Korean Skincare and Cleansing: The Ultimate Guide, Pt. 1

Korean Celebrity, Jun Ji-Hyun, known for her immaculate, glowing skin. Image by Hanyul

Skincare never seemed like a big deal to me growing up because it was instilled in me from birth. It was a big part of my daily ritual, like family dinners or chores. Everyday we took long baths/showers (bathing is a huge part of Asian culture) and we were to always wash our face morning and night. Before bedtime in particular, my mother would wag her finger and warn, if I didn't wash my face thoroughly my facial pores would turn over "dirty cells" while I slept and I'd wake up with dirty skin that had reproduced on top of the old. YIKES and NO THANKS! Now, that's skin some sort of skin training! Face cloths, face washes, moisturizers and sunscreens (since we lived in Hawaii) were as necessary as our toothbrushes, and if something odd turned up on my face like a bump, we went straight to the dermatologist.

This is a vastly simplified, but telling view of Korean skin parenting. It is intense, but results in good skin if the care is taken seriously. This post is one of a series where I'll introduce you to all the essentials of excellent Korean skin care to get your skin in the best shape possible. Age-defying, dewy and healthy.

The Primary

 Tonymoly Egg Pore Deep Cleansing Foam, $12

Washing: You've got to wash your face twice a day. Try warm water to wash, and cool water at the end, to rinse, to tighten the appearance of pores. You can even try the double-wash method, which I like, where you start by taking off makeup with a good foaming cleanser (try Tonymoly Egg Pore Deep Cleansing Foam, $12) then follow up with an oil-based cleanser (try The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Cleansing Light Oil, $13) to soften and moisturize, while still cleaning your face. This eliminates the drying effects of cleaning.

Try massaging your face daily. I like to gently tap or pat my face after washing, from bottom to top, to promote circulation.

Drying Off: Use a nice towel of your choice -- I prefer ones that have a bit of nubby texture to them (I like these Japanese gingham print ones, they're cute AND effective). Pat your face dry and if you need to rub, rub upwards. You don't want to help gravity in anyway ;-). If you have a lot of dry skin, use a warm washcloth in the shower to gently slough away any dead skin particles. This works really well, and feels awesome as well.

Sweet Gingham Print Japanese Face Washcloths. They'll look great in your bathroom and feel amazing on your face!

Massage: My aunt, who has the most quintessentially perfect "milky rice cake" skin, even near age 70, massages her face daily. You can do this by patting your facing, or gently tapping it for a few minutes to stimulate circulation.

Stay tuned for more essential Korean beauty secrets soon. And if you try any of these steps, please let me know what you think, and if they worked for you or not. I'd love to hear!

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

Starting New Chapters in #Life

Starting a new chapter with NuyBeauty

#tbt - 5 yrs ago I created NuyBeauty.com. I had a new baby, lost my job & my mom was diagnosed with stage iv cancer- so I reinvented my #life and started providing beauty service for moms online. 172 posts and videos later lots has changed! Thanks for all the support! I couldn't have done it without all your help and support. special thanks to the advice of @jey_cho ( Jeremy Cho) and @raylaswol ( Ray Cho) - and MOM - ( Eun-Ja Cho), @nywnorbsenrab ( Bronwyn Barnes ), @hoffwego ( Jason Hoffman @michanntan ( Michelle Tan)

-N.C.

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

MAKE Kid-Friendly NATURAL LIP BALMS & ALLERGY-FREE SOAPS with Me in INWOOD, NY!

My daughter and her bestie Hana-chan measuring beeswax and coconut oil for the lip balm making.

Yup, I've decided to take my beauty craft knowledge and pass it along to DIY "let's make fun stuff" hungry kids.  SO, tada... I introduce the Official NuyBeauty Kid Beauty Craft Spring/Sumner Workshops SCHEDULE! (and PS, my apartment used to be called Sesame Street b/c I would always invite oodles of kids to play with my daughter and have face-painting, crafting, baking, etc. going on :-)

Decorating the lip balm containers with jewel stickers.

Completed Lip Balms, made by an older set of children (not so blingy and full of tapefitti ;-))

--N.C.

