Treats
Listed below are just a few great products. Christine Cho and CHOBEAUTY in no way guarantees any products. Please do your own research and use your own judgment when testing and purchasing beauty products. Try before you buy; read labels; consult experts; compare like products; and trust your instincts! For more up-to-date reviews on new products, check out the BLOG.
Body
Cake Citrus Squeeze Smoothing Brown Sugar Body Scrub
What it is: Body scrub/exfoliant
Why I love it: Coarse brown sugar crystals gently exfoliate skin and dissolve in shower leaving skin with lasting sheen with lovely fresh orange scent; a bit greasy for some – so if you like that squeaky clean feeling, this may not be for you.
Cake Dessserted Island Moisturizing Body Glaze
What it is: Scented body oil in spray bottle
Why I love it: When rubbed into skin (like shins, shoulders…) creates a gorgeous luminous sheen and glow that makes you look delicious! Smells like hula dancer dipped in vanilla and molten sugar!
Ecrinal Nail Strengthener with Silk Lipesters
What it is: Nail treatment
Why I love it: Literally sinks into nails and feels like instant moisture; makes nails stronger, thicker, just prettier over time.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheet Dry-Touch Sunblock (SPF 30-45)
What it is: Sunscreen for body/face
Why I love it: Really feels like nothing on! Non-greasy (which is rare for sunblock); smells fresh – like citrus.
Vaseline Cocoa Butter Body Lotion
What it is:Body lotion
Why I love it: Smells gently like what’s in it; goes on surprisingly non-greasy; makes skin smooth and soft; affordable.
Cheeks & Face
Benefit Benetint Lip & Cheek Stain
What it is: Liquid stain
Why I love it: Creates natural-looking berry-kissed flush to lips or cheeks; apply tiny amounts with fingers or brush for healthy pop of color; other lip/cheek products can be layered on top if desired; normally in nail polish-like container; Pocket Pal comes in convenient smaller tube with a clear gloss on other side.
Benefit High Beam
What it is: Liquid highlighter
Why I love it: Rub with fingers onto cheekbones or elsewhere to create a lovely dewy shimmer-glow – perfect finishing touch of glam!
Era Spray On Face Foundation
What it is: Airbrush makeup in a can
Why I love it: Good coverage for a light liquid spray foundation – just need to layer for more coverage as needed; easier to spray onto a sponge and then apply to face rather than directly on face as it suggests; dries semi-matte, gives skin nice natural texture, feels super light and fresh.
Guerlain Terracotta Sheer Bronzing Powder
What it is: Bronzer (available in several shades)
Why I love it: Very subtle high quality bronzer – doesn’t leave that streaky fake n’ bake look, but rather a soft natural sun-kissed look; dust lightly over cheeks, forehead, nose, chin, jaw, or all-over.
Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder - Translucent
What it is: Colorless face powder in loose form
Why I love it: The most amazing finely milled setting powder – apply with puff or big face brush all over face to set any cream/liquid foundation; makes skin appear matte, flawless, smooth, silky, even…but use according to your skin type (i.e. oilier types use freely, drier skin types use less or in targeted areas only like T-zone).
Makeup Forever – Duo Mat Powder Foundation
What it is: Powder foundation
Why I love it: Really does what it says – makes skin perfectly matte and flawless, without looking fake or cakey; can use alone after moisturizer and concealer, or over a liquid/cream foundation; great for normal to oily skin types (dry skin types should generally try to stay away from too much powder).
Makeup Forever – High Definition Powder
What it is: Loose setting powder (translucent – no colour)
Why I love it: “Microfinish” means the powder is super fine (almost like a mist when you pick it up with brush); creates smooth surface; sets cream/liquid makeup without settling in lines; eliminates shine well.
Nars Blush - Orgasm
What it is: Iridescent powder blush
Why I love it: Great coral-apricot-pink color for light to medium skin tones – provides lovely sheen and flush to the cheeks…the name says it all! (Note: not great for highly textured skin – if that’s you, stick to matte blushes and steer clear of sheen, shimmer, etc.; this shade doesn’t show up well on darker skin tones).
Yves St Laurent – Touche Éclat
What it is: Highlight
Why I love it: Great light-catching effect for under eyes, brow bone, or anywhere you want to highlight/brighten.
