Ms Nancy's Fancies

My Favorite Everyday Sunscreens: Loreal, IT Cosmetics, Orbis

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 17 May 2015 00:40:00 +0000

Everyone knows the importance of sunscreen, and I cannot live without my sunscreens because I don't want to get wrinkles and freckles and sun spots. Everyday I put on 2 layers of liquid sunscreen, and set it with powder with spf :D

These are my favorite everyday sunscreens:

Step 1: L'Oreal UV Perfect SPF50 PA+++: I've written about this countless times, this is something I've been using since.... 2006 timeframe, which means I've been using this product for almost 10 years! Everytime I go back to Taiwan I stock up like crazy. I use this as my daily morning moisturizer, right after my serum. It's not greasy for my oily/combination skin and it's perfect here in California.

Step 2: I always apply 2 layers of sunscreen, because you won't get the right level of protection if you don't put on enough. Second layer I'd use use IT Cosmetics CC + Illumination SPF 50+ or Orbis Perfect Uv Liquid Foundation SPF 50 (I have the older packaging in blue, the new packaging is now in white).

IT Cosmetics CC + Illumination SPF 50+ is the best selling product at IT Cosmetics. I like the "illumination" version of it better than the original, I love the illuminating effect :) On days when I feel that my skin is looking shallow, I'd pick this. This is moisturizing as well. Because I have oily/combination skin, I always set it with powder. I also think this is very good for office wear, helps the skin look nice and illuminated under office florescent lighting :)

On days when I want a more matte looking skin, or if I just want to run out the door quickly without setting powder, I'd use Orbis Perfect Uv Liquid Foundation SPF 50. This dries to a powdery finish which is super awesome because I can just run out the door. I'm going back to Taiwan next week and this is what I will take with me along with my L'Oreal UV Perfect SPF50 PA+++. This is perfect for the humid Taiwan weather.

There you go, these are my 3 favorite everyday sunscreens! I use 2 of them everyday because I swear by wearing multiple layers of sunscreen everyday. First layer is always my L'Oreal UV Perfect SPF50 PA+++, and second layer I'd pick one with coverage :)

[Fancies] Paula's Choice Resist Intensive Wrinkle Repair Retinol Serum

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 12 Apr 2015 22:35:00 +0000

I've been using Paula's Choice Resist Retinol Serum for almost a month now, and I am already seeing pretty good results! Usually it takes awhile to see actual results from skincare products, but I think Paula's Choice Resist Retinol Serum showed results fairly quickly! This is my first retinol product, because I thought well, I'm already in my 30s, and I really should start using some real deal anti aging product like retinol. I've been following Paula's Choice's Youtube channel and think they mean serious business, and they explain the science behind their products in details that are easy to understand. The more I watch their videos the more I want to try their products.

Paula's Choice Resist Retinol Serum comes in air tight packaging with a pump, it's not in a jar like other skincare products. I learned from their videos that some active ingredients like retinol will lose their potency if exposed to light and air.

The back of the product explains that you can apply this product on the face, neck, and eye area. Yes eye area as well! I tried using it around the eye area, but I got a little bit irritated; nothing visible though, I didn't get red or anything, it just felt a little stingy. I think it is because my skin was still getting used to retinol and I should have eased into it rather than using it everyday at the get go. The rest of my face didn't feel stingy like the eye area, it did feel a little bit drier than usual though, but not too dry because my skin didn't peel. To combat the slight dryness I started using thicker moisturizer and that worked out very well.

The consistency of this product is thicker than your usual serum, it comes out clear, takes awhile to massage into the skin to be absorbed. I actually like that it doesn't just get absorbed that quickly because I enjoy giving myself a facial massage every night.

I've been using it every day at night, followed by thick moisturizer. I started off also applying it in the eye area but that was irritating my eye area a bit so I stopped. But I think now that my skin is getting more used to retinol I will start putting it around the eye area again, maybe every other night or every 2 nights. I definitely want my eye area to also benefit from retinol. I also apply this to my neck every night.

Why do I like this product? I can see visible improvements on my skin, my skin looks brighter and smoother in general, and I get compliments on my skin more these days ;)

A photo posted by msnancysfancies (@msnancysfancies) on Mar 28, 2015 at 9:24am PDT

[Fancies] Sisley Express Flower Gel

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 20:00:00 +0000

Want brighter looking skin? Make sure your skin is well moisturized! Took me a long time to realize that moisture is the key and foundation to healthy looking skin, and healthy skin automatically looks brighter. Vitamin C and other brightening products all build on top of healthy skin, so without good moisture the other specialized brightening products won't work as well.

Whenever I need a quick pick-me up I use the Sisley Express Flower Gel. You only the need to leave it on for 3 min, no need to wash off, just blot away the excess and massage in the rest! So quick and easy and best of all - effective! Because it only takes 3 min I can also use it in the morning before going to work. Most other deep moisturizing masks out there require a good 10-20 min.

My skin has been feeling a bit dry lately, probably because I started using a retinol product (Paula's Choice Resist Retinol Serum). My regular moisturizer doesn't really seem to help that much, but the Sisley Express Flower Gel completely got rid of the dry feeling, and I love that it makes my skin look super bright :)

[Fancies] IT Cosmetics CC+ Angled Buffing Foundation Brush

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 00:26:00 +0000

IT Cosmetics makes some of the world's best makeup brushes, if you haven't tried them I strongly urge you to try! My top favorite brush is IT Cosmetics CC+ Angled Buffing Foundation Brush. I am a powder foundation girl and have tried a lot of different brushes over the years to apply my power foundation. The IT Cosmetics CC+ Angled Buffing Foundation Brush is by far the best.

