Makeup Mondays: 6 things every girl should learn

 Please just ignore the poor quality of this photo and that huge zit on my forehead.

Last week, on September 20th, my oldest daughter turned 12 (holy shit, right?).  She's just one year away from being a full-fledged teenager and I've pretty much been freaking out for the past year already.

Recently, over the past several months, she's picked up more of an interest in makeup/beauty and has been asking me questions about how to do certain things or how to use some of my makeup/beauty products.  Now, while I'm still against her going out in public in full-faced pageant-style makeup, there are a few things I feel that every girl should learn while they're in their pre-teen/teenage years.

Hair Removal.  Shaving, waxing, plucking - all girls should learn the proper way to do these things.  During puberty, hair starts popping up everywhere and it's important for us to teach our daughters how to control the madness without accidentally cutting ourselves or ripping our skin off.

Brow maintenance.  If I knew then what I know now, I wouldn't have to fill in the sparse areas of my brows from years of over-plucking.  Learning how to properly shape and groom your natural brows will lead to less maintenance in the long-run.  Last month, my daughter asked me to take her to get her eyebrows waxed to which I firmly said:  "Hell no.  You're gonna learn how to do it the hard way like I did in the 90's."  I did however, buy her the ABH Beauty Express Kit to start with.  It comes with stencils she can use to shape her natural brows without over-plucking.  Once she's familiar with it, I'll probably get her the Younique Brow Set to use on a daily basis.  Let's just hope that pencil-thin brows never come back in style.

How to properly use mascara.  It's no surprise here that my daughter has already used the Younique Fiber Lashes+.  It can be a bit dramatic for everyday use at her age, but on picture days or at dances/performances just one coat adds a nice little extra pop to her already bright eyes.

Winged Eyeliner.  When I was a teen I used to love playing around with eyeliner.  I wouldn't rim my eyes with heavy jet-black liner but I did have so much fun using different colors to line my eyes.  Blue, purple, gold, green - it was a great way to add some color to my face without looking too done up.  Learning how to perfect the "winged eyeliner" is a great skill to have because even by itself, it creates a whole new look.  Even now, at almost 30 (seriously, wtf) I still have fun with the different colors of Younique Eyeliners that I have.  Probably not going to use purple eyeliner to fill in my brows again though.

Smoky Eye.  I really could have saved my parents a lot of money if I had just learned how to do a smoky eye when I was a teen.  Every homecoming, winter ball, and prom we would be at the MAC counter spending money for me to get all glammed up.  At the time you could get your makeup done for free - so long as you buy at least $50 in products.  And it was pretty much the same look every time, just in different colors - black smoky eye, brown smoky eye, purple smoky eye, etc.  And while it is fun once in a while to have someone do your makeup for you, it really is much easier and cheaper to buy a good eyeshadow palette and browse Youtube for some tutorials.  I'm currently collecting these Younique Shadow Palettes because they're so convenient and you can create so many different looks with one.

Skincare.  What goes on must come off and having a good skincare routine is extremely important no matter what age.  During my early teenage years I broke out constantly because I ate greasy foods, drank lots of soda and never really had a solid skincare routine.  It wasn't until my late teens that I started using cleanser, toner, moisturizer, etc. regularly.  Now that my daughter is heading into her teens, she's also started breaking out with a pimple or two on occasion and since she plays sports all year, it's even more important to clean all the sweat and dirt out of her pores in order to prevent breakouts.

While there are lots more beauty "how-to's" and tips out there, I feel like these are the basic, essential things that I learned back in the day that still apply today and will probably still apply in the future.  I mean, unless shaving your eyebrows off becomes a thing, you really can't go wrong with having these skills under your belt to use when needed.

What do you think?  Do you have all of these skills down?  What would you add to this list?  Are you a victim of over-plucking?  Do you have daughters that you would like to lock up in a tower forever and ever?

Makeup Mondays: YSL Touche Eclat Blur Primer and Perfector [Review]

Yay!  Another makeup post!  Honestly, I'm such a huge makeup geek (always have been, always will) so I love posting these.  #sorrynotsorry if it's not really your jam.  I understand, but I still hope that these posts are informative and inspirational to you if, perhaps sometime down the road, you may be looking for a new lipstick or wanting to try out contouring or wondering wtf a primer is and why you need it.

Anyway.

I was so stoked for this post ever since I got an email saying I was chosen to receive the Influenster YSL voxbox.  I've been a member of Influenster for the past few years but have NEVER been chosen for anything so finally being chosen was kind of a big deal for me and throwing YSL in the mix - I was one happy makeup geek.

