Coquette

Missha Time Revolution First Treatment Essence is SK-II Essence Dupe

I recently finished my small bottle of SK-II Facial Treatment Essence. I wasn't ready to splurge $100 for another small bottle. Instead I headed to Soko Glam and ordered the Missha Time Revolution First Treatment Essence ($49 at Soko Glam). It's about half the price of SK-II with more product. I read this post on Beautiful with Brains comparing the ingredients of the two products. Was I just enamored with all the hype? I started using the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence back in 2013 (see my first post about it here) and used it consistently for almost three years. Last year I took a 6 month break because I didn't want to spend so much on getting more. I realized how much I missed it so I picked up a smaller bottle set last summer and just finished that small bottle (2.54oz) last week. The standard size bottle of SK-II essence retails for $179 for 5.4oz. This bottle of MISSA is about 5 oz and costs only $49. No brainer right?

Well I didn't mind paying the price as long as I knew the ingredients were good. Until I read that blog post and realized that Missha's essence actually had better ingredients that were more effective. The key for using essence is hydration and I found that using an essence twice a day, morning and night that my skincare was absorbing better into my skin. The key product in MISSA's essence Is Niacinamide, a Vitamin B3 component that improves skin elasticity, helps to increase moisture levels, reduce fine lines an wrinkles, diminishes dark spots and brightens skin. All things that I need and want in my skincare.

I just started using the Missha essence for the last two days so this review is more of a first impressions, rather than full review. I'll update you guys as I continue to use it. I will say the SK-II essence feels more of a "weighty" liquid and the Missha feels more liquid like water. (The both are a liquid but Missha's feels more fluid.)

I found out that SK-II's essence contains a lot of water and preservatives. Is it no surprise why I am leaning more and more these days to Korean Beauty products for my skincare! This improved version called "Intensive" also removed licorice and alcohol from the ingredients for better efficacy.

My skin feels so good and hydrated after I use the Missha essence. I use it after cleansing and toning and put two to three drops in the palm of my hand and press that into the skin on my face. I also rub the tops of my hands after I press it into my face to keep my hands looking young as long as possible. They say you can see results in two weeks so I'm excited to continue to use my Missha essence to see how my skin progresses. A little goes a long way and this one bottle should last me for most of the year. I'm saving $130!

You can read on the Solo Glam site on why this essence is one of the three Holy Grail Essences. I also loved shopping on Solo Glam because you can checkout using your Amazon account so it was very seamless and easy to shop. I received my product in just a few days from ordering! I also picked up the Missha face mask and another mask so I'll review those as I use them!

Purchase the Missha Time Revolution First Treatment Essence at Soko Glam.

Clinique Limited Edition Crayola Chubby Sticks

Just launched this month is a special collaboration between Clinique and Crayola. Yes, your favorite crayons as a kid gets a beauty update. The Clinique Crayola Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm features ten different limited edition shades at just $17 each. (You can also purchase some cute mini sets online at Clinique.com.) Clinique worked closely with the crayon maker to color match some of Crayola's gorgeous colors. These exclusive shades use some of Crayola’s most unique names like Mauvelous, Razzmatazz, Mango Tango, and Tickle Me Pink.

I have three shades: (from top) Wild Strawberry, Marvelous and Chubby Stick Intense in Red Violet. I love the deep color payoff in the Intense version!

These Clinique Crayola Chubby Stick are making me so excited have for spring and summer! These sticks are perfect to take on the go. I love how moisturizing the formula is. These are limited edition, so pick one up before they are all gone!=

Shop the limited edition Clinique Crayola Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm at all Clinique counters and online at clinique.com.

Review products provided by Clinique

Natural Argan Oil Hair Products from artnaturals

Has your hair been feeling flat and dry with all the cold weather outside and indoor heating? I decided not to color my hair anymore and am growing out my ends that show the last bit of light brown color I got a year and a half ago. Therefore my hair has been feeling extra brittle and has been falling out. When I was given a chance to try artnaturals' natural hair care products -- how could I refuse?

Based in Los Angeles, CA, art naturals creates beauty products made from the finest ingredients and extracts from nature. (You can see their ingredients page.) I love this concept and their eco-friendly mantra is a plus. I also love how affordable they are too. I started using these products two weeks ago and already can't believe the amazing results. My hair feels softer, especially at the ends and I have such pretty natural shine.

