Beauty Drinks

There's a saying that we should drink at least 8 cups of water a day in order to hydrate our body and skin. However, that's difficult for some of us because 1) we don't like drinking water and 2) we tend to forget. I fall in both categories. I don't like the taste of bland water. It reminds me of the tap water from restaurants although we filter our water at home. I used to have really dehydrated skin. You can tell because my face have occasional breakouts and my lips are dry! This was the consequence of my bad habit of not drinking enough water. My chapped lips and dry skin finally revived when I found an alternate to intake my much need H20. Here is a list of alternatives that I love when I'm tired of the good old water bottle.

1. Teas 

My mom is an avid tea drinker and she probably influenced me as well. I love the aroma of teas and I this is the only thing I can drink in my college days during finals week. Coffee is too strong for me and I always end up having a bad headache after consuming less than half of a cup. I can't express how thankful I am for Green Tea. The natural caffeine. Did I mention they also have natural antioxidant? I suggest buying the green tea leaves and steeped them on your teapot. It tastes way better than the tea bags, but if have to resort to the package tea bags I recommend Stash Tea and Yamamotoyama. On special occasions, I like making Flower Tea. They have a pretty presentation and they're beneficial for detoxing your body.

2. Cold Press Juice and Smoothies 

Green Juices are getting popular these days. It's suppose to help clear trouble skins such as acne and dehydration. I actually started the green juice remedy for about 4 months already and I have to see it gives your skin a healthy glow. Evolution and BluePrint are some of my favorites. However, they can be pricey especially BluePrint. Which is why I tend to blend my own smoothies. I like to consume the drink in the morning as breakfast, because it's light and it actually gives me energy to start the day. Plus, I get my servings of fruit and vegetables all at once.

3. Pure Coconut Water

This is probably one of my favorite during summer. It's super hydrating on those scorching hot days. I've only tried Vita Coco and their coconut water contain other ingredients such as potassium and mega-electrolyte . Once in a while I would carry a smaller bag and this would be a perfect. Hence, I like the size and packaging of this brand.

Those are my top three. Generally, dry skin ladies should avoid alcohol and caffeine because it causes dehydration. If you can limit it to one cup a day that would be helpful for your skin. Lastly, beauty starts from the inside, so don't neglect water! You'll be surprised what a difference it can make to your health in general.

Feel free to comment below and share your favorite water alternatives!

End of Summer Nautical Inspired Theme Party

Summer is almost adjourning, but we still have time to rock those hot summer trends before they head back in the closet for Fall. Besides, Southern California is still very sunny and bright. So, why not hit the beach with a group of friends or have an end of the summer party to end this season. 

Nautical Inspired Theme: 

What I like about the nautical theme is it's very versatile. You can have it indoor or outdoor. Both men and women can easily dress up for this because it's casual. We listed a few inspirations to help you kick start and plan for your girlfriends. 

Attire: Sailor Girl 

1. BaseZoo | Collar Striped Blouse

2. Japanese Nails Marine Achors

3. Base Zoo | Stripes Short Sleeve Long T

Indoor - You can do their nails together, bake cupcakes or cookies, and take pictures together. 

Outdoor - You can have a picnic outdoor, take the challenge and fly a kite, or go to the beach to have a bonfire and eat marshmallows.  

Image: 1, 2

Mixtape: friday the 13th

Friday is not an unlucky day afterall. If you're not aware of our current promotion, we are offering a special deal for Gyaru Wigs. When you purchase any Gyaru Wigs from (Sept. 6 - Sept. 14)  you will get a free box of My Beauty Diary. There's 2 more days left before the promotion ends. Hurry and check it out here! 

Lastly, whether you're busy a work, relaxing at home, or studying at school we hope you're having a great day. We put together a few tracks to brigthen up your Friday. Listen to it here on Spotify. 

1. Lucky - Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat

2. The Lucky One - Taylor Swift

3. Friday is Forever - We the Kings

4. Superstition - Stevie Wonder

5. Lucky - Britney Spears

6. Ah Ah! - Lyn 

What's your scent?

Every woman carries a certain aroma whether she uses a perfume or not. That aroma helps people recognize her. If you have pets they could tell which one is their owner by their smell. A new born baby can recognize his/her mother by her smell. Thus, when you link a scent to something it is conditioned. As a result you can trigger a bunch of memories for that person, event or thing. The reason behind this is because the olfactory bulb (a part of the brain's limbic system) is affiliated with our memory and emotion. This allows us to remember the smell or taste we like or dislike.

Therefore, your fragrance is more than a smell. It describes you. So, ladies, before going out on a date, what kind of scent do you want to be remembered for?

Take a look at our princesses' signature fragrance according to their personality.

Yuri

Marc Jacob's Daisy 

Fresh and feminine, with a playful innoncence. 

Niko

Juicy Couture's Couture La La 

A little punk rock, a lot of free spirit. 

Rin

Philosophy Amazing Grace

Delightful, fresh, and spellbounding 

Victoria

Anna Sui Forbidden Affair 

Romantic, Intriguing and Fun

5 food that boosts your immune system

Maintaining a healthy complexion is more than having a good skin care routine through using appropriate skin care products. Having a healthy immune system is also crucial to obtain a healthy skin. After all, you are what you eat. 

As the season changes, our skin also goes through alterations due to the weather. This is why some people adjust their sk in care products during different seasons. The environment can influence our hormone levels, which can affect our skin's metabolism. For instance, our epidermal skin shedding process will slow down and our sebaceous activity level will either increase or decrease. Which is why some people struggle with dry or oily skin. When the body's internal organ produce heat the external skin will react to it. The main key to keep to our skin and body balanced is to consume food that have clarifying and detoxifying effects. 

1. Fungus (in chinese "wood ear") 

Fungus and other mushrooms are particularly good "clean" ingredients. It has the ability to clean our body's toxic waste, improve blood circulation and increase the rate of oxygen-carrying capacity of blood. It helps our skin's resistance and healthy complexion. 

2. Honey

Chinese herbalist believes honey have a "moistening" effect. This edible ingredient is rich in amino acids and polysaccharides that have endocrine function while nourishing the skin. In addition, honey contains small amount of pollen substances that help assist and enhance the skin's tolerance for dust. (image from veganbits)

3. Pear

Pears have the ability to clarify our lungs. especially during autumn when our body have the most internal heat which can lead to skin problems. Eating pear will prevent problems and improve our body balance. (image from naturallyella)

4. Carrots 

Carrots contain β-carotene which can prevent atopic dermatitis, eczema and other skin problems. In addition, carrots are rich in fiber and it can clean intestines and maintain metabolic balance within the body. Since β-carotene is a fat-soluble substance, it is recommended to minimize the use of oil when cooking. (image from writingfiona)

5. Jujube ("dates") 

Jujube help restores the body's vital energy. More importantly, it contains cyclic adenosine monophosphate, a material against allergens. It can help maintain and enhance the vitality of immune cells. As wells as helping the body fight against sensitive skin. (image from npr)

Are you fighting against seasonal allergies? Share your tips on how to overcome this allergy season. 

Sources: http://www.meili.cn/