TO MY LIKING

Let’s start off with skincare...

I’m at that age where I want to focus more on my skin, but also do not know exactly what I need for my age and skin type. However, among all the skincare products I recently started to accumulate, these three have been my tried-and-true for awhile...at least enough for me to continue repurchasing.

1. I love to my Clarisonic with the brand’s own cleanser, don’t get me wrong. However, I personally feel like my Clarisonic does not get down deep in my skin like an exfoliating scrub. After using St. Ives Fresh Face Apricot Scrub my skin feels more refreshed and cleansed. The added texture from the walnut grains, with the light smell of the apricot extract, is a pleasant way to wake myself up in the morning, especially for mornings after a long-wear of makeup. I personally keep my bottle in my shower.

2. I classify my skin to be more on the normal/oily side of the spectrum. I often go through phases of dry patches on my skin especially once fall and winter comes around. I like to believe my skin is a bit sensitive after some failed trials with facial masks, so I wanted a moisturizer that I knew wouldn’t irritate my skin. I used the Neutrogena Hydro-Gel Moisturizer for Very Dry Skin for awhile but it was alright. I repurchased it even thought I felt as if my skin was not fully hydrated; it felt like the gel sat on top like a hydrating primer. I forgot how I was convinced to try Philosophy’s Renewed Hope in a Jar Moisturizer in the first place but I’m glad I was willing to try it out during my time with Ulta Beauty. A little does go a long way but my skin always feels firm and perfectly hydrated (but not too hydrated). 

3. I am still trying to get my mind wrapped around the use of micellar waters but I find this one to be especially handy in my kit. I like to use this with a cotton pad after using a makeup wipe. This is also my go-to product when I need to take off my stubborn falsies. It’s super gentle on my natural lashes but strong enough to take the lash glue off.

I truly believe foundations was one of my highly purchased product for 2017. In the past, I rotated between 3-4 different foundations because I did not want spend a lot on just one bottle once I run out (aka I preferred to wear drugstore foundations as often as possible because of it’s pricing compared to high-end formulas). However, I started to notice the benefits of investing in prestige foundations for many reasons (i.e., coverage, finish, and color match [!!!]). 

Disclaimer: I am not including primers this year. To me, I feel like I didn’t find at least one primer that made me go, “WOW this is amazing.” Nonetheless, I still use primers as part of my makeup routine since I already have some in my kit.

1. Another tried-and-true that I constantly mention: Make Up Forever Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation. Medium to full coverage. This formula isn’t heavy on my skin; extremely lightweight and easy to blend. Little-to-no white cast. Also, this is one of the foundations in my collection that has the most spot on color match with my skin.

2. I was a bit hesitant to try this brand because no one really talked about it on social media. When I used to work at Ulta Beauty, a Fiona Stiles representative actually convinced a couple of my staff members (including myself) to not only try out the products but to purchase some as well (during this time of our training, the brand was on sale). I absolutely loved how smooth the Fiona Stiles Matte Finish Foundation Concentrate made my skin look. Since it is a concentrate, it does have a mouse-like consistency and is definitely my most full-coverage foundation out of the three favorites. With that being said, a little goes a long way for me. I also prefer to use this with a sponge. The finish isn’t completely matte - more of a satin finish if anything. Then again, maybe that’s because I prefer to apply with a sponge.

3. How can I not mention Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Foundation in my favorites? This is the first, and for now, the only product I have purchased from Rhianna’s line. I was going to wait on purchasing this foundation right away but a lot of my favorite beauty gurus I follow said nothing but good things. I’m glad I caved in and bought it. The first time I tried this on, I was just going out with some friends for a movie night. Applied this foundation a couple of hours before heading out just to see how it would wear. Caught a late movie and arrived home past midnight. As soon as I got home, I checked the mirror and oh my...I was so impressed with how it lasted - it still looked natural and felt lightweight. My oil was probably breaking through a bit at that point but not as bad. I was just obsessed and impressed with how my skin looked after many hours. This foundation became my go-to foundation for the rest of the year. As much as I tried to use a different foundation, I could not stay away from this. I prefer to use a brush for this foundation to get a fuller coverage, and then sometimes I go over the layer with a damp sponge after. I learned that tip from a Sephora associate at the mall and I can see why she does that extra step. This is such a great product that I decided to pack it in my traveling kit for some of my trips. The only thing I would critique about this product is the packaging: the cap feels flimsy so I’m always scared to pack it as is (I actually “repack” in it’s original packaging for my trips). I also don’t like how the pump gets dirty easily because it’s hard to clean sometimes.

