Celebrate White Make-Up Giveaway

Win and celebrate winter whites with make-up from Shu Uemura and Make Up For Ever.

Hi! Keeping my promise to ride the holiday season out with festive, fun holiday giveaways, here's one I've been saving eagerly for the end of December because it symbolizes my favorite color, or maybe I should say non-color: WHITE! I've loved white everything forever. White clothes, furniture -- and white make-up is actually a ton of fun, and actually quite versatile.

For example you can use the above white eyeshadow (a hard to get one from Shu Uemura!) as a highlighter to bring out your bone structure. Use your fingers to gently dab a little on your brow-bones, the bridge of your nose, the point of your chin, and your cheekbones. You can also use a small, pointed eye makeup brush to apply a tiny bit of the white eyeshadow to the inner and outer corner of your eyes to brighten them. The results may surprise you :-).

To have a chance to win the goodies just tell me how you feel about white make-up, in the comment form below. Winner will be announced next week!

--N.C.

*And the winner is Cindy-y! Thanks for commenting!

Holiday Glimmer Beauty Bag Giveaway

A giveaway with sparkly items from Nars, MAC, Orly, C.O. Bigelow, CoverGirl, and more!

Hi there! Sorry it's been awhile everyone! This busy mama has been having a whirlwind of a month (I moved houses/home offices among other things), but I'm back and the holiday giveaways are happening strong -- no worries. Here's one full of sparkle and glimmer, and there's even a little scent in there to please you. Have fun with this! Just comment below and tell me how you feel about make-up with shimmer, and you'll be entered to win! Have a great day.

The lucky winner will be announced next week.

-- N.C.

*And the winner is Danielle: thanks for the fabulous and funny comment!

Hot Nail Color Giveaway

Have fun with this Nail Color Giveaway: with polishes and fun effects by Zoya, Essie, Milani and Sally Hansen.

With the holidays abound, I figured it was a great time to do a bunch of giveaways. I haven't been doing enough and the NuyBeauty closet is chock full of pampering products to gift to all of of you -- my thoughtful, deserving, loyal viewers and readers! Here's one for all your manicures and pedicures. Just comment on the post below, and I'll announce the winner next week!

-N.C.

*And the winner is Katy! - thanks for the wonderful comment! Yay!

Halloween Beauty Giveaway

NuyBeauty.com Halloween Beauty Giveaway: Comment on this post to have a chance at the fun, products that could be yours!

Halloween is a time when our kids get to go buck wild in pure sugar-highs and smile in their cool costumes while we admire, gush, and snap away with our cameras and smartphones. And, I thought on this day, when we mothers pour our energies and hearts into our children, their festivities and costuming -- that I should give away a special treat bag full of beauty and pampering items just for us Mamas.

Because we deserve it! Just comment on this post to have a chance at winning the surprise giveaway bag. The winner will be announced next week. Have a great Halloween!

THE LUCKY WINNER IS MARY! YAY! xxxxxx - NUY


-N.C.

Disclaimer: Nuy Cho has no affiliation to any of the beauty companies mentioned on www.nuybeauty.com.

Glamour on the Go 1-2-3, with Alicia Quarles

Who doesn't want to look fabulous quickly? The clock is usually never on my side when I'm running to an event or an evening out and have to switch from mom-work mode and get into high-glam mode. But, I get it done, and you can too with a few simple tips. And I'm talking about getting your entire look done, from hair and make-up to wardrobe in all of fifteen minutes. Yes, I'm serious!

I decided to bring in a very special guest and expert to help me break down the best way to get glamour done on the fly -- Alicia Quarles, global entertainment editor for the Associated Press.

Alicia Quarles gives us her stellar tips for looking good on the run.

As someone who always needs to be camera-ready at the drop of a hat for on-air reporting when she interviews the likes of say Madonna or Oprah Winfrey, I knew that Alicia was just the one for this piece.

So, sit back, watch, and let the glamming begin:

A ton of thanks to Alicia for her dazzling advice! You can find out how multi-faceted she is here!
 
Your 15 min. Glamour 1-2-3:

1) Hair: Work with a hairstyle that's always been your trustiest and most rock solid. Don't rock the boat. Then just use a little bit of product, and the necessary tool whether it's a comb or blow dryer when you're in a rush, to add some polish.

2) Make-up: Focus on a feature that you like and emphasize it, and keep all the others minimal. For example, I like my lips, so many times I'll just throw on a bold lip color (like a nice hot pink or orange-red) and some bronzer and head out the door.

