Cute Blog Award

12:27:00 AM mandy 10 Comments


I was tagged by Kar Yi from AngelicBetrayal. Thank you sooo much!! & Visit her blog!! Who'd have thought my blog would get a cute blog award :P I didn't...especially when I don't even update often hehe...=X

For this award you:
1. Link back to the person who nominated you.
2. Answer the award questions.
3. Tell something about yourself you haven't told anyone on your blog yet.
4. Award as many blogs that you think are worthy of this award.
5. Make sure you let those you gave the award to know that you awarded them.

Award Questions:

1. What is your go to makeup product?
I tend to wear very minimal makeup on a day to day basis. Enough that not many people even realize I wear makeup at all xD I tend to reach for a illuminating base (from Beauty Credit) and powder (usually I wear my MAC Mineralized Skinfinish Natural but I've been recently trying out my new Canmake compact for the past few days) if I wear any products at all.

2. What was your favorite fashion trend of 2011?
To be honest, I don't follow the fashion trends. When I shop I wear whatever I feel most comfortable in (hoodies, T-shirts, & jeans). I don't know what the fashion trends of 2011 were but I really liked the sheer blouse look...that I sadly cannot wear with my chubby figure =\

3. What is your favorite dessert?
I LOVE desserts! But have to stay away from them now for the better of my health ^__^ I really like cakes/cupcakes. My ultimate favorite desserts are probably anything with red bean in it, particularly 紅豆沙 hong dou sa...wiki calls it red bean soup. Any other red bean lovers? ^__^ Apparently it runs in the family! My cousins from my dad's side also loves red bean! I didn't believe in such things before until they mentioned it.

4. Favorite color?
PURPLE!! I hope someone noticed from my blog name hehe Although I tend to wear pretty plain colors (black, white, grey, navy...very boring!) I'm not a risky person >__>

5. What is your middle name?
I don't have a middle name.

6. What was the last song you listened to?
The very last song I 'listened' to was something that was playing at the gym & I don't remember what it was because I wasn't paying attention. So I'll share the last song that played on my phone (I use it as a music player, multi-purpose :D)...Everyday by Hwanhee (환희)

Something about myself:
I think I've only told this to one (or two) people in the blogging world...I'm a HUGE k-pop and korean dramas fan/lover/follower! I think it started when I was in middle school? Either I stumbled upon it while reading fan-fictions with k-pop idol characters or bestie brought me into it with Super Junior and DBSK. Whichever way, now I can't seem to get out of it =X 2NE1, Big Bang, WonderGirls, 2PM, 2AM, SNSD, IU, City Hunter, Secret Garden, The Greatest Love, Running Man and many many more...I listen to them all. Not too much of the newer and younger ones though (I'm jealous...and they are getting too young!) xD Since college started, I can't follow dramas and the new song releases as much but it's a great way (for me) to relieve stress! Although I've got to say...I'm not updated as bestie! She's always very informed at what is happened in that department :P What I would do to be able to visit Korea...!! *Embarrassed hehe

I will tag...
*SPARKLE♡APPLE*
Make Peace with Yourself :)
epued ♥ panda
Lifeandlensofbeauty
Shop N' Chomp
LittoMokaa's

Do check out their blogs! There are many others but I think they may already be tagged?

10 comments:

New Home, New Year, & New Storage

2:02:00 AM mandy 18 Comments

Happy Lunar New Year Everyone!!!

So exciting! This year is the first year I do not have school/class on Lunar New Year. No more being stuck in school when a majority of the people celebrating are home!

新年快樂 & 恭喜發財 ^___^
Sun nin faai lok/Xin nian kuai le & Gung hei faat choi/Gong xi fa cai

Hope everyone, who still gets red envelopes, get lots of them :P

--------------------

I thought that this topic seems appropriate for a new year, don't you think?

Fresh start. Everything is cleaned and organized and ready for the new year :] Let's just hope everything stays this neat and tidy for a long time!

I'm sorry there aren't any celebration related photos today! I didn't want to repost any old photos I've taken during previous lunar new years or use ones from Google image. So here are some pictures of my new storage system.

If I am able to get any photos tomorrow (well this morning to be exact), I will definitely share them with everyone :]


I am being very picky about my furniture. Even after moving in for over a month now I still haven't had the time to find a computer table that suits what I wanted =.=

Therefore, my nightstand has to serve a different purpose for now hehe

If anyone is interested the night stand is from West Elm (Narrow-Leg End Table) and this bookcase/storage unit is from Ikea (Expedit Shelving Unit).

