Hey Amadea! - Beauty, fashion, travel, and all that stuff

My Current Foundation Routine | bareMinerals Original Foundation

2015-01-30T07:00:00.000-08:00

I've been in the "no makeup" kinda mood lately. I feel like my skin is agitated, and I don't want to make it more so by layering on with heavy foundation. I go with mineral foundation instead. I'm back in love with the Bare Minerals Original foundation with SPF 15. It's a loose powder with medium coverage. It's not going to cover every single blemish, but that's where the concealer comes to place.

What I have been doing is putting on my base - my moisturizer, sunscreen and primer - to prep my face before makeup. It's currently winter and the temperature has gone up and down like no other. My skin has dry patch here and there, nothing major, but powder will definitely accentuates that if I don't do anything. Primer helps with smoothing out the surface of my skin and also with keeping the makeup stay put throughout the day. My favorite is still Dior Pore Minimizer primer, but I've also been using the Body Shop Vitamin C Skin Boost. I don't recommend this if your skin is more on the oily side, but it works great for dry patches.

After my base, I will dab on a bit on cream concealer and top it with the bareMinerals Multi-Tasking concealer. This is concealer in a loose-powder form, and it really makes any concealer performs better! I also use this under my eyes to set my Benefit erase paste. Then I will use Real Technique buffing brush and blend the Bare Minerals foundation. I find this brush is made for loose products like these. It blends nicely and helps even out the coverage.

That's it for the foundation routine. I continue with my bronzer, blush and eye makeuo and my lipstick. I skip on a setting powder, but I always use the Urban Decay All Nighter spray to seal everything in.

What's your current favorite foundation?

What's In My Bag | Coach Legacy Mini Tanner

2015-01-28T10:33:00.000-08:00

I had a video featuring this bag on my old channel, but this just shows how much I love the bag. It has been my staple piece, and I get many compliments for the bag. Even my boyfriend who doesn't pay attention to this kind of thing agrees. This bag was a splurge for me, but I'm glad I did. Sadly, the bag is no longer available, but here' s another Coach bag that I've been eyeing and pretty similar to this (currently on sale!).

Hope you enjoy the video!

Tory Burch Reva vs Audrey Brooke Kristin Flats

2015-01-24T07:00:00.000-08:00

Tory Burch 'Reva' Ballerina flat
Audrey Brooke Kristin Ballet flats

I'd been curious of the oh-so-popular Tory Burch flats for a very long time. I'd seen a lot of people wear them, and I wanted to try them but then backed out because I just didn't think it was worth it.

Then the Nordstrom sale came. The flats were almost never on sale, but they were that time. I ordered two different sizes (8 and 8.5) online, didn't know which one, if not neither, would fit perfectly.

Not long after, the look-alike flats by Audrey Brooke, DSW's home brand, caught my attention. My boyfriend told me it looked like a knock-off design. People mistakenly thought it was the real TB flats, which I find surprising that apparently not all are brand conscious. Haha. Silly me.
.

Both run large. I am in between sizes, and both size 8 fit comfortably while the 8.5 fit way too loose. The old 'Reva' design has elastics at the back, which allows more grip. The new one eliminates the elastics-at-the-back design, and replace with sturdy back that hit just right in middle of ankle.

The Kristin flat has the elastics design which is different from the 'Reva' old design. It doesn't look as slouchy as the old 'Reva' does, but keeps the comfortable feeling.

Both claim to have leather upper and rubber sole. The Reva flats has patent leather, while the Kristin has pebbled-texture leather, which is more scratch-resistant and more casual-looking.

The Reva fits more feminine with a little bit of what's called "toe cleavage", while the Kristin has wider and deeper coverage, providing more comfort and support.

Taking everything into consideration, if you want the classy look and the prestigious feeling, that go with Tory Burch. But if you like the look, but prefer something more comfortable and doesn't mind the "knock-off look", then go with Audrey Brooke. I find myself reach to the Kristin flats more because they are VERY comfortable, and I feel like I can walk long distance (I haven't) in them since it provides more support .

Have you tried any of them?

What do you think?

Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

2015-01-22T07:00:00.000-08:00

If there's one thing that I've been eating without getting sick of it, it is this brussels sprouts with bacon! My friend cooked this on thanksgiving, and I still can't shut up about it. I never knew brussels sprouts could be that tasty! Even without the bacon, I could eat the brussels sprouts for lunch and dinner and repeat!

