Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Ladies' Code Sojung So Wonderful Makeup Tutorial



Hello!
    Okay, so I just found this group and I have to say I'm really impressed. Sometimes when you find rookie groups, it can either way. But I have really enjoyed them so far (: Anyway, about a week ago, they released a new music video for the song 'So Wonderful'. Out of everyones makeup, I liked Sojung's the best, thats not to say that she is my bias. I'm in a toss up between Zuny and RiSe, it all will depend on who's voice I end up liking the best. Speaking of vocals, everyone in this group has gorgeous voices, so I'm definitely going to keep tabs on this group. Anyway, on with the tutorial:

Base:
 Moisturize: My skin has been so parched lately! I've tried a lot of lotions, but this one in particular works great underneath makeup, and also gives the skin a little bit of a glow which will add to the dewy skin needed for this tutorial.

Conceal: To cancel out the redness, I'm going to use a green concealer. Green is reds contrast color. I like to apply this with my concealing kabuki by EcoTools. It also gives my skin a paler cast, which helps give that pale Do Hwa look.
                           
I'm also going to use an orange toned concealer to cancel out purplish dark circles. I blended out this concealer with a damp beauty blender.

Foundation: I'm using a CC cream because I want to achieve really fresh dewy skin and light coverage to keep my skin from looking cakey. I used about 2 pumps and applied it in little dots on my face before blending it out with a damp beauty blender. Make sure whenever you use a BB or CC cream to pat your face with your hands to finish and set the product.

Highlight: I'm going to use a pink highlighter with silver shimmers to give me the dewy look I'm going for without being too matte. I like to apply highlighter with foundation brushes, because it helps to place it in the right spots. I like to start on the inner portion of the apples of my cheeks and up onto my cheekbones. From there, I apply it to my cupids bow and top of my nose and the space between and above my eyebrows.


Eyes-

 Fill: Every girl will tell you to fill in your brows. In Korea, the straighter your brows are, the cuter you are. I groomed mine to be able to replicate this look and then just fill in the sparse areas with powder. I think that wax is a bit too dark and unnatural looking for my taste.

Shadow: The first color I'm using is a creamy vanilla color all over my lid. This will make me look more awake and give me a brightened look. It has very subtle silver shimmers which will add to the fresh look. I applied this with a fluffy brush for a light wash.

To create a gradient look, I'm using a medium brown shade and applying that in a thick line along my lashline. This is going to subtly add more definition to your eyes. My idea is to go one color at a time. I applied this matte brown color with an angled eyeshadow brush.

    Then the last eyeshadow I'm going to use it a matte dark brown. I'm applying this to my upper and lower lash line and extend it to make my eyes look bigger. All that you have to do for this is with your angled brush, go slightly farther with your darkest eyeshadow then you normally would.

Line: Using a matte gel eyeliner, I'm just going to line my upper lash line and flick it  out to create a wing. The line should be a medium-thick line depending on your eye shape and size.

Lash: First apply a volumizing mascara, and then add a lengthening mascara to get a false eyelash look. To the same to the lower lashes, and if you have demi lashes apply them, if not, after applying the lengthening mascara to the lower lashes, take tweezer and clump them into groups.

Lips-

Color: I'm going to use a lip tint that makes the lips take on a fuchsia light pink look. This one in particular makes the lips look supple. It also smells like a garden which is a big plus, because nothing is worse then bad smelling makeup.

Shine: Lastly, take a hot pink lip gloss and apply it over top of the lip color. This will give volume and a softer look to the lips. In this look, there is a lot of gloss on Sojung's face, so apply as much as neccessary to get that desired look.








Finished Look: I really like this look because throughout the K-Pop world right now, sexy is in. But this seems to find a balance to make it chic and easier to wear. To make it more daytime appropriate, line with a liquid eyeliner in a thin line with a small flick and skimp out on the gloss.

       As always, I hope you all enjoyed this makeup tutorial inspired by the beautiful Sojung. I'm really excited to get more into this group and memorize all their names (: Have a great day, and hopefully I'll see you all soon with a review!
Gracie ^.^

                       How About You
                               Have you heard of Ladies' Code? Who's YOUR favorite member?
Song of this post:




Saturday, February 22, 2014

My Favorite K-Indie Artists

Hello,
     No secret that I love S. Korea, all my friends know and I'm cool with that. Here is the crazy thing, when you think Korea, lots of people only think about K- Pop. And while I love some GD and ShinEE and one of my new favorites FIESTAR, Nothing in my mind really compares to the authenticity of Korea's indie scene. It's usually some of the best music you will ever hear. One of my Unnie's had recommended some groups to me and then I found some on my own that I love. This list is in no particular order, because I could never pick favorites.

