current obsession: china glaze & balance me

A few things have made me very happy this week.

My JolieBox finally arrived two days ago and I found a pretty, full-size bottle of nail polish that I tried right away. China Glaze Dress Me Up from the Hunger Games Collection!! It's a mix between a beige and dusty rose color and although I've never been a fan of pink nail polish because it makes me feel like I'm twelve, this shade does nothing of the sort. Best of all, I only had to apply one coat of polish to each nail which is unheard of and it has hardeners so it dries flawlessly and has shine. I've finally found a work appropriate (when I go back to work, that is) everyday color that's lighter than my usual choice of Lincoln Park After Dark by OPI.

I've also been using my Balance Me Cleanse and Smooth Face Balm sample from last month's JolieBox. It's an oil-based cleanser that's best if removed with a cloth or cotton square and it makes my face feel refreshed and smooth, especially if I'm dealing with dryness from the weather. The only con is that I can't stand the scent. To me, it smells like a combination of old citrus and an ashtray. Ick.

I love JolieBox!

current obsession: l'occitane fresh face water

I love finding new products that I want to stick with and incorporate into my daily routine. L'OCCITANE Fresh Face Water cleanses, hydrates and tones your skin without any of the harsh chemicals other toners have, and it smells wonderful. I tried it out a few days ago after a long day of sightseeing and running around outside with B's parents and it made my skin feel completely clean and refreshed. 

travel essentials: good ol' washcloth

Here's another cheap and random travel essential for you all.


Whenever I fly, I feel disgusting and greasy. Some airlines will give you a hot towel, some won't. Place a clean, folded washcloth in a plastic baggie and put it in your purse/carry-on. When you arrive at the airport, wet it with hot water, rub it on your nasty face, and voilà, you're refreshed. Place it in the ziplock bag when you're finished.


I would post a photo, but I don't think anyone wants to see my makeup-stained washcloths. :)

current obsession: tropic skin revive

Today, I finally had my monstrous eyebrows taken care of (threaded). Huzzah! And I had a free hour-long facial because my friend gave me one of her vouchers before she left Scotland. I love the way facials make my skin feel so soft and smooth, but I hate how the wonderful feeling only lasts a week or so. Luckily, I recently found a new moisturizer that makes my skin feel facial-soft all the time.

I signed up for JolieBox, which is similar to Birchbox, because it's easy to try quite a few new products without paying an outrageous price. Tropic Skin Revive lotion was part of April's sample menu and at first I was hesitant to use it. Since my skin is bipolar and will be desert-dry one day, and oily with breakouts the next, I have to be extra careful when it comes to slathering new products on my face. I decided to give it a try because the ingredients are 100% natural and figured it couldn't do too much harm.

travel essentials: clarisonic mia

The Clarisonic Mia was my first "big" purchase with my paychecks. The Mia is small enough to travel with (and more convenient than bringing an everyday facial cleanser and a bottle of scrub), and it still works like a charm after all of these years. After you purchase a Clarisonic, you can buy separate brushes and products online for your skin-type which is super convenient. Since it's so windy and harsh in the UK, I use it once a day! 


The owner of this blog is not compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the blog owners.

travel essentials: avène soapless gel cleanser

I found this facial cleanser at a drugstore in Paris after I realized I had forgotten mine in the UK. To my surprise, it's just as gentle as Cetaphil (I've been using this since middle school), and it's sulfate free. It removes my makeup, keeps my skin clear, and best of all, the cap is designed to prevent leaks which is a plus for travelers - I hate opening my suitcase after a long flight to find a big, gooey product spill. 


The owner of this blog is not compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the blog owners.

travel essentials: clinique all about eyes

I don't like drinking water - tragic since we need it to live (details). And since I'm dehydrated 90% of the time, I need a good moisturizer for my face, and for the skin under my eyes. After a long day of traveling and feeling absolutely dried out, my go-to serum is Clinique All About Eyes. The ingredients are gentle enough for my sensitive skin, and the jar is so small, it's easy to pack away for travel (we only use backpacks!). You could say I'm obsessed.