I've asked my friend how she cooked it, and I've been making it myself for several times now since thanksgiving. I'm in no way a trained cook. I rarely follow recipes 100%, and I always use my judgment when it comes to measurement. This is a pretty easy dish to try, so if you're doubtful, just go light on the balsamic vinegar and you can always add more later.

Ingredients:

-brussels sprouts

-bacon

-olive oil

-balsamic vinegar (i use worcestershire sauce)

-salt

-pepper

-red pepper flakes (optional)

Here's how I cook it:

1. Pre-heat oven for 380F.

2. Wash and cut brussels sprouts in halves, and put it in a mixing bowl. You can also use the ones that are already pre-washed and pre-cut.

3. Add olive oil, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and balsamic vinegar and mix everything in the bowl.

4. Lay the halves on a single layer on a baking sheet.

5. When the oven is pre-heated, put in the brussels sprouts for about 15-20 minutes or the way I like it, until they're a bit burned.

6. Take it out, put in a serving plate/bowl, or because I'm lazy to do dishes, I just put them back into the mixing bowl I used earlier.

7. Bake/pan-fry bacon as the condiments. After they're cooked cut them into small pieces, or what I do, I just cut them with scissors and put in in the bowl with the brussels sprouts.

8. Ready to serve!

Hope you guys enjoy the dish!

Casual Saturday | Boyfriend Shirt and Seafood Pasta in Pink Sauce

2015-01-20T07:00:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone!

Hope you had a great weekend. I wish weekends could last longer. It feels like they just go by faster and faster. I visited the city a couple of weeks ago. I bought a swivel chair for my desk via craigslist, so we picked it up at the owner's house in San Francisco. The chair was almost brand new since he never really used it. It retails for $149, and I got it for $60. What a steal!

We tried out an Italian restaurant called Sotto Mare based on my friend's recommendation, who is an exclusive yelper. She told me to order Seafood Linguine in pink sauce, which is white and red sauce mixed. It's not on the regular menu. The portion is big and we shared the pasta along with a bowl of clam chowder. The pasta was really good. They were generous with their seafood which made my boyfriend really happy.

On our way home, we noticed how the sky was so clear and it made the illusion that there was no horizon , as you can see from the picture.

Have a great week!

::Outfit::

shirt - Ann Taylor (similar)

jacket - Zara

scarf - Target

bag - Coach

Makeup Shakeup | My Current Lipsticks in Rotation

2015-01-09T08:30:00.000-08:00

I have quite some makeup as the result of "collecting" them over the years. I try to make sure that I give them the same amount of love that they deserve. haha..Basically, I try not to let any of them go to waste without ever being used. I separate the ones I want to use, put them on seen places and rotate them every now and then. I like lip products the most, but then again most of people do. They give instant change/boost of color to your face. Here are the 10 that are currently in my rotation. Some new, some old.

Thanks for reading/watching!

The Red Coat

2015-01-05T08:30:00.000-08:00

We did a little tour around the city on Christmas day. Almost all stores were closed for the holiday, hence the traffic was really great. We planned to do it on the day before Christmas, but my boyfriend insisted to wait until Christmas so I could wear the coat he got for me. That's right. He got me this red coat. He went to the mall all by himself, and I'm really proud. I love the coat. He really got good taste! ;)

We visited the Union Square just to get a feel of Christmas in the area. Of course the stores around were all closed, including Macy's so it wasn't as busy as usual. I got my picture with the giant Christmas tree in the center of the square with my santa hat on. A girl told she liked my outfit, and I gave all the credit to the red coat.

We visited the "Hidden Steps" which are apparently new to the city. If I'm not mistaken the stairs were dedicated in 2013. It was so pretty with all the colors and seeing how the pieces of colorful ceramics form beautiful designs when looked from afar.

That's officially the end of my Christmas/holiday-related post for 2014. Still can't believe how fast time flies. Let's be excited for 2015!

Thank you for reading!

::Outfit::
The Red Coat - Larry Levine

December Favorites 2014

2015-01-03T08:30:00.000-08:00

Happy Saturday!

