My Summer Beauty Go-to Items

Here are some of the items I have in my make up bag or purse or work bag during the warm season.

L to R - Sephora by OPI "How Cute is That?" OPI "Strawberry Margarita" "Aphrodite's Pink Nightgown" Spoiled by Wet'nWild "My Silicone Popped"

I love bright colored nail year round - I never got into the dark nail trend, I never felt it went with my skin tone or my personality.
Any pink, purple, or coral shades are my fave, though for work, I try to choose a neutral pink (OPI Dulce de Leche is my go-to for work mani) so it's not too flashy.

Maybelline Baby Lips: L to R - "Peach Kiss" "Peppermint" "Quenched" "Coral Crave"

Lip balm is a must in any of my bag since I work in a dry condition, and as much as I try to hydrate (I drink about 3~4 liter of water a day) I need protection.
Maybelline's Baby Lips have SPF and I love the neutral colors they have.

Front L toR - MAC Dazzleglass "Utterly Posh" "Pink Grapefruit" In the back: "Pink Lemonade"

On top of those balms, I love to have some lip gloss on when I am working, especially.
It just makes my face look more polished and finished -- and since now I have ombre colors put in my hair, along with my olive skin tone, coral/peach is my color.
Mac glosses are usually long lasting, and during the busy prep phase of the flight or the flight it self, it keeps well.

L to R - Tarte "Peaceful" NYX "Love"

Along with the coral or peach tone lips, I like to use light amount of bronzer and again, coral or peach colored blush on my cheeks.
These two are my favorite, and even when I tan during the warm season, it still shows up nicely.

L to R - Deja Vu "Lash Knockout" Yves Saint Laurent "Baby Doll"

Mascara is a must for me, as I am lash obsessed (falsie, Latisse, etc.) but most have failed my "panda/racoon eye" test.
These two have been my false proof from day one and it keeps the curl and lengthens the lashes as well.
The brush on Baby Doll is extremely useful when trying to get some extra mascara off the lashes but you do not want to use your fingers in doing so - it combs through and separates the lashes beautifully.

Tarte BB Tinted Treatment with SPF 30 in MediumTan

L to R - Trader Joe's Face Lotion SPF 15, Philosophy "Hope in a Jar SPF" (SPF 25), Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Cream SPF 50

I wear SPF on my face along with moisturizer though this BB Primer from Tarte serves wonderfully with it's medium coverage and SPF 30 protection.
Here are my go to sunscreens, and I usually have one of them in my purse for touch up.

When my face gets shiny from carrying the catering items to the plane, or just running around, this is what I use to make me less like a disco ball.
It looks white in the compact but it's a translucent finishing powder.

MAC Prep+Prime powder

Victoria's Secret So Sexy hair care line, dry shampoo

I don't wash my hair everyday, and never blow dry my hair - I usually let it air dry then if necessary, I use the blow dryer on the cool setting.
Getting my ombre done, I also want to baby the ends with all the color processing.
This is a must during those "second or third day hair" phase.
I love the scent of this line as well.
Just flip some of the hair, and spray along the hair line, where ever needed, but DO NOT over do it, you will get that white powder line in your hair, so make sure to go light handed and sort of rub it in lightly to blend the powder in to let it absorb the oil in your hair.


What are some of your favorite go to items during the warm season?

UCLA writing course assignments

COLLAPSE

During some of my darkest and loneliest moments I have always turned to writing.

It gave me endless space and place to do whatever I needed to do.

Since then I have actually have had some of my work published (under a pen name) in blogs, etc. and I was advised by couple of the editors to take some writing courses to polish my writing to further my talent. 

Since this blog connects to my personal Twitter account and also due to the nature of my occupation, I'd like to keep some of my most private and personal thoughts/accounts just that way -- however, I thought it would be nice to hear some reactions from some of you on few of the pieces that are more PG rated. 

Below is my assignment from my first week of my fall semester at UCLA extension; the topic was to write something that triggered your memory from my childhood, as the course is titled "Writing out of your Life ."

The alleyway next to the market was our playground.

Only big enough for one truck to pass at a time, we learned to ride our bikes there and mastered the climb on concrete wall that divided the area from the large parking lot.

When we poked that beehive in the old truck in the parking lot one too many times (I don't know why we thought it would be a good idea) and my little brother was too young to run away as his legs didn’t move fast enough and fell victim to the awful bee sting, the alley was where we ran to for safety.

