Favorite Eyelash Curler

Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler= $19

I can't rave enough about this product. Made entirely of surgical metal, Shu Uemura is the holy grail of eyelash curlers. I have owned this product for 2 years and never once had to replace it, not even the little rubber black thingy that presses onto your lashes. It still works amazingly! I loved it so much, I bought one for my mom who hasn't used anything else since. A little tip for extra curly lashes that will stay curled all day long: use a blowdryer to heat up the curler (not too hot!) before pressing lashes. It works like a mini curling iron for your lashes. This will make a great gift for a girlfriend this Christmas because it is a definitely a makeup must-have! 

j

Using Now

A lot of times I base the makeup that I will be wearing for the day on 3 things: 1. Weather, 2. Agenda (usually work), 3. Mood (this becomes either what I feel or what I want to feel). Well, SF has received a weather warning of powerful winds that may cause power outage scheduled for tomorrow morning. That made me decide to wear something that would put me in a good mood despite the dreary background but is still appropriate for work and blending with the season. Here's my plan:

NYX Single Eyeshadow, Flamingo= $5

The picture does not do the shadow justice. I want to say that it is taupe mixed with mauve mixed with gold shimmer to create a very demure yet glamorous look for the eye. I will probably add a little bit of brown in my crease but using this as an overall base. Then I will use this for highlight:

NYX Single Eyeshadow, Highlight= $5

Named exactly that, Highlight used to be called something else (I forget), but NYX changed it to it's current name because it was so frequently used for that purpose. In fact, this is my go-to highlighter when the palette I am using just isn't cutting it. I love the creaminess of it when applied. Can't wait to wear these two tomorrow.

j

Wish List: NARS Turkish Delight

Want to know what lip gloss Kim Kardashian is wearing?

NARS Turkish Delight Gloss= $24
goes well with NARS Pink Mauve Velvet Lip Pencil= $24

Cause' I certainly did. I kept seeing her in pictures with this bubblegum pinky nudish lip that looked gorgeous on her olive skin and really seemed to make her eyes pop. Turns out, it's NARS Turkish Delight. Perhaps it will be a Christmas present to myself from myself ;)

j

Japanese Digital Perm

My friend, Grace, and I got this Trubates deal to get a digital perm done in Daly City, and look how it turned out!

Japanese Digital Perm Day 1

Grace is on the left and hers turned out really nice with ringlets that looked natural. I'm on the right and the left side of my hair was doing a falala thing that day (I don't know why), and to be honest, I was not happy with how it turned out the first day. I asked for looser and bigger ringlets hoping for it to look more natural. However, after I washed my hair 36 hours later, I am now loving my look. It looks much more natural than it does in this pic and it can pretty much curl the way I want it to. I learned that digiperm essentially tames your hair so that while it is wet/damp, you can use products to style it in whichever way you want. Don't like what you did? No sweat, just spritz some water into that haystack and style again. So far, I bought this Japanese "Air Serum" from the nice lady who did the perm, but I'm still in the testing stages to see if it's review-worthy. I will keep you posted on how the digiperm works out and if I would do it again!

j

Feeling Flatty

I want these

But I want these MORE

Pineapple, tomato.....

...strawberry, banana...

..watermelon! Delicious.

Happy Thanksgiving!

j

Karl Lagerfeld for Sephora

Newly launched this month, Karl Lagerfeld collaborated with Sephora to make a collection dedicated to....himself. I don't know if I would be keen on using the colors of this palette but the packaging is pretty damn neat. Only available in Europe and Singapore, perhaps where his target audience lies.

j

HIT/MISS: Milani Baked Blush & Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse Blush

I was searching for a coral blush and didn't want to spend too much on one since I'm not too confident about coral with my skin tone. It's for, you know, those special days when I'm feeling ballsy. The HIT was Milani's baked blush.