Now, time for a little honesty:  Though I am a HUGE makeup geek, I am also a very cheap one.  I will not dish out loads of cash for brand name stuff if I know that I can get something almost exactly the same for way cheaper.  Laura Mercier, Make Up Forever, Dior, and yes, even YSL were brands I never bought.  So being able to try out two YSL products for free - yes, please!

The products I received were the YSL Touche Eclat Blur Primer and YSL Touche Eclat Blur Perfector. The product info, according to Sephora.com is below:

(Primer)

(Perfector)

FIRST REACTIONS

Primer:

Why is this bottle so tiny?  What's with the glitter?  It looks like the body shimmer I used to buy back in middle school. Oh, it's a wand applicator.  I don't know how I feel about that.  Hmm...it's not as thick as my regular primer.  Yeah, nope - don't like this wand applicator.  A little more of an oily feel than my old primer...but, heyyyyyy this is going on so smoothly!  Wow, my skin feels so silky!  Okay, the glitter doesn't show much.  Kinda makes my skin look nice and glowy.  Oh wow, my regular powder foundation looks so great over this!  Damn, this little bottle really packs a punch!

Perfector:

Ohhh, it's so cute!  Okay so there's a pad to this.  Why is the pad separate?  Oh cute, the inside is the same shade of pink as the outside.  Kinda looks like lip balm...but feels kinda like a powder?  Oh wow, so silky.  Hey, it really does have a blurring effect.  Oh, yuck the pad has my foundation on it now.  Oh, okay, I get it now - it's like the balm fills in pores, creases and lines and then fills over them with the foundation I already put on my face.  Cool, no shine in my oily areas!  I wonder if it would be better to use it before I put my makeup on?

The Primer is pretty cool.  It really did hold my makeup on and made my powder foundation look like it had better coverage like a liquid. I did see on Sephora's website that the primer actually is a lot bigger than the sample size I received and that it is a pump applicator rather than a wand one which is the main issues I had with the one I got.  Other than that, I really did like the primer though I haven't fully tested it against my Younique one (pigmentation, water resistance, long-lasting, etc.) so I really can't give you a full comparison yet.  Maybe I'll start collecting other primer brands and compare the lot against each other.  To the death.

As far as the Perfector goes, there's really no product that I have ever tried that I can compare this to.  I really really really love the Perfector.  It's like a filler - my fine lines, creases, pores, freckles, etc. are filled in and covered with the transparent balm and it picks up a little bit of my foundation to cover the filled in areas and blur it out.  Like, no Instagram filter needed!  It also really helps at mattifying shine without those icky wax paper sheets (those don't work on me, btw).  I can honestly see the difference the instant I put it on because my features don't look as harsh and it makes my regular powder foundation look like it's airbrushed and my skin looks flawless.

Now, down to the price (via Sephora):  The full sized Primer is going for $52USD while the Perfector is listed as $55USD.

Would I pay that much for it if I hadn't tried them?  Hell no.

Would I pay that much now after I've tried them already?  I'd say probably not for the Primer - I haven't had enough time to test it out against my regular (cheaper) Younique primer so as of right now, no.  The Perfector I'd consider splurging on because there isn't a product out there (that I know of) that can give me the same effects as it does.  (If you know of a similar product, let me know!)

So what do you think?  Have you tried any YSL beauty products?  Would you splurge on these?  What primer do you use (if any)?

InstaNatural Lavender and Peppermint Essential Oils [Review]

When I first received these products they were in a small box, wrapped carefully with plastic and bubble wrap.  Thanks to the careful packaging, nothing was cracked and I didn't notice any leaking, but there was still a STRONG peppermint scent to the whole box.  So strong that I'm sure the postman's truck was probably filled with it.

I was actually surprised at how big the bottles were.  The other essential oils I've seen have all come in tiny little bottles that can fit in your palm.  These were like economy size at 4oz. in glass bottles with a dropper cap.  Since I've never used essential oils before, I was really taken back at how strong both scents were and how even just a few drops made the scent last all day.

The lavender oil is said to be calming and therapeutic so I put a few drops on my pillows.  It did give it a nice relaxing smell to fall asleep with.  I also put a drop on my wrists a couple times because I read it would alleviate stress during the day but I didn't notice much difference.  Maybe I'm supposed to put it on my boss?  I don't know.  I was thinking it would probably be great to add a few drops to a bath but, well, I don't have a bathtub.  Whatever.