K- Indie Rock/ Pop: Basically this is the more well known genre of K-Indie. These groups and artist are already pretty popular in the Korean music industry, I promise we'll get to the smaller groups soon (; Generally these groups have more of a rocker feel to it (think music like U2) and have people playing instruments unlike KPop where its almost always electronica.

F.T. Island-
    F.T. Island is a six group band, and no they are not a "boy band". They have one lead singer whereas in a boy band, you have many singers, wrappers and dancers. This is a little more on the rock end of things, and the lead singer Lee Hongki has a really cool, unique sound. Hongki Oppa has also starred in one of my favorite K Dramas , You're Beautiful. His singing is backed up with amazing guitar rifts and drums that really and some umph to the music. They also have a keyboard player to add in some nice piano tones.

Members:


                                        Name: Choi Jong Hoon   Stage Name: Jonghun
                                         Position: Leader, Guitarist, Piano and Bassist
                                            Name: Lee Hong Ki    Stage Name: Hongki
                                             Position: Lead Vocalist, Face of The Group

                                                 Name: Lee Jae Jin     Stage Name: Jaejin
                                                          Position: Bass Guitarist

                                                 Name: Song Seung Hyun   Stage Name: Seunghyun
                                                     Position: Main Rapper, Vocalist, Guitarist

                                         Name: Choi Min Hwan   Stage Name: Minhwan
                                                      Position: Drummer, Maknae

                                            Name: Oh Won Bin     Stage Name: Wonbin
                                                      Position: Vocalist, Guitarist

My Favorite Song and Music Video by F.T. Island:
미치도록 (Madly) - F.T. Island

CNBlue-
    I love CNBlue, something about them just makes me so happy (: There style is that catchy rocker vibe. It's made up of 5 members all of whom play instruments. Which let me tell you, I love seeing all the musical talent. A lot of times KPop is focused on the choreography instead of the music, so I am really into musical instruments in the KPop area.

Members:

                                        Name: Jung Yong Hwa    Stage Name: Yonghwa
                                 Position: Leader, Vocalist, Guitarist, Rapper, Face of the Group

                                        Name: Lee Jong Hyun      Stage Name: Jonghyun
                                                       Position: Guitarist, Vocalist

                                         Name: Kang Min Hyuk    Stage Name: Minhyuk
                                                              Position: Drummer

                                             Name: Lee Jung Shin    Stage Name: Jungshim
                                                        Position: Bassit, Rapper, Maknae

                                        Name: Kwon Kwang Jin      Stage Name: Kwangjin
                                               Position: Bassist, Backing Vocalist
My Favorite CNBlue Song:
I'm A Loner- CNBlue

Jaejoong-
    Okay so Jaejoong is a member of JYJ (formerly DBSK) and I love him! He just came out with an album that totally represents the music that he should be doing. He is a rocker at heart and seeing the music that he's been coming out with just make me happy that he is finally doing something that fits him!

                                                                    Kim Jaejoong
To put it bluntly, I love his whole album so to pick one would be near impossible so here is a link to the whole album:
WWW Full Album- Kim Jaejoong


K- Indie:
     Okay now we are going to dive into the true Indie genre. Let me tell you, Korea is chock full of Indie artists, you just have to know where to look. I'll warn you now, There are a lot of them that I like, so brace yourself to go deep into the heart of Korea's Indie scene.

Jung Joon-Il-
    Okay, I love this dudes voice. I stumbled upon him by chance and I'm in love. If you like Brown Eyed Soul and 4Men this guy is for you. He has such a smooth sound that you can't help but love it! The way he sings makes me wanna read a book and drink a cup of coffee.

                                                                       Jung Joon-Il
My Favorite Jung Joon- Il song-
Hug Me- Jung Joon-Il

Daybreak-
     I love the smooth sound of these guys, They honestly remind me of waking up in the summer with a light breeze blowing through my window and the sunlight streaming through my chiffon curtains. Once again really smooth pretty voices all around. There are four of them so they are a group, but they come together so nicely in the end and they sound like one.

My Favorite Daybreak Song:
Calmly- Daybreak

Coffee Boy-
    So I was talking to one of my Unnie's and she told me about some groups that were more independant and from that I found Coffee Boy. Voice like silk or chocolate, either one works because now you get my point. I love this kind of music because it's so soothing, but no worries, I'll be telling you about some more upbeat ones soon (:
                                                                       Coffee Boy
My Favorite Coffee Boy Song:
Love Comes- Coffee Boy


Vodka Rain-
    Okay these guys are also musically solid. They have a good beat and really pretty tones as well which gives them a pretty wide variety. One of my favorites of theirs 그 어떤 말로도 is such a great sounding song that really hits the spot for me. Generally their music is more or less like the kind of music that reminds me of summertime in all the right ways.

