e.l.f Haul

Here's a few bits I purchased through online last week. I was waiting and waiting for these to come home for many days and usually when the mail man comes, he doesn't knock the door. So, I did not know that my package was sitting in front of my door for whole day (I was at home all day yesterday and didn't go out for a single step..) Anyways, I am very excited to do a review about these nail polishes as well as sleek eyeshadow palette. 

e.l.f 14-Piece Nail Cube Limited Edition | $14.00 £10.92 

 e.l.f Studio Baked Eyeshadow Palette | $10.00 £7.80

e.l.f. Essential Nourishing Cuticle Pen | $1.00 £0.78

Beauty DIY | Rose Water

Original source from freepeople.com/2013/03/diy-rose-water/

 Spring is a great time to pamper yourself! Loving and taking care of yourself is always important, and this DIY will help you do just that. Rose water was first made by chemists in the Islamic Golden Age as a perfume and beverage, and in the years since it has become quite popular for a number of uses.   Most commonly it is used as a toner or body spray for the skin – the natural fragrance and moisturizing properties make it especially refreshing. It can also be used to flavor certain dishes, or added to lemonade for a delicious summer beverage. Make a batch and keep some for yourself, and bottle the rest up as gifts for your friends and loved ones!

Blog Photography Tips

Hello lovelies! The other day, I read a really good post about 'How To Take Pictures for Your Beauty Blog.' It was such a useful post and very interesting that how other people take their pictures for their blog. So, I decided to do a simple little post about how I take pictures for mine as well as few basic tips. Well,  let's get started!

Beauty Remedies

Hello lovelies! Please excuse my dusty desk. Me and my boyfriend are upgrading our house so even I clean every day, it gets dusty in a second. These are what I got from yesterday. Recently I am very interested in  D.I.Y beauty remedies that I can simply make it at home with my basic cooking skill. So I purchased some important ingredients for homemade beauty remedies!

1.Tea tree oil - Tea tree oil is an excellent treatment for acne. One study found tea tree oil to be just as effective as benzoyl peroxide, but without the negative side effects like redness and peeling. Tea tree oil can also treat minor wounds, encourage healing, and prevent infection, so you may want to add this versatile oil to your own first aid kit! Tea tree oil may help reduce fevers and end headache. Pain reliever. Treats lice .Can help lower blood pressure .Helpful for infections including vaginitis, sinusitis, cystitis. Anti-viral and anti-candida

2. Glycerin - Glycerin, chemically known as glycerol, is a sweet-tasting, non-toxic, syrupy liquid made from combining water and fat derived from vegetable oil. Because it is a humectant, it is a popular ingredient in skincare products. Perfect for dry skin, skin disorder, skin allergies, anti-aging, bruising.

3. Petroleum Jelly - Vaseline is a mixture of paraffin, wax and mineral oil that, when mixed, makes petroleum jelly. Petroleum jelly repels water and prevents the skin from drying out. 

  There's a lot of recipes that you can search or google it online. Why don't you try with me? 

Elizabeth Arden

Elizabeth Arden : Visible Difference Refining Moisture Cream Complex 3.4oz - $ 59.99

As i promised in my ' Recent Purchase ' post, I'm going to write a review about Elizabeth Arden's Visible Difference Refining Moisture Cream Complex (This is a looong name.) As i mentioned in my other post, I paid only about $20 @ Costco. I don't know if Costco still have this product because I haven't check it.

I had some skin troubles by the time I purchased this moisture cream and was very stressed out because it just looked ugly! I couldn't cover with my foundation, concealer etc.. More make up I put on my face to cover the troubles, the uglier it looked. So, I figured that I need to concentrate on my skin to recover from this ugliness. Anyways, my skin is little dry and if i don't put any cream on it gets flaky. So I've been using this moisture cream every morning and night for about two weeks or so. My first impression was wow, it is a huge bottle (I think I can use it for several months even with twice a day).  I just loved its simple design and also I was little surprised when I first used it. It calmed my troubles and instantly smooths my skin! I was yelling out to my boyfriend that it's a great buy. It still does great job on what it suppose to do and more. I'm glad that I purchased this product.

The only thing I don't like about it is the scent. It has some weird strong lemon scent. I personally don't like strong lemon scent but I still use it because it works great on me. So I guess I can deal with it. I saw some reviews of people who already purchased their seventh bottle of this moisture cream and still loving it.  So if you are lemon loving person, you will be very very satisfy with this product.

Overall, I recommend this product to whoever looking for a good moisture cream.

