winnietsuii

Updated Skincare Routine | Lush, Hadalabo, Origins, Aveeno, Estee Lauder, Josie Maran & Olay

2013-03-24T09:51:00.001-04:00

It took me almost 2 years to finalize a skincare routine to showcare.
Well, you know the drill. Don't you say you haven't gone through this routine -

1) Find the products that work

2) Test out new products

3) Realize some don't work in conjunction with the ones that are working

4) Test out some other products in hopes that they work

5) Some do work, but you realize that the products you were using had been used up
6) You scream WTF

So again, you are back to square one and are always on the hunt to find the next products that work. In order to not overwhelm you I am only listing the post-cleanser products today, of which toners, serums and moisturizers are listed, segmented by day and night.

For day

Toner | Lush Eau Roma Water
a mild toner that contains lavender and rose water to calm the skin from overreactions. It also hydrates and preps the skin to be a canvas for other products.

Toner | Breath of Fresh Air

smells refreshing. It can be used as a mid-day pick-me-up or toner esp great for after lack-of-sleep kinda night. Spray it on, pad it down. Next.

Moisturizer | Origins VitaZing SPF 15

a thick energy-boosting moisturizing with mangosteen and a sheer tint. In the mornings I often shoot for all-on-one time saving products. Stands alone it is not enough coverage, but it lays on perfectly as moisturizer, sunscreen and primer all in one.

Moisturizer | Aveeno Positivey Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 15

is a light moisturizer with sunscreen yet works with other primer/foundation/bb creams I put on after without giving me a crazy whitecast.

For night

Toner | HadaLabo Gokujyun-a

a thick opaque white serumy toner that is filled with retinol (vitamin A) and collagen. it is targeted for the anti-aging crowd (me!) with properties especially aim to lifting and firming. I find my skin very plumb and soft the next morning, fine lines are reduced over time.

Serum | Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair

an all-in one serum -- this is my 4th bottle also the biggest 100ml. it overal refines my pores, brightens, hydrates and overall improves the quality of my skin. It is worth every penny (especially if you buy it in the States for cheap!).

Serum | Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil
my life-saver when I went to Israel with this little bottle. it keeps my skin so hydrated during the 12 hours of in-flight time. heal and moisturize. I am testing it out to see whether it can replace the Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair.

Moisturizer | Olay Regenerist

it is claimed to be a drugstore product that out-performs many high-end moisturizers. It hydrates, firms and lifts the faceline. One thing that I don't like about this product is that it seems like much 'preservatives' are packed in this little bottle but overal a great moisturizer to get the anti-aging job done.

So here is it finally! I will go ahead and update the 'updated skincare list' on the right.
If you have any skincare recommendations, please tell me! I'd love to branch out and continue to try out new products that work. You can always hide your imperfections with makeup but honestly, with better skin, less time (and makeup) is needed!

xoxo Winnie

a week in hong kong (fast-forward)

2013-03-17T11:11:00.000-04:00

About a year ago I moved back to Hong Kong. Time then seemed to just fly by every week. While being so busy at work, I try to squeeze as much as exploring and fun activities in the meantime. A week of time usually leaves me with a few night outs with friends and some free time on weekends. This week was fun, especially with many good friends by chance visiting!

Tea at the W Hotel, a Symphony of Lights over the Victoria Harbour, night view up on the Peak, Affordable Art Fair during my day off on Friday, Tsuen Wan museum 5 mins from my apt, wandering around Tsim Sha Tsui and night out with my lovely friends.

I hope this kind of post doesn't bore you. Sometimes I just want to keep some variaties on my blog so my life doesn't seem so freaking dull. JK! #yolo right?

Top 10 Favorite Pink Lipsticks / Lippies

2013-03-10T22:18:00.001-04:00

It seems like you guys really like my Current Favorite Drugstore Coral / Orange Lipsticks post so I decided to do a similar one for pink toned lipsticks. Though I call it lipsticks, there are some that serve just as a gloss.

From 9:00 clock wise |
RMK 01 Peach
Maybelline BabyLips in 025 Pink Punch*
Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in 090 Sweet Tart*
Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in 025 Peach Parfait*
Mentholatum 01 Vintage Pink*
Estee Lauder Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick Rouge 53 Wildly Pink (Shimmer)
Lancome Color Design in Pink Preview (Matte)
Lancome Color Design in Stylista (Matte)
Shiseido Perfect Rouge Rouge Parfait in RS 701
Shiseido Perfect Rouge Rouge Parfait in PK 303

Above - natural light
Bottom - direct light

Top 4 right lipglosses are pretty much my everyday easy gloss colors. Revlon Lipbutter Peach Parfait is my ultimate to-go color ever. If I want to go bold (which is rarely) for a night out I'd pick Estee Lauder Wildly Pink for a shocking pink lip. Lancome Stylista is my favourite retro my-lips-but-better color which looks crazy in a swatch but very wearable with smooth application. To top with smokey eyes, both Shiseido Perfect Rouge Rouge Parfait colors, Lancome Pink Preview or even RMK 01 would look amazing.

There are just way too many pink colors out there but hunting around to find good formula and colors that work for you is so fun! Let me know what are your favorites!

