Makeup & Miscellaneous

Protein Powder for Workout Fiends Like Me!

2012-02-05T15:23:00.000-08:00

As a workout fiend, I workout 2 hours a day 5-6 times a week between trying to get to 8 hours a sleep a night, which requires a bedtime of 9 or 10 pm to be able to get up at 5 or 6 am, tutoring a bunch of chemistry and biology students, attending class and finishing homework while trying to achieve a 3.7-3.8 GPA from a school termed a "Public Ivy"...wiki it if you want to know more.

Anyways, although I am busy, exercise does help with the high amounts of stress. If for even 2 hours a day, I am only focused on working out and not on midterms and homework, to me it is something worth investing time in. Physically, however, sometimes the intensity of the workouts make me feel, for lack of a better word, trashed. I mean, my muscles are sore and I'm tired and I just wanted to get through that pain as soon as possible so I can work out again. So I decided to try protein powder, which insanely enough I hadn't tried before.

Protein, one of the body's macronutrients, and considered to be the workhorse of cellular processes comes in powder form or in a bar to be ingested and speed up muscle repair, which must be healed and rested to actually develop. However, when I go into shops like GNC, I am terrified my those bulky plastic containers filled with powder that is 2000 calories per serving in the back of the store. Instead, I went to the Vitamin Shoppe and I asked the salesperson for some brands that women like me find unintimidating yet effective. Luckily for me, they were more than happy enough to point me towards the aisle with a little known protein powder product called Spiru-tein.

LET ME TELL YOU...I'M HOOKED. FYI I bought the Cookies n' Cream flavor for $26.06 (which was the online price they matched at the store at my mention :D). I have had a couple of cups already and when I run out, I will definetely be running back to the store.

Here's some reasons why I like it...

IT'S YUMMY! There's no chalky consistency and it actually tastes like Cookies n' Cream <3
Gives you energy and keeps you full for another 2 hours
Repairs muscles and gives what your body needs for only 120 CALORIES!!! Gasped? I KNOW!
Satisfies your sweet tooth so you won't be reaching for your calorie-dense nutella at the back of the cupboard...which, really, its placement didn't really deter you before from eating it tablespoon at a time by the sink
Incredibly inexpensive compared to other brands. Trust me 87 cents per serving is a bargain. If you go the gym, sometimes they are $2 per cup
1 serving unfortunately has 10g of sugar BUT it does have 14g of protein!
Can be mixed with milk, juice, water, fruits...it's practically the most flexible protein powder around
Lastly, the packaging isn't scary :P

So for those people who need to feel repaired in no time, purchase this product and try it out. You WON'T regret it, but if you do, then just return it...duh!

Until my next protein powder purchase...

KOSH <3

Presenting...My Favorite Outfits from the 2012 Screen Actors Guild Awards

2012-01-30T18:58:00.000-08:00

Tonight, the Screen Actors Guild Awards aired and the fashion was just complete perfection. The ladies looked, of course, very beautiful in all their designer gear and men like George Clooney turned so many heads that it's a wonder how some women didn't fall over their gowns trying to sneak a peak at THAT!

However, I picked my top 10 favorite outfits of the night and I couldn't be more than thrilled to show them to you. All these looks were sexy and beautiful. If you agree or disagree, feel free to comment so I can know what you think. Go ahead and tweet me too @Janelle_Lora.

Here we go in descending order, my top ten favorite outfits starting with Natalie Portman...

10. Natalie Portman looking gorgeous at the SAG Awards

9. Sarah Hyland from Modern Family

8. The Good Wife star, Julianna Marguiles, looks incredibly sophisticated and stylish in this beautifully simple Calvin Klein number

7. Amber Heard's style which perfectly encompassed rocker chic sophistication was eye catching and just plain unique. Thank you, Zac Posen

6. Stacy Keibler, George Clooney's arm candy, looks more conservative in this Marchesa slightly sleeved lace gown

5. Modern Family's Sofia Vergara dressed in Marchesa

4. Glee's Naya Rivera in a tight-fitting yet flattering Naeem Khan dress

3. Actress Emily Blunt in a stunningly bright Oscar de la Renta gown

2. Love = Angelina Jolie in this edgy metallic number from Jenny Packham


1. MY TOP PICK: Viola Davis looking so sophisticated and daring - a perfect combination for this SAG Award Winner :D

So there we go...agree? disagree? We have a LOT to talk about :D

But until my next blog,

HEYDA <3

I Got New Ecotools Brushes - So Excited!

2012-01-29T19:28:00.000-08:00

I have asked many a makeup artists how important makeup brushes are and they all say the quality of makeup brushes are just as, if not, more important than the quality of the makeup. They all say (something along these lines) that "those are your tools and to make great art, you must have the best of the best." Yet, although I love department store makeup, I seem to be able to save on makeup brushes (see the blog entry about MAC brush dupes). Recently, I bought 2 face brushes from Ecotools and although they are significantly cheaper than department store brushes, I must say, they are just as good!

Ready for more reviews?

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1) Here I purchased the Ecotools Blush Brush:

Inexpensive and yet as attractive as an expensive brush
Insanely soft
Picks up loose or soft powder with ease
You can easily manipulate how much you want on your brush and then build it up on your face
Wide side (brush on the left) is great for applying blush on the apples on your cheek
Thin side (brush on the right) is great for contouring you cheekbones with bronzer
Ditto previous bullet point with the tapered end of the brush
Easy to hold and does not shed

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2) Now presenting the Ecotools Recycled Retractable Kabuki:

Great for applying any kind of powder, whether it is foundation, pressed powder, loose powder or finishing powder
AMAZING at buffing! Leaves a soft, smooth and non-cakey finish
Great for taking out any harsh lines between blush and bronzer (contouring on your cheeks)
Soft, compact, dense and does not shed
Great packaging and handy for people constantly on-the go, yet still a bargain :)
Grabs onto a lot of product if you want

I believe that Ecotools is a great company for people who are on a budget yet want brushes just as good as the $30+ ones. The brushes are made of recycled material and the company overall is very eco-friendly...hence, the name. This is very important to me as a person who was raised in New Zealand.

I can't wait to need more brushes so I can shop from them...yay!

'Til next time...

ZBOHOM <3

Two Bronzers I Am in Love with Right Now!

2012-01-22T17:33:00.000-08:00

For some reason, I had never been into contouring much. It's not that I didn't know it existed but I just always saw it as something exclusive for the celebrities. But one day, I tried it...and now I'm OBSESSED. I just want to contour my face everyday, but I wanted to do it with a bronzer that really matched my skin tone. Now my one-month hunt for those aforementioned bronzers has lead me to my treasures.

Here's a look inside my treasure chest...

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1) Physician's Formula Shimmer Strips Custom Bronzer, Blush & Eye Shadow

I know most of you who read this will be relieved that I am reviewing something that is NOT from Nordstrom or Macy's. Though I do love department store makeup, I strongly believe you can get just as good a product from Target or any drugstore. Anyways, I bought this for $10 in Waikiki Strip/Peachy Glow Bronzer and it was perfection.

This thing is 3 products in one though I do not really see it as an effective blush. As a bronzer however, it's amazing. It is great for contouring your cheeks to instantly take 5 pounds off your face, and if you don't want to contour, you can apply this to all the parts of your face where the sun would usually hit resulting in this sheer tan glow that is just oh so beautiful. You get this sun-kissed look that works year round. The color I chose had a pink undertone which was perfect for me because I'm not really fond of the whole brown-on-brown look.