After I started using the brush I am convinced that power foundation should NOT be brushed on or buffed on. I know I know, everyone says "use a buffing motion" but that tends to leave a very cakey finish. Why not dust on powder you might ask? Because that doesn't last! Yes it will leave a very light layer of power but I need my makeup to last all day, there is no time for me to touch up during the day when I am at work. Sometimes I don't even have time to use the bathroom in between meetings, therefore I really need my makeup to last.

I find that using a patting motion really lays down a tight layer. You might think this will end up looking very heavy, the trick here is to not pick up too much product on the brush. I usually tap the brush just once into the power, and then I pat it into the skin. I think of it as a stamping motion, just stamping powder all over the face - starting underneath the eyes near the sides of the nose, and then stamp outwards toward the hairline and chin. One tap of powder is enough to cover one cheek. I might stamp more on the areas near my nose where the pores are more visible.

The IT Cosmetics CC+ Angled Buffing Foundation Brush is soft and dense, and it's a very appropriate size, makes the powder application super quick and easy. This brush has quickly become a staple for me and I plan to take it with me when I travel later this year.

[FOTD] Passport Photo look, part 2 (using a lot of IT Cosmetics)

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 16 Feb 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Last week I mentioned that I took my own passport photo, but I got a haircut after I took picture so I decided to take it again to see which one I like better.

Last week:

This week:

I think I like this week's photo better, but my skin looked better last week. It was more dewy looking, probably because I had more light on my face last week. Lighting makes such a big difference!

In terms of makeup, I did the same steps.

First I used IT Cosmetics CC Eye to conceal my dark circles. I like this concealer a lot! I love that it has spf 50 and doesn't irritate my eyes unlike many other regular sunscreens out there. I also like the cold applicator tip. I use the color Fair and it matches me well.

Next I used the cushion makeup my mom got for me from Korea. The brand is View Silky, never heard of it before, but it is supposed to be a dup of the Laneige one.

Next I set it with IT Cosmetics CC powder. I wish the cushion makeup doesn't need to be set, but it does. I am liking this powder a lot, it doesn't make the skin look that powdery and leaves a nice natural glow. I like to apply powder by pressing a slanted flat dense brush into the skin, I don't like to dust powder on. Pressing it into the skin makes the makeup last longer. If you are worried about a heavy look as a result of pressing the powder in, don't worry, just don't dip the brush in too much powder and you'll be fine. Pressing the powder in will also leave the base makeup undisturbed; you know how sometimes if you brush powder on over foundation it kind of rubs the foundation off?

Next I used It Cosmetics Celebration Foundation Illumination Light to contour. I have the color Light and it is too dark for my skin. IT Cosmetics tends to run darker than other brands. As you can see, I am almost out. Using a powder foundation that is just a tad darker to contour gives a very natural look and I love it.

For blush, I used Laura Geller Baked Flambe Blush PINK VELVET Pop . I love this blush, been using this everyday for the past...... Gosh I can't remember how long I've been using this, probably a year....

Since this is a look for passport, I didn't feel like putting on any eyeshadow. I just needed my eyes to look defined. Here I used It Cosmetics No-Tug Waterproof Gel Eyeliner, Plum. I absolutely love this eyeliner, just like the name says, it doesn't tug because it is super buttery, and yet it really is long lasting and doesn't give me raccoon eyes. I feel very comfortable saying that this is my absolute favorite eyeliner, number one in my opinion! I use the color plum because I don't have one in black, and I think it is dark enough for daily use. I only put eye eyeliner on the top, nothing on the bottom. I want my passport photo to look really really natural because I am usually bare face when I go on international flights and I don't want the immigration officers to have to do a double take if I look too made up and too different in my passport photo.

For mascara I am using K-Palette 1 Day Tattoo Volume Curl Mascara Lash Perm Black. This is a great mascara, it really does a good job of staying out and not staining my under the area. I also like that it is both lengthening and voluminous.

Lips I used IT Cosmetics CC Blurred Lines in Love. Here I only applies it on one side to show you the color compared to my lips, it really is just a very pretty natural lip color, not too different from my natural color.

And that's it. This is a look for lazy people such as myself :) Not too involved :)

[FOTD] Passport Photo look, part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 09 Feb 2015 03:04:00 +0000

Today I attempted to take a selfie as my passport photo. Of course I put on some makeup beforehand, still gotta look presentable even for passports. The makeup is extremely minimal, I don't want immigration officers to have to do a double take if I look too made up in the photo vs my usual bare face on international flights. I'll write up the steps for this minimal look later, this is also helpful on days when you just want to be lazy and not put on too much makeup.

After I took this selfie, my hubs and I went out to run some errands, and we both got haircuts. My bangs are back.

I will take another passport photo (selfie style) with my new bangs and decide whether to submit the photo with bangs or not.

Saturday is sheet mask time

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 07 Feb 2015 20:43:00 +0000

People often ask me, which sheet mask should I get? My answer is always - it doesn't really matter, the more you mask, the better your skin gets. There are all kinds of different formulas - whitening, acne, tightening, uplifting, moisturizing, calming, the list goes on and on. My observation is the marketing lingo may or may not translate to actual results, but your skin will always become more moisturized after. Of course you'd have to make sure your skin doesn't get unexpected reaction to certain ingredients. The bottom line is, if your skin is moisturized, it by default becomes more balanced, it would be less oily, less dry. Once the skin has balanced moisture, it'd by default look plumper, brighter, and make up goes on much better.