Israel Trip Part 2 | Tiberias, Sea of Galilee, Tabgha, The Mt of Beatitudes, Capernaum

2013-03-03T11:03:00.001-05:00

Another gorgeous day spent with the family in Israel. We sailed down the Sea of Galilee - where a lot of biblical things happened such as Tabgha - Church of the Multiplication, the Mount of Beatitudes - where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount, Capernaum - fishing village said to be the home of Saint Peter.

For me, it was a blissful day touring with the family while enjoying the beautiful scenery. The sail boat we went on blasted the Chinese National song for us thus my dad and I felt obligated to be patriotic jk. We tried Israeli cuisine for the first time unfortunately that particular fish was a tad cooked too dry. We joked around and said that no wonder St Peter left his job being a fisherman to follow Jesus #holyjokes #doublepuns

Overall it almost completely blew my mind how western / European Israel is as I had never been to that part of the world. OK Shalom til next time :)

Review | MAC Stereo Rose

2013-02-24T10:09:00.000-05:00

I have been seriously (!) semi-trying to hunt this down for years. The reason why I said "semi" is because every time I checked the ebay price ever since it's first launched in 2010 (ish?) I was like Who am I kidding? Nah, I don't need it for $50! I wanted it but have given up. So happy to see that M.A.C FINALLY brought it back in one of the latest collections. Me being me, cannot resist anymore after all these years of waiting despite the heftier price tag in Hong Kong (US$35).

Stereo Rose

"A luxurious velvet-soft powder with high-frost metallic finish. Smoothes on: adds buffed-up highlights to cheeks, or an overall ultra-deluxe polish to the face."

When I first swatched it at the M.A.C store I thought it wouldn't work with my light (and not to mention yellow) skin tone. All the other reviews I read from other blogs / online said that this blusher would only work with a tan. It is orangy, metallic and SO nicely pigmented. Especially for those who with lighter skintone, you really need to go light hand with this in order to not look like a clown. It would look different but should work for all skintones.

Despite the blending it lasts an enormous time on the skin. It would look so gorgeous on when I am more tan in the summer to reflect the light and give a beautiful glow. Is it absolutely everyone's cup of tea and worth the hype? Not necessarily, however I don't have anything similar and is an amazing blush with great application.

Israel Trip Part 1 | Caesarea, Haifa, Arce, Basilica of Annunication, Tiberias

2013-02-17T11:23:00.001-05:00

8 days of Israel. It was amazing. Idiotic me didn't know Israel was so green and safe. It is so rich in cultural. We hit up all the spots mentioned in the Bible. I am dividing the trip into probably 3 or 4 posts. Pictures contain Mediterranean coastal areas

Caesarea
Haifa
Arce
Basilica of Annunication
Tiberias

Will need to do more organize more and post in a more logical format lol. But as for now please wikipedia all the places since they are too rich in history for me to explain in my non mother tongue wtf. Bye for now!

REVIEW | Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzing Powder with Real Cocoa

2013-02-10T10:30:00.000-05:00

Came in as one of the Sephora Favorites In The Glow Set I got over Christmas, it was right up my alley. It's my first Too Faced product that not only smells like real cocoa, it goes on smoothly and is even more buildable than the trust-worthy Nars Laguna. It is perfect for my winter pale skintone.

To compare the other more popular matte bronzers
Benefit Hoola - darkest
Nars Laguna - medium
Too Face Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzing Powder - lighter

Any bronzer recommendations for paler skintone? :)
Im off to Israel for a week with the family for Chinese New Year. Next post will probably be a travel post. Hope you're having a wonderful CNY too if you celebrate!

REVIEW | NARS Pro-Prime Multi-Protect Primer SPF 30 Sunscreen / PA +++

2013-02-03T10:32:00.000-05:00

Looking for a primer with sunscreen without the greasy white cast congested feeling on the skin? Nars Pro prime multi-protect primer is the way to go. If I can combine applying sunscreen + primer all at one go, heck, of course I'd go for that.

This primer is super light weight and super easy to blend. It does not leave any white cast or coverage on the skin. You still see my freckles and redness around my eyes and nose below.

I actually dont think it holds makeup especially well per say, but its antioxidant properties do keep the foundation / bb cream looking fresh and vibrant!

Best part? Its SPF 30 PA +++ without feeling any of that.

See see? It's like applying nothing and transparent protection to the skin.

The price point is quite hefty for 1oz (30ml) of product at US$34.

Yes I am still mad about how Nars shrinks their product sizes while bumping up the prices but if you think sunscreen in a primer is a absolute must like me yet hate the greasy feeling - this might possibly be the best choice!

Revlon Timeless Nail Polish

2013-01-20T08:43:00.001-05:00

Another great nail polish to kick off the year. 2 coats to opaque. Using OPI Natural Nail Strengthener as base and Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat.

Nail color is always a personal choice and I love this color. It matches all the cool toned, light colored sweaters I wear in the winter and doesn't shout in a work out :P. Pretty timeless as the name suggested.

Any nail favs of yours that you wear all the time?