The vending machine lined the end of the alley next to the market like a colorful rainbow – drinks appeared on the top of each machine like proud race horses, and in the middle was the electronic rings of the game that was installed. The idea was you may or may not win a free additional can of your choice once you purchased something if the red dot landed on a particular area - like a slot machine the red dot circled and circled and would come to a stop. 

We all lined up in a straight line, the neighbor kids and us, during those humid summer days with one 100 yen coin in each hand, trying to decide whether we should treat ourselves to one of the variety of ice cream instead; the big freezer in front of the market was like Narnia, so many goodies in the shape of a cup, a cone, on a stick, etc. much more attractive than the ice coffee drinks we weren’t allowed to have that were an option.

When you opened the sliding glass, a white cloud of air would puff up out of the contained white box making the whole experience of choosing an ice cream oh so magical.

We were all barely tall enough to look inside, but we took our time and enjoyed the process as we weren’t to have ice cream everyday.

The term market is loosely used as the store only sold sake, beer, and rice in the 10kg bags inside and some bottled tea.

For me, it was just the place to buy my grandma’s tea or when my grandpa or my dad wanted beer with dinner, or my own treat (a.k.a. ice cream) during the day when we were allowed.

I am told that the alleyway has been recently constructed into a condo building.

Sparkly feel

I am not too big on holidays.

Being in aviation, most of the time I was working on the actual holiday or the day before/after.

However, lately I have been very interested in the sparkly polishes and make up items that adds just a touch of festivity to your day.

MAC "Hundred Degrees" Illuminizer 

Essie Polish "Play Date" "Golden Nugget" "Set in Stones" "It's Genius"

Physician's Formula Highlighting Powder "Warm"

 

Glittery eyeliners

Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush sparkly shadows to put in inner corner of your eyes

NARS "Night Clubbing" 

Beauty and Baking Haul

Brown Paper bags with handles for my baked goods!


Since I have been on a baking kick lately I did a little shopping at Michael's Arts and Crafts for some packaging items.


Little Take-out containers! Perfect for anything!

Whenever I am in that store, I think about who I would be gifting the baked goods for, and see what color, or theme would be appropriate.

The clearance section has some great items as well, and I found a colorful polka dot cupcake liner for a penny, and beautiful ribbons for a dollar each.


$2.01 total


I also have some new additions to my make up collection, and recently, I have been gravitating toward Japanese and Korean items.

There are many stores in Los Angeles that I can purchase these items, so I don't necessarily have to go online, but when I do, my go-to site is Pretty and Cute.

I bought the most adorable handheld mirror and a BB Cream, (both by Lioele) from them and I couldn't believe how fast the shipping was!




I purchased an eyeshadow palette that is produced by Japanese model Tsubasa Masuwaka (I have few other items by her brand, Dolly Wink).





It is in Sweet Dolly Brown (01) and it has the most useful, beautiful colors, it will be a staple in my make up bag.


Also, I am always looking for mascara that doesn't leave a black 'rim' on the bottom of my eyes after a few hours of wear, and this one (over YSL or Dior) is the winner.
It's a Japanese brand, GAFIXX Mascara (you can purchase here).


GAFIXX Mascara


What have you purchased lately that just makes you smile?

How old are you?

I am not a poster child when it comes to anti-aging regimen.
I tan, have the oddest work schedule, eat junk food (mostly when I'm on the road) and don't always wear sunscreen.

However, genetics aside, I've managed to stay looking younger than my age, and I have been inquired more than once how I do it. (Latest -- I was asked by a Sephora employee when she was matching my mineral foundation -- if school is out yet. I'm in my 30's.)

I don't have anything I do religiously but here are some things that have popped up in my mind as to 'why' I may look years younger than what my passport may reveal.

1) Honey



Recently, I started using honey as my face wash. Yes, face wash. I mix it with a little bit of baking soda if I want a little bit of exfoliation, and if not, I simply mix it with my face wash. It washes off clean, not sticky, and it has cleared up my face tremendously. I also drink about a tablespoon with my tea everyday.


2) Red Wine



I am a HUGE fan of red wine, and I am thankful for Trader Joe's great selection whenever I shop there.
It is my go-to drink at any occasion.
Also, it is not a secret that it contains anti-oxidant as well as its anti-aging factor.



3) Sleep



My work schedule is not consistent, however, when I am able to, I sleep A LOT.
I am not shy about it at all, and nap during the day if my body feels like it.



4) Laughing



I LOVE comedy.
I am always looking for a good comedian, checking out funny books, and respect people in the comedy genre (writers, performers, etc.) Making people laugh is not an easy task!!
Laughing is so stimulating to the mind and body, the more you laugh, the better for your body.
I always look for the 'funny/positive' side of things, and that may contribute to my 'youth.'

