finding a summer look

It's summer here in the hot desert sun and I have been playing around with some looks to get an ideal summer look!

Here's what I have come up w/ so far:







Could you tell that I got my hair cut... I don't know if I like it but I usually don't like my hair cut. It takes me a few weeks to get used to it. The layers are kinda weird...

I was going for the tanner but natural look.

I think what sets off the look is my lip color - and I think this is a really awesome lip color:



It is the Palladio Herbal Tinted Lip Balm in Golden Pink that the youtube guru - emilynoel83 - has raved about for the longest time. It is a hard color to take a picture of because it reflects light but it is definitely a bronzy-neutral pink kinda color. It goes on pretty sheer but it gives you that bronzy look which is great for any summer. One thing about this product is that I don't find it that moisturizing - not as moisturizing as my Burts Bees or CO Bigelow's lip glosses. So I suggest putting a balm first. Also, when I first opened it, it had a really strong smell and the taste isn't so great either. Interestingly enough, I've had it for 2 months now and I don't notice it anymore. Perhaps I've gotten used to it or it had gone away. No matter, the issue is resolved and alas I can fully enjoy this product.

Besides this, I keep my eyeshadow light and bronzers are a must! I would put some highlighters on too but the blush I had on that day was already kinda shimmery.

Now I am off to look for more comfortable things for the summer to wear. All I know is that I cannot handle jeans anymore. IT IS TOO HOT!!!

Also, my family and I are going on a cruise - from LA to Mexico!!! - and so new dresses are a must!!! Ha ha - yeah, I'm planning to live in bermuda shorts, tanks tops, and dresses all summer long. Doesn't sound bad - does it?

Oh, and update on job: nothing yet... :( ** BIG OLD SAD FACE ** Has anyone ever seen the movie "The Graduate" with Dustin Hoffman (so sexy when he was young!! I still love that man though") ?? I feel like that's what I'm doing right now - just lying around the house not doing much. Maybe I'll have an affair w/ someone... ha ha - yeah, no, I'm not doing that.

Have you seen "Post Grad" w/ Alexis Bledel?? Yeah, that's pretty much how I feel too... It was a horrible movie that I was forced to watch on the plane to Hawaii. Ha ha - good times!!

AND FINALLY - I am trying to stay away from facebook for at least a week! You know, when you get bored, you go on facebook and then suddenly you find yourself stalking some people (oh come on people, I know I'm not the only one that do this!) and it just isn't healthy! Ha ha... so, I am hoping to stay away from facebook for awhile. Maybe when summer gets a little busier *FINGERS CROSSED!!* I won't have to force myself to stay away. With that said, I went on last night... ugh... but I will start today! Stay away from facebook for a bit. I honestly hope people won't try to contact me there... well you know what, there is always the phone.

Thanks for reading! I promise to update way more - cuz that is one of my summer goals.

But now let me know something:
What is your summer look??? Let me know - share you secret!

"i'm feeling rough, i'm feeling raw..."

Currently listening to: Time to Pretend by MGMT; I'm not a big indie fan but there are some really good stuff out there. My sister is currently obsessed w/ this band and has been listening to it non-stop!

Anyways, it is finally SUMMER TIME!!!!!! Thanks to all of you guys w/ your good lucks! I did pretty well this semester - considering the lack of motivation this semester, I did surprisingly well :D Very happy with my results and now I need a good, long, relaxing summer to just regain my focus for the next four years!!

I would say this semester has been interesting, exciting, stressful both in school and outside of school, lots of emotional turmoil on my part... but I'm done with that, for now :D I always get so sentimental by the end of the semester just because I know I'll miss everybody I've met this year. There's always facebook I guess :D

I just want to write a little something because... well I haven't written at all in a really long time. I've certainly neglected this blog ever since I got back from Spring Break. I honestly lost so much motivation in school as well as blogging and make up. But like I said - we get our ups and downs and now I'm back up ready to start the summer right.