Review | Rimmel Lasting Finish 018 Pink Sorbet Blendable Powder Blush

2013-01-13T04:46:00.001-05:00

Decided to dedicate my first post of 2013 to my favorite blush / blusher EVER (Yes, and that even includes other high end blushes). I had a brief review in a monthly favorite posts long time ago HERE, but never really gave this well-loved product its own post. So here it is -

Retailed at under $4, Pink Sorbet is a light baby pink with a pearlescent sheen that lasts for hours. The formula is leaning towards the dry side. It is so easy to apply and is never too pigmented, meaning you can messily put it on and it will look good *fingers crossed. It appears more beige/peach on the skin rather than pink. I love it for everyday wear and cannot believe its at such a low price!

Planning on buying the entire range. Definitely worth a try if you are looking for something like this!

Hope you're all having a wonderful new year so far :))

Makeup & Skincare favorites of 2012!

2013-01-06T09:42:00.003-05:00

Despite almost having no time due to overseas relocation and bloodily turned 25 in 2012, I started investing a lot in what I use on my face, especially skincare.

The list below represents the best I have used in terms of makeup and skincare throughout the year after a LONG mental battle. As you can imagine, I do not limit my products into just drugstore or high end. As long as they work great with my normal-dry mildly combination skin and complexion, I continue to use them.

Without further ado, here goes my winners for makeup & skincare products for 2012!
*Links embedded are reviews

MAKEUP |

Foundation Primer

Laura Mercier Foundation Primer in Radiance

Foundation

Giorgio Armani Designer Lift Smoothing Firming Foundation

BB Cream

Skin79 Super Beblesh Balm Triple Functions

Concealer

YSL Anti-Cernes Multi-Action Concealer (Used in the foundation routine video HERE)

Loose Powder

Lancome Photogenic Skin-Illuminating Sheer Loose Powder

Bronzer

Nars Laguna

Highlighter

Maybelline Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer

Eyeshadow Primer

Laura Mercier Eye Basics Base Pour in Wheat

Eyeliner

Gel - ELF Gel Cream Eyeliner

Pencil - Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil

Liquid - Dollywink Liquid Eyeliner

Brow Powder

Dollywink Brow Pencil

Mascara

Shiseido Majolica Majorca Lash King

Eyeshadow

Canmake Perfect Brown Eyes Palette 03
Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette

Blush

Rimmel Lasting Finish 019 Pink Sorbet

Lipstick

Nars Dolce Vita (used in THIS look)

Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter

Lipgloss

Paul & Joe Lip Lacquer Brillant A Levres 001

Lip Balms

Sara Happ The Lip Slip
Maybelline Babylips

Nail Polish

Pale Pink - Essie Like Linen

SKINCARE |

Makeup Remover

Liquid - Bioderma Sensibo H20 Micellaire Solution (aka Crealine H2O Micellaire Solution)
Wipes - The Face Shop Herb Day Lip & Eye Make-up Remover
Cleanser

Skinfood Black Sugar Mask Wash Off

Cleansing Tool

Clarisonic Mia

Toner

Shiseido Benefiance Enriched Balancing Softener

Serum

Estee Lauder Night Repair Serum

Moisturizer

Aveeno Positive Ageless Lifting & Firming Night Cream

Loreal Collagen Filler Moisture Filler Night Cream

Eye Cream

Laneige Hydra Solution Eye Cream

Moisturizing Mask

Paper mask - My Scheming Paper Masks (Yes it beats MBD Masks!)

Gel mask - mG Red Wine Whitening Squeeze Mask
Cleansing - Lush Cupcake
Lifting - Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque

The same list for last year (and even 2010) can be found HERE.

What were your favourites last year? Please share your thoughts!

Taipei | 金泰海鮮蓋飯Sashimi Rice 饒河夜市RaoHe Street Night Market & 鼎王hotpot

2012-12-09T10:15:00.000-05:00

Taipei ftw :) I swear its my last time there this year (yup I know it's 2 weeks til 2013 haha). Our Taiwanese friends first took us to this AMAZING sashimi rice place. He said that since its quite new and not featured in any tourist books yet so tables aren't very hard to get yet.

Don't look and think how tiny these bowls are, they are so filling as you can taste so many different kinds til the last bite of rice. The one above is the Seafood over Rice 海鮮蓋飯, bottom is Superb Rice 無敵蓋飯. Scallops, pawns, crab roe, fish roe, sea urchin uni, salmon, squid omg

We finished lunch at around 4 and it was already getting dark out! Bummer we could only see when we went to the night market afterwards. Mostly of the time due to convenience Shilin Night Market is the place I stop by, but Raohe St. Night Market is so much better. It is basically one street down with food stalls in the middle as well as both sides. The street is narrow and off the the side you also see some clothing/accessory stores feeling very close to all subjects around you.

To kick off the last night there as usual we went to 鼎王 for hotpot. Their most well known is their numbness spicy pot. And this time around we also tried pickle pork soup base which was pretty good for people aren't fans of spicy food. Same goes for other hotpot places, we ate with many plates and bowls on the table lol.

Overall its a good trip. As time goes on you find out who cares about you and who don't. Despite doing random things, you gotta do them with people you love. Hope you will all have a wonderful xmas season -- oh! I also have a good news to spread. I will be moving to a new apartment next week which I can start making videos again :) I am super excited for it!

