lily lily

dracula winter!

2010-12-20T20:13:00.001-05:00

Hey ladies and gents!

Sorry I've been busy and haven't updated in a while . But I'm sorta back but now I gotta blog thru my phone! Ahh.

I recently did a shoot for the dracula contest sponsored by make up for ever and I need votes!.so please click on the link provided and view my entry #416!! Also help me by voting and spreading the word!! vote for me!
Thanks much guys!!!

Will update soon :)

Edit: forgot to credit Kay from designedbykay for the photos!

A Passionate Tuesday EOTD.

2010-11-10T16:14:00.001-05:00

Hello all! How's everyone?
I haven't done an EOTD in a while so I thought I'd share one today :) (that is actually from yesterday lol)

enhanced the color more on this one so the colors show up better :)

This week has went by slowly...well that's how I feel anyway. Yesterday, I actually went to a Make Up event at my University. The celeb MUA Shon Simon for Glee came over and shared some of her tips and tricks.

Shon doing make up on the student models

She did a contest where she showed us a couple look she did for runway & shoots, then we were suppose to do our own looks on a partner. After that she narrowed down the best ones and picked a winner.

...so I won :) it was a fun experience! It was so wonderful to hear from an insider what it's like to work in the industry. This made me want to become a MUA even more! I mean ahem, after becoming an interior designer first :P

Here's my prize~

a Stila Make Up case with speakers~ :D So cute !!
and there were a bunch of goodies inside

I'm going to make a revised ver. of the look I did on my partner, because I don't know if she wants her pic. published on here lol. Or maybe I'll redo it on her and show you all :)

anyway~~~~ have a happy, lazy, tired Wednesday!!

~ Lily

PS. products used for EOTD:
Milani Brow Kit in 02
Coastal Scents Shimmer 88 palette.
UD 24/7 Liner in Zero
UD Deluxe shadow in Honey
Mascara...(it honestly doesn't matter because they don't work on me anyway lol).

Hotel 7 Lets You Live in Your Fantasy~

2010-11-01T20:07:00.001-04:00

Holy cheese balls I've been busy!!! So sorry!!! :( but I promise good things will come soon.

But for now I'm gonna share some beautiful inspiration interiors from The Seven Hotel Paris

Seven Hotel is located in Paris, France (of course). They have seven suites, and several other rooms starting with reasonable prices.

The interiors for the rooms and suites are absolutely stunning! take a look !

these are just the regular rooms

If you don't fancy the bold colors and the electric designs of the single room rates, check out the 007 Suite

Not feeling Bond? Try the Alice fantasy suite

Orr how about The Black Diamond?

Or the Marie Antoinette Suite?

There are a few more suites that you can check out on their website at www.sevenhotelparis.com

I hope this has motivated you to be more creative with your own room/house/apt...and if you're ever in Paris, go visit Seven Hotel!!

ps. I changed my blog name to lilylily :) but still the same link of banappleart!

Hey Friday! Review Series! & Things

2010-10-08T11:24:00.000-04:00

I have not updated in almost a month, and I'm kinda upset over it! I've been super busy with school and now I've got a LOT of blog reading to catch up to. :P

So Now I'm going to make a plan, a blog mini series every friday called "Hey Friday!" Where I review, rant, or rave about some of my favorite products...or least favorite. This way I can actually post some more :)

This Week's Hey Friday! Review features Biggs & Featherbelle
I recently went to Crafty Bastards, which is a local Arts & Crafts fair in the DC region and many local artists, shops, ETSY artists come to showcase their stuff!

Biggs & Featherbelle makes "Health Conscious Body Care" and they're located in Baltimore MD, they had quite a busy booth(will post more pictures from the fair later in this post)
So I picked up a couple of their handmade soaps

Barbados, and Lemon Bar

Both of these bars smell amazingdeliciouscitrusdivine, think LUSH but more local, lol

Barbados is made with pink grapefruit, sweet orange & essential oils
Lemon Bar has Shea butter with lemon grass, and more essential oils.

I've only now just tried barbados, and this bar leaves my skin squeaky clean! and smell of orange, Love it!

here's the naked barbados bar that I've tried lol

Lemon bar smells super refreshing, like a cool glass of lemonade...good enough to drink, or eat lol. I mean, they're all natural soaps anyway =)

Their packaging is so freaking cute!!!

So go check them out at www.Biggsandfeather.com! They have some great soaps,soaks,body butters!

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More photos from the fair,

cute lil monster scuplture figurine

There was a HUGE bboy battle :)

more battlin'

monster journals! super soft


Sourtang & I

Soo Happy Friday, I have so much to do this weekend but I gotta get back in to my regular postings!!!

~Lily

FOTD, yesterday?

2010-09-17T08:34:00.001-04:00

TGIF Everyone!
This busy week finally comes to a close, I hope everyone made through it.
What are your plans for this weekend??

Here's my quick FOTD from yesterday...I haven't done these in a while :) and my left eye is currently experience some added folds because I haven't been well rested. If you're Asian you know what I'm talking about with the eye haha.

It's subtle but my eye still looked wonky, baaah.
anyway, I've got loads to catch up on blog reading! Must update soon, and I'm going to see some awesome architecture in DC today for a field trip, will post later!

AND keep on the look out for a giveaway, I've planning to do one but Haven't had the funds or time soooo it's gonna be soon!!!

SUPER BELATED TAGS.

2010-09-12T23:55:00.000-04:00

totoro!!!!!

I've got these tags from a long time ago and a most recent one on the bottom. So I'm putting them all in one post :) Sorry to those who tagged me and I totally forgot about them but here they are!!! Find out some things about me because I know several of you have mentioned that I'm really private about myself haha.

I tag EVERYONE in these, If you'd like to these Feel free :)

Tagged by Elisa!

The rules
People who are tagged must answer the 8 questions, make their own 8 questions and pass it to 8 blogging buddies by notifying them on their blog :)

1. Why did you start your own blog?

I wanted to start a blog mostly to document my personal life and post make up reviews, tutorials etc. I'd post then forget about my blog for months at a time, and when I finally told myself to I should really blog more, I went in a different direction, so I combined a lot of my interests ie : interior design,make up,fashion & art into one big blog :)

2. What phrase or word do you say every day?

I'm not sure lol! It's nothing original but I say "fail" sometimes, kinda lame haha.

3. Who is your make up idol?

Petrilude from Youtube, he's amazing and I love watching his videos!

4. What can easily make you happy?

Puppies & Kittens

5. What and when was your most shameful moment?I honestly don't know, because I probably have too many =\

6. Describe your personal style when it comes to fashion.

whatever's comfy and looks decent lol, I'm not huge on dressing up all the time. I haven't gone shopping in a LONG time, if I do my favorite store is H&M :D

7. What kind of food or which dishes do you like to eat the most?

noodles!!!! I love noodles, I don't mean just prepackaged instant ramen, I love hot bowls of PHO, or Pad Thai, Or any asian noodles. I'm gettin hungry just thinking about it :x

8. If you found $500 USD on the ground all of a sudden, what would you do with it?

If right now? I'd go on a shopping spree at Sephora. But in reality I probably would spend it on books and supplies for classes :(

tagged by Alice

1. Where is your favourite holiday destination?

Right now I would love to take a trip to Europe :)
2. What is your favourite candy to snack on?

omg...There's too many, But I love anything Gummy :x cavities!
3. What is the most played song on your music player?

Apologize-Timbaland o_o, Lol I don't listen to Itunes that often, I have last.fm and nothing's really accurate in counting what I listen to. and I skip songs quick
4. What makes your bedroom unique?

Nothing really, I don't spend much time in it, so it's more my storage room than my room room.
5. What are you most scared of?

SPIDER CRICKETS.
6. How late did you stay up last night and why?

Around 2, I was watching movies and web surfin'
7. If you had to eat a live tarantula for $1,000, would you?

ummmm, not live. I'd eat it if it was cooked haha
8. If you could star in any movie (made or in the works), what movie would you choose?

omg, something epic...like INCEPTION. anything to get close to Joseph Gordon Levitt :D

Here are My questions for you bloggers!

1. What's your favorite food?

2.If you had the power of stopping time, what would you do with it?

3.What's your favorite make up brand? If any.

4.Have you ever shaved your head? Would you?

5. If you won a $100 million dollar lottery, would you quit or keep your job?

6.what's something that you wish you could change about yourself?

7.What's something that annoys you?

8.Where would you like to live in the future?

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And here's a most recent tag :) by Elisa again!
1. Do you have any pets?
no. I had a fish, he died of old age :(
2. Name 3 things that are physically close to you.
Laptop, Totoro plushie, bottles of nail polish
3. What's the weather like right now?
sunny, windy, cool, perfect.
4. Do you drive? If so have you crashed?
No.
5. What time did you wake up this morning?
8:10-8:15. lol
6. When was the last time you showered?
Yesterday!
7. What was the last movie you saw?
I don't remember....I have movie nights often haha
8. What does your last text message say?
lunch time!
9. What's your ringtone?
Bed Intruder Song LOL
10. Have you ever been to a different country?
Yesss I have!
11. Do you like sushi?
Hells Yeaaaa.
12. Where do you buy your groceries?
I don't.
13. Have you ever taken medication to help you fall asleep faster?
No.
14. How many siblings do you have?
1.
15. Do you have a desktop computer or a laptop?
laptop. macbook babyyy
16. How old will you be turning on your next birthday?
22. wow
17. Do you wear contacts or glasses?
Glasses.
18. Do you color your hair?
I do, but haven't in a long time.
19. Tell me something you are planning to do today.
classes, then probably help decorate my hall. make origami :)
20. When was the last time you cried?
The other day...
21. What is your perfect pizza topping?
Pepperoni, I like peppers too.
22. Which do you prefer hamburgers or cheeseburgers?
neither :x
23. Have you ever had an all-nighter?
I usually go 2-3 days w/o sleep on project days.
24. What is your eye color?
dark brown.
25. Can you taste the difference between Pepsi and Coke?
YES. Pepsi is yuckieeee.

Clean&Simple

2010-09-09T10:36:00.000-04:00

Busy as usual, I've been training for work and with other homework/classes I'm pretty much tired. All these stressful school/work days makes me wanna take a nice bath, and this got me thinking about bathroom design~I'm sharing with you some simple, white bathrooms. Since I don't get the luxury of taking baths in dorm bathrooms....ew.

I hope everyone's having a great week so far!! One more day till TGIF!!

Now go take a bath and relax :)

Pretty Pretty

2010-09-01T09:49:00.001-04:00

Hey, wow. Delayed update on everything this week. I pretty much ran away from blogger these past few days haha.I've got to catch up on my blog readings!

