Serum Battle!

e.l.f. versus Beauty Dreams Paris

Both serums were bought at a discount.   

My sister** didn't like either serums, so I'm giving them a try since I finished up The Biossance Revitalizer. 

I like the Vitamin C serum over the Soothing serum because it smells better, absorbs faster, and felt more refreshing, which is perfect for the summer heat.

**(Yoshi): e.l.f. is my go-to when trying new products for make-up, so I figured their praised skincare products would be a dream! Unfortunately this serum made my skin bumpy and slightly inflamed... Ceased use after two morning applications :(

Happy Birthday G-Dragon!!!

Wishing the leader of BigBang (Kwon Ji-Yong) a fantastic day where he can get his cray-on!

 

Big Bang English-Speaking-Fan Start-Up Kit

So you wanna be a Big Bang fan!? Well, if you're an English speaking, non-Korean understanding individual, here's the basic info to start loving Bigbang!

 

YG Entertainment created Bigbang in 2006 (#10years) through a survival program. BigBang fans are officially called V.I.P.'s (named after their single with the same name). 

There are 5 permanent members of BigBang: 

• G-Dragon
• Birth name= Kwon Jiyong
• Nicknames= GD 
• Roles= Leader, Rapper, Songwriter, Composer, Producer, Fashionista 
• Solo Albums= Heartbreaker (2009), One of a Kind (2012), and Coup d'Etat (2013)
• T.O.P.
• Birth name= Choi Seunghyun
• Nicknames= Bingu, Tabi
• Roles= Oldest, Rapper, Songwriter, Tallest, Actor
• Solo Releases= Doom Dada (2014)
• Taeyang
• Birth name= Dong Youngbae
• Nicknames= YB, Sol
• Roles= Vocalist, Shortest, Most Soulful, Shirtlessness
• Solo Albums= Solar (2010) and Rise (2014)
• Daesung
• Birth name= Kang Daesung
• Other names= D-Lite, DS
• Roles= Vocalist, Funniest
• Solo Albums (all in Japanese)= D'scover (2013), D'slove (2014), and Delight (2014)
• Seungri
• Birth name= Lee Seunghyun
• Other names= V.I., SR
• Roles= Youngest/Maknae, Vocalist
• Solo Mini-Albums= V.V.I.P. (2011) and Let's Talk About Love (2013)

Break-out song: Lies (2007)

Most viewed music video: Fantastic Baby (2012)

Instagram Accounts:

1. G-Dragon
2. TOP
3. Taeyang
4. Seungri
5. Daesung- no official Insta
6. Can't read Korean? Then check aboutbigbang for a possible translation
7. Want more? Then check-out bigbang hkvip for the best fan cams

My favorite VIP tumblrs:

1. http://theoneshots.tumblr.com/tagged/BIG-BANG
2. http://monozukikansatsu.tumblr.com/
3. http://bingu-choom-top.tumblr.com/
4. http://funnykpopstuff.tumblr.com/tagged/big+bang
5. http://topswisewords.tumblr.com/

WELCOME TO THE FANDOM! 

Lancome Facial Cleanser Review

Inherited another skincare product from Yoshi (her skin is sensitive skin prone to acne, so it's picky).  I have combination skin!

Pros:  Adequately removes non-waterproof make-up, dirt, and oil/sebum

Cons:  Doesn't foam like a foaming cleanser.  Strong rose scent.

Verdict:  Will not purchase again, but may give to my mother (mature skin).

May Empties

What I used up in May:

After giving the Etude House Wonder Pore to my sister. I inherited and finished her Elizabeth Arden Hydra-Splash Alcohol-Free Toner

 I also finished the sample of Biossance Revitalizer.  I'll post an updated on my current skincare later, since I'm using a new toner and serum.

Etude House Wonder Pore Refreshner Review

Korean Skincare is trending!  After watching countless Youtube videos, Korean music videos, and Korean dramas, I set out to determine if it's just hype. 

I needed a new toner since finishing The Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2.  After some research, I bought Etude House's Wonder Pore Refreshner online through Amazon.

The packaging is simple. The bottle and box both came unsealed.
 

I appreciate the English on the box and bottle because it makes the product friendly to international users.
 

 

I have combination skin with oily t-zones. I've never had acne (haterz to the left) and found this toner too weak for my liking.

When I swiped it on, it was difficult to tell if it was working.  I recommend this toner for sensitive skin, so after a week of use I gave it to my sister (Yoshi).

My Mom's Skincare Routine

My mom's turning 55 this year (mature skin!). Below's her current skincare routine:  

Morning:

Cleanser: Peter Thomas Roth. Toner: Avalon Organics. Serum: Clinique. Day Cream: L'Oreal . SPF: Aveeno BB Cream. Eye Cream: Olay.

Night: 

Cleanser: Peter Thomas Roth. Toner: Avalon Organics. Serum: Clinique. Night Cream: L'Oreal. Eye Cream: Olay.

Where I left off...

Can you believe how time has flown... 

it's already been a year since I last posted! 

