Makeup Review::Jenn Ne Sais Quoi & Dohee

File_000-300x300 Makeup Review::Jenn Ne Sais Quoi & Dohee MAKEUP
Happy Sunday, everyone! Last year Jenn Im released some makeup products in collaboration with Colourpop, but it was sold out by the time I decided to purchase the collection. Almost a whole year later, I was able to snag a couple of products during the special re-release.

:Jenn Ne Sais Quoi | Super Shock Shadow Collection:

Jenn Ne Sais Quoi is a play on the French phrase “je ne sais quoi” and Jenn’s name. This quad consists of 4 shades of Colourpop Super Shock eyeshadows.  All of the shade have french names: Un, Deux, Trois, and Quatre (one, two, three, and four). Un is a metallic champagne shade which is perfect for an inner corner highlight or for dusting all of the lids. Deux is a satin brown shade. Trois is a satin reddish brick brown shade. Quatre is a dark matte brown shade. For the price point, the eyeshadows are a really good quality. They are soft, opaque, and easy to blend. The pigmentation is great with a brush and even better using your fingertips. With the different finishes, you can create a variety of looks with all four colors without reaching for another palette.

Right now one of my favorite looks is Trois all over the lid, Deux to blend it out, Quatre in the outer v, and Un as the inner corner highlight and slight dusting over the center of the lids. Since the colors are warmer they are perfect for summer.

:Dohee | Ultra Matte Satin Lip:

Dohee is orangey coral shade. The formula isn’t drying but isn’t completely matte either. Even though I like the formula, the coral shade pulls too orange on my skin tone and isn’t flattering one me. I think if you are more tan, you will be able to pull this shade off.

Thank you for reading!

Mikasa Beauty Brushes:: Complete Eye Set & Lemon Drop Review

MikaseEyeBrushSet Mikasa Beauty Brushes:: Complete Eye Set & Lemon Drop Review MAKEUP This post may contain referral links that provide Roses and Wine compensation. Please read disclosure for more information. Thank you for your support. 

Happy Tuesday, everyone! In a previous post, I shared my first impression on my new brush set by Mikasa Beauty. If interested in purchasing brushes from them use my code CAROLCHANG25 for 25% off your entire purchase. 
My order consisted of  Complete Eye Set & Lemon drop:

  • 1 of Mikasa E100 – Angled Liner Brush
  • 1 of Mikasa E110 – Eye Liner Brush
  • 1 of Mikasa E200 – Angled Shadow Brush
  • 1 of Mikasa E230 – Eye Shader Brush
  • 1 of Mikasa E240 – Short Eye Shader Brush
  • 1 of Mikasa E300 – Blending Brush
  • 1 of Mikasa E310 – Pencil Brush
  • 1 of Mikasa E320 – Tapered Blending Brush
  • 1 of Mikasa E330 – Large Blending Brush
  • 1 of Mikasa E400 – Double Ended Brow Brushes
  • 1 of Mikasa S100 – Lemon Drop

:Review:

LemonDrop Mikasa Beauty Brushes:: Complete Eye Set & Lemon Drop Review MAKEUP

 Mikasa S100 Lemon Drop | $11

This is a bright yellow makeup sponge made out of non-latex foam. The yellow reminds me of Drybar products. I’ve tried various makeup sponges from the Beauty Blender, Pony Effect Pebble Sponge,  and Real Techniques. Despite trying different brands, my Beauty Blender is still my favorite and I was excited to see how the Lemon Drop would compare. After using the Lemon Drop a couple of times, I think that it is a good alternative for the Beauty Blender. When wet, the sponge expands and blends in foundation well. I still think the Beauty Blender is better but if I had to pick a cheaper alternative I would pick the Lemon drop over other competitors. Compared to the Beauty Blender, the  Lemon Drop is a little bit denser.
Mikasa100AngeledLinerBrushCloseup Mikasa Beauty Brushes:: Complete Eye Set & Lemon Drop Review MAKEUP
Mikasa100AngledLinerBrush Mikasa Beauty Brushes:: Complete Eye Set & Lemon Drop Review MAKEUP

