SK-II -- My favorite product!

SK-II is by far the best skincare product I have ever used! If there’s a brand that I can recommend with full confidence, it would be SK-II. Two years ago, I was gifted with my first SK-II product. I received the Signs Eye Cream and the Skin Signature. I heard much rave about it, especially in the Asian community. Call me bias, but I trust more Asian brands than I do American brands. Why? Beauty is a huge industry in Asia. Beauty and skincare is highly emphasized in Asian countries. Women in Asia are more concerned with their skin and appearance. It’s almost as if it’s a part of their culture to maintain great skincare.  There are numerous ads and beauty stores all over Asia. And in America, beauty is not on that scale of popularity. Now, that is not to say that I don’t use any American brands – I do have my favorites!

SK-II is from Japan and was founded in 1980. It all started when an observant scientist noticed the hands of the women working in a Japanese sake brewery to be smooth and youthful. Following after years of research, the scientists were able to isolate the “nutrient-rich” liquid which is called Pitera. And is now known as SK-II!

Although I love Sk-II, I don’t know if I can keep replenishing my stock. It’s very expensive in comparison to other products. It’s worth the money however; I do wish it was cheaper. 

I recently got the new Cellumination line (check out the pics below!), which I have been dreaming of having for forever! I am super ecstatic to try it out!

Products Names:

Facial Treatment Clear Lotion

Facial Treatment Essence

Cellumination Essence

Cellumination Deep Surge Ex

Stempower

Other beauty products I want to try: Shu Uemura, Majorlicka Majorlica, Laniege 

Travel Diary: HAUL - from Japantown in San Francisco

Japantown was smaller in comparison to the busy, hustlin' and bustlin' Chinatown in San Francisco! The town was quaint, quiet and very peaceful. It was the last stop on my list before heading to the airport for my flight. I arrived before noon and the town had no more than 5 people in sight including myself. It could be that it was too early for the locals, but even as time progressed it was clear that Japantown was not a popular attraction. I didn't mind it. It was a nice change from all the crowds that I've encountered in the couple days before. However, it begged the question whether Japan town really had anything amazing to offer... Because I had high expectations.

 Me, being a skincare addict - I was most anxious and excited to visit beauty stores! I was hoping to find good products with reasonable prices. I was ready and willing to spend money on skincare! However, unfortunately, there were only 3 beauty stores around town and I left with nothing... It was very disappointing. There were products available, but the price of one was more costly than if I were to buy it online myself. Which didn't make any sense to me, and I would only cheat myself out if I were to purchase something.

Apart from that, I went to this Japanese store called, Daiso Japan which is similar to the General dollar store. Almost everything is priced at a $1 and almost everything is made in Japan. I was able to find a few things, so I suppose that made the trip worth it. Oh and I was able to do a puriku photo booth! It's where you get to take cutesy photos and then embellish your plain looking picture with fun decorations such as adding bokeh and typography! Instructions and editing was all written in Japanese, so I had a difficult time decorating mines. I did the best I could with the limited minutes given. I wish I wore something cuter though! In all honesty, I really didn't like my overall choice of outfits that I brought for the trip. And let me not get started with my hair color.. It was transitioning into black, hence my greenish-light-grayish-bluish hair  >.<

CA Bound: Modesto & San Francisco!

Before I explored SF I went to Modesto to visit my Dad and family. I spent a little bit of my childhood there. For an outsider, Modesto may not be a popular visit but in my case, it will always be a special place in my heart. Memories of playing baseball, eating watermelons, and playing house with sticks and leaves always brings a smile to my face every time I think of that city. I miss my dad, grandparents, aunts and uncle so much now. :'(

Anyway, before I start crying - let's talk about SF!
San Francisco was AMAZING! You Friscos are so awesome. Everything was just beautiful. I did everything touristy: Union Square, Golden Gate Bridge, Cable Car, Sightseeing City tour bus, Japantown, Chinatown, Fishermen's Wharf  except, Alcatraz, Ellis Island & Coit tower -- I did so much in 3 days!
Plus, I made time to visit YesStyle - the first physical store in the states. I believe they are opening another one soon, not sure. However, I didn't purchase anything. :( I'll probably make a separate post about that.
Ok, I'll leave you with a few pictures of my trip!