Here's a little FOTD I did for a dinner I went to w/ my study group (we spent so much time together this semester... it was ridiculous!)








I kinda like the new picture location! I like day light much better than the lighting in my room!

SUMMER GOALS:
+ Get a job (ha ha ha.... yeah....)
+ WORK OUT MORE! (need that exercise)
+ READ MORE BOOKS (I'm working on Wuthering Heights right now.... kinda difficult)
+ BLOG (yeah baby!)
+ CELEBRATE MY 21st BDAY! (July 13)
+ Working in lab - volunteering at hospital (Keeping busy!)
+ Hang out w/ friends as much as I can (before I completely lose my social life to Pharm school)
+ Buy a netbook!
+ Go on Vegas trip w/ friends (ha ha... hopefully!)
+ Buy more summer clothes and clothes in general :D

So, with that said, I'm off to the mall to get a job. I hate working at the mall, to be honest, but I need the money!! I mentioned in my last post that I am suffering from poor college student (and let me tell you that grad school tuition is not fun!) so working as much as I can is important and necessary - especially if I am planning on buying that computer or the trip or BOTH!

I am optimistic in getting all of these goals down!! Gotta get my motivation back!

Thanks for reading - and stay tuned for lots more this summer.

don't wanna kiss, don't wanna touch

So, I haven't written in FOREVER!! Um, this is because... well, let's just say that I'm really experiencing a college life now - especially the POOR college life part! Ha ha.

I went to target today and the only thing I got (beauty-wise) - which I'm soooo happy that I'm reunited w/ this product - is the Burt's Bees lip balm!!! So glad I got this. Love this stuff to death.

But that doesn't mean that I have been completely neglecting make up. No, I wear make up everyday (bronzer, blush and eyebrow stuff) and I wear eye make up 3 times a week (just because I have the time!). I'm just really satisfied with what I have and I guess I don't feel the urge to venture out and get new things.

** Although I did see ELF at Target! That was really exciting! I was gonna grab the complexion brush but then realize that I can't afford it (yes, can't afford the 3 dollar brush!! UGH!!). Also they didn't have any eye primer stuff there. SAD!

HOWEVER, I did manage to swap! Yeah baby - swap is the best thing ever! I got rid of some stuff I don't use and in return, I got stuff that I have been interested in.



Maybelline Dream Mousse Bronzer in Sun Glow, Maybelline Smokey Eye Quad in Natural Smokes, Physician's Formula Shimmer Strips in Vegas Strips


Gotta say that I've found uses for everything. I have to say that I really like the mousse but again - it has shimmer and it doesn't last very long. However, you do get a very nice bronzy glow!! The Natural Smokes quad - lid color is not as pigmented as I would've liked but it is still a really pretty color! I wore this last night. I used it on my sister for her **FIRST DANCE**. Very nice. I'd recommend this quad but wish it was a bit better. And finally, I really enjoy the shimmer strips. It's a fun product to have to get that nice glow! I really like it. I don't like glitter but this is more of a fine shimmer and I just really enjoy it! VERY PIGMENTED! You don't need a lot at all.

So, those are my thoughts right now. I've had this for a few weeks and have been just testing everything out. I think more in depth reviews are coming soon.

I just want to add to my older post: EYE PRIMERS ARE REALLY IMPORTANT! I decided to not wear normal eye primer one day (I used the ELF Shimmer Facial Whip as a base b/c I heard it really worked for some people) and my shadows creased sooo much! It was disgusting. I also forgot to put on primer a few days ago and that faded too. So boys and girls - learn your lesson: eye primers make HUGE difference!! I think I will spend the $17 for them.

Sorry, random FOTD b/c I probably won't write for a while! Finals are coming!

It's Your Turn, Maybelline!