Milani Baked Blush in Coralline= $7.99

By now, you must know that I'm all about the drugstore dupes. I love them! The baked blush makes an excellent dupe for MAC's mineralized blush in its texture and rich pigmentation (and I mean RICH). Just a little dust on the apples of your cheeks and it creates a look that glows. I wish I found this during the summer because it would have been perfect for that time. After trying just this one, I'm tempted to collect more colors.

The MISS was Maybelline's Dream Matte Mousse Blush that got a lot of buzz from all of the commercials played. I regretted buying into the whole 'mousse' trend:  Mousse eyeshadow. mousse foundation, mousse blush... they are ALL misses as far as I'm concerned.

Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse Blush, Peach Satin 07= $5.99

When applied, this product made me look gaudy because the shimmer added to it combined with the thick residue-like texture made it appear cheap. The texture was sticky and did not feel breathable at all. I had a hard time blending this product out to make it seem natural, so I gave up and it's just sitting on my shelf. The concept sounded cool, but this product did not seem worth it. 

j

Wish List: MAC Art of Powder

Fall Collection

What can I say about these powders but holy crap!! Released September 29th, this three-piece release by MAC was inspired "by the masters & modern art movement". But it's not all looks, the powders are said to be super soft and the designs are not simply oversprays. That's right, ladies, each of of these babies are embossed and then etched into the pans. I can see the Street Art Eyeshadow getting a bit whooshed over time, but the others supposedly go down deeper than one or two layers.

MAC Art of Powder Fall Collection

MAC Street Art Eyeshadow= $38

This is the one I want in my makeup bag. It's a freakin' work of art no doubt. I can see these colors being very workable as well.

j

Neutral Saga: Kat Von D Eyeshadow Palettes

I bow down to neutral palettes, I will always be drawn to them no matter how many I have. Some might think there are only so many ways to do a neutral eye, but man, are they wrong! Today was a regular working day, though I really liked the way my eyeshadow looked so I figured it was worth writing about.

Kat Von D True Romance Eyeshadow Palette in 'Ludwig'=   $34

 I dusted off this old palette from the back of my makeup drawer and realized why I bought it in the first place. I love when that happens, kind of like finding dollar bills in your pocket. I got this at Sephora with my friend, Grace, when I was looking for a new go-to palette. What drew me to this palette initially was the price! For 8 colors, you are paying much less than you would for mac quality shadows, which run at $15 a pop.

The colors are soo pretty and created such a nice look for me today. I think it's important to warn you that it goes on extremely pigmented and shimmery so only a light dab with the brush or else it is really easy to look like a drag queen. Every single color in this palette is usable. One thing I wish this palette included was a non-shimmery, creamy highlight color and it would be complete. 

The only matte colors are the black and dark brown at each end

I'm not really into the whole tattoo art designs that are characteristic of Kat Von D products, but I liked the boxed packaging and wrapping paper that the palette came in! Not only is the palette nice to the touch, like all Nars palettes, but the two brushes that the product comes with seem pretty useful. I must admit that I have never used them, but see myself using them if I were carrying the palette around in my purse and wanted to do a quick touch-up.

On the topic of neutrals, Kat Von D has released a new neutral palette called 'Saint'. Its non-neutral sister palette is rightfully called 'Sinner' and is more of a smokey set. 'Saint' has me so excited, because upon looking at the colors, I can already tell which combinations I want to try out immediately. This seems like more of a true neutral palette than 'Ludwig', plus it comes with a Mini Puro Amor Black Autograph Pencil Eyeliner. Beautiful! 

Kat Von D True Romance Eyeshadow Palette in 'Saint'=  $35

I'm not sure how I feel about the packaging, but I see this palette as a great deal for the quality you are getting. I see this palette achieving so many different neutral looks, I can't wait to get my hands on this palette and then review it!

j

Yes! I Found an Affordable Gel Liner!