I hope you all are enjoying the new year so far! I've been spending mine with a lot of sleepin-in and laziness. The weather has dropped down, way down. The cold is currently a bit extreme for where I live making me not want to do anything. But I managed to get my self up and shoot a video.
Here's my favorites for the month of December. I hope I will be able to do this more often. =)

Tried anything new lately?
What's your favorite?

Pastel for Winter, New Name and Happy 2015!

2015-01-01T10:05:00.004-08:00

Happy New Year!!!!

I hope you all are having a great one so far. My new year's eve was spent with good food and friends and staying in. We watched the fireworks in San Francisco through the TV. It was warm and cozy. I'm feeling hopeful and excited greeting 2015. I hope you do too! I wish you all a great year ahead. The future is alway a mystery, but that's what makes this life exciting and full of surprises. I hope it's not just another "new year", but may it be a year full of greatness and blessings and most importantly, may we be grateful and appreciative for the things we have and don't have, for what we are and are not.

If you haven't noticed, or a new reader, I've changed my blog and other social media to Hey Amadea. First, because Amadea is already taken (Darn!). Second, this blog has been something dear to my heart. I don't do it for other people, I do it for me. It's my passion. Changing the name has nothing to do with letting go the old or something like that. I just like the idea to have the name more familiar and more recognizable. It represents more what I've been doing and who I am. Third, I just want to change it. No simpler reason than that =)

Thank you for reading and supporting me.

Cheers for 2015!

Love,

::Outfit::

sweater - Gap

Jacket - Forever 21

jeans - Loft

bag - Ann Taylor

Shoes - Crocs

Beauty Review | Origins Drink Up Intensive Mask

2014-12-30T08:30:00.000-08:00

Happy Tuesday! I hope you all are having a great week so far. I am having my "friday" today and will have another long weekend this week. I can't believe new year's just two days away!

I got this in a set during Sephora VIB sale along with Origins Night-A-Mins cream, GinZing eye cream and GinZing moisturizer. I was looking for a good moisturizer, and Origins is well-known for its skincare products. I like almost everything in the kit, but

Drink Up Intensive Mask is the star among others in the kit in my opinion.

This is the kind of face mask that you leave on overnight and rinse off the next morning. The application is more like a moisturizer, but it acts a million times better. It's formulated with avocado and apricot kernel oil. Both ingredients are known for moisturizing benefit.

I don't use this everyday, but every three or four days because I feel like everyday would just be too much hydration if that's possible. I also skip my moisturizer when I use this because it already covers the moisturizing part. When I wake up the next day, I feel my skin so smooth and look more healthy and glowy. It claims to work best for dry skin types. I have combination skin, and it still work wonders for me. Plus, the scent is soooo good. It's refreshing and just the kind of scent I want to put on my face. I would totally recommend this or just give is a gift for the holiday.

Thanks for reading!

Have a great new year!

Everlane Chunky Knit Sweater

2014-12-28T09:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Sunday!

I hope everyone had a warm Christmas. I spent mine touring in San Francisco. We visited a couple of places and went back for dinner with friends. I get too dependent on my blanket and heater. I purposefully turn on the heater in my bathroom for a couple of minutes before I go in to save me from the freezing cold of undressing.

Everlane has become my favorite online shop to browse. They deliver high quality products with simple essential clothing items. Comfy and chic are what I consider my own personal style, and Everlane resembles that effortlessly.

I purchased The Chunky Knit Boyfriend cardigan a few weeks ago, taking advantage of their referral credits and holiday bonus. I can't find this online anymore, but they have the crew version. Since it's boyfriend style, it's meant to fit loosely and more baggy which I love during this colder months. I just like to snuggle with thick sweaters.

The cardigan is made 100% of merino wool. It's more heavyweight and thicker than the standard cardigans, and it makes me feel so warm and cozy. I've been wearing it nonstop ever since I got it. Although the cardigan doesn't seem to be available anymore, I would recommend the sweater version if you're looking for something cozy to wear on chilly days.

Happy Christmas Eve!

2014-12-24T09:35:00.001-08:00

Happy Christmas eve!

I finally got to wind down from the busy-ness of the season. I got three days off from work which is really awesome. This is actually the first time ever in my life that I don't really have "holiday" holiday at the end of the year. I don't take any day off except for the ones I'm given, so I'm really grateful I get this 5-day weekend for Christmas.

