SERIOUS

Euro Moda Jacket/ Forever 21 Denim Shirt

Heading out to have brunch with friends and I got a paparazzi snap-shot while listening to the final parental instructions.  I have been wearing this grey coat almost every day as it is extremely convenient, easy to dress up or down, and suitable for work or any other occasions. The trick is to switch different scarfs to hide the reality and make the look more diverse each time.

When everything feels like an uphill struggle, just think of the view from the top. 

PISCES

New change, new look. Just adjusted my makeup routine to go with my freshly cut shorter hair. I decided to make a simple smokier version of what I do with dark brown eyeshadow messily smudged on the eyelids, and eyeliner pencil all around my upper and lower lashline. What I hate most is un-matcing eyebrows and hair so I used a lighter brow gel to make my hair all in one tone. Less sweet, a bit mature, and I hope somehow a little tiny bit more seductive.

Products Used:

Face

Laura Mercier Foundation Primer - Radiance Bronze

Make Up For Ever HD Foundation

Bobbi Brown Corrector - Bisque

YSL Semi Loose Powder

Nars Laguna Bronzer 

Nars Douceur Blush 

Eyes

Anastasia Beverly Hill Brow Gel - Caramel

Sephora Eyeshadows

Kiss Me Heroine Make Smooth Liquid Eyeliner

Revlon Telescopic Mascara

Lips 

Make Up For Ever Rouge Natural Artist - N9

Sephora Lip Gloss - Bronzed Beauty

She likes to see the best in people, I like to see the truth. 

EARIE

Givenchy Pearl Earrings/ Piercing Pagoda Gold Earring

Got my ears pierced because why not? I know that the embellished ear trend has been going on for a while, but I just was not brave enough to get so many. Especially the idea of the cartilage sounded extremely intimidating. It certainly took some courage, and impulsive decision making. Surprisingly it does not hurt at all. 

I cannot wait to dazzle dainty earrings with a basic T-shirt and jeans. 

Normality is a paved road: It's comfortable to walk, but no flowers grow on it. _____ Vincent Van Gogh

Purple Line

Products used:

Face

Likiros Marine UV Water Cushion

Bobbi Brown Corrector (Bisque)

Nars Bronzer (Laguna)

Sleek Blush (Muscovado)

Eyes

Too Faced Eye Shadow Primer

Sephora Eyeshadow

Sleek Eyeshadow Palette (Storm 578)

MAC Superslick Liquid Eyeliner (Smoky Heir)

Kiss Me Heroine Make -Volume & Curl Mascara

Ardell Lashes 120 Black Demi

Lips

Smashbox Photo Finish Lipstick (Charming)

MAC Lipglass (Schemer)

Worrying will never change the outcome.

Christmas Red

Products used:

Face

Shu Uemura UV Under Base Mousse

Likiros Marine UV Water Cushion

Bobbi Brown Corrector (Bisque)

Nars Bronzer (Laguna)

Nars Blush (Super Orgasm) 

Eyes

Too Faced Eye Shadow Primer

Sephora Eyeshadow

Mary Kay Cream Color (Beach Blonde)

Kiss Me Eyeliner

Lancome Hypnose Drama Instant Full Body Volume Mascara

Ardell Lashes 120 Black Demi

Lips

Mac Lip Conditioner

Yves Saint Laurent Glossy Stain (20 Rouge Enamel)

Always remember to fall asleep with a dream and wake up with a purpose.

Winter Plum

For the change of seasons, I am incorporating new colors to my makeup look. Winter is perfect for those dark lipstick colors, and I am bringing them out from my hidden boxes. Trying this lighter plum that is suitable for the daytime. It can also act to gradually build my confidence for the the other versions that require more courage.

The order and products used:

Face:

Laura Mercier Mineral Pressed Powder (Real Sand)

Sleek Contour Kit (Medium)

Costal Scents 78 Colors Professional Eyeshadow Blush Palette: Blush No.6 from the left

Eyes: 

Costal Scents 78 Colors Professional Eyeshadow Blush Palette: 

- Brown Eyeshadow all over the eyelid

- Blend a tint of pink into the crease 

Soap & Glory Supercat Eyeliner Pen Carbon Black Extreme

Make Up For Ever Extravagant Mascara

Koji Lash Concierge Falsh Eyelashes (04 Happy Girl)

Lips:

MAC Aristo-Cat

Chanel Lipgloss (Scintillantes)

I actually am not the greatest fan for this lipstick in Aristo-Cat. The frost texture with a metallic shine is a combination that I just cannot get use to. Certainly, I must be out of my mind for buying something I do not favor, but it was a while back and girls just do this all the time. 

Since this is about beauty and fashion, but not proliferation, the way I even out the metallic shine is a top of Chanel lipgloss. So far it is working. 

Wearing this look for dinner tonight.

A girl worth kissing is not easily kissed.

DAILY

Just got my second compliment about my makeup this month, so I wanted to share my daily makeup look. Barely any eyeshadow, no dramatic eyeliner and lashes, it is basically mostly conceal and contour. Plus, it can be completed with quick brush strokes, less than 10 minutes is what it takes me every morning.

