Last Minute Holiday Gifts 2015

Is it just me or does everyone seem cranky around this time of year? Like, more than usual. Well it's understandable- shopping for gifts is difficult and stressful! How much do I spend? Will they use it? What if they don't like it at all? 

Do not fret my friend. I am here to help you (or attempt to, anyway)! This post will be a similar format to my Mother's day gift guide but with a couple extra tips for what to get for men and children. So sit back, grab a cup of tea and have your credit card ready for some online shopping (or if you're brave enough to go to the mall...good luck). 

*Please note these are just my suggestions for last minute gifts...they may not be that thoughtful or personal but hopefully the recipient will still feel special =]

The Simple Sister/Best Friend 

Sometimes the simple gals are the hardest to shop for. Why? Because they don't really need or want anything! How frustrating. This might sound silly but for these ladies I'm going to suggest gifting them with something you know for sure they will use- PANTIES! Didn't see that coming, did you? Obviously this only works if you are a family member and/or a very (very) close friend. Places like Aerie or Vicky's Secret have cute ones for the holidays or if you're feelin' fancy, get her a boxed set like these ones from Hanky Panky. Trust me, fresh undies are the way to go. Another option (for a co-worker or not-as-close-yet friend) is a nice hand cream- this one from Pai is organic and has won a ton of awards.

Pai Fragonia and Sea Buckthorn Hand Cream

Moms and Grandmas (and Aunts oh my!)

I know everyone's moms/grandmas/aunts are different but these are a couple general gifts I think women in that age range would enjoy. I recently went on a trip to Korea and got my mom a sleeping mask from Sulwhasoo that she loves. My grandma in Korea swears by and only uses all Sulwhasoo products. Apparently Sulwhasoo is taking over the world (and our monies). There's a reason why luxury skincare is a good gift- no one wants to spend a ton of money on beauty products (with their own money)! Some Korean ladies I know also enjoy The History of Whoo products. If you want to dabble in organic skincare try the starter kit from Pai. If your mom/grandma/aunt is finicky about skincare, another crowd pleaser is a cashmere scarf- warm, soft, luxurious, and functional. Here's a gift worthy Burberry one or a much more affordable option from Everlane.

Burgundy Cashmere Scarf from Everlane

The Makeup Loving Cousin/Sister-in-Law

These ladies are usually easy to please when it comes to gifts- just get them anything from Sephora and you're good to go! But still, the hunt for a practical but gift-able item can take hours to sort through so I did it for you- If this lady wears eye makeup on the daily, check out this neutral palette from Makeup Forever. If she's more of a lip gal, she'll love this discovery set from Bite Beauty. Does this girl always have perfectly polished nails? I've enjoyed using polish from Butter London back when I used to paint mine. If you're not sure what kind of makeup to get, then a brush set is another option- if you have a bigger budget, Zoeva brushes are a splurge, if you're looking for something nice but still affordable, check out this set from Real Techniques (currently on sale!).

Real Techniques Bold Metals Set (Image: Boots)

Picky Kiddos

You know who I'm talking about...those kids in your life who are pickier than any adult you've ever met. Will anything please these tiny souls?! To be honest, I'm not really sure lol. For these kiddos you can't get them anything too specific- definitely no clothes or shoes. I'd take the safe route and go with a Starbucks or Movie theater gift card. If you really want to take a risk and get an actual gift, go for something simple and practical like a basic black Backpack or Stabilo Pens to use in school.

Stabilo Pens (Image: Amazon)

Oh-so-particular Dude

Have I ever mentioned how difficult it is to buy gifts for my dad? Just mentioning the subject gives me mild traumatic stress. As much as it may seem easier to buy gifts for men, I always have the hardest time finding a good gift for the dudes in my life (mainly the padre). Basically, unless it's expensive or something he needs, there's no point of even wasting time on shopping around. Just get the expensive thing or the thing he needs- the end. A lot of guys shave (or want to heh heh)- The Art of Shaving is fancy and practical. Lately I've been seeing every guy and their grandpop wearing a vest- Penfield, North Face, Patagonia...pick one and be done!

The Art of Shaving Kit

Okay, who's exhausted just reading this post? I know I am (as I'm writing/editing lol)! As much as the holiday season can be exhausting and stressful with all the parties, shopping, and gift wrapping (this part is the worst, am I right?!), I hope you don't lose sight of what's really important during this season. Gifts may bring temporary happiness but there is true joy in spending time with family and friends BUT even above these things, remembering the real gift that was and is given to us through the birth of Jesus- our forever happiness and unending joy! Thank you to all my readers for supporting my tiny ol' blog- I genuinely hope you and your loved ones have a warm and lovely holiday!

<3yaeinn

(Ecc3:11)  

  

Korean Skincare: Is it worth the hype?

Yesterday after church I took a nap...from 5-7 pm heh heh. All the social interaction plus Viet food for lunch made me shut down once I got home. So I ate a quick dinner, hung out with my mom, then lounged hardcore on our ghetto couch from the 80's (ghetto but comfy!). 500 Days of Summer was on and I decided to watch it since I haven't seen it in a while and also JGL<3 (Joseph Gordon Levitt)...'nuff said. I've heard from some of my guy friends how this film is like the worst movie ever (because in their mind the girl is evil) but the more I watched it, I thought, "wow, this dude (JGL's character) is a dumb dumb...!" If you haven't seen this movie I don't want to give it away but the basic theme is about setting expectations for ourselves, our career, our love life...only to realize there is no picture perfect scenario. People will disappoint us (even betray us), the monotony of work will make us go cray at times, and we'll drag our feet wondering when life will go the way we planned.

