Guess what's playing in Seattle this month :)

August 9-27

5th Avenue Theater

Can't wait! 

How-to: Mascara for Asian eyelashes

So, if you're like me, you're Asian. And if you're Asian, you have ridiculously short eyelashes that are invisible to the naked eye. Furthermore, the grow downward instead of up, like they're supposed to. If you're also like me, you also don't want to resort to wearing fake eyelashes, because they're itchy, evil, and look garishly unnatural.

At my work, I'm not allowed to wear any makeup except for mascara, so I had to find some sort of solution to my dumb eyelash problem. Obviously, us Asians just can't just resort to sticking on some random cheap mascara in 10 seconds and be on our merry way. No. For us, we've gotta work. We've gotta strategize. And after lots of research and experimentation, I've finally figured out how.

What you'll need
Eyelash curler
Waterproof mascara
A blowdryer (optional) Yes, a blowdryer.

First of all, invest in a good eyelash curler. Make sure that it's one that can really grip each and every one of your lashes. My suggestion is to go to your nearest Sephora and ask a sales associate (preferably one that is Asian :) ).

Secondly, be sure to use a good waterproof mascara. I'm very specific on waterproof. Waterproof, while not too good for your eyelashes, are best in helping them stay up. I've experimented with different brands, and I've had most success with Maybelline's Falsies Volum' Express and Covergirl LashBlast.

The Falsies definitely gave me length, but not so much with volume like they claim they do. When applying, my lashes end up looking like...spider legs. I'm not quite sure how to describe it, but it isn't as gross as it sounds XD It doesn't clump, but it definitely makes your eyelashes look like falsies, except less extreme. If you're looking for length, definitely get this. It cost me about $7.50 and can be found at most drugstores.

CG LashBlast definitely provides more volume, and less drama. From my personal experience, my lashes weren't as long as they were with the Falsies, but it was also a more natural look (instead of...spider legs. XD) It definitely doesn't clump, and cost about $9 at most drugstores. 

These are just my personal picks, feel free to explore different brands! There are plenty of reviews online, especially on YouTube. The Asian eyelash pandemic is common enough that you'll have plenty of resources to pick from! 

Now, onto business. First of all, you want to curl your lashes. But before you do that (this is optional, but it definitely helps), heat up your eyelash curler with the blow dryer. Make sure it's not too hot! Just set it to the lowest heat and blast at it for about 10-15 secs. Wait for it to cool down if necessary. It'll be like a mini curling iron! (duh....) 

Start curling your lashes. If you don't have a monolid like me (I have Asian eyelashes, not Asian eyes :) ), the best way to get a good grip of the hairs is to tilt the curler outward, by resting the top of the curler into the your eyelid crease. Try to get as near to the roots as possible, but be careful not to pinch any skin. Clamp down on the lashes, and give them a tight squeeze. Also pay attention to the lashes on the outer edge of your eyes. 

Next, apply whatever mascara you've decided to choose. Tilt your chin upwards, and start applying the brush starting near the roots. Work your way up the top of the lashes, wriggling the brush side by side as you go. Apply several coats, and wait to dry. Another extra thing that I like to do is to wait until the mascara is almost dry, then use my finger to push the eyelashes up even more. That will definitely help them stay up. You could also try using the curler as well at this point. Apply a coat on the lower lashes if you wish, but otherwise you are done :) hope this helps! 

what I wore: spring

Better late than never! :)

Top: Dorothy Perkins

Pants: Hot Topic

Boots: Nordstrom 

Dress: Gilly Hicks 

Boots: Nordstrom Rack

Top: H&M

Scarf: Christmas present

Boots: Nordstrom

Socks/legwarmers: eBay

Sweater: Gilly Hicks

Shorts: Nordstrom Rack

Thigh-high socks: Nordstrom Rack

Converse: DSW

Necklace: etsy

Blouse: Macy's 

Pants: gifted (purchased in Japan) 

Boots: Nordstrom

Shrug cardigan: purchased in Singapore

Top: purchased in Hong Kong

Shorts: Hollister

Thigh high socks: Nordstrom

Boots: Nordstrom 

Necklace: H&M

Top: Charlotte Russe

Flower pin: Murasaki Boutique

Skirt: Forever21

Belt: H&M

Boots: Nordstrom Rack 

art (c) me :)

Mademoiselle Colombe

by French artist by the online alias of kmye-chan. Love the mood of this piece and the shading. I've been a huge fan of her work for years. Plus it's been a while since I've shared some of my favorite artists on this blog :)

Click for full view.

Serotonin--online website

Image found via deviantART

foot fetish

I loooove socks. They're so much fun!

Now that stores everywhere are starting to release clothing for the fall season, I've been starting my collection of nice, thick, comfy and cozy socks. My preferences are over-the-knees or thigh highs, because they're incredibly cute, warm, and sexy. Plus they look quite nice with shorts or a mini skirt. Pair them with some boots and you've got a perfect combination for fall! They're also fun to lounge around in at home :)

(Gosh, I can't believe I'm already talking about fall. It's only July! Oh, capitalism.)

Btw, when I mean thigh high stockings, I don't mean the thin, lacy ones that you wear with a garter belt that you surprise your significant other with when they come home from work, I mean these:

These are new arrivals at Gilly Hicks, where I work (I start Tuesday!!!) I want them in every color! :D 

For fall, I recommend warm colors:

I am also quite a fan of legwarmers. Some may say that they're such an 80s thing that's completely out of style, but frankly, I don't give a damn! They were pretty much the staple of my wardrobe during the colder months. Plus they're absolutely adorable underneath knee-high boots.

I have a pair similar to these, except in a darker brown color and they're much longer (they hit just below the knee). I get tons of compliments when I wear them!

Personally, I feel that long socks are so underrated. Where I live, girls tend to rock the dreaded leggings-as-pants trend (along with their North Face jackets and Ugg boots...oh, Seattle), and it's getting boring! Ladies, if you're reading this, I dare you to try these out ;) If you feel like you don't have the legs, you could try layering with wearing nude colored tights underneath. Tights act kind of as a control top, making your legs look slimmer. Plus it keeps you warm when it gets colder!

Places to get awesome socks:

American Apparel

Gilly Hicks

Urban Outfitters

Sock Theory (online)

Sock Dreams (online)

The Sock Monster (local Seattle store, located in Wallingford)

Modcloth (online)

(I don't have a foot fetish, by the way. Haha)

Emma Stone for Elle magazine, July 2011

LOVE the styling! So chic. Reminds me of Cruella DeVil :P

I kind of reaaally want that sheer polka-dotted top.

And those shoes.

Amalfi, Italy

During my trip to the Mediterranean, I fell in love with a city.

I would love to spend a summer here! It was exactly what it looks like in the photos. Incredibly peaceful, picturesque, and breathtakingly beautiful.

(Photos not mine)

Also, about my travel blog...I'll update it...one day... lol