The first gel liner I ever used was the MAC Paint Pot. Like most people, I love this product for its vibrant finish and wearability. The thing is, I am not loyal to gel liners as I often find myself switching from gel liners, to liquid liners, to pencil liners for long periods at a time. Too bad my MAC Paint Pot dried out while I was in one of my liquid liner phases =(

MAC Paint Pot in Constructivist= $18

I didn't even use half of the paint pot but I really wanted to use a gel liner to use on my waterline. Not wanting to dish out 18 bucks again for something I may not use all season, I was inspired to find a less expensive dupe.

Physician's Formula Gel Creamliner Trio- Brown Eyes= $10.99

This product has been getting some buzz lately, and since I have been getting lucky with this brand, I decided to try it out. For $10.99, you get three colors compared to just the one from MAC that you paid $18. I found the packaging to be alright, I wish they weren't stacked so they can be more travel-friendly. But then again, I can't complain with the awesome deal I'm getting.

I tried out the brown today and even used it on my waterline. The results were fantastic. I see no difference in the texture and wear of this product compared to MAC. I can't wait to try the purple tomorrow!

j

NARS BLUSHES: FALL

I adore Nars blushes so much that it deserves its own segment. 

And the NARS blush of the season is....

Nars Dolce Vita= $27

Dolce Vita is a highly pigmented 'dusty rose' color that wreaks of Fall. This blush is so rich that it only needs a light feathering on the cheek to make it appear like you just came back from a jog in the cold. I have never seen a color quite like it which is why I had to purchase it, not to mention, it is perfect for the holidays. This is what I will be wearing to all my holiday parties this year!

And of course, the packaging is beautiful as well. 

j

YSL Touche Eclat and Notable Drugstore Dupes

I became obsessively curious about YSL's Touche Eclat when it first came out and after much research and thought, decided that I just had to have it. 

Yves Saint Laurent 'Touche Eclat' Radiant Touch= $40

When I first got it, I played around with applying the product according to this chart as recommended by the company. After awhile I started only applying the product to select areas that I found to be the higher impact areas, which are below the eyes/ above the cheekbones. This is the one area I make sure to apply product if I am in a rush to get out the door. I find that it opens the eyes, draws attention to my cheekbones, and really makes my blush pop. 

YSL: 

pros- beautiful packaging, illuminates without the use of sparkles/glitter, not heavy like a concealer and does not conceal, wide choice of gorgeous shades to choose from. 

con- does not conceal my freckles like I wish it could, pricey.

Following the popularity of YSL's touche eclat, drugstore mock-ups came about that boasted either an easy-to-use brush applicator, as in L'Oreal's True Match Super Blendable Concealer, or a cool click-to-release feature, as in Revlon's Age Defying Spa Concealer. 

L'Oreal True Match Super Blendable Concealer= $8.95

L'Oreal: 

pros- conceals, applicator is easier to use than YSL because it does not need to be "clicked", it is as easy to apply as nail polish. 

cons- packaging is bulkier than I like, the color shades available were too dark to be used as an illumintor for my particular skin tone. 

Revlon's Age Defying Spa Concealer= $8.94

Revlon:

pros- conceals somewhat well, not as heavy as L'Oreal, as close to YSL's Touche Eclat than any of these drugstore products, packaging was very similar. 

cons- color shades available not as pretty as YSL, I wish they could go lighter and brighter, but then again, this is marketed as a  concealer. 

Physician's Formula Concealer Twins Correct & Cover Cream Concealer, Soft Green/Fair= $7.65

This product surprised me big time. I would never have even thought of using this product in the same way I use YSL TE, but this happened to be in my mom's makeup pile and the only option I had to use when I was visiting. Amazing results. I don't use the green end at all, but the concealer end is one universal shade that seems to work harmoniously on many skin tones!! The applicator and packaging isn't anywhere near YSL's but it does the job. 

Physician's Formula:

pros- conceals AND illuminates, the least expensive product/guilt-free, applicator is easies to use, not too heavy, fair shade illuminates the face wonderfully for my Asian skin.

cons- I only use one side and that seems to be wasteful. 

