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Best of 2017 | Vegan Fashion

2018-01-04T10:03:00.002-08:00

Earlier I posted the best of my vegan finds in 2017 featuring makeups and skincare. As a sequel, I am sharing my best vegan fashion discoveries. My blog is currently undergoing re-design so I am keeping my post straightforward and light, please watch the video below for my top picks!

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You can shop Angela Roi handbags from the following retailers:

Angela Roi

Amour Vert

Petit Vour

Best of 2017 | Vegan Beauty Favorites

2018-01-01T10:35:00.001-08:00

It's officially 2018! Let's welcome the first day (which incidentally falls on a Monday) with a lot of positivity and hope! I summed up my ultimate favorites, the best of the best vegan products I have tried in 2017. As some of you know, I started switching my stash mid last year to align my lifestyle, having been on a plant-based diet for over a decade. Embracing veganism, in particular abandonment of leather and products that use animals vis-a-vis byproducts, was the most liberating feeling ever. Check out my decade-long journey and complete 101 guide to plant-based lifestyle if you are considering to transition this year. Going plant-based is the best decision you will undertake, health-wise. What to expect in 2018 then? more enticing and evergreen content featuring vegan beauty, fashion and lifestyle, vlogs on Youtube and a lot more. Mahalo for all your support, if not for you reading my blog or watching my channel, I would be literally talking to myself.

Here's my video showing all my favorites for 2017!

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How To Make 2018 Your Best Year Yet

2017-12-31T07:30:00.000-08:00

Happy new year, new you, new perspective. Will it, do it, reap it. Here's how you and I will own 2018!

Close the book and begin a new chapter. Stories don't need to have a happy ending but you can always start writing your own happy beginning. Forgive yourself and those who wronged you but don't forget the lessons you learned from the experience.

Declutter your space, declutter your life. Throw out old stuff, digitalize your documents, donate your excesses. Strive for minimalism. Value people not things.

Detach yourself from drama. Don't start one and don't get involved in it. Drama brings a lot of stress to your home and health. My mindset is pretty straightforward, if it won't pay the bills, don't even lift a finger.

Take control of your health. Not the doctor, not the medication, neither your loved ones. With the rising cost in healthcare, add your soaring deductibles and premiums, the best thing you can do right now is to take important measures to bettering your overall health condition. Exercise, quit smoking and alcohol consumption, and most of all, eat healthy. Go plant-based this year and thank yourself later (here's a complete 101 guide on how to transition).

Be a better version of yourself, not others. Social media has created a monster living inside us, no thanks to the depiction of perfection captured in make-believe photos and videos. Stop comparing yourself and start believing in yourself. Embrace your own beauty, celebrate it and always strive to become a better version of yourself. Reinvention kills monotony.

Do it and keep doing it. Procrastination is the enemy of success. Whatever you need to do to accomplish your goals, do it now, not tomorrow, not next week. The more you push it further, the farther you are in achieving your goals.

I am forever thankful for all your support!

My Angela Roi Vegan Handbag Collection

2017-12-29T10:41:00.000-08:00

Are you looking for a nice handbag, perhaps considering vegan leather, to welcome 2018? I am excited to share with you my mini-collection featuring vegan designer Angela Roi. Here's a short video on the different styles I own vis-a-vis specs for your buying reference.

Shop Angela Roi handbags (unaffiliated)

Angela Roi

Amour Vert

Petit Vour

Easy Barbecue Salad

2017-12-27T07:00:00.000-08:00

Hello my lovely readers! I am excited to share this easy-to-prepare barbecue salad which I posted on Instagram not too long ago. You can tweak the ingredients depending on the availability of the following fruits and vegetables. The main star here is of course the barbecue sauce (I used a local Hawaiian brand so feel free to use your own).

Lettuce shreds

purple cabbage shreds

diced pineapples

taro chips

Optional: top with vegan cheddar shreds and cilantro

Drizzle with barbecue sauce/dressing

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December Favorites | Vegan Beauty, Fashion, Food

2017-12-26T16:45:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had an amazing Christmas day! This cute babe right here had been scouting the gifts under the tree for days so she was absolutely happy to finally unwrap her present!

While you and I are still recovering from food coma (burp), I would like to quickly fill you in with my December favorites covering beauty, fashion and food!

affiliate links below

Au Naturale Su/stain Lip Stain remains a staple in my stash, you've seen me featured this many times and it is for a reason, I love the formula and the stellar pigmentation. Despite the name, it does not stain lips but perform like a regular liquid lipstick. I own four shades, photographed above is Terra-cotta, my color choice for my Christmas FOTD.

Kat Von D Lock-It Foundation is a recent purchase. I know I'm quite late to the party because I prefer lightweight and sheer finish versus full coverage. However, I had to cover up my zits which all of a sudden staged war pre-Christmas (good thing I am on vacation) so a quick trip to Sephora had me caved in. I settled for Medium 53 Neutral, a close match in my opinion. I like the overall wear-time vis-a-vis non-greasy feel. There is minimal dewiness after five hours of "on-point" matte finish.

Lily Lolo Illuminator (Champagne) is something I have been meaning to try for a while, I'm glad I did! The finish is quite similar to Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder hence I use it as finishing powder more than highlighter.

Tarte Lights Camera Lashes Mascara is another old-timer and quite predictably, a staple month in, month out. So far this is the only mascara that gives my lashes volume and length with very minimal smudging (most mascaras I have tried in the past smudge so to have something that does the least collateral damage is still commendable).

Hourglass Ambient Metallic Strobe Lighting Palette is my best makeup purchase for 2017. I have featured this on my Youtube quite a lot. The intensity is dependent on application and while it is intended for face, I also use it as eyeshadow in days I feel like wearing one.

Here's my Christmas look using all of the products mentioned above.

Fashion-wise, I am loving this maxi jumpsuit I bought from Hautelook/Nordstrom. I have it in black/white and navy/white. It runs big so you can size down and still have allowance (for reference, I am wearing XS). It's still available for sale so if you're looking for a fun and fashionable piece for summer, now is the time to purchase it.

Another nice and decently-priced vegan leather bag you need to own is from Matt and Nat. If you stalk Hautelook/Nordstrom Rack like I do, you will find it every now and then. This triplet crossbody bag is currently on sale for 50% off.

Finally, food! If you're following me on Instagram and Youtube, you will spot my vegan food and recipes every now and then. If you're like my husband, the hardest to ditch once you go vegan is cheese but really, it isn't that hard especially if you can make or buy non-dairy alternatives like these ones from Miyoko's. They taste like cream cheese but they're vegan, for real! Made from cashews, nutritional yeast, sundried tomato or garlic/ herb (depending on the flavor), you can feast sans the guilt. You can find this brand from your local Whole Foods, Down To Earth (if you live in Hawaii) or online.

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Last Minute Holiday Gift Ideas For Yourself

2017-12-21T16:54:00.000-08:00

It's not a typo error but indeed, a gift for yourself! You've been busy shopping for everyone else on your list, naughty or nice, you have something for them. So for your last minute shopping spectacle, just sit down, breathe for a moment, and treat yourself to something really nice. You deserve it!

