[Product Review] Tony Moly Silky Glaze Shine Hair Mask

As promised, here is the product review I did for the Tony Moly Silky Glaze Shine Hair Mask! First things first, I absolutely love this mask. If you haven't check it out, I recently blogged about it in my June Favourites since I use it pretty much on a bi-weekly basis.

Ever have a day where your hair just feels like it's been in a desert and completely lacks the proper oils or moisture? Well that's like a commons scenario for me since I have super damaged and fried ends from colouring my hair. That's where the Tony Moly Silky Glaze Shine Hair Mask comes in. I rely on these kind of hair products to keep my hair moisturized and feeling healthy. The good thing about this mask is that it gives you the instant results and it smells ridiculously nice. Unlike some hair mask products where you leave it in for a couple minutes and when you wash it out, it doesn't feel any different; this mask does the opposite. Though this mask is a bit more time consuming (15-20 minutes for maximum results), the smooth, shiny texture appears the moment you rinse it out and it stays like that for a long time. I tend to use this product right after I've shampoo-ed and towel dried my hair. I suggest not applying this on soaking wet hair because the product will just slide right off. Generally I have nothing bad to say about this product asides from the fact that it won't show optimal results if you just leave it in for 5-10 minutes (hence I use another product if I'm looking for a quick fix). This is mainly used when I have a 'spa day' or a couple extra minutes to spare in the shower. I've also done a step by step process for those that can't read Korean and don't know how to use these hair masks. Check out the descriptions and procedure below!

1. Shampoo and Towel Dry (Not shown in Picture) - As simple as it is, make sure to get all the existing hair product or oil you might have in your hair for the maximum results!

1. Open the Package to reveal the product and shower cap - The package itself is already separated into two compartments. All you need to do is open both so that you can access the hair product and the shower cap. 

1. Apply Product directly onto your hair - Starting from your roots, gently apply the product onto your hair. I tend to use a 'combing' action when applying it so that the product is evenly distributed from the roots to the tips of my hair. Use up ALL the product for optimal results, in particularly to the ends of your hair or where you need more moisture.

1. Let it sit - Twist your hair into a bun or tie it up and cover it with the shower cap. Let the cap do its magic for 15-20 minutes (30 minutes if you have extra time to kill). The product won't damage your hair so the longer you leave it in, the longer your hair has to bond with the product. 

1. Rinse, Towel and Air Dry - After 15-20 minutes, rinse all the product out and apply some conditioner. Once you've rinsed everything out, towel dry your hair and let it air dry. Don't use any heated products on your hair because that will completely defeat the purpose! Just let it air dry so it gives your hair a break from all the heated products you might have used on it throughout the week.

Here's the Before and After photo! The lighting and picture isn't doing the product any justice but as you can see, the After picture on the right looks much 'shinier' than the one of the left! (No filters!)

Well there you have it! Quick step by step process on how to use this amazing Tony Moly Silky Glaze Shine Hair Mask I purchased from the Tony Moly shops in Korea. They cost about 3,000won each so that's roughly about $3 if you were to purchase it in Korea. There are quite a few online shops like Ebay or Gmarket that carry this product so make sure to check it out. Once again, I have not been paid to do these product reviews nor am I helping them advertise but they are mainly from my own experiences. Leave a comment below if there's another product you'd like me to review but for now, stay positive and Just Be Yourself.

Make sure to follow me on Instagram @justbeeyourself for more updates! 

