UNDERNEATH THE MAKE UP


Growing up as a fashion blogger, beauty is an integral part of the big picture. Obviously I wear eyeliner and lip tint on daily basis. What’s not so obvious is the foundation of it all, which is the foundation. I am a liquid foundation kinda gal due to my relatively dry skin. After a while switching from brand to brand, I find most comfort in L’oreal True Match Liquid Foundation. Why, you ask? Other than its quality and price, L’oreal is familiar because it has been used in the family since I could remember. My mom is utterly a big fan of L’oreal (isn’t that right, Mom?)

Let me show you how to use them. First of all, pick a shade that perfectly matches your skin tone. For the purpose of this article I am using No. 12.

There are three ways in which you can apply foundation to your visage. First, using brush. All you have to do is put considerate amount of foundation to the back of your hand, use the brush to get some of it, and then apply it to the desired parts of your face. Using brush to apply foundation gives a full coverage with precision, especially when you use the end of a flat brush.


Second, using sponge or beauty blender. This is preferable when you want to build your coverage, because this method gives you full and high definition coverage.



Third, simply using your bare (and of course clean) hand. With an index finger, apply the foundation in dots on the desired parts of the face. Then blend the liquid by either gently patting your face with four fingers or by moving your fingers in swipe and swirl motion. This method is my most favored, not only because it is practical, but also it gives a more natural and light finish. Plus, the foundation will be more quickly absorbed by the facial skin due to the heat of the skin of your fingers.



Completed with the event-appropriate make up application, and voila! True Match won’t fail ya. Here’s some shots of myself using L’oreal True Match Liquid Foundation.



Thanks for reading!
♥

SOMETHING PRETTY



Every woman has that go-to something that makes her feel pretty when wearing it. And I don't just mean something that makes her feel like she looks pretty, but literally makes her feel pretty. For me it's Batik, and all other culturally inherited patterns in various areas throughout Indonesia, but for the purpose of this article I'll just refer to Batik. 

I think Batik is genuinely and consummately beautiful. Recently I was involved in a workshop where we were taught to paint Batik on a 30x30 cm canvas. Man, it looked so easy how those ladies did it. My canvas doesn't turn out so admirably, haha thanks to my major lacking of drawing and painting skills. But an important take away was that original Batik cloths that are traditionally painted are more than just paintings, they are a continuous effort of preserving the culture and heritage that originates from and has been passed down to hundreds of generations on this homeland of ours. 

Hence, wearing Batik makes me feel like I am a part of my people, like I am connected to this motherland. Give me Batik anything, and I am a happy girl.

Do you have anything that makes you feel heart and soul pretty? Please do share!

♥

WHAT A DAY



What a day, indeed! 
This outfit was the first of the day, channelling 90s look with stripe turtleneck and old-school denim mini skirt. I went to get a Korean lunch and ran a couple of errands with boyfriend. After that we went home and put our Cinderella mood on. Yes we swept and mopped the most parts of the house! That was probably more sports I did in three hours today than I did in the last month, hahaha. But boyfriend was really supportive and helpful, couldn't ask for a better life mate :) (if you're reading this, which I know you will at some point, I didn't just say that because you were quite a partner in doing the chores, but also because I love you and kind of already decided that you are).

In the evening I and my sister and our boyfriends took mom and dad out for a semi-surprise anniversary dinner, it is their 28th year now. I said semi-surprise because they knew we were going on a celebratory dinner but had no idea that we planned a little more than that, with the decorated dessert and the gift and all. It barely compares to what mom and dad have done for us throughout our lives, but I hope they consider tonight as a token of appreciation and love nevertheless. For me, it's amazing to witness a relationship going so long and so strong.  It was a happy night for all of us, although we were missing our little golden boy a.k.a my brother yet again. 

Anyway, photos are posted on my Facebook and some on Twitter. I might post some on Instagram too. 

One more weekend to December! Oh Christmas month is most exciting. I am stoked to realise all the exciting plans I have been cooking and make every counting days to Christmas memorable. Are you feeling the jolly season yet? 
♥

PRETEND IT'S WEEKEND




Some coquettish snaps from last weekend. I was wearing my old frilly and tassle-y blouse with neutral colors. After five days of working around the clock, a lazy weekend becomes a high-priority need. Hence I have been gravitating towards light and loose and draped clothing, which is the uniform of a lazy weekend. In fact it's growing to be more than just that, it's becoming my essentials and my preference for both "when in doubt" situation and otherwise. 

Anyways.. catching up with long-neglected blogging life has been worthwhile. Befriend me on Twitter and Instagram, I'd love to make new friends! :)
♥

COME ON SKIN-NY LOVE


Let’s face it. We are not Halle Berry, we all have imperfect skin. My general problem has always been its dryness, particularly on facial area. I wear make up every day. It’s normally only eyeliner and brows for work but I tend to put on more (powder, blush, shading) on weekends. If you ladies haven’t noticed already, this routine is causing our skin to age faster than we do. Blackheads, enlarged pores, oily skin, spotting, dull skin, and abnormal pigmentation are some indications of skin problem. And yet, for some women more than the others, this routine is salient and irreplaceable. Myself included. So I opt for the next best thing: committing to an excellent make-up remover.


Allow me to share with you the make up remover I have been using and felt satisfied with… NIVEAMake Up Clear. It comes in four variants, two for each skin type. Make Up Clear White 2IN1 Scrub and Make Up Clear 2IN1 Foam contains Resorcinol and Licorice as Pearly White to remove dead skin cells, thus perfect for normal skin. Whereas for oily skin, the Aluminium Chlorohydrate and Carnitine content in Makeup Clear White Oil Control 2IN1 Mud and Make Up Clear White Oil Control 2IN1 Foam treats oily skin and revitalize the skin. Scrub is to be applied before rinsing the face and neck area, and foam is for after rinsing. 



For me, the NIVEA White Oil Control 2IN1 Mud has done wonders. It is a combination of make up removal and cleansing soap, thus its ability to remove the make up and clean its residue down to the pores. Very easy and quick to use, 5 minutes tops. As a result, I can actually see my facial skin glow. Talk about looking beautiful when you sleep at night. Watch it, Princess Aurora, there’s a new sleeping beauty in town!



Now I dare you make-up enthusiasts to show off your make up! Upload your photo with creative make up on Instagram and tag @nivea_id and put hashtag #CleansedByNIVEA. You don’t have to worry trying out even the most creative make up look, thanks to NIVEA Make Up Clear, it only takes less than 5 minutes to take it off!

Good luck girls! SELFIE GAME STRONG! 
♥