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I’m not a beauty guru, but what I know is choosing the right cosmetics can surely compliment my face. I’ve tested quite a few from drug store makeup to high line makeup, and spending just a little extra for prestige cosmetic products seems to work perfect to even out my skin tone and adjust fully in the crease of my eyelids.

Quick Cosmetic haul:

• Chanel: translucent 1
• Laura Mercier: rose + pêche (my favourite cosmetic line)
• MAC: brun + smut 
• Bobbi Brown: light

What are some of your favourite make up lines? Please share!

-H xx

Fitness Benefits!

Never did I think I'd become a fitness junkie. I don't train like a beast, but I sure can run on miles on end (and do weight training here & there). I cannot stress enough how much exercising has helped me with my health, confidence, and overall self esteem. Not only did it improve my cardiovascular system, my skin had cleared dramatically, and my cravings for sweetness is now in moderation. Here is a list of exercise benefits if you're not convinced enough.

vegan dinner + tempeh attempt

my pretty vegan dinner! i’ve been wanting to try tempeh for so long & finally found it at Whole Foods! I cooked my tempeh in Indian curry with Thai chili oil, a simple strawberry fields salad in Romaine, homemade red pepper hummus, fresh papaya + avocado. 

tempeh is almost like tofu, except it’s whole soybeans pressed together. it absorbs flavours quickly, and I noticed the curry had seeped through the entire tempeh. the texture was wonderfuly chewy yet creamy, and was quite filling - I didn’t finish my dinner, just under half.

I never realized how much I love raw foods (i eat fruit every meal) and missed being vegetarian. I want to try a new diet and attempt raw or vegan foods. last week I began eating raw and noticed how much healthier i felt each day. I was waking up earlier, feeling better during fitness, and overall felt my confidence boost. I am really proud of myself for this little quick meal and my first attempt with tempeh!

- H xx

3 Quick Girly Tips

I'm not always the type to glam up every morning (and bless the girls who do!). There are days when I have enough time to look like a movie star ready to be on set, and days when I'm in a rush or on the go.  No matter what condition we're under, there are still ways to look feminine & girly, without makeup! Here is my top 3 quick girly tips to maintain feminity without makeup - perfect tips for the summer!

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1. Fresh Mani + Pedi

We have the thinnest skin on our hands and should take extra care for them. The littlest details like getting our nails done can say so much about the individual. We use our hands all day every day that a mani will be noticed and pretty nails alone can announce a big statement! Don't forget the feetsies too! If you wear sandals or open toed heels, pretty toes is a must!

2. Splendid Eyebrows

Eyebrows make up the face. Groom and shape your eye brows every few days, and use an eyebrow shadower to darken. A nice set of eyebrows can really enhance your appearance with little to no make up at all. Make sure to only pluck unwanted hairs and not over pluck.

3. Baby Soft Skin

I cannot stress enough over my love for baby soft skin. I use sun cream with a high SPF+ to prevent wrinkling and aging. The earlier we start, the less we would have to worry about. After a warm shower, immediately apply your favourite body cream. The moisture of the cream will trap some water into your skin, giving an extra moisture seal.


You could have the messiest bun or wear the most mismatching outfit, but a little quick girly toch can still make you appear feminine + dainty.

-H xx

10 Summer + Travel Beauty Essentials

Summer is the time for endless traveling + sun felt kisses! Whether its luxurious cruises, road trips, getaway resorts or backpacking, our skin needs our foremost attention whilst exposure to the summer's sun. Traveling can be stressful, and so is forgetting an essential beauty item too! When I am traveling monthly, I tested different creams & protections for all types of weathers, and created a perfect summer's necessities of my favourite products. Here is a list of my top 10 beauty essentials for traveling this summer.

1. Sun Protection Cream

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer 100 SPF+ seems to be the best sun cream protector for its ultra sheer & light feel on my face. The cream is not thick like most sun creams, and doesn't leave an oily look after it is applied. I find this as a perfect base coat before applying any facial correctors. Select a higher SPF+ for the face as the skin is thinner and much sensitive!

2. BB cream

BB cream became such a phenomenal beauty craze when it made its debut to the US from its 27 year use in Korea! Although I never took much heed in Korean products, BB cream had me appreciate what my culture could offer to the beauty guru's in the US, and now there are BB creams made by top beauty brands such as Smashbox, Christian Dior, L'Oréal, and so on. I've tested several Korean & American BB cream products, and Bobbi Brown just might be my fav (& convenient to find). It provides an unbelievable amount of coverage for the little amount needed (just a pea size) & leaves no heavy residue. Perfect to wear alone for a nice dewy feel!

