Will be back

Dear Readers,
I am deeply sorry for the lack of posts this past week. I am currently uber busy getting stuff together but I promise to be back soon with fun posts! I'm thankful for the support and visits from all the readers :) Please stay tuned! I have a haul post coming up on Hypes & Gripes!

yours truly,
ClosetSecrets

Beauty Tag: Get to know me better... 40 questions

SKINCARE

-How many times do you wash your face daily?
Twice daily. And I use my Clarisonic at nighttime only.

-What skin type do you have? (dry,oily,combo)
I have oily-combination skin.

-What is your current facial wash?
Neutrogena Oil-free grapefruit cleanser for day and Philosophy's Purity Cleanser for night

-Do you exfoliate?
Yes, 2x a week with Lush's Dark Angel

-What brand do you use?
Lush's dark angel and if I run out it'll be the St. Ives apricot scrub

-What moisturizer do you use?
Body Shop's Mattifying day cream or Clinique's Moisturizing gel

-Do you have freckles?
nope.

-Do you use eye cream?
No, But I really should start using

-Do you or did you have acne prone skin?
Yes I did all throughout high school and the first two years of college and it slowly went away with more care and effort put on skincare.

-Did you ever have to use Pro-activ?
Yes, for 2 months. During my freshman year of college acne on my forehead got out of control and decided to try it. And it worked!

MAKE-UP
-What foundation do you use?
MUFE, NARS or Laura Mercier. I use them all and all for different occasions

-How about concealer?
Amazing Cosmetics or MAC

-Do you know your undertone color?
Very golden undertones, yellowish..

-What do you think of fake eyelashes?
I love them only for special occasions... they can be a bother if you don't wear them often

-Did you know that you are supposed to change your mascara every 3 months?
Yes- But I don't necessarily follow that rule. I see by how the product feels (texture, moisture.. etc)

-What brand of mascara do you use?
MUFE and Rimmel are my favorites

-Sephora or MAC?
I can't decide!!! If I had a gun to my face... I still wouldn't decide.

-Do you have a MAC Pro-card?
Nope I'm not really a Pro... just a girl sharing her thoughts and ideas on things.

-What makeup tools do you use in make up application?
Fingers, Sponges and Brushes!

-Do you use make-up base/primer for the eyes?
Yes, Urban Decay Primer Potion

-For the face?
Victoria's Secret Pro Primer

-What is your favorite eyeshadow (color or shade)?
Satin Taupe or Espresso by MAC. I know that it is always a favorite but if you've tried it before.. u know why...

-Do you use pencil or liquid eyeliner?
Definitely liquid eyeliner! Favorite is L'oreal lineur Intense

-How often do you poke your eyes with an eyeliner pencil?
Hardly ever, I used to when I first started with make-up in my early teens

-What do you think of pigment eyeshadows?
i like them only if u have a lot of time to get ready

-Do you use mineral makeup?
Yes in the summer months. In HOT summer months in FL, mineral make-up is definitely the way to go

-What is your favorite lipstick?
L'oreal's Fairest Nude

-How about lipgloss?
NYX Beige

-What is your favorite blush to use?
MAC lilicent topped with NARS orgasm

-Do you buy your makeup on ebay?
Nope. never

-Do you like drugstore makeup?
Yes! Not all but there are a lot of good things from drugstore make-up such as lipsticks, mascaras, eyeshadows. I've never been a fan of drugstore foundation though.

-Do you go to CCO's? (cosmetic company outlets)
Yes, there are 3 by where i live and sometimes you can find really good finds... but it's really rare

-Did you ever consider taking make-up classes?
I would but it would go against my college degree. LOL. Vanity is a hobby, not a lifestyle to me. And my Science degree would be sad if I took beauty classes. Mainly because I've put so much effort into my science degree that I don't want it to feel neglected if I looked into doing something else (That's what I think at least... no?)

