Chapters

When I think about blogging and beauty and all things in life, we can't just limit ourselves to one thing. There are so many aspects in life that makes everything beautiful and unique and wholesome. 

After many months of back and forth, I've decided create a lifestyle/travel blog :) I will still write about makeup, but as you've seen I'm sure you've noticed that I started writing more about travel and incorporating photography in the more recent posts. 

I hope to see you there... =) 

The Bored Room :)

www.jenniferngan.com

March Empties: Smith's Menthol and Eucalyptus Balm & Leaders Collagen Fluid

If there is one balm I would buy over and over, it would the Smith's Mentol tin. 

This is the most effective multi use balm I've ever used! For lips, for dry patches, for smoothing out chapped/dry lips... this tin kind of does it all.  

I have been using this for many years, and mostly in the evenings. The tin isn't the most practical, but I use it primarily before i sleep with clean fingers so it's okay. There is something so nostalgic about the tin. I seriously seriously love this stuff.

It absorbs quickly, and keeps my lips smooth. It works best overnight because the next morning my lips feel super soft and lipstick ready for the day.

I have also used this as a 10 minute intensive treatment for my lips by slathering a good amount on my lips while doing my hair or makeup, then wipe all of it off my lips before applying lipstick.

Works perfectly! 

Another skincare product I've been using for months is this collagen serum from Leaders, a Korean brand that's sold in Asian skincare stores. I couldn't find much about it on the web here, but I've been using it and have repurchased a 2nd bottle already. Seems like it's strictly collagen, watery based. Has a nice subtle scent, and very easily absorbed into the skin. 

Review: Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector

Clarins  Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector

Skincare or makeup...?

Clarins claims that it's both, because they use nourishing oils in these glosses so it helps heal your lips while glossing you up. The skincare benefit is probably the only thing redeeming about this!

I have been using this gloss for a better part of a few days and the scent of vanilla is still wafting my senses. Part of me really wants to love it but another part of me feels like this is an expensive knockoff of a cheap product.

Boudin SF - Limited Time Spring Menu and Blogger Meetup!

A few days ago, i attended a local blogger event catered to foodies and yum enthusiasts! To say the least, it was a very lovely event filled with so much wine, beer and FOOD, 

FOTD featuring Hada Labo

Happy Friday!

Today I wanted to share with you a bb cream that I've been using that I absolutely love. It's v2 of Hada Labo's moist BB cream that came out years back. I loved that one too, and still love it! This version is slightly newer, came out early last year so I'm still late to the game! 

This bb cream isn't much different from the previous version. 

I love the way the BB air looks and feels on my skin. I bring it with me to travel, and i've had no issues with it. The bb cream is actually really hydrating, and the best part is that it does not oxidize over time. It doesn't turn sallow or muddy ruddy looking which I find happens a lot with Korean bb creams. This one is a bit more yellow based and stays looking quite natural.

The finish is really semi-matte but really beautiful. The bb cream in my experience hasn't enhanced any imperfections on my skin. It has a slightly dewy finish at first but dries semi-matte. 

I usually use one to two layers, and it is good enough to last for a day without other makeup on. I don't really powder my skin since it's on the drier side and I sometimes dot a bit of cream blush around my cheeks for some color. This bb cream blends beautifully with no caking that I've experienced! 

It is a bit pricey in the US, but considered a drugstore brand in Asia. I purchased it last year in store when i was looking for sun creams. I don't regret the purchase and I think it's one of the better bases out there in a sea of bb creams. I find that Hada Labo has made really consistent products and you can read my last review about my experience with the Hada Labo skincare line. My skin hasn't been more healthier, and I think it's because of Hada Labo.

Have you tried this or any Hada Labo  products?

Happy Friday, everyone! 

hada labo gokujyun | review

Over the past few months, my skincare routine has reduced significantly. Namely to these two super amazing products from Hada Labo's Gokukyun line - the clear toning lotion and the milk. 

My skin has mostly been parched from dehydration and the cold, and these two have attributed to much more supple and hydrated skin, healthy to the touch and clear. I'm very pleased with these and am surprised how readily available they are due to their popularity. 

