Obsessed: Lipsticks

Aloha there!

I have been obsessed with anything lipstick related in recent months. At first, it became a hunt to find the perfect "your lips but better" color and then my hunt transformed into finding a bolder lip that I would force myself to rock. 

Like any other person, there are things about my appearance that I am uncomfortable with or wish I could change. My lips are one (or two?) of them. My lips are naturally so pale and washed out that going sans lipstick makes me look sick. It is definitely not a cute look on me. And I also think I have a crooked smile which makes me feel super self-conscious when I smile. Oh imperfections. Oh flaws. Why does it take a lifetime to embrace them?

I've always played it safe and opted for colors that seemed more natural. Now, as a woman in my late 20s, pushing 30, my confidence has solidified a bit more and my desire to be bolder and try new things have increased.

Now let's get to what my obsession got me in recent months (starting from most recent purchase):

Wet N Wild Mega Last Lipsticks
One of my more well-to-do friends buys both high end and drug store lipsticks, mostly high end because she has the money to front. HOWEVER, she was telling me how she would buy Wet N Wild lipsticks over high end on many occasions because of the pigmentation and longlasting power of them. I finally got myself to spend the $1.99 and try it.

 These are the two colors I bought: Wine Room 906D and Mauve Outta Here 907C

Wine Room 906D (pinkish red)

Mauve Outta Here 907C (brighter pink)

The verdict: I LOVE Wet N Wild!! Why did I wait so long to try them?!?! I always passed it up when I was at the drug store since I haven't seen too many reviews (or commercials) on Wet N Wild lipstick. There was a 40% off Wet N Wild products at CVS 2 - 3 weeks ago. This was my push to finally get my hands on these lipsticks. And with 40% off, why would I pass that up?!

The lipsticks didn't glide on as smoothly as most lipsticks. It seemed dry, but it wasn't drying at all.The colors are matte. The swatches are pretty true to the color on your lips though the actual lipsticks appear darker. As you can see, the colors are quite vibrant. Wine Room came out shiny in the photo due to lighting, but it is a beautiful color. Mauve Outta Here came out looking brighter than I thought it would. It's a color that I wear when I'm trying to be more adventurous and bold. It's definitely not a color I can pull off at work, but it is fun when I'm trying to spruce up a look with some brighter lipstick.

Would I repurchase? YES. I definitely would like to try other colors to find a muted pink / work appropriate color

Jordana Cosmetics Twist and Shine Moisturizing Balm Stain
I first found out about these products through Jerlyn Phan, also known as MakeUpFreeek on Youtube.  She is an amazing makeup artist and definitely one of my top favorite YouTube beauty gurus to watch.

She had talked about these $2.99 lip balm sticks in a YouTube video. At $2.99, I had to get my hands on them (though they did vary from store to store. I paid ($2.99, $3.29 and $3.69 at different Walgreens)! My friend and I went to three different Walgreens in one day to find the colors we wanted. I then went to a Walgreens closer to my home the next day because the third Walgreens we tried didn't have what we wanted. And ding ding ding! I found the last color that I wanted - Cranberry Crush!

Now for my swatches (excuse my washed out face. I am not wearing my usual tinted moisturizer):

08 Terra Crave (orangey brown tint)

05 Honey Love (mauve pink, my fave)

06 Cranberry Crush (magenta)

This color came out darker on other swatches I've seen. I wish it was darker on my lips too.

I still really like it though :]

My three balm sticks

This is a screen shot of the other Jordana colors

The verdict: Overall, I did like the Jordana balm sticks. They did stain, especially the Cranberry Crush which makes sense since it's really pigmented. Though they all tint into a bright pink or Kool-Aid red (at least for me). The tint, however, was very strong on the inner portions of my lips. My friend who has naturally dark pigmented lips claimed a light tint for all the colors she has (Cranberry Crush, Terra Crave, and Rock N Rouge).

Each of the lip stains do have a glossy finish. The "Shine" in "Twist and Shine" stands very true! It has a glossy finish, especially on the center of lower lip, but does not feel like a gloss, which I very much appreciate since I am not a big lip gloss fan. 

