My Current Obsession - Hourglass Illusion Tinted Moisturizer

When I went home to America, I went on a huge splurge at Sephora and picked up the Hourglass Illusion Tinted Moisturizer which is Oil Free and great for sensitive skin. With a base of shimmer, it is the one product that provides great coverage and blends extremely well with my skin. It's a bit difficult to find a color for a mixed base, but Illusion is able to fill in the gaps. This light and gentle product is one thing I am obsessed with and will recommend to anyone with sensitive skin and psoriasis. The coverage on this product is amazing! Because it is a moisturizer with color, it saves on the amount of time you need to pile on the extra moisturizer. It is definitely great for hot summer days or humid spring days when you just don't want to pile on the extra moisturizer but need to keep your skin's elasticity! 

Product Review - Clio Diamond Rose Foundation

Clio is one of the rising brands in Korea and I am totally obsessed with their Kill Slim eyeliner. I decided to give their products a try, especially their liquid liner, but I wasn't too impressed. This review on the Clio Diamond Rose Foundation may be of another disappointment as well. I was extremely excited to finally find a color in Korea that matches my darker skin tone, but for some reason, this just wasn't it. 

The color compliments my skin tone, but the foundation does not stick to my skin the way I want it to. With use, you are able to see the lines on along the face left by your brush, not matter how it is applied. It does not stick on the way I want it to so I definitely do not think it is worth the investment. I barely have negative reviews, but this is one that I am not actually happy about.

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!

Makeup Review - Lush Colour Supplement

I didn't expect to pick up my next favorite foundation at Lush, but I sure did prior to my trip to Korea. I was looking for a new foundation for the trip and I found the Lush Colour Supplement. Something that is a little peculiar, but special in its own way. The Lush Colour Supplement allows for you to mix with your daily lotion to create a more even spread. The best thing about the product is it only costs $16 and it lasts a whole year, especially for those who are mixing it with their daily moisturizers. All you need is a dime size (if even) for the whole face and mix with your regular amount of moisturizer. 

You can also use the supplement alone to conceal dark areas and such prior to coverage for the face. I am not that big of a fan of using it as a concealer because it just feels too think in one area. Another thing that doesn't really help me is the amount of time I can save when doing my makeup. The one good thing is that I am now living in Korea so I do not have to keep up with the fast pace life of New York. Next time you're in the area, give it a try and pick up a sample. I love Lush for its natural products and great uses!

Makeup Review - Cover FX

I recently discovered Cover FX, a pricey but great makeup line created by dermatologists who understand the difficulty and strives to have clear skin, without the use of makeup. This corrective makeup is half skin care product, half makeup which helps to improve your skin with wear this means any skin problems (psoriasis included). It is absolutely amazing and works wonders with the skin. With daily use, the skin will gradually clear to the point where it is flawless.

Aside from being an amazing product, it is the only makeup line I know that contains my natural color without having to mix. Cover FX offers a pink and yellow undertone mix because there are people, like me, who do not have a complete pink undertone, or a complete yellow. With that said, I am able to find a color that blends well with my skin and provides me with a more natural makeup. It blends completely well to hide any psoriasis marks I have on the face or any other part of the body, it just takes a bit of time.

I do have a few dislikes about this makeup which is the foundation being very thick. It takes a lot of blending out with a brush and I am not a fan of using a brush because I do not like streak marks and I feel brushes do not provide me with an even coverage. Aside from having to use the brush, I feel that blending takes a bit more time, especially if I want to hide a psoriasis marks, but it does hide extremely well. Product can even hide tattoos! In addition to the natural texture of the product, I had a problem with the concealer which comes off to be dark, but lightens as you blend. Because it required more blending than normally, I felt that the thick texture caused me to pull at my eyes and other areas a little too hard.

At the end of the day, I still have not found the right product that works with my face completely. I have found many products that compliment my skin and works well with it, Cover FX included. I do recommend, if you are interested in giving it a go, to pick up the Cover FX Clear Prep Primer which will also help clear up your skin. It works well with other products and I definitely replaced my all natural Korres primer for this. A bummer, but I absolutely love this line. 

Temptu AIRbrush Makeup System

Being that I love makeup and I am always on the lookout for new foundation, I discovered the Temptu AIRbrush Makeup System at Sephora the other day. I actually heard about air makeup prior to seeing this product, but you have no idea how excited I was about it. I am in love with the fact that those with psoriasis and other skin problems like me are able to conceal their marks with a light makeup.

