April Favourites 2015
I'm back with another monthly favourite (even though I don't do every single month...)! A lot of these products have already been mentioned on my blog already because most are recent purchases but I fell in love with them really quickly!
Beauty Blender
This thing is great. I just did a review on it raving about how the hype is so real. Honestly if you're into dewy skin, or if you have dry skin, this thing will change your makeup forever. It's worth the money!
Maybelline Fit Me Hydrate + Smooth Foundation
I know they repackaged this with the same old formula but they also have a matte version now. Obviously I went for the hydrate version (I think it's called dewy in the States). This is my first time trying an actual foundation (I've only used Korean BB creams up to this point!) and I really like this one paired with the Beauty Blender!
MAC Viva Glam 2 Lipstick
This has been my go-to nude lipstick ever since I got it, which is what I got it for. It's one of my monthly favourites because this is the exact colour I had in my head when I was going into the store.
Etude House Pore Ever Primer
I just rediscovered this in my makeup stash and I don't know why I stopped using it. It creates a nice barrier between my skin and my foundation/bb cream and prevents my skin from looking flaky throughout the day. There's a big difference when I use it and don't.
Lush Sugar Lip Scrub
This thing literally saved my lips and I did a whole review on it. The oils they add into the scrub really makes a difference, leaving my lips smooth and hydrated. Of course, it's necessary to still follow up with a good lip balm. I love that you can literally lick it off your lips and eat it!
What are some of your favourite products? I'm always looking for some holy grail items!
Labels: beauty blender, favourites, foundation, lipstick, lush, mac, maybelline
Beauty Blender Review
I can't seem to sleep right now, so you guys are gonna get a mini review right now. I've been really vocal about my recent purchase of the Beauty Blender and that's because I'm totally in love with this thing. That's the review in a nutshell, but let me go through the pros and cons.
So I have to admit, I was pretty skeptical about this when it first got really popular amongst the beauty community. It seemed like just an egg shaped sponge, big whoop. It wasn't until I tried my Innisfree cusion foundation that I started to realize that maybe this thing wasn't such BS after all. The sponge on the cushion foundation felt different from regular makeup sponges and it made makeup application really easy and smooth. That's when my curiosity started to get to me.
When I got the opportunity to purchase something at Sephora, I ran straight to the Beauty Blender because I was so ready to see what the hype was all about... and let me tell you, the hype is so real it hurts.
This little guy literally does wonders to my face. The first time I used it, I saw the hype. It literally made my foundation look flawless like it never has before. Also, it did wonders to my dry skin and kept it from looking cakey even hours after application. It wasn't until my friend asked what I used on my face because my makeup was looking incredible that day (I was only using concealer and highlighter with the Beauty Blender) and said my face was extra dewy, that I knew this thing really was doing a lot for me. I've never heard a single compliment on my face makeup until I used this thing so I think it speaks for itself.
You have to use this wet to get the full affects of what it can really do. I like that it adds extra dewiness and hydration to my face. Because it's a sponge, it does sheer out your foundation a tiny bit, but I still managed a medium coverage with one layer, so don't think it'll make your foundation totally useless in terms of coverage.
I mentioned that the cushion foundation was what got me curious about the Beauty Blender and that's because I had a feeling that they were made of the same sponge material. When I felt it for the first time, I'd say they are similar in texture but the Beauty Blender really is unique with it's own sponge formulation. It's latex free so it's perfect for people who have latex allergies. I don't know what this sponge is made out of but it's really worth the price.
Speaking of price, it's pretty expensive for just a makeup sponge. But like I said, totally worth it. They recommend you use it up to 3 months before you throw it away and get a new one but I'm going to see how long I can make it stretch. It's really all about hygienic reasons. Sponges are going to collect bacteria after a while. I wash mine every single time I use it so maybe it won't be too bad.
So I've raved about how good this thing is, but let me point out some negatives just to even out the playing field. Other than the price, I have two main critiques about this product:
Stains: This thing stains like none other. You really have to scrub it if you want to get all the stains out, and even then it might not all come out. I'm scared of ripping it if I scrub too hard so I eventually gave up trying to get it looking all nice and clean. If you're one of those people who are super OCD about getting your sponges looking 100% clean, you're going to have to suck it up with this one because it's not worth all the effort to get a clean looking sponge. If the water and soap runs clean, just go with it.