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

When A Family Loses a Dog: Honoring a Beautiful Life

#Dogs bring us #love, companionship, and build unbreakable bonds of symbiotic emotional nurturing and caring that come without human judgment. King Arthur, our family dog watching over my daughter when she was just a wee one in 2008.

I've been dreading writing this story - probably since the day I fell in love with my (heart, sinking, now, ugh) late, family dog, King Arthur. But I do it now, because it's time I finally honor his admirable, amazing and beautiful life: King Arthur Cho - 2001-2013.

Our dog came to us in an untraditional way. I was working at InStyle magazine and didn't have any thoughts of adopting a canine at the time back in 2005. But one evening I came home from work and there was this giant rottie shepherd mutt, trotting around with this goofy look on this face knocking over all my things because he was just, well, extremely large. Oh, and he smelled really bad. My then husband had taken the pup in for some neighborly dogsitting and depsite the fact that I was mildy annoyed at not being previously informed of the visit, I, a huge dog lover, quickly bathed the big guy and well, within minutes, let's just say, fell in love.

Meant to Be - haha!: Me and King Arthur Cho in one of our Holiday Cards, 2005

The story goes that said owner of King Arthur the dog, after three weeks away, never really came back, and thank goodness because I developed a deep bond with the dog. It was as they say, meant to be. "KA" as he began to be known was famously my first baby, and incredibly spoiled by me: I created quite um "fancy" holiday cards with just the two of us, sending them to fellow editors and colleagues (I kind of cringe, at this today, lol). KA had Halloween costumes, and new toys everyday, and ahem, KA wore a black bowtie when I got married. Furthermore, the King certainly had only the most sophisticated of bath and body treatments. I know, ridiculous.

But perhaps what I will remember King Arthur the most for is how he nursed me. I was born with a progressive medical condition that has caused me severe pain throughout my life. There was once a period where I was bedridden for a week and he never left my side - not even to drink water. I will never forget that. It was incredible as I was never allowed to feel alone by my dog, as he patiently waited for me to get better.

And so when I miss my crazy, goofy dog, who had such a love and loyalty, as all family dogs do, I think of how he was there for me in the toughest of times. And this is my story of course, but every family member who King Arthur spent time with, has a unique story of their own, of how he touched their lives. Because that's what family dogs do. They bring us love, companionship, and build unbreakable bonds of symbiotic emotional nurturing and caring that come without human judgment. Now the beauty in that is boundless.

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

Merry Christmas: Here's a Day in My Life as Mother, Beauty Expert, Girlfriend, and Life Lover!

What are you Thankful For? My Thanksgiving LOL Confessional

What I Want and Why Life Is Good - my pre-pre-pre bucket list from my 20s - found yesterday while digging through old photos for work. To me, hilarious!

Truly, I'm thankful for what I have in my life. I love my daughter. I'm happy that I survived, or am surviving my divorce -- because my goodness, it's been a couple year process. Yes, meaning in short, just becoming amicable with the ex, getting a good schedule of co-parenting, took a LOT of work. But we're getting there YAY! And I have a new guy in my life, who's been awesome about the whole thing. I used to want Chanel bags, mink shrugs and shiny things from Harry Winston (well, maybe I still think about them from time to time ;-)), but that's ok!

But I now know the importance of having well-working families and relationships - even if they are non-traditional. I had to get over the non-traditional part through the divorce -- even me, whose been called the `soul sister rebel child' by my brother Ray, because I nonetheless was raised in a conservative household. But as long as you have a solid chain of loved ones, family and friends around you -- this is your family, your community, whether it's modern, traditional, alternative, whatever you want to call it. It's yours, so it doesn't matter. Yes, relationships are hard, but with TLC -- we work to make them better and make them last and work for us.

So happy thanksgiving!

Me and Daddy in Kyoto, 1981.