I have been using the Argan Oil Shampoo Hair Growth Therapy ($26 at artnaturals) and can't tell you how much I love it. My hair doesn't feel stripped after I wash it. I used to have a lot of long hair trapped in my drain catcher after I shower and now I barely have any! I can tell my hair is feeling stronger and surprisingly, it feels so much silkier. The shampoo is made with Aloe Vera, White Willow Bark, Burdock Root, Rosemary and Thyme -- these ingredients will help stimulate cell renewal to help your hair grow strong without any chemicals.

For conditioner, I am using the regular Argan Oil Conditioner ($15 at artnaturals). Made from Aloe Vera, Argan Oil, Rosemary and Thyme, I use this conditioner on my long hair from the back of my head down. This conditioner feels different than others I use because after I rinse out my hair, I can feel that it's really moisturized.

After I towel dry, I put a pump of the Argan Oil Leave-in Conditioner ($14 at artnaturals) which helps me detangle and heat protect my hair when I blow dry. This conditioner is magic! It says it gives you frizz-free hair and that's so true. Usually after I blow dry, I'll need to flat iron my hair if I really want it to be straight and soft looking. I no longer need to do this! Honestly, I am sure it's all these products working in conjuction but I've been using post-shower hair balms or oils before I blow dry and none of them have given me the beautiful texture that I have post blow dry as this one.

Browse for more hair care and more at artnaturals.com.

Review products provided by art naturals

Clarins 4-Colour All-in-One Pen

Remember those four color Bic pens you used as a kid in school? Clarins got inspired and created the new limited edition Clarins 4-Colour All-in-One Pen ($30 at Clarins USA). There are four colors total: three eyeliners in black, brown and blue as well as one nude lip color perfect for any shade of lipstick. I love this pen so much because I'm usually trying to fish through my eyeliner pencils to find the right color. Since this pen is thicker, I can find it right away. I also find I have a better grip on the pen when applying my eyeliner. The eyeliner and lipliner work just like most non-sharpening liners. Just choose the color you want by clicking the color at the top of the pen and then twist (follow the arrows on the pen) for the liner to be at the right length from it's protective plastic tube. This Clarins 4-Colour All-in-One Pen is pure genius! It's perfect for travel or to keep handy in your makeup bag for touch ups!

Purchase the Clarins 4-Colour All-in-One Pen at Clarins USA.

Review product provided by Clarins

New Clarins Face Contouring Palette

I am loving the new Clarins Face Contouring Palette ($42 at Clarins USA) that lets you contour, sculpt and highlight your face all in one. This limited edition palette is so amazing. The texture is a cream powder and I love that there is no glittery shine in any of the colors. The formula is super blendable! I have been loving this to give myself a natural warm glow since it's been raining non-stop here for the past two weeks. The blush color is really beautiful on it's own and gives you a warm, healthy glow on your cheeks. I also love finally having a highlight on my cheeks that's not sparkly or iridescent. This is such an essential palette for me now that I don't know what I'd do without it! The small brush that comes with it is really handy if you take it on the go. It groves perfectly to your cheekbone so I love getting the perfect highlight with it. I also use my angled bronzer brush and blush brush with this palette.

If you don't know anything about contouring, don't worry. The palette comes with an illustrated map to show you where you can add which color to sculpt and contour your face. You don't have to do all of this -- just figure out what areas of your face you want to accentuate and sculpt.

For $42, this palette is completely worth it because you are getting three colors in one. Everything you need for your face to give it a natural glow or sculpt. Hurry and pick one up before they are gone!

Purchase the new Clarins Face Contouring Palette at Clarins USA.

Review product provided by Clarins

Top 15 Beauty Favorites of 2016

Hi Lovelies!
Welcome to my top skincare and beauty favorites from last year!

Last year, I discovered the world of Korean Beauty and have incorporated a lot of Korean products into my daily beauty routine. For me it's all about masks, masks and masks! They have really help to keep my dry skin hydrated (as well as drinking more water). Right now, I just started doing a 7 day mask cleanse to really give my skin a clear boost. At the end of the week, my skin will be more hydrated and have that healthy bounce.

I also tried a lot of cushion compacts this year, but my favorite by far is the AMOREPACIFIC Age Correcting Foundation Cushion Broad Spectrum SPF 25. It give me medium to full coverage but feels super light. it's a great everyday cushion because they look is just flawless looking skin!

Here's the top 15 products that I have loved this year and that I use all the time.

Enjoy!