Own purchase, press sample, affiliate links

If you're looking for quality vegan leather handbags and accessories, Angela Roi is a brand to reckon with. The craftsmanship involved is really impeccable, everything I have purchased so far exceeded my expectations. The following are must-haves!

Angela Roi Zuri Card Pouch (Cloud color), $55

Angela Roi Zuri Multi-function Pouch (3 interchangeable straps, cloud color), $115

Angela Roi Morning Crossbody, $145

What about a new hair color or haircut to welcome 2018? go blonde if you're brunette and vise versa. Or better yet, be a little bit more daring with blue, fuchsia or green. I haven't crossed that fence yet but each time I change the intensity of my blonde balayage, I feel like a brand new woman!

Looking for spa-like products sans the high tag? I have recently discovered Simply Scrub organic body scrub and boy I am in love! Their scrubs are 100% organic, natural and chemical-free. Both Rose and Soursop are also vegan (photo below). Rose is made with real rose bud petals avocado oil, sweet almond oil, shea butter, brown sugar, jojoba oil, tea tree oil, coconut oil and organic vitamin E. Soursop is a spikey green fruit commonly found in Southeast Asia, South America and Africa. The scrub is made of soursop leaves, coconut oil, dead sea mineral salt, tea tree oil, brown sugar, jojoba oil, vitamin E, green tea, shea butter and mint leaves. While they are called scrubs, they are very gentle on the skin and the added natural oils help to seal in moisture especially this time of the year.

You know I am all about practicality but how about updating your prescription eyeglasses? when was the last time you had your eye exam? if you have been experiencing blurry vision and frequent headaches, it does not hurt to visit your optometrist or ophthalmologist. Try black frames this time, trust me they look chic!

My last suggestion may sound cliche but really, you need to have an absolute me-time. Away from everyone else. When all you need is a nice cup of coffee, no conversation, just by yourself. Being away from it all helps recharge your mind and body.

Beauty Over 40 Feat. Old Fashion Guru

2017-12-19T07:00:00.000-08:00

Hello my gorgeous readers and subscribers! We're back with another Beauty Over 40 feature. I am proud to introduce to you another amazing woman who's breaking stereotypes in the realm of beauty and fashion, Sunny from Old Fashion Guru. Her Instagram feed is full of style inspo for women over 60, let's get to know her!

At what age did you start with fashion?

I’ve been interested in fashion for as long as I can remember and was a trendsetter as far back as high school. After all, I was the first one sent home for wearing her skirt too short!!

My training is as a painter (I hold a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree), and my first foray into the business of fashion was doing hand painted tee shirts and matching tie dye pants in the mid ’70’s! I parlayed my background as an artist, a great commercial instinct and love of the business of fashion into my coast to coast, multi-national brand, Sunny Leigh.

What are your fashion staples?

Although my look has changed over the years, my fashion staples have been pretty consistent. Give me a great pair of jeans with a tee or fluid blouse, super cool boots and a black leather moto and I would style depending on whether my mood was boho, biker or babe.

Any important style tips to women over 40?

I believe the most important style tip, for ANY age, is to dress for YOURSELF! Too often women dress to please their friends, their lovers, their bosses….. other’s expectations. I don’t subscribe to age appropriate….or inappropriate….. only occasion appropriate! I dress for what I feel looks well on me. I’m all for experimenting with new looks but women need to find their comfort zone. Granted, the new can become that comfort zone! A well dressed woman wears her clothes. They don’t wear her. A well dressed woman feels good in what she’s wearing….. at any age! And my second style tip is make sure whatever you wear fits! A perfect fitting tee shirt can look better than an ill fitting designer piece.

I ask myself, “do I feel good and feel like me in what I’m wearing?” If my answer is no, I take it off. If my answer is yes, I go with it!!

Any important skincare or beauty tips to women over 40?

My best beauty tip is to smile….. a lot! It’s amazing how a smile can light up your face better than the most expensive highlighter.

I actually wear no makeup at all at this point in my life……. checkout my IG feed. There’s not a stitch of anything on my face in any photo. I’m not against makeup but it can make aging skin look even older. I’ve found that for me, less….. WAY less is definitely more! For even the most formal occasion, I still go completely bare. Not for everyone for sure!

I’m in my mid sixties so I have to deal with hooded eyelids and lines around my mouth and lips. Makeup- even the most dewey- accentuates those lines on my face. Ever notice how twenty somethings with their gorgeous and dramatic makeup look more “mature”? I don’t want to look more mature at my age!

If the bare look is not for you, I just caution to stay as light and dewey looking as you can. Add a drop of bronzer or foundation to your moisturizer to perk up a tired complexion. Load on the mascara but go easy with the shadows and liner. A little blush goes a loooong way. I love and am inspired by the dramatic and glam looks many of my Insta friends sport. It’s just not for me anymore. Still, I might have to give Tom Ford’s foundation a try…… it seems to make those who are wearing it look luminous. I’ve always been a product junkie and loved to experiment with makeup when i was younger. I wore the blackest kohl around my eyes and could usually be found with either red or very pale lips! But that was then and this is now. I never say never and love to experiment but I’m pretty comfortable in may own (bare) skin!

That being said, I am a skin care fanatic! I started using eye cream and moisturizer in my early thirties. I’ve never met a serum I didn’t like and will try any skin care or body care product- as long as it’s fairly fragrance free. I have a whopping perfume allergy and have to be careful with what I put on. I use drugstore to designer brands, price doesn’t necessarily dictate quality. I am attracted to natural and/or organic products but have learned the hard way that “natural” or “organic” does not mean fragrance free. If you also have fragrance sensitivity, make sure the label actually says “fragrance free” or the words “fragrance”, “perfume” or “parfum” do not appear in the ingredients list!

I’m a sun lover so I’m diligent about sunscreen if I’m outside. I love La Roche-Posay products. They are totally fragrance free and non greasy. There’s an Anthelios 30 sunscreen called Cooling Water-Lotion Sunscreen. It is lightweight and cooling and feels like you’re wearing nothing at all…… even on your face. It’s an amazing product!

My current regimen is as follows:

*I cleanse with an exfoliating cleanser such as Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Daily Cleanser, Bliss Fabulous Foaming Face Wash or Simple Moisturizing Face Wash

*Tone with 50% apple cider vinegar/50% water (I like Bragg’s)

*I always use a Vitamin C Serum then Hydrating B5 Gel from SkinCeuticals or Citrix Vitamin C Cream. If I use the Citrix then I don’t need the B5.

*Eye cream- either La mer Concentrate, Chanel, Bliss Triple Oxygen or Adore Advanced Firming Eye Cream. I’m always trying new ones!

*Finally- face cream! My current fave is Chanel Le Lift Creme or if I’m going to be in the sun I might use use Anthelios SX Daily Moisturizing Cream with Sunscreen by La Roche-Posay instead. My other option is to use the water-lotion sunscreen on top of my Chanel Le Lift. In a word though- DON’T FORGET SUNSCREEN! (Sorry, that’s three words!!)