And if you happen to read in detail my funny little pre-bucket list up there (I've blacked out the too private to share bullet points).  I've crossed out as irrelevant or `N/A' over time, and the funniest one to me is "A man I can bring a man home w/out fear of disownment). Just a little explanation on that: I'm Korean-American with a fiercely traditional father who is Confucian; My ex-husband was Haitian-American/Black. Let's just say this did not go over well with my dad and his obsession with the maintenance of the Cho bloodline. He disowned me over four times - for wanting to be with my ex, and for later wanting to leave him. Basically, I couldn't win either way. But, great news. Daddy and are at peace now. Everything passes. Trust me ;-).


Beauty Tip in all of this? Feel loved. Be loved. Let yourself be loved, because you are loved. 
And that is where your beauty starts. Beauty = love.

--N.C.

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

Friday Winter Beauty Tip: Wash Off Tanning

Me, this morning after mixing St. Tropez's One Night Only Instant Glow Body Lotion with Nars Laguna Body Illuminator, and Accent Moisturizing Body Lotion to create a hydrating and natural bronzing effect.

Winter is cold, rainy, and there's definitely not enough healthy, yummy sunlight. One of the things I hate the most is losing my tan. I'm sure you can all relate. An easy way to lift your spirits on a particularly crappy day (it's very wet today in NYC) is to give yourself a nice wash-off tan rub. It creates an instant summery glow, and the way I do it, with a few pumps of moisturizer, also nourishes your dry winter skin. Here's how:

St. Tropez's One Night Only Instant Glow Body Lotion with Nars Laguna Body Illuminator, and Accent Moisturizing Body Lotion

3 Steps to a Safe Instant Winter Tan:

1) Take a dime sized amount of St. Tropez's One Night Only Instant Glow Body Lotion ($18) (more depending on how tan you want to be) and mix this with an equal amount of Nars Laguna Body Illuminator ($45) : a ratio of 1:1.  Then add a few pumps of my new favorite body moisturizer by Accent ($16) (it's got fruit extracts from figs, pineapple and kiwi, which makes my Hawaiian born side perk up, and is paraben- and fragrance-free).

2) Mix all three together well between your palms. Then rub well into the parts of your body you want tan -- you don't want streaks. The mix may stain your hands so wash them right after with soap and water.

3) The Nars Illuminator will give you a tiny bit of shimmer, which will add to the overall glowing effect -- which will beget you complements if you happen to take off your cardigan and show a bit of arm ;-). Instant confidence and happiness builder! And at the end of the day, just wash everything off with the shower.

--N.C.

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

Why I've Committed Myself to Makeup: The Way It Was

Chloe Sevigny in Dazed & Confused, March 2013 - Makeup by Nuy Cho

I started doing makeup when I was in junior high on all my friends, hosting slumber party makeover shoots (usually five girls at a time in an average evening) to my mother's chagrin at my parents' house. Makeup would always run like my life-blood through my career, through multiple countries, as I trained my hands through classical piano, jewelry, drawing, pottery, painting, and later entered the fashion world in NYC.

I was conducting my own photo shoots and testing colors, lines, and textures on the face and body wherever I was -- in moving vehicles, in public restrooms, in airless basements -- wherever someone asked me to do makeup, I did it, no matter what the circumstance. I always had new colors/products (which I went majorly broke for) in my bag, and I didn't care if I got in trouble at my jobs. And trust me, I did. At Issey Miyake, I personally got in trouble for looking too "disco" while working at the showroom. And I got busted for looking like I was slacking off at another b/c I was trying to practice  a look w/ new shades, and was not looking present with my other tasks (even though nothing else was going on). I prioritized makeup for my "client." even when it wasn't my primary job, because ultimately makeup has always been No.1. I collected makeup - did it on everybody I could. Paid or unpaid, I just wanted to paint the face. I loved the way the color absorbed and reacted with skin.

My work can be seen on Chloe Sevigny, Leelee Sobieski, Laura Kampman, Missy Rayder, Zuzanna Bijoch, to name a few and publications like Vogue China, Dazed & Confused, Pop, 032c as well as others.

-- N.C.

Mother's Day Beauty Gifts for the Best Venter!

You're basically two clicks and a good #vent away from a bag of swag - ha!

Happy happy Mama's Day! My goodness do we work our as*es off all year to provide for our kids - in every which way. Well, I hope you have a fantastic day tomorrow, whether it's a day for yourself chilling out, or with your family and/or children. However you spend it, just know that being a mom is the hardest job in the world and this is the one day you should really really celebrate what a tough cookie you are. And how beautiful a being you are. Smile, relax and enjoy the day that is all about how YOU take care of those around you.

And because I love to give, I want to give a surprise bag of fun and mom-lovin' beauty goodies to a special mommy who comments on anything fun, funny, irritating, basically a FAIL-- whatever you want, that's happened to you as a mom (& if you're a pet-mom, foster mom, it all counts of course!), beauty- or fashion-wise while parenting underneath this blog [in the comments section]. And do me a tiny favor too ;-): follow me on Twitter @nuybeauty. Super easy rules for this contest, right?

The winner will be: the best commentator! You're basically two clicks and a good #vent away from a bag of swag - ha! I love you all! And feel to #VENT on Twitter if you so please! Just hashtag #VENT2NUY when you do so. :-)

Secret, sexy, beauty treats straight from Victoria's Secret Beauty to you!

Plus update, thanks to Victoria's Secret, there will be a bunch of awesome treats from their beauty collection in there, to spice things up - how cool is that?! 


Happy Mother's Day!

xo

Congrats to mthomas5@mac.com for her hilarious comment and for winning the contest! Enjoy!


--N.C.

100% Organic Hair Salon Review: Mauricio Hair in NYC

Prepping for my cut and blow-out at Mauricio Hair in his sanctuary like setting

Preggers? Super Green? Combing the tri-state area for a salon that only carries formaldehyde-free, 100% natural, ammonia-free and hair and hair color products certified organic by the USDA? Well Mauricio Cifuentes's zen-like private salon in the Flat Iron district is your answer: Mauricio Hair.

Mauricio Hair Salon:  212.532.3030

When you walk in, the atmosphere is floors above the buzz and chaos of Manhattan's crazy and the calm quiet and Mauricio's calm and gentle attitude will take all your worries away. He only uses premium organic products like Rahua (an amazing haircare line made with an Amazonian, natural oil - my favorite :-)) and Organic, (ammonia-free hair color) and his salon is an excellent option for those of you who want to keep up your hair color while pregnant, as all his hair care is completely organic as well.

Soft, minimal and white, the ambiance is zen and natural.

You will be offered tea and peace and, most of all a truly natural and soothing experience, both to you and your hair. My haircut and blowout were wonderful. Go to Mauricio and be treated royally by him. You won't regret it!

Thanks for my beautiful cut & blow out Mauricio (follow him ;-)! xoxo

 For PR Inquiries contact Paola Velasquez at paola@douxandco.com

--N.C.

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

Your WINNING Smile! Holiday Colgate Optic White Contest!

Make your smiler brighter in just 5 days with Colgate Optic White

Who doesn't want whiter teeth? A bright white smile is your lottery ticket (!) to a better day (sometimes that's all you need), maybe that dream job, a big grin right back from your kid or your who knows what could come your way? Everyone wants whiter teeth. I mean, c'mon - a big, white winning smile grants and gets you the kind of sparkle and charm you just can't explain.  PLUS, I've got a New Year's contest for you that's so easy to do, you'll be smiling so hard your cheeks will hurt!

Colgate Optic White Toothpaste, Mouthwash and Manual Toothbrush

So, here it is! Want to win a YEAR's SUPPLY of COLGATE OPTIC WHITE TOOTHPASTE which is clinically proven to get you a flashier, brighter, more beautiful smile in just five short days? And, think about not having to buy toothpaste for 12 whole months! Super! Rules are simple: Just follow me on twitter @nuybeauty in the next week, and let me know you've done it by commenting on this post, and you'll be entered to win a one year's supply of Colgate's Optic White toothpaste.

Colgate Optic White Toothpaste: A one year's supply could be yours if you follow me @nuybeauty on twitter in the next week!

