SORA MEETS WORLD: Beauty & Lifestyle

etude house spring 2015: fantastic color eyes eyeshadow palettes + SWATCHES

noreply@blogger.com (Sora I.) — Tue, 17 Mar 2015 23:56:00 +0000

Etude House has released yet another adorable collection, this time for s/s 2015! As with previous collections, Etude House has released some Play nail lacquers and mono eyeshadows as well - let me know if you'd like to see an overview on those too.

However, what really caught my eye were these 6-pan Fantastic Color Eyes palettes, which are flower-themed and come with a variety of beautiful pink and rosy-toned shades

cr: hello_dec

Personally I think I am leaning more towards Rose Garden, but I think I may just have to pick up both the palettes just because the colors are too adorable to let up.

What do you guys think? Let me know!

spring burgundy makeup look | 봄의 버건디 메이크업 하는법

noreply@blogger.com (Sora I.) — Sun, 15 Mar 2015 15:49:00 +0000

Hey everyone! Today I'm just dropping by quickly to share one of my favourite quick makeup looks for transitioning between winter and spring. I know spring doesn't technically arrive until March 20th, but that's a bit too long for me to wait.

Swatches of shadows used:

L - R: Etude House PK004, Urban Decay Buck, Urban Decay Hustle, Urban Decay Sin

I used a flat shader brush to pack on Sin all over the lid and a blending brush to place Hustle on the inner and outer corners of the eye in an "eye hole" shape. I then used a fluffy brush to put a wash of burgundy all over the inner and outer corners and used Buck to blend everything out. For liner, I used the burgundy shade mixed with Hustle on a flat liner brush, and then finished everything off with two coats of Maybelline Colossal Cat Eyes Mascara.

What's your favourite season? Are you guys excited for spring too? Let me know! xoxo

innisfree jeju volcanic pore mask review | 이니스프리 화산송이 마스크 오리지널 추천

noreply@blogger.com (Sora I.) — Wed, 04 Mar 2015 19:54:00 +0000

The Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Clay Mask is a cult beauty favourite back in Korea, as I'm sure many of you already know. I wanted to give it a special shoutout and review today because I've recently returned to this product and have seen such amazing things happen to my dull winter skin!

The mask is made from Jeju volcanic scoria, which is an ingredient extracted from solidified lava from Jeju-do. The mask is marketed to absorb excess sebum and prevent more oiliness, clarifies pores and draws out impurities.

The consistency is a thick paste, which is on one hand nice because it won't slide off your face, but also slightly messy to use without a spatula. It does dry quickly, though, which is always a pro.

Before and after shot

Before (left) and after (right). As you can see, the mask reduced redness in my skin and smoothed the appearance of bumpiness and enlarged pores. If you tilt your screen backwards, you can see the effects even more clearly.

I had almost forgotten about this product in my drawers until my skin started acting up recently, and I have to say that I've fallen in love with it all over again. It leaves my skin feeling so soft and shows visible improvements in my skin after just one use. It is marketed as a product that controls oiliness, which it does, as I have tried this during the summer when my skin tends to go oily. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that it works wonders on my flaky winter skin as well. It doesn't leave my skin feeling overly dry afterwards, which a lot of clay masks tend to do. I will definitely be repurchasing this product in the future.

Pros

♡ visibly reduces redness/inflammation in the skin

♡ clarifies pores and reduces pore size

♡ leaves skin feeling extremely soft and clean

♡ works for both dry and oily skin

Cons

✖ does not come with a spatula, so can be quite messy/unsanitary, if you are concerned about such

✖ can be difficult to get ahold of outside of korea

You can purchase the Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Clay Mask here if you are located outside of Korea.

Have you guys tried this mask before? Let me know in the comments below!

march 2015 wishlist | 3월 위시리스트!

noreply@blogger.com (Sora I.) — Sun, 01 Mar 2015 16:52:00 +0000

Hey guys! I'm back with my March wishlist today - I know it's been a while; I'm so sorry! I've been dealing with some family issues for the past week, but everything is well now.

March is one of my favourite months because it's my birthday month. Unfortunately (or fortunately?) my birthday is towards the end of March, so I have some waiting to do!

Let's get right into it...

