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By Amy Zhang March 18, 2018 in Beauty 31 Comments

An Honest Glossier Review

Honest Glossier Review | by The Luxi Look

As a longtime reader of Into the Gloss (top shelf fan for life!), I was ecstatic when they launched their in-house line of beauty products, Glossier. I waited a long time before purchasing Phase 1 and Phase 2 for myself (I know, totally late to the party), but I’m excited because I feel 100% ready to give an honest Glossier review. I’m a super loyal Sephora customer (embarrassed to admit I’m VIB Rouge) and always like to try on beauty products before buying, but I made an exception to the rule for Glossier.

Maybe it was the marketing or the super cute packaging, but I knew I had to try it for myself. One thing I noticed when doing research prior to purchasing, was how hard it was to find honest reviews. Bloggers and YouTubers alike seemed to give complimentary reviews, but the actual site doesn’t have a section for customer reviews.

everyone says they're low maintenance it's okay, neither are we quote

Yep – even the box the products come in is cute.

After years of using their products, I thought I’d do my own HONEST Glossier review of the products and have you see for yourself if the products are worth purchasing.

[ FYI – this post isn’t sponsored in any way. ]

[ TL ; DR – overall, Glossier products are mostly hits for me. The price point is fair and they will work well on most skin types. Are they life-changing? No. Are they good for skintypes that need a little more love or extra care? Also probably a no. I wouldn’t use only Glossier products and nothing else. But mixed into my skincare routine with other products, I’m a huge fan. My faves are the boy brow, milky jelly cleanser, haloscope, and priming moisturizer rich. If you’re interested in trying any of the products out, here’s my link for 10% off your first order. ]

An Honest Glossier Review

Phase 1:

Glossier’s motto is skin first, makeup second. Phase 1 consists of 4 makeup products that get your skin ready for makeup (or no makeup at all, if you’re blessed enough to go without wearing any!)

Milky Jelly Cleanser –

My personal favorite product in the Phase 1 set. I’m in love the jelly-like consistency/texture and the subtle rose scent. My skin is somewhat sensitive and haven’t had any issues with this cleanser whatsoever. So, I use it to remove all traces of makeup without any irritation. I have several cleansers I love and use already. However, this one is a permanent player in my rotation. I’ve already gone through 5+ bottles and have it in the travel size as well.

A bottle lasts me almost 6 months. I keep an extra in a bag in my car and use it after the gym and before going to bed. If I need a little extra exfoliation or deep cleaning for my skin, I add a powder exfoliant.

Priming Moisturizer –

I think this moisturizer is a nice compliment to the cleanser. It isn’t really thick or moisturizing enough for nighttime or when my skin needs an extra boost, but I like it for daytime and I feel like it has made my skin softer and plumper. If I apply makeup on top, it seems to go on smoother as well. Thumbs up for this product, but I haven’t repurchased.

Balm Dotcom –

Honestly, I’m not sure how much better this is than using vaseline or Aquaphor, but I do really like it. I’m sure I would love the coconut version even more. It’s a solid lip balm but for the price, I’ll probably stick to my usual drugstore balm.

Perfecting Skin Tint –

Probably the thinnest foundation I own. It’s way more watery than any tinted moisturizer I’ve ever tried – maybe I could have gotten away with this light of foundation when I was in high school? I use the shade “dark” and don’t see too much of a difference in my skin when I use it, but I think if you layer it on it does smooth out minor imperfections. If you’re looking for a smoother and more flawless coverage, I would pass on this. Truthfully, I think it’s best for people who already have close to perfect skin.

Phase 2:

After you’ve primed your skin with phase 1, it’s time for phase 2. In general, Glossier products are for the makeup minimalist. They may not be the best if you’re going for a more full-on glam face, but if you’re looking for a “I woke up like this” natural look or just trying to enhance your natural beauty, they might become your new favorite products.