2017 was the year of I learned to be more appreciative of concealers. 

1. My ultimate favorite concealer of the 2017 is the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer. When Ulta Beauty finally started to sell NARS during my time of employment, I was so excited to try the concealer because that meant that I can 1) see what the hype was all about and 2) use my employee discount on it haha. I fell in love immediately. My favorite part about this concealer is that it blurs out the appearance of lines and wrinkles. When the NARS representative came in to give a short training, he mentioned light-diffusing technology, which helps give one’s complexion a radiant, natural look. It is also a medium-to-full, buildable coverage.

2. Colourpop Cosmetics continues to impress the beauty industry with their phenomenal products at affordable prices. Their No Filter Concealers are full-coverage, similar to Shape Tape (but has a thinner consistency) for a fraction of the price. First, I got shade Light 20 only because it was rumored to be a similar shade compared to my other concealers. When i first tried it out it appeared too light..much lighter than my Shape Tape. However, it looked perfectly fine once blended out with a sponge. Yes, maybe a tad bit lighter than what I’m used to but definitely usable. The next time I made a Colourpop purchase, I ordered shade Medium 30 hoping it would be a better fit. This shade works for me but for days when I do not want to put a full face on; it has enough coverage to blend in with my skin if I don’t put any foundation/base on. Blends seamlessly.

3. Last but not least, of course I had to include Tarte Cosmetics Shape Tape Contour Concealer. Full coverage. Better color match, in my opinion, compared to the shades Colourpop currently offers. Even though it’s a thicker consistency, it doesn’t feel too heavy or drying. A little goes a long way.

I tried numerous of bonzers this past year from undertones to formulas. These stuck out to me.

1. Tried-and-true my LORAC PRO Contour Palette. They did come out with a cream contour/conceal palette, but I still preferred their powdered version. I love this palette so much that I already hit pan on the banana powder and the large bonzer pan. Blends out easily. I always recommended this over the ABH contour palettes when I was working at Ulta Beauty.

2. Another tried-and-true: Benefit Hoola Bronzer. Can’t go wrong with this either. This has the perfect amount of neutral-gray undertones to provide a natural shadow in definition. Can also be used to contour. 

3. When Colourpop released their pressed powder highlighters and bronzers, I was excited to try them. The highlighers are okay, but this Pressed Powder Bronzer in “Afternoon Delight” is impressive. It blends out so easily without leaving any streaks. This shade is perfect for my skintone - it’s warmer than the Hoola bonzer but not too orange or red.

I was totally obsessed with the glow this past year. 

Disclaimer: I did not include any blush this year because I did not find one (other than the Amaretto in the BECCA split pan) that I gravitated to the most. I do have plenty of blush options, though.

1. The BECCA Cosmetics Split Pan Shimmering Duo in “Prosecco Pop/Amaretto” was ultimate my travel buddy of 2017. Brought this with me on most of my trips more than any other product. Prosecco Pop is a warm gold shade which allows it to pop without being too intense like it’s white gold sister, Champagne Pop. Amaretto is a beautiful blush - it’s not too brown to look like bronzer, but adds natural flush on the cheeks. Plus, having two products in one made packing a no brainer.

2. My initial thought when I swatched this highlighter was, “OH MY GOSH. Why didn’t I purchase this highlighter sooner?” Ofra Cosmetic’s Rodeo Drive is surprisingly, yet stunningly, so intense that you need to apply with a very, very light hand. One sweep across your cheekbones and you may blind someone. You should have seen my facial expression when I first applied it... *jaw dropper*

3. Colourpop’s Super Shock Highlight in “Wisp” is another one of my tried-and-true products, of course. This gold-champagne color and cream-to-powder formula adds a nice glow-from-within. Almost always packed this in my makeup bag when I traveled. Sometimes, I layer this under a powder highlighter to make my glow long-lasting and extra poppin’ throughout the day.

I didn’t know how else to name this category but it’s all related to the eye-area.

1. For the first time in a long time I did not mention my MAC Fluidline Brow Gel... I still love that product, though. The only reason I replaced it with the Anastasia Beverly Hills’ Dipbrow in “Dark Brown” is because this was my most used brow pomade of the year (mostly because I used the tester when at work). I started off with a darker shade to balance out my black hair I had going on earlier in the year, then switched to this as the black was fading out. A little goes a long way, but I still have to be careful with the amount of pressure I put on my hand + the amount of product on my brush during application.

