tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31811866009897066632024-02-28T03:53:38.611-05:00My Makeup Blog: makeup, skin care and beyondAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04614729291148266084noreply@blogger.comBlogger834125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181186600989706663.post-12612006968492566672013-10-10T07:00:00.000-04:002013-10-10T07:00:11.401-04:00Soft vs Crisp Liners<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hallo!<br />
<br />
About 2 months ago, I got an opportunity to interview a Bobbi Brown makeup artist from Thailand. We talked and talked and all of the sudden, he told me he would do my makeup. Now, I had on full makeup with foundation and everything. Yet, he took it off and redid my makeup with BB products. Then, he took a look at my eyeliners and he was like, "This is too harsh on you. Let me show you how to do soft liner!"<br />
<br />
And then came this look. It has a soft grunge edge that I like and you totally don't see a line because I already smudged it out. One of these days, Imma buy a tripod and do a tutorial on this.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHHbD0u427g/UlZONRiHr6I/AAAAAAAAF_4/bWh4eqNPDbM/s1600/IMG_7627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="408" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHHbD0u427g/UlZONRiHr6I/AAAAAAAAF_4/bWh4eqNPDbM/s640/IMG_7627.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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While soft liners are very feminine and nice, sharp, crisp liners are always modern. I got me a liquid liner from Maybelline that's really black and shiny. On top of that, it has incredible staying power. While it doesn't look much in the pictures, I had quite a thick line.<br />
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Now, for those of you who have problem with they staying power of your eyeliner, I have a small tip: it's called <b>layering</b>! For the sharp liner look, I didn't even use an eye shadow base at all. Yet, it stayed for hours and hours without even a smudge or a smear. And you wanna know why?<br />
<br />
<b><i>I lined my eyes with a waterproof pencil liner first.</i></b><br />
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Yes, that's the tip, sweetheart. I did that to give myself a guide before using my liquid liner. While pencil liner is easier to use and wipe away, the smudge/waterproof formula is actually a nice base for the liquid liner to hold on to. If you take as much time as you can on lining with a pencil, the later part is going to be very easy. On top of that, your lines will look incredibly black, which is an obvious result from layering a black liner on top of a black base.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YnLDCV4Qr4U/UlZOQhdzBFI/AAAAAAAAGAA/SSybpWsJe5M/s1600/IMG_7710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YnLDCV4Qr4U/UlZOQhdzBFI/AAAAAAAAGAA/SSybpWsJe5M/s640/IMG_7710.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Also, did you notice how long and dolly my lashes look? 100% real lashes, baby, with the help of mascaras, of course! I'll share a secret on another day.<br />
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Ciao, sweetheart!<br />
Dao xoxo<br />
<br />
<br />
P.S: Please show your support by following my blog and <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">subscribing to my feed.</a> Thanks a lot!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04614729291148266084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181186600989706663.post-24591456367977807502013-09-16T07:00:00.000-04:002013-09-16T07:00:07.784-04:00My Lip Balm Army<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w_vpc2MuRRk/UjVzxhR0l-I/AAAAAAAAF_I/P3xZo9cekIM/s1600/IMG_7390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="416" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w_vpc2MuRRk/UjVzxhR0l-I/AAAAAAAAF_I/P3xZo9cekIM/s640/IMG_7390.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I have dry lips for a while now. It's quite painful when it's cracked and so far, I haven't found any medicated lip balms. In conjunction, I realize I have a lot of regular lip balms that may or may not work for me.<br />
<br />
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li><b>Vaseline:</b> not good, not bad, just is. I use it when I want something simple and scent-free.</li>
<li><b>I Provenzali:</b> shea butter stick from Italy. I still have about 1/2 a stick and I don't use it as much anymore. I keep it mostly for sentimental purpose as it was a gift from Gio.</li>
<li><b>Miracle Apo</b>: has the foulest scent in the bunch, also is tinted, also was thrown away after this picture was taken.</li>
<li><b>Nivea</b>: it used to work, now it doesn't. Since it started to melt, I decided to contribute it to the trash as well.</li>
<li><b>Maybelline Baby Lips</b>: my saving grace!</li>
<li><b>Maybelline tinted lip balm:</b> smooth like Baby Lips but with a raspberry tint.</li>
<li><b>EOS</b>: I have to say this is an acquired taste. It takes a while for it to work and then, out of the blue, it seems to contribute to my chapped lip problem. Right now, it is on hold.</li>
</ol>
<br />
So right now, I have a question for you: How do you make your chapped lips better?<br />
<br />
I've tried lip balms, I also drink lots of water and take fish oil capsules. None of which seem to work. So...HELP ME!!!<br />
<br />
With lots of moist kisses,<br />
Dao xoxo<br />
<br />
<br />
P.S: Please show your support by following my blog and <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">subscribing to my feed.</a> Thanks a lot!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04614729291148266084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181186600989706663.post-357024069939106322013-09-03T12:29:00.000-04:002013-09-03T12:29:13.399-04:00Dynamic Duo #1: MAC Margin and Maybelline Fresh Rose Blushes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<i><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Hi everyone,</span></i><br />
<br />
I've interviewed many makeup artists lately and they all said the same thing: when it comes to blush, <u>use at least 2 colors</u>. I am a monochrome kinda gal when it comes to blush but it took a bit of coaxing from a Bobbi Brown makeup artist to make me realize the importance of using 2 blushes. You look more natural, that's all!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8JmRRHamhR4/UiYJ8EN6EhI/AAAAAAAAF-s/MGZc9zWBPxI/s1600/IMG_7514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8JmRRHamhR4/UiYJ8EN6EhI/AAAAAAAAF-s/MGZc9zWBPxI/s640/IMG_7514.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Both Margin and Fresh Rose blushes are gifts, one from MAC team and another from my mom. Margin (the one on the left) doesn't look much in the pan. It looks like dirt with shimmer. My initial reaction was, "That's it?" and I pretty much did not have so much hope for it. But when I came home and applied it on my cheeks, wowza! It is this very light and fresh peachy color with a nice sheen, not too much shimmers to make your cheeks look all disco-ball but just a nice sheen.<br />
<br />
Maybelline Fresh Rose on the other hand is just what it is: a nice rosy matte pink color. It's quite dry, not as soft and buttery as Margin when dusted on my cheeks. But since it is free and the color build-up is lovely, I've been using it non-stop.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KPTsxDxX9e0/UiYJ-sxcUQI/AAAAAAAAF-0/rKRa5N1CMGM/s1600/IMG_7516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KPTsxDxX9e0/UiYJ-sxcUQI/AAAAAAAAF-0/rKRa5N1CMGM/s640/IMG_7516.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>And here's the trick to get the best blushing cheeks ever:</b><br />
<br />
<b>1</b>. You need 2 colors: a lighter one to apply all over your cheeks and a brighter one to apply just on the apple of your cheeks. Depending on your skin tone, they can be either pink or peach. You can mix and match peach with pink like I do but if you want to be safe, just use 2 colors in the same family (warm or cool.)<br />
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<b>2</b>. With a fluffy blush brush, apply the lighter color all over your cheeks. Remember to smile!<br />
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<b>3</b>. Then, with a smaller blush brush with the size of the head a tad bigger than a quarter, brush the brighter blush just on the apple of your cheek. If you don't know what it is, smile and see the fleshiest part of your cheeks that protrude up on your face. You apply very lightly, skimming the bristles on your skin, not pressing the brush down at all.<br />
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<b>4</b>. Then, use the bigger blush brush and lightly blend everything together.<br />
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The reason I love Margin so much is the sheen: I don't have to use a highlighter at all. However, if you are around the NC-25 area like me, this is a tricky blush to use. You don't seem to notice it when you apply, but it is there bright and clear when your face is on film. I was a little bit heavy-handed with Margin before I went to an event and seriously, I looked like I was drunk. So, lesson learned: a little bit of blush goes a looong way. And also, blend well!<br />
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With love,<br />
Dao xoxo<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
P.S: Please show your support by following my blog and <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">subscribing to my feed.</a> Thanks a lot!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04614729291148266084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181186600989706663.post-20789694533649290012013-08-28T13:38:00.003-04:002013-08-28T13:38:59.718-04:00Of Bags<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
As I grow up, I've realized some things have changed while others do stay the same.<br />
<br />
When it comes to bags, I have evolved a great deal over the past few years. Maybe the exposure to the fashion industry has given me a different perspective. Or maybe it's because of my upbringing, really. I do have great influence from my grandmother.<br />
<br />
The things that have changed are major. They feel like the ah-ha moments that forces everything to make sense all of the sudden. I can count a few of them and here they are:<br />
<br />
1. I no longer buy bags after bags after bags just to use them for one season.<br />
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The problem did not come from the bags, it came from me. I loved (and still love) deals. You get a hundred-dollar Nine West down to 20 bucks and I'm in, baby! And I did. I had many, many bags from Nine West and this brand and that brand which all cost less than $30 a pop. They were great. They were sturdy. In fact, the Nine Wests that I had did last for a very long time.<br />
<br />
But for some reasons, they became clusters in my closet. I lost interest after such a short period of time. Some of them lost the shine pretty quickly, too. By the time I moved back to Vietnam, I did have a row of bags to donate to Goodwill. There was a suede bag from a reputable leather company that I bought for $10 which ended up in the donation pile, too. I realize now that while I wanted them, I didn't love them.<br />
<br />
2. I no longer stick to "fun" purses and bags, either.<br />
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They may be snazzy at the moment but for the long run, I'd like something that I can carry around until I'm old and grey and then I'll pass it on to the next few generations. I have this fantasy that one day I will bequeath my makeup (mostly mineral and MAC pigments), bags, shoes and Chanel jackets to my gay grandson and he would be very happy.<br />
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But I digress. Classic bags tend to be in style a lot longer. The Chanel 2.55 was designed in 1955 and it's still one of the most coveted handbags in this world of ours. The Louis Vuitton Speedy was carried around in the arms of Katharine Hepburn and it's still hot as hell today. And by the way, the Céline Luggage Tote is bout to become a classic pretty soon (and right now, I'm lovin' its shape!)<br />
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3. Quality matters<br />
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This is where things gets all psychotic to me. As I mentioned in point 1, I do love deals. But since I no longer seek cheap thrills (as I'm more of a quantity-over-quality girl these days), I do allow myself to spend as much money as I can manage without sweating myself all out for better-quality bags that I can afford.<br />
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Which aren't many, really.<br />
<br />
Which also leads to the things that stay the same:<br />
<br />
A. I have never bought a counterfeit bag and I don't intend to do so at all<br />
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You could have thought the lil' cheap ole me could have had some fake Gucci or LV stashed around my house but no, I have never owned a fake bag ever in my life so far. All my bags, although cheap and all, fall under some major mass-market brands like Nine West or Target or some sort of Target collaborations with some semi-famous designers before they got to Missoni.<br />
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The thought of carrying a counterfeit bag is repulsive to me. For some reasons, I understood the importance of supporting a brand at a very early age. I know Gucci is expensive, and so is Louis, and so is Chanel and Balenciaga and Hermes and Tom Ford and Thakoon and the like but the thought of wearing a knock-off of someone's hard-working design really creeps me out.<br />
<br />
B. When it comes to bags, I am anal<br />
<br />
I remember shopping for my $20 bags alone many times over because none of my friends would dare to tag along. It was not simply me making a purchase, it was an excursion to a point of almost being a mind game. I would circle around the store many times over, picking up and putting down every single black bag available for at least 5 times, then circle around the store again while doing some sort of mental calculus-slash-statistics on the top contenders. It happened all the time to a point that one friend had to yell out, "Come on, Dao, it's just a bag! Buy it already!"<br />
<br />
To which I replied, "No, you don't understand! It's not just <i>a</i> bag, it's <i>the</i> bag!"<br />
<br />
See how mental it is? Over a bag?<br />
<br />
But again, I am glad to have friends who understand the importance of having <b><i>the</i></b> bag. It's a bag that makes you feel all flutter on the inside while manage to stay current for many years to come. It's also a bag that fits your every needs and whimsies while making all of your friends jealous of how lucky you are to own it. It's also a bag that you can buy with the comfort that it won't send you to the poor house.<br />
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A bag like that, while sounds elusive, does exist somewhere in Zara. If I have to choose between Mango and Zara, I would go with the later. It's fashionable but not forgettable. And most importantly, a Zara bag does not feel cheap.<br />
<br />
Of course, I still hold out for a Louis, a Chanel, a Gucci et al but one of these days, and I hope soon, I am looking forward to own my first piece of designer hand bag. I really do.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