I have nothing special planned for Christmas this year. This weekend will just be filled with food and friends. I've put my presents under the tree, and now I'm excited to see what I'm getting. There's just something about presents... I love them! Big or small. haha..

Me as Rudolph at my office Ugly Christmas Sweater contest

Office Holiday party

With some of the people I am grateful of knowing =)

I wish you all a very merry Christmas. May you find joy and peace in this most beautiful time of the year. Thank you for supporting me and reading my blog. It means so much to me.

Walmart Beauty Box

2014-12-16T08:30:00.000-08:00

Beauty subscription is not a relatively new thing anymore, a lot of companies do that now. My very first encounter of this was from MyGlam, now known as ipsy which is founded by Michelle Phan. Walmart beauty box is not a monthly subscription, rather it's seasonal. You will only be charged each time when the box is shipped. It only costs $5 which covers for the whole products inside and the shipping & handling fee. I think it's a really good bargain.

This is my very first beauty box from Walmart, and I am pretty happy with what I got. It includes Burt's Bees makeup wipes and a full-size Covergirl colorlicious lipgloss in "candylicious" which already retails for $6 at Walmart.

What do you think?

Any beauty box subscription worth recommended?

My Holiday Favorites/Beauty Gift Ideas

2014-12-14T08:00:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone!

I'm excited to share my Holiday favorites with you. I am a beauty enthusiast, meaning that I love all things beauty! I really like everything in this post, and I think others like me would really appreciate finding them under the tree on Christmas morning, or just any other day really. I know it's pretty late in the season, but better late than never.

This fix include Marc Jacobs O!Mega Bronzer which I had been eyeing since it first came out. Look at the size of that beauty! It definitely is a mega bronzer. It comes in only one shade, though. And who doesn't like a cheek palette? NARS Virtual Domination palette is just right up my alley. There are a highlighter which is not my favorite because it's too shimmery, but the blushes are gorgeous and the bronzer is the oh-so-popular Laguna bronzer that just has a little hint of gold shimmer.

YSL Youth Liberator Serum foundation (review) and Lorac Pro Palette (review) are just... There is no need for explanation. Both are still the best foundation and eyeshadow palette for me and they're still my most used ever since I got them last year. I would repurchase if I've ever ran out! I gotta admit, I just love the packaging of Hourglass Diffused light powder. It acts as a good highlighter without being too obvious but can also be a setting powder. Fresh Sugar Tulip has been the only lip product I go for for the whole month and more. Really. The color is just so pretty and bold but not too bold. It is a tinted lip balm, but more tinted than regular tinted lip balms. The packaging is just so delicious (I really don't know any other word to describe it other than delicious).

Caudalie Beauty Elixir is a great way to start the day after shower just before applying moisturizer. It spritz this tingling minty sensation that makes me feel more awake and fresh. It would be surprising for the first timer because of the tingling, but I get used to it and I really like it now. Last but not least, the trusty Tangle Teezer (review). It's not makeup, but any person with hair-knot problem would appreciate this. It looks sort-of like a horse brush, but not as sharp. It detangles really well.

Thank you for reading!

First Aid Beauty

2014-12-08T09:17:00.002-08:00

The brand was a hype around last year. I've seen many youtubers/bloggers mention about their Ultra Repair Cream, and then their Eye Duty Triple Remedy. I was intrigues, but I still had a lot of products in my cue waiting to be used.

As my day eyecream and moisturizer ran out, came Sephora VIB sale and I grabbed this kit for a steal. Of course, they soon ran out of stock, and I don't know if they will be available again for the holiday, but I can't find it online anymore. Now, I haven't tried everything here yet, but I want to share with you in case you're interested to try them out.

Ultra Repair Cream

By far the most popular product of the brand. I've heard and read so many raves about its intense hydration and how it's really good for dry skin. It comes in thick cream inside this big tub. I first tried it out from a little sample size I got from somewhere. I thought it was a moisturizer for face. Seriously! I used it on my face daily, and I thought it was a little bit heavy for day time, yet a good moisturizing cream at night. It was so silly of me, but hey it worked! The cream is specially formulated for dry, parched skin and it works wonders for areas like elbows and heels.

