My Korean Skincare Routine | Innisfree Review

Korean beauty has been popular in the US lately, and I just finally got on board with it. Korean actresses and actors' skin always look healthy and dewy on the advertisement I see. My sister first introduced me to the brand Innisfree. I was visiting her in Singapore several months ago, and she told me that she stopped breaking out ever since she started using skincare products from the brand. I's Korean brand, and it's very popular in Singapore.

We've visited quite a few different store locations when I was there, and none of them were lacking customers. Innisfree has a variety of different skincare lines for different skin needs. I consulted with one of the girls at the store, and I opted from the green tea balancing skin line. I have combination skin, and this line should help balance that.

I have been consistently using all of the products from the line for several months now, and I do feel that I break out much less frequently, and I like how my skin looks without makeup now.



My routine after I wash my face starts with the green tea seed serum. The balancing skin line does not have its own designated serum, so use this instead before all other skin care products. A serum helps hydrate and prep your skin to better absorb the moisture and benefits from all the skincare products you use. I  use this mostly at night because I feel it works best to treat my skin overnight, and when I wake up in the morning, my skin already feels smooth.

I then apply Green tea balancing skin, which is a toner that feels refreshing onto the skin. I use this day and night before my moisturizer. For moisturizer, I use Green tea balancing lotion, which has a light consistency, perfect for daytime or warmer days. The last step is the Green tea balancing cream, which, in my opinion,  is thicker consistency version of the lotion. I don't use this on daytime because I feel it can get quite heavy. I opt to use this at night.

Doing My Sister's Makeup | Rosy Eyes

I've always wanted to learn how to do other people's makeup, and I had the opportunity to take a class when I was back home. The class was a short one, 10 meetings of 4-hour session each. Fortunately for me, there were no other students at that time, so I had a private one-on-one lesson which helps me to be more focus and ask any questions I had.

Bare with me, that I'm still learning, and when it comes to makeup I don't think I will ever stop learning. I am just so grateful that my family is so supportive of me. After the class ended, I put my lessons to the test on my mom and sister. Here's a simple flawless makeup on my sister.

Changing My Makeup Routine feat.Too Faced Peanut Butter and Jelly Palette, Anastasia Contour Cream Kit

Happy 2017 everyone! It's the very first post in 2017, and I am feeling hopeful and excited for where 2017 is going bring me. When I was in Indonesia for several months, I had the opportunity to take a competence makeup class where I learned how to do other people's makeup. I got a taste of doing other people's makeup. It's hard and tiring. I stood up most of the class session when I was doing makeup on the model. I got back pain. I know, right. Nevertheless, it was a fun experience, and I hope I get to practice a lot more. =)

It's been a long time since I had an FOTD post up on my blog. This look is still a natural look, since it's moi ;). I'm loving the Too Faced Peanut Butter and Jelly eyeshadow palette. It consists of the neutral as well as purple fun colors. I am experimenting with the looks, and here I have on the Nuts About U all over the lids and Peanut Butter on the crease. Love how it turns out!

For foundation, I found that I prefer to use a smaller flat-top dense brush rather than Sigma F84 brush, which was my go-to for putting on foundation. I now use Shiseido foundation brush.

All-Drugstore Makeup Starter Kit - Products that Work!

I've started experimenting with makeup about 5 years ago. I've tried, discovered and also been disappointed with so many things from drugstore makeup. When I just started, I didn't really know where to start. I just started grabbing products that caught my attention from the counter.
Despite of the affordable prices, when I started on trying a bunch of products that didn't work, it added up and it wasn't affordable anymore. Nevertheless, my fondness of makeup drove me to continue trying out new things, and I enjoyed the process.

Now, if you are like me, you may enjoy all the experience of trying out new and shiny makeup. I hope you get to try any of the products below or if you've tried them, let me know what you think! If you just want to know what works, at least for me, then keep on reading!

Face
Primer: Rimmel Stay Matte primer
I've featured this several times in my blog posts. I used this on my friend when I did her makeup for her engagement photo shoot. She told me that her makeup didn't budge all day. It stayed through out the day, even after being all out under the sun. I love this primer, I no longer have this just because I've had so many others I need to use up, but I totally recommend this again and again.

Foundation: Rimmel Lasting Finish foundation
I looked at my foundation drawer (yes, I've hoarded so much that I have a drawer dedicated just for foundation) long and hard. This is not an easy decision, but I decided to go with my old time favorite that I know it works and is loved by so many people. The coverage is amazing, and it gives naturally foundation. (The one I have on the picture is the old packaging).