*Cleanse with DDF Glycolic 5% Exfoliating Wash

*Tone with ACV/water

*Concentrate de La Mer SERUM

*one of the above eye creams

*Moisturize as above

Many women ask me my opinion on cosmetic surgery or enhancements. I say each to her own. If it really makes you feel better go for it….. just don’t think you’ll fool anyone about your age. Do it because you’ll like the way you look better than before and it’s worth the risk of undergoing even the most benign medical procedure! I prefer the non-surgical approach…… I can’t be blonde enough and I am maniacal about my bangs. I actually believe they hide the wrinkles around my eyes!! Haha!!

I know I should love my wrinkles…… Lord knows I’ve earned them! But really, who in their right mind LOVES wrinkles!! I have come to appreciate my face for it tells the story of my life and I have no desire to erase any part of that story. Bottom line is I want to look as good as I possibly can for ME. And that brings me back to the beginning of this story: Dress for YOU, look like you want to look for YOU and then take whatever steps you feel comfortable in achieving that. Wear confidence with a smile. You’ll never look better!

If you were to launch your own collection, what would it be and why?

That’s a good one as I’ve already done that in the clothing arena! One of the achievements I’m most proud of is my line’s ability to make women feel confident AND comfortable. My use of pleated and crushed polyester gave women the feel and comfort of wearing a tee shirt while providing a sophisticated, FIGURE FRIENDLY and polished look that could be worn day to night. The items were accessibly priced and came solid or in my exclusive prints. My crushed and pleated tops and skirts totally revolutionized the way millions of women dressed and were widely copied everywhere. My brand, Sunny Leigh was synonymous with sophisticated, feel good and comfortable style. I’m not sure I could top that!

If I were to venture into the beauty field, I would do a small skin centric collection of serums for the face and body aimed at enhancing aging skin.

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A CHRISTMAS LUAU DINNER

2017-12-17T11:00:00.000-08:00

Last Friday, our clinic had a Christmas luau dinner at the famous Paradise Cove (Oahu, Hawaii). I love bringing friends and family to this place but it was my first time to go in December when the temperature is in the low 60s. You bet behind the smile and tropical vibe of these photos, I was freezing! I brought my sweater of course.

I was also excited to try my new iPhone X and boy, I am impressed with the photo quality! I didn't to use another app to edit. All of these photos were taken using portrait studio light.

Outfit details

vegan leather crossbody from Angela Roi

maxi-romper from Hautelook

plumeria hair clip from Target

gladiator sandals from Nordstrom Rack

Watch my experience

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Preparing for New Year | Fitness Essentials

2017-12-12T07:00:00.000-08:00

New year, new you! As cliché as it sounds, a lot of us really do get inspired to better our health at the beginning of the year. Today I have teamed up with my fellow beauty and lifestyle bloggers to help you get ready and tackle the basics of staying fit. Let me tell you, the hardest to conquer is not really the routine itself but the motivation to do it. But we're in it together! Here are my essentials:

1. Water. This is the most important nutrient our body needs. Drink water before, during and after to prevent typical symptoms of dehydration such as nausea, muscle cramps, headache, dizziness, thirst, dry mouth, among others.

2. Wear the right clothes. Workout clothes come in different styles and sizes, wear the one that fits you well, not just because it's cute but also provides proper support and allows freedom to move. Of course, cute workout clothes add further motivation and confidence so I say go for it!

3. Warm up. This is another important step to prevent injuries. Perform stretches to gradually increase your hear rate and prepare you for physical activity.

4. Have fun. Choose a routine or exercise that you truly enjoy so you can commit to it. Crossfit, yoga, zumba, boxing, the sky's the limit. I love cardio hiphop combined with treadmill, this routine makes me sweat and burn calories big time so I'm sticking to it.

5. Eat healthy. If you are looking to lose weight, exercise and good diet are keys. If you want to transition to plant-based diet, I wrote a complete 101 guide. I have been on it for ten years and I can't tell you enough how much it changed my life and health for the better!

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Holiday Dressing

2017-12-10T12:22:00.002-08:00

As most of you know, I live in Hawaii so my idea of holiday dressing is more relaxed and tropical. Jumpsuit comes to mind first and this elegant black piece is the most comfortable and stylish I own to date!

The pop of blue tassel earrings is also fabulous, don't you think so?

You can find this jumpsuit at Pineapples Boutique in the Ko'olina Shopping Center across Aulani Disney Resort. This particular style is not in their website yet but feel free to call their store to order, (808) 676-6451.

You can see this jumpsuit in action in this video:

Holiday Gift Ideas For Her | Beauty, Fitness, Fashion, Cooking

2017-12-08T10:08:00.000-08:00

For today's video, I am sharing practical holiday gift guide for her. It covers beauty, fitness, fashion, and cooking. Plus I have a cool giveaway so make sure to watch my Youtube video on how to enter.

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Holiday Gift Ideas | DIY Earrings and Choker

2017-12-06T14:55:00.001-08:00

In need of personalized and uniquely made by yours holiday gift? I have a DIY video for you today! Unknown to most of you, long before I started this beauty and lifestyle blog, I ran another blog showcasing my handmade accessories about seven years ago. I also had DIY Youtube videos back then. I used to sell my own accessories online and in local fairs around Oahu, Hawaii but life got in the way so I closed my online shop but kept all my supplies. I had dejavu while cleaning my closet the other day which prompted me to create this DIY video in time for the holidays.

Vlogmas Day 2 | Christmas Home Decor

2017-12-02T11:33:00.002-08:00

We are on Day 2 of Vlogmas! For today's video, I am sharing my recent vegan skincare finds from Target, a very easy pasta dish and a glimpse of my holiday home decors. Enjoy! xo

Products mentioned (affiliate)

I'm Doing Vlogmas!

2017-12-01T10:07:00.003-08:00

Happy first day of December! I'm excited to announce that I will be doing Vlogmas on Youtube. Vlogmas is daily vlogging 'til Christmas. On that note, I will be uploading videos everyday centered mostly around the holidays, gift suggestions, hauls, cooking/recipes, events, random shenanigans. I have a very cute intro to spice things up. For Day 1, I'm taking you to Pier One Imports and then show you the christmas decors I purchased from this store. Enjoy! Please subscribe to my Youtube channel if you haven't yet. Mahalo!

November Favorites | Food, Beauty, Gadget

2017-11-30T07:00:00.000-08:00

How was your thanksgiving celebration? ours was pretty simple, I prepared and cooked all-vegan food which was a hit, so to speak! I did subway-style with green fixings, choice of vegan cheddar or swiss cheese, plain vegenaise (vegan mayo) or vegenaise with fresh dill and chives, choice of vegan ham or vegan salami deli and choice of rosemary or plain baguette. I bought all these fancy-sounding vegan deli and cheese at our local whole foods. I also made stuffing made from organic croutons, vegetable broth, goji berries, green apple, carrots, and onions; I also cooked gravy using only three ingredients: wheat flour, vegetable broth and soy sauce; my classic mashed potatoes with vegan butter and spices; lastly, the surprisingly good vegan roast. Here's my plate, eat with me!

Here are my greens and delis (not in photo: avocado slices, spinach, mushrooms)

And my stuffing...

of course a photo of the vegan mama chef as my husband calls me...

photo taken using iPhone

If you follow me on Youtube, I vlog my vegan recipes mixed with my daily shenanigans, you get to see me at work, where I shop, what I do on the side, my wacky side, everything and anything in between.

