Workout routines =D for those who are interested

Hi guys ^_^

Quick post, I found these on youtube so if you guys are interested in trying out some workout routines, here they are ^_^

A friend who's also on a weight loss endeavour shared this workout routine by this Korean fitness trainer

I tried this out yesterday and it was good =) nowhere nearly as intense as Jillian Michaels' workouts but it's more like a steady burning. Jillian's workouts are like explosive burning over a short interval XD I think this is great for starters.


This is level one from Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred. Of course workout 2 and 3 are a lot harder and a lot more effective, but you can get a taste of what it's like before you want to purchase the DVD or something =) (I bought mine from Amazon it's like $8. Which I consider super cheap from what I'm getting out of it).


Happy workout guys =DDDDD Let's keep this goingggggg

<3 Frances

Collective Haul

What's up everybody!

So I thought I'd stop by my own blog and do a little haul post XD Just finished an exam and I'm so exhausted. 8 hours of sleep in two days O_o I'm too old for this man... but anyway I'd be happy to use this time to take a nap before I have to study for yet another exam, but I'm cranked up on caffeine =_=.... so yeah =T Might as well do a little blogging while the effect of caffeine wears off (my life nowadays is just school school school... or it's always been like that?!??? lololol but anyway sorry if my intros are always so boring)

As the title stated, I have a collective haul to share :D some of the items are not in the original packaging because I've had them for a while. I just realized that everything I showed here were purchased from the Internet... so busy these days to go shopping. The only physical shopping I do nowadays is grocery shopping XD


Here's everything ^_^


I'm slowly being converted to BB creams... especially after I went to Boston. I found that in any extreme/harsh weather (like humidity in Taiwan, and WINDINESS in Boston OMG it's like you don't know what windy is until you've been to Boston), BB creams just do so so SO much better than foundations. I couldn't wear my liquid foundation while I was in Boston cuz it just gets too dry and caked up.

I purchased another SKIN79 BB cream :D this time the Prestige BB cream from the Diamond collection. I have a sample size of this so I already know this is a BB cream I will enjoy. I was tempted to buy a SKIN79 BB compact but I decided to branch out and try out the HANSKIN one. First impression was O__o it has a very unnatural orange tint to it??? Like skin color gone wrong. Haven't used it much so can't say how well it performs. We'll see. Also got a BB cream from Pore Lab that claims for sebum control. So far only used it once and aside from the fact it gives more of a semi-matte finish (rather than SKIN79 which gives dewy), it does nothing in sebum control. Will test it out more but I'm already considering putting it on blog sale XD

Also got a sample size Dr. Jart+ black label BB cream =DDD So excited to try this one! Been dying to try it ever since watching StyleSuzi use them. But could never really bring myself to buy it cuz the price is quite hefty for a BB cream. Now I can try it to see if it's worth the money ^_^

The Pore Lab thingy on the upper left corner is supposed to be a product that helps to extract blackheads without harsh extraction (like squeezing XD). Honestly I'm not a believer in products like this but I decided to give it a try. Gonna use it tonight to see if it's a dud or if it actually works. And lastly there's this mask that I got as a free gift.

Next I have the Milani Infinite Liquid Eyeliners

I am SO FREAKING EXCITED to try these out!!! I stumbled upon MszJackieChu's video and she talked about how these are exactly the same as MAC LiquidLast, and MAC LiquidLast being the only eyeliner that ever works on her------> Which is the same as me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So I was super excited especially in light of the fact MAC LiquidLast in coco bar which is my holy grail has been discontinued. Hopefully they will work on me too >_< if not... well... I could use them for upper eyelid *shrugs*


Then I also got the Olay Regenerist products, after reading Bubbi's rave review.

How come mine looks even different from the Internet pictures she posted??? oh well. Haven't used the eye serum yet. Have used the micro-lifting serum 3 times and had to stop because my skin was reacting to it. I'm pretty sure it was this product because it was the only different product I was using, although I did wonder if I was layering too much products. Now my skin has recovered I'm gonna give it another shot to be sure if my skin indeed doesn't like this XD But anyway first impressions of the micro-lifting serum... (aside from breaking me out) I like the texture, but man I REALLY DISLIKE the smell. It's very overwhelmingly fragranted X_X I cringe every time I apply it on my face. It smells exactly like Pantine shampoo -___-||||  Even if it doesn't break me out I don't think I will repurchase just for this reason. Way. Too. Over. Powering.