Today I am using a whitening mask, one that also hooks behind the ear.

I am typing this post as I mask. It is a treatment for the skin and mind. Weekend is for masking and for relaxing the mind!

[Fancies] Maybelline Pure Mineral CC Wonder Bright Correcting Cream SPF 37 PA+++

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 01 Dec 2014 01:46:00 +0000

Ah... the hype of BB, CC, DD creams continues. Who cares what they are marketed to do? I'd use it if it meets my needs. Today I want to share with you the MAYBELLINE Pure Mineral Wonder Bright CC Correcting Cream SPF 37 PA+++, but not because it works like wonders but because it does a few simple things that I am looking for:

simple sunscreen that I can wear at home on those days that I am not going out.
evens out my skin so I still look decent at home. I think it's important to look decent even when I am not going out, don't want to be a complete slob in front of the hubs you know? haha. 在家也是要美美的，不要一副黃臉婆的樣子。

Here's what the product promises to do:

I don't know if it does everything it's marketed to do, but I like the way my skin looks afterwards. It does even out the skin tone and it does brighten it to some degree. However, please don't think that you can substitute foundation with this, this will not give you the coverage you'd need from a foundation. This gives coverage like a tinted moisturizer, with some sun protection, with a little bit of brightening effect. To me, this is perfect for wearing it around the house but definitely not enough to head out the door.

The product comes out white.

There are tiny pigment beads in the cream that gives you some coverage when blended out.

I always apply sunscreen products in 2 layers because it is important to apply evenly. I'd dot it around the face as shown above, and use my fingers to blend it out. I don't use a brush or sponge, just my fingers. I'd repeat and apply a second layer. It's very important that you apply enough product to get the full sun protection.

The result is slightly evened out skin. Again, this is not going to give you the coverage you'd need from a foundation. But this is exactly what I need when I am just lounging around the house. It moisturizes as well so I don't have to worry about putting on moisturizer and then sunscreen.

Black Friday 2014 Shopping List from Steve Madden, Mozo, Julep,Hollister

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 07:29:00 +0000

What did you get for Black Friday this year? I got goodies from Steve Madden, Mozo, Julep, and Hollister.

First up is Steve Madden boots called Rikki. I read from the reviews that this pair runs small and is good for people with small calfs, that'd be me! I can never find a good fitting pair of boots because of my chicken legs. I have no idea how it will fit but the reviews sounded promising. I also read that this is a comfortable pair, people can stand in it for a long time even with its 3"+ heels. Sounds good doesn't it? I look forward to trying it on. I got this from Macy's ($169 -> $139.99 + 10% off) because they are cheaper than Zappos. SteveMadden.com actually had the lowest price but they didn't have my size so I picked Macy's.

I also ordered another pair of shoes: MOZO Divine . I am looking for heels that are comfortable at the same time, and I read that this is a brand made for chefs who need to stand on their feet all day - sounds promising. I ordered it in black (it also comes in brown) from Amazon because they are cheaper than Zappos. It didnt look like Zappos was participating in Black Friday so I ended up ordering 2 pairs of shoes elsewhere this year.

I also ordered a bunch of stuff from Julep this year. I've never tried Julep before but I have heard good things about it so decided to also enroll in their Maven's program where they send you a box of goodies every month, with the first box free! (code FREEBOX). That's a lot of nail polishes I know but I figured I can give them away for Christmas :) They also had great sale this year so it was the perfect time to try this brand. Looking forward to trying their different colors that they are known for!

I also ordered from Hollister this year, they were having 50% off site wide. What I really wanted was their jeggings. I've not tried it before but a friend told me they are very comfortable so I decided to buy 2 pairs plus 2 skirts that were on clearance. Yay jeggings, I love jeggings!! Why wear jeans if you can wear leggings? :)

[empties] ROC Skin Renewing Serum is just alright

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 00:28:00 +0000

Time for another empties. I know I haven't actually updated my blog in many many months, instead I've only been posting on Facebook. Today I felt inspired to come back to my almost-forgotten blog and changed the template to give it a new look and to give it a new post!!

As the title suggests, the I have used up the ROC Skin Renewing Serum and I'm not crazy about it. The texture is light and absorbs quickly, good for oily skin. The scent bothered me though, smelled like medicine :( The result is unknown, I got it for my neck hoping to slowly decrease my neck lines but I haven't seen any improvements. Maybe my expectation is too high because I know neck lines are pretty much impossible to get rid of...

Would i repurchase? Nah.... Maybe if the scent is better u would reconsider it.

[Fancies] Laneige Snow BB Soothing Cushion SPF 50 PA+++ is my current favorite base makeup!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 17 Feb 2014 23:26:00 +0000

Long time no blog! Today I felt pretty motivated to write because I have discovered a new base product that I've been using on a daily basis: Laneige Snow BB Soothing Cushion SPF 50 PA+++ (21 Natural Beige). I usually prefer powder foundation because they are quick to apply, and I don't like using a wet product (like bb, cc cream, or foundation) because they require a setting powder which is another step that I don't feel like taking in my busy mornings.

However, I do like the finish of a wet product because it looks more like skin. I've finally found something that looks like skin and does not require a setting powder, enter the Laneige Snow BB Soothing Cushion SPF 50 PA+++ !

Here's what the product looks like:

It comes with a compact and a refill, how convenient right?

It comes with a velvety sponge which is placed on the top component, with the actual product underneath it, which you'd need to unseal when it's brand new.

The actual product is soaked in a spongy material, you take the sponge, press down into the product to get it onto the sponge.

