Skincare On The Go // A Guide to Organizing & Packing Your Skincare for Travel

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// Tips on Organizing Your Many Look-Alike Bottles //

• Place a piece of scotch/clear tape on each bottle and write the product name or product type on the tape.
• Using scotch/clear tape as bottle labels makes it super easy to remove when your trip is done.  Trust me, removing those white sticky label was painful!

// Tips on Downsizing Your Skincare //

• I normally rotate among 2-3 different items for each step and I'm sure many of you do the same. Unless you're traveling for more than a month, my advice is to choose your most favorite one from the rotation and bring just 1 item per step. Every little bottle starts to add up in weight and space and it's best to save yourself the headache of dragging heavy suitcases around.
• If you feel like you're really missing out on certain pampering by not bringing all your normal options, opt for treatment items (discussed below) that tend to be smaller in size (think sheetmasks or sample-size/pod-size items).

PACKING LIGHT WITH MUJI

// MUJI Travel Essentials //

• Handled Pouch L Travel Case (Only available in Black) - $22.00
• Containers (Different types, sizes, shapes, etc) - $1.25 to $4.75.
• PR Refill Tool Set - $1.50

// Similar Ones Found on Amazon //

• Wastar Multifunction Waterproof Travel Pouch (Comes with different print designs. Less compact than MUJI's version. Amazon/Affiliate Link) - $11.99
• Alink Set of 16 Assorted Travel Size Containers (Comes with tools. Amazon/Affiliate Link) - $12.99
• Sinide Airplane and Airport Safe Travel Smart Bottle Set of 9 (The pump & spray heads seem to be as sturdy as the MUJI versions. Amazon/Affiliate Link)  - $10.99

SELF-PAMPERING ESSENTIALS

• Dr. Jart+ Brightening Solution Mask - $22.18 for a box of 5 (Amazon/Affiliate Link) or $6.00 per mask (Sephora)
• My Beauty Diary Damask Rose Mask (Pre-2016 upgrade) - $11.89 for a box of 10 (Amazon/Affiliated Link)
• Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Pure Retinol Eye Mask - $63 for a box of 12 (Sephora)
• GlamGlow ThirstyMud Hydrating Treatment - $45.oo (Amazon/Affiliate Link) or $69 (Sephora)
• GlamGlow BrightMud Eye Treatment - $33.12 for a box of 12 (Amazon/Affiliate Link)
• Daiso Foot Mask - $17.50 for a set of 6 (Amazon/Affiliate Link) or $20.16 for a set of 12 (Daiso)

BODY CARE ESSENTIALS

• Cowshed Shower Gel Collection - $24.00 for set of 7/on sale (Cowshed)
• Tatcha Indigo Soothing Silk Hand Cream Travel Size - $8.00 (Tatcha)

IN-FLIGHT ESSENTIALS

• Boscia Super-Cool De-Puffing Eye Balm - $26.00 (Boscia). Beware of Amazon listing...They are outrageously expensive!
• Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist Travel Size - $15 (Tatcha). Make sure you get the travel size because it lasts a long long time and it's much cheaper.

TO ENTER & QUALIFY

1. Use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter. 
2. Very Important!  Be sure to follow instructions in the Rafflecopter widget to complete the 4 requirements.
3. Also very Important!  Entering your Instagram handle in the Rafflecopter widget does not count.  You must follow and repost within the Instagram app.
4. Participants must be 18+ years of age.
5. Giveaway, fake, or business accounts will not be considered.

DEADLINE + WINNER NOTIFICATION

1. All entries must be submitted by 11:59PM EST (Eastern Standard Time) on August 16, 2016.
2. One winner will be chosen at random and to be announced on August 18, 2016.
3. The winner's name will be listed in this blog post & on Instagram post.  Winner will also be contacted via IG.  Be sure to keep your IG account in “public” mode to receive notification.
4. The winner will receive prize pack as stated above.

DISCLAIMERS

1. Please use caution when trying a beauty product for the first time.  Spot-test your skin first to test for any reaction.
2. Winner is responsible for any applicable taxes and custom/import fees.
3. This is not sponsored, endorsed, or administered by Instagram.
4. By entering this giveaway, participants confirm that they are 18+ years of age, release Instagram and giveaway host of responsibility and agree to Instagram’s term of use.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Share The Love // Sephora Soko To Tokyo 5-Piece Set Giveaway

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I think this Soko To Tokyo Set needs no introduction as its hard-to-get status has us all lusting after it!  I was able to get my hands on these in between the out-of-stock situation.  I requested an extra set knowing this is hard to get & may not be available globally, so I want to at least give one lucky person a chance to own a set of his/her own!