As for this product working as an eyeshadow, know that it is just as exceptional. The color can be worked up on both your eyes and cheeks for either a sheer effect or something shimmery. It is long-lasting with primer underneath and does not crease or cake. The pigment is intense and will not be lost when blending with other shadows on your eyes or blush on your cheeks. It is a very VERY versatile product that is inexpensive. This product should definitely be expecting a repurchase from me :)

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2) Clinique's True Bronze Pressed Powder Bronzer

This bronzer is another favorite of mine although unlike the one above, it is much pricier at $25 per case. My absolute favorite thing about this bronzer is that it lasts ALL DAY...without primer! The intensity and pigment is the same from application to removal.

This bronzer is much better for contouring than the Physician's Formula bronzer as the powder is more concentrated and not as shimmery. It gives you a brilliant shadow underneath your cheekbones making you look like a runway model! However, if you are a pro at applying makeup and manage to apply it on your entire face without looking blotchy, then you can achieve a more natural sun kissed look than with the Shimmer Strips.

I purchased the compact in the shade Sunkissed because the other two choices were two brown for me as opposed to this one which has a red undertone. Personally, I would use a real blush brush or contouring brush for application as the brush that comes with it is not effective at all.

So that's why I think your go-to bronzers should be. Nice to have an inexpensive alternative huh?

SUDIE <3

Mila Kunis: Amazingly Fashionable and Fabulous

2012-01-19T18:59:00.000-08:00

I have been a fan of Mila Kunis ever since I learned she was this down-to-Earth immigrant who had a hard time assimilating to American culture. From an early age, she had been working as Jackie on That 70s Show, and from then on she has been Meg on Family Guy (another guilty pleasure :P), and other films playing roles opposite the likes of Justin Timberlake and Natalie Portman. She's intelligent, very pretty and actually CHOSE to GAIN weight after being under 100 lbs after the filming of Black Swan...now that's unheard of in Hollywood. Not only is she not controversial but she is also very realistic about how the word "art" is applied to Hollywood.

But my favorite thing about her is that she is incredibly fashionable...I would really love to see her wardrobe! I love all of her red carpet outfits and I decided to show everyone the kind of fashion I adore. Here are five of my favorites in no particular order...

So those are my favorite looks from here...here a several more I think are worth noting

Enjoy some good fashion and class

Until the next celebrity who is all-inspiring...

ADIJO <3

Continue the Must-Haves with Concealers

2012-01-14T23:47:00.000-08:00

So my previous post on cosmetics were on your must-have primers, now I want to tell you what I believe your must-have under-eye concealers should be, and mind you, both are from the wonderful brand that is Benefit Cosmetics.

Benefit Cosmetics, in my opinion, have the best packaging in all of the beauty industry. That says a lot because it's not like makeup ever comes in dull gray boxes, yet Benefit's packaging is unique for each and every one of their products. The packaging is girly and youthful, yet a professional woman could pull any product owned by this wonderful brand out of her purse with all the confidence and coolness in the world. So besides my obvious love of anything Dior, Clinique and Urban Decay, know that I have just as much an intimate relationship with Benefit :)

So enough chit-chat...let's talk about concealers!

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Benefit Boi-ing

Although I strive to get about 8 hours of sleep a night, I unfortunately am not immune to the horrid sign of aging that is under eye circles. Mine are, I believe, quite prominent so I am very big on under eye concealers. A salesman showed me Boi-ing and I was quite impressed with the product. First of all, when the salesman applied it to my circles, they practically disappeared. The coverage is incomparable as it made me look much more awake. I use the medium shade but I do wish there were more options; I mean, if I put it on my face to cover blemishes, it wouldn't work well as it is obviously a different color. Nonetheless, if you use it exclusively for under your eyes, it will not be a regretful purchase. The formula is thick and can be applied via ring finger or concealer brush, but beware, if you tug down your skin everyday while applying this concealer, you will make your skin droop at a faster rate. The creaminess makes it able to be blended out well and not only that, it's pretty crease resistant too :). It is $19, which is typical of a department store price, but if used correctly, it can pretty much last the good part of a year.

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Benefit Erase Paste

This concealer won my heart the first time I ever used it. I was so impressed with this product, that to this day, I challenge anyone to find a better concealer (though your desire to disagree with me is totally respected). I do want to point out that it is a very itsy bitsy tub of concealer for $26, however, you use such a little amount per application that it will actually last longer than Boi-ing. Now about the product itself...I again used the medium shade and also believe that the formula is thick yet more than happy to blend. It feels a little bit heavy but the coverage and look of complete LACK of fatigue more than make up for that minute downside. It does not look cakey at all, rather it has the opposite effect. Also, like the prior concealer, it is quite immune to creasing. It also stays on all day and all of these features about the product convince me that this is one hell of a concealer worth purchasing...LOVE!

So there you go...now you have no excuse to ever look tired...as for me, I'm going to take a nap now...

TAM BIET <3

People's Choice Awards 2012: Best and Worst Dressed

2012-01-12T18:56:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday night, the 2012 People's Choice Awards aired and was hosted by the actress playing one of my favorite characters on the Big Bang Theory, Kaley Cuoco...for those who watch the show, isn't it the best comedy around? I think so!

Anyways, OF COURSE I'm going to have to do a blog about the best dressed people of the night, although it is worth saying that I wasn't really a fan of most of the outfits the celebs wore. There were a lot of short dresses and there was plenty of color, but the overall designs of the chosen outfits were not that great in my opinion. Some of the dresses were rather flat in design and either they were just plain weird or were able to be bought at Macy's.

Again, this list is composed of my opinions, in no particular order, of who were fab completely perfect. Agree? Disagree? Comment and tell me what you think?

BEST OF THE NIGHT


Demi Lovato in Marchesa

I have only become a recent fan of Demi Lovato...you know, after she came back from rehab, and I love how mature she has become. She's gone a long way from being a Disney star and that progress shows in this outfit.

This dress is a beautiful color, however, it does wash her out. But the way it flows is gorgeous and that LARGE embellishment/design in the middle of her torso is beautiful. Though the neck is quite plunging, it is done very decently and classy. This dress is very mature yet doesn't age her at all.

GORGEOUS AND CLASSY

Kaley Cuoco

I have a special place in my heart for anything related to the Big Bang Theory, so when Kaley Cuoco, a star in my favorite show, looks amazing on the red carpet, you bet she'll be on my list!

This lovely nude ensemble did an exceptional job flaunting her very slim physique! This symmetrical and non-poofy dress was down-to-earth yet stunning. The embellishments were simple enough to make the dress a stunner yet did not overpower her look. Her volumized hair was easy-going and was a perfect juxtaposition for the softness of her dress.

I am definitely looking forward to more of her on the red carpet because she did it right this time!

GO BIG BANG!

Stana Katic in Valentino

Stana Katic is one of the star's on the hit show Castle. This dress though amazingly simple is just plain perfect on her. The body hugging aspect of this dress is so flattering on her toned and slim physique and the simple drop of the skirt is also very pretty. The neck is wide and does not fail to glorify her collarbone and the long sleeves succeed in making this dress incredibly sophisticated...if only she had a beautiful necklace to match...