 

100 ideas | Week One #14

100 ideas by Keri Smith

#14. trace your footsteps with chalk.

 I stumbled upon blogs and found Keri Smith's 100 ideas. Many of them are kind of stuffs that I wouldn't normally do or think of. I thought it is fun and unique to try in my boring and dry life! Since I have a set of chalk, I tried number 14 trace your footsteps with chalk. My little doggie kept bothered me while I was drawing and walking. I wanted to trace Leia's little paw but she has too much energy to escape or run around. 

My boyfriend would think me as a childish but at least I had a fun tracing it!

 

flower stud earrings

Forever 21 - ($4.80)

I am a person who wear same earring year-round but, sometimes I want to be bling a bit. I wore them on my friend's birthday and i got many compliments. I usually don't tie my hair up, so there's no way people can see it unless I put my hair on the side. However, I felt good just by wearing it. I was little scared that one of rhinestones going to fall out, but nope! I moved around pretty hard? like here and there running jumping (no...not really) and it's still fine. I would definitely going to purchase more jewelries! 

Does anyone know a good jewelry store online? What's your favorite jewelry? Do share!

Beauty DIY: Brown Sugar Scrub

I dig DIY beauty. I have a ton of ingredients in my cabinets from the baking I did this past winter, and now it’s time to give them another use. DIY scrubs are awesome because you can tailor them to your individual needs and desires. The sky is the limit as long as the sky is constrained to your kitchen or your wallet.

This scrub is pretty basic, and you can do a lot of modifications to suit your needs.

Here are the ingredients:

-     A container

-     Olive oil

-     Brown sugar

-     A vanilla bean

That’s a short list and these are gonna be short directions, so let’s go!

Fill your container 2/3 full of brown sugar. That smell? That’s the smell of awesomeness about to happen.

Crack open that vanilla bean and scrape it in there. It’s like baking, but you probably won’t eat this. (But you can, ya know? And if you want to, have a bite!)

Dump on some olive oil. You can make it as dry or as soggy as you want, so get it just how you like it.

Stir that mess up, put a lid on it, and call it a day because you are DUNZO!

You can change this up to suit your fancy. Don’t like vanilla? You and I disagree on that, but you can use whatever essential oil you want instead to make it smell different. Want to put some stuff in there to make your skin soft? Right on! Throw in some vitamin E oil and that mission is accomplished. What’s that you say? You’re serious about your exfoliation? I hear you and I’ve got you. Throw in some ground almonds and some white sugar, and let your epidermis feel the freshness.

Do you like to make your own beauty products? Do you have a favorite? Are you going to try this? Have you done something similar before? What were the results? Let’s meet up in the comments and talk DIY beauty.

Original post original pic source here.  Please consult with Dr. before using if necessary.

Beauty DIY : Rosacea Relief -

You'll Need: 4 chamomile tea bags, 4 green tea bags, 3 cups boiling water

Directions: Add tea bags to boiling water. I suggest using a pot or heat-safe bowl.Allow to steep for 10-15 minutes.Place tea in fridge or freezer until cool. Hot water will only exacerbate the symptoms, so allow it to cool.Soak cloth in the tea, wring out the excess, and place on red areas for 15 minutes.Feel free to repeat until relief or when the tea runs out.You can store the tea for up to a week. Just make sure it is cool, not cold, before using.

Benefits: The chamomile is calming and can alleviate puffy, tired eyes. It also helps to soothe skin with redness, skin inflammation, and rashes.The green tea has been proven to help with rosacea and with minor burns/redness, and sun damage. 

Original pic source here. Original post Please consult with Dr. before using if necessary.

Las Vegas

So, I was in Vegas for several days for spring break + my friend's birthday. We stayed in MGM signature suite and it was one of my favorite hotel that I've stayed in so far. I was too busy playing around and drinking, I really didn't take a lot of pictures just like last visit. Personally, I love to be in Vegas. Me and my boyfriend were actually going to stay little longer than we planed, but we had to come back for our little yorkie Leia. We went to many places. Many hotels and casinos were pretty but out of all, Venetian made me take my phone out and take pictures. It was so pretty. I felt like I was in Europe for awhile. Now as I'm sitting in my home, I feel bad that I didn't take pictures when I visit places. Well, here's FEW pictures that I took.. Sorry my phone is not in best quality.  

Wishlist # 2

This March of 2013 is one of the craziest month so far. My boyfriend and I are in Las Vegas for my best friend's 21 birthday. We are going to stay in here for about a week and the $$ we are going to spend is.. whoa.. After the trip, I am getting a DSLR camera which is little pricy but I've always wanted it and it's in my wishlist #1, and still working on upgrading the house so me and my boyfriend have to get a whole new kitchen($$$$). I probably can't get these until next month or so but that's why it's called wishlist! ...