Eye Duty Triple Remedy

I was most intrigued by this. The metal applicator looks like an inverted spoon to me but is supposed to mimic the shape of pinkie finger. It stays cool and is supposed to help reduce puffiness around the eyes. I don't know if it's supposed to work instantly but I don't see any effect except for the cooling and refreshing sensation when I dab it on under my eyes. The cream itself is a salmon color which acts sort of like an eye concealer. I tried blending the cream with the applicator, but it just got messy and I need to clean it up after each use. I now blend the cream using my ring fingers, and it helps brighten and diminish the look of dark circles a little bit.

Ultra Repair Lip Therapy

It does a good job moisturizing my lips. It also has minty smell which reminds me of a toothpaste.

Face Cleanser

Colder weather calls out the dry out of my face. I opt to creamier products, including my face cleanser during this time. First Aid Beauty cleanser leaves skin soft and smooth. It lathers pretty well, and it fees gentle and comfortable on the skin.

Facial Radiance Pads

This comes with pre-moistened pad injected with lactic and glycolic acids for safe and effective use, cucumber & Indian gooseberry to tone the face, and lemon peel & licorice root to leave the skin bright and glowing. These pads are to be used once to twice daily after washing your face. I haven't notice any difference using these pads, but I will update if I do.

Thank you for reading!

Have you tried any of FAB products?

What do you like most?

Autumn Layers | "Thanksgiving Belly"

2014-11-26T08:30:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone!

Tomorrow's Thanksgiving. Who's excited?! I am! I so long a nice days off to just recharge. I have dinner plan with my friends and pretty much will spend the weekend at home or shopping =p. I was never crazy for black friday shopping but excited with the excitement. Does that even make sense?

Here's an outfit idea for Thanksgiving. Since we all know Thanksgiving is a days of giving thanks and most people, including me, celebrate it with food, food and food, it's a great idea for layers. Cover up, what I call, "thanksgiving belly" with layers. lol.

I pair a basic long-sleeves tee with a oversized topper and cinch everything with a skinny belt. The light topper is perfect to keep me warm inside the house and to hide my "thanksgiving belly" or just belly period =P. The belt makes me look like I still have a waist and not all straight from top to bottom.

For some reason, this look reminds me of what people would wear in London. I don't know why. London fascinates me. I plan to go there sometime in the near future. I also wear this cute little socks with my loafers, and it gives a quirky adorable look which I'm really into right now. I want to get more of those kind of socks now.

For makeup, I keep it simple with a tinted moisturizer, purple eyeliner and mascara. I'm also using Fresh Sugar Tulip, which is more like a more pigmented tinted lip balm.

Thank you for reading. I hope you all have a very happy thanksgiving!

::OUTFIT::

Tee - Gap

Topper - Forever 21

Socks - Forever 21 (similar)

Shoes - Target (similar)

bag - Coach

Autumn Layers | Sweater over Dress

2014-11-24T08:30:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone!

I can't wait for Thanksgiving weekend! So excited. I've already imagined the food and how I'm going to spend the days off relaxing under the blanket with hot tea. Hmmm...

Here's another take on "Autumn Layers". Fall is indeed the best time for layers. I get to experiment with different pieces of clothing and I get to mix and match.

This idea can turn a simple spring/summer dress to fall-appropriate outfit by adding an outer layer over it. Here I'm adding a basic oatmeal sweater over my sleeveless shirt dress.

Adding the sweater creates a whole new look on it.

I'm playing it safe with the simple monotone colors, but it will be interesting to layer different color schemes and patterns.

Thank you for reading!

::Outfit::

sweater - H&M (old)

Dress - Ann Taylor

Skinny belt - Ann Taylor (old)

bag - ebay

shoes - Vince Camuto (true to size)

Beauty Review | Dior Pore Minimizer Primer

2014-11-20T08:30:00.000-08:00

Yes!

Y to the E to the S.

YES!

That's my first reaction after I tried Dior Pore Minimizer Skin Refining Matter Primer. It's the first primer ever that manages to really keep my T-zone, most oily-prone area of the face, shine free. It works every time. I go out and about, and when I check my forehead, it feels much less oilier than usual.

It claims to "instantly corrects imperfections by filling, refining, and mattifying skin for a high-definition flawless complexion". Although the name is "pore minimizer", I'm not so sure how minimizing can pores be. I do see the primer help blur out imperfection and smoothen the skin, prep it for foundation. It leaves the skin feel velvety, and it keeps that way for hours. I've used it for 10 hours straight, and I'm convinced that it's the best primer I've ever used. Don't get me wrong. It won't keep the face oil-free 100%, but close. It helps reduce oiliness and, thus, shininess.