3) Wardrobe: One-piece outfits like dresses and jumpsuits make quick glamour stress-free. You don't have to think about matching a top and bottom and furthermore they're feminine, sophisticated and comfortable too. Alicia mentioned Diane von Furstenberg wrap dresses as a favorite, and here's a silk one I found that is fantastic. Take a look:

DVF Nove Wrap Dress ($425)

-N.C.

Disclaimer: Nuy Cho has no affiliation to any of the beauty companies mentioned on www.nuybeauty.com.

Skincare: How to Treat a Facial Breakout

You wake up and look in the mirror and groan -- staring back at you are those awful, ornery red lumps that still cause you grief, despite the fact that you're all grown up! Yes.... PIMPLES!

And yes, they suck. They're annoying. But, like anything else in life, like traffic, bills, spilled milk and cereal, they happen. But there are some easy enough steps you can take to help take care of them well.

Here's my simple guide for treating the Evil Pimple. So here's to speedy healing, and to ever beautiful skin! Enjoy!

Treating a Facial Breakout Products 1-2-3:

1) Medicated Wash: St. Ives Naturally Clear Green Tea Cleanser ($6)

2) Toner: NarsSkin Hydrating Freshening Lotion ($36)

3) Topical Treatments:

Clearasil Daily Acne Control Vanishing Acne Treatment Cream ($6)

SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense ($78)

-N.C.

Disclaimer: Nuy Cho has no affiliation to any of the beauty companies mentioned on www.nuybeauty.com.

Homemade Disposable Face Masks

Here finally is a post inspired by reader Melissa, who back in April asked me to make a video on a homemade beauty product when I ran my video ideas contest. Being a busy mom, I wanted to make something using only what I had in my kitchen, and *it* finally came to me: a disposable face mask made with only a paper towel, rice milk (great for sensitive skin) -- and if you wanted to, a dollop of honey.

Thank You Melissa :-)!

Check out how to make the mask in this quick video:

Homemade Face Mask Recipe 1-2-3:

1) 1/8 cup rice milk. Cold milk feels fantastic and restorative on the face.

2) One thick paper towel cut out into a face shape (cut holes for eyes, nose and mouth).

3) Option to add 1/4 teaspoon honey. Remember to microwave the mixture for 20 seconds so it can fully blend, and stir well with a spoon. Let the honey milk cool off for a refreshing effect. Or keep it warm if you need it to soothe.

-N.C.

Disclaimer: Nuy Cho has no affiliation to any of the beauty companies mentioned on www.nuybeauty.com.

Beauty is Simple, Sophisticated Dressing

This post is dedicated to my deep love of fashion. And because beauty encompasses not only how we carry ourselves in our skin, our smiles, our teeth -- but I think, simply put, that it has just as much to do with how we wear ourselves too.

I hope you enjoy.

-N.C.

Disclaimer: Nuy Cho has no affiliation to any of the beauty companies mentioned on www.nuybeauty.com.

Smart Beauty Packing for Air Travel

It's taken me awhile to conquer the plum amount of products, in skincare and make-up, to bring along with me for my travels. There were the days in my 20s where I lugged the Samsonite travel case or Shu Uemura Box with me, and every new-fangled fashion and beauty accoutrement I had accompanied me. Now, with my busy mom i.d., it's all about being as weightless (therefore swift for being on the go) as possible. But of course, still having all the goods for prettying up and taking care.

Helpful Tips & Goods for Smart Beauty Packing (Air Travel) :

1) Travel Rules: A simple guideline from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for carry-on packing. Also, it's helpful to put your zip top bag with the liquids, gels and aerosols at the top of your bag, or wherever you can easily access it as TSA rules dictate you are supposed to take the bag out when you remove your shoes, for x-ray screening.

2) Beauty Minis: Drugstores always have travel aisles where you can pick up travel size containers of toiletries, if you don't already have them. Also, here are two great travel sets by Caudalie (Beauty on Board, $15) and Bliss (Sinkside Six-Pack, $22), which you absolutely can't go wrong with -- complete with bags.

3) Makeup Bag Chic: I love this sleek travel case by Marc by Marc Jacobs (Pretty Nylon Small Cosmetic Bag, $78), in the three lovely colors of black, plum and gray. The rectangular shape is optimal for both elegant aesthetics and functionality.

-N.C.

Disclaimer: Nuy Cho has no affiliation to any of the beauty companies mentioned on www.nuybeauty.com.