P.S: Please show your support by following my blog and <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">subscribing to my feed.</a> Thanks a lot!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04614729291148266084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181186600989706663.post-38283671020069222502013-04-30T05:32:00.000-04:002013-04-30T05:32:13.524-04:00So You Think You Can Have Eyelash Extensions<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hi everyone,<br />
<br />
As an Asian girl with sparse and straight eyelashes, I am constantly trying to improve my lash line. From hot lash curlers to volumizing mascaras to fiber extensions, I have done it all. But not until before Lunar New Year that I did manage to try the creme de la creme of eyelash beautification: eyelash extensions!<br />
<br />
Now, I have heard people raving and ranting about this in both directions. One of the bloggers out there (Xiaxue) confessed to have done this many times over. From her experience, it is a time-saver, especially during the holiday seasons. And I have to admit that was the catch: LNY can be hell with endless trips all over the city. On top of that, I had to wake up really early and look decent for photos, too. The less time I had to spend on myself means more time I got to sleep. So off to the salon to get eyelash extensions I did.<br />
<br />
Eyelash extensions in Vietnam range from $10-25 USD, depending on the type of false lashes and glue. The good glues tend to hold up better while the good lashes can be really thin and don't weigh your real lashes down. The place I did my eyelash extensions is in the neighborhood. I spent $17 for the initial application and $8 for the touch-up and that was without tips.<br />
<br />
The process was painstakingly long and you can't see a thing. The lash extension lady put tape around my lower lash line to prevent glue from sticking to my skin. Then, she combed my lashes before applying false lashes to my real ones. Each strand is made either of silk or synthetic materials and they are very black. Since my lashes are short and thin, the lady applied 2-3 false lashes to each real one and the lengths are a tad longer than the real deal. I did not time the process but it was long and sometimes uncomfortable. Once she finished applying the lashes, I slowly opened my eyes.<br />
<br />
And it burned!<br />
<br />
The fume from the glue really hurt my eyes. I started to tear up a bit, which was a big no-no since she tried to leave the area as water-free as possible. She did some touch-ups to areas that looked sparse and off I went.<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TXMDgUxuQhA/UX-K_u9i6TI/AAAAAAAAF7w/E53IGvqPdDM/s1600/IMG_7156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TXMDgUxuQhA/UX-K_u9i6TI/AAAAAAAAF7w/E53IGvqPdDM/s1600/IMG_7156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TXMDgUxuQhA/UX-K_u9i6TI/AAAAAAAAF7w/E53IGvqPdDM/s1600/IMG_7156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TXMDgUxuQhA/UX-K_u9i6TI/AAAAAAAAF7w/E53IGvqPdDM/s1600/IMG_7156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="145" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TXMDgUxuQhA/UX-K_u9i6TI/AAAAAAAAF7w/E53IGvqPdDM/s200/IMG_7156.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vUI7RPdIs-Q/UX-K_EMn2DI/AAAAAAAAF7o/6xPRvyXCljQ/s1600/IMG_7155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vUI7RPdIs-Q/UX-K_EMn2DI/AAAAAAAAF7o/6xPRvyXCljQ/s200/IMG_7155.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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I believe those pictures were taken a few days after I did my eyelash extensions. The lady did a good job covering the scar on the lash line of my left eye (which is the right picture.) I was happy for a day or two.</div>
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But then, things began to fall apart. Lashes began to drop down like they're hot. Although the lady told me I could keep my extensions for up to 3 weeks, I saw about 50% lash loss after only 1 week!</div>
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I had to do a touch-up and I got ripped off for it!</div>
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Instead of the lady who did the first application, I was sent to a guy. This guy kept on complaining of how difficult it is to work around the scar on my lash line. Then, he wanted to take everything apart, which would make me spend fresh money on a new application again instead of a touch-up. Then, he even managed to complain of how oily my skin was (bitch, please!)</div>
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The touch-up usually costs $5. He charged me $8 because "Oh, your lashes were so difficult to work with!" I had to bite down and spend my hard-earned money, which was not that big of a problem had it not been gone hand in hand with his attitude.</div>
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The second time around, it was downright painful. I kept it for maybe another week and removed it all with baby oil. And concluded that I was ripped off because another place only charged $10 for the first application and the hair salon that I went charged the same price but they used better lashes that would not leave me feel a thing! On top of that, they guarantee the extensions to last to a month because their glues are better.</div>
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I felt like being duped. And on top of that, eyelash extensions can be a nuisance because:</div>
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</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>You can't wash your eyes with water because it will unglue the lashes</li>
<li>You can't use mascaras, especially waterproof because it will unglue the lashes</li>
<li>You have to keep eye makeup to the minimum because makeup removers will unglue the lashes</li>
<li>You can't rub your eyes because it will unglue the lashes</li>
</ul>
<div>
In short, I was glad to remove those false lashes with baby oil and be done with it. Although I didn't experience real eyelash loss, it was an annoying feeling to have something unnatural on top of your lashes. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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Would I do it again? </div>
<div>
No. I'd rather stick to mascaras and false eyelashes.At least I don't have to listen to a guy who complains about everything and anything.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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How about you? Have you done eyelash extensions?</div>
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<br /></div>
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With love,</div>
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Dao xoxo</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04614729291148266084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181186600989706663.post-50789324937501667272013-04-08T23:44:00.001-04:002013-04-08T23:44:12.571-04:00Oh hai!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hi everyone,<br />
<br />
Apparently, I have been hiding under a rock somewhere. During those weeks that I haven't been able to blog here, I did not even have a nascent thought of putting this blog down for good. I was simply too busy.<br />
<br />
Even since before Lunar New Year, I was busting myself up with work. I thought, "Hey, after LNY, I would have some time to blog again." But noooo! Since the new semester started, my research has been running in full gears. I have 2 students to mentor on their senior theses, which involve actual wet-lab research. Most days I am on my feet instructing and directing them. It's hard work but the rewards have been tremendous. To see them finally understand a concept, to see those sparks in their eyes brings some satisfactions in me.<br />
<br />
I have so many nice things to write about and I really want to tell you all about them. For instance, there is this brush sent that I had pinned for almost 2 years. And these amazing skincare products. And these awesome gifts my dear friends from the States and Canada sent me. And this, and this, and that. So many things!<br />
<br />
I hope April puts things in order so I can continue with my research, writing and blogging as well. There are a few things I have wanted to do. Let's just hope that I can do maybe 1 or 2 of them this year :)<br />
<br />
And oh, by the way, you guys never cease to amaze me. I received a bunch of comments and emails that I will slowly reply. Please bear with me!<br />
<br />
With love,<br />
Dao xoxo<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
P.S: Please show your support by following my blog and <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">subscribing to my feed.</a> Thanks a lot!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04614729291148266084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181186600989706663.post-3113994889721861342013-01-14T05:36:00.001-05:002013-01-14T05:36:47.520-05:00The Benefit of Being a Minimalist<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hi everyone,<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0oEPEHkDWqk/UPPdj4v-2aI/AAAAAAAAF64/7sPxsnTi7XY/s1600/steve+jobs+on+the+floor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0oEPEHkDWqk/UPPdj4v-2aI/AAAAAAAAF64/7sPxsnTi7XY/s640/steve+jobs+on+the+floor.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steve Jobs, the king of minimalism<br />I bow down to his awesomeness as I'm not there yet!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After years of being a beauty blogger, I have to admit I'm becoming a minimalist. Now, these two concepts usually don't mesh. After all, being a beauty blogger means having drawers and drawers and a room full of makeup that rivals the beauty department at Barney's. Well, once upon a time in a different land, I did have a makeup closet. But that feels so far away already.<br />
<br />
Now, living in Vietnam has one thing when it comes to makeup: the lack of drugstore makeup. Even Maybelline and L'Oreal are expensive here. But who am I to complain? When I look at the pricing of makeup in the UK and the rest of Europe, a $12 bottle of foundation sounds like a steal.<br />
<br />
This leaves me to a certain state or sparseness in my makeup drawer. Although I feel sad at the lack of having new toys, I do have to admit my makeup routine has been faster. I know what to use, where to get, and how to get them fast. There's no longer moments when I have to debate which brown I need to use, the MAC one, NYX one or (insert brand name here) one. Now, the choices are less, which leaves me more time to apply makeup than before.<br />
<br />
On top of that, I just got a new brush set and I'm happy about it. There's something about having all your brushes laid out in a brush roll and saving time. Before, I used to fumble around just to find one brush. Now, I know where it is and I know how to use it. I am going to blog about this brush set soon and believe me, you'll definitely need it in your life.<br />
<br />
In order to be a minimalist makeup lover, here are what you need:<br />
<br />
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li><b>A storage system</b>: although I almost busted my back last year to work on <a href="http://mymakeupblog.blogspot.com/2012/04/my-inner-martha-steward-unleashed.html">this system</a>, it was worth it. Now, I can't go back to storing everything in a bin anymore. That makes finding stuff hell. This system, or any non-bin, non-bag system, works great in saving me time.</li>
<li><b>Core products</b>: the essential items you use everytime you apply makeup are your core products. They are primers, foundations (liquid, solid, gel, powder, etc), finishing powder, brow pencils, eyeliners, mascaras, brushes. You should store them separately and within arm's reach so you can get them as fast as you can.</li>
<li><b>Star products</b>: these are your colored products like eye shadows, blushes and lipsticks. Sooner or later, you'll realize you use one more than the others. With these star products, you should put them in prime spots within their own categories/groups.</li>
<li><b>The will to weed out products you don't use</b>: Expired products? Throw them away. Bad formula? Either throw or give away. Unsuitable products to your skin/hair type? Give away. You'll be surprised of how much more space you are going to have once these products are out of the way.</li>
</ol>
<div>
That's all for today, folks. I hope you'll have more time to work on your makeup this year.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
With love,</div>
<div>
Dao xoxo</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
P.S: Please show your support by following my blog and <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">subscribing to my feed.</a> Thanks a lot!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04614729291148266084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181186600989706663.post-73786941533466792172013-01-07T07:30:00.000-05:002013-01-07T07:30:02.330-05:00Antagonizing over Maybelline Clear Smooth BB Cream<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hi everyone,<br />
<br />
Last Friday, I mentioned <a href="http://mymakeupblog.blogspot.com/2013/01/trendy-in-2013-bb-creams.html">BB Cream as something trendy</a> in this year. I had no idea I would write a follow up about something closer to home: I have been using Maybelline Clear Smooth BB Cream for a while now. After having various degrees of success with <a href="http://mymakeupblog.blogspot.com/2012/03/review-maybelline-clear-smooth-bb-silk.html">Maybelline Clear Smooth BB Silk Shine Free Two Way Cake Powder</a>, I pushed my own button and bought the BB Cream itself. Maybelline is available here in Vietnam and the prices are affordable. On top of that, the cream was 10% off and I received <a href="http://mymakeupblog.blogspot.com/2012/12/baby-my-lips-with-maybelline-baby-lips.html">Baby Lips</a> as a gift with purchase.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0EyviSSSyvY/UOmgBLTbisI/AAAAAAAAF5c/BTEH5Co1zeg/s1600/IMG_6563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0EyviSSSyvY/UOmgBLTbisI/AAAAAAAAF5c/BTEH5Co1zeg/s640/IMG_6563.JPG" width="394" /></a></div>
<br />
I believe this Clear Smooth BB Cream is available in the Asian market only. Outside of Asia, Dream Fresh is the BB Cream Maybelline sells. Since I don't have the later one, I don't know whether the formulas are different but based on past experience between Maybelline products in the U.S, U.K, and Japan, I believe the formula varies if the name is different.<br />
<br />
Unlike many other makeup products, this BB Cream comes in a small tube with only 18ml of cream. To put into perspective, a deluxe foundation sample contains around 5-7.5ml. Which means there's not a lot of products to slosh around. The reason people think it's big is because of the packaging. There's simply too much plastic and paper involved in this product. I wish Maybelline to simplify its packaging in the future.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WwzI2H1_f8s/UOmgBSSploI/AAAAAAAAF5g/lxAzO3UUdwQ/s1600/IMG_6564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WwzI2H1_f8s/UOmgBSSploI/AAAAAAAAF5g/lxAzO3UUdwQ/s640/IMG_6564.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