Another plus is the packaging comes with a pump which makes it easier and more sanitary.

What's the best primer you've tried so far?

Autumn Layers | Earth Tones and Leopard

2014-11-17T08:30:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday!

Fall is the best time for layers. It's getting cooler every week here in San Jose, but it's still warm enough to wear dresses without tights. I wore this dress to my friend's wedding a couple of months ago when the weather was much warmer. I'm trying to create more looks with this dress, and I was inspired by this picture to pair the dress with a basic button-up shirt for something to wear to work.

The leopard-print belt and shoes give a very nice touch of accent without being too overwhelming. I find a little bit of print mixed with solid is a yes, yes, yes.

I adore this sleeveless trench from Ann Taylor and am convinced that it's one of my best find ever. I can pair it with almost everything in my wardrobe, and it instantly boosts an outfit. It's advertised as a trench dress, but I've been wearing it as long vest instead. The material is a uncomfortably stiff for hours of sitting down at the office.

Thank you so much for reading!

::Out-FIT::

Perfect shirt - Ann Taylor

Dress - Nordstrom

Sleeveless trench - Ann Taylor

belt (old) - Loft

shoes - Nine West (size up if in between sizes)

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush Palette

2014-11-12T08:30:00.000-08:00

I was so excited when I found out that Hourglass launched their blushes in palette, just like they did with the Ambient lighting palette last year. The individual blush is retail for $35, so the palette is a much better deal for $58, considering. I took advantage of the VIB sale last weekend.

Sephora website was down for hours on the first day, so I went to the mall during lunch break to make sure the things I had on my list weren't sold out. This is the only sale I'm looking forward to the whole year, and possibly the only time I really shop at Sephora. Surely enough, there was only one left at the store, so I quickly grabbed it, along with a couple other things.

Swatching it out for the first time, I gotta be honest, I wasn't too impressed. The swatches in the picture were taken after I built up a couple of layers of the products. The shades are pretty, but they're not that different one to another. The all have a bit of shimmer, so no additional highlight necessary. I have only used it once, but the color didn't stay put as long as I would have wanted. It's curerntly available for limited time on the Sephora website. I feel like the blush palette doesn't get as much love as the Ambient lighting palette did last year as it was quickly sold out but they brought back permanently.

Things I'd Tell My Teenage Self About Beauty

2014-11-05T08:30:00.000-08:00

Stop biting your nails!

Wear sunscreen everyday!

I wish dry shampoo existed at your time.

A little eyeliner and mascara wouldn't hurt

Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!

Eye cream is not only for old people

Your hair needs some love too - use conditioner!

Eyebrows, meet tweezer.

Lip balm exists, you know.

Weekend Pampering | The Body Shop Honey & Oat 3-in-1 Scrub Mask

2014-11-03T08:30:00.001-08:00

Sunday afternoon is the best time to pamper myself. Face mask, hair mask, body mask, you name it!

One of my favorites mask is Honey & Oat 3-in-1 Scrub Mask by The Body Shop. I picked it up several months ago, but didn't really use much of it. My first impression was the scent. It has his rich scent of oatmeal that I find calming.

The mask has beads that are oatmeal grains, which should act as scrub. It claims to "cleanse, polish and moisture". The scrub isn't the kind that gets dry. It doesn't dry on the skin, which is great especially for dry skin on this colder weather. I put it on and leave it for about 15-20 minutes, sometimes more while I go about doing something else. Then, I rinse it off with lukewarm water. I read that lukewarm water is better for your skin. I use a washcloth to take it off if I don't go take a shower after.

My skin will instantly feel healthier, if that's even possible. It feels not tight, which cold weather does to skin, and smooth. I love this mask. The mixture of honey and oat makes a gentle moisturizing component for the skin.

I also like The Body Shop Tea Tree face mask for fighting acne.

What's your favorite face mask?

Stripes, Squares and Rosy Cheeks ft. It Cosmetics CC Cream

2014-10-28T08:30:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!

Long time no post! I hope you all are having a wonderful week. I finally finish my second tax season of the year. The weeks had been exhausting. I could even find the energy to just sit down and write. I miss it, for sure.

