Coffee Talk: How do you cleanse?

How you cleanse your skin has become a hot topic. Do you double cleanse? Single cleanse? Once a day? Twice a day?

For me, my cleansing skincare hasn't changed much. The type of products, I use, however, has changed.

During the daytime, I do not double cleanse. What is double cleansing? Generally, it's the idea that you use an oil-based cleanser or balms to wipe away any excess before you go and use another, water-based cleanser. What I do, however, is use a gentle cleanser to wash away the excess grime from last night and also the sleeping mask. At this moment, I am using the Andalou Rose Foaming Mask and I absolutely adore it. It smells divine and is so gentle. I got it at Whole Foods, but I believe you can find it elsewhere.

At night, however, I double cleanse, especially when I am wearing makeup.  The removal of makeup is such a chore, isn't it? I hate it so. Regardless, I *must* take off my makeup or my skin will suffer the next day. I have been using a cleansing balm (I am currently use Clinique, but Skinfood has a really great one and everyone knows about Banila Co.) and then wiping off my excess with Bioderma, If Bioderma is too pricey, Garnier also has a micellar water that is the fraction of the price and is at Target. I find the gentle nature of the water really helps take away the grime without taking away too much of the moisture. After the makeup is gone, I then wash my face with face wash.

After washing my face, I always tone with a non-alcoholic toner. I find my skin has trouble sloughing off dead skin and so, I must always tone. I use Biotherm, not to be confused with Bioderma, and also the Thayer's Rose Witch Hazel. I love the Thayer's especially because of the scent. They have a variety of scents: Rose, Lavendar, and Lemon. I love them all.

I hope this helps you determine the best method to cleanse. If your skin is dry, perhaps double cleansing may not be for you. But regardless, would love to hear your thoughts, as always.

xo Jane

Sleeping Masks: Are they even necessary?

Sleeping masks are a thing. Also known as a night mask, they are masks you use after your moisturising and keep on whilst you sleep. Night time, for me, is repair time. I love them and use a rotation of a few masks each and every night. They soften your skin and you wake up with such a suppleness, which when combined with the ampules, your skin feels and looks younger.

Skincare is a day-to-day struggle. Yesterday, I was feeling so lazy and didn't bother to do my routine and today, it shows. My skin is dull, it's spotty and I look rough.

When I was even a few years younger, my skin didn't need such care; it seems it need more care with each passing minute. If this is your case, do look into sleeping masks. They truly help heal your skin and fight again the drying and the lack of elasticity that time seems to bring upon.

xo Jane

p.s. Realise I never did a Sunday coffee talk; one will be up this Sunday! xx

What Exactly Are Ampules?

L to R: Marogan, Iope, Sulhwasoo

If there is anything that truly helps your skin, I truly believe it's ampules. What are ampules, exactly? Ampules run the spectrum. Some are like essences, viz. they are water-based, and some are literally oils. I recommend both. For me, I love to wear the oil-based ampules at night and allows all that goodness soak into my skin. In the morning, my skin feels so soft and supple. Depending on the season, I adjust the oil I use; summer, lighter oils like the Iope you see above, or the Clarins, and winter/fall, my absolute favourite is argan oil. With regard to the the water- based essences, I recommend using it during the daytime, much like an essence.

For me, I find as I age, ampules are my saving grace.  Before I used these wonderful finds, my skin was dull. Now, my skin has a softness I find disappear the minute I stop using them.  As my skin ages, I find the suppleness of my skin is truly like fighting a war against time. Ampules are the first line of defense as the skin diminishes its elasticity.

Do let me know how you get on with them. Would love to hear your thoughts.

xo Jane

Coffee Talk: Makeup, wrinkles and all

As I age, my makeup skills have improved, which is an absolute blessing. But, my face isn't what it used to be. The glow of youth is a thing of the past. I look at pictures of when I was young and sigh at that glow. I wish it was still there. 

Luckily, makeup can help. I absolutely adore makeup. It covers up our flaws, evens out my (still) spotty skin and creates an illusion of that youthful glow I desire. 

One thing I notice, however, is that what worked for me when I was young, does not work for me now. Less is definitely more. I may cover my flaws more, but I cannot pile on the electric blue eyeshadow of yesteryear. *Sigh*

So what do I do? One thing I definitely have added to my repertoire has been concealer. I like to use a shade lighter around my eyes to really give my face that "awaken" look. Another thing I use is highlighter, sometimes liquid, sometimes not, but adding in that youthful glow is always nice.

Lastly, I use try to basically create a clean face, without it being a clean face. So the "natural" look.  I like to use a light amount of shimmer in my eyeshadow, but they are all neutrals; rose golds and browns and yellows. I don't use a lot of colour like I was wont to do when I was younger. That doesn't mean, however, to never use colour, just that in my day-to-day, I have become more measured in my application. I love it when mature women use vibrant colours, but I find it doesn't work for me anymore.