June Favourites

First off, HAPPY (belated) CANADA DAY! To celebrate, I've decided to put together a small "Monthly Favourites" blogpost to showcase some of my go-to/survival items for the past month of June! Can you believe that we're more than half way through the year 2013?? It's amazing how time flies. Anyways, here are my 

June Favourites  =)

 

1. BareMinerals READY SPF 15 Touch-Up Veil Finishing Powder in Tinted: I've mentioned this in my previous Sephora Haul post that I've been loving this new finishing powder line from bareMinerals that I decided to get it in translucent as well! It works wonders when I use this to top off my foundation because since it's tinted, it gives a slight 'glow' without making your face look too sparkly or contoured like a bronzer would. This product has definitely been essential to my everyday make up look for the past few month or so but I thought I'd point it out in this favourites post! You can get it at Sephora =)
   
   2. GEO Angel Blue Contacts: I was never a big fan of blue contacts since I thought it would make my eyes look way too fake. My eyes are naturally brown and since prescription isn't too high, I only wear contacts occasionally (typically when I need to drive, dance, play in my sports league, etc). I first purchased this when I needed a pair of blue contacts for a character I was cosplaying as back in April (click here for the reference picture) and it turns out that the blue didn't show up that much. In fact, the blue on my natural brown eye colour looks almost "normal" or gives it a 'cool blue' or 'dark gray-ish blue' effect. Since it didn't look too out of the ordinary, I've been wearing these instead of my big brown circle lenses that make me look animated. They are super comfortable and they last for a year. I got mine from AngelContacts!
   
   
   
   
   3. Peripera Lip Tint in Orange:  So as some of you may or may not know, the orange colour is definitely in season for the Spring/Summer 2013 collection. Not only in clothes and in fashion but also in the shades used in make up and in particular lip colours. Since I don't like to put on lipstick or lipgloss on a daily basis, I substitute my lip colour with lip tints. I only found out about lip tints a couple years ago so I'm still getting used to putting this on regularly. However, the reason I mentioned this in my June favourites is that not only do I use this for my lips but I also use it as my blush! Since this lip tint is water based, it applies on fairly smoothly and doesn't streak. I know it sounds weird to use a lip tint for a blush, but trust me, the colour looks AMAZING as a light blush! I purchased my lip tint from the Korean online shop Gmarket.

4. SO Big Liquid Eyeliner from Nature Republic: I bought this a couple years back in Korea and haven't really used it at all after substituting it for my Dollywink Eyeliner. However, since I ran out of the Dollywink Eyeliner, I decided to retry this one and I'm so glad I did! This eyeliner is a brush tip and glides super well onto your eyes. Not only that, it doesn't smudge and it can be removed easily as well. They recently repackaged it and introduced a new line but I haven't tried it. Hopefully it's still the same product because I definitely want to repurchase this! You can check out the new product from the Nature Republic website!

5. Tony Moly Silky Glaze Shine Hair Mask - I first came across this while I was in Korea and was looking for a hair mask that could basically help rejuvenate my dry, bristle hair. When I first purchased this I was fairly skeptical since I've tried a lot of masks and they never seem to work. After trying this for the first time, I was immediately hooked! I will do a product review for this specific hair mask another time but in an overall statement, it smells amazing and it makes your hair super smooth and silky after each use! I got mine from the Tony Moly shops.

6. Professional Pro Deep Repair Treatment from Nature Republic - Similar to my previous rant about the Tony Moly Hair mask, this Deep Repair hair mask does wonders for dry hair in a short amount of time. I generally use this when I need a quick fix for my dry ends since you only need to leave it in for about 3-5 mins. Likewise to the Tony moly Hair mask, I will do a seperate product review entry about the different hair masks that I use so I can show everyone a before and after picture. Overall statement: Definitely have been using it lots in the month of June (so much that I had to get my friend to buy three more tubes for me from South Korea). I got mine from Nature Republic. 

7. Lioele Dollish Veil Vita BB and Kat Von D Lock-it Tattoo Foundation - These two have been my must-haves products in my daily foundation routine. Since the weather in Vancouver gets a little crazy (it can rain, hail, and be sunny all in one day), I alternate with these two products. The Lioele BB acts as a primer/base for days where I want minimal make up. Since the cream has a tint of green, it reduces the redness in my skin while providing enough tinted coverage for my 'natural' make up look. I got my Lioele BB from the Lioele branches in Korea. 

