Sweet Daytime Date Look

Do you have a date coming up and want a sweet and lovely makeup look that'll last all day? You came to the right place! 

My secret: lots of PINK! 

First of all, you'll definitely want a lasting look. Those of you who live in Korea or have Korean BFs know what I'm talking about! Korean style dates usually last ALL DAY. I'm talking lunch, cafe, shopping, dinner, movie, evening walk on the river kind of marathon! In the States, we usually only met for a few hours at a time. The lifestyle there makes shorter meetings easier, but here couples often spend whole days together on dates. I'm one of the lucky ones who gets to see my BF 3-4 times a week despite living on opposite sides of Seoul, but many of my friends can only meet their BFs once a week or less.

My date look is a bit unusual in that it's rather minimalist compared to my everyday makeup look. That's completely due to my BF's preference, which I respect. He, like many Korean men I think, prefers a natural makeup look. Of course individual guys have individual preferences, but this is the look I wear on pretty much all of our day dates. If I change anything, he notices immediately too! I can get away with a bit more at night, however, and I'll follow this with a tutorial on my romantic evening date look.

For the day look, start with a flawless base. After completing your morning skincare routine and SPF, dab and blend an air cushion compact that suits your skin type and tone all over. Make sure you blend well on your jawline! I'm using my tried and true Iope (I recently switched to shade N13 Light Vanilla). For more info see my sweat-proof summer makeup tutorial or Iope's official site here. Use a product with whatever finish you prefer, but my personal preference is a natural semi-dewy look (is that even a thing? What do you call slightly dewier than semi-matte? lol).

Seriously, this stuff is my ultimate Korean HGP.

Next, get your eyebrows in order. I'm using the same Clio pencil--KillBrowTattoo Lasting liner in shade 02 Light Brown. Again, I'm so envious of thick, straight Korean brows! If you can do a straight brow look, please do so for an innocent and lovely look. I can't even fake it, unfortunately, but apply as light a color as possible in a shape that suits you!

Definitely jealous of the sweet straight brow ladies!

Next. apply a candied orchid lip and cheek tint with a light hand. A candied what you say? Last year Benefit released the crazy popular Lollitint to rave reviews and I finally found the perfect dupe here in Korea! It's another of the pudding tints from Aritaum and it's only 5,000 won! That's less than $5, guys. Compare that to Benefit's Lollitint  which retails at $30! You wont' be disappointed.

Called Lollipop, just in case you weren't sure kkkk

It looks slightly purple when it comes out of the bottle, but it dries on cheeks and lips to a lovely cool pink. This stuff is magic! It even has a slightly glossy finish on lips, hence the "pudding" name. Dab it all over lips and apply 3 dots to cheekbones and blend.

Blend FAST FAST FAST and use a light hand.

Now for the eye shadow! I use a little duo from Clinique called Strawberry Fudge, but you can use any brand. You only need two shades: a subtle warm pink with a slightly golden shimmer, and a pale brown with a pinkish tone. Etude and Innisfree both make nice cheap shadow singles!

First (after priming your lids), apply the light pink shade all over the lid up to the crease.

Next, apply the brown shadow with a light hand to the outer corner of your eye making a C-shape. Extend it slightly past the edge of your lid almost like an inverted triangle. Blend well! This look shouldn't have any harsh lines.

As I said, the finished look should be very subtle.

Next, pull out your trusty black liquid liner. I'm using Clio liner in Kill Black . Apply a very fine line following the shape of your eyes closely. Give it the tiniest wing out at the end. I would wear heavier liner for an evening look, but keep it pretty thin for daytime. ^^

Now, mascara! I have a different one I use for heavier looks, but for a natural look I like Benefit They're Real in black. First, curl your lashes (I always reach for my Shu Uemera). Give your lashes a nice flirty curl. I find that concentrating on the middle lashes makes big round dolly eyes. Remember, this look is sweet and girly! Follow with just one coat of mascara to keep a natural look. Don't forget your bottom lashes! 

Instant doll eyes!

Next step, blush. For a lovely look, choose a cute baby pink powder blush to layer over your cheek tint. I like The Face Shop Lovely ME: EX Pastel Cushion Blusher in Pink Cushion.

Super cute packaging!