Now, the peppermint oil is probably my favorite.  It has a strong, crisp, clean scent that really makes me feel more energized.  I remembered having a shampoo that smelled like peppermint and how much I loved it so I started massaging a few drops of peppermint oil in my hair after showering.  The peppermint smell stays in my hair all day long so every time I take my hair down or whip it around and run my fingers through it, BAM!  That crisp, energized scent hits my nose and recharges me.

I've had these oils for a few months now but I just haven't gotten around to writing my review because I'm still not sure of how to use them.  I mean, there are hundreds of articles and opinions on the best uses for all the different essential oils (put them in an oil diffuser, rub them on your feet, soak a cotton ball with it and place it wherever, etc.)  But, besides the peppermint oil in my hair, I don't know if I actually have a need or care for them.  It's just not really my jam.

What do you think?  Do you or have you used essential oils before?  What are some ways you use them?  What are some of your favorite scents?

End of Summer Giveaway Pt. 3: Younique Fiber Lashes+

Time for another giveaway! Though I still haven't gotten around to ordering my own set of Younique's Fiber Lashes+ (bills come first, makeup second), I wanted to give one of you the opportunity to try it out too.  The original Fiber Lashes are still my favorite thing ever, and I cannot wait to try and share the new Fiber Lashes+ with you all.  So, once a winner is chosen, I'll order the winner's set and my personal set so we can try it out together!

This one's all on me so there's just one simple entry in order to qualify!  Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Makeup Mondays: Younique Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes+ Launch

So it's been a hot minute since I've done a makeup post, but I'm super stoked to announce that Younique has taken their amazing 3D Fiber Lashes to a whole 'notha level!

They've enhanced the formula and have infused the fibers with the Uplift Eye Serum so not only does it boost your natural lashes, but it also helps to nourish them as well.  Also, they've changed the hourglass shaped brush to a conical one to help with those pesky little inner lashes.  And the new packaging is so sleek with a clear window on the tubes so you know when to reorder.

The new product will be available on July 15th so mark your calendars so you can grab a set of your own!  I personally haven't tried it yet but you can bet your ass that I'll be ordering a set of my own this weekend to try it out for myself.

What about you?  Will you be getting your hands on it?  Click here to get the full details on this major beauty breakthrough!

Makeup Mondays: My Summer Essentials

Whoop whoop!  Summer is in full swing and that means longer days, hotter temperatures and lots of reasons to glam up and have some fun.  Here are my favorite summer beauty items that I cannot live without!

2015 Summer Essentials by frikkenduckie featuring a powder foundation

1.  I'm still sort of new to waxing but have been wanting to do it (correctly) for a long time.  I've done sugaring before, but it's really messy and not worth the effort in my opinion.  I've also tried the Sally Hansen wax kit but holy crap that shit got stuck EVERYWHERE.  And, unlike sugaring, it was not washable!  So, when I saw the Nad's strips I figured I'd give waxing another try.  It comes in a small box and contains 20 long strips with the strips stuck together in pairs.  Basically, you peel the two sides apart, then you can use one strip on one leg and the other strip on the other leg...or whatever body part you decide to do.  It's simple, easy to use, not messy and there's no prep to it so you can keep it in your purse and take it along with you just in case you find yourself in a hairy situation.  I know, that was lame.

2.  This is the only dark spot corrector I have found so far that actually works for me.  I've tried dozens of other brands and products that claim to do the same thing but haven't worked.  Since I started this one, I've noticed my complexion becoming more even, my dark spots and acne scars are clearing up, and my face just seems more youthful and bright.

3.  Summer on Guam is wayyyyy too hot and humid for full-faced makeup.  The minute I step out of the office/car/anywhere with air conditioning, I feel like I'm melting into a puddle on the pavement.  My Younique powder foundation is always on hand during these summer months.  Great coverage, helps to fight shine from sweat and oil, yet not heavy or cakey looking.

4.  Dandruff and itchy scalp are a huge problem for me during the summer months.  The heat makes me sweat and makes my hair go crazy and cause major flake-age and itchy-ness.  This shampoo is great for that and also has an intense cool feeling to it when I massage it into my scalp.  It's kinda like how your mouth feels right after you brush your teeth - but for your head.

5.  You had to know that I would throw my Younique Fiber Lashes in here!  These babies are a permanent fixture in my beauty bag.  Sweat proof, water resistant and the perfect beauty item for every season.  During summer I tend to go more natural with my make up, and this always helps to give me that little "oomph" I need to take my look from just plain natural to natural beauty.

6.  And lastly, since my summer is usually full of spontaneity, I carry the Younique cream eyeshadow with me just in case I need a little extra glam to my look.  The cream shadow is light-weight, crease resistant and goes on like buttah.  Brightens up my eyes instantly and gives me just the right amount of shimmer for those long summer days and fun summer nights.