This BB Cream comes in 2 colors: Fresh and Natural. Mine is Fresh, which is a tad too light for my skin. Natural, however, is too dark but has more yellow pigments in it, which makes it more flattering on Asian skins. Fresh, on the other hand, is your typical Asian BB Cream shade: it has this beige color that does not fare well with any skin tones. Once applied, I looked white. Like Michael Jackson white. Like unhealthy ghostly white. Like really, really white.<br />
<br />
It freaked me out a little. So I waited for it to oxidize, which it did for a moment to make my skin look kinda pumpkin like before I looked less white again. But still, my face was lighter than my neck unless I applied some bronzers to even things out around the jaw line.<br />
<br />
Texture-wise, it is creamy in the way of a strong non-oil free moisturizer. My face felt very comfortable for the first few minutes before it looks greasy. And greasy it is! This BB Cream creates the greasiest mess on my face since I started puberty. I've come to learn that using silica microspheres as a finishing powder would eliminate this problem. Yes, that's the stuff in Make Up For Ever HD Powder, ELF HD Powder and the like.<br />
<br />
To fix the weird whiteness problem, I mixed this BB Cream with my MAC NC25 foundation and it looked less pale, more human. Also, since my MAC foundation has lots of oil-controlling properties, the mix created a dewy look that was so beautiful! Reader Laura Humphries mentioned using her new CoverGirl Outlast Stay Fabulous Foundation on top of her Two Faced BB cream and had a dewy finish as well. You should give that a try, too.<br />
<br />
Here is a list of pros and cons:<br />
<br />
Pros:<br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Affordable: cost me around 4 USD and I had a free lip balm</li>
<li>Can be applied with fingers, although a dual-fiber brush provides much better texture</li>
<li>Can conceal dark circles to a certain extend</li>
<li>Feels very comfortable on skin</li>
</ul>
<div>
Cons:</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Has only 2 shades: therefore, those with darker skins or are in between shades can't use it</li>
<li>Light shade has weird alien white color</li>
<li>Is greasy!</li>
<li>Packaging is bulky!</li>
<li>Needs a lot of creative energy to make it more wearable</li>
</ul>
<div>
While I love this BB Cream, I don't think it's for me. Those with dry skin can benefit greatly from it as it moisturizes well. However, those with oily skin can move a continent away from this thing. The finish is fabulous, which makes this a regret for me. I truly hope the Dream Fresh BB Cream to be better as Maybelline seems to have many great products lately.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Here are some extra pictures:</div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3PRuBpCww2k/UOmgE5Az6AI/AAAAAAAAF58/Ic3t7bP5R60/s1600/IMG_6565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="338" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3PRuBpCww2k/UOmgE5Az6AI/AAAAAAAAF58/Ic3t7bP5R60/s400/IMG_6565.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The promises: surprisingly, it does all of those, <br />especially the brightening part to the point of whiteness!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MvIDE0r0PLQ/UOmgC93nLRI/AAAAAAAAF5s/x0tKFqfF1qs/s1600/IMG_6566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="375" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MvIDE0r0PLQ/UOmgC93nLRI/AAAAAAAAF5s/x0tKFqfF1qs/s400/IMG_6566.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ingredient list</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vDidAJZqzjc/UOmgHCIl5fI/AAAAAAAAF6E/pGo28tMnL7c/s1600/IMG_6567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vDidAJZqzjc/UOmgHCIl5fI/AAAAAAAAF6E/pGo28tMnL7c/s320/IMG_6567.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gDYT0WNOIs4/UOmgEsL_2mI/AAAAAAAAF50/pDgvtmjQvCg/s1600/IMG_6568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gDYT0WNOIs4/UOmgEsL_2mI/AAAAAAAAF50/pDgvtmjQvCg/s320/IMG_6568.JPG" width="194" /></a></div>
Ok, here are two interesting pictures: unblended BB Cream on the left and blended on the right. Look how much brighter the skin on the right hand picture looks :)<br />
<br />
Last but not least: would I buy it again? Hell to the no! Or maybe when I reach my 40s and my skin gets much drier. Maybe.<br />
<br />
With love,<br />
Dao xoxo<br />
<br />
P.S: Please show your support by following my blog and <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">subscribing to my feed.</a> Thanks a lot!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04614729291148266084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181186600989706663.post-20358374998369915222013-01-04T04:14:00.000-05:002013-01-04T04:14:16.669-05:00Trendy in 2013: BB Creams<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 600px;">
<div style="position: relative;">
<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/bb_creams/set?.embedder=4234087&.svc=copypaste&id=67871743" target="_blank"><img alt="BB Creams" border="0" height="451" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/WzgNH7dFn0NJ2JPY55ZSGA/cid/67871743/id/24Ds_51KTcejwya1GD9GMg/size/c600x451.jpg" title="BB Creams" width="600" /></a></div>
</div>
Hi everyone,<br />
<br />
BB Cream is not exactly new in the makeup world. Fans of Korean makeup have been exposed to this type of face cream-slash-foundation for ages. In the Asian market, Maybelline has its own BB Cream for a while now. Yet, at the end of 2013, beginning of 2013, BB Cream finally becomes popular to the rest of the world. And by popular, I mean <i>everybody</i> does BB Cream these days. Not only mass-market brands such as Garnier, L'Oreal, and Physicians Formula have their own versions of this cream but also the big brothers like Armani and Dior do, too. This sends a chill to my spine. Finally, BB Cream has taken off the same way as mineral makeup did back in 2008.<br />
<br />
Contrary to popular belief, BB Creams are not that miraculous. Sure, they have more moisturizing properties and make your skin look and feel better than foundation but still, BB Creams are makeup. Therefore, proper cares should be partaken the same way as when wearing liquid foundation.<br />
<br />
The one thing I am glad to happen within this wave of Western BB Creams is the color selection. Korean BB Creams are notoriously bad in term of color: in certain brands, you can only find 1 (yes, one!) shade and often times, it is in a weird pale greige (grey+beige) color that in no way flatters Asian skins at all! On top of that, the shades - if more than 1 shade is available at all - tend to run really, really ghostly white, so white that white girls have problem wearing them as well. Moreover, they almost always oxidize to some other weird pumpkin colors. And when you find a shade that matches your skin, it would oil up after some use.<br />
<br />
Yes, a lot of Asian BB Creams are tres weird. With this new crop of BB Creams coming from the West, they seem to be better in term of everything: color selection, texture, lasting power, and especially oil control property. If you haven't tried BB Creams yet, you should jump onto this bandwagon. I've heard lots of nice things about Rimmel London and Physicians Formula. Please give it a try and tell me what you think!<br />
<br />
With love,<br />
Dao xoxo<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 600px;">
<small></small></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
P.S: Please show your support by following my blog and <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">subscribing to my feed.</a> Thanks a lot!</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04614729291148266084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181186600989706663.post-82767513090843862252013-01-01T11:47:00.001-05:002013-01-01T11:47:38.238-05:00Happy New Year 2013!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hi everyone,<br />
<br />
2013 is here and it feels strange. I still feel like 2012 were still here simply because '12 had been a fantastic year for me. I wish you all a wonderful year ahead, so magnificent that at day 365, you are going to look back and realize it has been even better than what you have planned on day 1 (which is today!)<br />
<br />
Here are some pictures of the food my family cooked to say good bye to 2012 and welcome 2013:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qBQeLYK9h4g/UOMP3qb_6NI/AAAAAAAAF4U/M5mfINZSvOU/s1600/IMG_6581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qBQeLYK9h4g/UOMP3qb_6NI/AAAAAAAAF4U/M5mfINZSvOU/s640/IMG_6581.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A part of the spread<br />We washed everything down with some vino :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sg0IpjjriFM/UOMQIeoRFGI/AAAAAAAAF4c/1xzw5k3fWig/s1600/IMG_6572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sg0IpjjriFM/UOMQIeoRFGI/AAAAAAAAF4c/1xzw5k3fWig/s640/IMG_6572.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Egg rolls!<br />My mom made them, I fried them up :9</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NUcXx88ILNg/UOMQUaEbv9I/AAAAAAAAF4k/t39Sc6I3OgQ/s1600/IMG_6580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NUcXx88ILNg/UOMQUaEbv9I/AAAAAAAAF4k/t39Sc6I3OgQ/s640/IMG_6580.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Honey butter chicken wings :")</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NbNeoFzFsc4/UOMQcSvbUII/AAAAAAAAF4s/9f2ssWJ613c/s1600/IMG_6589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="506" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NbNeoFzFsc4/UOMQcSvbUII/AAAAAAAAF4s/9f2ssWJ613c/s640/IMG_6589.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My not-quite-chocolatey chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting and coconut flakes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yVzCvfXn3hM/UOMQqS7K2OI/AAAAAAAAF40/Xe3J3sA8-RU/s1600/IMG_6573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yVzCvfXn3hM/UOMQqS7K2OI/AAAAAAAAF40/Xe3J3sA8-RU/s640/IMG_6573.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The whole spread before we devoured it!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
That's all for now. I hope you are having a wonderful New Year Day. Mine has been great so far and now I've gotta catch some zzz. Tomorrow is going to be a work day again.<br />
<br />
With love,<br />
Dao xoxoxo<br />
<br />
P.S: Please show your support by following my blog and <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">subscribing to my feed.</a> Thanks a lot!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04614729291148266084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181186600989706663.post-21989859016263982142013-01-01T11:28:00.002-05:002013-01-01T11:28:53.767-05:00Appearances: ELLE November-December 2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hi everyone,<br />
<br />
I've come to realize I'd better do this once a month with each magazine. Compiling them together like this means more time for me to take pictures and edit them. Together for the last 2 posts, I was shooting and editing 40+ pictures and sometimes, it's not easy to edit them to my liking at all!<br />
/*end of rant<br />
<br />
Now, let's take a look at what I did for ELLE Vietnam during last November and December:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DA-oHKDy2T4/UOMK_IQGaQI/AAAAAAAAF2k/89wJrw5wb4w/s1600/IMG_6593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DA-oHKDy2T4/UOMK_IQGaQI/AAAAAAAAF2k/89wJrw5wb4w/s640/IMG_6593.JPG" width="464" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cover of ELLE's November issue, which is also their 2nd anniversary<br />The cover girl is Ho Ngoc Ha (the same one in F-Fashion's December issue)<br />She is very popular and it's hard to stop by the newsstand without seeing her face these days</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fagmunE92WU/UOMLMjJWfQI/AAAAAAAAF2s/Te0Q6XNNZbU/s1600/IMG_6595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="470" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fagmunE92WU/UOMLMjJWfQI/AAAAAAAAF2s/Te0Q6XNNZbU/s640/IMG_6595.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I wrote an article for their bridal issue, which is about skin/hair/body care before getting hitched</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PYGCvhw4Yf8/UOMLXRDsAwI/AAAAAAAAF20/Z9g6vLyUTPQ/s1600/IMG_6600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="470" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PYGCvhw4Yf8/UOMLXRDsAwI/AAAAAAAAF20/Z9g6vLyUTPQ/s640/IMG_6600.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m-0yXKbfudE/UOMLh7UdBwI/AAAAAAAAF28/p6dJaoCc5vY/s1600/IMG_6601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="472" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m-0yXKbfudE/UOMLh7UdBwI/AAAAAAAAF28/p6dJaoCc5vY/s640/IMG_6601.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Got a 4-page spread on skincare A-Z<br />It took me a loooong time to write and I'm glad the spread is beautiful!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YCcQAel8zXw/UOMLtAil8-I/AAAAAAAAF3E/hhbkH7plS4I/s1600/IMG_6602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="470" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YCcQAel8zXw/UOMLtAil8-I/AAAAAAAAF3E/hhbkH7plS4I/s640/IMG_6602.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An article about vitamin C I translated</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OkGhoeswctk/UOML4WudMgI/AAAAAAAAF3M/LBET3V-4ABg/s1600/IMG_6604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OkGhoeswctk/UOML4WudMgI/AAAAAAAAF3M/LBET3V-4ABg/s640/IMG_6604.JPG" width="466" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ELLE December issue with Katy Perry on the cover</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s4VXX8O54rw/UOMMAgvwwJI/AAAAAAAAF3U/7mNR7WgEtiQ/s1600/IMG_6605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s4VXX8O54rw/UOMMAgvwwJI/AAAAAAAAF3U/7mNR7WgEtiQ/s640/IMG_6605.JPG" width="442" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I wrote for ELLE for more than half a year and finally it happened:<br />I was on their contributor page!<br />This is such a huge honor for me!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IRDZKc1ReJ0/UOMMDgyvjaI/AAAAAAAAF3c/2jvUsPVkHQ8/s1600/IMG_6606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="532" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IRDZKc1ReJ0/UOMMDgyvjaI/AAAAAAAAF3c/2jvUsPVkHQ8/s640/IMG_6606.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The art director painted my face<br />Does the picture look like me?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zP4iCIaLTTc/UOMMNfAXEnI/AAAAAAAAF3k/Bc7Puh5pnwA/s1600/IMG_6608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="470" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zP4iCIaLTTc/UOMMNfAXEnI/AAAAAAAAF3k/Bc7Puh5pnwA/s640/IMG_6608.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d_uVB7DVKC4/UOMMU2oEylI/AAAAAAAAF3s/fnMvNwBEAwU/s1600/IMG_6610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d_uVB7DVKC4/UOMMU2oEylI/AAAAAAAAF3s/fnMvNwBEAwU/s640/IMG_6610.JPG" width="436" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Got a 3-page spread on makeup in major markets in Asia such as Japan, Korea, Thailand, and India</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