I actually really like the Ikea Shelving Unit. I didn't even know they even made these drawers! When I saw this on the website I thought I'd just use it as a bookcase or buy the fabric lined or plastic containers. Although the material isn't very sturdy it can hold light stuff pretty well. I hope/plan to buy a few more of the drawers in the future to store other stuff :D


Top drawer of the 2 smaller ones - Face

Holds my pressed powders, loose powders, blushers, bronzers, concealers, highlighters, a couple lip/cheek tints, and an eye palette/trio or two.


Bottom drawer of the two smaller ones - Eyes & Lips
Holds my eye makeup and lip products and a few N.Y.C. creme sticks.

Those dividers are from The Container Store. I first saw them in one of fuzkittie's makeup collection/storage video and thought they were very cool. I think that these work pretty well to divide products without having to buy different sectional containers (which usually cost more). However, you must remember to buy a minimum of 2 packages of these because even for such a small drawer I didn't have enough to section off everything. Hence, trying to be frugal and cheap, I had to use make-shift dividers using the leftover short pieces.

Bigger drawer - Misc.

Has all the new products that I haven't used, masks, tubes/bottles of product that I do not want to leave on top to collect dust. Since I took this picture, this drawer has been completely filled :X


My side of the bathroom :P ... Never thought I'd be able to say that yet!

I finally have enough space on the counter top to place all/most of my skincare items! Now I can put all the good stuff I buy on my face right after I wash. A big problem I had before I moved was my face being dried out by the time I walked from the bathroom to my bedroom. I've heard bloggers/YouTubers said that it is best to put serum/moisturizer/etc. on when your face is still bit moist or damp.


First drawer by the sink
Some bits and bobs of skincare that didn't fit on the countertop basket.



Second drawer by the sink
All my bases, primers, foundations, BB Creams, some highlighters, and my NAKED palette.
I have a big base makeup problem! I think I need to go on a base makeup ban =.=
A lot of my BB Creams are getting old :X






My ever-growing box of samples. I should really get to using these! :O< Compared to my last makeup collection from 2010(!), it has grown quite a lot. I have to admit my problem now that I'm looking at one set of photos next to the other >___< Maybe for the first few months of this year, I should just focus on using these products only and buy a few products (best would be no products) as possible!

Anyone else feels the same way? Why do things have to be always easier said than done :(

**Just in case the gov't people are still being strict about these things...Items shown were either bought by me or by my parents for me. I am not sponsored or affiliated by any of these companies. Although it would be nice if I was LOL...I do not get anything from the links available in the post, they are just posted to make it easier for readers and to help readers who are interested in the product.**

18 comments:

More 2011 Empties

12:36:00 PM mandy 7 Comments

Look what I found when I was unpacking my things!! More empties...YAY ^__^

Most of them are not completely finished because they're either really old and needs to be thrown out or I know definitely expired (this sounds repetitive but you'll understand when you read further down :P)

Anyway...I guess I did 'finish' more products in 2011 than I remembered!


1. Laneige Star White Multi-Protector SPF40 PA+++
I actually bought this second-hand from a seller on Soompi. I really wanted to try it but couldn't go to the store or order a new one from online. At the time I completely forgot to ask when she purchased it. It's already been over a year maybe even two since I bought it from the seller so I feel it's time to toss it out.

I thought this product was okay. Nothing to scream about. It's very liquidy and easy to blend. I liked the consistency of it the most. But I think it was a rather tacky/sticky product. This product seems to be discontinued anyway (with the Star White line) so it's a good thing I didn't end up loving it :P

2. Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Treatment
I've used this acne treatment for a very...very...long time. I never really liked it. It stung a lot! Especially if I happened to have an open wound. The product would also take a long time to dry down and when it did it would leave a dry/tight spot on my face. I don't know how I would be able to apply it multiple times through the day (as suggested) if I wore makeup or even sunscreen for the matter. Maybe it's just my skin, but I didn't see very extraordinary results from this product :\

3. Lush Grease Lightning
I requested this in a giveaway I won from LaBelleMel a long time ago. At the time a few YouTubers/bloggers mentioned how much they liked it. After trying it...I didn't get the same results as them! Sucks when this happens. In fact, I didn't have any results ._. When I applied it, it didn't have any stinging like other acne treatments I've tried. But it would dry and leave some sort of a clear film on my face. Once it cracks and it'll start to flake off. Is that normal? I also didn't get to finish this product because it has an expiration date since Lush doesn't use preservatives/use a very little amount of preservatives.