Boy Brow –

This stuff is GOLD. My new go-to brow product. I use the shade “brown” even though I have very dark brows. This is by far the best brow mascara I’ve ever tried. I want to hoard this stuff in case it ever gets discontinued, which I don’t see happening because everyone seems to love it. It fluffs up and thickens your brows and keeps them in place all. day. long. (Update: I’m on my 10th tube and still loving it).

Stretch Concealer –

Not the biggest fan of concealer but this formula is extremely buildable and doesn’t seem to crease as the day goes on. I got it in shade “medium” but wish I had purchased in a darker shade. It functions as a bit of a highlighter since the shade is slightly lighter than I would prefer for my under eye circles.

Generation G –

Probably the only miss out of all the products I tested. The tube seems small for the price, the product is somewhat drying, and the shade I purchased, “Like” is meant to be a “your lips but better” shade when in reality it doesn’t show up much unless I use several layers. Maybe fairer skinned girls will have better luck? I will try out the other shades as well and report back.

After testing out the entirety of Phase 1 and Phase 2, I can say that there are a few items that will become permanent standbys in my beauty lineup. My favorites by far are the milky jelly cleanser and the boy brow (as beauty bloggers say, “holy grail status”), I do love the priming moisturizer as well. For real though, in this 100% honest Glossier review the rest of the products get a solid thumbs up as well, but if you’re not looking to buy the full sets, I recommend the milky jelly cleanser and boy brow above all.

Update: since I wrote my original review, Glossier has launched several new products and I’ve also scooped up some of the other products I hadn’t tried yet.

Priming Moisturizer Rich –

Shortly after I wrote this blog post, Glossier launched its Priming Moisturizer “Rich” formula. Since I have drier skin I purchased it instantly and it’s one of the better Glossier products IMO. Really love how moisturizing it is and I haven’t had any issues with it on my dry/sensitive skin. I really think it’s a great moisturizer for the price and have since repurchased – love this so much more than the original Priming Moisturizer.

Sunscreen –

The launch of Invisible Shield SPF 35 came just in time for summer (although you really should wear sunscreen year round!). Unfortunately it didn’t quite work with my skin, the jelly consistency and scent seemed to irritate my face and I ended up with bumps over my face. If you’re an SPF newbie it’s worth trying out but I feel like for the price (it’s only a 1 oz. bottle) there are equally good if not better sunscreens out there. I’m going to give it another shot and will let you know if the results are any better.

Haloscope –

Didn’t expect to love this nearly as much as I do. If you’re going from that “lit from within glow” this product delivers! I love how easy this product is to apply. If you brush it along your skin it doesn’t go on too heavy. all you need is a finger to blend. It’s basically foolproof, easy to layer if you want a little more glow, and super subtle. Some might say too subtle, but I say nay! I’ve fooled all of my coworkers and friends with this highlighter. I even stopped using my beloved Becca. Which now looks TOO shimmery compared to Glossier’s version. I have all three shades but have yet to find the best purpose for TOPAZ (bronze-y shade that I expected to love). I alternate between Quartz and Moonstone for everyday and I just absolutely love them.

Cloud Paint –

Not the biggest fan of blush, but these gel-based ones are easy to use (I just apply with my fingers) and extremely build-able. I can see why some people would love these, but they just didn’t work on my skin as well as I wanted them too. Haze and Puff were too pink for me, and Beam felt too orange. I did like Dusk (more of a mauve shade?), but overall this would be a pass for me. If you love blush though, it might be worth a try!

Solution –

So happy Glossier came out with an exfoliant!! This one seems to be getting rave reviews. Largely due to the three active acids in the product that claim to help smooth skin, clear up acne, and minimize pores. I really love it as an everyday, gentle exfoliant. It’s not as strong as other at home peels or acids in the market, but I think it’s a fantastic intro to AHAs/BHas. However, if you’re looking for a good powder cleanser or exfoliant, I honestly think any of these powder cleansers work just as well.