Photoshoot!!

I did make up for Kay from DesignedbyKay for a beauty shoot and here is a final image! He gave me a cd full of them but I haven't had time to put them in yet :P He did an amazing job yeaa?

the shoot was a lot of fun! even though it was right after I moved back in to my dorm room and I was a hot mess but Everything turned out great~ Taylor (our model) is awesome! Recall she was also in the Vampire shoot.
Seriously though, go check out his website, his portfolio is amazing!!

Things are very hectic, and I've got a full work/class schedule but I hope to update VERY soon! more Interior Design posts coming up!!! I've got so many projects lined up and I'm excited for all my classes :)

See you all soon!!!

AND also, I've still got tags from like...last month that I need to complete. I'm very sorry to those who tagged me and I haven't given a reply. I'm so busy with things and I've had them done but never found the time to post.Thanks all!!

Dear Grandma, Extremely Personal Post

2010-08-24T23:08:00.001-04:00

Sorry everyone, bear with me. Skip this post if you don't want to read. It's just some form of emotional release for me.

It's going to be six years soon, and I still feel so raw about it, you passing away and all. and I almost want to think about it, about how painful it is because I feel like it's a way of being closer to you. I miss you, I don't know what else I can say. I wish you were here when things got hard so you could tell me it will be okay. I still think about the day you passed away, and I still feel so guilty for not going to the funeral. Because I wanted to be there, so bad, to say my last good byes. But I couldn't, and I'm so sorry.
I wish the last thing I said to you wasn't something stupid, I couldn't think straight, because you were going already, I should have said Good bye, I'll be okay. But then again I don't think any words could have described how I felt.

And then you left....

I don't think I'll ever "feel okay" about this, you know? You'd probably tell me not to worry, but I can't help it.
I miss you and grandpa. I replay that home video of us often, just to see you guys again. I know, so depressing right? But it makes me smile.
I miss talking to you, I miss taking walks with you, I miss going to the morning market with you, I miss when you sang to me before I fell asleep. So many things....

Even though I'll be fine in the morning, it's still hard.
But I'll always be my grandma's favorite girl.

亲爱的奶奶，
我好想你。

～杨睿， Lily

Tonight, We Dine In....

2010-08-18T18:05:00.001-04:00

I love how I skip like a week and I miss so much in the bloggiverse. Truth is I've been feeling pretty uninspired and frankly Lazy. But alas, I've got some Kitchen design inspirations for those who love to cook and maybe get some ideas for your next dream kitchen~

Open Space Plan

I'm drawn to super bright spaces, large windows, lots of light. The kitchen should be one of those rooms that is cheerful, and bright.

Like this one, if a kitchen is narrow and small, light should be used to open up the space. and it's so perfect for when you eat breakfast, you can look out the large window into the city, day dreaming :)

fancy something darker?

Maybe add some texture

This would be great for a chef!

Add Some color!

For those who likes simplicity, and clean lines

Tuscany style, the warmth of the tiles and the cabinets are very inviting

For a tight space

A little retro, the fridge is So cute

Do you like to cook?

Happy Eating!

~Lily

Saturday Smokey!

2010-08-14T15:47:00.000-04:00

What's your saturday plan???

I just came back from grocery shopping, and 24 hours of no food :( but thankfully I stuffed myself after running errands and I feel SO satisfied.Also, a friend of mine is crashing at my house for a week, many adventures to come :)

Here's my FOTD for today (saturday!!), I might hit up a out door movie later tonight and a few of my plans for the day got cancelled so now I'm just lounging around doing nothing lol.

what I used for my simple smokey eyes:
UDPP in SIN

UD 24/7 Liner in Zero

UD deluxe shadow in Zero

UD deluxe shadow in Underground

Sephora Atomic Lash Mascara

Have A WONDERFUL saturday everyone!!!!

Wednesday Happy, FOTD

2010-08-11T18:56:00.001-04:00

Rawr, How's everyone's week so far? It's almost friday!! which means my summer classes will soon be over ;), and I'm excited for a get together with friends this weekend!

So, I haven't had much time to play with make up these past few weeks because of classes, today I decided to give studying a rest and do something fun ~

also, 2 of my favorite things came in the mail the other day hehe

IKEA AND Sephora :D ...nothing big but still hahaa

here's my FOTD~

I used:
L'oreal Infallible never fail make up

Milani Brow Fix

UDPP in SIN

MUFE no.75

Body Shop Rose Flower Eyes in Mint Green

UD 24/7 liner in Zero

L'oreal Telescopic Explosion Mascara

NARS Honolulu Honey Lipstick

There's blue on top too but b/c of my eyes you can't see much of it :x

Happy MID WEEK!!!!!!

~Lily

and I am a Material Girl~

2010-08-10T00:06:00.001-04:00

Tired of studying for crap I can't even understand so I compiled a quickie wish list because I'm that bored~!!(apologize that it looks like amateur photoshop :P)
sooo I think if I save up until the end of eternity I'll be able to get the techs! haha

Looking at a new Macbook Pro (my macbook right now is Olllllddd)

a new DSLR camera, a step up from my point and shoot which i dislike mucho

a tv.....because I'll be really bored without one.

Creative me #1 palette from Coastal Scents , omfg it's gorgeous

A bunch of stuffs from Illamasqua!!!

MAC 187 Stippling brush, mhmm

UD liner set, because they're my fav :)

and I'm looking at bags I want...idk what yet. I'm a bag hoarder o_o

I want a macbook pro so bad right now....so bad....
anyway spazzy me, I have to get back to studying x_x

Also, I found out that Transformers 3 is casting near my area XDD how exciting

Shanghai Dreamers

2010-08-09T15:54:00.001-04:00

east meets west! Dior's re-opening their store in Shanghai, China this summer and they've recruited Chinese Photographer Quentin Shih for their storefront displays.

These photos are really interesting and I love how Shih combines couture Dior with vintage Chinese attire. lol oh what I would do to be back in China again :)

More can be found here

This is the FINAL week of my summer classes and I've got like 3 exams coming up. I've yet to well in one of my classes and I'm nervous about my exams :( gotta study hard!!!!!

Happy Monday to everyone else who's not suffering from exams!!! haha

10 Things I Like, Award Time :)

2010-08-07T20:02:00.000-04:00

I received an award from Leenda (thx so much :) )

The Rules:
1. Post who gave you this award.
2. State 10 things that you like.
3. Give this award to 10 other bloggers and notify them with a comment.

10 things!

1. Winter, my favorite season!

2. Technology. I'm a nerd, I love reading about new technology, cellphones, computers, tvs, cool gadgets&designs, I read cnet for hours, and I totally love thinkgeek. If I had to choose again I would have totally chosen industrial design creating products for people :)

Asian river snails(idk what else it's called), so good

3.Bizarre Food :D...I've eaten a lot of weird stuff (well what people here consider weird isn't weird to others at all).It's really true that other countries (when it comes to food) waste nothing.

one of my fav shows!

4.The paranormal, I'm fascinated by it. I'm not going to say I believe it fully but if proven then I will believe it. And anything scary, spooky, weird, gory & awesome + reading serial killer/crime profiles. I'm weird I know :P

not mine but whatever's in there looks good

5. Cooking! I don't think I'm great at it, but practicing makes perfect :) The only thing I don't like about it is the cleaning up part D:

6.A lot of friends know I like asian pop and any kind of music. But I Looooooove Rufus Wainwright, he's my favorite music artist and his music has gotten me through a lot of tough times. I want to meet him one day and thank him.

My grandma holding baby me <3

7. Old people. Huh? yea. I love old people. I think it's because I was brought up by my grandparents I have a great respect for the elderly. Whenever I see them I'm often reminded of my own grandparents who are no longer with me.

Shanghai ftw!

8. The City. It's where I grew up. Living in the suburbs is hell for me :(

mmmmm

9.Cheese. There's no explanation, cheese is just awesome

10. Blogging! because without blogging I wouldn't be able to share my interests with others or do these tags hahaa

==========

Now, I feel like saying "I tag everyone!" win-win situation is sort of cheating lol and I hate picking people but I tag: Donna, Bunny, Alice, Elisa, Natasha, Jewel, Rebecca, May, Perpetrator, & Lily

Have fun with this and I've got another tag in another post !!! Been skipping on things :P

I hope everyone's having a great weekend~ more posts coming soon!!

Blue (da ba de)

2010-08-04T19:05:00.000-04:00

I want to have a room that is blue, somewhere I can be calm and relaxed in. My current room at home is blue but It's faded and now an ugly shade of baby blue, I want something bolder,darker.
Though a lot of people really like to paint their room in teal, turquoise, sky blue and light cobalt blue. I prefer a dark blue like the last photo :)

Sorry guys I haven't been as active on blogging lately I'm taking summer classes and economics is kicking my arse atm!!
ANDD I have a question..what do you guys want to see more posts of? Interior Design, Fashion, beauty?? Get back to me in comments! Or Email me!

Sources: various Google, Interior Design, Dwell, Apartment Therapy, DigsDigs, Momoy,Flickr

a POP of Color!

2010-08-02T01:09:00.001-04:00

Wouldn't you LOVE to have an adorable apartment like Karim Rashid's?

karim Rashid is an industrial designer who resides in New York City, this is his beautiful loft that he shares with his wife!

A lot of the items in the interior are Rashid's own work! like those sofas! I've used them in my design projects!!

bright and bold, the living area is full of energy and vibrancy

the closet!!!

psychedelic bathroom, hmm


Simple bedroom, though I'd prefer some window treatment ;x I really dig the colors in this, seems like a cheery and happy place to live. Maybe not the bathroom...the shower tiling/texture is so strong! Would you like to live in a space that's very colorful like this? Interior Design

Chanel Fall 2010 in Japan!

2010-08-01T10:53:00.002-04:00

I won't bother posting the product images because well, this isn't news. But these gorgeous beauty shots by Namiko Kitaura for the Chanel 2010 Maquillage collection in Japan are not to be missed :)

Goodness so pale! Asia's fascination with paleness lol

I love this

Japan's make up style (aside from the crazy harajuku, ganguro etc) is very simple, natural beauty is often favored. I love light natural brows, and simple eyes. with just a bit of flush in the cheeks and a nice nude color for lips. It's not over done, but still very put together.

What do you guys think?

Vogue Nippon

click on the source, on the bottom right there are two buttons that takes you to these featured looks and gives you the product info!

The Battle for Clear Skin: NeoCeuticals Skin Care Review!