-Are you clumsy in putting on makeup?
usually no

-Name a makeup crime that you hate?
NOT BLENDING, NOT PLACING FOUNDATION ON YOUR NECK AND ULTRA RACCOON EYES

-Do you like colorful shades of makeup (lipstick,eyeshadow) or neutral ones?
Neutral is my first pick but currently I am loving Fuchsia lips!

-Which celebrity always has great make up?
I think everyone agrees with me on this but definitely the Kardashians.

-If you could leave the house using just ONE make up item,what would you use?
Blush. makes anyone look awake!

-Could you ever leave the house without any makeup on?
Yes I do it a lot. I usually on wear full on make-up twice a week.

-Do you think you look good even without any makeup on?
Yeah I think so. Or at least I'd like to think so

-In your opinion, what is the BEST makeup line?
NARS... but everything is so damn expensive

-What do you think of Makeup?
It's FUN. I mean shopping for it is fun! Playing with colors and your face reminds you of being that little girl plays with your mom's make-up! I know I don't need it, but it's so much fun to me to be able to express art on my face. Make-up simply accentuates what you have and accents your beauty

Hope that wasn't too long to read!

Frosting my tips

I wanted a change. Nothing too drastic to my hair so I thought going Ombré would be the perfect idea. Just frosting my tips to add a little definition to my mullet. I have had countless number of accidents with bleaching and at-home-coloring so I was a little hesitant. but after reading many reviews, tips & tricks.. especially from Jen(frmheadtotoe) I got me some cojones to do it on my own again.

Here's an image of me BEFORE I dyed it. Excuse the glasses and "SURPRISED" Bambi look

Materials

20 Creme and Kaleidocolors violet from Sally's beauty supply. A total of <$4 :D

Steps:

1. Make sure you're working with dry hair, the bleach will work much better.

2. Use gloves every time your handling bleach/hydrogen peroxide

3. Place dye on the tips of your hair up to 4 inches from the bottom.

4. Cover the bleached hair with foil in order to keep heat in.

5. Leave the dye in for at least 10 minutes (Maximun 15! remember your dying this area TWICE)

6. Rinse hair thoroughly and dry using the cool setting.

MAKE SURE HAIR IS COMPLETELY DRY BEFORE STARTING THE SECOND PROCESS.

7. Repeat step 3 and 4 except place the dye up to 6 inches from the ends. (This is the Ombre effect/process)

8. Leave dye on for another 10 minutes.

9. Rinse and condition (DO NOT SHAMPOO)

"After shots" of the Ombré effects

I had only left the dye on there for ONLY 10 minutes because I naturally have dark auburn hair... I didn't want the dye to be too drastic. I'm not going for the skunk look. But I think I am going to intensify my ends a little more (2 inches from the ends). Note that it is better to do it gradually than hitting it hard at first... as it is hard to erase what you did.

Hope that I had inspired someone else to do it too :)

Make-up Collection and storage

This post is definitely in no way bragging or showing off. Personally, I love watching and seeing these types of posts/videos on YT and thought I'd do the same as others have done for me. So here is my storage unit/collection for my vanity items. Enjoy watching/reading!

My beauty vanity from Ethan Allen that is passed down to me :)

Top of the vanity:

Jewelry cases, fedoras, perfumes, palettes, brushes etc.

First Drawer: Hair

Hair clips, ties, headbands, comb, bobby pins

Second Drawer: Miscellaneous

Sunglasses, tripod, randoms

Third Drawer: Face Drawer

Foundations, powders, blushes, concealers and primers

Fourth Drawer: Eye drawer

Palettes, liners, pencils, curlers and mascaras

Fifth drawer: Lip drawer

Pencils, lipsticks, glosses, balms and nail file

Sixth Drawer: Nails

Nail polish, fake nails, nail polish removers

Last drawer: Miscellaneous

Extras of everything!

peace, love and cupcakes!