Lash Slick –

I’m a little on the fence about Glossier’s new mascara. On one hand, it’s perfect for a “I woke up like this” look – it takes your lashes and makes them a little better. On the other hand, when I wear mascara, I want DRAMA. I think this product works well, but it’s just not what I’m looking for when I’m buying a mascara. If you already have gorgeous, thick lashes, it’s worth testing out – I do love the formula! I just personally need a little oomph. Or lash extensions ; ).

Needless to say, I’ve been converted and I’m now a devoted Glossier fan. I make it a point to try every new product when they launch and continue to repurchase my favorites. Glossier gets a solid YES! from me any day.

xx, Amy

PS: here’s 10% off your first order : )

For more beauty posts see: A review of all the best Bali Body products, what happened when I removed my eyelash extensions & why you should brush your lips.

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By Amy Zhang March 16, 2018 in Fitness, Lifestyle, Wellness 16 Comments

How to Look and Feel Your Best By Summer

With sweater weather season coming to an end, my mind is focused on the warmer weather that’s around the corner. If the thought of being in a swimsuit in a few months makes your head spin around, just know we’re in this together! I decided last week it was time to put down the dark chocolate and daily sweets. It’s time to start getting my shit together. I scoured all of my favorite health blogs and magazines for inspiration. I’m determined to make this the year I look and (much more importantly) feel my best.

I think almost every girl has gone through a phase where they haven’t had the best relationship with their body and appearance, or food for that matter. It’s something pretty much every woman I know struggles with or has struggled with a lot. We all have different definitions of what it means to look and feel our best, I do not believe there is a “one size fits all” mentality that is healthy or practical. It sounds obvious, but this realization took the better part of my early and mid twenties to figure out and accept. With that said, I don’t think it’s promoting unhealthy habits or encouraging body issues to say you want to look or feel your best.

So! Back to getting “summer ready”… these are the things I’ve committed to doing in preparation for summer. Feel free to join me! We can hold each other accountable and motivated.

How to Look and Feel Your Best By Summer

+ Find a workout you love.

I had Classpass for years and while I loved it for trying out studios, I found that I could never get into a routine and stick with it. Finding ONE workout I love and go to 3x a week, as opposed to jumping around to different studios all the time (I am convinced that this reduces the effectiveness of each workout) has given me the stability and consistency I was looking for. I never in a million years thought I would be that girl working out in a sports bra, but almost a year of doing Barry’s Bootcamp a few times every week, I’ve seen changes in my body that fuel me to continue and work harder.

As someone who has tried everything under the sun to get in shape and lose weight quickly (the college weight gain was reaaal), it took me a long time realize this:

There are NO quick fixes or magic pills, only hard work, discipline, and CONSISTENCY.

This past year I finally found myself a steady workout routine and recently became friends with the best group of women who never fail to keep me on track and motivated. Having a workout crew that has become some of my close friends has made working out fun and more challenging because we all push each other to work harder! The changes and improvements in my body and strength are a testament to how powerful accountability can be.

+ Cook more.

Every trainer will tell you to make your own food (even better – meal prep in advance). Eating at home is healthier and so much cheaper than always going out to eat. Even when you try to make healthy choices, it adds up quickly. Even the healthiest restaurants will sneak in added sugars or sodium. When you cook for yourself, you know exactly what goes into each dish. You have more control over portions as well. I have a tendency to fall back on Sweetgreen, poke bowls, and other fast casual options. So I’m really making an effort to prepare more meals at home and eat out less!

+ Never skip a meal.

This one is hard for a lot of girls – so often we think eating less = better, but this actually causes your metabolism to slow down and leads to your body clinging onto fat, making it so much harder to lose weight and tone up. If you’re working out, you need to eat. Period.

+ Sleep and rest more.

I read this blog post a few years ago and found myself laughing throughout the post and agreeing with so many of her points. My favorite part: When you lift weights, you are ripping tiny tears in your muscle fibers. When you finish, (aka when you are resting) your body needs to use energy to repair and restore those fibers. I love the idea that while I am lying in bed, watching the Bachlorette, my body is burning calories repairing itself. She goes on to talk about how important rest days are. Plus how overtraining can actually lead to our bodies going into “protective mode” and ends up burning fat instead of muscle. Which is the opposite of what we want!

