Early August Girl Group Style Roundup: Wonder Girls, T-ARA, Apink

Hi lovelies! Wow, I've been falling behind on my posts! Let's kick off my return with a K-pop style inspiration roundup featuring the 3 biggest girl group comebacks so far this month! Click on the photos for shopping info. ^^

Wonder Girls - I Feel You by luhunnie

Aw yeah, WG are back! I can't even express how much I loved this song. It was very old school with a serious 80's vibe, proving that Infinite isn't the only K-pop group that can channel that decade's sound properly! The looks themselves were pretty simple--the girls mostly wore bathing suit style leotards and heels as they "played" their instruments lol.

I, however, have neither the body confidence nor desire to leave my house wearing a leotard, so how about a simple bodycon sleeveless dress instead? Add a black belt around the waist and platform sandals, and you're golden! Don't forget the chandelier earrings and matching bright lipstick.

Also don't forget the cleavage and come hither eyes. Get it, Yubin!

The middle look is based on Hyelim's striped crop tank and shorts in the MV, while the American Apparel lip print tank appears on Sunmi in the first moments of the MV (you know...when she's on the toilet. Why, JYP??).

Did you enjoy the WC comeback as much as I did? What do you think of the 80's retro sound in K-pop? 

Next we had some of the usual zany cuteness from T-ARA with 'So Crazy.' I'm not a huge fan of all the aegyo-filled silliness of the MV, but the song is usual T-ARA catchy and I love the little finger pointing dance at the "oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh" part haha. The girls look super cute in their marine girl fashions, but I don't recommends copping them exactly unless you want to look like you either raided a lingerie store or thought Halloween came early. 

Ahoy, sailor! kkkkk

Instead, let's stick to a cute but realistic outfits in nautical white and blue with a few marine inspired accessories. Those navy and gold peeptoe pumps even have an anchor embellishment! <3

Did you enjoy T-ARA's comeback? What did you think of the MV and their marine girl costumes? 

Seriously, the dance is super easy and fun!

Last but not least was Apink's 'Petal,' which featured some really lovely floral dresses and skirts. The looks in the MV were actually quite simple with the director opting to focus instead on the girls' pretty hair and faces. I loved the water lilies in the scenery--the whole thing was like a Monet painting. SO pretty. Just pick a lovely floral dress or skirt as the focal point and add some understated jewelry and accessories. For makeup, give your cheeks and lips a fresh rosy glow and don't forget the bright orange nail polish! 

Aww they were so pretty! 

I actually just saw Apink on Saturday doing a fansign at Times Square mall in Yeongdeungpo. It was a circus, but the girls seemed very nice and down to earth. The fans seemed to really enjoy themselves. :)

What did you think of 'Remember' and 'Petal' this summer? Do you have an Apink bias? I loved Eunji ever since Reply 1997. ^^

Please comment with requests for any K-pop style inspiration posts! 

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