2018 thoughts on self-care

I know it’s already 2019, I am catching up!

I compiled a list of my favorites… not just skincare!

Listen to your skin. It’s hard for me to tell the effect of one product, since I switch around and may add multiple new ones at one time. But, I will say that anyone that goes from using nothing to something will see a difference in your skin. Hydrating toners (not the stripping kind that you apply with a cotton pad), cleansers at a right ph, double cleansing, some exfoliating, or essences make a discernible difference. There are always affordable options for every product type.

Favorite Cleanser: Tatcha Cleansing Oil and Cerave Foaming Facial Cleanser. I have tried other cleansing oils during the year (and will continue to) but my favorite is still the Tatcha. I’ve been using the Cerave as a first or second cleanser for a long time. These cleansers clean well and don’t strip the skin.

Favorite Watery Essence: The Amorepacific Vintage Single Extract Essence was on my wishlist for a while.This was a rare product that was sold out on the Lotte Duty Free app so I had to buy in person, but it worked out because I got a ton of gifts. It’s made of fermented green tea (yummy antioxidants!!).

to pamper / {essentials} eyelash curler and conditioner

Many years ago, I quit the highly acclaimed Shu Uemura eyelash curler for the Shiseido eyelash curler. The Shu was simply not giving me the curl I needed and since they don’t sell replacement pads (because they say the metal warps over time), it was becoming costly at $20/curler with only one replacement pad. The Shiseido curler is $19 with one replacement pad. Replacement pads are $6/each. The Shiseido curler curled my lashes much better. I think I compared the two curlers side by side once and the curvature was slightly different. Shiseido also had a looser grip.

The Shiseido curler can be found at Sephora, Macy’s, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Net-A-Porter. I recommend purchasing online from Nordstrom since shipping is free and great return policy. The Shu Uemura curler has become more difficult to find since Shu Uemura is only available online in the US now.

There are a few eyelash curlers on the market. Everyone’s eye shape is different. You should find the right one for your eyes. Don’t settle!

Note: In Asia, Shiseido eyelash curlers are sold in drugstores as well as department stores. I’m not sure what the difference is. My experience is based solely on the American eyelash curler (which is gunmetal colored).

Now on to my shameful secret. I curl my eyelashes before I apply mascara and after I apply mascara. The latter is supposed to be a big no-no like brushing your hair while wet, but I can’t help it. I love the results. I lost a few lashes because of this and am diligently growing them back.

I’ve been using the Talika Lipocils on and off for many years. It works great as a lash conditioner. It is not dangerous like Latisse or other lash growing products with side effects. Lipocils is simply reinforcing the existing lashes so they break less easily. The applicator is a mascara wand with a sponge tip for the Expert and a mascara wand for the Eyelash. I used to use the latter but switched to the Expert when I found a great sale but it is more expensive. The sponge tip is helpful for more precise application (e.g. lashline or brows). I apply Lipocils to my eyelashes and lashline as a part of my bedtime routine. The tubes last pretty long. Whether you regularly use falsies or want stronger lashes, I highly recommend this product. My lashes looked much lusher and impactful to curl. You will see a difference.

Find Talika at Beauty.com, SkincareRX, Nordstrom, and Bliss Spa. New Yorkers, they sell this at the fancier Duane Reades. Once again, I recommend purchasing from Nordstrom, but if you have other items to purchase from Bliss Spa, they currently have an awesome gift with purchase through September 9.