The following contains affiliate links and press sample

Did I just make you hungry? honestly I am now so I better finish this post quick! Okay, for my November favorites, I'd like to start with this Canon G7x camera which I have been using to film videos for Youtube and take photos for the blog or Instagram. This has actually replaced my Canon EOS Rebel DSLR because it really takes amazing photos and stellar video quality. It has a flip screen and as you can see from the size, it is very handy to carry around! I bought this as a birthday present for myself last July based from fellow vloggers' recommendations as well as rave reviews online.

From the website "The PowerShot G7 X Mark II camera combines exhilarating speed and performance with a smart, compact design. It features a high-performance 1.0-inch 20.1 Megapixel1 CMOS sensor as well as a bright f/1.8–2.8 lens to help capture impressive images whenever your creativity sparks, even in low-light conditions. The DIGIC 7 Image Processor delivers improved auto focus tracking, enhanced IS and superb image clarity even when shooting with a high ISO. For increased flexibility, the camera offers high-speed continuous shooting up to 8 fps in RAW2, JPEG and RAW+JPEG2 modes, and is equipped with Full HD capability, built-in Wi-Fi3 and NFC4 and in-camera RAW conversion".

In the name of beauty, I have two favorites that are really worth buying. First is Hourglass Metallic Strobe Lighting Palette which I featured in my Sephora haul video. I have been wearing all three shades interchangeably almost everyday either as highlighter or eyeshadow.

From the brand "A limited edition palette formulated with intensely concentrated, multifaceted pearl particles in varying sizes and refraction levels to give the most reflective glow to the high points of the face. The velvety texture ensures a smooth application as it glides across skin to reveal your most intense, amplified highlight, while the concentrated formula utilizes photoluminescent technology to intensify the way light reflects on the skin". Hourglass is cruelty-free and this particular palette is vegan.

This is your friendly makeup junkie wearing lucent shade from the above mentioned palette. This was my Thanksgiving FOTD pre-cooking look!

Next favorite is this Rejuvenating Sage and Lavender Face Oil from Derma-E. I have combination skin and at this time of the year, I do have dry spots that look obvious under makeup. I have been using this after I apply moisturizer (night and day). It doesn't feel heavy or greasy at all. Unless you have certain sensitivities to the ingredients (listed below), it's a nice beauty oil under $15!

From the brand "The Rejuvenating Sage & Lavender Face Oil provides a concentrated boost of intense hydration for soft, smooth skin. Powerful anti-aging antioxidants and essential fatty acids work to improve elasticity, support healthy collagen, promote healthy cell renewal and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for a healthy, youthful glow ". Derma-E is vegan and cruelty-free.

Ingredients: Organic Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Organic Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Organic Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Sclerocarya Birrea (Marula) Seed Oil, Salvia Sclarea (Clary Sage) Oil, Organic Hippophae Rhamnoides (Seabuckthorn) Fruit Oil*, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Lavandula Hybrida (Lavandin) Oil, Natural Fragrance Oils.

In my recent Q & A video, I mentioned my favorite breakfast, either a mixture of granola from my local whole foods or muesli like this toasted muesli which I purchase on a regular basis at Amazon. I just pour almond milk, add a teaspoon of hemp or chia seeds and voila, healthy breakfast for this busy lady. This brand is vegan, organic and GMO-free.

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Cute Workout Clothes That Won't Break The Bank

2017-11-29T10:01:00.000-08:00

As some of you know, I love to workout, cardio hiphop in particular. The "beast" in me comes out when I'm in full mode dancing. I try my best to squeeze an hour or two of exercise on weekends or every chance I get despite my hectic work schedule, add blogging and vlogging, you bet I always have something to do. My motivation is simple: I just want to grow old in the best way I could by observing a healthy and active lifestyle.

Wearing the right fitness clothes allow you to move better but wearing cute ones? girl, your confidence level just went through the roof! Cute fitness clothes have a unique way of tricking the mind that you're doing a great job, that you look fabulous even in sweat. Trust your mama! You don't need makeup to doll up going to the gym, wear your barenaked face with pride and strut your gear like a diva.

Intrigued as to where I buy my fitness clothes? here's a short haul video (plus modeling, why not?)

affiliate links, clickable image

Black Friday Sale 2017 | Sephora Haul And Recommendations (All Vegan)

2017-11-24T09:24:00.002-08:00

Not your usual artsy photo but this is a screen cap of my Sephora haul in time for Black Friday! Everything I have mentioned in this video are vegan and cruelty-free, double yay for that. Sit back, relax, watch, shop online if you're avoiding the insanity; otherwise, have fun shopping but don't let your guards down, stay safe my friends!

affiliate links provided

Highly recommended:

You can watch my haul and recommendations, promise it's fun!

Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2017 | Everything Vegan

2017-11-22T22:50:00.002-08:00

I'm excited to bring you the best vegan and cruelty-free discounts in time for Black Friday and Cyber Monday sale. I prefer to shop online because (a) I can be in my jammies eating Thanksgiving leftover while shopping (b) I can use e-bates for cash back (c) I can go to many "places" with great discounts without the annoying crowd, haha! Anyways, here's a roundup of this year's Everything Vegan sale!

affiliate links, some press samples, own purchase.
Images below are clickable.

Angela Roi select vegan leather handbags 47% off + take $25 off every $200 purchase at Bloomingdales or shop direct at Angela Roi to get 20% off all styles + free shipping with code 2017HolidayVIP20. I own a crossbody/camera bag (shown here) and ordered a tote and another crossbody to build my collection.

Au Naturale Free full-size lipstick + free shipping for orders over $50 + 25% off with code THANKFUL. I love their su/Stain liquid lipstick as featured here and shown in this video.

Dermstore 25% off site-wide with code FRIDAY. Check out some of my fave brands Drunk Elephant, Osmosis, Briogeo, Lavanilla and RMS Beauty.

Kat Von D Receive vegan leather makeup bag filled with 4 deluxe-sized bestsellers: Tattoo liner, Ink liner, both in trooper black, Everlasting liquid lipstick exorcism and nah fur atoo shades with 75$ purchase + free shipping with code BLACKFRIDAY

NastyGal 50% off everything automatically applied. My eyes are feasting with all their vegan shoes!

Neiman Marcus up to 60% off select merchandise + up to $750 worth of gift card. I have the Save the forest eyeshadow palette limited edition for this year. If you want a little bit of luxury purse, check out Stella McCartney falabella fold-over bag. Juice Beauty has a limited edition collection composed of mascara, blush, illuminating primer, foundation brush and bag in all of $75!

Nordstrom up to 40%, extra 20% off select items on Cyber Monday. I'm eyeing this faux leather leggings from Free People. This ambient lighting palette from Hourglass is also a must-have. Lastly, this faux leather floral biker jacket from Topshop is going home to mama!

SpaceNK Buy one get one half off offer on Nov 24. Check out the GHD platinum styler (I own an older version, 5 years old to be exact and still in great working condition.