Spontaneous Taipei Trip Pt. 2 | 上引水產 & Beitou Hot Springs

2012-12-02T09:27:00.000-05:00

This is the part 2 of the spontaneous Taipei trip (Part 1 HERE) and I have an urge to make a post because I just had another even more spontaneous one this week lol. A few places to highlight -

上引水產台北市民族東路410巷2弄18號

Concept of a Japanese seafood market, 上引水產 was one of the main purposes for this trip. It was a seafood market where have different sections of grilled, raw, cooked seafood stalls and areas in different decors both outdoor and indoor. Quite a relaxing place to sit, eat and chill!

We just had lunch before going there (a shame!) so not much space in my tummy :( Otherwise I would totally get some shells from the grilled area. I still managed to swallow a dozen of shrimp sashimi with the company of some cooked seafood and meat.

The same night we went to Shilin Market 士林夜市 to do the usual walking around and eating more. Grilled squid, fried chicken, sticky rice over sausage 大腸包小腸, mango shaved ice. I was going to explode at the end of the night.

Spending the next day at a hot spring resort. Beitou area, surrounded by mountains and rivers, the area is beautiful and famous for offering hot springs of different colors and distinctive components due to the difference in altitude and location on the Datun volcanic belt. They have a pH value of 2.5 - 6.5 with a temperature varies from 37 to 40 celsius.

北投倆人旅店台北市北投區幽雅路11號
Hotel Double One
The hotel itself only has about 20 rooms and we stayed there from Sunday to Monday. That means we get out designated driver that drives us anytime from downtown. The room is only about USD$180, has its own hot springs, steam room and sauna (and a king size bed of course!) I think its quite a steal especially there is nothing like this in Hong Kong.

After settling we went to grab something to eat in downtown real quick. Afterwards just stayed in for the night with napping and snacking, watching tv, hot springs, steam and sauna nonstop. Such a pig -- just like the hotel logo.

The weather throughout the entire trip was amazing as well. The next morning we just ate at the hotel and flew back to Hong Kong :)

Majolica Majorca King Lash Review

2012-11-18T09:17:00.001-05:00

Shiseido's Majolica Majorca mascaras are always staples in my makeup collection. I got ultra excited when they came out with Lash King for spring 2012. Despite all the ridiculous names in the bunch, Lash King sounds the premium out of the premiums lol.

Lash King is even more fibrous yet on the soft side than Lash Expander Frame Plus and Lash Enamel Glamour Volumn on. It claims to volumize and lengthen all at once. I have waited til the beginning wet/ hard to work with stage is gone, and can finally put this into a test. And to be fair, pictures below do not contain any eye makeup.

Bare Lashes to show you I've really got nothing to work on. My natural lashes are very sparse, thin and very light.

1 Coat of Lash King

2 Coats of Lash King

Without any color makeup but brows and mascara,

Very happy with the result - the only downside is that it will start to clump if you really want to pack on it. I also wish the formula to be a little harder for our Asian, almost non existant lashes.

Now onto other members in the family -

Short Recap from left to right |

Lash Gorgeous Wing (very 1st generation MJ mascara, sucks and does nothing to my lashes)

Hope my Lashes are Full and Smooth (Lengthening & Separating - my fav)

Lash Expander Frame Plus (Volumizing and Lengthening, read my review Here!)

Lash Enamel Glamour Volumn on (Volumizing, though really not bad for lengthening)

Hope you're having a good lash day!

Liese Chestnut Brown Review

2012-11-04T08:35:00.000-05:00

It wasn't so long ago since I dyed my hair with Liese Cassis Berry (Review HERE), the red faded several weeks and the blonde was brought out. It's time to get a new one - Liese Chestnut Brown. This time I didn't shoot for anything in particular, just an even coat of brown!

My current hair:

What it comes with:
Hair Dye, pump head, Dye Chemical, instructions, gloves, vaseline (own)

The breakdown:
1. (Optional) Put vaseline around my hair line to prevent from dying chemicals

2. creepily put gloves on (creepiness based on level of eye makeup & severity of eyebags )

3. Pour dye into dye chemicals

4. Turn (not shake!) up and down for the chemicals to mix up

5. Squeeze out foam vertically from the bottle

6. Apply to hair as shampoo

Wait for 25 mins and wash. Tadaa it's done!

It's slight bit darker than what I have now. The chemicals in this one is quite strong. For people who are allergic to dying chemicals might need to watch out. It is a nice medium brown color, not leading to neither red or ash tone. If you need to watch a video runtown, you can check out this post HERE.

For your other references,
Sweet Pink HERE
Cassis Berry HERE
Glossy Brown HERE
Mocha Orange HERE

Hope you're having a great weekend <3

Ocktober Bierfest

2012-10-28T11:05:00.000-04:00

My friends and I went to 3 beer festivals this month. Happy Wednesday at Happy Valley last Friday, German Bierfest at Marco Polo Hotel this Monday & Erdinger Ocktoberfest at Indian Recreation Club this Friday. Though I am not a huge beer person, it was so much fun to hang around and teach my friends play flip cups hahaha. The pictures above are from the Erdinger Ocktoberfest. Though they are not of best quality, the colors are so vibrant!

China Glaze | For Audrey

2012-10-21T10:25:00.001-04:00

China Glaze's For Audrey was once such a cult product when it was first launched. It is the Tiffany & Co. color with a thick opaque consistency.