Conceal Like a Pro

Great Tools for Expert Concealing:

1) Disposable make-up sponges

2) Cle de Peau Beaute Concealer -- absolutely luxe!, ($70) 
Gentler to your purse option, with great color span: Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage, ($28)

3) Nars Flat Concealer Brush ($26)


-N.C.

Disclaimer: Nuy Cho has no affiliation to any of the beauty companies mentioned on www.nuybeauty.com.

Beauty Gifts for the Winning Idea

Spring Gifts: St. Tropez Self-Tanner, Sephora Eye Makeup Remover, Orly Nail Polish, Almay Mascara

The sun feels great here in New York City, and I'm ecstatic that it's finally springtime! I hope you're enjoying the weather as much as I am wherever your home city may be.

I've also been enjoying, as I'm sure you've noticed, making videos for this site.  And I'd love to hear what you'd like to see me shoot about next. Name a general topic in the comment form below, for example -- perfume, eye cream, frizzy hair -- and the person with the winning idea gets the pictured beauty gift.

Winner will be announced next week. Enjoy your day :-).

Update: Due to the amazing response, and incredibly developed ideas, I was forced to pick the idea via random drawing. The winner is Melissa! Thank you all so much for contributing to something so near and dear to my heart -- you'll be seeing the video soon. Stay tuned!

-N.C.

Disclaimer: Nuy Cho has no affiliation to any of the beauty companies mentioned on www.nuybeauty.com.

Outtake Fun: Getting Made-Up for Photos

Brows, eyes and cheeks are made camera-ready with make-up artist Jason Hoffman in this fun video outtake.

-N.C.

Disclaimer: Nuy Cho has no affiliation to any of the beauty companies mentioned on www.nuybeauty.com.

Make-Up at My House (Pt. 2): 4-Mins to Ready

Last summer, I posted a video of one of my quick morning make-up routines, with my daughter of course, joining me. This is a follow-up to that -- she's a little older now, and I thought it'd be fun to include a little more detail on what goes on during those four minutes I'm throwing my make-up on. And yes, it takes exactly four minutes. You'll see my clock!

Here's the everyday make-up I do when I'm wanting to look fresh but not overdone. It's just enough to cover up what I don't want to be seen (pimples, blemishes, tired eyes), and fast enough to do even if I'm running a little behind schedule. Enjoy.

-N.C.

Disclaimer: Nuy Cho has no affiliation to any of the beauty companies mentioned on www.nuybeauty.com.

The Mommy Break Sandwich, a Recipe

The Mommy Break Sandwich: homemade simple banh-mi sandwich with a side of iced coffee

I adore my daughter, like all parents love their kids. After the struggle of putting her to bed, I'll sometimes find myself watching videos of her dancing or singing. Even though it seems ironic in a sense, that after those final hours of making and feeding her dinner, bathing her, having her hang and swing from me like a pet lemur, that I'd want any more of her (particularly if she throws an anti-toothbrush tantrum) instead of a break! But of course I do, and we all do. That's why we raise them everyday, despite the hard, because they're so irresistible.

But breaks are highly important. And as mothers, we work incredibly hard to support our families -- and our jobs, as caretakers are 24-7. We're designed to be highly attuned to when our little ones need breaks, but sometimes it's easy to forget when we need our own rest. The last couple of months I'd been running around with the usual busy mom plate, juggling a variety of different projects, and it wasn't until today that I realized what a break I needed. Daddy and daughter were gone to Grandma's for the day, and after some chores I made myself a sandwich. For the first time in a while, as I was tasting the crisp and crunchy cucumber while slicing, and feeling refreshed by the aliveness of the cilantro, I finally absorbed the moment I was in.

As I stood in the kitchen eating in quiet, I felt an overwhelming sense of peace. I then encouraged myself to go sit at the table and enjoy my tranquil and late Sunday lunch.

Nuy's Banh-Mi Sandwich Recipe 1-2-3:

In Honolulu, where I grew up, Vietnamese banh-mi sandwich shops were as accessible as the popular Subway chain. And one that my friends and I would always frequent after school when we were starving was Ba-Le Sandwiches & Bakery. Given that I am obsessed with cucumbers and cilantro, and both are in the banh-mi sandwiches -- well, I say no more! This is my easy version of the banh-mi sandwich:

1) Start with two slices of your favorite white or French bread, toasted. You may choose to spread mayonnaise (I recommend using the Japanese Kewpie version), or leave plain.

2) Add turkey cold cuts and/or sliced cheese (I suggest a mild one like Provolone or Swiss).