Now tell me, what are some of your summer beauty faves?  Got a special product that you only use during summer?  Any summer beauty issues you have?

Makeup Mondays: Not Your Mama's Makeup

With Mother's Day fast approaching, you KNOW I had to hit you with a gift guide!  As a mother of three and full-time legal assistant/student/blogger/woman extraordinaire, finding time to fuss with makeup is usually only a once a day kinda thing.  I wake up, get the kids up, get them ready for school, get myself ready for work (sans makeup), get out the door, drop everyone off and then head in to the office.

Once at the office, I've got all of 10 minutes to beat my face and look presentable for a day of staring at a computer screen, chatting with supervisors and staff, meeting with clients, and then eventually going to practices and/or games afterwards.  Trying to get a touch-up in between is straight up IMPOSSIBLE.

Thankfully, once I fell in love with Younique and tried some of their awesome products, I didn't have to worry about my face melting in the Guam heat or looking like a raccoon by 5pm.  I apply my makeup ONCE.  No reapplying my liner, redoing my eye shadow because of creasing, I don't even have to reapply my lip color.  BOOM.

Check out some of my favorite picks (each under $50!) that any mom (or female human) would love!

Clockwise from top left:

Refreshed Rose Water //  Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lash Mascara  //  Blending Buds //  Glorious Face & Eye Primer //  Splurge Cream Eye Shadow //  Beachfront Bronzer //  Stiff Upper Lip Lip Stain //  Touch Mineral Powder Foundation //  Precision Lip Pencils //  Shine Eye Makeup Remover Cloths

All of these products have been tried and tested by yours truly, and each of them have my stamp of approval!  I know a few of you have tried some of these products already, so please tell me:  Which is your fave?  And if you haven't tried any of these product yet, which would you most like to try?

Oh, and in case you didn't know, Younique has a special Kudos program that changes every month.  This month, for any collection (a set of products + a makeup bag) you purchase, you receive a free necklace!

I don't know about you, but that necklace alone is enough to make me want to get more makeup!  And sorry for the post being late, I had it in draft and forgot to hit publish.  My bad, bro.

Makeup Mondays: Younique's Stiff Upper Lip Stain [Review/Tutorial Video]

Why, hello again!  I'm back with another makeup/beauty post for you!  Aren't you excited?  No?  Well get excited because today I'm talking about the new Younique Stiff Upper Lip Lip Stains!!!

I could type for days about how awesome these things are but I won't.  Instead I'll show you!  Watch below:

Sorry for the awkwardness but it was just a quick one-cut kinda video.  I need to brush up on my recording and editing skills obviously.

So what do you think of this product from what you've seen?  Have you tried a lip stain before?  Have you tried any of the Younique products before?  You may get a chance to try one soon...

Makeup Mondays: Body Merry Age Defense Neck Cream [Review]

Welcome to another edition of Makeup Mondays here on Frikken Duckie!  It's been quite a while since I've done one of these so I figured it's about time!

I'm really excited about sharing this product review with you all because I had been looking for a good product to use for my neck and decolletage areas.  I've always been pretty good at taking care of my face.  Cleanser, toner, moisturizer, microderms, serums, scrubs, masks, etc. have all had some face time.  Unfortunately, I never really paid much attention to any other area until just recently when I started noticing the wrinkles in my neck.  Yuck.

Thankfully, I received the Body Merry Age Defense Neck Cream not too long ago and have been using it to try and tighten my skin and reduce the appearance of those nasty wrinkles.  The ingredients in the product are actually pretty great for your skin (Vitamin C, glycolic acid, co q10, etc.) and I have noticed a slight difference in the appearance and elasticity of my skin in those areas.

It's a simple looking product.  No fancy tools or gold foil labels necessary.  It comes in a small tube-like container and all you do is pump it once and apply the cream all over your neck and decolletage area.  Once it absorbs into the skin, you're good to go.  You'll notice that your skin automatically feels tighter and firmer!  It does have a subtle scent, similar to cucumber but it's not overpowering so you don't have to worry about smelling like a vegetable all day.

You'll see that just one pump is enough to cover all the areas you need to cover so you won't have to worry about accidentally wasting product (don't you hate that?) by using too much.  All in all, I really do love this product so far.  I feel like it's a great value for the price considering similar products on the market can run upwards of $100 and you KNOW I am not about to pay that much for any type of cream.