The main ingredient in this line is the hyaluronic acid, which draws in moisture and locks it, retaining that hydration on your skin for hours. I have used a lot of products that contain hyaluronic acid in it but I find that Hada Labo does it best. They claim their products retain 2x the amount of HA, making it even that more effective. 

SF, LA, Death Valley Travels

Lovers Lane in San Francisco

Over the last week, I traveled from SF to LA to Vegas and to Death Valley before coming back to SF. We had some friends visit from Asia and wanted them to get the West Coast experience in a week. We did a TON of shopping, as most people from Asia do! haha. We hit up the outlets like nobody's business (ie spend hours upon hours at Coach, Nike, Gap, etc) Basically ALL the stores.

After Day 1 of all shopping, we did some sightseeing around different parts of California.

We traveled down Highway 1 from SF all the way to LA. It was a LONG drive, but it was truly scenic and beautiful. We enjoyed fantastic sunny weather, and stopped by so many towns on Hwy 1.

First stop was Big Sur and the Bixby Canyon Bridge. The Bixby bridge is one of my California bucket list must-see's. It was truly spectacular! Big Sur is so beautiful :)

Yosemite in Photos: A quick guide and commentary

I'm 

Over the long weekend in January (MLK), i visited Yosemite Nat'l Park. I've always wanted to go there but it was always so far when I lived elsewhere, too inconvenient; whatever it is, I'm sure there was an excuse. But now that I'm in the Bay Area it's SO much closer. In fact, I can't believe it's taken me this long to even think about going. What was I thinking? Sure, photography may have motivated me just a tad. You can't deny you can get effortlessly gorgeous shots in one go.

Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation & Concealer Review

Source: Pinterest

Last month, while perusing on Sephora, I stumbled upon the Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation + Concealer. This is not a new foundation - it came out in early 2015 to very mixed reviews. I meant to test it out for myself but never had the chance to since I have WAY too many bases. 

I finally did purchase it during the holidays and I'm very much in love. 

Weekends and Photos: Coffee & Tea Edition

Just wanted to say a warm hello and to wish you guys a wonderful Monday! 

What have you been up to?

Visiting the Great Southwest

HAPPY 2016!!!! 

Did you all have a fantastic 2015? I remember around this time last year I made a few goals and my goals were to travel more, be more carefree, live and see the world as I am able.

I think I am quite proud of the fact that i did indeed do those things, whether planned or sporadic, i got outside and saw as much of the world as I could while balancing a full time job and other responsibilities. I think there was a getaway at least once a month, whether to staycation in a beach town in Monterey or a planned getaway to Vancouver BC, something was always in the works. I am so glad to have had that experience, and I feel even more grateful than I did a year ago. 

"The world is a book and those who do not travel only read one page"

A trip to the Southwest of America was always one on my list. I mean, living so close by, why not?

It took a little planning, some research and voila! I have to admit that after Thanksgiving sales prompted me because a lot of airlines were also lowering their holiday fares. 

Our first stop was to get to our home base destination, which was Las Vegas. It's a nice driving distance between the Southernmost point of Utah and the Arizona/NV border. It made a lot of sense to us and we got to revel in the food delights that Vegas has to offer. We stayed in Vegas for two nights, gorging ourselves on more post-Christmas gluttony. It was awesome.

rare bit of quiet before NYE. 

This was a little eery, i have to admit.

Guerlain Maxilash Intense Volumizing Mascara Review

This mascara is amazing to say the least. 

The very black Guerlain mascara has enough pigment to thicken the lashes. The brush makes my lashes look voluminous and separated. I am in love.

The scent of the mascara is also really pretty. It has a nice light scent of roses! 

This mascara is also really conditioning and does not make my lashes feel dry or brittle. Also really easy to remove, which is a plus. Easy removal + really incredible volume = perfect mascara. 

This is the first time I've tried any Guerlain mascaras and I'm really impressed. 

What I like about it is that the formula is lightweight and doesn't weigh the lashes yet pigmented enough to give a vibrant bright black. Usually those 2 qualities are never hand in hand. It's one or the other. 

This gorgeous mascara is on the pricier side and I have yet to find a drugstore variety. The closest one would be the Loreal telescopic mascara which is slightly heavier but has a similar brush head.

Favorite Things of The Moment

Some of my favorite things of the moment happen to be the simplest. Beside the hot cocoa, the festive lights and holiday candles, these are also wonderful.