Eyes
Anastasia Brow Powder Duo
What it is: Brow powder
Why I love it: The best powder to fill in any spaces or shape brows for a subtle natural look; according to Anastasia’s site:
Golden Blonde – Suggested for golden and strawberry blonde hair
Ash Blonde – Suggested for light to dark blonde hair
Medium Ash – Suggested for light to medium brown and silver hair
Ultimate Brown – Suggested for medium to dark brown hair with red/ warm undertones
Brunette – Suggested for medium brown to dark brown hair
NEW Ebony – Suggested for dark brown to black hair
Strawburn – Suggested for auburn hair
Benefit It Stick
What it is: Under eye concealer stick
Why I love it: One stroke in deep creases/dark lines under eyes instantly brightens and refreshes; must be blended into surrounding area of course – with a close to skin-tone concealer or foundation; great quick fix.
Clinique All About Eyes Concealer
What it is: Under eye concealer
Why I love it: I actually love this for a spot concealer more than under eye – just a tiny bit on scars/zits provides excellent coverage; does not budge; dries matte; ophthalmologist and allergy tested.
Diorshow Backstage Makeup Mascara - black
What it is: Mascara
Why I love it: Doesn’t flake (like all good mascaras); coats lashes smoothly; looks AMAZING in multiple layers; smells lovely (like roses).
Lancome Fatale 3-D Comb Mascara - black
What it is: Mascara
Why I love it: High-quality silky finish mascara with odd-looking three-sided comb rather than puffy brush…takes a bit to get used to using the comb (patience, patience, and practice), but once you do – WOW – lashes look longer and fuller, yet defined; no clumps or flaking; feels great on all day – tres glam!
Laura Mercier Eye Basics
What it is: Eye base (comes in various skin tone shades from light to dark)
Why I love it: Excellent base for eyelids to ensure your eye shadow lasts and stays true to color; great for evening out skin color on lids as well; dries matte and does not crease.
Mac Chromaline – “black black”
What it is: Gel eyeliner
Why I love it: Highly pigmented; workable and gentle on eyes; sets to be budge-proof; safe for inner rim; little product goes a long way.
Maybelline Great Lash Waterproof Mascara - black
What it is: Waterproof mascara
Why I love it: A makeup artist staple – effective yet affordable; easy to work with, reliable, works well in photos, doesn’t smudge (excellent for weepy brides)!
Merle Norman Luxiva Dual Action Eye Makeup Remover
What it is: Best eye makeup remover I’ve ever tried
Why I love it: Honestly haven’t tried anything else that has come close to removing as much eye makeup as easily (I’m talking one easy swoop of a cotton swab with this stuff on it); doesn’t burn eyes (ophthalmologist tested); have to shake bottle before using (looks like separated oil and water when sitting still) – has remover plus conditioner so good for the lashes and not harsh; safe for contact-wearers.
Stila Kajal Eye Liner
What it is: Dramatic pencil liner
Why I love it: The darker colors (like the navy one) make eyes super sexy and dramatic – highly pigmented and really show up creamy and true. GREAT for lining the inner rim to complete a true smoky eye or to detract from red (partied-like-a-rockstar-last-night) eyes; bring on the drama queen!
Stila Smudge Pots Gel Eye Liner
What it is: Eyeliner
Why I love it: THE ultimate budge-proof liner in a pot! If you have steady enough hand to use tiny eyeliner brush, this stuff moves smoothly while you’re working with it, but sets to a long-wearing non-smudging gorgeous eyeliner (can smudge into softer smoky look, or hard-edge liner with wing, etc); multiple colours; highly pigmented – true to color; need tiny amount; no more raccoon eyes with this stuff!
Hair
Moroccan Oil – Glimmer Shine Spray
What it is: Finishing shine spray for hair
Why I love it: Fine mist creates unbelievable shine; highlights hair colour (actually brightens or intensifies colour); smells lovely, like all Moroccan Oil products
Moroccan Oil – Luminous Hairspray
What it is: Hairspray
Why I love it: Non-sticky; smells great (not like most hairsprays); adds sheen to hair but doesn’t make look plastic/frozen; lets hair stay touchable while providing good hold.
Moroccan Oil – Original Oil Treatment
What it is: Hair serum
Why I love it: After towel-drying washed hair and putting this yummy smelling serum through hair, blow-dry/style as usual and you’ll find you won’t be able to stop touching your hair; makes hair so silky and smooth!
Lips
Bigelow Chemists C.O. Bigelow Mentha Lip Shine/Breath Freshener
What it is: Moisturizing lip gloss
Why I love it: Comes with no color or in subtle tints; very refreshing minty cooling sensation; smells like peppermint; tastes sweet; use alone as gloss or over lipstick; gives minty fresh breath as well – completely lickable.
