Blogmas 6, 2012 ❄ LOTD: Christmas Party

Hi everyone. Today's blogmas is about parties that are coming during the holiday. I personally prefer dressing up when it comes to parties and always have been. This is one of the looks that I create for the holidays. The pictures might not give the eyeshadows justice since I use my iPhone instead of my dSLR that I left at my boyfriend's house. So please bear with me. 

                           

I use Sigma Paris Palette because it has gorgeous shades that match my dress. If you want to read more about the palette, I have a full blog post about it here. I also find that my skin is not acting up currently so I only use concealer instead of a full-on foundation to cover up my blemishes. 

Face

❄ The Body Shop Stick Concealer - 03 (featured here)

❄ NYX Stay Matte but not flat powder

❄ Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer

❄ Milani Baked Blush - Coralina

❄ Hello Kitty Shimmering highlighter

Eyes

❄ Maybelline ColorTattoo - Barely Beige

❄ Sigma Paris Palette - Versailles on inner corner

❄ Sigma Paris Palette - Orsay & Louvre on lid

❄ Sigma Paris Palette - Triomphe on outer corner for the smokey effect

❄ Urban Decay Naked Palette - Buck on crease

❄ Katty Perry False Eyelashes - Sweety Pie

Lips

❄ Jordana Lip Liner - Tawny

❄ Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick - Rose Blush (gorgeous color!)

And my dress is from Urban Outfitters. I wore it with two different styles, but I like the black blazer the most. It's more chic and sophisticatied. 

Thank you for reading!

Blogmas 5, 2012 ❄ My Favorite Stores to Shop

Holiday is the hardest time of the year for me to avoid shopping. The jolly mood, all the Christmas hype, and crazy markdowns around me really succeed in attracting me to at least window shop. Regardless, I find myself a new-found self-control by revealing my checking account. Lol. Anyway, here are some of my favorite places to shop.

Target

Surprise, Surprise. Yes, I love Target. Who doesn't? I can ge everything from chips to shoes, from blanket to Wii u! Target has just the most amazing range of stuff, and they manage to have the store designed  neatly and enjoyable for customers to walk in. Target is by far my most favorite place to shop. If you never check out the clothes section, you should. Target really has amazing finds, and the best thing about it is they are on sale every couple of months. I got my favorite skirt and jacket for less than $15 after 70% off. I heart Target. Also, if you bring your own bag for your purchase, you get a 5c discount for each bag. Way to promote go green!

Forever21, Loft, Loft, Target

Forever21

What can I say? Forever 21 still and alway gets me. I do however prefer to shop online rather than at the store because I find Forever21 doesn't have good item arrangement. Things just scatter around randomly instead of being arranged neatly and properly. It is just hard to find colors or sizes for a single clothing item. It's just crazy. The other thing that really bugs me is that the rack is always awfully full and packed making it hard for me to browse around the clothes and take the ones I like. Regardless, I still like Forever21 for its fashion sense and low price. 

LOFT

This is my new-found favorite store thanks to Veronica. She is petite and tells me that it is hard to find clothes (and shoes for that matter) that fit. She's been kinda obsessed with  Wendy's Lookbook and ExtraPetite because both bloggers have similar body type with her. Extra Petite especially gives insights for petite fashion and petite-friendly stores. LOFT is one of them. I find myself shopping in petite section, and it fits me slightly better than the regular size. Wow. I guess my body type is somewhere in between, but I like fitness a little bit more when it comes to tailored outfits like LOFT offers. LOFT is also one of many stores that always have items for sale.  The sale is always around  an additional 40% off for its already reduced item, and occasionally 40-50% for its full-priced. I have never buy full-priced item from the store. The key is to be patient and willing to go from store to store to find your size.

Rose Gold Bracelet from BaubleBar

BaubleBar.com

I was a little bit obsessed with jewelry a couple of years back, and I was really thrilled when I find this website. BaubleBar offers wide range of jewelry design from classic to customized. Another great thing about it is its free shipping. Yay! You also get point for every dollar you spend that can be used for discount toward your next purchase. I have made four purchases from the website, and I like them all. 

