About Me

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California, United States
Hi! Thanks for visiting ^_^ My social media platforms: Instagram: meowmier Youtube: http://goo.gl/U5SnNM (formerly under the username francesvlogs but I don't have access to that anymore). I don't really do videos anymore simply because I think blog posts are more informative. Hope you enjoyed your time here! :)

Friday, May 11, 2012

Girl's Generation "Twinkle" Inspired Makeup ^_~

Hey guys!

 So today I have a quick inspired look for you ^_~

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 Just finished my first final today and really wanted a study break. Hence the makeup procrastination XD been wanting to try out this look ever since I first saw the music video. I wish I had more time, then I would've done my hair too. Oh well!




Here's my favorite look ^_^ Some screen shots I managed to get :D
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I'm really not familiar with Girl's Generation so I apologize I don't know who this is O_O
update: I know who she is now XD Tiffany~ <3 a="" href="http://s128.photobucket.com/albums/p168/Francesu0/beauty%20blog%206/?action=view&current=twinkle2.jpg" target="_blank">Photobucket

I'm guessing it's either Tiffany or Taeyeon... but from the pictures I could find they both look too similar to me to tell them apart *face palms* 

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Love the sexy red lips! Anyway, really love this super glam look!


As usual... camho pics =D Okay I'm kind of in a hurry cuz I need to get back to studying, so I'm just gonna show and pics and skip the words XD Oh yeah the sunlight really washed me out... my skin looks paper white lol

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The best close-up I got... which turned out quite shitty but oh well.


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On the last note, I came across this girl who does phenomenal hair styles! But honestly most of her tutorials are too technical/confusing/hard for me to follow XD I don't have very smart fingers when it comes to hair lol. But anyway She happened to have a tutorial for this music video as well. Her channel is called Cerinebabyyish if you want to check her out ^_^



Okay that's all folks! Hope you enjoyed this quick post ^_^

Saturday, May 5, 2012

My guide to foundations

Hi guys!

So sometimes I got asked by girls to recommend foundation for their skin type?

Honestly I'm really no professional... at all XD  but I thought I can put together this post based on my personal experience. I have tried all foundations stated in this post, by the way. I have tried A LOT more foundations than these, but these are the ones I have very solid opinions about. I will keep this foundation recommendation list updated :)

And to be honest, I can make suggestions all day long, but when it comes to foundation, you really just gotta try it out on yourself. Everyone's skin react to products differently and consequently the products will wear differently. Also shades and coverage also play a huge role... and obviously your perception of heavy/light coverage might be different from mine. We all look for different things in a foundation, so really, you've just got to try it out for yourself. Makeup is really all about trial and error.

My best advice for ladies choosing for foundations... GET A SAMPLE!!!!
Seriously, do it. Don't be shy. It will save you a lot of money. And don't just try it on in stores, because the lighting is almost always deceiving. Get a sample. See how it wears throughout the day. A lot of foundations look phenomenal when you first put it on your face, but wears horribly at the end of the day. Examine the shade under natural sunlight, this will be the most accurate lighting to choose the right shade.

Good luck ;)

<3 Frances
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Now onto my suggestions:

Dry/Normal Skin:
In general, most moisturizing liquid foundations should work great for dry/normal skin. Other formulations like gel foundations, serum foundations, and cream foundations are also great.

I think Dry/Normal skin will appreciate...

- Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation
(medium-full coverage)
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- Laura Mercier Mineral Powder Foundation
(medium coverage)
(this foundation does oxidize and appear darker if you ever get oily)
(semi-matte finish)
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- Chantecaille Future Skin Gel Foundation
(light-medium coverage)
(I remember particularly this foundation doesn't cover black heads because of its gel consistency)
(semi-matte finish)
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- Diorskin 'Forever' Fluid Flawless Perfection Fusion Wear Makeup SPF25
(medium coverage)
(beautiful foundation but slips so easily on my normal/oily combination skin...)
(this foundation also contains alcohol. Avoid if that annoys you)
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- Dior Capture Totale Foundation
(medium-full coverage)
(this is a serum foundation)
(beautiful BEAUTIFUL foundation! but it separates/breaks down horribly on my face get I get oily)  
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- MAC Face and Body Foundation
(sheer-light coverage)
(dewy finish)
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- Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua
(medium coverage)
(semi-matte finish)
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- Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation SPF15
(light coverage)
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- Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation 
(light-medium coverage)
(dewy finish)
(I have combination skin and this foundation still holds up reasonably well on my skin, you will look shiny/oily so powder it down. But it doesn't slip and slide).

