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.

The Beauty Masters: Jason Hoffman for Date Night Make-Up

Welcome back to 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.

I'm thrilled to finally unveil the first of my two how-to videos. Join me, and make-up artist Jason Hoffman as we dive into genuinely relaxed and simple glamour -- for date night! You'll see that with Jason's approach, stepping up your look from basic to bold will take less time and energy than you ever imagined.

Many thanks again to Jason for his artistry and advice. And to find out more about him, click here.

What makes a woman beautiful according to Jason?
"When a woman feels good about herself she gets a certain twinkle in her eye, and to me to me that's what it's all about."

Product Picks from Your Best Date Night Video 1-2-3:

1) M.A.C. Cosmetics Studio Finish SPF 35 Concealer ($17).
2) Nars Bronzing Powder in Laguna, ($32).
3) Serge Lutens Refillable Lipstick in color 1- Mise a Mort ($75).

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.

-N.C.

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