The order and products used:

Face: 

Soin D'eau Spring Water Spray

Laura Mercier Foundation Primer

Murad Acne Treatment Concealer (Medium)

Laura Mercier Mineral Pressed Powder (Real Sand): Mineral foundation that will not clog pores and has good coverage.

Sleek Contour Kit (Medium): Instructions below on contour and highlight

Costal Scents 78 Colors Professional Eyeshadow Blush Palette: Blush No.4 from the left

Eyes: 

Maybelline ExpertWear Eyeshadow 22 Chai Latte: 

- Top Left "Lid" color on lid. I tap it on with my fingers.

- Bottom Left "Brow Bone" color to highlight brow bone.

- Bottom Right "Outer Corner" color for eyebrows. Yes, sometimes I use eyeshadow to fill in my brows.

Lancome Le Crayon Khol Eyeliner Pencil: fill in upper waterline

Make Up For Ever Extravagant Mascara

Lips: 

Smashbox Photo Finish Lipstick (Charming)

MAC Lipglass (Schemer)

Wake up. Kick Ass. Be Kind. Repeat.

Back to Basics: Eyeliner

Lancome Le Crayon Khol Eyeliner Pencil/ Soap & Glory Supercat Eyeliner Pen Carbon Black Extreme

I am not even a very high maintenance person but when it comes to makeup, I am definitely the one with most products compared to the barefaced girlfriends around me.  Once in a while there will be some special occasion, and my darlings will freak me out with their badly applied eyeliners. A round of applause for their attempt, but since they don't practice on a daily basis, they draw their eyeliner too far from their lashes, leaving their waterline and lash-line blank. I will always ask for permission to help them with touch up. And this inspired me to write this blogpost for those who want to know how I do my eyeliner.

There are two parts for the liner, the upper waterline and the lashline.
- Fill in the waterline with an eyeliner pencil. The waterline is the white line that reveals underneath the upper lashes when you squeeze open your upper eyelid. I use pencil as it is not as clean and blends in better. 
(I usually just apply eyeliner in my waterline solo if I am going for a more natural, non-eyeliner obvious look.)
- Fill in spaces in between lashes or the lashline with liquid eyeliner pencil. I usually like to start from the end of my eye.
- Drag the eyeliner along the lashline from the end of the eye to the beginning of the eye. Fill in the all spaces in between.
- Wing out at the end of the eye. Extend flat out along the shape of the eye for a natural look.
- Add mascara and false lashes.
Viola. Practice makes perfect.

May the wings of your eyeliner always be even.

Behind the Scenes

This post is extra special. Behind the scenes while preparing my baby girl for her maternity shoot. Baby Ryan will be out to meet us next month. And it is the daddy that captured these moments while we were working. Story-telling in black and white, but a new beginning to a new happy little life for them. 

(In ten years we will all laugh about it.)

Picotee

Products used:
Make Up For Ever HD Primer
Make up for ever HD foundation
Bobbi Brown Corrector
Murad Acne Treatment Concealer
Sleek Contour Kit (Light)
YSL Semi Loose Powder
Too Faced Eyeshadow Primer
Sephora Eyeshadow Palette
Bobbi Brown Eyeliner Gel
Diorshow Mascara
Benefit Blush (Dandelion)
Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Natural Lipstick (N9)
MAC Schemar Lipglass

Neutral Spring

I always wish I can come up with something more dramatic or different, but on a regular basis I am uncomfortable wearing too much makeup, and I just don't want to do a look for the sake of just doing a look. So here it is, my neutral spring makeup look, or can we say what I wore over the weekend? A fresh clean look with a brown golden toned eyeshadow, minimal eyeliner barely winging it at the end, and a sweet pink juicy lips. 

Products used:
Make Up For Ever HD Primer
Laura Mercier Mineral Powder (Natural Beige)
Sleek Contour Kit (Light)
YSL Semi Loose Powder
Too Faced Eyeshadow Primer
Sephora Eyeshadow Palette (Right Column 5, 6, 8)
Lancome Le Crayon Khol Eyeliner (Ebony Black)
Soap and Glory Supercat Eyeliner (Carbon Black)
Mary Kay Lash Love Waterproof Mascara
Benefit Blush (Dandelion)
Chanel Rouge Coco Shine (Boy)
MAC Dazzleglass (Extra Amps)

Boots

No one should miss out on visiting Boots if visiting England. I did some research and homework to find out some of the highly rated products that are from the UK and cannot be easily purchased in the US. These are the goodies for my first visit today. 

Soap & Glory Carbon Black Extreme Eyeliner Pen: My newest favorite liquid eyeliner. Extremely handy and easy to apply. The eyeliner makes beautiful clean black lines that brightens any eye. The downside would be the smell of the eyeliner, it feels like I am using a marker.
Boots Simply Sensitive Face Wipes: I am not exaggerating, but this is one of the best makeup-wipers I have ever used. Makeup comes off in simply a few wipes and it contains aloe vera to soothe and promote skin renewel. 
Soap & Glory No Clogs Allowed Detox Mask
Soap & Glory Ultimelt Hot Cloth Cleanser
Sleek Makeup Contour Kit
Sleek Makeup Blush by 3 in Sugar
Sleek Makeup Eyeshadow Palette in Storm
Sleek Makeup Lipstick in Barely There
Sleek Makeup Lipstick in Heartbreaker: a bright hot pink lipstick with a coral undertone. I also realized it stays on and is difficult to remove when trying it on the back of the hand. Hoping to wear this color with simple eyes and intensive lashes. 