Ulta vs. Sephora

I've known about Sephora just a little bit longer than I have about Ulta. Both provide me with the same level of excitement when I walk in to the stores, but Sephora does give a little more edge in my shopping experience. I always bump into at least 2 or 3 people with their heavy makeup who offer to help me with anything while at Ulta, the people will occasionally ask how I'm doing when they walk right pass me.  Sephora offers a wider range of high-end brand while Ulta provides BOGO 50% regularly for drugstore items. I like it because it can be my one stop shop for high-end as well as drugstore beauty stuff. The other thing that I like most about Ulta is its reward program that offers certain dollar value discount after you reach certain point. It really wins me over Sephora who only offers deluxe samples of beauty items that often times seem useless and unattractive to me. All in all, I like both stores because they complement each other. Sephora has my favorite high-end brands like Laura Mercier, Makeup Forever that Ulta doesn't, but Ulta has drugstore makeup which is really convenient. 

I'll let you know when I discover another favorite. Until then, thank you for reading!

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Blogmas 4, 2012 ❄ A New Chapter: Job, Relationship, Anniversary

Today I broke the news to my supervisor at my volunteering workplace that I got a job, and she was thrilled for me. She hugged me with joy. She also told me she was jealous of me that I got to move on with my life and finally get a real job. It really is something to be excited about. 

For the last five months, I had used to plan for the short term because I had always thought that I might go back to my hometown soon. Every day had been a battle of tears and fear. Once I got the offer letter, I couldn't help but jumping in joy. 

Three days before I got the news, I was sitting on my bed pondering on what my life would be. My insomnia was kicking in, and I prayed to God. That night, I got a revelation that I was here to stay. I had always been torn between staying and going back. I knew that I wanted to stay, but I just felt that I wasn't strong enough to bear the fight and struggle in finding a job even though I was already in the battle. I have always been a realist and am used to prepare for the worst-case scenario. That night, I found it in me that as much as I wanted to go home, I wanted to stay here more. Than two days later, just the day before I learned about the offer, I found myself thinking how I would allocate my first salary once I got the job. Suddenly, I felt the urge and excitement to start working as soon as possible I couldn't wait to start my career. At that point I realized that my gut was telling me something. It was telling me that I got the job. Despite all the feelings, I kept silent because I didn't want to keep my hopes up. The next day, when I got the news, I was literally jumping up and down while the HR manager was delivering the news on the phone. 

I finally feel that I am moving forward. I will start in January so I still have about a month or so to prepare and enjoy the holiday with peace of mind.  I thank God for His early Christmas present. And I just can't thank my boyfriend enough for his support. Many people asked me what would happen if I have to go back. What would happen to my boyfriend? He'd be alone, but he'd never be lonely. I guess   we are at the point of relationship where I can see getting stronger and stronger. Some people even suggest us to get married so that I can stay. I'm sorry, but it's just the dumbest idea ever. I would never get married for a visa. You should get married for the right reasons, and getting to stay in the country is not one of them. That's just my opinion. 

Anyway, my anniversary was finally here. We were supposed to go to this French restaurant in San Francisco but he was feeling a little under the weather. So we stayed in instead. When he picked me up, he said that he wanted to go to Target first before dinner to pick up something. I asked him what it was, and he said some electronic stuff. Then as we drove to the area, I reminded him to take the left lane as Target was on our left hand-side. I was focusing on my phone when I realized that he had taken the wrong turn. Or had he? I remember telling him to make a u-turn when he finally said that he wanted to buy me a present at Ulta, which was in the complex just across Target. He was really sneaky. I didn't see that coming.  He bought me Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau so fresh. It has been my favorite scent for quite a while, and it was on my wish list too! Thank you for the little surprise, Dear!

La Jolla Beach, San Diego, CA
Rocking the journey together  for 2 years

Thank you for reading. Until the next blogmas!

Blogmas 3, 2012 ❄ My Little MAC Collection

I am quite new to the whole MAC-a-rama. I've heard about MAC for a long time, but I'd always had this perception that MAC cosmetics are expensive and rough on skin. I guess it partly because many professional makeup artists use MAC and also my sister told me that MAC could break out my skin.

Nevertheless, I bought my very first MAC product, Purring Tendertone, around March 2012. It is a lip balm with SPF 12 which sometimes acts as a gloss too because its shiny finish. It does work wonders on chapped lips. 