2. I think I found my new favorite eyeliner. Caved in and tried Stila’s Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Liner in “Intense Black” after recommending to Ulta Beauty shoppers. It is one of the best selling eyeliners at Ulta Beauty and my personal favorite compared to KVD’s. This eyeliner doesn’t smear and it glides on easily. The felt tip brush is flexible but doesn’t wear out. I’ve tried other liquid eyeliners similar to Stila’s but this forsure is still the best I’ve ever tried. Best believe I have a backup in my kit.

3. 2017 was the year I started to comfortably and causually wear false lashes. I loved Ardell’s Studio FX Wispie lashes until this Eylure Luxe Faux Mink Lashes in “Opulent” came into my life. It’s fluffy and soft; the band isn’t thick and is easy to work with. The first time I glued the pair on, I almost forgot I was wearing it. That is how light it felt.

A lot of brands released numerous of eyeshadow palettes all throughout 2017. 

As mentioned earlier, I may not discuss all the breakthrough products of 2017, such as the Jaclyn Hill x Morphe palette or the Huda Beauty Desert Dusk. I do have both of the palettes but just haven’t touched them yet, or at least used them enough times. 

1. Another tried-and-true to mention: Tarte Cosmetics Tartlette in Bloom. When I got this around the time of it’s release, I did not want to use any other palette. I wanted to mention this in this year’s favorites because it’s still one of the few products that works best on me over time. The amazonian clay formula is easy to diffuse without losing it’s pigmentation. It may have some fallout but I’m okay with it since it’s easy to blend out. The colors are great all year long. I recently got Tarte’s new Toasted palette but haven’t had time to play with it yet. I am certain that’ll be just as amazing as this Tartelette in Bloom.

2. Everyone’s favorite, Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance. I think I mentioned in a previous post how much I absolute love the brand’s eyeshadow formulation - definitely one of my top favorite out there. This palette is clearly more bold in color scheme compared to the Tartelette in Bloom, but still flattering for different looks and on for different skintones. Created some of my favorite looks with this palette. A bit more fallout than Tarte and not as buttery, but smooth enough to work with. However, I think this has deeper color payoff than Tarte. In other words, it’s still worth it.

3. I kept debating whether or not I should purchase this palette but I’m so happy I caved in. This Urban Decay Naked Heat Palette is especially perfect for both summer and fall. The colors included can create both a warm, orange look or a deep plum smokey-eye. Probably the best set of formulation across the eyeshadow pans in the Naked palette series. 

Last but not least, my favorite category...lipsticks. I own a lot already yet still continue to purchase more than necessary. I have a problem.

1. When I worked at Ulta Beauty, Nudestix was my go-to brand to upsell. Not only is the brand’s focus on easy-to-use products for people on-the-go, but it was also one of my favorite brands to personally use. These products are 1) perfect for busy people like me, 2) easy to pack (you can fit about 4 stix in one case, which also includes a mirror inside), and 3) almost most of the products are multi-purpose. When I had to get ready before operation hours I would run to the Nudestix fixture and create a look within 5 minutes. Guests constantly asked what I products I used on my face and later left with a couple Nudestix. My favorite lipstick they recently created is the Magnetic Matte Lip Color in “Boho.” When I had to set up the fixture and saw this color on the model, I knew I had to have it on my lips. It screamed “Coachella,” “90′s vibes,” and so much more to me. On my lips, it eventually feels a little bit more drying than expected but worth the color. It’s also long-lasting if properly moisturized beforehand. 

2. Another nude to mention is the Kylie Cosmetic Lip Kit in “Dolce K.” I owned other shades before Dolce K but tend to gravitate to this shade more than the others. I barely use the lip liners (just because it’s easier to apply liquid lipstick when on-the-go), but the deep, beige nude color is a flattering nude on my complexion. I like the formulation of Kylie’s liquid lipsticks, too - long-lasting and not too heavy.

3. So here’s a funny story. When I moved back home and started to unpack my makeup collection, I found two unopened MAC Lipstick in “Whirl.” With that said, I keep one in my bag at all times no matter what. This dirty rose shade is one of my favorites because it’s not too pink nor too dark; it’s a great shade for some added color.

4. Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in “Leo” has more of an orange undertone compared to the others, but it’s still a nude that works on me. According to the site, it’s “a true honey brown.” Pretty accurate. I purchased numerous of Jeffree Star liquid lipsticks all at once, but Leo is the only one that I tend to gravitate to the most. As much as I like Leo, I’m more of a Pisces (lol get it).

5. Last but not least, Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in “Bow n Arrow.” I love this shade so much. Probably the lightest nude I would and could actually wear. This fawn nude color is very neutral in tone, in my opinion. I tend to wear this when I have a dark, smokey eye. 

