Hi Lovelies! Shhh... whisper to me: have you ever been to a pension in the countryside with your lover??
I just got back from a romantic winter weekend getaway with the Lovely BF (LBF) and felt inspired to write about this charming facet of Korean dating.
Road trip time!! ^o^
Y'all know that Seoul is a huge city with lots to do, but sometimes it's nice to get out of town with your SO. Especially when the weather has been such crap!
This is what Seoul looks like lately.
So maybe you need a break? You choose a destination with pretty scenery and fun activities, then you need a place to stay. Maybe you want something a bit nicer than the tacky love motels/minimalist minbaks or a bit cheaper than the expensive resort hotels. Why not try a pension?
Korean pensions are like romantic guesthouses for couples. Well, they're not necessarily exclusively for couples but clearly have that in mind. Some of them have themes and decor that range from cute to cheesy--sometimes tasteful, but rarely elegant. These days there are more elegant options, but they're pricier. There have been more spa pensions popping up, which are kind of like tiny spa hotels.
They're usually cozy, however, and try to make a lovely space for couples to spend a day or two enjoying each other's company. There's usually a big bed, a hot tub, a nice TV, a balcony for watching sunsets, swimming pool, etc. Some offer free breakfast. There's also usually a grill and picnic area so you and your sweetie can make cook BBQ together (because nothing says romance like samgyeopsal and beer lol). I'm not totally sure, but I think prices for basic rooms usually average from 100,000 to 200,000 per night.
LBF just decided to take me on a spontaneous long weekend to Seonjaedo, a little island near Incheon.
For getaway destinations, check out CNN Travel's list of 33 beautiful islands to visit in Korea!
It was freezing cold, so our beach walking hours were limited, but the winter sea was lovely and walking on a snowy beach was pretty magical. Even better was relaxing in a hot tub with champagne ad watching the snow outside! We also cooked our own BBQ for the first time, which was super fun and delicious! ^^
LBF is an excellent cook ;)
Not sure what to pack? Keep in mind that when visiting the country, you can keep it casual compared to Seoul.
boots! I like some heavy duty ones for snow outside and comfy ones too.
warm clothes, like fleece lined leggings and sweaters.
cute PJ's (or sexy lingerie, depending on your style)
rollerball fragrance (you don't want to bring a big bottle and risk it breaking)
champagne, because duh <3
I returned to Seoul feeling refreshed from our short trip, so I highly recommend booking a weekend in a pension as a cure for the city blues!
Lovely weekend trips are my cure for Korea's bitter winters. <3
What are your favorite weekend destinations outside of the city? More importantly, does your BF allow you to post his pics online? Maybe I'll talk him into it one of these days ㅋㅋㅋㅋ.
For one of the most popular date locations in Seoul for both locals and tourists, how about dinner and sightseeing at Namsan Tower? It's one of Seoul's most easily recognizable landmarks and makes a romantic setting for your lovely date. There are several great restaurants with breathtaking views of Seoul, day or night. I first learned about it back in 2010 after watching Boys Over Flowers for the first time! Remember when Jun Pyo and Jan Di got locked in the cable car overnight? Now the whole world sees it as a romantic destination.
Freezing cold and awkwardness! Ah, romance! (j/k I love these two forever)
For date night, there's a cozy mid-priced Italian restaurant with couple seats facing out to the windows called THE PLACE. Your outfit can be pretty but somewhat casual, like the look on the left with a cute floral skirt and crisp white shirt.
For info on the menu and prices check out their official site here.
I would definitely wear flats with this outfit along with some cute and simple accessories. Try The Face Shop Mango Seed Glow Date-Prep Butter to give your skin a fresh and flawless base for your makeup.
If you really want to go all out, however, try the fancy French restaurant n.GRILL at the very top of the tower! It actually revolves slowly to give you a gorgeous 360 view of the city that will take your breath away (sunset is the best time to go!).
Again, you can view menus and prices at their official site.
This restaurant is $$$$, so make sure you dress accordingly! I've put together a lovely look for a nice night out on the right. Isn't that lavender dress beautiful? For extra charm, style your hair in a romantic updo and keep the accessories small and pretty. The focus should be on your beautiful face, not your jewelry! As I said, this restaurant is really expensive, so I'd save it for a really special occasion like a graduation or engagement. Regardless, you'll want to look as lovely as possible!
Before or after dinner, there's a nice (cheaper) cafe to relax in and a yummy ice cream store! You can see the views from the observatory. Also, why not do what couples traditionally do at Namsan and purchase love locks? ^^ This is such a sweet custom: you buy (or bring) a pair of matching padlocks and write loving messages to each other before attaching them to the many many MANY walls and towers of locks already there. You then throw away the keys together over the side of the mountain (you're not technically allowed to do this, but everyone does). Generations of lovers have been pledging their love with these locks at Namsan, and doing so with my BF last year was one of the most romantic moments of my life!
A perfect memory.
Forgive the sappy messages, but I highly recommend waiting to go with someone until you're sure about them! It would be awkward to return with another guy later if things don't work out. Those locks are there pretty much permanently! You hear the odd story of someone going and trying to saw or cut theirs off after a nasty breakup, but your locks will be really difficult to find again! BF and I went again for his birthday only one month later and our locks were already buried by dozens of other couples' locks and tokens of love. It doesn't matter though--I actually rather like the idea of our locks being their forever under mountains of tokens from other couples in love. That's a lot of love, y'all!
