BrandBacker: Studio Gear Hydrating CC Cream

Yesterday I received another sample from the company Studio Gear. This time, I received their Hydrating CC Cream with SPF 20. 

According to Studio Gear:

Hydrating CC Cream transforms and enhances your complexion in an incredibly light, smooth formula. This foundation simultaneously fights aging, retains moisture, and covers and treats blemishes with a non-oily, perfectly radiant finish.

Key Benefits:
- Prevents fine lines and wrinkles with collagen-building ingredients
- Restores skin elasticity by promoting moisture retention
- Brightens and illuminates skin with a non-oily, complete coverage application

I'm well aware of BB Cream and love using it, but I've only recently heard of CC Cream. I wondered what the differences were, so I tested it out on the back of my hand. 

At first, it comes out as white, but after rubbing it into the skin for a few seconds, it blended into my skin color perfectly. It feels moisturizing and I left it on the back of my hand for several hours. It didn't dry my skin out or irritate me at all. I have yet to try it on my face, but so far, this product seems promising. 

For my lovely blog readers, the people at Studio Gear have provided a discount for you all to be able to get this Hydrating CC Cream for ten percent off. 

Discount: 10% Off
Discount Code: SGCC

Note: Bloggers and readers of your blog get a 10% discount. This code does not expire and is good for 10% off your entire order on www.studiogearcosmetics.com.

(Note: Sponsored Post - Powered by BrandBacker).

Trimmed to the Truth

December 6, 2013

 Thanks to an amazing, hardworking young lady who I am so proud to call my friend, I was able to give my hair some tender loving care. I decided that if I wanted to grow out my hair, I had to treat my hair with some respect. So I knew it was time for a trim. After not cutting it for two and a half years, this grown out pixie cut needed to get its dead ends removed. 

Thank you D.C. for the trim! It was a lovely way to just catch up with you, since I know you're a busy bee.

Top: Forever 21 || Vest: thrifted || Scarf: H&M 

I almost changed my mind last minute to not go because the gloomy, bone-chilling weather was not at all welcoming or fit for a night out. However, I decided to just go with it because I haven't seen her in a while and we haven't had a one-on-one girl talk session in ages. 

Definitely the best decision. This night was exactly what I needed before finals. 

We did some catching up as she picked me up from my apartment and she trimmed my hair. The usual: how our classes are going, how we've been keeping busy with our extracurriculars, "juicy/scandalous" subjects, and so on. 

Before we went out, she decided to twin with me, so she threw on her own denim top, scarf, and trapper hat. We definitely looked adorbs as we walked into the restaurant. 

Since she already ate before we left, we shared calamari and a plate of pad thai, Lady and the Tramp  style (well not EXACTLY in that manner). Then poured our souls out to each other and exchanged life advice to soothe our minds. And of course giggles and laughs were sprinkled throughout our deep conversations. 

After chatting with her, I remembered how much inspiration I get from the empowering leaders I've witnessed on campus (including her), who are even more inspiring to me because they are females of color. They never get enough credit, as much as their male counterparts. Despite the fire and passion they have for what they fight for, many people do not seem to notice. But I have and I will continue to do so, and hope that others begin to take notice of underrated leaders in their own communities. 

Take some time out of your life, no more than five minutes, to think about someone you have found to be inspiring to you, or a quality of someone's that you find admirable. Then go thank that person and show how much you appreciate them. Call, text, Facebook message, write a letter. Just reach out and let them know your appreciation for their existence and hard work. It's more than likely they will appreciate this token of gratitude, because that is what they've hoped to do: to have hopefully reached out and touched one person through their activism. 

My good friend who graciously trimmed my hair, despite her incredibly packed and busy schedule, is one of those strong, hard working, caring, wonderful, and "feisty" individuals that I've come to look up to. I am extremely blessed to have met her and to be considered her friend. Love you Pseudo/Honorary Big!

And to really make this an official Girls' Night Out, we had to purchase ice cream and cookies after dinner. 

What Ifs

What Ifs.

The question that troubles everyone, no matter their age, size, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation.

Why must we have all these completely viable options and possibilities, that we create in our own imaginations, when we can actually make them occur in real life?

Because of fear.

Anxiety.

Social norms.

Self-esteem.

Pride.

But what if.

What if these seemingly huge obstacles, which are in fact petty and cause later regret, prevent us from what we actually deserve?

Maybe.

Maybe you are keeping yourself from that job promotion you've worked so hard for.

Maybe you are restraining yourself from obtaining that lead part in the school play.

Maybe you are not realizing your talent as a writer.

Maybe you are keeping yourself from what could possibly be the love of your life.

Maybe,

Just maybe,

You are not realizing your true potential,

Your own self worth.

So get rid of the maybes and the what ifs.

Take the plunge and dive right in to what could possibly be

Your exciting career you have absolute passion for,

Your start to a successful acting career,

Your calling as a creative writer,

Or

The one you will spend the rest of your life with. 

Stop with the "what ifs", 

And start with the "what nexts".