AND THAT’S ABOUT IT.

That’s my take on my favorites from 2017, justified with my own personal experiences and opinions. 

One step towards putting myself first was to understand and be honest with my intentions. I believe I can be too nice for my own good at times. [To make it clear, it was not the intention to cut people off completely or chose to be totally inconsiderate of their feelings; I just needed to start the practice taking care of myself before caring for others at times when necessary.] By putting my wants and needs first, I learned to embrace a new level of freedom, independence, and emotions. Of course there were other factors that hindered my full potential, but it was at least a step forward into the right direction...slowly but surely. 

Probably the biggest takeaway from the last 12 months was my willingness to travel, even if it was mostly down to the Los Angeles or San Diego areas. There were a few arrangements when I was obligated to fly around (i.e., dance performances and EDC), but most of my trips were booked on a “yolo” instinct. 

I took my first solo trip as an adult back in May 2017 - it was a 36-hour trip out of The Bay. 36-hours, you say? Was it worth it? What can you do within 36 hours? First off all, I only had two back-to-back days off from work and did not want to call-in (this trip was booked last minute so I couldn’t request extra time off). Second, it was totally worth it in my opinion. I did not feel pressured or responsible for anything once I was out of my norm; I left most, if not all, of my worries behind. I dropped my luggage off at my hotel, enjoyed a nice cocktail during breakfast, roamed around Balboa Park for a few hours, went shopping for a bit, napped in my queen-sized bed, caught up with a friend, took some dance classes, ran myself a bath, and danced a bit before falling asleep. That was all in one day. The next day, I met up with another friend for brunch before flying back home. That trip alone inspired me to do more mini-vacays. 

Since I knew I was going to fly more often, I took the initiative and registered for TSA Pre. Hands down the best investment I made in 2017.  Within the last few months of 2017 alone, I probably flew down to SoCal about 5 more times with no initial plan other than catching up with friends and family who were available. Other than that, I was mostly roaming around the areas alone. I enjoyed food at my favorite places, went to museums and pop-ups, took some dance classes, and worked on my bullet journal at cute, hipster coffee shops. I found that being in a different surrounding was refreshing for my wellbeing and actually enjoying. 

When I’m not up in the air traveling, you can probably find me at a concert. Throughout my college career, I spent most of my free time at concerts instead of the bars. How can I pass up the opportunity to watch my favorite artists live while living in San Francisco? Since I was able to stay in San Francisco for a couple more months post-graduation, I did not have academic responsibilities holding me back to attend more concerts. I knew once I move back home I would have a harder time to see other artists. Therefore, I took advantage of my living arrangement and was willing to see almost and every artist I was interested in if I can make it fit within my schedule.

Another way I practiced self-discovery and self-care was through dance. Granted, I’ve been dancing for a couple of years but wanted to push myself more creatively and confidently. This is still a working progress; I’m still a working progress. In 2017, one of my resolutions was to freestyle as often as possible (ideally once a month). It did not go as planned but I tried to session as often as I could and to record when possible. So far, I like what I’ve observed; I’ve noticed a change in how my body moves, how it reacts to different genres of music, and that nothing should be forced. I shared some of the footages I had on my social media accounts.  I may not be the strongest mover but I’m proud of my progress. With that being said, I shared 5 freestyle videos on YouTube to hold myself accountable. By exposing my true vulnerable self, flaws and all, it encourages me to be more comfortable and accepting of the process. I plan to carry this resolution with me into the new year to continue pushing past my comfort zone.

With so much time on my hands I am often alone with my thoughts. It’s not as depressing as it sounds; instead it gives me an excuse to write things out, whether it’s a list of things to do, money to budget, or feelings I need to reflect upon. In 2017, I picked up a new hobby: bullet journaling. I love to organize and I love stationary, and this gives me the opportunity to combine both. 

Since my freshman year of college, I can’t seem to function without some sort of planner-like book. I used the Erin Condren LIfe Planner for two years, then the Passion Planner for one. Both had great concepts and intentions with their designs and purpose, but there were some features I found useless for my needs. I started to bullet journal in October 2017 after watching several YouTube videos on how other users set their journals up. Since then, I have never been more attached to a planner and writing supplies in my life. I just started a new journal for the new year and I’m so anxious to plan and design. It’s satisfying to see my life and thoughts clearly dumped out right in front of me. I also included space in the journal for me to reflect weekly and monthly [as much as possible]. A bullet journal is much more than a planner. To me, it’s a diary + planner + brain dump + creative outlet + life guide all in one.