So what do you think?  What do you use for your neck and decolletage areas?  What ingredients do you look for when buying anti-aging products?  Check out the Body Merry Age Defense Neck Cream for yourself!

Makeup Mondays: Excitement for March 2015!

I know, I know.  "A Makeup Monday post on a Wednesday?  When will this bitch get it together?"  I know, right?  But I just HADDDD to because I wasn't able to get around to it over the past two days (work, sickness, soccer games, little league practices, etc.) and I really wanted to share this with you guys because I'm super stoked about it and those who have tried (and love) the Younique products I've been peddling here and there and everywhere will probably be just as excited about it.  Those who have yet to try any of the Younique products...what are you waiting for!?  ANYWAY.

So in my last makeup post a couple weeks ago, I showed you the products I was currently using.  Since then, I have been able to try out the Younique powder foundations and have already replaced my MAC compact for the Younique one because I found that it lasts longer on my face and I'm less oily and shiny at the end of the day than I am with MAC.

I also tried out the Younique lip glosses and LOVE them because they don't melt and move around like all the other brands of lip gloss I've tried.  I'm not really a glossy gal since every other brand tends to melt or move and causes me to break out around my lip area but I have not had that problem at all with Younique.  No pimples or breakouts at all.  Boom!

So, I got word last week that Younique will be introducing FIVE new products in the March catalog - yes, FIVE different products, and no that doesn't include the colors they come in.  How exciting is that!?  Not excited yet?  Wait until I tell you what they are and how awesome they'll be...

In no particular order:

// Stiff Upper Lip Stain - This will be coming in seven different shades and I can't wait to try them all.  One lip product with simple application and all day wear?  YES, PLEASE!

// Beachfront Bronzer - I've been really into highlighting and contouring lately so I'm pretty excited for this!  And for all of you who are freezing your asses off in the states, this would be a great way to add some color to those frozen faces and practice some contouring before summer gets here...

// Splurge Cream Shadow - This is probably the one I'm most excited for because it's so simple to apply and is great for all of us who are always crazy busy and on-the-go.  Just use your fingertip and swipe across your lid!  Or you could buy the brush, your choice.

// Blending Buds - I personally haven't tried this or any of the similar sponges on the market but I'm willing to give it a try and see what the hype is about.  Have you tried these types of blending sponges?

// Shine Eye Makeup Removing Wipes - I'm probably going to get me a couple packs of these since I'm usually too lazy to wash my face before bed.  (Bad beauty blogger, I know!)  It's also great to carry around in your purse just in case you accidentally get a little too heavy with the eyeliner!


So that's the March lineup for Younique!  What do you think?  Would you consider purchasing any of these products?  What is your list of "musts" when looking for new makeup/beauty products?

Makeup Mondays: My Current Routine

I haven't done a makeup post in a while and since my goal for the first 4 months of the year is to push my Younique business, I figured it's about damn time I start even though it's already Tuesday and I'm a day late and seeing as how we're almost through with February.  ANYWAY.  (I've been saying that a lot lately...)

My makeup routine has changed quite a bit over the past few months and this time last year I had been using an entirely different set of products, none of which I'm still using - with the exception of my makeup brushes, of course.  Even my skincare routine has changed since last year and I've had fewer and less severe breakouts, though I still do get the occasional gigantic stress zit every now and then.  Such is life.

Since trying out the fiber lashes a few months ago and joining the Younique family, I immediately fell in love with their products.  Now, I haven't tried out ALL of them, but I'm slowly building my personal collection because I'm not the type of person to push something I haven't tried myself.  That's just common sense.

In order of application:

Younique Moodstruck Glorious Face & Eye Primer - Probably the best primer I've ever tried.  And I'm not just saying that.

Younique Pigment Powder in Corrupted - I use this to fill in my brows and on top of the primer, it stays ALL.  DAY.  LONG.

Be a Bombshell Cosmetics Eye Base in Submissive - I actually got this in one of my ipsy bags (maybe November?) and I love that it is very creamy and stays put all day.  Plus the bronze color of it is perfect for my neutral, everyday look.

Younique Pigment Powder in Infatuated and Sexy - These are my go-to colors for everyday use.  Infatuated (dark brown) in my crease and corners and Sexy (shimmery color) on my lid.

Younique Pencil Liner in Perfect - Besides the fiber lashes, this is one of my most favorite products EVER.  This stuff stays on all day.  If you're ever looking for a liner that does not give you shit at the end of the day, THIS IS IT.

Younique Moodstruck Fiber Lashes - Of course, I finish my eye makeup with this.  ALWAYS.