Best Under Eye Concealers

I never really had a problem with my under-eyes until I tried under eye concealers. Haha. Isn't it ironic? It's like the saying " You never knew what you have until it's gone", but in reverse! I tried on under eye concealers, and I just like the way it looks on my so I never put on my makeup without it anymore! If you've been following my blog, you may have known this already, but I still want to sum up all the ones that work for me. These are all tested and approved by yours truly.

Amazing Concealer Corrector
I've talked about this time and again. I first saw it on Tati's video, and I couldn't wait to try it out myself. It comes in two different shades, one is pinky salmon aka the corrector, and the other is yellow aka the brightener. When I first put on the corrector, it looks kinda cray. The consistency is so thick, it cancels out any darkness or discoloration. The brightener does what exactly it's supposed to do, it brightens under the eyes. One thing that I want to point out is that since it's so thick, it can get cakey pretty easily. Make sure to smooth out under the eyes and blend blend blend!

Brushes for Beginners | Most Used Brushes

I have way too many brushes for one girl. I don't do other people's makeup. I just have way too many. I just couldn't resist to try when I came across interesting brushes. I try to spread the love toward my brushes collection, but  I find myself reaching toward the same brushes over and over again. Half of them are from the drugstore. Quality brushes do not need to be expensive.

Sigma F84, EcoTools Large powder brush, EcoTools blush brush, 

Sigma E25, elf small stipple brush

I use different brushes for my foundation, depending on which one is clean ;), but my first pick is always the angled kabuki brush, Sigma F84. Sigma has different kinds from their kabuki collection, but I just like the angled one best because it is easier to blend those awkward areas like the side of the nose or under the eye area. I can easily pinch the brush for more targeted application. I really recommend this brush, and I think it's a great value for money.

9 to 5 Chic | Everyday Makeup for Work

I work in a corporate office setting. The industry that I am currently in, professional business attire is required and expected. Fortunately, the the firm that I currently work for is more laid back and avid supporter of business casual. We still need to dress up from Monday to Thursday, but they allow jeans for casual Fridays. 

I say this a couple of times before, that I do not wear makeup to work. I just didn't care enough to put extra effort in the morning. My morning routine usually takes about 20 minutes and it includes getting up, taking a shower, doing my hair and getting dressed. I do occasionally put on makeup when I have appointments to meet clients or when I wake up earlier than usual. Lately, I enjoy getting dolled up more because it actually makes me feel good about myself. I don't do it for other people, but I do it for myself. I think that's the key of my passion for beauty. It's for me, although it doesn't hurt when others give me compliments. ;)

blush: Milani Baked blush 'Rose D'oro'

For work, I keep my makeup simple and minimalist. I usually avoid liquid foundation because it tends to get heavy and I don't want to do that to my skin 5 days a week. I also come up with two-shadow look for more of a natural look. I stick with the same products most of the time. I guess my makeup concept for work is more to "enhance" what I already have, whereas on weekends I like to experiment with different products and looks. 

I start with primer to smooth out my face and complexion. It's more crucial to use primer when you use powder foundation so that the powder has something to 'cling' on to. I'm currently using the Body Shop Vitamin C Skin Boost Instant Smoother. Mine is in the old packaging because I've had it for so long! Using primer helps the makeup stay put longer. I then apply the under eye concealer next. It's important to brighten under the eye area to make you look more fresh and ready for the day to come. I'm using the Benefit eraste paste in medium - another oldie but goodie.

Brow Shaper | Sally Hansen Wax Kits

I have relatively thick eyebrows. I used to not care about them as much, but when I got into beauty and makeup, I started to have them done every month or two months when I was lazy. I got into a phase where I just didn't care as much. Then I realized ever since having my brows done at the salon, they actually grow more unruly than they did before. I felt more self conscious, even though I'm pretty sure no one really pays attention. I tried this wax kit at home as a more convenient way to do at home, and I have to say I truly enjoy it. I save money and trip to the salon. I still do plan to get my brows done professionally for special occasion just because I haven't learned how to trim it better yet. I guess one step at a time. You can get the kit at Amazon for less than $5!

Top 5 Drugstore Blushes | NYX, Milani, Rimmel, Wet n Wild

I love touching up my makeup with blushes. It gives the whole look more colorful and awake. I don't feel like I need to break the bank when it comes to blushes. Drugstore has a lot of varieties, and a lot of them are excellent in quality. I typically go for natural tone blushes that go with any makeup look. These are my favorite ones.

left to right:

NYX 'Pinched'

Wet 'n Wild 'pearlescent'

Milani 'tea rose'

Milani 'rose d'oro'

Rimmel 'Santa Rose'

What's you favorite blushes?