Sole Society up to 50% off. This vegan satchel is roomy enough for daily work essentials. This dupe Valentino pumps are animal-friendly for sure!

Ulta has Black Friday Beauty Busters. Hempz is currently offering 50% off on select products. Pacifica has 40% off in select products. This brush set from Ecotools is the perfect gift for any makeup junkie.

Osmosis Skincare 20% off sitewide from Nov 23-27 with code THANKS17. This Spoil Me kit features their best selling serums intended for aging and mature skin.

e.l.f cosmetics is having 50% off everything with code CELEBRATE on orders $30 up. This 19-piece brush set is a must-buy. This 4-piece matte lip set is a great stocking stuffer. This blush palette is giving me all the feels too!

Have fun shopping!

How To Beat Holiday Bulge In 7 Ways

2017-11-21T07:00:00.000-08:00

This Thursday officially marks the start of holiday eating, the season of excuses to indulge, be merry and forget about diet and exercise. But please don't! Today I am joining forces with my fellow beauty and lifestyle bloggers (linked below) to help you stay on track or jumpstart your fitness goal. Why wait for the new year if you can start now, procrastination is the biggest enemy to living healthy. Here's how you can beat the dreaded holiday bulge!

(1) If you are attending a party, eat healthy snacks before you leave home such as protein bar, carrot or celery sticks, vegan cookie, nuts or a small bowl of salad. This will help you curb your appetite and prevent over-indulging when you're at the party.

(2) Drink water before and in between meals. This will fill you up. Ditch the soda my friend. One 330 ml can of Coke has a staggering 9 teaspoons of sugar (reference 1 tsp per 4 gms sugar). Be wary of sugar that is disguised behind many names. Can you believe it's called 61 different ways? Top of mind are fructose, sucrose, dextrose, maltose, barley malt, cane juice, cane sugar, corn syrup, etc.

(3) If you are the hostess, you are in control of what you can feed your guests. There are plenty of vegan and vegetarian recipes that taste thousand times better than traditional and high-cholesterol, high-sugar and high-salt foods! Mind you, your guests are not going to die without meat in sight for 4 hours of partying. I know it sounds brutal but it's true! Why not have a theme for your party and for once, introduce your lovely guests to the wonderful, tasteful, and healthy plant-based holiday food. Need some recipes? if you like fancy vegan/vegetarian meals, follow AvanteGardeVegan on YouTube or if you like everyday food (think donuts, hotdogs, burgers, etc) cooked vegan way, watch Mary's Test Kitchen also on YouTube.

(4) Exercise! The cold weather makes it hard to get off our butts and sweat but you have come this far (or you are already bent on changing your sedentary lifestyle) so why allow yourself fall off the wagon? The hardest thing about exercise is not the routine itself but the motivation to do it. There are plenty of exercises available for free in YouTube, that saves you a whole lot of money!

(5) Get a fitness buddy. I'm 100% sure you have at least one friend who's into fitness and healthy lifestyle or wants to start one. Keep each other in check, go to the gym together, run together, go to the farmers' market together. There is strength in numbers.

(6) Buy cute fitness wear and rock that body! I know it sounds super trivial but instead of buying makeups or a new purse this holiday season for yourself (or loved one), why not switch it up for really cute and fun fitness wear? I feel good exercising when I know I look cute in my sports bra, harem pants, leggings or capris. It makes me sweat more if that even makes sense to you.

(7) Reward yourself. If you are trying to lose weight, set a goal and reward yourself once you reach that goal. Make the reward so attractive that it will motivate you to keep pushing yourself. I am not talking about a venti Starbucks caramel brulee frappucino that has 530 calories, 16 grams saturated fat, 84 grams sugar (21 teaspoons sugar!!!!). Think new wardrobe, out-of-town trip, body skin tightening, anything that will further boost your confidence and stamina.

Check out these amazing tips from my fitness buddies!

Get To Know Me More

2017-11-20T09:55:00.003-08:00

Hello everyone! Let's take a break from my usual wordy post with a sit-down Q + A video. I talked about my motivation to staying healthy, how I seem to look young for my age, advice for young women who love makeup, what's on my bucket list, etc. You get to see my wacky side too and how simple things make me giggle like a child, I hope you watch!

PART 1

PART 2

How To Transition to Plant-Based Lifestyle: Your Complete Guide

2017-11-17T07:00:00.000-08:00

Not too long ago, I shared my decade-long vegan journey (read full story here); I was amazed with the enormous response, especially from friends and readers who want to transition to this healthy and compassionate lifestyle! So sit back, relax, learn a thing or two, bookmark, pin, and feel free to share, because even if you think you are not ready to transition now, someone you know might!

1. But first, answer the why's. Is it for health reason or compassion for animals? Plant-based, vegetarian, vegan are not interchangeable terms if we want to be strict about it. To most people they are just labels but to the real vegans, it means total elimination of meat, dairy, poultry, animal derivatives and by-products both from their diet and daily commodities (that's why it's a lifestyle overhaul rather than merely eating vegetables or fruits). Vegetarian is plant-based but includes consumption of dairy (lacto-vegetarian) and eggs (ovo-vegetarian). Plant-based is largely plant-based with very minimal animal consumption, a neutral ground for those transitioning. For example, I have been thriving on a plant-based lifestyle for ten years, tossing back and forth between vegetarian and vegan diets but finally embraced a vegan lifestyle (I abandoned leather and makeups that use animal testing or animal-derived ingredients) four months ago.

2. You chose for health reasons; then listen, follow, read, and watch plant-based medical professionals and heed their advice. Mind you, these are not quack doctors but world-renowned and highly respected doctors who participated in clinical studies, invested huge amount of time and resources conducting research, and advised their own patients how a plant-based and vegan lifestyle can prevent and reverse chronic health conditions like diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, cancers, obesity, depression, anxiety, gout, and a lot more. As a backgrounder, it was the eve of my 33rd birthday ten years ago when I embarked on this plant-based journey. I was a sickly, depressed and chunky young lady back then. I had joint pains, my gums will just bleed, I had intractable migraine, I was always at the ER. I reversed all of these and at 43 now, I am in my best health ever (perfect labs, not taking any medications, BMI is normal, blood pressure is normal). My motivation is simple: I want to grow old and retire healthy, live my life to the fullest, possibly reverse or contain whatever faulty genes I have (because we all do the moment we were born), and the rest is whatever life brings me (at least I have done great things for my mind and body). Anyways, these are some of my favorite doctors that continue to inspire me (and my husband) to eat healthy.

Dr. Michael Greger: basically the "face" of whole food plant-based diet supported by clinical facts and findings. He is a licensed general practitioner specializing in clinical nutrition and is a founding member and Fellow of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. Dr. Greger created the website NutritionFacts.org, where he shares all pertinent clinical studies related to healthy eating. As a healthcare professional myself, I need to read evidence-based studies, Dr. Greger makes it easy for me because his online lectures are always supported by actual studies, not hearsay.

Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn: a general surgeon with over 150 clinical studies supporting plant-based diet. According to his biography "Twenty-three years ago, while chairman of the Cleveland Clinic’s Breast Cancer Task Force, general surgeon Caldwell B. Esseistyn, Jr., M.D., grew disappointed in the way he and his colleagues were treating cancer and heart disease. Relying on pills and procedures despite their side effects and risks, Dr. Esselstyn says he and his peers were doing “nothing to prevent disease in the next unsuspecting victim.” This was particularly frustrating given that research studies had already suggested an obvious culprit. The fatty American diet was, in all likelihood, responsible for heart disease and many Western cancers, which are infrequently seen in parts of the world where much less fat is consumed".

Dr, Kim Williams: the first vegan president of the American College of Cardiology. His famous quote "there are two kinds of cardiologists: vegans and those who haven't read the data". Catch his very recent podcast interview with Rich Roll (vegan ultra-endurance athlete) where he mentioned "The solution begins with personal responsibility. It’s about what you put in your mouth. It encapsulates your lifestyle choices. And it extends to erecting systemic changes in our health care model to prioritize prevention over symptomatic treatment". Now if a top cardiologist like Dr. Williams tell you to turn to plant-based diet to help reverse your cardiovascular disease, wouldn't you take the important step to improving your heart health?

Dr. Milton Mills: critical care physician (urgent care medicine) in Washington who is very vocal about advocating plant-based nutrition to his patients. He is the Associate Director of Preventive Medicine with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) and co-author of PCRM’s report on Racial and Ethnic Bias in the U.S. Dietary Guidelines.

Dr. Garth Davis: weight loss surgeon, Ironman and author of Proteinaholic. You have to watch the heated debate between him and the hosts of The Doctors, his intelligence of the subject matter (plant-based diet) smashed all the doctor hosts, proof that even medical professionals lack nutritional knowledge (this is a fact among healthcare professionals).

3. You are a highly visual person, you understand more when you watch than read. Just like my husband who went cold turkey few months ago (ultimate carnivore all his life) after watching What The Health. Try adding the following documentaries to your weekend Netflix binge: Food Choices, Fork Over Knives, Food Inc, Fat Sick & Nearly Dead, Vegucated, among others. These documentaries feature several doctors advocating healthy eating with real patient testimonials. Now If you like to understand the crude realities and see the cruelty behind the animal industry, check out Earthlings on Youtube. It's an old documentary that convinced vegan advocate and animal lover Ellen DeGeneres to embrace a very inspiring and compassionate lifestyle.

4. You want to see how this plant-based lifestyle impact ordinary citizens, then join support groups on social media such as Facebook, follow vegan athletes, watch vegan Youtubers. There is strength in numbers now. You see them in all shapes, sizes, religions and professions. I am currently in the following Facebook groups: Plant based Women, Plant based Lifer, Vegan Hawaii. I follow Plant-based news for the latest news on vegan/vegetarian food and whatnot. On YouTube I follow Happy Healthy Vegan, Brian Turner and a lot more.

Did you notice a pattern on numbers 2-4? Yes, they are external resources and support groups. You know why? Because most people I know who transitioned to plant-based, vegetarian and more so vegan, were initially met with resistance from their own families and friends. I speak from experience so it is important for you to meet new people who share your mindset and views. Unlearning what everyone learned about animal consumption and by you suddenly going plant-based will freak out some people in your circle. But stay strong, keep your heads up. It is your life, not theirs. Do not waste your energy engaging in a debate, continue to educate yourself with the power of plant nutrition.

5. Plant-based food is never boring and bland. To make your transition easy, cook the same way but take out all meat! If texture is something that you want to retain, there are fake meats you can buy from your whole foods like seitan (made from vital wheat gluten), tempeh (made from soy) or young jackfruit. There are plenty of vegan alternatives from burger to cheese to hotdogs, your choices are endless. Add the fact that more and more companies are now starting to recognize the rise of plant-based demographics. Meat giant Tyson has invested on Beyond Meat, Starbucks already introduced vegan foods to certain locations, and now Pepsi is also expanding to serve what used to be the threat to their business! There are thousands of recipes you can find online, YouTube and Instagram. I share and show my recipes on my YouTube vlogs!

6. Read the labels when you shop for groceries. But you will never go wrong when you go straight to the produce section! Vegetables and fruits don't need labels, they are what they are, only the good stuff!

7. Protein and calcium sources are abundant in plants. One of the major fallacy we were all taught was that protein can only be found from meat, and calcium from cow's milk. Eat variety of plants and you will never go hungry and feel tired and the best thing about it? you will lose weight if that is your concern (of course combined with exercise). Here are comparisons of plant-based sources versus meat, fish, poultry and dairy:

image source

8. You will make mistakes, forgive yourself and move on. Before becoming vegan, I was on plant-based diet for ten years. Occasionally I made mistakes especially during the holiday season when eating out means pigging out. Back then, I was surrounded by carnivores so it was difficult to be immaculate with my food choices. My knowledge on plant-based nutrition then was also limited so it was easy to trip over. But what's important is that you have the will to beat your own temptation. In my case, my whole vegan journey is no longer about diet but for deep love and compassion to all animals. I am no hypocrite, it's only four months ago that I started to clean out my beauty and household stash, a territory I am beginning to master since my conviction for vegan eating is already fortified.

This is my favorite way to illustrate the advantage of being on a plant-based diet versus meat.

Atherosclerosis means buildup of fatty deposits called plaques that clog the arteries. They're mainly composed of cholesterol and fatty substances, some cellular waste products, fibrin and calcium. As plaque builds up, the arterial walls get narrower affecting the blood and oxygen flow to the cells. High blood pressure, uncontrolled diabetes and smoking can also contribute to atherosclerosis. Two things can happen if one has atherosclerosis: heart attack or stroke.

With the rising cost in healthcare, add deductibles, premiums and co-payments, going the healthy route is the only way. Classic example would be novelty drugs to help address uncontrolled hypercholesterolemia which cost $1000 + a month. Do you know that most insurance companies even have a criteria that a patient should have had history of stroke or heart attack to be covered by his/ her insurance. I know it sounds ridiculous because if these life-saving drugs are meant to save lives, why wait for a cardiac event? it's basically saying you're better off dead. Wait, it does not end there because these novelty drugs require prior authorization and even if you are approved, prepare to pay $400 + a month if you have Medicare. I can tell you that it's frustrating on the part of the doctor and staff (back and forth submission, appeal from the insurance takes 6 weeks at the very least if it is denied, and yes I speak from experience again because this is a recurring problem we have at our clinic!). But that's US healthcare for you! So the lesson here my friend is, take care of your health now while you're still well and able. Prevention is better than cure.

Beauty Over 40 | Not Your Mama's Makeup

2017-11-15T07:00:00.000-08:00

Hello lovely readers! We're back with another episode of Beauty Over 40, a series I started with the goal of celebrating women over 40 in the realm of beauty. I am happy to bring to you one of the most prominent fixtures in the beauty blogging community, Shelley Plummer from Polarbelle, her tagline Not Your Mama's Makeup resonate in her love for all things bold, bright and fashion-forward beauty choices. Check out her Youtube channel and see for yourself, you're going to love her!

What are your beauty staples? I love to use Vit C serum, Vit E cream, retinol and a good AHA for the skin. Brighten, hydrate, and exfoliate are the keys to skincare for me. For makeup items, I use concealer and foundation more than anything else, but I truly love to watch the eyelid and lip colors change my look. I'm all about the color.