Anyway, she was very smart in her color choice, because let's face it...who can go wrong in black?

Emma Stone in Gucci

Emma Stone was easily the winner of the night. She upstaged all the gowns and cocktail dresses with this feminine pant suit combination. The gorgeous green blazer from Gucci was obviously the main component of her outfit but she matched it to a T with a white blouse underneath and slim, black dress pants. The contrast of her red hair and green jacket was genius and everything topped off with simple heels put everything together.

She looks modern and completely in fashion...yes, this is achievable even without a dress.

WINNER :D

So that's all I've got to say. Until the next awards show...

TOT STRAKS <3

Your Must-Have Eyeshadow Primers!

2012-01-09T14:33:00.000-08:00

When I was young and naive, I used to put on my eyeshadows straight onto my lid and to my great surprise, they'd almost always be gone by the end of the day. Now I have mentioned on another blog entry that I am not very fond of reapplying my makeup during the day because it is just too time-consuming and I have already woken up earlier than I have to to put my makeup on, so I don't want to give it anymore time than I have to.

I went online and found that eyeshadow primers are a great way to keep your eyeshadow and eyeliner on...FOR THE REST OF THE DAY. To me it was like David Copperfield pulling a car out of thin air...primers equal joy and magic wrapped into one ball of goodness.

Over the years, I have tried on many primers and here are my favorites (in no particular order)...

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1) Too-Faced Shadow Insurance

This is the one I have in stock now and if I must say, it's AWESOME! It's keep my makeup on all day AND in place. I think primers who meet both of these criteria are the best kind of primers because if a primer keeps the eyeshadow on the lid, but not where it was initially applied, then it is ineffective and not worth investing in.

Not only is it long lasting, it is very smooth and easy to apply. The primer's color is a great foundation to put eyeshadow on, and during the course of the day, eyeshadow does NOT crease...a MIRACLE! The colors also look more vibrant and I think that's important if you are using expensive shadows because you get the most use out of them aesthetically.

Lastly it is easy to take off which is a bonus. My only disapproval of this product is that when you open it in the morning, there's an excess of oil that comes out first before the actual primer...just make sure you don't put the oil on your lids and you are good to go :)

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2) Urban Decay Primer Potion

To me, I can already hear women around the world saying that the famous Primer Potion is the best primer around...and I do agree! Even on Ulta.com, there are 5 "pros" and 0 "cons" for this product. I think that says something about the primer because I have yet to find a product everyone unanimously loves (if you find another one with ratings like this, please tell me. I'm very curious as to what the product would be).

Anyways, to continue on with the review, I will point out some stuff most people probably already know about this miraculous product. It really does stay on your lids all day, and just like the prior primer I mentioned, it keeps shadows in place! It's smooth, the packaging is very pretty, and the eyeshadow is very crease-resistant when applied on top of this primer.

If you purchase the original primer, the eyeshadow colors look great. But if you purchase Sin, you give your eyeshadow a shimmering effect. The effect of this primer is so good that I know people who use it as their actual eyeshadow, so I think that's pretty nifty.

The only con I would have is that though the packaging is pretty, it isn't so great for retrieving product. If you use the one with the wand, you pump air into the tube every time you dip the wand back in, drying the product faster which I think is a waste of money. If you purchase the primer in the packaging you can squeeze the product out of, you definitely salvage more of the primer but it still takes effort to squeeze out the remnants. Personally, I say cut it open and take out the last remaining primer so you get your money's worth because it is expensive. Nonetheless, Urban Decay's Primer Potion is a great product which have given plenty of women, me included, that WOW moment when applied for the first time...it's AMAZING!

PA <3

My New Mascara: Clinique's Lash Doubling Mascara

2012-01-06T14:08:00.001-08:00

I really like Clinique...usually. However, I was at the mall with my sister and mother and we happened to buy some stuff from Clinique. Along with what we purchased were a couple of samples of this and that, but what really had me giddy was the mascara tube that the sales lady put into the shopping bag. Of course, at the nearest mirror I could find, I dug the mascara out of the pouch and put some on...boy was I disappointed :(

LASH DOUBLING MASCARA

When I put it on my eyelashes, it didn't really do anything. I was waiting for that "WOW" moment which indicated love at first sight, but it just didn't happen. Although it is $15, I would say it is a waste of money to purchase. If you want better quality, then splurge. But if mediocre mascara is what you are chasing for, which I'm sure you are not, then there are plenty of other drugstore mascaras that top even this department store formula.

Here is a list of what I (and other reviewers) have to say about this product:

Some good things where that it kept lashes separated and kept the lashes curled as well...but that's it
It did not really elongate my lashes and forget about any volumizing effect
It smudged!!! What a nightmare for me :(
There is a problem when applying the second coat - it clumps...
If you aren't used to big brushes (I trained with Diorshow), this mascara wand might be hard to handle

Well, let's just say I won't be heading back to the store any time soon to purchase this mascara. But still, I remain a devotee to Clinique. Let's just hope the next mascara is better than this one...

AVE <3

Weight Loss: Here I Come!

2012-01-06T14:08:00.000-08:00

So January is here and I can almost hear all the women around the world scribbling on their calendars their weight-loss New Years Resolution only for them to stop striving for their goal less than a month into their program.

Well why do women quit so early on? Because dieting is hard...simple as that. It requires the person dieting to really want to see results. Dieting can't be pushed onto someone by another person, rather motivation must come from within. Also, dieting requires a person to be okay with 'failure,' which to women means not losing 10 pounds after one hardcore session of exercise. I understand the mentality, aka sadness, of a woman who doesn't see results right away, but if it took years and years to pack on the pounds, do you really think it will all come off after 2 weeks?

Not seeing results right away is OK, so by changing you New Years Resolution to becoming an overall healthy person, this could lead to an easier goal to strive for which will most likely have you lose weight anyway.

So those are some of my words of wisdom. Now I want to show you some upper body exercises I do to build lean muscle so I can be strong, energized and healthy :)

These are, for me, the five important parts of my upper-body that I target to get stronger: biceps, triceps, shoulders, chest and back.

My bicep routine consists of bicep curls and hammer curls with dumbbells

Bicep curl - palms in starting position should be facing the ceiling

Hammer curl - palms in starting position should be facing each other

My tricep routines consist of tricep dips and kickbacks

Tricep dip - can be done on any chair, bench etc...to make it harder, extend the legs out or even lift one up

Tricep Kick Back - I actually use my stabilizing hand to hold onto the crook of my elbow so my upper arm does not move. Also, don't swing your wrists.

My shoulder routines consist of simultaneous front and side lateral raises and the military press

Raises - these raises get you tired quick so opt for lighter weights. To do 2 workouts in one, use one hand to do a front raise and the other to do a side raise in one motion

Military Press - I do these standing. Also, when the weights come down, only let them make a 90 degree angle then press back up

My chest routine consist of push-ups, chest flies and chest presses

Push-up - start off with knees on the ground if you can't do a proper pushup, then work your way up until you can do them like men...can you say "accomplishment"?