Zara – The 2013 Summer Sale

Zara – the 2013 Summer Sale

Zara is one of my favorite stores! I love the chic, often refined style. Everything is clean, simple, and unique. As I mentioned in my earlier post, I really wanted to purchase the classy, strappy heels. After trying it on, it didn’t look very nice on my feet. I have weird feet. I have to try on shoes before I can buy them. My feet are indecisive; sometimes it’s a 6, a 6.5 or a 7. The sizes vary. It pains me when I want to purchase online but I can’t because I don’t know if it will fit. Oh the struggle. Anyway, I scored two beauties. Flats and a beautiful white low-heeled pumps (As pictured below) :P

ZARA splurge

My retail therapy has been sky-rocketing through the roof and its done some major damage to my bank account! eeeek >.<  hehe... Nah, I'd say it was more of a treat for myself.

My most recent purchase was from Zara a couple days ago. They didn't have most of the things that I wanted on my wish list, however I walked out with 4 items! Unfortunately, the hunt on my classy heels are still in resume bc my size wasn't available. I can't say that I was too disappointed since I figured there would be low inventory at that specific location. I'm super happy with what I purchased though! I bought two shoes, a purse, and a shirt!

Stylebook | forest green faux leather shorts & pale blush blazer

It's hot and lovely here so shorts are a must now, although the forest dark green shorts is faux leather, among pairing it with light colors, it makes the look suitable for summer. Since I get cold easily, I added a blazer. It also helps to ease the bold look against the transparent top. I didn't accessorize too much. I added three colored chevron rings and pink stain lips. Sometimes, less is more. ^^

 

 

 

Top/Blazer/Shorts: Forever 21

Shoes: h&m

Chevron ring: Target

Trip to Dadeland Mall

Topshop has been one of many stores that is on my list to visit. And tomorrow I will finally get to see what it's all about! So many fashionistas and bloggers have many items from this popular brand! I can't wait to make a my first purchase! *grinning from ear to ear* :P

Shoes from ZARA!

I have been searching for these classy heels for so long. Okay, what I really meant is, is that I've been searching for inexpensive ones! You can find these beauties anywhere really, but for a reasonable price, it could be tricky. However, I happened upon them at ZARA (online)! For a really good deal, might I add. You betcha I have my eyes on them. I have yet to check them out in person. I hope they are as pretty as they look in the pictures. I will definitely do a review once I get my hands on them!

 

Drools... aren't they gorgeous?!

Pictures from the "Simple Summer Makeup Look" Video

Here's a better view of the makeup! I hope you like it. :) If you would like to see more

videos or looks, please help support me by liking my videos and subscribing! 

Click on the link below to watch my video!

Simple Summer Makeup Look - sandraquo

I included the product information on my YT description box, but I'll post it again below:

Products used:

• Clean & Clear Morning burst cleanser
• Shiseido Bio-performance Eye cream
• Clean & Clear morning glow moisturizer
•  Dr. Jart BB Cream
•  Benefit "that gal" brightening face primer
•  Benefit Erase paste concealer (no. 3 deep)
•  Lancôme 4-quad natural eyeshadows
•  Rimmel black eyeliner (06 jet black)
•  Rimmel white eyeliner (07 pure white)
•  Rimmel Eyebrow Pencil (002 hazel)
•  Revlon Colorstay Liquid Eyeliner
•  Revlon eyelash curler
•  Benefit BAD gal lash
•  Benefit high beam - highlighter
•  Covergirl instantcheekbones (230)
•  Lancôme lipstick (natural beauty cream)

 

My (first) YT video

Here's a post to my first YT video.. technically, it's not the first. But it's the first one that I'm satisfied with to keep it up on my channel. It's not the best but hopefully, I'll get better at it. :P

This is also not my first blog. I've had many. And hopefully, this will be the last.  And just thinking about moving my past posts to this one... I don't think its gonna happen! So here's to celebrating a new beginning! hehe ^^