So I have written 2 similar posts like this explaining my 3 favorites, 3 unsures, and 3 dislikes from a brand. This time, it is Maybelline's turn: DUN DUN DUN! *dramatic music*

3 FAVORITES



1) Full N' Soft Mascara - Okay, this is a fantastic mascara for everyday-natural look. Your lashes look fatter and longer but to a very organic extent. Which means that you will have really pretty defined lashes but people won't look at you and say - AH HAH - MASCARA! People will look into your eyes and think: Darn, she is just naturally GORGEOUS :D - and that is the compliment we all want. RIGHT ladies? But think - this is AMAZING as a mascara primer too! I used it today just to separate and lengthen my lashes. Then I go over it w/ my CG mascara and WOW really really pretty. REALLY REALLY FAT and LONG lashes. Just good stuff. But honestly, using this on it's own is already perfect.

2) Eyeshadow Quad in Chai Latte - I know everybody says how much they love it... but do they? Or are they saying that because youtube gurus are saying it. Well, I personally enjoy this quad a lot! It's because when you are going for the natural look - yeah, this is gonna be great. Matte shadows are always awesome and these have great qualities too... but you can also go dramatic w/ it... ya know. I rarely use the gold though but once I did line my bottom lashline w/ it and it looked so cool. Anyways, if you are at the store and you're looking at Maybelline shadows... and you don't know which one you want - try Chai Latte - I think you'll be happy w/ it. Now, you won't be ECSTATIC; you won't be jumping up and down screaming "YES, I've finally got my hands on this heavenly object" - no, this is a pretty boring quad - I admit. But you'll use it :)

3) Dream Matte Powder - A great setting powder and really just a nice mattifying powder for oily skin out there. I have an oily T-zone in the summer and this really really helps w/ the shine. Although I did notice it got cakey on me during the winter time when I have dry skin... so do be aware of that. But I totally recommend this to people who can't stand their oily skin. Really good setting powder too.

3 UNSURES



1) Mineral Blush in True Peach - This is actually a really really pretty blush... and it is matte and it looks gorgeously beautiful and natural. This is my mom's HG blush - she will not use anything else!! I just don't like it for the mess and the fact that I find it hard to apply sometimes because it is really pigmented. Sometimes I accidently get too much... THING IS - this is a really pretty shade... so ignore me - this is my problem - you guys go and try this out.

2) Moisture Extreme Lipstick in Rum Raisin - Another pretty shade... but a darker shade. More dark like reddish color so be aware of that. I got this because I wanted a color I didn't have before. This is really great. I just don't like that it has a bit of glitter in it and once the lipstick goes away, the glitter remains. It also travels and ends up around my mouth too. But that is pretty much it. I enjoy wearing this during the winter time. Has SPF 15 - GREAT stuff! I guess, again, my problem. I'm sure some of you would LOVE this lipstick.

3) Eyeshadow Single in Beach Blush - One of my favorite shadows EVER! I feel like it brings out my eyes. The only thing I don't like is the pigmentation. It isn't as pigmented as I would've liked. Texture is not amazing either... but I will continue to use this. Again, I'm sure there are people out there who would love this stuff!

3 DISLIKES



1) Eyeshadow Trio in Berriful - The color in the pan is pretty... but.... GLITTER! equals FALL OUTS and I don't like that. The darker purple makes my eyes look like they are swollen... it is not my kinda color I guess. The mid one isn't so bad but the pigmentation is horrible. Overall, this trio has been sitting in my drawer for a long time now and I just haven't used it at all...

2) Dream Mousse Blush in Rose Petal - I think that's the name. I could be wrong. Okay, I LOVE LOVE LOVE the texture but I HATE HATE HATE the golden glitter in this. It is just way tooo glittery and I don't like that. I love the color - I think it gives me a nice and natural flush but the gold flecks just annoy me. I only like to use glittery/light reflecting particles as high lights and not blush... so this blush disappointed me in that way. I do pull it out to use it sometimes - when I'm going out at night :) I might try another mousse blush just because I love the texture and finish. Although I don't think it lasts very long on the face...

