5 Natural Ways to Slim and De-Puff Your Face

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Now, I've been known to have a puffy face from time to time.. especially the day after eating something super salty or seafood. I kid you not, my eyelids and face reflect my diet and are the first thing to balloon up after eating something salty, not sleepy enough, or *cough* *cough* a night of drinking. Because of these, I've come up with my own natural methods of de-bloating and sliming down my face!



1. Ice Roller
In my opinion, this is by far, the easiest way to combat puffiness. I found out about ice therapy and ice rolling specifically recently, and have been hooked ever since! I'm really excited to share with you guys this tool, in particular, because it's been so helpful and so convenient! 

How you use this is place it in the freezer for a couple hours. Then, just roll it starting from the inside of your face outward, and BAM! Your puffy face will go down.. it's also super relaxing might I add!
Ice therapy and ice rolling are very beneficial to your skin in many ways. I discussed this in more detail in the video, but ice rolling is good for skincare, acne, skin irritations, de-puffing, and your body! It helps with skincare by prepping the skin for applying your products! With acne, it can prevent a massive acne flair up because icing the area diminishes the redness and the severity of the acne. I compare it to a bruise.. in restricting the blood flow temporarily, it can reduce the redness. Plus, icing is a soothing and natural way to relax the skin. Ice rolling is also great after a wax or any type of skin treatment that might irritate the skin (microdermabrasion, facials, etc.) as it, again, helps with puffiness and calms the skin. Of course, ice rolling slims the face as well! On top of ALL that, I like to roll it on my body if I'm sore from a workout as a light massage and I also roll it on the back of my legs to prevent cellulite! 

For the roller I use, go to: http://vpwow.com/morganice
(Use code "morganice" for 60% off! :D )

2. Cucumbers
We've all seen it on TV or in magazines.. people wearing cucumbers on their eyes while doing some type of face mask. But did you ever wonder why this is such a common treatment? Since cucumbers are high in water content, they help nourish the skin. They're also packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, which is awesome for the skin! I always keep sliced cucumbers in my fridge as not only a snack, but a relaxing way to de-puff my face and eyes whenever they're bloated!!

3. Green Tea Bags
I drink a TON of green tea. I drink a cup or two a day so I'm always left with a ton of green tea bags. What do I do with them after I've drank the green tea? I put the used tea bags in the freezer and store them away until I need them to de-puff and treat my skin. Green tea not only has a lot of antioxidants, like the cucumbers, but they're very calming very the skin. This is not only good for puffiness, but it's also good for skin irritations! I like doing a green tea facial every once and a while and feel like it's an easy way to perk up my skin!

4. Coffee Face Mask
Like green tea, I drink coffee everyday. If you're an avid coffee drinker like I am, you're probably always left with a little bit in your coffee pot after you drink your fill. I will sometimes take this leftover coffee, place it in the fridge for an hour or so, and then dip cotton pads into the coffee to apply to my face. Why does this help? They coffee stimulates the skin and it really wakes everything up encourage lymphatic drainage (which is probably a major cause for your puffy face!). The coolness also works as a cold compress and once I'm done, I'll just rinse my face and continue on with my day!

5. Sweating
I know, some of you are going to hate me for this tip. However, working out is an AWESOME way to de-puff fast.While you're working out, you encourage blood flood to other areas of your body. Why is this helpful? Because it gets your blood circulation moving and also encourages lymphatic drainage, which flushes everything through your system! Plus, I swear by sweating. Sweating for me is a big reason why I think my skin looks nice... it's because it pushes everything bad out and just gives me a nice, healthy glow. There are so many healthy benefits to working out, so here is just another reason why you should be doing this regularly if you're not!

Well guys, I hope that was helpful for those of you who have been suffering with a puffy, bloated face like me. Always know, you're human and we're all just doing the best we can right? :) So no big deal if you do get puffy-faced... there's always something you can do about it!

xoxo, 
Morgan 



[Review] New 2015 Etude House Moistfull Collagen Foundation Review

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Hello there :) Welcome back to my website! Today, we'll be looking at Etude House's new foundation, the Moistfull Collagen Foundation. Funny story actually... when I was in Korea (where I picked this up), I wanted to check this foundation out but couldn't find it anywhere! It was sold out in almost every store when I was in Seoul, Korea, but I lucked out at the Etude House in the airport because they had one left in my shade. Nice! :) I did a first impressions of this foundation, so be sure to check that out. Now let's get to the actual blog review of this product!

Let's get to the breakdown...