2010-07-31T15:52:00.003-04:00

My skin in the summer is very very unpredictable(aka crappy), so I try to find the best ways to prevent and treat my summer breakouts!

A few weeks ago NeoStrata sent me some products to try out and included was the NeoCeuticals® Acne Regimen Kit

Review is purely my personal opinion :)

kit includes:
Antibacterial Facial Cleanser
Oil Control Gel
Acne Spot Treatment Gel
Skin brightening Gel (5 packets)

I've been using it for the past month and here's my review!!

Antibacterial Facial cleanser: 2 fl oz
comes in a clear gel consistency, no smell. It's super super gentle, and is great at removing make up! Its active ingredient is Triclosan (.3%) which is the antibacterial agent, helps to keep your face clean and lessen the chance of oil build up, clogged pores.
It's pretty great and one of the few facial cleansers that I've tried to have cleaned my make up off!!! 5 stars :)

Oil Control Gel: .35 fl oz
This is pretty amazing, I apply it before make up and my face stays matte for a very long time. this is saying something since my face is like an oil slick. and the best thing is that a very little amount can cover my whole face. Contains mandelic acid (AHA) which also possesses antibacterial properties + PHA to minimize pores and even skin tone. 5 stars

Acne Spot Treatment Gel: .5 oz
active ingredient: Salicylic acid 2%
here is the main thing that is probably the star of the set. I've always liked gel form because it absorbs into the skin quicker and works better. This gel after using left a stickiness to my skin which I didn't really like because usually I apply my moisturizer, make up etc. touching my face when it's still sticky is weird. It also has a light scent resembling hand sanitizer which I didn't find too pleasant, (though it's not strong and goes away after a minute).
As for the spot treatment quality, I didn't see a huge effect. all in all a bit of a disappointment on this one. 2.5 stars

Skin Brightening Gel: .07 oz /packet, 5 packets
contains AHA/PHA to brighten and exfoliate skin discoloration (totally reading this from the box), Kojic Acid, vitamin C, botanical skin brighteners.
I have a lot of blemish scarring on my cheeks and after using this some marks seemed to disappear or lighten up. When using this always make sure to put on sunscreen as well!!
This also has a scent to it that I didn't find pleasant, kind of smells like a burnt out match but again, it goes away. I also didn't like the packaging because it came in 5 packets. I can understand that it's a small kit, squeezing the gel out of a packet can be a bit messy. 3 stars

Overall:

While I didn't see much improvement in my overall blemish issues, I loved using the cleanser and the oil control gel. And my overall skin tone got slightly better from the brightening gel. I suggest this to anyone who wants to try some beginner light AHA/PHA products, and if you like salicylic acid.and anyone looking for a gentle cleanser I totally recommend the antibacterial facial cleanser!!!
Final: 3.8/5 stars.

Price: $32 for a $48 value
Neostrata

thanks for reading, and more review to come in the future :)

Casa Oaxaca (Wa-Ha-Ca) & EOTD

2010-07-31T01:38:00.001-04:00


How much do you love food?

I went to Casa oaxaca in Adams Morgan , DC to celebrate a friend's 20th birthday. Authentic mexican food, divine.

I had Carnitas Tacos :)

My desert that I shared with a friend, vanilla custard aka Flan....so delicious.
I totally cheated on my weight loss plan but I made up for it by walking home from the Metro stop, 3 miles that is :)

a small EOTD for Friday, late post :P

I hope everyone's having a great weekend so far!!

A Fairy Tale Comes to Life...Thumbelina

2010-07-29T22:18:00.001-04:00

As I was browsing the web the other day I came across a chair that reminded me an old fairytale that I once loved. I think Thumbelina was the first ever fairy tale I've ever read(I have the entire Hans Christian Andersen collection in Chinese)! A princess searching for love and finally finding a prince just like her :)

And so one thing led to another I came across this beautiful photo shoot inspired by the said fairy tale,only with a modern twist

Christine Farah is a photographer based in Corona Del Mar, CA and specializes in wedding/engagement photography. Her works can be discribed as romantic, beautiful, and enchanting.

I love the editing as well, the effects make the photos even more magical. And also the setting! Mushroom seats and giant strawberries <3

If you have a second, Please check out Crissy's websites It's Just Silly Me &ChristineFarah.com

her wedding shoots are absolutely stunning and I think she captures Love perfectly!

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On another note I want to say a big THANK YOU to all of you who has commented,followed,supported my tiny blog. Because without any of you my blog would not have been possible! /ends sounding like a sponsor commercial :)

TGI-ALMOST FRIDAY!!!

Dior F/W 2010 TUTORIAL

2010-07-28T22:45:00.003-04:00

A few of you requested a tutorial of the look in my previous post. So Here it is! My first tutorial-ish hahaa~ be gentle :x

FYI: This is a modified/inspired version and I'm using what's available to me, so the results is going to be different :)

Step 1: Foundation, left is me w/o any make up, tired and uneven skin tone+ lots of scarring, right: to achieve a flawless finish I used L'oreal Infallible advanced never fail make up. see how I look less tired and ugly :D

Step 2: I used a lighter foundation to cover up my brows a little more, in the actual photo, the model's brows are completely covered and new brows are penciled in. I don't have spirit gum, etc so I tried to lighten mine as much as I can. Good thing my brows are already pretty light and sparse =.=, then I applied a base to my lids (nude cream shadow) providing a smooth canvas for the next step :D

Step 3: using colors 1 and 2 (any orange will do), apply only on the bottom part of lid, do not go pass the crease.

step 4: (notice how I switched eyes lol) I used a flat synthetic brush and a pigment stick and drew out a basic shape for the color block above the orange , it's outlined in pink so you can get a good idea of the shape.

Step 5: (sorry switched eyes again...) so after the outline, I just filled in the rest using the same brush. and then applied color 3&4 for the final color(bottom picture)

Step 6: brows, since the model's brows are super arched, I tried to tone it down, a little higher than what I usually do and I extended it further

Step 7: I used a pale shimmery yellow to line the bottom of my eye and applied liquid liner to the top, a very thin winged out line. Or you could make it thick and cover most of it up with orange.Or you can skip the step and apply falsies, I'm not using any in this one.

and curl your lashes, apply mascara bla bla and here's the final product!

For lips I used the darkest color I have. Quite shameful it's not even that dark :P I don't wear dark lippies AT ALL. :x

but hmm,you can wear this look out to the club, for halloween(dunno what costume),for parties, to drink water.....to watch tv, for a day out...just kidding lol

sooo I hope you like this tutorial, if you decide to try it out please share :)

have fun!

<3 Lily

Dior Fall/Winter 2010 Attempt at Colors

2010-07-27T23:50:00.003-04:00

Usually for fall seasons we usually see toned down eyes with emphasis on the lips, Dior totally changed that this year, so much more colorful~

The shapes are geometric vs. the more organic shapes of the actual collection, a nice contrast

Omfg these are pure artistry.

and here's my mucked up,modified version I did in a hurry Lol. (I know I know, it's not even close XD)

Vogue China

The Fantastic Imagination

2010-07-27T14:39:00.001-04:00

I saw Inception twice this past week and it's got me thinking a lot about dreams and realities.I don't want to spoil it for others but if anyone wants to discuss it feel free to tell me in the comments!

So If I were to translate my dreams into art, then these images would be something like it...
Linn Olofsdotter is an illustrator from Sweden who designs and illustrate for several clients, magazines, fashion companies, etc her works are psychedelic~

organic and surreal

I love how she uses different mediums to achieve the final product, and they usually produce a complex and unique effect~
Like? or Dislike?

Linn Olofsdotter

On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun

2010-07-26T16:09:00.002-04:00

Do you wear shades? I don't wear sunglasses often, mainly because I have glasses and usually when I head out I always forget to bring a pair of shades.

These are from Victoria Beckham's new eye wear collection 2010.some wearable and unique designs. I also Love these photographs, where the model and the product is the main focus. I love close up head shots like these ~

and I swearrrr this is the last time for a long time I change the layout, I'm sorta layout ADD :x

Victoria Beckham|Eyewear; Vogue China

Palazzina Grassi, O Beautiful Venice

2010-07-25T11:49:00.002-04:00

The beautiful Palazzina Grassi hotel in Venice. A mix of modern and classical creates interesting space in the 16th century style exterior. I wish my home looked like this.

This summer many of my Interior Design classmates went to Italy for express classes and the beautiful scenery in Italy. Unfortunately I was not able to go :( and I'm insanely jealous of their adventures, but I'm sure one day I'll be able to make my way to Italia and experience it first hand, no homework included ;P

source

Eternal the Kiss I Breath...

2010-07-24T23:01:00.001-04:00

Last Week I posted my behind the scenes for DesignedbyKay Here are the final results....

Getting vampy in a dark theater :)

I think they came out great, what do you think?

Also sharing this awesome vampy shoot by Steven Klein from Vogue Paris feb 09

Source

Featured Giveaway!

2010-07-24T10:32:00.001-04:00

Good morning!! What's everyone up to today?
I'm going to be the makeup artist for a friend's fashion show and I'm very excited :) will take a lot of pictures to share !!

But for now check out this giveaway at the Awesome Bunny's Blog!

Win a ton of products and accessories :)

Good luck to all!

BBi-Ri-Bop-A

2010-07-23T20:53:00.001-04:00

religious reference?

In the world of Kpop (Korean Pop Music), artists releases singles often and for every comeback they get, they showcase a new concept (outfit/image). A lot of singers/groups have unique and outlandish outfits, make up, the whole thing can be ridiculous but some tend to stand out.

Narsha from the Kpop Power girl group Brown Eyed Girls recently released her solo single Bbi-Ri-Bop-A. I'm not sure about the song but I LOVE the styling/concept in her music video!

eerie & sexy

Music Video

Tiny Little Chairs

2010-07-23T11:42:00.002-04:00

This is probably the perfect combination for those who loves jewelry, fashion and interiors! haha

Tiny Little Chairs incorporates classic iconic furniture pieces into jewelry and you get beautifully made pendants that represents something that changed the way we live and see chairs!

The Pavilion

The Bent & Scoop

Check Out Tiny Little Chairs, beware of a hefty price tag ;)

TGIF!

Simple Apartment

2010-07-21T20:26:00.001-04:00

Somewhere I would love to live <3 I love the vibrant colors, every piece of furniture and color choice works well without clashing.