3) Also add sliced Hot House or Kirby cucumbers, and cilantro. Enjoy!

-N.C.

Disclaimer: Nuy Cho has no affiliation to any of the beauty companies mentioned on www.nuybeauty.com.

February Friday Fun: Pink Lip Gloss Giveaway

What could be more fun than getting a light, pale pink lip gloss on a Friday night? Well, I think so! Here's your chance to get a Shu Uemura Gloss Unlimited Lip Gloss in Pink 300S. Just add a comment to this post and you'll be entered. The winner will be announced next week. I can't wait to hear from everyone! Have a happy weekend ...

Thanks for commenting - our winner is Thao!

-N.C.

Disclaimer: Nuy Cho has no affiliation to any of the beauty companies mentioned on www.nuybeauty.com.

Mixing Colors: Lips

Painting and mixing colors aren't just for when you're hanging out with you're kids. Try it with your lip color and expand your inner artist, as well as your existing make-up selection with this easy video guide.

-N.C.

Disclaimer: Nuy Cho has no affiliation to any of the beauty companies mentioned on www.nuybeauty.com.

Snowy Days, Happy Skin and Warmth

My daughter, some of our dear friends, and I built a snowman after a big snow fall.
I felt that perhaps he needed a little color amidst all the white.

It has been snowy day after snowy day here in New York City. Every week we seem to get a new, crazier blizzard or storm, and the salt stains on my favorite pair of weather-proof boots rise up like the layers you see in a canyon.

BRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!

Both my daughter's skin and mine have been drier than ever as the heater's have been cranked up to their hottest temperatures to keep us warm. For this I've been moisturizing us, sometimes twice daily, with Aveeno Baby Daily Moisture Lotion ($8.00 for 18 oz.), and I've also recently introduced a new humidifier into the home, the Walgreen's Warm Steam Vaporizer ($16). It's got a fantastic price, and is great for those like me who suffer from sinus issues. For soothing those really rough, super dry and itchy patches of skin, I still depend on Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream ($14.00 for 16 oz.), for both of us.

And, to digress slightly, when I can, I've been making the occasional stew to warm up my family's tummies from the inside. The newest dish I introduced into the dinner rotation was a rendition of Chicken Adobo, after being inspired by a New York Times article. And, I've been roasting lots of veggies (loving brussel sprouts). The way the high heat softens and sweetens everything that gets cooked, I barely have to coax my daughter to eat her daily greens!

After all, happy skin isn't just about adequate hydration. It's about healthy, wholesome eating too.

-N.C.

Disclaimer: Nuy Cho has no affiliation to any of the beauty companies mentioned on www.nuybeauty.com.

The Beauty Masters: Soul Lee for Your Best DIY Brows

Welcome back to the final chapter of the Beauty Masters, a four-part NuyBeauty.com exclusive interview series that combines the most useful tips on hair color, make-up and brows with step-by-step guidance from some of the industry’s top experts.

Thank you for being patient in waiting for this last piece. Here, tada! (as my daughter would proudly say) is the grand finale, an in-depth tutorial, covering one of my favorite and most definitive parts of the face: the brow! And to elucidate us on the ease of achieving our lovely arches is Soul Lee, a highly sought after New York City-based brow- and lash-specialist for Kiehl's. Come join Soul and I in our special video as she reveals several of her never-before-seen techniques and tricks. After watching this, you'll be your own brow pro -- in less than ten minutes!

Many thanks to Soul for letting us in on the nitty gritty of her brow prowess. If you want to find out more about her, and how to contact her, click here.

What makes a woman beautiful according to Soul? "Confidence. Find your own individual and personal style and make it work for you. If you feel comfortable in who you are, it makes you beautiful.

Product Picks from Your Best DIY Brows:

1) These tweezers are a must-have: Rubis Stainless Steel Slant Tweezers ($35).
2) For filling in the gaps: Yves Saint Laurent Dessin Des Sourcils Eyebrow Pencil ($28), with a handy groomer on the other end.
3) These types of reusable cold packs are great to have for when the little ones have their falls and bumps, or for Soul's pain-free tweezing tip! 

MORE THANKS:

A huge amount of gratitude to Malcolm Lam, a filmmaker and director, who filmed the masters videos and offered invaluable advice and support throughout. You can see some of his work at Wabisabifilms.com.

And big, big thanks to our beautiful model Bronwyn Barnes for volunteering her face, arches (of course!), and support.

-N.C.

Disclaimer: Nuy Cho has no affiliation to any of the beauty companies mentioned on www.nuybeauty.com.