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- NARS Sheer Glow Foundation 
(medium coverage)
(semi-dewy finish)
(I would say the same thing about this foundation as the Bourjois Healthy Mix-- I have combination skin and this foundation still holds up reasonably well on my skin, you will look shiny/oily so powder it down. But it doesn't slip and slide).

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- Burberry Sheer Luminous Fluid Foundation
(I don't really agree that this is a sheer foundation. I think with the right brush you will be able to achieve light-medium coverage)
(This foundation really is only suitable for dry or normal skin. This foundation breaks down on my face when I get oily. So definitely stay away if you're combination/oily)
(dewy finish)
 
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- Josie Maran Argan Matchmake Serum Foundation
(light-medium coverage)
(semi-matte finish)
(This foundation is probably best for ppl with normal skin. I can work with it on my combination skin although it isn't the best. Prob not for dry skin especially if you have dry patches because it WILL accentuate it)

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- Giorgio Armani Maestro foundation
(light-medium coverage)
(semi-matte finish)
(heavily silicone-based foundation)
(Prob the best for normal skin. Avoid if you have dry skin and especially if you have dry patches. I have combination skin and this foundation does not perform well on me so I'd say avoid if you're combination/oily)
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-YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat foundation
(light-medium coverage)
(gorgeous dewy finish)
(I think it's a beautiful foundation for dry and normal skin. It actually doesn't accentuate dryness that bad either. On my combination skin while it looks shiny on my oily areas, it doesn't move or fade so it works for me)


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- Dior Diorskin Nude Skin-Glowing foundation
(medium-full coverage)
(beautiful semi-matte finish... although it's semi-matte it has a glow to it, but not dewy)
(I think this foundation would work best for dry/normal skin. It works fine on my combination skin but I do notice by the end of the day it'd start to cake into my expression lines a bit).
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Combination skin (normal-oily):
Powder foundations that give matte finish generally work better for combination skin. Liquid foundations that give matte finish will work better as well. If you don't like matte finish, I suggest mixing a matte foundation with a dewy finish foundation, that way you get the best of both worlds-- I found this works a lot better than using a single foundation. Please note that the combination of mixed foundations is not going to keep you oil-free all day, I just found with this combination you don't look as greasy and at least the foundation wears well without slipping and sliding. Honestly my goal for my combination skin is to have foundations that don't slip off and don't appear like a oil slick, that's all. For combination skin, ALWAYS set your foundation with powder. And definitley avoid cream/gel foundations. Last suggestion-- avoid touching your face all together if you don't want to accidentally wipe foundation off your face-- that could easily happen especially when you get oily. For me, I especially do not touch my nose cuz that's where I get oily/need coverage.


I think Combination skin will appreciate...

- Lancome Maqui Blanc Miracle Natural Brightening Creator Compact Foundation
(medium-full coverage)
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-Bare Escentuals bareMinerals Matte Foundation SPF 15
(medium-full coverage)
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-Make Up For Ever Mat Velvet+ Matifying Foundation
(medium-full coverage)
(matte finish)
(I honestly think this is the best matte/oil control liquid foundation by far)
(I think this foundation is more suitable if you're very oily or you live somewhere that is very humid. My combination skin did not appreciate this foundation at all when I lived in Colorado where it is super dry-- it looked dry and unflattering on my skin. But now I live in Maryland I love it!) 
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- Make Up For Ever High Definition Foundation
(medium-full coverage)
(semi-matte finish)
(I read a lot of reviews saying that this foundation slips easily. I don't find it true on my combination skin. This foundation actually sits pretty well on my face)
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- Kat Von D Lock-It Tattoo Foundation
(full coverage)
(matte finish)
(this foundation is a lot like Makeup Forever Mat Velvet+ but much thicker. Mat Velvet+ has a runnier consistency and Lock-It doesn't really move around if you put it on the back of your hand)
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- Chanel Perfection Lumiere
(medium coverage)
(semi-matte finish)
(I think combination can appreciate this foundation, but if you're more on the oilier side then probably not)
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In addition.... From what I've heard (not personal experience)


Combination/Oily skin will also appreciate...