On days where I need long lasting coverage, I substitute it with my Kat Von D foundation. I've been using the Kat Von D concealer for many years now but it wasn't until recently that they released their foundation line. Not only does it provide full coverage with minimal product but it also feels lighter than if you were to cake loads and loads of foundation on your skin. I would highly suggest getting this if you're looking for a light foundation that gives you full coverage. I got mine at Sephora.

I apologize for the long post but that's it for my June Favourites! Please comment below if you want product reviews on the products I've mentioned today. Remember to  Just Bee Yourself. =)

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My Sephora Beauty Haul

My Sephora Beauty Haul

First haul post ever!! Not sure how to exactly do one of these but here goes nothing... Sephora Haul! So I don't usually order from their online shop just because I think it's so much easier to just go to the Sephora location to test out the products myself. It's funny how I use a lot of Western beauty products rather than the Asian products I purchased in Asia. That's for another blogpost. As for my haul blog, I decided it was time to use up some of the points I've accumulated over the years of being their loyal customer (VIB!). Usually when you order through their online shop, you tend to get promotions and of course, free samples! So here are the samples I got this time around.

Not sure if you can tell under the awkward lighting I have here but I got a sample of the Bumble and Bumble Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner, an mini sample of Anna Sui's Fairy Dance, Lancome CILS Booster XL Super-Enhancing Mascara Base, and Guerlain's Maxi Lash Volume Creating, Curl Sculpting Mascara. I don't usually try new fragrances but since it was a free sample, I'll give it a shot. I'm going to try using the two mascara samples together and see how it works out. Please let me know if you want a proper review on these products!!

One of my main purchases of the Sephora haul is this concealer. Since I've been seeing reviews on how great the Benefit's Fake Up concealer is, I decided to try it out. As some of you may or may not know, this line of new concealers that Benefit has released is actually a hydrating crease-control concealer. The concealer content is actually wrapped in a ring of Vitamin E & apple seed extract gel/cream that would help diffuse fine lines for a smoother look. I haven't tried this out yet but as you can see on the left of the picture there, I've swatched out the colour for you guys. Let me know if you want me to do a review on this product!!

 

I also purchased the bareMinerals Touch-Up to go duo which includes the mini bareMinerals Touch Up Veil in Transparent (Bottom left) and a mini Kabuki brush. Since I already own the tinted bareMinerals Touch Up Veil Finishing powder so I decided to purchase the transparent one to contrast and compare. (see the size comparison in the top right picture) Sephora was doing a deal where they'd give a bareMinerals READY Eyeshadow 2.0(Bottom right) for every online purchase that was being made. I haven't tried the translucent powder nor have I ever tried bareMineral eyeshadows before so I'm looking forward to trying it and then swatching it in another blogpost for you guys later on.

Anyways, that's the end of my Sephora Beauty Haul blog! Comment and let me know if you want these haul blogs coming or if you want specific reviews on these products that I've purchased!

Make sure to follow my Instagram for more updates!

How to: Dress Business Casual

How to: Dress Business Casual!

Sorry this took so long to post but I've been so busy with papers that I kept postponing my blogging time! Anyways, to follow up my How to: Dress for Convocations (check it out in case you haven't yet), I came across another problem. Ever have a situation where the attire simply requests for 'Business Casual'?  What is 'Business Casual' exactly!? Till this very day, I still don't know what it is exactly asides from the LITERAL interpretation of it being Casual business wear but you know what I mean :) It's like bridging across something you'd wear to an interview and something you'd wear to a business presentation (kind of what led me to posting about this). I couldn't exactly decide if I was too 'dressed up' so I put a couple outfits together to decide! 

So there's a simple guideline I stick to when it comes to Business Casual, Cover up. I can't stress this enough and I know this sounds like a 'no duh' moment but you'd be surprised at the amount of people that don't realize it could be the reason why it's costing them the job opportunity! To start things off, I usually try to cover up my shoulders. Even if it's a hot summer day and you have a nice chiffon tank top that you want to wear, great, consider throwing on a nice shawl or a basic pull over. Generally when you're asked to wear business casual, it means dress professionally. This doesn't mean you have to wear a full suit but it also doesn't mean you should dress too casually. Check out my outfits and descriptions below to see what YOU can also wear for a presentation or even to an interview!

