[Frowns] Origins A Perfect World SPF15 BB Cream

I got a sample of Origins A Perfect World SPF15 BB Cream the other day, and I was really excited the try it because I like the idea of a natural BB cream without a lot of chemicals in it.  I am also a big fan of BB creams because they tend to cover up pores really well and I rely on them to cover up the blackheads on my nose.

Sadly, I did not like Origins A Perfect World SPF15 BB Cream.  It doesn't do the one thing that BB creams are known for: pore coverage.  Actually, it doesn't provide any coverage for me, it is a tinted moisturizer at best.  And no, tinted moisturizers are not the same as BB creams.  If you want a tinted moisturizer, you can give this a try; but if you want a BB cream, I'd suggest you look elsewhere.

What I look for in a BB cream is: pore coverage, evens out skin tone, oil-free, leaves skin feeling and looking smooth, kind of like a foundation primer that focuses on pores + some coverage.  Origins didn't meet any of my criteria, the only thing I like about it is their White Tea scent.

[Sponsored] The Jackie from Ahnu - the new active slip on for everyday

The Jackie is Ahnu's celebration of today's woman and the many roles she plays as a true "Jackie of All Trades." This low profile slip-on is an effortless choice that compliments every woman's unique sense of style with all day, go anywhere comfort so she can focus on the things she loves most.  The Jackie is designed for: All-day walking comfort, easy to wear and easy to pack, and on-the-go lifestyle.

Jackie is infused with high-tech comfort features and cushioning to keep you balanced and blister free – you could literally go hiking in these shoes! The rubber sole keeps you steady – even when splashing through Spring puddles – and moisture wicking mesh and antimicrobial treatment keep you high and dry. It’s truly the shoe for everything and everyday.

The Jackie comes in many different colors, I like the one in Mood Indigo.  And just as the description says, this slip-on wears efforlessly, the cushion and padding make these super COMFORTABLE, and they look really good - comfort + style :)

More about Jackie:

[Free Stuff] Celebrate Earth Day With Free Origins Moisturizer

Bring in an empty cosmetics container on 4/22/12 to Origins Retail Stores and Department Store locations (ie Macy's, Sephora) and get either Origins Starting Over™ Age-Erasing Moisturizer or Origins A Perfect World Antioxidant Moisturizer.

In 2010 I traded in for Origins Perfect World Cleanser :)

[Frowns] Bare Minerals Flawless Definition Volumizing Mascara

I received a sample of Bare Escentuals bareMinerals Flawless Definition Volumizing Mascara in
one of my Birchboxes many months ago, and finally got around to trying it.  I love samples but many times they get piled up and I forget to try them =p  Anyway, the verdict is in, it is a no go.

[Fancies] Recharge Medical & Day Spa in San Francisco

For my bf's birthday, I decided to take him for a foot treatment after our self-guided segway tour through Golden Gate Park.  It turned out to be perfect as our feet were sore from the segways.  I picked Recharge Medical & Day Spa because I liked their pictures on Yelp: the stainless steel food baths and intimate setting that's different from most nail salons.

The decor is warm and has a small homely feel:

[Frowns] Murad T-Zone Pore Refining Gel

I think one of the biggest skin problems I have is the humongous pores and black heads I have on my nose. Previously I wasn't using any products specifically targeted for my pores, but I think the problem is getting worse so I decided to try the Murad T-Zone Pore Refining Gel.

I've been using this for a couple of months now, day and night. But haven't seen any improvement yet. Therefore I have concluded that this product doesn't work for me at all. I think if a product is effective, you should be able to see some improvement in 4 weeks.

The texture is light, scent is light, applies and absorbs quickly - no complaints there; it just simply did not work. Oh well, I will continue to use it, since it is not a cheap product and I have about a third left. Maybe I'll get lucky and see some results later.

[FOTD] Tokidoki Arte Palette - Til Death Do Us Part

My friend Marj got me the Tokidoki Arte Palette -Til Death Do Us Part for my birthday.  This palette contains 4 eyeshadows and 1 blush, very convenient for traveling at a very reasonable price too :)  It's been a long time since I've done a Face of the Day post, so let's get started:

[Sponsored] AXE 2 in 1 Cooling Anti-Dandruff Shampoo + Conditioner

Did you know that AXE makes shampoo?  I didn't!  When I was informed of their launch of Axe Freeze 2 in1 Anti-Dandruff Shampoo & Conditioner and Axe Armor Anti-Dandruff Shampoo + Conditioner I was pretty excited for the men out there, now they can have dandruff free hair that smell good :)

Yes, I actually did try both products in my hair, I have been using both of them for the past week.  I don't care if it's for men, hair is hair =p  The AXE Freeze is "scalp cooling" aka minty on the skin, if you don't like that feeling this is not the product for you.  The cooling sensation doesn't feel that strong on the scalp but does feel quite minty on the face if you happen to get some foam on the face.  Both Freeze and Armor are 2 in 1 shampoo + conditioner, however it didn't feel conditioning to me, I needed to apply conditioner separately.  Maybe it doesn't really matter for guys with short hair.  The scent is nice, classic AXE scent, but not overpowering like perfumed shampoos.

Amy Komorowski, Men’s Celebrity Hair Stylist and Grooming Expert for AXE Hair, has shared a few specific ways that guys can wash their hair to minimize dandruff and ensure they look and feel their best this spring:

1. Make it a daily priority this spring to wash your hair with AXE Itch Relief 2 in 1 Cooling Anti-Dandruff Shampoo + Conditioner or AXE Anti-Dandruff Shampoo + Conditioner. According to our research, nearly three out of four (74 percent) of girls agree that hair is one of the first things they notice about a guy.

2. When combating dandruff or a dry scalp it is best to wash your hair every day (every other day if you have curly or coarse hair) with lukewarm water. Washing the hair with lukewarm water will result in less drying and add shine to your hair.

3. Massage the scalp with the pads of your fingertips rather than with your finger nails when washing your hair and use AXE Itch Relief 2 in 1 Cooling Anti-Dandruff Shampoo + Conditioner or AXE Anti-Dandruff Shampoo + Conditioner.