cleansing & toning aspect for keeping skin healthy & radiant - but the US versions do not stress how crucial the 1 to 2 minute "patting" and "tapping" step is when applying the toner. Usually, it's an easy, "apply toner after cleansing with cotton or hands" and if you're good, you might have a tube of round cotton pads...BUT, the directions should actually say,

1. Get soft, 100% pure cotton, facial cottons that allows optimum administration of the toner into the skin's layers without scratching the delicate skin surface or causing any harsh rubbing by coarser cotton pads.

2. Soak the cotton pad with toner. Note - the toner should be exactly what it is named - a formula that hydrates and "tones" the skin after washing the face with the alkaline water (not good for your skin!)


3. Hold the toner-filled cotton, so that one end is tucked between the pointer finger and middle finger, the other end tucked between the pinky and ring finger so that the spread surface faces out from the inside, palm-side of your hand.

4. Pat the face lightly, allowing the skin to soak up the toner from the soft cotton. By patting and tapping the skin with the toner-soaked cotton, you stimulate the skin, allowing more microcirculation and better absorbtion of the hydrating agents in the toner.

5. If your skin needs extra hydration from winter dryness or summer sun damage, soak the cotton pads with an intensely hydrating or comforting toner and leave directly on the face as if you are wearing a mask. If the cotton is as good as it should be, the toner should penetrate into your skin rather than getting all soaked up by the cotton.

Once trying it, it's hard to go back to regular bla-US drugstore cottons! Save those for removing nail polish!!

Available also in the US, TRY:


Satin Box, SatinClouds Heavenly Cotton Pads - my beauty blog heroine, Bronwen at Meg's Makeup sent this my way to test and reminded me of how much I adore and terribly missed beautifully spun, perfectly soft & coccooning cotton pads in my skincare routine. Truly heavenly - a must!!


Shiseido Makeup Facial Cotton

xox

Tuleh wins the Sunday award - Runway Report #1

HAIR: Soft, thick bangs, face framing tendrils, a slight undone curl at the ends and exquisite luster that makes you want to touch.

Mini-Tip: Use an intense conditioner or treatment the night before so that hair is nourished, moisturized, with the least number of split ends and frizzyness when blowdrying hair. Dab in texturizing light gel only at the roots to keep volume intact. And at your next hair appointment, bangs bangs bangs!!!

MAKEUP: Red stained lips, dewy doll-like eyes and a matte, doll-like pale face. An untouchable yet alluring mix of innocence and sohistication.

Mini-Tip for lips: clear balm -> red liner -> fill in a little in the middle of lip and smudge with finger tip -> subdued red lipstick with moisturizing agents, the more dewy looking, the better -> dab of lipgloss only on the middle of the bottom lip.

Mini-Tip for eyes: -> eye line only the top with a black kohl pencil, then smudge with a dark bronze. Use a bronzy gold, almost rose gold, coloured shadow on the upper lids, lightly sweep upwards at the out edges. On bottom lids, start on the inside corner of the eye and dab a clean gold (not yellowy) shadow towards the outer edge. Curl lashes and follow with black mascara on top and bottom lashes. I depend on YSL Ombre Vibration Duo in the 37 Brown/Copper to achieve any sun-kissed gorgeous bronzy eye look that looks just gilded enough.

Mini-Tip for brows: -> keep it no darker than the hair color so that it doesn't over power the eye and the bangs, brushing it and holding the brows in place with a clear brow mascara is enough for this look. This will keep the face with a natural-beauty purity rather than 1950's vamp.

Mini-Tip for face: -> mattifying translucent powder with a soft pink or soft orange blush underneath it all so the cheeks do not over power the other features on the face. Let the lips take center stage.

xox

Everyone Wears a Mask - mine's just purifying...

Of all the pore cleaning, makeup removing, skin smoothing products I reach for every night, masks have plopped itself high and mighty on my nightly treatment pedastol. I know we're advised not to use it every night so, I tear myself away from those goo-filled tubes and clay-filled pots every other night to cut down my use - to 3 or 4 times a week. Still excessive, I know. I can't resist.

Masks are like a concentrated shot of purification and revitalization. Leaving the skin refreshed and bare of any impurities as dirt, dead skin cells and left over makeup. Furthermore, not only do they purify, recent high-tech masks now provide a direct and effective dose of energy, therapy and replenishment that the skin needs after being under attack all day from environmental enemies as pollution, UV rays and free-radicals.

Introducing to you, my recent top picks and long-standing faves (from testing over 100 throughout my teenage and tween years) of hard-working, multi-tasking masks:


To PURIFY
Christine Chin's Pore Purifying Masque - this mask ranks at top as the hardest working cleaner I know (and I definitely have gotten acquainted with over 100, at least). From the celeb facialist who attends to the complexion of celebs like Gisele, Kate Moss and Rachel Weisz, the oil-absorbing zinc oxide, blemish-drying sulpher and oil-controlling witch hazel extract bring fast relief to occasional acne-prone, combination to oily complexions. Leaves skin unbelievably silky soft and feeling deeply cleansed without tightness. You HAVE to test this at least once, but beware, it's very habit-forming.