3. Toner

Hydrate hydrate hydrate! No matter what the weather is like, our skin needs to be hydrated well and Bioré's toner has a secret ingredient (witch hazel) that allows us to feel the product working into our skin. This is a perfect & well priced toner that is available at any drug store.

4. Lip Balm
Our lips need protection too! Eos might have the cutest packaging to their products and made an excellent hit with their flavoured balms. These are a perfect fit in any bag & easy to find by their distinctive shape whilst digging into your purse.

5. Waterproof Mascara
To prevent the start of the infamous racoon eyes during the hot sultry months of summer, be sure the mascara of your choice is waterproof. Since my Asian eyes had unfortunately gifted me with long straight lashes, it's difficult to find a mascara that not only was waterproof but curls my lashes too. The wonderful flex wand & its mega plush brush lengthens my lashes & gives a beautiful curl at the tips.

6. Bronzer
Get an even more sun kissed glow at the highlight of your cheeks with your favourite bronzer. The bronzer can be applied under your jawline, temples, and even between your cleavage to enhance a summer glow.

7. Eyebrow Sealer
Summer is all about minimal makeup and natural looks. Since less makeup is applied, pay special attention to your eyebrows as eyebrows play a key role to make up your face. If you're like me and apply makeup to enhance eyebrows, Make Up Forever's Brow Seal is the perfect summer product that keeps eyebrows in place and ads a little tint.

8. Nail Polish

If you're traveling where there is water, sand, and the use of hands, there is no time to get a manicure fix. Pack in your favourite nail polish for quick touch ups on the go. Deborah Lippmann made a wonderful debut with her nail colours in vivid & girly-esque glitter colours. Don't forget to add the clear coat on top for an extra shine & protection from chipping!

9. Milk cleanser

Since traveling, you might be outdoors all day where sweat, debris, and oil can touch your face. Use your favourite milk cleanser like Shiseido's Benefiance that creates a luxurious creamy froth to prevent pores from clogging up.

10. Summer Fragrance

Switch your fragrance around per season! It's fun and you get to experience the changes since the season is changing. Pick a light floral or beachy scent to enhance the summer feel.

-H xx

favourite one piece

I have recently been so fond of one piece dresses! They're incredibly comfortable and can be worn to lounge in or dressed up with your favourite dainty scarf & heels. OC can be humid during the summer, and one pieces are a perfect wear for a summer outfit. Here I am lounging in one of my favourite one piece.

dress: Citizens of Humanity, Nordstrom

nail colour: essie in fiji, Target

earrings: simple pearls, Italy

Don't forget to lather your skin with high SPF sun protection cream, like Neutrogena award winning Ultra Sheer Dry Touch in 100+SPF. I cannot stress enough how crucial it is to cover your skin with the right skin protecting formula to avoid sun spots and skin cancer. Since my skin is fair & sensitive, I use 100+ SPF. If you prefer lighter formula & a little glow, use lower SPF x

-H xx

it’s truly makes a difference when your friends are encouraging & support all your classified dreams. i had a late night convo with a friend who i thought was only into ‘fitness & basketball games’, but little did i know my friend was an actor, an artist & a book collector. this had me regain my interest in all the things i used to love doing that have been replaced with endless science studies, chemical elements & mathematical equations. it had me remember the things i loved were now abandoned. never do i want to forget these important hobbies because they were what made me unique. this summer i plan to make drastic changes + improvements & fall back into the things i love. so far i made a change this morning: 6am fitness!

-H xx

c u r r e n t l y  in the midst of redesigning my blogspot!

last week i did some girly dress shopping in Laguna Beach! it's becoming that time of the season where showing a little more skin is acceptable. my favourite reason to love summer is to wear pretty dresses without feeling too revealing. i love sequins and pretty colours, can't wait to wear them! x

t u m b l r

I don't think I can find any more happiness + joy I embrace when it comes to blogging. I have never abandoned this journal nor did I forget, and I know I still receive a significant amount of hits on this blog. Although with the least amount of time I have in my personal life, I decided to focus on one blog on a different platform I personally prefer.

I have several blogs that I try and keep up to date, but I always found Tumblr to be my favourite platform. Above is a preview screenshot of my Tumblr blog which you can find here. If you do not have Tumblr, you can always subscribe to me to receive my posts in your email inbox! Who knows, I may just come back and continue working on my Blogspot, but for now, follow me along my journey and don't forget to check my Twitter too x

-H xx