Make up Transformation

I have always believed that every woman carries their own beauty. Unfortunately, many women have low self-esteem and a lack of confidence. I would know because I also have a lot of my own insecurities. But I feel that anyone is capable of looking their best with make up. Make up is able to enhance any woman's beautiful features, while playing down some of the things they don't want to draw attention to. And for the more artistic, the face can act as an empty canvas, while make up is the tools to conjure up creative pieces of visionary art.

Featured in these photos are a makeover I did of my college roommate awhile back.

Before


After

My NYX Fix

I haven't been able to post lately because an unexpectedly awful thing happened...my wallet got stolen!!! =[ I know, a total bummer. So lately I've been trying to handle everything (canceling cards, ordering new ones, filing a police report, etc.). As unfortunate as the experience was, I'm just glad that I didn't get hurt in anyway. This incident really opened my eyes to be more aware of my surroundings. It's been a real headache trying to fix everything. But on a happier note, my package from cherry culture just came in today. It really lifted my spirits. In fact, I got to test out some of my new goodies. =D

Check out my photos below (Make up: NYX Round Lipstick in Snow White, Prestige Eyeliner in Black, MAC Eyebrow Pencil in Lingering; Clothes: Cardigan from H&M, Ruffled Floral Top from Forever 21, and the skirt is Express...and please excuse the messy hair, I just got off a long day of work =p) :


NYX Snow White Lipstick with flash



Here is the Snow White Lipstick without flash


And here's me wearing the lipstick color...


Finally, all my goodies that came in the mail...I've labeled all the colors. =D

Camping Necessities for a Beauty Addict

I recently came back from a camping trip to Sequoia National Park with the bf, my sister, and her husband. All I can say is that I survived!!!! Three days and two nights without a bathroom/shower was gross, but I had an amazing experience of truly roughing it. I'm really proud that I accomplished a 6.8 mile hike up to the mountain to reach a lake. My bf didn't think I would be able to make...I showed him!!....lol.

And I couldn't have survived without bringing Olay Daily Facials Express (Wet) to clean my face and body. Another item that really saved me when I was camping was Purell Instant Hand Sanitizer!! Thank god for that!!

Sadly, the last night it rained, so our tent got soaked, but we were able to use the face wipes to clean ourselves up. If you ever go camping, I highly recommend bringing those two necessities and make sure you store them in the bear bins to prevent bears from invading your camping grounds.

After I got back home, I rewarded myself with a new dress that I absolutely love from a clothing website with the cutest dresses. The website is http://www.modcloth.com Check it out!

And here's a picture of the dress I got ( How Do I Weave Without You Dress). I absolutely adore the weaving detail on the back of the dress. It really puts a unique spin. Making a simple dress, unique. =]

Get the Look for Less

Fashion Icon, Kim Kardashian, is always looking her best. Here's how to get her same fashionista look for a lot less. (Note: Prices are subject to change and availability in accordance to company website).

Affordable alternative listed below:
Wayfarer Sunglasses from Bleudame ($19)
Black Peep Toe Pumps from Aldo ($60)
Black Dress from Forever 21 ($20)
White Blazer from Bebe ($170)
Fringe Necklace from Forever 21 ($7)

Happy Independence Day Everyone!

Happy Fourth of July weekend everyone! While all you girls are out celebrating with bbqs, fireworks, and picnics, here's something to think about. I saw this article on Yahoo about updating the classic Wonder Woman outfit with a more contemporary dark style. Honestly, I'm all for gender equality by having Wonder Woman wear pants, but what happened to the brightly classic patriotic colors of our American flag I so fondly remembered as a child? Does that mean they're going to update Captain America and Superman's costumes too? Anyway, here's the link....check it out!

http://buzz.yahoo.com/buzzlog/93808?fp=1

Rainbow Eye Makeup

Summer's here, so pop out with all your floral and brightly colored clothes! What better way to celebrate summer than with rainbow bright eyes that really pop! I saw this in the Korean girl band, 2ne1's music video called Follow Me. And I was absolutely obsessed with the make up...it really does remind me that summer is here! Featured in this blog is a picture of my own more subtle version of the bright rainbow eye makeup experiment. And below, I posted a make up tutorial I found on YouTube of how to get the same exact look in the 2ne1 video from a makeup blog on a girl I think is great.  You can check out more on her website at http://www.frmheadtotoe.com/  Enjoy!

Buying Tips for the Recessionista Fashionista

In the midst of a recession, retail sales can be constantly found in every nook and cranny-stretching from 30% off designer handbags to 70% markdowns on clothing. But with all these clearances, you shouldn't lose sight of what is fashionable and what is a part of the reject pile of last season's styles. The best way to go around bargain shopping for retail apparel/accessories is to pick essential classic items that will never go out of style and can remain in your closet for a lifetime! In fact, the top ten basics that every woman should have in their closet and make a mental note of purchasing (when bargain hunting) are:

1. The Little Black Dress (LBD)- As obvious as this may seem, many people don't realize how essential a LBD is to a woman! It is the perfect go-to article of clothing for a night out or any cocktail event! And the great thing about a LBD is that it can be paired with any colorful accessory (clutch, bag, jewelry, shoes, etc.) to play it up. But keep in mind, the classic and elegant LBD must give off a sort of Audrey Hepburn a la Breakfast at Tiffany's feel rather than a gaudy overly sequined and overly ruffled frock. The main point of an LBD is to keep it simple and timeless or else you'd end up looking sloppy...not exactly the image you want to depict.

