beauty
Due to this reason, my face products pretty much consist of just two things: base/primer, and foundation. I don't even use a blush. But ever since I discovered this product from Summer Stash, this luminizer cream has been incorporated into my daily makeup routine. The part I find it most attractive is that it gives off such a nice, healthy glow. I mainly use this on my cheek bones for highlights and definition, but I also mix with foundation if I want dewy finished look. Its fine, soft shimmer is very flattering and easily blends into the skin. I also love how it's a bit cooling & refreshing on the skin and leaves a matte finish, which is perfect for my oily skin.
Recently I was lurking inside Sephora on my birthday to kill some time before meeting with a friend, and this lipstick (more of its package) caught my eyes. The glossy black spiky tube was definitely calling for my interest. Among the whole range of colors from nude to red, this particular shade stood out the most. It was love at first sight! According to Kat Von D website, this color is described as "matte reddish fuscia," on my lips it is hot pink red with warm undertone.
I always thought I won't be able to find a red color that flatters me, but I was pleasantly surprised that I can totally "rock" this red. My overall complexion and teeth significantly look brighter when I wear this. It is one of rare lipsticks that has matte finish without accentuating chapped lips. The only downside is, because it is so pigmented, the application time takes a bit longer than my usual lipsticks.
I always thought I won't be able to find a red color that flatters me, but I was pleasantly surprised that I can totally "rock" this red. My overall complexion and teeth significantly look brighter when I wear this. It is one of rare lipsticks that has matte finish without accentuating chapped lips. The only downside is, because it is so pigmented, the application time takes a bit longer than my usual lipsticks.
After much let down from Wen and Herbal Essence's cleansing conditioners, I officially declared myself to stop look for alternatives to Macadamia Natural Oil's Flawless cleansing conditioner. I opened up my photo album where I store all my foil samples, and randomly picked up this one. Can you believe I was completely hooked only after just one use?
First of all, the fresh floral scent is divine. I usually get tired of most shampoo scents, but I don't think I will ever grow over this scent. Another thing I love about this shampoo is the volume that it gives to my hair. My hair no longer looks weighed down from using cleaning conditioners, and even brings out some of my natural curls. The only con of this shampoo is that during the wash, it makes my hair dry if I don't use conditioner. Speaking of conditioner, the Exquisiteoil conditioner performed average on me and did not have the same wonderful scent as the shampoo.
Side note: I've also used Fiberstrong shampoo from Matrix Biolage-- although that had a pleasant scent as well, it did not live up to the same expectation I had with Exquisiteoil.
First of all, the fresh floral scent is divine. I usually get tired of most shampoo scents, but I don't think I will ever grow over this scent. Another thing I love about this shampoo is the volume that it gives to my hair. My hair no longer looks weighed down from using cleaning conditioners, and even brings out some of my natural curls. The only con of this shampoo is that during the wash, it makes my hair dry if I don't use conditioner. Speaking of conditioner, the Exquisiteoil conditioner performed average on me and did not have the same wonderful scent as the shampoo.
Side note: I've also used Fiberstrong shampoo from Matrix Biolage-- although that had a pleasant scent as well, it did not live up to the same expectation I had with Exquisiteoil.
I reach a peak of exhilaration when I unexpectedly find a damn good mascara, especially from a drugstore. But let me tell you about my first impression on Maybelline as a brand. I had high hopes for their mascaras, after hearing how their mascaras are sold every 1.7 seconds. I went to Target and got Great Lash Mascara, because even as a total makeup newbie back then, I recognized its famous pink and green tube. Plus it was on sale for only $3. But as soon as I tried it, my excitement immediately went downhill.
Basically it was a piece of crap. Great Lash did NOTHING on my lashes in terms of lengthening and volumizing, it clumped and smudged all over my under eyes at the end of the day. I was so disappointed that I stayed away from Maybelline mascaras for 5 years.
But man, I never thought the day I praise Maybelline would come. My favorite drugstore mascara has been Rimmel's Lash Accelerator, but Maybelline's Big Eyes will now be the number 1 in my heart. This 2-in-1 mascara lengthens, curls my lashes, and gives instant natural volumes. It is also waterproof, so I did not find a single smudge under my eyes. The Rocket mascara on the other hand, was a bit disappointing because it had a tendency to clump and weighted down my lashes. People generally seemed to love the Rocket more than Big Eyes according to Makeupalley, but when it comes to mascaras don't let the reviews discourage you from trying it out. As we all know, no one's lashes are the same.