Mikasa E100 Angled Liner Brush | $11

The angled brush is ideal for drawing a cat eye with gel eyeliner or even for defining eyebrows. This brush is made out of synthetic hair allowing the brush to be used with gel, cream, and powder brushes. When I don’t want a softer look, I spray this brush with fix plus and dip it into an eyeshadow and line my eyes.The brush is soft on the skin and dense.
MikasaE110CloseUp Mikasa Beauty Brushes:: Complete Eye Set & Lemon Drop Review MAKEUP
MikasaE110EyeLinerBrush Mikasa Beauty Brushes:: Complete Eye Set & Lemon Drop Review MAKEUP

 Mikasa E110 Eye Liner Brush | $11

This thin brush is good for getting really close to the lash line and creating a thin natural line. I personally wouldn’t reach for this brush that often because I use a liquid eyeliner when I want a thin precise line.
MikasaE200AngledShadowBrush Mikasa Beauty Brushes:: Complete Eye Set & Lemon Drop Review MAKEUP
MikasaE200Closeup Mikasa Beauty Brushes:: Complete Eye Set & Lemon Drop Review MAKEUP

 Mikasa E200 Angled Shadow Brush | $12

The curved bristles on this brush make it ideal for blending around the inner corners and I could see it used for applying highlighter as well.MikasaE230Closeup Mikasa Beauty Brushes:: Complete Eye Set & Lemon Drop Review MAKEUP
Mikasa230EyeShaderBrush Mikasa Beauty Brushes:: Complete Eye Set & Lemon Drop Review MAKEUP

  Mikasa E230 Eye Shader Brush | $12

I love this brush. The white goat hair brush has a round tapered head which makes it ideal for applying eyeshadow all over the lid. Personally, I lean towards white brushes so I can see which brushes I need to clean.
Mikasa240Complex Mikasa Beauty Brushes:: Complete Eye Set & Lemon Drop Review MAKEUP

MikasaE240ShortEyeShaderBrush Mikasa Beauty Brushes:: Complete Eye Set & Lemon Drop Review MAKEUP Mikasa E240 Short Eye Shader Brush | $12

This brush has short goat hair bristles with a rounded head. The short bristles allow the brush to pack on color. I can also see this brush used to smudge eyeshadow along the lash line. I have yet to try that.MikasaE300CloseUp Mikasa Beauty Brushes:: Complete Eye Set & Lemon Drop Review MAKEUP  MikasaE300Blendingbrush Mikasa Beauty Brushes:: Complete Eye Set & Lemon Drop Review MAKEUP  Mikasa E300 Blending Brush | $12

This blending brush works so well! The bristles are made out of soft goat hair with slightly tapered bristles. I think blending brushes are a must in anyone’s brush arsenal. Sometimes it’s just blend blend blend and eyeshadow looks amazing!!!

MikasaE310Closeup Mikasa Beauty Brushes:: Complete Eye Set & Lemon Drop Review MAKEUP

MikasaE310PencilBrush Mikasa Beauty Brushes:: Complete Eye Set & Lemon Drop Review MAKEUP

 Mikasa E310 Pencil Brush | $12

This brush can be used to apply eyeshadow in the outer v or in the inner corner. The soft rounded tip is made out of goat hair and is pretty precise. I find myself reaching for this brush over my Morphe brush.MikasaE320Closeup Mikasa Beauty Brushes:: Complete Eye Set & Lemon Drop Review MAKEUP MikasaE320TaperedBlendingBrush Mikasa Beauty Brushes:: Complete Eye Set & Lemon Drop Review MAKEUP Mikasa E320 Tapered Blending Brush | $12

This is larger blending brush than E300. I use a clean fluffy brush to blend out the eyeshadow for a softer edge on the outside towards the brow bone. The bristles are made out of goat hair and the tapered bristles allow me to get into my crease and smooth out the transition shade as well.MikasaE330Closeup Mikasa Beauty Brushes:: Complete Eye Set & Lemon Drop Review MAKEUP MikaasaE330LargeBlendingBrush Mikasa Beauty Brushes:: Complete Eye Set & Lemon Drop Review MAKEUP Mikasa E330 Large Blending Brush | $12

This brush is sooo fluffy! I use it to blend and to apply light washes of color. Last weekend I used it to apply a light shimmery shade on the center of my lids and it was so pretty! I could see this also used as a precision highlighter brush for the nose and philtrum.
MikasaE400DoubleEndedBrowBrush Mikasa Beauty Brushes:: Complete Eye Set & Lemon Drop Review MAKEUP
MikasaE400Closeup Mikasa Beauty Brushes:: Complete Eye Set & Lemon Drop Review MAKEUP
MikasaE400Closeup2 Mikasa Beauty Brushes:: Complete Eye Set & Lemon Drop Review MAKEUP

 Mikasa E400 Double Ended Brow Brush | $12

This brush is made out of synthetic fibers. One end is used for applying brow products and the spoolie is used to blend. Right now this is my favorite brow brush. It helps me fill in and define my invisible eyebrows.

