Review: OZ Naturals Super Youth Eye Gel

The quest for the holy grail eye cream always seem to be a never-ending journey. Today I'm sharing a new eye cream - OZ Naturals Super Youth Eye Gel . Interestingly, if you search for the Super Youth Eye Gel on Amazon, the product listing name is Best Eye Gel Eye cream for dark circles, puffiness and wrinkles with no mention of "Super Youth".  A lot of claims for ONE product!

OZ Naturals Super Youth Eye Gel

2015 Year in Review & Favorites

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday and wish you all an even better 2016!

2015 was definitely a new milestone year for me with the engagement and wedding planning.  This year also marked many new tried and true products that I definitely have on my holy grail repurchase list.

2015 Beauty Faves - Lorac Skinny Eye Palette in Black, Dior DiorSnow White Reveal Sunscreen, Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Foundation, Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil, Laura Mercier Lip Parfait Creamy Colourbalms

• Lorac Skinny Eye Palette in Black - this was a Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Exclusive and I didn't expect it to be so perfect! Not only is it the perfect warm nudes palette, but it has both the shimmer and matte shadows that I use daily. The shadows are so buttery soft AND they don't crease despite all day wear. I found myself reaching for it almost every day in the last 4 months so it definitely had to be a fave for this year. I'm looking forward to getting more.
• Dior DiorSnow White Reveal UVB Protection Sunscreen in Translucent -  I was reluctant to use it in the beginning since it's pure sunscreen. I always have to mix it in with a moisturizer every morning so it was a little cumbersome but after finding the right one (Clinique's Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief), it works so wonderfully. Never greasy feeling and doesn't crease any base makeup.
• Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Ultra Light Skin Perfecting Sunscreen Makeup Foundation in 20 Beige - super lightweight foundation that has a light to medium coverage. My skin stays dewy all day without getting oily. Super love and already restocked.
• Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil - if I had to choose the #1 beauty product of the year, I'm most amazed by the Luna Sleeping Night Oil's results. No, I didn't see overnight results like most people claimed, but I did see noticeable differences to my pores within a week.  I also saw improvement to acne scars around my chin area. Maybe a full review to come soon?
• Laura Mercier Lip Parfait Creamy Colourbalms - I already own 5 of these! They go on smooth and doesn't accentuate any lines. Leaves lips looking glossy and rich. Laura Mercier already added more colors in this line, I guess I'll be stocking them up again.

That's it for my top 5 beauty favorites of 2015! There were many wonderful products this year but these are definitely hands down the best I've tried and used this year. Do you have a list to share?

Once again, thank you for stopping by and making it possible for me to get chances like sponsored posts. I wish you all a wonderful 2016!

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. Additional info can be found here.

Review: GlassesShop Warner Robin Rimless Prescription Glasses

Here's a fun review today. I've converted to a contacts wearer for over 2 years now, but I'm still not 100% comfortable wearing contacts for work on a daily basis. For work, I'll still resort to wearing prescription glasses. Just when I decided to leave a pair handy at work, the reps at GlassesShop reached out to me to try out a pair of their glasses.

The GlassesShop website is pretty easy to navigate through.  There's definitely many options on their website to choose from. Everything from prescription glasses to sunglasses. Many of their frames are very affordable in the $30 price range.

I was all set to try something different than my norm (narrow rectangle frames). I like how they also show you try-on pictures for each frame. So I decided to go with these rimless frames ($35) in a fun red metallic frame.

Warby Robin Rimless Frames

Review: Lush 'Perfect' Roll Tab Sleeve Tunic (Nordstrom Anniversary Sale)

Today's the last day of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale! So it's time to snatch up as many goodies as you can before prices go up. Aside from the lovely purses that I shared in my last post, this Lush 'Perfect' Roll Tab Sleeve Tunic (on sale for just under $28) was definitely another favorite of so many. There are sooooo sooooo many posts on IG if you look for #nsale of this tunic.

Lush Perfect Tunic from Nordstrom

I immediately ordered this top in 3 different colors when I saw that the classic ivory and olive colors were being backordered. This blue was still available in my size and shipped out to me immediately. When I took it out of the plastic bag, I was so excited. It is exactly how I imagined it to be, soft and drapey in all the right places.  I couldn't wait to get my hands on the other 2 colors!