(Descriptions will be made from Left to Right, Top to bottom)

1. Mint Green Chiffon Top and Black Pants (Top left): This is a simple top and pants combo where my shoulders are COVERED so it's not too revealing and I've also paired it with a white cami underneath to prevent from showing too much. Definitely pair it up with a blazer if you'd like but in this case, I was aiming for a look I'd wear on a cool summer day. The top is from Aritzia and the black pants are from Gap!
2. White Laced Top with a Black Collar and Black Pencil Skirt (Center Top): Similar to the previous look, this is more of relaxed look that would be perfect for a summer day. Instead of going for pants, the black pencil skirt paired with the white laced top gives it more of a feminine touch. I got the White laced top from the Korean Online shop, GMarket.
3. Blue Chiffon Top and Black Pencil Skirt (Top Right):  So using the same pencil skirt from the previous look, we can achieve yet another look by going for some colours. My favourite colour is blue and I love this top that I got from Korea. Pair it up with a nice pencil skirt and you've got a classy yet professional outfit perfect for an interview, presentation or work! The pencil skirt is from  H&M.
4. Half Sheer Blue Tank Top with a Navy Striped Blazer and Black Pants (Bottom Left): Going back to the black pants, this look is definitely more polished and professional. The mid-lengthed blazer cleans up the 'sexy' , more revealing look of the sheer tank top underneath. Pairing this look with a pencil skirt would work too but I personally like this better with black pants. Top that off with a nice pair black heels, and you're good to go for that presentation! The half sheer tank top is from H&M and the Navy striped blazer is from Korea.
5. Tan Blazer with a Floral Tank Top and Black Pants (Center Bottom): Floral and tribal prints are definitely hot items for Spring/Summer 2013. What better way to show off your floral prints by pairing it with basic colours like tan and black? This look gives the vibe of being professional yet presentable. If you switch the pants for a pencil skirt, it'd give it the 'classy office lady' look that you might want to attract that cute co-worker of yours ;) The floral tank top is from H&M and blazer is from the online shop Gmarket.
6. Half Sheer Blue Tank Top with an Oversized Boyfriend Blazer (Bottom Right): The final look is what I would consider the most Business Casual out of all the looks I've put together. Using the same half sheer blue tank top from look #4, I've switched up the polished look for a more laid back casual look by pairing it with an oversized boyfriend blazer. Notice how this blazer is not too long so that it looks OVER bulky but is not tight fitted like the other blazer either. This is what I ended up wearing for my business presentation the other day! The oversized boyfriend blazer is from American Eagle Outfitters.

Well there you go! I apologize for not being able to show you guys where I actually GET my clothes. As you can probably tell, most of my wardrobe is from Korea. Please remember, I'm not professional in this field but they're just some tips that may or may not help you when you're looking for a "Business Casual" outfit. Bottom line, Just Bee Yourself, and it'll all work out just the way you planned it! Good luck!

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How to: Dress for Convocation!

It's that time of year! No not just that Summer is a month away, but it's Convocation season!! 

What are Convocations? Well for those that don't know, it's just another fancy term for graduation :) A couple of my friends are graduating this time around and I thought, "I'm definitely going but man... WHAT am I going to WEAR?" 

First off, graduations aren't just like any other events, it's a special milestone in someone's life. Kind of like a wedding, there's certain unspoken 'attire' for guests and especially for those walking across the stage. I've put together a couple outfits that I think would be appropriate for whether you're attending a convocation as a guest or if you're just wearing it under your gown for your big day!

