(forever21 jeans i ripped, LnA top, baker's booties, makeup via carlen)

If clothes look nice on a toned body then makeup looks amazing on flawless skin.

I feel very fortunate to acquire the skill of applying makeup on and so can anyone- just go to a MAC counter and they can teach you step by step and jot everything down on a face chart for you to use as reference when you practice at home.

because honestly i could go on and on about this section bc it's what i've done for so long.. so instead of giving a tutorial here.. you can check these tutorials from the MAC Artistry in Action section, but what I'd recommend is to just make an appointment at a MAC counter and they'd be more than happy to demonstrate and answer questions you have.

And makeup doesn't always have to be full out, I always think makeup looks best when you can't tell you're even wearing it. Working at MAC, I was so used to wearing a full face of makeup almost everyday and believe me, it gets old. I think working there made me appreciate just how much I hate wearing makeup, wait let me clarify, so much makeup so often.

i enjoy looking polished like all the beautiful ladies at MAC but not everyday at the expense of so much product and the amount of time to apply it. So to narrow it down, some of my favorite products I use are hyper real for foundation in the day, studio fix fluid at night. My favorite blushes change through the seasons but I like dame for a soft pink, dollymix for a bright pink, and hipness for a coral. I absolutely love belightful, an amazing highlight powder. And I love blacktrack fluidline eyeliner and graphblack liner. Love nectar lustreglass has always been my thing and i'm absolutely in love with #7's and #35 lashes.

Anyway.. so I went to MAC as a customer (notice the non black attire) haha.. and got my makeup done as if I were a regular custie. And yes i know all the horrible experiences customers may have had in getting a hideous makeover and wiping it off immediately after purchasing the products from guilt or embarassment with the intentions of returning it as a priority the very next day or feeling the aloofness of some artists and never wanting to come back (but try to forgive them and give them some slack- remember these girls prepared a lot to get ready to be work on time, stand in heels all day and answer almost the same repetitive questions, which of course is their job, but like all humans can become tiresome- so try not to take offense) but anyway, there are definitely ways to make your experience better so don't let one artist affect the way you feel about the entire company. And if you didn't like how things went one time, just ask people who loved their makeup and get a recommendation from them next time. :)

This is considered a more dramatic look for most people, including myself, but I wanted to step out of my everyday look and I present to you plum eyeshadows and the lips... wow, snob lipstick is hot.

So when you go, here are some tips to getting the most out of your appointment:

don't be afraid to speak up if you're uncomfortable with how something looks, although at the same time, it's important not to become so closed minded. it may feel like a lot but sometimes trusting the artist's opinion helps and waiting for the finish product can change your opinion completely.

to save time, off hand you can tell them your budget or be specific like what you want to focus on- your eyes, skin, lips etc.

don't feel pressured to buy everything. although note the key specific items that you love and write it down and although it's not necessary, it's always nice to come back to that same person who did your makeup, they'll appreciate it.

if you're already familiar with what looks good on you let them know- you don't like a light eyelid and prefer a dark lid.. you have asian eyes and hate when people try to create a false crease.. you're not into red lipsticks.. you prefer a natural look.. even bringing in a picture is a great idea so that way you both are on the same page. being too vague by saying you want to try something new might not get you the results you were going after. and a customer's definition of a smoky eye can be completely different from a MAC artist-believe me.

and not only because it's my old work- but really check out Macys* Union Square in San Francisco. 4th floor is usually less busy making it more inviting and not as intimidating but it's one of the largest stores and theyre used to getting ALL types of customers. Some of my favorite artists to go to are Carlen. Plus you can also go shopping and there's so much to look at other than makeup. Try the 2nd floor, they have a large selections of beautiful shoes and go up to the 3rd and see the impulse section :) Anyway, I digress.

There's also MAC PRO on Union which offers items you can't get anywhere else but parking can be such a hassle.. and if you do go there- Alicia is amazing.

And definitely check out the events they have when they release new products. They offer seminars where the trainers who trained us how to apply makeup can actually teach you how to do it in a class/seminar setting and you'll be so inspired by how everyone is just so well groomed and put together. Daniel Belena is such a sweetheart and Kimmy is dope. So GO if you can get a chance.

Even if you're against wearing makeup, this company is really great not only because of it's wonderful products but because it has numerous programs where it gives back. There's the VIVA GLAM, KHK, and B2M. To date, MAC has raised over $130 million through the sale of a Viva Glam lipstick, donating 100% of the sale price to the fight of HIV and AIDS. And if that isn't impressive, check what else make up can do...

MAC Chinese Dress Event in San Francisco.

vogue korea march 2009

marie claire korea march 2009

nylon magazine korea march 2009

for those that think asian fashion is not forward, think again.

fashion can be interpreted in so many different ways and i'm very drawn to this style for reasons i can go on and on about.. but to name a few..

beauty makes fashion so much more appealing.. the girls are just drop dead gorgeous-from their skin, to their hair, to their fresh makeup and their petite frames, they make the clothes they're wearing look so simple, chic, and well put together.
their styles can range from elegant to wild to funky to boho to goth or even a combination of it all and they still can pull it off! their outfits are very creative and unique in their own way and there's a certain quirkiness they carry within them that is oh so cute and irresistible.
being in Hong Kong and Japan, I was so inspired by how fashionable women are and I hear all the rave that Korea is just as trendy, so I might have to put that on my go to list to see one of these days.

Isa & Circa, sf

MAC up

asian fashion

on the go..