Source

I Love...mini "hauls"

2010-07-19T18:43:00.001-04:00

and fresh rainier cherries on a hot summer day

Also, something I bought the other day~

this nail stamping kit. I've seen it used long ago but never bought one myself. so now I have it! and my dirty finger print on the metal sheet haha. I'll do a nail post with this later on :3 and I'm thinking of purchasing more stamp plates!

and my nails for the week:

purple and glitter dots

I'm thinking of tutorials to do later :D Happy Monday!

Vampy!

2010-07-18T21:17:00.002-04:00

Getting busy soon! And I'm excited!

I got to help out Kay from KayDesigns again! You can view my post on his previous shoot here!

The concept for this shoot is the Vampire and his Prey...in a theater setting :)

really exciting helping out with the whole thing, we got to put blood all over the models and did some make up for the female model.
and ughh I totally hate my camera for making all the pictures grainy and yellow lol but that's what I get for having a point n shoot~

I will post more from his shoot later since he's still in the process of editing/finalizing. :P

Now I've got to go study for my economics test tomorrow...not excited :(

Good Night!

Ethereal.....

2010-07-15T18:51:00.001-04:00

I must find my inner peace!
my classes started this week and it's pretty much draining my energy since I'm not used to waking up early and sitting through 2 hour classes doesn't help at all :(
I haven't even had time to play with my make up since I think there's like a dead rodent or something in my house and there are (sorry if it's TMI), disgusting flies everywhere....which means it's my job to kill them all and clean up after!!
I'm just so tired right now....ugh
SO in order to stay in a peaceful mood I did an "ethereal" look

something soft....and easy on the eyes

OKAY now off to kill more flies!!!

Day of Hot Weather EOTD

2010-07-09T19:05:00.001-04:00

As I mentioned in my previous post, I went to a baseball game yesterday and this was my EOTD.

a little bit of Red, White & Blue action....

As for the sport, it was interesting and fun, just really hot and humid.

Anyway, this week has been fun~ and I'm ready for the weekend! classes begin monday!!!! Not looking forward to that :(

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

2010-07-08T13:19:00.002-04:00

Baseball game today! I was invited by my friend to go to a baseball game, I've never been to one before and I'm excited for all the overpriced beers and hot dogs lol. though it's suppose to rain today =\ we'll see how it goes!

ignore my unruly brows...

Here was look for yesterday~ hung out with said friend, went to the mall, rented movies @blockbuster (which btw is way overpriced and prehistoric), ate a ton of food...now I gotta work out before the game!

Review: Clinique Oil Control Cleansing Mask

2010-07-06T16:38:00.001-04:00

Summer time for many people means beaches, tanning, having fun in the sun. For some it's the troublesome skin problems that arise with the hot weather. Having super oily skin and breakouts can ruin anyone's day.
The Clinique Oil Control Cleansing Mask is clay based and the perfect choice for those who has oily to very oily skin, this mask claims to control oil and helps prevent breakouts.

Price: $19.50 USD for 3.4 oz
Texture: smooth, applies into a very thin layer and dries quickly. but make sure face is completely dry and clean before applying.
Use: after cleansing face, pat dry and spread the mask on troubled areas or entire face, wait 5 minutes to dry and wash off with tepid water. Finish with your own routine.
Effect: controls my oily face very well, skin feels refreshed and clean after.It doesn't dry out my face like other masks and it doesn't have any particular smells to it!
Overall: 5/5 !

SO when your face feels fresh and clean sit out with a glass of mojito and relax!
I really want one right now...

Anyone else tried this mask tell me what you think!

Ethiopian Foods, FOTD, and EOTDs.

2010-07-05T23:20:00.001-04:00

Over the weekend I went to an Ethiopian styled wedding party. No, I didn't just sit and enjoyed, I helped to set up, decorate, and help out during the whole thing. It was very tiring but rewarding lol.
and I got to eat a lot of good Ethiopian foods ! And the bride (they already got married in April) is now expecting a baby!!!

Here's my FOTD on that day...

close up

food pictures coming up...sorry for my crappy camera skills, i was holding cameras and helping out filming as well

Just a few pictures since everything else came out blurry or weird...but they were delicious, except I didn't get a chance to try some of it because almost 100 guests was there.

And the next day I popped over to my mom's boyfriend's house for an all American 4th of July BBQ. Stuffed my face there as well... but no food pictures :( lol

make up for that day , simple

I rarely wear blush or bronzer because when I get hot, my face gets a flush so it's not necessary for me to add more pink-ness :P
and Usually I sweat it all off anyway...sigh, curse my genes.

My summer classes start in a week, Not excited. And I'm still on the prowl for a job!

Anyway, Happy belated fourth of July!! and other things to be happy about...

Minimalist Interior

2010-07-01T20:39:00.004-04:00

It's weird how I love modern, minalist architecture and interiors but yet I am really messy when it comes to my own organization. I mean, I do clean and organize, I just have a ton of knick knacks lying around the house and I don't have any extra storage.
I guess this is the reason why I love minimalism, because everything just looks so clean,simple and refreshing.

Private house in Amsterdam by I29

You can see more pictures HERE (house no.7)

oh and I also love white interiors, gives the space a lot more light.

creds: I29 Architects Linked above

If A Picture Was Worth a Thousand Words...

2010-06-28T15:18:00.001-04:00

art by me :P (I was bored)

On Saturday I was invited by my friend Gasper kay from KayDesigns to help out at his photo shoot for make up. It was a lot of fun and definitely a great learning experience. Thanks so much Kay!
here's a "behind the scene" shot.

and the beautiful Final Result :)

So again, KAYDESIGNS . Visit and check out his other works involving graphic design, photography etc!

Happy Monday :)

Just Keep Swimmin'

2010-06-23T22:35:00.001-04:00

I have not gone swimming in FOREVER. But aren't these cute?!

left: Liquid Bikini by Aqua Di Lara 2010
right: Skinn by Aqua Di Lara 2010

the big 10!

2010-06-23T18:08:00.001-04:00

Self motivation and support is a MUST.

I've just broke the 10 pound mark of my weight loss journey, even though there's a lot more for me to lose, I'd like to celebrate this little accomplishment of mine :)

Everyday I workout with: Jillian Michaels, Shaun T(Hip Hop Abs), and Chalene(TurboJam). I do switch it up so I don't get bored :P and I occasionally find random workouts that seem interesting and try it out.

there's not much going on for me this summer but this is one thing I'd like to keep up!

Toy Story Night

2010-06-18T18:58:00.001-04:00

I'm about to go watch Toy Story 3 at the cinema~ quick FOTD

Products Used:
Coastal Scents palette
Urban Decay 24/7 Liner/electric and Zero
Loreal Telescopic Explosion

Milani Brow Fix

Lip: NYX Round Lipstick in Frosted Beige
Face: Duwop Bronzer in June
The Body Shop blush (not sure what the name is :s )

happy Friday :)

Hot Dog?...or Abstract Paint?

2010-06-17T22:34:00.001-04:00

New Nails! I don't know if I like it or not, mainly because I didn't know what to do...so I just went crazy with color

and then it turned out ugly....I originally wanted to do something like a jackson pollock painting but I ended up with something that looked like condiments on a hot dog. LOL.

And feel free to say how ugly it is.
oh well, there's always next time!

The Disappearing Act

2010-06-15T21:47:00.003-04:00

I have not been posting lately due to lack of motivation to post annd well...I've been home a lot trying to mend and de-tan my epidermis, so less adventures for this month so far :(

On the other hand, I got the chance to see The Karate Kid and Sex And The City 2 last week. Both films were enjoyable and I got to eat really good food before the shows :D

On Monday I decided to stop being a lazy couch bum and start a diet & fitness plan, and I'm sticking to it! 2 days so far....and I'm feeling Hungry already.

also , has anybody ever tried the no eating after 6pm thing?

and I Just discovered Signe Siemsen, a popular Swedish fashion blogger
I am absolutely in love with her style and her blog posts, even though I don't understand a word of Swedish.

She currently blogs for Rodeo, but her original blog is Milk

What do you think?

June!

2010-06-01T23:50:00.001-04:00

Happy June :)

a few days ago I went to a Memorial weekend BBQ and this was what I went with

Close up:

Products used:

Wet N' Wild H2O proof liquid liner inblack
Sephora lip gloss pencil
both are super affordable~

although my liner smudged a little because of the extreme heat condition. Still, it's like 2 dollars and it will probably work very well for normal to dry skin. and also eyes unlike mine in which the skin folds over :)

This month is going to be great!!! I'm determined to work out more.
what are your plans?

Man vs. Food, and a late FOTD

2010-05-27T01:58:00.001-04:00

I am digging Man vs. Food on Travel channel right now, and although I'm not a big fan of the host I find Ghost Adventures wildly entertaining as well.

FOTD for yesterday~ haha late.

I used the Coastal Scents 88 shimmer palette. light golden and deep plum. Urban Decay Zero liner. Sephora Atomic lash mascara (can't even see my wimpy asian lashes), tarte lip color & blush/contour (don't know the name, came in a palette)

close up! Brows done with Milani brow fix kit .

Being home with nothing to do in the summer has sure sparked the inner chef in me, I've been cooking an awful lot lately. Trying to hone my skills for the future hahaha. I quite enjoy it actually.

Here's something I whipped up in the kitchen. vegetarian soup noodles with a kick of sriracha hot sauce

happy almost friday!!

The Pigeon is Watching

2010-05-26T01:51:00.001-04:00

pic from Pigeon Impossible

tagged by kelly @ SourTang, thanks!

1.What shoe size are you?
I am a US size 10 in shoes!

2.Where do you work?
as of right now I am unemployed :( In the midst of searching though!

3.Favorite piece of clothing you own
haha I don't have a fav, but I like my blue leopard print tunic

4.Your favorite blog?
soo many but I'm a loyal follower of MakeUpandBeautyBlog!! Karen's awesome :)

5.Do you have any pets?
I was a proud owner of a beautiful blue betta fish named Kyle, he recently passed away from old age :( right now I don't have any pets.

6.How many siblings do you have?
1, half sibling. (new)

7.If you could live anywhere where would it be?
Right now, hmmm I'm feeling Japan lol

8.What were you doing before this?
Skype session :)

9.Your favorite food?
Too many! but favorite has got to be Chinese because that's what I grew up on. next up is Japanese and S. Korean, and then on to everything else. I don't discriminate :)

10.Do you have a middle name?
Nahhh

11.Your favorite websites?
Soompi, it's a website/forum full of asian entertainment info, and a lot of other stuff. It's where I get my daily dose of asian ent.
MakeupTalk, a large make up website and forum about what else? Make up.
PerezHilton, I'm not afraid to say I love Perez~

12.Who do you tag?

