Easy Breezy Beautiful...

Typically, beauty and fashion go hand in hand. While I'm not completely clueless, my forte has never been makeup. Like style, it's something that's always evolving, that I'm learning more about as I age. It started with nail polish in middle school, then extended to eyeliner/eyeshadow in high school, and didn't go much further than that for many years. When my friends would buy makeup, I'd emulate them by getting the same products and applying them similarly, unaware that my face was complete different from theirs - it's Asian. It's no wonder many of my past pictures are quite the embarrassment! Alas, after many years of makeup-testing and understanding my individual needs, I've determined which colors and types of products work best on me. I don't wear the below everyday, but I do like to whip them out for special occasions.

Eyeliner - Maybelline Line Stiletto Liquid Eyeliner
After testing gel formulas and typical liquid liners, I've realized pen-style liners are ideal for me.  I'm the type who wakes up 20 minutes before having to go to work, so ease of application is especially important. Pen-style eyeliners are easy to apply, with no need for additional tools. This Maybelline one is excellent, though it could possibly be darker. No need to splurge on the Chanel version, this one satisfies for a fraction of the cost. I use this everyday.

Kiss me Heroine Make Long & Curl Mascara (Volume & Curl works as well)
This is the ultimate Asian-eyelash mascara. Naturally curly-lashed girls may find this mascara unimpressive, however, for the gals like me whose lashes are stick straight and point DOWN, this is the absolute best at holding a curl. It's extremely waterproof, so buying the mascara remover by the same name is necessary. But it's SO good. I've never had a mascara hold my curl all day like this. And by hold a curl, I mean it looks the same as when you first curl them in the morning. Sometimes you get a half-assed curl, where it's somewhere in between fully curled and fully flat. This mascara keeps them totally curled and lengthens as well. It's amazing.

Sonia Kashuk Eye on Neutral Eyeshadow Palette
This palette is available at Target and about $20 for twelve highly-pigmented neutral shades. Perfect for someone who likes natural looks. While I admire those MAC employees with purple glitter eyelids, it's just not my style. This palette is inexpensive, and the colors can be mixed and matched for many looks. I don't wear eyeshadow everyday, so this will last me forever!

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation in 5.75
I've been lucky with my skin in that I don't need to use any foundations or powders on a daily basis. On days I want to look especially polished, however, I use this. It evens out my skin, and gives it a fabulous finish. It's very natural, and not overly matte or dewy. It's probably best for dryer skins like mine, and I've read that it's light to medium coverage. I apply this with a Sonia Kashuk brush. I don't have tons of experience in foundations, but this works well for me. I'd definitely repurchase.

MAC Mineralize SkinFinish Powder in Medium Plus
I was recommended this at the MAC counter when looking for a powder to finish off my foundation routine. I know MAC gets a bad rep for its skin products, but I've honestly never had a problem with them. This one looks pink in the pan, but applies beautifully. It's great to use on its own as well. Only problem with this is that it doesn't come with a mirror or puff for application. No problem though, I buy the puff things at a Japanese beauty store and slide them into the compact.

YSL Touche Eclat Radiant Touch in 1.5
This is my newest discovery and I love it. There seems to be debate on whether this is a highlighter or concealer, but I'd say it's a combo of both. It's more of a highlighter than a concealer, but it does conceal minor imperfections. I bought it as a highlighter for under my eyes and the bridge of my nose. It covers my not-too-dark circles and awakens my face. I was unsure about the color since you're supposed to go lighter if using it as a highlighter, so I was matched at Nordstrom to 1.5. Originally I thought I'd be a 2.5 or 3.5, but 1.5 is perfect. People complain that it's pricey for the amount, but it's been worth it in my short experience. Plus, it comes in a pretty gold tube. I love gold.

Tom Ford Lipstick in Indian Rose
Excellent moisturizing lipstick for my pigmented lips. It's a "my-lips-but-better" shade, which works well for me, since my lips are kind of big, and I don't really like calling attention to them with bright colors. I must admit though, I don't use this as often as I should.

Milani Liquid Eye Eyeliner - black or brown
Previously called Liquifeye, this is the softest, smoothest, pigmented pencil liner. Screw Urban Decay 24/7 that everyone loves, this one is $10 max and glides on so easily. Repurchased several times over.


There are many other items in my makeup bag, but these are the standouts. Makeup products differ for everyone so greatly that their performance is highly subjective. With my increasing age comes new discoveries. Until next time...