5) Yoga (Bikram)



Though a newbie, I am already seeing and feeling the result of Bikram Yoga.
Sweating is good for the rejuvenation and the repair of the body (the room you practice in is kept at 105 fahrenheit) and the moisture (40%) in the room is always refreshing to sit in for the duration of the class (90 minutes).
The 'goal' of finishing the class is a small yet positive incentive within the daily life, and drinking about 2 liters of water probably has something to do with the health benefit as well.




6) My work



This has more to do with my mental state.
Yes, it can get crazy and frustrating dealing with the public.
However, I see it as a good challenge.
You meet different types of people, and you always come away learning something. Positive or negative, I feel as though if I were to sit in an office on a daily base, I would never see nor would I ever get to experience some of the things I see/do while away on a plane.

Happy Summer Day

The weather is getting warmer (hotter) and it's time to break out all the goodies that are more useful in the summertime -- whether it's for the 'anti-melting' reason, because of the color that goes well against the sun kissed skin, or plain heat/sun protection.

Here are some of my faves for the hot days of summer!





MAC Suntints Lip Gloss in "Just a Smidge"

I hardly ever wear lipstick because I am a lip gloss fanatic. In the summertime I don't want the thick crayon like feeling anyway, thus choosing this in place of everything. It's neutral so I don't need to think about my make up or matching it to anything!




Tarte The Eraser Concealer

Though for work I wear foundation (powder and/or liquid) during my off days, unless I know I will be in a cool, well vented area, I opt to go without any kind of mask like cover up. This is literally like a pen, and it matches my yellow undertone/tan skin perfectly!



My Summertime Perfumes

Alfred Sung "Shi"
Escada "Into the Blue"
Armani "Code"

My three summery scents!!



Tarina Tarantino Eye Dream Hyperliner
Sparkling Ammunition
(deep olive with gold shimmer)

Amethyst Android
(royal purple with silver shimmer)

I know many of the bloggers and Youtube makeup gurus love the 24/7 liner by Urban Decay, however I am a huge fan of the new Tarina Tarantino line at Sephora.
It has more staying power then the 24/7, and it goes on just as smoothly. The colors are vivid, and during the hot months, I use the dark purple in place of the black and the dark olive in place of the brown!



Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap Pure-Castile Soap Peppermint

Mint and its cooling effect is perfect for those summertime, and I love that you only need a little bit of this to get a huge lather going!
I buy the biggest size they have at Trader Joe's for around $8.

What are some of your summertime faves?

Pink Nation

When I am working a flight, I never get through one day without chipping a freshly polished nail.

I used to just give in and get my once a week manicure as keeping nice looking hands is one of the things that is expected at my work, but it was a bit expensive to keep up.
I have never had acrylics and I used to calculate the days between the flights in order to 'get the most' out of my manicure + pedicure.
Being on my feet for hours at a time also causes a problem when it comes to keeping my toes looking good.

Recently, though, thanks to Ulta's buy two get one free (or at times I have seen buy 2, get 2 free) sale I see at least once a month (plus coupons that comes in the mail) I have accumulated quite a collection of OPI and Essie polishes.



Essie polishes (L to R)
Sugar Daddy
Peach Daiquiri
Chubby Cheeks
Tart Deco
Splash of Grenadine



As you can see, though, they are mostly the pink~purple family, and yes, I am gulity of buying the similar shades.



OPI polishes

I now enjoy giving myself a simple manicure at home and salon visits has become more of a stress relief/indulgence for me when I get around to it, versus something I had to 'keep up' with.

BTW a nice tip for those who paint their own nails.
Keep the polishes in the freezer until you are ready to paint them.
They will never freeze, and when you paint, the temperature change from cold to warm makes the polish dry faster.
Try it!



Polishes in the freezer

Beauty (Super) Secret

If you are like me, you probably have an extended list of beauty items that you have tried (and failed).

From the time you started seeing your first pimple in your early teenage years to the recent hormonal monthly acne, sun damage, etc. we ALL have something we can improve when it comes to our skin.

I have had my share of cosmetic merry-go-around when it comes to skincare.

Recently, though, I have discovered something that I truly did not expect to work, and it has surprised me in so many ways I have to share this.

Just so you know, It may not be exactly a secret, since it's well known and very common in some cultures.

Here is a picture of the so-called beauty secret....







Coconut Oil

This has become very much a staple in my bathroom -- in fact, aside from my face wash (Purpose) and exfoliant (DERMAdoctor Physical Chemistry) this is all I use.