To BRIGHTEN
Seikisho Mask White - Don't be fooled!! This mask is actually a pure black wonder, thanks to the nano black powder that creates an instant airtight seal allowing ingredients to be absorbed quickly. Good for any skin types, this high-tech mask is the first peel-off formula to contain Vitamin C to suppress the production of melanin (the culprit behind aging-spots, skin pigmentation and freckles). Chock full of Chinese and Japanese herb extracts to hydrate, brighten the skin tone and regulate sebum production, this airtight mask immediately injects the skin with vitality and radiance.


To MOISTURIZE
Clinique Moisture Surge Extra Thirsty Skin Relief - my favorite line of defense for dry, blistery days, this fast-relieving moisture boost comforts, soothes and softens even the drying patches in 5 minutes. The soft, creamy baby pink formula can be applied even over make up (in times of urgent need) and a little trick of the trade? Leave it spread thin all over the face during airplane trips to protect the skin from the drying air. Leave on over night and wake up to supple, soft skin - it's worth toting around!

For LIPS


Decleor Hydra Floral Anti-Pollution Eye and Lip Moisturizing Mask - kiss away flaky, dry lips with just one swipe. This intense lip treatment is a natural cocktail of plant extracts and essential oils of hydrating and replenishing flower petals. For a quick pout-fix, gently slough off the old, peeling layer with a face exfoliater - the old toothbrush way is too irritating on my lips so opt for face scrubs with apricot seeds or other micro-beads which leaves lips soft and smooth without tearing it apart! Then, apply a thin layer of the mask and 5 minutes later, wuala! Lips are kissable and velvety smooth.

For EYES
Carita Progressif Anti-Rides Eye Contour Micro-Mask Express and DuWop I Gels for Tired Eyes - both perfect for revitalizing tired eyes, reducing puffiness and soothing the entire eye area, these two are my go-to relaxation tools after a long day of computer glaring. For delicate skin around the eyes that need more moisture and anti-aging care, the Carita ready-to-use single-dose patch provides an immediate smoothing comfort over the entire eye area, moisturizing and plumping up fatigued skin. While, the DuWoop I Gel cools and soothes your senses with the aroma therapeutic effects of custom blended essential oils as chamomile, yarrow and lavender, reducing eye swelling at the same time.

Ok, so I lied...on the days that my face isn't black or white, my eyes or lips get their royal treatment! It's my you're-at-home, let's chillax, mental trigger...must give lots of props to my adorable boyfriend who tells me I look cute when I have them on!!

xox

Beauty Awards Report - #1 Skincare Winners that work for you!

Allure, Self, Glamour, TeenVogue, even the weekly, Star mag...every glossy is catching onto the new beauty pages trend: annual beauty awards!!

Rankings are amusing to look at and products seem a little more approachable because readers out in the real world like you voted on them. One problem: granted body products are usually on par across the board when it comes to various racial backgrounds (they vary more by broad types like dry, rough, needs firming or toning, etc.) facial skincare products get a little more judgemental. The products tested by the general US public might be completely fine on more resistant or tougher skin compositions but can be a little too harsh or ineffective for the Asian skin type.

So, why not take a look at the Beauty Awards from Asia to decipher which items really made the cut for your skin type!?

Below are the top ranked skin care products chosen by hundreds of typical beauty-loving girls in Japan that are available for purchase here! Now go out and give your cabinet an asian make over:


DRY SKIN remedy:
#1 Kose Cosme Decorte Moisture Liposome - took Kose Laboratory Researchers 8 years to formulate this healing elixir, 3 days and no matter how dry the skin, heals and nourishes for a smooth, supple result.
#2 Creme de la Mer Moisturizing Cream
#3 Guerlain Issima Super Aquaserum


DULL SKIN banishers:
#1 Clinique Turnaround Concentrate - a classic in the US as well, it is a "double-action" formula softens stubborn dead skin cells, dirt and residue and reveals fresh skin every day. With continued use, the skin itself turns around, becoming resistant to pimples and dull skin.
#2SK II Whitening Source Intensive Mask
#3 Awake Lotion Exfolizer


To FIRM & TONE:
#1 Clarins Lift Affine Visage or Clarins Contouring Facial Lift - Not only firms but has the dual benefit of absorbing extra oil, leaving skin tighter and feeling fresh for the entire day.
#2 RoC Correction Deep Wrinkle Serum
#3 Cle de Peau Beaute La Creme
















Ridding Small WRINKLES:
#1 Estee Lauder Perfectionist CP+ - instantly fills in wrinkles and tightens the delicate eye area while treating it for future wrinkle prevention. The formula also acts as a concealing illuminator to cover up and lighten dark undereye circles.
#2 RoC Retinol Correction Eye Cream
#3 SK II Eye Treatment Film


TIGHTEN & SHRINK PORES:
#1 Sofina Pore Zone Care - scientists at the Kao laboratories got deep into your pores to find that oil and skin residue and dirt around each pore made the skin around each pore looser, making each pore bigger. This high-tech formula not only tightens pores for the day but rather, targets the skin from deep within each pore for a long-lasting skin tightening & pore shrinking result.
#2 L'Oreal Pore Pure Zone series


blast that BLEMISH:
#1 Albion AC Clear Skin Care
#2 DHC Olive Virgin Oil - seems contrary to use oil on your bump but apply a tiny dab of this essential oil directly on the pimple before bed and by morning the pimple is much smaller and the redness subdued.


