Showing posts with label FOTD. Show all posts

Daily Look | Fall Vibes

lavlilacs 2018 PMAD daily makeup look, fall vibes

I call this the Autumn look but, truth be told, I've been sporting this color palette since the summer; orange, brown, and gold are versatile shades and effortlessly compatible with either season. It seems to go well with both my tanned skin tone and, now, slightly lighter tone. Paired with loose waves that veer brown-ish under bright sunlight, this continues to be my styling of choice at the moment.

Looking at this photo makes me itch to dye my hair a chocolatey brown shade with a wavy perm. Knowing me though, I would be terrible at upkeeping colored and damaged hair.

lavlilacs 2018 PMAD daily makeup look, fall vibes eyes

lavlilacs 2017 2018 PMAD daily makeup look, fall vibes - products used details

Redness is always an issue on my face. Typically it is the residual effects of acne while most other times it is just blotchiness. I use the MAYBELLINE Master Camo Color Correcting Pen 10 Green to target said spots and blend it out with the JUNGSAEMMOOL Essential Star-cealer Foundation Puff. I spread about half a pump of the JUNGSAEMMOOL Essential Star-cealer Foundation in Medium Deep in the compact itself, lightly dab it onto the JSM puff, and stamp it onto my face (starting from the inner regions and moving towards the outer areas). If I feel like I need more coverage for under the eyes, around the nose, or on other discoloration then I will take a brush and work the included concealer into my routine as well. I apply a light wash of the BECCA Cosmetics Beach Tint in Lychee on my cheeks. Then set my entire base with a light dusting of the Skinfood Salmon Dark Circle Powder. I apply the bronzer shade from MAC Cosmetics Mineralize Skinfinish in Pink Power under my cheekbones and on the temples of my face. MAC Cosmetics My Highland Honey is the main focal point of the look, in my opinion, so I generously apply it to my cheeks. I smooth the Benefit Cosmetics Watt's Up! on the tip of my nose, on top of my cheekbones, and in the space above (but between) my eyebrows for highlight.

My eye makeup is far more simple in comparison. I mix Urban Decay eyeshadows in Naked and Buck before applying all over the eyelid and the lower lash line. Then I sweep some of Half Baked onto the middle-ish section of my lids space, following with Dark Horse in the outer corners of the eyes. Since my eyelids are constantly fluctuating between double and triple folds, I stick to my version of tight-lining with the Revlon Colorstay Eye Liner in Black Brown to avoid creasing issues. I end the makeup look by filling in my natural brow shape with the innisfree Brow Master Pencil in Gray.

Daily Look | Dusty Rose

lavlilacs 2018 PMAD daily makeup look, dusty rose

I wanted to share an update on how Project Make a Dent was going but realized many of the products don't look much different from my first post since it's only been two months. The next best option was to show how I have been incorporating the chosen items into my makeup routine during this time period.

Dusty rose was a trending makeup look a while back on YouTube. I was always a little apprehensive towards one-color trends because it felt kind of tacky, like wearing head-to-toe in one color and becoming a walking crayon sans the costume. It might look chic if white, gray, or black; anything else takes someone more fashionable than me to pull off. Throw a pink shade into the mix and it could easily make my face look blotchy instead of put-together.

Somehow, one day I played around with the colors I forced upon myself this year and the monochrome theme didn't look as bad as I imagined it to be.

lavlilacs 2018 PMAD daily makeup look, dusty rose eyes

lavlilacs 2017 2018 PMAD daily makeup look, dusty rose - products used details

There hasn't been a big change in the steps of my morning routine. The biggest changes from December's "Daily Look" post is a few product removals and a bunch of color swaps.

On this particular day, I still started with a light layer of Clio Kill Cover Pro Artist Liquid Concealer in Green. I followed with a layer of just the foundation in the VDL MULE Ultimate Cover Palette in A03 that was set with a dusting of Kate Lasting High Coverage Powder Foundation in OC-C, focusing mostly on the eye area and T-zone. Afterward, I applied the bronzer shade from MAC Cosmetics Mineralize Skinfinish in Pink Power under my cheekbones and temples of my forehead. I used the Milani Minerals Blush in Sweet Rose on top of my cheeks and lightly over my eyelids. For highlight, I opted to use Urban Decay in Virgin.

I applied Urban Decay in Toasted all over the lid as well to add a bit of shimmer and textural contrast to the eyes. It is barely noticeable but I swept the Hustle shade close to the lash line on the outer corner of the lids, to give my eyes more depth...I think? Then I curled my lashes and applied Clio Hitch Eye-King Mascara in Volume, lined my eyes with L'Oreal Paris Infallible Matte-Matic Waterproof Eyeliner in Deep Brown, and filled in my brows with JUNGSAEMMOOL  Refining Color-Bony Brow in Smoky Bony. The finishing touch is always a light coating of Maybelline Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick in Lover on the innermost part of the lips.