Chest Press - you can stand to have more weight with this. Also dumbbells or barbells both work. Lastly, it's always a good idea to have someone spot you

Chest Fly - don't ever let gravity dictate your movement. Control the dumbbells on their way down to get best results

My back routine consist of the Superman and the bent over row

Superman - get the name now? Be careful not to strain your neck but this is a great low-intensity strength exercise

Bent Over Row - to even fine-tune this workout even more, alternate arms and really feel the twist :)

Note: these are not all the exercises I do but they are my favorites. If you plateau, either do these exercises with heavier weights or go searching online to find new workouts to break out of your plateau. As for the number of reps, since I'm a girl, I will not bulk up so I can either do a small amount of reps (say 15) slowly with heavier weights or I can do a minute's full of reps with a medium to fast pace with slightly lighter weights. It's definitely up to the person but just make sure you get weight training in.

So here is some more stuff I do...until next time (where I may talk about the lower body or abs)

POZDRAV <3

For the New Year - A New Twitter :D

2012-01-03T16:44:00.000-08:00

This blog is relatively new, and yet there have been a good amount of views already :). Let me just say, I am very thankful to those who view my blog.

Please don't forget to tell all your friends about Makeup & Miscellaneous. And just to help you all out, on the sidebar are ways you can stay linked to me.

But for those who use twitter, I just created a new profile that would love nothing more to be followed. Please follow me and in return, I promise to keep whipping out blogs for all of you to read.

HAPPY NEW YEAR :)

VISZLAT <3

My Favorite Gaga Moments

2012-01-03T15:52:00.000-08:00

As you see I've chosen outfits that aren't too over the top (well, not as over-the-top as Gaga could possibly be), and actually can be on the runway. They're very womanly pieces that even I could wear with my own wardrobe. But like Pitbull, I love her music and her image and that's ultimately why I'm blogging about her.

So enjoy!

HA DET <3

Pitbull - the best male dresser I.M.O

2012-01-03T15:28:00.000-08:00

Here is a little bit of my philosophy...I don't really want to talk to celebrities who have a fleeting moment of fashion genius. So if you are celebrity X and look amazing only in one outfit, unless it's really good, I probably won't blog about it. However, if celebrity X is constantly stylish, then he or she probably will end up on my blog. That's why I don't usually write about people along a timeline (I'd rather do seasonal styles and trends if the blog is time-dependent) but rather I talk about their style as a whole, which to me, is timeless.

Today, I felt like mixing it up a bit and decided to talk about a straight man. No I'm not homophobic or discriminatory when I specify "straight man" but it's no secret that the major figures in fashion will be, if a man, gay.

Back to the point...if you like to listen to the beat-thumping, ass-shaking soundtracks of Pitbull, you may have been lucky enough to watch his videos. Well, I have and let me say...THIS GUY KNOWS HOW TO DRESS!

He does not dress too over-the-top, yet he looks classy and somewhat sexy. He dresses with color but isn't obnoxious with it. He makes a subtle message with his clothing and doesn't seem to be showing off. Lastly, I love the enigma his music and fashion presents. He carries himself confidently and classy yet his his videos are full of rapping and very...well-endowed?....women...it's just a conflict of style and music that I love.

However, I think my likeness for his fashion revolves around my preference to be with men who are not more fashionable than me. Let me explain...if you are a guy who is more fashionable than me, for some odd reason you won't be my type. But if you can make me drool in a simple white v-neck and jeans, then forget it, we're married. However, although Pitbull is very fashionable, his way of dressing still screams out "I'm a man." He doesn't wear non-prescription eyeglasses to look cool and doesn't have accessories coming out of God knows where. He's a man who knows how to dress while still maintaining his raw masculinity... a 20-year old girl couldn't want for more :)

But mostly, his music is fun...which is ultimately why I listen to him...

Anyways, here are some videos...thanks YouTube...and the times to pause at if you want to awe at this man's fashion sense

Give Me Everything - 0:00, 1:17

Rain Over Me - 0:48 and on, 3:15 and on

I Know You Want Me - 0:29, 1:05, 1:48

On the Floor (Jennifer Lopez) - 3:30 and on

So if you don't want to continuously be playing and pausing, go ahead and watch the videos...they're great on their own anyways :).

Got a celebrity fashion genius you want me to blog about, comment or contact me on twitter.

BAE <3

Damn You Awkward Phase...Damn You!

2012-01-03T14:27:00.000-08:00

So, sorry it's been a while since I've posted something, but never fear, this will be a blog entry about my skin and the LONG journey it had from when I was a freshman in high school, to when I was a senior.

I moved to America when I was in 8th grade and the change in location, from New Zealand to California, had a negative effect on my skin. Firstly, I was always out and about during the summer of '04 (wow, it's been a while), going to places like San Diego to see the zoo and Seaworld as well as places nearby such as Disneyland. However, after 3 months of summer vacation and a quarter at school which had numerous record highs, my skin was left blotchy and acne-consumed. Now I will put a horrendous picture of myself on this blog, but only because it will be salvaged by my senior picture where I look a hell of a lot better. But first, what did I do to improve my skin?

1) Baking Soda: take about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of baking soda into your hand and drizzle it with water until it is like a paste. Then rub it all over your face. Wash it off when it starts to sting (and if does not sting, then take it off after 20 minutes). This should act as your soap and should be used about 3 times a week when starting off then lessened to twice a week when your face clears up.

What does this do for me? Well baking soda is a powder so it exfoliates all the dead cells off of my face showing off a new, fresh layer. Also, the baking soda kills the bacteria IN your skin, which causes acne...Your skin should feel baby-butt smooth afterwards, BUT don't touch it too often as you don't want to return bacteria right after you remove it.

2) 2:1:1 Honey, milk and lemon: With the ratio given, mix all the ingredients together until it is one uniform gooey thing. Then slather on your face. I personally keep it on for about an hour before I wash it off, but 20 minutes works too :). You should do this after the baking soda application.

What does this do? Well honey is used to soothe your skin which is necessary because it will be somewhat damaged and dried by the baking soda. Therefore honey will act as a moisturizer. Now the milk is a collagen booster and will help with new-skin development. This will help in clearing out blemishes faster and forming new, flawless skin. Lastly the lemon is to balance out the pH of your skin. Baking soda is VERY basic, and when the pH of your skin changes, well to be frank, that's not good. So by using lemon, which has a low pH, you neutralize the basicity of your skin and keep it neutral.

Some other things to help...

Your diet does not really affect breakouts. You may think it does, but if you stress over what you eat and what it will do to your skin, that may be the cause of your acne breakouts. Fluctuations of hormones (such as during stress,puberty and menstruation) will or may cause acne breakouts
Drink lots of water. I know you hear this everywhere but there is a reason as to why this is important.
Get plenty of sleep! Ditto on the second bullet point...

NOW, are you ready for the before and after pictures?

TA-DA...

Before

After

OK, so some of the differences are that a LOT of my blemishes disappeared. Also, I remember that I had a ton of pimples on the day of I took my sophomore picture and none during my senior picture. But the biggest difference I realized (besides the fact I learned how to put makeup on) is that my face is one uniform color in the second picture while in my sophomore picture my forehead is noticeably darker. Say yay to getting rid of blotchiness/uneviness :D

So I hope this helps everyone who cared about their skin but yet, are on a budget...