I can take my make up off, wipe it down with a baby wipe, and then wash my face.
Then I apply a small amount of this oil on my face.
Yes.
Oil.
On my face.

It smells great, shrink pimples and gives me a glow (not shine).
My skin has never looked better.

I put it in my hair BEFORE washing it for about 30 minutes, and it gives it a nice soft finish, (I shampoo twice).
It works as a nice body lotion as well.

I also keep a separate jar in the kitchen and I put a spoon full in my hot chocolate or coffee, stir into my spaghetti instead of butter or olive oil, spread it on toast, put some in the smoothie.

It is endless as far as what and how you can consume it, and it has so many benefits.
You can read them here.

Falsies

I have been wearing false lashes for about 5 years now.
I was cursed with the typical Asian 'non-existing' lashes and have decided that I am taking things into my own hands.
Few years ago, for about a year on a weekly base I had a friend apply each individual false lashes .
Soon, though, that got too expensive, not to mention a bit too tedious where I had to 'schedule' my lashes on a weekly base.
So I went back to applying it when I want it on my own.

Below are styles I feel are most natural, flattering to my eye shape, glam, but not too much, as in I don't look like I'm 'on in 5.'

Everyone asks 'how do you get it on, it's so hard' and the answer is -- there's no secret, practice practice, PRACTICE.

You need to see what style works for you, how it compliments your eyes, which eye is easier to apply and how long they should be, etc.
A good glue is a must, too.
I use DUO glue in the dark color, where it goes on gray and dries black.

On any given day I probably own no less then 40~50 pairs, because it has become my 'glam security' and I feel better with it on and never want to run out.
It's a Linus' blanket for me.

I purchase my Red Cherry Lashes through eBay and my Revlon lashes through madamemadeline.





Red Cherry False Eyelashes #503



Red Cherry #46



Red Cherry #99



Revlon Beyond Natural in 'Defining'

Beauty go-to

Every girl has beauty items that are fail proof for her.
Here are some of the items that I can't do without if they suddenly become discontinued (knock on wood)....





CHI flat iron

Though a bit expensive, I refuse to use anything else.
My hair is thick and coarse and can be extremely frizzy after shampoo.
This iron is like magic, where I don't need to keep going over the same area five times in order for it to straighten it and also gives it a nice shine.





Moroccan Oil

I have been in search of a one step product that would protect my hair from the heat and also give it the shine I want after I use my flat iron without the greasy feeling.
This is it.




OPI Strawberry Margarita

Fruit punchy color looks so good on my nails during the warm months, and I found this color that is absolutely perfect.




Urban Decay Deluxe Eyeshadow in Freakshow


I have dark brown eyes and purple makes my eye color pop.
I searched high and low for a perfect purple and this is the color that was EXACTLY what I have been looking for.



MAC brush #252



MAC brush #109



MAC brush #130

When it comes to actually applying the make up, the above three brushes are my staple.
I use the 252 brush to apply the shadow over my entire lid and the 109 for my foundation.

130 is to blend the foundation into the small areas on my face that a big powder brush can't get to, like the side of my nose.
This brush is also excellent for blending my bronzer and blush together so it looks like a natural flush, and not something I painted on.

Obviously I have more brushes but these three are my essentials.



Nars blush in Torrid

I know Nars is known for its blush 'Orgasm' but with my darker skin tone, the blush was a touch too light and wasn't showing up.
When I spoke to someone at Sephora, they suggested Torrid, and now I can actually see what I'm putting on my face!




Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush lip gloss in Coconut Craze

I have many many MANY tubes of lip gloss but this is my favorite now.
It is a touch darker in the tube but it has a nice golden sheen that gives my lips a nude yet shimmery color, and it smells divine.



Wet'n Wild shadow in Fine Wink (image courtesy of makeupmasala)

Known as the dupe for the ever famous 'Kitten' by Stila, this under $3 cheaper cousin of the famous color is THE best shadow in my make up collection.
I use this for highlight, and as a base color. I can NOT do my make up with out this one!




Sephora Super Supreme Body Butter


The most moisturizing and the smell is just subtle enough that it doesn't overpower you.




Caudalie Cleansing Water

I am on my fourth bottle of this fabulous product.
I use it as a cleansing water to take make up off or as a toner, because it's just that gentle.




Make Up Forever HD Foundation in #128

I was never a fan of liquid foundation, until I found this.
It is an absolute perfection and the color blends into my skin as if it was custom made for me.


What are your beauty must haves, or the go-to items?