Okay, so what does this have to do with Korean beauty products? Nothing lol. Well, let's see if I can make some kind of grand connection- JGL's love interest, Summer, is cute, quirky, and a little mysterious but (spoiler alert) she ended up breaking his heart in the end. He really wanted to make things work but she had already checked out leaving him wondering what happened to his 'perfect' girl. When it comes to Korean beauty I feel like JGL...I had this perfect picture in my mind about how I would go to Korea, find amazing beauty products, and fall completely in love with them and be faithful to the end. Well reality hit and just like Summer, Korean beauty products turned out to be a biatch (let's just say she could've made better choices). Just like Summer, all the products I bought were great in theory- beautiful packaging, smelled nice, so many people like them...but after a while, the ugly side came out and I was no longer infatuated (not a bad analogy, eh?! I tried). I'm not going to review every single thing I bought while I was in Korea, but these are just my general thoughts on Korean beauty and the industry (the good and the bad). Disclaimer: I'm only covering a small aspect of Korean beauty as it's a broad topic. However, this is still a long post lol.

Some affordable Korean products I bought shopping at Co-ex mall (minus the Bioderma, that's from France and it was so overpriced -.-)

1. Korean beauty is all about MARKETING. In the States, we see beautiful models with poreless skin and eyebrows on fleek plastered on billboards and magazines, right? That's nothing compared to Korea. In Korea, the stores and streets are filled with Kpop stars (girl groups, boy groups, etc) and popular actors/actresses advertising the latest trends in makeup and skin care. Especially if you go to the hot tourist spots, 8/10 stores are beauty related, it's madness!! I heard rumors of Chinese girls buying hundreds of sheet masks enough to fill a whole suitcase to take back with them. WHY? Because of smart marketing, adorable packaging, tons of sales (and samples), and the promise of looking like the flawless Kpop celebs that supposedly use all this stuff. I know it sounds like I'm hating on the celebs, I'm not- but you have to realize that most, if not all, celebs go to dermatologists regularly and have a professional hair/makeup posse to make them look the way they do...be a smart consumer, don't be fooled!

2. Everything has FRAGRANCE. I knew this from the get-go because every Korean product I've seen since I was young has had this ahjooma (old lady) smell- very heavy and floral. It's not a bad smell but is it necessary? Nowadays the ahjooma smell is not as prevalent- now there are 'cute' smells like apple, strawberry, plum, etc. Either way, unless it's a body lotion or perfume, I don't want my face to smell like a field of flowers and/or a basket of fruit! If you've been reading my blog for a while you know fragrance (natural and synthetic) is one of the most irritating ingredients in beauty products- unless you have extremely resilient skin with no sensitivities, many of us will react to fragrance at some point while using a beauty product. I found no brands (high end or drug store) that claimed to have 0 fragrance in their products (maybe a couple items here and there but not a full line). I hope in the future Korean companies will recognize fragrance as an irritant and either use less or get rid of it!

3. There are too many CHOICES. I'm not a wishy washy kind of person. I choose what I like best and I'm loyal to it...but if you live in Korea, this is literally impossible. Like I mentioned earlier, if you go shopping in a tourist area or even a campus town, you are bombarded with so many choices you will either buy everything or nothing lol. If one brand has an item that becomes a huge trend, every brand will come out with a version of the same thing! It's enough to make a shopper go insane! The best way to go about this dilemma is to look up youtube reviews and blogs on items you are interested in first- then make a list and only buy what's on the list...unless you want to go insane and become a hobo whilst in Korea. "Make good choices." (Becca from Pitch Perfect).

4. Although I didn't have the greatest experience with Korean beauty products this time around, there are smaller companies filling the gap of what's missing in the market such as COSRX and CREMORLAB. These companies are not as well known as let's say Innisfree or Nature Republic but they are accessible in Korea as well as the States. What I like about these small brands is their minimal use of ingredients and marketing via word of mouth (which means you're not wasting money on packaging and celeb endorsement). I'm sure there are other small beauty companies out there and I'm going to do my research and trial and error until I find products that work for me at some point- for now I'm very content with my non-Korean beauty products. 

To conclude, I don't think Korean skin care is necessarily better than products from the States or Europe. A sales associate at Sephora once told me how Amore Pacific (a major beauty company) is 17 years ahead when it comes to the technology of skin care...I say rubbish. How does one come up with that stat anyway? I know this sounds like a rant but it's just my honest impression on the whole hype surrounding Korean beauty. Like I always say- just because it doesn't work for me doesn't mean it won't work for you! I got my mom a sleeping mask from Sulwhasoo and she loves it. Even though I didn't find anything great on my last trip, I'm excited to try products from smaller Indie Korean brands on my next trip!

<3yaeinn
Ecc3:11

Honest Beauty Haul + Swatches

Remember the movie Never Been Kissed? I have a huge weakness for 90's movies- especially the cheesy, romantic comedies! In the movie, Jessica Alba plays a high school mean girl who is obsessed about her looks...flash forward to the present and J Alba is now a momma and co-founder of The Honest Company (she's come a long way since the 90's lol). Last month, the company launched a new branch of natural skin care and beauty products- Honest Beauty. I happened to come across it while searching for a new, natural tinted moisturizer and ordered a couple things to try out. Here's a quick first impression review and swatches!

Everything Cream Foundation ($30)/Everything Tinted Moisturizer ($28) Original and Oil-Free (Sorry about the bad photo, all the products are reflective!)

Everything Cream Foundation in Linen/Everything TM in Cream/Oil-Free Version in Nectar (Taken in natural lighting for accuracy. I'm light, neutral-warm/usually the 2nd or 3rd lightest in most brands)

Everything Cream Foundation in Linen

This medium to full coverage cream foundation comes in 8 shades ranging from fair to dark. I got the third lightest shade in Linen which is described as "vanilla with pale yellow undertones" on the website. It has a slight floral scent but nothing too strong. The compact is sleek with a magnetic closure and a round sponge puff (one downside is the mirrored packaging-finger print city!). I would recommend using your fingers to apply because the texture is quite dry and thick (you could use a puff/brush/beauty blender to blend after warming up the foundation with fingers). The nice thing about a cream foundation is it doubles as a concealer so you don't need multiple products. If you enjoy a full coverage look with semi-matte finish and want to simplify your makeup routine, check this out!