Take it all off with these OIL CLEANSERS:
#1 FANCL Mild Cleansing Oil
#2 DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
#3 Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil - already a classic with asian women and achieving feverish, cult status in the US, this oil removes even the toughest mascara right off without drying out the skin. No need to follow up with another cleanser so perfect for late nights when you can't deal with the three-step eye make up remover, make up remover, cleanser routine.

xox

We heart asian beauty products - part 1

Beauty collections from Asia initially seeped into the US market but like other products and practices, it quickly charmed and won over the luxury set of the western world (ex: yoga, Sushi, PS 3) Starting with a thin stream of best selling formulations from topnotch mass merchandisers as Shiseido and Biore, the number of highly technical products that used the most ancient remedies is expanding horizontally (lots more newcomers!) and vertically (cheap to expensive) at an irresistably bad-for-my-wallet rate.

Not only do these products present themselves as sophisticated, technically enhanced and all-in-all high performers, I can't help but feel like they work on my asian skin better.

Here is a couple of products that have hit the market this year that I am dying to test or "heart" already ( <--phrase credited to my adorable ex-coworker at Self, yay Meena!)

SK II has landed itself on equal footing with the Creme de la Mer's and the La Prairie's when it comes to luxury cremes with not NASA technology, not caviar but rather, yeast fermentation!? to bring you crystal clear youthful skin. Now, with the precision and control of all things that look as beautiful and futuristic as this sleek red bauble case, all it takes is a touch of a button and wuala, with a little high-tech performance of an ionizer that administers positively-charged micro foundation to the negatively charged skin micro particles of the skin, the complexion looks even, pore-less, baby soft without making a mess, caking or streaking. No wonder this little red gizmo was at every show backstage for the S/S shows. With this much technology, did SK II have a booth at CES? Douglas, did you do a little research for me there??


Lucky mag's "secret ingredient" for their February issue is Charcoal. Yes, true that the Egyptions discovered that this black powdery ingredient makes great eye-iners in 4000BC but did you know that it has also long been used for skin care in asia way before it started blackening the faces of beauty lovers in the US? Either way, now you can go back to your roots..actually, all the way back into the burnt ashes, to combat oily skin and purify pores without overdrying the face. Try Boscia Smoothing Facial Polish for a natural, botanical treatment to calm irritated skin and reveal radiant skin.


Maybe because tossing away the applicator along with all the excess dirt and skin that just got wiped onto it is a refreshing thought, beauty addicts got hooked on the idea of single-use portable makeup tools. Starting with Biore portable makeup cleansing wipes (Neutrogena and Avon followed) and oil-aborbing sheets (every company followed), little packets that are barely worth each single use ($64 for eight!?!? as is the product to the left but...it's so good!) is loved by jet-setters and late-nite party lovers everywhere. The Shiseido Bio-Performance Super Exfoliating Discs loosens dead skin cells with it's textured side and polishes the skin's surface with it's silky side. In sync with the asian obsession of minimizing pores, the "pillows" minimize the appearance of fine lines and pores and the water-activated exfoliating complex contains yeast extract from sake brewers to soften the skin, break down the proteins that bind dead cells to the skin's surface and wipe it all off your face and into the garbage bin.

xox

First base is the always the sweetest xxx

Nope.

Not talking lips here but rather, the amazing life-altering power of the makeup artists' favorite tool- the initial "first base" to applying color to the face.

Without the obviousness of blush or shimmer, a single droplet of pearl, peach or rosy skin-enhancing primer spread into the thinnest layer alone or under foundation can give you the natural-looking glow that's too slight to look fake, yet so pretty that you must be an angel.

For a sun-kissed glow that seems effortlessly sexy, tap the cheek with a flat sponge with a small bit of bronzy base layer underneath it all and exude a healthy glow from within, rather than shining like a seventh grader with drugstore makeup overload.

Try byTerry Color Skin Enhancer in N°5 Apricot ($79) which can be used all year round to give a radiant flushed glow to paler skins, and byTerry Extra Glow Golden Cooling Bronzer ($44) or Dior Bronze Tinted Moisturizer SPF 10 in Peach ($35) for the just-stepped-off-yacht look.
byTerry available at www.eluxury.com
Dior available at www.sephora.com

Seems a waste of time on a rushed morning? Trust me, try it, it will give you an addictively natural-looking glow and color that lasts all day long even under foundation, no brush re-applications necessary.

extra! note:
This is a good way to add a natural shimmer to the face even if you have an oily complexion. Brush on a few strokes of translucent or loose powder directly after to absorb the extra oil over the enhancer (or enhancer + light layer or liquid foundation) and your skin will maintain a luring radiance minus the oily shine!

xox