You can use the puff applicator too, but it goes on a bit heavier.

Use a blush brush and apply it lightly on the apples of your cheeks in gentle circular motions. Add more if you'd like, but I usually only do one swirl.

Smile so the apples of your cheeks stand out.

Now, just add a tiny bit more Lollipop tint to the center of your lips and you're finished! 

This lip tint stays put too! Totally kissproof kkkk  <3

That's the look! Now, fix your hair in a pretty style (I like long loose curls), choose a cute outfit (comfortable shoes are a plus), and go meet your sweety for a lovely date! I'll be posting more date looks like the Han River picnic date look soon for some Seoul style inspiration.

The finished look! Fresh and pink ^^

A note on skin tones: as you can see, my skin tone is rather cool and pinkish. If your skin tone runs warmer, or if you just don't care for pink, feel free to substitute a nice coral for the pinks in this look! Just keep it soft and pretty, and I'm sure it'll look lovely! 

Also, great news! I'll be uploading a makeup tutorial for this look along with my upcoming Romantic Date Night Look and Sistar - Shake It makeup tutorials on Youtube soon! Please check out my Youtube channel! 

Let me know what you think of the look in the comments and tell me what products you like for your lovely dates! 

Kisses,

Angela

Sweatproof Summer Makeup!

It’s summertime in Seoul: the sweaty time, the 3 showers a day time, the “don’t judge me, I’m a sweaty foreigner!” time. Summers in Korea (and anywhere hot and humid) are a constant struggle between wanting to look chic and not wanting to look like your face is melting off  à la Ark of the Covenant *cue facemelting wails.* There are lots of cute looks out there, but this is my basic look for getting through the day with a full face of makeup still on.

Fresh and lovely for summer! This is a very wearable, natural look that's great for daily makeup.

9 steps sounds like a lot, but I promise it's totally foolproof! ^^

First, complete your morning skincare routine and make sure to use a good SPF of around 50! My latest is MediSpa Sunblock SPF 47/ PA++ Cell Fùsion C. It’s important to use SPF even when the sun isn’t shining! Now, let’s start the makeup: 

Ahhh! My face without any makeup, no filter. I've never posted a makeup free photo before >///<

Step 1: Apply a pore minimizing primer to make your makeup last and prevent sweating it off in 2.5 seconds after walking out the door. I’m using the Goodbye Pore Ever pore primer essence from Etude House. I’ve heard the Peach Sake pore serum from Skin Food also works well as a primer, so I plan on giving that a try too! I apply the pore essence only to my T-zone and across my cheeks. I’ve tried thicker makeup bases, but they just melt right off in the summers…not cute.

Step 2: Choose a cute lip and cheek tint in a nice summery color! I’m partial to pinks, so I chose the Aritaum Style Pop Pudding Tint in No.1 Polka Pink. It’s a cute, fresh pink and a nice dupe for Benefit Posietint (way cheaper)! I also love Benefit Lollitint and am searching for the perfect dupe. Just dot the tint on your cheekbones (3-5 dots) and rub it in immediately! Seriously, this stuff will set really fast, so hurry! I also put a bit on the apples of my cheeks to create a lovely flush. If it looks a bit strong, don’t worry! The next step will make it more subtle! ^^ Also, dot a bit of tint in the center of your lips the let the stain start setting.

Step 3: For base makeup, try a long lasting air cushion pact! I use the classic Iope Air Cushion XP in N21 Ice Vanilla. This is one of the bestselling Korean cosmetics of all time and with good reason! I’m telling y’all, this ish makes your skin dewy and flawless. It’s great for summer because if you’re a sweaty beast (like me), it reapplies flawlessly to both absorb the sweat and smooth out your makeup. Just make sure to wash the cushion puff regularly! To use, just start in the center of your face and apply with a quick patting motion all over to the hairline and jawline. This stuff is really sheer, but it comes in another finish—C (for cover)—if you need more coverage. Sometimes I use the S (shimmer) finish for nights out too! It’s also SPF 50/PA+++, so winner all around! ^^ 

Step 4: Here’s an extra tip: for longer wear, flip the cushion so it’s upside down and pat your face all over again with the dry part. This helps lock in the product and ensure it stays put in the sun! 