Beauty Review | Amazing Cosmetics Concealer Corrector

    I really think under-eye concealer is one of the key things that makes a difference. On my good days, I can get away without wearing foundation, but  adding some under-eye concealer to brighten up the area really helps in making me more awake and put together. I usually grab the Maybelline Instant age rewind dark circle treatment, but on days when I want extra coverage and extra flawless look, I go with Amazing concealer/corrector from Amazing Cosmetics. This is a relatively new find for me, but it's instantly become a favorite. I demonstrate how I apply it in my video, and you can see the difference side by side.

Wet N Wild Au Naturel Palettes | Dupe for Naked Palettes?

Last weekend, I came across the Wet N Wild Au Naturel palettes at Walmart. There was a sign on the shelf "exclusive at Walmart". That sign and the very affordable price tag of $5.62 got me hooked. There was only two options, Nude Awakening and Bare Necessities. I picked up Nude Awakening simply because it was the only one left on the shelf. I didn't think it was gonna be resemble the Naked palette at all. I was just convinced that Wet N Wild is amazing drugstore brand. It doesn't sacrifice quality for price tag. They kill it when it comes to eyeshadows. 

                                              

I fell in love in the first swatch! The next day I came back to Walmart and picked up Bare Necessities. It was that good. Especially with $5.62, you can never go wrong with that. I did a demo/tutorial/rave video on the Nude Awakening. At the time I shot that video, I still didn't realize that it could be a dupe of the Naked 3. Naked palettes have 12 shades, and Au Naturel have 10 shades on the palette.  I'm not saying that these palettes have the same exact shades of the Urban Decay most coveted palettes, but some of them are so darn similar. I'll let the pictures speak for itself. 

Nude Awakening & Naked 3 

Smooth Lips | elf Lip Exfoliator, Elizabeth Arden Lip-Fix

I feel like I have the dryest lips ever! My lips are always dry no matter what. I used to ignore the dryness and just didn't care enough to apply lip balm or whatever. Every time I apply on lipsticks, not long after I would see the product all "feather-ed" up leaving horrid-looking residue on my lips. I used to think the lipsticks were the problem, until I realized they were not. 

These products help me. I haven't seen my lipsticks get feathery since I've used these. 

Lip Exfoliator helps to get rid of the dead skin on your lips. The idea is the same with what scrubs do to our body. This one from elf is very affordable, and it does the job well. It is pretty weird at first to put a lipstick-looking product and just rub it all over my lips. I then need to rinse it off with water. You can also get similar result by rubbing your toothbrush on your lips when you brush your teeth. It does the same effect with more efficient, since we all brush our teeth anyway. Be careful not to rub too harsh as you might hurt your lips. Lips have the most sensitive surface.

YSL Rouge Volupté Shine Lipsticks

It's been a long time coming for me to finally try the YSL lipsticks. I have always adored the packaging, but for some reason I always backed out from purchasing. This time, when the VIB 15% sale came up, I caved and bought several. I just wasn't sure which shade will work for me, so I picked out 6 shades that look appealing from  Sephora website. 

I have to say, I was blown away at the first swatch of number 9. It only took the gentlest stroke on the back of my hand to get a very pigmented swatch. It also lasts a long time too. Other shades are very similar in pigmentation.

left to right: shade no. 3, 8, 9, 29, 43, 47

Some of them are buildable to have a more opaque application. I'm talking about shade number 8, 43 and 47.

 I just adore the packaging. They are so beautiful, I just can't stop looking at them! And yes, it's an episode of FRIENDS at the background =)

What is your favorite YSL lipstick?

L'Oreal True Match Lumi Cushion Foundation

I'd been really intrigued by cushion foundation and done some research. I wanted to try one from the drugstore just to see how I would like it, so I picked the L'Oreal Tru match lumi cushion foundation. 

Reviews I read and watched all sounded promising. And I have to say, I really enjoy it. 

It has light to medium coverage, but you can totally build it up. I still need to use concealer to hide my blemishes, but the foundation manages to even out my skin tone only in one layer. The name 'lumi' gives away how the finish is. It makes my skin look glowy, in a good way. I feel like i have such a healthy natural skin with this foundation. It just looks so natural and not cakey at all.

before True match cushion foundation

after one layer of True Match Lumi cushion foundation

before True match cushion foundation

after one layer of True Match Lumi cushion foundation

There are some drawbacks from this product. One of them is the sanitary reason. Since it's basically liquid-soaked sponge in a compact, the application might not be the most sanitary when you "double dip" your brush or sponge directly to the product. I don't use the sponge that comes in the compact just because I don't like to get it all dirty and all. I use my own foundation brush and I blend with beauty blender afterwards.

What's New at Sephora | The Estée Edit

I was just browsing around Sephora website, per usual when I stumbled across the newest line, the Estée Edit by Estée Lauder. I haven't heard anyone talk about it before, so I was intrigued and decided to pick some things from the line to try myself. I guess this is the company's way to target the younger market. They even have Kendall Jenner as the face of the line on Sephora website. 

