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

THE 3Cs: CAFE CRAZE COREA [Ep.01]

Corea/Korea is all about creating social vibes and unique atmospheres in ordinary settings like cafes. If you've ever been to Korea, you'll know about the endless streets of wonderful smelling coffee houses filled with fairytale-like furniture, mugs, and don't even get me started on the sweets--just one summer in Korea means +5 happy pounds for me! With that been said, I do think it could be a tad bit overwhelming to be bombarded with thousands of different cafes all over the place. Soooooo I couldn't help but picky-pick-pick my favorite spots in different areas of Seoul. No need to thank me :).

#1: Take Out Drawing (Itaewon)

Not as spread out as the typical Korean cafes like Caffe Bene or Twosome Place (although they are pretty amazing in their own ways), Take Out Drawing is a unique blend of vintage meets comfy indie. I must recommend the signature "ice burg" macchiato (image below), but know that it will spoil your taste for coffee FOREVER. It's a whole new world *music que!* for coffee lovers. The frozen iceberg part--a delightfully frozen slightly sweetened milk/cream--floats in a smooth pool of creamy espresso. COFFEEGASMMMMMMM. 

They also have super yummy desserts like coffee cakes, pastries, cookies, you name it! I would recommend the tower coffee roll filled with fluffy white cream that instantly melts in your mouth as the chocolate cake bread part balances out the sweetness... #thismustbeheaven... Oh, and the funky creative ways they make their drinks is just another reason why you need to check this place out! 

Okay okay, I'll give away the secret now. 

Location: Seoul, Yong-san Gu, Han-nam Dong 683-139

Hours: 11am-12am

Tel: 02-797-3139

Be My Nude-y Valentine

Nude (adj): a hue of unveiled beauty that illuminates in natural light. 

-VerbalClouds

I find extraordinary beauty in things that are raw and genuine. Nudes don't conceal; they enhance, soften, and have a soft shimmer. Being extremely pale, I used to think that I would look like a zombie-girl before I started discovering my own selection of nude hues. Nudes have various shades from flat beiges to delicate peaches. Being on the cool-toned end of the pale flesh spectrum, my skin naturally blushes when I wear peachy nudes or soft orange pinks.

Soooo if you were scared of nudes till now, I think I just saved your life. If you're pale but cool-toned try something with a touch of peach and soon, you'll find your skin falling in love with nudes (and I'd be the genius match-maker). Of course, here are some of the things my picky hands gravitate toward on a daily basis:

Benefit High Beam
Benefit Cream Shadow - R.S.V.P
Innisfree Gloss - Natural Nude
Etude House Nail Polish
Dior Creme de Rose
The Face Shop - Nude palette

Luv, 

Christy with a Y.

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. 

Winter Skincare Bits NIGHTTIME

 So here we are! My winter skincare bits.

If you're not familiar with my skincare obsession, I will summarize my problem in two words: Crazy Woman. I am hands down an absolute skincare junkie over a makeup junkie. That right, I collect/try/discover the new "IT" items that suit my skin. What's my skin type? A bipolar, pms-ing-far-too-much, sensitive, and combination type. The slightest irritations will trigger weird spontaneous breakouts. SO here's my skincare combat strategy: prevent and treat. 

I have been using+loving+coveting+obsessing over these particular gems that are in my everyday routine at night as of now. After cleansing my skin (which needs to be a whole separate blog post *hint hint*),

1. Tone with an acid based toner: Clarins Gentle Exfoliating Toner

2. Tone with a softer, hydrating toner: Bioderma

3. Tap tap the eye cream! L'occitane Regard Divine Eye cream

4. Hydrate skin with oil-free serum: Kate Somerville Oil-free Quench Serum

5. Moisturize with my Marula Face Lotion

6. If I have bumps, I treat it with the La Roche Posay Effeclar Duo

7. After a few minutes, seal everything with Kate Somerville Goat Cream (this stuff is my holy grail you guys!)

I know, pretty extensive huh? But let me tell you, the more you invest time and effort into your skin, it will all come back to you. It's just like working out for a good body: you want those sexy curves? Then get moooovin, right? After all, you only get one layer of skin so why not protect and treat it? The better your skin is, the better your makeup will look too!

Note: individual reviews coming soon :)

Kate Somerville Skincare Review

 

Here's the thing. I have NEVER felt more satisfied with my skin since I've met these two skin miracles. There was always something a little lacking in most of the products I've tried so far. If it was hydrating enough, it would cause my skin to break out. If it was oil-free, it would be to drying for my skin. BUT! These two are just the perfect combination of hydration and nourishment that still will maintain balance in my skin. 

The goat milk is literally the queerest skincare product I've ever tried. It's the most nourishing cream that won't irritate my skin whatsoever. The antioxidants in this tub provide an amazing shield of protection on my skin and it feels incredibly luxurious. Now, I will warn you that it gets a bit greasy at first but give it a while and everything sinks into your skin beautifully. That's right, every bit of it. I use this only in my PM skincare routine since I don't have that much time to wait for it to sink in during the mornings (#problemsofacollegestudent). If you are familiar with the Korres Greek Yogurt Cream, it's a similar consistency; creamy and a little bit thick, but melts in.