3) Express Finish in Eternal Blossom - Okay, I am pretty sure I made that name up... ha ha but the color is pretty accurate. I hate it because it takes 3 coats to get a decent color. And the color is very pretty - I have it on my toes right now. But without a base/top coat - this thing lasts 1 day. ONE DAY! What? Also, I don't like to have to wait for my nail polishes to dry and w/ 3 coats - I'm sure it takes at least 1 hour to dry. I don't have that kinda time. I could the the Seche Vite top coat but I don't feel like my polish stay on as long w/ that top coat than the one I'm using right now - Sally Hansen's.

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As you can see - a lot of these products are not exactly clear cut. I love most of them but they have their annoying qualities. It was actually kinda hard for me to choose... but there it is.

I hope you guys find this useful!!

Thanks for reading :D

Not So Great Review

Even though I am pretty tan myself, at one point, I thought about trying out a sunless tanner. The story is that I had skin issues on my legs - it was pretty bad - so I had to use different topical creams to help heal my legs. As a result, my legs don't really have an even skin tone... and I wanted to kinda even it out. Plus, I didn't wear a lot of shorts/skirts/dress because well... my skin was healing. I didn't want the entire world to see them. Pretty sure this was a genetic thing (my mom said she had it when she was younger too) and triggered by major stress in my Junior year of high school.

So, let me just get to this product:


Jergens Natural Glow - Medium

It is a gradual tanner and it says that it will give you a tan within one week! Yes, so you would apply this as much as you want and the frequency of your application is proportional to the rate of your tan. WOW - that was a lot of science talk there... got that out of my system. So for me, I wanted quick results (ha ha, I can really impatient sometimes), I would apply this after the shower and before school. I would say this did give me a tan after a week of doing so and it wasn't a bad tan either.

I've seen tans that are ORANGE and thankfully this wasn't that bad. However, on my skin, I do detect a tint of orange... which I don't really appreciate. But it wasn't so noticeable for other people - it was only just me since I do observe my legs a lot during that time.

I mean, I think as far as a tanner go - this is pretty decent. I would definitely recommend this to you...

NOW - I stopped using it when I decided that I can't really even out my skin tone with this and thus, YES you guessed it, the gradual fading began! It's not that bad but it is kinda gross... sometimes. I do notice part of my legs would have PATCHES of the tanner fading. So it'll be my leg and then some parts will be lighter just because the tanner is being rubbed off....

So... BE CAREFUL with this!!! Although - disclaimer - this was my first time using a sunless tanner so I might've made some beginners mistake or something.

I use this now just as a moisturizer. I do detect a bit of shimmer (nothing crazy... but there are particles in here) in this so it is kinda nice to put this on if I do decide to show off my legs. I don't use this everyday but I have sorta been using it again and perhaps that might be why my legs are sorta tan. So I think I recommend using it really gradually - not twice a day like me... and you'll have a really nice and natural look.

** Oh and my legs have gotten a lot better. It still has scars and discoloration but after my ordeal, I don't really care. As long as they are healthy I am happy. And I have gained back my confidence in showing my legs in public again. I mean, I went to Hawaii for goodness sakes! I had to wear a bathing suit.

Now, here is the really really really weird thing about this lotion. THE SMELL - okay here's the story:

So I'd put this on every night before I go to bed for a few weeks during couple of summers ago. One night, I was too lazy to put it on and I got in bed and I thought... what am I missing??? Oh the lotion! I actually think the smell is really nice and comforting... a great smell before bed. WEIRD huh....

So yeah, I don't know if this was a good review or not. I would really recommend you to try this out if you are curious - not too bad $7-9. You do get results and I don't think they're horrible results either.

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Do you have any summer must-haves that you recommend for me??

First Impressions - Aren't So Important

When you meet someone new - the only thing you've got is first impression. Depending on how forgiving that friend is, you really gotta try to look good or you'll just have to try to avoid them for the rest of your life... at least that's how I roll!

But then there are some friends who leaves you with the strangest first impressions but you bonded over some random thing and now you are inseparable.

Ha ha These are the few products that weren't so great at first... but turns out, they just needed a little time to adjust their awkwardness. Because now, I definitely reach out to them all the time for support, comfort, and lots and lots of fun!