Dye: As you can see, I got the red limited edition that was for Sephora. I wanted the black one but they didn't carry any at the store I was at. When I washed it the first time before I used it, tons and tons of dye came out. It just kept coming out and out to the point where now my sponge is a washed out red-pink colour. I mean it still works perfectly fine but it's definitely not the colour I wanted it to be. Not a big deal, but I thought I should mention it just in case any other person was expecting to keep theirs super bright red. I'm not sure about the other colours, or maybe this was just the one I got.
Anyway, overall I really do like the Beauty Blender and I think it's so worth the hype.
Rating: ★★★★★ 5/5
Labels: beauty blender, cosmetics, makeup, review
Recent Purchases
Your girl has been busy these past days... shopping. These are my recent purchases within the last two months or so. I really need to cut back on all the unnecessary things that I don't need and save up some cash. I basically had a bunch of cash in my wallet because I was saving up to by a David's Tea travel mug but decided last minute against buying it because I figured I couldn't use it as much as I imagined I would
(good choice made, btw). Instead, I spent it on some items that I've been wanting to buy for a while now and I'm quite happy.
First thing is that I needed new sunglasses. I buy sunglasses every year around Spring/Summer because I like getting the really cheap ones so I can always switch it up ever year if I end up getting bored of the current style. Personally, I don't see a point in buying expensive sunglasses because these get broken and tossed around so often, it's just not worth it.
I went around the mall to different stores and tired out their sunglasses but decided on two pairs from Call It Spring. They were having a 2 for $20 sale which suckered me in because of course I want two instead of one! I tried a couple of pairs on and settled with these two. I really like them because for once, they frame my face really well! Even though they're pretty cheap, I find the quality of these trumps say, Forever21 sunglasses.
The
blue reflective aviators aren't flimsy like my previous ones from H&M. They're small enough to fit my face and the nose grips are screwed in so they won't come loose
(a previous problem I had with my older pair).
I can't find the other pair on their website, but
these are the closest ones. The pattern on them are just different. I really like this pair because the side of them are a matte finish and it feels super smooth! You wouldn't think this is anything special but they make the biggest difference when you slide them on your head because they go on really easily and they feel really nice against your ears. As a person that wears glasses with a rubbery end, I can really tell the difference. The only thing I want to note about this pair is that it came with a sticker that warns you not to look directly into the sun with these because they weren't made for that. I can't imagine anyone that would be looking directly at the sun anyway...
I should mention that I also bought this necklace from Call It Spring. They didn't have my sign in stores so they helped me order one and have it sent to my house. I'm still waiting on it to come in the mail. You know I can't pass up anything astrology!
The Beauty Blender wasn't something I was particularly planning to buy. I've thought about it a couple of times and I definitely wanted it, but I wasn't ready to shed 30 some-off dollars
(that's with Canadian tax and all) for a sponge! Zack convinced me to pick something out in Sephora when he practically dangled $10 in my face, so I quickly ran over and picked up a Beauty Blender. Thanks babe! I'll do a separate review for this because I have some points I really want to talk about.
I have two new lipsticks this month; Maybelline Vivid's Vibrant Mandarin and MAC's Viva Glam 2. I was looking at the Vivid's line and I knew I wanted one but I wasn't sure which one. Vibrant Mandarin was the only one that really caught my eye. Ever since trying out Revlon's Rendezvous, I was determined to find an orange that actually suit my skin tone and thankfully Vibrant Mandarin does! It's the perfect orange with a red undertone which is what helps me pull this colour off.
As for the Viva Glam 2- I went into MAC looking for a nude MLBB and specifically requested something on the purple-brown-taupe side... Just nothing pink. The worker suggested this one and I tried it out in store. I loved it! This is going to be my go-to every day nude.
There's only one shown here, but I picked up two belly button jewelry from Hot Topic. The other one is a gold arrow. I was a little iffy about buying their jewelry because I heard they're really cheap but the girl working there said she's been wearing hers for a long time and nothing has happened. It's also made of surgical steel, so it should be okay... I'll report back if anything changes.
Last but not least, I purchased a set of Sakura Pigma Brush pens. I really want to get into watercolour painting so these pens are going to be perfect for doing line work. I'm going to try and make it a goal to do at least 5 watercolour paintings this summer. So far I've tested them out and they're really nice.
Labels: beauty blender, belly button, lipstick, mac, makeup, maybelline, pen, sunglasses
April Favourites 2015
I'm back with another monthly favourite (even though I don't do every single month...)! A lot of these products have already been mentioned on my blog already because most are recent purchases but I fell in love with them really quickly!
Beauty Blender
This thing is great. I just did a review on it raving about how the hype is so real. Honestly if you're into dewy skin, or if you have dry skin, this thing will change your makeup forever. It's worth the money!