1 - Bobbi Brown Tinted Moisturizing Balm ($54) 1oz./30ml -  I recently into more a natural look/makeup. My skin is little dry so always get flaky spot somewhere on my face. Sometime I want to go out for a little and want a natural look but want to look like I have a flawless skin.But I feel like the foundation that I'm currently using is little heavy or thick. I heard/saw that this Bobbi Brown Tinted Moisturizing Balm  has light coverage that can actually work as a light foundation. That's the only reason I want to get and try.Description: Extra SPF 25 Tinted Moisturizing Balm is a lightweight foundation alternative for dry, dehydrated skin, this formula is ultra-rich, and blends easily, giving skin a dewy look with light coverage. Broad Spectrum SPF 25 helps protect skin against damaging UVA/B rays. Dermatologist tested.Featured in Real Simple Magazine (Feb 2011), winning the title of "Most Hydrating" tinted moisturizer.

2 - Sigma Mrs Bunny Essential Kit ($120) -  I thought maybe it is the time for me to start using makeup brushes instead of my hands and fingers so I was looking for brushes. I know a lot of people use Sigma brushes so I went to their website and this Mrs Bunny Essential Kit grabbed my eyes. I just love how it looks. I really like the color combination of baby blue and pink. I probably will enjoy doing makeup with these brushes.

3 - Chloé Eau de Parfum ($90) 1.7oz/50ml - I just love Rose scent of it. The bottle looks slick and this is the one of perfumes that I want to re-purchase over and over. However, It is true that It's little pricy that makes me think a little but I think it's worth it since I really love it and many people love it as well. Description:Capturing the spirit of women, the Chloé vision is not about one singular woman, but rather about the rich and varied personalities of all Chloé women. This fresh, smooth floral fragrance evokes sublime powdery rose. The effect is chic, comfortable, and entirely addictive.Top notes of pink peony, freesia, and lychee embody subtle freshness. At the heart, midnotes of magnolia flower, lily of the valley, and rose rise to sublimated femininity. A base of velvety elegance comes to fruition through cedarwood, amber, and honey.Inspired by the details in Chloé's fashion, the flacon's heavy but softly curved and grooved glass reflects femininity and strength. The plated-silver top is embossed with the Chloé mark and adorned with a hand-tied ribbon.Notes:Pink Peony, Freesia, Lychee, Magnolia Flower, Lilly of the Valley, Rose, Cedarwood, Amber, Honey.

4 - Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer Kit ($33) .05 oz/1.4g; .06oz/1.7g - I'm getting a lot of skin trouble recently and blemishes on my face. I can see a huge dark circle under my eyes. To be honest, I never consider getting a concealer but I do want it. Well, concealer isn't going to be a problem solver but as of right now, I just want it. Description:Conceal and set in one portable kit. Bobbi's Creamy Concealer blends easily to instantly cover and brighten dark circles. It also helps maintain skin's moisture levels for a smooth, virtually line-less look. Fuss-free pressed powder sets concealer for long-lasting wear. Find out how you can look instantly well-rested in 3 easy steps. Featured in 'O Magazine' as the 'Best New Team of Undercover Agents' to 'seemlessly cover shadows' & dark circles (Apr 2011). Awarded 'Best of Beauty' by 'Allure' Magazine (Sept 2012).

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Do you own any perfume that has rose + flowery scent? What is your favorite all time perfume?

  

Rimmel : Lasting finish by Kate Moss 12 Rossetto

 Rimmel : Lasting Finish by Kate Moss Lipstick 12 Rossetto- $ 5.19

I usually don't get red-ish color of lipstick but this one looks good and the price was about right for me so I just grabbed it from drugstore... 

Physicians Formula : multi-colored bronzer

Physicians Formula : Multi-colored Bronzer  0.3oz/9g - $ 13.95

 I have a quite darker skin tone compare to other East-Asians .My female friends in Korea always have been asking me if I went to the tanning shop, and male friends ALWAYS said 'you are too dark, why don't you make your skin lighter?' ;/ I'm like, are you serious? When I was in Korea, I've always wanted to be lighter because it's their "standard of beauty" but, since I came to the U.S, I just start loving my skin tone. However, I'm getting bit lighter than before so now I'm start using a bronzer!  

Anyways, long story short, this is my current favorite bronzer from Physicians Formula...