What do you think? Not bad or tacky? Should I continue this series when I change up my look for the warmer months?

Daily Look & End Results of Unofficial Project Make a Dent No. 3

lavlilacs 2017 daily makeup look

In the nearly 9 years since I dove head first into all things beauty, it took me a good 5 years before I somewhat comfortably wore base makeup on the daily. It took me another year or two for eyeshadows and another two to three for lipsticks. Yes, that's right...despite being mostly a "beauty blog" here on the interwebs it took me that long to gain that confidence. Even still my look of choice is barely-there, natural-ish makeup.

I amassed a ton of BB Creams and blush when BB Creams had yet to hit it big on the Western side of the world. Texture, consistency, and shading left most of those tubes to just sit in my drawers. Drugstore foundations were intimidating because there wasn't, still isn't, an opportunity to test pre-purchase and I am also not a fan of buying & returning. Higher-end varieties were just that, too expensive to justify for someone not yet committed to the makeup everyday routine. I thought wearing eyeshadows and lipsticks were typically attention grabbers and was never quite ready for it all if any.

Going through a cleaning phase knocked some sense into how unrealistic my makeup stash was compared to how much makeup I applied—at the time maybe a couple times a week...every so often. I tossed out bottles and bottles of the liquid stuff and was still staring at one too many powders, blushes, eyeshadow palettes, and lip products. That was basically the start of the first Project Make a Dent for me, way back in 2015.

Besides actually going through some makeup products, doing the PMAD's finally got makeup application to be a normal routine for me. Now it is just as natural as brushing my teeth and changing clothes in the mornings. I know how much time it will take me from start to finish and generally what techniques and products I have that work best. Even though there is still loads to learn, it isn't something that causes me stress anymore. Of all things to in the world to be stressed of, the fear of looking weird in makeup was foolishly one of mine.

lavlilacs 2017 daily makeup look - products used flat lay

That may look like a lot of steps but from the start of skincare to the end of makeup it only takes about 20 minutes tops if I don't suddenly try anything new in the mornings. If I used a cushion type base, I even shave off around 5 minutes of application time. My goal isn't to look perfectly flawless. I think the key to getting out the door is accepting that not every imperfect has to be painstakingly covered. Having all the products out in plain sight is also a game changer.

lavlilacs 2017 daily makeup look eyes

lavlilacs 2017 daily makeup look - products used details

My daily routine is usually, more or less, the above photo. I work my way from left to right product-wise. Step one and two are to color correct with the JUNGSAEMMOOL Artist Concealer Palette in Blend and the Clio Kill Cover Pro Artist Liquid Concealer in Green, whichever I grab first. Then I mix the Etude House Nymph Aura Volumer with the VDL MULE Ultimate Cover Palette in A03 and apply it lightly all over with a damp beautyblender sponge (the MULE cream foundation is very dry and thick). I follow with a light dusting of the bronzer shade in the MAC Cosmetics Mineralize Skinfinish in Pink Power and also highlight with either shimmery shades in the compact. Afterwards, I brush the MAC Cosmetics Mineralize Blush in Pet Me over top my cheeks; sometimes on the apples, other times right up to my temples.

I have recently started to "contour" my nose bridge with the Urban Decay eyeshadows in Naked and Buck shades. I use quotes because it is barely visible. I am practically incorporating this step for the sake of trying to use some of the shadow up. Since I lay some base color with the "contour" shades as well, I lightly dust either Half Baked or Toasted on my eyelids for some textural difference. I also bring some of that along the lower lashline to balance the look, it is especially helpful when dealing with a very smudgy eyeliner. If I use a liquid liner or more smudge-resistant liner, I would apply eyeliner as the last step in my eye makeup routine. When using the Marc Jacobs Beauty Highliner Gel Crayon in Blacquer, I have to use a darker shadow, Urban Decay in Darkhorse or Hustle, to set it because the formula is way too soft. The only way I can use that specific eyeliner is via a light-handed half-eyelid line that is smudged out the rest of the way with a thin eyeliner brush. Otherwise, I end up looking like a crying panda within minutes!

When I am satisfied with everything else, I fill my brows with the JUNGSAEMMOOL Refining Color Bony Brow in Smoky Bony and lightly dab (or swipe on with a brush) the JUNGSAEMMOOL High Color Lipstick in High Matte Burgundy onto the inner area of my lips for a gradient look.

lavlilacs 2017 Project Make A Dent No.3 end results

Even though I didn't make the Project Make a Dent official this year by sharing it on the blog, I was still trying my hardest to pan out things in my collection. I continued to work on the Visee Glam Nude Eye Shadow Palette in N-1 from PMAD No. 2 for a good portion of 2017. I upgraded to the Urban Decay Naked palette (circa 2011?) because I was honestly getting a little bored with the limited color selection. I hardly touched the Naked palette since purchasing it ages ago. While it doesn't look like much, most of the pans were filled to the brim when I first started. Now, look at those tiny tiny dips especially in Sidecar, Half Baked, and Toasted!