The Glam Glow Hydrating Cleanser is so super nice. I am dealing with dry skin and this is the perfect luxurious cleanser that works so nicely. It's so refreshing and even with the exfoliating beads it still is hydrating and creamy. Definitely will consider purchasing the full size.

The Sephora  Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover is amazing. It's just like their more expensive counterparts and works just like it if not completely identical. A cotton round has removed stubborn JAPANESE waterproof mascara perfectly, which I love. It's easy and gentle, and not too oily.

Because I wear heels a lot, the Dr Scholls Balls of Foot cushions are a godsend! These things are squishy and comfortable, compact in size and provides enough support for hours. 

I've been loving this Ciate London polish in Mistress. The most alluring true red, and the perfect seasonal color for a bright pop of red and coral. The formula is so amazing - dries quickly, very opaque, creamy and this is just one coat on my nails. Absolutely gorgeous!

The most practical and useful thing in my vanity is the Q-Tips Precision Tip Cotton Swabs. I don't think there is anything else more awesome. These q-tips have the extra point in the swab that helps with everything! I use these for cleaning up mistakes when I get mascara marks on my eyelids, erasing nail color mistakes that get outside of my nails, precision defining my lips for the perfect red lip, touching up eyeshadow fallout and so much more. I love the little box it comes in so you can use it for traveling. Keeps it all nice and tidy. #organizationalperfectionprobz 

My NEW favorite mascara. I'll do a proper review of this in the next post...stay tuned for that :)

The Nars Audacious Mascara is really really amazing. It adds lift and volume to my short lashes. The wand really helps amplify the lashes but the only downfall is the hard plastic bristles which can be painful if you poke your eye! Other than that, it is really effective, and I must say I am surprised because this is HARD to find. The only other high end mascara that's given me similar results is the Lancome Hynose line.

The Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Balm is the newest lippie I have in my collection. This balm/pencil combo works amazing as a nude lip filler on bare lips. This is in the shade Heaping Hazelnut. It defines the lips beautifully and has a nice creamy feel to it. Doesn't dry out my lips and keeps it very natural looking with a subtle sheen. I would love to try other shades such as Super Strawberry. Not surprised it made it into 2015 Best of Allure :)

What are your favorite things of the moment? :)

What Did You Buy With Your Sephora VIB Giftcard?

I was on the fence about this one because I made three prior orders from Sephora (LOL...bad planning on my part). So my fourth and final order of the year, I wasn't sure what I actually wanted. Until I did. It's back to basics with a new foundation and some concealers.

I'm actually quite excited to try this foundation because Clinique is one of my trusted brands when it comes to skincare. This foundation doubles as a concealer and comes in a ginormous concealer packaging, which is a first I've seen. I like wands a lot, and I think it definitely helps with convenience and precision. We shall see.

I've only heard great things about the Tarte concealer. It's supposed to be non-creasing! Super excited to try it! 

I also added this to my cart because a lot of people said it is comparable to the Nars concealer. I've tried the Nars concealer, and many others like it, so we'll see how the Sephora one lives up.

Have you tried any of these? :) 

Urban Decay Naked Smokey

My recent acquisition of the Naked Smokey palette from Urban Decay. 

Just wanted to post some lusty photos!

Birthday Haul Pt 2

This is my second Sephora order - this time with the F&F discount. I just repurchased the Philosophy Purity Made Simple facial cleanser. A few years ago, I got a sample from Sephora when this brand was new. I fell in love with their Purity Made Simple line. After trying so many cleansers, this is still my favorite one of them all. It has a nice lavender scent, and it cleanses without stripping the moisture from my skin. I'm eager to try the cleansing oil and the deep clean mask! 

I also ordered the Sephora Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover .

I'm excited to try this one because it is a lot less expensive than the Lancome and Clinique varieties! I'll be putting it to the test with my waterproof mascaras. Yay!

I also purchased the Best of Clinique set. This set contains some of their most popular items.

- 1.7 oz Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief 
- 1 oz Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ 
- 1 oz Moisture Surge Overnight Mask 
- 1 oz Foaming Sonic Facial Soap 
- 0.21 oz All About Eyes 
- 0.04 oz Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Super Strawberry

 My favorite item is the Moisture Surge Extended Cream Gel . This is honestly an HG item that everyone needs to have. It is unscented and provides a really nice hydrating layer on the skin. My skin completely absorbs it by morning and it's just beautiful! I truly love this. A repurchase well made. I'm also excited to try other items in the set like the overnight moisture surge mask, and the chubby stick! YESSS.

