Minimize: My Daily "No-Makeup" Look

My daily "no-makeup" look

My daily "no-makeup" look consist of 2 steps: fill in the brows & conceal.

This is given that I also moisturize my face because you should be doing that everyday regardless whether your are wearing makeup or not. This "no-makeup" look for me is when I go to do errands like library returns, grocery shopping or chilling with my best friend D. Sometimes on rarest occasion when I do a full all nighter I pull this look off for school but fair warning it might take people by alarm because if you wear eye liner like me...it look like a shock. But this keep you looking fresh faced and younger as I been told numerous times. 

Filling in your brows give them definition and make them pop and look more put together. Because if you have sparse eyebrows like me, a fresh look would look compete with filled in brows. For a more natural look I would go with powder such as brow powder or even eye shadow (something I use) and use an angled brush to follow the natural arch of your eye brow. Remember you are filling them in and defining them, not making them bolder or bigger because then you will look out of place with a clean face and new set of eyebrows. You can also use a pencil eyeliner but be careful since it will leave a harsh line so you would need a toothbrush to brush it out and blend it to blend in with your eyebrows.

Concealer also is a must since you need it to cover those dark circles and blemish because you don't people looking at you and compare you to those paparazzi photos of celebrity with no makeup with they purposely make them look hideous. Therefore, you want to look fresh and effortless with the no makeup and concealer does just that (: It is a girl's best friend because it can double up as foundation too if you wanted. 

x o x o 

Everyday Things You can Do to Prevent Acne

this picture is from here

So we all hate acne, I know I do. We don't want to create more acne than we would naturally get so here are some everyday tips you can do to prevent the digesting little red spots from appearing on your face.

1. Sanitize your cell phone screen - This may be one of the secret major cause of acne because when you put your cheek to the phone screen to talk, the bacteria on the phone mixed with the bacteria you collect can collect onto your cheek hence growing acne! Wiping down your phone screen with antibacterial wipes at least once a week can prevent bacteria from collecting and cultivating on your phone screen and then transferring onto your pretty face in the form of a pimple.

2. Don't touch your face constantly especially if you also have pimples - Touching my face is one of the habits I have especially when I am really bored (okay I touch my eyelashes...it's weird I know) but touching your face when your hands aren't wash is really digesting because your hands touch many things that are not are clean and cleansed which can lead you to be indirectly transferring bacteria to your face. Also, if you have a pimple on your face, don't pick it hoping it will magically deflate and disappear. All you are doing is creating more pimples because you are opening the pimple and adding bacteria from your fingers. Just apply your acne medicated products or toothpaste and leave it!

3. Change out your pillow cases - Your pillow case is where you put your face on if you don't sleep flat on your back like me and therefore bacteria can come into contact with your face and is in contact for hours. Not changing out your pillow case is not only disgusting, but cumulates bacteria from anything from your face to the drool to leftover makeup you didn't take off. This leads to not only disgust but pimples.

4. Keep Hydrated with H20 and eat your berries - It is a golden rule in beauty that water will solve your problems and like 8 cups of water per day. Not only does it help your skin, but also your hair and weight. But you have to then limit those sugary drinks because something like soda can lead to acne and bad teeth. Water is something that is a must! Also, my berries are one of the fighters against acne because of the antioxidant it carries so eating more berries especially blackberries can help combat acne from appearing.

5. Wash your brushes - Brushes is another thing that comes into contact with your face every morning whether you are applying powder, eyeshadow, blush, etc. But not cleaning them will just accumulate bacteria from the product, the air, and your face and just give you acne. I recommend cleaning them once a week or if you a lazy like me, wash them once a month. If the brush starts to hurt, that means you need to wash them...asap.

6. Take off your makeup before sleeping - Leaving your makeup on your face and sleeping is a major no no. This will not only lead to bacteria build up and other funk because you are not letting your face breathe but instead constricting them with foundation and powder. Taking off your makeup and then washing/cleansing your face will not only leave your face fresh and breathable but also combat the acne preventing them appearing.

x o x o 

Inexpensive Dresses for Prom & Tips for Picking out a Dress

Prom is that special for all of us and that prom dress you wear is the second most important dress you will ever put on other than your wedding dresses. However, prom dresses can run a little bit on the expensive side and for what one night...I know I sound like an anti prom girl which trust me I am not, but I don't like spending that much money with college round the corner (and I picked an expensive college to attend...) So, before I get into some inexpensive dresses that could be used for prom here are some quick tips when you are going shopping for prom dresses.

1. Avoid bridal stores if you are looking for an inexpensive dress

Not that I hate those stores, it is usually because they range from high $100 and up because they carry brand name prom dresses like Sherri Hill and those dresses can be very princess-y or other words huge! (unless you are looking for those type of dresses)

2. Go to big brand name stores like Carson's, Macy's, Nordstroms, or J.C Penney because those prom dresses are inexpensive and are very pretty too (:

I got my prom dresses there and plus they have prom events that includes extra special deals with the dresses. Also, you can use the store coupons towards the dress to save more money. However, they won't tailor your dress or make sure other people from your school get the same dress as you like the bridal stores. 