Until next time

DASVIDANIA <3

My Review on the Reebok Realflex

2011-12-29T18:05:00.000-08:00

So I have told you all, I think, that I work out...I run, go on the elliptical, bike (and even participate in spin class), do step class, and even Zumba is something that's really becoming a friend of mine. BUT I am a heel girl and so I actually own only one pair of sneakers and if you ever see them, you would think a rabid dog found them on the street, thought it was a bunny, and chewed the living crap out of it. Ok, fine, that's a bit of an exaggeration, but just try and see where I'm coming from. Anyways, for Christmas, I decided to get a pair of new sneakers. My sister for her birthday last August received the new Reebok Realflex and she instantly fell in love with them therefore I decided to get some for my self. I got the green and pink ones against the gray background and I, too, fell head over heels in love with them.

Why you ask...I actually have 8 reasons, so brace yourself for this...

1. There are so many cool colors you can choose from. I love bright and bold colors (hence my choice of shoe) so whatever your personality or favorite color is, you will definitely find a shoe to your liking. And IF you don't happen to find an existing color you like, you can go onto Reebok.com and customize a pair of shoes for yourself...Can you say 'designer?'

2. There's no time period required for breaking them in. You know when you get a new shoe, you have to test drive them so when the real event you need to use them in comes, whether its a party or a marathon, you and your shoe are ready to work as one. Well these puppies feel so comfortable from the get-go that after purchasing them, you can literally head straight to wherever you need to use them for. They are that...

3. Comfortable...and light! It's like walking on a cushion for MILES! They do not weigh you down. Actually, it's like your not wearing shoes at all. They're pretty magical :)

4. Another thing I like about them that I actually haven't heard from many people is that I believe they massage the balls of your feet as you walk. If you've seen pictures of the Realflex, you see that you can almost fold them in half. I think when they flex the cushion under the balls of your feet press back at you which is so NICE! Again, the balls of my feet are so effed up due to my daily use of heels so this is truly a treat for me :D

5. It's also great for the overall foot. I'm not going to pretend like I know the science behind the shoe, because I don't, but I feel as if there is a shock absorbing quality to the shoe that is great. I run and it's no secret that the constant motion of running is harsh on your knees and ankles. So if you run frequently, the shoe absorbs the shock from your movement well and will keep you running longer!...Yay, say yes to a healthy heart :)

6. My feet are only a size 6 for women's shoes but for some odd reason, when I wear my Nike's they look like a size 10, so I look like a short clown with gigantic feet, which is just plain ugly. However, these shoes are not bulky and make my feet look itsy bitsy cute. That, my friends, is another point for the Realflex. This feature of the shoe make them more appropriate to pair with jeans without looking unproportional.

7. I had my AHA! moment with these shoes. I believe when you put anything on and have an intense reaction to whatever product it may be, nothing can ever top them. Trust me, this is fact. I learned this from watching countless hours of Say Yes to the Dress :P

8. They are fantatically priced. In other words, they are relatively cheap for such high quality shoes (I got mine for $70 just before Christmas)...need I say more?

All I have to say is thank you Reebok for giving me such a wonderful shoe. It's small and easy to lug around; it looks pretty cool and doesn't break the bank. All this equals LOVE :)

NAKEMIIN <3

What to Wear for Where You Are Going - A Guide to New Years Eve Fashion

2011-12-29T16:21:00.000-08:00

As you all know, New Years Eve is coming up, and whether you're going to hit the clubs hosted by the Kardashians at the Las Vegas Strip or staying at home like me, you should ALWAYS dress fashion-forward. Here are some tips of how you should dress for where you are going. Courtesy to Betsey Johnson and Polyvore for all the outfits (I happen to love BJ because I think her clothes fit women like a glove; I have yet to feel not-womanly in her clothes).

So let's get started...

1) If you are going to head to a party or a club for New Years Eve, go with as much glitz and glamour as you can. I say dress up in cocktail dresses or long sleeved-mini dresses all decked out with sequences and any other plentiful sources of shine. Bright colors are great too if you are a bit afraid of harming yourself with sequences (I've actually cut the tip off my nose once with an embellishment; it was insane). Another criterion I would have for the dress I would pick out is that it should be skin tight (hubba hubba), so don't be afraid to show off your curves - God gave them to us for a reason you know! These are just some tips to follow as sparkle and shine is very trendy right now.

Here are some pictures to help you find what you need...

2) Heading to a dinner party with friends and/or family? Then dress up in a very 'casual-glam' manner. This means you should have an allure and sense of excitement, but still should fun and approachable. The outfit should be fun and flirty with maybe the choice of material being velvet?...Also, the finish of the dress should be matte, so pastel would work. Flower prints are totally appropriate too and maybe opt for a dress with short sleeves on top and a flowy skirt at the bottom...

3) Going to a Black Tie event? Then you MUST have a gown on. No, it's not mandatory, but if you want to be a part of the formality of the event, then a dress that goes all the way to the floor will be your best friend. Besides the length, everything else should be determined by your liking. Sequins?...no sequins? - up to you! Velvet or metallic...I prefer velvet. Also, something that's very trendy right now is lace. So have fun dressing up and enjoy taking some high-fashion photos.

The picture of Mila Kunis was something I found and I believe worth posting because it is a formal gown but it's also very 40s inspired, which is something very in-fashion right now

4) Just because you're going to stay in for New Years Eve doesn't mean you can't be fashionable. I prefer to pair skinny jeans or leggings (which have to have some kind of texture, shine, or different color) with a tunic or a blouse with a really cool graphic on it. This ensemble comes of very casual but still follows the rules of fashion. Here are some examples, and just to add a little something, I think that number 4 is the best and easiest way to dress, making it a clear winner!

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Now if you plan on changing your look from day to night, or you're just a cool kid and are heading off to numerous parties, don't forget to change your look so all of your pictures have different outfits :). You haveunlimited ways in which you could change your outfits - be it your jacket and hat, or by adding some leggings. For goodness sake, change your shoes: you can choose from boots and booties, heels and flats! Also, don't forget to fix up your make up. Here are some accessories you can add or take away from your ensemble to look totally fresh, new and still fashionable.

ZAIJIAN <3

Marc Jacobs...the next Creative Director of Dior?

2011-12-28T18:37:00.000-08:00

In my senior year of high school, our teacher told us all to bring in some quotes that we love. Like I expected, all the girls brought in quotes about love and peace and flowers and the like. Most of the guys actually forgot about this assignment (including my now boyfriend :P) while I brought in a really weird one; by who you ask, by Marc Jacobs of course.

I really do love Marc Jacobs. Not only is he one of America's best designers, but he is just such a cool person. Once I read about his life in Harper's Bazaar, I had to know more about this immensely talented person...however, that shall be for a different blog entry.

As you all know, last year, John Galliano, creative director for Dior, was asked to leave by the company after a video went viral of him speaking very passionate anti-semitic slurs. After that, all hell broke lose...not really. It was actually quite calm as people from Dior continued to create fantastic clothes and runway shows. But I do bet you that behind the scenes it was utter chaos after months of trying to find a replacement.

Well since the rumor mill has been going berserk, I have been on the internet searching for who will his next replacement be, very vigorously too. I then found this great quote from Marc Jacobs, who was considered to be a great replacement for Galliano, of why he would NOT be taking the position at Dior and will be staying at Louis Vuitton.