Sorry that they are pretty messed up as I didn't have the time to repaint them. 3 coats shown in the picture. Like it or not is up to your personal taste.

Hope everyones having a great weekend! Tell me your favourite color for this fall and winter. I'll need some recommendations!

A Gloomy Day in Hong Kong

2012-10-14T12:11:00.000-04:00

Taking a stroll in the city to get inspiration.

A few snapshots of Hong Kong.

Not a photography, pictures from a local Kongie.

Hope it doesnt get too bored for you.

Gel | Cream | Sleeping Masks Overview & Reviews

2012-10-07T06:46:00.001-04:00

Being a beauty fanatic, its engraved in my brain that having good skin is an absolute equation to preventing all other skin issue (fine lines, wrinkles, acne, big pores, hyper-pigmentation etc) and the idea of being a cheap ass allows myself to continuously purchase random masks to try out in order to save cost from going to facial salons.

The summer is about gone and autumn is chasing up like winds.

If I don't keep my skin cleaned and moisturized, I die from dryness and wrinkles... then die wtf

Gel / Cream masks that I have been using lately during showers / sleeping.

1 | Queen Helene Grape Seed Extract Peel Off Masque

It cleans clogged pores, softens facial lines, soothes and tones skin. With antioxidant properties, it has a tighten effect and does what it claims. However the alcohol in this masks is too strong. I can barely use it with contact lens on otherwise my eyes would turn bright red. As much as I see instant result of cleansed pores without any stiffness, I at most use it once every month.

2 | mG Red Wine Whitening Squeeze Mask
Designed to be in a capri sun containers (ah I miss drinking them), this was a discovery last when I was on a business trip in Beijing last month. mG is probably a more trusty Chinese brand and it is a new discovery of mine. The mask is in a light gel soothing consistency that smells like red wine. I love this mask for a quick brightening and moisturizing boost to the skin. Speaking of getting drunk in the shower wtf

3 | Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque
My go-to deep cleanse mask, its affordable to help dry up acne pimples, rinse away blackheads and shrink enlarged pores. When a light layer is on about 10 minutes, the mask starts to uplift and tighten, it's time to wash off all the mask that have crawled up with all the dirts the skin.

4 | Limi Rose Sonnet Whitening Mask
Another China discovery, I actually started to love this brand while studying abroad in Shanghai in 09. Their honey sleeping mask never failed to impress me. This rose one is similar to the mG one in the brightening / whitening department but the consistency is a tad thicker. The sales person told me that this can be doubled up as a sleeping mask. Its refreshing and makes your face smell like rose garden with actual rose flicks.

5 | Boots Skin Kindly Gentle Moisturizing Mask
With no scent or artificial color, even sensitive skin would love this mask. I often use this as a sleeping mask as it is just straight up moisture pumping into the skin. The 75ml bottle has lasted me for years (I know it has probably expired but my skin hasn't been broken out by it so I don't care wtf). I highly recommend it if you can pick it up if you still see it around.

6 | Lush Cupcake mask
Full review is HERE. To keep it short it extremely deep cleanses, lifting without the stiffness. Great for ones who constantly wear foundation / base makeup or ones who have oily / acne prone skin.

7 | My Scheming Camellia Night Jelly
Taiwanese brand alternatively to My Beauty Diary. This Camellia sleeping mask is dry to the touch after it is set and gives a pleasant camellia smell throughout the night. In terms of actual functions, I do not think this one is anything particular but if you are looking for an non-sticky alternative to the most known Laneige sleeping pack, My scheming Camellia Night Jelly would be a good cheap option.

I often tend to use paper maks before I go to bed but I never find the time to use gel /cream masks even though I have so many! A good tip I got form my salon beautician is to use them during shower. The hot steam would open up the pores and let the mask ingredients sink. Using affordable masks targeting to your needs more often is more effective than using expensive masks. Now go home, remove your makeup, get your mask on and take a hot shower!

Spontaneous Taipei Trip | Butaya & Wendels Cafe

2012-09-30T10:55:00.004-04:00

Oh Taipei, you never managed to leave from my top list of spontaneous travel spots. Perhaps being able to read and speak, its somewhere I always feel safe.

4D3N completely unplanned, just focused on eats. It was bright and sunny the whole time *blessed face. First up a katsu place -

Butaya 豚屋

16 Lane 51, Section 1, Daan Road Taipei

台北市大安路一段51巷16號

蘆筍里脊豬排卷 Asparagus Tenderloin Pork Roll
Deep fried pork wrapped asparagus. Pork was deep fried yet juicy and feels light to the taste. The green taste of asparagus brings out the sweetness of the meat. For the record pork katsu is probably one of my least favourite food on earth, I actually liked this! According to someone who loves fried food, this is like a 9.5 (whoa that high!).

乳酪里脊豬排 Cheese Tenderloin Pork
The cheese is mild. It is probably tame chedder for adding a tad of chewiness to the stiffness of the deep fried meat. The perfect amount of taste explode in your lips without overpowering.

Funded by Jay Chou (pop singer in Taiwan), inside Butaya is the traditional dark sushi restaurant kind of design. We were surprised it was quite empty on a weekend morning. It is so relaxing compared to Hong Kong. When you first sit down, they give you sesame to grind for fun to mix with the katsu sauce (just like they give kids some dough to play at Bertuccis lol).