I am aware that there are many illuminating products and concealer products out there, but I was on the hunt for a product that both illuminated and concealed without containing sparkles and glitter. With too much of the sparkles and glitter in my blush, eye shadow, lip product, and throw in an illuminator, I begin to feel about 14 years old again. I am happy to say, the hunt is over. Physician's Formula came in #1 as a demonstration of thrift and sophistication, the best thing being I would have never guessed it!!

j

Rain On Me

Wish List: 

Silver Raincloud Necklace= $160

 Parker Posey in Broken English (2007)

featured on a Japanese runway model

How cute is that for Fall? :-)

Buy here: http://www.busy-being.com/site.php

j

Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm Review: Pink Blossom, Tiger Lily, Hibiscus

I absolutely do not carry lipsticks in my handbag for the fear that it may get hot and melt or the cap may come off and make a mess. Tinted lip balm is great because I can carry it around without worrying about such things. Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm is a bit pricey for your typical drugstore lip balm, but the quality is great. These are the three colors I picked up. From top to bottom: Pink Blossom (frosting pink), Tiger Lily (peachy coral),  Hibiscus (reddish plum).

Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm= $6.99

1. Packaging: the cardboard thingy the actual chapstick is in seems like a waste to the environment, but it did the trick in catching my eye. It was a bit of a let down pulling out a little dinky chapstick tube out of such beautiful wrapping, though. 

2. Scent: I love it because it smells like NOTHING. No distracting fruity-ness or strange cardboard-y scent that I usually have to watch out for in all lip products. 

3. Pigment: A hint of the color that is not too heavy and the actual color that appears on your lips is pretty much the color shown on the cardboard packaging. 

4. Lasting power: as with most chapsticks, which this pretty much is, you need to keep reapplying throughout the day. However, the fact that it doesn't stay gives the product a casual appearance that rides between typical translucent chapstick and lipstick. 

From Left to Right: Pink Blossom, Hibiscus (actually darker than shown here), Tiger Lily (looks a bit too orangy in the photo)

I have been using this product for 1 month now and my favorites from most to least used is Hibiscus, Tiger Lily, and then Pink Blossom. Hibiscus is a fantastic, beautifully pigmented color (the actual color is more plum berry than shown in the photo) that is easy to wear because it seems to adapt the best to the rest of my look for the day.

j

Essie's Fall 2011 Collection

I am such an Essie fan, particularly because the colors are cheery (compared to OPI), the wear quality is fantastic, and the polishes are hugely accessible now that they can be found at Target along with several drugstores. The Fall 2011 collection, which was inspired by 1940s and 50s handbags, beams of good sense and sophistication.

Essie Fall 2011 Collection= $8 each

Clockwise from the top: Power clutch (dark mossy grey), Glamour purse (a rich almond), Carry On (a burgundy merlot), Lady Like (demure pink with hint of lavender), Case Study (a creamy beige), Very Structured (a subtle sienna)

I loved the quiet boldness of "Power Clutch" (you gotta love that name), but I naturally gravitate to lighter hues, so Lady Like was my true match for the season. Just like the name, when I wear this polish, I feel, well...like a lady! The picture above does not do the shade justice, so I have provided additional pictures below so that you can appreciate the different dimensions of the color. 

Essie's "Lady Like"

A "serious" pink that still maintains the perfect girly-ness

I must admit that I overlooked this color when I first came across it in the store, but once I tried it on, I was pleasantly surprised by lavender undertones. As gruesome as your day gets, all you need is to take one glance at your nails and remember, "I'm a LADY"!

j

Muse of the Moment

Flawless skin, neutral eye, defined brow, layered waves, effortless bangs. 