GIVEAWAY PRIZE

One (1) Sephora Soko To Tokyo 5-Piece Set Including 1 Each of the Following:

1. Too Cool for School Egg Mousse Pack Facial Mask (1.69 Fl Oz).
2. Dr. Jart+ Black Label Detox BB Beauty Balm Broad Spectrum SPF 25 (0.66 Fl Oz).
3. Caolion Premium Hot & Cool Pore Pack Duo (2 x Cool Packs & 1 x Hot Pack. 0.2 Oz Each). See picture on the right for interior content.
4. Karuna Hydrating+ Face Mask (1 Mask).
5. When Snow Magic Brighten Sheet Mask (1 Mask).

TO ENTER & QUALIFY

1. Use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter. 
2. Very Important!  Be sure to follow instructions in the Rafflecopter widget to complete the 4 requirements.
3. Also very Important!  Entering your Instagram handle in the Rafflecopter widget does not count.  You must follow and repost within the Instagram app.
4. Participants must be 18+ years of age.
5. Giveaway, fake, or business accounts will not be considered.

DEADLINE + WINNER NOTIFICATION

1. All entries must be submitted by 11:59PM EST (Eastern Standard Time) on July 28, 2016.
2. One winner will be chosen at random and to be announced on July 30, 2016.
3. The winner's name will be listed in this blog post & on Instagram post.  Winner will also be contacted via IG.  Be sure to keep your IG account in “public” mode to receive notification.
4. The winner will receive prize pack as stated above.

DISCLAIMERS

1. Please use caution when trying a beauty product for the first time.  Spot-test your skin first to test for any reaction.
2. Winner is responsible for any applicable taxes and custom/import fees.
3. This is not sponsored, endorsed, or administered by Instagram.
4. By entering this giveaway, participants confirm that they are 18+ years of age, release Instagram and giveaway host of responsibility and agree to Instagram’s term of use.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

24 Hours in New York City // Korea Town Beauty Shopping & Yummy Dessert Tasting

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My brother flew in from Asia and one of his short stops was New York City, so I flew down there to meet up with him.  We had some great meals and museum visits, but of course, when it came to beauty shopping in Korea Town, he opted out.  No worries, my trusted roommate from college @concon95 (who lives in NYC) was more than happy to go with me since she's just starting to dabble into the exciting world of Asian Beauty!

Given my 24-hours time limit in the city, I could only afford to be in K-Town for 1.5 hours.  It's not an issue as it was a Sunday and all the shops were pretty quiet.  I drew up this so-not-to-scale map of the key part of K-Town we ventured to - On West 32nd St, between Broadway and 5th Ave.  In this short block, you can hit all the major K-Beauty brands and taste some super yummy Korean food and desserts.

~ FUeling up before our express shopping spree ~

I've been to a few really great dessert places in NYC, but I've never ventured into K-Town before.  I did some homework prior to arrival and found Grace Street as one of the new faces in the K-Town dessert scene.  It has some rave reviews and it sure did not disappoint! 

P.S. I included 2 honorary mentions on the map for food - BCD Tofu House (which I frequently visit in California and love their tofu stews) and H-Mart (which is a Korean supermarket...I don't think I need to tell you why it's a must-see!)

~ ready for some k-beauty shopping?? ~

With that yummy meal in our stomach, @concon95 and I said goodbye to Miss S and began our express shopping spree.  

 

// The face shop //

 

// nature republic //

 

// The Mask Bar//

~ must shop more! ~

I can't believe I live so close to New York City and I don't go down there more often!  But now that I know all the "treasures" I can find there, plus having found my new Asian Beauty shopping buddy, I'll be making more visits to the fabulous Big Apple.  I do want to venture into Chinatown on my next trips to explore other Asian Beauty brands that are not available in K-Town.  Any suggestions on other Asian Beauty brands I should explore?  Leave me a comment below!

~ and i want to share this with you... ~

Needless-to-say, @concon95 and I have collected quite a few pieces of new masks to try (and nose strips for her)!  It's been so much fun reading all of your mask reviews on Instagram and I love it when you ladies share some honest insights to help me figure out if a mask is "worthy" to be added to the stash.  With that inspiration in mind, I am launching a new series where me and a few guest writers will share our utmost honest reviews on sheet masks we love and, sometimes, meh, not love.  I hope you'll join us on this new adventure on Hula With Me!

Thanks for stopping by!

If you're curious about the other legs of my NYC adventure, click links below for previous posts:

The Food Edition @ Caracas Arepa Bar + Spot Dessert

All About MoMA (Museum of Modern Art)

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Skin Health Series 1.2 // Taking Skin Health Beyond Rituals & Products

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// Part Two //

Taking Skin Care Beyond Rituals and Products - Improving Your Skin Health Through Food

Continuing our skin health journey in this part two of the Skin Health Series.  If you've missed part one, where I've discussed in length the "what" and the "why" behind a multi-steps skin care ritual, I'd recommend reading that first (check it out here).  It'll help you connect to today's story much better!

