Sunday Plans

I am excited to be attending Gay Pride in SF again. I have gone every year since I moved to the Bay Area. What's even more interesting is that the Backstreet Boys are going to be performing! LOL Do you guys remember them? I remember when I was growing up  how much I loved them as a tween in the 90s, early to mid 2000s. It has been years since I last heard any new music from them besides the occasional radio edit at supermarkets or retail stores. So I am pretty excited to see them live, for free! Yippeee =D

This was a dress I wore sometime last week. I sincerely apologize for the lack of photo skills. I must get some pointers on how to take better outfit posts. Next time I shall eliminate the flash and lighten the photo through Photoshop =p

Extremely simple blue eyeshadow swipe. Easiest of the easiest. Nothing fancy pants here. I used NYX eyeshadow in Pacific Blue. One of my faves =) It matches my top. 

Day/Night look for Anniversaries :)

I've read many blogs with ladies who'd been celebrating with their boyfriends, husbands for 2, 3, 4 (and even more) year anniversaries. That is a pretty long time :) I decided to do my very first themed look, just for kicks. I decided to use the Physicians Formula e/s palette in Pop Green Eyes. I bought this awhile ago and didn't touch it until now o_o

 

I also used Physicians Formula Mineral wear face powder in Buff Beige. I was never  too impressed with their powders, especially the loose ones because of that mineral-y, metallic-y smell. But the pressed powder that I used today was absolutely gorgeous. The shade blended very well with the undertones of my skin and didn't highlight any flaws I feared. I am very impressed by the formula, texture-wise. It is a very soft matte that gives varying coverages depending on how much you brush on. In my case, I used it also as a concealer by concentrating the product under my eyes, chin, etc. 

The powder seems to have brightened my face a little, making me look more awake in contrast of how tired I usually look without makeup magic. 

 

I also used Rosy Glow on my cheeks. I love this color!

The eyeshadows are so pretty too! I really like the colors. The colors range from a sparkly white to a deep forest green. There are a mix of purple toned colors to balance out the many  variations of green.

 

 I tried my best to blend. I have a come a looong way and have learned so much through seeing everyone's different techniques. 

 Overall, this is an easy look for dates, anniversaries or any occasions! :) 

 In addition to the Physicians Formula powder, eyeshadows and blush, I used MAC fluid line in Black Track to line my eyes, Loreal Collagen mascara, and Estee Lauder lipstick in Bois de Rose. 

That's all! :) Easy? 

I hope you all have a fantastic weekend!

Skin insecurities

The other day when I was strolling to work in the morning, I found my face getting a bit sunburned :( My cheeks were irritating me and my face was all itchy and blotchy. I bounced out of the apt with a little sunscreen... SPF 20 I believe. I  normally use SPF 50, but somehow I just had forgotten =/ It's healed considerably now, but the fact that my skin was so sensitive that day is beyond me. It made me feel all vampy for getting burned in the wee morning hours... 8am-ish. It wasn't like I walked a 10 miles or anything... only a few blocks.. LOL

I tried really hard to cover the redness... but it looks pale and dull.

Yuck! =/

But now it's significantly better! I just have to be more careful my skin. Maybe I had an allergic reaction to something.

Anyway, I used Bare Escentuals foundation in golden medium in attempt to achieve a little glow. I trimmed my own hair a little, but I have so much hair that you can't really tell the difference. I love these blue chandelier earrings. They are so flimsy and wearable. I bought them a long time ago in a street fair somewhere. I plan to wear it tomorrow with a loose white tee and pulled back hair. I'll take a picture if I could. My camera handling skills are beyond embarrassing. My biggest achievement is cropping the photos =p

I won't give up with the Physicians Formula blush/eye shadow palette. I'll take you ladies' suggestion and try it again :)

Soft pink hues

Pink eye shadow. Yay or nay?