Lastly I have these Josie Maran products: the Argan Oil, the Argan Matchmaker Serum Foundation, and the sunscreen.

I will do a fuller review on these. But it probably won't be for a while because although I've been using the serum foundation almost everyday for over a month I'm still kind of unsure whether I like it or not??? XD lol what the hell right I know I know. I LOVE how Josie Maran has the smaller travel sizes for the argan oil and the sunscreen, so I was able to really test them out for reasonable prices ^_________^ big props to that.

And non-makeup/skincare related products XD I finished my 30 day shred workout so I purchased more so I can alternate my routine more. Will share my thoughts and results on the 30 day shred in another post.



At last... because I haven't shown my face in a while XD

This was taken a while ago when I did my Jiyeon's cry cry video tutorial. I guess I didn't post any camwhore pics because I already did that in the other post? XD


LOL my bangs have really grown out since then XD

Actually they aren't that long. They look longer in these pics because I was parting my hair differently that day. Was also wearing eye shadow for lower eyeliner for a change. Usually I don't use eye shadows as eyeliners because they usually don't stay on me, primer or not. But I might have found a way around it, I have to test it out more. We'll see ^_^



That's all ^_^ Thanks for taking time to stop by my blog ^_^ I'm off to take a nap now. Or maybe just roll around for a bit if I still can't fall asleep XD

Take care everyone!

<3 Frances

Bubbi Brushes Part II!

****1 year update! 11/6/2012****

Hello there =D

Now I've officially used the brushes for over a year now... I thought I'd come back with an update!

1. The buffer brush-- I got the most mileage out of this brush. Use it every day for contouring. Love it so much. Enough said =D

2. The powder brush-- Love to use it for loose powders and powder foundation. My go-to brush for powders =)

3. The retractable brush-- This and my eyeliner brush and brow brush were the only brushes I brought with me for my trip to South Korea. It lives up to its name-- definitely very versatile! Used it for powders, contour, blush and highlight. Definitely a must-have when I travel =) (And also almost used this brush exclusively while I was in Taiwan for its convenience). I don't really use it on daily basis cuz I stuff it in my on-the-go bag XD

4. The dual cover brush-- I use this brush exclusively for my SKIN79 BB cream. It works the best with my BB cream. I don't this brush for liquid foundations because it's too streaky. 

5. The kabuki brush-- gives really nice coverage for powder foundations. I use this and the powder brush interchangeably for my powder foundations.

6. The fluff brush-- good for highlighting or blending out eye shadows. But I have other brushes that I prefer over this =P

7.  The dual eye brush-- good brush but I don't wear eye shadows on a daily basis XD and when I do I mostly reach for my Sonia Kashuk one. 

8. The HD flawless brush-- Is basically collecting dust on my vanity ='( too much work to work with. I think it's because the hard bristles (not saying it's harsh to the touch, hard as in firm) sheer out my foundation too much, while being streaky at the same time. I just don't use it.... 

That's all! Hopefully this is somewhat helpful? Overall it's a good collection I'm pleased with my purchases, except for the HD flawless brush. 

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Hey guys!

Ahahahaha I'm on a roll today!! =DDDD Just decided to get this out of the way since it's wayy overdue =P So many posts I have under construction >_< I feel like I'm never gonna get to them if I keep putting them off.

Anyway!

So... as you all know (or maybe you don't know XD) that I actually went back to purchase most of the rest of the Bubbi brushes (LOL). Because I was happy with all of them and absolutely in love with some of them, I decided to get over myself and just try them out XD The only Bubbi brush that I don't own will be the Angled Liner brush, since I already discovered the love of my life for my eyeliner brush, and I already have awesome eye brow brushes so I really didn't feel at all tempted to pick that one up. For my review for the other brushes, please refer here ^_^    

So here are all the brushes I picked up

The kabuki brush, the powder brush, and the fluff brush.


Let's begin with the powder brush.

You can see the print is coming off like the rest of her brushes lol.



So the powder brush is actually a little smaller, and less dense than I thought. It's very fluffy =D and very soft.
 
