Review: Estee Lauder/Clinique Travel Set

As much promised from last time, my review of these two products. Clinique's 7 Day Scrub Cream and Estee Lauder's Soft Clean Moisture Rich Foaming Cleanser. As I've mentioned several times, I was away in Beijing for two weeks on a school immersion trip. This meant that I was packing limited items for a weather and environment that was internationally known as one of the most polluted in the world. So what was I worried about? My skin.

Granted, my mom and I picked up these two travel sized formulas at a Mannings (super easy drug/convenient store) and my expectations we a little low. Could I really expect two products I'd never used before to battle clogged pores like I'd never experienced for two weeks? Turns out, I could. I am giving them all the credit for keeping my skin almost completely clear for the entire two weeks.

This is a close up of Clinique's Scrub. It has very fine particles and applies really well to skin. The amount I used was a dollop on three fingers, then applied all over the face, not just the t-zone. I wouldn't call it abrasive in so many words, just slightly stronger than "mild." After washing it off and applying the cream, my face felt (at least to me) significantly softer. There is, however, a kind of antiseptic-like smell to it though it isn't strong. I am extremely sensitive to things with flavor and smell and had no bad reaction. Even after the trip, I am adding this to my permanent shower collection, I am that confident and happy with the results it brought after using it everyday for two weeks.

After applying the scrub, I would apply Estee Lauder's cream. I should call it more of a lotion though because it's thickness surpasses that of a normal cream. Again I used a dollop of this on three fingers and then applied to my t-zone area. This is definitely an intense product. To my amazement, the cream's extremely harsh and the first time I applied it all over my face, I felt some minor stinging. After this I restricted the use to every other day and only on the t-zone. Yet it feels quite luxurious in its use. The thickness and slight berry sent together create a feeling that - though harsh - leaves skin with a milky and silky feel. It is a little too harsh for everyday use, but I will definitely bring it back out when travelling again.

Therefore if you are looking for a dynamic duo that brings fast good results, I highly recommend these two. After consistently using them together for the span of two weeks I can confidently say they were my skin's life savers!

Hope you enjoyed!
xx Em

June's 5 Things - Halle

Hey Everyone! 

I honestly can't believe that it's July already...this summer's gotten off to a busy, but super fun start. Hopefully time will slow down a bit, though, so we can enjoy the remaining weeks. 

Reflection

{Original image from Tumblr}

This week I'm at music camp, so I've been doing a lot of playing, listening and thinking. Last night while our teachers were playing a recital for us, I got to thinking about life and passion. Although I do have several different areas I am genuinely interested in, I don't know that I have one true passion...or maybe I do, but I haven't realized it yet. Hopefully it's something that'll become more obvious to me with age. This week, I've been thinking about my life so far, and the direction in which it's headed. I don't mean that in some sort of dramatic or brooding way, I've just been reflecting on myself as a person. It's been nice to take some quiet time - with just me, my mind, and my music. :) Okay, enough of my philosophical thoughts... :)

Mophie Portable Charger

{Mophie RED Juicepack Reserve for iPod & iPhone}

With travel comes excessive use of my iPhone for playing music. With excessive use, comes a drained battery. This little "mini-charger" has been a total lifesaver during layovers when I've not only been in need of my phone for its use as an ipod, but also so that I can stay in touch with family and friends from the airport. I have the mini version, which charges the phone about 30-45% of the way, but larger ones are also available which I believe can give your battery full life again. 

Braided Belts

{Cotton On Jean Braided Belt}

One of my go-to styles this summer are flowy tanks and tops tucked into shorts. With those shirts, I feel that belts go great with them in terms of adding a little extra preppy flavour. I have a similar one to the above that's also from Cotton On, but mine is a bit more of a single braid rather than multiple crossovers within a border. It's super versatile and can add an extra touch to pretty much any outfit.

Hush, Hush

{Series by Becca Fitzpatrick}

As one of my all-time favourite reads, I've been re-reading the series on planes and by the pool so far this summer. For more on my love for this book, click here to view my "Summer Reading List" post. 

Logoquiz

{Logoquiz iphone/ipad App}

My new friends at camp introduced me to this game on their phones, and I started loving it, so I downloaded the app for myself. It's basically pictures of parts of different brands' logos, and you have to guess which they belong to. There are multiple levels, and believe it or not, once you start, it becomes addictive. :)

That's it for this week on Lipstick and Life! See you Monday! 

Have a great weekend! 

-H xx

~1, 2, 3, 4, 5~

June's 5 Things - Emma

My gosh is it July already? This is the problem with summer. It just goes by too fast. I am finally back from my language immersion trip in Beijing and asides from some seriously unexpected things happening, it did put into perspective just how much you needs things you take for granted. 

{ Clinique 7 Day Scrub & Estee Lauder Moisture Rich Foaming Cleanser }

These were just travel sized products that my mom and I picked up at a drug store before I packed away to Beijing for two weeks. Knowing that the air there was terrible, therefore leaving skin prone to the worst kinds of breakouts I was sure that this duo wouldn't be enough. Yet lo and behold they work miracles! I'll do a few review of them on Monday! 

{ "Tods" } 

Alright I admit it, they're fake, but I cannot love them any more. The color, wear, durability and comfort is amazing! I got the same pair in black as well and haven't gone a day without wearing them. Im in love!

{ Clinique Chubby Sticks }

I wrote about these just before I left, saying they were part of the essential make up kit I was packing. They came in handy about 900 times more than expected, especially after I accidentally let my lips get a bit sunburnt. The color isn't the only thing they have going for them - the moisturizing factors are amazing.

{ Russell Brand's Autobiography }

The first summer read that I am conquering! Love him, love his humor, and love his book. In the position of sounding fan girl-ish, just going to say, there is something about reading about his past that makes him now even better. Highly recommend this hilarious yet tortured tale.

{ The Only Difference Between Martyrdom and Suicide is the Press Coverage }

My favorite summer song (though I have been loving Lips of an Angel after Halle's post) at the moment is "The Only Difference Between Martyrdom and Suicide is the Press Coverage" by Panic! at the Disco. Long title I know but listen once and it'll be stuck in your head for weeks.

Have an amazing week!
xx Em

Travel Outfits

Whether you're on a plane for a few, or multiple hours, comfort is key. Here are some pictures of some ideal travel outfits for any length of flight:

Ashley Tisdale

This outfit is perfect for short-haul flights. The jeggings and t-shirt (or any cute top) make it comfortable, but the sleek jacket and chic suitcase make it perfectly suitable for wearing straight off of the plane and into the city.

Miley Cyrus

For mid-length or redeye flights, this comfortable outfit is comfortable enough for sleeping on the plane, but still reasonable to wear out to lunch paired with some shades and a confident walk.

Selena Gomez

Finally, in the above photo, Selena rocks a cute sweatsuit at LAX. A great sweatsuit and tank top combination are the perfect companions for overnight or long-haul flights. Comfortable and temperature-versatile. Simply take off your jacket when you land. :)

These are my top picks for keeping up your personal style when traveling. Today, I'm getting on a short flight to music camp, so I'm sporting skinny jeans and a tank top - a spinoff of Ashley's look above. 

What's your favourite look for travel? 

Let me know in the comments. 

-H xx

~1, 2, 3 ~

Songs of Summer

{Phuket, Thailand}

This summer is filled with some long airplane rides, car rides, days by the pool, amongst other occasions perfect for filling the silence with some of my fave songs. Here are some of the most frequently played songs from my "Summertime" playlist (Ranging from dance music to very mellow tunes).

1. Kiss Me Slowly - Parachute
(It's probably my all-time favourite song)

2. Fall - Justin Bieber
(My fave off of his new album, Believe)

3. Yellow - Coldplay
(Sweetly soft tune that's super mellow)

4. Miami To Ibiza - Swedish House Mafia ft. Tinie Tempah
(Always gets me dancing)

5. Stereo Hearts - Gym Class Heroes
(Cute song that's great for singing along)

6. Animal - Neon Trees
(Upbeat and funky)

7. Thunder - Boys Like Girls
(Very sweet, soft song with summer themes in lyrics)

8. Lips of an Angel - Hinder
(Very relaxed tempo and lyrics - have loved this song for years)

9. Best Day of My Life - Jesse McCartney
(Very cute with good lyrics)

10. Never Gonna Leave This Bed - Maroon 5
(Both the regular acoustic and recorded versions are great)

Happy Friday Everyone!

-H xx

Airplane Essentials

Hi Everyone!

I've just arrived at my mom's house in the U.S. for more of my summer holiday. I got here about five hours ago, and have unpacked, showered and eaten after spending around 20 hours traveling. I'm not too tired, but am happy to be sleeping in a more comfortable position soon.

For this post, I thought I'd share the essential items I keep with me when flying - particularly on long-haul flights when freshening up every several hours on the plane, as well as immediately upon exiting the aircraft are completely necessary (if you want to keep your sanity). :)


Large Purse 
This should be pretty big, so that it can hold all of the items...

{Lilac Longchamp Tote}

Cozy Hoodie + Socks

Planes can sometimes be very cold...

{Princeton Sweatshirt and Bath & Body Works Shea Socks}

Makeup Bag

To hold all of the "freshen up" products...

{Vera Bradley Cosmetic Case}

Toothbrush + Small Toothpaste

After waking up from a slightly awkward nap, brushing your teeth makes you feel instantly fresher...

{Travel toothbrush + Mini Colgate Total Toothpaste}

Lipbalm + Moisturizing Gloss

Air on planes is dry, so make sure to keep your lips moisturized with lip balm. Then, when stepping off the plane, use the moisturizing gloss to keep up the feeling, but add a bit of glamour to your look...

{Classic Burt's Bees Chapstick + C.O. Bigelow "Lemon Citron" Lip Cream}

Eye Glasses + Spare Contacts

I always wear my glasses on long plane rides, but usually before a shorter connecting flight, or when I arrive at the airport of my destination, I switch to my lenses...

{Polo "Jack" Eyeglasses + Acuvue Oasis Contact Lenses}

Earphones + Portable Phone Charger

To cover the sounds of the plane with your favourite songs (it's a good idea to make a relaxing playlist), and an iphone/ipod charger, since those devices can save you from boredom...

{Incase "Capsule Headphones" + Mophie "Inspi(Red) Juice Pack For iPhone"

Also remember to drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated. I also think splashing your face with water a couple of times - once on the plane and once upon arrival helps to wake you up, freshen you up, and a makes you feel a bit cleaner, since a fair amount of oil can be produced during a long flight.

I hope this post was helpful! 

I'd also like to wish safe journeys to everyone who's traveling this summer! 

See you Friday! 

-H xx

Summer Fun (Minus the Sun)

Hey Everyone!

This week since Emma is still in China on the immersion trip, she doesn't have access to her computer/our blog. So, I'll be updating the site with the three weekly posts in the next few days. :)

I returned last night from Phuket. It was a great vacation - very restful, set in peacefully beautiful scenery and full of great food. :) Today I spent time with some friends, as tomorrow will be goodbye for the rest of the summer, since I'm leaving for the U.S. on Wednesday to holiday with family and attend some summer courses.

We spent our day as we usually do when we're together - lunch at one of our favourite places, a bit of shopping and then back to my apartment to hang out. It's during these long summery days with friends that sometimes we are looking for some easy ways to have fun while we're enjoying each other's company - outside of the worries of school. I thought in this post, I'd show some pictures of some of how we spent our time at home today, which also include some of our fave things to do together.

Grab a tub of ice cream with enough spoons to go around. :)

{Movenpick Strawberry - One of our favourites!}

Playing Cards! 

It might seem a bit boring/old-fashioned, but we love playing card games. They're simple, dependable forms of consistent entertainment, and when you all play at similar levels, it makes for fun competition. Our favourite games are Big 2 and Cheat. 

{Pile of playing cards after a round of Big 2}

Just Dance

This Wii game became a part of our sleepover traditions last year with Just Dance 2. Last week, we all chipped in to purchase our shared copy of Just Dance 3. It is our all-time favourite game, and we always spend several hours playing it whenever we're all together. :) It's fun, we can sing along, laugh at each other's dancing, and pig out while we play. (The dancing actually works up a bit of a sweat after a while - so you can justify some pigging, since you must be burning calories...Right?)We're eagerly awaiting the release of Just Dance 4! :)

What are some of your favourite things to do during the summer months?
Let me know in the comments below!

-H xx