Pros: Medium to full coverage/Doubles as concealer/Easy to travel with/Light scent

Cons: Have to use fingers to warm up/Mirrored packaging/Can get cakey if you use too much 

Everything Tinted Moisturizer in Cream and Oil-Free in Nectar

I bought the original TM for myself because I have combination-dry skin in the cooler months. I gave my mom the oil-free one because she has oily skin. Ironically, the original TM had a very matte finish and wasn't moisturizing while my mom said the oil-free version made her oilier than usual. Unfortunately, both TM had a strong floral scent that didn't fade until hours later. Additionally, the texture of the TM is extremely thick and can take extra time to work into the skin- I'm too lazy with my makeup to deal with that on the daily. One upside is the coverage has a true medium finish that lasts all day without touch ups (my mom was also impressed with the coverage).  I recommend this to those of you who like a medium, matte coverage and don't mind floral scents. Both TM come in 7 shades and has a physical, non-nano SPF of 20.

Pros: Medium coverage for a TM/Physical SPF for everyday use/Good staying power

Cons: Strong smell/Not very moisturizing/Thick consistency/Feels a bit tacky on the skin

Overall, I'm impressed with the natural ingredients and range of products (they also have a full skin care line!). Although the TM didn't work out for me, I'm looking forward to trying their other items. If you go on their website they have a "bundle" option where you can choose 3 full-sized products for $50 to be sent to you every 4-12 weeks (you can customize how often and cancel the subscription easily)! It's a great way to try natural skin care and makeup without breaking the bank (plus they have a great return policy in case something doesn't work out for you). Let me know if you end up ordering anything, I'd love to hear your thoughts!  

<3yaeinn

Ecc3:11 

Take control of your breakouts

Hi all, it's been awhile since I wrote a post- I recently came back from a 3 week trip to Seoul! I'll blog on all things Korean beauty related soon, but I wanted to try out the products I purchased for a little longer =]. Instead, I decided to address a topic many of us struggle with- breakouts. When the seasons change, our immune system weakens and especially when it gets cold, the use of indoor heat and lack of sunshine wreak havoc on our skin. Through my years of struggling with acne breakouts and reading a ton of medical and personal blogs, I've come up with some tips to identify and control specific breakouts on the face- I hope this helps some of you!

*Disclaimer- I'm not an expert and obviously not a dermatologist, I just have many different skin related issues and most products don't work for me. I really think the key is to research ingredients and be aware of how your skin is- be a smart consumer!

I have 0 makeup on and it's okay! I don't have perfect skin and it's okay! =D P.S the lighting was especially good when I took this pic lol my skin is not as clear as it seems here

Hairline/Around the forehead and temples
If you find that you only breakout around the hairline and the area around your forehead and temples, it's most likely your shampoo and/or hair products are causing those breakouts. Look at the ingredients before you buy your hair products- it could be that you're sensitive to SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) which is super common in shampoos. Another possibility is you're sensitive/allergic to fragrances added to hair products- make sure fragrance is the last ingredient and you should be fine. Remember even 'natural' scents can irritate especially if you have allergies from flowers and plants. As for hair styling products, just try not to get it on the skin- maybe style your hair first then rinse your face afterward and apply face products.

Jawline
Us ladies deal with these breakouts every month (cries) and it sucks! Obviously most of us know why we breakout in this area- hormones, boo. Personally, I find the best way to deal with it is to start using spot treatments ahead of time before that time of the month comes around. Pay extra attention to your skin, be gentle, and drink lots of water to flush out toxins! If you struggle with severe breakouts around the jawline consistently, it might be a good idea to go to your doctor and check your hormone levels- it could be a bigger medical issue that has to be resolved, first.

One side of the cheek
Some people have decently clear skin but tend to break out on just one side of the face- how annoying! The culprit could be a couple things- 1. Your phone: It rolls around in your bag/car and your hands are all over it...you get a phone call and all the nasty germs goes right to the face. Keep it clean by wiping it down with an alcohol wipe at the end of the day. 2. How often do you wash your pillow? Unless you sleep on your back, I'm guessing you tend to sleep on one side. The oils and dirt from your hair can easily transfer to your pillow and on your face- just toss your pillowcase in the wash whenever you do laundry.

Nose and/or Chin
A lot of people have combination skin type (dry cheeks and oily t-zone). If you struggle with enlarged pores and blackheads on your t-zone, you're more likely to breakout in those areas as well. There's nothing worse than a big ol' pimple right in the middle of your nose or chin- they tend to hurt and be deep under the skin. These type of breakouts don't go away easily and scars can last a long time. The best way to handle this type of acne is to purify the pores by using a chemical and/or physical exfoliant (depending on how stubborn your pores are, you may need both). Bha exfoliants work by penetrating the pore and breaking apart oil from the inside out. Physical exfoliants (scrubs) work by buffing off the dead skin cells on the top layer of the skin. There are a ton of exfoliants on the market so do your research and see what is appropriate for your level of severity.

Around the mouth
As much as breakouts on the nose and chin can be uncomfortable, nothing is as embarrassing and inconvenient as a breakout around the mouth, am I right?! Recently I had this happen to me for the first time and after doing some research, I found the culprit to be my new lip balm and/or toothpaste. I'm not positive what ingredient(s) triggered the breakout, but I'm pretty sure it was fragrance or SLS related (most toothpastes have SLS). Usually, I use a non-SLS, natural toothpaste and a fragrance free, organic lip balm- not everyone will be as sensitive as me, but if you tend to breakout in this area, try switching to products without SLS and fragrances.

Eye/Eyebrows
Have you ever had those tiny, white dots by your eyes that never seem to go away? It's called Milia and though technically it's not a breakout, the best way to prevent them is to exfoliate properly and not use harsh acne products on them. If you tend to breakout around the eyebrows, it's most likely because of waxing/threading/plucking or your eyebrow product (pencils, powders, mascara, etc).

Around the neck
As if your face isn't giving you enough trouble, some of us breakout on the neck, too! Ugh. Well it makes sense because the neck also has pores that can clog and cause acne. I found the best way to prevent breakouts on this particular area is to cleanse thoroughly (just like your face!). Recently I've been trying out Bioderma (a micellar water- basically a cleanser in water form) and I'm not sure if I like it for the face, but I've been really liking it to cleanse the neck area. For guys who breakout around the neck, it's probably because of shaving- make sure to exfoliate well and keep your razor sharp! Also, aftershave (high alcohol content + fragrance) is probably the equivalent of splashing rubbing alcohol on your face so...stop lol.