Simply use a patting motion to apply the product, there's no real technique really. I find that patting works better than dragging the sponge over the face. As you pat, you'd feel a cooling sensation which is very refreshing.

The cool thing about this sponge is that it doesn't really absorb the product. As you can see in the picture above, the sponge remains blue for the most part after application. This means that the sponge doesn't absorb the product for the most part, which means you are not wasting anything!

I use color #21 in Natural Baige. It's not super fair like most Asian colors out there :) I like that it has SPF 50 PA+++, talk about sun protection! I wish that I had this compact when I went to Disney World last year, this would have made reapplying sunscreen so much easier while looking amazing as well!

The coverage is light to medium, I do have to apply 2-3 layers over my freckles to cover them. I don't use a setting powder with this because I don't want to take away the look of "real" skin since powder will mattify the look. To ensure that it lasts for a good amount of time I use a setting spray like NYX Cosmetics Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray Dewey which gives me about 5-6 hours of staying power. The application takes longer than powder foundation because the patting motion takes longer than the buffing motion with a brush if I were to use a powder foundation, however I think it's worth it because I find that when my powder foundation starts to disintegrate in the later half the day it starts to look cakey and gross whereas with this products, when it disintegrates it kind of just disappears rather than seeing powder that kind of cakes up with the oil on my face.

Now let me show you some before and afters:

As you can see, the coverage is light to medium. With 2-3 layers it still doesn't fully cover my freckles. I didn't use a concealer in these pictures so that I can show you its coverage. I do love that my skin still looks like skin with multiple layers. I also think it covers pores very well, I have pretty bad blackheads and pores on my nose which are covered pretty well without looking like the product is sinking into the pores.

I had previously tried the cushion compact from Etude House which made me break out, didn't last as long as this one from Laneige, and didn't look as natural. Laneige Cushion is way better than Etude House's, hands down.

Here's a video of unboxing and application:
And in case you want to see the included pamphlet that has detailed product information, here they are:

[FOTD] Christian Dior Cannage Couture Collection All Over Makeup Palette: Pret-A-Porter Look

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 20 Jan 2014 02:27:00 +0000

Last time I wrote about the "Couture Look" from the Dior Cannage Couture Collection All Over Makeup Palette, today while my hubs watches the 49ers game I thought I'd finish writing about this collection featuring the "Pret-A-Porter Look" :)

First step is the base color:

The base is shimmery white, but not too white, it simply provides a very nice brightening base while letting your skin still shine through.

Next, apply the pink all over the crease. Just like the base color, this is a very soft and natural pink.

Next I used used Mally Beauty Evercolor Automatic Waterproof Eyeliner in Onyx the Blackest Black to line my upper lashline (not on the bottom), and then layer the dark plum color over it.

I also applied the dark plum on the bottom lash line. I didn't use eyeliner on the bottom to retain a nice soft look.

I then used the base color again on the inner corner, concentrating on the part the naturally puffs up when you smile - smiley eyes!!

And of course, apply the mascara using the included travel size version of Christian Dior Diorshow Extase Flash Plumping Mascara. It's a fine mascara, but I find the brush a bit too big for my sad little tiny Asian lashes.

The overall look is very natural and pretty, perfect for the spring!

Hope you liked this look, and GO NINERS!!!!

[Fancies] I style my bangs with Revlon Curl Collections Quick Styling Hot Air Kit

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 01 Jan 2014 22:54:00 +0000

Happy new year! Are you all recovering from last night? LOL. I didn't do anything crazy on New Year's Eve, had dinner and counted down at my in-law's. Today, the first day of 2014, I want to write about hair styling which I don't really talk about here because I don't know much about hair... ;) But I do want to share with you the...
Revlon Curl Collections Quick Styling Hot Air Kit because I use it almost on a daily basis and so far I've really been enjoying it. BTW: Please excuse the inappropriateness in the video above.... someone used a dirty word!

Anyway, as you know, I have straight blunt bangs. I struggle with them from time to time even though I've had them for about 2 years now. If I don't style them right they can look super flat and lifeless. I've tried using curlers and flat irons to create some volume but never really like how they turned out. On Black Friday I decided to stop by Target and buy the Revlon Curl Collections Quick Styling Hot Air Kit just to see if it'd work well for my bangs. I had no idea how it'd turn out but I'm very glad it works very well! The styler comes with a 1" and 1.5" attachments. I use the 1" one for my bangs, and I use it while my hair is still wet. I curl my bangs inward and the heat dries it at the same time.

Please check out the video above because it is kind of hard to describe this in words.

I've tried using curlers as shown in the picture but they don't work well with wet hair in my opinion. I prefer using the Revlon styler to style and dry my bangs at the same time. I still use the curler on days when I don't wash my hair though.

My bangs now no longer look flat and I really like that the styler makes the volume last all day too :)

Happy new year everyone! May everyone have pretty bangs for the rest of the year!

[Sponsored] Unboxing SOL REPUBLIC JAX in-ear headphones

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 26 Dec 2013 06:13:00 +0000

Hope you had a good Christmas! I wanted to share this great stocking stuffer from SOL REPUBLIC, but I only received it on Christmas eve and didn't have time to post this on my blog until now, sorry about that!!

Remember my previous posts about SOL REPUBLIC? I like these headphones a lot because they are comfortable to wear and I love the quality :) This time around, I am so excited to see that they now come in smaller in-ear sizes!

