I was in Miami Beach at Kiehl’s store to check out night cream. I tested Criste Marine Firming Cream today. I like the soothing aroma and light texture. It would be perfect as night cream for combination skin type people, but might be a little bit oily for using as day cream during the hot summer.

Lemongrass (Takrai) also has been used for its therapeutic properties in various medical treatments. The stem part and the leaves of lemongrass contain oil essences and have properties that make it suitable for both internal and external uses. Some examples of these properties:It also has been used for its therapeutic properties in various medical treatments. The stem part and the leaves of lemongrass contain oil essences and have properties that make it suitable for both internal and external uses. Some examples of these properties:

- anti-fungal, antibactiral properties
- relieves flatulence, constipation, stomache, indigestion
- antipyretic, analgesic
- diuretic and carminative
- relieve menstrual problem
- good for gallstones, help get rid of kidney stones
- treat ringworm, lice, athletes foot, arthritis and scabies.
- mild insect properllant

Beauty Tips with Lemongrass:
1. Solving dandruff problems and split ends with lemongrass shampoo.
- Cut 3-4 stalks of lemongrass into small pieces and smash.
- Squeeze and use the juice as your hair conditioner.
- After rinsing shampoo, apply it on your hair and leave for 10 minutes, then rinse it out. Do this every time you wash your hair, it will help solve these hair problems.
2. Solving trouble sleeping.
Ingredients : 5 each of lemongrass stalks, galangal, ginger
- Wash all fresh lemongrass, galangal, ginger. Then cut into small pieces.
- Put them boiled water for 15 minutes.
- Drink 1 glass, 3 times a day daily.
This will make you sleep well.
3. Diuretic
- Choose the mature lemongrass stalks. Slice and boil them in water.
- Drink 3 times daily before meals

Hope this is helpful

I want to talk about my favorite brand, Aveeno. I have been a fan of Aveeno since I came to the US. At first I used regular sunscreen and my skin got irritated and itchy until one time I had to go to Immergency Room. I had to pay $200 to find out that I can’t use any sunscreen with PABA. One of my friends recommended using Aveeno because some of her family members also had the same problem. That’s how Aveeno became part of my life.

I started with Aveeno Daily Body Moisturizer, Sunscreen, Intense Relief Hand Cream, Eye Serum, Facial Cleanser and now I’m using Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF15. I’m using as my daily facial moisturizer only when I’m working in the office. I like it because it’s oil-free, hypoallergenic, which is perfect for my allergy issues. I feel it’s not greasy and is absorbed fast. It made my skin soft and moist all day long. It’s perfect even during summer. I have combination/oily skin so I don’t apply too much on nose area.

What I like the most about Aveeno is that their products are unisex and gentle enough so we can apply even when our skin is sensitive and irritated.  Both my husband and I can use together and get a great deal for 2 packs at Costco or nearby drugstores.

Sometimes I have problems sleeping at night. Maybe I get too much caffeine at times. Anyway I got this thai spa herbal bath kit when I was in Thailand. I used it every night while we stayed in Bangkok and Chiangmai. After long hours of walking and sightseeing, just soaking in the bath tub, relaxing and enjoying the soothing aroma is a such a big treat. I fell asleep right away. So I bought some to use when I came back to the USA. I like to use it when I have a rough day, and just feel stressed and exhausted.

I’m a first time Olay user and I love this daily regenerating serum already.  It’s hard to find facial serum concentrated Amino-Peptide Complex under $35. I decided to try this Olay because of its good reviews and the price.

I have allergies, so fragrance free is perfect for me. I used it daily – in the morning and at night for couple weeks now. The fine lines I was concerned about on my forehead disappeared within a couple days. This serum works amazingly well with my sensitive skin. It made my facial skin incredibly soft. I even tried it on my husband’s face and his skin is less dry and his wrinkles are less noticeable. Do you believe that?  It’s really worth the money you pay.

I’ve gone back to using La Prairie Extrait of Skin Caviar Firming Complex. It’s not only serum for daytime, but it’s also moisturizer. I have been using it since I was in my early 20′s. It works very well for my normal/oily skin. I applied this caviar firming serum before Lancome moisturizing lotion with sunscreen SPF 30, then mineral foundation or loose powder as usual. It takes less effort to put concealer and foundation. You don’t need be a professional makeup artist when you have this caviar firming complex. It makes my makeup look perfect every time Looks flawless, natural and lasts all day. Only one thing it’s very pricey $130 per bottle. Is it worth it? I don’t use often so it lasts a long, long time.

This week I brought in-laws to Miami Beach for duck tour. While they are on duck tour, I stopped by at Kiehl’s on Lincoln Road to get my favorite skin toners “Tree Tea Oil Toner” and “Herbal Toner with Mixed Berries and Botanical Extracts”. I used 2 big bottles already. Never get tired of it. It’s alcohol-free, soothing and refreshing, rich in Vitmain C. I recommend for normal to oily skin types. I love using it on during Summer or when the weather is getting warm.

Sorry for the lack of recent reviews, I spent a month in Thailand on vacation. I went up north to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and visited Phu Chi Fah. The sea of mist there in the mountains is so beautiful it’s really amazing. I got to eat lots of sticky rice, chiang mai noodles, namprik noom, namprik ong, and more. What a great time.

During this trip I also had a chance to meet Maree who’s a local beauty expert. She suggested that I try BB wonder Cream. It’s just perfect for me because I’m lazy and don’t like to put on much makeup or foundation.

Listen to this story of my very first experience with BB cream. After I put BB cream on my face, even under my eyes after putting toner and moisturizer on, I noticed that my face looked brighter and younger immediately. Then I just put on blush and lip gloss. That’s it – ready to go.

During the time I was in Thailand and meeting all my friends, I got many compliments that my face looks bright and young. I think some of that had to do with this BB cream. This wonder cream exported from Korea is not only a make up base, it’s also a nutrition cream, foundation with sunscreen SPF30, whitening and anti-wrinkle cream! Now I use it every day.

I recently tried the line of Anthony’s Shaving products and was pleasantly surprised. My first impression was not great though; I tried the shaving cream and while it was good, it was not great. Their shaving cream is thick and really protects your face, but it’s hard to squeeze out of the small tube because of the thickness. Lathers good – if it were in a different container perhaps.

Anthony’s shaving gel is much easier. It’s thin enough to be easy to work with, yet really seems to protect my skin. It lathers good and makes my skin feel good. Thin gels don’t protect my skin, and thick oils and gels clog up the blades needlessly. This seems like just the right consistency for me.

Anthony’s after shave is nice. It’s a white creamlike, unassuming product, but really does the trick. That is to say it makes my skin feel good, even if I was a bit too rough shaving. So I liked the Anthony’s shaving gel and after shave better than I had expected. I’ll pick up some more for the holidays!