3. If you love it, get it.

It is just like a wedding dress. It has to be the one even if it is pricey. I kinda sound like a hypocrite, but really girls if you don't like it, don't get it because it is cheaper because you won't be happy. Trust me, this happen to me with my 2 prom dresses I got (you have seen it in the other blog post) but one dress was $30 and the other was $117...and I love the expensive one of the two and got that because I really didn't like the cheaper one on me and I went with what my heart thought. So, I am saving money by having my sister do my hair, rewearing my heels, and getting my makeup done by my sister again to compensate for the dress cost. 

If you don't really care about keeping your prom dress, you can rent it! Though it might be a bit price-y rent-the-runway carry designer dresses and you can rent them! Imagine for prom you say you have a designer dress and you don't have to worry about what to do with it after or regret the whopping amount of money you had to pay! Also, they are other prom dress rentals too!!!

Now onto some the inexpensive dresses I found that some of you girlies might like to get for your prom

This dress is from J.C Penney and is $100. I love how expensive it looks for only $100. It is very stylish with the beading and the cross strap back and bare bake. The beading doesn't make the dress cheap and the dress hugs the figure nicely. My only con with this dress is the beading cascading down the butt...to me I feel like it isn't necessary but it add some bling and kind of lessen the value of the dress. Nevertheless, this dress will stand out perfectly amongst other for a much less price.

This dress is from Carson's and is $98.00. Though this dress is very simple, I love the beading and color. Also the material and the style ensure for major dancing and easy movement. Also, it isn't too prom-ish where it can be used again for a different occasion such as a formal or a dinner party.

This dress is from Nordstrom and is $178.00. This is a bit for me on the pricer side, but I can see why. This dress is very pretty in a princess-y sense with the gold glitter and the tulle gown that can make a girl feel like a princess. This is a sophisticated kind of prom dress with the color away from the prom trend color of having color! However, in my opinion I don't like the grey because it isn't that prom-ish, but it is beautiful like a red carpet kind of gown way.

This dress is from Macy's and is $99.00. This is the sequin, glitzy kind of gown in a column style that remind me of the old hollywood glam in the prom way...color! It has that factor that makes you stand out but not in the bad way! I love the shimmer the sequin give making it look like a mermaid goddess. If you feel like it isn't showing enough skin, there is a little cleavage slit that ensure wow(; I would just make sure that the sequin in person doesn't look cheap and nothing is unraveling because you don't want a match of missing sequins.

This dress is also from Macy's and is $99.00. This dress looks expensive as well like up there with those bridal store carrying prom dresses. The color is lovely and gives an impression of elegance while the slit in the middle and the rhinestones gives away the prom style. The slit ensure your ability to walk without tripping(; and I love the bodice with the twist front rhinestone. Make sure to wear stunning shoes with your dress because the slit make it easy to see them...and probably groom your feet beforehand too. 

This dress is also form Nordstrom and is $198.00. This is one of those kinda price-y dress just because this dress is by Calvin Klein. However, I love how the pattern make this dress stand out without any embellishment. This dress is so versatile that it can be used for a dress that can be casual as well depending how you dress it. The marble effect plus a statement necklace will ensure sophistication and elegance for prom.

This dress is from Windsor and is $89.90. This light orange dress is absolutely stunning and doesn't look like an $89.90 dress. i love the bead work into the one shoulder and I love how it looks elegant and classy. Though it is very simply and not prom-ish it ensures class and elegance. 

This dress is from Windsor as well and is $89.90. You might recognize this dress from my other blog post because this dress was the dress I got as a backup for prom! I can say that this dress is absolutely beautiful! The pleats will make you look taller and the bodice is absolutely expensive looking and pretty. The flowers are chiffon and the sequins are rose gold. It is classy and goddess like!

Well those are some of the prom dresses that I found that were inexpensive while impressive for prom(: Happy prom dress hunting!

x o x o 

Give Your Nails A Break!

picture from : febstore.com

So today I was going to paint my nails in the spirit of Chinese New Year tomorrow, but after removing my nail polish I realized that my nails were peeling and becoming brittle. I was very alarmed, so here are some tips and trick for having brittle, peeling nails like me (:|) 

Livestrong stated that the cause of these brittle, peeling nails are due to excessive use of acetone based nail polish remover (guilty of doing this) or excessive washing and drying such as doing the dishes. Some solution is to switch to a nail polish remover without acetone and wear gloves or GIVE YOUR NAILS A BREAK FROM NAIL POLISH! This is what I am doing because using this is making my nails very weak and prone to peeling and can cause very ugly looking nails in the future. So give your nails a break though I know it will look ugly in the beginning, but trust me it is worth it! Also, fish oil and water is known to health give healthy looking nails. My mom also told me jello would help cuticles and stronger nails because of the stuff inside! I know it is going to be hard, but your nails will appreciate the chance to breathe and heal themselves!