1) Herbal Essences Shampoo and Conditioner


So I first used Herbal Essences A LONG time ago!! Like when I was in high school and I didn't like it all. It was dry and it just didn't really do anything to my hair. So years went by and I never went back to this shampoo. However, I was bored with what I was using (Treseme) but didn't want to get like Pantene so I thought - Herbal Essences! It was cheap and smelled so heavenly... so WHY NOT? Not that big of a deal. I bought this in Hello Hydration (I've used different types since - not my first bottle BTW - this is like 4th or 5th!) and realized that they've improved greatly on their products. This stuff smells amazing and very hydrating. My hair just feels so nice and soft! So great I LOVE IT!

So, if you need something extra in the shower... because you're routine gets boring after a while - TRY THIS! They come in so many scents and I feel like just stick to stuff w/ words "hydrating" and "moisturizing" and you'll be perfectly fine!



2) Maybelline's Mineral Power Concealer in Sand
I've done a review on this where I show before and after pics. Gotta say I really like this stuff. It covers my circles really well and doesn't leave it gross and cakey. I LOVE IT!! The only thing is that it is a little light for me right now. I always have to go over the concealer with bronzer now to warm it up a bit. But when I was paler, this shade was really great! Worked really well w/ my complexion. I really enjoy it.

3) Revlon Colorburst lipstick in Soft Rose
I wrote about this a while back saying that it isn't hydrating and the color is odd - I just didn't know how to use the color. Well, I find that this is just really nice for spring. Makes my face looks polished and just ready to face the day. It also has a nice staying power. It goes on your lips creamy but it doesn't feel slick. When I rub my lips together, I don't feel it moving around. I feel lit pretty much sinks into my lips like a stain... almost.

4) Palladio Herbal Tinted Lip Balm
I am OBSESSED w/ lip balms and when it comes to being tinted - that's awesome. I've always heard raved reviews on Emilynoel83's youtube channel and I thought it would be nice to have around for Spring and Summer. First thing I noticed was the smell. It had such a strong plastic/make up smell... URGH!!!! Second thing, it wasn't as moisturizing as I would have hoped. But as I keep using this product, I love the way it goes on and how it looks on me. I started noticing that the smell is decreased dramatically and the moisture has finally caught up to my expectations. So overall, I like this but it was not love at first sight.

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HOWEVER, I would also like to mention products that I've ENJOYED greatly when we first met but now we've grown apart...



1) NYX Jumbo Pencils - I'm sorry guys - I just don't have time to use you. I already applied my primer... I don't really want to have to apply you too... I mean, too much layers!!!

2) Rimmel Lasting Finish Foundation - you rocked my world for a little while but I've realized that you are too dark for me... alas - we must go our own separate ways. Well, maybe I'll buy a lighter foundation and then you to can mix to form my perfect shade. Until then, Adieu!

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YUP - that is pretty much it. Nothing new w/ me as far as make up goes. Well, actually my urge to buy any has decreased substantially. WHY? Because I'm broke now due to my Spring Break Hawaii trip! Ha ha. But that is good because I need to stop buying stuff and use what I have.

With that said, I am looking for a good foundation. One that hydrates but evens out my skin tone - I just want my skin to have one color! Not red here and there....

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Oh, I am planning to write a new PRODUCT BATTLE:

PREVIEW:

VS.

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It's been a few posts since I've shown my face: nothing really new - just hair is growing a bit longer.



Thanks for reading!!! Have a great weekend.

8 Things - All About ME :D

I wanted to write something so bad for April but I have been busy/distracted/lazy! So I hope you guys enjoy a tag post! I always really like to read these. It helps me to get to know everyone better - so I hope you get to know me a little better.

TAG: EIGHT THINGS TAG

8 T.V. Shows I like to Watch:

1. Any celebrity gossip stuff :) I know, it's bad!
2. The Amazing Race
3. House
4. Bones
5. The Office
6. 30 Rock
7. Saturday Night Live
8. Arthur - yeah, the PBS cartoon :) It relaxes me!


