About six months ago, I made a spontaneous and regretful decision to get my hair chemically permed in the Philippines in hopes that I would wake up everyday looking like a Hollywood hipster with sexy wavy bed hair. However, it was nothing short of devastation when I realized I looked more like Carrot Top (minus the red tint) than Mary-Kate Olsen.
The next morning I stood in front of the mirror with a big ball of frizz that I had to call my hair, and died a little bit on the inside. How was I going to correct this? What on earth was I thinking? I’m going to have to buy more hair ties for all the future buns and pony tails I’ll be rocking for the next few years (I thought to myself). Upon returning to the states, I tried everything that I thought could fix my own personal hair death. I sought out hair salons for deep conditioning treatments, over-the-counter Moroccan oil, and even highlights which I thought could create dimension to my Jesse Spano hair style. Needless to say, it all failed.
Fortunately, it was this past week that I was able to experience an effective and relaxing solution called the Long Lasting Treatment, provided by the upscale and notable Beverly Hills hair salon, Yuko. The hair treatment manages to replenish and revive chemically damaged hair through the usage of natural and beneficial ingredients. Completely sulfate-free and full of nutritious oils , the treatment was therapeutic and incredibly hydrating. My dry and damaged hair simply felt like it was going through a hair orgasm!
The Long Lasting Treatment via yuko-usa.com
Whitening, lightening or “brightening” cosmetics lines are just starting to take off here in the U.S.
ISSUE: Fall 2011
DEPT: Beauty Kit
STORY: Anna M. Park
Lit from within? The secret is even skintone, as seen on Ming Xi in Vera Wang.
You had a glorious, carefree summer of soaking in the sun and now you’re paying the price. The remnants of your golden tan are slowly turning into splotches, courtesy of UVA rays. “Dark spots, discoloration and uneven skin pigmentation are common problems, especially among my Asian patients,” says celeb dermatologist Jessica Wu, author of Feed Your Face. In fact, for Asian skin, it’s typically hyperpigmentation that tends to be the first sign of aging, rather than wrinkles, she says, since Asian skin tends to be thicker.
In fighting brown spots, one of the most commonly used ingredients is hydroquinone, which works “by blocking one step in the skin’s production of pigment,” says Dr. Wu. There’s been some controversy over the safety of hydroquinone (though studies have yet to link the ingredient to cancer in humans), but there are plenty of alternatives like kojic acid, arbutin and soy, which, according to Dr. Wu, has been shown to reduce discoloration in patients with darker skin tones, including Asians.
A multi-faceted approach is key in fighting hyperpigmentation, according to dermatologist Ronald Moy. He recommends retinols or salicylic acid to exfoliate skin, which leads to more rapid skin growth, and then hydroquinone or other pigment inhibitors to block the production of melanin. When over-the-counter creams fail, Dr. Moy turns to laser peels, microdermabrasion, chemical peels or intense pulsed light treatments. “The best laser for treating pigmentation on Asian skin is the long pulsed (not Q-switched) Nd:Yag laser combined with a pulsed dye laser,” he says. “It causes less trauma to Asian skin and there is not as much post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.”
While a booming industry in Asia, whitening, lightening or “brightening” lines are just starting to take off here in the U.S. “U.S. cosmetics companies have finally realized that uneven skin pigmentation, not just wrinkles, can make your complexion look older than its years,” says Dr. Wu. Here, some of our favorites.
- 1. The cheeky skincare line’s latest brightening collection inspired by their Asian customers. Benefit B.right! Radiant Skincare.
- 2. Clinically proven to even skintone in 30 days, this natural brightening system uses a superfruit complex of kakadu plum extract and Japanese unshiu peel to lighten without the usual side effects. Jurlique Purely White Skin Brightening line.
- 3. The newest discovery out of Estée Lauder’s research labs is clinically proven to even skintone in two weeks and is touted to work on all ethnicities. Estée Lauder Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator.
- 4. A unique mushroom extract breaks up dark spots for prescription strength, clinically proven results without the redness. Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector.
- 5. Dr. Moy’s own line features a DNA repair enzyme engineered from marine sources in Iceland to encourage fresh, young cells, while a bleaching agent treats. DNA EGF Renewal DNA Intensive Renewal.
- 6. From the Korean cult beauty brand, a blend of medicinal herbs to protect from UV light and stimulate circulation. Sulwhasoo Snowise Brightening Serum.
- 7. Kiehl’s clinically proven Photo-Age line, formerly only available in Asia, is now exclusively in the U.S. at Kiehl’s Santa Anita Westfield, Arcadia, Calif. Kiehl’s Photo-Age Corrector High-Potency Spot Treatment.
- 8. With Korean ginseng and licorice, this targeted treatment works to regenerate elastin fibers and release trapped melanin in the deeper layers of the skin. AmorePacific Age Spot Brightening Pen
We all knew she could put on makeup, but what we didn’t know is that she can act. But, really, that isn’t too surprising. Her voice is so soothing that she could probably put newborns to sleep, and her appearance can only be magnified with her stealer makeup techniques.
At only 24-years-old, the #1 most subscribed woman on YouTube, Vietnamese-American make-up artist, Michelle Phan, is embarking on a new venture—incorporating short films into her already whimsical make up and beauty tutorial videos.
Just in time for December 31st, Phan’s latest YouTube video is a hybrid short film and makeup tutorial, “Midnight Kiss”, featuring actor Justin Chon. In the video, Phan re-creates every girl’s dream of the perfect Cindarella-esque kiss at midnight, equipped with a drop-dead-gorgeous New Year’s Eve party look.
With a big gala to attend, Audrey Magazine asks an important question: what to wear?