x o x o 

Getting Fit this 2013 Part 2: The Motivation

So my plan may seem scary and I admit I don't I can' t follow it everyday because it is a huge change especially if you aren't an exercise person, but here is some motivation that I found that could act as motivation. Here are some images to get you motivated and ready (:



from: chasingsunshine.1.wordpress.com



from: bionicbriana.com

 

from: fitnessfashionista.com

 

from: imgfave.com

 

from: imgfave.com

 OR

 

1. Zombies Run! (App for $3.99 on iTunes)
 
This is a good motivator if you are running outdoor because well if is an app about you running from Zombies like literally there is noise, narration and everything, and this doesn't get you running from them then I don't know what will (have a legit lion run behind you...jk) I'm planning on buying this in the spring/summer when it is sunny outdoors and use it for those lazy, not feel like running days. Its gonna get your heart pumping.

2. Incentives:
          If you are the type of person that needs something to look forward then make it a goal that if you get fit or healthy that you will buy yourself a new bikini that you have been eyeing or book a vacation to the beach to show off that new body. Reward yourself like eating a piece of cake because we all still need that sweetness in our life.

3. Do it with a buddy:
          Exercising with your best friend is the best motivator because you guys can go running together and keep each other in check and help each other loose that fat!

 

 

Motivation is key my honeybees so LETS DO IT!!!!

 

x o x o 

 

Tackle those Midterm Woes

It that week again....midterms *cue the dun dun dunnn*. Here are some tips to tackle those deathly midterms. Sorry the pictures are not align, I know it bugs me too :/

1. Make Notecards - if you have standards like IB does or just general topics that will be tested then notecards can help you with studying because they organize the topics and are convenient to take around with you to study. If you are getting tested in vocabulary, then notecards are fabulous and are usually recommended to use for vocabulary because you can quiz yourself or take it on the go!

2. Make Study guides - this is good if you have some time before your midterm for a certain subject and if you know what chapters are going to be tested. Making study guides are like making a condense version of all your notes and what you have learned into a packet where you can study everything you need to know. Plus, you can put diagrams from the textbook into it like in my biology study guide so you can visual see things if you are a visual learner like me. Also, it is good to t4 or highlight the information on the study guide to help better your understanding even more. If you have an iPhone/iPod/iPad, then get the app, Evernote, because you can put in you teacher's ppt or notes and study on the go and it is all in one place!!!!

3. Re read those Notes/Lecture Notes & T4 - if you didn't get a midterm review guide like me for biology :/ then re reading your notes and lecture notes are your best bet to study for the midterm. Likely the teacher will put materials that you learned about and lectured on. So, t4ing or highlighting are great refreshers for studying because by T4ing you will more pay attention to the information instead of glancing over. Don't have the lecture notes or still don't understand a concept, look it up online because they are people out there that teach these things better and it will help you learn and understand. Some sites include khanacademy.org

4. Don't stress eat! - Midterms are stressful and stress eating will not help and just will break you out or put a few pounds on you, so instead when you are stressed out take a breather and put down the textbook and walk around for a few minutes, take a shower/bubble bath, watch some funny youtube videos, or drink warm water/tea/coffee to help sooth you brain. This will make you feel rejuvenated and motivated to study again. I find also despite many things against it that listening to your favorite music will help you power through the large amount of informations you need to learn again.

5. Practice Practice Practice and Repeat - Especially in math or chemistry, doing practice problems will help because they will allow you to practice the materials you have learned. Also, they say practice makes perfect so you can refresh you math skills with practice problems and apply what you have learned because they for sure will be on the midterm. Also, for languages like mandarin re write characters are a good way to ingrain them in your brains, and this can be applied to memorization of materials. Repeat them over and say them out loud because then you will hear it and absorb it instead of re reading in your head.

6. Drink tons of water - I know this sounds like a tip for good skin or exercising but really it help! I find that when I take a test or studying, drinking water help me focus better and keeps me motivated. You don't want to be dehydrated and not be able to focus so drink some H20 and not soda or sugary drinks because sure they will give you the buzz but after you will feel brain dead. Thats why I don't recommend coffee beforehand if you have a long day of midterms because you are bound to crash.

7. Sleep! - I know I break this rule way to much for test, but seriously SLEEP! If you really are desperate for study time, then way up a little bit early because your mind will be refreshed instead of staying up late and feeling tired because your brain will not absorb anything and you will just be hurting yourself.

Be confident! YOU CAN DO THIS! No matter what happens just know you have tried your best (: 

Oh, don't cheat because you won't be helping yourself (:

x o x o

For more tips this site is one of my favorites for studying tips and just in general:

TheCollegePrepster Intense Study Tips