Cleansing milks always make me wonder if they really do the job of getting rid of dirt and makeup. Anokha’s Oatmeal Cleansing Milk for normal to oily skin goes on creamy and smells like sweet oatmeal, which is just fine since the company’s products feature all-natural ingredients native to South Asia.

This cleanser looks deceptively like any other milky cleanser. But, once you slather it on and massage it over your face, you really start to feel something, like the ingredients are soaking up all the oil on your forehead (goodbye T zone!). Immediately after rinsing, my skin not only felt clean, it felt soft and totally clear of any trace of oil, and actually felt that way for a few hours. If you’re heading off to bed, finish off with Anokha’s Jasmine Serum for a really nice, clean scent as you fall asleep.

Amla, or Indian gooseberry, is reported to have the highest amount of vitamin C in natural form. And of course, everybody knows that vitamin C is a potent ingredient in fighting free radicals and contributing to younger-, healthier-looking skin.

Anokha Amla Skin Brightening Lotion is on sale today only at AudreyShops.

Dr. Nina S. Naidu harnesses the power of this potent sour fruit in a brightening formula. Amla Skin Brightening Lotion, doesn’t lighten as so many Asian skin brightening creams claim to do, but it “brightens.” Though the product tells you that it will take some time – four to six weeks – for the magic to happen, this editor saw some pretty impressive results after just three applications. Then again, I went a little crazy and slathered several pumps’ worth all over. The lesson? A little of this potent cream goes a long way.

C’mon, admit it. When the thermostat outside turns up, calling for shorts and tanks, we all do the same thing – we dial down the makeup and even our skincare practices. We suddenly become too lazy to get to the third step in our three-step skincare regimen. I mean, it’s just so hot. Who wants to slather on cream after cream on top of sunscreen?

When the temperature rises, switch that cream-heavy anti-aging skincare regimen so perfect for cooler months with a lighter formula.

Laveré's Anti-Aging Hydro Lifting Serum is on sale today only.

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I’ll admit it. I’ve never taken very good care of my eyes. I’ve yanked, pulled and rubbed my eyes with abandon all throughout my 20s and well into my 30s. I’ve stayed up late (I’m a night owl) and never worried about the state of my eyes the next morning. My excuse? I’m Asian! I’ll never have saggy, wrinkly eyes. Sadly, the day I’ve been in denial about has finally arrived. The skin around my eyes is noticeably thinner. Where I once rubbed or pulled with confidence knowing my eyelids would snap right back into place, and never turned down another glass of wine even though the hour was well past midnight, I have to be a little more careful now.

Lavere’s Anti-Aging Hydro Cool Eye Gel Roll-On on sale today only at AudreyShops.com

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Elaine Turner "Cole" peep-toe heel in champagne.

If there’s one thing I love in a summer shoe, it’s one that not only makes my legs look long and lean (granted, most high heels do that for you), but one that makes my legs look tan. Well … at least not so white.

The perfect shade of champagne gold does that for pasty gams. Like the shimmery textured leather on Elaine Turner’s “Cole” peep-toe heel in champagne. I love the bamboo detailing (yes, bamboo, you eco-conscious fashionista!), both on the handmade heel and the bamboo-like buckle. The Cole is just neutral enough to go with anything, but the mix of textures and gilt details will have everyone asking you, “Where’d you get your shoes!” (Don’t you love it when that happens? It so makes my day.)

And don’t let the 4-inch height fool you. It’s got a memory foam padded sole supported by a built-in platform bottom, so you’ll stay comfy and chic.

Get it now at our exclusive one-day, guaranteed low price.

I’m not a sci fi fan. I never liked Star Trek. I watched Star Wars because it was one of the few movies my parents would let me watch, even though it was rated PG. (My brothers’ addiction to all things Star Wars, including the bedroom set, really helped.) Besides, I really liked Han Solo and wanted him and Leia to get together already.

More recently, I tried to read Harry Potter and couldn’t get through the first chapter. I only tolerated Lord of the Rings because Legolas (played by Orlando Bloom) was so freakin’ studly.