I am really excited to share my recent newfound love for a CC cream. It's from It Cosmetics 'Your skin but better' CC cream with SPF 50+. I have really been loving this lately. It's a good alternative to a heavy straight on foundation. I still think a BB cream or CC cream or tinted moisturizer or whatever they are called nowadays are just gimmicky names the marketing people came up with.

I would never alternate my moisturizer for this or any of the mentioned above, but I am so glad to swap my foundation for this particular one. The coverage is awesome. I could go away with just one well-blended layer. My skin has been acting up a lot with breakouts on my cheeks and forehead. I feel like this gives lighter touch but comparable coverage of a foundation. Whenever I apply it on, I feel like I just wear moisturizer which it should be doing anyway.

excuse the flyaways

It doesn't cover everything, I still need to use concealer to cover any acne marks or blemishes, but it really does look like skin but better! The SPF 50+ is also a huge plus. One less product I need to pile on before going out the door. This is a great product for everyday use. Not heavy, good coverage, and sun protection.

I was using Dior 'Pore minimizer skin refining matte' primer underneath. The primer did a great job in keeping my forehead and cheeks matte and less oily, which made the makeup stay put beautifully even after 10 hours.

Last Sunday, I was playing with patterns for my outfit. Stripes and squares look pretty good together, don't they? I really like the look especially when paired with jeans. I was going for a semi formal/casual look. What do you think?

Let's get connected!

Bloglovin' | Google+ | Twitter | Instagram | Blogger

Weeked Getaway | Quincy Roadtrip - What's in My Travel Makeup Bag

2014-10-23T09:00:00.000-07:00

My Quincy trip was a low-key/relaxing trip with a lot of time spent outdoors. I didn't pack a lot of stuff in makeup bag, just the essentials, most of which you probably are bored of =).

I just wanted to stick with the product I am comfortable with. I do have a couple of new products with me, one of which I have been enjoying for the past month and the other I have been trying out to create different looks with.

It Costmetics CC Cream - Not only it substitutes my foundation, with SPF 50+ it also substitutes my sunscreen. One less product I have to worry about when I'm traveling. Although it's claimed to be a CC cream, I don't alternate my moisturizer with it just because I don't think it performs the same way. I'm in the shade medium, if you're curious. I will have review coming up this week.

BareMinerals READY eye shadow 4.0 in "The happy place" - This was the first eye shadows I own from BareMinerals, and the only ones I brought with me. I was trying out the shades to determine how I like them. I, however, am certain the quality of the shadow is great and I have no complain. It doesn't flake off, and it's pigmented and I don't have a hard time to blend them. The shades are gorgeous, and very "fall" color, but I'm still not sure how versatile this little palette is.

Urban Decay Naked Flushed palette - I once regretted my decision to get this palette, but now I'm happy. It got all that I needed - matte bronzer, shimmery highlighter and dusty rose blush - in one compact packaging. The blush is particularly pretty and it stays put throughout the day.

I also brought along my trusty babies: Cover Girl Lash Blast volume mascara, Rimmel Scandal Eyes kohl eyeliner in purple and brown, Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles, sample sizes of Benefir the Porefessional and Lorac Behind the Scenes eye primer, and last but not least, my old-time favorite NYX Stay Matte But Not Flat powder.

For brushes, I posted my essentials for travel before, but I guess these are the prime contenders when I'm traveling light. Sigma F80 brush for foundation, Real Techniques buffing brush for powder, Real Techniques blush brush for bronzer, Sigma F05 for blush, and Sigma E25 for eyeshadow.

What's your essential when traveling?

Weekend Getaway| Quincy Roadtrip

2014-10-22T08:30:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!

Last weekend, I had a roadtrip with my friends to Quincy, CA. It was my post-tax-season trip which I seem to have annually. Ocep organized the trip, which I really appreciate. I've never heard of the city before, but Ocep said the Fall color is beautiful there, and it certainly was. I saw the prettiest trees I'd ever seen, and it was just uplifting to see how simple things could bring such and joy and excitement.

Despite hours of driving and occasional nausea due to the winding road, it was a memorable trip. Ocep said the color would be prettier if we would've gone two weeks after, but

I'm just happy we went.

I hope you enjoy the pictures as much as we did taking them.