Jane Talks: Hair Products

Today, I thought I would talk about the products I've been using on my hair. Whilst I do not dye my hair per se, I do have dry hair which gets very frizzy if I don't do anything with it. I have discovered, for me, washing my hair everyday only exacerbates this and am relegated to using dry shampoo on the off days when I do not wash my hair.

When I do wash my hair, which is every two or three days, I have been using the following products on my hair to help protect my hair when I use a heating tool, i.e. a curling iron or a flat iron. Also, I should note that I try not to blow-dry my hair; rather, I prefer to air dry if possible.

1) Chi Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray: I bought this on a recommendation of a YouTube vlogger and I will say it is just okay. I am *not* a fan of the scent which makes me eager to use it up and try something new. The scent is sharp and if you like that forest, piney scent, then this is for you. I, however, do not. That said, it does it job of conditioning the hair and I like to use it on my dry ends.

2) Garnier Fructis Mega Full Thickening Lotion: I like to use this on my roots to give them a bit of a lift. My mom likes to use a mousse-based root lifter which is also really good but I like this spray because easily found and I can pick it up on my Target run.

3) Etude House Heating Protector: This is the last thing I put in my hair. I like to take a quarter size of this and run it through my hair, especially in the ends. Like the Chi, this is a heat protector and perhaps I'm overdoing it but I want to really make sure my dry ends are protected. I really like this product. I like the scent but I am not 100% sure it really protects my hair, which is why I like to use both.

4) Etude House Silk Scarf Hair Treatment: I like to use this after I go for a run and before I take a shower. I like to put this on the ends of my hair and put a sheet mask on face. It's like a spa day before you take a nice hot shower.

I am still on the hunt of a heat protectant that I can use on my dry hair prior to the actual application of the curling iron. If you know of one that you would recommend, do send it my way.  Also, if you have hair products you'd like to use, let me know as well. I am always on the hunt for new and better products.

Until next time, xo Jane

April Favourites

April has come and gone so quickly! And since it's the end of the month, it's time to talk about my monthly favourites.  I don't have a lot of beauty products this month; I ended up using a lot of the same products I've discussed in previous posts.  That said, here are a few things I really enjoyed in the month of April:

1) 3CE Cream Blusher in #Baby Peach: I've had this cream blush for awhile now and I never really enjoyed using it before because I honestly felt it sat on my pores and really wasn't a good look for me. I have, however, been using this on a daily basis after discovering that using it with a wet sponge (I used a Beauty Blender)  and spreading the products on my cheeks really gave it a soft and natural look without looking like as if it is just sitting on my pores.  What I really love about this product is how it gives my cheeks just a hint of colour.

2) Etude House Bling Bling Eye Stick: I've been using this a lot this month to emphasise my aegyo-sal. I don't use this product on my entire under-eye, but I do like to use this closer to the front of the eye than the back.

3) Missha Aloe Sleeping Mask: As the weather is getting warmer, I've been using this sleeping mask to hydrate my face. LA, while hot, is very dry and wreaks havoc on my skin. I feel I must always hydrate my skin regardless of the temperature. I like this mask because it is lightweight and doesn't feel as if it is weighing down my skin. I also like to use it sometimes when I go running because it is so lightweight. I've also de-potting this into another container because I'm not really a fan of the packaging but really enjoy the product.

4) Uniqlo Soft Bomber Jacket in Pink: I've been looking for a light jacket to wear for the chilly nights here in LA.  Since Los Angeles is not as cold as DC or Seoul, I've been relegated to wearing my thinnest coats and also my leather jackets, if that. I found this at Uniqlo and I love it. It adds a feminine edge to my outfits. The soft pink colour and the cut of the jacket is very on-trend for spring. I've been wearing it with dresses as well as pants. Such a versatile piece of casual wear.

5)  Heated Eye Masks: I really like to use these when I am really tired. These eye masks heats up after opening the package and placing them on your eyes. The heat on the masks is not so hot and it really feels so relaxing when you put them on. There are also a variety of scents, as well as unscented. I like the rose and lavender scents, but unscented is always a good choice. I found these in a Japanese market but I am sure you can find them on Amazon. They also are available in Korea at Costco and Olive n Young.

6) Sweet Matcha Powder: I got this when I went to Japan but I've seen a similar product at Trader Joe's. When I first got this, I made hot matcha "lattes" with heated almond milk but recently, I've added a tablespoon of the powder with cold almond milk and ice to make my own green tea latte. I love to drink this when I am feeling hungry but don't want to eat anything.