I tag Emily, Mimi, and Audrey

Happy Wednesday!

Commissioned?

2010-05-24T21:48:00.003-04:00

Not really haha but I am now probably the official Go-To Make up artist for many of my friends.
this past weekend my friend Emmy went to the Navy Ball and I got to do her make up. AS well as her early birthday party.
I'm still learning how to apply make up on different eye shapes but I feel like I have a better grasp of it now :)

Birthday Party:

I don't have a shot of what she wore but it was a blue/turquoise dress, very cute :)

Navy Ball:

a dramatic gold/brown
what she wore (and her date as well!)

Hope you all like :)
Happy Monday~

Mermaid Tail~

2010-05-24T01:18:00.001-04:00

late night boredom, I decided to do a Mermaid inspired look

for this I used L'oreal HIP Bright Shadow Duo in Showy. I think I have new found love for this duo. and also, they work Much better with sponge applicators than brushes.
also: urban decay 24/7 liner in Zero
loreal telescopic explosion mascara
NYX glitter liner (teal color)
and random gold glitter liner that I used before I decided to do this look

only one eye but I kinda like it :) click for larger ver.

Strawberry Shortcake

2010-05-22T01:24:00.002-04:00

Out with studying and cramped dorms, in with summer and fresh colors.
Something bright, cute and super simple nails :) I name it strawberry shortcake, (my fav fruit is strawberry)
Simple: Just use a pastel pink, or a light pink above (I used Wet N' Wild nail polish), 2 coats. After drying dot on using any nail brush quick and simple. make sure that the brush isn't full of polish paint though.
Let dry, and finish with a clear coat, don't go over the same spot twice! or else the dots will smudge.
Enjoy your strawberry shortcake :)

Where did the Time Go?

2010-04-27T02:15:00.001-04:00

In approximately 3.5 days, I will bid adieu to my junior year in University. That sounds exciting but, it's another year closer to "reality". So far, this year has given a lot of precious memories, and I wish the rest of the year will be just as wonderful.

just a small update before I die from my Finals week.

Fashion Design department annual Fashion Show Portfolio in Motion 2010. "All Doll'd Up" (at Marymount University)
lots of good coverage!!! awesome event.

images are unedited and also bad camera quality but just a sneak peak!

till next time.

If you could eat dinner with any person, dead or alive, who would it be and where would you go?

2010-04-17T14:45:00.002-04:00

My grandmother....in our old home, where she would cook my favorite foods

Ask me anything

What was your favorite toy to play with as a child?

2010-04-17T14:34:00.003-04:00

this stuffed green bunny toy!!! I think my distant cousin gave it to me when I visited the country but my grandma was peeved that I carried it everywhere with me and one day threw it away ;_;

Ask me anything

Mornin'

2010-04-06T11:41:00.001-04:00

even though it's 11:28 am here, I went to sleep at 5am editing tons of photos and I'm still not done!!
So to recap the weekend a little bit

On Thursday a group of us went to great falls in Virginia to hike (my weekend started early because my school lets off on easter)
Friday I went to a drag show at George mason university, it was a lot of fun and very funny! I still have to put up some videos :P
Saturday a couple of friends and I went to DC for the annual International pillow fight. then we walked around DC to see cherry blossoms and museum hopping, china-towning. Then we went back to the national mall to see cherry blossom festival fireworks and walked around some more towards the lincoln memorial...and ended the late late night at IHOP.
On sunday we had a BBQ for a friend's birthday, I ran errands beforehand buying food items etc, everyone had a good time :)
Monday was the last day of my little freedom weekend and I spent the day with friends driving around. One had a jeep so he took the top down and we cruised around in the sun. Then I went shopping with a couple of the ladies and walked around Georgetown a bit.
a beautiful weekend has ended...I'm really not in the mood to go to back to school. haha

here's a little bit from the hike~

a nice view of the river

a couple of my friends pretend to be lovers

more walking~

we grilled hot dogs on sticks we found :) resourceful!

more pictures later!!

HEY!SPRING!

2010-04-05T13:38:00.001-04:00

Check out a fellow blogger Mimi @ Soyconfessions for a Shoes Giveaway ! One of my fav blogs :)

This weekend has been the most fun, tiresome, and epic weekend of my life.

Pictures soon! but now I gotta get started on some spring cleaning and editing like 600 photos out of my albums. I'm so glad I chose this over homework lol.

happy spring!!!!!

I pretty much want to be here right now

Motivation?

2010-04-01T04:08:00.001-04:00

Sometimes I get a surge of excitement and ambition and I feel like I can conquer the world, then it's gone the next minute. I wish I can keep that kind of spirit up ninety nine percent of the time. But hey, if I were too excited I think I'd get fed up with myself.

But meanwhile, I try to keep positive and think of the greatest outcome even if it never happens. Because if I don't fail, how will I ever succeed?

something fun:

glittery tear haha...I think I should've made it bigger but oh well. all part of experimenting.

I'm trying to think of ways to start the products I barely or rarely use, it's such a waste not to use them =\

also was trying on a new pair of falsies.

Hokay I'm getting very sleepy, it's 4am here and I'm really not sure why I'm up so late. or I'm up so early....hahaha

good night !

Eyes Love You + Nails!

2010-03-30T00:08:00.001-04:00

I almost feel like I'm prepping myself up for the mass amount of work coming my way this coming fall semester. since it will be my senior year in college, I want to let my guard down a tad bit (senioritis?) but I've cut out so much things for me to do I don't think I'll ever catch my breath!

but I'm still excited for what 2010 has to offer :)

a quick EOTD from a few days ago.
and then some cool nails to show you all :)
So this is just a variation I did from the previous eotd (post below)
just more pink and less blue...I was kind of in a hurry and I wasn't in the mood of coming up with something else :P

I'm also breaking out from stressy situations hahaa

Nails!! Really simple. if anyone wants to know how to do it. just dot your nails quickly with the brush (I didn't do anything complicated) in a line-let dry, and add smaller dots (using Sally hansen's nail pens in white). but any color variation would work.

I got tired of using too much color on my nails and came up with a simple enough design, surprisingly people liked it :)

eet eet eet

2010-03-26T10:55:00.001-04:00

EET, by Regina Spector
---------------------------------
been extra busy lately I have put off updating this blog. Don't even know what to write about anymore but, a lot of great things have been happening! Not because of luck or fate, but because of hard work and pushing myself to do better.

and because I don't usually wear a lot of make up everyday(usually I conceal,powder,and brow so there's really nothing to look at) here's a EOTD I did last week and I meant to put it up then but somehow I didn't :P

took this after a day's wear so the blue's kind of washed out.
I used
top:Body Shop's Eye Lustre Pearl in Silvery Blue
Makeup Forever's Eye shadow in n.75 (hot pink)

bottom:
Urban Decay 24/7 in Electric
and Nyx glitter liner , I don't know the name but it's turquoise green!

And now I've got to go get ready! will update soon on some fun events I've attended and lots of pictures to share :)

nailin' it

2010-03-02T02:34:00.001-05:00

a slight blog name change! from the complicated banapplebeauty to banappleart, I feel like it's much more suited to the content I post :) and since make up is an art form (I believe), it's an all in one kind of thing.

recently I re did my nails and I'm quite fond of them !
right hand: pink with purple swirls
left hand: colors are inversed

both hands are finished with white decorative dotted flower motifs and lines

also I was experimenting with some different eye looks with my tarte palette, and ended up with this...

Not very fond of it =\ but it was fun playing around. My asian eyes aren't suited for the typical application of eye color, lol.

and there's me looking slightly depressed :P

Midterms are over-ish and still swamped with work. I'm now on the prowl for a new job, being broke isn't fun :(

Also, I entered a few competitions in the design related field! *crosses fingers*

I'm actually seriously thinking of starting a nail business haha. Am I crazy?

I Just Want to be Okay, be Okay, be Okay

2010-02-22T10:38:00.007-05:00

song:Be OK
artist: Ingrid Michaelson

It's one of those weeks where mellow songwriters rule my playlist. I often find in a time of stress and over piles of work, listening to songs like this makes me feel like nothing's going to bring me down.

I had a case of the bad headache today while staring intensely at the IMAC screens doing my project, and feel my energy slowly deteriorating. I wish there was an easier way to do my work. But being in the field of design, it's kind of tough not working on a computer.

I just want to be ok, be ok, be ok
I just want to be ok today
I just want to be ok, be ok, be ok
I just want to be ok today

I just want to feel today, feel today, feel today
I just want to feel something today
I just want to feel today, feel today, feel today
I just want to feel something today

CHORUS:
Open me up and you will see
I'm a gallery of broken hearts
I'm beyond repair, let me be
And give me back my broken parts

I just want to know today, know today, know today
I just want to know something today
I just want to know today, know today, know today
Know that maybe I will be ok

CHORUS

Just give me back my pieces
Just give them back to me please
Just give me back my pieces
And let me hold my broken parts

I just want to be ok, be ok, be ok
I just want to be ok today
I just want to be ok, be ok, be ok
I just want to be ok today

I just want to feel today, feel today, feel today
I just want to feel something today
I just want to know today, know today, know today
Know that maybe I will be ok
Know that maybe I will be ok
Know that maybe I will be ok

----
spring break is just around the corner!
tutorials coming up soon!

Sometimes I just wish people would say what they mean.

2010-02-16T23:51:00.004-05:00

Don't you?
---

anyway, something I'm drooling over:

BF-beauty (beautiesfactory) 120 palette [click me for link!]

picture taken from their site :) hope they don't mind.

have a good night everyone!

Maybelline XXL Extensions? Yay or Nay?

2010-02-16T17:17:00.004-05:00

Due to a recent job loss of a certain someone *ahem*, My budget has been cut substantially. No i didn't get fired, I quit due to the strenuous commute and lack of a time slot for working. In turn I'm looking for a new job near by.

And just when I quit my Diorshow mascara is about dried out, I needed to find a new and cheaper mascara.

I saw this on sale for 50% off and thought why not. for about 4 dollars no one could complain.

I had used Maybelline's XXL mascara before (the Volume + length version), but that was years ago. and my first impression for it was vaguely intact in my brain. I got this just because it was on sale.
I do appreciate that drugstore brands try to create the primer + mascara type of products to try and draw customers in, because primers can make your lashes fuller+longer. I however do not see the point for this particular mascara as it does nothing really to make my lashes super long and luscious.
Perhaps it's because this particular tube has been sitting on the shelf for quite a while, or my lashes are just too wimpy to be made to look spectacular. Whatever the case it, It's definitely not one of my favorites. my lashes are weighed down when I wore it and it just didn't look as great as when I used full n' soft, or diorshow.

maybe if you had long and beautiful lashes this can be worked to your advantage :)

Louis Vuitton Vomits a $54,000 Worth of Crap

2010-02-12T14:54:00.012-05:00

See the above bag? Yea it's a bag. A bag made by Louis Vuitton, a HIGH END traveler bag for the elite. With a price tag of $54,000 USD who could resist??