Everywhere
If you usually have good skin and suddenly had a breakout on your whole face, the culprit could be your makeup. Now, cosmetics have a ton of ingredients both chemical and natural, but it really depends on how sensitive you are. Like I said, not everyone will be as sensitive as me, but I tend to breakout from almost all face makeup which is why I use minimal products. Some triggers for me are- talc, fragrances, certain essential oils, and silicones (so basically everything lol). Talc is a hit or miss- I've read that talc has low to high grade levels so a lot of times cheap cosmetics will use cheap talc and many people find it irritating. High grade talc is supposedly not bad for the skin but that's a case by case situation. The best way to see if a product is breaking you out or not is to stop using it- if your breakout goes away after a few days or so, you'll know it's that product. If not, then it may be a skin care item you're using that is causing it- just use the process of elimination until the breakout subsides!
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I know this post wasn't very fun or entertaining, but my hope is that you become a smarter consumer because of it! Even though I read a bunch of articles on skin and beauty, I'm still learning and going through my own trial and error with products, so don't be discouraged if you're having a bad skin day/week/month/year. That pimple or breakout won't last forever so relax and go about your day- do your research and be good to your skin and body, you'll be fine! =] As always, if you have any questions or suggestions feel free to send them my way- I love helping y'all out and hearing about your product recommendations as well =D

<3yaeinn
Ecc3:11

review: maybelline concealers

I was sick with a stomach bug for a week and ate only bananas and naan- it wasn't fun. Since I wasn't getting enough nutrients, I developed some pretty dark circles under my eyes. Normally, I use one concealer for my whole face (the nyx hd), but I wanted to check out a couple brightening ones specifically made for the under-eye area. Ulta was having their 'buy one, get one half off' sale on Maybelline products so I bought two new concealers for ~$10 (use those $3.50 coupons, ladies!). Keep reading below for a quick review on these affordable drugstore options! (I already own the fit me concealer so decided to include it, too).  

From left to right: 

Fit Me Concealer- ~$7

The Maybelline fit me line is comparable to L'oreal's true match and Covergirl's trublend- it's intended to 'fit' a lot of different skin colors and types. This concealer has been compared to the cult favorite Nars creamy concealer; I've tried the Nars one but I like this better. The fit me concealer has a creamy texture that's easy to blend and is light-weight on the skin. The coverage is light to medium so it's great for everyday wear. If you have decently good skin, you could just use sunscreen and a little of this concealer on the areas you need it instead of wearing a full face of makeup. Some tips- I recommend this for those of you with normal to dry skin types, it has quite a dewy finish. Also, make sure to set this with a powder or setting spray because it tends to crease since it's a creamy formula. If you need full coverage, I'd skip this- it'll get cakey if you layer too much on.

Instant Age Rewind- ~$9

If you google or youtube search this product, you'll find a ton of rave reviews. This is my first time purchasing this but I have to admit, part of me was curious what the hype was all about! This concealer is intended for brightening dark circles but I personally think you can use it on the face as well. The formula of this is different from the fit me- it's much thinner and not as easy to blend. However, since it's a thin consistency, it's easy to apply without overdoing it- great for makeup beginners and noobs! It's also about a medium coverage but you can build it to almost a full coverage if you need it. Some tips- once you apply this, make sure to blend it right away before it dries down. Unless you have very oily skin, you don't need to set with powder because the formula dries and sticks to the skin right away. If you find this doesn't cover enough, try using a salmon colored corrector first, then a thin layer of this on top. I recommend this for everyone except those of you with dry under eyes- it might emphasize dry patches. Lastly, many reviews on this complained about the packaging- you need to click it quite a lot when you first use it to get the product out! I've also seen some people just completely cut off the sponge tip to get to the actual concealer lol.

Dream Lumi- ~$8

I've always wanted to try the YSL touche eclat but it's like, $40 so I opted for this affordable option. Unfortunately, I'm not that impressed with the dream lumi, here's why: the packaging sucks- this comes in a pen/brush form where you click the pen and use the brush tip to apply the product. I found the brush to be quite difficult to manage because once the product builds up on the brush, it dries it out. Aside from the packaging, the concealer itself isn't too bad but it didn't do much in terms of coverage or brightening in my opinion. The consistency is gel-like but unlike the fit me, it's not very creamy and it's not thin/buildable like the age rewind either. It feels tacky and doesn't blend very well even when I applied it without the brush tip. In any case, I'm going to use it up and try different methods to make it work, but honestly, who has time/energy to do that! I'd say skip this one unless you really enjoy trying different types of concealers.

Hope this post was helpful for those of you looking for affordable drugstore concealers! After I use these up, I plan to try a couple high-end ones to see if they are worth the extra $$ so keep an eye out for that in the near future =]

On a side note, I can't believe it's already September! Who's excited for FALL?! WHOO! =D

<3yaeinn

Ecc3:11  

current favorites

Hello! It's been a while since my last post (I haven't given up on this blog just yet hah).

Let me catch y'all up a bit on my life- over the summer I was quite busy nannying and editing my resume/job hunting/interviewing, but right now I'm taking a short break to figure out the next step career-wise (thinking of pursuing a more creative path perhaps!).
Summer went by fast and I'm already looking forward to the chilly days of autumn ahead. I think we have this mental fantasy that 'summer=break', but for me, I was sleep deprived and exhausted for the past couple months. Since I had little time to take care of myself, my skin started breaking out and now I'm dealing with the consequences =[. Here are a couple products I've been using the past month to get my skin back to normal!