30-Day Beauty Blog Challenge: Day 09 - Your favorite drink

I definitely have to thank Rachel for this one. I follow her on twitter/YT and Check out her website here! (awesome blog and such a humorous and beautiful person) But ever since I read her tweet about tuxedo mochas years back, I was intrigued and then I was HOOKED. I will have this drink frozen, over ice and hot. I love it anyway you give me. Although my little body is lactose intolerant and allergic to soymilk, I will have this drink as a once-in-a-while TREAT. Some starbucks so carry Lactaid but I've slowly tried making in on my own but nothing can beat the ones from Sbux. It can also be a dessert. I mean... when u have it as a frap, and have chocolate sauce dribbled on the side, extra whip on top and chocolate chips.... MY OH MY.

My tummy is now Rumbling from just the thought of one. Ay-yay-yaaay!

A tribute

One of my favorite blogs to read is Who What Wear. I check their blog regularly in the am to go with my roast. I love how innovative the blog is and shows you the different styles (along with street styles) and how to customize it to fit you. When I found out that they had released 2 books, I jumped the gun on Amazon and waited at my mailbox. A definite must read and broadens your view on what's good and not to just "follow" trends.

30-Day Beauty Blog Challenge: Day 8 — Current fashion/style you like

LACE DRESSES!

These are AH-MA-ZING!!!! Perfect for summer and light and airy. And with an easy day-to-night transition... add on a blush colored blazer and killer heels! Definitely my current fashion obsession!!

30-Day Beauty Blog Challenge: Day 07- Fashion Pieces that's on your to-buy list

I moved things around a little bit but here's one of my favorite things to talk about: Change in seasons. Which only means change in wardrobe!!!! Key pieces of my wardrobe this couple of months:

1. A hot pink dress - A solid dress with the main color of HOT ASS PINK. The dress is already a statement piece by itself. No extra accessories needed! A la Blake Lively here.
2. Bright cardigan - I see myself wearing a lot of whites and blushes this summer so a nice POP of color would liven the outfit completely!
3. LV Neverful - A basic all you can carry tote for the spring/summer is essential!! Something convertible from day to night without much effort! Beach and Drinks!
4. Nude Wedges - Now, this is important. By wedges i do not mean espadrille style. I think those are a little too beachy. I want something that can transform from day to night again. Here it is essential to look for wood or cork heels.
5. Rose Gold - This is the HIT color this spring. Rose gold accessories are slowly to be found everywhere! but a chunky watch is perfect and timeless and can be worn even after the trend ends!
6. Denim jackets - They're making a comeback! More fitted, better cut and don't be afraid to try one in white denim!!
7. Maxi skirts - I cannot simply explain enough in words on how obsessed i am with this piece. I have it all from dark to light colors, tight to flowy, stripes to solids. My favorite look has to be a flowy solid black maxi + tight white V-neck + chunky accessories + Tory Burch sandals/flats.
8. Feathers - I know a lot of you have seen the feather trend from earrings to hair extensions! I think this is an awesome idea. If your not an dangly earring person to sport a feather earrings, fear not! They are slowly coming into necklaces and hairbands! A little touch of the peacock feathers to liven up your look!

These items are definitely on my list this spring/summer! What's on yours?

REVIEW: Asian Contact Lenses - Do's & Dont's (Candylens.com)

A lot of people don't know what contact lenses can do for a look. They are as easily worn as your mascara to transform a face. I actually do wear glasses and have horrible eyesight at night so sometimes, I do get these color lenses in my prescription... but usually I just get them plain.

What are they?

Color contacts are meant to intensify your eyes. I know that there are A LOT of skeptics out there on the dangers of wearing contacts if you don't need them, however, if you do your research, it can be a fun thing. You get to try out different eye colors, looks and styles.

Where to get them?

There are many different sites online that sell these color lenses but from a personal POV, I love www.candylens.com shipping is fast and they are so so nice!! I've bought a total of four lenses from them (separately) and they even add a cute little note in it :) (no, I am not paid to say this.. this is an honest review) They cost anywhere from $19-$30/pair

DO:

• Research about them before buying them. It is NOT a perfect fit for everyone.
• Especially look into how to clean them and keep them safe so dirt and dander do not enter your eyes.
• If you wear glasses, do look into your prescription or even ask to get fit for contacts and get prescribed ones!
• Read other reviews
• Try fun colors! they have purples and pinks!
• It will give you the Doll-face Doe-eyed look.