I also adored the choice of their dishes. We only ordered 2 dishes and above is everything that came with! It reminds me of Not only it was bon apetite, it was some eye candy. I felt like a king paying only US$25 lol. As much as I don't like fried food (at all), I highly recommend this place for its food and ambience.

Wendels

5 Dexing West Road, Shilin District, Taipei

11158台北市士林區德行西路5號

Just passed this cafe while looking for another one we couldnt find. It was damn hot outside so we decided to drop by for some icy cappuccino, which I think was more than an awesome choice. We also got panna cotta and mango cake to try. While sitting at the outdoor area, I spotted some Taiwanese TV celebrities inside the store having tea! But I couldnt think of their names on top of my head la, I just thought huh celebrities come here uh *stupid grin.

More to come for this Taiwan trip la, but in conclusion I was just eating non-stop.
I can probably use the below 2 pictures to sum up the whole trip -

wtf. talk to you all laterr.

Next up. September favourites!

Maybelline Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer in Radiant

2012-09-23T10:57:00.001-04:00

After a long hunt for convenient pen concealers for awhile, I completely turned a 180 on YSL Touche Eclat. Hey don't blame me - the Maybelline Limi Touch Highlighing Concealer is only $8. I could get the whole Limi Touch collection for one Touche Eclat haha. To cut it short? I love this product!

The texture is very light and you're supposed to pick a color slightly lighter than your skintone to give that highlighting effect. The above is blended and below is the original form.

I got color Radiant out of the collection of 6 color choices. It is about 2 shades lighter than my NC 25 skin and perfect for highlighting.

On your right (my left face) is the side I applied this concealer on, left side remain bare. See the differences?

Undereye area where my dark circle is
Above and below brow bone
Smile line
Cupids bow
Random pimple

Certainly there are many places to highlight the face to give more dimension and shine. Read Eli's article HERE for the perfect example.

Another comparison picture -

As you see dark circles and redness around the lips are completely sealed up. The texture is very light and lasts a good 6 hours on my face. It applies wet and dries powery (though I still set it with power on top). I have stopped wearing foundation / bb cream since I starting using this highlighting concealer. The only thing I would complain is it starts to cake up when I reapply powder, but I am referring to 6-7 hours of wear constantly travel between 85° f - 60° f climates.

If you are looking forward to shrink your morning makeup time from 20 to 5 minutes and give your face a radiant lift, try to give this Maybelline Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer a go!

Hope you all are having a good weekend!

Review | Lush Cupcake Fresh Face Mask

2012-09-09T11:56:00.002-04:00

I have been on such a Lush crave since a Lush is opened at the Admiralty MTR station near my work place in Hong Kong. Compared to the prices in the US, it is even more unfair that Lush is so much cheaper in the UK. Lush fresh face makes are not sold in Hong Kong, which makes the best souvenirs from friend visiting London for the Olympic games :)

A wet cold mud half melting texture with a heavy mint chocolate scent. Looking it up close is quite gross. As other mud masks, this rhassoul mud mask filled with cocoa, vanilla and spearmint oil is supposed to deep cleanse by sucking out all the nitty gritty in the pores.

Slather in this cocoa concoction as a generous layer, wait for about 15 - 20 minutes. It dries quickly and does not have the tightness effect that a lot of mud masks on the market do. Made specifically for oily and teenage acne prone skin, I must say it works just as fine on my combination skin if I tone it down to using it twice a week, or only use it the t-zone.

The result is spectacular! My skin has never felt this clean. The blackheads becomes unnoticeable when with a close look. All the slight bums, whiteheads are also gone. The first time I used this I was in shock - I did not know my skin could feel as smooth and cleansed without that tight feeling. I highly recommend it if you use foundation / BB cream daily like me.

Cheers to Lush! Another awesome products :) Have been trying out A LOT of face masks and this is definitely one of my current favorite ones!

Spa ph+ review | 經驗分享

2012-08-19T11:37:00.001-04:00

So today I would like to do something a little different. As many of you know, I have relocated back to Hong Kong to start a new life. On top of that, my old age is approaching, I have been looking for a Spa / Facial place to pamper myself and to have some "Me Time" away from all the tediousness working and rushing in the busty city once in a while.

When I first saw this Groupon sale for Radio F Lifting + Hand Massage Facial from Spa PH+. Part of the reason choosing that was because I was intrigued when I saw RF lifting as I know nothing about it. The other part was because they have a store thats really close to my house. I have been buying a lot of Groupon Facial pakages to find one that I actually like enough to settle lol. Howver I still haven't find mine yet.

It seems like Spa / Facial places reviews in Hong Kong really are not that many. There are deals going on everywhere, but you know, what they do are pretty much similar. The salons always claim to have special deals to attract you to try for the first time, then will semi-"force" you to sign up for other packages with their "special deals".

In terms of decoration of Spa ph+, it is quite nice. It seems to be more high-end, probably to attract the majority of the market - nannies. Who has time to go do spa on a regular basis anyway? They also mainly focus on using HABA, 32°C and aujourd'hui products alongside with their technology.

