Beauty Bit: ETUDE HOUSE Precious Mineral Any Cushion Compact Review

ETUDE HOUSE is a South Korean makeup brand. I've seen their stores during my visits back to Malaysia, but was never tremendously interested in trying it out.

Until my dive off the deep end into everything Korean, that is.

This product is claimed to be similar to the IOPE Air Cushion that was shown being used in My Love from Another Star. And since they have ridiculously perfect skin, I got suckered into trying.

To be honest, I wasn't quite sure what to expect...I assumed that it would have a somewhat powdery texture (WRONG!), that it would be cased in slim packaging so that it would be easy to tote around (WRONG!) and that it would be easy to reapply (RIGHT!)

The consistency of the product is like a cream. It is a little thinner in consistency than my Skin79 BB cream, and the coverage can be adjusted with the application of multiple layers.

It takes some practice to get the perfect amount of product onto the sponge -- if I press too lightly, there is too little product. But if I press too hard, too much gets on the sponge and I have to blend, blend, blend.

The product gives off a cooling sensation when I first apply it on my skin, which was a slightly odd feeling (I kinda like it now though). The formula is easy to blend, gives of a brightening glow  and provides some coverage. 

Now that my skin's hyperpigmentation is improving, I can get away without packing on the concealer, or foregoing it completely, but I would still need a second layer of my base product on the areas with the dark spots.

Because I have oily skin, I start to "glow" excessively in a few hours, but reapplication of the product was easy and it didn't make my skin look cakey at all, which is an issue I have when I try and touch up throughout the day

I ordered the cushion compact in Natural Beige (W13) and it is a tad light for my skin tone -- It would probably be best if I went up the next shade or so.

As with most Korean products, it claims to serve multiple functions: brightening, wrinkle reduction, and sebum control. It also has an SPF of 50+ (which protects from UVB  rays that causes sunburn) and PA+++ (which protects from UVA rays that may cause long-term skin damage)

I bought my compact from Soko Glam, which is an online store based in NYC that curates Korean beauty and skincare items. Their prices are a little higher than online shops that ship directly from South Korea, but at least it gives you the reassurance that you will be getting authentic products.
 (yes, there are actually counterfeit beauty products in the market. Crazy Asians.)

ETUDE HOUSE Precious Mineral Any Cushion in W13, $24

EDIT: check out this video for a tutorial on how to use air cushion compacts

3 Ways: Easter

I think Easter is probably one of my most favorite yearly "special occasion" (even though I actually don't celebrate it, non-Christian that I am) It has something to do with the warming up of the weather, the shedding of thick, bulky layers, and all the pastel colors and cutesy packaging that comes out.

And of course, the Easter candy.

Here are outfits for 3 different ways of celebrating

1) For the churchgoers

Dress: Catherine Malandrino / Shoes: Pour la Victoire / Necklace: Forever 21 / Earrings: NY & Co

2) For the more fashion forward

Dress: Forever 21 / Shoes: Christian Louboutins / Necklace: Forever 21 / Hair bun: Claire's

3) Casual get-together

Tank: H&M / Skirt: made by me / Wedges: Aldo / Necklace: J.Crew / Earrings: NY & Co

Personally, I would much prefer to be in casual clothes that allows for...complete enjoyment of Easter brunch/lunch/dinner and the running around searching for Easter eggs after =)

If Only...Pamper Evening

 

Sometimes, one needs an evening of peace and quiet.

On nights like these, it would be the perfect time to turn on my favorite melancholy music, light some candles and use all of my pampering products

 

Oils, masks, scrubs -- all are taken out to have a spa party in the tub

After climbing into some cute PJs, it is time for a sheet mask, a hot drink and manicures

 

And the rest of the evening is spent in the cozy bed,spritzed with a pillow mist,  reading a book by one of my favorite authors

 

Ah....bliss...

If only...