Step 5: Fill in those brows, ladies! For a Seoultastic look, try a straight brow. I unfortunately have thin, arched eyebrows like a comic book villainess , so I can't even fake a straight brow. I do, however, fill my brows in with a nice cool, unobtrusive taupe color to give them some definition. Use a long lasting gel formula for summer! My latest fav is Clio Kill Brow Tattoo-Lasting Gel Pencil in 2 Light Brown. Just apply in light, short strokes and brush through with the other end. 

Step 6: Eyeshadow! I know some people love creamy stick shadows for summer, but I'd much rather just use a good primer and a light powder shadow. First, apply your primer (A MUST in hot weather). I chose Urban Decay primer in Eden for this, but Etude makes a great much cheaper alternative too. Then, choose a nice neutral shadow with a bit of shimmer. I chose a lovely trio from Mamonde: Bloom Harmony Gradation Eyes in 02 Petal Brown. 

1. Brush the lightest shade from the inner corners over the inner third of your lid. Bring in below your eye and line all the way below your bottom lashes for a bright look.
2. Pat the medium bronzy shade on the middle third of your lid.
3. Concentrate the darker brown on the outer third of your lid, making a 'v.' Pull it slightly below the outside edge of your bottom lashes as liner. 

Step 7: Line, baby, line! You won't see many ladies in Seoul without a perfectly lined eye. For summer, make sure you choose a long lasting waterproof formula. I usually opt for black, but sometimes brown is nice for a charming warm weather look. Today I'm using my all time favorite Clio Waterproof Pen Liner in 01 Kill Black. Just line your eye according to your eye shape and give it a subtle wing at the end. If you prefer a more dramatic wing, go for it! I try to keep it pretty chill,

Step 8: Mascara! Curl your lashes with whatever curler you prefer (I use my trusty Shu Uemera). Use one coat of your favorite black mascara. Ok, I have a confession: I detest waterproof mascara! It just takes forever to get off, and now that I'm in my late twenties I don't like all that tugging and strong remover products around my eye area. I actually have a lot of mascaras I like of all prices, but my current favorite is a higher end one from Lancome: Grandiose smudgeproof mascara in Black. It's got a weird "swan neck" wand and fans my lashes out beautifully. 

Step 9: Now to finish the lips! For a cute and charming pink pout, dab a bit of extra pink tint onto the center of your lips again. Then, choose a sheer lip balm with decent SPF. I still like Maybelline Baby Lips SPF 20 lip balm, Here's 25-Pink Punch layered over the Aritaum tint for a gradient effect. I've also heard good things about some of the Innisfree balms, so stay tuned for a review!

And this is the final look! Be sure to add a cute hair accessory before hitting the streets, and go enjoy your lovely summer! Whether it's picnics on the Han river, or shopping sprees in Myeongdong (sweaty work), this look will last the whole day! 

Here's all of the products used! Please stay tuned for more info on my skincare routine and other makeup looks! 

Oh, and if you're wondering why I didn't use bronzer, it's because it's not really in fashion here in Korea. Korean women sometimes use a light brown (matte) powder or cream for contouring to achieve the prized "V-line" or make their faces look smaller. I will do another post on contouring, but for summer makeup, I find less is more. ^^

What are your summer makeup favorites? Any ideas for additional looks or products great for summer? Feel free to put any requests in the comments! Also, I'll upload the video tutorial on my Youtube channel as soon as I get a new camera. OTL

Bye Lovelies! xoxo 

Here Comes Summer!!

Welcome to SeoulLovely! Yayyy! I finally got the new site up! This summer I'll finally have the time to start my dream blog!! I'm working on scripting some videos now on makeup tutorials and Korean skincare. Please leave a comment and let me know any requests! I'm thinking summer skincare and summer-proof Korean base makeup might be a good start. What do you think?

안녕하세요! 저는 미국에서 온 앤젤라입니다. ^^ 제 블로그에 오신걸 환영합니다! 제가 요즘 한국말을 공부하고 있는데요,  망설이지 마시고 한국말도 괜찮으니, 코멘트 많이 달아주세요 ^^ 한국말 연습에 많이 도움이 될거에요.

See you soon! Stay lovely~~~<3

Kisses,
Angela