今次經香港團購買左這個 HK$528 (大概US$68) 6次電波拉皮加人手按摩美容護膚療程。
其實對拉皮沒有任何經驗或知識，只是最近搬回香港嘛，年紀也有那麼上下，所以在努力找一家好的美容院來定期給自己一些 “Me Time” 來舒緩平常在大都會奔跑工作的壓力。

也覺得香港品論美容院或SPA的評論不夠多，優惠到處都是，但是你也知道，他們做的Facial或者Spa的種類和選擇是大同小異的，通常的手法都是以優惠的價格 “氹” 你先落搭，然後在你在做的時候再跟你說有什麼 “優惠” 讓你即時加錢再購買。

其實Spa ph+ 的環境地方還不賴，裝潢是走高貴呢種路線。
*看到的都是他們網站的照片，真實是比相片更優雅。
個人對裝修沒什麼意見，放上面的才是最實際，當然也不介意啦。

The actual room for the facial is alright, nothing fancy like the waiting room or bathroom, of which I don't care, I had my eyes close my entire time anyway lolz.

However I was persuaded to do this $180 facial on top of my RF Lifting and Hand Massage Facial. Usually I do not easily commit to something like this, but my Groupon deal breaks down to less than $100/time, and I was like why the hack not, the total doesn't exceed $300 anyway.

真正做面的房間就沒有等候間和更衣見那麼豪華，但是也不差，眼睛大部分時間都是合起來的嘛。

這次我就被遊說加了 HK$180 的優惠價來做了個DIY Facial，本來是不會加的啦，但是就覺得人手按摩6次除開只是大概 HK$100都不用，加起來也不過HK$300是OK的啦。

Thats the facial I added on top. It's called D.I.Y. Herbal Essence Treatment (stupid name, why DIY?) and it's actually not bad. With herbal essence, it was a full 2.5 hour process of cleansing, deep cleansing mask, steam, eyebrow trim, moisturize, RF Lifting, essence serum massage, neck and shoulder message, another moisturizing mask.

先講一下做了的DIY面膜，可能是第一次做的關係，感覺是頗做足的，清潔，深層清潔面膜，蒸氣，修眉，保濕，RF 機器拉面，精華面部按摩，肩頸按摩，保濕敷面－整個過程大概2個半小時。

The above description regarding RF Lifting is for body, I couldn't find the one for face from their website. However concept wise they are the same.

(Radio Frequencies) RF Lifting is a immediate non-surgical effect to stimulate collagen fivers of the skin and stimulate compensating mechanisms including the proliferation of fibroblasts and accelerated production of neocollagen by moderating dermal edema and controlling thermo-reduction.

Sounds complicated enough? All I felt was a medal stick rolling around my face and jaw line for lifting its definition. After the process, I only felt the mild heat within my skin (really really mild) and it was immediately cooled off by the massage.

Today is the second day, I can barely see the result. It might come when I finish all 6 times fml.

以上的形容是for身體的，我在他們網站上找不到for臉的，大概概念是一樣的吧。

我在Facial前問過員工，會不會有副作用，緊緻的程度會怎樣，做完以後皮會否變鬆等等。。

你都知道，除了貪靚以外我都很怕死lol。

RF Lifting 原來是一個不動刀的拉皮功能，使用活躍無線電頻率，刺激皮下的浮腫和控制熱還原來增加皮膚的纖維細胞增殖，增加局部血液供應（血管擴張和充血）和加速neocollagen生產來有效提升輪廓。

我沒有看到，但是過程就是用一支金屬棒在下巴，頸部的位置做提拉，做完以後在皮膚裡面有一點溫熱，老實說沒有什麼感覺呵。

現在是第二天了，成果也不是很明顯，可能要等做完整個療程才見效吧。（苦笑）

Then as usual I was brought to be seated at the waiting area where they give you water or soup. The technician first came to us, asking whether I liked my facial or not, of course I knew it was coming. She then jumped into asking if I could join a course of series of facials. That is the part I hate the most. Often time I was under the impression that if I were so satisfied with the services, I would have volunteered to pay more already. Spa ph+'s back end staff have very nice skills and techniques, but for the front end sales people are a bit too much. She basically couldn't sell me so she walked aside and pulled her manager in wtf. I understand that they live off commissions, but I seriously felt uncomfortable being put in that kind of situation. On top of that, I have already paid for that Groupon, what do you want from me? I thought the add-to-top packages are just optional, no? I'm sure many of you are similar to me and hate this kind of sales methods.