I’d love to hear what your tips and tricks are for getting summer ready!

* Outfit is by Peony & Me – I love comfortable all of their pieces are! I’m wearing this bra and these leggings. They are perfect for yoga or barre workouts. Call me boring, but you can never have too many pairs of black leggings!

Some of my other favorite brands for workout clothes – Ultracor, Varley, and TLA by Morgan Stewart (<< obsessed with the new spring colors!).

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By Amy Zhang March 13, 2018 in Lifestyle, Wellness 5 Comments

Is Coffee Good or Bad For You?

Who else has been reaching for an extra cup of coffee this week after Daylight Savings Time?? Yesterday was the Monday-est Monday, and today I am finally starting to get back into my groove. I can’t help but wonder if my caffeine habit is doing me more harm than good. There’s SO much conflicting advice on the internet on all sides. So. Is coffee GOOD or BAD for you? As someone who loves caffeine during the week, I’m obviously rooting for YES. The short answer of it is, as with all things, it’s probably good for you in moderation. Here’s the scoop on it.

Is Coffee Good or Bad For You?

The pros of coffee:

+ It’s high in antioxidants

+ It makes you happy : )

+ Boosts brain power

+ Speeds up your metabolism and helps you burn fat

+ Might help prevent Alzheimer’s

+ Decreases risks of diabetes and liver disease

+ Can help you live longer

The cons of coffee:

Doctors tend to warn patients about the dangers of coffee or consuming too much caffeine. These include:

– Caffeine addiction (and withdrawal)

– Sleep disruption

– Can make you more anxious

– Damage to the digestive tract (due to its high acidity) that can lead to ulcers, heartburn, and other stomach problems

– Can increase risk of heart disease

If you’re looking to swap out coffee for something else, try yerba mate or another form of tea with caffeine.

The verdict:

The jury’s out on whether or it’s good for you. If you have a position, chances are there is research to back it up. As with all things, it seems like moderation is key when it comes to coffee. Also, if you’re going to drink it for health benefits, your best bet is drinking it black (no added sugar or milk). As someone who has a tendency to order some slightly less than healthy coffee drinks, it’s a good reminder to stick to black coffee (and try to depend less on caffeine to get me going during the week).

The general consensus seems to be that a cup or two a day is OK (it might even be good for you!), but to not overdo it. If you find yourself really dependent on caffeine, it might be time to switch to decaf or find ways to make more time for rest.

What are your thoughts on the great coffee debate?

By Amy Zhang March 7, 2018 in Lifestyle, Recipes 4 Comments

At Home Cocktails with Campari

Staying in is the new going out. So, who’s with me? But seriously, in the past year it’s like a switch went off in my head and all of sudden, nothing sounds better than staying in during the weekends in sweatpants. My wardrobe is split between athleisure and office appropriate attire, and I couldn’t be happier to part ways with my going out clothes. Most weekends, there’s nothing I’d rather do than curl up on the couch with a book or movie and call it an early night. OR, we’ll make homemade pizza and pasta with our new pasta maker (fresh pasta is a GAME CHANGER) and pair it with a light cocktail. Think Italian aperitivo – a spritz or a Campari cocktail.

If you’re not familiar with Campari, it’s red liquer that is made by infusing herbs and fruits in alcohol and water. The result is a bitter aperitif that is used in popular cocktails such as a Negroni or Americano.

Personally, I am a huge fan of the slightly more bitter taste and think the liquer is SO refreshing – especially in the summer in Europe! So, this weekend, I chose to stay in and test out some Campari recipes while watching Campari’s short film, The Legend of Red Hand, the second installment to Campari Red Diaries (an annual campaign that showcases how every cocktail tells a story!).