I've talked all about it on my video, and here are some close up pictures and swatches. 

Sephora VIB Sale Haul | Holiday Gift Ideas

Hi everyone, it has been hectic as I'm flying home in 2 days. I have been doing some packing and last minute shopping. I also still need to tidy up my place so I won't come back to a mess. Here's the last video I posted on my channel. I had been saving up for this annual VIB sale, and I'm so happy with what I got. I haven't tried everything yet, but I will give you updates as I do.

I also have plans for upcoming videos for this month that I am excited about. Some of them involve my family! Yay! I hope you have a wonderful December!

PRODUCTS MENTIONED:
First Aid Beauty Peace, Joy & FAB kit - http://goo.gl/3oRoUQ
Laura Mercier loose setting powder - http://goo.gl/Z7US6Q
L'Occitane Shea Butter Foot Cream - http://goo.gl/kaqLmW
Dior Diorsking Pore Minimizer Universal - http://goo.gl/67UVlV
Fresh Sugar Lips Passion - http://goo.gl/skTruK
NARS Sheer glow foundation in santa fe - http://goo.gl/mYt1Tv 
Sephora Sleeping Mask discovery set ( SOLD OUT)
Fresh Seabery Skin nutrition booster - http://goo.gl/DkexOI
Sephora favorite beauty unmasked (SOLD OUT)

Makeup Menu | Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation

Today's makeup menu features some of my old favorites. Still using Laura Mercier eye basics base in wheat, I topped the look with L'Oreal infallible eye shadow in amber rush. It is so easy to use. I just use my fingers to blend the product all over my lids and with a matte brown shadow, I blend into the crease to create more depth and definition. I lined the look with a brown pencil liner and curled the lashes and topped it with mascara. 

The special for today is the Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation. I forgot how great this foundation was! It lifts up to its name by giving healthy glow finish to the skin. I used the shade light bronze which might be a little too dark for me, but I think I still can get away with it by blending it out. It is so easy to blend and applies gorgeously on the skin. It really makes my skin glow healthily!  I used Benefit erase paste for under the eyes. It brightens and smooths out the appearance under there which makes me look more awake and fresh. I paired with Hourglass ambient lighting powder in diffused light, which adds even extra glow. 

Holiday 2015 | Tarte Dressed to the Nines LipsSurgence

Tarte Dressed to the Nines, $34

This is by far the best deal I've got. With $34, you get 9 high quality lip cremes. They are all pigmented and last long. The set comes with three individual gift boxes which is perfect for gift giving. What I appreciate most is that the individual size is not mini size like what Fresh has for its sugar lip treatments. The size is legit and they don't feel fragile at all. I feel like it's pretty much the size of a lipstick, maybe a bit smaller.

They all smell minty, which can be overpowering. If you don't like it, then this might not be for you. I personally don't mind. I can hardly notice it once I'm wearing it. My favorite one is Pizzaz , which is the boldest color in the middler here. 

Bite Beauty Best Bite Rewind

Sephora  exclusive Bite Beauty Best Bite Rewind

Bite Beauty has one of the best lip products. The lipsticks are super pigmented and they glide like nothing else. The kit comes with four matte creme lip crayons in a tin with a mirror on it. This is a limited edition, and I expect it to be sold out once the VIB sale kicks in which is usually in the beginning of November. 

Cafe, Torte, Coulis, Aubergine

 I personally think all the colors are pretty wearable. Cafe is a peachy-brown nude shade. It's not too nude, and it's not the kind of shade that will wash out your complexion wearing it. Torte is described as brown-toned rose. I would say it's a natural shade, and slightly deeper than my natural lips shade. Coulis is raspberry red, which is more orange-y, and Aubergine is an eggplant shade, which for me more like a deeper berry.

They are all matte, but they glide on really smoothly. They don't dry my lips at all, which is amazing. You can build up the intensity, although it's practically opaque only with one layer of application.

My mom asked me to buy this book for her. The title is Happiness Is... 500 things to be happy about. It has all these random pictures. I just think they are adorable and so cute yet so true.

Ulta 20% Off Everything Sale (10% off Prestige Brands)

I was hoping to receive 20% off code for everything including the prestige brands this year. I wonder if it's because I am no longer a platinum member. I had some issue with my account and it was recently resolved. I lost almost all the points for the past 2 years, and it kinda sucked.
I was a bit disappointed with the promo code, but since there are some of Ulta exclusive holiday items, I thought it's still worth sharing.

If you have an account with Ulta, you should have received the promo code on your email. The sale starts today through October 31st. The code can only be used once, so you need to plan ahead.

Continue reading for my tips and picks !