1. L'oreal Paris Magic Lumi Primer

My skin has been intensely dry recently, most likely because of how cold it is and how high the heaters are cranked up. My dull skin really needs some glowy TLC, and I've heard that this primer is similar to the infamous MAC Strobe Cream, so I'm excited to give it a try!

2. Laneige Water Sleeping Pack

Iconic is the only word I can think of to describe this product. The Laneige Water Sleeping Pack is undoubtedly a cult favourite back in Korea, but I never gave it a try because I had a skincare routine that I was happy with...I've been wanting to switch up my skincare regimen recently, though, so this is going in the cart.

3. Too Faced Sugar Pop Palette (coming soon!)

No link yet, because this palette hasn't been mass released yet! I'm a huge fan of Too Faced products, so this is a must-buy. The colors are so vibrant, bright and just perfect for Spring/Summer. Not to mention, I died and went to heaven when I saw the adorable packaging.

4. Etude House Baby Choux Base - Peach

Another primer? Yeah yeah, I know... but primers are such a must for a dry, flaky-skinned girl like me. I've heard great things about this primer, especially for the peach color, which I hope will neutralize my weird skin redness.

Can you tell I've been really into skin recently? I've been struggling with some skin issues in the past month due to stress and lack of sleep, so I'm kind of on a skincare and face makeup spree right now.

What items are on your March wishlist? Let me know down below!

TESTERKOREA REVIEW & HAUL | sora meets world

noreply@blogger.com (Sora I.) — Sun, 15 Feb 2015 22:50:00 +0000

Good weekend darlings! I hope you all had a great Valentine's Day, whether it was spent with your significant other or just bummed out on the couch with Netflix and Domino's (me).

I'm here today with a review of the online seller Testerkorea. Ever since I moved from Korea to the U.S., I've been on the hunt for trustworthy online retailers for my fave cosmetics from home. I'm really happy I gave Testerkorea a try. Site navigation is simple and easy - the site layout is neat and compact, with items organized into very specific sections based on criteria like brand, type of makeup, and type of skincare. You can even purchase large packs of samples for low prices, if you're unsure about purchasing a full-sized product before trying it out! I love how convenient it is. Not to mention - the prices are insanely low.

I experienced no trouble placing my order through PayPal and received a confirmation almost immediately in my e-mail. I placed my order in the last week of December, and my order shipped out in about a week and a half. It did take a while; however, I placed my order during a crazy sale, so I can understand the delay. What's important is that I reached out to customer support and received a reply in less than two days. Two thumbs up for getting such a quick response!

Once my order shipped out (I received a confirmation notice in my account), I received it in about a week, which is really quick considering I selected the cheapest shipping format.

Everything in my package came completely undamaged - as you can see, it was over half full of packing peanuts. Needless to say, I was relieved - I had purchased several powder eyeshadows, and I was scared that they would arrive broken.

Testerkorea is also super generous when it comes to samples. I purchased only five items total and received a whole pack of free samples along with them, complete with an adorable "thank you for shopping with us" sticker! I can't wait to try out these samples and maybe repurchase full-sized versions of them in the future.

Here is the full list of everything I purchased (let me know if you guys would be in a review for any of them):

It goes without saying that I will definitely be repurchasing from Testerkorea in the future! Have you guys tried this website before? Let me know below!

etude house "give me chocolate" collection + swatches | 에뛰드 하우스 기브미 초콜릿 발렌타인 컬렉션

noreply@blogger.com (Sora I.) — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 22:18:00 +0000

IG @iaheun

Etude House has released a new limited edition collection just in time for Valentine's Day. Aptly named "Give Me Chocolate," this new line includes 6 new nail polishes and 3 adorable eyeshadow duos, all chocolate scented.

The packaging reminds me a lot of the Etude House Sweet Recipe collection, but I love the slightly vintage-ified vibe this time around! I'm especially excited for the eyeshadow duos - you know I'm not one to pass up anything this adorable.

Etude House Give me Chocolate Eyeshadow Duos: Cherry Truffle, Salted Caramel, Cacao Fudge (L-R)

IG @mindyohi

Cherry Truffle (Powder Room)

Cacao Fudge (Powder Room)

Salted Caramel (Powder Room)

(L-R) Romantic White Chocolate, Invert Attraction Mint Chocolate Chip, Mental Boost Salted Caramel, Fondant Chocolate World, Devil Cherry Ganache, Spring Milk Cocoa

What do you guys think of this collection? Let me know!

february 2015 wishlist | 2월 위시리스트!

noreply@blogger.com (Sora I.) — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 16:35:00 +0000

Yes, I wrote 2014. I meant 2015. Still in that transition phase, apparently!

