Travels in South Korea: Part I

As you can probably tell from the title, this post is not a beauty and fashion related post. I have been kind of absent for the past few weeks and this is because during the last few weeks, I had the amazing chance to visit Korea with my mom for about 10 days. Half of my family lives in Korea, considering that my mom is Korean (South Korea of course, I surprisingly still get questioned which one my mom is from). The main reason why we decided to go to Korea was because one of my relatives was getting married, so going to a wedding was a great excuse to travel there for over a week. (For reference, the photos above were taken at Namdaemun Market in Seoul.)

To answer another common question I am asked when I tell someone I'm Korean is that I don't speak Korean. Why? Because I was a stubborn kid who found it hard learning a language that I would never speak at home since my mom had learned English. I only speak very very basic Korean and completely regret not learning it at a young age, since now I don't have much time to learn the language. This made communicating in Korea somewhat difficult, however, a couple of my relatives, including a cousin who is about the same age as me was learning English. Although there was somewhat of a language barrier there, it was still fun talking to her. The large language between me and my other relatives made communicating difficult. (The three photos above were taken at an area in the countryside.)

I had visited Korea a few times before that were more tourist-y, and unlike past trips, this trip was more family-oriented and less tourist-y, which I enjoyed. The four photos above were taken in Ansan, a city outside of Seoul. The nightlife was so much fun and overwhelming! The delicious looking dessert is Korean shaved ice with bean powder, which was pretty much heaven in a bowl the size of my head.

I also visited Gangman, which I honestly had no idea existed before the popular song. At Gangnam, we ate pasta salad (literally pasta and salad) and an amazing bacon and garlic pizza that you actually pull apart and eat with a spoon or fork. Later, we ate this amazing brownie shaved ice that chocolate infused shaved ice with vanilla ice cream, brownie bits, oreo pieces, and whipped cream.

As you could probably tell, I was pretty much on a Michael Phelps diet.

I hope you enjoyed this post!
Look out for Part 2! It will be posted in just a few days!

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Miranda Kerr Inspired Fresh Makeup Look | FOTD

Miranda Kerr always wears some of my favorite makeup looks, since they are often simple yet involve colors that really help enhance enhance certain features, such as the eyes and cheeks. This makeup look caught my attention, and even though she was wearing this makeup look earlier this year, I still think that it is a gorgeous makeup look for the summer. Granted, my take on her look isn't as nearly as flawless as hers, however, I really enjoyed putting this look together! The eyeshadow didn't show up true to color in the photos, but I promise it looks like a close match in real life!

The Makeup...
First I applied the Maybelline Fit Me Concealer under my eyes and around my nose to conceal any redness. Next, I applied the Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder in 'Translusnet ' to set the concealer and to keep my T-zone matte throughout the day. I then applied the NYC Sunny bronzer in a '3' motion to my temples, in the hollows of cheeks, and down my jaw line for a little bit of contouring and bronzing. I then finished the face makeup by applying a light pink Covergirl Cheekers blush to the apples of my cheeks, brushing upwards towards my temples.

For my eyes, after priming, I applied MAC's eyeshadow in "All That Glitters" all over my lid, up to my crease. Using a pencil brush, I then applied the eyeshadow along my lower lashline. To thicken the lash line, I used the Sephora waterproof pencil eyeliner to line my tight line. To further define the lash line, I applied a very thin line of the Bobbi Brown gel eyeliner in "Caviar Ink". I then finished off the eye look with Maybelline One-by-One mascara.

To finish off the look, I applied the Revlon Lip Butter in "Juicy Papaya" for a nice sheer coral-pink lip color and the Clinique Long Last Glosswear in "Air kiss". This combination gave the perfect coral-pink combination with a sheen, similar to the finish on Miranda Kerr's lip color.

This is a look that I will definitely be wearing a lot this summer if I want a look that's a little more than basic. It's great for everyday or would be a great for a little makeup look for a nicer occasion.

I hope you enjoyed this post!
Who do you look up to for beauty inspiration?
Please comment below! I would love to read your answers!

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As a side note, I would like to say that I'm sorry I haven't posted in a while. I was out of town and even though I had scheduled some posts throughout last week, for some reason none of them got posted. I hope you understand!

Getting into Running and Gym Experience

The saying goes that the hardest part about going to the gym is going to the gym. Last summer I tried out a summer membership at a gym with my sister. Although there is a ton of equipment to keep you busy, I couldn't help but feel like I was being judged by the other people in the gym. I'm not the most athletic person by any means and don't have any muscle mass, so as cliche as it sounds, going to gym is not the most comfortable way to get fit for me. I then tried going to gym while at college, and found it less intimidating since many of the people there were my age and weren't creepily bulked up. Since summer started and I've come back home, I had to find ways to get my exercise, because I wasn't going to go back to my local gym.