7) Samarai Gourmet//Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories: Both are Japanese series that focus around food. Based on the anime books of their same name, I loved how each episode of each of these series focuses on a food. I kept getting cravings for the food of the episode during each viewing. If you like quirky shows, do give these two a watch. They are so delightfully binge-able. (On Netflix.)

These are a few things that I have been really into this month. Do let me know what are yours.

xo Jane

March Favourites

March has come and gone and it's time for March favourites!

This month has been a bit hectic and my skin definitely suffered, which is why I had to adjust.

Radha Beauty Hyaluronic Acid Serum: As I stated in my updated nighttime routine, this with the Korres Black Pine Sleeping Oil has been wonderful for my skin. As the weather changes, I love it absorbs into the skin and really moisturises the skin during the night. This is also USD$15 on Amazon! I think that price in itself cannot be beat.

Korres Black Pine Sleeping Oil: This on its face does not really do it for me. I felt it didn't really do a great job absorbing into to skin, viz. I felt the oil just sit on top of my skin. That said, once I mixed it with the Radha Hyaluronic Acid Serum, as mentioned, supra, there was such a change in my skin.  That said, I personally would not recommend just getting the sleeping oil, but in combination with the serum, the one-two combination really does wonders.

Heroine Make Volume and Curl Mascara: I've discussed this product before and my love for this product hasn't changed. Unlike a lot of other mascaras, I love how this product really lifts my eyes and gives me a more "awake" look. It's waterproof and really stays on your eyes, even after a good crying jag. If there is one mascara that I would recommend, it's this one.  Dasoda is a close second. Both are from Japan.

Tarte "The Sculptor" Contouring Stick: I don't use this to contour, as it is too dark for my face, but I do use it as a eyeshadow base on the lids of my eyes. I like to put a little on the base of my lids and then, using a finger, blend it in. I will then go over it with an eyeshadow, generally one that is lighter in colour.   I really like this as it gives my eyes dimension whilst allowing the shadow to still show through.

Etude House Sweet Recipe Cupcake Eyes: Yes, this is old, but I have been wearing it all month. Especially the champagne colour, which I like to blend over the areas where I used the Tarte Contouring Stick, supra, and on my aegyo-sal. I like how you can see the colour but it's not overpowering like many of the US brands.

Clearly, I've been using the light side incessantly.

Uniqlo Navy Midi-Skirt: This month has been the month of what I call "hobo chic." This skirt is the epitome of that. It has an elastic waist and it also hits my calves mid-length. Truthfully, this probably isn't the best look for me but it is devastatingly comfortable. When I'm feeling bloated, I will throw on a flowy sweater and when I'm less so, I will tuck in a shirt. I've worn this the majority of the month and at USD $19.95, I think it was a great choice. I'm sure there are better ways to wear it but I love the ease of it.

That's all of my March favourites. Would love to hear what your favourites are for this month.

Until next time, xo Jane.

Jane Tries: Etude House "Tint My Brows" Gel

When I went home, I saw how everyone's makeup was simple and subtle yet incredibly effortless. The "No Makeup" is really in and I love it. Aside from flawless skin, which has been the bane of my existence (sigh), one of the things I noticed that really ups the "put together yet effortless" ante are good brows. This brow tint really allows you to look smashing on your no-makeup days without much effort.

My cousin had gifted me this last year and I forgot to try it, even though both my mom and cousin raved about it. Late to the train, but here I am. I have been using it for awhile now and I really love how even if I leave the house with just concealer and mascara, I don't have the "it's so obvious she's wearing no makeup" look.

If you have beautiful brows, this product has no importance, but I have sparse brows and this fills in the gaps. To say it really is a game-changer is such an understatement.

Since this is a tint, the longer you put it on, the more it stays. Much like henna, it will tint the area of your skin where the product is placed. I recommend doing this before you sleep so that there is a sufficient amount of time for the tint to actually work. Don't be alarmed by how dark it is; the tint is actually a nice soft brown colour. I like to wipe it off with Bioderma in the morning before I wash my face. I guarantee you will see results immediately.

The product itself is thick and tacky and goes on a dark brown

If you're afraid that you might make a mistake when applying, I recommend perhaps making the brow shape slightly less than what you're accustomed and if you *do* make a mistake, oil will less the colour faster. Do remember this product is temporary, so it will fade soon.

One of the reasons why I have this blog is to document all the product I've used and also, to encourage me to use up all my products before I buy new ones. I hope you enjoy my reviews and I can't wait to try more products for you.

xo Jane