DON'T:

• If you've always experienced problems with your eyes, it's better not to play with them
• Guess your prescription by what you wear for glasses. Contacts and glasses both have different prescriptions.
• If you know you have astigmatism, check with your optometrist first, some of these lenses may not be porous enough and causes extra blurry vision
• Be lazy. These take a lot of care and proper use. Remember that your eyes are precious. Do not do anything that would harm them.

Personally,

I think they're a lot of fun. It adds that extra oomph to your make-up. I don't wear them for more than 6 hours and if i do, I make sure that I carry lubricating drops with me at all times. And the contact solution BioTrue (Pictured above) is the best solution I think so far HANDS DOWN!

Here's some pics of me wearing 2 different ones (I know my eyebrows need work..I've been procrastinating!)

Geo Super Size Angel Brown Contacts- $21.90

These are 14.8mm so it make your eyes appear MUCH larger and more doe-eyed... like Bambi. My Bf usually says "you look like Bambi who needs to be spanked"... uhm?!?!

Geo Angel Brown Circle Lens - $19.90

These are my fail-safe lenses. They're only 14mm diameter which is nothing too big, it just gives a really clear defined look.

note: I have REALLY dark eyes where sometimes it is hard to even see the pupil. So this is a nice touch. i'll post some of me wearing pinks and purples and blues soon.

Miami Poolside

H&M cutout one piece - $20

I have pink to thank for this. She tweeted about it first so ALL credit goes to her. Follow her on twitter HERE! I went to my H&M last week and saw this and I immediately fell in love with it. However due to my shitty ass luck, no size mah!! Then I got discouraged and forgot about it. But then my awesome blogger Pink tweeted about it and I was like omg now I gotta go see if they have my size. I gave it another try... saw a 2 and that's a size too small... I tried it on anyway but my buttcheeks weren't co-operating. As I walked out of the changing room I perused the "tried-on" clothes rack and VOILA! found it. So damn happy.

Perfect outfit for a Miami/Vegas poolside. Though more so Miami for me since it's only a drive away :)

Hat - Eugenia Kim for Target

Sunnies - MNG by Mango

Shoes & Necklace - F21

30-Day Beauty Blog Challenge: Day 06 — Anything Hello Kitty

I own quite a good share of Hello Kitty items but nothing compares to these little earrings that I LOVE so much. I buy these in bulk because I lose them so easily but they're your basic plastic Hello Kitty stud earrings. So simple... adds a girly touch to any outfit. Probably the number reason why I get carded all the time.

Hello Kitty Studs - Claire's $3.50

GIVEAWAY!!! [CLOSED]

This is a giveaway for the "GRAND OPENING" my new blog!

My blog is really new... almost a week old.. In an attempt to increase my readers and viewers... I am having a Giveaway! Well three to be exact! The giveaway is open for 30 days and 3 winners will be picked randomly for each of the giveaways.

Rules:

1. Subscribe to my blog using google or bloglovin'

2. Comment once/day on which you would like to win. if you comment everyday... higher chances of winning! Example: "I'd love set #1"

3. That's it!

Giveaway Set 1

Coastal scents 28 Neutral Palette. Never used (Just swatched, also added mac color dupes on the lid)

ELF Eyelid Primer

NYX Blush - Peach

EOS lip balm - Summer Fruit

NYX Round lipstick - Sky Pink

Giveaway Set 2

Nail Stamp Set

2 Sinful colors polish

Giveaway Set 3

Missha BB Cream - No. 31 (NC42)

NYX 10 Eyeshadow Palette - Champagne&Caviar (Neutral smoky eye)

Lorac Blush - Pink Paradise

Aquafina lip balm

NYX round lipstick - Georgia

This is open for 30 days from today! Don't forget to comment! I love sharing! Sharing is caring (^_^)

ES-FUCKING-TATIC

I'm trying not to post on weekends but I am too FUCKING excited! 2 things... one is a little sneak peek of what I FINALLY (only had to wait for 1 1/2 years... momma helped) received!!! And the other I never knew existed.