Before summer, I made a goal for myself to start running on the street I live on. I make this goal every summer, but never got around to it since I usually ended up sleeping in and not waking up early enough. This summer, however, I have actually been getting up early and started running around three times a week, which in my eyes, is better than none. I found that I enjoy running much more than being at gym, since I'm alone and don't need to be worried about being judged. I also live on a very quiet road that has a pretty view of the metropolitan area, making it a relaxing run. The road, however, does have a slope, making it a pain to run back up the hill.

One of my favorite things about working out is workout clothing. It's comfortable and breathable, and I honestly wear them more than I work out. One of my go-to outfits is my American Eagle sports bra (similar here), one of the many school t-shirts I own, and the Nike Legend Capris (similar here). As for shoes, I wear the Adidas Bounce shoes (similar here), although I need to get a new pair since those shoes are several years old. Lastly, it is always important to stay hydrated, which is made easier with a waterbottle, and have a good workout playlist to keep you moving.

What are your thoughts about the gym?

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Pineapple Print | Summer 2014

Items shown above: Ann Taylor Top | ASOS Infinity Scarf | ASOS Necklace | Wet Seal Romper | Aero Earrings | Topshop Embroidered Shorts

Summer is not quite over and nothing screams summer like tropical fruit and warm beaches and even though (most of us) don't live on a tropical island, you can still express paradise through your clothing! Pineapple prints have been growing in popularity this summer, with the trend seen in not only the fashion industry, but also has been incorporated into home decor. Pineapple prints are not too bold, making them a fresh and fun way to add something some personality in your outfit during the warmer months. Although I don't own any pineapple printed clothing pieces or pineapple shaped jewelry, I would be open to trying the trend if I find a piece that is subtle and classic.

I hope you enjoyed this post!
Have you tried the pineapple trend? Are you thinking about trying it?
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Get the Look: Eleanor Calder Inspired Makeup Look!

Eleanor Calder's makeup look is perfect for both an everyday summer look as well as great for school or work! She is often seen in very light makeup that's soft, pretty, and fresh! The key to her look is keeping everything light and natural looking. It never looks like she wears a lot of makeup and seems to often be wearing light blush and a light eyelook with the focus on her eyelashes. Read on to see my take on her look!

Face:

• Medium Coverage Foundation: Eleanor Calder is never seen in super heavy, matte foundation, so go for a little lighter of a foundation that evens out your skin tone for a natural look. If you have oily skin, set the foundation with a powder where you usually get oily. 
• Illuminating Concealer: Conceal your under eye area with a brightening concealer. Also apply to the tops of your cheekbones and down the bridge of your nose to brighten your face.
• Bronzer: To get her defined cheekbones, apply a bronzer lightly to the hollows of your cheeks as well as on your temples and down the jawline. She doesn't look like she wears heavy bronzer, so be sure to lightly.
• Light Pink Blush: Finish off the face look with a little bit of light pink blush on the apples of your cheeks because Eleanor Calder often has a little color in her cheeks.

Eyes:

• Nude Champagne Eyeshadow: Eleanor Calder doesn't wear heavy eye makeup on an everyday basis, so just go for a light champagne nude eyeshadow all over the lid and inner corner.
• Black Gel Eyeliner: Apply a very thin line of black gel eyeliner on your upper lashes to make your lashes look more full.
• Black Lengthening Mascara: Apply a lengthening and volumising mascara to the upper lashes to finish off the eye look!

Lips:

Eleanor Calder is seen wearing a nude lip color on an everyday basis. Apply a nude light pink lip cream to finish off the lip, such as NYX's Soft Matte Lip Cream in "Tokyo". If your lips are more pigmented, fill in your lips with a nude-pink lip liner before applying the lip cream to make the color come off more nude.

I hope you found this post helpful!

Who do you look up to for beauty inspiration?
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Teen Choice Awards 2014 Inspired Outfits: Shay Mitchell, Taylor Swift, and Kylie Jenner

I am not one to watch award shows all the way through, but one of the sections that I will watch and keep up on is when the stars walk down the carpet. I'm not really into the actual award show, but I find that the fashion choices for the Teen Choice Awards include pieces that the everyday person could wear in real life and can be recreated. The three celebrities featured in this post all wore outfits featuring the crop top and skirt trend. Inspiration from these outfits would be great for a summer date or night out!