Items shown:

Bath oil - Jo Malone
Shampoo & conditioner - Klorane
Hair mask - Aesop
Face mask - Glam Glow
Lip scrub - LUSH
Pajamas - Forever 21
Sheet mask - Manefit
Pillow mist - Bath & Body Works
 
   

Outfit: Headwraps

Like I've mentioned here, I have been obsessed with a Korean drama series recently.
I've never been one who was terribly interested in Korean shows. Hong Kong and Japanese series? Those are more likely.
But upon a monthly favorites recommendation from a fashion blogger, I got curious and decided to check it out.

And immediately got sucked in.

My Love from Another Star, starring Kim Soo-Hyun and Ju Ji-Hyun, is hilarious, heart-breaking, romantic and suspenseful.

Plus, the male lead is absolutely swoon worthy...if I met an alien like him, I'll make a mad dash for him! Always loved the quiet, brooding, mysterious type who is strong, loyal and capable as well....mmmm!

Fashion-wise, I am definitely more drawn towards Do Min-Jun's classic style rather than Cheon Song-Yi, but have managed to get sucked into her headband/wrap style 

(even though I look stupid in them)

So here's a combination of classic with a little bit of oddity thrown in:

 
Shirt - Old Navy

Jeans - Forever 21

Flats - J.Crew

Headwrap - Forever 21

Sunglasses - Kenneth Cole Reaction

You can watch the show, along with other Korean TV series here

 

Random Files: Ode to Uggs

 

Poor ol' Uggs...they went from IT status to the "worst-dressed list" pretty quickly.
Must be hard to bear when they are shunned in every fashion magazine these days...where is the loyalty!

These are one of my first expensive shoes that I've bought --- paying $200 for footwear at that time almost had me hyperventilating.
But 9 years later, they are still going strong and personally, they are one of the most comfortable shoes I own. And I still wear them when the cold months are in effect. 

Comfort over style, especially when it is bitterly cold. 

They have served me well and the cost per wear is pretty much negligible now.

These shoes are going back into storage until next winter.  

But I look forward to seeing them again 

(well, not really, because that means that it is cold again....but they do make feet cozier and the cold a little easier to bear)

Beauty Bit: Rimmel Show Off Lip Laquers Review

 

I have been wanting to try these Rimmel lip laquers out since seeing UK YouTubers talking about them.

I veered off from my normal gravitation course towards reds and went for pinks instead
(due to a Korean drama that I have been OBSESSED with these past few weeks)

 

L to R: Nova and Apocaliptic

These are bold lip colors that deliver intense color upon the first swipe. But they absolutely CLING on to any dry bits and bobs that you may have (which I certainly do...blast this cold weather) so exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate prior to use!

The colors are gorgeous, and bright 

Above, I have Nova as the base and Apocaliptic applied in the inner portions of the lips for a just-bitten/ombre look....at least...that's what I tell myself!

As for longevity and wear, it is not budge-proof and will pretty much transfer to any and every surface your lips touch. It did ok, lasting through a meal -- the color faded, but was still visible. However, it did fade evenly, so you are not left with a ring of color lining your mouth.

At around $5, it is an affordable lip option that delivers mega-watt color, but I won't be buying any more due to the color transfer and how it really emphasizes dryness. Being realistic, regardless of how many cups of water I drink, or how often I apply balm and exfoliate my lips, there are times when my lips are just, well...dry. So I would need lip products that can help moisturize, or at the very least, not magnify the problem.

3 Ways: Cozy Sweater

Sweaters are still in heavy rotation here, since the weather is still chilly out. 

I get a bit bored wearing my favorite sweater the same way every time (black boots, black leggings and blank tank under) so here is me being a bit more adventurous...

1) For work...

Jacket & Pants: J.Crew / Shoes: Manolo Blahnik / Necklace: Target  / Earrings: Forever21

2) For a casual day...

 Pants: J.Crew / Boots: Rag & Bone

3) For a date...

   Skirt: Topshop / Shoes: Manolo Blahnik BBs in Copper Patent / Necklace: H&M

Target is my favorite place to go for affordable cozy slouchy sweaters. And even though I don't think this particular sweater is flattering on me, it still is my very favorite one that I reach for almost every week. 

It is like a warm hug to me.