Personally, I would steer away as far as possible from pink eyeshadows because they are intimidating and really hard to pull off for me. I've made a disaster on my face once with a pinkish reddish shadow, giving me way too much bronzy illusions for my liking. I don't think I'm a "bronzy" type of person. I can't pull off golds or rustic colors because I feel my skin is too similar to it...haha. I feel it's too attention-getting for work too. But anyway, back to pink shadows. I decided to give it another try after seeing so many ladies pulling it off beautifully. I think the trick is to pair it with very black mascara and eyeliner to give it that vibrant contrast.

It's quite subtle here, but I tried. I think I'll do this look for tomorrow if I can get up in the morning :)

Here's what I used!

I love the Sephora eye shadow palette. All the colors are so densely pigmented and in perfect miniature sizes. I really love it!

I bought this Physician's Formula in Waikiki Strip/Peachy Glow Bronzer a few weeks ago, but never had a chance to swatch it... so here it is in all its shadowy glory.

Pretty colors, huh? Sadly, it didn't work out very well for me. It made me feel really tacky because the shimmers are out of control. I tried to apply it as bronzer on my cheeks using the light to medium part but it looked like I was burned. One of my coworkers asked me if a child did my makeup! o_o LOL. She was kidding. It felt okay in my apt, but I guess under fluorescent office lights, it probably looked ferocious o_o

I normally love PF products, just not this one! Any experiences? :)

Thanks for all the sweet comments in my previous post. I have never received so much feedback about a product before! :) 

Goodnight all :)

Glowy depths

Hey everyone!! I have been playing around with my Lioele BB cream and trying to create different finishes with the cream. So far, I found that it gives me a very glowy complexion compared to some of my other foundations or powders. It's a bit heavier than a tinted moisturizer and is on the same level of coverage as a liquid foundation. I purchased it on Ebay. I took a risk and bought it there because a lot of the shops I looked at didn't have it in stock and I wanted it so badly! LOL =p

I created a very simple look using the Lioele BB cream and some MAC eye shadows. One of my fave palettes from MAC is Delights palette that came out awhile ago.

I love how it has that nice sheen to it. The pink shadow on the top right hand corner doubles as a highlighter. I mostly use the the pink and the purple below it. It's not as dark as it looks, since you can blend it out into different levels of wear.

Here is the final look I did combining the eye shadows and the BB cream. I used the pink and purple in the first and second row. I was trying to use the shadows to create a deeper depth in my eyes but I can see now that it's going to take a little more practice =p I'm not currently using an eyeshadow base but I'm thinking how much more enhanced the products will look if I do! An eye shadow primer is next in line :)

 I like any kind of creams that illuminate the skin without the greasy look. Sometimes highlighters can be a bit much to purchase on its own, since you won't use it as much as a normal powder or foundation. I have combination skin so it's really important that the glowy component in makeup is not overbearing otherwise you look like you just had a session with a hardcore personal trainer o_o That's not ideal.

I was very impressed with this Lioele's Beyond the Solution BB cream. It goes on a little light, but it eventually blends into skin after an hour or so. I snapped these pictures after 8 hrs of work! LOL Didn't do much touch ups during the day but I brushed my hair and applied a little powder.

Here it is again. I know I need to stop raving about this =p But I felt I didn't have proper swatches before.

Very creamy texture, smells a little medicinal but it's not lingering. Will match skin tones in NC15-30, my guess. I know it's a big leap from 15-30, but it does blend well :)

Goodnight! =)

NOTE: I bought the BB Cream here. Korean based seller that I've had no problems with. Free shipping that took 10 days to arrive.

Giveaways

Enter Jenny's 100 follower giveaway here!

She is an awesome blogger to check out. She was my first follower, LOL =)

Weekday things and bag voyeurism

I hope you lovely ladies are all having a nice weekend!

During the week, I was busying myself with simple, easy to make food that's tasty and convenient. Besides that, I've been really busy at work packing since we are moving to a new suite on Monday. We just had to get our things in a crate so all the movers can move my files and all the things here and there. It was a busy week =p I am blogging on location right now.

 

 I bought some dim sum to go and had some leftovers along with homemade porridge. The porridge had silver fish and green onions for flavoring. I really love fish flavored porridge. Must look yucky for some people =p I grew up eating this and it brings me sweet memories of my mom's cooking.