                                                                 Vodka Rain
My Favorite Song:
Dreamlike- Vodka Rain
         and
그 어떤 말로도 (Feat. 장윤주)- Vodka Rain

Park Sae Byul-
    Sae Byul's voice is so perfect! It's the right amount of sweetness that I can handle, because she can also sing it out as well.  Her voice reminds me of rainy days and something really sweet about it. Her vocals are backed up with amazing instruments to give you such a great experience. Although, she does have her songs that are coffee shop. And finally, a girl in the bunch!!
                                                                   Park Sae Byul
My Favorite Song:
낙원 - Park Sae Byul

Sweden Laundry-
     I know, another girl! You thought I only listened to guys, didn't you :p Anyway, These two girls really now how to sing well together. In some of their songs they use some voice changers to sound almost electronical, but it's well meshed in so that it doesn't sound too pop-y.
My Favorite Song by Sweden Laundry:

We Had Time- Sweden Laundry


Raspberry Field-
    This is such a great duo. Their voices compliment each other so well that it creates this amazing sound, that is almost perfect. I really enjoy music like the kind they make, because it has so much meaning to it. Seriously if you don't understand Korean, look up the lyrics to songs, because you will not be disappointed.
My Favorite Song:


Dear Cloud-
    This was introduced to me by Haerim Unnie, 언 니, 감사 합니다! I love their style of music completely. Let me tell you why: There was so much thought put into it! For too long, I've been listening to music that didn't really have any point to it, until now. I love their voices, their music and I love the thought behind it all.


My Favorite Song by Dear Cloud:

The Solutions-
    I love these boys. There music is catchy and I feel like I can enjoy this kind of music. I enjoy unique sounding and interesting lyrics when I listen to music so that it makes me think. I know, your thinking who wants to think before they listen to music? well, I do. Beside I love the upbeatness of these guys.


My Favorite Song by The Solutions:


     That is it! I hope that you guys enjoyed knowing all my favorite Indie groups. If you want me to, I might make a K- Series about my favorite music/groups like my favorite boy band and girl groups etc. I'm probably going to upload a beauty tutorial for Girls Generation Mr Mr, so get excited! Love Ya Lots
Gracie ^.^

                                                          How About You?
                            Do you know of any good K-Indie artist I forgot to mention?

Song of this post:
Are you kidding me? Take your pick (;


   

Monday, February 17, 2014

Memebox Global #5 Unboxing


Hi!!

    I'm so excited to share this with you! It's my first time getting a Memebox and I have to say, I'm super impressed. Like I've been using everything that I got, even the sample type products. Everything was so big! I was expecting really small portions of the products, but I think I got 3 full size products. I'm most definitely going to buy the full sizes of some of these products. Oh and sorry about the poor lighting, I saw this later in the day, and that's when I took my pictures. Anyway, Lets jump into this super cool box.

Packaging:
    Right so, this is what it looked like when I took it out of the bright pink outer packaging (which had my address on it so...). Anyway, everything was in tact and nothing was broken, and out of the monthly subscription boxes I've gotten, this one by far is my favorite. Why, you ask? It's got so many good sized products! I mean honestly Birchbox, if I wanted to have that many samples, I would order something from Etude House or Tonymoly. 
Description of Box: We would like to let you know that starting from Memebox #5, we will also be including non- Korean products that are popular among Koreans.Valentine's Day is around the corner! We hope that your valentines day becomes twice more exciting, with Memebox. Memebox wishes you all a happy Valentines day! XOXO
Thoughts: Well, it did make valentine's day better, because well, it really was a bad day for me. Let's just say, I should start my cat collection now. Anyway, I was so bummed when I got home, because everyone had a special someone that they were sharing the day with. I just wanted to kickbox or hit something. I know it's probably bad that loneliness makes me aggressive but, c'est la vie. But it made me really happy to see a pink box waiting for me, and making my night.

The Products:
    Oki Doki, so the first thing on the list, is the Derma: B Daily Moisture Body Lotion.
    Description: Derma: B's daily moisture body lotion provides 24/7 hydration, and leaves skin feeling softer and smoother. Also, natural ingredients phytoncide calms irritated or reactive skin.
    Directions: Apply on skin, and allow the cream to sink in. It works even better straight after a bath or shower.
    My Thoughts: I'm really diggin' this. I put it by my night stand, and now whenever I'm just needing my hand lotion fix, I just use a little dollop of this and I'm good to go.
Price: Full size 400ml ($16), Box Size 100ml ($4)

    Next we have the Nuganic Customize Pore Control Essence.
    Description: Pore Control essence reduces the appearance of dilated pores. It is a lightweight gel that penetrates pores to control pimples and blackheads and re-balance skin.
    Directions: Apply to face after applying a toner.
    My Thoughts: I am in essence heaven. I love my A'Pieu one, but this one is so B.A. I mean it really helps my pores. And even though I think dilated is the wrong word choice, this product is no joke. I've only been washing my face at nightttime since my skin has been acting super sensative recently, so this has been amazing. I've noticed that my skin has been looking better and better since I've started using it.
Price: Full Size 30ml ($46), Box Size 30ml ($46) yeah for full size!!