I also used to focus only on the skin care and the associated products.  Nothing wrong with that at all as they are integral parts of our overall skin health.  At the same time, I've learned that what we eat and how we live also play a key role.

Oh gosh, I love to eat and my favorite foods may not be considered super "healthy".  But similar to skin care, we don't have to follow the trend because the key is to create balance - Eating my beloved Asian desserts every night wouldn't be the best choice for me, so I balance it with fruits on most nights.  Remember, key word here is "balance"!

A friend recently asked me if she should do a detox.  My own experience didn't turn out that great...I almost fainted at work!  I've since opted for adding more fruits and veggies to my eating habits as not to shock my body like that again.  The key here is the same as in skin care - Listen to your body!  For me, my body didn't like detox, so I look for a different way to cleanse my body.  I'll share some my of favorite foods along with their skin health benefits and super easy recipes that you can make! 

I'm sharing my personal skin health journey with you and, same with skin care products, foods or habits that my body takes in well may or may not work for you.  Always listen to your body and cater to your own needs.  Also, always consult with your family doctor or nutritionist on any dietary needs or if you have any pre-existing health conditions. 

1. You start to think of your skin in terms of overall skin health that incorporates rituals, products and eating habits.

2. Always listen to your skin and your body. 

3. Skin health is a journey and there's no shortcut to it, but the rewards that you get along the way are simply priceless.

Ready to take your skin health one step further?

Let's go!!!

skin health super hero nutrients

As I was thinking about how I should write this post, I realize there are soooooo many nutrients and foods that have great skin health benefits and I can probably write a 100-pages blog post about them all!  But of course, who has the time to read that and I definitely want to give you something that you can easily absorb and, more importantly, take action on!  So I've narrowed down to these 3 "super hero" nutrients based on the foods I eat regularly and on the promise that the recipes are super easy to make.

~ 1. Antioxidant ~

~ 2. omega-3 fatty acids ~

~ 3. vitamin b6 ~

Now it's time to feed our skin some yummy goodness!

I'll be the first to admit that I'm a terrible cook!  Fortunately, my mom has some exceptional cooking skills and I occasionally figure out a way to copy some of her causally-whip-together recipes.  She's also probably the healthiest 60+ person I've known and it's because she understands how her food affects her body.  Despite our occasional disagreements, she remains my motivation in my quest to live a balanced life, inside and out.  Enough of my mushy stuff, let's move onto the fun part!

First, I want to share this chart with you - These are the foods I eat regularly and I dub them "Skin Health Super Foods" because they contain the skin health nutrients we've just talked about.

Now that you have a good idea of what skin health goodness these foods provide, I'm going to share below how I incorporate them into my everyday eating habits! I promise you that these are very easy to make!

~ Chia seeds + blueberries ~

Perfect For // Breakfast, Snacks

Substitutions // Any toppings will work!  If you want protein, you can add protein powder or bananas.

 

~ matcha + bananas ~

Perfect For // Breakfast, Snacks, pre/post workout snack.

Substitutions // You can use any type of milk.  I use almond milk because it's dairy-free.

 

~ carrots ~

Perfect For // Lunch, Dinner (with entrees or side dishes).

Substitutions // I would stick with carrots as the base and sub green carrots/radishes (if you don't like them) with tomatoes or melons.  You basically want at least two kinds of veggies to get a good flavor.  Note: Tomatoes are not suitable for people with GERD or suffer from heartburn.

 

~ carrots + beets ~

Perfect For // Lunch, Dinner (with entrees or side dishes).

Substitutions // I would stick with carrots as the base and sub beets (if you don't like them) with tomatoes or melons.  Note: Tomatoes are not suitable for people with GERD or suffer from heartburn.

 

~ avocado ~

Perfect For // Breakfast, lunch, pre/post workout snack.

Substitutions // You can use any kind of bread.  Also, you can switch out the toppings, but definitely stick with at least the boiled eggs.

 

~ strawberries ~

Perfect For // Dessert, snack.

Share The Love // This is a recipe by the fab Mary-June who runs Southern Meets Urban blog.  Mary-June is a nutritionist by training and a mom of twin girls.  She is always cooking up something in her kitchen and whipping up what I call magic with her Vitamix.  For more of her recipes, go check out her blog here.

Many thanks

I had so much fun writing this particular post because I get to talk about foods I love!  I hope you've enjoyed it as well!! 

In full disclosure, the list of recipes here is a combination of my trial and error, my mom's homecooking and word-of-mouth from friends.

I've narrowed down the content for ease of reading, but if you have questions about anything in particular, comment below or email me...I'd be happy to help dive in further!

I also want to say thank you to all of you who have been super supportive of this blog and just want to send you lots of hugs and kisses!!! 

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