1. AMOREPACIFIC Age Correcting Foundation Cushion Broad Spectrum SPF 25 ($80 at Nordstrom)
This is the perfect everyday cushion. I love the whisper light texture that is really buildable if you need more coverage. I am shade 204 light/medium and it works perfectly with my skin tone. It's pricey for the cushion but it comes with an extra refill so one of these compacts should last you all year. You can flip the sponge over after a couple of months to really use up the foundation. This cushion is fortified with AMOREPACIFIC's wonderful skincare and has SPF 25. They don't have this anti-aging cushion version at Sephora but they do at Nordstrom. If you happen to have an AMOREPACIFIC counter at your Nordstrom, I recommend you try it out. I told my girlfriend about it and once she tried it at the counter, she bought it right away! (full review)

2. Chanel Rouge Coco Stylo ($37 at Chanel.com)
I have this lipstick in 3 colors now. My first one in 214 Message I got back in March. Message is such a pretty rose/red. The texture is amazing. It glides on the lips so easily and the colors are gorgeous. It's the perfect mix of lipstick and lipgloss so you have shine without any stickiness. They don't last as long on the lips after you eat or throughout the day but the colors are just gorgeous. I also have it in 216 Lettre, a perfect everyday rose shade and 218 script, a wonderful nude. (full review 1, 2)

3. Drybar Hair Products: Drybar Let it Blow!The Ultimate Travel Essentials Kit ($135 at Sephora) and Drybar The 3-Day Bender 1.25" Digital Curling Iron ($135 at Sephora)
I'm consistently impressed with all of Drybar's hair devices as well as hair styling products. I bought their hairdryer earlier in the year in a special Sephora box set. Looks like this Let it Blow! boxset is available now but for the travel dryer and comes with the small brush (love!) and styling products. It's such a good deal for $135! This is limited edition so hurry. The curling iron has been great at giving my hair some large wavy, loose curls. My hair also feels extra soft after I apply some of their Shine Cream. (full review 1, 2, 3)

4. Tatcha Pure One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil ($48 at Sephora)
I have been using this cleanser regularly everyday since I bought it back in July. I massage this on my face dry to loosen all the makeup. I love that it gets rid of all my makeup (even eye makeup) and doesn't strip my skin when I rinse it. The cleanser emulsifies once it touches water and clears away all the dirt and makeup. It's truly hydrating and my skin has been really clean and clear because of this. This is great for sensitive skin. I loved this cleanser much I also bought the travel size (0.8 oz) ($15) for my recent trip to France.
(full review)

5.Dior Dior Addict Lip Glow Pomade 0.4 oz ($33 at Sephora)
This is a oil-gel lip balm that works with your pH to give you a natural, rosy tint. I love the shine so to me, it's like a beautiful lip gloss. You can wear it alone or over your favorite lipstick. It's really nourishing and I found it hydrated my lips wonderfully i cold weather when I was on vacation in France. (full review)

6. Yves Saint Laurent Souffle D'Eclat Finishing Veil ($60 at Nordstrom)
This is the perfect loose powder to finish and set your makeup. I sometimes just wear this over my moisturizer on days I don't need a lot of makeup coverage. It's light and feels really good on the skin. It also helps to even out my skin tone too. It also looks pretty on my bathroom counter next to my perfume bottles! (full review)

7. Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture Lip Color in 09 Rose Stiletto ($37 at Nordstrom)
This is my favorite everyday neutral/nude lipstick! My SA at YSL Beauty says it's one of the most popular colors and is frequently sold out. I think what makes this color so appealing is that it doesn't wash out your face. It's got a pretty hint of berry. I used this everyday for a long time and need to buy a new one soon to replace it. (full review)

8. Dior Diorskin Nude Air Glow Powder in 002 Fresh Light ($56 at Sephora)
I have been using this almost everyday since I received it. I use it like a bronzer but I feel like it's much more than a bronzer. It gives my skin a nice warm glow that I like to use not only on my cheeks but also as a base for my eyelids. I can't imagine my makeup routine without this. The silver compact with Dior cannage pattern is really beautiful and luxe. It comes with a small brush that works pretty well. I only use the small brush when I'm traveling. (full review)

9. La Mer Creme de la Mer ($170 for 1 oz at Bloomingdales)
I have been using this famous La Mer cream since June as a night cream and I love how my skin feels with it. The cream contains it's secret "miracle broth" that is made with sea kelp harvested off the shores of Vancouver. It's a rich cream so a little goes a long way. Use the scoop that comes with the jar and scoop a small amount. You'll need to warm it in your hands first and then gently pat it on your face to apply. (full review)