Although if I really think about it, my interest peaked every time an Elf storyline appeared on-screen. I was fascinated by Arwen (played by Liv Tyler) and everything else in the Elves’ misty, dreamy world — the organically sculptural jewelry, the flowing hair, the ethereal Renaissance-inspired gowns, the lilting language, and of course the fact that every Elf is tall, lean and simply gorgeous.

Which is why I’m obsessed with Space Mermaid’s swirly, otherworldly tiara.

Space Mermaid pink tiara.

Arwen in Lord of the Rings.

It’s half intergalactic princess, half sea maiden. It’s sci fi for my real fashion life.

Get the pink tiara now at our exclusive one-day only, guaranteed low price.

Freckles may be cute, but the effects of photoaging (sun damage) aren’t so adorable. But sometimes, life gets in the way, making it difficult to slather on a shot-glass full of sunscreen every time you go out. This editor has been guilty of making a quick run to the grocery store sans sunscreen. And while there is always the dermatologist, let’s face it, we can’t always stand to wait a whole month to get an appointment.

MCK Labs M2 Skin Recovery Moisturizer is on sale for 24 hours only.

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It’s safe to say that over at Audrey Magazine, we get a lot of pretty cool products, sometimes months before they hit the shelves. Over the course of the eight years we’ve been publishing, I’ve seen plenty of beauty products and never have enough shelves in my bathroom to fit them all. Some products get prime shelving, right above or around the sink with constant attention. Marie Louise Cosmetics is one of those brands and the brand’s washing foam is something special.

Marie Louise's Washing Foam on sale today only at AudreyShops.

Just a couple of quick pumps yields a luscious little cloud of cleansing foam. And we’re not talking that wispy stuff you get at fancy restaurant bathrooms — this is luxurious, velvety foam that tells you it’s not only gonna wash all that dirt and makeup clean off, but it’s gonna do it with a little style and a little love. After all those no-nonsense scrubs I’ve been using lately, my skin deserves a little babying. And so does yours. Do your skin a favor and grab a bottle on sale today only at AudreyShops.

It seems like just yesterday when we had Audrey Magazine‘s fifth anniversary cover shoot with Vietnamese American model Isabelle. (Scroll down to see the results!)

Arturo Rios "Gisel" headpiece.

For the shoot, we used milliner Arturo Rios’ fantastical creations for our birthday suit celebration theme. Our photo editor at the time, Charlize Lin, snapped the amazing shots.

Only a few months later, Charlize got married in a dreamy, crystal forest-themed fantasy. And perhaps she was inspired by our shoot, but for the obligatory Chinese wedding three-outfit change, Charlize donned different headwear worthy of any Sex and the City wedding.

It’s a trend in bridalwear that I wholeheartedly embrace (if I had to do it over …). With more and more wearable, dance-in-it-able, beach-wedding worthy dresses making news, why not let a fantastical head piece take center stage? Any of Arturo Rios’ pieces can be redone in your color of choice.

Audrey Magazine's cover spread, April/May 2008

Shop Arturo Rios now at AudreyShops.

It seems like there is a plethora of serums everywhere you look, all purporting to do one amazing thing or another, but only succeeding in going on as a goopy, sticky mess. Not so with Anokha’s Jasmine Serum. At first glance, the serum looks pretty modest and unassuming. But a closer look reveals that the serum is actually a moisturizer.

Anokha’s Jasmine Serum is made with almond, sandalwood and jasmine oils — all in keeping with the company’s philosophy of using all-natural ingredients, many of which are found natively in South Asia. After cleansing, I rubbed a few drops into my hands and massaged the serum over my face. Surprisingly, the clear jasmine-smelling serum absorbed almost instantly into my skin — no stickiness! Instead, my skin felt like it had just enough moisture, without being overly so, like I was born with naturally soft skin. That old saying “as soft as a baby’s bottom” comes to mind. The clean, jasmine scent doesn’t hurt either. Since then, any time I feel a spot of dryness, I rub a couple of drops of this on, even over makeup. Dryness, totally gone.