Maybelline Fit Me Hydrate + Smooth Foundation
I know they repackaged this with the same old formula but they also have a matte version now. Obviously I went for the hydrate version (I think it's called dewy in the States). This is my first time trying an actual foundation (I've only used Korean BB creams up to this point!) and I really like this one paired with the Beauty Blender!
MAC Viva Glam 2 Lipstick
This has been my go-to nude lipstick ever since I got it, which is what I got it for. It's one of my monthly favourites because this is the exact colour I had in my head when I was going into the store.
Etude House Pore Ever Primer
I just rediscovered this in my makeup stash and I don't know why I stopped using it. It creates a nice barrier between my skin and my foundation/bb cream and prevents my skin from looking flaky throughout the day. There's a big difference when I use it and don't.
Lush Sugar Lip Scrub
This thing literally saved my lips and I did a whole review on it. The oils they add into the scrub really makes a difference, leaving my lips smooth and hydrated. Of course, it's necessary to still follow up with a good lip balm. I love that you can literally lick it off your lips and eat it!
What are some of your favourite products? I'm always looking for some holy grail items!
Labels: beauty blender, favourites, foundation, lipstick, lush, mac, maybelline
Beauty Blender Review
I can't seem to sleep right now, so you guys are gonna get a mini review right now. I've been really vocal about my recent purchase of the Beauty Blender and that's because I'm totally in love with this thing. That's the review in a nutshell, but let me go through the pros and cons.
So I have to admit, I was pretty skeptical about this when it first got really popular amongst the beauty community. It seemed like just an egg shaped sponge, big whoop. It wasn't until I tried my Innisfree cusion foundation that I started to realize that maybe this thing wasn't such BS after all. The sponge on the cushion foundation felt different from regular makeup sponges and it made makeup application really easy and smooth. That's when my curiosity started to get to me.
When I got the opportunity to purchase something at Sephora, I ran straight to the Beauty Blender because I was so ready to see what the hype was all about... and let me tell you, the hype is so real it hurts.
This little guy literally does wonders to my face. The first time I used it, I saw the hype. It literally made my foundation look flawless like it never has before. Also, it did wonders to my dry skin and kept it from looking cakey even hours after application. It wasn't until my friend asked what I used on my face because my makeup was looking incredible that day (I was only using concealer and highlighter with the Beauty Blender) and said my face was extra dewy, that I knew this thing really was doing a lot for me. I've never heard a single compliment on my face makeup until I used this thing so I think it speaks for itself.
You have to use this wet to get the full affects of what it can really do. I like that it adds extra dewiness and hydration to my face. Because it's a sponge, it does sheer out your foundation a tiny bit, but I still managed a medium coverage with one layer, so don't think it'll make your foundation totally useless in terms of coverage.
I mentioned that the cushion foundation was what got me curious about the Beauty Blender and that's because I had a feeling that they were made of the same sponge material. When I felt it for the first time, I'd say they are similar in texture but the Beauty Blender really is unique with it's own sponge formulation. It's latex free so it's perfect for people who have latex allergies. I don't know what this sponge is made out of but it's really worth the price.
Speaking of price, it's pretty expensive for just a makeup sponge. But like I said, totally worth it. They recommend you use it up to 3 months before you throw it away and get a new one but I'm going to see how long I can make it stretch. It's really all about hygienic reasons. Sponges are going to collect bacteria after a while. I wash mine every single time I use it so maybe it won't be too bad.
So I've raved about how good this thing is, but let me point out some negatives just to even out the playing field. Other than the price, I have two main critiques about this product:
Stains: This thing stains like none other. You really have to scrub it if you want to get all the stains out, and even then it might not all come out. I'm scared of ripping it if I scrub too hard so I eventually gave up trying to get it looking all nice and clean. If you're one of those people who are super OCD about getting your sponges looking 100% clean, you're going to have to suck it up with this one because it's not worth all the effort to get a clean looking sponge. If the water and soap runs clean, just go with it.
Dye: As you can see, I got the red limited edition that was for Sephora. I wanted the black one but they didn't carry any at the store I was at. When I washed it the first time before I used it, tons and tons of dye came out. It just kept coming out and out to the point where now my sponge is a washed out red-pink colour. I mean it still works perfectly fine but it's definitely not the colour I wanted it to be. Not a big deal, but I thought I should mention it just in case any other person was expecting to keep theirs super bright red. I'm not sure about the other colours, or maybe this was just the one I got.
Anyway, overall I really do like the Beauty Blender and I think it's so worth the hype.