    Our next contestant is CNP Laboratory Cleansing Perfecta, who originates from S. Korea (;
    Description: Cleansing Perfecta is used to remove waterproof makeup, BB cream and sunblock. This oil free cleansing gel  thoroughly removes stubborn waterproof makeup and sunblock.
    Directions: Gently massage over the face and neck, using fingertips. Rinse away with warm water.
    My Thoughts: Well, Of course I had to try every product in this box, and it just so happened that the day I got my Memebox, I was wearing my most intense waterproof mascara  by the name of Etude House Lash Perm All Shockcara. Which is almost impossible to get off my lashes. But I used a little of this and it took it off in seconds. I am amazed and I totally want to buy the full size when I get more money.
Price: Full Size 150ml ($23) , Box Size 50ml ($7.67)

    Ooh and here we have a newbie by the name of Aromatica Tasteless Aroma Therapy Roll On
    Description: Start your aromatherapy now! It is one of the most effective and simple ways to enjoy your aromatherapy. Tasteless aroma therapy roll allows you to relax and sleep well.
    Directions: Gently roll on temples and pulse points.
    My Thoughts: I really am not sure how I feel about this one yet. I'm still deciding on whether or not it helps me sleep. Let me tell you though, when I opened my Memebox, it smelt like this product. I've been trying it before bed every night, and I have been falling asleep faster so, I guess it's working?
Price: Full Size 14ml ($15), Box Size 14ml ($15)

     And now we have the Lipozone Body Ampoule
    Description: Lipozone body ampoule increases skin firmness, which will help to reduce cellulite and fat cells. Apply the product for 28 days for best results.
    Directions: Apply on your tight, belly, arms, and butts, and make sure you do not use more than one per a day.
    My Thoughts: Well , I'm still trying out this product as well. I think it's helping a little with my thighs and collarbone, but I'll have to see. I'm generally on the fence about stuff like this, so I'm debating wether or not I actually like this or not.
Price: Full size 14 bottle 5ml each ($32), Box Size 7 bottles 5ml each ($16)

    And one of my favorites from this box, Sella Premium Natural Cleansing Bar
    Description: Sella's organic soap is a facial cleanser made with 100% natural ingredients handpicked from the purest regions around the world. This is most the most effective anti-aging, and pore minimizing cleanser.
    Directions: Gently massage over face and neck, with fingertips. Rinse away with warm water.
    My Thoughts: I totally am going to be buying the full size! Let me tell you that this stuff is awesome for sensitive and  combo skin. This is a life saver right now. I'm not sure if I'll ever find anything better than this. Oh, and don't let the anit-aging thing throw you off.
Price: Full Size 100g ($20), Box Size 18g ($5.56)

     Espoir Lip Gloss in Magic Hour
    Description: Espoir's lip gloss provides moisture and full coverage while highlighting your natural color. Espoir's lip gloss will make your makeup complete.
    Directions: Gently apply on your lips
    My Thoughts: I love this. It blends out to be the perfect mauve-y lilac for my skintone. I really enjoy it because it really makes me look great. It compliments my skintone very nicely and stays on forever since it is a lip rouge or basically a liquid lipstick. I like how there is a suprise about which shade you get, and let me tell you, I'm so happy with mine.
Price: Full Size 37g ($15), Box Size 4.4g ($3.41)

Samples:




End Thoughts: I love this box and I will definitely be buying more Memebox in the future. It shipped out super fast and I was so impressed with everything and the quality. It didn't feel cheap and I love everything in it.
Total Box Worth: $97.64 (not including samples)
    For only paying $30 for this box, I can totally recommend you check out this company. I'll see you all soon for a BB cream review! Hope you had a better V-Day then I did.
Gracie ^.^

P.S. To get amazing deals and offers on Memebox products, use this link: http://us.memebox.com?acc=9a1756fd0c741126d7bbd4b692ccbd91 Trust me, you won't be sorry, so go ahead, check it out ;)
                                       
                                                     How About You?

                            Did you get a Memebox recently? What did you think about it?
Song of this post: