Eyecurl II Heated Eyelash Curler $7

I’ll admit, I don’t use eyelash curlers. I own a Shu Uemura eyelash curler but I never use it. I’m not a fan of the crimps they can leave in lashes. Sometimes the shape ends up looking odd if you don’t do it just right. I’ve heard raves about the heated eyelash curlers in Asia, so I decided to try an inexpensive heated eyelash curler from Korean brand Eyecurl.

This type of heated eyelash curler wont leave a crimp in your lashes because it doesn’t use a clamp. You press the heated wand against the lashes. (as close as you can get to the base without burning your eye) Hold it for a few seconds, then press the tips down with the heated wand for a few seconds to curl the tips.

The Eyecurl II Heated Eyelash Curler takes one AA battery and it heats up quickly (in seconds). There is a color indicator at the tip of the wand that turns from red to white when fully heated. I followed the steps and was pretty happy with the results.

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Brought to you by Other Criteria comes For The Love Of God, a 16 page book that highlights the iconic, diamond encrusted sculpture created by Damien Hirst (which by the way, is said to be the most expensive piece of contemporary art AND features human teeth). Find it HERE.
*Via Living Proof Magazine

One of my favorite candies of all time is Ting Ting Jahe. A ginger chew made in Indonesia, the candy is a perfect blend of sweet and spice. Ginger’s properties help to calm stomach ailments such as nausea and even motion sickness. Place two candies into a cup of boiling water and stir until completely dissolved. The relief is surprisingly quick and if you’re not a fan of the taste of ginger, the hot water and sugar tones it down a bit. Ting Ting Jahe is available at most asian specialty stores and through Amazon.

Inspired by the eclectic style of an urban ballerina, this striking collection infuses a punk-rock edge with the typically soft, sweet (and pink) palette of classical ballet. The shades in the Urban Ballerina collection reflect the urban dancer’s dynamic textures and colors, like shimmering pink satin, the steely gray of downtown buildings, and the neutral tones of a city landscape.

Available individually for $9 or in a mini set of four select colors on Sephora.com

Darkness Lashes $4.99

Each pack contains two pairs of lashes. That’s $2.50 per pair!

There were so many to choose from but I only got two packs for now. #6 and #7

Refining and Moisturizing GRAPE Natural Sheet Mask $1.85

Sheet masks are very popular in Asian skincare. It’s basically a packet that contains a sheet mask soaked in a moisturizing toner with various natural extracts. You unfold the mask and place it on your face and let it sit. Your skin soaks up the moisture and natural extracts. The sheet mask I purchased contains purified water, witch hazel, rose water, grape extract, and Hyaluronic Acid.

Read on for more photos and info…

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Says the artist on the collaboration: “I love The Standard and the different projects they have been doing. When invited to create something I wanted to redesign something basic that could be found in every hotel room in the world so we decided to make a light bulb. I like the low colored glow it gives, similar to a candle.” Limited to only 1,000, get yours HERE

*via Living Proof Magazine

If you’ve noticed a sudden influx of eerily immaculate portrait tattoos in the Phoenix Metro area, there’s a good chance they’re the work of Andrick Aviles. Soft spoken with a worldly charm, Andrick is only 19 years old, with only three years of experience under his belt.Yes, THREE, but don’t let that number fool you. With a client roster that includes Amare Stoudemire and Arizona Cardinals star safety, Adrian Wilson, Andrick’s love for his craft and steadfast determination has led him to ultmately become Phoenix’s youngest and most sought after ink slinger. With influences ranging from Jun Cha and Jose Lopez, to The Doors and Etta James, Andrick found themes of past eras consistently catching his attention; he is an old soul and true artist.

Hailing from Mexico City, Andrick and his family moved to Arizona when he was two years old. After 14 years of enduring the battle of gaining permanent residency in the states, the Aviles family finally had their chance at opportunity. But like most people today, they struggled to raise the necessary funds, leaving the family in crisis. Enter Scottsdale Arizona’s most reputable menswear boutique, Highpoint Shoes. Besides offering an exceptional selection of shoes and clothing, Highpoint is well known for its “Family First” mantra and widespread philanthropic efforts. After working on several of its staff, Andrick became Highpoint’s official tattoo artist and “adopted baby brother”. The hometown heroes, (in conjunction with booming brand, Dearly Departed and The Adrian Wilson Foundation), decided to band together to do the right thing and support their friend.

On Friday, January 28th, Highpoint Shoes will host “Mi Casa Es Su Casa” to benefit the Aviles family and their ultimate goal of becoming LEGAL U.S. citizens. From 9 to 11 pm, there will be clothing raffles, an open bar, and an auction featuring artwork from local legends, Dumperfoo, Joshua Rhodes, Isse Maloi, and many more. ALL proceeds will be donated to the family to turn their dreams into reality. To learn more about Andrick, visit www.andrickaviles.tumblr.com.

“For it is in giving that we receive.”
– St. Francis of Assisi

*Via Dearly Departed

I know I talk a lot about beauty products and makeup here. What I haven’t talked enough about yet is properly taking it off. Notice how a lot of women in Asia have smooth porcelain-like skin? Women in Asia put a lot of time and effort into skincare: pre-cleansing, cleansing, toning, moisture masks, sunscreens, etc… One very popular method of cleansing is massaging a deep cleansing oil into the skin to dissolve dirt, oil, and makeup before washing the face. In Asian cultures this is known as the double cleansing method.

• Step 1: Dispense two pumps of cleansing oil in your palm, apply to the face and massage all over for about a minute. The deep cleansing oil dissolves makeup, dirt, and oil on contact. Yes, even your toughest waterproof mascara. You can actually feel impurities being drawn out of your pores during the massage. It’s amazing stuff. Don’t forget your jawline and neck.

• Step 2: Rinse your hands, and with them still wet, massage the face again. The cleansing oil will then emulsify and turn white. This step ensures that the skin is left clean without residue. Rinse off the emulsified cleansing oil.

• Step 3: Wash your face with your normal cleanser. Rinse and pat dry as you normally would.

You will notice with the double cleansing method that you wont have to use harsh cleansers that strip your skin anymore. The skin is pre-cleansed so you can use gentle cleansers if you choose. This is particularly beneficial for people with sensitive skin, like myself. Cleansing oil is also a much more gentle way of removing makeup than makeup remover wipes. Wipes can contain harsh detergents and alcohol and you have to rub and tug at your facial skin with them. (Hello wrinkles :/)

I recommend the double cleansing method for All Skin Types. People who will benefit the most are those prone to blackheads and breakouts, people with oily or combo skin, and those with sensitive skin. It is the single best thing that has ever happened to my skincare routine.

I have used many different cleansing oils including those by Shu Uemura and MAC, and my favorite by far is DHC Deep Cleansing Oil. It is $25 for a large bottle and $12.50 for the small bottle (great for travel). You can purchase here at DHCcare.com

If you like

then you’ll LOVE

Best on toasted, honey wheat bread with a touch of butter, De Ruijter dark chocolate “hail” delivers the same amount of rich flavor with 20 less calories than Nutella per serving. Try dipping strawberries into them, or sprinkling on top of yogurt or ice cream. Yum yum! I got a box from a hollandse bakker (Dutch bakery) in Artesia, CA, but you can get yours HERE.