:Overview:

I would highly recommend buying a set of brushes from Mikasa Beauty. The brushes are high quality at an affordable price. Both the synthetic and natural hair on the brushes were soft and durable. Again, if you are interested in purchasing brushes use my promo code for 25% off CAROLCHANG25.  Thank you for reading!

Pop of Pink:: Overlay Skirt & Embroidered Top

File_000-5 Pop of Pink:: Overlay Skirt & Embroidered Top OUTFITS
Happy Monday, everyone!!! Today, I’m sharing an outfit that I wore to the Old Town Flea Market. In my Madewell Haul, I picked up this black overlay midi skirt. I paired it with a pink crop top with white embroidery and a scalloped hem. The scallop detailing and the embroidery adds some texture to the outfit and the lightweight skirt with the addition of wedges adds length. By pairing a high waisted skirt with a crop top, I create the illusion of having longer legs and hide my long torso. If you like the skirt, you should hurry and buy it while it’s on sale! Right now it’s $30!

:Outfit Details:

H&M Crop Top XS Old
Madewell Overlay Midi Skirt XXS
Target Wedges 5
Kate Spade Black Suede Crossbody Old
Quay Sunglasses Old

How to Maximize Chase Sapphire Preferred Card and Ultimate Reward Points

This post may contain referral links that provide Roses and Wine compensation. Please read disclosure for more information. Thank you for your support.

Happy Saturday, everyone! Today, I’m going to go over how I maximize the value of my Chase Sapphire Preferred Card and Ultimate Reward Points. Points are accumulated when using the credit card and can be redeemed in the Ultimate Reward portal.  Points transfer to airline reward programs and hotel reward programs. In my opinion, this is the best option. Personally, I use my points on flights. Last year, I redeemed points for a one-way flight from DC to SF since the other leg of my flight was covered by the conference. This made my round trip flight essentially free, I just had to pay the security fees. Currently, I have enough points for a roundtrip to Asia.

Using the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card on its own isn’t fully reaping all the benefits though. I maximize my card by using it in conjunction with the Chase Freedom Unlimited and Chase Freedom cards.  The Chase Freedom Unlimited and Chase Freedom cards offer cash back on purchases but if you have the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, you can transfer points from the Chase Freedom Cards onto the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card. Without the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, you are limited to cash back and essentially getting less value since you miss out on points for reward travel.

Right now Chase is having their Refer-A-Friend incentive. Through my referral link, my friends will receive an offer of 50,000 bonus points after they spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Currently, the offer for new cardholders is 40,000 points after a $4,000 spend. So you get a bonus of 10,000 points by using my link and meeting the minimum spend.

:Referral Links:

Currently, I can refer my friends to the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
ScreenShot2017-05-13at11.01.21PM How to Maximize Chase Sapphire Preferred Card and Ultimate Reward Points TRAVEL
ScreenShot2017-05-13at11.01.08PM How to Maximize Chase Sapphire Preferred Card and Ultimate Reward Points TRAVEL
ScreenShot2017-05-13at11.08.07PM How to Maximize Chase Sapphire Preferred Card and Ultimate Reward Points TRAVEL
Thank you for reading!

 

Madewell Haul:: Back to Basics & Petite Friendly Finds

File_000-6 Madewell Haul:: Back to Basics & Petite Friendly Finds OUTFITS
Happy Thursday, everyone! Madewell opened a shop in Fresno last fall in Figarden Village and today I stopped by to pick up a couple of basics.

:Haul:

File_003-1 Madewell Haul:: Back to Basics & Petite Friendly Finds OUTFITS

Even though it’s May, I can’t help myself and bought this sweater. It’s on sale and it looks cute paired with leggings. Plus, it reminded me of oatmeal… Now on to more practical pieces for the summer heat.

