DIY Comedone Extraction

     If I can, I'd probably DIY everything! Well, I do. I cut my hair (and my daughter's hair... sometimes even my husband's hair), I do my own nails, and yes! I do my own facials. My husband is my favorite "customer" of course. He was more than happy to sort of pose for this DIY/review. 

     We used the 3-piece Comedone Exctractor Kit by Complete Skin Solutions. By the way, if you didn't know what a comedone is... It is just another term for a blackhead or whitehead. These are the things we wanna get rid off! I always sanitize my extractors before and after use. I have a spray bottle with alcohol in it and just spray them up.

The comedone extraction kit comes with this cute pink storage pouch.

     
     Next, I'm going to be showing you how each item looks like from tip to tip... Most of them has a loop for scrapping off that comedone. Try to push it down a little and lightly pick it up by sliding it gently on the skin. This procedure should not hurt (or maybe just a little). I've been told, I have light hands. Either way, my husband doesn't really complain about it. Haha.

     First, I asked my husband to go wash his face. Sometimes, I also do it for him. Then I just apply a toner and proceed with the comedone extraction.

Applying some toner.

 The first extractor has a loop on each end which can both be used to take out big or small comedone.

A closer look of the first loop.

This looks like the previous photo but notice that it's a little bent.

     
     The next extractor is my favorite piece in this set. I use it more often than the others. I use the thicker loop to kind of push down the surrounding area of the comedone (note that the comdeone has to be in the center of the loop). As I push down, the whitehead slowly surfaces out. And yes, my husband has whiteheads but no blackheads. I use the other end of the same extractor to scrap it out and then proceed to the next comedone.

The thicker loop.

The thinner loop for scraping off the comedone.

Our first comedone. Lol.

     
     The last piece is used to puncture a stubborn comedone that won't come out easily by using the first two extractors. This can also be used for popping out a pimple. I rarely do this because my husband's skin is actually "normal." Yup. He has a beautiful brown skin like me! :)

Pointed extractor for popping comedones or pimples.

 

A closer look!

The other end is also a loop like
the previous extractor described above.

     
     It takes practice to use these extractors and alsways use them with caution. For more information on how to use this set, there is an ebook that the seller will send to you. Please read it carefully before use. 

     Buy yours on Amazon. This is the link to the product: 
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B015DBHF8K

     Disclaimer: I received this product for free to test and post a review about it.  

The Auben Diaper Bag

     My little one is almost two... A lot of new milestones for her this year. She has been talking a lot these days. What is amazing is I can actually understand what she is saying. She is very good at saying, "I'm sorry, mommy!" She knows exactly what to say when she does something wrong. She also loves to sing and dance. She has learned a lot at home with our nursery rhymes from YouTube. I recently enrolled in Parenting Classes with a toddler. Of course, it's better than YouTube because she interacts with other kids her age. She has been learning to share (something that we are still trying to work on). She also learned new songs in class. We have classes on Wednesdays to Fridays. Our diaper bag worked hard this year. Yes. It's time to change it! 

     It's only Tuesday, so no school today. Tuesday is library outside play for us (as we were late for story time...) Today was sunny but not as hot. I can say it's finally starting to feel like fall in SoCal! So we're out with our new Auben Diaper Bag on this perfect weather!

     The Auben Diaper Bag is lightweight and has a lot of room for everything I need. I used to bring a lot of stuff and put all the things that I think my little one needs. Nowadays, I just bring what she really needs. Here's a preview of what's in the bag!

Baby's and mommy's drink.

Diapers and extra clothes... Just in case.

It has a lot of room inside. A lot of pockets for everything!

     The Auben Diaper Bag comes with an insulated bottle holder and a diaper changing pad. I store the changing pad in the big, front, zippered pocket so I can easily take it out. I also bring our own crayons and coloring pages. Not all restaurants have these for kids. Otherwise, me and my husband won't be able to eat our meal properly. Our last resort would be YouTube again. For distraction. And yes! There's also room for my water!

With the changing pad peeking out,

With the inner straps for hanging on the stroller.

Crayons. My BFF.