Starring globally-renowned actress Zoe Saldana, best known for her work in Avatar and the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise, and Italian actor Adriano Giannini, The Legend of Red Hand paints a thrilling mystery that takes viewers around the world in the pursuit of the perfect Campari cocktail. The short film is directed by Italy’s award-winning Stefano Sollima.

The short film opens in Milan, the birthplace of Campari, where Zoe Saldana’s character Mia Parc begins her quest to uncover the “Red Hand” – the craftsman behind the perfect Campari cocktails. Her search leads her around the world, ultimately finding many bartenders that create the best cocktails with Campari.

Though Mia may be a fictional character, the bartenders she meets are real-life masters of their craft. In addition, in the brief appearances in The Legend of Red Hand, the six bartenders have created their own Campari signature cocktails and teased their cocktails via short videos which you can view on the Campari YouTube page. So, for my weekend at home, I tested out Leo Robitschek’s cocktail, a twist on the classic Negroni, which can be found at the NoMad hotel in DTLA.

The cocktail and video go hand in hand. In fact, Campari’s very ethos is that “every cocktail tells a story.” Also, I love when companies push the envelope when it comes to branding and content. So, as someone who works in the entertainment industry, I am always impressed when brands enter the content space and experiment with bringing together their product and entertainment. This short video made by Campari is vivid and stunning – it even stars one of my favorite actresses, Zoe Saldana! Not a bad way to spend a Friday night, right?

Recipes for an Americano and a Negroni with a twist below – enjoy with classic Italian aperitivo snacks such as potato chips, olives, and nuts. Cheers!

At Home Cocktails with Campari

Americano Recipe

This classic aperitivo cocktail is light, refreshing, and easy to drink. It’s perfect for days when you want something less heavy and not as boozy. It brings me back to my last visit to Italy instantly.

1 oz. Campari
1 oz. vermouth
Soda water

Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass, add ice, and stir. Garnish with half an orange slice.

Jitney Negroni Recipe { from Nomad Los Angeles }

Created by Leo Robitschek for Campari Red Diaries

This recipe is sure to impress your guests and perfect for a dinner party. It’s very booze forward, so keep that in mind when drinking! It’s a refreshing take on a classic Negroni. The instructions looked complicated initially. However, I found it to be easy to follow – and I’m by no means a professional mixologist! If you want to simplify it even more, remove the step with coffee.

¾ oz. Campari
¾ oz. Sombra Mezcal
½ oz. Cinzano Extra Dry Vermouth infused with Coffee*
½ oz. Cinzano Bianco Vermouth
2 dashes of Absinthe

*Coffee-infused Vermouth: Macerate 5 oz. of coarsely ground coffee in 750 ml of Vermouth for 10 minutes. Strain and refrigerate.

Instructions: First, combine all the ingredients in a mixing glass. Then, add ice, stir and strain into a rocks glass with a large ice cube. Garnish with a grapefruit twist.

This post was written in partnership with Campari. As always, all opinions are my own.

By Amy Zhang February 28, 2018 in Lifestyle 9 Comments

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About the Healing Powers of CRYSTALS

By now I’m sure you’ve come across crystals. You’re probably wondering what the deal with them is. You might be thinking, “how can people actually believe these rocks have healing powers?”.

However, I was super skeptical too.

So, if you told me a few years ago when I moved to LA that I would be writing a post about the healing powers of crystals, I would have laughed and said absolutely no way. I’m not going to lie, the crystal obsession in LA is real. So, I had to see for myself what all the fuss was about.

First, do they really have magical properties? Second, is there something behind them I’m missing? So, let’s set the record straight once and for all – what’s the deal with crystals, and do they actually have healing powers?

The Healing Powers of CRYSTALS

The history of using them for healing:

Harnessing the healing powers of crystals is not a new phenomenon. Crystals are referenced throughout history in ancient societies and noted for their healing properties. Crystals were also valued in ancient societies for their beauty and value. Ancient Egyptians used various crystals to protect themselves from evil and to improve their health.