4. H20+ Face Oasis Hydrating Treatment (oil-free)
I received this sample from Lil Lady's Life's giveaway package. I've reviewed the full-sized product here.

5. MAC Cosmetics Fix+
This bottle lasted me quite some time. I only used this after I applied my makeup to give me the dewy look or to look less powdery. I really liked this product. I can't put how I feel about it in words (I know this sounds ridiculous...I should be able to tell you why I like a product but it's just one of those that just is products hehe) =.= Fix+ made me look very natural whenever I had makeup on...I'd probably repurchase this after I finish a few of the mists that I currently have.

7 comments:

August - December 2011 Collective Haul

5:50:00 PM mandy 21 Comments

This post is a bit late but better late than never! :]

I think I did a pretty good job controlling myself in the later part of 2011, compared to the earlier half. No? In the past, I've bought this amount of products in one-two months alone heh :X

Let's see if I can control myself better in 2012. Must try to use my stash!!

Onward with my haulage ~~
*Picture heavy!!*


Maybelline Fit Me line haul


Maybelline Fit Me Foundation in 210 Sandy Beige and 220 Natural Beige


Swatches of Maybelline Fit Me Foundations
L to R: 210 Sandy Beige, 220 Natural Beige

I have since returned shade 220 because it seemed a bit too dark for me. Even 210 doesn't exactly fit my skin tone but I have many BB Creams that are too light for me so I justified keeping one so I could mix products.




Maybelline Fit Me Pressed Powder in 220 Natural Beige




La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment

I got this after a few bloggers recommended it, especially because of Lil Lady's Life. I've tried a few acne treatments before and they all stung or made my face very feel dry/tight wherever I placed it. Also, I never saw a lot of results from those. However, this one didn't have any of those problems! Maybe it's because it doesn't contain salicylic acid like the other acne treatments I've tried. This isn't a miracle product for me (yet) because it does take some time for the product to do its job. But I can't ask for too much from a product :P I just wish it wasn't so expensive for one tube.




Maybelline Lasting Drama Eye Studio Gel Eyeliner in Blackest Black

After trying a few pencil & liquid liners and not having much luck with either, I decided to venture into gel liners. I've only used this a handful of times. It felt strange applying liner with a brush. Probably need to practice more heh...I don't quite remember if this also smudged on me or not. Will try to report back on it later on!


Carmex Moisture Plus Ultra Hydrating Lip Balm in Sheer Peach Tint and Sheer Pink Tint

Again, I got these after reading reviews on it. I'm always looking for lip balms, tinted lip products that are sheer. This seemed to fit my criteria. I used these a few times (but not when my lips were very dry so I cannot say how well it hydrates). For someone like me who doesn't wear much lip product & is self-conscious whenever I do wear colored lip products, I think these do a good job of providing just a little color. A small step to get myself more comfortable with wearing lipstick/gloss xD




Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Temptress & Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss in Peach Petal


Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Temptress

I got these when CVS had their Extrabucks deal on Revlon lip products a while ago. This was probably the first time that I actually went to CVS trying to get products for Extrabucks. It wasn't a pleasant experience though. I went in thinking all the lipstick/gloss shades were a part of the deal but in reality only a few were. It wasn't marked or anything and the only way was to check the price (which I didn't do). I ended up buying I think one of the two at full price and realized I didn't get the Extrabucks...so I returned and bought someone that was a part of the deal and repurchased my return =.=Ahh...incident #1 of me spending more money that I probably should have. A great example of my impulse buying.

Anyone want to share their money saving tips with me? hehe :P


Target Sample Bag #2




Target samples

When Nouveau Cheap posted about the Target sample bag a while back I rushed to fill the form out. It was very hectic. I didn't even think I would receive anything because the site didn't say my form went through.

The makeup bag's design is very...interesting...heh. Definitely not something I would purchase, not my cup of tea xD But I shouldn't complain too much since it was free. This bag, if I remember correctly, is actually a little bigger than the last one (blue, purple, and white one).


My first Sephora online purchase during the Friends and Family sale






I was so surprised to see all the paper that was in the box!
I think they probably could have just used a smaller box :P




Clarisonic Replacement Brush Heads 2pk - Sensitive

Best friend and I split this particular item. I've mentioned before that we got our Mia's at the same time, so we needed replacements around the same time. The brush heads are pretty expensive so I waited for some kind of sale before I bought a replacement.