2. Plain White T- I know you may be shocked, but you'd be surprised how many people actually own a simple plain white t-shirt nowadays. Including myself, I never realized how I overlooked such a necessity until the time came when I actually needed it! Now, to me, a plain white t-shirt (scoop-neck, V-neck, or basic crew-neck) is the perfect thing to wear on those days I'm feeling rather blah about myself or say not seeing eye-to-eye with my scale. The great thing about the plain white T is that you can tuck it into a nice full A-line skirt, wear layered, or with simple jeans. And I love piling on the gold necklaces or bangles (pick only one!) when I wear my shirt.

3. The Favorite Pair of Jeans- I know this is a tricky one because the "perfect fit" jeans are just so hard to find...I probably have better luck meeting Hugh Jackman than a rocking pair of jeans. But the trick to finding the perfect pair isn't always about paying ridiculously high prices at designer jeans stores. Many retail stores like Macys, American Eagle, etc. have inexpensive jeans that can always be compromised in order to get that perfect "glove-like" fit. But before buying jeans, you must ALWAYS try it on first and do the squat/sitting test! You're probably wondering what the squat/sit test is...well, when you wear a good pair of jeans that aren't too low or too loose on you, when you squat/sit down, the jeans should not fall down to reveal an undesired public view of your derriere. Instead, a good pair of jeans should cover up your bottom. And a pair of too-tight jeans are blatantly obvious because you would see an undesired belly bulge overlapping the top of your jeans (also known as the dreaded muffin-top). And in terms of length/size, rather than going for something too small and short, always get the next size up. Even if it is a little loose, you can always bring it to a tailor to be sized down/shortened. Take me for example, I am a fairly short 5"3 Asian American petite girl, so I always have trouble finding the right length for jeans. Sometimes the "short" is too short and the "regular" can be too long. So what I always do, is test out the fit of regular-length jeans and if it fits in every other aspect, I bring the pair of jeans to a tailor to have re-sized (generally inexpensive, costing around $20). It's a small expense for something that will definitely pay-off visually, in the long run!

4. A-Line Dress/Skirt- The A-line cut is a cut with a fitted top and a flared bottom that creates a shape which resembles a capital letter “A,” giving it its name. The A-line is a universally flattering dress/skirt shape for all women because it enhances curves, while hiding unwanted belly bulge. In fact, A-line dresses are perfect on everyone that many bridesmaid dresses/bridal gowns are designed with the A-line cut in mind. The best A-line dresses are light floaty fabrics that really give off the feminine playful flirty and youthful essence.

5. The Feminine Trench Coat- Going out at night and it's cold out? The best thing to wear over a pretty cocktail dress without compromising your style is a trench coat. These standard outerwear apparel are perfect to wear when it is a little chilly/sprinkling out. And you don't necessarily have to get a basic tan or black trench. You can always wear a colorful trench in purple, grey, red, yellow, white, etc. to brighten up a gloomy winter season. And the belt on the trench accentuates a woman's waist, so a girl can really have it all-warmth and style.

6. White Button-Up Shirt- Something you never see on a "Don't" fashion list is the tasteful white button-up. These crisp shirts remind me of the definition of clean and refined. And I love that I can always wear this to work without looking inappropriate. Even better, I can always layer it with a cardigan, vest, blazer, etc.

7. Chandelier Earrings- Are perfect for dressing up for a night out or just pairing with any casual outfit to bring attention to the face. These type of earrings are surprisingly so versatile and actually go with practically anything. Just remember to keep every other piece of jewelry to a minimal if you're going with chandelier earrings because these earrings already make their own bold statement.

8. Tailored Blazer- Are a great way to look polished and professional. It dresses up the most casual outfits to make it look classy. You can wear it under a plain white T, with jeans, a skirt, or for a more preppy look-with a crisp white button up.

9. Animal Print Accessory (Shoes, Bags, Clutches, Belts)- Adds a little pop to any outfit to give it that wow-factor! My favorite animal print closet item is my brown snakeskin strappy heels (shown in the image). When I pair those heels with my form fitting LBD, I always feel great!

10. Pencil Skirt- The epitome of femininity, the pencil skirt is a great way to dress professional at work without losing your feminine touch. Pencil skirts are sexy, yet sophisticated with curve hugging cover up. It definitely leaves a lot to the imagination.

Anyway, I hope these types helped you, the magnificent and smart budget-conscious fashionista that you are!