Would I repurchase? YES and no! I definitely will be repurchasing 05 Honey Love. Honey Love is closest to "my lips but better" which is what I've been trying to find for ages! I am on the fence about repurchasing 08 Terra Crave though I really do like it. I wouldn't repurchase 06 Cranberry. It comes out really magenta bright on me, which is weird because on others' it came out as a beautiful Fall dark cranberry color. BOO. I also didn't like the stain of the 06 Cranberry. It was too Kool-Aid for me. I don't think I'll be trying any of the other colors. I've tried Sweet Pink and Rock N Rouge - not a big fan.

L'Oreal Infallible Le Rouge Lipstick 
I am the type of person who HAS to finish a product. Unless it's totally grotesque, I will somehow make it work and finish it. The next two products are two lipsticks that I had bought a long while ago. After I bought them, I told myself I wouldn't buy anything more until I used them all up...and as you can see from the pictures above, I broke my own promise. OH WELL. I rationalize it with the fact that Jordana and Wet n Wild were so affordable, it's okay :D

L'oreal Infallible Le Rouge Lipcolor in Intensely Mauve (512)

I apply this brick red color every morning for work. Very little goes a long way. It's quite pigmented.

L'oreal Infallible Le Rouge Lipcolor in Eternal Rose (227)

This color is showing up as a darker "natural" pink in the pictures. With this lipstick, a little goes a long way as well. The color is very interesting. Sometimes, it looks like a darker pink color with a brownish tinge to it, sometimes it looks like a brighter pink with a light purple tinge. Nonetheless, I do really love this color. I keep it in my purse for touch-ups throughout the day

The verdict: I have had these two for a long time and I'm nearing its end, specifically for Eternal Rose. I do love these lipsticks because they are longlasting. I do have to reapply (as with any lipstick), but it does stay on for a good while. Thank you to Judy from ItsJudyTime on YouTube for introducing me to this lipstick. She mentioned it on her daily vlog so I had to try it. 

Would I repurchase?  YES! I want to try Forever Frappe, ItsJudyTime's favorite. And I also want to look for a "my lips but better" color in this line.

After writing this post, I realize that I buy mauve-y pinks and reds. I buy pinks  thinking they would be more natural, but they end up being a little more bold, which is quite exciting for me. I don't think I'm quite ready to rock a full on cherry red lip, but maybe one day. For now, I'm getting used to my bolder pinks and muted reds.

So my obsession with lippies ensues and my hunt for the perfect "your lips but better" lipstick continues! I do love the Jordana lip stain in Honey Love and will definitely be repurchasing that as I had mentioned. I would like to find a lipstick version of "your lips but better." 

I am going to do my utmost best to control myself and NOT purchase new products at this time. I need to take a chill pill on my lipstick spending. And I'm trying to finish my older products first.

Please let me know some of your favorite lipsticks. If you've found the perfect "your lips but better" lipstick, please oh please share!

<3<3<3

Halloween 2013: Minnie Mouse

HAPPY [early] HALLOWEEN!!!!

I have never really liked Halloween. Even when  I was a kid, I never cared about dressing up. I only dressed up when school "made" us wear costumes for parades or whatnot. I'm quite the chicken and don't like scary things so I was never interested in the spookiness of Halloween. Year after year I was either Thumbelina or some type of princess wearing a dainty dress with a load of tool. There was one year, however, when  I was a pirate, but that was a hand me down from my older sister.

For some reason, after a breakup with a longtime boyfriend in 2011, I started to grow a liking towards Halloween. Part of it was a reinvention thing but more so my just ever increasing fascination for anything beauty related. In 2011, I was Miss Philippines and in 2012, I was a poor imitation of Peter Pan. That year, I wore black leggings, wide-brimmed booties, and an off the shoulder green shirt. See, poor imitation.

This year, I decided to up my game a bit. Halloween is still one of my least favorite holidays and I am still not big on costumes, but it is an opportunity to play with makeup. I strive to look as normal as possible while playing with and enhancing makeup.

This year, I decided to be Minnie Mouse! The idea came to me when my cousin bought me Minnie Mouse clip-on ears from Disneyland. She and her boyfriend were visiting the US from Canada and Disneyland was one of their must-sees. The moment she gave the clip-on Minnie ears to me, I immediately became inspired for Halloween. And this was in July! My old self would look at my new Halloween-liking self and ask, "Who are you?!"

For my Minnie Mouse ensemble, NOTHING was bought! You can most definitely do Halloween for cheap or for absolutely nothing. I wore a causal red dress that I bought at JC Penny about 5 years ago, tights that I had from who knows when, a belt from a gray dress purchased in 2010, and wide-brimmed booties that I bought at Papaya in 2010. And of course, the ears were a gift from my cousin. 

 My "costume." Excuse the funky face I was making

Now for the fun part - the MAKEUP!

 I love dramatic eyes. Any opportunity to wear lashes and a smokey eye, I will take it!

(Excuse the cray cray brows. I was growing them out to have them reshaped...which I did today!)

 My eye make up. I am so proud of it! Not to toot my own horn, but I'm getting better at this eyeshadow thing. It takes a LOT of practicing (and blending), but it DOES get easier.

I received these sample eyeshadows from Sigma when I purchased $30+ worth of products. I really like them! They were a bit powdery but I'm not sure if that's because of the sample packaging. 

Foundation: Makeup Forever HD Foundation in N127

Undereye Concealer: L'oreal True Match Super Blendable Crayon W 1-2-3

Power: Revlon Colorstay in Light Medium

Brows: ELF brow kit in medium

Blush: Milani Pink Craze

Inner corner:  Sigma - Elope

Lid: Sigma - Gimp

Crease/Lower lashline: Sigma- Elysees

Outer corner/V: MAC Typographic

Eyeliner: Sephora Liquid Eyeliner in Black

Mascara: Maybelline Volume Express Falsies in Blackest Black

Lashes: from Daiso, a Japanese $1.50 store

Nose: Wet n Wild brow pencil in Black Black, MAC Typographic, Sephora Liquid Eyeliner in Black

Lips: Wet n Wild Wine Room

My other favorite: NAILS!

 My Minnie inspired nails. Just dots and bows

Base coat: Revlon

Red: NYC Big Apple Read

White: Sinful Colors Snow Me White

Tools: Toothpick for the bow and bobby pin head for the dots

 

So I may not have the same Halloween spirit as other more festive Halloweeners, but I am sure warming up to it. Whether or not you're a fan of Halloween, I wish you a wonderful and safe night. If you're walking the streets, always have a buddy and watch out for cars. If you're driving on Halloween night, please be wary of trick or treaters. 

<3<3<3

OOTN: Coffee Date

Good evening!

I just wanted to share a quick angled view of the outfit I wore last week when I met a friend for coffee.

Shoes: Naughty Monkey - Somebody Shake Me in. This is definitely one of my most favorite shoes! They are absolutely gorgeous and comfortable. 
Pants: Forever 21 Skinny denim in petite. Love these! They're only $10.80

Shirt: Papaya Clothing

It's definitely not anything fancy, but heels totally dress up a casual outfit.

I hope everything is well with you! Please share your dressed up casual outfit with me! I always love new ideas :D

<3<3<3

Old New Post: One Year Purple Anniversary

Here's a past entry on what I call Purple Anniversaries.This is from 2011. Enjoy :D

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Today marks the last day of what I like to call my purple anniversary.

Two years ago, I was hospitalized on July 12 – July 17, 2010. Maybe two years is still too soon for me to completely forget, but I remember that experience as if it were yesterday. It still brings me to tears, but it also makes me so much more grateful knowing that I am surrounded by supportive family and friends. I am also so thankful and blessed that I am as healthy as I can be, despite having a chronic illness. I definitely thank the Lord for never turning away in providing me faith, strength, and good health.