Josie Maran Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF40+

After using up my Shiseido sunscreen and trying a Japanese milk sunscreen for a while, I really wanted to purchase a new sun protection product. I've been eyeing this particular one for a long time because of its size and since it is a natural sunscreen (my personal preference). I've been using it more lately during my break and I'm not sure if it's the Genie in the Bottle serum...my moisturizer...or this SPF, but my skin feels very soft lately! Makes me want to try the Argan Oil as well hehe Maybe in the future...


The samples that I picked. I haven't tried them yet though.

Has anyone used/tried these products before? If so...how are they?




Olay Active Hydrating Beauty Fluid

I realized I have been purchasing a lot of products that Lil Lady's Life recommends xD The strange thing is most have worked pretty well for me too. I bought this when I was running low on my Hada Labo Arbutin Milky Lotion. I've recently started to use this exclusively to see how it faired. Although I don't like the immediate feel (tight) after some time when my skin fully absorbs it, my face is very soft and doesn't feel as dry. The best part is it isn't too expensive!


Missha M Perfect Cover BB Cream SPF42 PA+++ in No.27 Honey Beige

I think this is a new shade, correct me if I'm wrong. I actually got this for 'free' during their labor day (?) promotion. The reason for 'free' is because I had to pay for shipping which was around $9-10. I had some trouble with this order because I didn't receive any confirmation from Missha. I thought I was just unlucky and it wouldn't come! But to my surprise, it arrived. No.27 is more yellow/golden undertone than 23. It also doesn't have much gray either, which is always good. However, it is a bit dark for me so I use it to mix with my lighter BB Creams. I never formally compared this shade with the other darker BB Creams I own but I think it is similar to the Hadalabo BB Moist Emulsion SPF50+ PA+++ in Natural Ochre or Nanoce BB Moist Cream...I'll try to post swatches soon!!


Sephora Haul
Sephora Pro Foundatio Airbrush #55

This purchase came about because of the Beauty Insider's gift card I received (through e-mail) a couple of months ago. I just couldn't pass it up =X I went into the store with one list and walked out with a bag of different products! How often does this happen to everyone else?


Clinique Chubby Stick in Woppin' Watermelon

I wasn't expecting to find this at Sephora but after I spotted it I couldn't resist. I have a soft spot for sheer lip products :X I can't comment too much on its lip balm properties because I haven't used it enough or consistently to see the effects. I probably wouldn't purchase more until I use most of this one or if I have another gift card from Sephora.


Jack Black Lip Balm SPF25 in Black Tea & Black Berry

My lip balm collection just keeps growing! I decided I should probably take care of my lips with SPF products since I do so with my face already. Picking a flavor was a little overwhelming. I wanted to have all of them but I realized it was a bit much, therefore I only got one (for now xD). I must say it works well and the flavor isn't bad. The plus is it doesn't have any mint in it! However, I did notice that the sunscreen ingredient it used was Octinoxate, which if I remember correctly is a chemical sunscreen that could cause some sort of bad effect (but don't quote me on that...I should do more research on this!).


Sephora Glass Nail File







The American Apparel warehouse sale came to New York in mid-December. I went twice the first week it opened. I didn't pick up many pieces because the prices of the prettier items were still out of my preferred price range. I ended up purchasing only two hoodies, two pairs of leggings, and a tank, & of course these three polishes. Many of the polishes available weren't very well mixed. These were considered the few good ones. You could see in Factory Grey and Peacock that there are two colors in them.



I purchased this at a nail supply store. I've been searching for a spatula-like product. I don't know the real purpose for this item but it works well as a spatula so I have no complaints :P


OPI Natural Nail Base Coat

At the nail supply store, I also purchase this base coat. I was actually looking for a top coat but hastily said "What is a good base coat?" instead *smacks head* I didn't realize it until I came home that night. *sigh* Well I'm set for a base coat for the next year or two! hehe

Any recommendations for a top coat? Besides Seche Vite and Essie Good to Go?


Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Facial Cleanser

Yet another purchase made after reading Lil Lady's Life's blog! I was running out of my Hada Labo cleansers and wanted one that had some acne fighting ingredients in it. I must say this cleanser is drying! But the smell is nice, just like grapefruit. I don't know how I feel about this product yet...must use it longer to see how it does for my acne.

21 comments: