makeup – Elizabeth N. Tran | L.A. Based Writer

5 Beauty & Skincare Products That You Need This Season

March 28, 2025 Elizabeth N. TranLeave a comment

This article was originally published on February 12, 2021, in 60 Seconds Magazine. As of June 3, 2023, 60 Seconds Magazine‘s website is no longer active.

Although there are so many new beauty and skincare products on the market, there are a few staples in my routine that I will never swap out! Read on to see what some of my favorite holy grail products are!

1. Glossier Boy Brow

The Glossier Boy Brow is a must-have! I love how it’s so easy to use, and with just a few swipes, the creamy wax visibly thickens, shapes and grooms brows into place. This product also lasts super long, so it’s perfect for warmer days!

2. Charlotte Tilbury Powder Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder

I’ve tried a variety of different powders throughout the years, but this Charlotte Tilbury powder is truly irreplaceable! The micro-fine powder gives off a truly airbrushed finished, and it doesn’t cake or sit in fine lines. It helps my makeup stay on the whole day, and it’s definitely one of my favorite purchases of all time! Plus, the packaging is super elegant.

3. Sally Hansen Color Therapy Nail Polish in Sheer Nirvana

Another favorite product of mine is this nail polish shade from Sally Hansen. The sheer pink mimics the natural color of nails, so that when applied, it makes nails look healthy and natural (with just a hint of understated glam), like you just got a manicure!

4. Beautyblender Power Pocket Puff

https://www.sephora.com/product/powder-puff-P434014

This next product is more of a beauty tool, but it’s still an essential for any makeup enthusiast, and it’s none other than the Beautyblender powder puff! Most of us are very familiar with the Beautyblender sponges, and I’m also a huge fan of them! I recently purchased their powder puff as well, and it truly makes such a difference in helping me achieve that poreless, airbrushed look!

5. Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex

https://www.esteelauder.com/product/689/77491/product-catalog/skincare/repair-serum/advanced-night-repair/synchronized-multi-recovery-complex

Last but not least is this serum from Estee Lauder. It’s fast-penetrating and helps to reduce multiple signs of aging. I’ve actually only been using this serum consistently for about a month and a half, and I’ve already seen noticeable differences in my skin. It looks more radiant, plump, and hydrated, and multiple fine lines have already faded, particularly the ones around my lip and the ones on my forehead.

That wraps up my recent beauty and skincare favorites! What are some of your favorite products?

My Recent Beauty Purchases

March 28, 2025 Elizabeth N. TranLeave a comment

This article was originally published on January 15, 2021, in 60 Seconds Magazine. As of June 3, 2023, 60 Seconds Magazine‘s website is no longer active.

Over the holidays, I purchased a wide variety of beauty products as a gift to myself, and now that I’ve had about a month to try them, I wanted to share some of recent favorites! Read on to see the products that you need to add to your collection too!

1. Avène Tolerance Control Skin Recovery Cream

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Whenever it gets chillier, my skin gets drier, and this year, on top of my usual flaky skin, I had an allergic reaction to treatment. In order to not aggravate my skin any further, I turned to Avène’s Skin Recovery Cream, a soothing and protective moisturizing cream formulated with minimal ingredients. The best part about the simple ingredient list is that it’s super gentle for hypersensitive and irritated skin, and it also helps the skin rebuild tolerance and repair damage.

After using this cream for a week, my skin is baby soft again, and I’ve seen a notable difference in the texture as well! I definitely recommend this cream to any of you who live in a dry and cold area. It’s a lifesaver!

2. Innisfree Green Tea Seed Hyaluronic Serum

Another recent favorite of mine is this Intensive Hydrating Serum from Innisfree. I love how this serum is so nourishing yet lightweight, and it never makes my face feel sticky. The green tea extract and green tea seed oil helps my skin maintain its moisture throughout the day, and I love how this serum is also packed with amino acids and antioxidants. The best thing about this serum is its affordability – it’s only $27!

3. Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray

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And last but not least is this weightless setting spray from Urban Decay. In order to help extend the life of my makeup, especially when I wear a face mask or covering, a good setting spray is essential. Out of all of the ones that I’ve tried, this one from Urban Decay really helps to lock in my makeup. It’s inevitable that some of my makeup still transfers onto my mask throughout the day, but with the help of this setting spray, I see significantly less transference, especially in comparison to not using a spray at all.

And that wraps up my recent favorite beauty finds! What are some of your favorite beauty purchases?

Skincare Essentials for the Fall

March 28, 2025March 28, 2025 Elizabeth N. TranLeave a comment

This article was originally published on November 13, 2020, in 60 Seconds Magazine. As of June 3, 2023, 60 Seconds Magazine‘s website is no longer active.

Though it’s only the second week of November, the temperatures have already been quickly dropping. While I’m super excited about the cooler weather because there’s nothing I love more than snuggling up with some blankets while reading a good book, I’m also a little wary of the brisker winds and lower temperatures since it can take a toll on my dry and sensitive skin.

I’ve been trying my best to take extra care of my skin with some soothing and gentle products, so read on to see which beauty essentials are a part of my updated skincare routine for the fall and winter.

1. Primera Alpine Berry Water Cream

This has been my absolute favorite product within the last few months. The dewy formula makes my skin feel super smooth without being sticky. The texture is lightweight and sinks in quickly, while leaving my skin hydrated and nourished throughout the day. The cream is made from a blend of strawberry sprouts and blackberries, so that it can protect the skin against environmental factors. The best thing about this cream, though, is that it’s free of sulfates, parabens, and phthalates, so it’s perfect for those with sensitive skin.

2. Vaseline Rosy Lip Therapy

When we think about skincare routines, we often neglect our lips. The cooler temperatures usually make my lips very dry and chapped, so I always make sure to never skip out on some extra care and nourishment. One of my favorites is this lip therapy from Vaseline, since it helps to lock in moisture and gives my lips a glossy shine. I love how long-lasting this product is, and it’s also super affordable, making it a must-have in my skincare routine.

3. IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream

Aside from the shifts in my moisturizers and lip care products, another new skincare staple that I’ve been obsessed with is this CC+ Cream from IT Cosmetics. As the name suggests, this color-correcting mineral sunscreen / cream offers ample coverage, while also nourishing the skin with anti-aging hydrating serums for a natural and flawless finish. Formulated with collagen, peptides, and hyaluronic acid, this CC+ Cream helps to enhance elasticity and reduce the appearance of wrinkles in moisture by locking in moisture.

And that wraps up my updated skincare routine! What are some of your favorites?