Since my diagnosis in July 2010, I have made it a point to celebrate the week of my hospitalization of July 12 – 17 every year. I designate this week as my Lupus purple anniversary. It is important for me to celebrate life because life could have been so easily taken away, but it wasn’t and so for that, I will celebrate. It's my way of saying, "F*ck you, Lupus! I'm still here!" It’s like my new birthday, an excuse to throw a little party.

So let's reminisce on my one year anniversary in 2011:

 

My one year anniversary was so special to me because it was my first. We always remember our firsts, don't we? ;] I have always wanted to try the famous Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles. Despite not liking chicken, I just wanted to try to it. To my expectation, the chicken tasted like chicken (but I guess that’s not a bad thing) and it was okay. After my chicken dinner, my friends and I went to a gelato store in Santa Monica. As I enjoyed my pink grapefruit gelato ice cream, my friends and I enjoyed the music of a street performer. In the evening, we walked the boardwalk of the beach. I looked far across into the distant waters and briefly reflected on how my life has changed. Despite the change, life was still good. It was nice to be at the beach, as day time hours limits my beach trips because of the sun. Going in the evening was like telling Lupus, “I can still be here.” It was definitely a great adventure with them. We looked pretty spiffy, all dressed in purple (which I made them do) holding their purple party favors. 

Because it was my first anniversary, I went celebration crazy and held another one with school friends. We went to a sushi restaurant in Panorama City. It was supposed to be a celebration of life, but it felt like my birthday! My amazing friends showered me with gifts. It was very much unexpected, but very much appreciated. Celebrating with my friends was supposed to be a “thank you for your support” throughout the year. They always made sure we sat at a shaded area during lunch. Whenever I was absent from school or not feeling well, I was hit with texts and calls checking in to make sure I was okay. It was very sweet of them and I very much felt cared for. The night ended with countless pictures of all of us in our purple garb. This is definitely one of my fondest memories, because it had some of the most essential ingredients to happiness: food, laughter, love, and good friends. 

I am celebrating my second year anniversary a little late this year due to scheduling conflicts, but it is happening! Like I had mentioned above, my anniversary is now like a birthday, it must be celebrated! 

So take time to celebrate life. It's too precious to take for granted. As the saying goes these days, "YOLO." You Only Live Once so celebrate. Happy anniversary to all you living with lupus <3

With that, my celebration of life continue this year. My second year purple anniversary plans include a wine and cheese party. 

Look forward to a new post with pictures of my second year anniversary sometime soon so please STAY TUNED

<3<3<3

Old New Post: Graduation 2012

Excuse my bulk of Lupus posts, but I did want to share with you previous entries on Lupus. They mean a lot to me. And again, I do hope to bring more awareness to this stupid darn thing called Lupus.

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I never thought this day would come, but it’s soon to be here and I can’t wait! The countdown til graduation: 7 days! [Lucky] Seven days that will seem like forever, yet fly by in the blink of an eye.

It is definitely a bittersweet feeling as I don’t want my journey as a student to end. I don’t want to say goodbye to the many wonderful friends and colleagues I’ve made, to say goodbye to the school I have learned to love and take pride in. On the other hand, I am excited to say goodbye to papers, stress, the 26 mile commute to school and say a big fat [scared, yet excited] HELLO to the real world, an income, and of course, [well-deserved and long overdue] shopping! ;]

I am finally graduating from my master’s program. It has been two crazy amazing years that came with ups and downs, gains and losses, just like any other year. But these past two years were different.

These past two years were the first two years in which I had to live with Lupus. I was diagnosed with Lupus in mid-July 2010. I started my master’s program in late August 2010. Few people were skeptical about me jumping right back into reality, advising me to take time off and recover. My doctors, my family, and I thought it was okay to go back to school as long as I felt ready and was willing to take it as easy I as I could. I also knew that the moment I felt it was too much for my body, I would have to take a break. As selfish and possibly irrational as it was, I went back to school right away. I worked too hard to get to where I was at and I could not just put this on hold. Flash forward two years later, my decision to go back to school immediately wasn’t so irrational after all. I did it and I have no regrets. I made it, not without struggle, but the important thing is I made it. I made it, graduating as Summa Cum Laude, with honors, a 3.9 GPA. I’m graduating with a generous stipend from a county department and “priority” in the job hunt. I’m graduating with friendships and memories that I would not have had if I took that break. The only thing I can really say is, IN YOUR FACE, LUPUS! I did it.