Basically it was a piece of crap. Great Lash did NOTHING on my lashes in terms of lengthening and volumizing, it clumped and smudged all over my under eyes at the end of the day. I was so disappointed that I stayed away from Maybelline mascaras for 5 years.
But man, I never thought the day I praise Maybelline would come. My favorite drugstore mascara has been Rimmel's Lash Accelerator, but Maybelline's Big Eyes will now be the number 1 in my heart. This 2-in-1 mascara lengthens, curls my lashes, and gives instant natural volumes. It is also waterproof, so I did not find a single smudge under my eyes. The Rocket mascara on the other hand, was a bit disappointing because it had a tendency to clump and weighted down my lashes. People generally seemed to love the Rocket more than Big Eyes according to Makeupalley, but when it comes to mascaras don't let the reviews discourage you from trying it out. As we all know, no one's lashes are the same.
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Left: 1 coat of Big Eyes Mascara, Right: bare lashes curled with eyelash curler.
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Among liquid, gel, and pencil eyeliners, I usually go with the pencil liner because it is the quickest and easiest method to do the job. Out of all the pencil eyeliners I have: E.L.F, MUFE, Wet n Wild, and Cynthia Rowley, Urban Decay's Glide-on 24/7 pencil liners have been the best. There is no need to worry about eye irritation or smudging-- it goes on super creamy on my eyes, and once settled it never comes off unless I use a oil based remover. I also simply love this deep purple color as well; it is dark enough to wear daily yet looks less harsh than black.
I've been reaching for this stippling brush a lot lately, because it can be used with pretty much all types of products whether it's powder, cream or liquid. What a versatile item. Also, the bristles are surprisingly very soft on skin. Because the bristles are quite dense and sturdy, it picks up a lot of products; I need to whisk a couple times before applying on face. I noticed that I was creating a more flawless look with this brush.
Side note: if you're debating between this and Real Techniques Expert face brush, go with the stippling brush. The bristles for Expert Face are more rough and leaves streaks on face.
Olay Fresh Outlast® Cooling White Strawberry & Mint Body Wash
I was debating a bit in my head whether to include this in this month's favorites, because the ingredient list isn't the best for skin. But I thought there might be someone like me who need to have a body wash that smells good in order to enjoy taking shower. The scent itself is pretty standard-- nothing extraordinary-- but it gets a lot better when paired with another mild body wash scent, such as Dr. Bronner's peppermint soap, or H20 milk body wash. After taking shower, my bathroom smells lightly fruity for the rest of the day, and who doesn't want that?
Side note: if you're debating between this and Real Techniques Expert face brush, go with the stippling brush. The bristles for Expert Face are more rough and leaves streaks on face.
Olay Fresh Outlast® Cooling White Strawberry & Mint Body Wash
I was debating a bit in my head whether to include this in this month's favorites, because the ingredient list isn't the best for skin. But I thought there might be someone like me who need to have a body wash that smells good in order to enjoy taking shower. The scent itself is pretty standard-- nothing extraordinary-- but it gets a lot better when paired with another mild body wash scent, such as Dr. Bronner's peppermint soap, or H20 milk body wash. After taking shower, my bathroom smells lightly fruity for the rest of the day, and who doesn't want that?
miscellaneous
- Succulent Plants
Spring has officially started on March 20, and I decided to do a little celebration by adopting 2 succulent plants from a local flower shop. Succulents are perfect plants for non-green thumbs like I am because they require the minimalist maintenance: just a few squirts of water every two weeks or so.
I've been always reaching for this pen ever since I first got them. I just can't stop using this! I admit, at first it was a bit difficult to use... because it'd work too well, like my super hyper & energetic golden retriever who drags me everywhere. But once I got used to the pen, it works wonders. It glides on strongly and effortlessly, without any gunk from the ink. It also dries almost immediately and never bleeds. I haven't encountered any pens like this before! Considering how fast the ink runs out, this is definitely not a cheap pen, but it does make note taking experience a lot better.
*Favorite Book of the Month: Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami
*Favorite Music of the Month: Phoenix - If I Ever Feel Better
*Favorite Movie of the Month: The Birdman (2014)
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| Brilliant acting, brilliant ending...! |
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