How To Be a Hydra-goddess

With the warmer months coming by, you will probably notice that your skin is going through a bit of a confused stage. Here's the translation to that (yes, I speak derma-nese):

Your skin may not look dehydrated because of...the warm weather + your skin producing more oil + sweat. So you are probably thinking that your skin has too much going on, thus you might be stripping down your skincare. BIGGEST MISTAKE EVER (please excuse my yelling over text, but I need to save your skin!).

Your skin may look oily but can definitely be dehydrated. You just need the right moisturizers to balance it out, and then your skin will be a happy bouncy ball. Of course, here I my favorites.

The Skinceuticals Hydrating B5 Gel is a water based gel that is packed with hyluronic acid, a.k.a. your skin's BFFFFFF. The simplicity of this product is what I love the most. It does the job without any faff: no ridiculous cotton candy like scents=no irritations. Simply a dream for sensitive skins like mine! I use exactly 2 drops for my entire face, and it's more than enough.

Then, the Ole Henrikson Vitamin Plus comes in! It claims to mattify your skin but no skincare product really "mattifies" your skin, that's what powders are created for. Instead it gives a slight glow without the oily sheen on your face. It has a slight herbal scent but nothing artificial-like. It creates the perfect finish even under makeup and doesn't make me feel greasy throughout the day!

Please, please, pleeeeeeease do not let your skin shrivel up by neglecting its needs! Try paying attention to your skin for a good 2 weeks and then we'll talk again.

Luv,

Christy with a Y. 

YOUR-MIND will BLOW your mind

I KID YOU NOT, there were't any "average" places I ventured to during my stay in Korea. All of the them were mind boggling and made me want to stay forever. This place in particular was literally a hidden gem because those who know about it may know about it, but those who don't may never discover it. So basically I'm about to share with you a highly coveted secret of mine. WHY YOU LUCKY DUCK.

YOUR-MIND is a book shop/stationary/eye candy store where you will find the most precious things from limited edition books, crazy artsy portfolios, indie photography, inspirational bindings, and everything else you can possibly imagine. If you are a book lover, you will melt here; if you're not, you'll still melt here. It's a bit hidden because it's located on the 5th floor of quite a small, ordinary building, but that just adds to the *music que* A WHOLE NEW WORLD kind of atmosphere once you swing open the doors.

Ooh, for my cat lovers, they have the cutest little cat who silently roams around the shop. Can you spot the little kitty cat in the picture?

Address: Seoul Mapo-gu Seogyo-dong 326-29 View Building 5th floor

(a bit of walking after you get off the Hongdae metro station) 

Phone #: 070 8821 8990

Hours: 2-9:30pm

Cozy Textures

My ultimate survival tip for the winter : Layer up in cozy fabrics that make you feel like you're still in bed. 

As you may know, I am obsessed with placebo effects (def. feeding your mind spoonfuls of pixie dust).  I know it's incredibly hard to drag yourself out of your sheets to get dressed during the winter time. It's always in the morning when you realize that your bed is the perfect temperature for another deep sleep. I used to wish that there would be a snow apocalypse or something so that I didn't have to leave my den. So as always, I came up with a negotiable resolution.

Layer up with cotton, sweaters, knits, and faux fur. Start with the softest, thinnest materials first so you don't end up looking like a snowman once you've layered up. Uniqlo has these insanely silky thermal skin tight tees that will maintain your body temperature. Then, the knits or sweaters. You won't feel the itchiness since you already have the silky thin layer beneath. Top it off with a sturdy jacket that still has some shape. Make sure that you're still in your element; you need to feel comfortable, practical, but - this is going to be cliche -  stylish in your own special way. Once you've mastered the layering, you'll feel like you've never left bed this morning.

Cheers to placebos.

Some Basic Flight Essentials

For 14+ hours, I was stuck in this little seat trying to entertain myself so that I wouldn't go insane. Enduring traveling has never been a skill of mine so I pretty much 'ughhh-ed' through my journey home. Thank goodness I picked up Allure (totally got it because of Mary-kate and Ashely being in this issue AND the words 'Stop dry SKIN' on the cover). I'm sure I read through this at least 3 times, especially the part where the twins were interviewed! Anyhow I, of course, brought along my EOS lip balm since flights are extremely drying all around. This is the medicated version of the lip balm line and I find it decent, 3.4/5. My mini Loccitaine hand cream (although it's not the best one I've tried) is another must-have for me on a daily basis 4.8/5. The little nude colored pen you see up there is my favorite touch up concealor from Maybelline. I can quickly erase any fall outs or smudges, and the best part is that it never gets cakey 5/5! The mini Tarte Maracuja oil is a cute little travel friendly necessity that helps me keep my dry patches nourished 4/5. I've never been a fan of oils till recently so keep your eyes peeled for an I LOVE FACIAL OILS post. Last but not least, I had my headphones in the entire 14+ hours, including the take-off and landing bits although I shouldn't have had *shhhh*. Even though I have music in my iPhone, I love listening to music from an mp3 player because it's a simpler way of strictly listening to music. My closing words are: I'm just glad I'm finally home writing this post... getting ready for a relaxing herbal bath.

Note: the Olsen twins came out with a new fragrance! Elizabeth and James Nirvana! Definitely doing some sniffin' soon. 

Lazy Meets White

Nothing speaks better to a carefree soul than a silky yet sulky Alexander Wang t-shirt. The slight v-neck makes the shirt inseparable from the body as it smoothly blends onto the skin.

I'm not too nosey when it comes to shredded jean shorts. Honestly, I think I prefer cheap, comfortable ones over those that have extra zeros on their over-thought price tags. I'm happy with anything as long as they're high-waisted and shredded with gold or brass details. Cheers to Forever21 for making a pair that I will live in as long as the sun is out.

Lancome Teint Miracle (Buff 2W), Almay liquid eyeliner, Nars Orgasm blush, Maybelline The Falsies mascara, Stila Stay All day waterproof eyebrow pen (light), Urban Decay 24hr glide-on pencil (Midnight Cowboy)

So after fighting off the lazy-osis, I make it to a local market. I spent most of my time in this aisle trying to decide on a salad dressing. I ended up getting Caesar. 

Nothing makes me happier than staring at perfectly round tomatoes. Is that weird?

If there's red wine,

you know there's white.

Welcome to my dinner menu. Some salad and a beef sausage or two, accompanied by Vogue.

An Outfit Served On a Fur Platter

Good Morning. If only I could see this everyday in front of me when I wake up...it would be dream come true. Yes, I dream about these things and I know that you do too.

One of these and any t-shirt could be dazzling.

Pointed kitten heels changed my life. 

Classic blue ankle jeans from Gap. These pair have been with me for a good 5 years and they will never leave my cramped closet. My beloved block colored kitten heels are from Zara (we have a love-hate relationship). I picked up the amazing thick beaded necklace during a mind-blowing Zara sale a few months back and I remember having to lunge for it before the other girl would snatch it away. I love dressing down while adding enough accessories and details that would trick your eyes into thinking that I actually put a lot of effort into my outfit of the day.

Ready. Set. Good day.