That's all for 2012, which was a great year for me in term of being in magazines. Not only did my articles get published, my face was also in the magazines twice: once in F-Fashion in October and once in ELLE in December. This has been a huge honor for me and I hope to be able to continue this winning streak in 2013. Last but not least, I would like to thank the editors who have been helping me along the way while writing these articles. Also, my sincere regards go to the art directors who have been beautifying my articles. Without them, those written words may not look as catchy.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
Dao xoxo<br />
<br />
P.S: Please show your support by following my blog and <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">subscribing to my feed.</a> Thanks a lot!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04614729291148266084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181186600989706663.post-20060117832048561902013-01-01T11:08:00.000-05:002013-01-01T11:08:15.666-05:00Appearances: F-Fashion Magazine November-December 2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hi everybody,<br />
<br />
This post was supposed to go up last year. 2012 sounded like so far away but in fact, it was still yesterday that we were in that year. The end of the year had been a busy time for me and I anticipate the same level of busy-ness until after Chinese New Year. So bear with me, alright?<br />
<br />
Here are some snapshots of what I did for F-Fashion Magazine during November and December of 2012:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s3T44dnqAXU/UOMEWQ4YuGI/AAAAAAAAFz4/WZh5eHYmsGk/s1600/IMG_6612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s3T44dnqAXU/UOMEWQ4YuGI/AAAAAAAAFz4/WZh5eHYmsGk/s640/IMG_6612.JPG" width="499" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">F-Fashion November 2012 issue<br />The cover girl was Thanh Hang, who is the #1 model in Vietnam</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vsbLxb7KRFc/UOMEhLeC7vI/AAAAAAAAF0A/LUiXvMeNrwU/s1600/IMG_6614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vsbLxb7KRFc/UOMEhLeC7vI/AAAAAAAAF0A/LUiXvMeNrwU/s640/IMG_6614.JPG" width="474" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Most Wanted-Beauty</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N4C17vhZFxo/UOMEuFfVuZI/AAAAAAAAF0I/Unc2PjsJb2I/s1600/IMG_6617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="438" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N4C17vhZFxo/UOMEuFfVuZI/AAAAAAAAF0I/Unc2PjsJb2I/s640/IMG_6617.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2 looks for I See It First: Red lips (left) and modern cat eyes (right)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YQu3KHM1FvY/UOME4C27PkI/AAAAAAAAF0U/253fBiIPsH0/s1600/IMG_6618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YQu3KHM1FvY/UOME4C27PkI/AAAAAAAAF0U/253fBiIPsH0/s640/IMG_6618.JPG" width="484" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Global News</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LRAHC6rUmHw/UOMFEUnCiiI/AAAAAAAAF0c/WghKnvK6nro/s1600/IMG_6619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LRAHC6rUmHw/UOMFEUnCiiI/AAAAAAAAF0c/WghKnvK6nro/s640/IMG_6619.JPG" width="470" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beauty Blog: I wrote about eye shadows :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_5s-Wm5ertM/UOMFXD8WL-I/AAAAAAAAF0k/GCWnDMQoQjU/s1600/IMG_6620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="444" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_5s-Wm5ertM/UOMFXD8WL-I/AAAAAAAAF0k/GCWnDMQoQjU/s640/IMG_6620.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beauty Report: Stem Cell technology in skin care</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cpl7fMewFiE/UOMFnZEEa1I/AAAAAAAAF0s/ZFq230r6qJU/s1600/IMG_6621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cpl7fMewFiE/UOMFnZEEa1I/AAAAAAAAF0s/ZFq230r6qJU/s640/IMG_6621.JPG" width="474" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The extremely beautiful December issue with Ho Ngoc Ha on the cover<br />She's the hottest singer in Vietnam right now and also a coach on The Voice Vietnam</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ywKSXh-lsVU/UOMFzUcvgBI/AAAAAAAAF00/C0eEBipMtrs/s1600/IMG_6623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ywKSXh-lsVU/UOMFzUcvgBI/AAAAAAAAF00/C0eEBipMtrs/s640/IMG_6623.JPG" width="452" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Most Wanted<br />I really want the Cle de Peau luminizing powder and that eye/blush set from Shu Uemura</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K_KVTWwKqcs/UOMF9SvWGwI/AAAAAAAAF08/Vy4VV2_qCpk/s1600/IMG_6626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="470" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K_KVTWwKqcs/UOMF9SvWGwI/AAAAAAAAF08/Vy4VV2_qCpk/s640/IMG_6626.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I See It First: golden looks<br />I chose golden eyes (left look) and red lips-gold eyes combo (right look)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3b43XCXp3_s/UOMGIOtH2LI/AAAAAAAAF1E/0267vR60e_w/s1600/IMG_6627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3b43XCXp3_s/UOMGIOtH2LI/AAAAAAAAF1E/0267vR60e_w/s640/IMG_6627.JPG" width="434" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Global News with Julianne Moore, Gwyneth, Tyra, the Kardashians, and Urban Decay</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pvcXb9NKk8I/UOMGVaJ4IjI/AAAAAAAAF1Q/Bp-1loN6Xeo/s1600/IMG_6629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="452" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pvcXb9NKk8I/UOMGVaJ4IjI/AAAAAAAAF1Q/Bp-1loN6Xeo/s640/IMG_6629.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The focus of this issue is about nails</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OnSqkPqoovY/UOMGicslXTI/AAAAAAAAF1Y/_m0YwI7ALLI/s1600/IMG_6630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="462" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OnSqkPqoovY/UOMGicslXTI/AAAAAAAAF1Y/_m0YwI7ALLI/s640/IMG_6630.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beauty Report: gold in skincare<br />(it's not a good thing to use if you are allergic to gold!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CpcDKjOip9E/UOMGrD6BovI/AAAAAAAAF18/VqhpH4M4hxM/s1600/IMG_6631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CpcDKjOip9E/UOMGrD6BovI/AAAAAAAAF18/VqhpH4M4hxM/s640/IMG_6631.JPG" width="444" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And last but not least: Beauty Blog<br />I got a chance to interview Karen from <a href="http://makeupandbeautyblog.com/">Makeup and Beauty Blog</a> for this issue<br />and it was my honor. Karen was like a sister to me when I started blogging<br />and this is an opportunity for me to pay her back.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
That's all for now, folks! I hope you enjoy the snapshots I took from the magazines!<br />
<br />
Take care,<br />
Dao xoxo<br />
<br />
<br />
P.S: Please show your support by following my blog and <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">subscribing to my feed.</a> Thanks a lot!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04614729291148266084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181186600989706663.post-26844599397106064692012-12-24T07:30:00.000-05:002012-12-24T07:30:01.767-05:00Merry Christmas, Everyone!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JUslfQqT5bo/UNfdHTzjf0I/AAAAAAAAFzM/eW-klQJzWdA/s1600/We_wish_you_a_merry_christmas_35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JUslfQqT5bo/UNfdHTzjf0I/AAAAAAAAFzM/eW-klQJzWdA/s640/We_wish_you_a_merry_christmas_35.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Hi everyone,<br />
<br />
It's Christmas Eve in my neck of the woods and I am still banging up a couple more pages for some articles that I write for F-Fashion. I'm not complaining, I love what I do. However, since Christmas is not a national holiday here, I don't have time off. Therefore, it's going to be work, work, work until the end of the year.<br />
<br />
Anyway, I digress.<br />
<br />
This year has been such a wonderful year so far. I've had so many opportunities to collaborate with great editors in various magazines and interview so many wonderful people as well. On top of that, the blog is going well, although I wish to have a bit more time to blog more often. Also, I did complete one round of P90X and next year, I am going to do at least 1 more round.<br />
<br />
With that said, I am always thankful to have my readers here with me. Your comments always make my days brighter and I love to have your supports. While there are so many beauty blogs out there, the fact that you support mine means so much to me.<br />
<br />
So, guys, I wish you a merry Christmas with your loved ones. May you receive so many nice things during this holiday season.<br />
<br />
With love,<br />
Dao xoxo<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
P.S: Please show your support by following my blog and <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">subscribing to my feed.</a> Thanks a lot!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04614729291148266084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181186600989706663.post-39541797198184454462012-12-19T07:00:00.000-05:002012-12-19T07:00:02.451-05:00Maybelline The Falsies Volum' Express Waterproof Mascara is Crazy Good!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hi everyone,<br />
<br />
This turns out to be a Maybelline kind of week as I have 3 products I would like to review. I don't know since when did this makeup line has become good but I remember the old days when all I could afford were Maybelline mascaras. Full and Soft waterproof mascaras to be exact. While they were really cheap back then (less than 3 bucks circa 2003!), those Maybelline mascaras smudged!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MCUDj96bHWI/UM_hPGgXF1I/AAAAAAAAFyM/RyhL_qackCA/s1600/IMG_6538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MCUDj96bHWI/UM_hPGgXF1I/AAAAAAAAFyM/RyhL_qackCA/s640/IMG_6538.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
Since I came to Vietnam, I haven't purchased a single mascara. I depended on friends and relatives to supply me with mascaras and I use them as sparingly as possible. My friend Christine from <a href="http://macnunu.blogspot.com/">MacNunu</a> took pity of my demise and sent me a care package full of makeup! She included <a href="http://www.maybelline.com/Products/Eye-Makeup/Mascara/Volum-Express-The-Falsies-Washable-Mascara.aspx">The Falsies Volum' Express waterproof mascara</a> and <a href="http://www.maybelline.com/Products/Eye-Makeup/Mascara/Lash-Stiletto-Ultimate-Length-Washable-Mascara.aspx">Lash Stiletto</a> for me to try. I tweeted her to ask which one I should use first and she replied, "The purple one!"<br />
<br />
Now, here's a thing about Asian bloggers: we know mascaras. As we have straight and short lashes, mascaras are our best friends. On top of that, we tend to have oily skin and Asia is full of humidity. Hence, I would take advice on waterproof mascaras from my fellow Asian beauty bloggers.<br />
<br />
As Christine said the stuff was good, I busted open the purple mascara and gave it a test drive. The juice was really thin upon opening and reminded me of my favorite Japanese mascara called <a href="http://mymakeupblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/kiss-me-heroine-make-long-mascara-is.html">Heroine Make</a>! And y'all know how insanely waterproof that mascara is. In fact, except for the banana boat shape wand, The Falsies is Heroine Make packed in a purple tube.<br />
<br />
It is one baAad waterproof mascara! I've tried a lot of mascaras in my life and except for a few (Voluminous waterproof and Heroine Make), the rest tend to smudge after a certain amount of time. But this one is tough with a capital T! I wore it for 8-10 hours under deep heat and humidity but this thing refused to budge. It does not flake, it does not even move an inch. One tough cookie.<br />
<br />
With that said, it's also difficult to remove. I use an oil base mascara remover to take it away from my lashes and I always have to do so twice. This is one clingy mascara, yo!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dDoPYZStEMM/UM_hS8vdaaI/AAAAAAAAFyU/GhFYgvrW224/s1600/IMG_6540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="404" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dDoPYZStEMM/UM_hS8vdaaI/AAAAAAAAFyU/GhFYgvrW224/s640/IMG_6540.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The wand is something I like: the banana/boat shape wand is flexible. At first, it was hard for me to control but after a while, it became second to nature. If I want curl, I would just leave the wand as is. However, if I want to push my lashes way up, I'd flip the wand concave side up and use it to push my lashes up high. Also, since the wand is big, I don't need to do the wiggle as I have enough coverage already. However, the formula tends to dry really fast and clumps when dried so I have to work it as fast as possible. The good thing is the mascara is very fluid.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r0VHv15ghyM/UM_hXRC2V7I/AAAAAAAAFyc/GmTcYbPljvY/s1600/IMG_6546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="253" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r0VHv15ghyM/UM_hXRC2V7I/AAAAAAAAFyc/GmTcYbPljvY/s400/IMG_6546.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My bare nekkid lashes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rKxXNqR001c/UM_hbd3oYkI/AAAAAAAAFyk/Kw8LS9hD4Kg/s1600/IMG_6548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="246" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rKxXNqR001c/UM_hbd3oYkI/AAAAAAAAFyk/Kw8LS9hD4Kg/s400/IMG_6548.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After 2 coats of The Falsies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Since I had to stop and take pictures in between coats (and the picture of my lashes after the first coat was blurry!), clumping happened. As I mentioned earlier, this mascara is buildable but you have to build it before it dries. However, the lengthening and curling power is mad, mad I'm telling you! The Falsies does live up to its name. My lashes are actually longer now than before but they are not noticeable without mascara. And this one takes it to the next level. Christine is right, this mascara is awesome!<br />
<br />
Two funny digressions:<br />
<br />
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>After receiving the care package, I went to interview someone at L'Oreal Vietnam and guess what I saw? A display of The Falsies mascara at the front office! Maybelline does have this mascara here in Vietnam and I could have bought it here. In fact, Maybelline Vietnam only has 2 or 3 types of mascaras here and this purple one is their best-seller.</li>
<li>I've noticed lots of my male friends have long and curly giraffe lashes. Like, why, why do some men have such beautiful lashes while us women need a gallon and a half of mascara a day to coax ours out?</li>
</ol>
<br />
That's all for now. Thank you, Christine, for sending me this awesome mascara! I really love it!<br />
<br />
How about you? Have you tried Maybelline The Falsies Volum' Express waterproof mascara?<br />
<br />
With lots of mascara love,<br />
Dao xoxo<br />
<br />
P.S: Please show your support by following my blog and <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">subscribing to my feed.</a> Thanks a lot!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04614729291148266084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181186600989706663.post-43648810511883023672012-12-17T05:02:00.001-05:002012-12-17T05:02:50.590-05:00Baby My Lips with Maybelline Baby Lips<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hi everyone,<br />