Shay Mitchell wore an white-chic summer ensemble that is the perfect blend of sophistication and sexy. Shay Mitchell's outfit featured a lace crop top and a lace midi pencil skirt. She kept the accessories and shoes simple with a pair of metallic pointed-toe pumps and a metallic clutch. Shay went a little more daring with her hair and makeup, wearing a messy side braid and a bold burgundy lip color.

Taylor Swift wore a sophisticated yet youthful outfit on the Teen Choice Awards carpet with a matching crop top and skirt. To recreate this outfit, wear a green bralette or crop top with a green skater skirt similar in color. Next, for an extra pop of color and contrast wear a pair of yellow heeled sandals. As for accessories, wear a pair of detailed gold hoop earrings to finish off the outfit.

Kylie Jenner has followed her sisters' fashion foots by quickly becoming a fashion icon, especially among teenage girls. Kylie Jenner wore a black crop top with a patterned yellow and black midi pencil skirt. To compliment the black in the outfit, wear a pair of black strappy black heels and black bangles. to compliment the yellow in the outfit, wear a pair of gold bangles and gold rings.

I hope you enjoyed this post!
Who do you think dressed best at the Teen Choice Awards?
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Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in "Juicy Papaya": Review +Swatches

I know I am very behind on the Revlon Lip Butter wagon, but I decided to give it a try after searching for the perfect coral-pink color. I wanted to find a product that is perfect for summer but could be sheered out to wear during the school year. I decided to buy the Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in"Juicy Papaya", one of the newer shades in the collection that came out last year, and I was very pleased with the product!

Pigmentation

The shade "Juicy Papaya" is a light-medium coral pink color that goes on a little sheer, but pigmented enough be built up to get a shade similar to the color in the tube. This shade has no shimmer and as Allison Anderson described it, it is the perfect "girl next door" shade. The shade is more on the natural side, but slightly bright enough to instantly awaken your makeup look. It's also a shade that can be applied without a mirror, since it's not a full-on lipstick.

Product and Packaging

The product itself is moisturising for a lip color with that amount of pigmentation. Since the product is moisturising, it makes the product apply more smoothly. The packaging is sturdy and solid without being bulky. The packaging is also adorable with a cap/lid that matches the shade of the product. The top of the lid is also clear, making it easy to see the color of the lip butter without opening up the product.

Downsides

The downside to this product is that if you don't exfoliate your lips, it may settle in the lines and cracks of your lips. However, this is a minor problem and can easily be fixed with a quick lip scrub. The product also only lasts 1-2 hours on me and the pigmentation may also bother some, but it should be kept in mind that this is labeled as a balm and not a full-on lipstick.

Overview:
Pros:
   - Flattering shade
   - No shimmer
   - Pigmentation
   - Moisturizing
   - Packaging

Cons:
   - Can settle in cracks in lips
   - Lack of Pigmentation for some
   - Lasts only 1-2 hours

Price: $6.49 at Target

Would I repurchase the product? Yes!

Overall Rating: 8.5 out of 10

I hope you found this helpful!
Have you tried this product? What are your thoughts?
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Kimonos: In or Out?

Cat Deeley, Shenae Grimes, Lauren Conrad

One of the newest trends this summer is the light and flowy kimono. Inspired by the traditional Japanese kimono, the "kimono" trend incorporates bright colors that are perfect for the summer. Traditionally, Japanese kimonos are an ankle length garment that are wrapped around the person's body. The fashion industry, however, has taken a spin from the traditional garment, having their kimonos look similar to a cardigan with almost little resemblance to the traditional kimono.

Items shown clockwise from top-left: Nordstrom BP, Forever 21, Nordstrom BP, Forever 21, Francesca's, Lulu's

Many celebrities have been seen wearing kimonos, particularly in their street fashion. Kimonos (the fashion industry's version) is similar to a cardigan in that is is open in the front. Like cardigans, these kimonos are also often hip length, however there are some that you can find that are longer. Kimonos also often involve many colorful prints and is a lighter piece of clothing that is great for the warmer months. Kimonos can be worn the same way as you would wear a cardigan, such as with a crop top with shorts or skirts. Above are some of the many options that are available in stores!

Outfit Inspired by Cat Deeley

Outfit inspired by Cat Deeley: Tee, Shorts, Kimono, Sandals, Handbag, Necklace

I'm not entirely sure if I will join the kimono bandwagon. I don't know if this trend will last very long, especially since it doesn't seem like a practical piece to wear in the cooler months. The fashion industry's take on the kimono, however, does seem like a great layering piece for the summer, and if I find one that fits, I wouldn't mind trying the trend!

What do you think about the kimono trend? In or Out?

Please comment below! I would love to read your answers!

Thank you for reading!

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