I can assure you - I test out a LOT of toothpastes, and this one IS fantastic and feels like a superb mouthwash/whitening toothpaste all-in-one. It's gentle on your teeth, as I have very sensitive teeth, and Optic White® Toothpaste contains is clinically proven to whiten your teeth three or more shades brighter with daily use if you use it consistently for a month.

So follow me, and smile!

Happy New Year :-)!

xoxo

--N.C.

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

Visiting Manicurist Lisa Logan's new spot: The Nail Suite

Lisa Logan's The Nail Suite: Good Times & Fantabulous Nails

I first met Lisa Logan at a nail event this past summer and loved her warmth and super sincere vibe. We were both mothers of only daughters and she just had such a big heart -- <3!  She had told me she was just about to open her own place up in Harlem -- and I'd been meaning to go ever since my long respite in Hawaii. I didn't know until later she was Beyonce's personal nail stylist.

Well, my personal nail experience with her was fabulous. The Nail Suite is like going into a neighborhood beauty parlor where you've known everyone forever. The ambiance is just full of embrace and friendly chatter. Neighbors stop by to say Hi and "talk story" as they say in my hometown of Honolulu. I even got to meet her beautiful daughter as she stopped by that day!

And, Lisa treats everyone like she's been your friend forever. I love that! I highly recommend you visit Lisa's new place -- the prices are exceptionally reasonable and she and her team will give you a manicure to die for -- as you'll see below! Appointments can be made at lisanailsuite@gmail.com

Thank you xoxoxoxoxoxo Lisa!

Lisa's Special Design Nails w/ a Jamaican touch on the Pinky:

The tools and polish!

Adding the base and cutting strips for design. Here you can see where the l'il Jamaican touch began.

More meticulous design cutting.

On comes the black!

ALL DONE! LOVE IT!

-N.C.

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

My Medicure w/ Celebrity Manicurist Erica Marton

Erica Marton, Celebrity Manicurist

Sandpaper feet, toes like talons, feet you're embarrassed to rub up, and uh, scratch (cringe!) against your special someone! Or style-wise, we wouldn't dare want to showcase those in some spectacular open-toed Jimmy Choo's or even basic Havaianas. You know what I mean. Pedicures were not created equal. I'm sure you know!

Erica Marton, a celebrity manicurist at the posh Sally Hershberger Face Place in the Meatpacking district of NYC, about to start my Medicure.

I recently met up with Erica Marton, a celebrity manicurist at the posh Sally Hershberger Face Place in the Meatpacking district of NYC. My colleague Anne Fritz had been raving about her and so I had no choice (Of course! What girl says no to a pedi?) but to check her out. Her specialization? Using a drill to smooth feet for a "medicure." Sounds scary, but it feels gentle and wonderful actually. But the real beauty is that Erica is just the funniest, most charming and warm person ever. Sitting in a private room with her is like having a girl's night with someone you feel like you've known forever. You don't even know your feet are getting "shaved" or filed like you would with other salons where you might be flinching and tensing your toesies. After 45 minutes I was relaxed, giddy with girl-chat and just plain happy. And my feet? Soft as a baby's bottom. I highly recommend! She's amazing! No wonder the New York Times has spotted her! ;-).

I promise, it feels great!

Plus!!!!! Drum roll please......Stay tuned for a fun video Erica and I will do together soon for something fun and unique you can do easily at home with your nails! Because, remember, she does nails too! Follow her on Instagram @ericamartoncelebritymanicurist! xo!

My complete and beautiful Medicure by Erica: with Maybelline's Sapphire Siren Nail Polish.

--N.C.

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

How a Tattoo Helped Me Get Over My 10-inch Scar

Peggy at work from my point of view.

Over a decade ago I got a 10.5 inch scar smack on the middle on my abdomen, running from the right in the center of my chest to below my belly button. This was traumatic for someone who was a 22-year-old, and we won't get into the surgery that caused it. But needless to say, I'm all right now. But this post isn't about health - it's about how scars are hard for anybody, and for years I thought about reconstructive surgery. Time does heal, but a recently a tattoo helped made an empowering difference in my attitude towards my body. And this coming from someone who wasn't that into ink for a long time.