"…Vuitton is probably thrilled that the Dior offer is off the table—for now. “I am at Vuitton, and I am very happy there,” says Jacobs. “I’ve been saying that for a long time. There have been on-and-off conversations about Dior. I don’t know; maybe someday in the future, maybe years from now, I may end up going someplace else, maybe Dior. But right now I am at Vuitton, and all that matters to me is that that’s where I am and I’m going to keep doing my thing.” He pauses for a moment and then, as if he can’t help himself, goes on: “The irony in all of this is that I don’t dream of doing anything else, or I didn’t. My greatest challenge is to do something better than we’ve done the season before. The idea of couture doesn’t hold that thing for me. It’s archaic—in my opinion. I mean, I am really interested in the craftsmanship behind couture. But I can explore all that in ready-to-wear. With couture, one dress each season is photographed by a couple of magazines; there’s no advertising; it reaches 20 customers. I don’t feel there is anything lacking in what we do. I get to work with these amazing craftsmen. Maybe not the same ateliers that would make a couture dress, but, again, we are not in a deficit for working with people who create beautiful things. I am not sure I ever looked at couture as this great opportunity.” With that, he lets out a big laugh, surprising even himself with his candor."

-Vogue

I love how he speaks, his honesty, and his inability to hold something in :) I am a fan of Marc Jacobs and still get giddy when I see his pieces walk down the runway. But actually, what I love most about him is the stuff that comes out of his mouth...and I think he's super sexy :P

In my opinion, he's an honest person and you can expect to find more quotes from this designer I truly do adore on my blog...but until the next time he says something uber cool...

NAGEMIST <3

It really is perfection:CHANEL PERFECTION LUMIÈRE LONG-WEAR FLAWLESS FLUID MAKEUP SPF 10

2011-12-28T17:34:00.000-08:00

Again, I was at Macy's and looking for bronzers (I still haven't bought one so if anyone thinks they have a winner, please tell me), and one of the salesladies comes my way and her skin is absolutely freaking FLAWLESS. Really, in her world, blemishes may have NEVER existed. I asked her what she was wearing and she pointed to Chanel's new product. It is a foundation that comes in 20 colors called -

CHANEL PERFECTION LUMIÈRE LONG-WEAR FLAWLESS FLUID MAKEUP SPF 10

When she put it on my face, it felt velvety-smooth and really covered up everything without looking cakey. This, hands down, was love at first sight. I had never been so impressed by a foundation (since Bare Essentials came out years ago) but my only complaint would be that it costs a whopping $55...coupons anybody?

To repeat what I did for the Dior lipcolor, I will list what I (and other reviewers) have to say about this product:

It feels light and fresh. Also, it's soft and smells delicious
There are so many colors there's no way you can't find one for your skin tone
If you want to have smooth skin in photos and videos like the celebs, then use this! If you want to look like you have no makeup on in real life but want absolutely perfect skin, then use this!
You can build on it to get more coverage
It has a perfect matte finish, so say good bye to that awful shine on your T-zone
Long lasting (which is great for those like me who hate reapplying makeup...just once a day is enough for me) especially if you use loose powder to top it off :)

So, truth be told, I acted like a fool who could afford it while at Las Vegas, but I just couldn't get over the price so on that day, no purchase was made by me. But when Christmas came, you can say I was more than thrilled when I received this in Beige 060...now, if only it could last until next Christmas...

AL WADA <3

The new and in-season DIOR LIPCOLOR 976

2011-12-28T17:10:00.000-08:00

I was shopping at Macy's for Christmas and I happened to stumble upon the Dior cosmetics area and a lovely saleswoman saw me glancing at the lipsticks. I have pretty big lips and they are undoubtedly my most favorite part of my face. They are more versatile than my eyes (which are pretty lame) and can take on practically any color.

She then offered to show me this plum color (976) and I must say, I love this color. It was very unique: it was mainly plum with a shimmer and a golden undertone. She put it on me and my lips shined out of my face, yet it did not overwhelm the entirety of my look. It truly is a beautiful color that would work on, I believe, any skin tone. One thing that I do have to mention is that the gold undertone does bring out the yellow of your teeth. But it really is something a person could splurge on because it is B-E-A-UTIFUL.

Some feedback from me (and other users):

It's a color made for movie actresses; its for the big screen
It's feminine and glamorous to the point of haute-couture
Smooth and easy to apply
Quite seductive with its ever-intense color
It's long wearing, so it will give your lips that coveted radiant shine for hours and hours
Hydrating and creamy
After one blot on a tissue paper, it will never again sit in the lines of your lips

So that's the new color...beautiful, agree?

Until my next make-up review (actually coming next)...

HWYL FAWR <3

Fashion Trends - Winter/Autumn 2011-2012

2011-12-28T15:54:00.000-08:00

Oh Em Gee...so I'm a writing fashionista and I don't even have an entry about the latest fashion trends...well, now I will! After scouring Vogue for the latest trends, I have amassed a good list of trends to show you here and now. I don't want to talk too much about the trends, instead, enjoy the pictures and let's let the fashion do the talking.

Razzle Dazzle Sparkle N' Shine

Great Coats

Knee High Boots

Onesies (I love)

Soft Lines (I'm kind of shocked of how much I love this look )

Hats

Chic in the City

Far Out Traveller

Ibiza Beach

Tunics and Trousers

Forties Glamour - A Personal Favorite

Tartan Army (again, surprised at my likeness for this trend)

Fetish

Prints and Patterns

Chokers

Until next season....

DO WIDZENIA <3

How to Dress Down Dress Pants

2011-12-28T14:59:00.000-08:00

First of all, I think a black trouser is an ESSENTIAL item to have in a woman's wardrobe, however, women have the mindset that they are only used as formal or business attire. I could not disagree more. Here are some tips to make dress pants more casual so they can be used for the everyday...

1. Pair the pants with a boot - Boots are more casual than a heel which at times can scream out tight-bun professionalism. Boots with attractive embellishments or are a color other than black are great for dressing down a pant without looking too undone.

From Bluefly.com:

2. Go lighter on top - having a top that is a lighter color can make a girl look more easy-going (but not easy...hehehe). It's more everyday appropriate and makes you look less like an intimidating business (or whatever profession) woman!

From H&M.com:

3. An alternative to 2 is go BRIGHT: if you do not want to go muted or light, then go bright! Extremely bright colors scream out fun and flirty. They provide a harsh contrast to those in formal wear.

From H&M.com:

4. If you want to stay black, at least go intricate - So if you have dress pants and do not want to follow tips 2 and 3, wear something dark that has a cool shape and numerous embellishments on it, and/or pick a top with bright colors contrasting with a black background. The details that would usually not be appropriate for the workplace would definitely rock at informal gathering. To reiterate what I have previously said, embellishments and other loud designs are fun and cool, so would work at parties and clubs. Colors also veer away from the rigid style associated with the workplace because they give out an easy-going vibe.

From H&M.com:

5. Need to go to the grocery store? Wear cotton or wool - these 2 materials give you a look that says REALLY CASUAL, like going to get milk and bread casual. Why? Clothing made of cotton usually do not look like business wear or party wear. They can be baggy, or if it lies on the more snug side, are usually t-shirts or very simply designed blouses. Whether bohemian aka boho, or peasant-style, or my favorite choice to pair with a dress pant, a tunic, you can pair any of these tops with a dress pant and literally go anywhere...besides work of course.