File_002-1 Madewell Haul:: Back to Basics & Petite Friendly Finds OUTFITS

For petite women, I would recommend the crew neck pocket tee. They have a much better fit than the v-necks and actually show off a feminine figure. XXS small fits me perfectly. Whenever something fits me without alterations, I pick up multiples. Plus, they are super soft!

I wished Madewell would change the fit of their v-necks. The super relaxed fit looks boxy on my petite frame.

File_000-7 Madewell Haul:: Back to Basics & Petite Friendly Finds OUTFITS

In an effort to reach out of my comfort zone and accessorize more, I picked out two bandanas. I think it will look cute tied around my neck or wrist or maybe even in my hair. This ribbed tank will add some texture to some outfits and be good for transitioning into different seasons.

File_004-1 Madewell Haul:: Back to Basics & Petite Friendly Finds OUTFITS

The last two items I bought were a tank and a maxi skirt. I have two similar tanks to this already with a slightly wider strap. Ever since I moved back to Fresno, I realized that I actually had to dress for each season and I was no longer able to be in sweater weather mode all year long. It gets hot and I need to have some tanks that are modest enough for work.

As a petite woman standing at 4’10” I struggle with maxi skirts. Sometimes there is just so much fabric that I feel as if I’m drowning and wearing a curtain. This is actually supposed to be a midi skirt but it hits me right at the ankle allowing me to show off cute sandals or even wedges.

Thank you for reading!

 

GENTLE MONSTER:: Sunglasses & Wishes

Happy Wednesday, everyone! Today I want to share a wishlist of sunglasses that I picked out from the brand GENTLE MONSTER. This is a Korean brand that makes sunglasses well-suited for Asian faces. One of the problems that I struggle with when I shop for sunglasses is that they tend to rest on my cheeks. After hearing Youtubers and friends rave about these sunglasses, I decided that I’m going to invest in a pair of GENTLE MONSTER sunglasses.Since I’m going to LA soon, I might stop by Eye Holics to try on a couple of pairs since I’m still a bit hesitant to order online. Nordstrom carries GENTLE MONSTER and has a hassle free return policy but I can’t decide which one I want and I know that I can’t buy all 5! Sadly, I missed my chance to try them on when I was in New York!

However, I can redeem myself when I travel to Korea next summer. Based on the pictures, each branch in Korea is designed differently and incredibly uniquely, making it one of the stops on my list of places to visit when I go to Korea next summer.

My Wishlist::

_100939032 GENTLE MONSTER:: Sunglasses & Wishes ACCESSORIES show?id=3YpKoERaXDM&bids=357944 GENTLE MONSTER:: Sunglasses & Wishes ACCESSORIES
:Tilda Swinton X GENTLE MONSTER | Newtonic 60 mm Rounded Sunglasses:
I love black sunglasses with gold detailing. The polished double bridge combined with the cutout temple tips creates an edgy look. 
_100148378 GENTLE MONSTER:: Sunglasses & Wishes ACCESSORIES show?id=3YpKoERaXDM&bids=357944 GENTLE MONSTER:: Sunglasses & Wishes ACCESSORIES
:GENTLE MONSTER | Moon Cut 55 mm Sunglasses:
This pair is more of a retro round frame with gold detailing. 
_100943084 GENTLE MONSTER:: Sunglasses & Wishes ACCESSORIES
I like how this pair is slightly see through. The detailing on the temple tips is cute too. 
_100955365 GENTLE MONSTER:: Sunglasses & Wishes ACCESSORIES show?id=3YpKoERaXDM&bids=357944 GENTLE MONSTER:: Sunglasses & Wishes ACCESSORIES
This pair is in my top two. I love oversized sunglasses for running errands aka hiding from students. 
_100940200 GENTLE MONSTER:: Sunglasses & Wishes ACCESSORIES show?id=3YpKoERaXDM&bids=357944 GENTLE MONSTER:: Sunglasses & Wishes ACCESSORIES
Another full coverage frame is on my list. I feel as if this one is more chic and elegant than the Zeiss lens. 

Comment below on which pair is your favorite.Thank you for reading!

April 2017 Favorites

April2017Favorites April 2017 Favorites MAKEUP SKINCARE
I still can’t believe it’s MAY! I feel as if this year is flying by and I’m almost 25. Here are all my favorites for the month of April.