I am in LOVE LOVE LOVE with www.whowhatwear.com and I check their blog as often as I change my undies (everyday, twice a day. ahem.) And I guess i'm not that good of a fan because I NEVER knew they had 2 books published!!! In the image below is the first one... and the other one is coming in the mail monday. Luckily I have the weekend to myself... so I can make that pot of green tea and get my reading on.

Now for the second surprise... I don't know if I even want to show it yet. But I'll keep that for another post. It has a lot of tips and tricks to it and how to get off the waitlist fast.

Adieu mes Béautes <3

30-Day Beauty Blog Challenge: Day 05 — Your favorite thing to do

I couldn't post anything yesterday or this morning due to Blogger going maintenance. Bummer. But anyway... I hat to think hard about my favorite thing to do that pertains to beauty and fashion... and I have to say the best thing is...

Cruising through TjMaxx and Marshalls for the best deals!!

Not everything found in these 2 stores are amazing, but if you actually take your time and peruse through things... they can be the best deals EVER. For instance... I have bought jeans ranging from True Religion, R&R, 7FAM, Joe's, Paige, Jbrand... all from there and all under $60. I have found shoes from BCBG, Chucks, Marc Jacobs etc. Countless number of accessories such as sunnies, watches, jewelry from Juicy, Marc Jacobs, Lucky Brand etc... SO MANY MANY THINGS.

My days off ritual is usually going to TjMaxx an hour after they open... this way I don't have to fight the crowds and get the best things before others get em! Mainly because U can never always find the two of everything either.

If I don't have to pay retail on certain things... I will always jump at the chance!

30-Day Beauty Blog Challenge: Day 04 — Your favorite foundation

Here are my three all time favorite foundations. Again... there are reasons why there are three on here. One for a different occasion. Now for those who are M.A.C. literate... I'm in between NC42 and NC45. I'm the cocoa butter shade hawaiian.

MUFE HD Foundation - Shade 173

Perfect for the nights out foundation. Doesn't give me a white cast at all when I take pics with my bitches and gives my complexion a satin perfect finish. Costs ~$40 but definitely worth it. I only use it when I'm going out at nights.

NARS Sheer Glow - Tahoe

Now I have crazy Oily skin... so why did I choose the sheer glow?? Well... it's the perfect winter foundation for me. My skin gets dry in some areas but the main reason is that I JUST LOVEEEEEEE the glowyness this foundation gives. I know people compare it to the Revlon Photoready... but I don't think it is even comparable. The revlon photoready makes me look like a drag Disco B-pall. The NARS makes me look dewy and healthy especially on the dry winter months!

MUFE DUO MAT - 214/209

This is my failsafe everyday foundation. It used to be the MAC studio fix powder... but when this baby came along... I put the studio fix on the back burner. I apply it using the basic sponge and only a little gives you a nice medium coverage. Keeps my oily face under control during the day as well. Again... just for a face powder for $32 is a lot of money... trust me I know... but man oh man... it is worth it!!

I'd like to note that I do NOT wear foundation everyday. Maybe once in 3 days or when I have meetings or just wanting to feel that extra pretty. Also would like to add that with ALL my liquid foundies I apply them all with the Sonia Kashuk Sponge. The BeautyBlender dupe. The first time I used the beauty sponge to apply my foundie... I fell in love and it is my holy grail applicator. Never goin' back!!!

Words can't even explain

I moved out of my parents' house since I was 18, and that was 6 years ago. I see my family usually twice a year and that is when I gain the most poundage in my body. I'm part asian (but I look hawaiian) so I miss a lot of food from my mom's kitchen. I have passed several "possible" worthy areas. One in Vegas, one in LA, one in Boston but never one in FL. I thought I'd give it another try by perusing on Yelp and see if I could try my luck.