MAC Cream Stick Concealer in shade 1.5? - I use this as a highlight and though it does crease and melt a little depending on where I am and what I'm doing all day (like if I'm at a barbeque during the day), so far I don't have many complaints about it.  Great color and coverage without looking like it's too much.

MAC Foundation Powder in C5 - I brush this all over my face for light coverage.  Great for daily use.

Younique Pencil Lip Liner in either Pouty or Pompous - Just like the eye liners, this shit lasts all day!  I can drink coffee and water and tea and whatever else and the color will remain on my lips.  The only time it comes off is when I eat something really greasy/oily because as we all know, oil removes makeup - but other than that,, this shit doesn't budge.

As you can see, almost all of the products are Younique with the exception of my eyeshadow base, highlighter/concealer and foundation powder.  I do have a Younique brand cream foundation that I like, but creams and liquids have been feeling a little too heavy for me lately.  I also just got my Younique powder foundation (as in just earlier today) so I'm planning on switching out my MAC foundation powder for it.

So, what's your current makeup routine like?  Have you ever tried a product that just blew your mind?  How long does it take you to get ready in the mornings?

Splurge or Save?

It's no secret that I'm a stereotypical "cheap Asian".  Why spend money on something that you can make/do yourself?  I'm always looking for the best bargain when it comes to spending money - yes, I use different email accounts to get the "___% off your first purchase" deals as many times as I can.  Don't judge me.

I like to think of myself as a pretty legit DIYer - I usually scour Pinterest for inspiration and tutorials before I go out and purchase anything.  I even found a recipe for fabric softener that I'm going to put to the test today.  The only area of exception to my cheap-ass ways are beauty products and treatments.  Beauty DIY is pretty much hit or miss.  Some things you can cut corners on, and some things are better left to the professionals.

Brow Grooming: SAVE.  I've always done my own brow grooming ever since I can remember.  I’ve never paid anyone to do them for me – why spend $20 when you can just pull out a pair of tweezers and scissors and go at it?  I’ll admit that I’ve made my fair share of mistakes in the past, but nothing that didn’t grow back or was easily filled-in.

Brow Products:  SPLURGE.  When you groom your own brows, it’s important to find brow products to fulfill your needs.  My current splurge-worthy brow products are: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Express Kit, Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Genius, and Makeup Forever Aqua Brow (review post here).

Eye Shadow: SAVE.  I used to be a MAC whore-der back in the day.  I was young and wild and free, so of course I fell for the glitz and glam of the MAC brand.  The colors were vibrant, the packaging was so chic, and going to the MAC store was like getting into some exclusive club.  As I got older and started having my own bills to pay, I realized that I was just feeding in to all the hype.  Thankfully, since going on a Coastal Scents binge a couple years back, I’ve not only made my inner “cheap Asian” happy, but I’ve also got my eyeshadow cravings covered for-like-EVER with the 252 Ultimate Palette.

Eye Lashes: SPLURGE.  My favorite product, in the whole wide world is mascara.  It is a miracle worker.  Long, full lashes make the world of difference on even the plainest of faces.  I’ve gotten eyelash extensions before and loved them.  I’ve even splurged a little on serums and primers to boost my lash growth and length.  If you splurge on nothing else, let it be your lashes.

Hair Care:  SAVE.  I’m not a big hair geek so I save lots by not buying all sorts of different products.  I wash my hair every other day and barely even bother to brush it most days.  As far as deep conditioning and all that goes, I DIY those every so often when the whim strikes me – which isn’t very often.

Hair Dye:  SPLURGE.  Once in a great while I’ll get the urge to dye my hair.  Last time was a few years ago when I got a full head of highlights – it cost me $200.  Yup.  And though I’ve tried to dye/bleach/highlight my own hair before, it still never turns out like that girl on the box.  So unless I’m going darker, I’ll spend the extra money and take this mass of hair to the salon.

Skin Care:  SPLURGE.  I don’t take my chances on DIY skin care products.  My skin can get pretty crazy and I’m not about to do some trial and error on my face.  I’ll stick with the store-bought products on this one.

Nails:  SAVE.  I’m a girly-girl at heart, but the one thing I haven’t done in a LONG time is go to the nail salon.  Sorry, but I’m not a fan of sitting in a chair getting high off of paint fumes while people talk about me in a foreign language.  Besides, the polish either chips off within 2 days or is a bitch to take off if it’s fake.  #aintnobodygottimeforthat

Hair Removal: ???  Okay, this one’s a biggie and pretty much the main reason I wrote this post today.  I’ve been wanting to try waxing for some time now.  I’ve tried sugaring before with pretty good results but I’ve wanted to try a real wax.  Last night, I did it.  I bought the Sally Hansen Spa Wax Hair Removal Kit.  I only did the bottom half of my legs just to try it out and while the first leg went well, the second leg was horrendous.  I did everything the same, according to the directions, but for some reason, one section of my leg did not want to cooperate.  Basically, I ripped my own skin off.  The whole process was very messy and I’m hesitant on trying it again.  Perhaps this is more of a professional thing.

What about you?  What do you splurge on?  What do you do yourself?  Have you ever waxed yourself?  Why are white people “frugal” but Asians are “cheap”?

My 7 Sins of Beauty...

It has been quite a while since I've done any beauty-related post, mostly because I've been lazy.  Seriously, do you know how hard it is to put a beauty tutorial together?  I give mad props to all the beauty gurus on YouTube for all their hard work!  Putting a look together, recording, editing, and taking pictures of your face all day is tedious and tiring!  And if you're like me, you're still never completely satisfied with the end product.

Anyway, I have been doing makeup a lot lately, just haven't been taking pictures (besides IG) and posting about it.  I do plan on putting a tutorial together sometime this month (if I have time) on my new everyday look because I just recently joined the bandwagon on contouring and highlighting.

It was quite a trial and error process because it took a while for me to get a natural-looking face that I could wear throughout the day, but I'm pretty satisfied with the routine I came up with so I'm excited to share that with you all soon.  For those of you who have never tried contouring or highlighting, this will be your chance to try it out and get your feet wet a little, so stay tuned for that!

So today's beauty post is actually a tag post from 7% Solution.  I read hers and wanted to do my own so she welcomed me to join in and I welcome all of you to do it as well!

Greed:: What is your most expensive beauty item?

Of all the makeup I use on a daily basis, the Anastasia Beverly Hills Beauty Express is probably the pricey-er item.  It's about $40 at Sephora but I use it every single day and it is well worth it!

Wrath:: Which item do you have a love/hate relationship with?

 Do brushes count?  I love my makeup brushes but I HATE having to constantly clean them.

Gluttony:: What brand makes up the most of your collection?

It's probably a tie between Coastal Scents and MAC.

Sloth:: Which product do you neglect the most due to laziness?

Nail polish counts, right?  It is a rare occasion that I put a coat of polish on my nails.  And when I do polish my nails, I wear that coat until it has chipped completely off!  Seriously.  I literally have NO polish on at all right now.  Fingers or toes. 

Pride:: Which product gives you the most confidence?

Mascara, hands down.  My face looks instantly better with a curl and a coat.  My favorites right now are Benefit's They're Real and Lancome's Hypnose Star. 

Lust:: Which item is at the top of your beauty wishlist?

I'm currently looking for new lip colors and products to try out so it's pretty much anything lippy! 

Envy:: Which makeup product/look is great on others but not on yourself?

Neon.  I just can't.  Seriously.

[Guest Post] Fresh-faced Easy Summery Makeup Look Tutorial

Hey everyone! I'm still on vacay and still super busy (today is Trace's birthday) so I don't have much time to sit down and write a post but I've got a very super special lady to cover for me today!

She's one of my blog-crushes and I'm so stoked that she's offered to guest post! She's absolutely gorgeous and she always looks flawless so take notes on this tutorial!! I've already got my notebook open!

P.S. She's also giving away $25 to Sephora in the BIRTHDAY GIVEAWAY that ends tomorrow! Hurry up and enter!!! ---------------------------------------------

Aloha, FrikkenDuckieFriends!!

Jessica/Duckie invited me to guest post while she is away with epic journeys in Hawaii and the Mainland US. (Thanks so much, Jessica! xo)

My name is Mae, and I'm a fellow Pacific Island style blogger like our girl Jessica here! I'm based in Hawaii Kai (East Honolulu), Oahu, Hawaii. You can find me writing intermittently at thereafterish.com. I'm super lucky to live in paradise, but as my website name suggests, "Happily Ever Thereafter" is only half the story. 'thereafterish.' is all about my style, beauty, finding happiness, and documenting this huge adventure that is my Hawaii Life--its ups, downs and in betweens.

Although we live in the "Kingdom of Eternal Summer" here in Hawaii, where it can feel summery year round, it can get pretty hot during spring and summer. I'm all about being easy and lighter on the makeup during the warmer months. I want to look, healthy, flushed and radiant, like I just got back from an amazing beach trip (which is likely, since I live in Hawaii!), but I don't want to feel like I'm wearing a ton of gunk on my face. This is the look I've been sporting for the last month or so since the mercury and barometer started rising.