It's February ALREADY? The little voice inside my head screams.

I guess it's the month of love now, which seems a bit commercialized and gimmicky to me, but hey - I'm in for the discounted chocolate!

In all seriousness, I can't believe the first month of 2015 whizzed by so quickly. If seems like at this rate 2015 will be gone and 2016 will be here in a flash!

I have four items on my lust list for this month. I've had my eyes on these products for a hot minute, but I either 1. have had a lot of trouble finding them, or 2. couldn't get myself to spend the money on them (pink eyeliner, anyone?)

1. Too Cool For School - Art Class by Rodin (9.5g)

I am such a sucker for pretty packaging, and unfortunately, Too Cool For School tends to have amazing packaging. They've outdone themselves with this compact, though - it is so, so incredibly adorable.

As Too Cool For School is a Korean brand, all 3 of the contour/highlight shades are set to be perfect colors for my pale, yellow-based skin tone. I've been really into subtle contouring recently, and this palette is the one.

Get it here or here.

2. Lime Crime Velvetine - Cashmere (.088oz)

Oh. My. God.

I have had my eye on Cashmere for what seems to be 77 years. I am already such a huge fan of the Velvetines - they go on so creamy and smooth and dry completely matte without drying out my lips. Plus, did I mention that they stay on forever?

Cashmere is such a unique shade - kind of beige-grey-mauve. Need.

Get it here (unfortunately, sold out right now.)

3. Stila Stay-All-Day Waterproof Liquid Liner - Paradise Pink (.016oz)

I am a huge fan of bright, matte eyeliners, but unfortunately they are just so difficult to come across. 3 Concept Eyes has some really great ones, but now that I don't live in Korea anymore, the shipping is just a hassle. Stila has a great, budge-proof alternative.

I know it's still winter, but it's never too early for brights (right?)

Get it here.

4. It's Skin Babyface Mini Love Eyeshadows (1.6g)

Let's be real - I'm obsessed with these for the packaging! Too, too cute.

But seriously, cute packaging AND a huge variety of shades and textures? Sign me up. I have been pleased with It's Skin products in the past, and hopefully these will not be an exception.

Get it here or here.

What are you guys' wishlist items for this month? Let me know down below so I can check them out!

NEW NYX PRODUCTS 2015 + SWATCHES: High Voltage Lipstick, Brow Pomade, Intense Butter Gloss, and more

noreply@blogger.com (Sora I.) — Sun, 01 Feb 2015 18:13:00 +0000

See a full list of new releases here.

I was so excited to hear today that many of NYX's new 2015 releases were made available online at Ulta's website and even in store!

I'll definitely be stopping by Ulta this week to see if I can get my hands on any of these new beauties - I'll keep you guys posted with swatches when I can.

SWATCHES (Updated 2/1/15):

@makeup_by_jackie has all 22 swatches of the NYX High Voltage Lipsticks with labels here.
@readysetglamour posted some gorgeous swatches of the new Intense Butter Glosses here!
@mrslolalynn (for NC) has some swatches of the new Prismatic Eyeshadows here.

Personally, I'm especially excited about the new Tame & Frame Tinted Brow Pomade - for many people I know that it will bring to mind cult favorite Anastasia's Dipbrow Pomade, so I can't wait to see if it will live up to expectations.

On the other hand, the Contour & Highlight Pro Palette seems like a great idea, but I don't know if I can dish out $25 for a NYX product when I can just opt for the tried and true Anastasia contour palette - but who knows, only time can tell!

What do you guys think? Have any of you gotten your hands on any of these releases yet? If so, what do you think of them? Let me know!

etude house look at my eyes cafe swatches | 에뛰드 하우스 룩 앳 마이 아이즈 카페 추천

noreply@blogger.com (Sora I.) — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 20:10:00 +0000

Hey guys! I'm here with swatches of the Etude House Look at my Eyes Cafe eyeshadows. I picked up my first Etude House eyeshadow this fall - crazy, right? I've lived in Korea for so many years, but I've never actually tried one of these adorable things up until recently! I guess I just tend to be quite skeptical about single eyeshadows.