-Hourglass Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation hourglass





- Revlon ColorStay for Combination/Oily Skin
(full coverage?)

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Dry/Normal skin will appreciate...
 
-Neutrogena Healthy Skin Foundation

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Monday, April 30, 2012

First-time attempt to sculpt my lips XD Hyorin/Hyolyn Inspired... kind of :P

Can you even spy the difference here? XD Photobucket
LOL prob not? XD


I saw the cover of Hyorin's song "I choose to love you" and for some reason noticed her lips :P Photobucket
I found the shape of her lips adorable :D

I don't have her lip shape so I just tried to fake it using lipstick and concealer XD

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The difference is pretty subtle cuz I wanted it to look natural...


Although... it really doesn't look natural at all in real life =_=

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The concealer just looks really unnatural and awkward around the lips =( I even tried using a concealer that's darker than my skin tone but it appears so much paler next the the hot pink lips. Boo =(
(yeah I have mustache leave me alone XDXDXD lololol) Hmmm maybe lip liner would've helped? =D but I don't have one XD

Seriously, I don't know how I watch Michelle Phan do this in so many tutorials without ever thinking it looked unnatural??? @_@ must be the lighting and the video being washed out. I should'n't be surprised actually since I do videos myself XD

As always, some camho pics for your enjoyment (?) XD
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Excuse my mega dark circles. I had 1 hour of sleep last night. O_o
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lol you can see the concealer in this pic

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and this pic

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every pic?!?!?!?!?!?!

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To be honest I kind of like this lip shape XD But in reality no one probably would even notice the difference lol.

So before I end this post, just want to share some of the songs by Hyorin =D
I've been obsessed with her >_< which is horrible timing because I've been youtubing her videos when I'm supposed to be studying for exams/preparing for finals X_x

I'm seriously in love with her >_<
Her voice is incredible <3 I actually kind of love how her voice is a little bit raspy :P she sings very soulfully... if anyone have the same feeling? And for some reason she reminds me of Christina Aguilera a bit when she's performing this particular song. She has the cutest smile >////< (haha omg listen to me going on and on about her lol)

I feel like I haven't seen a Korean singer with so much presence since BoA @_@ My level of obsession for her is nowhere near the level I was obsessed with BoA years ago XD (not yet hehe)  But seriously, this girl is always so confident! It really shines through when she's performing.

She needs to go solo :P I hope she would XD I feel like Sistar is just like any other mainstream Kpop groups... she needs to do different elements/style of music :D (If there are any Sistar fans here I'm sorry lol).



Lastly... two songs I've been obsessed with :D on replay all the time haha
Her voice is so versatile >w< she sounds so cute in this song <3

I think both of these songs are from the drama "Man of Honor" (or is it "Glorious Jane?" I have no idea). Haven't watched it yet. I don't have the habbit of watching Korean dramas but Park Min Young's in there and I like her :D we'll see.
At first I thought this song sounds so generic, but somehow it got stuck in my head. lol.

That's all I have today ^_^ Hope you guys enjoyed the music!

Any songs recommendation? =D



<3 Frances

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Really want to try the SK-II Facial Treatment Cream Foundation ><"

Woah... Logged into blogger today and realized the whole format has been changed O_O!!!! It will take some getting used to lol.

 If you've been reading my blog for a while you all know I'm a foundation junkie XD Recently came across this video... and OMG the foundation looks incredible on her O_O++++


 

Fast forward to 1:00 to see the cream foundation in action. Hehehe she's Taiwanese too =DDD

I LOVE that glow the foundation gave!! omg omg omg omg so pretty ><" (but she has dry skin...)

Anyway so I got really excited and immediately went to look it up... and I almost fainted at the price tag ><" $95 for 0.7 oz?! It's not even the standard 1 oz.... HOLY CRAP.


Having combination skin I've never had good experience with cream products because they tend to separate/slip and slide (even with powder) on my face. But I looked up quite a few reviews and some state because of how hydrating this foundation is (also the Pitera treatment it contains I guess?) it actually keeps their oiliness at bay?!