I believe the design team was on crack when they thought this up. It's like if Medusa was ever reincarnated into a bag, this would be it.

More Snow.

2010-02-10T12:51:00.003-05:00

Well it doesn't show signs of stopping. And school has been canceled for the third day in a row, pretty exciting stuff, except we're all stuck here in our dorm rooms with piles of homework that professors keeps on giving out to keep us "motivated". really?

Snow Storm!

2010-02-06T10:55:00.003-05:00

Well apparently they're comparing this to the storm in 96' , but I wasn't here in DC then so I don't know anything about that.
But the storm has been going on for roughly a day now and it's still going strong!

there's about a foot and a half of snow (18 inches=45.2 cm), crazy!
I'm stuck here at my dorms with little to entertain myself and homework, I'm never in a homework mood.

pictures to come soon!

GoSmile Toothpaste Followup 2

2010-02-05T16:34:00.006-05:00

All snowed in and Bored, it's been roughly two weeks since I started using my GoSmile AM PM tooth paste and I'm ready for a follow up :)

I think it's really working, I've been brushing my teeth diligently (2-3 minutes every time), and I feel like my teeth has gotten whiter. before I had yellower(cringe now) teeth and although the tooth paste hasn't taken off all the ugly stains from my poorly treated choppers, this is a fine beginning. (sorry, no pictures of my teeth as I feel inadequate posting up my ugly teeth).

Will I repurchase? Yes , even though it's pricey

I say give it a try :) wouldn't hurt, except maybe your wallet.

Here's something to look at though :)

This year has been surprisingly full of snow.

GoSmile Toothpaste Followup 1.

2010-01-26T13:51:00.006-05:00

Remember when I bought that travel kit of Gosmile AM PM toothpaste from sephora?

Today is my second day of testing for this, and I wanted to do a small follow up, even though results are insignificant at this stage.

above is what they look like full size, the full size kit costs $30. and the travel kit costs approx $12.
Full:7.0 oz.
Travel: 1.0 oz duo+portable tooth brush in a plastic pouch

Expensive for tooth paste , I know. But I read many reviews from people saying that they actually work and whitens teeth in 2 weeks, so I bought the travel kit to try. and If I like it then maybe I'll consider shelling out 30 for the full size duo because it'd be worth the money. Gotta protect those pearly whites (or beiges, for now)!

about the tooth pastes!
1. they taste different from other ones you get at CVS, rite-aid, etc. It's not exactly minty but it's refreshing.
2. they produce less foam than your regular 3-4 dollar tooth pastes. I like the foamy consistency but I can do with out it.
3. there's am AM tooth paste and PM tooth paste. One for morning, one for evening. AM is called energy, PM is called Tranquility.

Both toothpastes have all the same ingredients except for 1, PM has an extra "valeriana officinalis root extract".
which according to wikipedia, "Valerian is used for insomnia and other disorders".

wow, tooth paste that helps you sleep!
something else that I found cool was that both AM&PM contains cranberry fruit extract. I read it's good for preventing UTI. but ... I don't know how that relates to toothpaste.

4. Comparing flavors between AM & PM I much prefer PM to AM. I found that AM made my mouth a little dry after brushing but PM was very mild and pleasant to use. Both AM & PM are light in flavor though.
5. since I got the travel kit, I had that travel tooth brush, the bristles on the head looked like what you get from Hotel tooth brushes, no levels between bristles. I didn't really want to use it so I'm sticking to my own. I'll use it when I need to travel.

So these are just my initial thoughts after using GoSmile. Hopefully I will see some results after two weeks :)

Monday EOTD + extra

2010-01-25T11:05:00.005-05:00

Pretty bored this morning, even though I have a ton of homework to complete.
Although I was pretty happy when I found one of my earlier classes got canceled so that gives me some time to finish my assignment for a class later today.

I'm about to head out for brunch so here's a quick EOTD.
really simple:

used: UD electric liner
UD Deluxe shadow in Peace
mixed with some Zero

also last night I finished a puzzle my best friend sent me in the mail (for my birthday)...

anyway, have a great rest of the morning to those who are in the same time zone as me and have a great afternoon to those who are on the other side :)

some lisa frank love :D haha old joke.

quick EOTD

2010-01-22T15:12:00.002-05:00

Kind of in a hurry so here's a quick snap shot of my EOTD.

maybe I'll name it gold rush?

I used: Urban Decay Half Baked, and Flash eye shadow
Urban Decay 24/7 Zero
Some random Victoria's secret eye shadow, I can't find the name (but it's a gorgeous bronze, metallic color)
Sephora lash plumper mascara

So it's friday and my friends and I are doing a big potluck/party. So I'll be busy making food and eating food :)

more updates later!

EOTD

2010-01-19T14:38:00.007-05:00

mm a little late in the afternoon but I'm still going to post this :)

today I was trying some new items (see previous post) and I decided to go with a blue frosty style, mysterious and cool. I used whatever blue I had lol.

products used:
Urban Decay deluxe shadow in Ransom
Urban Decay deluxe shadow in Zero
Sephora Mono shadow in aspen summet
Sephora lash plumper

Sneezing 10 Times in a Row Should be a Talent Haul

2010-01-19T13:24:00.008-05:00

(Yes I did just sneeze 10 times in a row, feels like allergy season for some reason)
I've got a mini Haul :)

a week ago I placed a small order at Sephora. They have this thing where you can receive a free birthday gift if you place an order online 2 weeks before or after your birthday. So technically I had to buy something to receive my free gift but that's not the point (don't question my logic -_-)..because it's freeeeee. duh.

Here's what I received in the mail

my actual purchase: Go Smile AM&PM Toothpaste kit.
apparently it's really great at whitening teeth, and since I am running out of my current toothpaste I decided to get this.
Total: 12 dollars.

My Birthday Gift: it's a small kit consisting of 3 Sephora brand items: eye pencil, eye shadow, and lash plumper
they're sort of mini-fied versions of the full size ones.

the rest are small samples I got to choose from the website during check out.
Sephora always throws in 3 small samples of your choice with whatever you purchase :)

1. Kim Kardashian's new fragrance
2. Kenzo's Flower fragrance (old favorite)
3. Anastasia beverly Hills brow Powder Duo sampler

aside from all these I realize I have to do my taxes soon. not fun :(

EOTD+Hello !

2010-01-18T12:12:00.008-05:00

Clearly I have not been keeping my promise of blogging more this year. but a very belated happy new year to everyone .

One of the reasons I haven't bothered to update was because I was busy getting my liquor on last week, haha.
I turned 21 this past wednesday and celebrated all week long. Now that I've gotten that out of my system I can focus on classes and keeping this blog up to date.

and Since this is a beauty blog as well I'll post my eyes of the day since I recently started to do more make up than usual (I neglected my train case all last semester because of school work).
closed, with flash

w/o flash

My eye make up is inspired by beautiful peonies, which you can see in a painting below

products used:
Urban Decay Deluxe shadows in Honey and Graffiti
MakeUp Forever eye shadow in n 75
Urban Decay 24/7 Liner in Zero
+Dior Diorshow mascara

anyways, tell me what you think!

Out of Work ...

2009-12-20T10:23:00.001-05:00

No no, I wasn't fired or anything. There was this "hugeee" blizzard here in the DC area over the weekend and most roads and public transit were/are still shut down. Since taxis take forever (because you know...suburbs don't really have that many taxis), it's a 2-3 hour wait whenever I call for a ride. And because of that, I called my work and they said I don't have to go in if it's near impossible for me to get there. I'm still waiting till 11 to see if my taxi arrives, and if it doesn't (which is highly likely)I guess I have to break the bad news to my job. And that puts me to no work for this entire week and I'm pretty upset because I'm not getting paid :(

though, safety is above anything else.

I wish I lived closer to the metro area sighh.

but here's a pretty picture of the snowfall from this weekend :)

this snow is so deep it covered all of my front steps up to my knee!

Self Portraiture

2009-12-18T15:49:00.001-05:00

Out of sheer boredom last night- this morning, I decided to digitally paint a self portrait using one of my pictures that I took previously.

and here is the result!

after wards I played around with the effects on photoshop...I like it quite a bit :)

Winter Break Woes...and Job Well Done, Disney.

2009-12-15T22:31:00.001-05:00

So Winter break started officially for me on saturday, I had a couple of days of settling back at home and working and I'm now in Break Mode. Though not much to tell ya, because I'm bored to death.

Today I met up with a friend and we went to see the new Disney Animated film "The Princess and the Frog" with the first African Princess (finally), and I believe this is the best film of 2009 (no joke) .

From the plot, to its animation, everything was superb. and Disney animated films always leave you with that warm feeling in your heart at the end, something I rarely find in other films.

I kinda want to see it again :P

Now I need to find other things to do for the rest of this long winter break!

Vote for me ! again and again!

2009-12-15T00:48:00.001-05:00

As much as I hate whoring out certain contest entries, I have no choice. If I want a better chance to win I'd better get crackin before it's too late! my position on the chart had been steadily declining but I'm not giving up (even though the top 250 gets considered for choosing anyway, the best ranked ones have a better probability of winning) so Please everyone who's reading this, click and vote for me every day until December 20th! round up your friends and families to vote for me! and comment!!! Please!

awesome gratitude and appreciation towards all of you :)

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DON'T FORGET TO VOTE FOR ME !!

2009-12-03T14:11:00.001-05:00

THE COMPETITION WILL CONTINUE UP TO THE END OF DECEMBER. SO PLEASE REMEMBER TO VOTE FOR ME EVERYDAY!!! I'VE BEEN SLIPPING :(

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Brickfish Loves Steve Madden

2009-11-13T02:45:00.001-05:00

I decided to enter this contest for zappos and steve madden :)

Please vote for my shoes because they are the isht!

you know it :)

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Busy Busy Busy

2009-11-12T00:00:00.002-05:00

I feel like I haven't had time to even breath. Projects are stacked up to my nose and I have only so much time to finish. Plus exams and other research things I don't know what to do with myself.

any who... I've been making progress on a project for my interior design studio course. now that I've learned how to do things digitally I can make better perspectives and such :)

here's a sneak preview. it's not fully completed as I am fixing and changing things here and there.