Ancient Greeks would wear crystal amulets to protect themselves. Jade jewelry has also been incredibly popular in China for centuries as a healing crystal. Their use has been documented across different societies and religion. The concept of crystal healing came from a belief that different gemstones possessed healing properties and could bring about physical and emotional improvements.

Recently, crystals have grown in popularity with the rise of New Age culture and crystal therapy (placing crystals on different parts of the body). And then of course, crystals can be incorporated in many different ways. Many people admire the beautiful stones and enjoy having them around their home for decorative purposes or to wear as jewelry.

Different types of crystals & their healing powers

First, crystals are believed to possess natural energy that balance your mind, body, and soul. Second, they are believed to be especially powerful with setting and manifesting our intentions. Lastly, each gemstone possesses different purposes and healing powers. The most powerful healing crystals include:

+ Rose Quartz

Known as a “love stone,” rose quartz removes negative energy and relationships and has a calming effect. Use it to enhance love in all areas of your life.

+ Citrine

This is a popular stone to meditate with as it helps to improve focus and bring mental clarity into our lives. If you’re looking to get things done, especially professionally, gravitate towards citrine.

+ Lapis Lazuli

This mystical blue crystal releases anxieties and improves communication.

+ Clear Quartz

Quartz is a universal crystal, suitable for everyone. Clear quartz is pure and powerful. This stone is over favored for its powerful and positive energy.

+ Amethyst

Use this powerful stone for for getting rid of negative energy. In particular, “energy vampires” – or the things that suck up your energy in life.

Do crystals really have healing powers? My two cents.

So, the healing crystals are largely attributed to the New Age movement. The concept of crystal therapy is often discarded as pseudoscience with no proven scientific benefits. Also, it certainly does fall more into the mystical and alternative realm than scientific. Moreover, you may not believe in crystal healing – and that’s ok. If you do, I’m for that as well. When I’ve gone through tough phases in life, I’ve found myself gravitating towards crystals. Not so much for their healing powers, but because they signify positive intentions to me.

Many people tie their affirmations and positive mantras to crystals. So, choosing different affirmations for different gemstones may need lead to actual physical or emotional healing – but it can serve as a daily reminder of our goals and intentions, which can be powerful. Perhaps you like to meditate with crystals to remind yourself to stay grounded and focused. Maybe keeping a citrine crystal at your desk reminds you to keep working towards your goals, or having rose quartz in your home serves as a reminder to take a deep breath and exhale love everyday.

What are your thoughts on crystals? Share it on the comments and follow me on Instagram.

Lifestyle

An Honest Glossier Review

[ FYI – this post isn’t sponsored in any way. ]

An Honest Glossier Review

Phase 1:

Milky Jelly Cleanser –

Priming Moisturizer –

Balm Dotcom –

Perfecting Skin Tint –

Phase 2:

Boy Brow –

Stretch Concealer –

Generation G –

Priming Moisturizer Rich –

Sunscreen –

Haloscope –

Cloud Paint –

Solution –

How to Look and Feel Your Best By Summer

How to Look and Feel Your Best By Summer

+ Find a workout you love.

There are NO quick fixes or magic pills, only hard work, discipline, and CONSISTENCY.

+ Cook more.

+ Never skip a meal.

+ Sleep and rest more.

Is Coffee Good or Bad For You?

Is Coffee Good or Bad For You?

The pros of coffee:

The cons of coffee:

The verdict:

At Home Cocktails with Campari

At Home Cocktails with Campari

Americano Recipe

Jitney Negroni Recipe { from Nomad Los Angeles }

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About the Healing Powers of CRYSTALS

The Healing Powers of CRYSTALS

The history of using them for healing:

Different types of crystals & their healing powers

+ Rose Quartz

+ Citrine

+ Lapis Lazuli

+ Clear Quartz

+ Amethyst

Do crystals really have healing powers? My two cents.

See also: How to diffuse essential oils