Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps

I love multi-use products: The more use I can get out of one thing, the more I like it. 
The bigger the bang for the buck~ The better!

One amazing product that has so many different uses is Dr. Bronner's 18-in-1 Pure-Castille Soap.

Unlike any you’ve ever used. A combination of organic extra virgin coconut, olive, jojoba and hemp oils, together with pure essential oils, creates a unique soap that cleans effectively without being aggressive and produces a velvety-lather that leaves the skin silky-smooth and refreshed.

In My Makeup Bag

I'm always curious to see what products people use: I love seeing what my friends and makeup mentors use in their makeup bags and kits.
So in case you were interested in seeing what goodies I carry around with me, I am about to unveil my own bag of tricks   ;)

Currently, I'm using a silver Bobbi Brown makeup bag that was a gift with purchase.
I usually use my makeup bags for months- a year until it starts falling apart.
Sometimes I change the products, but I usually carry around these items (or ones that are similar in quality/convenience)

Here are the products that I feel are worthy of carrying around with me wherever I go (at least for now):

Make Up For Ever Flash Palette/ 12 Flash Color Case

When I was in Beauty School, my teacher Orlando Santiago told me if there's one thing I need in my kit, it is the Make Up For Ever Flash Palette.  Since then, I have heard this from many different amazing makeup artists.

Wondergirls "Nobody" Inspired Makeup- Too Faced Natural Eye Neutral Eye Shadow Collection

So I finally made my first You Tube Video.  I never thought I'd do one 'cause I refuse to go on camera without makeup, and I'd cry if people are mean to me (haha).
But after getting the opportunity to write for Korean Beacon (Every Thursday!!!), they asked that I make videos too... so I said, "Why Not"~

So with the help of my Fabulous friends Jeeae (Model), Ruth (Zoom), and Jenny (Loud Laughing/Talking), we were able to put together my first You Tube Video!
It took a lot longer than I thought... but it was easier than I thought it would be...
I've learned a lot and realized how I can make things better... but over-all I'm very happy with the results!

You ARGON-na Love Argon Oil

Back in my college days, I spent hours going through magazines and would put up pictures and ads I loved.  One picture I had on my blue wall at Rutgers was a Guess ad of Josie Maran.  Little did I know that almost 10 years later, I would be freelancing for her organic cosmetics line~!
(Side Note- Should I be putting up pictures of Robert Pattinson on my blue wall in Fort Lee so that we can make beautiful babies together?!?)

I'm so glad that I actually like her products because honesty is my policy, and I wouldn't be able to sell something I don't believe in.
Josie Maran Cosmetics promotes Luxury With A Conscience. It's a natural organic line, it has recyclable and biodegradable packing (made from corn  plastic that breaks down in 30 days!), and they source the Argan Oil from a women's co-op to help them socially and economically. And most importantly, the products are great for EVERYONE.

The first Josie Maran product I will be reviewing is my favorite: Argan Oil.  You may have heard about Moroccan Oil for hair.. but you can actually use this all over! It's like the next big thing in beauty news.
Now I know what you're thinking... I have really sensitive skin. I have oily skin. I have acne. How can you put oil on your face?  TRUST ME!
Once the oil sets in... it works miracles.  You're skin is SUPER DUPER soft and feels like a little Bubba  (baby)!

What it does: 
Josie Maran Argan Oil is a legendary oil that's rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids, and grown organically in Morocco. Argan oil is known to have many treatment benefits, including hydrating and nourishing skin, as well as toning and firming. It's gentle enough to use on all skin types and is believed to help with skin conditions including acne.

I've only worked for Josie Maran 4 times to this day, and I was really nervous the first time I used it on people with oily skin and sensitive skin~ I have not had one person say this was too oily for them or irritating by the end of the makeover.
* If you already have a moisturizer you use, you can add a few drops to give you a boost of moisture
* Use it EVERYWHERE~ face, hair, body, cuticles, lips.... EV-RY-WHERE~*
* The smell can be a little strong (Some people love it, some people don't... ), but I swear, the smell goes away and you are left with pure softness.
* It can take a little while to sink in ( about 10-15 min. for people with oily skin)
* You don't need a lot of it  to make a difference (but I slather myself in it...)