做完以後就一如既往被安排去等候區，也是我最憎的。首當其衝就是有一個技師跟你說一下做了什麼，對服務滿不滿意，搭入正題，就是問會不會加course。其實Spa ph+的backend做facial的人都好好，技巧和手勢都不俗，整個過程都相當滿意。
至於在前頭安排皮膚測試的就有點hard sell，不但在開頭一直說我的皮膚低層厚，也在最後不停sell package。（說真的你的皮膚比我好嘛？）雖然我明白他們的人工也是靠佣金為生的，但那死纏爛打的手段都有夠令人反感。加上你想我怎樣，我已經給了團購的費用，做不做其他的都是optional不是嘛？我相信除了我以外，你們都很討厭這種生意手段。（生氣）

整體來講我會給Spa PH+的分數：
Overall I'd give my 1st Spa PH+ experience:

Technique: 95/100
Sales: 45/100

質素是相當不錯啦，有興趣的話可以參考它的website (HERE)
以上的服務是我自己付費，也沒有收取SpaPH+的任何優惠。拜～

Tom Ford 2012 Inspired Makeup Look

2012-08-12T14:07:00.000-04:00

Was going to do a step-by-step for this look but the pictures did not come out as anticipated :(

Inspired by the Tom Ford Fall 2012 look - burgundy, bronzy brown metallic rum deep socketed eyes, heavily contoured with just a touch of pink cheeks, sultry red lips. I thought it would be kinda fun to dupe this look since I basically have nothing Tom Ford or anything red tone with me (you all know I just relocated for work and have minimum makeup with me from this post).

BASE MAKEUP | I used Hera HD Foundation in no. 21 to create a flawless canvas. Also wanted to test out to see of the foundation which has SPF 15 does well with flash photography. I guess it doesn't lol. Topped with the YSL stick concealer that I often use in my Foundation Routine, I highlighted my nose and top of my cheekbons with Nars Hungry Heart Duo III before sprinkling the Lancome Photogenic Loose Powder on the areas where I need to set the concealer and control my oiliness.

EYE MAKEUP | Without a burgundy color, I first used the red in the Sleek i-Divid Primer Palette 600 to create a base. Then lay the bronzy Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette in Snakebite to create the deep and elongated socketed by putting it close to my nose bridge and winging it further out. Don't forget the signature of this look is to put the bronzy shadow all across the lower lash line. To continue with the same palette, I utilize the shine of YDK to give the center of my eyes a pop and highlight my brow bones using Bootycall. Lastly using Tease to blend everything in making sure the colors are located high enough even when eyes are open. For eyeliner I start with using ELF black gel liner to tightline both the upper all the way in and out with a short wing. Same with the lower waterline, then go over it with the Olive one to thicken it out.

FACE MAKEUP | As usual I use Nars Laguna to slightly give my face the sunkissed look. Then I focus on deeply contour the hallow of my face and top it of with a slight touch of Nars Sin.

LIPS MAKEUP | Since I don't have a deep red with me at the moment, I line my lips using a orange lipliner to give the lips some sharp definition. Go in then with Shiseido Rouge Parfait in RD415 that I also used in This Look, in attempt to tone it down further with the plummy Revlon Lip Butter in Sugar Plum tho it was an epic fail lol.

It is no doubt too early to do an autumn / fall look but I couldn't resist how beautiful and mesmerizing the look is. Nor my face is any closed to be pretty or my Asian features as 3D as the super gorgeous model in the Ad la wtf, I just secretly wish I was white lolol just kidding. Hope you like the look nonetheless xo.

Life updates | Stanley & Oysters

2012-08-05T12:01:00.000-04:00

It is going to be a quite useless wordy post. As many of you know I relocated back to Hong Kong after living in Boston for 8 years. A lot of things that used to be familiar for me are once again new to me because believe it or not, things can be seen completely differently when you are an adult, having a 9-5 and basically no life. Whats worse is you are sorta forced to give you up of what you like doing best for your free time in exchange of some professional knowledge that might not let you "results" just now.

I mean... Really good food, family and friends, on top of being financially stable, being an adult in Hong Kong seriously let you do whatever. Ever since I moved back, every weekend aka the only free time I had I spent with my closest friends, having good times and enjoying life. #YOLO right? (I think Im starting to hate this acronym) I have no regrets on the decision of finally moving back but... sometimes I really miss the carefree lifestyle I used to have in the States.

Speaking of relocating to give up my American dreams wtf? I mean all the shallow things including living in a multi-million dollar house with 8 car garages, family tennis court and swimming pool. Just kidding la, but the moment I decided to move back, I know the path to be a billionaire (in order to live in a million dollar house) is definitely heading a divorce with me. There are definitely certain things I have given up for that decision.

What am I even talking about now? I don't know haha. Do you feel the same way? I just feel really drained. Sick of the same routine of work, lunch, work, dinner, sleep and I HATE having no time for blogging and youtubing. It affects me a lot mentally. On top of being sick, this weekend I decided to go to a more relaxing place, to remind myself to not get drown.

Stanley 赤柱 is nor my secret boyfriend or my dog lol. It is Hong Kong people's to-go place for relaxing located a 30min bus ride away from Central. It has local markets as well as more westernized seafood restaurants and bars. We wanted oysters, but on the way we found this open-air Dai Pai Dong stall called 泗益 thats famous for its honey PBJ fresh toasts. So good :))

It never meant to be a day with a schedule anyway. Not the best weather but walking along the pier and breathing in fresh air isn't very easy to come by these days. We enjoyed every minute we spent there.

Thats what I am talking about. Forget about the baller things I talked about earlier lol. Once in awhile we need a break, share what we are going through with the people you care the most, recollect ourselves to start again. Of course good food can sprinkle.

I guess life isn't that bad but perfectionists like us of course always like to wonder if we can do even better. I don't want to update only once a week. I don't want to not post any videos on youtube for more than 2 months. I don't want to only able to update my Instagram everyday haha. So please wait for my updates :)