At what age you started with makeup and skincare? At 17, I started wearing foundation as a way to make blush last. I was was in desperate need of blush. I graduated to a full face when I turned 35. I figured at the time that if I was ever going to play with makeup, there was no time like the present. I started using moisturizer and retinol cream in my late 40s, which is way too late to start with skincare.

Any important beauty tips for younger women? I would tell younger women not to stress about perfection, in all areas, really. Social media has given us the idea that many people look perfect and can perfectly apply makeup like a supermodel. It's not a good reflection of real life or the populace as a whole. There are filters and fixes that give the idea of perfection when they are actually normal people like the rest of us. You don't have to look perfect to be happy or to enjoy the beauty process. The pressure for perfection is real and daunting, but try to remember that perfection, in any worldly realm, just doesn't exist. Relax and have some fun every day. And always wear sunscreen. Always. You'll be so glad when you're older that you wore it. I wish I'd been that smart to have known what I know now.

Any important beauty tips for women over 40? My beauty tip for over 40 is quite similar...always wear sunscreen and have fun. Don't worry about having to look perfect like we see on Instagram. It's an illusion that we have to put in proper perspective. Have fun with your beauty routine. Allow yourself to express your inner artist. If you want to do a makeup look that you're afraid people will tell you that you're too old to wear, do it anyway!! We only have now to be able to experiment and play, so take advantage of that time. There are no rules to makeup expression at any age. Wear that red or blue lipstick and wear some glitter if you want!! It will always wash off if you don't like it but at least you had the fun of trying it. Being older doesn't mean you have to conform to anyone's ideal any more than being young does.

If you were to launch your own product, what would it be and why? If I were to launch my own products or collection - That's an awesome question!! And something I've never really thought about. It would probably be the No Rules Collection and feature colorful eyeshadows....anything but more warm browns, except for that one universal crease color, lol. And the lips would be all rich shades to coordinate. And more tones of pink blushes!! Please!!

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Beauty Over 40 series first appeared on this blog. xo

3 Vegan Lipsticks Worth Trying

2017-11-13T07:00:00.000-08:00

Pretty sure next year I am losing my Sephora VIB Rouge status, perhaps a downgrade to the say the least because there are more and more enticing brands I am beginning to discover outside this black-and-white retail mecca. Unless they bring in more vegan brands (same way they introduced K-beauty to address the growing demographics) and get creative with their rewards or points system then maybe I'd stay. Speaking of vegan products, I am excited to share with you these lip gems I have been enjoying lately.

Own purchase, affiliate links provided

Au Naturale Su/Stain Lip Stain is my favorite vegan liquid lipstick to-date. While it is named as lip stain, it does not stain lips. It dries matte and applies better than Anastasia or Smashbox liquid lipsticks. It has quite a citrus-ish fragrance that dissipates after few minutes. It has superb color payoff as you can see from the swatch above. And while it has limited wear time (touch-ups required after a meal), its non-drying formula is enough to convince me to stock up few more shades! I own Terracotta, a brick-red shade that's bold and daring.

From the website: "Formulated without animal bi-products, synthetic preservatives, nano particles, gluten, parabens, fillers, dyes or toxins, our su/Stain matte lip stain is 100% natural, cruelty-free, vegan and made in the USA"

Ingredients: Ricinus Communis (Castor Seed Oil), *Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba Seed Oil),*Hydrogenated Palm Oil, *Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa Seed Butter), *Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter Fruit), *Organic Flavoring, Iron Oxides, Titanium Dioxide, Micas, Manganese Violet, Tocopherol (Vitamin E) derived from Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower Seed). *denotes organic ingredients

Inika Certified Organic Lip Glaze is a nourishing lip gloss that renders subtle shine. I have the shade watermelon, a peachy-pink which is great for everyday wear. You can wear it as is or layer with lipstick as you please.

From the website: "INIKA Certified Organic Lip Glaze with Certified Organic Carnauba Wax and Vanilla Oil adds a whip of colour gloss to your lips."

Ingredients: Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil*, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax*, Mica, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Vanilla Planifolia (Vanilla Oil) Fruit Extract*, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Iron Oxide (CI 77491). *Certified Organic

Elde Lip and Cheek Rush can be worn either on the lips or cheeks. I choose the former though because I am a lipstick junkie plus I don't like cross-contamination. I own Midnight Pink, a soft nude pink shade that's universally flattering.

From the website: "A fast swipe of color for lips, eyes and cheeks. Hydrates, protects and instantly awakens your look. Rich in virgin organic castor and coconut oil, with a fresh smell of vanilla and grapefruit. Eco-cert pigments with silica for smooth application.

Ingredients: Ricinus Communis Seed Oil*, Cocos Nucifera Oil*, Theobroma Cacao Butter*, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Brassica Campestris/Aleurites Fordi Oil Copolymer, Copernicia Cerifera Cera, Candelilla Cera, Silica, Tocopheryl Acetate, Citrus grandis Peel Oil*, Aroma**, Geranol**, May Contain: Mica (Cl77019), Titanium Dioxide (Cl77891), Iron Oxides (Cl 77492, Cl 77499, Cl 77491)*, Ultramarines (Cl 7772, Cl 77007), Red Lake 31 (Cl 45380)

* Organic

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Skincare For All Ages: What You Really Need

2017-11-06T07:00:00.000-08:00

Skincare is my favorite topic here on the blog because it can get pretty overwhelming if you factor in hundreds of thousands of products we see on TV, social media, online and more so in retail. It's a multi-billion dollar business anchoring on the promise of smooth skin: from acne to wrinkles, scars, stretch marks, and even skin lightening for heaven's sake! The question is, do we really need to slap several products on our face? burn hundreds of dollars? drugstore or luxury? the choices are as mind-boggling as it can get so let's drill down to what our skin practically needs.

Across all ages: sunscreen that offers protection against UVA (aging rays) and UVB (burning rays). We all know that years of unprotected sun exposure can lead to photo damage, premature wrinkles, sun spots, exacerbation of melasma. But more than these aesthetic concerns, prevention of melanoma should be our number one priority. Here are important facts worth your utmost attention (source: American Academy of Dermatology):

Skin cancer remains to be the most common form of cancer in the United States
1 in 5 will develop skin cancer in their lifetime
Melanoma rates doubled from 1982 to 2011
Melanoma is a young person's disease, with diagnosis before the age 50 for women
Experiencing 5 or more blistering sunburns between 15 to 20 years old increases risk with melanoma by 80%
WHO estimates that 65,000 people per year worldwide die from melanoma

There is no hard and fast rule as when you should start wearing sunscreen but the sooner the better. Babies should wear sunscreen, anyone who are acne-prone should wear sunscreen (sun exacerbates acne and contribute to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), anyone with previous diagnosis of skin cancer (whether benign or malignant) should wear sunscreen, those with family history of melanoma should wear sunscreen, you have to wear sunscreen even if you work in the office (UV rays penetrate glass walls), there are UV rays even it's gloomy outside, and yes, snow doubles the risk of exposure to UV rays. Hence, there is no excuse not to wear one. Sunscreen in makeup is not enough so layer up. Reapplication is crucial because this is where most people falter: reapply every two hours if you're staying out longer in the sun or each time you get wet or sweaty. I discussed sunscreens lengthily here.