(Descriptions will be made from Left to Right)

1. Emerald Green One Piece Dress with a Navy Blue Blazer (First picture shown at the very top): A simple one piece dress says a lot about your character. Whether it's skin tight or an a-line dress, it gives off a different vibe. This dress was part of the Elle Fashion line and I bought it in a department store when I was in Korea. The ruffles and chiffon texture of the dress gives it a simple yet elegant look to this A-lined dress. When you cinch it off with a brown belt, you have a casual yet dressed up look for convocation! Why not finish the look off with a pair of basic black heels? I also matched the outfit with a navy blue blazer. Whether you're wearing this look underneath that gown of yours or simply as a guest, you'll definitely stand out!
2. Army Green Chiffon Top with Black Skinny Jeans (First picture on the left from the photo above): This look is definitely more on the casual side of things. I would suggest wearing something like this to a friend's convocation. The chiffon top gives you that dressy, spring/summer look that you might've been going for. To complete the look I would match it with a pair of black skinnies and black heels to give the outfit a chic vibe. If you have some statement jewelry pieces like gold necklaces, envelope purses or rings, I would definitely add it to this outfit for some attention! I got the top from H&M and jeans from Uniqlo.
3. Light Blue Top and Beige Skirt One Piece Dress (Center picture from the photo above): I chose this look because it's casual yet gives a more formal and professional vibe. I wouldn't mind wearing this as an attendee or even if you were to wear it underneath the gown. The look goes both ways! You can also achieve this look by pairing it with a light blouse and a high waisted skirt! My dress happens to be a one piece. The blouse and high waisted skirt would be a perfect look for a new business graduate or perhaps a simplistic look for attending a friend's convocation. I paired the outfit up with a pair of leopard print heels. If your overall look is more casual and simple, make a statement with the heels you're wearing! I got this dress from the korean online shop, Gmarket.
4. White Laced One Piece Dress with a Teal Blue Lining (Picture on the Right from the photo above): This is definitely one of those outfits I'd wear to family member's or perhaps to your boyfriend's convocation! Not that the other looks won't work, but I think this girly, vibrant dress is more suitable for that occasion. The white lace brings a more feminine look to the dress while having a  teal blue undertone, makes it more fun! I completely this look with a pair of black and white tuxedo heels and a brown belt for creating an empire waist effect. I got this dress from H&M.

Well there you have it! Four easy looks for convocations! Good luck and don't forget to Just Bee Yourself! Hope you all take tons of picture to commemorate a friend's or YOUR BIG DAY! :)

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Please leave a comment in the comment section below! I'd love to hear your feedback on my posts!

My Current Obsessions

Hi Bee-utifuls! Today I'm going to talk a bit about my current obsessions: Nail polish and rings =)

Growing up, I was never a big fan of nail polishes. I had super stubby nails and since I don't drink milk, my calcium intake wasn't a whole lot thus making my nails super fragile. I'd use nail strengtheners to grow out my stubby nails but they never seemed to work. After aimlessly trying to grow out my nails, I finally couldn't take it anymore and went online to find different methods to help grow them out. People suggested conditioning the nails, where as some mentioned applying cuticle oil. I settled with cuticle oil method, and what do you know, it worked!

The cuticle oil I used is called "Avoplex" which is under the OPI line, which helps strengthen and replenish healthy nutrients to your nails. You can probably get it at your local drugstores or on Amazon! After a month of applying this cuticle oil on my nails, I definitely noticed an improvement in the quality and length of my nails. This of course, led to my current obsession with nail polishes because I'm constantly wanting to try different colour combos and nail art patterns! If you follow me on Instagram, you'll be able to see the nail combos that I've tried out.

Another current obsession of mine are rings. Out of all the accessories (well asides from earrings), I loveeee wearing rings! I feel like they give such a statement and when it's paired with a set of painted nails, it definitely draws attention!

Recently I've been purchasing a lot of my rings (and different accessories) from Jewelmint. Their selection and collections are quite nice and the quality is definitely 100x better than what you would get at Ardene's or Forever 21. The designs are fairly unique and make great statement pieces. If you haven't already, check out their website here for more designs and accessories.