The other product are untouched, but I will give my feedback later when I get a chance to try them.

Retro Rock

As you may all know by now, a red lip is my favorite look of all. It is an accessory that makes anything look extra put together and refined. Whenever I am too busy to deal with what to wear, go with jeans and a plain t-shirt but add a touch of red lips and I am ready to start the day. This is what I am wearing for a Thanksgiving shopping day. I just blended in some brown eye-shadow in the crease and added a cat-eye liner for the eyes to tone down the red for a daily look that is clean but still chic. 

Products used: 

Make up for ever HD foundation
The body shop concealer (02)
MAC Studio Fix Fluid (NC44)
YSL Semi Loose Powder
Maybelline Eyeshadow (WF069)
Bobbi Brown Eyeliner Gel (Black Ink)
Mary Kay Lash Love Waterproof Mascara
Nars Blush (Super Organism)
Maybelline Lipliner (50Red)
Urban Decay Lipstick (Revlution)

Indulgence

Finulite Cellulite Smoothing Massage Mitt

This lotus seedpod looking massage is my newest indulgence for the legs. Pairing it with the Peace Love & Juicy Couture Body Lotion, I massage in a circular rotating motion. It releases stress from walking all day, exfoliates skin, and tones the legs. I significantly see a difference of leg slimming from the first use. Favorite item and now I can't stop.

Gold Sand

A simple golden shimmering eye to wear on a daily basis. I have recently been liking cream eye shadows as they only require the finger tips to apply, highly pigmented, have a more "smudged" effect, and is longer lasting. Honestly speaking, I am not familiar with Mary Kay products but I got these samples in the mail and decided to give them a dry. The two colors are extremely beautiful, both with a shimmery tint, but is not dramatic at all to wear in the daytime.   

Products used: 
RMK Foundation (102)
The Body Shop Concealer (02)
MAC Studio Fix Fluid (NC44)
MAC mineralize bronzer (Medium Deep)
YSL Semi Loose Powder
Mary Kay Cream Eye Color (Iced Cocoa)
Mary Kay Cream Eye Color (Beach Blonde)
Bobbi Brown Eyeliner Gel (Black Ink)
Mary Kay Lash Love Waterproof Mascara
Benefit Blush (Dandelion)
Chanel Lipstick (Royallieu)
Chanel Lipgloss (Scintillantes)

I tapped the Iced Cocoa shadow all over my eyelid and high lighted my inner corners of the eyes with Beach Blonde. Eyeliner, and the must mascara. I kept the lips neutral with a rosy color by Chanel Royallieu, and ended with Scintillantes Lipgloss. 
Having the hardest time trying to display the "whole face" look. I try to make it look less like a selfie as possible, but since my eyelids are so small, the colors don't show up well, and it looks like a selfie after all.  I will have to find a way to work this out.... expect improvements! 

Laura Mercier Mineral Powder

Product review on Laura Mercier's Mineral Powder. It is that age when the hormones are extra vigorous and the skin is full of flaws. I have combination skin and am acne prone. I preferably want to skip the makeup routine in mornings for a few extra minutes of sleep, but with concern not to scare anyone, minimal touch-ups here and there are still necessary. Decided to go with a mineral foundation as they seem lighter weight and healthier to wear on a daily basis. 

Laura Mercier Mineral Powder in Natural Beige. It is buttery smooth with buildable coverage. I buffed it all over my face with a kabuki brush and focused a little more on my little red friends and dark under eyes. According to the list on the box, there is pearl powder as an ingredient which is quite exciting. Despite comparatively it feels drier than the BB cream I used before, I am enjoying the texture and the glowy finish.

Comparison of the before and after....pictures speak louder than a thousand words.

Diana Von Furstenberg AW13 Makeup Look

Fall Fall Fall! This my interpretation of Diana Von Furstenberg's AW13 makeup look. The little pop of pink on the lips seems appropriate for the season. Plus, with the interruption of wind blowing and leaves falling on the face, something light on the eyes is just more comfortable. Light eyeshadow, no fake lashes, applying eyeliner only on the waterline. I really enhanced the cheeks and enjoying the look. Toned down the pink for a more wearable look (or that was the brightest pink I could find in my makeup kit).

Products Used:
Make Up For Ever HD Primer
RMK Foundation (102)
MAC Studio Fix Fluid (NC44)
The Body Shop Concealer (02)
YSL Semi Loose Powder
Too Faced Shadow Insurance Primer
Sephora Eyeshadow Palette
Bobbi Brown Eyeliner Gel (Black Ink)
Mary Kay Lash Love Waterproof Mascara
Nars Blush (Duoceur)
NYX Lipstick (Paris)
Sephora Lip Gloss (Bronzed Beauty)