The other makeup item I stuck with from last year was the Pet Me Mineralized Blush from MAC. I was determined to see it to the end it after witnessing the progress from the last MAC blush I panned. It took daily makeup usage and an extremely excessive amount of brush swirling to see that much pan. I think it is safe to call it quits with this one once the new year hits, right?

Since I finished the bronzing/contour powder during the last Make a Dent journey, I quickly switched over to the limited edition MAC Wonder Woman Mineralized Skinfinish in Pink Power. It may be LE but I have also had it for years. This can't sit in my stash forever... I overfilled with joy when I saw the two highlighting colors diminish throughout the year. Contrastingly, the actual bronzer section looked to not have budge at all. But given how nicely domed it once was I can confidently say it has come a long way since January. I just hope it won't take me another full year to see the rest of the rings. The packaging is something I might keep around for the sake of it having been limited but at least the product inside wouldn't have gone to waste.

Otherwise, I finished a handful of eyeliners and cushion compacts throughout 2017 as well. They aren't as interesting to show in Project Make a Dents since I go through those kinds of items fairly regularly. They haven't been featured in any of my reviews of late either since the products themselves are on the older side (as in I've had them unopened for 1-2 years) and in the time period many of the products have been discontinued or upgraded. It is a shame though...I did find a few favorites amongst them and may never be able to find a better replacement. Well at least here is to another year of attempting to clear out my stash, rediscovering and trying out new things!

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays everyone~

Big Bang Alive Galaxy Tour Concert NJ 110912

This post has been delayed for long enough. But as the saying goes...Better late than never! All these photos are showed in order of when I took them. Maybe it'll help make it seem like you were there too. I'll try my best to find the name of songs they performed and add it in as well. Sorry for the blurry photos. Most were taken with my iPhone. (Prudential Center made a big announcement saying there were no cameras allowed. But once we got inside, the rule wasn't even enforced that heavily.) I've already cropped most of them to show the most important subjects a.k.a. the members :D Hope everyone enjoys!

My mani for the concert! ^__^
Yellow base: Revlon -  Buttercup
Blue glittery layer: Sephora by OPI - Underwater Fantasy

Can you tell? I was VERY excited! ^__^


My friend and I reached Prudential Center around 12PM and we were at the corner of the block. If only I didn't go to my one class that day, we could have had MUCH better spots. The people in front of us during the concert had been lining up since 9AM!
Once the VIPs got these bands, everything was a bit more organized. They actually had everyone go inside for the concert more or less according to these numbers. We weren't shooed back outside like the 2NE1 concert attendees were. All the VIPs with wristbands filed into the lobby/waiting area and lined up sequentially. I was #585. But there were 700+ numbers too! I dare say I think there were maybe even up to 1000 "VIPs". Whoever planned the concert really wanted to get all the profit that they could get >__>;; I don't think there was any empty space in the General Admission/VIP area.

The goodies that came with being a VIP ticket holder. Besides being able to attend the soundcheck, these made the VIP package worthwhile. The light sticks and shirts were pretty expensive at the merchandise stand!

There were fans who brought along tons of these kind of banners to pass out. I didn't even hold mine up because I was annoyed by others who held up their posters. I definitely didn't want anyone else to be in my position.

He did not look happy/impressed :P

My spots on the floor for the soundcheck and the concert were alright but still much closer than I thought I originally thought I would be in. If you can imagine this...there were the rails to separate fans from the stage. Then one row of fans, another row of fans, and I was in the third and last row in the particular area my friend and I chose to stand. After that we had to leave a space between us and another rail for people further up and closer to the center of the stage/catwalk to go in and out of the crowded mosh pit. And believe me when I say there were TONS of times when people (or more specifically this one particular person) who kept going in and out, in and out of the mosh pit. Us 3rd rowers were constantly jostled against each other throughout the entire concert. Huge bummer!