One of my favorite comfort foods, deviled eggs! LOL People normally eat this on holidays but I just love it so hard. I am a big time egg lover so I guess that may be a reason. I used a very simple recipe. I scooped out the hard boiled egg yolks and then mashed them with mayo and spicy mustard before setting them back into their egg white cups. Garnished with paprika. Man, I love deviled eggs. I can eat them forever! LOL

BBQ pot roast sandwich. I went out to a smokehouse for BBQ pot roast over the week and had leftovers that were perfect for a sandwich. It's sitting on sourdough bread, and topped with tomatoes and spinach. It would probably taste better pressed but I like it nonetheless.







I wanted to show you guys a new bag I acquired recently :)

I thought this Hexagona bag would be perfect for the summer months since it's nice and white. Normally I am not a big fan of white bags, but this one somehow called to me. I like the lightweight material and how easy it is to cling this bag on your shoulder on your arms.

This is what I have inside! =p

I always wonder what people carry in their bags to make their life easy and accessible. I used to be the biggest hoarder and have everything in one bag but I realize how heavy it can be, especially if I only use 40% of the things.

Some of my favorite essentials (beside my wallet and keys) include lip balms, hand lotion and oil sheets. I also have a variety of knick knacks that I didn't picture like pens, notepads and a cell phone.

I've had the Rosebud Salve for the longest time and it's one of my favorites along with the Burt's Bees pomegranate oil. The Rosebud balm is very cute and the sweet strawberry notes are very pleasing while the balm itself is exquisite highly moisturizing. Can be used for excessive dry skin or cuts. I normally use it for my lips. It's all natural and has no goofy ingredients. I believe it's a best seller for many years. I'm sure you all heard of it.

I carry a little assortment of "power perfumes" in my bag too =p It's in a handy little zipper bag. It just makes me feel powerful in times of stress. Sounds pretty crazy, but during my deadlines and stuff at work, a little spritz of one of my power perfumes really gives me that extra boost =p Most used one is Kenzo Power Herve Ledger. I also love Pink Sugar, but that's just really girly and feminine :) I love woodsy, musky smells that are blended elegantly. They usually define "power" to me. LOL

I also love the Dove Go Fresh in grapefruit and lemongrass!!!!! I can't rave about that one enough. That one and the one in the green bottle, Cucumbers or something. The grapefruit one is an energizing smell that is both citrusy and sweet. It lands on a more sweeter side for me, but just as elegant. I spray it in my office occasionally for a pick me up and I love how it lights up the entire room. I absolutely recommend Dove. It's easy to find, inexpensive and superb. Let me know if you guys love it as well =p

The Aveda hand cream is a must. I go through tubes and tubes of hand cream since I like to keep my hands moist. Nothing is worse than working while your hands and are dry and chapped =/ What are your fave hand creams?! Mine is running out soon and I need new suggestions.

 The little pink tube is a cream blush that I hardly ever use. It's from the Body Shop, and is a nice, pink color that has little fine sparkles in it. It blends very easily and is a soft texture much like the Maybelline matte mousse ones. The tube is perfect for traveling or very busy ppl who do their makeup while multitasking.

And that's all the essentials I really have for now. What is the most important essential you gals carry on the go? I once knew someone who carried a yellow pages type thing in her bag, along with passports, copies of birth certificates, and all that crazy stuff..LOL

My crazy cat Bacon sandwiched in random blankets. I snapped this pic of her a few months ago. She's still as crazy today. I caught her sleeping on top of the fridge 2 days ago! LOL

Effortless Weekend

Happy Thursday! This week has been very hectic for me. Lots of deadlines to meet and things at home to take care of. Over the Memorial day weekend, I took a last minute flight to visit my family. It was nice being at home, lounging around in my room and feeling content in a very familiar surrounding. I don't go home often enough but when I do, it's always nice to bring back a happy memory for me to dwell on when I'm here. You know how once you move out, relationships with your parents change? Mine seems to have changed for the better and I enjoy shopping with my mom and eating cheese with her =)

I also came back with some goodies! Remember my last post about L&S skincare from Korea? I have found zero info on it through Google which I find a little odd. Wouldn't you think so? o_o Anyway, my mom's friend bought it for me since she knew I loved cosmetics and creams.

