My Current Obsession - YSL Rogue

This signature gold stick of eye-popping color is the YSL Rogue Volupte by Yves Saint Laurent that is extremely gentle on the lips and full of color. This stick is just everything a woman needs for every occasion out. YSL Rogue has a line of shine that is a shimmer that is moisture with every glide onto the lips. For a price of $35 that is well worth it at Sephora, the YSL Rogue Volupte lipstick has a wide selection of colors that should be a collection piece!

Life in Korea - Makeup Madness

The one thing I cannot stress enough of after living in Korea is the importance of beauty. I don't think many of the country understand how big of an issue beauty is in Korea. "In order" to be qualified for a job, many Koreans get plastic surgery and the most popular are the double eyelid and nose surgery. When applying for a job in Korea, a photo must be attached on the resume. That is how much they stress the importance of beauty. So where does that leave the rest of the world?

Many girls are always chasing the trend and always looking fashionable, wherever they go, no matter how cold it is outside. You can find girls in skirts, stockings, and heels on a cold winter snowy day. In addition to the dress code, makeup is a must. The concentrated area of makeup is the eyes and you can see that most Korean girls have eyelash extensions which is false individual lashes glued to your lash line to achieve a look of fuller and longer lashes. It definitely comes in handy when you are on a rush out of the door and saves on your daily makeup. 

In addition to having eyelash extensions, circle lenses is a big hit in Korea. Circle lenses are contact lenses which is an upgrade from color lenses from when I was in high school. Circle lenses are used by many Asian girls in order to have bigger, cuter, dolly eyes. In Korea, there are many different color, designs, and sizes for such contact lenses. I cannot deny the fact that I've been living in Korea so long that I've been using them daily as well. After moving back to America though, I have not thrown on a pair since I've landed. Still, it is something that is attractive every now and then for a night out, but it does put a bit of strain on the eyes. Although it is not recommended to be worn for more than six hours because of the size of the contact, many girls in Korea do it anyway. 

Makeup is also a big thing in Korea and there are hundreds of makeup stores in Korea. In fact, you can find two of the same store on one block. Makeup is that important in Korea! With so many choices and so many more stores that are still popping up, the makeup industry is continuing to grow. Cosmetics and beauty is not only important to women, but men in Korea as well. In fact, men sometimes spend more time getting ready than women. That explains their clear skin and why they are so fashionable here as well. 

Looking cute and fresh at all times is extremely important to Koreans. For this very reason, you will find mirrors everywhere in Korea. Train stations, elevators, hallways, and you will always find someone looking at themselves in the mirror. Guys usually fix their hair or check their outfit and girls are usually making sure their makeup is on point. When I say on point, I mean they will pull out a mirror in a coffee shop, restaurant, and on the train. It is not always a small pocket-sized mirror either. You will find girls with mirrors that they would use in the house. There is no shame in using a mirror that big or fixing your makeup in public.

For many, the extent of plastic surgery is considered necessary. In fact, with the Korean culture, many parents "gift" their daughters some kind of aesthetic purpose. I find it to be a shame when students as young as elementary schoolers are already talking the corrections that need to be done to their very own faces.

The culture does worry me from time to time, I know for sure since I have lived in Korea, there has been small changes that I have made to my daily makeup routine. My family has noticed the difference and labeled me as being "more Korean." There is no harm in that, but being aware and knowing how far it goes is extremely important for anyone living in Korea! Just be sure to look your best at all times because you will be judged. Luckily, Korea is a very fashionable place, accepting all sorts of styles which allows you to be as creative and unique as possible. 

Product Review - Missha Creamy Matte Lip Rouge

Missha's Creamy Matte Lip Rouge in PK03, a pink that I have been dying to get for a while now for the very reason that is light on the skin. The matte color works extremely well with my lip except the fact that there is not enough moisture in the lipstick. There are a handful of other lipsticks that Missha and Innisfree carries that are not as dry as this one. Because of the dry feeling, the lip color does not glide on perfectly.

I would probably not buy the Creamy Matte Lip Rouge again because the line is dry. It would be best if the color blended well, especially with lip balm underneath. Although the color is amazing, the lipstick itself tends to fall apart too easily for my liking meaning I would probably not recommend this line from Missha.

My Current Obsession - Nature Republic Botanical BB Fixer

I am absolutely in love with the Nature Republic Botanical BB Fixer spray that is a way to put a hold on your makeup. Very much like the Urban Decay Makeup setter spray, it is to be used after making your final touches to set your makeup for a long night out.

It is one of the fewest makeup setters that I have found in Korea. I think one of the best things about this product is the scent of the spray. I hate using products that work but smell horrible. This setter has a fragrant scent of flowers that smells just like perfume so you can even skip out on the perfume around the ears. Without shaking the can, simply spray to the face with the eyes closed. Be sure to have an even application to the face! Simple as that and you are on your way out.

Beauty Review - Vichy Purete Thermale Soothing Eye Makeup Remover

I recently discovered this amazing sensitive skin product line, Vichy. With a recommendation from a friend in the cosmetic industry, this is by far my favorite makeup remover. Made with cornflower water and Vitamin B, this sensitive eye makeup remover has a dual purpose to remove makeup and treat the appearance of fatigue eyes. 

Having a problem with dry eyes and constantly allergic to many products, I am a bit skeptical to try products around the eyes. Happily discovering this product, I will probably never try another eye makeup remover. It even has the same pH as tears which is a greater plus to anyone with dry eyes.

Simply shake up the product to mix the solution and wipe your makeup away. I have had problems with other products where I could not remove my makeup and had to constantly wipe around my eyes. With a cotton pad, makeup is easily removed with no problems whatsoever. I love that I do not have to tug at my eyes and become paranoid about pulling around the eye area.