<br />
Not so long ago, I ran into an interesting situation: my lips were dry to the point it was painful to eat. Despite slathering all the balms and sticks and stuff on my lips, they remained cracked and dry. I was desperate so I decided to go shopping for something to sooth those chapped lips of mine. Lucky me, not only did Maybelline had a sale, I received <a href="http://www.maybelline.com/Products/Lip-Makeup/Lip-Balm/Baby-Lips.aspx">Baby Lips</a> as a gift with purchase as well!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-buOMFXJrK58/UM7pM-KGuQI/AAAAAAAAFxQ/dvN5ZBJXr8U/s1600/IMG_6521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-buOMFXJrK58/UM7pM-KGuQI/AAAAAAAAFxQ/dvN5ZBJXr8U/s640/IMG_6521.JPG" width="356" /></a></div>
<br />
The one I got is called Anti-Oxidant Berry, which is the Asian name of Quenched in the good old U.S of A. Anti-Oxidant Berry/Quenched is a clear balm that smells like blueberry. I do notice the difference in packaging in the Asian version as it looks more like a Chapstick than a lipstick with a bigger and longer cap.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-463rFA7PJdU/UM7pQIOzj0I/AAAAAAAAFxY/3vvGjAl4WpA/s1600/IMG_6526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-463rFA7PJdU/UM7pQIOzj0I/AAAAAAAAFxY/3vvGjAl4WpA/s640/IMG_6526.JPG" width="364" /></a></div>
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The packaging is very pretty and cheerful. It's hard not to buy Baby Lips because of the design. I was hoping to high water and back that I wouldn't be disappointed in this lip balm. As my HG lip balm from Nivea failed to improve my condition, I did not have a lot of hope.<br />
<br />
While I don't know how love at first sight feels, I did experience love at first swipe :) One swipe of this baby and oh, baby, my lips felt quench! It was like rain on desert or something. An amazing feeling only those with dry lips can experience, sadly.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ao3nWMS71rQ/UM7pRrS4fcI/AAAAAAAAFxg/BtiRpNxVGgg/s1600/IMG_6527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ao3nWMS71rQ/UM7pRrS4fcI/AAAAAAAAFxg/BtiRpNxVGgg/s400/IMG_6527.JPG" width="357" /></a> </div>
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The balm is not 100% white, by the way. It has some specs of purplish pink that makes me think of crushed blueberries. However, it does run clear on my lips with a nice shine. In fact, I have never seen a lip balm so shinny. The staying power was good. While I don't know about the 8-hour moisturizing effect, I do notice that it lasts quite long. Even after I wipe my mouth after eating, I still feel moisture on my lips. On top of that, the berry scent is invigorating and quite strong. I wish to have this lip balm in a much milder scent as it tends to make me feel nauseated when I don't feel that well.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7grDjOsvOxg/UM7pTs7Sp-I/AAAAAAAAFxo/dMy8TXf22hw/s1600/IMG_6523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7grDjOsvOxg/UM7pTs7Sp-I/AAAAAAAAFxo/dMy8TXf22hw/s640/IMG_6523.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ingredient list</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
While it's a good lip balm with shea butter and vitamin E as well as SPF, it is not organic. However, it does not seem to contain any animal by-products and does not have parabens. I guess those who are vegans can use Baby Lips after all.<br />
<br />
Unlike other lip balms I've experienced, Baby Lips does not feel waxy and the moisturizing power is good. I've been using it on and off for more than a week now and my lips are less flaky. As long as I have Baby Lips on, I am fine. On top of that, this is not an outrageously expensive lip balm and it comes in 6 shades. The collector in me said I should have them all but I seriously don't have any use for colored balms. I have one in a different brand but I don't like it much. I feel like the color takes away the moisturizing effect my lip balm is supposed to have.<br />
<br />
So, have you tried Maybelline Baby Lips? What do you think about it? Also, what's your HG lip balm?<br />
<br />
With love,<br />
Dao xoxoxo<br />
<br />
<br />
P.S: Please show your support by following my blog and <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">subscribing to my feed.</a> Thanks a lot!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04614729291148266084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181186600989706663.post-30453322191888591512012-12-11T05:34:00.000-05:002012-12-11T05:34:04.987-05:00A Tiny Guide on MAC Mineralize Products for the Allergic<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hi everyone,<br />
<br />
I have this weird unrequited love with MAC Mineralize products: I love them but I can't use them. After trying and owning Northern Lights, my first mineralize skin finish, for 3 days, I realized there was no way this relationship could work. Northern Lights was a LE product that was pigmented enough to be used as a blush. I could illuminate my cheeks like no other. But after a couple of minutes on my skin, I started feeling some tingling sensations.<br />
<br />
I didn't know I am allergic to bismuth oxychloride. It turns out to be a somewhat common contact allergy caused by makeup. And for some reasons, some MAC mineralize products contain this ingredient but you have to look very closely in the "May Contain" section to spot it.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6NIOjRt6bTk/ULwf961K-cI/AAAAAAAAFvc/bHZENwNk84g/s1600/IMG_7029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6NIOjRt6bTk/ULwf961K-cI/AAAAAAAAFvc/bHZENwNk84g/s640/IMG_7029.JPG" width="596" /></a></div>
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Years passed and one day, I went to an event and got 3 MAC Mineralize products as door prize. I scratched my head thinking, "What am I going to do with thee?" And then, I went home, put on a wad lot of primers before I applied the makeup. And voila, almost painless!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-to9cDVkYimI/ULwgGEu3lRI/AAAAAAAAFvs/e7HDH5V4Ku4/s1600/IMG_7038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-to9cDVkYimI/ULwgGEu3lRI/AAAAAAAAFvs/e7HDH5V4Ku4/s640/IMG_7038.JPG" width="460" /></a></div>
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<b>1. <a href="http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/shaded/158/1507/Mineralize-Satinfinish-SPF-15-Foundation/index.tmpl?LOCALE=en_CA">Mineralize Satinfinish SPF15 Foundation</a></b><br />
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I have to admit I was crazy not to use a skin primer before applying it. But to my surprise, I didn't feel a thing, which means this product does not contain bismuth oxychloride. The one I got is in NC 25, which is a tad too dark for me.<br />
<br />
The Mineralize Satinfinish foundation is definitely not a daytime foundation. The pearlize micro particles gives the skin a nice sheen, which is nice when you do photo shoots or have a romantic candlelit dinner. But for daytime, the particles are very visible. The coverage is good (medium to full and buildable) and if you use a stipple brush, you'll get that dreamy matte finish with a glow.<br />
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2. <a href="http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/shaded/157/20500/Products/Face/Concealer/Mineralize-Concealer/index.tmpl"><b>Mineralize Concealer</b></a><br />
<br />
As you may know, I use this concealer <a href="http://mymakeupblog.blogspot.com/2012/10/concealer-tricks-to-banish-raccoon-eyes.html">as a highlighter</a> and it does a pretty nice job. When it comes to concealers, if your skin is in the NC range, you should use an NW concealer to counter the darkness. The same thing for NW people. Since mine is an NC20 concealer and my skin is indeed also NC20, it only makes sense to use this concealer to highlight instead.<br />
<br />
While the good news is the Mineralize Concealer has a rad wand that can reach into tiny crooks and crevices, the bad news is it also contains bismuth oxychloride. This means whoever is allergic to it (me, me, me!) is going to receive the tingling sensation. I do feel it whenever I skip the whole face primer and foundation thing to go straight to concealer. However, if I spackle my face well with primer, I don't feel it as badly and the tingling sensation does go away after a while.<br />
<br />
3. <a href="http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/shaded/869/3625/Mineralize-Eye-Shadow-Duo/index.tmpl"><b>Mineralize Eye Shadow</b></a><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9DNOuYuK2Qo/ULwgBEW1U_I/AAAAAAAAFvk/l5WpNz6IXSE/s1600/IMG_7031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="594" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9DNOuYuK2Qo/ULwgBEW1U_I/AAAAAAAAFvk/l5WpNz6IXSE/s640/IMG_7031.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MAC Mineralize Eyeshadow in Mineral Mode</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
MAC has 2 types of mineralize eye shadows: one that looks like Mineral Mode above with only 1 major color and lots of veins and another one that is a duo eye shadow (like <a href="http://mymakeupblog.blogspot.com/2010/11/does-loreal-hip-precious-look-familiar.html">Engaging here</a>.) As far as I've known, the formulas of these mineralize eye shadows vary: one can be quite hard and has major fall outs while the other is as smooth as butter. They are almost always packed with pigments and the frosty finish is amazing!<br />
<br />
However, the main concern is bismuth oxychloride and The Force is strong in this one. To be honest, the only way I can wear it is to apply a thick layer of eye shadow primer like a shield and make sure I don't apply anything on my lash line as well as avoid fall outs to touch my skin. Crazy, I know. But one touch of it and my eyes will start to water. This is a real shame because I do love mineralize/baked makeup because of aesthetic reason: they do look pretty in the pan.<br />
<br />
4. <a href="http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/shaded/159/782/Products/Face/Powder/Mineralize-Skinfinish/index.tmpl"><b>Mineralize Skinfinish</b></a><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6aNVB66itdI/UMcJipzcLSI/AAAAAAAAFwQ/T05VIqDJe0M/s1600/DSCF2829.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6aNVB66itdI/UMcJipzcLSI/AAAAAAAAFwQ/T05VIqDJe0M/s640/DSCF2829.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(L-R): Mineralize Skinfinish in Northern Light and Parrot eyeshadow<br />Vintage LE in 2008!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
You think I would blog about MAC mineralize products without mentioning the most famous item, don't you? Now you have it: I did own an MSF for a brief period of time (1 week) before realizing that tingling sensation was not normal. It was a heartfelt bid of adieu on my part to return Northern Light to the counter. It was perfect as a blush with all those gold veins! But for my own skin's sake, I had to do what was best for me.<br />
<br />
There are two types of MSF and it's a bit confusing when you go to the store asking for one and receiving another. First of, there is the regular colorful MSF with veins like Northern Light. And then, you have <a href="http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/shaded/159/1343/Products/Face/Powder/Mineralize-Skinfinish-Natural/index.tmpl">Mineralize Skinfinish Natural</a>, which is a powder for your face. It does give a very pretty glow-from-within look and I've seen a lot of makeup artists using it on people's skins. The MSF Natural does look amazing.<br />
<br />
But again, bismuth oxychloride. Sometimes I wonder why pretty things can be so lethal.<br />
<br />
To conclude: while Mineralize Satinfinish foundation is something everyone can use, the rest is not for those with bismuth oxychloride sensitivity. The mineralize range is extremely pretty in term of colors and finishes. I do wish MAC to reformulate this range to make it more usable to those who have sensitive skins and allergy to bismuth oxychloride.<br />
<br />
My own personal conclusion: while I do love 'em, I can't use most of them. The ones I have are mostly gifts that I keep just for show :) They are too pretty (and expensive) to be in the trash.<br />
<br />
That's all for now. How about you? Do you have any other experiences with MAC mineralize products?<br />
<br />
With love,<br />
Dao xoxo<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
P.S: Please show your support by following my blog and <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">subscribing to my feed.</a> Thanks a lot!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04614729291148266084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181186600989706663.post-67993655131847758092012-11-29T07:00:00.000-05:002012-11-29T07:00:14.407-05:00Have You Met MUA?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hi everyone,<br />
<br />
I hope you guys are doing well and had a nice Thanksgiving, Black Friday and Cyber Monday. I spent my Black Friday in bed going through loops at Coastal Scents website. Two hours later and I could not even fit in my order. Que horrible! In the end, a friend came to my rescue and CP the things I wanted for me, phew!<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pwvUr0ESZGk/ULbYzeJBQcI/AAAAAAAAFu4/6MP1m0S-1-4/s1600/Make_Up_Academy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pwvUr0ESZGk/ULbYzeJBQcI/AAAAAAAAFu4/6MP1m0S-1-4/s640/Make_Up_Academy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Lately, I have been obsessed with this new find: <a href="http://www.muastore.co.uk/">Makeup Academy</a>, have you heard of it? Apparently, it's like a better version of Eyes Lips Face (ELF) in U.K with products ranging from 1-5 pounds! I read the reviews, saw the swatches and then decided it's worth my salt. On top of that, once in a while, they offer a discount with free shipping!<br />
<br />
After doing a lot of research, I found these items receive lots of rave from the internet. In case you want to make a haul from MUA, here is the short list:<br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Palettes: <a href="http://www.muastore.co.uk/index.php/12-shade-palette-heaven-and-earth">Heaven and Earth </a>and <a href="http://www.muastore.co.uk/index.php/12-shade-undressed-palette">Undressed</a>. At 4 pounds a pop, these palettes are perfect dupes of Urban Decay Naked and Naked 2 palettes for a fraction of the price. They go even cheaper when purchased in a sale event.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.muastore.co.uk/index.php/12-shade-undressed-palette">Lipsticks</a>: 16 shades, a pound a pop, pigmented but not dried out? Srsly, this is a makeup addict's dream came true. Even when you buy all 16 shades, they're still cheaper than a high-end lipstick.</li>
<li>Blushers: they have a couple of options when it comes to blushes but I found the <a href="http://www.muastore.co.uk/index.php/blusher">1-pound blushers</a> to be just as good.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.muastore.co.uk/index.php/catalogsearch/result/index/?cat=117&q=brush">Brushes</a>: they just came out with makeup brushes and from the look, I can tell these brushes are similar to ELF Studio but (probably) with better quality. Also, they have a stippling brush that looks like MAC 188.</li>
</ul>
<div>