Let me show you:

These JAX in-ear headphones ( http://solrepublic.com/shop/in-ear-headphones/jax-in-ear-headphones-i2.html) pack great sound for the size, are super lightweight and comfortable. They're great for people who are always on the move, on the phone or listening to music while in transit. I'd use them to watch my Roku when my hubs prefers not to be disturbed by my TV watching =p

I also appreciate the many different color options, I of course picked the one in pink :) You know what else I appreciate? The silicone earbud covers come in 3 different sizes so you can pick the one that fits you the best.

It always annoyed me because my previous in-ear headphones would fall out of my ear, I learned that it's because the earbud covers were the wrong size - they were too big therefore they didn't sit snug in my ears. The SOL REPUBLIC JAX in-ear headphones come in 3 earbud cover sizes, and the small one fits me the best.

This pictures shows a medium one (left) and a large one (right).

LOVE!! I look forward to using these with my iPhone, iPad, and Roku :)

Here's an unboxing video, and Merry Christmas again!

[FOTD] Christian Dior Cannage Couture Collection All Over Makeup Palette - Couture Look

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 22 Dec 2013 22:51:00 +0000

This is a long overdue post =P My sister-in-law got me Christian Dior Cannage Couture Collection All Over Makeup Palette for my birthday this year (thanks Stella!!). This is my first makeup pallet from Dior and I was SO EXCITED! I've heard awesome things about Dior's eyeshadows but never got around to trying them. I think the Cannage Couture Collection All Over Makeup Palette really is a dream come true for all ~~Dior~~ makeup fans out there.

Here's a short unboxing clip:

The Cannage Couture Collection All Over Makeup Palette is inspired by Dior's baguette bags and features the classic Cannage pattern in black vinyl.

This palette allows you to create a natural pret-a-porter look and a more glamorous couture look. It also comes with sponge applicators and lip brushes, perfect for traveling :)

Today's look features the right side of this palette: the couture look.

First I used the base color all over the eye, from the lashline to the brows.

Next I used the middle light brown color on the lid area.

Next I used Mally Beauty Evercolor Automatic Waterproof Eyeliner in Onyx the Blackest Black to line my upper lashline only

Next I smudged the eyeliner with the dark brown shadow, using the skinnier side of the sponge applicator.

For the borrom lashline, I applied the middle light brown from the outer corner to the middle of the eye, right below the eyeball.

Next I used the skinny sponge and applied the dark brown only in the outer corner.

Now for highlighting, I used the highlight color and applied it in the inner corner, concentrating in the area that kind of puffs up when you smile.

This palette also comes with a travel size of Christian Dior Diorshow Extase Flash Plumping Mascara. It's a fine mascara, but I find the brush a bit too big for my sad little tiny Asian lashes.

Done! Dior shadows are super pigmented, applies smoothly, and has a very nice (almost creamy looking) finish.

For lips, I mixed both lip glosses together. I honestly can't tell the difference between the two, they are both very transparent.

Final look, complete with Laura Geller Baked Elements Foundation and Laura Geller Baked Flambe Blush in Pink Velvet.

Happy holidays and hope you liked this post! Next post will be a natural pret-a-porter look using the left side of this palette.

[Fancies] My 2 Winter Must-Have Makeup Products From Laura Geller

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 15 Dec 2013 22:35:00 +0000

Yesterday I wrote about my winter must-have skincare products, and today I want to share with you my 2 winter must-have makeup products, and they are both from Laura Geller. Laura Geller has been my all time favorite brand for a number of years, I especially love her face products.

1) Laura Geller Spackle Tinted Under Make-up Primer (Supercharged)

Back in 2011 I wrote about Laura's Spackle - Tinted Under Make-Up Primer in Ethereal. Yes I've been using Laura's Spackle every since 2011 and I still do, which should say a lot about the quality if I am still using it after 2+ years. What I love about Spackle in Ethereal is the glow it gives (and obviously the fact that it helps makeup last all day since it is a primer), I actually used it on my wedding day. Today I want to talk about the Spackle in Supercharged. The Supercharged comes in a tube whereas the Ethereal comes in a pump. I prefer the pump packaging more than the tube but maybe the pump isn't the best mechanism for Supercharged since the formula is a bit different. Supercharged is more moisturizing than Ethereal, which is perfect for the winter time. Although it does not give the same glow as Ethereal, Supercharged keeps my skin moisturized for the entire day and keeps my skin looking fresh. Just like the Ethereal, it is very easy to apply because it is light and spreads out very easily. I have been using Spackle in Supercharged every day this season, and you should too!

2) Laura Geller Baked Elements Foundation

I had already written a post about the Baked Elements Foundation in Nov. This is a must-have powder foundation for the winter because even though it is a powder it does not feel nor look powdery, and it gives skin a very luminous glow which is a must-have during the dry winter months. I use this powder in 2 ways: I'd use a big fluffy brush if I want it as a setting powder, or I'd use a kabuki brush if I want it as a powder foundation. Both application gives me that luminous finish that does not look powdery. Just like Laura's other baked formulas, the Baked Elements Foundation starts its life as a cream and then is baked for 24 hours. The unique thing about the Baked Elements is that it contains Italian thermal spring water that is supposed to moisturize and nourish the skin. I don't know how well Italian thermal spring water works, but I can say that this Baked Elements Foundation wears very comfortably on dry winter skin, and the luminous finish it gives is absolutely wonderful. Ever since I got my hands on this it's been my favorite powder and I am glad that Laura's products lasts a long time because I definitely want this to last so I don't have to repurchase it that often :)

[Fancies] My 3 Winter Must-Have Skincare Products From Naruko

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 15 Dec 2013 07:00:00 +0000

Yes winter is here. California has been exceptionally cold in the last couple of weeks, it's the coldest it's been since moving here in 2008. Luckily, I've updated my skincare accordingly that my skin has been behaving and cooperating. I'd like to share with you my 3 winter must-have skincare this season, from Naruko.