Mostly my purchases here are re-purchases. I'm back into skincare, and trying out nice products for the skin. I didn't buy any new makeup this year besides the Naked Smokey palette and a few lip products here and there. Truly, the best makeup is healthy skin :)

In other purchases, since I came home to visit my family on Thanksgiving, I decided to make the splurge and get a new camera. Soon, you'll be seeing my photos taken with a better camera!

After much internal debate and scouring the web for reviews, Youtube videos and opinions from friends, I decided to get the Samsung NX500 . I won't go into too much details with the specs but it's a very nice well-rounded camera for bloggers and vloggers and amateur photographers. What sold me is its compactness, the powerful ACS-C sensor and the visual aesthetics. Who doesn't love a retro looking camera with modern upgraded technology?! :) Great for bloggers and vloggers because of the flip up screen, and smart phone remote viewfinder. 

The lenses are interchangeable, it's got a flip up screen for selfies, fully immersed touchscreen technology, and 28MP with 4K video recording and WIFI. What really sold me is the fully immersed touchscreen because similar cameras from other brands like Canon and Sony have very limited touch mode, and it doesn't feel as intuitive. This one feels very nice and the touch commands are liquid smooth. It uses the same technology as their smart phones, which I think is a major plus! 

I tested out a few cameras before choosing this one - i had the Sony A5100 and A6000 as well as the Canon G7X. The Canon G7X is a gorgeous camera but it is a digital camera. The NX500 has interchangeable lenses so in the future if I do decide to buy extra lenses, it would be more catered for that. Also, i read a lot of comparisons and this one seems to be the most comprehensive: Canon G7X vs NX500

The Sony A-series were nice as well, and probably the most similar to the NX500. What I didn't like is that the A6000 is not touchscreen at all, and has only a 90 degree flip screen. The A5100 has very limited touchscreen which I didn't like. So the choice ended up being very clear. I was looking for camera in the $500-$600 range that is portable and not bulky. I can't wait to use this on vacation!

Simple FOTD Using Gym Friendly Essentials

Packing light is key when going to the gym during the day and getting ready afterwards, especially in terms of bringing makeup. Leave your large palettes at home and instead take small eye shadow quads that have a mirror. Take cosmetics that have lightweight packaging, and are also multifunctional. 

Birthday Haul Part I

This year for my birthday I kept it a bit low key and didn't buy as much. My birthday gift to myself was a trip to New Orleans and that experience was incredible! But of course, I had to get some stuff from Sephora. To start, I got myself the Naked Smokey palette. I collect ALL of the UD Naked palettes, but this one in particular is different from everything they've put out because it's got a much bigger variety of smokey dark colors, which is a big contrast to their neutral ones. All of which I love though. Their eyeshadows are my go-to, no matter what event. I don't own other palettes (with the except the of the Too Faced Chocolate, because...CHOCOLATE). That was an easy pick for me. Unfortunately, I didn't use the F&F 20% Off. I got that email 2 days later after I purchased this so of course I made another order. 3 in total. That to come later ;)

I also got a bunch of Dirty Works creams. If you're big into Soap & Glory, these have IDENTICAL scents. I got these at TJ Maxx. I could have DIED. My favorite scent ever! EVER. I love the way the cream feels, and smells. It's a beautiful mix of sweet florals. I don't know how else to describe it, but it truly is beautiful :)

I also had to replenish my contact lens. These were not a gift to myself, haha. These are a must. I have been using BioInfinity lenses for more than 10 years. They're really great, and have the highest water content of any contact lenses i've ever tried. These are monthly disposables, which I love!

I also picked up a pair of Sperry loafers. I love Sperry and the look of boat shoes. These are the ones lined with fur inside to keep my feet warm. They look great casual, and are perfect for fridays at the office. They're just super comfortable. I am usually not a black shoes type of person but I kind of like this one. I own another pair of Sperry's in a more traditional shoe - it's the blue nautical colors with the leather shoelaces.