Packaging
The packaging of this product is so cute and simple! I love Etude House products because they always look so cute and princess-y. I've heard that some people think the packaging of Etude House products look cheap... but I don't think so :) It also, obviously, comes with an air puff inside and a nice mirror!
Application
I'm combining these two sections because I feel like in this circumstance, they're related and dependent on each other. The application of this is somewhat thick. Not too bad but with cream foundations like this, I find that I prefer to apply them with a separate brush versus the puff provided. Even the air puff applies these type of foundations a little thick.
Lasting-Ability
As the day wears on, this foundation falls apart even more. It gets patchy, emphasized my dry patches (I have dry skin), makes my skin look super oily, wears off in random places, and to top it off, STREAKS! I've never had a foundation really do that to me. 
Shade
Now the shade of this applies SUPER grey. Like WTF ETUDE HOUSE?! As you can see in the video, my face looks super ashy when I apply it. And I usually match Etude House foundations in shade 2. However this foundation, which I forgot to mention is in shade 2 "natural beige", is not just way too light.. it's way too grey. Plus, it doesn't oxidize much. So you're stuck with that shade. Also, this is the darkest of the TWO shades that are available. Yes, there's only two shades available. Look at how ashy this looks below!
 Overall
I've actually never disliked a foundation as much as I dislike this one. I know it's strong words, but I'm being honest with you guys because I don't want you to waste your money! I can't believe Etude House even thought this was ok to release! It does the opposite of what foundations are supposed to do... aka hide your flaws, make your skin look nice, last all day, make you look healthy. It makes you oilier and drier in certain spots, makes you look ashy and dry, wears off quickly in certain spots, and is just terrible overall.

Packaging: ***
Application: ***
Last-Ability: (no stars)
Shade: (no stars)
Overall: Can I give negative stars?

xoxo,
Morgan

[Review/Haul] New Pony Effect Seoul That Girl Holiday Collection Swatches!

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Hey everyone! I'm excited to present to you the newest collection released from Pony herself...The Pony Effect Collection! These are products that are created and put together by Pony personally, and they'll be available for sale on Memebox soon! Their officially released November 19th, I wanted to show you guys close-up pictures, swatches of the products, and brief reviews!

Let's get to the breakdown...


Promotional Images
Sultry Cranberry Picture Tutorial
That Girl Fever Shadow and Luminous Contouring Palette
The first thing you notice about these palettes are obviously the packaging. I love how slim these are, which makes them nice and compact. Both palettes are accompanied with a massive mirror, which is always a plus. Also, I appreciate that the palettes are different colors. This is helpful when you're rummaging through your makeup collection! You'll be able to tell the difference between the palettes without having to open them. 
 The eyeshadow palette contains 9 different eyeshadows. They're nice sizes, at about 3/4 of an inch, and beautiful. They swatch wonderfully and look super pigmented on the eyes. I've done a few looks with them (see the one above!) and they're great! The only ones that fall a little short for me are "#Just 10 Seconds" and "#All That Glam". They're a bit chunky and have a bit of fallout to them. The other eyeshadows are nice, smooth, and opaque :) I'm actually super impressed with this palette and right now it's $33! 
Next, let's take a look at the contouring palette. Contouring has been all the RAGE in Korea right now, even though it's been popular here in the states for a while. However, instead of chiseling yourself new cheekbones, it's more popular to contour along your jawline in Korea. However, we all know the importance of finding a contour that is not orange or too grey so that the contour looks natural. I actually think Pony did an excellent job with this! I also love that there's two shades of contour, so depending on your skin tone or how heavy of a contour you'd like, you can definitely customize your look. However, the highlights are a bit lack-luster for me. I can see how they're a "natural" highlight, but they're just not exemplary highlights. They're not super shimmery and there's nothing super "glow-y" about them. Still not terrible though! 
Pony Effect That Girl Outfit Lipsticks
I have to say, I really like these lipsticks. The packaging is gorgeous and I love how bright and happy they are. The lipsticks have a magnet inclosure, so they snap shut when you close them. They seem pretty secure too! The formula of these are nice and smooth and don't take a ton of swipes to look nice and opaque. These are a satin finish and I don't find them super moisturizing. One this is.. I think these are a bit over-priced at $18 a pop (regularly $22) considering there's nothing phenomenal or super luxurious about the formula. I mean, I REALLY like MAC lipstick formulas and they're cheaper than these. 
Pony That Girl Outfit Lipstick in "Noble Brunch"
This is easily my favorite product out of this collection. It's the PERFECT nude! If you have had issues with finding nudes that don't make you look dead, your search is over! It's the perfect peach-y, pink nude that will go great with any look. A great color to through in your purse and wear daily! If you're going to get one lipstick.. get this one! 
 Pony That Girl Outfit Lipstick in "Expensive Dinner" 
I'd consider this a very wearable red. It's a bit of a cranberry red color and doesn't have any tones of orange to it. I like it and think it would be a nice color for the upcoming holiday season :)
 Pony That Girl Outfit Lipstick in "Vibrant Club"
I noticed in the promotional pictures that this looks really purple. However, I'd say again, this is a wearable berry color. It has a nice hint of deep plum. In my opinion, berry red is a good description of what this color looks like in person!
That Girl Illusion Nail Laquer
Now these are the only products from the line that I haven't tried yet. They look gorgeous though and I'm super excited this set comes with a cellophane effect polish. It's been so trendy in Korea and I can't get enough of it. Plus, look at those other colors! How pretty and I have nothing remotely similar to these shades so YAY! :) 
Well guys, I hope you're excited! If you're a fan of Pony, like I am, I don't think you'll be disappointed with the collection. Plus, it's just in time for the holidays! :) 