Rating: ★★★★★ 5/5
Labels: beauty blender, cosmetics, makeup, review
Recent Purchases
Your girl has been busy these past days... shopping. These are my recent purchases within the last two months or so. I really need to cut back on all the unnecessary things that I don't need and save up some cash. I basically had a bunch of cash in my wallet because I was saving up to by a David's Tea travel mug but decided last minute against buying it because I figured I couldn't use it as much as I imagined I would
(good choice made, btw). Instead, I spent it on some items that I've been wanting to buy for a while now and I'm quite happy.
First thing is that I needed new sunglasses. I buy sunglasses every year around Spring/Summer because I like getting the really cheap ones so I can always switch it up ever year if I end up getting bored of the current style. Personally, I don't see a point in buying expensive sunglasses because these get broken and tossed around so often, it's just not worth it.
I went around the mall to different stores and tired out their sunglasses but decided on two pairs from Call It Spring. They were having a 2 for $20 sale which suckered me in because of course I want two instead of one! I tried a couple of pairs on and settled with these two. I really like them because for once, they frame my face really well! Even though they're pretty cheap, I find the quality of these trumps say, Forever21 sunglasses.
The
blue reflective aviators aren't flimsy like my previous ones from H&M. They're small enough to fit my face and the nose grips are screwed in so they won't come loose
(a previous problem I had with my older pair).
I can't find the other pair on their website, but
these are the closest ones. The pattern on them are just different. I really like this pair because the side of them are a matte finish and it feels super smooth! You wouldn't think this is anything special but they make the biggest difference when you slide them on your head because they go on really easily and they feel really nice against your ears. As a person that wears glasses with a rubbery end, I can really tell the difference. The only thing I want to note about this pair is that it came with a sticker that warns you not to look directly into the sun with these because they weren't made for that. I can't imagine anyone that would be looking directly at the sun anyway...
I should mention that I also bought this necklace from Call It Spring. They didn't have my sign in stores so they helped me order one and have it sent to my house. I'm still waiting on it to come in the mail. You know I can't pass up anything astrology!
The Beauty Blender wasn't something I was particularly planning to buy. I've thought about it a couple of times and I definitely wanted it, but I wasn't ready to shed 30 some-off dollars
(that's with Canadian tax and all) for a sponge! Zack convinced me to pick something out in Sephora when he practically dangled $10 in my face, so I quickly ran over and picked up a Beauty Blender. Thanks babe! I'll do a separate review for this because I have some points I really want to talk about.
I have two new lipsticks this month; Maybelline Vivid's Vibrant Mandarin and MAC's Viva Glam 2. I was looking at the Vivid's line and I knew I wanted one but I wasn't sure which one. Vibrant Mandarin was the only one that really caught my eye. Ever since trying out Revlon's Rendezvous, I was determined to find an orange that actually suit my skin tone and thankfully Vibrant Mandarin does! It's the perfect orange with a red undertone which is what helps me pull this colour off.
As for the Viva Glam 2- I went into MAC looking for a nude MLBB and specifically requested something on the purple-brown-taupe side... Just nothing pink. The worker suggested this one and I tried it out in store. I loved it! This is going to be my go-to every day nude.
There's only one shown here, but I picked up two belly button jewelry from Hot Topic. The other one is a gold arrow. I was a little iffy about buying their jewelry because I heard they're really cheap but the girl working there said she's been wearing hers for a long time and nothing has happened. It's also made of surgical steel, so it should be okay... I'll report back if anything changes.
Last but not least, I purchased a set of Sakura Pigma Brush pens. I really want to get into watercolour painting so these pens are going to be perfect for doing line work. I'm going to try and make it a goal to do at least 5 watercolour paintings this summer. So far I've tested them out and they're really nice.
Labels: beauty blender, belly button, lipstick, mac, makeup, maybelline, pen, sunglasses
Profile
stupid princess
UserName: Hyokii
Age: 23
Birthday: January 22
Location: Toronto, Canada.
Sign: Aquarius Sun, Gemini Moon, Aries Rising
Who are you?
I'm just an average girl studying graphic design in my hometown Toronto. I'm nothing special but I like to blog and document my findings :) I'm really into astrology so come and tell me your sign!
What do you blog about?
Mostly just about my life and occasional beauty hauls and product reviews.
What does 'babo gongju' mean?
It's Korean for 'stupid princess'.
Boyfriend?
Yes! He does Muay Thai and he's a Virgo.
Tell me about your skin type!
I have extremely dry dehydrated skin and really dry/flaky lips. Light; yellow with neutral leaning cool undertone. Currently wearing NARS Sheer Glow in Gobi.
