September Rewind: Something New, Something Old

How I wish I can tell you where September went because it came and left lightning- fast. Work took most of it, with weekends devoted to a personal matter my family has been dealing with for the last months. But on a happy note, I’m excited to tell you that finally a plant-based lifestyle program dedicated to our medical patients launched last week. In a nutshell, it’s the first of its kind in Hawai’i which is a 12- week program designed to help prevent and reverse chronic diseases through plant-based nutrition. Our medical doctor tackles the scientific and clinical side citing various studies while I present the practical and easy ways to integrate plant-based lifestyle utilizing resources and available food that we all love here in Hawai’i. Each week we will have a different topic focusing on top diseases that can be prevented or  reversed by observing a healthy diet. Our patients loved the idea because they are dealing straight with their primary care doctor who know their health history. Some of the health topics include obesity or weight loss, heart attack, stroke, diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, to name a few.

Okay, let’s set that aside and focus on the blog since I consider writing to be very therapeutic amidst the hustle and bustle. 

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So the month of September exposed me to new products I gladly tried and some old products I unearthed from my stash. Blogger reality, a happy problem, isn’t it?

Tarte Amazonian Clay BB Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 used to be my favorite tinted sunscreen before all my rave that is Coola Rosiliance. Glad to have used this again because that means I can extend Coola’s life in my vanity ’til the next VIB Rouge Sale. But thing is, the way I have been using this sunscreen means I need to also stock up on it pretty soon. I’m guessing, the river will run dry in a week’s time. Unlike other BB creams that have a tendency to make one’s face look greasy, this one won’t. Lightweight and applies either with a brush or sponge easily, I think you’ll like it too.

Kat Von D Studded Kiss Lipstick in the shade Luv is a great purple pink with cool undertone that satisfies both summer and fall seasons. After red, I think it’s a great vibrant color to rock for bare-faced days. I am wearing this lipstick and Tarte tinted moisturizer in the photo above.

This mask from Herbivore, aptly named Pineapple Enzyme + Gemstone Instant Glow is a welcome addition to my at-home mask collection. I interchange it with Blue Tansy, also from Herbivore, and Drunk Elephant Sukari Babyfacial. I do at-home mask twice a week and once a month facials at the clinic. While I can’t vouch for its instant brightening effect (you’ll have to move mountains to convince me otherwise), I did like the feeling of baby-soft skin after washing it off. The nice thing about Herbivore is the list of ingredients which are mostly natural and green. So if you’re looking to simplify your skincare regimen, I think it’s worth a try to some of their products.

Briogeo Scalp Revival is quite new so we will file it under recent discoveries. I bought it few months ago when I was struggling with flaky scalp but I stopped using it because the hair shampoo from Avalon Organics (as reviewed here) alone did help with my scalp issues. Last week, I noticed few tiny flakes so I Immediately pulled this out from my shelf hoping it will work in unison with Avalon. Thankfully it did so I will be using this as a rescue side-on. For the most part I blame my very hot shower as the culprit to dry scalp. I am aware that it’s not good but I still do it. Bad beauty blogger, don’t follow, haha!

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Another new discovery is this cologne brand called Derive. Take note, if you are used to store-bought and mainstream fragrance, you may require some reconditioning of your olfactory cells to get accustomed to this brand’s nature-derived ingredients. At first whiff, they all seem to smell the same but give it up to a minute and you can definitely tell the difference. As fragrance preference is relative, I find that the best best way to help you decide which one suits you is to buy a sampler set. Each full size bottle retails from $18.50 to $48, while the sampler set with 2ml each x 5 costs $48. You also have the option of purchasing one sample size at $9.99, totally your call. The sampler set on the left side photographed with purple bag from vegan brand JW Pei has five scents in it, these are for women:

Each 1 oz spray bottle full size retails for $18.50. Here are the descriptions per company website: 

Little Tart is brassy and sassy, with bites of frankincense, rich vanilla and zesty lime.

Dreamsicle is like your favorite summer time dessert! It’s a soft mix of fresh oranges and vanilla  (I like this!).

Dream is light and citrusy, with a blend of grapefruit and maraschino cherries, with an earthy base (I like this too).

Evolve has floral touches of carnation and tart green apples, to the hints of evergreen and rosewood (I also like it).

Petals is a sweet rose and lemon blend with a hint of woodiness, like a fresh and warm breeze in the spring.

On the right side photographed with Matt and Nat coin purse is the sampler set for men. It’s actually unisex if we are to base it from my own interpretation. The full size bottle is packaged differently from the women, retailing for $48 per 50ml.

Demure is musky citrus with orange and lemon top notes.

Sable has clean, rosemary and fig-like fragrance.

Odyssey is the strongest of the three, very musky with a touch of grapefruit and bergamot.

You can browse the entire fragrance line of Derive here. Free shipping on all orders!

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Finally we go to fashion. I only have two favorites this month by virtue or repurchase and cuteness. I know it sounds trivial but let me explain to you why. So when I did the unboxing of vegan handbag brand LaBante London (you can watch the video again), I was impressed with the quality that I struggled with the urge of not buying another one. But since it was still on sale at Petit Vour right after I uploaded that video, I caved in! While this second order was not packaged as nice as the first bag (featured in this post), the pale nude color grew on me. The website makes it look like it’s shiny gold but in person and as photographed above, this bag is actually matte. I like the unique quilted chevron pattern and the fact that I can carry it either as satchel or crossbody.  The strap is also adjustable which makes it height- friendly to petite ladies like me. You can browse more styles at Amazon.

The next favorite is this old pair of leopard print slip-ons by Marc Jacobs. The materials are all synthetic, and the leopard print can’t be missed. The front has gold sequins,  front with purple trim and side with hot pink. Now if this ain’t fun to you, I don’t know what is. Some may see this as tacky and not 40+-appropriate, but you know me, my fashion is mine and mine alone. I wear what makes me happy… and cute! Because fashion knows no age. They are also comfortable and fit true to size (I wear 5).  Because my wardrobe is basically black, it is very easy to pair these with anything,  just like this jumpsuit. Mind you, I’ve also worn this pair with cropped pants and leggings on weekends when I am feeling laid-back with a touch of glam. You can buy discounted designer goods at Hautelook.

Any favorites from September?