Blistex DCT (Daily Conditioning Treatment) for Lips
What it is: Lip treatment
Why I love it: Has SPF20 (yes lips need sun protection too); instantly begins to cure the driest cracking lips; restores smoothness and moisture; has aloe vera, cocoa butter, vitamins A&E…an affordable must have!
Dior Addict Ultra-Gloss - 001
What it is: High-shine lip gloss
Why I love it: Completely clear, super shiny gloss; great worn alone, or over any lipstick shade to glam it up; not too sticky or gooey; naked and sexy!
Keihls Lip Balm #1
What it is: Lip balm
Why I love it: Simple Vaseline-like lip treatment with no funny smells or colors; no fuss; male-friendly; sharable (comes in small squeeze tube).
Mac Lip Sticks & Glosses
What it is: Lipstick & lip glosses – various shades
Why I love it: The lipsticks are moisturizing, smooth, and smell yummy! Lip glosses are a bit sticky but come in such lovely shades and have staying power; they also smell yum!
Nars Lip Gloss - Giza
What it is: Lip gloss
Why I love it: Shiny yet opaque – goes on lips true to color; like a liquid lipstick and gloss in one; love the neutral color and full coverage.
Skincare
Dermalogica Multi-active Toner
What it is: Facial toner in spritz form
Why I love it: Other than it being fun and refreshing to spritz on face, it’s refreshing, hydrating, and super light with no harsh reactions; no artificial fragrance or color; good for all skin types; no nonsense packaging; comes in cute travel size too!
Dermalogica Multi Vitamin Power Firm
What it is: Eye & lip treatment
Why I love it: Multi-purpose (for eye area and lips); silky smooth; preps surface to be moist and smooth, without shine or greasiness; instantly minimizes appearance of wrinkles; great primer under makeup for under eyes and lips; smells like berries
Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentre
What it is: Moisturizer
Why I love it: So simple and versatile – use as moisturizer day/night, cleanse skin, prep skin; one word: effective.
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair – Protective Recovery Complex
What it is: Serum – applied between toner and moisturizer, night (or day as well)
Why I love it: It’s like a much-needed shot of super vitamins/nutrients for the skin after a long day’s work.
Merle Norman Luxiva Nighttime Recovery Crème
What it is: Nighttime moisturizer for face
Why I love it: Rich and luxurious; time-released moisture throughout night; makes face feel like baby’s bum in the morning!
Rosewater
What it is: Real extracts from rose petals and purified water (available at health stores, different brands, combinations)
Why I love it: Simple all natural toner for the face/body; smells like fresh roses; feels refreshing; costs a fraction of the price of most good toners; can add to bath.
Shiseido Extra Smooth Sun Protection Cream – SPF 38
What it is: Crème de la crème sunscreen
Why I love it: The ultimate sun protection for your face – water proof, sweat proof; doesn’t smell like typical sunscreen; can wear alone or under makeup; comes in various levels SPF; available face/body too
Shiseido Sun Protection Eye Cream – SPF 32
What it is: Eye cream with sunscreen
Why I love it: An amazingly smooth and gentle eye cream that moisturizes while protecting the delicate eye area from sun; wear on its own or under makeup during daytime.
Vaseline Petroleum Jelly
What it is: What it says and nothing more
Why I love it: Simple and effective multi-tasker – dab on lips for clear gloss during day or slather on tons overnight for soft and kissable morning lips; also dab a bit under eyes before bed for extra moisture boost; smear bit on eyelids or top of cheekbones for dewy glow…
Vitamin E Oil
What it is: Just what it says – comes in different purity levels – the higher the level the thicker the consistency
Why I love it: All natural; THE most effective solution for small areas of severe dry/flaky skin (i.e. around nose, esp. after you’ve been blowing it a lot); apply in tiny amounts, massage into area after washing face, before moisturizing/makeup;
the thicker ones are gooey and kinda gross at first, but work the best.
Tools
Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler
What it is: Eyelash curler
Why I love it: The mother of all curlers; curvature is slight, fits most eye shapes, rounded pads provide real curl (not a sharp bend); this curler lasts so you get your bang for your buck!
Tweezerman Slant Tweezer
What it is: Eyebrow tweezer
Why I love it: Precise, slim, durable…can’t use another.
For more reviews of new products, remember to check back often at Christine’s BLOG.