Lush Perfect Roll Tab Sleeve Tunics from Nordstrom

And here they are, all side by side, definitely beautiful tops and material, but guess what? I'm RETURNING the olive and ivory!

Review: Rebecca Minkoff Love Chevron Quilted Crossbody & Clutch (Nordstrom Exclusive)

Hi everyone, today I wanted to share with you my very first video! I shared a picture on Instagram recently of my Nordstrom Anniversary Sale haul and I wanted to give a review on both the Rebecca Minkoff Love Chevron Quilted Crossbody and Clutch (still available here) as a side by side comparison. 

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Haul

The crossbody is on sale for $196 from $295, but unfortunately it's already sold out online.  The clutch is on sale for $169 from $265 and both colors are still available online.  Even though I planned to return one of them, in the end I think I'm going to keep both! 

Let me know in the comments if you liked the video and also if you're interested in seeing the rest of my haul goodies.  Thanks for stopping by!

Review: L'Oréal Ultimate Straight Haircare Line

L'oreal Ultimate Straight Haircare Line from Influenster

I recently received this haircare package courtesy of Influenster. The L'oreal Ultimate Straight Haircare line is definitely not a stranger to me. I've only finished the shampoo/conditioner set back in April. I was drawn to the shampoo because it contains keratin (a popular protein for hair in high end haircare). So I bought the shampoo and conditioner on my own at my local CVS. =)  Given that I haven't repurchased, I was a little disappointed that I received this package from Influenster. But the other 2 products were new to me and I'm glad I did give them a try.

Just a quick summary of my hair, I have your typical Asian straight hair. I've never dyed my hair and it's naturally straight. Not pin straight, but it bends around my ears and towards the ends. And thankfully no split ends! My normal hair wash routine is to shampoo from roots to ends and only condition from my ear down to ends. I never condition the roots.

This L'oreal Ultimate Straight Haircare line consists of 4 steps:

Review: Elizabeth and James Cynnie Sling Backpack

When planning for my Milan trip, I knew I needed to get a new backpack. I needed something that I can use to carry my mini DSLR camera and travel guides. But I was skeptical of getting any backpack because I knew I wouldn't be putting it to use on a daily basis. So my search started with looking for my holy grail backpack and I was soo happy when I found the Elizabeth and James Cynnie Sling Backpack with tassels.

Elizabeth and James Cynnie Sling Backpack in Moss 

This purse was just perfect, not only is it a backpack, it converts into a trendy bucket bag that can be worn on one shoulder. Definitely combining both the backpack and bucket bag trend in one!

Review: Clinique Even Better Eyes Dark Spot Corrector

Not sure how to describe Clinique's Even Better Eyes Dark Spot Corrector.  Is it skincare or is it makeup? If you say it's skincare, it has color. If you want to call it makeup, it's really used as an eye cream. I first tried it in one of those small packet samples and loved the texture so much that I decided to buy the full size.

Clinique Even Better Eyes Dark Circle Corrector with metal applicator

Let's start with my usual bullet points.

Clinique Even Better Eyes Dark Spot Corrector Facts

Swatches: Tom Ford Lips & Boys - Patrick, Flynn and Leonardo

Tom Ford lipsticks are always all the rage, but I just couldn't get myself to spend $50 on a lipstick. Luckily his limited edition Lips & Boys collection came out with a huge selection of mini sizes at $32 for each lipstick. After doing some research, I finally decided to pick up 3 shades: Patrick, Flynn, and Leonardo.

Tom Ford Lips & Boys Lipstick - (from left to right Patrick, Flynn and Leonardo

I purposely chose distinct color categories - shades that don't look too similar. As much as I love my neutrals pinks and MLBB (my lips but better) shades, I figured I'll venture out and try some fun colors.  Patrick is a bright coral, Flynn a muted pink and Leonardo a bold vampy red. More on the shades later.