More pockets for my card holder and my LO's grooming stuff!

"Teddy bear, teddy bear turn around..."   

Sunscreen and diaper rash cream on the other side pocket! 

The little back pockets are perfect for my coupons!

     It has an adjustable strap with padding and some extra inner straps for attachment to the stroller. I prefer hanging it on the stroller just with the regular straps though (as shown in the first photo). It is stylish and it has everything I need. What more can I ask for? This diaper bag is just perfect for me!

     Check Amazon if you want to purchase the Auben Diaper Bag.
     http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B012Y82SLE?redirect=true&ref_=cm_cr_ryp_prd_ttl_sol_0

     Disclaimer: Please note that I received this product with a promotional discount to test and write a review about it.

OZ Naturals Vitamin C Serum for a Brighter, Glowing Skin

     I'm always stocking up on my vitamin C's... Either my tablets or serums. I personally believe in the power of vitamin C. My priority is my health as I am not getting any younger. I'm actually turning 33 this year (contrary to people's assumption that I am 18 or 20 years old). Anyway, one of the things that attracted me to purchasing OZ Naturals VC Serum is its packaging. Vitamin C can easily be degraded and thereby, lessening its powerful effect. The amber bottle packaging is very important in preventing or at least slows down the process of oxidation. Therefore, you can use it longer and still achieve the desired effect.

     OZ Naturals Vitamin C contains clinical strength 20% vitamin C. It also comes with a dropper to help you get the amount you need. I only need 5-6 drops for my whole face and neck area. Before application, make sure the face is clean and use a toner if necessary. Wait for the toner to dry then apply. I always test products on my hand first just in case any irritation will occur. After a few minutes, no irritation so it was safe for me to use it on my face and neck. I often apply a moisturizer afterwards.

     OZ Naturals VC Serum appears as light yellow, odorless liquid that is easy to apply. It should be applied daily to achieve a brighter, glowing skin. Product should not be used on the eye area. There are other products out there made specifically for the skin around the eyes (as others may cause eye irritation). As always, read the product packaging before using it.

     Other ingredients that help keep your skin wrinkle-free and youthful: 

• astaxanthin
• hyaluronic acid
• vitamin E
• rose hips
• green tea

     

This is me touching my soft, beautiful brown skin after using OZ Naturals Vitamin C serum. Looking forward to a brighter, glowing skin. Will update this blog in a few weeks or so for optimum results. I just started using it in a few days but I'm already feeling the radiance!

     Please note that I received this product for free to test so I can give my honest review.

     This product can be purchased on Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DPE9EQO?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=od_aui_detailpages00

Grow Your Brows with Perfect Brows Balm

     When I was younger I had thick brows. I still remember the first time I had it tweezed... it was a day before Junior & Senior's Prom. My friend did her best to thin it. After that, I just had to follow the contours she made. That was 16 years ago... This day, I have retained the shape I wanted. And through the years, my brows got tired of growing. If only my armpit hairs would do the same. Anyway, they did stop growing and I would just take out one or two misplaced hair.

     So I'm really excited to get my hand on this brow growth balm. Perfect Brows Balm comes with a little brush for easy application. It can be used everyday with my usual make up. I'm not aiming to bring back the old days of unibrow-ish kinda thing but I'm hoping to grow my brows so I can try to shape them in another contour.

     It also ha s scent that I can't quite pinpoint... like it's medicated or something. Either way, I like it. It has a very elegant packaging and easy to carry around. Mine will have to stay at home since it is the first step to my make up procedure. 

     Some important reminders to optimize the benefits of this product:

• Leave on for at least 10 minutes
• Use everyday for best results

     

     Other information about the product:

• 100% botanical
• contains Vitamin A, E and B5

     Looking forward to a thicker brows... probably in a month or so. Will have to post an update to this blog about it.

     Please note that I received this product for free for my honest, unbiased review. All insights are mine.