Boscia Willow Bark Spot Treatment- $15
Unlike most spot treatments that use salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to combat acne, this Boscia one uses willow bark and plant derived extracts to calm redness and reduce spots. This is actually the second time I've purchased this- the first time I felt like it did nothing because it's so gentle, but since I have super sensitive skin, I decided to try it out again. The consistency is a watery gel-like formula that has zero fragrance or color (it kind of reminds me of spit to be honest lol but it absorbs immediately and doesn't leave any residue!). For spots that have come to a head, I love using the hydrocolloid dressing, but for those spots that are under the skin and sore, the willow bark helps to calm inflammation without irritating or drying out the skin. For me, salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are too harsh, so if you have sensitive skin check this out! My only issue with it is the packaging- it comes in a twist up pen which makes it nice for travel but I can't tell how much I'm using or when it's almost out! They used to carry a larger size with a pump, but it's been discontinued, boo~ You can find Boscia products at Sephora and Boscia.com.

Clinique Cleansing Balm- $29
This is another product I repurchased because it's gentle but effective for sensitive skin. In my last skin care post I talked about the basics of cleansing and highly suggested makeup removers for those of you who wear makeup on the daily. Since I was nannying I stayed indoors most of the time and wore makeup maybe 2-3 times/week max. I was using makeup removing wipes from Koh Gen Do and they were decent but since my skin's been more sensitive and breaking out, I went back to the Clinique balm and have been enjoying it all over again. Basically what this does is it breaks down all the makeup and sunscreen on your face thoroughly without disturbing your skin. It comes in a jar as a solid balm- take a tiny scoop (about a quarter size) and warm it between your fingers and massage all over the face. I like to start on the cheeks and move outward and lastly use the remaining oil to remove any eye makeup (I only wear non-waterproof mascara so you may need more product depending on how much eye makeup you wear). After massaging for about a minute, take warm water and gently rinse off the balm (at this point, it dissolves into a milk). Once the balm is removed, your skin is left clean but not stripped! I recommend this product for everyone because if you don't remove the makeup, sunscreen, and grime off the top layer of your skin, your pores can get clogged and that's when breakouts happen. It is a tad pricey but it lasts forever (I think one jar lasted me about 6-8 months); you can buy this anywhere Clinique is sold- Sephora, Macy's, Nordy's, etc.

Tweezerman Nail Clippers- $13  
My last favorite is super rando but I decided to include it anyway because they are awesome! In my younger days, I enjoyed growing out my nails, filing them, and painting them pretty colors. Those days are long gone lol. Recently I've been enjoying just short, clean looking nails with no polish and these nail clippers achieve that for me. You know those 99 cent nail clippers rolling around the house (probably 4-5 of them) that barely cut nails and leave you with jagged, sharp edges that can cut into a rock? I absolutely hated that feeling and would file and file until my nails were somewhat manageable. I bought these clippers a couple years ago and it's probably the best purchase I've made in a long time. Tweezerman is known for their great tweezers because of how sharp and precise they are and these clippers are the same- the blade is really thin and sharp so when you cut your nails, it's very clean and precise. I don't even use a nail file anymore. Plus, it's pink. Done and done! They are much pricier than your crap 99 cent clippers, but seriously, how many clippers do you need?! Just buy this one and you're set =D I bought mine off drugstore.com but Ulta carries it as well (use those coupons you get in the mail for a discount!).


Now that summer is almost over, I'm really looking forward to the upcoming months (autumn is my fave season and I actually like cold weather =]). I hope everyone is doing well physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually... remember to take care of yourself- eat, sleep, pray, wear sunscreen! ;]

<3yaeinn
Ecc 3:11

shop with me: blush pink

Those of you who know me know that my wardrobe basically consists of whites and greys. I'm not anti-colors I just don't look good in them! In any case, I've been playing around with colors via accessories and makeup and am currently obsessing over blush pink everything. It's a feminine color that goes well with neutrals and isn't too trendy for it to go out of style in a couple years. Blush nude shoes give the illusion of longer legs and even blush nail polishes make your hands look slimmer. For a little lady with chubby fingers, this might be my new fave color lol ;]

Zara

Nails INC

                       

Coach

                                     

L.A.M.B

<3yaeinn
(Ecc3:11)

the best thing ever

My uncle travels quite a bit between Buenos Aires to Seoul to Chicago and he always brings us goodies- usually a ton of duty-free chocolate and trendy beauty items from Seoul. Last year he brought these weird pimple stickers...on the packaging it said this product is only available at the pharmacy which caught my attention right away. Despite the creepy doll-like cartoon on the front, the product itself has become a bit of an obsession for me and my sisters (even my bro-in law haha). Here's a quick overview of my experience with this- what it is, what it does, the best way to use it, and where you can buy it!

What it is/does

I did a bunch of research on this because as many of you know, I have the most sensitive skin eva. Basically it's made of a material called Hydrocolloid- a type of wound dressing. Unlike a typical bandaid or gauze dressing, it adheres to the skin without the need for tape or glue (which are often irritating). It provides a moist environment for the wound to heal- I'm not a doctor but you know how wounds heal really fast in your mouth because of the moist surrounding? Pretty much the same concept. On acne spots, the dressing works two ways- first it prevents picking which can lead to deeper infections and scarring, and secondly, it blocks bacteria from entering and spreading to other parts of the face. For those of us with sensitive skin, it's awesome because there are little to no side effects or risk of irritation. I've also used it on the sides of my nose when I get eczema from the weather and it helps to calm the redness within a couple days!

How to use/some tips

In the beginning, I wasn't sure how to use the stickers so I just stuck it randomly all over my face lol. As time went on, I realized these work on certain types of acne and not so much on others. It does not work on- blackheads or pores (blackheads and pores are a result of genetics and lack of exfoliation) but it does work on- whiteheads, the typical red bumps (that have come to a head), and a little bit on deeper cystic acne spots. Okay now here's the kind of gross but satisfying part- the best way to use these is to wash your face thoroughly at night with a mild cleanser, moisturize only on the dry areas of the face (avoid putting moisturizer on the spots), then grab either a lance or sewing needle, disinfect it like it's your job, prick the whitehead of the acne spot, take a clean q-tip and gently squeeze excess gunk (you don't want to see blood!), then put the sticker on the spot overnight. I know it sounds gross and time consuming but I swear your spot will be at least 75% healed in one night! The next morning, you'll see the sticker has gone from a clear jelly like consistency to a more white, opaque color (it's basically the gunk from your spot that was absorbed into the sticker). It doesn't hurt to peel off and if there's any stickiness from the sticker, it'll wash off with warm water and face wash. If the spot is still looking funky, feel free to use a sticker during the day- it's a little noticeable but probably less noticeable than an angry red spot.