This is how I achieved this glowy, chic and easy summer makeup look:

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{ Makeup Used }

Clarins Beauty Flash Balm (Primer)
Chanel Correcteur Perfection concealer
Real Techniques Blending Brush
Eco Tools mineral makeup brushes
Tarte Amazonian Clay Finishing Powder
Korres Wild Rose Mineral Foundation in Medium Beige
Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder in Golden Medium
Ecotools Kabuki Brushes
Illamasqua Blusher Powder in Lover (bright apricot)
Benefit Creaseless Cream Eye Shadow in Birthday Suit
MAC pigment in Vanilla
Lioéle Artist Auto Eyebrow Pencil in Grey Black
NARS Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eye Liner waterproof liner in Rue Bonaparte (nude)
Black waterproof eye liner (MUFE - Similar to Rimmel)
Vichy Thermal Water anti-aging mist
Shiseido eyelash curler
Kiss Me! Heroine Make Curl & Long fiber mascara (waterproof)
Physicians Formula Organic Wear Fakeout Mascara
Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Kiss Me Coral
Revlon Super Lustrous gloss in Coral Reef
Tokyo Milk makeup bag

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{ Kissed by Coral makeup look with coral colors for a healthy, spring glow }

I'm hoping you found this tutorial super easy. Although it looks like a lot of products, it's super light on the skin and makes you look fresh-faced, glowing, and healthy--perfect for spring and summer! And, best of all, it actually doesn't take too long to do!

Thanks for watching! Let me know if you found this tutorial helpful and tried it out by dropping a line on the video on my YouTube Channel (while you're there, please subscribe for more)!

You can also be my homies on my blog, thereafterish., on thereafterish.'s Facebook Page, Bloglovin', on Instagram (User @maeluu), and on Pinterest!

Much Aloha, Lovers!
Mae Xx

Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector Oil-Free B.B. Cream [Review]

What a long name for a beauty product, huh?  Try saying that five times fast..garniermiracleskinperfectoroilfreebbcreamgarniermiracleskinperfectoroilfreebbcream...

Anyway, as you may or may not know, I'm part of the BzzAgent program which means I occasionally receive free products to try out, review, and spread some "Bzz" about.  The products I receive vary from beauty products, to air fresheners, to even fertilizer.  It is a pretty fun experience and definitely something all bloggers should look into.

Through BzzAgent, I received a free, full-sized tube of the Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector Oil-Free B.B. Cream a couple weeks ago.  By the time I got around to checking the mail that day, it was already late in the afternoon and my skin was pretty yucky and oily.  I couldn't wait to try it out so I immediately ripped it open and applied it to my face.

I.  WAS.  SOLD.

Let me just tell you that I have tried a few B.B. Creams in the past (even some Garnier ones) with horrible results.  They left me feeling extremely oily and after a couple uses I had started breaking out.  I had written off B.B. Creams as "not for me" - until this one.

As soon as I applied this to my face it pretty much soaked up all the oil and left my skin feeling smooth with a matte finish!  It evened out my skin tone and made it look as if I had makeup on without the heavy, cakey feel.  I was blown away.

I decided to give the product some time so I continued using it for the next couple weeks and I can honestly say that I have not had a bad reaction to it.  My skin looks flawless when I put it on, my pores are smaller, and my skin is SPF protected.

None of these photos were retouched or edited (okay, besides the "before" and "after" text) so you can see the difference this product makes.  I HIGHLY recommend this product to all you combination/oily skin people out there looking for a B.B. Cream that works for you.  To my dry-skinned peeps, sorry, but this may dry your skin out even more.

 This power-packed, all-in-one product controls shine, minimizes pores, evens skin tone, hydrates skin, and protects with SPF 20.  It is lightweight and I've been using it in place of my foundation since I got it - perfect for daytime wear, especially now that we're heading into summer.  No more-melted face feeling!  Yay!

In case you need more details on this:

• Works on combination to oily skin with three shades:  Light/Medium, Medium/Deep (that's me), and Deep
• Contains mineral Perlite, which retains twice its weight in oil and water to control shine
• Formulated with sheer natural mineral pigments
• Non-comedogenic and non-acnegenic which means it wont' clog pores or cause breakouts
• Oil-free, non greasy
• Available at mass retailers (Walmart, Kmart, CVS, etc.) for about $12.99

 So what are you waiting for?  Go out and get yours now!  I'd love to hear your experience with it!

**This product was given to me as part of a BzzAgent campaign.  I am in no way affiliated with the Garnier company or it's partners.**