I hate the feeling of coloring all over my face which I feel like sometimes when I’m applying makeup. I love the thought of having a tanner look with just a few sprays, love being able to spray everything on and walk around, knowing my makeup will stay in and does not crease. Simply prime and spray in a circular motion and the color will glide on yoru face. I even love the highlighting color that makes my face look instantly slimmer. The only problem is the price. The price of $225 will get you the makeup system which does not include the makeup which ranges from $30-55.

I do believe it is a great investment if you wear makeup daily. I am definitely trying to not splurge just to get this system, extremely excited about it. I do have a problem with their blush color that is a little sticky on the face, but I love how you can brush color onto your lips and wear it as lipstick. For now, I will just make a few more stops into the Sephora store to fall in love with the product to the point where its enough to make me buy one! 

Makeup Review - Clinique Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup

I recently blogged about how I was not a fan of Clinique, associating the brand with middle aged women, but I've learned to love the brand. I just picked up the Acne Solutions Foundation Makeup not too long ago and it is great! It helps to control my acne and clear up my face while providing coverage for dark spots that I already have. I am in love with the product and just wanted to share it with you!

It might be a stereotype to associate Clinique with Asian women, but I do see a lot of Asians checking out Clinique in the Sephora stores. Please do not be like me and associate a stereotype with a brand because you'll just be missing out! The one thing that I have a problem with is that it's a little difficult to find my undertone since I'm a bit of peach and yellow mixed in. You can definitely tell when I have makeup on when I take a picture with flash so that's the no no, but overall I am in love with this foundation for day makeup.

Beauty Splurge - Sephora

With my Sephora splurge that was widely advertised on my blog, I came home to three boxes of goodies. I don’t know how many Sephora Collection items I picked up, all for $5 and less. I even got backups and backup of backups because it was so cheap. I’m so excited to give these a try and if it doesn’t work out, I’ll be the good friend and family member that gives away free makeup haha!

One of my must raves that I have to share with you which I have been itching to get but refused to buy at first is the Benefit Cosmetics They’re Real! Mascara. This mascara is to help me maximize my lashes to its potential that boosts length and volume. The one thing I learned is you can never have too many mascaras so it was a must have for me. Stay tuned for a review on this because I sure expect a lot from the commercial I saw!

Another item which I am extremely excited about is the Cover FX foundation. This brand was developed my dermatologists who understand true beauty, even with skin problems. I am excited for this because it is not only a foundation but it also has skin care products mixed in that will help to clean up my skin and conceal my psoriasis very well. I hope this really works because I will share with you all the goodies!

A few other items that I picked up are Make Up Forever Aqua Liner, Anastasia Brow Pen, First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser, Clinique Age Defense BB Cream (this is like a must have for every Asian who's into white skin and fighting wrinkles), and a foot cleaner. Can’t wait to share makeup reviews with you all!

Makeup Review - Bare Escentuals bareMinerals

I have been using Bare Escentuals bareMinerals for over six months now and I have quite a lot to share about the product. In the beginning, I was so in love with the fact that it is a loose powder makeup that is not damaging to the face, being that it is natural, it is a perfect product for those with skin problems. The mineral powder is so light, you can sleep with it and it is able to help clear up the skin. I did see a difference in my face after using it for a while, but I gradually started to stray away and not like the product as much. 

For one, if your skin tone does not match the color palettes of minerals that they carry (like me), it will be difficult to find the right color. The only product that is a must have is the warmth (below) if you have trouble matching your color. You can mix in a pinch of warmth to your powder to create a more tan and darker tone. It is perfect for summer, getting the Jersey Shore tan look and I know plenty of people who use it as their bronzer, using way too much (I accidentally did that the first time and had to redo my whole face).

When I first tried out the bareMinerals line, I picked up a starter kit that is perfect for first timers, in my opinion. It came with a user manual, two brushes, a brush shampoo as well as a few of their mineral powders. They offer a variety of different starter kits, depending on the website you purchase it from, but the only problem is they only offer the original mineral powders. After using the original mineral powders, I felt that my face was so oily, in addition to the summer sun that made my face shine.

Another negative about the starter kit is some of the products may be so small, it does not have a "click" close like the regular size minerals. I'm in love with the "click" close that stores the mineral in place, not shaking it all over and spilling out of the case which makes it difficult for you to use later. 

The matte line reduces the shine in the face, but I still see quite a bit of shine, even if I do not moisturize prior. There's no way to avoid this shine for me, so I decided to ditch the product as a foundation and only use it as a makeup setter. 

Overall, I would not mind using bareMinerals except it does not hide my face psoriasis too well since it is a mineral powder. I hate when it starts to crack and show the white scabby marks. I've used the product on those with a smoother face and it does work wonders. I suggest dropping by your nearest Sephora and getting a sample of the matte to see how it works for you.