10. Kiehl's Apothecary Preparations ($95 at select Kiehl's boutiques)
Kiehl's goes back to it's apothecary roots with this special customized to you serum that you can only purchase in select Kiehl's boutiques. I have been using mine every night since I received it and it's made a difference in my skin. I love the light soft scent from the essential oils and I plan to go back to Kiehl's to get a new one once this serum is finished. So far I am not even halfway through since using it from late October. (full review)

11. Korean Face Masks
I love using Korean face masks and usually purchase them at Japantown in San Francisco. (See my Korean Beauty Map on Racked SF.) I love Tony Moly and The Face Shop mask the best and I find that they really keep my skin at their best if I use them regularly. Prices for masks are really inexpensive -- anywhere from $2 up to $10 each. Beauteque just rebranded themselves as a Korean Beauty e-shop into a e-commerce Korean face mask shop so you can find lots of brands online there. Pictured above is Tony Moly's I'm Real Coconut Face Mask (2 pack for $7.50).

12. Korean Beauty Secrets: A Practical Guide to Cutting-Edge Skincare & Makeup ($16.60 on Amazon)
This book was written by beauty bloggers Kerry Thompson and Coco Park and goes in depth on skincare and makeup brands and their benefits. It's a great overview into Korean Beauty and to discover how to get really clear, flawless skin. There are example skincare routines for different skin types and makeup tutorials. If you'd like more reading, I also really liked The Little Book of Skin Care: Korean Beauty Secrets for Healthy, Glowing Skin by Charlotte Cho ($16.46 on Amazon).

13. SK-II Pitera Essence Set ($99 at Sephora)
This year I decided to splurge again for the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence. I like this set because it also comes with a face mask and a travel size clear lotion. The smaller bottle works for me because it's perfect for traveling. I also found the larger bottle heavier and harder to store because it's taller. I use this twice a day - in the morning and night right after I clean my face.

14. AmorePacific Intensive Vitalizing Eye Essence 0.5 oz/ 15 mL($95 at Sephora)
Don't think you don't need any eye cream or eye serum. The key is to start using these in your 20's so you can avoid wrinkles in your 30's and 40's. This AMOREPACIFIC Eye Essence is amazing. You click the top of the "pen" so the clear gel serum can come out and then you use the cooling roller ball to apply this under your eyes. It feels so good! It works to de-puff your eyes and helps brighten and moisturize the eye area. (full review)

15. Cocokind Organic Chlorophyll Mask($18.99 at Cocokind) and Cocokind Organic Baby Oil ($13.99 at Cocokind)
Cocokind is a brand that is dear to my heart. I use their products everyday in one way or another. This year they launched two products that I use regularly. I love that their products are organic and natural. Their Chlorophyll Mask helps detox and clean your skin (see my mask face on Instagram). It contains natural chlorophyll from chlorella, spiraling and wheatgrass. Their baby oil is something my daughter (8 years old) and I both use out of the shower to moisturize our skin. She has really sensitive skin so it is perfect for her. For me, I love how it makes my skin so darn soft and the light coconut scent is wonderful. It's not greasy and absorbs quickly! (full review 1, 2)

Bag Review: Goyard Artois Tote

While in Paris, I picked up a new handbag as a Christmas/Birthday gift from my husband. Goyard is an old French brand (a bit older than Louis Vuitton). I don't have anything Goyard in my handbag collection and I had been eying the St. Louis PM tote for a few years now. Earlier this year, I found out about the Goyard Artois from watching these two You Tube videos (The World According to Lisa and Belle at Heart). What I loved about this tote was that there was a zipper and the corners were also reinforced with leather. I had heard of many St. Louis Totes with worn out corners and the Goyard boutique in San Francisco told me as of last summer 2016 that it costs $225 to repair the corners, either by stitching or by adding leather caps.

The Goyard Artois tote is currently available now at most Goyard boutiques. Previously, this bag required mandatory monograming but that is no longer the case which worked out great for me since I was only in Paris for 2 1/2 days. If you live in the U.S. and won't be going to Paris anytime soon, you can order it by phone and have it sent to you. It currently comes in a range of colors (white, navy, green, purple, red -- this is from memory from the bags I saw on display) and like other Goyard bags, the black with black handles or black with black trim costs less than the color range. They call this the "classic colors". There is only one size for the Goyard Artois Tote while the St. Louis Tote has 2 sizes PM and GM.