I haven't really used this BB cream yet. I also have a sample sized one of this too, which I will start using sometime soon. It's very nice, and covers quite nicely. It has a sheer finish and  feels nice and light on the skin. From my experience, BB creams are creams that multitask in a variety of ways, from priming the skin to treating acne and breakouts. It used to be used by dermatologists to treat problem skin and to cover scars, but since then BB creams have evolved into the cosmetic market as miracle creams. These miracle creams are still somewhat new to me, but it seems they function all in a relatively similar manner which is to be the cousin of the foundation. This product that I used (although i couldn't find any reviews or anything at all on it) seems highly moisturizing and balmy. Since it provides sheer coverage, the consistency is a little watery but it works great as a tinted moisturizer. I apply it with my fingertips to highlight my face and to give it a brighter glow especially when you wake up really tired. And it has some SPF in it which is a plus :) Always. I think it works for most skin tones that range in a pink to yellow undertone, and it eventually molds to your skin's natural color, enhancing it at best. Setting it with a powder makes the product last longer and softens your face instantly.

A matching powder to go along with the cream! The design of the compact is fantastic. It has a little plastic separator for the sponge to go on top without touching the pan. I really liked how it looked, kind of the traditional square compact, the gold colored rim,and the soft applicator you may or may not use. The case was not flimsy and it's light and portable. The shade looks a little too light when swatched that way but it really gives that nice, luminescent glow. I used it when I went to dinner with my family and after I came home, my makeup was still set. I also noticed the very pleasant smell.. it's so hard to describe, but it has a sweet, musky floral scent. It's very pleasing, I wish I could let you all scratch and sniff it on the screen! =p  

I haven't used it long enough to rate it fairly but I do love how it wakes a dull face :) The powder is very fine and compressed with a nice, very silky texture. I just wish I could find more info about this brand. All I know is that it's made in Korea, from what it says on the box =p

And lastly, my thoughts on the Lioele BB cream!

Intense stuff right? I originally saw the review from another blogger and really wanted to try it. SO BAD. I finally ordered it and it was shipped to me from Korea =P It took 10 days, which is pretty good. It survived many weather conditions I'm sure. Anyway, from the look of the swatch, it's pretty obvious to say this BB cream is the mother of them all. It's very foundation-like and is very thick. Provides heavy coverage for me and has no indication of SPF although it says that it blocks UV rays. I loved the packaging of it, but I worry since it's on of those press and squeeze tubes, I may have to cut it open when it starts running low. But I'm sure I won't be low anytime soon because a little goes a long, long way. The result of half a pump is what you see on my hand! Crazy. I really like this product. It delivers really nice results and covers like a hardcore concealer. It's like my Dior Sculpt foundation that I rarely use because of its heavy coverage. I plan to have some before and after pictures in my next post. Brace yourself for that =p Overall, coverage is great and I love the creaminess of the cream. It gives a dewy finish and is very moisturizing. The smell is a little medicinal for me and it may be heavy for some people. I didn't mind the smell though. I just hate products that smell of rust and metal. And believe me, there are some. Especially minerally SPF ones.

I plan on trying the Dr Jart one that many gals recommended me to. I'll give it a go when I find it =D

<--- I used half a pump of the Lioele BB cream. It covered my dark circles pretty thoroughly and evened out my skin tone so much. I was running on 4 hrs of sleep and had really dull, blotchy skin. I owe it all to this amazing cream. I love it =D Hopefully it works well in the hotter months coming up.











Happy Friday to you all tomorrow! Thank you all for your lovely comments :) You gals flatter me with your infectious personalities. And you all draw inspiration to my daily life. I was such a bum before I started blogging but I've become more keen on fashion and beauty from reading all your reviews and tips and favorites =) It's endless and infinite how much I appreciate the blogger community.

When you gals have a chance, I want to introduce my very quirky best friend. I convinced her to start a blog so she can record recipes and share tips with me. She's a lemon bar - loves to bake and cook whenever she has time :)