Victoria's Secret : Color Drama Lipstick F31 Wish

 Victoria's Secret : Color Drama F31 Wish .1oz/3g - $14

I'm a lipstick girl who likes to collect lipsticks whether I use it or not. I purchased this actually a little bit ago and been using it so much! I looked VS' website and they still have exactly same shade and same name but slightly different lipstick case. If you know me personally, I have pink crush, pink obsession especially where comes down to picking lipsticks, I can't help it! I find myself holding a bunch pink colors in one hand. If you are one of pink person, you should keep reading it because it's great color...

My recent purchase

Elizabeth Arden : Visible Difference Refining Moisture Cream Complex 3.4oz - $ 59.99

Elizabeth Arden : Ceramide Lash Extending Treatment Mascara in Black - $ 20.00

At the Costco 3.4oz + Ceramide Lash Extending Treatment Mascara in Black - $ 19.99

FOTD : Face of the Day

Hello lovelies! This is my face of the day. I'm posting this just because I'm going out tonight but not too far away from the house. I tried to do a natural look since I'm having break out :( I used Sephora eyeshadow palette for my eyes and Maybeline color whispers a plum prospect for my lips. If you have further questions, please let me know by comment.

Pink galaxy nails

I have  'pink' 'purple' obsession.. I know it's kind of girly.. but those two colors has always been  my favorite colors. This nail tutorial is for those who love pastel tone just like me! It's perfect since it only requires PASTEL colors ♥

Maybelline Color Whisper : A Plum Prospect 100

 Maybelline Color Whisper : A Plum Prospect ($7.49) 

 Pure color pigments suspended in a weightless gel. No heavy waxes or oils. Soft, sexy gel-color. 

The beauty blogger tag

image from : http://blog.naver.com/daily_sora?Redirect=Log&logNo=180948732

I was stumble upon many blogs and saw this post on Albertine's blog (Dippy Writes') . I found myself enjoyed reading it so I decided to do one too!

Feburuary Favorites

I know I'm kind of 'late' for this post but I still want to share with you. My February was great. I got to rest more, spend more time with my puppy, and went to fishing a lot! Although I am looking forward to do more things in March for example like Vegas trip,  see my best friend that I haven't get to see for years, more fishing, and update the kitchen + yards stuff..Anyways, let's go back to the point..

1. Garnier : Fructis Sleek and Shine Anti-Frizz Serum -$5.99  

This is my third bottle that I've re-purchased. I just love the scent, how it makes my hair smooth and shine, and easy to use.  I usually use it at the tip of my hair when it's tangled or hard to comb. Especially when I use hair straightener, I use it before I start straighten my hair.  

Description: Sleek hair for a full 3 days even in 97% humidity. FORTIFIED FRUIT SCIENCE Ultra-smoothing. Argan Oil from Morocco. Apricot Oil

How to use: Dispense 1 pump of serum, or as much as needed for your hair type, into your hands. Apply uniformly to damp or dry hair. Do not rinse. For the sleekest look, style using brush and blow dryer. 

 

2. The Face Shop : The Smim Hydrating Density Toner  

150ml for all skin type. Suggested for hydrating.

  I purchased this when I went to the K-town in L.A. I used to like The Face Shop when I was in Korea. Especially when i was teen just because the price was cheap but great quality products. Still it is a great products! I was glad I got it because as it described, well hydrating my face. I'm thinking to get a full set when I'm done using it.

Description: A moisturizing toner that is deeply absorbed by the skin for a smooth, even, and well-moisturized complexion.  

How to use: Every morning and evening, dispense an adequate amount on the palm and use the whole fingers to spread gently on the face in an outward direction. Tap lightly for full absorption. 

3.The Body Shop : White Musk Smooth Satin Body Lotion *- $22

13.5 fl oz for all skin type.

musk, lily, iris, ylang ylang, geranium, basil, rose, vanilla, amber, patchouli, oakmoss, vetiver, peach 

I've always loved this body lotion and been using it for years. Still it is my favorite! When I use this body lotion, It smells so good and stays for long, I don't need any drop of perfume. Also my skin feels like a silk after a week of using it!

Description: Enjoy the feeling of a light, smooth-as-satin moisturizer as it glides over your skin, leaving it velvety soft and scented with the classic White Musk® scent.

How it works: Musk mallow extract is naturally comforting and softening, leaving skin feeling hydrated, soft and pampered.Community Trade shea butter and Community Trade organic babassu oil moisturize and soften skin.Sweet almond oil provides an essential fatty acid that helps to repair skin’s moisture barrier, restoring smoothness and suppleness

 

4. Bio-oil : Specialist Skin Care - $11.99

  2 oz. Non-Greasy. Hypo-allergenic.