I definitely recommend this product and the line to anyone with sensitive skin. Created by dermatologists, it is a great line to try out. There are many products that serve a dual even triple purpose which helps to save money on beauty care.

Life in Korea - Survival Tips

Living in Korea can be difficult in terms of getting certain items. For starters, I have constantly asked for care packages from home because there are a handful of items that I cannot find here, or the price is ridiculously overpriced for the items. This is to the point where international shipping is cheaper, unbelievable! I decided to compile a list of things that are a MUST bring if you do come to Korea, and a tip as to where you can pick up certain products.

1. Reese's. Reese's. I mean Reese's - This is a big one, there is no such thing as Reese's in Korea. You can find other chocolates like Twix, Snickers, M and Ms, as well as other candies in foreigner markets (sometimes overpriced), but at least they have it. Reese's is impossible to find here, so I always ask for a few bags of Reese's when someone comes to visit or is sending a package. 
2. Foreign Snacks - If there is something you cannot live without, do yourself a favor and pack it with you. I actually came with a bag full of snacks before departing America for Korea, it was definitely necessary!
3. Menthol Toothpaste - Most Asian countries do not have a menthol toothpaste, it's usually a weird fruity flavor or green tea flavor. Yes, Asians prefer fruity and tasteful over minty clean fresh.
4. Shoes - Women, if your shoe size is 8.5 or higher, bring your own. The highest size in Korea is 250 which is equivalent to a size 8. Men, size 11 is the biggest so be prepared!
5. Big Size Clothing - Unless you are petite or at most a size medium, you should probably bring a closet full of clothes all year around. It is impossible to find stylish clothes for those who are a medium and up at times because Korea is known for "free size," one size fits all. There are a few foreign shops where you can find clothing that will fit which includes Forever 21, H&M, Uniqlo, the regular sized clothing stores in Myeondong, Gangnam and a few other areas. Men, this is the same for you, unless you fall under the category of small, medium, and maybe large, you are better off bringing your own clothing, especially suits and slack pants.
6. Socks - This may be a bit peculiar and brushed off by many, but the socks in Korea are made of such a thin material, you will find yourself putting holes in your socks more than wearing them. It's kind of sad when you are excited to go to Costco just to pick up new socks.
7. Brand Name Items - Do not think about getting your shopping fix on in Korea or any Asian country on brand name items because they are a lot cheaper in America. Asians are very materialistic and that is why brand names are at least 20% higher in price than back at home. This includes luxury brands and regular brands like Nike and New Balance (yes, New Balance is popular in Korea, it's double the price and value than it is back at home)!
8. Deodorant - Another overpriced item in Korea just because it is not a common product here. We've confirmed that Koreans just do not sweat as much as us Americans (jk). Therefore, they do not need deodorant. 
9. Soy Protein and Supplements - Soy protein is an impossible find in Korea, there is only Whey Protein which is extremely overpriced. Yes, it is annoying to lug a four pound bottle, but sometimes it's just necessary. Luckily for me, I found iHerb.com which ships soy protein directly to me (more information below).
10. Medication - Korea does not have American brand medications, unless you are shopping at Costco, but it is still impossible to find certain kinds there so I do suggest to bring your own.
11. Fitted Sheets - There's actually no thing as fitted sheets in Korea. Either that or they are extremely overpriced so do yourself a favor and bring a few with you when moving abroad.
12. Towels - The American full body sized towels are over priced here. For something that I can pick up for just $5 back at home, I ended up paying $20 for in Korea. Definitely bring two towels to rotate when washing!
13. Cooking Ingredients - It is almost impossible to find every sauce, powder, and flavorings in Korea. Because of that, I suggest bringing your own that you are constantly using because they are overpriced in the foreign markets of Itaewon. 
14. Cotton Underwear - Women know that cotton is your best friend to prevent yeast infections. Unfortunately, it is a bit difficult to find cotton underwear in Korea, especially if you are looking for something that is plain in design and not so lacy or silky. It is smart to go to Victoria's Secret and stack up on a handful during their annual sale!
15. Cosmetics - If you are someone on the darker tone, like myself, and refuse to use BB Cream (a skin whitener), be sure to bring your own makeup because you will not find your tone in Korea. Unless you are down South in areas like Busan where there is plenty of sun, the darkest shade of makeup just might be for fair skin tones. Yes, most stores usually carry a maximum of three shades which is less than a quarter of what you would find back at home.
16. Pads & Tampons - Tampons are extremely overpriced in Korea. That and they are usually made of a less comfortable material. You can get lucky and find Tampax Pearl, but it is impossible to find Playtex so do yourself a favor and stack up! For those who use thong pads, they are also unavailable in Korea so do bring a box yourself.
17. Drugstore Brands - Do not expect to find drugstore brands for a low price in Korea. You will regret relying on drugstore brands because they are double, even triple the price here in Korea. This includes a bottle of J&J baby lotion that runs for $3 on sale in America, you are paying $8 on sale in Korea.

For many of the items above, plus more, I did find a website, iHerb.com which is an American price (sometimes cheaper) website with supplements, foods, and many other products that will ship to Korea for a low price. They do not charge a ridiculous amount of $50 for shipping so I am absolutely in love with the website. The best thing for first time users is the use of a referral code: FEJ438 for $5 off your first purchase and extremely low or free shipping internationally! Anyone abroad in any country should check out the website just to get your foreign fix on!

This website is also great for those back in the states too, not necessarily those abroad because they have low prices and constant sales. I am definitely a fan! They even have everything I needed for my Master Cleanse, all organic and shipped to me within 5 days!