    More product information are on their website and can also be purchased on Amazon.

http://perfectbrowsbalm.com/
http://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Styling-Mini-Brush-Chocolate-Brunette/dp/B00EP49AX0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1445360436&sr=8-1&keywords=perfect+brows+tinted+balmProduct can also be bought on Amazon: 

     I always keep a cold bottle of water at work (as it involves a lot of talking)... I know the benefits of water for me so I have always been "hydrophylic" (water-loving), like, literally! Since last year I have been seeing posts on Facebook and Pinterest about fruit-infused water. I usually cut pieces of fruit, mostly oranges, and put them in a pitcher and let them stay there for a few hours or when the water gets cold and ready to drink. The "Sharpro Fruit Infuser Water Bottle" is a genius invention! Now I can take my fruit-infused water with me anywhere! It looks elegant and refreshing as I try to put different kinds of fruit in it. This product is to be hand washed only and my hand fits perfect in the opening so it's easy to clean. It has four pieces: the water bottle and its lid, the fruit infuser with a lid as well. One advise I can give to future buyers of this product is to not fill the bottle up to the rim. Just fill it up about 3/4 full because the infuser will displace the water so you have to give it some room. 
     Here is a photo of my fruit-infused drink. So far, I've used oranges and strawberries for these are a few of my favorite fruits! I also have stocked up on lime and I love it!

Before putting it into the fridge...

Right after I took it out of the fridge...

Lime love!

Ahhhh... Ready to drink!

     Please note that I have received a promotional discount for my honest and unbiased review. This is the link to this product on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0118H91WQ?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00

Kleem Organics Vitamin C + Hyaluronic Acid Serum

     Goodbye summer. Hello fall! My skin can finally rest from too much sun exposure (or maybe not, I live in Southern California and it's almost always sunny) but then again, here we go - DRY skin. I have been looking for products with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, which is a moisturizer. I also love products with vitamin C, an antioxidant. And what is better than an organic serum, right? So I went ahead and searched on Amazon and used the words: "organic" "vitamin C" 'hyaluronic acid" "serum" and viola! Lots of serum products to choose from. This certain silver-packaged product caught my eye... "Kleem Organics" Intensive Rejuvenating Vitamin C Serum. What I love most about this product is that it's natural and organic.

Its ingredients and benefits:

• 20% Pure Vitamin C + Hyaluronic acid for face rejuvenation
• for skin tightening, dark spot removal, anti-wrinkle, and anti-blemish
• antioxidant, anti-aging (stimulates collagen for skin renewal)

     Knowing the correct way of application helps a lot in maximizing the effect of a product. Purchase of this product comes with an e-book. Take time to read and understand it and you'll love your skin more for sure! The owners and founders, Joseph and Matteo, sent me an email giving details on its application. This is my new, nightly beauty routine... (I'm lucky if I can do this in the morning as well).

1. Prepare the skin by washing your face with warm water and your preferred facial cleanser.
2. Apply a small amount of Kleem Organics serum and gently rub across your face using small circular motions.
3. For best results use twice daily, in the morning and at night before going to bed.
4. If you feel any dryness, use a moisturizer.

     The serum is easy to apply, non-greasy, and has a sweet, citrus-ish smell (which I just love). I use 3-4 pumps for my whole face and neck area. It comes in a 1-fluid ounce packaging so I'm assuming this will last me a month or so. Will have to post an update to this blog if I am wrong. And lastly, since this is a Vitamin C product, you might want to store it away from the sun to prevent oxidation of the product.

     Please note that I received a promotional discount in exchange for my honest, unbiased review of this product. This is the product link on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KOUALMS?keywords=kleem%20organics&qid=1444720404&ref_=sr_1_1&s=beauty&sr=1-1

In Love With Amigurumi

I've been crocheting for 19 years but it's my first time to make an amigurumi! I've always dreaded the thought of going through those little stitches... But now that I have a baby girl, I have decided to make her a mermaid doll! I hope she likes it because I really worked hard on this one. One of my hashtags on Instagram was "trial and error" but not much error here, right? =)

My bald looking doll

Trying to decide on a hairstyle

Tadaaaaaah!

I love her frizzy hair! Lol

Thanks for dropping by!

XOXOX,

Melanie <3