Where to buy

It's safe to say that almost anyone who suffers from acne spots can benefit from this product! Unless you have severe acne all over the face, these little zit stickers will save you from picking the crap out of your skin and heal the spots faster than any cream or medication can. Especially if you follow the steps I listed above, you'll soon become obsessed with these, too =] You can find them on Ebay or certain Asian sites like Yes Style.

<3yaeinn  

(Ecc3:11)

   

mini sephora/ulta haul + swatches!

I needed to toss some makeup I bought last year (used makeup should be thrown out 6 months-1 year, ladies!) and since my cool frands got me a Sephora gift card for my birthday, I did a little shopping. These products are all new to me within the last week so the purpose of this post is to show swatches of the colors and give a first impression review!
[Swatches were taken in natural light for accurate coloring]

Clinique Pop Lip Colour + Primer in Cherry Pop

I'm typically not a lipstick kind of gal because most lipsticks dry out my lips plus I hate having to carry it around, reapply, etc. The reason I like this one though is because it's versatile- when I lightly tap it on, it functions like a lip stain but I can build it up to a bold, opaque lipstick (as you can see in the swatch above). It doesn't dry out my lips, there's zero scent, and there are a variety of color options from nude/bright/vampy that will work for every skin tone. It's also super long lasting which is probably where the primer part comes into play- after I swatched it on my arm, it took soapy water and a makeup wipe to get it all off! This shade in particular is great if you like the 'just ate a popsicle' look (bonus jonas- the blue undertone makes your complexion and teeth look brighter).

Top Row

Bottom Row

Essence All About Sunrise Palette

Everyone and their mamas have a Naked (1, 2, 3, basics 1, 2...madness) palette but I don't spend money on shadows since I barely use them. For research purposes, I decided to get back in the eyeshadow game. I saw this cute little palette at Ulta and thought the colors were really warm and pretty for summer (plus it was only $5 bucks!). The pigmentation is good for drugstore (comparable to the Maybelline eye studio ones) and the best way to apply it is to use your finger and pat on the lid- some reviews said it did not apply/blend well using a brush. All the colors except the darkest brown shade are very shimmery and borderline glittery so if you're not about that sparkly life, this isn't for you. I have to test it out a bit more but for $5 I think it's worth checking out!

Stila Aqua Glow Watercolor Blush in Water Blossom

Out of all the new S/S 2015 launches, I was most intrigued by this Stila blush. There's nothing like it in the U.S market and it's made in Korea so it has to be good (no bias lol). When I went to Sephora, it turned out they no longer carry Stila in stores (you can still purchase at sephora.com)- I skipped on over to Ulta. I swatched all 5 colors and besides Water Blossom, they were too shimmery for my taste. Formula wise, it's a watery gel consistency but once it's on the skin it almost dissipates into nothingness (in a good way). The colors look intimidating in the jar, but as long as you use a tiny amount, you can't go overboard. You'll love this if you have dry-combo skin but oily skin types can use it too- just set it with a light powder over top. It won't work well if you tend to wear a full face of foundation as it's a water based formula that will be better to use on bare to minimal makeup skin. If you have scars or discoloration on your cheeks, this won't work for you because it's hard to use concealer under/over it. It lasts forever like a stain (I had it on for at least 7-8 hours) and I'm thinking you can also use it on the lips! The packaging is a little gimmicky and messy- make sure to tighten the lid well before shaking it up. Application is easy to use with fingers or a stippling brush. Unlike most powder blushes, this gives a fresh 'glowing from within' cheek look so if you're into that, try it out!

What new beauty items did YOU purchase for spring/summer? :]]

<3 yaeinn

(Ecc3:11) 

warm weather essentials

Summer is finally here in Chicago! I don't know about you but when the weather gets warm, my skin and hair freak out. When the seasons change, it's good to add/remove a couple things to your routine- in the winter, you might need a moisturizing shampoo and a thick body lotion, but in warmer weather, a clarifying shampoo and lighter lotion is more appropriate. Here are a few things I use in the summer to feel so fresh and so clean clean~ ;]

Left to Right: The Body Shop's Vineyard Peach Body Lotion//Acure Organics Lemongrass and Argan Stem Cell Clarifying Shampoo//Evian Facial Spray//Tree Hut Coconut Lime Shea Sugar Scrub//Sonia Kashuk Blotting Paper//Tarte Amazonian Clay Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20

Hair Care: When the weather starts getting warm and humid, I have moments where I wish I were bald...or a dude lol. I hate feeling grimy and hot so I add a clarifying shampoo to my routine. Since clarifying shampoo is too stripping/harsh for everyday, I use my normal moisturizing shampoo and use the clarifying one every other shower. For conditioning, I would suggest every other shower as well since it can weigh the hair down or try a light, leave-in spray conditioner. If you heat style, make sure to use a protectant- the hot sun during the summer + heat styling can really damage the health of your hair, go natural if you can!

Body Care: In the colder months, I tend to get pretty dry all over so I actually don't use soap or body wash! Sorry if that's gross to you but I barely sweat even when I work out (which is never haha!) and don't find the need for soap. In the summer however, I do need a little something to exfoliate the bod especially since I shave my legs quite often. This Tree Hut one is made from sugar so it's not too harsh- the granuels slowly dissolve as you exfoliate and leaves your skin smooth and comfortable. For moisturizer, I recently got this Body Shop one- it's not too heavy or thick and smells like peaches (my fave fruit during the summer)!

Beauty: For my face, I tend to use the same products year round only because I have super sensitive skin. The Tarte tinted moisturizer is great for evening out any redness while protecting the skin from the sun (if you're fair/tend to burn easily, use a separate sunscreen under your makeup). One thing I add to my routine in the summer are blotting sheets. I like the Sonia Kashuk ones (sold at Target) because it absorbs oil without moving your makeup around (plus they look chic and don't gross me out like the blue kind). To set my makeup, I love using the Evian facial spray- it feels sho nice on a hot day and you can use it to sooth bug bites!