Low and behold.... (I thought I was gna pee my pants when I saw this finally opened in Orlando)

Hawkers Street Fare - N Mills Ave, Orlando

Everything on the menu was hawker style food. From Malaysian, Singaporean, Vietnamese, Hokkien and so many more. Everything on the menu was either $8 or lower. So I indulged! Trust me... after 6 years and finally finding something like this, I was AMAZED! Only thing missing is boba :(

Curry Laksa/Kari Mee -$6

Roti Canai - $3

Roast Duck Banh Mi - $6

Mee Goreng - $6

For my Florida visitors/readers and future visitors.... DEFINITELY give this place a try. Heck... even call me and I'd Happily give you directions for it.

great... now I'm hungry again.

30-Day Beauty Blog Challenge: Day 03 — Your favorite brush

Sigma Flat Top Kabuki Brush

On a usual day, I rarely wear eyeshadow. My go-to look is basically the cat eye, blush, highlighter and nude lips. I love blush as it really wakes my face, not to mention the chipmunk-esque cheeks that I have. So I love emphasizing it =D but this brush is so SO so soft!!!! Can be used for stippling liquid foundation, powder foundation, cream blush and powder/baked blush/bronzer. Definitely my go-to weapon. Cost- $16 (not bad for all that it does) Rating - 5/5

30-Day Beauty Blog Challenge: Day 02 — Your favorite bag that you own

This has to be one of my fav topics. Bags!!! Now this is a toss up. My fav everyday bag is definitely my Speedy 30 because it fits everything in it! But my fav all time bag has to be this...

Chanel Classic Flap Medium - (inherited...thanks bageezus!!)

Soft Caviar Leather (fyi..the leather literally looks like little caviars)

Got the extra flap on the inside and red leather lining

Why am I in love with this purse...? well just look at it!!! Simple, chic and elegant. The best part is that u can incorporate both dressy and casual looks with it! and it will NEVER go out of style! Chanel re-issues these purses every year (2.55) and love love LOVE em!!

I do admit that I do not give it enough love as I should, but the bag is a little on the old side and I'm always afraid that I'll scuff it, spill something on it... knowing my luck. Someone did tell me to bring it to the store for a spa? is that true?

Asian Skin care and SPF

After reading Saaammage's review of the glorious things she found in NY (click here) I was terribly jealous. Surprisingly I live in the city with the most tourists and all (thanks Disneyworld) but sadly i can barely find any stores that carry Asian beauty skincare/make-up lines.

What's so special about it you may ask? Well a lot of asians (I am half) have very sensitive skin. Some have very oily skin due to the weather and some burn too easily.

My favorite thing that asian skincare has to offer has to be their extensive lines of SPF skincare. We do not realize it but having sun protection is as important as drinking 8 glasses of water/day. Asians love taking care of their skin and keeping it fair and preventing sun damage. Being that I am living in Florida now, this is really my cup of tea. I am on the hunt... I understand that most of them are now available on-line but to be honest, I always prefer to see the product before buying and not have to pay for shipping.

I did find one grocery mart that had some beauty products but I only managed to like 1 item out of the line.

Kosé Moisture Mild White

Pretty Packaging...bottle is made of glass o_o

I've seen this product on many sites like sasa.com and was always intrigued. I haven't found any reviews online as yet so I thought I'd try it out and see if it's any good. But this one is one of the new formulas that contains Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) which helps control acne and even out your skin tone. I'm excited to see how this product is going to work... or will it work at all? Will definitely add in the review in a week!

Aside that I was going through Saks the other day (mmm...shoes) and stumbled across the Clinique beauty bar and saw this. I was excited to see that it was at least SPF50 AND oil-free!! So we'll see how it goes but so far, so good... not as greasy as other facial sun-screen I've tried.

Clinique SPF50 Sun Face Cream - $18

Will be going back to this topic after a week with a full force review!