Ayase Haruka

Fekkai Glossing Cream, 4 oz= $23

Fekkai just makes hair more manageable, especially if you are like me and have somewhat dry hair that gets damaged with heating. This product can be used on damp or dry hair and works well to create textured, natural waves with a curling iron or blowdryer. 

Hair routine: (I have slight natural waves that are in layers with bangs similar to Ayase's look. Of course!)

1. Following nightly shower, put damp hair in high bun (claw is preferred over hair ties) and let air dry for 2+ hrs to create natural waves. I don't blow dry my hair because I don't want to dry it out with extra heat if I can help it. 

2. Release bun right before going to sleep (hopefully it is somewhat dry at this point). Place towel on pillow if you are worried about dampness. 

3. Apply dime size drop of Fekkai Glossing Cream to hair in morning before blowdrying. Be sure to work the product into the ends that are most prone to splitting. 

4. Quick blowdry with round-toothed comb (larger barrel size preferred) to tame the tips. 

5. Use Revlon 1.75 inch barrel curling iron to curl bangs and add extra volume. 

This hair routine takes less than 5 minutes! 

j

Shiseido Foundation and Cream Shadow Review

Shiseido Perfect Refining Foundation SPF 16 sunscreen= $38.50

I have struggled and continue to struggle to find the perfect foundation to match my skin tone. Take into account being a not-so-fair Asian with freckles and you get an ongoing search for foundation each season. After going through Dior and then Chanel, I hoped to get lucky by seeking solace in a brand catered to Asians. Wrong.

 Shiseido's Perfect Refining Foundation proved to be heinous, only, I didn't figure this out until the third week of using it that every time I came into contact with a mirror I saw that my skin was indeed YELLOW (maybe even orangey too). I don't know what it is with Shiseido. The coverage is great, don't get me wrong, but when the color is matched in the department store under incandescent lighting, it is easy to overlook the fact that Shiseido foundations run a tad too much on the yellow side. Too bad I work under the unforgiving glare of fluorescent lighting! 

Unless you have a yellowish skin tone or a very fair/pale complexion, I would not recommend this product and if you do find yourself at the Shiseido counter shopping for foundation, be sure to get a sample to try out at home before purchasing so that you may test it out under different lightings. The only positive thing worth mentioning is the SPF 16. I learned from this experience that my skin looks more natural with cool shades over warm ones. 

Shade I40 

(photo complements of chicbeautyblog.com)

I think you can appreciate the "yellow orangeness" of how this foundation appears from the swatch.

Shiseido Hydro-Powder Eyeshadow= $25

Shade H12, Lemon Sugar

I pretty much use this cream eyeshadow every day since I got it. It is very airy and does not create a crease like many cream shadows do. Just a dab in the center of each lid does the trick to really open up the eye. When I skip this product, I seem to have the sleepy-eye look. It can also be used as an excellent highlighter for the brow, cheekbone, and inner eye. I especially like that the sparkles are teensy tiny and not overly dramatic so it can pass in a professional setting like at work. My favorite shade is H12, Lemon Sugar, because it is the most versatile. Oftentimes, I will use H12 as an eyelid primer and use a more matte shadow over it which will stick pretty much for the whole day. A definite <3 product at the moment. 

j

Poppy King Monday

Poppy King for J. Crew lipstick= $18

(I showed them my student ID and got %15 percent off, so I paid around $16)

Kiehl's Lip Bal #1, 0.5 fl oz= $7

The weather was so deceitful today, looking near sunny but cold as heck, so I thought, what better way to start off the transition of fall to winter with some poppy king! True to life as it looks on the model and cuter with fair skin. I make sure that I add highlighter (YSL Touche Eclat) to brighten my skin and put the tiniest amount of bronzer (Mac Laguna Bronzer) so as not to darken my complexion while I put a dab of this puppy on my bottom lip. Not too much though because added layers will make the lipstick look like it does in the tube and not the way it does on the model. I rubbed some Khiels Lip Balm #1 to add some moisture. Dreary, deceitful weather problem solved.

j