From H&M.com:

6. Outerwear should move like wind! - The best outerwear to keep you warm yet look like you are NOT heading for work are cardigans! Yup, these free-flowing pieces of clothing are not only pretty but simple too. They come in all colors but I prefer going with a mocha or beige cardigan to pear with a dress pant. Why? The earthy ensemble looks down-to-earth and not uptight, which is the look you want when you go out to dinner with friends wearing a dress pant :)

From H&M.com:

I hope these are helpful for many women. Got questions? Feel free to comment and I'll try to get back ASAP :D

SELAMAT TINGGAL <3

A secret about me - I'm an exercise FREAK!

2011-12-28T13:47:00.000-08:00

Alright guys, now I'm going to focus on something that I have never mentioned on my blog, but do on a very regular basis - working out : )

About 5 months ago, I had a procedure that kept me from vigorous movement for about a couple of weeks and the only things I were able to do were read [:D] and eat [:(], so obviously, with my very limited movement, I ballooned out. I am only 5'1" so getting up to 124 pounds was really mind-boggling, in a very negative way. So I decided to go on a diet and by November 19th, I was down to 105 pounds. How did I do it? Well, by sticking to a 1200 calorie diet (which was full of vegetables, fruits, nuts, protein, and a daily does of oatmeal for breakfast) and working out for at least an hour a day...that's how.

I also thought it was important for me to SET up a day where I would willingly fall off the wagon. Why? Because, after all, we are animals, and eventually instinct will win and have us binge-eating in the middle of our diet,therefore forcing us to lose all hope in the world. So, if you know you will eat more unhealthy one day, it is easier to figure out a plan to recover. Also, eating what you want for one meal (or one day for me :P) keeps you just plain sane and more motivated to work the pounds off!

What have I also learned...hhmmm...

The battle over which is more important - Carbs or Protein?

To address this first argument...both are equally important. Carbohydrates are necessary for us because they are our fuel. One time, I didn't have time to eat something carb-filled before my workout, and 40 minutes later, oh my, I thought my method of getting off the elliptical was by free-fall. From then on, my lovely and superbly jolly trainer ALWAYS tells me to make sure I have fuel in my system. My choice of food - a banana.

Now, protein usually comes in after a workout, but can also be consumed prior. Here's a little biochemistry lesson: When you work out via resistance training, your muscles tear at certain points over the strenuous constancy of contracting, lifting etc. When you rest from the workout, you yield stronger muscles. Repeat this and men tend to get bigger and more muscular. Women however, do not have enough testosterone (unless you add to your regiment steroids and countless years of living the lifestyle of a bodybuilder) which is a necessary ingredient to building muscle. And if women can't get muscles, they won't bulk up. Now back to protein, by eating some right after you workout, protein will be catabolized into amino acids and travel to your muscles via the bloodstream to heal them faster enabling you to work out sooner :) Great right? Except than if you consume too much net protein (and this applies to carbs too), meaning you eat too much that you cannot work off, it will be converted to fat because we have limited storage for protein and carbohydrates but an unlimited storage for lipids/fats, hence the obscenely high obesity rates in America.

So there is today's science lesson...

What I'm going to talk about next is some stuff I did to work off the pounds to achieve my toned-physique and what I think are somewhat harmful habits that I found drove me cray-cray!

The things TO DO:

Want to know a reason to do more chores? By cleaning out the house I would burn so many more calories. My parents were curious why I wanted to do more at home because I would usually, along with my siblings, try to run the other way once their mouths opened ready to bark a chore. But I actually broke out from a plateau by doing housework and its a great way churn out more calories I couldn't do at the gym
Wake up earlier and run in the morning: it keeps you awake all day, regulates your sleep pattern (by the way, even as college student I strive to get 8 hours of sleep at night because it does wonders for both my skin and weight), and is great for burning a lot of calories. Being outside and away from the computer is always a good thing anyway
Keep a food journal. I would always log what I ate and the calories it consisted of. It beats storing all the information in your head and keeps you on track as you can see the food you eat
Start off slowly! This is really hard for impatient people, like me and everyone else who diets. But this is really important because when you are not used to working out and then you suddenly shock your body with hardcore activity, you will end up sore physically and not willing to workout more mentally. Start off slowly and build up on your workout to get stronger and leaner. You won't hurt yourself this way and this will also make weight loss more permanent. I realized that losing 1-2 pounds a week keeps your weight constantly decreasing and makes it harder to put on the pounds. I guess the quicker it comes off, the quicker it comes on and the longer it takes to come off, the longer it will take to come back on.
To continue from the last bullet-point: Change your lifestyle. If you try to lose weight quickly, reach your goal, then revert back to your old lifestyle, its inevitable that the weight will come back on. By changing what you eat permanently (switch to healthy foods and keep you calorie count appropriate - not too high and not too low), and exercising a good amount a week, you can maintain your weight. Sometimes by having a numeric goal, you'll become "unhealthy" afterwards. By saying "I want to change how I live" and keeping the physical image second on your list of priorities, you will eventually become thin and be permanently healthy...and isn't that what we want as we get older?

The things NOT TO DO: I will admit that I fell into BOTH of these traps and still continue to make a conscious effort never to do these two diet faults again!

Keep your calories low! Tsk tsk tsk...this is so bad for you...here's a story...sometimes I would not enough and I would feel sluggish, but I would tolerate it thinking that there will be results. Guess what? There wasn't and I ended up off my diet because I was so unhappy with the results. But when I started eating a bit more (paired with my housework endeavors), I broke out from a weight-loss slump and saw a decrease in weight almost immediately. Realize that your body needs fuel to burn fat and calories. So by keeping your calorie intake at an appropriate number, you will lose weight without starving (and don't put too many calories in your body either).
Stepping on the scale every day - this is so bad for you that that fact is plain as day, but I still fell into this trap. Stepping on the scale daily is useless because your weight fluctuates all the time! It also makes you super crazy if you gain a pound which will probably come off the next day if you are dieting correctly. A better way to do this is to step on the scale only ONCE a week, which will actually measure a significant change in weight. Also, using measuring tape to track the inches you have lost is more effective as the scale does not account for body composition, so the your weight might be the same but you are actually weighing lean muscle. But if the measuring tape measures a smaller inch, then WA LA...progress!

So this is some stuff I have done. If you have any more questions, feel free to comment on this blog. Later I'll tell you the actual exercises I've done and whatever else pops into my brain.

Until then...

ANDIO SAS <3

My Favorite Mascaras

2011-12-26T21:41:00.000-08:00

Just like the conundrum I had with my eyeliner blog entry, I had a really hard time narrowing down my favorite mascaras. I will confess something to all of you...I am the biggest make-up snob. I am as cheap as they come and yet, when it comes to putting stuff on my face, they have to be from department stores or Sephora. So the most inexpensive thing you will see in this list will be over $10. If you are not going to purchase anything form this list, then that is perfectly fine and I hope you at least find this entry somewhat entertaining.

1. CHRISTIAN DIOR DIORSHOW:This is the ultimate product to build on. The formula is neither thick nor waxy; its actually thin enough to layer over itself after each layer dries to achieve amazingly long lashes. My favorite thing about his mascara (besides its ability to lengthen and volumize) is that it separates the lashes really well and that there's no clumping. Some cons are that the mascara does happen to get all over the lower lid by the end of the day so bring a brush to remove the mess. Also, the wand is relatively big but with enough practice, you'll get over it BECAUSE ITS DIOR!