<3yaeinn

(Ecc 3:11)

birthday ootd

Eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh 2NE8 ;]

Rings and Necklace: Forever21

Dress: Topshop/ Cardigan: Free People/ Shoes: Stuart Weitzman

diy: spring/summer bridal makeup

I've had the privilege of applying makeup for a couple brides and I wanted to share some tips and tricks for those of you who are thinking about doing your own makeup for your wedding! Since my friends refused to model for me (you know who you are!), I created a simple diy spring/summer bridal look on myself- enjoy!

Disclaimer: The products I used for this look work for me but may not necessarily work for you. Also, these are my opinions on bridal makeup but it's your day, do what you want!

BASE: The most important step in bridal makeup is your base- you want to have a smooth, even canvas to work with that will last all day/night. If your skin is not happy with you it might be time to switch out some products from your regimen (read my post on skin care basics). Before applying makeup, your skin needs to be thoroughly moisturized and primed. I have combination skin and ended up using two different primers: for the t-zone I used the hourglass veil mineral primer -it's good for filling in pores and controlling oil. For the rest of my face, I used the too faced hangover primer- it has a light lotion feel that's moisturizing but not greasy. After a couple minutes of letting the primers set, I used the koh gen do aqua foundation starting from the center of the face (start wherever you need most coverage then blend out). For foundation, use a formula that suits your skin type that does not contain a high SPF (15 or less)-SPF tends to show a white cast in flash photography. Use concealer as needed if you have scars or dark circles- make sure to use a thin formula with high coverage so it doesn't get cakey. [Tip- if you have blemished skin, leave the concealer on for a minute before blending so you get maximum wear time and coverage!] I opt out of powder but if you're very oily (or you're having an outdoor summer wedding), use powder only where you need it (if your whole face is matte, it'll look cakey and flat in photos).

EYES: Depending on your eye shape and how much eye makeup you normally wear, stick to what works for you but take it up a notch. Don't get overly ambitious by imitating something you saw on pinterest because most likely that look won't work on your eyes. Plus, you want to look like a more beautiful version of you, not someone else! On a daily basis, I only wear mascara so I kept it simple- I used concealer as a base (if you have eyeshadow primer, it works the same) to cover any discoloration on the lid. Then taking a waterproof black gel liner from marc jacobs, I tight lined my upper waterline (I recommend this step for everyone because it gives the illusion of thicker lashes). Next I took a shimmery brown liner from rimmel and put it just on the outer half of the eye closest to the lashes then blended it with a clean q-tip. [Tip-using a creamy eyeliner works great as a base to prolong the longevity of powder eyeshadow]. For extra definition, I took my bronzer (you can use any neutral transition shade) on a fluffy blending brush and put it on the socket of the eye using windshield wiper motions. Lastly, I took a powder highlighter from physician's formula and placed it on the center of the lid and brow bone to add some glow (try not to use anything with chunks of glitter, it won't turn out well in photos). Now that the eyes are done, I moved on to brows. I highly suggest defining the brows- unless you have naturally opaque and thick brows, they will look washed out in photos. I used this nyx brow kit to fill in sparse areas- if you have little to no brows, you'll need a pencil or gel plus powder or brow mascara. For lashes, I recommend getting lash extensions because no mascara will make your lashes super long and full unless you're genetically blessed. I've used falsies on brides as an alternative (cut the lash strip into 3-4 pieces for a super natural effect!). I didn't have extensions or falsies on hand so I used a mascara primer and volumizing black mascara on curled lashes.

COLOR: We're at the last step of this bridal look! Personally I think pinks and reds are flattering on every bride and by picking the right shade for your skin tone, it will brighten the face and look great in photos. I went for a fresh faced look by using a medium bright pink blush and a muted hot pink lip combo. On the cheeks, you want to start off little by little and build up the color- when it starts looking like you have blush on, then you know when to stop; you want to add a bit more blush than usual, or else it won't show up in pictures. I personally love a stronger blush on brides because it makes you look youthful and alive! For lips, I layered a bright stain (this should last you throughout the whole wedding day) and muted it with a sheer nude lipstick on top (this will keep your lips moisturized). I learned this trick from Lisa Eldridge- by using a bright lip color, you'll instantly look better but for a more wearable look, tap on a sheer nude color over top. You can also achieve this lip combo by using a bright lip liner (they tend to last longer than lipsticks) and a nude tinted lip balm over top. If you want to go for a bold lip, check out something like the sephora cream lip stains (haven't tried it but has great reviews!). [Tip- if you're someone who enjoys colored eyeshadows, go for it! Just use a more natural color for lips and cheeks (mauve is always a safe one)].

EXTRAS: 

1. Use a setting spray to refresh your makeup throughout the day (I swear by Evian face mist) 

2. Bring blotting sheets to blot away excess oil without disturbing your makeup 

3. If you have sparse hair by your hairline, use an eyebrow powder to fill in the gaps 

4. Instead of doing the typical contour with bronzer, just sweep your blush back toward the ear to define the cheekbones 

5. Do an at home facial with a steam towel, mud mask, and a moisturizing mask a day or two before

6. Make sure to take care of your teeth and nails!

7. If you do decide to go with a professional, do at least one trial so you know what to expect the day of- I've had friends who hated their makeup on the wedding day because they didn't do this!

8. Q-tips will be your best friend

9. Use highlighter or a bronze shimmer lotion on the collarbone if you're wearing a strapless gown

10. If possible, apply your makeup in natural light to ensure everything is blended and seamless

I know this is a lot but I hope it helps you prepare for the big day! The more prepared you are, the less stressed you will be on the day of- whether you decide to do you own makeup or get it done professionally, remember these tips and don't be afraid to voice your opinion to your makeup artist! CONGRATS to you and your hubby to be! :]]

<3yaeinn

(Ecc 3:11) 

     

shop with me: clutches

Here's a new series I'm trying out called "shop with me." Essentially, it's online window shopping with yours truly ;] Online shopping can be a little risky but most stores offer free shipping and easy returns so if you're a homebody like me, it beats going to the mall any day!