Monthly Empties: November & December 2014

Alright, trying not to be too tardy with my monthly empties post this month. November and December wasn't too exciting in terms of products. But I see how much I'm piling for January already, so need to get these 2 months up fast!

November was spent with a week at Turks & Caicos so I ended up using many samples instead.

November 2014 Empties- qiora Face wrap spa mask, Silk Whitia Collagen Moisturizing & Nourishing Eye Mask (review), Korres Body Butter in Guava, Peter Thomas Roth Max Sheer All Day Moisture Defense Lotion, DDF Ultra-Lite Oil-Free Moisturizing Dew, fresh Sugar Advanced Therapy

My 2014 Beauty Favorites

2014 is coming to a close and a new year is already knocking at the door. Not much to brag about this year in terms of accomplishments but I definitely traveled quite a bit. From Alaska to Turks & Caicos, all new places for me to explore. I guess traveling to all these new places should be considered an accomplishment.

This blog have been much neglected over the years, but I finally gave it's own home! If you haven't noticed, going to melliescloset.com will bring you directly to this blog. No more .blogspot.com. Mellie's Closet is now getting branded! This is now my permanent home to all things girly. I'm getting a little tired of the whole pinky purple theme, maybe I'll work on cleaning up the theme a little bit.

Enough chit chat. time to share my ultimate 2014 Beauty Favorites!  These products aren't necessarily new in 2014 but they are things that I've discovered in 2014 and easily became my everyday staple.

My 2014 Beauty Favorites - SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion $70, Sally Hansen Dries Instantly Top Coat $6, beautyblender Pure $20, Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Shadow Sticks (discontinued), Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush Palette $58

Looking at this bundle, the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush Palette was the only one that launched in 2014. It's a limited edition that contains 2 blushes from their permanent collection and one exclusive color Incandescent Electra. I love love this exclusive shade because it gives the most natural looking pop of color.

Blogmas 2014 Day 6: Review Aerin Rose Hand and Body Cream

Today's post is a quick review of goodie that I received from my Glossybox - Aerin Rose Hand and Body Cream.  Bitter cold and dry winter is already here and I needed to switch up my hand cream to something more moisturizing. (My Bath & Body Works hand lotions are just not cutting it in this weather.)

Aerin Rose Hand and Body Cream (image from aerin.com)

Not going to go over my usual review stats as this was only deluxe sample that I am using.  Full size bottle retails $40 (yes! for hand cream) and comes in a 4.2 oz bottle. Probably not something I would have carried in my purse anyway, so the deluxe sample was very very welcomed!

The hand cream is a semi thick cream that instantly melts into your skin leaving it feeling and looking silky soft and matte. Seriously if it weren't lychee like scent (it doesn't smell like roses to me) it left behind I would have forgotten that its there. I love that it doesn't leave any heavy greasiness at all, I can seriously still open bottle caps without any slip or slide.

Sad that the sample is running out and I'm going to need to look for another hand cream to help keep it from drying and cracking.  For those who are curious on how I heal my dried cracked hands, I douse my hands in Aquaphor or Vaniply (depends which one is handy) every night. But these are just way too greasy to be used during the day when I'm working.  I've stocked up on some Bliss and AHAVA hand products, looking forward to giving those a try soon.

Let me know in the comments if you've tried other Aerin beauty products, they seem to be very pricey Estee Lauder. How are you combatting the winter?

Monthly Empties: A Quick Log

It seems a little pointless reviewing products from so long ago, but I had kept all the pictures taken from each month's empties. So here's a comprehensive list for logging purposes. This way you can see how often and how quickly some of these products get used up!


April 2014 Empties

Apr 2014 Empties

• Diorsnow D-NA Control White Reveal Day Essence (discontinued - still available here)
• Shiseido Superieur Lifting CE Emulsion (discontinued - still available here)
• Clinique Rinse off Eye Makeup Solvent  (a gwp staple)
• Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Balancing Softener (a gwp staple)
• Victoria's Secret Hand Cream with Shea Butter in Warm Embrace (discontinued - still available here)
• My Beauty Diary - Black Pearl Mask

Review: Equitance Brightening Serum & Spot Corrector

If you've seen my last post, you'll find that the Equitance Brightening Serum & Spot Corrector has made its way into my daily skincare routine. Equitance is a Japanese skincare brand with a skincare line that targets the brightening and radiancy of the skin. I've been lucky to try their key serum which retails for $125.