Here are the prices:

Classic Colors €1,090.00 $1,635.00
Special Colors €1,420.00 $2,120.00

Measurements: Width 15.5 inches, Height 9.5 inches, Depth 5.5 inches

If you buy this in Paris and live outside of France or E.U., you can get the VAT tax refund. It would have been around $200 for me but since we flew back home the day after the new year, the airport was crazy busy and we didn't want to miss our flight.

I already have a Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM that is about 5 years old. I love it but the one thing I don't like is that there isn't a zipper. Having the Goyard Artois is fantastic because I never have to worry about my things falling out. The canvas also feels more sturdy and stronger than the St. Louis totes. The interior is the linen canvas and because it's a light color, I didn't want to get it dirty so I purchased a Purse To Go Organizer ($20.99-$29.99 depending on colors) in the Jumbo size. I ordered it while I was in France and timed it so I could have it arrive home by the time I came back to the states. I ordered from Amazon and chose the light pink color which is a nice contrast to the gray. The organizer fits perfectly with a bit of room to spare. I can zip the bag without any problem.

Here are some pictures of the Goyard Artois Tote:

I love the reinforced leather corners that spans the sides of the bottom of the bag.

There is one interior pocket inside that can close with a button tab.

The Goyard Paris Made in France is embossed on the leather for the button tab.

Here's the pocket open. It's very roomy and can fit your mobile phone, no matter what size.

The stitching for this bag is impeccable. The straps are really sturdy too.

I don't plan on carrying my laptop around in this bag a lot but if I do, it's nice to know that my Mac Book Air fits inside. I have an older 12 inch model.

My laptop also fits well with the purse organizer inside.

If you have any questions on the Goyard Artois Tote, please feel free to leave a comment below!

The New Rouge Dior Lipsticks + Dior Beauty Haul

Hi Lovelies! I'm back from France and back to posting my beauty favorites on the Coquette. I'm still trying to get over my jet lag. Ugh! It's the worst! I brought my laptop to France totally planning to blog, but once I was there among family in Paris and in the French Pyrenees, I just couldn't do it. It was nice to be away from technology and just enjoy my family. I also spent some time trying as much French chocolates and desserts as I could! ;) (See my Instagram for proof!) I hope to have my 2016 beauty and skincare favorites up on the blog soon.

A photo posted by Natalie Zee Drieu (@coquettenatalie) on Dec 19, 2016 at 1:14pm PST

Before I left for France, I placed an order on Dior.com for some beauty products. I mainly planned my order for the 5 Couleurs Splendor Limited Edition 2016 Holiday Eye Palette in 776 Precious Embroidery. I got sucked into the beauty vortex and decided to up my purchase game to be over $100 so I could get a minature J'adore perfume bottle. (Cute, right?) Needless to say, I got sucked into the whole Natalie Portman Dior Rouge marketing campaign. I was on my way to France, so I needed to have the French red lip. I actually called customer service and asked if I bought a lipstick and tried it on but didn't like it, could I exchange or return it? They said absolutely so I abandoned my fear and ordered the classic Rouge Dior Couture Color in 999. I have it in the satin version but there's also a matte version. I love the wild color range and the variety of satin and matte finishes.

When I received my tried on the lipstick, the red was so flattering to my skin tone I realized that I didn't need to wear this lipstick only for a special occasion. The color was just the perfect red and it brightened my whole complexion. I'm going to try to be more daring in 2017 to wear more than just my everyday nude shades in the day.

My final purchase in my Dior Beauty order was this Dior Addict Lip Glow Pomade ($33). I wore it non-stop in France as it gave my lips hydration but also a natural pinkish lip color and shine. I also have the Dior Addict Lip Glow balm and I love this pomade so much better because the shine is just gorgeous. It's a oil-gel formula enriched with shea butter.

The Dior Beauty shopping experience on Dior.com is stellar! Your products come boxed up so beautifully and you get to choose some beautiful beauty samples too. I didn't take a picture of it but they folded the tissue paper at the bottom of the box that looked like beautiful pleats. The whole process just felt luxe, more than Chanel.com. I loved their study signature white box. I also signed up for their email list and received a sample jar of the Dior Prestige Eye Cream as additional gift with my order. The whole experience was amazing!

Shop Dior Beauty at Dior.com