xoxo, 
Morgan

BIGGEST KOREAN SKINCARE HAUL EVER! (GIVEAWAY) Pt. 2 of my Haul From Seoul, Korea

Thursday, November 12, 2015

SO it's time to share the product list from my BIGGEST KOREAN SKINCARE HAUL EVER! If you haven't already, be sure to check out Part 1, which is the biggest Korean makeup haul I've ever done. I'll be releasing Part 3, all  the clothing and accessories, soon :) I plan on reviewing a lot of the items that I bought while I was in Seoul, Korea so also don't forget to subscribe to my channel, The Beauty Breakdown

Let's get to the breakdown...

Alright, here's the product list for the items that I showed in my Korean Skincare Haul video! Also, I know some of you are curious about how much I spent on my hauls but this is why I won't/can't tell you how much I spent. 1) I bought some of these items on sale/ 1+1/ shared with my mom/ are gifts. So I honestly don't know exactly how much I spend on each item. I've also put in a lot of work to create/film/edit these videos and posts and I'm not going to try to track down my receipts and tell you guys exactly how much I spent. It's just too much extra work for me and I have other projects I'm working on for you guys :) 2) If you're interested for budgeting reasons, I'd recommend you research the official websites of the brands of items you're interested in! Be sure to do you're own research and check multiple sources!! Ok now that I've said that...

SUNCREENS
 Innisfree Eco Safety Daily Sunblock and Cooling Sun Spray
 Holika Holika Dazzling Sunshine Makeup Sun Cream
 Etude House Sunprise Must Daily SPF 50 Sunblock
 SKINCARE
 Hera Aquabolic Gift Set
SkinFood Black Sugar Honey Mask Wash Off
 Too Cool For School Fresh Gore Sleeping Pack
CLEANSING PRODUCTS
Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Cleansing Foam and Mamonde Triple Multi Cleansing Foam
 SkinFood Rice Brightening Facial Cleansing Tissue
 Innisfree Apple Juicy Cleansing Tissue
 Mamonde Rose Water Toner
 Banila Co Clean it Zero in Reseratrol and Radiance
BODY PRODUCTS
Nature Republic Aloe Soothing Gel and Mist
 Mamonde Rose Water Soothing Gel 
 Too Cool For School Egg Mousse Body Oil and Etude House Mineral Bottle Facial Mist
 BEAUTY TOOLS
Nexcare Blemish Clear Covers
Korean Italy Cloths
 Etude House My Beauty Tool Flamingo Eyebrow Razor
 Innisfree Eco Beauty Tool Cotton Pads
 A'Pieu Silkworm Blackhead Scrub Pods
 Masking Silicone Moisturizing Mask Cover
 Leopard Headband
NAIL PRODUCTS
Etude House Play Nail Polishes in #23, #93, #1, #54
 Etude House and Aritaum Nail Stickers
 Etude House Gel Nail Base and Top Coat
 Etude House Enamelting Polish in #53, #55, #52, #54
 Etude House Enameling #43 (sparkles), #13,  #1
FREEBIES/SAMPLES
VDL Eyeshadow Brushes
 VDL Secret Card Portable Phone Charger
 Moonshot Bunny and Makeup Brush
 Etude House and Tool Cool For School Travel Kit
 Etude House Moistfull Collagen Skin Care Set
 Too Cool For School Rules of Skincare Travel Set
VDL Pro Skincare Kit
 SAMPLES!
 GIVEAWAY!!!
Here are the two sets that I'm giving away! I bought all this stuff with my own money and I'm planning on shipping it no matter where you live, so international entries welcome! If you want to find out how to entry, watch the video above (at the top of the page) to see what you need to do! Also, I forget to picture the makeup bags that I'm giving away with each set.. but I show them in the video so be sure to watch the full haul :) 
SET #1
 SET #2
Well that's Part 2! Like I said, be sure to watch/read Part 1, all the Korean Makeup I bought and keep your eye out for Part 3, which is all the clothing, shoes, accessories, etc I bought! Hope you enjoyed :) 
xoxo, 
Morgan