Teenage years: raging hormones, junk food, hello teenage acne! There is an increased sebum production during puberty related to stimulation of the hormones called androgen. This physiological response clogs the hair follicles found in the pores as well as contributes to hyperkeratinization (excessive shedding of skin cells) which becomes a breeding ground for bacteria called P. acnes. Genes also play a contributory factor so if mom or dad had or has acne, chances are you will have it, unfortunately. The important point here is to prevent risk of acne scars so if you have severe type of acne (cystic, inflamed), it is best to see a dermatologist. For mild to moderate cases, over the counter benzoyl peroxide (for acne caused by bacteria), salicylic acid (keeps oil at bay and helps with cell turnover), and adapalene (0.1% is now sold OTC, it's a third generation retinoid that helps with cell turnover and inflammation, discussed lengthily here). All these can cause dryness so it is imperative to use a moisturizer. Stop if irritation occurs and see a dermatologist. Sunscreen is very important to avoid post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and exacerbation of acne or in case of adapalene, sun affects its effectiveness. It is also important to note not to over-use and abuse these over-the-counter medications alongside toner and exfoliants. When the skin is overly-dry, the body will compensate by producing more oil. The correlation of acne and diet is debatable but it can't be denied that foods rich in glycemic index (processed food, refined sugar) can cause a spike in the insulin which further contributes to the overly active sebum glands. In a 2005 study which appeared in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, it has been found out that cows milk contains high level of hormones that can trigger oil glands to go haywire. Acne is caused by a multitude of factors so if you are not getting any result from over-the-counter or DIY concoctions you have found online, please consult a doctor.

The 20s: ghost from the past. If you suffered acne as a teen, chances are it will come back if you haven't had it managed back then. Acne management is similar (as written above) but consider a referral to a gynecologist or endocrinologist if your dermatologist or primary care doctor exhausted all means and still couldn't resolve the problem. Why? you may have PCOS or polycystic ovarian syndrome which is a hormonal disorder associated with irregular menstruation, hirsutism (excessive hair) and acne. Sunscreen is a must for the same reasons stated above, all the more that you should be more religious in application because sunscreen offers protection from photodamage or premature wrinkles including sunspots or age spots. Start using moisturizer even if you have oily skin. Opt for water-based if you have oily, combination and normal skin, or beauty oil if you have dry skin. I can't emphasize enough the importance of healthy lifestyle! Smoking and alcohol contribute to early signs of aging! As someone who's been treating patients aesthetically (RN here), I can tell if a patient is a smoker from the texture of their skin! Okay, the burning question, is it too early to get Botox at this age group? my answer is pretty straightforward: look at your face in the mirror, are you seeing fine lines without making any facial expressions? if so, yes you can because the principle behind neuromodulators like Botox, Xeomin or Dysport is to relax the muscles and by "training" them early to not make any movements, you are potentially minimizing these fine lines to progress to bigger ones as you age.

The 30s: hello gravity. So you're thinking you're getting older. Not just in age but your skin is actually undergoing some changes as a result of your previous lifestyle as well as decline in collagen and elastin, add hormonal problems that can either break you out (from normal to combination) or oily to oilier. For acne and hormonal issues, treatments mentioned above still apply. Sun spots when treated at the onset may respond to retinoic acid, alpa hydroxy acids, ascorbic acid, kojic acid, among others. If you worshipped sun as a teenager or spent countless hours in tanning beds, consider a referral to dermatologist because this increases your risk for melanoma. By now, sunscreen should be part of your daily skincare. You can introduce serum to your daytime and nighttime regimen if your skin is needing extra hydration. Adapalene (over the counter 0.1%) can help with mild to moderate non-cystic acne and since it's from the retinoid family, it can help with cell turnover resulting to smooth and youthful looking skin. Consider non-invasive aesthetic methods that can rejuvenate sagginess and dull texture such as non-ablative laser skin resurfacing, photorejuvenation, even radiofrequency skin tightening and/ or radiofrequency microneedling. For immediate gratification, few units or neuromodulators (depending on the intensity of your dynamic expression lines of course) or fillers are also good options. Just remember not to overdo injectables because they will actually make you look older than you think. Go for natural enhancements.

The big 4-0: sun spots, age spots, wrinkles, sagging skin, eye bags, exaggerated pores, melasma, bring it on. Now if you haven't practiced good skincare in your younger years, in particular, religious use of sunscreen, chances are your sun spots are more obvious and bigger now. Melasma is hormonally-related as well as triggered by unprotected sun exposure. You look haggard and tired because of those pesky dark circles or eye bags (redistribution of fat to lower face), pores are becoming a nuisance due to skin's laxity, add the obnoxious crow's feet, downturned smile, forehead lines, you thought 40 is gonna be fabulous right? the burning question, will those topical products work? unless they are prescription-based, I hate to be break it to you but if you are dealing with serious skin issues I mentioned, please save your hard earned money and go for real in-clinic treatments. Machines treat, products either prevent (when started early) or maintain. Eye creams won't reverse eye bags, hyaluronic acid or collagen moisturizers are what they are, mainly moisturizers. AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) and l- ascorbic acid can help lighten but they are often combined with other in-clinic treatments for optimal results. Retinoids can help with cellular turnover. But if you are really serious to tackle some obvious signs of aging, laser skin resurfacing, radiofrequency skin tightening, radiofrequency microneedling, and injectables like neuromodulators and fillers do help.

50s and above: defying age or losing it. Menopause is more than just not having to deal with menstruation. The drop in estrogen is the culprit to accelerated aging resulting to dry skin, thinning of the skin, redistribution of fat, pruritus (itching related to dry skin), hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), brittle nails, and worse acne breakout (most commonly in the chin). Prescription- strength retinoids can help, moisturizers to prevent dryness and itching, spot treatments for acne breakouts (as mentioned above), and most important of all, sunscreen. By now, you should have already established yearly visits with your primary care doctor or dermatologist for skin surveillance, and any moles that look suspicious should not be ignored. Laser skin resurfacing helps with collagen and elastin formation, radiofrequency skin tightening can help tighten the face and neck area, laser and intense pulse light can with sun and age spots, and lastly injectables (neuromodulators and fillers) can help with wrinkles if you are not considering any facial surgery as option.

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Disclaimer: I work as Aesthetic Registered Nurse and these are the most common skin issues I deal with on a regular basis. While I do have vast knowledge and understanding of these medical conditions, my opinion should not replace your doctor's. Skincare is a hit and miss, stick with what has worked for you. Keep your skincare minimal but effective (I will be posting my updated skincare regimen soon). Layering 5, 7 or even 10 products is unnecessary but if you do, start with your skin's concern first then layer with moisturizer or sunscreen (for example: retinoid for wrinkles, followed by moisturizer or serum at night/ moisturizer and sunscreen in the morning). Are you following me on Youtube? I vlog aesthetic procedures there to give you an idea of how they work.