It's hard not to go crazy when you browse MUA Store website. The products look good and from the internet searches, they also have good quality. On top of that, MUA has international shipping at reasonable price. This is something ELF no longer does and as much as I love ELF, I can no longer support it. But MUA is a different story. I have never heard a complaint of tardy shipping ever. And did I say their products are good? Seriously, British people, what are you doing? Why do you make us love you so?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Since I found out about Makeup Academy, I've had a big relief. Now, I can buy makeup at reasonable prices and have them ship to me as well. All I need is a new credit card and a lot of restraint to stop me from wiping out the whole store!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
How about you? Have you met MUA?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
With love,</div>
<div>
Dao xoxo</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
P.S: Please show your support by following my blog and <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">subscribing to my feed.</a> Thanks a lot!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04614729291148266084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181186600989706663.post-13937935648577489482012-11-22T11:00:00.001-05:002012-11-22T11:00:05.351-05:00Happy Thanksgiving!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hi everyone,<br />
<br />
First of all, I would like to say "<span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><i>Happy Thanksgiving!</i></span>" to all my readers. I have been away from the U.S for 2 Thanksgivings now and I truly miss it. Looking back, this has been an amazing year to me. I got to cross out most of the things in my wish list and I got to travel to amazing places and meet amazing people as well. Needless to say, I am very happy.<br />
<br />
On top of that, having this blog and getting a chance to interact with my readers have been wonderful as always. I can't help reflecting back on the days when I just opened this blog and how far I've come. It's a bit of a melodramatic cliché but it's true.<br />
<br />
I would like to thank you, my readers, for all of your support. Also, props to the companies that sent products my way for testing and reviewing purposes, despite the geographical challenge. Also, to the editors at Elle and F-Fashion magazines for believing in me and giving me a chance to do what I love. Last but not least, to the beauty experts I got to interview this year. You guys have been awesome and I got to learn sooo much from you.<br />
<br />
So happy Thanksgiving to all. May you have a restful day!<br />
<br />
With love,<br />
Dao xoxo<br />
<br />
<br />
P.S: Please show your support by following my blog and <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">subscribing to my feed.</a> Thanks a lot!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04614729291148266084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181186600989706663.post-19632337154023084912012-11-19T07:00:00.000-05:002012-11-19T07:00:01.440-05:00Bling Eyes FOTD<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hi everyone,<br />
<br />
I've wanted to put rhinestones around my eyes since forever. Yet, every time I tried it, the rhinestones did not seem to stick. I gave up but the dream did not die. Last week, I went to the cosmetic shop near my house just to browse and saw some flat-back rhinestones used to decorate nails. I bought a small pack, went home and gleefully glued a couple of them on the area underneath my lower lash line. To my surprise, the rhinestones held up really well, which prompted me to do a look and bling up my eyes!<br />
<br />
Here is the result:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4I6EkNU1mCc/UKmocwHqiMI/AAAAAAAAFt0/aNwMa2ayOGQ/s1600/IMG_6493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4I6EkNU1mCc/UKmocwHqiMI/AAAAAAAAFt0/aNwMa2ayOGQ/s640/IMG_6493.JPG" width="422" /></a></div>
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The makeup is the same as I did <a href="http://mymakeupblog.blogspot.com/2012/10/channeling-my-inner-diva-or-how-i.html">here</a>, except I changed the lip color from bright pink to nude. I have to credit my success to the <a href="http://mymakeupblog.blogspot.com/2012/09/stock-em-up.html">new eyelash glue</a> that I bought recently. The wand makes applying glue to the rhinestones feel like a dream. Before, I had to dip each teeny tiny rhinestone into a puddle of glue, resulted in oversoaked rhinestones that failed to stick to my skin.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LReRCx0eUrs/UKmojBtlawI/AAAAAAAAFt8/hYqejthdniM/s1600/IMG_6505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LReRCx0eUrs/UKmojBtlawI/AAAAAAAAFt8/hYqejthdniM/s640/IMG_6505.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Full-frontal look<br />I was sweaty around the lips :P </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hV4ftXMpS1s/UKmok_7Dv_I/AAAAAAAAFuE/dZhB8ziKTyg/s1600/IMG_6508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="295" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hV4ftXMpS1s/UKmok_7Dv_I/AAAAAAAAFuE/dZhB8ziKTyg/s400/IMG_6508.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Detailed look of the eye<br />3 rhinestones on top, 4 at the bottom<br />Faux liner at the bottom to make it look like I have some bottom lashes :D</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Without the rhinestones, it's a very wearable and polished day-time look. The rhinestones just add more pizzazz to the whole getup, I guess.<br />
<br />
Now that I can glue stuff to my face, I am very happy.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2GYwbyRlFbM/UKmorPQF6xI/AAAAAAAAFuQ/gj5TuGvOQIU/s1600/IMG_6516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2GYwbyRlFbM/UKmorPQF6xI/AAAAAAAAFuQ/gj5TuGvOQIU/s640/IMG_6516.JPG" width="409" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See? Happy!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
With this new opportunity, I am going to incorporate more rhinestones to my makeup. A little bit of eyelash glue, a tweezer, and some rhinestones go a loooong way! Just make sure you are not allergic to the latex in your eyelash glue. If you do, just get a latex-free glue and it will solve your problem. (How to tell if you are allergic to latex: your skin will itch if you wear latex gloves or latex glue on your falsies!)<br />
<br />
This is kind of a K-Pop look, don't you think? I love how clean and chic it is! While the rhinestones took forever to apply, it was <a href="http://mymakeupblog.blogspot.com/2012/10/a-fail-proof-guide-to-natural-looking.html">all about the skin</a>. I may do a how-to video on that in the near future. Just let me know if you want one.<br />
<br />
With love,<br />
Dao xoxo<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
P.S: Please show your support by following my blog and <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">subscribing to my feed.</a> Thanks a lot!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04614729291148266084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181186600989706663.post-82775543507127376072012-11-16T05:29:00.002-05:002012-11-16T05:29:58.699-05:00Must-Love Bags<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hi everybody,
<br />
<br />
When it comes to bags, you are going to see my anal-retentive self. I have to say I love bags but to go out and shop for one is a pain and a half for me. I remember going from one store to another and spending hours after hours just to look for an underarm bag to carry all my stuff. It got to a point that I would go by myself because going with friends means torturing them with my endless hours of trying on bags after bags after bags.<br />
<br />
I'm this kind of person who has an idea of what I want when it comes to bags. But because fashion comes and goes, sometimes I can't get a bag that I suits my taste. For example, when those slouchy Balenciaga was popular a couple of years ago, all I wanted was something that looks like Tod's D-Styling Lavoro Shopper (#2 in the collage) but more affordable, of course! Needless to say, it didn't happen. And now, I'm kind of in the same boat when I need something roomy and nice but all I've seen so far are boxy bags.<br />
<br />
Bags can be good investments, that's what I realized after spending money on cheap fashionable bags that go out of style after a short while. If you buy something classic and with good quality, not only can you use it for a long time, you can pass it on to your daughters and in turn, they can pass it on to theirs. Moreover, if you want to sell a vintage bag, chances are you'll get a good price for it, too.<br />
<br />
These are my must-love bags. They are the ones I'm dreaming about once in a while. Granted, they are expensive but from my own experience, quality trumps all when it comes to bags.<br />
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/must-love_bags/set?.embedder=4234087&.svc=copypaste&id=63462098" target="_blank"><img alt="Must-Love Bags" border="0" height="600" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/NRvHnP4HAvlj9hK5WPlvQ/cid/63462098/id/qls7bQnVSUG7KVgtDh2pqQ/size/c600x600.jpg" title="Must-Love Bags" width="600" /></a></div>
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<b>1. Louis Vuitton Neverfull</b>: as far as I've concerned, LV has become a cliche a long time ago. So many people wearing it makes it not so exclusive anymore. However, when it comes to a tote that you can carry to the grocery store and all, Neverfull trumps all as a luxury-branded bag. The Damier Ebene shading seems to be a popular choice than the monogram and believe me, this bag lives to its name. You can carry anything in it and look like a million bucks. It's an effortless chic kind of bag and after seeing Angelina Jolie wearing it, I know I need it in my life!</div>
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<b>2. Tod's D-Style Lavoro Shopper</b>: I have a thing for white bags, especially ones that is big enough to carry my paper stuff while looking classy. I know there are rules about wearing a white bag after a certain time of the year but honestly, I don't care. A white leather bag is high-maintenance, I know that part. But it does look tres chic and classy as well. On top of that, I've heard the quality of Tod's bags is amazing and I'm looking forward to the day when I look all classy and corporate and important with my white tote bag.</div>
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<b>3. Alexander McQueen Black Envelope Clutch</b>: one thing I've learned when it comes to party is you need to have a clutch. I've studied clutches like mad and one conclusion I've drawn is envelope clutches never go out of style. It can be retro, it can be modern, it can be modern while you do retro and vice versa. The envelope clutch is pretty and versatile and I need to have mine.</div>
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<b>4. Chanel 2.55:</b> this needs no introductions. It's the it bag and believe me, you'll look all class with this on your shoulders. Of course, it's expensive, very, very expensive. But for the life of me, I would buy one and treasure for the rest of my life. And with Chanel, you can be 25 or 75 to wear this bag. It doesn't matter. The 2.55 is in its own class, that's it.</div>
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<b>5. Louis Vuitton Speedy 25 in monogram</b>: the LV monogram canvas is as tacky as hell. However, the combination of monogram and Speedy in size 25 cm is a classic as it was requested by Audrey Hepburn. Being the smallest size in the Speedy category, it maintains the shape well and you don't see much of that annoying sag bigger sizes have. Like Chanel 2.55, Speedy 25 is a classic bag and it does go with everything. From jeans to suits to dress, you name it. Also, it does class up your outfit as well. The only time you can't use the Speedy with an outfit is when you wear a gown. But then, you'll have the Chanel for that :)</div>
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I've come to realized that when I wore my old bags, I liked them but I didn't love them. But with these guys, I have deep respect. They are made with high quality and they can last for a very long time. On top of that, brands like Chanel and LV do have good customer care to their products. If a handle breaks or a hinge goes loose, I know I can come to them and they'll fix it for me.</div>
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Another advantage of owning classic bags is they never go out of style. Bags like Chanel 2.55, LV Speedy and Hermes Birkin have been around for a while now and they are still very popular. I guess since I am such a pain when it comes to buying a new bag, owning classic ones is my own solution. That way, I can buy a bag and love them without thinking of what's next. That's kind of refreshing to me!</div>
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That's all for today, y'all. I do feel a lot better now and next week, I'm having something exciting in store. So stay tuned, alright?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
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With love,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Dao xoxo</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
P.S: Please show your support by following my blog and <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">subscribing to my feed.</a> Thanks a lot!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04614729291148266084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181186600989706663.post-36212263231264653052012-11-14T07:30:00.000-05:002012-11-14T07:30:00.649-05:00The Amazing Korean Setting Perm<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hi everyone,<br />
<br />
Long time no see. Yeah, I've been sick like a dog thanked to a viral infection. Last week, I could barely sit up but today I feel a lot better. Still a little bit of swelling and marks here and there but at least I no longer have fever. Yeah, roseola is a pain in the you-know-what and I'm glad to come at the tail end of it!<br />
<br />
But alas, I digressed. About 2 weeks ago, right before I got sick, I went out to get my first hair perm ever! Well, technically, I got my first perm when I was a kid but for some reasons, my hair did not take the perm solution and I ended up having straight hair. This time around, the L'Oreal Professionnel salon near my place had a perm sale. What was supposed to be a $50 chemical process only cost me 37 bucks. And that included a cut, wash, and style. Score!<br />
<br />
Unlike the traditional type of perm where you have to soak your hair in those smelly and yucky perm solutions, Korean setting perm is quick and pretty much odorless. It is also the least maintenance perm that looks natural. Just think about Angelina Jolie's naturally wavy hair. Yup, the setting perm is going to give you awesome hair like that. It's like a straight haired girl's dream come true, you know.<br />
<br />