I'm definitely no stranger to Japanese brands and their brightening skincare products. Shiseido's White Lucent line and SK-II products constantly show up on my monthly empties. The important thing to remember is that Asian brightening products are not meant to make you look more "white", no matter what we do, we won't turn caucasian. Brightening skincare is meant to leave you looking radiant and healthy glowy.

Equitance Brightening Serum & Spot Corrector

Now for the facts:

Equitance Brightening Serum & Spot Corrector Facts

Swatches: Butter London in Cream Tea

I bought this Butter London in Cream Tea Nail Lacquer during one of the Gilt sales. Price came out to be $5 instead of the usual $15. I'm sure it's discontinued but I'm very glad I picked this up! I couldn't resist taking multiple pictures of my nails. So I apologize beforehand if there's one too many of similar photos.

Butter London in Cream Tea

Butter London's Cream Tea easily became my go-to summer nail color.

Monthly Empties: 1st Qtr 2014

Time to share what has been showing up in my Glossybox at the end of the month. Sadly it really has turned into quarterly empties post, but I'm working on it!

January 2014 Monthly Empty

January of 2014 was a pretty boring month. Only 3 items emptied out, but I finally finished my Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Moisturizing Emulsion (and yes this is the old packaging so you know how long it's been sticking around!)

Event: Viktor & Rolf BONBON Eau de Parfum Launch Party @Saks

I can't believe how lucky I was after casually replying to an old @Saks tweet on why I would want to meet Viktor & Rolf. I already own their signature fragrance Flower Bomb and knew they were coming out with a new fragrance. But what I didn't know was that simple reply got me a ticket to meet them in person AND be part of their launch party at Saks!

I arrived at 6PM after being stuck in NYC traffic, but that was okay, because Viktor and Rolf just arrived and I was able to walk in with them at the same time!

Viktor & Rolf walking into Saks. Probably the only glimpse of their full outfit.

After reaching the Saks PR team, I was ecstatic to know that I actually won a FULL SIZE BOTTLE of the new BONBON fragrance! And to top that off? Walking to the front of the line and getting it autographed by the designers themselves!

Rolf autographing

Then Viktor autographs

Swatches: Marc Jacobs Beauty - Enarmored Hi-Shine Lacquer in 102 Daisy

March with it's daylight savings time definitely took a toll on my body and my schedule! Finally a post for March. The Marc Jacobs Beauty - Enarmered Hi-Shine Nail Lacquer in 102 Daisy (what a mouthful, even for typing) was definitely a luxury item splurge for me - retailing at $18 and only available through Sephora and Marc Jacob's website.

Sephora Haul with YSL Volupte Sheer Candy

Marc Jacobs Beauty - Enarmored Hi-Shine Lacquer in 102 Daisy

Review: Missha Complexion Coordinating BB Cream in No. 2

BB creams was all the rage a few years ago and now this past year, we see a flood of CC creams on the market. Missha's M Perfect Cover BB Cream was the first I ever tried and I definitely jumped on when MisshaUS.com announced they have the Missha CC cream on their Facebook page! Of course there was a little false advertising, in my humble opinion, because it wasn't a CC cream, instead they called it their CC BB cream. (Confusing eh?) Well Missha launched the new Complexion Coordinating BB Cream .

Missha Complexion Coordinating BB Cream No. 2 - Flawless Complexion

Twist top packaging

Bulky packaging compared to the M Perfect Cover BB Cream despite the same content

Missha Complexion Coordinating BB Cream Facts

Monthly Empties: 4Q 2013

Sad to say that my monthly empties turned into a quarterly empties post! I just haven't been able to finish enough products I suppose, which is not good as I've accumulated so much more products this quarter. ::raises fist to Sephora VIB sales::

First up is the Oct 2013 empties. I can probably even nickname this the toner empties month.

Oct 2013 Monthly Empties