Lupus: You tried to stop me with illness, joint pain, weight gain, hair loss, fatigue, stress, financial burden, fear, insecurities, the list of gloom can go on and on, but I learned how to cope with it. It wasn't easy, but you couldn’t stop me.

As graduation quickly approaches, I am still in awe of everything I have accomplished and everything I have gained as a student, as a professional, and as an individual. One of my peers had told me one day, “I don’t know how you do it. You have so much more on your plate than most of us, but you somehow you come to school and have it together.” I don’t really remember what I told her, but I believe it was something generic like “I had no choice, I had to do my work” and something lame like “I do homework on the weekends, never during the week.” I don’t know why this little conversation between us stuck with me or bothered me for a little bit afterward, probably because my answer to her wasn’t really my answer? I just came up with something on the spot without much thought.  On my way home, I did think about it and realized that the reason why I had to “have it together” was to prove to myself that I could be a “normal” person, that I could be like anyone else in my class, that despite having Lupus, I was still capable of functioning like anyone else. And this is probably not even the right frame of mind to have. It is still a work in a progress for me to embrace and accept the "new" me - the "new" me with "limitations," lifestyle changes, and goals that still remain but realizing it may take a little longer to attain them.

Negative me wonders if I should’ve taken that break because I feel like I didn’t maximize my time in graduate school. I wasn’t totally myself. I was too occupied with what was going on in my head and my life that I wasn’t the student I knew I could be. I kept to myself, distanced myself, and didn’t take advantage of everything “healthy” non-Lupus me would have done. Though this crosses my mind on occasion, I realize that although I didn’t do everything I had thought I would have done, I GAINED SO MUCH MORE. The support from my colleagues, peers, professors, and friends mean the world to me. The little things such as making sure we get a shaded table at lunch, lending me an umbrella for our walk to Acapulco, telling me my hair looks thicker when it’s really just frizzy (LOL), driving me to my doctor when I couldn’t, wearing purple on World Lupus Day, organizing Lupus Walk, going with me to Lupus Wellness Day, just being there to listen to me vent when I felt like the universe hated me... If you’re reading this (you know who you are), thank you so much :) Your love, your kindness, and your support mean the world to me. And I am so glad to have each and every one of you in my life. I am so blessed that our lives have crossed paths and I hope that as the craziness of life goes on, we someday, if not often, cross paths again.

I know the next few years aren’t going to be easy because Lupus is so damn unpredictable and I have no idea what’s in store for me or how Lupus is going to affect me. The bright side (if you consider there to be a bright side) is that the beauty of having a chronic illness is that it changes perspectives. It teaches you how to live life to the fullest because you don’t know how long life will be or how challenging life will be. And that idea goes for anyone, “healthy” or “unhealthy,” but for people like me, “living life to the fullest” has a new meaning. The beauty in the most simplest things like a hug from a loved one, kindness from a stranger, and a beautiful day become magnified tenfold. Lupus has given me that awareness to see the beauty so commonly overlooked. This awareness allows me to see the blessings and fortune within the last two years: I am happy, my support system has grown tremendously, and I am as healthy as I can be. For that, I am grateful.

And as graduation approaches, I am going to cherish every last beautiful moment I have with my classmates because our time now is limited as this chapter comes to an end. I look forward to our last moments together because every minute with them is a sincere pleasure and freakin’ workout for my abs because all we do is laugh and laugh. The next few days are going to go by so fast. I can’t believe after two years, graduation is almost here.

As the saying goes, “I have Lupus, but Lupus doesn’t have me.”

<3<3<3