Up Coming
A List of posts that are coming soon
Reviews:
Tonymoly Cats Wink Smooth Primer
Etude House Goodbye Pore Ever Primer
Skin Food Choco Smoky Eye Palette
Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Shine Deep Treatment
Real Techniques Core Collection Brush Set
Etude House Golden Ratio Contour Maker
Skin Food Coffee Creamy Sheer Lipstick (PP701 Plum Wine)
Etude House Real Art Cleansing Oil (Moisture)
Skin Food Bath Salt (Peppermint)
Etude House Miss Tangerine Cream Choux Blusher
Skin Food Red Orange Makeup Finish (Matte Type)
Tonymoly Cat Chu Wink Tony Tint (Cherry Pink)
Etude House Etoinette Crystal Shine Lip Lipstick (PPK001 & PPK003)
Etude House Etoinette Brush Collection
The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Cleansing Special Set
The Face Shop Cotton Pads
The Face Shop Face It 07 Quick Top Coat
The Face Shop Lovely ME:EX Design My Eyebrow (01 Gray Brown)
The Face Shop Lovely ME:EX Style My Eyebrow (01 Gray Brown)
The Face Shop Face It Designing Cake Eyebrow (01 Khaki Grey)
Etude House Dear My Blooming Eyes (OR203 Mesmerizing Orange)
Nicole by O.P.I. Nail Polish (Iceberg Lotus)
The Face Shop Real Nature Mask Aloe Vera
The Face Shop Face It Styling Auto Gel Liner (01 Edgy Black)
The Face Shop Floral Water Mist
The Face Shop Mild Papaya Peeling Gel
Kat Von D Spellbinding Eyeshadow Book
Rimmel Lasting Finish Matte Lipstick By Kate Moss (111 Kiss Of Life)
Rimmel Lasting Finish Matte Lipstick By Kate Moss (102)
Sally Hansen Big Matte Top Coat
Witchcraft Mini+Cures Set
Maybelline Volum’ Express The Colossal Smoky Eyes Mascara
Nicole by O.P.I. Quick Dry Top Coat
Essence Kalinka Beauty 01 Babushka Me Lip Brush
Maybelline Volum’Express The Rocket Waterproof Mascara
Maybelline Eye Studio Master Drama Eyeliner in Midnight Master
Maybelline Fit Me Concealer in 10 Light
Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer in Ivory
Etude House Nymph Aura Volumer (sample)
Etude House Mal;Gem All In One Emulsion (sample)
Etude House Mal;Gem Smoother Toner (sample)
Etude House Sun Prise Super Aqua SPF45/PA+++ (sample)
Etude House Precious Mineral BB Cream SPF30/PA++ (sample)
Etude House Moistfull Collagen Firming Eye Cream (sample)
Skin Food Platinum Grape Cell Essential BB Cream SPF45/PA+++ (sample)
Skin Food Agave Cactus Emulsion (sample)
The Face Shop Chia Seed Moisture-Holding Seed Cream(sample)
The Face Shop Mango Seed Silk Moisturizing Toner(sample)
The Face Shop Mango Seed Silk Moisturizing Lotion(sample)
Updated The Face Shop Mango Seed Silk Moisturizing Toner & Lotion (full size)
The Face Shop Mango Seed Silk Moisturizing Facial Butter(sample fullsize)
The Face Shop Volcanic Clay Black Head Aloe Nose Strip(sample)
The Face Shop Herb Day 365 Cleansing Foam Acerola (sample)
The Face Shop White Secret Whitening Body Essence (sample)
Tutorials & Tips:
How I Contour My Face
Tips On How To Drink More Water
2013 Summer/Fall Wish List
My Current Everyday Makeup Tutorial
Friends
Love'em, Hate'em
Jin
Bucket List
before the end
. Put a lock on Seoul’s Namsan Tower's fence
.
Visit the beach; any beach (063011)
. Party hard
.
Starbucks date (072310)
. Learn to drive
.
Star gaze (062812)
.
Road trip (Summer`09)
.
Be loved
. Visit South Korea
.
Wedding; anyone's wedding (10.13.13)
.
Be happy
.
Bake cupcakes from scratch (04.06.10)
.
Ride a motorcycle (08.21.14)
. Get my first tattoo
.
Kiss in the rain
.
Pull an all nighter
.
Belly button piercing (02.19.14)
. Disney world/land
. Anime North
.
Cosplay Rin
. Cosplay X-23
.
Princess Cafe date (12.10.12)
.
VVIP album(02.20.11)
. Visit Hong Kong again
. Graduate university
. Paris
to be continued...