I got this when I went to the Costco for grocery shopping I got one 2oz for me and one 4.2oz for my boyfriend. I tried it on back of my hand before i purchased. I just fall in love with it. Made my skin so soft and the lady who was selling this told me It reduce the visibility of scars, stretch marks and more. I just use a little bit of this on my face at night before I go to bed. 

Description: Skincare product infuses skin with rich moisturizers to hydrate and nourish. Bio-Oil Specialist Skincare for Scars, Stretch Marks, Uneven Skin Tone, Aging Skin, Dehydrated Skin can also be used as an after-sun treatment and bath oil. Formulated with PureCellin oil to make product easy for skin to absorb.

Ingredients: Paraffinum liquidum (mineral oil), triisononanoin, cetearyl ethylhexanoate, isopropyl myristate, retinyl palmitate, tocopheryl acetate, anthemis nobilis flower oil, lavandula angustifolia (lavender) oil, rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf oil, calendula officinalis flower extract, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, glycine soja (soybean) oil, BHT, bisabolol, parfum (fragrance) 

 

5. The Face Shop : Rice Water Bright Cleansing Foam *

150ml full size. for all skin type. Suggested for whitening.

I've been using it for a month and I can tell that It smooths your skin and reduce a little bit of redness on your face. I like the scent of rice water. It is just so familiar scent to me :l 

Description: Soft, creamy lather provides gentle cleansing that last during cleansing. 

How to use: Get adequate amount for foam. Massage gently all over the face and rinse it off with lukewarm water.

6. Physicians Formula : Eye Definer Felt-Tip Eye Marker -$6.99

 Ultra black. Eye-liner. Smear-proof. Fade resistant. Safe for sensitive eyes. Contact lens safe. Made in Japan.

I used to use gel type eyeliner for a while. I switched to a liquid type pen eyeliner just because want my eyeliner to be stay longer without any smear and sharp looking and so far, it does its job well!

Description: Eye definer is a felt-tip eyeliner that glides on without skipping or mistakes. This smear-proof formula is hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and safe for those with sensitive skin. Safe for contact lens wearers.

How to use: Apply eye marker at the base of lashes in a thin or bold line Never apply eye marker inside the lash line. Keep cap tightly closed to avoid pen formula from drying out. Maintain tip in downward position while storing and do not shake pen.

  Ingredients:  Water, Acrylates Copolymer, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Polyaspartate, Beheneth-30, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Aminomethyl Propanol, Matricaria Extract, Hydrolyzed Conchiolin Protein, Laureth-21, Perilla Ocymoides Leaf Extract, Rosemary Leaf Extract, Alcohol, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Ethylparaben. May Contain: Iron Oxides, D&C Black, Ferric Ferrocyanide.

 7. Agatha Ruiz De La Prada Lip Balm : Tutti Frutti  * -$6.50

1.5 oz.

 I got this as a gift when my dad went to Germany for work. He bought me a full set of this Agatha Ruiz De La Prada Lip Balms and I thought I will never be able to use it by myself. So I gave it some to my friends and mom. I like this one especially Tutti Frutti because unlikely from the other ones, it has no color. Just white and smells like a bubble gum! I sometime use this on my cuticles. Love it! 

Thank you Dad

Description: Agatha Ruiz lip balms come to us from all the way from Spain. This creative and idealistic creation from Ruiz herself, manages to set trends and claim international fame. These vibrantly colored, super-fun lip balms are extremely effective and go on so silky. Throw one in your favorite bag, Agatha Ruiz De La Prada lip balms will happily go anywhere you do! The glory of fruit punch in a tin plus Vitamin E!

  

8. Benefit : Some Kind - a Gorgeous * -$30 full size  

9.5 g net wt 0.34 oz 

I can't describe how good it works and great it is! I use it as a light concealer instead of  foundation faker. Just love love love love looooooooove it! I am going to purchase a full size. 

My mom have been using a full size as a foundation faker and it gives a natural looking fresh face.

I'm going to try it soon!

Description: Our oil-free, cream-to-powder formula is silky, even perfection for your complexion! This foundation faker will even out your skintone with lightweight, sheer coverage, making it look chart-topping gorgeous! Compact includes application sponge and mirror for touch-ups on the go!    

 I'm going to skip #9 since I don't remember where I got it and no brand name on it.:-)

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 What is your February favorites? 

Link your blog if you have a post about it !