Secret Santa 2013 - La Première Partie

December 7, 2013

Afternoon: Life Line sibs Secret Santa Gift Exchange/Photo shoot

Evening: Straightedge homies Secret Santa Gift Exchange

Blouse: gift || Vest: thrifted || Velvet leggings: H&M || Coat: Forever 21 || Knee high socks: Cotton On || Boots: Madden Girl || Gloves: gift (H&M)

Where I Should Be

The last day of my Sustainable Design class, I hear the excited chattering of students and see my professor hugging other colleagues from the Design Department. For some reason, I was hit with a realization I only felt a few other moments last year. At that moment, as I was sitting among my classmates, I knew. I just knew. 

This is my passion.
This is what I want to devote my life to. 
This is who I want to surround myself with.

THIS is where I should be. 

Substance

Beauty. Fashion. Style. Popularity.
Judgement. Favoritism. Hierarchy.
Self-hatred. Insecurity. Depression.

*****

I just realized, as I was sitting inside a classroom building before class started, obediently studying for my last History of Interior Architecture quiz of the quarter, that I want to write.

I want to add substance to this blog.

Yes, my initial goal of this blog was to challenge myself in terms of fashion. However, my higher education and past experiences has made this fire to bubble up inside of me that I need to get out into the real world. I don't want to only share my passion for style, but also the thoughts and knowledge I continue to learn in college and from life itself.

I have always wanted to share my inner thoughts about controversial, important, taboo topics, but always felt hindered by these social standards I felt I had to adhere to. However, I cannot be silenced anymore. This fire has escaped me and hopefully will illuminate and shed some light on certain topics I find need to be discussed. Just some of the many things I have this need to write about:

1. Disgusting ideals of beauty that society has created, and in turn, harming the youth

2. Double standards 

3. Young womyn should not be the only ones expected to be chaste in relationships. Young men should watch themselves and have restraint. Making a baby is a two way street. 

4. Pursuing passions vs. pursuing your parents' passions

5. Future in the arts: is it stable or stupid?

6. Finding yourself

Alright. That should be enough to get off my chest until finals are over next week (or unless something gets me riled up that I must post before or during finals). 

Until the next post, I hope you find your own unconventional bliss. 

Like All The Water

“Did you ever feel, as though you had something inside you that was only waiting for you to give it a chance to come out? Some sort of extra power that you aren't using - you know, like all the water that goes down the falls instead of through the turbines?” 
― Aldous Huxley, Brave New World

Back to Reality

December 1, 2013

Sweater: Cotton On || Coat: Forever 21 || Scarf: H&M || Jeans: Urban Outfitters

 I have returned from Thanksgiving break. Now time to endure the next two weeks of classes and finals before I can fully enjoy the sweet reward of winter vacation. Until then, I will be back with vacation updates (if I get out of the house at all). And with the last of my old outfit pictures I have been delaying to post until now, the blog is finally up to date. 

Spontaneity

November 27, 2013

Sweater: mom's || Cardigan: gift || Velvet leggings: H&M || Scarf: H&M || Backpack: vintage || Boots: sister's || Watch: Fossil

Above photo by Marvin M.

I never enjoyed Black Friday shopping because you have to deal with hordes of shoppers and the atmosphere is just not appealing at all. I prefer to leisurely peruse racks of clothing without that need to "survive". Then in the end, whatever items you do end up buying, they either go out of fashion very quickly or do not last that long. Fortunately I was blessed to have spent what could have been a stressful and annoying day filled with crazy eyed shoppers, with good company. 

  1. Denny's brunch with the gang. Ordered the Bacon Avocado Burrito. I think it will become my usual.

2. Spontaneous drive through the city/downtown with my indie movie partner in crime. Ended up getting cultured, educated, empowered, and inspired after an amazing trip to an art museum. Unfortunately, the museum was closing so we got kicked out before we could finish going through half of the artwork. I guess that shall be saved for another time.

3. Donut pit stop while we waited for the rest of the group to reconvene from their afternoon plans. 

4. Strolled on over for some finger-lickin' good fast food dinner. 

5. Headed on over to end the night with Oldboy.

6. Returned to donut shop to get scolded at for suggesting the movie. 

Above photo by Lee Ron 

Next four photos by Lee Ron

I was finally able to feast my eyes upon the American remake of South Korea's Oldboy, which was such an amazing movie. There were slight variations to take into account culture differences, and probably artistic preferences, but the remake was not disappointingly terrible. Of course, I suggest watching the original to get the full impact of the story. Definitely not for the weak at heart. If you can only stand happy endings and predictable story lines, steer clear of this movie. However, if you are intrigued by dark, twisted, sickening, depressing, but artistic and well-crafted movies, this is a must see. 

Thankful For it All

November 27, 2013

Below picture by Angela B.

Top: gift || Blazer: thrifted || Velvet leggings: H&M || Watch: Fossil || Necklace: sister's

Below picture by Angela B.

Perfect opportunity to catch up with the K.E.L.I.A. girls and of course have our usual mini photoshoot. 

Below picture by Angela B.

Below picture by Josh P.

Now for the hunger-inducing-obligatory-Thanksgiving-meal pictures.