Too bad there is not a SKII counter where I live or else I would have gone and picked up a sample T^T

Hahahah just a short whining post. :P



Since I shared newapplearial 陳佩佩's video, I figure I might as well share some of her other videos that I really enjoy =D Her videos are in Chinese though, so sorry for non-Chinese audiences!

I knew about her for quite a while ago but I wasn't really fond of her videos back then because I thought her tutorials were just okay. But when I randomly came across her videos recently again I realized her style has changed and I like her now :D I'm still not crazy about her tutorials but I really really enjoy her reviews ^_^


I thought this concealing tutorial is pretty interesting O_O+


 
This video talks about her favorite skincare products from 2011. I really want to try the Bobbi Brown eye cream but DAMN it's pricey. ><" but from the way she described her fine lines I really think this eye cream might work for me since I have the same problem as well. (Jeune d'age eye cream hasn't really done anything for me... 殘念orz)



And this video talks about her favorite makeup products from 2011. I adore that Etude blush it looks so cute!! Must try to track it down when I go to South Korea this summer. Did I mention I'm going to South Korea for one week this summer? =DDDDD

By the way thank you guys for the encouraging words regarding my last post about my fitness progress... =D I'm still not at my goal but it's okay I know it's gonna take just that extra bit of effort and time. I'm very close =D Me and my roommate didn't do the P90X workout. We started with the Insanity workout instead since that one is shorter (it's too hard to find time or even just work out for 1 hour straight at the moment XD especially with that kind of intensity...) My body is feeling pretty sore at the moment. Which is a good feeling actually considering I haven't felt sore in a while since I work out consistenly now XD (but man when I first started doing those workout videos soreness and pain and weakness were all I could feel everyday for like a month O_O)  Okay now I'm just rambling.

Hope you guys still enjoyed this post anyway? ><" 

Talk to you guys later ^_^

<3 Frances

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Bangs are SO long! And fitness/weight-loss progress

Hi guys!

Okay this is just gonna be a somewhat vain post where I just put up pictures of myself XD Just realized how long my bangs are the other day so took a few pics lalalalala XD

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My bangs haven't been this long in a while... usually I get a haircut before my bangs get this long XD Hair was somewhat crimped and curly cuz I had it up in a pony tail when I worked out earlier that day.
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It's very annoying sometimes. Remember how I always complain about my right eye not wearing eyeliner well because of the way my bangs sit? Here you go. Eyeliner on my right eye tends to smear because of my hair.
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Hmmm not sure if I like it or dislike it? I guess I'm trying to grow it out cuz I'm sick of trimming my bangs all the time. But not having bangs make me less photogenic. Surprisingly iPone pics turned out okay XD
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Hmmm but I do think I look a bit older/sophistated with this bang length =D we'll see if I'm gonna keep it this way.


Okay now onto my fitness progress. I started working out to Jillian Michael's 30-day shred on 1/13/2012 (I keep a workout journal)
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You might remember I posted this pic in this post here. This pic was taken on day 12 of the 30 day shred, and I already toned up a bit at that time (so imagine how fat I was before that.. T^T) At that time I didn't really lose much weight at all, just toned up cuz I was just starting to slowly adjust my diet.


Okay as of yesterday 4/21/2012 after about 3 months of consistent workout/diet control
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=DDD Stomach looks so much better XDDDDDDD (don't mind my bare face and wet hair here XD)

By the way in both pics I was sucking in my stomach as hard as I could (Again marvelling at how fat I was before O_O look at my stomach even with me trying to suck it in... damn)

But anyway my stomach still needs work. My stomach is not flat when I relax it lolololololol XD And still trying to work on my arms although not very hopeful cuz I was born with chubby fat arms. My arms have slimmed a bit but as you can see the difference is not that noticeable.

I think the best part of working out that is not shown in the pics is I like the way my butt and thighs feel now XD they're pretty toned and tight now. Woohoo! Never thought my thighs can be this tight and firm XD But my thighs are quite massive (aka muscular) though lol. Definitely do not have the Asian pop star long and slender type of legs.

 Hmmmm so as of right now I'm working on the 30 day shred again. Cuz kind of ran out of things to do plus I wanted to challenge myself to do it much better this time around. I'm still kind of at a plateau with my weight but oh well... I'm trying... 4 more pounds!

My roommate is gonna start doing the P90X workout I might do it with her XD We'll see hehe.

That's all ^_^ thanks for reading!


<3 Frances