1) Naruko Taiwan Magnolia Brightening and Firming Toner EX 白玉蘭鑽采超緊緻美白化妝水EX

This toner is from one of my favorite lines from Naruko called "magnolia". The "magnolia" line is made to brighten and firm the skin, and has the most fresh magnolia scent!! I love the scent!! This toner is almost serum-like, which is a lot thicker than most toners out there. My skin is dryer now than normal, and by the time I get out of the shower, get dressed, and ready to start the skincare routine my face is already pretty dry which means I need a good toner to prep my skin for moisturizer. This does just that: preps the skin, moisturizes, and it makes me happy because I can feel the instant burst of hydration and plus I love the scent of magnolia!

2) Naruko Super Triple HA Night Gelly 三重玻尿酸晚安凍膜

If you haven't tried any of Naruko's night gellies you really should try them! These night gellies are what put Naruko on the map in my opinion. The way you use these night gellies is to layer it over moisturizer at night, as the last step in your skincare routine, go to sleep with the night gelly on like an overnight mask, wake up and wash it off. The purpose of these night gellies is to seal in the benefits of your moisturizer while you sleep, with added benefits (like firming, whitening, brightening, anti-aging, etc) depending on which night gelly you get. I've tried a couple of different night gellies from Naruko and my current favorite is the Super Triple HA Night Gelly, which is perfect for the winter. HA stands for hyaluronic acid which we know boosts skin's moisture level and prevents moisture loss. For those of you who live in cold and dry environments, you probably experienced waking up with dry skin even though you already put on moisturizer before going to bed, I know I certainly hated that when I lived on the east coast. This night gelly will ensure that your skin remains moisturized throughout the night. The texture is watery and gel-like just like the name suggests. It is fragrance-free. I use the included spatula to scoop up 2 pea size amount and layer it over my moisturizer every night.

3) Naruko Raw Job's Tears Supercritical Co2 Whitening Night Eye Gelly 紅薏仁超臨界美白眼凍膜
Naruko also makes night gellies for the eye area. I am currently using the one from the "Raw Job's Tears" line. The consistency is stickier and thicker than the Super Triple HA Night Gelly, which I like because I need something thicker for the eye area, especially my under eye area which is sadly starting to form some fine lines. Usually in the morning when I wake up, the night eye gelly is still on whereas the rest of the face has fully absorbed the HA Night Gelly. As described above, I layer the night eye gelly over eye cream, and then go to sleep. I really like the idea of these night gellies because they are masks made for lazy people, simply put them on as the last step in the skincare routine and then go to sleep, it's like putting a blanket over the skin ready for bed :) Seriously, if you haven't tried night gellies from Naruko I highly HIGHLY recommend that you try them!

Hope you find this post useful, I will also be putting up my winter must-have makeup products next :)

[FOTD] Chinese drama princess look 浪漫古裝偶像劇 - 蘭陵王王妃 - 楊雪舞

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 25 Nov 2013 04:24:00 +0000

A couple of months ago I was watching Chinese drama 蘭陵王 day in a day out, it's a love story (love triangle actually) between a king of one kingdom, a lord of another kingdom, and an ordinary (but very smart) girl. The main girl in the story is not known for her beauty but for her wit, cleverness, and kindness.

Today's look is inspired by this character. She usually wears bronze eyeshadow, winged out eyeliner, lengthening falsies, and a neutral lip.

Let's start:

First I used Amazonian clay eye shadow in Beige all over the eye area, from the lashline all the way up to the brows.

Next I applied to the center of the lid the bronze crease color from Maybelline Expert Wear Eyeshadow Trios - Bronze Tlitz.

Next I used Rimmel London ScandalEyes Waterproof Gel Eyeliner, Black-Black to line my upper lashline, elongated with a wing.

For the lower lashline I used Mally Beauty Evercolor Starlight Waterproof Eyeliner in Bronze on my entire waterline.

For the lashes, I picked Princess Lashes in Criss Cross 7. I wanted something that's not too crazy that is slightly lenghtening.

For the lower lashes I used Maybelline Great Lash Waterproof Mascara, Very Black, blush I used

Laura Geller Baked Pink Buttercream Blush-N- Brighten, foundation is Laura Geller Baked Elements Foundation in Fair.

Lips: It Cosmetics Anti Aging Vitality Flush Je Ne Sais Quoi Reviver Stain

Here to mimic the girl's wedding look, I used a more berry color: Laura Geller Shine & Shield SPF 15 Lip Gloss; Fresco Berry

[Fancies] Emjoi Micro-Pedi Callus Remover is my answer to baby soft feet

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 24 Nov 2013 11:33:00 +0000

I think as I get older the bottom of my feet get more and more dry and disgusting looking.... in the past I'd just try to use foot scrubs like the ones they use at nail salons but the results were always dismal. A couple of weeks ago I came across Emjoi Micro-Pedi Battery Operated Callus Remover on QVC, and was surprised at its glowing 5000+ five star reviews! Needless to say I was immediately drawn to this and knew I had to try it.

I quickly searched for this on Amazon and was very happy to see that they sell a newer model:

Powerful Emjoi Micro-Pedi Callus Remover (Latest Edition) which is cheaper than the original, and since QVC always charges an arm and a leg for shipping and handling I of course ordered it on Amazon instead.

When I finally got this at home, I gave it try immediately after I procured 2 AA batteries to go with it (I wish they could include batteries with this). The result is pretty amazing, my feet felt super smooth, it's like I have baby feet again (almost)! The way it works is to slowly swipe the device over the dry areas and what makes it very satisfying to use is seeing a lot of your dead skin (which looks like white powder) fall out - it's like you can see it work in action!

The roller is something that will wear out over time which you'd need to replace. The default blue one that comes with the device is quite gentle and takes a quite a bit of swipes to really get rid of all the dry skin, next time when I need to replace it I plan to buy a stronger roller Emjoi Golden Blue Micro-Pedi Refill Rollers for Unisex Tough Calluses (Super Coarse) to see if its more efficient.

I like this so much that I actually bought 3 more to give them away as Christmas presents :)

[Fancies] Shiseido Integrate Pure Big Eyes VI700 - My wedding eyeshadow quad!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 10 Nov 2013 22:13:00 +0000

When I went back to Taiwan earlier this year, I picked up the Shiseido Integrate Pure Big Eyes VI700 eyeshadow quad from Watsons. I've always liked Integrate eyeshadow quads because they are very easy to use, looks very pretty, and very affordable. I knew I wanted a quad with pink in it and decided to give this one a try!

I love Asian eyeshadows, because they are so shimmery and pretty! Western eyeshadows tend to be more metallic whereas Asian eyeshadows tend to be more shimmery. I love that Asian eyeshadow quads almost always have a very pretty shimmery shade to go with the rest of the shadows, and I love that it comes with instructions on the back:

I love this quad so much that I used it at my wedding! Here I will shadow you how I used this quad for my wedding look, I basically followed the given instructions; the only difference is that I used fake lashes for my wedding and today I only used mascara. Let's start:

First, apply the base color all over the lid from lashline all the way up to the brows.

Next, apply the pink shadow to the area under the brow bone, and take it down to the lower lid as shown above.

Next, apply the light brown above the lashline to where the eye folds.

Here I am using black eyeliner on the upper lashline, taking it to the outer corner and a little bit on the lower lashline, but not too much. This step serves as the base for the dark brown shadow in the next step.

Now, take the dark brown shadow and smudge it over the liner.

This step is my favorite step! Take the shimmery white and apply it to the center of the lid right above the eyeball, and in the lower inner corner. This will really open the eyes. For my wedding I actually didn't use this shadow to highlight because I didn't want to be that shimmery for the wedding.

As for mascara, I used Mally Beauty Volumizing Mascara, Black on top and Maybelline Great Lash Waterproof Mascara, Very Black on the bottom. The small Great Lash brush is perfect for my tiny lower lashes.

I love that this quad doesn't have really crazy colors, but yet it really makes the eyes look bright, perfect for weddings!

Other makeup used today:

Foundation: Laura Geller Baked Elements Foundation (Light)

Blush: Laura Geller Baked Flambe Blush in Pink Velvet

Lips: It Cosmetics Anti Aging Vitality Flush Je Ne Sais Quoi Reviver Stain.

And wedding photos from James Liu Photography:

PS: I know I always post smiley photos so I decided to do something different today and post a not so smiley one:

My hubs says that I frown at him a lot, just like this.

[FOTD] It's Luigi Time! Wearable Luigi Halloween makeup featuring Maybelline Perfect Pastels in Green Gardens

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 04 Nov 2013 19:02:00 +0000

How was your Halloween? In the past I usually went clubbing for Halloween but not this year - this year I dressed up as Luigi, went to work, and participated in the costume contest at the office. Since this Halloween event took place during the day at the office, my usual clubbing look with false eyelashes would not be appropriate for the office so I did a much more toned down look using Maybelline New York Expert Wear Eyeshadow Trios, Perfect Pastels 15T Green Gardens

I actually like this look a lot, let me show you!

The Maybelline New York Expert Wear Eyeshadow Trios, Perfect Pastels 15T Green Gardens is not very pigmented, I'm not sure if all the trios in the Perfect Pastels collection is like this but the Green Gardens trio definitely needs to be applied with the sponge applicator, else no color would show. First I applied the base pink shadow all over the lid, and in the inner corner.

Next I lined the upper lashline and lower outer corner using Mally Beauty Evercolor Automatic Waterproof Eyeliner in Onyx the Blackest Black. This liner is a bit dry making it a little bit hard to apply, but maybe it's because I've had it for a couple of years and it's a sign that I need to throw it out. This step doesn't need to be precise at all because I am going to apply eyeshadow over it.

Here I am taking the dark green shadow and using the sponge applicator to pat it over the liner. This makes the liner a lot more softer and the result is a nice dark green smudged out look.

Next I am taking the light green shadow, and applying it to the center of the upper lid, and center of the lower lid. I like the way the light green balances out the dark green, and the light pink all over color gives it nice balanced and soft look.

Since the Maybelline shadows in this trio are not very shimmery, and since I like shimmery eyeshadows, I applied the light shimmery shadow from my Shiseido Integrate quad in BR 330 in the center of my lid. I lover shimmery eyeshadows!

Blush I used Laura Geller Baked Flambe Blush in Pink Velvet which is my favorite blush at the moment! I love it so much that I want to order it in Peach Crumble. First I used the lighter color under my eyes and all the way up along the cheek bone. And then I swirled it together and applied it to my cheeks.

The blush is so glowy and pretty! For lips I used It Cosmetics Anti Aging Vitality Flush Je Ne Sais Quoi Reviver Stain.

Done!

As for the costume contest, we won! I managed the convince other people to join me in the Mario clan. We had Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Yoshi, and Toad. I specifically wanted a dude to be Princess Peach since Mario and Luigi are girls and I wanted it to be funny :D

Here's when we tried to take jumping pictures and failed...

Anyway, hope you had a good Halloween!

[Fancies] Laura Geller Baked Elements Foundation is my favorite foundation!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 01 Nov 2013 15:30:00 +0000

I am a powder foundation girl, I've been a powder foundation girl for the last.... 10+ years. I always choose powder foundation over liquid foundation and bb and cc creams because it is much easier to apply. At first I was all about using mineral powder, but when I discovered Laura Geller about 3-4 years ago I ditched all mineral powders and never went back. Laura Geller is known for her baked Balance N Brighten foundation which I have used 2-3 pans of. Not too long ago Laura launched her brand new foundation Laura Geller Baked Elements Foundation whose official description reads:

The latest innovation in Baked! Italian thermal spring water, used in this revolutionary foundation, helps create a flawless finish. Baked Elements Foundation delivers buildable, luminous matte coverage while nourishing and hydrating skin with essential elements. Extra-fine micronized pigments blend seamlessly to create the lightweight, multidimensional finish of healthy-looking, balanced skin.

When I heard about it I immediately purchased it on QVC which comes with a fab kabuki brush which you can see in the video above. I got it in the color Fair which matches my skin perfectly.

It does exactly what it says: luminous matte finish which means it is not dull and drying looking, but it is luminous with a natural glow which you can't really find in other matte finish foundations. It is light to medium coverage, and super easy and quick to apply. I use if every day because it takes literally only 1 min to put it on. On days when I break out, I would apply concealer on my blemishes first, and then finish with this foundation.

The added bonus of the Italian thermal water is cool, I am not sure how well it moisturizes the skin, but I can say that my skin feels comfortable all day long.

I think these before and after pictures speak louder than words. The result is absolutely wonderful. I don't know how else to describe it, other than I am very glad I got this, I use this everyday, I love it, and I am glad this thing lasts forever just like all the other baked products from Laura Geller.

Bottom line: you need to try this if you are a powder foundation girl like me, and if you are looking for a light to medium coverage foundation.

[Fancies] The Body Shop Camomile Gentle Eye Makeup Remover is still my favorite

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 30 Oct 2013 15:30:00 +0000

Back in 2010 I wrote about loving The Body Shop Camomile Gentle Eye Makeup Remover (here), well it is 2013 now and I still love it! I usually put the cotton pad UNDER my lashes, and let it sit there for a few seconds without rubbing. What amazes me is that you can literally see the mascara on each individual lash when you take off the cotton pad:

It amazes me every time! And this doesn't sting my eye and it is not oily at all.

Do you have anything that you've been using and have been loving for years? Tell me!

[Fancies] Mally Dual Core Eye Brightening CC Concealer is now my favorite concealer

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 28 Oct 2013 17:32:00 +0000

I recently purchased the Mally Dual Core Eye Brightening CC Concealer not too long ago and it has quickly become my favorite concealer! It covers well, it is buildable, and it disappears into the skin!

What attracted me initially to this is the lavender core in the middle:

The lavender is supposed to color correct (hence the term "cc") the darkness under the eyes. I also love that it is so easily to apply: simply draw it on like a crayon, press it in, and you are done!

See the before and after above? I love it, isn't it amazing? I love how easy it is to apply, it's super quick and it works!

[Fancies] Luxury Lipstick in Pilar Pink from Mally Beauty & Laura Geller Lip Spackle Primer

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 27 Oct 2013 00:37:00 +0000

Lately I've been wearing Luxury Lipstick in Pilar Pink from Mally Beauty a lot :) I think Mally really knows how to make pink blushes and pink lipsticks!

I first came to know of this lipstick when I was watching Mally present her Your Brightest Days Are Ahead Collection on QVC. The models wore this lip color really well on tv, I love that it's light pink but still stands out. However, when I first put this on I was surprised that it came out looking really hot pink, which wasn't what I saw on tv:

I was actually quite disappointed because I wanted a light pink color; the hot pink was simply too bright for my taste. As you know, colors always look more vibrant in real life than in photos.

Even though I was disappointed, I still kept on trying to make this lipstick work for me. I started mixing it with chapstick or lipgloss, which worked somewhat, but still didn't give me what I saw from the QVC models.

One day, I all of a sudden remember that I have Laura Geller Lip Spackle Primer which I completely forgot that I had. The Lip Spackle is supposed to cover your lip color so that lip colors can show its truest color after you apply them. I quickly put them on and voila, I finally got the light pink that I was looking for.

The picture on the left is applied without Laura Geller Laura Geller Lip Spackle Primer, and the picture on the right shows what Pilar Pink looks like with Lip Spackle.

I absolutely love how Pilar Pink looks paired with the Lip Spackle!

Here's what I used for the rest of the face and I wrote about this look in [FOTD] Bright and youthful look using "Your Brightest Days Are Ahead' kit from Mally Beauty:

Face:

Legere Aqua Soothing Essence-In C.C Cream SPF20

Laura Geller Baked Elements Foundation in Fair

Concealer:

Mally Dual Core Eye Brightening CC Concealer

Mally Perfect Prep Hydrating Under-Eye Brightener

Eyeshadow:

Mally's Evercolor Shadow Stick in Empowering Lilac

Mally's Evercolor Shadow Stick in Twilight

Eyeliner:

Mally's Evercolor Starlight Waterproof Eyeliner in Fearless Brown

Mascara:

Mally Beauty Volumizing Mascara, Black