Okay! I'm back to doing more work !!

I keep not posting :P

2009-11-05T21:33:00.002-05:00

I need to break this bad habit of not posting regularly!!! but It's not like anyone reads it anyway hahaha. still...I want to keep this online journal alive. :)

there's just been so much events happening and also, school's been keeping me busy I haven't even thought about blogging.

But I do want to share something! I'm actually very proud of it even though I know I can do better...
It's my semi final project for one of my studio courses (the heart of the program, they call it). If you didn't know, I study Interior Design at my university. It's a very tough program that requires a lot of my time aka a lot of all nighters :) I don't mind it, because I get so happy when I finish with the final product lol

so here are the (bad) pictures I took. I had to design the first floor of a large building for an entrepreneur that wanted several retail/businesses in one area.

this was actually a very fun project, and even though I left it at the last possible minute, I think it's one of the best I've done :) Though I feel like I have a lot to improve on...especially on my board presentations.

I want to add a new blog!

2009-10-19T17:30:00.000-04:00

specifically for food, I mean.
I think it'd be interesting if I shared what our cafeteria had and make them look um... appetizing. I'm also a big fan of food so I'd be posting other food places I go to try or my fav spots around the washington DC region.

and maybe attempt to make something. hahaha. I'm not great on being a cook but I'm a self proclaimed awesome pastry chef/ baker.

Song Of The Day

2009-10-09T23:47:00.001-04:00

Wake Up by The Arcade Fire

I have to admit I've never heard of this band before but I'm glad I have found them! Thanks to the new film "Where The Wild Things Are", I fell in love with the song from the preview .

The film is set to release on October 16th

What Happens Next?

2009-10-05T09:43:00.001-04:00

Sometimes I wish things would happen to me instead of others...so I wouldn't have to feel the pain that I am suffering right now.

My mom's getting surgery today, and it's going to last up to 8 hours. and even though our mother-daughter relationship isn't what I'd call perfect (or anywhere near that), I still wish I was there before she went into the surgery room.

I don't mean to be selfish, really. I and I don't mean to be mean. The amount of guilt in me is building up to a point I can't even breath.
I wish I could say sorry to her, and not act like everything's okay to everyone else. Because I'm not the kind of person to show my feelings...and I hate myself for that.

The Asian drama Effect

2009-10-04T03:06:00.002-04:00

ooo producers of dramas why do you torture me so...
Once in a while I get quite addicted to an Asian drama. I wonder if anyone else does this too?
Usually the really addictive ones are South Korean dramas. styles are melo dramatic, dramady, or just sad dramas. Episodes can range from 16 up to like 50 or more especially in time period dramas.

Recently I've been watching My Fair Lady (Take Care of Agasshi) ((agasshi means young lady in Korean))
Starring Yoon Eun Hye, Yoon Sang Hyun, and Jung Il Woo.
I wanted to watch this because I am a fan of Yoon Eun Hye(the girl) from her previous dramas/shows and her being a girl group member some x years ago. Pretty much watched all her dramas :)

This show is brand new and there's 16 episodes in total (2 more to go! next week is the finale T_T)

And it's SO bad for me because midterms is next week Lol. And if you watch dramas like these, you'll know that it's impossible to be patiently waiting for the next episode. I don't know, it's like they put virtual crack in them so you can't stay away from it...I just really wish they can air the rest so I can feel at peace lol.
what's worse is that they don't subtitle them until 2 days later(in chinese, if it's in english then it's like another week).

soo yah, just wanted to say something...I never know how to end these.

In Class Procrastination! chartpak vs. prismacolor, Wacom Tablets.

2009-09-30T19:56:00.001-04:00

Haven't blogged in a few weeks. :P

It is 7:57PM as I'm writing this now in class, being bored and not doing anything close to work.

Seriously, having a studio class at night kills my mood AND productivity. Therefore I decided to blog and perhaps get my "inspiration" back.

Recently I made a few big purchases, by few I mean a couple. I'm not rich by any means.

maybe rich in body fat percentage. har har.

So I got some Chartpak AD markers from Pearl arts store online.
They're having a deal of buy 1 get 1 half off. so I got excited and ordered some. This totaled to approx 44 dollars for a dozen+ few markers. I still haven't seen my package yet so I am patiently (using this term loosely) waiting.

I like chartpaks much better than my prismacolors ( shown left below)

why? Because I think Chartpaks blend much more beautifully than prismacolors.
From trying both kinds there's a big difference in handling the markers.
Prismacolors come double ended, one for fine print and one for making thick lines.
Chartpaks(shown right) come with only 1 tip but it can create 3 different line weights with a different stroke.

Both markers are about the same price if you ignore sales and membership discounts. But I think chartpaks are much more worth it.

Don't get me wrong, I love prismacolors, I still use their markers and their colored pencils (which I Love). They give off super vibrant colors and are more widely available. Even if you have a michael's nearby, you can find prismacolors. Chartpaks however you can only get at specialized art stores. and not a crafts store like michaels.

K, onto the next subject...

On monday night I purchased a wacom tablet Bamboo series Pen & Touch.
Which totaled to 99 dollars. I've been meaning to get a tablet for a while now but I never manage to save up money because of other art supplies. I swear my rendering professor requests a new item every other class. And because I get my own supplies, and only work about 8 hrs a week (with the exception of some extra hrs maybe 1 week out of a month), my spending amount is VERY limited. :( I've got plenty of classes to keep me occupied and the free time that I have I use to sleep.

But this is going to be my new baby lol, totally worth the money if you ask me.
If you are a design major, or you're working in the design field, using any digital art medium I highly recommend it for home use and for starters.

using a mouse and a touch pad just isn't as good as using a pen.

Of course, the bamboo series have other choices, such as just pen (no touch), or bamboo touch,bamboo fun, and bamboo craft.

Wacom also makes more upper end professional tablets that are for serious buyers. They range from 200 USD up to 2000 USD.

Finally...

End time: 8:38. lol that took a while but hey! kept me doing something :P

Something Different. Song/Snapshop art of the day

2009-09-04T01:20:00.001-04:00

song of the day: Perfectly Blind by Day 26
(all should give it a listen, it's pure perfection)

I figured I should incorporate more art into this blog because after all it is banappleART. :)
so I present to you...

Snapshot Art of the Day! Where I show you some quick sneak peeks of my own art, or art in general that I find along the way.

Today are just some recent shots of some short studies of interiors and exteriors, for rendering class.

more to come in the future :)

Fall semester has begun. Body Shop Review.

2009-08-29T15:08:00.001-04:00

ahhh It has been quite a hectic week, even if it is the first week of school. Beginning of Junior year at college is kind of stressful! Plus handling 18(that's six classes=5 studios, 1 social 300 level course) credits and work and other activities don't help either eh. all freaking 3 hours long.

well if I want to graduate....

Anyway, that's not what I wanted to talk about. What I want to talk about is the new Tea Tree line by the Body Shop. scroll to bottom to read about another post regarding Body Shop products.

This time I am reviewing their Tea Tree Skin Clearing Facial Wash but let me tell ya I am not satisfied with this product!

I got this on a whim while shopping at Montgomery Mall (MD), just a few days before I had to move back to the dorms. So I've been testing this out about 2 weeks now.

This was 11 USD, and comes in a nice clear bottle with a flip cap containing 250 ml (8.4 US fl oz) of the liquid.

looks kinda nice, and has a lot of "cleanse" for the price.

Here's what it claims to do:

Prevent blemishes and remove excess oil with a refreshing gel-bashed facial wash that won’t over-dry your skin and is gentle enough for daily use.

Here's what I think...

Pros: I like the smell , but when I read reviews from others it's kind of off putting. I don't mind it, though.
semi Pro?: It is very VERY gentle, I stress this because it's also the down fall of this cleanser. If you have sensitive skin, it'll probably work well for you.

Now brings us to the cons: it is very VERY gentle, lol. There's no micro granules or anything in this so it's all gel. And what this wash fails at is foaming up. I could barely get any soap bubbles going on when I washed my face with it.

When I mean wash, it's more like moving this gel around on my face, I feel like it doesn't do a great job cleaning. I was hoping this wasn't the case, but my fear came true when I used a toner to do some extra clean up, and found the cotton ball to be covered with the make up that this wash failed to pick off.

I don't know about the power of tea tree oil but after two weeks of rigorous use I find my face to be still with blemishes. All in all, it did nothing for my skin. Maybe it's because I didn't use it in conjunction with all the other trea tree products that the Body Shop had, but I highly doubt my face will get better with the use of these items.

As much as I am disappointed in this I still have some faith in the Body Shop to make some awesome stuff, but with this one...

Didn't work for me.

Sephora Train Case Review

2009-08-19T01:29:00.001-04:00

I just wanted to make a post about my train case, I think my obsession with cosmetics multiplied when I bought this.

I got this about a year ago at Sephora for about $120 USD, sort of an impulse buy / sort of not. Mainly I wanted something to put all my crap in but I'm beginning to over fill it. My collection isn't anything huge but I'm getting around to it. :)

Back to the case! It's not overly huge, nor heavy, perfect for carrying. It has three stacking tiers that pulls out with each layer, the separators in the trays are removable , so you can make the trays small or big according to your organization.
The color I have is a special limited edition White faux croc design/color, it was the one that stood out to me the most when I saw boxes of these train cases lined up in the store, and this white one was the last one on stock. and All of them run the same price.

The case comes with plenty of room and easy to clean, also included is a shoulder strap if you're feeling mobile.
All in all, it's a great starting case or for any professionals that are looking into style and function.
The last time I went to Sephora I spotted the case in a bright metallic turquoise, pale pink , and the basic black. I'm not sure if they still carry any more different colors but it's still a great investment!

blog lovin

2009-08-18T23:30:00.002-04:00

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join the fun.

Nail Tutorial: Summer Citrus!

2009-08-13T23:55:00.001-04:00

Something I tried out of boredom the other day~

Sorry this is VERY brief, I didn't take enough pictures and the stupid flash on my camera ruins half my pictures.
but hopefully this will make you wanna try it :P
This is the END RESULT:

I guess you can also interpret it as "danger"..since it's bright orange and yellow...

I originally named it orange mango because of my job (I make high priced crap coffee and smoothies)

Here are the easy steps!

