Category: Western Products

Though this is primarily an Asian beauty blog, that doesn’t mean I don’t use–and love–Western cosmetics as well.

  • Spring 2017 Empties Report

    Today I opened my skincare closet and a massive pile of empties fell out, so I decided to divert some time and energy from the reviews I’m working on and write (some of) those empties up.

  • Great Balls of Sunscreen: The Inventor Interview and Giveaway

    Summer is coming, not that it isn’t already sunny enough where I live, and I’m currently testing over a dozen different sunscreens. (Not kidding.) You could say sun damage has been on my mind. But no matter how much I like any of the sunscreens I’m trying, none of them solve one of the most basic…

  • Guest Post: On Asian Beauty Hype, Appropriation, and a Global Skincare Routine

    Among online beauty communities, the international community of Asian cosmetics enthusiasts located in, or originally from, the Western hemisphere–commonly known as the Asian Beauty or AB community–is considered one of the friendliest and most drama-free. But there are dark currents of controversy hidden beneath the placid surface of the AB ocean. Some of those controversies are…

  • Vitamin C Serum 101 + Timeless 20% Vitamin C+E+Ferulic Acid Serum Review

    I’m fighting the visible aging process tooth and nail to make up for decades of bad decisions, as you’ll notice if you make it through even a couple of posts here or on my Instagram. So I’m often asked about my recommendations for the best anti-aging skincare products. My first answer will always be sunscreen, but…

  • The Best and Worst Skincare I Used in 2016: A Holy Grail Skincare Routine

    2016 was a pretty wild year in a lot of ways. Even my face got a taste of the turmoil. I tried a lot of different products from a lot of different brands this year, and while some of those products were truly great (and I appreciate the opportunity to try them all), others…weren’t. I took…

  • December 2016 Empties Report

    My skincare closet is overflowing with bottles and jars, and not all of them have stuff in them anymore. It’s time for a purge!

  • My Fast Morning Skincare Routine

    I originally planned to title this post “My Busy Mom Skincare Routine” but changed my mind because you don’t have to be a parent to want your skin to look its best yet rarely have time (or energy) in the morning for a multi-layered AB routine. My morning rush is dictated by the need to…

  • August 2016 Empties Report

    There’s a bin on a shelf in my beauty closet where I hoard my empties until the bin is full. Then I take a picture of the containers before I recycle them. Usually that picture goes on my Instagram, but this time around, I felt I had more to say about the products I’ve used…

  • Review: Neutrogena Beach Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Lotion SPF 70

    This summer, I discovered a love of frolicking in the surf with my son. I also discovered how poorly my precious Nivea Sun Protect Water Gel and my Biore Aqua Rich Watery Gel fit into my new beach lifestyle. While amazing for everyday use, neither of these sunscreens is water-resistant, and frequent reapplication makes both extremely cost-prohibitive for beach use. I can’t slack…

  • 2016 Sun Care Megapost: Fighting Wrinkles with After-Sun Skincare

    Yesterday was a hideously beautiful SoCal day, so I dragged the family to the beach for a few hours. Lord Fiddy came home with a vibrant sunburn (“Hey look! I got some color!”). Young Master Fiddy and I were, of course, wearing sunscreen and remained Unburnt. I was, however, sandy and desperate for a shower, so I did…