So one of the main reasons why I decided to even make the second purchase is because I really wanted to try this brush, because I am completely obsessed with the retractable brush XD As much as I absolutely love the retractable brush, I get really paranoid every time I wash it =X I'm really scared about the water trapped in the metal case >.< So I wanted to see if this brush is as soft as that one. I want to say, this brush is just as soft, but in a different way?? It feels a little bit more plastic??? I don't even know how to describe it, I really like it but I still like the feel of the retractable brush more =P

So anyway, don't have a whole lot to say =) It's really really soft, and fluffy and picks up products well. The elliptical shape of this brush actually enables this brush to be more multi-purpose-- I have used it to apply blush and contour and it works really well (as she had demonstrated in her videos of course). This is something I definitely can't do with my other round and fluffy face brush =)  Me likey.


Two years ago when I started using face makeup brushes I thought the softness of a face brush doesn't matter as much as having a really soft brush for your delicate eyes. But after two years of experimenting with different brushes, I got pickier and pickier and now it really does matter to me because now I can really tell between the subtle differences. So anyway, I just want to say I really do recommend Bubbi brushes because they are budget-friendly and actually softer than my really expensive Hakuhodo brushes -__-"
 

Okay next moving on to the Kabuki brush =)







The pouch is tiny! At first I was like how is this brush gonna fit in there?!?! but it fits of course lol. Just be careful about the direction of the brush hairs when you put it in so you wouldn't accidentally "zip" the hair XD

Of all the Bubbi brushes, this is the only one I experienced bleeding and shedding (it bled grey which was kind of weird) But I haven't experienced any of either ever since the first couple of washes, so that wasn't a big deal. I want to say though, of all the Bubbi brushes I tried, I genuinely think this one can be passed. Make no mistake I think it's a really nice brush and it's soft, but it just doesn't "wow" me. Most of the Bubbi brushes really really impressed me on how incredibly soft they are, but this one is just about the same softness as my other kabuki brushes, it's not extra soft or anything. So I'd say if you already have a great kabuki brush, you really don't need this. Plus this is probably the most expensive brush out of her whole brush collection.


Okay lastly here I have the fluff brush.

My first impression of this brush was... OMG this fluff brush is HUGE!!!! O_O!!!

Next to the dual eyes. See how much bigger it is? XD



On the left to the fluff brush is the MAC 217. Then to the right it's the dual cover.

The fluff brush is soft, and yet has enough stiff to blend and give good control. My favorite application for this brush is actually highlighting XD Because it's just the perfect size lol! Although I don't highlight my face all that often cuz I get oily at the end of the day and highlighting makes that process even faster lol. This fluff brush is a little big for my eyes but that doesn't matter if you're just trying to fluff out the harsh edges with it.

So now I've had used the Bubbi brushes for a good amount of time, I thought I'd like tell you guys what my top picks are =P Definitely check out the retractable brush, LOVE that brush SO much it's so so so soft that I want to cry XD Also definitely check out the buffer brush, it's so perfect for contouring... love it! The retractable brush and the buffer brush are my absolute favorite!!

Next on my list will be the powder brush. But if you're trying to decide between the retractable brush and the powder brush, I'd recommend go with retractable brush because it's more practical since it's easier to travel with. But I think the powder brush is definitely worth collecting as well. The dual eyes brush has actually really grown on me, because they're so soft but also have enough stiff so they give really good control; I found that a lot of my eye shadow brushes are too fluffy and actually give less precision. On the last note, the flawless HD brush actually has grown on me as well XD hahahaha I didn't touch it for a while but then I made myself use it everyday and the more I use it, the more I like it :P I notice my base makeup gets least cakey when I use the flawless HD brush (yes compared to the Sigma flat top synthetic) I think it might be because it's slightly streaky in application so I actually take more time and care to really blend in my foundation... maybe that's why??? who knows XD

So yeah, that really concludes my review for all the Bubbi brushes ^_^ Hope you guys enjoyed it. I really do recommend her brushes, not only because I'm a long time fan/supporter, but they really do perform well. Bubbi is planning on launching brushes that are more for professional uses... not sure if I'm going to collect these, I have way too many brushes now I'm running out of space to store them!!!!!!!!! lol!