2. LANCOME OSCILLATION VIBRATING INFINITE POWER MASCARA: Here's the deal, this mascara people usually love love LOVE or hate hate HATE! I am in love with Lancome so I think there is a bias I possess with this product and that's ultimately why I love this mascara. Anyways, another note about me: I'm overdressed to EVERYTHING, therefore, my eyelashes are probably always coated in mascara. If you want dramatic lashes, this will be your number one choice because it builds incredibly well. It applies easily because the oscillating motion does all the work, and it results in super-defined, long, and volumized eyelashes. I've heard of plenty of people who have had their eyelashes mistaken as fake because the product is that effective. The only con in my opinion is the price.

3. CLINIQUE'S LASH POWER MASCARA: This is my mascara of the moment and I fell in love with this product from the get-go. It's staying power is AMAZING. It stays put all day so you don't have t retouch it and it doesn't fall onto your lower lid. Unfortunately, that maybe unfortunate for people who like to touch up or change how they look during the day...which I just don't have the time for so I NEED this baby. Like Diorshow, it's a great lash separator. However, I realized it doesn't build up as well as Diorshow and that may lead to clumping, so caution there. Lastly, it is one of the most inexpensive department store mascaras which is great for those who want a big name mascara but don't want to spend over $15 for a product doomed to dryness in the next 3 months.

So here are some of my experiences with my mascaras. They are expensive, but I have this belief that if you really want something, then don't compromise because it's a waste of money when you end up replacing it anyway. Just save on other parts of you life that you believe you can thrift on.

And those are my words of wisdom...

ZAIJIAN <3

Latisse - wonder drug?...and other alternatives.

2011-12-26T19:32:00.000-08:00

Truth be told, I have the LAMMMEEESSSSTTTT Asian eyelashes. They are short, straight, and thin. My boyfriend is Indian and his are so long, he can't put on sunglasses without his lashes brushing up against the lenses...talk about unfair. I'm one of those people who just crave to have the longest and most luscious eyelashes ever. Now that's obviously a pretty unrealistic goal to have except that there are alternatives to getting your desired eyelashes. For example, if you have never heard of the product Latisse, it is worth checking out. Latisse utilizes the compound Bimatoprost. It was initially used to lower intraocular pressure in people with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Patients treated with bimatoprost for this specific eye condition however experienced eyelash growth as a side effect. It is now the main ingredient in Latisse (composition 0.03%). Bimatoprost is a lipid compound derived from fatty acids designed to bind to prostaglandin (PG) receptors. PG receptors are present in hair, particularly in the dermal papilla and outer root sheath. Although the precise mechanism of action is unknown, PG receptors are thought to be involved in the development and regrowth of the hair follicle by increasing the percent of hairs in, and the duration of, the anagen or growth phase.
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Latisse use may cause darkening of the eyelid skin which may be reversible. Additionally it may cause increased brown pigmentation of the colored part of the eye which is likely to be permanent. Moreover, it is possible for hair growth to occur in other areas of your skin that Latisse frequently touches. It is also possible to make a difference in eyelash length, thickness, fullness, pigmentation, number of eyelash hairs, and/or direction of eyelash growth to occur between eyes. These differences, should they occur, will usually go away if you stop using Latisse.

Latisse solution is packaged as a 3 mL bottle of solution with 60 accompanying sterile, disposable applicators. The recommended dosage is one application nightly to the skin of the upper eyelid margin at the base of the eyelashes only. Once nightly, start by ensuring your face is clean, makeup and contact lenses are removed. Remove an applicator from its tray. Then, holding the sterile applicator horizontally, place one drop of Latisse on the area of the applicator closest to the tip but not on the tip. Then immediately draw the applicator carefully across the skin of the upper eyelid margin at the base of the eyelashes (where the eyelashes meet the skin) going from the inner part of your lash line to the outer part. Blot any excess solution beyond the eyelid margin.

So, some (or most :P) of this blog was copy and pasted from drugs.com. What I want to add is that I believe that Latisse is worth trying because there is plenty of evidence (go ahead and google...) of increased volume and length of the upper lashes. It may not curl as much as you want but you kind of achieve these middle Eastern eyelashes that are so desirable. Mind you, Latisse is kind of pricey, but there are plenty of sales from physicians if you look hard enough. Also, there are coupons available online. Another noteworthy piece of information is that it must be used continuously or the effects will disappear. But if you want luscious lashes that OTHER PEOPLE are jealous of, than I think you should invest in a bottle of Latisse. But if you don't believe me, I'll let some before and after pictures do the talking.

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Now if you want to use a product that is less "permanent," you can go ahead and purchase fake eyelashes. Personally, I would rather purchase Latisse because from personal experience, men tend to be grossed out by fake body parts (unless they are boobs of course, but that's a given :P)...my brother just shook his head of my opinion of the male condition.

What you need to put on fake lashes are the appropriate glue (cosmetics glue and not the kind children eat for fun), fake lashes (duh!), and a steady hand. Fake lashes are available at most drugstores but if you are the kind of person who cares about branding than I suggest heading off to Inglot or M.A.C. as they have a great selection.

Now, remember if you put on a full set of lashes, it will be very dramatic. To go for a more everyday look, then cut the lashes in half and just apply one half to the outer edge. You'll get a flirty effect with your new very desirable lashes and yet it will still be appropriate for everyday. Don't forget to coat it off with your favorite mascara so that the fake lashes will blend into you real ones.

But for me, I have this weird thing with getting sick of things easily so I tend to not use either of the aforementioned products and just change up my mascaras (which will be my next topic).

I hope this has been helpful for all of you :)

SAYOUNARA <3

My Favorite Eyeliner

2011-12-26T18:51:00.000-08:00

I love cosmetics so I thought why not start making lists of my favorite products for those readers who are looking to shop for new make-up but have no idea what to purchase. So here I am to talk to you about, in my opinion, a beauty must-have, my favorite eyeliner.

So here's the deal, I have about 4 or 5 eyeliners and I could easily filter out what I did not love, but when it came to my Urban Decay and Lancome products, I just couldn't choose. So I thought that since I love these liners equally, they are BOTH my favorite eyeliners...and here's why...

1.URBAN DECAY 24/7 GLIDE-ON EYE PENCIL: These were my very first high end eyeliners which I received when I was 15 or 16 and I cannot get enough of them. There's so many color's that you can literally make hundreds of looks. They are incredibly creamy and if paired with the primer potion, will last all day. They're pricey because they are a department store brand, but if you are looking for a splurge worth the money, this is the product to buy.

2. LANCOME LE CRAYON KOHL: Call me old-school but I am in love with this classic eyeliner. I first encountered this liner digging through my mom's make-up. When she was younger, she definitely was more attentive to her beauty then she is now. Since I realized she didn't want to apply make-up on a daily basis, I just stole the eyeliner :D. I love this eyeliner as it's velvety-smooth! It applies easily and I think is one of the easiest eyeliners to smudge to achieve an exceptional smokey eye. I love the gold cap and I love its simplicity. Again, good staying power with the correct primer and it's definitely the classy lady's choice to be the eyeliner in her purse.

AUF WIEDERSEHEN <3