That's it for now! Please comment and let me know if you have any questions like the specific names for the nail polishes that I use or perhaps a review on my favourite make up products! Follow me on Instagram too!!^^
Have a great one and remember: Just bee yourself =)

3 Easy Ways to Hide the Tummy

We all have those days where we want to just 'PIG' out on a nice, heavy meal or perhaps have certain CRAVINGS that need to be satisfied. Happens to me routinely, but don't worry because I have 3 easy tips that will instantly make that extra 'tummy' appear smaller. No starvation or diet necessary!  Like I mentioned before, I'm definitely not on the skinny side of the spectrum but I use these tips to accentuate my assets and  to avoid the extra attention on my belly!

3 Easy Ways to Hide the Tummy (No diet necessary!)

1. High Rise Skinny Jeans/Shorts - Trust me, a pair of high rise skinnies will help hide that heavy meal from before AND make your legs appear longer and thinner. I'd generally go for a darker shade if you're looking to 'slim' down those hips and thighs but if you're petite and want some extra booty, go for lighter colours! I tend to balance off my lighter shades of jeans with darker tops so that there's more definition between the colours and shade.
2. Avoid Horizontal Stripes - As hypocritical as it may sound (since I'm wearing stripes in the photo above), I generally avoid shirts with horizontal stripes. When I say horizontal, I mean the BOLD and THICK stripes that immediately draws attention to your waist and hip line. The topic here is to hide the tummy so we don't want to draw more attention to it! I am not saying we have to avoid stripes completely but rather seek out those shirts with thinner stripes. Thinner stripes creates the illusion of a longer and thinner torso. I like to add a fun coloured blazer on top, just so I can divert their attention on that instead!
3. Long and loose shirts - Loose shirts can accentuate the basic outline of your curves while eliminating the 'bunched' effect by your hip. The length of the shirts draws more attention to your legs thus elongating your body in general. In terms of t-shirts, if your shirt sits right ABOVE your love handles, it actually emphasizes where your tummy and hipline is (and we don't want that!) Also if you pair it with a set of low rise jeans, it creates a "muffin top" effect thus making our efforts in hiding the tummy useless! The hemline of your shirt should be slightly under your love handles and can go to a couple inches above your knee. If the shirt is TOO long then we'd all look short and that's not the look we're going for!

Well there you have it! There are so many other tips that I use in order to hide my weight and I can say from my personal experience that I've received complements! Most importantly though regardless of what you actually wear, confidence is key. Strong confidence makes you You and don't forget to always Just Be Yourself.
Make sure to follow me on Instagram @justbeeyourself for more updates! 

The story of how this all began is... well... funny

In the past couple years, I would occasionally have people asking me where I got that shirt or where I got that purse. As it's a common saying amongst us ladies, I didn't really take it to heart. However recently, those questions started appearing a lot more. Questions like "Did you lose weight?" or statements like "Wow, your skin is really clear! What did you do to it?" As silly as it sounds, I am almost the COMPLETE opposite to what they're saying. Just like any average 23 year-old girl out there, I too have major flaws! (and no I'm not just saying that). I started explaining to people that I tend to use little fashion tricks to hide my weight and that I seek out different make up products introduced by YouTube gurus. To my surprise, most of them answered "Wow, you should give some tips to me!" It got me thinking...What if I did start blogging? With a bit of encouragement from my friends, that's kinda how it all started.

"Just Bee Yourself" is a beauty and fashion blog where I'll be reviewing products (make up and beauty related) that I've liked or disliked as well as blogging my daily adventures, whether its an outfit of the day or simply tips and tricks I use to 'look the part' :) My blog isn't here to 'teach' you what to wear, buy or use but rather to share my personal experiences and opinions with you so we can all learn together.

“To be yourself  in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”  -- Ralph Waldo Emerson

 To me, if you Just be yourself, that's all that matters.

Make sure to follow me on Instagram @justbeeyourself for more updates!