I got a bit sidetracked from the fashion, but I hope you enjoy your romantic date at Namsan! For the perfect makeup look to go with it, see my casual day date look and my romantic date night look for inspiration! Chanel Chance eau Tendre is a gorgeous fragrance for a romantic date as well.
I'll be writing a post on visiting Namsan soon, and there will be another style post for visiting in the winter! If you wear the above outfits in cooler weather, you'll freeze your butt off! It can get pretty chilly up there kk.
I'd like to thank everyone who has been reading my posts, watching videos, and sharing! Please keep it up! Today, I'm going to show you the evening version of my usual date look. It's very much like the daytime date look, but with more intensity. The color theme is still pink, but the pinks are more vibrant and the eyelashes more luxurious. I like to wear this look when I meet my BF in the evenings when I can get a way with a bolder look kk. I find pink shadows look great on all eye colors, but they make green eyes in particular really pop!
Let's get started!
Step 1: Apply your base makeup of choice for an even, natural finish. I'm going to continue to use my Iope Air Cushion XP in N13 Light Vanilla. If you want to try a shimmery finish, however, now is the time! Readers outside of Korea can find the Iope Air Cushion compacts from around $30-$40 on Amazon. If you're in Korea, just head down to Aritaum! Refills are around $18-20. I usually replace mine every two months. ^^
They're easy to find on Amazon and other places online. This is a top-seller around the world!
Base
Step 2: Concealer! I usually skip concealer in the mornings, but sometimes by evening I look a bit more tired. A good concealer will cover dark under-eye circles and keep you looking like a panda! Try a high quality one with a creamy formula that doesn't sink into fine lines but is opaque enough to cover blemishes if required, like Clarins Instant Concealer (I use 01). It retails for around $30 on Sephora or Amazon, but you can get it at department stores here in Korea if you want to try it first.
Concealer
Step 3: Use the same candied orchid shade Aritaum Style Pop Pudding Tint in No.4 Lollipop on your lips and cheeks, focusing on your cheekbones rather than the apples of your cheeks this time. As y'all know, this ish will give you the perfect sweet oink shade! I couldn't find it many places online, but ebay definitely has it! Check it out!
Lip and cheek tint
Step 4: Get your eyebrows straight! Keep them as soft as possible. I'm still using the Clio Kill Brow Tattoo Lasting Gel Pencil in 02 Light Brown. You can get it at Club Clio stores or Olive&Young in Korea. It's pretty cheap--around $10!
Eyebrows
Step 5: Apply a primer to your eyelids from lash line to just above the crease. This is so important! I'm using the Etude House Proof 10 primer, which is just a godsend. It's way cheaper that Urban Decay at around $5.50! You can get it at Etude here or Amazon.
Step 6: Take two of the Etude House Play 101 pencils in 16 and 20. These are great for eyes, cheeks, and lips but we'll do it for eyes today.
First take the light pink shade (16) and apply it all over the lid to the crease. Before it sets, use your fingertip to smudge it around and smooth it out to a uniform light pink.
Base light pink
Next, take the darker shade (20) and line your upper lashes with it. It's going to look really bright, but don't worry, we'll fix it!
Dark pink point
The last step is simple, smudge the two shades together with your fingertip to create a gentler gradation.
Blended. Pretty, right? ^^
Step 7: Liner! If you like the idea of bright pink shadow for day, I recommend a brown pencil just along the lash line. However, this look if for night, so let's use our favorite black liquid or gel liner. Just line the natural shape of your eye, making a slightly bolder line than for the daytime look, Give it a little wing at the end. I'm using the Clio Kill Black pen liner, which you can get online at ebay or amazon or in Club Clio/Olive&Young in Korea! It's around $10-$12 online, but worth every penny!
Eyeliner
Step 8: Mascara. I would use a primer, but I'm out of lash primer at the moment and haven't repurchased yet. I'll improvise instead and use a tubing mascara with a non-clumping formula to just lift and separate the lashes before applying a high impact formula. I'm going to use NYX Doll Eye for the first coat, which is my go to drug store mascara. ^^
Mascara coat 1
Now break out the high impact formula for the second coat! I'll use Lancome Grandiose Wide Angle Fan Effect Mascara. It has that cool swan neck wand and retails around $32. This stuff is amazing! It's kind of pricey, but worth it.
Mascara coat 2
Step 9: Cream blusher. To make your evening look lovelier, add some pink cream blush to your cheekbones! Just make sure you keep it on the outside of your face. If you're not sure, hold two fingers up to your face next to our nose. The blush should not come within two finger widths of your nose--that part should stay white. I'm going to use the Etude House Sweet Recipe Cupcake all over color in PK002 Strawberry Chiffon Cake. It's a cute baby pink cream blush that can also be used on lips and eyes (though I don't like the finish on lips at all).
Cream blush
Step 10: The last step is to make a nice gradient lip! If you like the lips with just the Lollipop tint, then curl your hair and head out! If you want a more intense look, grab a deep pink lipstick with a creamy blendable formula. I like the Etude House Dear My Wish Lips Talk in PK003, the same shade Krystal wore in the promotions. I love this line of lipsticks! They're pretty cheap too at around $9.50. Just dab the lipstick in the center of your lips and blend out to make a nice gradation.
Lipstick
Ok, you're all finished! Throw on your LBD and sexy hairstyle, and head out to meet your date!
What do you think of the look? ^^ Do you like to wear bright eyeshadow colors for day or night?
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!