That's all I have ^_^ Do you guys own any Bubbi brushes? If yes which one is your favorite?? :D

<3 Frances

Clinique Moisture Surge vs. Laneige Water Sleeping Pack

Hey guys!

How's everyone doing?? I really don't feel like studying -__- not good cuz I have SO much to do -.- blehhhhhhhh I feel so unmotivated. Anyway! I thought I'd do a comparison review ^_^ because before I thought both products are very similar in texture and functions, but they actually feel quite different.


Clinique Moisture Surge comes with 50ml of products, while Laneige has 80ml. And Laneige actually comes with a spatula which is nice. Price-wise Laneige is much cheaper; Clinique Moisure Surge retails for $36, and I got the Laneige Water Sleeping Pack for around $25 at my local Korean market (HMART).  


I've had the Clinique one for a while so I'm almost running out.  It doesn't actually look like I've used much of the Laneige. Well I haven't really been reaching for it that much for one thing lol. And I also been using the products that are stuck to the lid for another lol!




Close up on the products





Here are the actual products



You can see from the pictures, the texture of the two actually feel very similar.


So here comes my thoughts. While the texture feels really similar, the effect they give are completely different. And for me, Clinique is definitely the winner out of the two.

Laneige Water Sleeping Pack is designed to be worn on top of your night cream/moisturizer before you go to bed. It feels nice and although I usually don't like my skincare products to be fragranted, I actually do enjoy the scent of this product; it does have that calming effect :) But the sleeping pack on its own is definitely not moisturizing enough, unlike the Clinique Moisture Surge where you can apply it as moisturizer or a mask. One thing I really dislike about the sleeping pack though, is you have to be really careful about how much products you use. I found it to be really sticky and I'd wake up finding my face to be very greasy if I apply a thicker layer. I don't know, when I apply a thin layer, it feels like it's not enough, but if I apply more it just ends up feeling sticky and greasy -.- that's why I haven't really been reaching for this product.

Clinique Moisture Surge, on the other hand, is definitely more moisturizing than Laneige. It's not fragranted at all which I appreciate :)  After I apply Clinique I wouldn't feel like I need to replenish more because my skin would feel hydrated and comfortable. And with Clinique I found if I do apply a thick layer, it still wouldn't feel sticky :D But while I think it's a very nice moisturizer and I really do enjoy it, it's not something that I'd go around and rave about if you know what I mean? I know there are so many ppl who rave and swear by this product, but I'm just not one of them lol. The same goes to the Laneige Sleeping Pack. I almost feel bad that I dislike this product because I know so many ppl who really enjoy it. Oh well. Everyone has different preference. The good news is Laneige counters do give out sample packs so you can always try them out first :D

So my final verdict is... I'd recommend spending extra bucks and get the Clinique one :) Laneige was just a miss for me.

So that's all ^_^ Hope some of you found this helpful :D

<3 Frances

Rose Petal Blush!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Quick post--- I CANNOT RESIST!!!!!
HOW ON EARTH DID THIS EVEN HAPPEN?!?!?!?!??!?! Omg omg omg!!!! *freaks out!!!!*

I thought the Guerlain's Meteorite from this spring collection is already amazing, but this... COMPLETELY blows everything else out of the water!!!!!

Here are some pictures obtained from the official website http://lm-laduree.com/. This product is produced by Les Merveilleuses LADURÉE and so far only available in Japan.






AHHH!!!! *squeals!!!*

Yes, the rose petals are actually blushers. Can you freaking believe it!!!!! >______________<

I found out about this product from a Taiwanese bloggie that I follow-- MissBitter 不太甜.

Click here to see the post to see the actual product, not just the promo pics!!!

Seriously, click here click here click here =DDDD

LOL omg I am still freaking out. So freaking GORGEOUS. Even if I have access to it I probably won't purchase it though... wayy too expensive O_O

<3 Frances

17 vs. 24

LMAO. Age and makeup happened to me. LOL!!!

Will come back soon =D School is keeping me busy T_T

PS: Anyone having trouble with Disqus???? It wouldn't let me moderate comments and it's been dayyyyss... orz
PPS: Never mind it's just firefox being stupid XD

<3 Frances