So I settled down, got a quick consultation, and a hair wash before the fun began. First, a hair stylist applied a cream to the area she wanted to curl, which was from my ear down to the tip of my hair. Then, I waited for about 20-25 minutes for my hair to stretch before she washed it. After that, I had my Matrix moment: they hooked me into the machine, yo!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-An1XfClL1E0/UKJqHL5OjGI/AAAAAAAAFrw/NX_ZiD05fLw/s1600/P27-10-12_10.40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-An1XfClL1E0/UKJqHL5OjGI/AAAAAAAAFrw/NX_ZiD05fLw/s400/P27-10-12_10.40.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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At one point, 3 people were working on my hair. They dried it before winding each section into the heat rods. Those rods are similar to your hot rollers but they are bigger and made of ceramics. Those hair ladies wound my hair really really tight and by the end, I had about 30 curls all over my head. They also put insulating pads over the rollers to make sure the hair is curled up nicely.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dGB5dyc634I/UKJqKTgKZuI/AAAAAAAAFr4/1KxpdZbxAQA/s1600/P27-10-12_10.52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dGB5dyc634I/UKJqKTgKZuI/AAAAAAAAFr4/1KxpdZbxAQA/s400/P27-10-12_10.52.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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I felt like Lion King, if Simba chose to perm his hair and such. This was a moment before the nice hair lady came back with a couple sets of wires to hook me into the Matrix.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-umVNmzv-s/UKJqLs4FVZI/AAAAAAAAFsA/yeI4V0b_2aw/s1600/P27-10-12_10.56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-umVNmzv-s/UKJqLs4FVZI/AAAAAAAAFsA/yeI4V0b_2aw/s400/P27-10-12_10.56.jpg" width="300" /></a>T</div>
I don't know if you can see it or not but there were wires hanging out from each ceramic rod. These rods are like hot rollers on steroid! There's a place to hook it into the electricity. Once hooked, the rod will heat up the same way hot rollers do. The difference is I had to sit there and wait for 25 minutes while the heat cooked up my hair nice and crispy!<br />
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Really, I was kidding about the crispy part but yeah, it was incredibly hot and heavy. My head felt like it weighed a ton thanked to all the rods and wires. Luckily, 25 minutes went away pretty quickly and the hair techs came to unhook me from The Matrix. Then came the perm solution and I waited for another 10-15 minutes before I came to get the last rinse. Since my hair just got permed, the technician only washed my hair with water and conditioner. I got a quick face massage as a bonus.<br />
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Then, I got a haircut and 2 people simultaneously blew dry and styled the crap out of my hair. The total number of people who worked on my head that day was 6 and I paid 37 bucks. Not a bad deal after all!<br />
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Here's the end result, 2 weeks after I did the perm:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SUVeqJ7_jbQ/UKJt5Ph_pmI/AAAAAAAAFs8/iLjbG1BTfbw/s1600/IMG_6471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SUVeqJ7_jbQ/UKJt5Ph_pmI/AAAAAAAAFs8/iLjbG1BTfbw/s400/IMG_6471.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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Natural-looking wavy hair, yeah? And no, I didn't color my hair. That's my natural hair color with natural highlights and all :)<br />
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No, really. People may spend 200 bucks to have hair colored like that but I don't. That's how my hair really is. I spent about 2 years to color and highlighted the crap out of my hair to make it look like that but in actuality, it already does. That's why it's hard to convince me to color my hair these days. I already have the color that I want!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Esum5KRN0Zo/UKJuRVDdmNI/AAAAAAAAFtE/2Rj8EbFnAyo/s1600/IMG_6487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Esum5KRN0Zo/UKJuRVDdmNI/AAAAAAAAFtE/2Rj8EbFnAyo/s400/IMG_6487.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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Cascading curls after cascading curls! It's official: I'm in love with my hair!</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q9fVcVO4vBU/UKJupMFg_fI/AAAAAAAAFtQ/BtmwGu3iLPc/s1600/IMG_6488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q9fVcVO4vBU/UKJupMFg_fI/AAAAAAAAFtQ/BtmwGu3iLPc/s400/IMG_6488.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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Ooh, shiny!</div>
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One thing I do notice is the staggering amount of volume I have after getting the perm. It's like I have twice the hair or something. On top of that, my hair does not feel damaged at all! The only change I have to live with is to set the hair in sponge curlers about 1/2 hour before going to bed. But that's not mandatory as I only do so after I wash my hair. Also, the 48 hours after the perm is crucial as I was not allowed to wet my hair. I use all the hair products as I did before, although stuff that promises to add moisture seems to be better to keep the ends nice and moist.<br />
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I got a ton of compliments on my new hair. Compared to the other types of perms, setting perm keeps the hair wavy for about 5 months. Once you get a haircut, you need to redo the perm as well. From the way I see it, I would do it twice a year to keep my hair nice-looking and healthy as well. Other people who want the tight and spiral kind of curls may want to try digital perm, which is more expensive. To me, this is nice enough and I make sure to keep myself loaded to get my perms twice a year :)<br />
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That's all for now, folks! Have you permed your hair or tried setting perm before? Please let me know. I'll be back once I feel better.<br />
<br />
With love,<br />
Dao xoxo<br />
<br />
<br />
P.S: Please show your support by following my blog and <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">subscribing to my feed.</a> Thanks a lot!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04614729291148266084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181186600989706663.post-37258969154102611642012-10-31T07:30:00.000-04:002012-10-31T07:30:05.377-04:00Channeling My Inner Diva (or How I Forgot Halloween!)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hi everyone,<br />
<br />
The other day, I drove around and noticed some costume sales. It took me a couple of red lights to realize Halloween is at the end of this month and I have done diddly squat to prepare for it. To think about it, I have been busier than ever. The only time I was this busy was when I wrote that thesis to push myself out of grad school. But even with that, I did remember about Halloween.<br />
<br />
But I'm not complaining. More things for me to do mean more money coming in at the end of the year. It also means people trust me enough to give me things to do. Just to remember not so long ago I was bouncing from one interview to another without landing anything gives me a shudder.<br />
<br />
In my head, I was planning to do a Halloween look with some rhinestones gluing onto my face. But as I said, my timing was wrong and I ended up being supremely divalicous to myself. And please don't ask me how I did my makeup. I had no clue! This is a mix of Mariah Carey's hair in Honey, Katy Perry with her bright lips, and some K-Pop star eye makeup. I only had sunscreen and some powder on my face that day, btw :)<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uya95NR6SBw/UI_ThzhqK-I/AAAAAAAAFqo/97_AKuxw8xo/s1600/IMG_6456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uya95NR6SBw/UI_ThzhqK-I/AAAAAAAAFqo/97_AKuxw8xo/s640/IMG_6456.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
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I did some mild facial and nose contouring. For the eyes, there was a mix of browns and purple blended out really well before I applied false eyelashes. I highlighted the inner corner of my eyes and the lower lash line with a champagne eye shadow. This is a highlighting trick Korean pop stars use on their eyes. It totally works as my eyes look huge!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sbHrafD7GM0/UI_TsxEGejI/AAAAAAAAFq4/_LzyOcHyAe4/s1600/IMG_6453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sbHrafD7GM0/UI_TsxEGejI/AAAAAAAAFq4/_LzyOcHyAe4/s640/IMG_6453.JPG" width="446" /></a></div>
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If I used a primer and liquid foundation that day, it would probably ended up looking more K-Pop than this. But I do consider this a trial run in case I decide to do a real Korean pop star makeup look one day :)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VDTjNMzyxwc/UI_TzruAIGI/AAAAAAAAFrA/U6Ik9lUo3nk/s1600/IMG_6455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VDTjNMzyxwc/UI_TzruAIGI/AAAAAAAAFrA/U6Ik9lUo3nk/s640/IMG_6455.JPG" width="548" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Huge eyes at every angle, wow!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Su8fHDba1jw/UI_T6jNmWsI/AAAAAAAAFrI/Lkgbm1Jiuvo/s1600/IMG_6465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="306" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Su8fHDba1jw/UI_T6jNmWsI/AAAAAAAAFrI/Lkgbm1Jiuvo/s400/IMG_6465.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close-up on the eye<br />This is probably the most unhelpful close-up picture ever. <br />Everything is so nice and muted that you can hardly see anything!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
What I did on the eyes:<br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Applied a light brown cream eye shadow as a base on the eyelids, MAC Bare Canvas (light pink champagne-ish color) underneath the brows to highlight</li>
<li>Smudged out a soft liner near the lash line to darken it</li>
<li>All the eye shadows I used have some sort of shimmers in them. I applied an inky purple eye shadow from the outer corner into 2/3 or the eye, then applied dark brown on the crease, blended out with a light brown color until they all look nice and natural and shimmery</li>
<li>Highlighted underneath the brow bone with a shimmery champagne color, then applied the same color to the inner corner of the eyes and to the lower lash line. Don't be afraid if you can see a really pale line on your lower lashes. It's supposed to look like so!</li>
<li>Mascara-ed up, line your eyes, and applied falsies.</li>
</ul>
<div>
Lips: bright pink lipsticks à la Katy Perry :)</div>
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<br /></div>
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Hair: curled up and tied to the side.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Then, you can totally sass people and demand things to be done your way. Yup, the divalicious act is good for a Halloween night!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Happy Halloween, y'all!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Dao xoxo</div>
<br />
<br />
P.S: Please show your support by following my blog and <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">subscribing to my feed.</a> Thanks a lot!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04614729291148266084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181186600989706663.post-64743663217376762212012-10-29T07:30:00.000-04:002012-10-29T07:30:03.907-04:00Concealer Tricks to Banish Raccoon Eyes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hi everyone,<br />
<br />
When I was in my 20s, I could stay up really late to study and still looked fresh in the morning. But only a few years into the 30s wonderland and here I am needing concealer like a calf needs milk! When I got a chance to interview <a href="http://mymakeupblog.blogspot.com/2012/09/mac-autumn-winter-2012-13-trend.html">James Molloy</a> from MAC, one of his tips is to really conceal the dark circles under and around the eyes. He prefers to bring lights to a woman's face and I took his advice. A little bit of well-blended concealer can make you look wide awake and take years off your age. Trust me, I know!<br />
<br />
Lately, I have found an effective way to conceal my raccoon eyes. It's not cakey and the products I use are not outrageously expensive (YSL Touche Eclat, I'm looking atcha!) If you have the same problem, I hope this post is helpful to you.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r6jNakGqcB4/UI3ssqr_y-I/AAAAAAAAFpQ/Q16aOgmq3eM/s1600/IMG_6296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r6jNakGqcB4/UI3ssqr_y-I/AAAAAAAAFpQ/Q16aOgmq3eM/s640/IMG_6296.JPG" width="594" /></a></div>
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What I use:<br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><b><a href="http://www.maybelline.com/Products/Face-Makeup/Concealer/SuperStay-24HR-Concealer.aspx">Maybelline Super Stay Concealer 24HR</a> in light</b>: this is a drugstore product that works really, really well without setting into lines. Unlike many concealers out there, this has a peach tone which works great to conceal darkness on cool tone skins</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/shaded/157/4388/Studio-Sculpt-Concealer/index.tmpl?LOCALE=en_CA">MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer in NW 20</a></b>: I know MAC has a ton of concealers with different textures but this one is the easiest to use. The texture is mousse-like and I can blend it with my fingers. Definitely a nice product to use when I'm in a hurry</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/shaded/157/20500/Products/Face/Concealer/Mineralize-Concealer/index.tmpl">MAC Mineralize Concealer in NC 20</a></b>: I got this as a gift and since it's a cool-tone product, it doesn't work that well to conceal dark circles (you need to use a concealer with an opposite tone to your skin to conceal darkness on your face.) However, it has tiny pearlized particles that reflect light so I use it for a different purpose: to highlight.</li>
</ul>
Let's get to work, shall we?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DFQxwGEQt8c/UI3u8BYTm4I/AAAAAAAAFpc/Mr_swNdNiVA/s1600/IMG_6268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DFQxwGEQt8c/UI3u8BYTm4I/AAAAAAAAFpc/Mr_swNdNiVA/s320/IMG_6268.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
First of all, here is how I look without any under eye concealers. I have a few fine lines and bumps around that area. The bumps make it tricky to conceal as too much product can make that area look cakey.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rf-X-3XOWVE/UI3u_-tZUoI/AAAAAAAAFpk/GDd7nP6oO3w/s1600/IMG_6289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rf-X-3XOWVE/UI3u_-tZUoI/AAAAAAAAFpk/GDd7nP6oO3w/s400/IMG_6289.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I decided to get a lil' bit creative and used the Maybelline concealer on my right eye (your left, the one with the dots undearneath) and MAC Studio Sculpt on my left (your right)<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lLUHfT9lxYo/UI3vITU16AI/AAAAAAAAFps/utmutNtL4ow/s1600/IMG_6291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lLUHfT9lxYo/UI3vITU16AI/AAAAAAAAFps/utmutNtL4ow/s400/IMG_6291.JPG" width="340" /></a></div>
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I blended the concealer on my right eye with my finger and used a small dual fiber brush like MAC 188 to blend out the concealer on the other eye. Yup, that was moi looking quite mad while blending out concealer (which, btw, I think is the key to success here: you need to look mad so the dark circles would stay quiet and take the concealers like they should!)<br />