A lot has changed, including my skin regime (thanks to my sister!), and time at university. 

I'm already a third year, embarking on a Dallas, TX internship this summer, but I want to share all our adventures before the next one!

After Hawaii, we wanted to continue the warm weather & beach trend, so we took a cruise down to Mexico.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY YOUNGBAE OPPA!!!

Wishing DONG YONGBAE aka TAEYANG aka SOL of BIGBANG a very, very HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

His actual birth date is May 18th, but I'm behind Seoul by 13 hours, so I had to post this on May 17th!

Taeyang's my Big Bang bias, because he's the most talented in terms of singing and dancing. He's also a Christian and released the best solo projects (Rise and Solar).

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN TAEYANG'S SOULFUL R&B

Watson's Aloe Vera Hydrating Facial Mask Review!

I live in a dry climate, so I should sleep with a humidifier on to keep my skin plump and hydrated. HOWEVER, I don't own a working humidifier, s0 a sheet mask every other day re-hydrates my face!

Masks are Step 6 of the Korean Skincare 10 Steps. The one I use was bought in a Chinese convenience store summer of 2014 (doesn't expire until 2017, see box's picture below). 

The mask is refreshing and not sticky.  No weird smell and soothing, so I'm excited to keep using them!

TIP: Massage excess essence into your neck and decolletage!

This blue sheet protects the white cotton from getting torn and dried out.

TIP:  Store sheet masks in the fridge for a more pore-tightening cooling effect.

Breakfast Champs

These are my current fave breakfast foods!!

I use the Soymilk (Kroger/Dillon's) and Speculoos Cookie Butter (Trader Joe's) to give my oatmeal more flavor and crunch.

This Starbucks iced coffee saves me money and time.  I <3 iced coffees!

Current Skincare Routine

Below's my current skincare routine. I know, I know, it's not the full Korean skincare I previously posted about.  I didn't include the masks I use and I rarely wear make-up, so no need to double cleanse. Comment with eye cream recommendations!

Daytime:

 Cleanser: Clean&Clear Morning Burst

Toner: Etude House Wonder Pore Freshner (used with Watsons Square Puffs)

Serum: Biossance Revitalizer (sample size) 

Moisturizer: Simple Protecting with SPF 15

Nighttime: 

 Cleanser: Simple Foaming Cleanser (used with Clinique Brush 'cause Clarisonic is too $$$ for me /#tbh)

Toner: Etude House Wonder Pore Freshner (swiped on with Watsons Square Puffs)

Serum: Biossance Revitalizer (sample size) 

Moisturizer: Antipodes Divine Face Oil

Hand Cream: Burt's Bees Almond Milk Beeswax Hand Creme (old packaging)

10 Step Korean Skincare Routine

1. First Cleanser: Remove all makeup with a makeup wipe or oil-based remover 

2. Second Cleanser: Use a gentle foaming cleanser 

3. Exfoliate: Use a chemical wipe, sugar scrub, etc. once or a few times a week

4. Toner/Softner: Use a cotton pad/ball to swipe across face to balance your skin pH and remove any remaining dirt/make-up

5. Essence: Pat into face to provide additional skin-loving nutrients

6. Mask (Clay/Mud/Sheet/Face): Use a few times weekly and leave on for 10-20 minutes (read each mask's instructions!)

7. Serum/Ampoule: Choose one with the specific benefit you want for your skin, for example dark spot correcting

8. Moisturizer: Lighter moisturizer for daytime and a heavier one (like an oil) for nighttime 

9. Eye Cream: ALWAYS pat on using ring finger because ring fingers are the weakest fingers. Optional if under 20 years old, >_<!

10. SPF (Day) or Overnight Sleeping Mask (Night)

Think there are too many steps? The most important takeaways from Korean skincare are:

• Have a routine and stick to it daily!
• RE-APPLY SPF every 80-100 minutes when outdoors
• DO NOT sleep overnight in make-up
• Layer products from lightest to heaviest (toner < serum < cream)

April 2015 Empties

Not too late for last month's empties right?  

I finished the Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2, Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizer, and a Colgate toothpaste.
 
I'm jumping into the Korean beauty trend! Leave toner and/or moisturizer recommendations in the comments!

Gizmo's Favorite K-Dramas

I've watched Korean dramas since seventh grade! The following are my favorite because they are THE BEST. They make me LOL, cry, and live vicariously. 

1. Full House (2004) - contract marriage OG
2. The Greatest Love (2011) - fantastic soundtrack
3. Noble, My Love (2015) - best short series
4. Reply/Answer Me 1988 (2015) - perfect family comedy
5. The Master's Sun (2014) - original storyline
6. Show Me the Money Season 3 (2014) - hilarious
7.   Secret Garden (2010) - most parodied
8. Oh My Ghostess (2015) - awesome acting

CAUTION:  Watch these dramas at your own risk.  They are one of life's most entertaining time sucks.

*This post is NOT sponsored by Dramafever or Hulu