My second product I bought was based on Macbarbie07 aka Bethany Mota's recommendation which is MAC Mineralize Charged Water. It is a "skin hydrating mist" that you can also use to set your makeup. I like how MAC design is not commonly found on other brands. The pump bottle is different and looks more sophisticated than other traditional pump bottles. The mist smells refreshing, but unfortunately I don't know if it really does set my makeup.

Love the bullet-like design =)

In August, I bought MAC lipstick after watching so many swatches on youtube. It is safe to say that I am being extra careful in selecting MAC products I bought, and I don't know why. Maybe because I feel MAC is such a splurge for me even though the pricing is in fact lower than many of other makeup brands. After I watched Pixi2woo aka Tanya Burr's Top Ten MAC lipsticks, I finally bought Jubilee. I don't regret buying the lipstick because it doesn't feather on the lips and it has moistures which is always a plus on a lip product. 

Say hello to Mr. Tiger!

Next ones I bought are the eye products, which I am most excited about. The eyeshadows are pretty expensive, and I prefer to wait until I have at least four colors that I really like before I purchase. I finally did and named the quad "Miss Kristani's Smokey Brown Eyes". The quad doesn't come in engraving at all, but MAC does ask what you want to name it when you buy online. In the quad I have Arena, Twinks, Embark and Satin Taupe which is the most popular among the four. I bought two of the colors after I watched Pixiwoo's Brown Smokey Makeup for Asian or Hooded Eyes.  Pixiwoo sisters are by far the best makeup artists I have watched in terms of makeup techniques and variations. You should check out their channel. I must admit I don't really like all the shadows. I don't like Embark because the color just doesn't transfer well enough and I don't like Twinks because it turns out that I have a really similar color. I also bought paint pot in Quite Natural which I find really creamy and nice pigmentation.

I personalized my own MAC by putting cute pictures on the palette.
The clear cover really sophisticates the whole design. 

My latest purchase is very popular among MAC users. It is the Mineralize Skin Finish Natural. My shade is medium plus. I have heard many people rave about this product especially MakeupbyTiffanyD. I went to MAC asking for one of the ladies in the store to help find my shade. The girl looked at me and instantly told me that my shade is medium plus. While she was searching for my sample shade, there was a woman asking to pay her purchase, the the girl asked me if it was alright to help the woman first and of course I said yes. She then returned to me with my shade and opened the product and started buffing the powder on my cheek. While doing that, she kept chatting with her friends beside her who was restocking products in the drawers. It was like I was just a model and she was the makeup artist. I did not like that. She told me that it has satin finish that gives skin healthy glow. I don't buy it, but I bought it anyway. Lol. 

There's my little MAC collection. So tell me, what MAC products do you love?

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Blogmas 2, 2012 ❄ I Love Wii U + Games Rave - Nintendoland and Super Mario Bros

Two of my friends just moved in to a condo, and I have been spending a lot of  time. The place becomes our own cozy little nest every weekend. A friend lent her wii console to put into the place so we could all play it together. The only game we played for a while was Wii Tennis. We became addicted for quite some time, and it became a little competition between us. 

I even accidentally got hit by the wii remote because a friend forgot to tighten the strap on her wrist. So when she was spiritedly stroke a backhand, the remote freely flew over the air and landed just right on my forehead. Thankfully I got no bump. She felt so guilty afterwards, though. 

About a month ago, my friend bought the new Wii U Deluxe edition, and we all had been addicted playing the Nintendoland, a game that came with the console. We love playing the hide-and-seek/catch-me-if-you-can type of game. There are Animal Crossing: Sweet Day, Luigi's Ghost Mansion and Mario Chase. Among the three, we play Sweet Day the most. The game basically consists of the animals and gate keepers. Animals have a mission to collect certain amount of candies and gate keepers have to catch the animals three times before they collect enough candies to win. The more candies an animal collect, the slower the animal run. So it is really funny seeing an animal who is being chased keep throwing out all of its candies so it can walk faster. 

The other game that we just got was in my wish list, Super Mario Bros. U. I played it last night, and it was fun. If you played nintendo when you were a child of if you are old enough have nintendo in your childhood, you should remember Super Mario Bros game, the one with all the coins, mushrooms, flowers, etc. The new game of course comes in more features and different variations of stages, but it is still pretty awesome. The original retail price for a Wii U game is $59.99. It is very expensive for a game, but we got it for half off using Groupon and some tricks that I don't really recommend using. 