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After I blended things out, things started to look like this.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ijHePRBKdgU/UI3vLCyTeWI/AAAAAAAAFp0/Lu0U--zRBiM/s1600/IMG_6292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ijHePRBKdgU/UI3vLCyTeWI/AAAAAAAAFp0/Lu0U--zRBiM/s400/IMG_6292.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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But wait, there's more! This is when the Mineralize Concealer comes handy: I've found out that in order to completely take away the darkness and brighten up the whole face, I need to add some sort of luminizer to this area. The Mineralize Concealer has this wicked wand that can reach to small places like none of your bidnez. I feathered it out like this, waited for a couple of minutes for the concealer to thicken a bit before I blended things out with the small dual fiber brush.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8-JI7BWLsTU/UI3vM19IDeI/AAAAAAAAFp8/cMMByWpbxvg/s1600/IMG_6293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8-JI7BWLsTU/UI3vM19IDeI/AAAAAAAAFp8/cMMByWpbxvg/s400/IMG_6293.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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And here is the end result:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JFZ-kuSmJo8/UI3vUE_KKLI/AAAAAAAAFqE/ihejwhAHAMQ/s1600/IMG_6303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JFZ-kuSmJo8/UI3vUE_KKLI/AAAAAAAAFqE/ihejwhAHAMQ/s640/IMG_6303.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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You have seen this picture before in the <a href="http://mymakeupblog.blogspot.com/2012/10/who-makes-cutest-samples-benefit-does.html">Benefit post</a>. I used the concealers here and foundation/primer from Benefit. The products I use in this post are excellent. The trick to make them work is to use a small amount of product and let it get a bit tacky before you blend out. Please don't pile on your makeup but work them into your skin. MAC has reliable concealers and if you are loaded, try Cle de Peau. That thing costs around 70 bucks but from what I've heard, it's the best in the biz.<br />
<br />
Also, I wrote a post about <a href="http://mymakeupblog.blogspot.com/2012/10/a-fail-proof-guide-to-natural-looking.html">how to create beautiful skin with makeup</a>. This is essentially what I do these days to get that porcelain skin that celebrities have. Believe me on this one: when it comes to skin, less makeup is more. And if you haven't had a dual-fiber brush in your kit, please get one. It's a gift that keeps on giving. I've never been happier since I started using this brush again.<br />
<br />
If you give this a try, please let me know what you think. I'd love to hear from you!<br />
<br />
With love,<br />
Dao xoxo<br />
<br />
P.S: Please show your support by following my blog and <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">subscribing to my feed.</a> Thanks a lot!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04614729291148266084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181186600989706663.post-28612928735801119062012-10-19T07:30:00.000-04:002012-10-19T07:30:00.040-04:00One More Appearance<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hi everybody,<br />
<br />
I guess I'm really lucky to become a beauty and health contributor to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fthoitrang.ftvindochina">F-Fashion Magazine</a>. Not so long ago, I bought an issue of that magazine, read it, and felt so good about it that I wish to write for it one day. Time passed, then one day I got a call from a friend who's now the beauty editor over there. We met and all of the sudden, I was writing my butt off!<br />
<br />
F-Fashion is going through a revamp as their aspiration is to become one of the main fashion and beauty magazines in Vietnam. I think it has an advantage as it is in the same family with Fashion TV. I wrote stuff, submitted them, and waited anxiously for the magazine to come out.<br />
<br />
I have to say it was an interesting experience. I've learned so much about beauty from the print industry standpoint after only 1 magazine issue. Here are some snapshots of the magazine and the articles I wrote:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UzsxTq0Mlkk/UIArZ9nzU7I/AAAAAAAAFnY/JvjXlYL2-kc/s1600/IMG_6363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UzsxTq0Mlkk/UIArZ9nzU7I/AAAAAAAAFnY/JvjXlYL2-kc/s640/IMG_6363.JPG" width="494" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cover page<br />The cover girl is Vietnam's Next Top Model runner up in the first season</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As I mentioned earlier, I wrote quite a few pages in this issue. "Most Wanted" features products that I think deserved to be mentioned due to their own greatness. I picked UD Naked Skin, Lady Gaga Fame perfume, Cle de Peau Cheek Color Duo, Jungle Fever palette in the Carine Roitfeld x MAC collection, Illamasqua Magnetism lipstick and La Creme face cream.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nY1G54EJaNI/UIArythxqdI/AAAAAAAAFng/4v7BfLWTOQk/s1600/IMG_6366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nY1G54EJaNI/UIArythxqdI/AAAAAAAAFng/4v7BfLWTOQk/s640/IMG_6366.JPG" width="474" /></a></div>
<br />
"I See It First" features 2 looks from the runways with product recommendations from moi. I had the most fun scouting for looks :)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-As0idnxsh4s/UIAsIfXhtGI/AAAAAAAAFns/aKyW7pzVXe4/s1600/IMG_6367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-As0idnxsh4s/UIAsIfXhtGI/AAAAAAAAFns/aKyW7pzVXe4/s640/IMG_6367.JPG" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first look I chose is the English Rose look<br />It's essentially the skin trend that's been going on lately</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-70pw6JPpgwA/UIAsoQtNbdI/AAAAAAAAFn0/4jiHicY73X4/s1600/IMG_6370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-70pw6JPpgwA/UIAsoQtNbdI/AAAAAAAAFn0/4jiHicY73X4/s640/IMG_6370.JPG" width="494" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The second look is a liner-lip look<br />I love, love, love the look at the bottom right corner done by makeup artist Kabuki</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I was not supposed to do Global Beauty News and this was srsly last minute work. I had to search like mad to come up with 5 news-worthy pieces of information on cosmetic representations, makeup collection launches, and new products.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7N321LgjFTU/UIAtHxv9s2I/AAAAAAAAFn8/rzmWDOb08eY/s1600/IMG_6371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7N321LgjFTU/UIAtHxv9s2I/AAAAAAAAFn8/rzmWDOb08eY/s640/IMG_6371.JPG" width="452" /></a></div>
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And guess what? As a True Blood fan, how could I not put Alexander Skarsgard on the news? I had to convince the editor that the ad is truly hot. She put the title like so: "Alexander Skarsgard and an uber hot commercial video clip!"<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ub850fLJ_z8/UIAtYKRuKfI/AAAAAAAAFoI/Eo1TsMWYexo/s1600/IMG_6372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="378" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ub850fLJ_z8/UIAtYKRuKfI/AAAAAAAAFoI/Eo1TsMWYexo/s640/IMG_6372.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I had only 1 actual article to write in this issue and I co-written it with another person. It's about the Perricone anti-aging diet. I didn't remember writing that much but it ended up being a 3-page spread :)<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NcmnGVnRrkM/UIAt06PJ0dI/AAAAAAAAFoQ/6FVlKHvgZ74/s1600/IMG_6373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NcmnGVnRrkM/UIAt06PJ0dI/AAAAAAAAFoQ/6FVlKHvgZ74/s640/IMG_6373.JPG" width="442" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QlA2wfd4OPQ/UIAuMrgYqdI/AAAAAAAAFoY/Vr8vjH9VNSE/s1600/IMG_6374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QlA2wfd4OPQ/UIAuMrgYqdI/AAAAAAAAFoY/Vr8vjH9VNSE/s640/IMG_6374.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IiyRmI_itl4/UIAue3mhsBI/AAAAAAAAFok/tvGsBbPeJqA/s1600/IMG_6375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IiyRmI_itl4/UIAue3mhsBI/AAAAAAAAFok/tvGsBbPeJqA/s640/IMG_6375.JPG" width="476" /></a></div>
<br />
Last but not least, here's the pinnacle of my beauty writing career so far: I was chosen as the blogger for their Beauty Blog section. I wrote about the on-going skin trend, which is essentially <a href="http://mymakeupblog.blogspot.com/2012/10/a-fail-proof-guide-to-natural-looking.html">this blog entry</a> without the collage. I have to say it was weird to see my face in a magazine. I'm not used to this, really.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JWaoWLx3-8s/UIAu4FSPDHI/AAAAAAAAFos/u9n9JP4VApA/s1600/IMG_6377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JWaoWLx3-8s/UIAu4FSPDHI/AAAAAAAAFos/u9n9JP4VApA/s640/IMG_6377.JPG" width="456" /></a></div>
<br />
So yeah, that's all about what's happening in my beauty writing life at the moment. I am very happy and thankful for this opportunity to contribute to F Fashion Magazine. It was a smooth and chaotic first month but this month is getting better. I wish F Fashion all the best to their relaunching effort.<br />
<br />
With love,<br />
Dao xxoo<br />
<br />
P.S: Please show your support by following my blog and <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">subscribing to my feed.</a> Thanks a lot!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04614729291148266084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181186600989706663.post-74656288671612342762012-10-18T07:00:00.000-04:002012-10-18T07:00:03.605-04:00September-October Apperances<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hi everyone,<br />
<br />
ELLE Vietnam has been kind to me. Not only did I get my articles published, I also got opportunities to interview cool people. They even invited me to their biannual fashion show for the Fall-Winter season. Here are the photos of my articles in their September and October issues.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4hc-sWnRpVs/UH6SB4qGOiI/AAAAAAAAFkU/TkeaJgo90kA/s1600/IMG_6348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4hc-sWnRpVs/UH6SB4qGOiI/AAAAAAAAFkU/TkeaJgo90kA/s640/IMG_6348.JPG" width="466" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ELLE Vietnam September issue<br />
The cover girl is Vietnamese version of Tyra for Vietnam's Next Top Model<br />
I had 1 article :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QzEecb56d5w/UH6SL24Y6qI/AAAAAAAAFkc/nUv8vCUykHE/s1600/IMG_6351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="404" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QzEecb56d5w/UH6SL24Y6qI/AAAAAAAAFkc/nUv8vCUykHE/s640/IMG_6351.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's about vitamin A in skincare<br />
I didn't notice they put it in the Health section. I guess I'm a Beauty and Health writer now :]</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dRwXPWkzNhg/UH6VGeFewBI/AAAAAAAAFk4/WDRp7fr9Yv8/s1600/IMG_6355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dRwXPWkzNhg/UH6VGeFewBI/AAAAAAAAFk4/WDRp7fr9Yv8/s640/IMG_6355.JPG" width="458" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ELLE VN October edition<br />Apparently, Elle is going through a revamp and it shows<br />Each cover looks better than its predecessor</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-85jARTfvfx0/UH6VQe8AIiI/AAAAAAAAFlE/cjf0EEa_25w/s1600/IMG_6356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="450" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-85jARTfvfx0/UH6VQe8AIiI/AAAAAAAAFlE/cjf0EEa_25w/s640/IMG_6356.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guess what? This is my first article on plastic surgeries<br />I wrote about Botox, rhinoplasty (nose job), and breast implants</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WtXG1QgXAVA/UH6VarBEORI/AAAAAAAAFlM/VdvtapI5pPQ/s1600/IMG_6359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="449" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WtXG1QgXAVA/UH6VarBEORI/AAAAAAAAFlM/VdvtapI5pPQ/s640/IMG_6359.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The artwork was done by the Art Editor<br />I felt so honor!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1GmVOMUIq7w/UH6Vl3SUSWI/AAAAAAAAFlU/XJtMD4Iqs_I/s1600/IMG_6361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1GmVOMUIq7w/UH6Vl3SUSWI/AAAAAAAAFlU/XJtMD4Iqs_I/s640/IMG_6361.JPG" width="443" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's a 3-page spread and I hardly had any corrections :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZMVgGxTRbJE/UH6VxjUR9nI/AAAAAAAAFlg/JoEermCxqg0/s1600/IMG_6360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZMVgGxTRbJE/UH6VxjUR9nI/AAAAAAAAFlg/JoEermCxqg0/s640/IMG_6360.JPG" width="434" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A closer look at the illustration<br />I don't know if the Art Director reads my blog or not but I just want to say<br />THANK YOU!<br />You made my article look better than it already did</td></tr>
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Interview-wise, I got to talk to 3 people: <a href="http://mymakeupblog.blogspot.com/2012/09/mac-autumn-winter-2012-13-trend.html">James Molloy</a> the day after the Trend Presentation (he's the sweetest!), <a href="http://www.elle.vn/content/manolis-sevastopoulos-toc-thu-dong-don-gian-chic-va-hien-dai">Manolis Sevastopoulous</a> and <a href="http://www.elle.vn/content/ocea-ferber-tam-diem-se-la-lan-da-dep-hoan-hao">Ocea Ferber</a> for Elle F/W 2012 Fashion Show. All of them are so passionate and they made me feel a lot more energized after I interviewed them. On top of that, I had a lot of fun and learned so much from them, too!<br />
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Last but not least, here are a couple of very blurry pictures that I took from Elle F/W 2012 Fashion Show. I was sitting in the 2nd row, btw (had to elbow a couple of people to get there!)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There were 2 ice blocks at the middle of the runway</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The word ELLE made out of transparent plastic at the back of the stage<br />I was sitting very close to the stage, btw<br />(Some guy's big head managed to get into the picture, gah!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A very famous model wearing some really beautiful clothes<br />Sorry guys, that's how I talk about clothes these days. Or any day, really!</td></tr>
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I think I took pictures of the first collection by Elise Kim before I realized there was not enough light for me to take decent photos. Instead, I enjoyed watching the rest of the show and went home happy!<br />
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I wanted to go backstage to take a look at the hair and makeup but I didn't get a backstage pass. Both Manolis and Ocea wanted me to see them that day but oh well, there's always next time! Next time, ELLE, please let me in. I have a D-SLR now, I can take pictures for you! </end shameless plugging><br />
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That's all for now, folks! Thanks for tuning in and support me through all these years!<br />
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Love,<br />
Dao xxoo<br />
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