oops!

for some reason, my "comments" option got disabled! turned back ON now. comment, complain, or just read and enjoy as you please! =)

btw - coming soon: making the unpretty, pretty. *wink wink (you'll get the joke later)

currently testing: korres bronze & correct trio

i've always been curious about korres because i've heard their products work well AND they're more eco-friendly than most. so, when i was @ sephora returning something, i picked this up!

korres: bronze and protect trio


it includes:
1) moisturizing face primer: 99% natural and silicone-free. i've been recommended this product by another MUA and have been itching to try it out. i have a HUGE tube of laura mercier primer to use up first, so i was going to wait. howeverrrrr, when i saw a mini version of it in this trio, i had more of a reason to buy the set. =)

first impressions: i actually really like it! it goes on smooth and really sinks into your skin. how well it holds up my makeup --- we'll see.

2) watermelon tinted moisturizer SPF 30 - light sand: - yes, you read right! WATERMELON. watermelon is a good source of the powerful antioxidant, lycopene, (whfoods.com) which helps fight/neutralize free radicals. (free radicals are the invisible killers of youthful skin!) it also has SPF 30, which is going to give you some protection from the harsh UV rays. (how MUCH protection is limited because i don't see the most powerful sunblockers in the list of ingredients.) either way, its better than going out w/ no protection.

first impressions: gosh, do all of korres products go on like water to dry soil? this tinted moisturizer really sinks into your skin well. or should i say "plants" into your skin? it's kind of difficult to describe... it sinks in well but has good coverage for a tinted moisturizer. i guess i'm trying to say that it doesn't feel greasy, and i don't feel like the product is just sitting on top of my skin. the only CON with this i see is that i don't think it's going to give me enough UVA protection for sunny southern california! (for more info on UVA vs. UVB, read here if you have the time) 'light sand' is a little light for my NC25-30 skin, but after setting w/ my normal powder, it looks perfect.

3) monoi oil bronzing powder - sunglow light: wth is monoi? it's a french-tahitian oil consisting of pure coconut oil and the tiare flower (tahiti's national flower). what's good about monoi oil is that it is rich in methyl salicylate a skin-soothing agent. it's also a naturally concentrated emollient which penetrates and rehydrates the skin, AND shields it against external damages. (monoil.com, wikipedia.com) ok sorry, i went off there. this bronzer isn't going to fully protect your face from the world, but at least you know what its advertised ingredient is known for!

first impressions: LOVE the color! sunglow light is more of a peachy sunkissed color vs. the dark bronzed look that you can look dirty with. it definitely provides a sunkissed glow. you can use it as a blush OR a bronzer, and is very layer-able. sunglow warm (which is the other color available in a trio) is more of the typical MAC orangey-brown bronzer color.

i am very happy w/ my purchase because each product on its own is at least $28 in its full size. (btw, the bronzer and tinted moisturizer included in this trio are the full-size versions, so this is a steal!) also, all products are free from: parabens, sulfates, dyes, petrochemicals, phthalates, triclosan, and GMOs (genetically modified organisms).

eyelid tape: just for fun!

perv or pretty? hahaha that's what i often ponder when i make my lids bigger w/ tape or by doing the effortful post-blink eye opening.


btw - i'm not wearing my typical thick top liner.


medical tape


i think this pic is perv. LOL

what i used:

available at any drug store or online at drugstore.com for approx $2.50!

a few pix from IMATS

FOTD: ulzzang glasses

IMATS 2010

International Makeup Artist Trade Show (IMATS). it's the biggest gathering for makeup artists, vendors, and enthusiasts -- going on this weekend @ the pasadena convention center and open to the public. purchase tickets here. (you save $5 off door pricing.)

here's an overview of the 2009 show.


will i see you there?

how diiiirty is your makeup?

edit: BOO~ the video got removed!

@ my creating drag class in LA!

super talented and super sweet instructor/senior makeup artist, john stapleton.

new nose ring!

got a new nose ring! well, i bought it a while ago but wore it out for the first time today. it's actually a C-shaped hoop and is made from 316L stainless steel (which i prefer over gold, silver, other). it's not as common as a CBR (captive bead ring) which goes all the way around with a ball closure. with this nose ring, there is no ball to worry about inhaling. lol you just put it on from the inside of your nose and hoop around! i love it!


nose hoop vs. CBR

the only down side is that you have to bend it to fit the curve of your nostril. if you wear it as is, you end up with a VERY round ring sticking out of your nose. i like it to hug my nostril instead of it sticking out like a cow. (my mom would still call me a cow with this too, however. OH well, mommy moo!)

Price: $4.00
Where to Buy: www.bodyartforms.com

featured model: lisa la

these are pics from my 6/3 gig w/ super street magazine and sf model, lisa la. for this shoot, we wanted to go with a natural but sexy, girl-next-door look. check it!


cakeup in progress. more blush please~!


beautiful!


for more pictures, keep checking super street's website and magazine. i was only allowed to post a few preview pics. the chosen pics are even hotter! =)

BEST.EVER fuchsia lipstick

i think everyone should own one really good fuchsia lipstick & one really good red lipstick. this is my recommendation for SUPER HOT fuchsia lips:


MAC - show orchid

pictures will speak for themselves. the color is absolutely beautiful. my hubby said "your lips are so bright, it looks fake!"

here are some silly snaps:

in low light


in bright light


no nostrils! =)





Price: $14
Where to Buy: MAC Pro stores only
Overall Rating: 5+/5 stars
Tip: no lipliner needed!

*check back for my review on the BEST.EVER red lips!*

fun & flirty locks!

beach ready!


mila wanted to get into the mix. =)

currently testing: Revlon Colorstay Foundation

my new quest is to find THE BEST drugstore products! right now, i'm testing Revlon Colorstay Foundation for oily/combo skin. so far, i kinda like!!





mila sez hi!

gig pic

just finished a photoshoot for SS magazine. here's the wrap-up pic of me, the model, and the chief editor.

more pics to come!

*¤ sent from my Nokia ¤*

Koji: Dolly Wink Liquid Eyeliner

Dolly Wink by Japanese model/super gyaru, Tsubasa Masuwaka.

i've been so curious to try Dolly Wink products because of the hype, and let me tell you... for once, the hype was well deserved! (for the liner at least!) i do want to try Dolly Wink lashes, but they're a bit pricey compared to the cute and super cheap brands i currently buy. Dolly Wink = $17.99 (more or less)/2 pairs - and they only come in pairs - vs. Korean brands and my new fav, PA lashes = $2.50-$3.50/pair. i'm pretty sure i'll try Dolly Wink lashes one day though. ooohhhhkkay, on to my review for the liquid liner!



Koji Dolly Wink vs. my HG, K-Palette 1-Day Tattoo!
once again, please excuse my poor quality photos:

Dolly Wink Liquid Eyeliner in deep black


K-Palette 1-day Tattoo in black

the verdict: although i LOVE my K-Palette, i have to say i love Dolly Wink more! =X UH-OHHHHHHHH. why?

for one, it is VERY pigmented. the black is super black from the first use. (the picture above doesn't do it justice.) with K-Palette, you have to layer on a few coats in order to get it dark-dark. (i didn't mind it in the past because it stayed on forever.) however, Dolly Wink also has good lasting power! i wore this liner on a HOT day when i went to the racetrack this past weekend. it stayed put on my oily lids through the hot weather and my gross sweating.

water test:

Dolly Wink and K-Palette performed about the same under water. both did not budge; however, when rubbed approx 8-9 times, the liner washed off easily. i also tried this when removing it from my eyes later on @ night. it almost seems like the Dolly Wink liner is a better version of K-Palette. a cherry on top for the Dolly Wink is that it's a wee bit cheaper ($16 vs. $14.99). looks like i found a new HG!

Price: $14.99 (cheapest price online is $12.30 USD from an international website but it excludes shipping costs)
Where to Buy: asian cosmetic stores, certain Japanese markets, amazon.com, and sasa.com
Overall Rating: 5+/5 stars
Tip: try it!

Maybelline the Falsies Volume Express Mascara

oh geez, its the notorious phrase again. i REALLY wanted to like this mascara but it didn't quite meet up to my expectations (nor its name... by far)! why?

1) it didn't volume or lengthen enough
2) it dried crispy. EWWW~ this made it very difficult to layer
3) to get noticeable volume, i had to put at least 3 full coats (and still, it didn't give my lashes that plush thick look)

i tried it for 2 days and was going to give it another shot before returning, but it went back today. for those of you who love Dior and Voluminous, don't waste your time and money on this!

Price: $7.49 (more or less)
Where to Buy: drug stores
Overall Rating: 3/5 stars
Tip: don't waste your money on this thing.. especially if you're a fan of Dior or Voluminous