For those who really can't stand oily products, they also have the Argan Oil Moisturizing Stick.
This is great for sticking in your purse/car or on the go.  You can use as lip balm and smooth it on your face when it feels dry mid-day.  Also can be rubbed on palms and ran through hair to get rid of fly aways and to add moisture.

What it does: 
Josie Maran's best-selling Argan Oil now comes in a stick form! This multi-purpose balm offers all the benefits of the nourishing oil, which includes anti-aging ingredients rich in fatty acids and vitamin E. A head-to-toe spot treatment for dry areas in need of moisture, this soothing balm conditions and repairs skin as it hydrates. Use it to moisturize chapped lips, soothe dry skin, tame fly aways, alleviate itching and stinging from insect bites, moisturize dry cuticles, relieve chafing skin, soothe stretch marks, calm sunburn, soothe waxed skin, and much, much more.

The first time I tried it, I was literally touching my face all night. My friend Angela finally had to shout, "OK IRENE! You're skin is soft!!! I get it!!!"  ;)  

For those that are wary and cautious... or don't trust me (WHAT?!?!), they also come in small sizes.  

It also comes in a bronzing formula.  It is a best-seller and gives you a beautiful glow all over your face or body, or just on your cheeks for a sun-kissed glow.
 

This is one of my favorite products... and that means a lot.  And if you can't wait to buy this awesome product, make sure you go and buy it when I'm working at Sephora!   (hee hee.. which is why I'm being sneaky and NOT putting up a link!)     ;)

Retail Price:

Argan Oil: 

0.5 oz- $14

1.7 oz- $48

Bronzing Argan Oil: $52

Argan Oil Moisturizing Stick:

.12 oz- $6  (HELLOOO!!! What a steal!)

.55 oz- $22




*~ Have a Beautiful Day! ~* 

NARS- The Multiple Coffrett

Now that it's the Holiday Season (Hooray!), NARS has come out with a set of their best-selling cult favorite Multiple Sticks.  They're small, but will last forever and they're easy to carry around. 

I find that they work best as blush or highlighters, but they can also be used on eyes and lips
If you don't like shimmer, this set isn't for you.  If you are~ SHINE ON!

The Multiple Coffret

What it is:
A set featuring three shades of the iconic NARS The Multiple - a multi-purpose formula for the eyes, cheeks, and lips - in sleek mini components.

What it does:

This set features three shades of the iconic NARS Multiple cream stick with a cult following that adds a dose of sheer, shimmering color to every complexion. The multi-purpose formula can be used on the eyes, cheeks, and lips and can be easily applied with your fingertips. This set allows you to get a gorgeous glow on the go with travel-size versions of the multi-tasking, cream-to-powder stick.

This set contains:

- Orgasm (peachy pink shimmer)

- South Beach (shimmering apricot)

- Copacabana (glistening pearl)

Retail Price: $40

Click here to purchase

Tarte Treasure Chest

Ooh... I loooooove the holidays: the lights, the glitter, snow~*  Best of all... I love the Holiday Gift Sets!

One palette I buy every year is from Tarte.  This year, they've upped the ante with their largest palette ever! Tarte Treasure Chest  has 16 full sized shimmer eyeshadows, matte eyeshadows, and lipglosses. It also contains a mineral powder bronzer, luminzer, and 4 blushes.  With this one kit, you will not need makeup for a loooong time.

Now I know most of you don't like using color as much as I do, and you may think that when you first see the colors in this kit... but once you actually play around with them, you'll find them to be more wearable than you think.

I've found that over time, I'll try out a color that I orginally didn't like... and that would end up being my color of the moment. 

It's also free of parabens, petro-chemicals, sulfates, and all that other blah blah blah~

It's a $686 value for only $52.  It's practically free!!!  It's probably one of the best values around, so go out and get some treasure!

Click here to purchase

Retail Price: $52