Lately, I haven't been wearing a purse since I travel light (usually just carry my iphone, card case, and keys). I'm on the hunt for a new clutch/wristlet, shop with me! :]

tory burch

perlina- nordstrom rack

see by chloe- nordstrom rack

Which one do you like?! :D

<3yaeinn
(Ecc3:11)

fotd: bronze + glowy

Here's a quick 'face of the day' I came up with using a shimmery brown eyeliner, bronzer to warm up the skin, and liquid highlight on the cheekbones for that JLo glow. I also tried a new foundation sample by Koh Gen Do that I received in the mail the other day (loving it so far!). This look is great for spring/summer because it gives you a sun-kissed, healthy glow- say 'buh bye' to your drab winter face!

For my base I tried a sample of the Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation- a sheer coverage, water based foundation with a natural skin-like finish. For this look, you want to use a light-weight foundation since you're layering bronzer and highlight on top (a heavy foundation will make this look cakey). I used a little concealer to cover spots then lightly dusted on Tarte bronzer all over the cheeks, forehead, and jawline with a fluffy brush. To finish the base, I took a tiny bit of Benefit's High Beam on the tops of the cheekbones and blended it out with a clean finger. Voila~ sun-kissed, glowy face!

For eyes, I wanted to achieve a soft, smokey look with minimal products so taking the Rimmel ScandalEyes in Brown, I tight lined the upper waterline of the eyes and smudged it out with a q-tip. This pencil is easy to blend so I took what was left on the q-tip and applied it to the lid. I did the same to the bottom waterline and made sure to blend out any harsh lines. For a bit more glow, I took L'Oreal Infallible shadow in Amber Rush on the inner corners of the eyes. Lastly, I curled my lashes and put on a thin coat of Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara. For lips, you can use any color with this look, I chose a sheer orange one from Maybelline.

Get yo' glow on~

<3yaeinn

(Ecc3:11)

gift guide: mother's day

cracking jokes at her wedding lol

My mom is hilarious. I always tell her how she could've been a comedian lol. But instead, she studied math in college (didn't get those genes haha) then taught high school kids in Korea until she immigrated to Chicago back in the 80's. Even after years of working in a hot and stuffy dry cleaners and now at the gas station, she still smiles with her perfect teeth and dimples and greets every customer (even when they're not so nice). Did I mention she makes seriously good Korean food? Every. Day. Because my dad refuses to eat anything else smh lol. She's not perfect but she's MY crazy umma who makes me laugh in tears and cooks me noodles late at night when I'm hungry :]] Seriously, how can we give back to the crazy mamas in our lives?! I decided to put together a little gift guide for those of you who don't know what to get for your madre and also just out of appreciation to all the hard working, amazing mums out there who read my little ol' blog =] <3

1. Laid back/Practical mom
This is my mom- wakes up super early, takes the lil sis to school, slaps on bb cream/brushes teeth, makes breakfast, goes to the store/run errands, works all day, showers, makes dinner, watches Korean talk shows/hangs out with me and lil sis until bed. I bought her perfume one Mother's Day and she goes...'where am I going to go wearing this [perfume]??' I ended up returning it because she literally did not use it even once lol. For moms like this, get them what they need or your gift will collect dust/be re-gifted haha- take her to get her hair done (she was going to get it cut and permed anyway), take her shopping for new shoes (practical ones, of course), or get her skin care products that you know she'll use. I got this Origin's face cream for my mom another time and she loved it!

source-origins.com

2. Fashionista mama

You know these moms...they have like one baby in a backpack looking thing and another munchkin in a stroller all the while looking fabulous and put together (how?! it's a mystery). I aspire to be this mom lol. Just because you're a mom, doesn't mean you have to look like a scrub all the time (if you do, no judgement doe, it happens ;]). Fashionista mamas were probably already fashionistas before popping out kids so they'll want the latest trendy stuff (as long as it's kid friendly :])-- get her a pair of pretty stud earrings (dangling shiny thing=danger), a cute crossbody bag (to throw on when she's on the go), or some sassy sunglasses (protect the eyeballs in style)!

14k rose gold earrings- catbirdnyc.com

3. Sporty/Healthy mom

Instagram...where you find moms who are in better shape than you 2 months after popping out a bebe T_T haha! Serious props to these mums who make time to take care of their body! If you're not feeling healthy and well, it's hard to take care of your family/work/function. These moms discipline themselves to actually work out and eat well (respect) in the midst of their already busy schedules. You should get an award. But instead we will give you presents ^^ For these active mommies, gift them some new active wear (who doesn't love a lil lululemon), or even sign up for a series of yoga/spin/zumba classes together! If your mum is a health nut who loves to make smoothies, get her a personal blender so she can take her drinks on the go =]

source-target.com

4. Beauty obsessed/Glam mama

Have you heard of the VIB Rouge? It happens to mamas who have a room (a room) dedicated to their beauty and luxury items. Basically, if you spend a grand on makeup/year, Sephora becomes your b*tch (or is it the other way around lol!) In any case, not many mamas are privileged enough to have unlimited expenses, but for those who are, it can be a tough crowd to please! Whether your mom works her tail off at a professional job for the cash monies or she just appreciates the finer things in life, what do you get for someone who has high standards? Do not fret my friend for I am a picky lady haha. For this mom, I'd suggest gifting her with a high end parfum (make sure you buy it somewhere with a good return policy in case she doesn't like it) or luxury foundation (again, get it somewhere easily exchangeable like Sephora in case the color match is off). If your glam mom loves to travel, get her one of those 'wallet on a chain' purses so she can go sightseeing whilst looking fabuloso ;]

chloe clare mini-netaporter.com

I hope you enjoyed my little collection of gift ideas for Mother's Day! If you're not financially in a place to buy anything, don't worry! After I came home from college my sister and I got my mom some reasonably priced Riesling wine and made a charcuterie/dessert platter at home (trader joe's has all you need). A vase of fresh flowers is always a good choice, too =] Have a great Mother's Day this year and remember to appreciate your mama even when it's not Mother's Day!!

<3yaeinn

(Ecc3:11)