It has a great sanitary and convenient pump that you just push down on for the product to come out. *Tip: don't push it down too fast because it will squirt everywhere! 

As for the Quench Serum, it comes in two versions: one is regular, and one is oil-free. I have been using the oil-free one. At first I didn't expect much since most oil-free products weren't really hydrating enough for me. I was wrong again! It gave me the perfect supple feeling that helped my skin not feel tight as it normally does after cleansing. It made it feel cushiony (cushiony (def.): bouncy, cushion-like, and charged with happiness) enough that I could top it off with the goat cream (again, only PM). I use this day and night underneath different moisturizers and it has definitely helped my skin regain a good amount of plumpness. Oh, and it comes with a pump too! Yay!

Please continue to prove me wrong with skincare products Kate! 

Ingredients for the Goat Milk Creme: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Goat Milk, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Emulsifying Wax NF, Stearic Acid, Glycerin, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol, Xanthan Gum, Salix Nigra (Willow) Bark Extract, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Mannan, Melia Azadirachta Seed Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Extract, Tetrasodium EDTA, Citric Acid

Ingredients for the Quench Serum (oil-free): Water, Plumeria Acutifolia Flower Extract, Glycerin, Propanediol, Polyacrylate-13, Polyisobutene, Algae Extract, Carrageenan, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38, Capryloyl Tetrapeptide-3, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Soy Amino Acids, Yeast Extract, Glutamine Peptide, Glutamic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Chondrus Crispus Extract, Polysorbate 20, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Dextran, Citric Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol

Fall = Unisex

 Fall = Unisex

Let me explain my brilliant equation.

Fall = Boots + oversize jackets + boyfriend t-shirts + loose fitting pants + messy hair

You can call me genius now. 

If you're on the more feminine side, I have something for you too. 

I love how oriental prints came back. I used to Ooo and Ahhh over my grandmother's --what other people may call-- wonderfully tacky wardrobe. The ancient prints and patterns were queer yet...mesmerizing. The loose silk would flow effortlessly on the skin and the prints seem to come alive. 

Fall = Unisex = Unconfined = Express Yourself

We All Need a Little Hideaway

 Sometimes there's nothing you can do about an unfortunate happenstance other than getting away from the clutter and the mess.

My mom used to tell me this confusing yet enlightening saying over and over - it actually took me years to fully understand what she meant, so if you find yourself as clueless as I was, no worries mate. 

"From disaster comes calmness." -The M.O.M.

It's funny how I sometimes find myself in my most calm state of mind during life's stressful moments. Some people would call it escapism, but I'd like to disagree. I think we simply forget that we need to let ourselves breathe for a second. It's like we're running a marathon, except it never ends. Take a day off to value what you've been forgetting to enjoy. Sit on that bench you've been eyeing every time you walked busily past it and look at what you've been missing out on all this time. I promise, you'll feel more accomplished than organizing that disgruntled stack of mess. After your hideaway moment, shrug your shoulders (and I give you permission to act like you don't give a darn), brush it off, and get back on your feet. After all, you know there's a hell of a crowd depending on you.

THE Photo-shoot

"I retired, but two days later I got back to work because 

I realized that I did not create my masterpiece just yet" - Horst Schultz 

Who is Mr. Schultz? He is the one who led the empire of the Ritz-Carlton to exist in every major city (who also happens to own a private jet and casually flies around the world on his own time, obviously). He is a man of real luxury and believes that customization is the key to luxury. Every aspect of his new creation, The Capella in Georgetown, Washington D.C., reflects his mission to create the highest of high luxury for every single individual. I had the honor of meeting him as an intern for Kelly Muccio (yes, the gorgeous blond up there is my boss- be jealous). The Capella is an incredible piece of artwork because every nook and cranny has a purpose and a story behind it. Mr. Schultz is now number 1 on my role-model list (Justin Timberlake is my number 2- just kidding, not really). 

Let's just say that I now have a different perspective on what my life goal should be. 

The Capella=Perfection.

Color-Fully Positive

So I have this weird thing about me when it comes to getting ready on a rainy or gloomy day. I gravitate towards more colors the gloomier it is. In other words, I wear my solid whites and blacks on a nice sunny day and then when it rains, I take the rainbow out of my closet. I guess it's a way of tricking my mind into thinking that I'm happy despite the oh-come-on-mother-nature kind of weather.

Now I never, I repeat n-e-v-e-r used to wear any yellows. In fact, I was actually scared of wearing any yellows because I thought it made me look like a lemon head. But long behold this sleeveless velour sweater was the first one to make it into the yellow category in my drawers. I think it was the material that intrigued my anti-yellow senses. I also love the way that it has both a pastel yellow and a bright strong yellow mixed together. The structured shoulders were also pleasing details. 

 I mean, even though it's probably is a mind trick, why not use it to pump in some endorphins into a muggy day? I know that it's been working for me ever since I decided to make up this crazy placebo. 

So why not be the happy one? After all, happiness is contagious.