8 Favorite Places to Eat & Drink:

1. My house
2. Eegees (I think this only exists where I live)
3. Beyond Bread (again, only in my area)
4. Jack in the Box
5. This one Thai restaurant in Hawaii... it was AMAZING!!!!
6. La Salsa
7. Chipotle
8. Starbucks



8 Things I look Forward to:

1. SUMMER!
2. New people/friends at Pharmacy school
3. My 21st birthday
4. Going home and eating some ice cream after school today!!
5. GOING TO SEE MUSE!!! And 30 Seconds to MARS!!!!
6. New experiences and adventures in store for me in the future
7. RELAX :)
8. Shopping! I need to do some serious retail therapy :D



8 Things that Happened Yesterday:

1. I sat in the library for 4 hours b/c of the breaks b/w classes (not fun but productive)
2. Hung out w/ some friends
3. Got my biochem test back... a little disappointed but only just stirred up my fire, that's all
4. Cleaned the yard
5. Napped from 6:30 to 8... not a good nap time.
6. ATE like a maniac!
7. Cuddled w/ my dog
8. Danced around in my room to crazy music!



8 Things I like about Winter:

1. I can see my breath
2. Winter Olympics
3. The holidays - the break from school
4. Watching LOTR w/ my sister - our tradition
5. Getting presents!!! Eating a lot of good food.
6. More reason to wear bronzer (cause I'm so pale)
7. Shopping!
8. Beginning of new year - lots of new beginnings :D



8 Things on my Wish List:

1. More spring clothes
2. Better shoes... I only have one pair right now... it is DISGUSTING
3. A Netbook - small laptop - 11 inches
4. Nice family vacation - somewhere NOT California (we go there too much)
5. Meeting more nice guys instead of the usual idiots :)
6. A good job this summer (or at least something that excites me)
7. Boba tea......
8. More bags/purses



8 Things I'm Passionate About:

1. LIFE
2. LOVE
3. My family
4. My friends
5. My future
6. My academics - I feel like I can do so much with my field... help save a life or two
7. My goals, dreams
8. Everything!!! except for my Genetics class... ha ha



8 Words or Phrases I used Often:

1. Okay, so....
2. What's up?
3. What? (I get confused a lot)
4. YES!
5. Anyways...
6. Woot woot!
7. Oh my God!
8. Bongo baby (he's my dog)



8 Things I Learned From the Past:

1. To be more open minded - people make mistakes.
2. Be yourself, if people don't like that, that's fine - nothing you can do
3. Grew thicker skin
4. Life is all about ups and downs; just brace yourself and wait for the storm to pass
5. Be patient (something I haven't yet mastered)
6. Be nice, polite, and smile
7. Don't get to ahead of yourself - take it one day at a time
8. Be passionate in what you do; do what you are passionate about



8 Places I would Love to go Visit/See:

1. Greece
2. Venice, Italy
3. Ireland
4. Japan
5. New Zealand
6. Hawaii (Yes, I want to go back and visit every island!)
7. Olympic events
8. Hogwarts (ha ha I ran out of ideas)



8 Things I Currently Want/Need (wish list??):

1. Avatar, Sherlock Holmes DVDs
2. Pizza
3. This air conditioner to turn off - I'm COLD
4. Read people's minds
5. To be a genius
6. To be running outside right now - it's nice outside
7. A bike - so I can ride it around my neighborhood
8. To sleep! or to be in bed right now.



8 People I would love to Tag:

1. Kalmo from Cambo Soup
2. Lisa from Shop N' Chomp
3. Recessionista from Nouveau Cheap
4. Nicole from NV Beauty
5. Amynaree
6. Erynn from emotion in motion
7. Ahleessa from Ahleessa 4 Realz
8. Catherine from Strawberry Mochi

And anyone else that is reading this and finds this tag interesting!!! Please feel free to do so!!!