Step 1: always ALWAYS apply a base, it not only helps your nail polish stay on longer and stronger, but also keeps your nails from being stained by the colors. I use Orly rubberized base (7-8 dollars at local drugstore)

step 2: Apply a bright yellow polish. Here I used Sally Hansen's Insta-dry fast dry nail color in #10 lightening. Make sure it's completely dry before going onto next stop. Most of my nail polish are Sally Hansen, she's got some great colors for reasonable prices. and this particular one dries very fast....hence the name.

step 3: use a light orange color sally hansen's hard as nails Xtreme wear in #06 Sunkissed (bright tropical orange). If you want to use a smaller brush if you wish, but on this tutorial I just brushed off most of the polish off the brush and create wavy zig zags diagonally along my nails. It's ok if it's a little messy, mine aren't perfect either. Practice makes perfect, and also a very steady hand. (both hands) haha

step 4: after your nails dry completely, top off with a clear coat of your preference and voila you're done! now you can just wait for the complements when you go out :)
After all they're hard to miss!

Review Body Shop

2009-08-13T23:18:00.001-04:00

Thanks to Firefox's unexpected crash I could not recover a lot of what I wrote before hand so here it is in short:

Today I will review a few pieces from The Body Shop's spring 09' collection

I did not purchase the Body Shop products at the time of release , but thanks to my friend who left it at my house after she bought it from the sales bin, I got to keep them. lol

So here they are and a brief review of each.

1. The Body Shop Rose Flower Eyes in Mint Green
Like every other product by The Body Shop, the design is always really pretty. This eye color is full of shimmer and just slightly in the blue green shade, great for highlighting the inner corners of the eyes or to give your eyes an overall shimmer. If you don't like shimmery shadows then I'd stay away from this.

2. The Body Shop Rose flower blush in fuschiaReally gorgeous rosey color, gives your cheeks a slight flush of rosey pink. This is also shimmery (as you can see from the close up, the glitter pieces in between), I think people with oily skin might have a slight problem with this because, shimmery+oily= shiny disaster. A little goes a long way with this. Even though I have oily skin I really like it, lol.

the next three:

from left to right:

the Body Shop eye lustre pearl in silvery blue- very pigmented eye color, all in the shape of little pearls. you can probably either crush them and apply the color with a brush or just swirl your brushes on top of the pearls to get the color, it does come out a tiny uneven but it's very easily blended out. I really like this product but it's a little annoying because the pearls tend to fly around in the tub, mixing between the dark and the light color.
The Body Shop cream eye color - I'm not sure whether this was in the spring collection but I actually like this cream color a lot, it makes an excellent base for me since I'm sort of light medium skin toned, this color is practically gone after I blend it in on my lids, but it does make any shadow I put on show up extra vibrant.
The last one is a lip stick from the spring collection- the color is sort of a dark rosey mauve, when applied the color isn't as strong (which I like), but buildable. It is also very shimmery, and moisturizing. It's almost in a lip gloss texture but without the stickiness. Really like it except it has that lip stick taste lol.

So if you got a Body Shop near you, I suggest you to check these items out, I'm not sure if they still carry it (sales go by quick especially when it's super cheap), I believe these were bought all for 10 USD, I didn't even pay for them hahaha.

I definitely need to pay more attention to The Body Shop for their collections, I do own a brush from them and a Flushing Daisies highlighter, and I like both of them very much :)

next post : nail tutorial- Summer Citrus!

Review: Maybelline Super Stay 24hr Liquid Foundation with Microflex formula

2009-08-03T16:43:00.001-04:00

Couldn't find this on the official Maybelline website,
I guess it's pretty new?
but it claims to:
1. Withstand heat, sweat, and humidity
2. Zero transfer won't rub off
3. Flexible breathable all day comfort
4. oil free non pore clogging
5. suitable for all skin types

no blending:

Now I've only tested this for one day but it was an extremely long day and I really like this foundation!

cost: 10 dollars approx, depending on where you go, but very reasonable for the amount
packaging: glass bottle with a twist off cap. Not my favorite because although this is a liquid foundation, the consistency is not as watery as some other foundations.
color selection: there weren't that many shades at cvs when I saw it, but the shade I got was "nude" and it's a pretty good match for me.

What I Like: the coverage, it's medium to full depending on how much you layer on the foundation.
it actually does withstand heat, I'm not sure how much but when I wore it (from early morning to late night with very little touch up), the foundation stayed on pretty well!
is it actually 24 hrs? I highly doubt that , but it's pretty damn close.
what I don't like: the packaging, I don't mind the glass bottle and cap with other foundations, I've mentioned previously that Revlon Colorstay is one of my HG foundations and the glass bottle works perfectly fine for that because the foundation pours quicker. But for this maybelline foundation, I'm pretty sure later on when I'm almost out of it, I'd have to pound it like those ketchup bottles. I don't wanna work that hard on make up! lol
I just wish that there was a pump dispenser for it.

All in all, I give it an 8/10
This is actually a great foundation if you find it in your skin color. It does tend to make my face go on the shiny side but I have reallly oily skin to begin with, the oil control is alright.
As their tag line says, "maybe she's born with it, maybe it's maybelline". Go out and get this one because it's definitely Maybelline.

Long Hiatus, and something of a vent.

2009-07-30T17:35:00.001-04:00

Not that anybody cared, but I was gone for quite a while, wasn't feeling up to the task of blogging every so often. That is until now, haha.
So I apologize for the hiatus, and I am officially back to keeping this blog up!!
So what's everyone up to these days? how's your summer? even though there's a month left of summer I kind want it to hurry up. Right now, summer's more like hell to me.
I'm currently taking a summer class and everything is going great, it's motivating me to do something productive and not be at home 24/7. However it is ending....today.
So I must keep myself busy, and try not to stay at home all the time. I plan to jog/exercise every day of August. I know , I know it is very ambitious (for me at least), but I have to do this sooner or later and why not start August, then I can move into the new school semester feeling great.

soo that's that for now
and I'll probably have more posts that are beauty related! also tutorials to show you how to do nails :)

DC2NY

2009-06-06T01:22:00.001-04:00

I'm currently in New York for the weekend with good company. Hopefully I can have some stress free fun.

Today, I Cleaned.

2009-05-20T17:09:00.001-04:00

My Room! And last night I baked a cake hahaha. It is delicious.
I swear my room is so disgusting. And I think there's a bug problem in my house so I'm paranoid that a cricket will attack me and I'll die. I cleaned my entire carpet today and there were a ton of crap under my bed. I threw them all away, hahaha. I'm taking this opportunity to also rearrange my room, but right now I'm more focused on cleaning everything first. then I'll start moving everything.
I'm not as excited as I sound, because I hate my room and I despise cleaning, lol.

Art Show Fail...Hah. So I did what any sensible girl would do, SHOP.

2009-05-10T01:03:00.001-04:00

Sooooo just got back a while ago and we totally didn't go to the art show. But we hung around Pentagon City mall and shopped for a while. I picked up a pair of sexy shoes.

feast your eyesssss!!! (my feet hurt LoL)
from ALDO : huesing

another better picture from the website:

urgh, I haven't splurged this much on something in a while.

the shoes alone cost : 150 USD. + soles and stuff

But I think they're totally worth it. Shoes are a girl's best friend! ahahah.
also went to Forever21, and saw the new plus size line Faith21. They have some decent pieces but I hope they come out with more later. Some definitely didn't look as appealing as on the website or on the models. But I like it! I got a tank but I don't think it's much to brag about ahaha.

Friends and I walked around crystal city till like 11 and we went home. All in all, certainly an enjoyable time. :)

Anyways, plans for tomorrow! I have to work my butt off since I skimped on today's plans of exercising. So tomorrow, twice as hard!! I definitely feel guilty from the shopping and the excessive eating, hahaha.

Saturday!

2009-05-09T15:40:00.001-04:00

I decided to take a break from exercising today, after all it's a saturday. I want to relax and not worry about my weight and working out. lol well I'll worry a little. I'm controlling what I eat today because some friends and I are going to an art show which means...I don't know when I'm going to eat and when I'm going to stop. Hopefully I can resist the temptation of eating too much good stuff.

Anywho, this art show is hosted by an art group called "Art Whino", they have very contemporary, urban sort of art pieces. They're very cool and they always have shows near the DC area, so if you're around be sure to check them out!!

Summer Workout Blog: Day 4 ahh! (Friday)

2009-05-09T01:18:00.001-04:00

Sorry, posting a little late. Just got back from work.
Feelin goooooood~
I did about 30 minutes of work out today, although I feel I should have done more. Oh well, I guess I'll just have to make it up tomorrow!
I didn't stick by my 7pm rule today, because I was at work and my lunch was scheduled at 7...so that plan got ruined. But I didn't over eat. I had a large tea unsweetened, so it's good for me, antioxidants and all :)
and a breakfast sandwich again. I think I might have to start bringing my own lunch, but I can never pack a good meal hahaha. One of my coworker was telling me that La Madelein (I think that's how you spell it) had some good low cal low fat take out meals,under ten bucks. so I might check that out soon. :)

I sort of splurged on my eating habit today. After work (11 pm), I went with a few coworkers and friends to IceBerry to get soft yogurt w/ fresh fruit. It's a great alternative to ice cream and it's healthy! very little fat content and It was Y-U-M. haha.
Anywho, I shouldn't have eaten so late now I feel kind of guilty and I sort of want to work out at 1 am...but I'm too tired. I need to kick up my workout time tomorrow! definitely. and then maybe get some new shoes, because I don't have any shoes Lol.

I've been listening to this korean artist named IU, she's fairly new and she's only 15! her voice is absolutely amazing and her songs sound so amazing that you wouldn't even think she's this young.
her first single:
Miya (missing child)
sounds well beyond her age. I've got her entire album just the other day and I haven't been able to stop listening! her voice is totally captivating!
If anyone want a few songs feel free to ask :)

Summer Workout Blog: Day 3...dun dun dunnn

2009-05-07T23:42:00.001-04:00

woke up around 9-10 ish. Maybe stayed in bed for a little longer, then I got up and did a 40 minute cardio/total body burn thing from Hip Hop abs. felt good!! It was a little hard in the end because I couldn't catch up hahaha. But I'm sure I'll be able to do all of it without trouble soon.
after that I took a shower and got ready for work. Went down stairs and had a small piece of salmon. headed out the door, I worked from 2-10. It was REALLY hard not drinking any left over frapps, and not buying any desserts from the bakecase lol.
I had a bag of soy chips, and a breakfast muffin (which I looked up in the cafe book and the fat/calorie content seemed alright). then I had some raisins and mixed nuts.
I drank a LOT of water, which is good!!

It was difficult not eating after 7 but I made it through! Overall it's been challenging, I didn't think I was going to make it. But it's all a "mind over matter" thing. If I think positive and about the future results I'll be getting, then I can do it.