When you're that young, and back then it was the 90s (think fashion with belly-bearing shirts, navel rings, low-cut jeans), it was crushing to me that I had such a striking mark. It was bright red for almost a year. I bought geriatric tank-inis to cover up what I thought was an eye-sore, and carried my scar around like a ginormous wart. Suffice it to say, it took me years to own that I had it -- looking at it in disbelief.. Eventually I got used to it. And now I have a drawer-ful of Brazilians bikinis, which you may have caught on Instagram. But a girl's relationship to a big scar is complicated. Scars scar you. They're hard.

Now my scar is a story, a battle wound in a sense. It's faded over time and  a part of me. But I can't say I'm not still self-conscious. I'm subject to vanity, just not wanting it to be there, like any other human being - and then there's being a beauty and style expert, which doesn't help matters. My daughter asks about it all the time, and I explain, "Mama had surgery because she was sick," and she responds, "Did it hurt?" So sweet but a poignant reminder nonetheless.

Well, as I've come to be more at peace with my scar, I decided it was time to symbolize it. Reconstructive surgery can cost tens of thousands of dollars, so I thought why not a more reasonable decorative tattoo? A way to personally beautify my scar and to reclaim what had happened. I could maybe look down and see something I'd created, instead of just seeing a healed wound. I started with a tattoo at just the bottom area, where the scar was the darkest and most prominent, leaving room for future consideration for the rest of the scar, as one should never rush into any permanent body art.

The result? Rather than feeling like I had a marked abdomen, I felt like I had a pretty, and young one, for that matter.

Reclaiming Your Scarred Skin with a Tattoo:

I printed out the Maile leaf pattern and cut it  to a desired size, taped it on and photographed it to get a sense of how it would look.

1) Find a pattern, symbol, etc. you like and print it out. Try putting it on your body to get a sense of how it will look. This helps give you and idea of how it'll cover your scar. I chose a Maile leaf, a Hawaiian symbol of love, honor and respect. 

Here, I am ready to be inked. With an artist you trust, it's sometimes good to get their opinion on your design, placement and color.

2) I took my inspiration pics and gave it to my Tattooer (find one you trust, it's good to get a personal recommendation) Peggy Jordan of Electric Paradise Tattoo in Waikiki, HI, and asked her to add some filigree. She then added a standard preview stencil for test placement.

Day 1 of healing, my Maile leaf inked by Peggy Jordan.

3) Finished: Now it's a different type of healing! Not a surgery wound, but a fun 'wound' from a piece of art created with the help of an artist. Beauty is what you make of it!

--N.C.

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

The Best Frozen Hawaiian Drink: A Liliko'i Chi Chi, My Recipe

For NuyBeauty: A Bi-Island Beauty & Style Influencer's Life doesn't seem so bad, right?
The thoughts bounce off the stunning aquamarine harbor for me at Pier 9, Honolulu, HI. 
Photo by my 4-year old daughter.

Happy Monday! I've recently been thinking about becoming a bi-island beauty & style influencer -- figuring why not embrace both the islands I love so much and are my homes. I grew up in Honolulu, on the island of Oahu, and then made my home and career in fashion and beauty for years on Manhattan island. But as I miss paradise so much, and have spent some extended time here this summer, I am of the feeling that I'll spend just a few months here and there in Hawaii bringing and broadcasting to you what's so special about this cultural melting pot of international love and clever forged styles and beauty. What do you think? ;-) Plus: Do you know? I've actually now lived longer in NYC than in Oahu - GASP!

A little treat for today as I enjoy my last few days here before I fly back to my home in the Big City for Fashion Week, and to get my daughter to school : I've been experimenting with a little mixology! Fun, fun, fun. My friend Ning was here last week for a visit, and we fell in love with the historic Pagoda Restaurant's Chi Chi, what they call a Piña Colada in Hawaii.

I've been trying to recreate it, but came up with a slightly altered version that blends a bit more of the tropics than the usual pineapple and coconut. See what you think!

A Chi Chi, or better known as a Piña Colada, is uber satisfying on a hot summer day.
Or any day for that matter!