The seats ALL around us pretty much looked like this until a little while AFTER the concert began. I was worried it would stay empty because the concert was literally a few of days after Hurricane Sandy hit. But the fans pulled through :]
Songs Played: Still Alive Intro, Tonight, Hands Up, Fantastic Baby, How Gee, Stupid Liar
I wish I was closer to the main stage. Since I'm short (despite wearing heels), whenever they performed over there, I was only able to watch them through the big screens :[ My phone had a better view than I did xD







Song Played: GD & TOP ... Knock Out (뻑이가요) 
I wish I was able to see more of TOP. Of the few times he came over, my view was usually blocked by the girl's sign who was standing in the first row (she was a uber big TOP fan and brought a LED sign just for him). Those signs look better when you're not the person standing behind them :|







Songs Played: Crayon, One of a Kind, short English rendition of Crayon


Song Played: GD & TOP ... High High
Clearly the security personnels were not very impressed!
Everyone in my area couldn't believe the people at Prudential Center decided to place such a tall guy right by the stage. We were all so short compared to him! See those raise arms in comparison to where his head is? :X

Songs Played: Seungri ... Strong Baby and 어쩌라고 (don't have photos for that)
Songs Played: 가라 가라 고, Number 1, Cafe, Bad Boy
Songs Played: Blue (Fans were suppose to wave their blue light sticks during this song but since the Samsung booth gave out blue bangles, the outcome of the 'event' wasn't as dramatic), Love Song, Monster, Feeling
Probably the only 'good' photo I have with all five members in it.




Songs Played: Taeyang ... Only Look At Me and Wedding Dress (no photos)
Song Played: Daesung ... Wings
As corny as it sounds, he really did look like an angel :P
& Let me tell you...he sounds just as amazing, if not better, LIVE! :D

Song Played: Haru Haru (I have to admit did get teary eyed when the whole audience was able to sing the chorus of this song!), Lies, Last Farewell


Encore: Heaven, Bad Boy, Fantastic Baby, Feeling
One of the few clear photos I have of Taeyang. He didn't really come to the part of the stage that I was in as often. 

Something I thought was interesting. I didn't know that those Big Bang towels that were sold were actually meant for this.  A fan really close to the stage threw (I'm assuming) her's up and Daesung actually caught it! He wiped himself a bit and threw it back down.


I read about Daesung and his water flinging from the day before's concert goers. I was so surprised I'd be in the section that he chose to do this in though :P Yes things like this made me giddy. What can I say? I'm a fangirl too! :X

This fan behind us was SOO lucky! During the concert she asked my friend to throw a giant panda up to the stage for Seungri. Soon after when Big Bang came out to throw things for the audience, Seungri got in his stance and swung this jacket out to her direction. If I remember correctly she and another girl both caught it. But obviously she won the tug-of-war :P It wasn't until after I got home and did some 'researching' that I realized the LED sign she held up during the concert (that said VI) was actually Seungri's other stage name. Everything clicked! I think he really was trying to aim for her. Congrats to her! She must have been over the moon happy :D Those jackets, new and not worn by Big Bang, already were selling on YG Ent.'s ebay site for $100+!
Big Bang definitely did not disappoint! I was so amazed that they were performing with a LIVE band. I have no idea what it's like to be at a club. But I assume the atmosphere with the loud heart throbbing music that filled the venue would be kind of similar? Of course sans the screaming and singing fans xD

Everything went very smoothly and the concert started on time. No mishaps at all on their part. (I, on the other hand, lost a camera pouch toward the end of the show & my feet were dying from standing all day in heels.) Besides the great concert, I learned the importance lesson behind the reality of being a seatless VIP.
1 ~ Hardcore fans really do not care if other fans' views are blocked because of signs. They really will hold up those up HIGH for the entire concert!
2 ~ Being short is very disadvantageous.
3 ~ Having good spots where it is possible to actually see the members comfortably requires lining up VERY early, especially if it was a sold out show. Lots of people were not from New Jersey or New York!
But the amazingness of Big Bang really did make those problems bearable. Even after 2 months, the songs on my phone are still exclusive all the songs Big Bang performed that day. The more upbeat songs are actually really motivating exercise music! :P

*****You can ignore the next part of you're not interested in me babbling on any longer. Just a lot of fangirling going on here. More so for my terrible memory's sake than anything else :]*****

Most of the photos are of Daesung and Seungri because they came to the side I was in most of the 5 members. Before the concert, I didn't really have a bias toward any specific member. Everyone had their own charm. I always loved Daesung and Taeyang for their voices. TOP always had the charismatic/mysterious appeal and G-Dragon gained a place in my heart after his recent solo works. (Sorry Seungri fans...don't hurt me! :X) Afterwards, my standings for everyone are pretty much all over the place. I saw such a different side of Daesung from what I had seen of him on TV, he definitely went up in my ranks. Plus hearing his amazeball voice live...omgosh. Words cannot explain! Since I didn't get to experience the same amount of Taeyang as others did during the concert, my bias for him is more or less the same. However, I can tell everyone that his voice is also amazing live. G-Dragon's performance was also very memorable. Especially when he started to rap an English edition of Crayon (I'm very bias toward those who can speak English xD). TOP and Seungri's ranks in my books therefore were moved down. Not at all because they were bad! It was mostly because I literally got to see TOP perform only 3 or 4 times in front of me (so I missed his cute/aegyo moments).

Are you a fan of Big Bang or any other KPOP group/idol? Who are you biases?
Would anyone be interested in seeing the videos?
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