The theme of the night was “A Vintage Hollywood Black Tie Affair” so what better place to look for a dress than to designer Sue Wong’s fabulous line of vintage silhouettes, beads, feathers and hues?
I decided to capture the difficult task on trying on many beautiful Sue Wong gowns on film and share with you all the journey.
Take a look below! Continue Reading »
It doesn’t matter how old I get, Hello Kitty always brings out the kid in me. That bulbous head, the cute little poppy colors, the adorable packaging … I just never tire of it. Now that doesn’t mean I’m going to deck out my house in Kitty decor. One, I don’t think my husband would appreciate it, and two, there’s just something a little less than becoming about a thiformrmm -year-old (ahem) donning the same cutesy hairpins as her toddler nieces.
The Hello Kitty Noir Beauty Collection.
Well, there’s nothing adolescent about the latest incarnation of Kitty madness: the Hello Kitty Noir Beauty collection.
My nails were getting a little…janky.
I mean, I know hobo hipster chic is in right now but this was getting a little out of hand. (Please excuse the pun).
Because I’m a poor writer, I couldn’t afford a manicure and was a little too lazy to lather on some new polish myself, I decided to try these Nail Couture LA nail wraps.
Continue Reading »
Whenever I roll out all my makeup brushes, I’m always met with, “whoa, that’s legit,” and “dang, you’re pro.”
That’s cause I am when it comes to applying my makeup. I’m not going to settle for any little old brushes found in the dinky cosmetic packs with the eyeshadow and lip gloss.
But it sure ain’t easy toting all my brushes around. I roll them up in a striped brush bag my aunt made for me, which has pockets for all the different-sized brushes, eyeliners, and mascaras I use but it’s still a hefty bulk.
So it’s pretty sweet that Japonesque has unveiled their new line of artist tools– an interchangeable, professional-quality, snap-on makeup brush collection.
Using magnets, the brush sets allow you to snap on and snap off the different types of brushes you need to apply your makeup. The brush collection includes:
* Starter Set – Includes Dual-Ended Magnetic Brush Handle which easily connects to all Artist Tools Brush Heads; Foundation Brush Head – its silky soft bristles and paddle-style design ensure a perfect application and is ideal for blending foundation and concealer seamlessly onto skin; Angled Eye Liner Brush Head – angled to a perfect edge for controlled contouring and detailed eye lining. SRP: $12.
* Powder Brush – Dust the perfect amount of powder onto skin to achieve a flawless photo finish. Easily applies your favorite powder, bronzer or shimmer to face and body. Synthetic hair. SRP: $9.
* Shadow Crease Brush – Expertly define and shape eyes for a look that makes you stand out in any scene. Sweep the brush back and forth starting at the middle of the crease and working your way to the outer corner of the eye. This will blend you darker shadow to give you perfect definition and contour. Synthetic hair. SRP: $4.
* All Over Eyeshadow Brush – Perfect for adding color from lid to brow to get your eyes camera ready in a flash. After applying darker color to the crease, use the All Over Shadow Brush to swirl and blend color for a look that really pops! Synthetic hair. SRP: $4.
* Brow/Lash Comb – Create full, shapely brows and dramatically defined lashes with the Brow/Lash Comb. Brush brow upwards and outwards to shape and define. Synthetic hair. SRP: $4.
* Bent Liner Brush – Achieve a dramatic or natural effect with the Bent Liner Rush. Easily lines eyes with precision and control. Tapered to a point to give you the most exact line. Apply more pressure to increase the thickness of the line to get a look that is bold and dramatic. Synthetic hair. SRP: $4.
Artist Tools by Japonesque will be available exclusively at CVS starting January 2012 but we are giving away TWO (2) complete brush collections for our Audrey readers!
HOW TO ENTER:
- FOLLOW Audrey Magazine on Twitter and Facebook.
- SPREAD THE WORD: Retweet the contest to your friends, and repost on your wall: Link @audreymagazine so we’ll see you did this!
- COMMENT BELOW: Let us know what’s your favorite makeup tool to use.
You may enter as many times as you wish! Contest ends Wednesday, November 23, 11:59 PST and we will randomly select 2 winners. You must have a US mailing address to win. Gluck!
For more information, please visit www.japonesque.com.
Cargo’s Judy Yonemoto on how to look as good as your favorite celebs.
ISSUE: Summer 2011
DEPT: Beauty Kit
Want gorgeous skin like Maggie Q's? Read on.
Makeup artist Judy Yonemoto, a member of cosmetic brand Cargo’s Elite Artist Community, specializes in film and television, and is currently working with the cast of NBC’s hit comedy Outsourced. It’s a perfect fit for the Japanese American because Cargo’s blu-ray High Definition line was specifically designed with photochromatic pigments and micronized minerals to meet the challenges of high definition filming. Here, Judy addresses some of the makeup issues important to Asian women.
Every once in a while, I like to make a list. (OK, fine, I’m actually quite obsessed with list-making.) And since it’s my birthday (month), time to whip out that wish list for family and friends. These are the things I’m digging right now.
Misa Nail Lacquer in Beyond Infinity
Misa Nail Lacquer in Beyond Infinity.
It started with Chanel Jade. And then that elusive putty-clay color. Now pretty much everything goes — from navy to neon yellow. Unfortunately, for anyone over a certain age, those colors just look … well … desperate. Which is why I’m loving Misa‘s latest line featuring all these indescribable, out-there colors that are incredibly unique. My favorite is Beyond Infinity, a sort of periwinkle-teal with a hint of charcoal. (Don’t let the picture above fool you — the lacquer goes on way deeper and richer than that.) More grown-up that blue, way more fun than grey.