Anyway, have an awesome week guys! 

Blogmas 1, 2012 ❄ Holiday Plans

Hey people! 

It's now December and Christmas is finally coming really soon!! In the spirit of Christmas, I will blog every single day, at least I will try to. It requires commitment, but I'm down for it. 

Vlogmas is now the hype of many Youtubers, and since I don't make videos and don't plan to anytime soon, I thought why not write a post?

For the holiday, my friends and I had had changed plans numerously, and finally settled on a road trip. I really thought that this would be my last hurrah before I had to go back home to my hometown, but me getting a job changes that. One pastor joked on a Sunday Service, "If you want to make God laugh, show Him your plan." Not all people laugh at his joke, but I did. I've always known that people can only make plans, and God is the one who decides. And this proves it. God knows best, and He has all things planned way ahead of us. 

So for the road trip, We will drive to Los Angeles on the 24th and continue to Antelope Canyon National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park and spend the new year in Las Vegas. I can't wait to finally hit the road and enjoy the vacation before I start my work. It is exciting and terrifying at the same time. I remember every time I start a new chapter in my life, I always feel the need to sit down and pray asking for strength and guidance. I always feel helpless when I don't know what's coming, but praying helps. I don't know what the future will bring, but it is relieving to know I can always rely on Him. 

Until the next blog...

My Holiday Wish List + Big News!

Hey everyone!
I have a really great news to share with you guys. Last Thursday, I was slouching at my desk watching a beauty video on Youtube when I got a call from the HR Manager of the company I have been waiting good news from. And yes, I got the offer! I was literally jumping up and down when she told me. I had been having good feelings for a couple of days before, and I'm really glad that I got the job. It feels nice to finally be able to plan for the long term. Thank You, Lord. =)

 I have a bunch of stuff on my Holiday wish list and I thought it'd be fun to share with you guys. It might be a good gift ideas for your girlfriends/sisters/moms since my wish list consists of mostly if not all girly things.  Please keep in mind that this is only my wish list, which means that some if not most of the items mentioned are not in my preferable price range but since it's a wish list, I get to wish whatever I want. ;)

Laura Mercier Foundation

1. Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation 

I admit I am kinda late. I've hear amazing reviews, I've seen tons of demo using this product and I have tried the sample size my self, and I still feel $43 is a lot for one foundation. I do have a $20 off coupon from Sephora for VIBs and am thinking to pick it out myself. 

2. Tory Burch Suede Eddie Ballet Flats with Bows 

Tory Burch Flats

This flats come in three different styles-metallics, leather and suede. I prefer the suede one because I feel like the meeting point of the sparkly bows and the suede soft texture brings a classic and elegant finish. I love this shoes. 

3. Super Mario Bros Wii U 

I am not an avid gamer, but I do love Mario Bros. I still remember the old times when my dad finally put his old nintendo and I got to play Super Mario until I bored myself with the game. My friend just got a Wii U at his home, and It'd be a perfect game for, ehm, me, to play with my friends.

4. Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau de Toilette
I love this fragrance. This was in my last wish list, and I still haven't managed to get one because I still have my good ol' Benetton Paradise which I have gone through my second bottle. I don't like stock up on perfumes because my mom always told me that long-kept perfumes can turn bad.

5. Celine Trapeze Multicolor Bag
Okay, so this bag has been my ultimate item in my wish list, which means that it will be in the wish list for a loooonnnggg time, possibly forever. I just can't wrap my mind in spending thousands of dollars for a bag regardless how much I love it. But maybe in the future, who knows ;)




6. Calf Hair Belt
Calf hair sounds really cruel. I'm sure there are tons of synthetic hair belts that just as pretty as the real one. I just love the texture and how different it is from traditional leather belt.

7. Hair Cut
This might sound silly, but I do wish to have a hair cut before the holiday. It's hard enough to maintain long beautiful hair, but trusting someone new to cut my hair is harder. I have been having the same person cut my hair for the last 10 years. Maybe I have trust issue that's never been resolved. I don't know why. Any good recommendation?

8. Last but not least, spending the holiday with my loved ones.
Although my family is far away, I am grateful to be blessed with great friends whom I have made my family here. Having people you love around you is just the key of happiness. It might sound cheesy, but it's true.

That's all folks! 

What do you have in your wish list? 

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