With my Naked Smokey purchase, I also got a bunch of samples from Sephora. 

- Glam Glow mini - YESSS. I love.

- Sephora oil infusion lippie - this is great. Such a nice shade!

- Lancome mascara - my absolute favorite high end mascara.

- UD face setting spray - not sure i'll be using this but I'll try it for the holidays!

- Jack Black lip balm - I love this stuff! Minty and with SPF 25!

- Nars Audacious Mascara - Been wanting to try this SO. BAD.

- Nars Lip Pencils - for the VIB bday gift. I have loved Nars pencils in the past! yay!

I also got a Chloe perfume. I love this scent. My usual is the Coco Mademoiselle but to switch it up I got this as well. So feminine and girly...I love! :D

Stay tuned for my next haul - coming from Sephora, this time using the 20% F&F. 

Have a fantastic weekend, friends! :)

Take Me Home to New Orleans

If you've been following me on Instagram, you'll know I took a few days to visit the beautiful city of New Orleans! I did a lot of prior research to maximize my time in Nola and I'm so glad I did. The city is absolutely fantastic - beautiful culture, beautiful scenery and every corner of the state has rich history that spans back hundreds of years. 

We started our morning off flying into Nola from California - it was a four 4 or so hours. The moment we landed, i saw that it was raining. SAD. I knew it already but it never really hits you until you're there ;) When we exited to get our rental car, I felt a surge of humidity that is not comfortable. It was hot and humid. Not the best of feelings but we got on. Rented a comfortable car and drove to our destination. We rented a 3 bedroom house in a really nice neighborhood near the French Quarters using AirBnb. I've used Airbnb for years and that San Francisco based company is ON PAR. Fantastic experience every time. I've never been disappointed in all the years I've used them!

Battle of the Oils: Josie Maran, Algenist, Ole Henriksen, Tarte Maracuja Oil

If you guys read my blog regularly, you'll know that I am a huge fan of rich creams, oils and serum treatments for a nighttime routine. Our bodies repair itself at its height during our sleep cycle, and I truly believe that's when quality skincare works its magic on us. 

That's why I have an obsessions with oils. So much so that I buy loads of them at once. Pictured above are 4 oils that are currently on rotation right now. They're all about 90% empty. Not pictured is my favorite marula oil, which is also in rotation as well.

Josie Maran Argan Oil Light 

I liked this oil, but didn't like it as much as I wanted to. I have many argan oils I've purchased in the past and was reluctant to try this one because it's pricey for what it is. I get the cold pressed, organic 100% Argan oil from health stores and it's a much better value than this one. Aside from the price, this didn't absorb into skin - it just sat on top and didn't feel very light, despite its name. 

Ole Henriksen Youth Activating Oil 

I also wanted to LOVE this product but unfortunately it was anything but. The scent is way too overwhelming and not one bit soothing. It has a very sharp citrus scent that lingers for hours. I felt that the oil quality was actually quite good, and it absorbed into my skin fairly quickly, but it is very oily... not smooth like other oils. Another thing I didn't like about this is the bright orange color. A good thing about this product is that I noticed less redness in the mornings, probably because of the potent vitamin C in it, and possibly omega oils. I actually wouldn't mind adding a drop or so of this oil to a moisturizer to see if it's any better.

Tarte Maracuja Oil 

Of the bunch, I have to say this oil is is one of my favorites. It really absorbs super quick, and has helped with my acne a lot. Whenever my skin felt like it was going to wreak havoc, I apply this on at night and it calms my skin down. I don't know why that is, but it just works incredibly! This definitely has a healing property to it. It's even lightened some of the blemish marks on my face.

In conjunction with a light moisturizer, adding this on top has been a staple for me the past few months. 

Algenist Advanced AntiAging Repairing Oil 

This oil is really unique because it is advertised as an "anti-aging" oil which is really interesting. This is actually my favorite of the bunch because it is extremely lightweight but also powerful. It moisturizes really well and has a nice subtle scent. I only apply a bit of it onto my skin when I'm on a flight and it's given my skin a glow. I think this oil really helps combat tired stressed skin and repairs it well. Perfect "reset" oil for tired skin. The only thing is that this product is extremely expensive, at nearly $80 for 1 ounce. OUCH!

What are your favorite OILS? :)