Book::

This month my favorite read was, “When Breath Becomes Air” by Paul Kalanithi. Technically it is a reread since I first finished the book in June. While reading this book, I cried, hoped, and found some peace.
The first time I ate alone in a restaurant was when I was reading this book. I wanted to get out of my apartment, out of the city and kept driving. All I knew was that I wanted to go where I wouldn’t be recognized and left alone. About 1.5 hours later, I ended up in Gilroy. Ironically I drove myself to the very person I was running away from. It was as if fate was toying with me.
Rereading the book in April, allowed me to reflect on where I am going and where I’ll be. I’m healing, reopening old wounds and watching the scars slowly fade, but I am at a good place. In these moments, I realize that I forgive you and I forgive myself.
“What makes life worth living in the face of death? What do you do when the future, no longer a ladder toward your goals in life, flattens out into a perpetual present? What does it mean to have a child, to future a new life as another fades away? These are some of the questions Kalanithi wrestles in this profoundly moving, exquisitely observed memoir” -excerpt from the  inside front cover
*

Beauty & Fashion::

April2017Favorites3 April 2017 Favorites MAKEUP SKINCARE
As I get older, I find myself drawn to the basics. My nude Steve Madden sandals are one of my essentials and favorite pair of shoes. They go with everything and the low heel is super comfortable. Roses de Chloe is one of my favorite scents, it’s a rose based perfume that doesn’t scream grandma perfume. Well even if it did a little, I wouldn’t mind too much since I love roses.
April2017Favorites2 April 2017 Favorites MAKEUP SKINCARE
I always try to apply sunblock daily and one of my favorite sunblocks is made by Shiseido Anessa. Anessa is a sub-brand of Shiseido that is found exclusively in Japan. Instead of a creamy base, it is more of a milky sunblock. This makes it more waterproof and less thick thus I am more likely to reapply over my freckled skin. I would totally recommend this if you live in a hot environment.
In my skincare post, I mentioned this TATCHA moisturizer, a relatively new addition to my skincare. TATCHA’s water cream claims to release a burst of skin-improving Japanese nutrients, powerful botanicals, and optimal hydration for poreless-looking skin. The packaging is super cute as the cream is encased a Tiffany Blue tub with a gold bow on top. The bow holds the tiny gold spatula that I use to scoop out my moisturizer. Inside the blue tub, is a jiggly white cream. I tend to use a cream over a lotion moisturizer as my skin is dry. This helped heal my dry patches caused by allergies and I notice a brightening effect as well. I’ll update with a review specific to this moisturizer soon.
Even though I own a plethora of makeup, I don’t wear a full face of makeup to work every day. Honestly, I’d rather sleep in. I’ll just fill in my eyebrows and use my cushion foundation. I prefer cushion foundations because it allows me to reapply SPF to my face. Dior Capture DreamSkin Perfect Skin Cushion foundation has an SPF of 50 and comes in 4 shades- I use shade 10. This foundation has light coverage so it’s perfect for the no makeup look.

:Items Mentioned:

Paul Kalanithi When Breath Becomes Air
Shiseido Anessa Whitening Skin Protector SPF 32 PA ++ (Pink one discontinued)

 

How to Create a Flat Lay Background

FlatlayDIY How to Create a Flat Lay Background DIY
I got bored of using my desk and bedsheets as my flat lay background. So I decided to create my own flat lay backgrounds to switch it up a bit. This is a pretty project to do! I would recommend grabbing a partner though as contact paper is super spiky and you don’t want to have any mishaps.

Materials:: 

Contact Paper
Foam Poster Paper
Credit Card or Gift Card
Scissors

Steps:: 

1. Cut contact paper to size. I leave excess so that I can wrap it around the back but that is optional. If you want to make a two sided board you can cut it exact so you can use the other side as well. That is more difficult so I opted with one-sided backgrounds.
2. Peel backing off and carefully place on top of the surface.
FlatlayDIY2 How to Create a Flat Lay Background DIY
3. Use the card to smooth out air bubbles. Go in one direction!!!
4. Flip the board over and press down the excess.
DIYFlatlay3 How to Create a Flat Lay Background DIY

I ended up making 4! I can’t wait to use them. Thank you for reading.