NuyBeauty's Liliko'i Chi Chi Recipe:

Ingredients For One Drink

3 oz. Sweetened Pineapple Juice (Dole Brand is best)

2 oz. Hawaiian Sun Liliko'i Passion Juice or, you can just use 5 oz. of the pineapple juice and then add 1-2 tbsp. or your desired amt. to taste of Aunty Liliko'i's Passion Fruit Syrup (which is multi-use for pancakes and glazed meats!)

1.5 oz. Coconut Cream

2 oz. Vodka of your choice

*Option to add 1/2-1 scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream for an extra creamy delish treat!

1 cup Crushed Ice

Tools Needed: A Blender

Directions: Add all ingredients to the blender, adding the crushed ice last. Blend well until smooth. Pour into a tall glass and enjoy.

TIP: *Fashion/beauty treatment for your glass: You can add a fancy twisted straw, a colored parasol and/or a sliced pineapple wedge as a garnish.

TIP: *Or, something I did to sweeten it just a tad w/out using ice cream or the syrup was to stick a natural fruit popsicle right into it. It added a splash of contrasting color and looks great.

Cheers!

--N.C.

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

Summer Seaside Beauty Giveaway

Swag includes conditioner, nail color, summer fragrance, eyeshadow, self-tanner, plus a bonus present! Brands include Revlon, Narciso Rodgriguez, CoverGirl, Zoya, L'Occitane, St. Tropez, and more -- Enjoy!

Inspired by the brilliant colors of the South Pacific ocean, here is a sweet little bundle of sea-colored treats to help you with your beauty regime. All you've got to do is like my Facebook Page by Friday, July 27. Then, I'll pick the lucky Liker and send you your seaside goodies. Swag includes conditioner, nail color, summer fragrance, eyeshadow, self-tanner, plus a bonus present! Brands include Revlon, Narciso Rodgriguez, CoverGirl, Zoya, L'Occitane, St. Tropez, and more -- Enjoy! You're a click away from beach-ready beauty! Xo!
If you follow me on Twitter/Instagram @nuybeauty too, I'll include bonus treats by Shu Uemura!
:-)!

Shu Uemura, impossible to get in the U.S. pastel shimmer sage green eyeshadow

Congrats to Emma Tuz for winning the Seaside Summer Giveaway!! Please contact my amazing intern alyssa@nuybeauty.com to receive your winnings! xoxo

--N.C.

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

Ultimate Hawaiian Summer Tanning Tip

Monoi Tiare coconut oil in the Jasmine (tiare) scent

The tropics. Hot summers. It's warm out there. We're in the thick of July. You want your skin to be as glowing and tan as possible perhaps? I'm in Oahu, my hometown for a vacation right now and wanted to let you know in a little tanning secret. It's skin-safe, AND smells like heavenly paradise. What have you got to lose?

Coconut oils have always been used in island cultures to optimize tanning. It moisturizes the skin, and adds a glow to the skin, which reflects light, creating an optimum tanning base, as the light reflects all over your body. Even better, coconut oil smells delightful and subtle so it's like instant aromatherapy! And, coconut oil works like a mineral oil, but it's great for sensitive skin becasue it doesn't tend to cause any reactions in skin -- so it's great for people with sensitivities, dryness, and mild skin conditions.

Ultimate Tanning at work at Waimea Bay, Hawaii

The Ultimate Hawaiian Tan with Monoi Coconut Oil from Tahiti:

1) Apply sun protection first before you hit the beach or go into the sun, using a sun protection lotion of at least SPF 30 or higher. Let it set for a few minutes so it is absorbed.

2) Use Monoi Coco oil.  Monoi has several scents, like Jasmine or Vanilla or Frangipani -- Gardenia (tiare) is my favorite. Rub a generous amount all over your body. You can even put some in the ends of your hair as it is very nourishing for damaged hair -- it provides essential proteins.

3) Bonus Perfume-use Tip: I use the scented Monoi oils around my neck and upper arms on a daily basis just for a shoulder glow and a natural, subtle perfume. Try it!

4) Reapply as necessary, just as you would your sun protection.

Let me know what you think! xo

-N.C.

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

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!