As for lips, I have been really enjoying the "gradient" look that is very popular in Korea. I like how it gives me lips the colour without it being too overpowering. I find this look works best on lips that are on the fuller side, but I don't think it looks bad on anyone.

Gradient Lips

I absolutely admire the skills of the makeup artists who can transform anyone into a masterpiece, but since I am only working on myself, these are the things I've learned along the way.

xo Jane.

What's the Deal with the Mask Trend?

From L to R: Tony Moly "Timeless EGF," Tony Moly "Intense Care Snail Hyrdo-Gel Mask," L'Affair Animal Sheet Masks (Sheep and Panda), Etude House White Pearl, SK-II

When I first saw face masks when I was visiting my parents, I was confused. What is this madness? When I put on first mask, my initial reaction was, I LOOK LIKE JASON. 

It's not far off from the truth....

 After peeling off the facial mask, however, my skin felt amasing. Soft, and supple. I was hooked.  I love using it almost every single day and my skincare regimen has changed as I mature. 

Not all masks are the same, and everyone has a different way that works best for their skin. Here is how I use these masks:

Method 1: Masks such as these, I use after a run. These masks are essentially essences in liquid form and are soaked in a cotton mask. Since I am breaking a sweat, my skin, and pores, is ready to soak in all that essence. Some people like to wear these and then use their regular skincare. I, however, find when I did that, I broke out. I like to wear it as long as possible and then take a shower and wash my face. That way, I maximise the amount of essence that goes into my skin but it won't break me out. I am actually wearing a mask whilst writing this blog.

Method 2: These types of masks have a gel-like feel to them. I like to wear these to sleep. I actually got this advice from one of the lovely girls who worked in these beauty stores. She recommended that I sleep with the mask on and see the difference. She was spot on. My face, the next day, is absolutely lovely. 

The other times I use a mask is when I am on a long flight. My skin is *so* sensitive and it looks a hot mess when I get off a long flight. Generally, a long flight is 7 plus hours for me. Your definition can vary, of course. Once the light turns off, I generally put on a mask and watch movies until I fall asleep. When I arrive to my destination, my skin looks rested and moisturised. If you have no shame, as I do, this is such a great way to use the face mask. My mom has pointedly told me that I am *not* related to her whilst on the plane. I still have no shame. 

Mask technology has really improved from the time they were introduced in the market. They really do make a difference to you skin, albeit temporarily. You skin feels so amasing and supple; do give it a go and let me know how you get on with them.

xo Jane

Coffee Talk

The ongoing joke among my friends is that I am a vampire. I've been very lucky to still be carded at my age. It always feels nice to think you are still in your 20s.

One thing I highly recommend as one ages is eye cream. Yes, eye cream. Real talk: I always thought eye cream was irrelevant. But, I've come to realise it was because I was doing it wrong. I take a little bit, rub it around my eyes where there are "fine lines" (sigh) and tap tap tap whilst watching a little TV. The longer the better. Sometimes, I also add the eye cream to my forehead. I've noticed a change. Not at first, but a change after a few weeks. 

One thing I also recommend is finding eye cream that not only works, but also, with pretty packaging. That lovely gold container contains my eye cream. It's a Korean brand, called the History of Who. Highly recommend. The smell is so nice and the packaging makes me want to wear the eye cream. And once the container is empty, I like to decant other lotions and have it around my vanity as a pretty little piece.

With age comes wisdom, so the saying goes. Perhaps, we can also impart some tips where we can look like we're 20, if we choose to do so, but at the same time, be the wise and smart mature folk that we are. 

xo Jane

Same Same But Different

I love pho. Who doesn't? The tender slices of beef cooking in that rich and pungent broth whilst the bean sprouts soften and the Thai basil and jalapeno meld in the soup. Squeeze the lime to wake up the medley of flavours already existent in the broth.

I've been going to Pho 75 with such regularity that the manager actually recognises my order. But, to be fair, I think it's because my roommate's particularity. i.e. no onions, cilantro, etc., that causes the manager to remember.

And that is where I first heard "Same same. But different." I think the phrase first came about because we ordered the same thing, but for, as my roommate likes to say, "the pesky cilantro and onions." Same same; but different.

I love this spot and clearly I'm not the only one who thinks that way, as there is a perpetual line, especially during the weekends (hangover cure amirite?) and on chilly days. This place only serves pho and is cash only. Don't be me when I asked for spring rolls and was curtly told, "No spring rolls. Only pho." This is truly no-frills and the tables are communal. But if you take me here on a date, you have just risen in my esteem.

The one thing I absolutely love is that they only serve pho, despite the fact I asked for spring rolls like a n00b, which I suppose I was. It reminds me of places in Asia where they make one product and they make that product well, I know Pho 75 will be one place I miss when I leave DC.

Pho 75
1721 Wilson Blvd,
Arlington, VA 22209

(703) 525-7355