Etude House has three Look at my Eyes lines - satin (Look at my Eyes), glitter (Look at my Eyes Jewel) and matte (Look at my Eyes Cafe), which is my favorite. I've done a good deal of swatching in store, and from what I've noticed, the matte line are the most incredibly smooth, pigmented and finely milled ones. I usually use a fluffy brush with these to create a wash of color over the lid, but I also like to use my finger or a dense brush if I want to pack on the shadow.

Not to mention, these shadows are just too adorable - they have little hearts imprinted all over them! Eventually they'll rub away, but I'll just enjoy looking at them for now.

These shadows also come at a great price point - ₩3,500. They are a bit pricier if you're ordering from outside of Korea, but not by much, since they don't weigh a lot.

I picked up BR404 초콜렛 라떼 (chocolate latte), BR401 까페 라떼 (cafe latte), and PK004 딥 베리 소다 (deep berry soda). I don't really know why Etude House chose to spell "chocolate" and "cafe" that way, but it's cute.

PK004 (deep berry soda) is a gorgeous burgundy-cranberry shade that leans more red/pink than brown. This is my favorite shade in the bunch - it's such a unique color and works so well to smudge out burgundy eyeliner. I also love pairing these deep burgundy colors with gold.

BR401 (cafe latte) is much less yellow in person and leans more pink-nude (the true color will show up more in the swatches below.) On my NC20 skintone, this shade is the perfect nude beige that adds a bit of dimension to my eyes but still looks natural on my skin.

BR404 (chocolate latte) is a slightly cool-toned medium brown. This is a perfect brown to contour the 쌍꺼풀 라인, or the eye crease/socket. It's also cool enough to be a brow powder for light hair - I used this on my eyebrows a couple of times when my hair was a medium brown color.

left to right: PK004, BR401, BR404

If you're outside of Korea, you can buy these shadows from testerkorea (a convenient and reputable website!)

What do you guys think of these shadows? Have you tried them? Let me know!

ecotools 5-piece mineral brush set | review (에코툴즈 브러쉬 리뷰)

noreply@blogger.com (Sora I.) — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 19:30:00 +0000

It can be rather difficult to find a decent brush set without a cringe-worthy price point, but EcoTools is one of those brands that defies the odds. I recently picked up the EcoTools 5-piece Mineral Brush Set on an impromptu Target run, and - spoiler alert - I've been using these brushes nonstop.

this set includes:

mineral powder brush

baby kabuki brush

concealer brush

fluffy eye shading brush

hemp and cotton brush bag

I am so impressed by the craftsmanship behind these brushes. The bristles are incredibly soft and blend powder products so easily, and the bamboo handles are sleek and easy to grip. The brush hairs are also synthetic, which means that they dry very quickly. I have cleaned these brushes several times already and have not experienced any shedding. Of course, I also stand behind the ethical commitments of EcoTools, 100% - so that's a huge plus.

baby kabuki

The baby kabuki is too adorable for words. As the name suggests, the width of this brush is quite a bit smaller than what you might expect from a typical kabuki brush. I find that this brush is a bit too small for my taste when it comes to buffing in my BareMinerals original foundation, but I do like it for setting my undereyes and getting some extra coverage around my nose and my chin area.

eye shading brush

My favorite brush of the set! The bristles on the eye shading brush are so incredibly soft, and I find that this brush produces such a blended and diffused look to any eye look. The head of this brush isn't too small, either, so I find myself gravitating towards this brush when I want a subtle wash of color over the lids as well. The shape is also quite good for contouring the top of the nose, right around the eyebrows.

mineral powder brush

The mineral powder brush works amazingly well with powder when it comes to setting the face, but I personally prefer this brush for bronzing around my cheekbones. It's simply that I like brushes that are less dense for setting powder because I prefer very light, natural coverage. For bronzing, though, this brush is great. The tip is slightly tapered, and the size is just enough to skim over and under the cheeks for a bronze glow.

concealer brush

A pretty typical brush, but still very well-made and super soft. I love using this brush to pack on concealer around my nose and my lips when I want heavier coverage - if I want lighter coverage, I just stick to using my fingers.

I got this set for $9.95 at Target - super affordable! I give it 4 out of 5 stars.